title: Simon P. Coker
text: # Simon P. Coker
  
  Simon P. Coker was a farmer who served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1874 until his assassination in 1876. He represented Barnwell County, South Carolina.
  
  He was assassinated by white supremacists in 1876 during the Ellenton massacre in September 1876. He was one of between thirty and fifty black republicans executed that day. Coker was shot in the head while praying for mercy. Future Governor of South Carolina, Benjamin Tillman was present at the execution.
  
  