Peter D. Thomas

Peter D. Thomas (1847-1925) of Racine, Wisconsin had escaped slavery and then would join the 15th Wisconsin Regiment during its service in Tennessee. Thomas served Lt. Charles B. Nelson of Co. G at Chickamauga and other battles, then enlisted in a USCT (United States Colored Troops) regiment. Later he followed Wisconsin troops back to Beloit and attended school there. In time he made his home in Racine.

Racine had only a handful of blacks in the mid-1800s, and most who came were escaping slavery. By the late 1850s, more blacks migrated to Wisconsin, and in 1858 there were 250 blacks living in Racine. At the same time, the Civil War was approaching.

Thomas earned the distinction of being one of the first blacks in the United States elected to public office. In 1883, Thomas was elected Racine County Coroner. Thomas had a reputation for being a hard worker, which brought him respect in the community.

Sources: Eugene Walter Leach Photograph Collection; Wisconsin Historical Society; The Journal Times, Black History in Racine by Deon Drane (Apr. 1995)