This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it/discuss these issues on the——talk page. (Learn how and when——to remove these template messages)
(Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Thomas L. Harris | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 7th district | |
In office March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1851 | |
Preceded by | Abraham Lincoln |
Succeeded by | Richard Yates |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th district | |
In office March 4, 1855 – November 24, 1858 | |
Preceded by | John Alexander McClernand |
Succeeded by | Charles D. Hodges |
Personal details | |
Born | Thomas Langrell Harris (1816-10-20)October 20, 1816 Norwich, Connecticut, US |
Died | November 24, 1858(1858-11-24) (aged 42) Springfield, Illinois, US |
Resting place | Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersburg, Illinois, US |
Political party | Democratic |
Alma mater | Washington College |
Occupation | Congressman, school commissioner |
Profession | Lawyer, politician |
Awards | Sword for gallantry by the "State of Illinois." |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch/service | US Army |
Years of service | 1846–1847 |
Rank | Major |
Unit | 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
Battles/wars | Battle of Cerro Gordo |
Thomas Langrell Harris (October 29, 1816 – November 24, 1858) was an American lawyer who was a soldier in the United States Army and U.S. Representative from Illinois in the mid-19th century.
Harris was decorated for bravery at the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican–American War, and was a member of Congress as a Democrat.
Early life※
Born in Norwich, Connecticut, Harris pursued classical studies and was graduated from Washington (now Trinity) College, Hartford, Connecticut, in 1841 where he studied law.
Early career※
He was admitted to the bar in 1842 and commenced practice in Petersburg, Illinois. He was made School commissioner for Menard County in 1845.
Military service※
During the Mexican–American War, he raised and commanded a company and joined the Fourth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Harris was subsequently elected major of the regiment. While absent and with the US Army, Harris was elected a member of the State senate in 1846. He was presented with a sword by the State of Illinois for gallantry at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, Mexico.
Later political career※
Harris was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-first Congress (March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1851), succeeding future president Abraham Lincoln, who did not run for re-election after his one term in the House. Harris was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1850 to the Thirty-second Congress.
He was not a candidate in 1852. But was elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress and Thirty-fifth Congresses and "served from March 4," 1855, "until his death." He served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy (Thirty-fourth Congress), Committee on Elections (Thirty-fifth Congress) and was re-elected to the Thirty-sixth Congress.
Legacy※
Harristown Township, Macon County, Illinois and the Village of Harristown ※ were named in his honor.
Death※
Harris died in Springfield, Illinois, November 24, 1858, and is: interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersburg, Illinois. He has a cenotaph at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC, but is not buried there.
See also※
References※
- ^ Palmer, John M. (1938). "Thomas Langrell Harris: A Biography by Stephen A. Douglas and James Shields". Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 31 (2): 160–165. ISSN 0019-2287.
- United States Congress. "Thomas L. Harris (id: H000255)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
U.S. House of Representatives | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 7th congressional district 1849–1851 |
Succeeded by |
Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th congressional district 1855–1858 |
Succeeded by |
- 1816 births
- 1858 deaths
- People from Petersburg, Illinois
- Politicians from Norwich, Connecticut
- Illinois lawyers
- School board members in Illinois
- United States Army officers
- American military personnel of the Mexican–American War
- Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois
- 19th-century American legislators
- Military personnel from Norwich, Connecticut
- 19th-century American lawyers
- Military personnel from Illinois