Charles Pelham (congressman) facts for kids

Charles Pelham (born March 12, 1835 – died January 18, 1908) was an important politician from Alabama. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he was a member of the U.S. Congress. He helped make laws for the country.

Early Life and Education

Charles Pelham was born on March 12, 1835, in Person County, North Carolina. When he was about three years old, his family moved to Alabama. He went to local schools there.

As he grew up, Charles decided to study law. This meant he learned about rules and justice. In 1858, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. He started his law practice in a town called Talladega, Alabama.

Serving During the Civil War

The American civil war began in 1861. Charles Pelham joined the Confederate States Army in 1862. He served as a first lieutenant. This rank meant he was a junior officer. He was part of Company C, Fifty-first Regiment, Alabama Infantry.

A Career in Law and Politics

After the Civil War ended, Charles Pelham continued his work in law. From 1868 to 1873, he served as a judge. He worked in the tenth judicial circuit of Alabama. A judicial circuit is an area where a judge has authority.

In 1873, Charles Pelham was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in the Forty-third Congress. His term lasted from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1875.

After his time in Congress, Charles Pelham was not chosen to run again in 1874. He then went back to being a lawyer. He practiced law in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Later in his life, he worked for the government. He was a clerk in the Treasury Department.

Later Years and Passing

In 1907, Charles Pelham moved to Poulan, Georgia. He lived there for a short time. He passed away the next year, on January 18, 1908. He was 72 years old. Charles Pelham was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery.