Tunis G. Campbell (1812-1891)

Born free in New Jersey, Tunis Campbell became one of the highest-ranking, most influential African-American politicians in 19th-century Georgia. In 1863 Campbell was commissioned to assist former slaves under US protection in South Carolina. Representing the Freedmen’s Bureau, he later supervised land claims and Black resettlement on Georgia’s sea islands. When former Confederates received Presidential pardons and reclaimed the islands, Campbell purchased land in McIntosh County and established a Black landowners association. Serving in numerous political positions during Reconstruction, Campbell advocated for Black civil, political, and educational rights while receiving threats from outraged Whites. Following Reconstruction, White conservatives regained power and targeted Campbell. In 1875, political opponents falsely charged Campbell with malfeasance in office. He was convicted and sentenced to hard labor. Campbell wrote a book about his Reconstruction years in Georgia. He died in Massachusetts in 1891.