Augustus Brandegee facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Augustus Brandegee
Corporation Counsel of New London, Connecticut
In office 1897–1898
Preceded by	John C. Geary
Succeeded by	John C. Geary
Mayor of New London, Connecticut
In office 1871–1873
Preceded by	Frederick L. Allen
Succeeded by	Thomas M. Waller
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1867
Preceded by	Alfred A. Burnham
Succeeded by	Henry H. Starkweather
Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives
In office 1861
Preceded by	Oliver H. Perry
Succeeded by	Henry C. Deming
Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
In office 1854, 1858, 1859, 1861
Judge of the New London Police Court
In office 1857-1859
Personal details
Born	(1828-07-12)July 12, 1828 New London, Connecticut
Died	November 10, 1904(1904-11-10) (aged 76) New London, Connecticut
Resting place	Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London, Connecticut
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Nancy Christina Bosworth (d. 1881)
Children	4 (including Frank B. Brandegee)
Alma mater	Yale University
Profession	Attorney

Augustus Brandegee (born July 12, 1828 – died November 10, 1904) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as a representative for Connecticut in the United States House of Representatives. He also held important roles in his home state.

Early Life and Education

Augustus Brandegee was born in New London, Connecticut. His father, John Brandegee, was a businessman. Augustus went to Union Academy in New London. He also attended Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven.

In 1845, Brandegee started studying at Yale University. He graduated in 1849. After that, he studied law at Yale Law School. He finished his legal training in 1850. By 1851, he was a licensed lawyer. He then started his own law practice.

Early Political Career in Connecticut

In 1854, Brandegee was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives. Even though he was young, he joined the important judiciary committee. He also led a committee that worked on a "bill for the defense of liberty." This bill aimed to stop the Fugitive Slave Law from being enforced in Connecticut. This law made it harder for enslaved people to escape to freedom.

Later, Brandegee led another committee. This committee helped pass Connecticut's version of the Maine law. This law made it illegal to sell alcoholic drinks.

Serving as a Judge

From 1857 to 1859, Brandegee worked as a Judge in New London's city court. During this time, he became a popular speaker. He gave speeches across Connecticut. His speeches supported ending slavery, also known as abolitionism.

In 1860, he was chosen as one of Connecticut's electoral college members. These members vote for the President. He voted for Abraham Lincoln for president.

Speaker of the House

Brandegee was elected to the Connecticut House again in 1858. He was reelected in 1859 but did not serve. This was because his father had passed away. The next year, he was elected again. This time, he was chosen as Speaker of the House. He was fair to both Democrats and Republicans.

When the Civil War began, Brandegee strongly supported the Union. He traveled around Connecticut. He gave speeches, helped raise troops, and encouraged public support.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1862, Augustus Brandegee was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Connecticut's 3rd district. He was the youngest member of the House. Despite his age, he was chosen for important committees. These included the House Committee on Naval Affairs and the Military Affairs Committee.

Brandegee was known as a strong supporter of ending slavery. He was also a friend of President Abraham Lincoln. In 1864, he voted for the 13th Amendment. This very important amendment officially outlawed slavery in the United States. The movie Lincoln incorrectly shows him voting against it.

In 1864, Brandegee also attended the 1864 Republican National Convention in Baltimore. At this meeting, President Lincoln was chosen again to run for president. Andrew Johnson was chosen as the Vice President. Brandegee continued to serve in Congress during the Reconstruction Era. He did not run for reelection in 1866. His term ended in March 1867.

Life After Congress

In 1871, Brandegee was nominated to be Mayor of New London. He won the election. He served one two-year term as mayor. He also led Connecticut's group at the Republican National Conventions in 1880 and 1884.

In 1892, he helped start a law firm called Noyes & Brandegee. It became a leading law firm in New London. After being mayor, Republicans tried to get him to run for Governor or Senator. However, Brandegee chose not to run for more elected offices. He did serve as Corporation Counsel for New London in 1897 and 1898.

Augustus Brandegee passed away in New London on November 10, 1904. He was buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London.

Legacy and Character

Augustus Brandegee was a respected lawyer and public servant. People remembered him as a very knowledgeable lawyer. He understood that laws should help people. He was also a talented speaker. His speeches were powerful and inspiring.

He always stood for high ideals. He worked hard to end slavery when it was not popular. During the Civil War, he was a trusted friend of President Lincoln. He helped the Union cause greatly. Even after his important work, he chose a simpler life. He was known for being honest and fighting against dishonesty.

Family Life

Augustus Brandegee was married to Nancy Christine Bosworth (1840–1881). They had four children:

• Augustus (1857–1881)
• Helen (1858–1915)
• Frank (1864–1924)
• Marian (1866–1884)

His son, Frank Brandegee, also became a politician. Frank served in the United States House of Representatives. He also became a longtime member of the United States Senate.

See Also

• Frank B. Brandegee

External resources