Former educator Louis Kossuth (LK)  Atwood also served two terms as a state legislator for the state of Mississippi. (Photo Credit: Mississippi State Legislature.

Many fine classroom teachers also make excellent politicians. One of these was Louis Kossuth (LK) Atwood. In addition to his work as an educator, LK served as a state legislator in the state of Mississippi.

LK was born into slavery in Wilcox County, Alabama, on Dec. 15, 1850. When he was only 18 months old, he was sold at a slave auction. He was purchased for $300 by his own mother, who then took him with her when they relocated to Ohio. As a young boy, LK went to school in Ripley, Ohio. In 1874, he earned his Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. During these years, he was also ordained as a Presbyterian minister.

Once LK earned his degree, he accepted a teaching position in Bolton, Mississippi. Later he studied law and was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1879. He then opened his own law practice in Bolton where he specialized in insurance law. In fact, he established precedents before the Mississippi State Legislature several times.

LK was elected on the Republican ticket to the Mississippi House of Representatives, where he represented Hinds County for two terms. The first was from 1880 to 1881, and the second was from 1884 to 1885. After he left the legislature, LK appointed to a position as a United States Internal Revenue Service collector where he worked until 1899. In addition, he was named a delegate to attend the Republican National Convention several times.

The former teacher also had experience in the business world. He founded the fraternal insurance company known as the Sons and Daughters of Jacob of America in 1883. He ran this organization until his passing. He also helped establish the  Southern Bank in Jackson and served as its president. He was president of the Mississippi Negro Bankers Association.

Sadly, LK passed away on Jan. 8, 1929, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was 78 years old. He is interred at Mount Olive Cemetery in Jackson, Mississippi.