John Mercer Langston

Jhon Mercer Langston
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 4th district
In office September 23, 1890 – March 3, 1891
Preceded by	Edward Carrington Venable
Succeeded by	James F. Epes
United States Minister Resident to the Dominican Republic Acting
In office March 26, 1884 – June 23, 1885
President	Chester A. Arthur Grover Cleveland
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	John Thompson
United States Minister Resident to Haiti
In office November 27, 1877 – June 30, 1885
President	Rutherford B. Hayes James A. Garfield Chester A. Arthur Grover Cleveland
Preceded by	Ebenezer Bassett
Succeeded by	George Washington Williams
Personal details
Born	John Mercer Langston (1829-12-14)December 14, 1829 Louisa, Virginia, U.S.
Died	November 15, 1897(1897-11-15) (aged 67) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Caroline Wall
Children	5
Education	Oberlin College (BA, MA)
Signature

John Mercer Langston (December 14, 1829 – November 15, 1897) was a dean at Howard University. He helped create the department of law at the university.

Langston was born a free black in Virginia. His mother used to be a slave. His father was English. He was elected town clerk in Ohio. This made him the first black person to hold a public office (a job where the people vote for you). In 1888, he was elected to the U.S. Congress. He was the first black congressman from Virginia.