A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the lives and memories of william david newsome and parker d. robbins, former members of the general assembly.
Whereas, before the Civil War, many free persons of color living in North Carolina were exceptional leaders in their communities, including William David Newsome and Parker D. Robbins; and
Whereas, William David Newsome, a native of Hertford County, made a living as a teacher on Roanoke Island; and
Whereas, after the Civil War, William David Newsome returned to Hertford County where he became the first teacher of the Pleasant Plains School; and
Whereas, William David Newsome went on to serve in the General Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives from 1868 to 1872, representing the citizens of Hertford County; and
Whereas, Parker D. Robbins owned a 102‑acre farm in Bertie County and made a living as a carpenter and mechanic; and
Whereas, in 1863, Parker D. Robbins joined the Second United States Colored Cavalry and achieved the rank of sergeant major prior to his honorable discharge in 1866; and
Whereas, in 1868, Parker D. Robbins became one of 15 African‑Americans elected to North Carolina's constitutional convention, representing Bertie County; and
Whereas, a year later, Parker D. Robbins served in the General Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives for a term from 1869 to 1870, representing the citizens of Bertie County; and
Whereas, between 1870 and 1877, Parker D. Robbins served as the postmaster for the Town of Harrellsville in Hertford County and worked as a farmer, during which time he obtained two patents for inventions associated with agriculture; and
Whereas, in 1877, Parker D. Robbins moved to Duplin County where he became the owner of a sawmill and cotton gin, constructed homes in the Magnolia area, and built and operated a steamboat known as the Saint Peter on the Cape Fear River; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the lives of William David Newsome and Parker D. Robbins for being outstanding leaders in their communities and for rendering distinguished service to the State of North Carolina as members of the General Assembly.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.