Summary
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.[1]
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 October 20, 1816 Norwich, Connecticut, US |
| Died | November 24, 1858 (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 |
Harris was decorated for bravery at the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican–American War, and served in Congress as a Democrat.
Early life edit
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 edit
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 edit
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. Whilst 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 edit
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 edit
Harristown Township, Macon County, Illinois and the Village of Harristown [formerly Summit] were named in his honor.
Death edit
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 edit
References edit
- 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