"Benjamin W.Arnett" (1838-1906)

Was an African American educator,minister,bishop and elected official.Benjamin was born in Brownsville Pennsylvania,where he taught school from 1859-1867.In his youth,he lost a leg to an infection suffered after an ankle injury while working on a steam boat between 1857-58.
As a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME),Benjamin served parishes in Toledo,Cincinnati,and Columbus,under his leadership,St.Paul's Church in Urbana was completed.It has been designated as a historical landmark.In 1888,he was elected bishop,a position he held until his death.
In 1872 Benjamin became the first African American man to serve as a foreman of an otherwise all-white jury.In 1885,he was elected to the Ohio General Assembly from
a district with an 85 percent white majority,becoming the first African-American to represent a predominantly white constituency.In 1886,as Republican representative from Greene County in the Ohio General Assembly,Benjamin from introduced legislation to repeal the state's "Black Laws," which limited the freedom and rights of African Americans residents.Benjamin was particulary concerned that's state law
did not ensure that African American children had the same educational opportunities as white children.In 1887,statues regarding education were changed;the state was thereafter required to provide equal opportunities to all children regardless of race.A forceful and compelling speaker Benjamin was influential in Republican politics,thanks in part,to friendship with fellow legislator (later president),William McKinley.