Thomas Beck

Beck's record shows in his committee seats. The Handbook says he was born in Kentucky about 1819 to a Black parent and a White parent, came to Texas around 1842 and farmed near Navasota before winning a seat in the Fourteenth Legislature in 1874. In 1879 he sat on Roads, Bridges, and Ferries, and again in 1881. He sponsored a bill to stop people from employing children without their parents' consent and showed interest in funding Prairie View State Normal School. The 1880 census finds him with his wife Martha, three children and two grandchildren.

What the plaque says

Thomas Beck [Part of the special series of 23 markers produced to fulfill SB667 The Texas Black Reconstruction Legislators Recognition Act] Following the American Civil War and emancipation of slaves in 1865, it was not until 1871 that African Americans in Texas were able to uniformly register to vote, following the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. While African Americans served as delegates to state constitutional conventions prior to 1870, the first African Americans elected to serve in the Texas legislature were elected to the 12th Legislature, which convened in provisional session on February 8, 1870. Prior to the end of federal reconstruction in 1870, twelve African Americans served in the Texas House of Representatives, and two served in the Texas Senate. This marker is erected in honor of: Thomas Beck (c. 1819-unknown), representative in the 14th, 16th, and 17th Texas legislatures, representing Grimes, Walker San Jacinto, and Madison counties. Thomas Beck was born in Kentucky around 1819. He came to Texas sometime before 1860. At the beginning of his political career, Beck was a farmer living in Navasota. Voters from the 5th District elected him to serve in the 14th Legislature as a Republican. Beck did not serve in the 15th Legislature; however, he served in the 16th and 17th Legislatures as the representative from District 30. Beck was appointed to two committees: Agricultural and Stock Raising, and Privileges and Elections. He supported child labor restrictions and funding of higher education for African Americans. With his wife Martha, he had several children. (2023)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Fort Boggy State Park — 17 mi
  A 1,847-acre park in Leon County named for a settlers' palisade of 1840, with a 15-acre lake, short trails and the story of Tennessee farmers, the Keechi and a Ranger captain.
• George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum — 36 mi
  The library of the forty-first president on the Texas A&M campus, opened in 1997, where George and Barbara Bush and their daughter Robin are buried in a family plot on the grounds.

More markers nearby

• Truman Kimbro — steps away
• Jubal Richard Parten — 0.3 mi
• Wilson Chapel Methodist Church — 0.5 mi
• Marian Anderson High School — 0.6 mi