Columbus Commercial, July 30, 1916

Columbus Commercial, July 30, 1916

NEGRO PROMINENT HERE IN “CARPET BAG” DAYS IS DEAD

ROBERT GLEED, WHO ONCE REPRESENTED THIS COUNTY IN SENATE, EXPIRES.

Robert Gleed, a negro, who represented Lowndes county in the Mississippi state senate during the period immediately following the civil war, when members of his race dominated local politics, died Wednesday in Paris, Texas, and his body was brought here for burial, the funeral having occurred Friday.

Gleed was a leader among local negroes during the turbulent times which followed the close of the internescene struggle, and when, in 1875, white citizens, after having killed seven recalcitrant blacks, regained control of the political machinery, he fled to Paris. He later came back to Columbus, but the reception given him was anything but cordial, and he soon returned to the Texas city, where remained until the end of his earthly career.

Gleed was about 80 years old, and is believed to have been the last remaining negro who has served Lowndes county in an office which is now filled by honorable and distinguished white citizens.

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