Walter Moses Burton became the first African American elected sheriff in the United States, a distinction that remains a milestone in American political history.
From Enslavement to Leadership
Born in North Carolina around 1829, Burton was brought to Fort Bend County, Texas, in 1850 at the age of 21 as an enslaved man. During his enslavement, he learned to read and write — skills that would later help define his leadership in public life.
After the Civil War, his former enslaver, Thomas Burton, sold him several large plots of land for $1,900 — a substantial sum at the time. Through land ownership and business acumen, Burton became one of the most influential African Americans in Fort Bend County during Reconstruction.
His rise was not accidental. It was strategic. It was disciplined. And it was historic.
America’s First Black Sheriff
In 1869, during the Reconstruction era, Walter Moses Burton was elected Sheriff and Tax Collector of Fort Bend County, Texas.
At a time when racial violence and political upheaval were widespread, Burton assumed responsibility for law enforcement in a deeply divided region. His election symbolized a dramatic shift in political power in the post-Civil War South.
Alongside his law enforcement duties, Burton served as president of the Fort Bend County Union League — an organization that mobilized newly enfranchised Black voters and advocated for civil rights.
His leadership helped stabilize local governance during one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
Texas State Senator and Education Advocate
In 1873, Burton campaigned for and won a seat in the Texas Senate, representing the Thirteenth Senatorial District.
Though his initial election was contested by a white Democrat, the Texas Senate confirmed his victory on February 20, 1874.
Burton served from 1874–1875 and again from 1876–1882.
During his time in the Senate, he became a strong advocate for education — particularly for African Americans who had been systematically denied access to schooling.
One of his most enduring legislative achievements was supporting the establishment of Prairie View Normal School, now known as Prairie View A&M University, one of Texas’ oldest historically Black universities.
His work laid the foundations that still impact higher education today.
Political Influence and Party Leadership
Burton remained deeply involved in Republican Party politics during Reconstruction and beyond:
- Member of the State Executive Committee (1873)
- Vice President of the 1878 and 1880 state conventions
- Member of the Committee on Platform and Resolutions (1892)
He left the Senate in 1882 but continued shaping political discourse at the state and local levels until his death in 1913.
Why Walter Moses Burton Matters
Walter Moses Burton represents more than a first.
He represents:
- The power of literacy
- The importance of land ownership
- The impact of civic engagement
- The promise of Reconstruction — even amid its eventual rollback
At a time when many African Americans were fighting simply to survive politically, Burton was writing legislation, enforcing law, and building institutions.
🎙️This is the 'TELL IT LIKE IT IS' Black History Series — where we remember the pioneers who built the foundation before the spotlight ever arrived.
Walter Moses Burton.
From enslaved man…
To America’s first Black elected sheriff.
Be informed. Not influenced.
🖤✊🏾 Black History Series content sponsored by Ford Motor Company.
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-- By John James
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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