Bill Pledger

William Anderson Pledger (c. 1852 - 1904) was a lawyer, newspaper publisher, and politician in Georgia. He is credited as the first African American lawyer in Atlanta and his political roles and efforts led the way for many who followed.

Pledger was born near Jonesboro in about 1852. His mother was a slave and he had a white father. He studied at Atlanta University and then taught in Athens, Georgia.

Henry Lincoln Johnson was his law partner and succeeded him in office.

Pledger actively backed Thomas Reed in the 1896 election cycle, although he was ultimately unsuccessful as William McKinley won the presidency and the Republican nomination.

Pledger was buried in the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens, Georgia.