Josiah Walls 1872 Black Congressman Autograph

Josiah Walls Congressman Autograph C. 1872 from a congressional autograph book. Signature of another congressman included. Josiah Walls (1842-1905) He was a soldier, teacher and politician. He has the distinction as a congressman of being unseated twice by opponents who challenged the election. Born a slave near Winchester, Virginia Josiah Thomas Walls attended school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His military career began with being forced into the confederate army; northern forces captured him in 1862 at Yorktown. In 1863, Walls entered the third infantry regiment, United States Colored Troops, becoming a corporal. He was discharged in Florida where he began working as a teacher and in a sawmill in Alachua County. In 1867, he was elected to represent his county at the upcoming Florida Constitutional Convention. Walls participated in several national conventions held to have discussions about problems facing blacks. In 1870, Republicans nominated him for the state's lone seat in the House of Representatives where he appeared to win a narrow victory. He took his seat, accepting assignments on the Militia and Expenditures Committees. Walls opponent Silas Niblack protested the vote count, though Walls said voters were intimidated at the polls. Still after two months, the Committee on Elections unseated Walls. While in office though, Walls put forth several proposals. One sought to establish a national education fund with money coming from public land sales. He also introduced bills for relief of private pensioners and Seminole War veterans. In 1874 he lost a recount after victory over Jesse Finley.