JOHN W. RANDOLPH, POLITICAL LEADER IN MISSISSIPPI, TEACHER FOR 25 YEARS, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL OFFICIAL, DEAD
Pass Christian, Miss. – Attorney John W. Randolph, father of former Assemblyman Oliver Randolph of Newark, N. J., and Joseph B. Randolph, president of Clafflin University, Orangeburg, S. C., died at his home here early Wednesday morning, April 6, after a brief illness. His widow, Mrs. Mary E. J. Randolph, and one of his sons, President Randolph of Clafflin, were at his bedside at the time of his death. The other son did not arrive until a few hours after his death. Mr. Randolph was 71 years old.
J. W. Randolph, as he was familiarly known, was a leader among the people of South Mississippi for almost half a century. For years he was one of the trusted lieutenants of the late Nat’l Committeeman James Hill. During the Reconstructed period he served two terms with the State Legislature, and was president pro tem during part of his term. He was selected by the Republican caucus to present the name of Blanche K. Bruce as the Republican candidate for the U. S. Senate. Mr. Bruce was elected to this high post and was the only colored man to serve a full term of six years in the Senate.
Mr. Randolph served as clerk of the Court of Sunflower County and as Chief Deputy Sheriff of Leflore County. He was later appointed Deputy Collector of Customs of the old Shields District, with headquarters at Biloxi. In late years he entered educational work and served 25 years as principal of some of the largest colored public schools of the state.
Bishop Robert E. Jones of New Orleans delivered the funeral sermon. He has been an intimate friend of the Randolph family for years. The funeral was one of the largest held on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. The mayor of the town was present and resolutions were passed by the Board of Aldermen. The Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star also participated in the services. Interment was at Live Oak Cemetery.
The late Mr. Randolph was born in Roanoke, Va., but came to Mississippi before reaching manhood.