Samuel A. Elbert (April 9, 1832 – July 15, 1902) was a medical doctor and politician in Indiana. He was the Republican nominee for a state house seat in 1882.[1] [2] [3] He was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree in Indiana.[4]
He was born in Maryland to parents who were not enslaved. He worked as a servant and studied at Oberlin College.[1] He moved to Indianapolis in 1866 and taught at a private school for African Americans supported by the Allen Chapel. He studied medicine with two doctors and enrolled at Indiana Medical College in 1869.[1] After a dispute he was degreed by the college in 1871, appointed to the state board of health, and established a private medical practice.[1]
He won the Republican nomination for a state house seat over incumbent James Sidney Hinton. He and other Republicans lost in the state’s general election.[5]
He married and had six children. He was a prominent A.M.E. Church member. He died at his home at 512 North Senate Avenue.[6] In 2013 a grave marker was added at Crown Hill Cemetery for Elbert.[7]