The details
The 27-by-42-inch historical marker—which would be affixed to a 3.5-inch diameter post—would recognize Jeremiah J. Hamilton, who represented Bastrop and Fayette counties in the 12th Texas Legislature from 1870-71.
Hamilton was born enslaved in 1838 and was brought to Texas in 1847.
“He was illegally taught to read while a slave,” according to a staff document from the Texas Historical Commission. “After emancipation, Hamilton taught school, advocated for Bastrop County Black farmers, registered voters and served as a land trustee.”
Hamilton represented the 26th District as a Republican.
“After his term, he stayed in Austin, working as a carpenter, notably constructing the 1876 Jeremiah Hamilton House,” according to the staff document. “Later, Hamilton ran newspapers, including The Austin Citizen and The National Union, and worked as an agent for The Austin Watchman.”
How we got here
The Texas Historical Commission contacted Bastrop County Judge Gregory Klaus after the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 667 in 2023, which called for historical markers in honor of 23 men elected to Reconstruction-era Texas Legislatures.
Also of note
Bastrop County Commissioners Court will discuss the historical marker and its placement during its next regular meeting at 9 a.m. Sept. 8.
