The First African American Attorney in Delaware County

There are many notable African American residents from the past who left their mark on Delaware County’s history. One of which was William Henry Ridley, Esq., the first African American attorney in Delaware County. William was the son of two slaves who escaped during the Civil War and later reunited in Media. His parents were influential members of the community, helping with the founding of Campbell A.M.E. Baptist Church. Growing up William showed the promise of his success; he graduated from Media High School with honors and soon displayed his interest in the law. He began working for Louis H. Richards’ law practice and four years later passed the bar examination on March 23rd, 1891. To further his knowledge of the law along with working in the Richards law practice he worked in the Recorder of Deeds Office in the Delaware County Courthouse and took some courses at the University of Pennsylvania.

William practiced law for 54 years in Delaware County. He was not only the first African American lawyer in the area, but one of only three African American lawyers in Delaware County up to 1960. He practiced law in Media, Chester, and West Chester and served a variety of clients: white, black, poor, and rich. He even ran for County Commissioner in 1935 and was a front runner for the position of first Ambassador to Liberia, which he turned down. William was respected throughout the county as a community leader, man of the law, and he even helped author several pieces of County legislation.

Despite his successes, William still faced much adversity. While supporting a candidate in a contested state election, he escaped an assassination attempt in which supporters of his opponent opened gunfire on him and a couple of law students. He was even brought to trial for attempted murder because of the incident, but was acquitted because he was acting in defense of his own life. He also came face to face with men from the Ku Klux Klan when they arrived at his residence seeking someone they believed was at his house. Instead of turning from the Klansmen in fear he confronted them and was able to turn the mob away. However, much of the adversity he faced was due to his race. Despite being a prominent lawyer in Delaware County, he was never able to become a judge, most likely because he was African American.

William Ridley, Esq.’s legacy lives on here in Delaware County. He will always be the first African American lawyer in the area, an incredible achievement. He and many other African Americans throughout history have helped make Delaware County what it is today!

source: oldchesterpa.com