On July 9, 1867, our ancestors James “Jim” Champion and Louis Champion, grandfather and father of Doc Champion, respectively, took the oath of allegiance to the United States government, swearing they had never supported the Confederate States of America. Taking this oath allowed them to vote, as outlined in the Reconstruction Act of 1867. Over 95,000 white and over 93,000 African-American voters became registered in the Georgia, Reconstruction Oath Book. The Reconstruction Act of 1867 outlined the terms for readmission to representation of rebel states. The bill divided the former Confederate states, except for Tennessee, into five military districts. Each state was required to write a new constitution, which needed to be approved by a majority of voters—including African Americans—in that state. In addition, each state was required to ratify the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. After meeting these criteria related to protecting the rights of African Americans and their property, the former Confederate states could gain full recognition and federal representation in Congress. The act became law on March 2, 1867, after Congress overrode a presidential veto. Admission to representation of the former Confederate states began the next year, with Arkansas leading the way on June 22, 1868.
Presented by Orah L. Reed
2021 Virtual Family Reunion
CHAMPION FAMILY REUNION 