Harry A. Black

Harry Alonzo Black was born in Coventry, Vermont on November 22, 1879, the son of Melvina Brooks and farmer Henry F. Black.[1] He was educated in the public schools of Orleans County, and graduated from Derby Academy in 1899.[1] Black then studied law in St. Johnsbury and Newport.[1] He was admitted to the bar in 1903, and practiced in Newport.[1]

A Republican, he served as second assistant clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives in 1906, and first assistant clerk in 1908 and 1910.[1] During the legislative sessions from 1912 to 1918, Black was the Clerk of the House.[1] From 1918 to 1920 he also served as a member of Newport's city council.[1]

In 1918, Black was elected Secretary of State.[1] He was reelected in 1920 and 1922, and served from January 1918 until his death.[1]

Black died in Wells River on April 9, 1923 as the result of injuries he sustained when he was struck by a train as he was en route from Newport to Montpelier.[2] According to news accounts, Black had been ill at his home for a month before beginning his trip, and appeared to faint as he was changing trains.[2] Witnesses indicated that he stepped out of the Wells River station and walked across several tracks to board the train for Montpelier.[2] He fell onto one track, and a moving train hit him before onlookers could take action to rescue him.[2] Orlando L. Martin, the Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives, was with Black at the time of the accident, but was not injured.[2] Black was buried at East Main Street Cemetery in Newport.

In 1905, Black married Jennie Gates of Newport.[1] Their children included: Henry, Raymond, Gordon, Gerald, and Kenneth.[1]

• Harry A. Black at Find a Grave