Robert H. Wood, born in 1844 to Susie Harris, an African American housekeeper, and Dr. Robert Wood, a white physician and former mayor of Natchez, Mississippi, was a significant political figure during the Reconstruction era. In 1869, Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn appointed Wood as mayor of Natchez. He was subsequently elected to the position in 1870, becoming one of the first African American mayors in the United States. ?BlackPast.org

During his tenure, Wood prioritized education by establishing Natchez’s first school for African American children in 1871. After serving as mayor until 1871, he continued his public service as postmaster and tax collector for the city. In 1875, Wood was elected Sheriff of Adams County, Mississippi. ?Wikipedia

Wood’s election was part of the “Black and Tan Revolution,” a period between 1868 and 1875 when African Americans were elected to various state offices in Mississippi. His contributions to public service and education have left a lasting legacy in Natchez.