Aaron Commodore

Aaron Commodore (born 1819 or 1820, died June 24, 1892) was an African-American businessman, politician, and former slave.[1] He served on the Virginia House of Delegates from 1875 to 1877.

Early life

Not much is concretely known about Commodore's early life. He was born into slavery around 1819 and 1820, possibly in Essex County, Virginia. He took two wives. Commodore married his first wife Lettie (or Letty) while still a slave and she died at some unknown point in time. By 1870 he was recorded as being married to Catherine (or Katherine).[2]

Commodore was described as a large man with a strong presence and was known for his leadership qualities.[3][4] This reputation led him to be selected for jury duty when Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase called for respectable African-Americans to serve on the grand jury.[3] Commodore was not selected per his request, as he was willing to serve on the jury but did not have anyone to monitor his business while the court was in session.[3] He declined to accept money for his travel expenses, as travel to the courthouse had been slightly difficult for him, but eventually took the money after being pressed.[3] This interaction impressed both Chase and the United States marshal involved in the event and both men would later write about this interaction.[2]

Politics

In November 1875 Commodore was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represented Essex County. His opponent, Albert R. Micou, challenged the election but this challenge was dismissed. Commodore did not serve on the House of Delegates after 1875 but did remain active in politics.[2] On July 31, 1884, he had to defend himself in the Richmond Daily Whig newspaper when some local Democrats alleged that several armed African Americans had been seen at a polling location in Tappahannock during the 1883 elections, which gives off the impression that Commodore was potentially literate during this point in time.[2]

Commodore died on June 24, 1892, likely in Tappahannock, Virginia.

In 2013 Commodore was one of several African Americans that were commemorated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for their service to the Virginia House of Delegates during the time period of 1869 to 1890.[5]

References
  1. Slaughter, James B. (1885). Settlers, Southerners, Americans: The History of Essex County, Virginia 1608-1984. Essex County Board of Supervisors. pp. 211, 217, 279. ISBN 0961354909. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  2. McGuire, Lillian H. "Aaron Commodore (1819 or 1820–1892)". Encyclopedia Virginia. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  3. Parker, David Bigelow (1912). A Chautauqua Boy in '61 and Afterward: Reminiscences. Boston, Small, Maynard. pp. 153–155. Retrieved 29 June 2015. Aaron Commodore.
  4. "POLITICS. Essex Connly. Tappahannock, October C. lb The Editor of The Stale Journal". The Daily State Journal, Volume 5, Number 283. 8 October 1873. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  5. "Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaques" (PDF). Martin Luther King Memorial Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.


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