Charles W. Lowell facts for kids
Charles Winthrop Lowell (born November 20, 1834 – died October 3, 1877) was an American lawyer and a leader in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He commanded a unit of African American soldiers. After the war, he became a state lawmaker and postmaster in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Early Life and Education
Charles Winthrop Lowell was born on November 20, 1834, in Farmingham, Maine. His parents were Phillip Smith Lowell and Harriet Butler Lowell.
He attended Bowdoin College, graduating in 1859. After college, he studied law with Charles P. Chandler, who would later become his father-in-law. Charles Lowell became a lawyer in Maine in January 1860.
Family Life
In June 1860, Charles Lowell married Mary Elizabeth Chandler. They had one daughter, Mary Chandler Lowell, who was born on January 18, 1864. Sadly, Mary Elizabeth passed away a short time later.
Around 1870, Charles Lowell married again to Sarah "Sally" W. Huff. They did not have any children together.
Military Service
In February 1863, during the American Civil War, Charles Lowell was appointed as a captain in the United States Colored Troops. These were regiments of the United States Army made up of African American soldiers. He continued to serve in the army even after the war ended.
After the war, Charles Lowell moved to New Orleans. There, he first served as a colonel and was later appointed as the provost marshal general. This role involved overseeing military police duties.
Political Career
Charles Lowell became an important political figure in Louisiana after the Civil War. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in July 1868.
He was so well-respected that he was unanimously re-elected as Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives on December 9, 1872. At that time, he was identified as being from Jefferson.
Later Life and Passing
In May 1877, Charles Lowell left New Orleans and returned to New England. He had been in poor health for two years, and his condition had been getting worse.
He passed away on October 3, 1877, in Foxcroft, Maine.
