Florida's First African American Politicians: Josiah Walls and Jonathan Gibbs
- Joe Marzo
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
By Joe Marzo
Florida’s Reconstruction era was a time of transformation, upheaval, and opportunity. As the state grappled with the aftermath of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, two men emerged as powerful voices in the fight for civil rights and political representation: Josiah T. Walls and Jonathan C. Gibbs. Their contributions as Florida’s first African American politicians not only shaped the state's post-war recovery but also left a lasting impact on Black political leadership in the South.
Josiah T. Walls: Florida’s First Black Congressman
Josiah Thomas Walls was born into slavery in Virginia around 1842. By the time of the Civil War, he had gained his freedom and joined the Union Army, serving in a Black regiment. After the war, Walls settled in Alachua County, Florida, where he quickly established himself as a leader among the newly freed Black population.
Walls' political rise was swift. In 1868, he was elected to Florida’s state legislature, and just two years later, in 1870, he made history by becoming Florida’s first African American U.S. Congressman. He was also the first Black man to represent the state in Washington, D.C., a remarkable achievement during an era when racial equality was still fiercely contested.
Walls was a staunch advocate for civil rights, education, and economic opportunity for freedmen. He pushed for policies that would benefit poor farmers—both Black and white—by advocating for land reform and better agricultural support.
However, his time in Congress was turbulent. Florida’s Democratic Party, which sought to regain white control of the state, challenged his election multiple times. He was removed from office in 1876 after a controversial legal battle, as white supremacist politicians worked to roll back Black political power.
Despite his forced exit from Congress, Walls continued to serve his community, becoming a successful businessman and educator in Alachua County. His legacy as Florida’s first Black congressman stands as a testament to the political advancements of Reconstruction and the challenges that Black leaders faced in the Jim Crow South.
Jonathan C. Gibbs: A Political and Educational Pioneer
Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs was another trailblazer in Florida’s Reconstruction government. Born in Philadelphia in 1828, Gibbs was highly educated for his time, graduating from Dartmouth College in 1852. A deeply religious man, he initially worked as a Presbyterian minister and abolitionist before moving to Florida in 1867 to aid in Reconstruction efforts.
Gibbs became Florida’s first African American Secretary of State in 1868, a position that placed him at the heart of the state’s political transformation. In this role, he worked to implement policies that protected the rights of freedmen, helped establish a public education system, and encouraged African Americans to participate in the political process.
In 1873, he was appointed as Florida’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, making him one of the most influential figures in the state’s education system. Under his leadership, Florida developed a public school system that, for the first time, provided education to Black children. He worked to secure funding for Black schools and fought against attempts to limit African American access to learning opportunities.
Unfortunately, Gibbs' life was cut short in 1874 when he died suddenly under suspicious circumstances. Many historians believe his death was politically motivated, as white supremacist groups sought to dismantle Black political leadership in the South. His contributions, however, had already left a profound impact on Florida’s education system and the fight for African American political rights.
The End of Reconstruction and Their Lasting Legacy
Both Walls and Gibbs operated in an era of great hope but also severe backlash. The end of Reconstruction in 1877 led to the systematic disenfranchisement of Black voters and the rise of Jim Crow laws, effectively erasing much of their political progress. However, their legacies lived on.
Josiah Walls' election to Congress set a precedent for future Black politicians in Florida, paving the way for leaders who would emerge decades later during the Civil Rights Movement. Meanwhile, Jonathan Gibbs' contributions to Florida’s public school system ensured that generations of Black children had access to education, a crucial step in the long fight for equality.
Today, both men are remembered as pioneers who defied the odds, fought for justice, and left an enduring mark on Florida’s political and educational institutions. Their courage in the face of racial hostility remains an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the struggle for civil rights.
Conclusion
Josiah Walls and Jonathan Gibbs were more than just Florida’s first African American politicians; they were trailblazers who challenged the racial status quo and laid the foundation for future Black leadership in the state. Their contributions to politics, education, and civil rights serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of African Americans during Reconstruction. Though their time in power was brief, their influence continues to shape Florida’s history to this day.
Sources
Rabby, Glenda Alice. The Pain and the Promise: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Tallahassee, Florida.
Trotter, Joe William. Black Reconstructionists in Reconstruction Florida.
Florida Memory. “Jonathan C. Gibbs and Education Reform in Florida.”
U.S. House of Representatives Archives. “Josiah Walls: Florida’s First Black Congressman.”
