Benjamin Byas

Benjamin Byas (born 1842) was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives during the Reconstruction era. He represented Orangeburg County in the state house from 1870 to 1872.[1]

Born in the West Indies, he represented Berkeley County at the 1868 South Carolina Constitutional Convention.[1][2] He was one of four "colored" delegates from the county.[3]

In the South Carolina House of Representatives advocated strongly that educational institutions receiving public funds should open to all "regardless of race or color". He opposed compulsory education.[4]

References
  1. Freedom's Lawmakers by Eric Foner, Louisiana State University Press, page 34
  2. "The Political Graveyard: African ancestry Politicians in South Carolina". politicalgraveyard.com.
  3. House, United States Congress (May 11, 1872). "Reports of Committees: 16th Congress, 1st Session - 49th Congress, 1st Session" – via Google Books.
  4. "Contributions to Education". May 11, 1913 – via Google Books.
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