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.

[1] He owned and edited the Athens Blade with William Henry Heard.

[2]: 177–182 Henry Lincoln Johnson was his law partner and succeeded him in office.

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

New York Age September 19, 1925 death announcement for Henry Lincoln Johnson including a headline about his law partnership and succeeding Pledger in political office