Walter Moses Burton, c. 1876, 15th Legislature composite [source]
Walter Moses Burton
Walter Moses Burton was brought to Texas as a slave in 1850. Unlike many slaves, Burton was educated by his owners, the Burton family. After the Civil War, they sold him a large plot of land, making Burton one of the most influential African-Americans in Fort Bend County. In 1869, Burton was elected sheriff and tax collector of Fort Bend County, which made him one of the earliest - if not the earliest - black sheriff in the country. In 1873, Burton won a seat in the Texas Senate, though the election was contested and wouldn't be confirmed until February of 1874. He would serve until 1882.
Burton focused on rights for newly freed African-Americans, particularly opportunities for education. He championed the bill calling for the establishment of Prairie View Normal School (today Prairie View A&M). He also sponsored a bill providing land grants to surviving veterans of the Texas Revolution. Upon his retirement from the Senate, he was given an ebony and gold cane. Burton continued to participate in state and local politics until his death in 1913.
