Henry Turpin

Portrait photograph of Henry Turpin (1836–1908), an African-American Republican politician who represented Goochland County in the Virginia House of Delegates during the Reconstruction era. The photograph dates from the late 19th century.Henry Turpin (November 15, 1836 – September 7, 1908) was an American house painter and Republican politician who represented Goochland County in the Virginia House of Delegates during the Reconstruction era.

Early life Turpin was born into slavery in Goochland County, Virginia, the son of Mary James, an enslaved woman, and Edwin Turpin, a white planter. Although Conservatives held a majority in the House of Delegates, Turpin was ultimately seated after the election was contested.