[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 100 (Monday, June 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE JOHN F. DeBRUHL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life and achievements of the Honorable Judge John F. 
DeBruhl of Galveston, Texas.
  John F. DeBruhl was born a slave on November 14, 1841, in Columbia, 
South Carolina. He was later sold and brought to Texas. In June 1861, 
he married Alice V. Taylor from Parkersburg, WV, and together, they 
raised and educated seven children in Galveston.
  John DeBruhl was well known and respected in his community and was 
appointed one of the first black Reconstruction Justices of the Peace 
in Galveston, Texas. He also served as County Court Judge and twice 
served as a Galveston City Alderman alongside luminaries like N.W. 
Cuney. He was a prominent member of the Republican County, State and 
National Conventions. His leadership efforts led to his nomination as a 
candidate for the United States Congress.
  John DeBruhl presided over diverse court cases with important issues 
during Reconstruction Era Texas and had a substantial impact on the 
early history of Galveston, Texas. Numerous state newspapers reporting 
on his judicial rulings, official meeting notes, op-eds and community 
speeches are still available to read today.
  When the Grand Lodges of the Negro Free Masons were expanding into 
the South, John DeBruhl was a founding member and officer of the 
Galveston Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted 
Masons of Texas.
  John DeBruhl was also instrumental in organizing the ``docks'' of 
Galveston to ensure black men could work and in better conditions. 
Moreover, John DeBruhl was a founding member of the ``Black 
Stevedores'' in Galveston.
  Judge John F. DeBruhl is remembered as a man of purpose, honor, and 
an unwavering determination for the betterment of African Americans 
during one of the most tumultuous times in American history, the Post-
Civil War Reconstruction years.
  Judge DeBruhl's enduring legacy as a champion for education, 
equality, activism, and duty was passed on to his family. The 
phenomenal life of the Honorable John F. DeBruhl was nearly lost to 
history without the persistent and intentional efforts of his great-
granddaughter Dr. Nanette DeBruhl. The research done revealed a life of 
extraordinary accomplishments and whose influence has reached across 
time to impact today's Texas.

                          ____________________