Constantine B. Kilgore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Constantine Buckley Kilgore
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives | |
| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1895 |
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| Member of the Texas State Senate | |
| In office 1885–1886 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1835 Newnan, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | September 23, 1897 (aged 62) Ardmore (Indian Territory), U.S. |
| Resting place | White Rose Cemetery Wills Point, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Adjutant general |
| Unit | Ector's brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Constantine Buckley Kilgore (born February 20, 1835 – died September 23, 1897) was an important politician from Texas. He served as a U.S. Representative. He also worked as a judge.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Constantine Kilgore was born in Newnan, Georgia. In 1846, when he was 11 years old, his family moved to Rusk County, Texas. He went to school and received a good education. Later, he studied law. This prepared him for his future career.
Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Kilgore joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private soldier. By 1862, he had become an adjutant general. This was a high-ranking officer in Ector's brigade. After the war, he became a lawyer. He practiced law in Rusk County, Texas.
Early Political Career
Kilgore began his political journey in 1869. He was elected as a Justice of the Peace. This role involves handling small legal cases. In 1875, he helped write the state's constitution. He was part of the State constitutional convention.
Texas State Senate
In 1884, Kilgore was elected to the Texas State Senate. He was chosen to be the president of this group in 1885. He served in this role for two years. He left the State Senate in 1886. This was because he had been elected to the U.S. Congress.
Serving in Congress
Constantine Kilgore was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served for four terms, from March 4, 1887, to March 3, 1895.
A Famous Moment in Congress
In 1890, something interesting happened. The Speaker of the House, Thomas Brackett Reed, wanted to change a rule. Sometimes, a minority group of politicians would try to stop new laws. They would do this by asking for a vote. But then they would not answer when their names were called. This was called a "silent filibuster."
Speaker Reed decided to count these members as present. He said they were there but not voting. Kilgore did not like this new rule. He tried to avoid being counted. He famously kicked through a locked door to leave the House chamber! This story shows how strongly he felt about the rules.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1895, President Grover Cleveland gave Kilgore a new job. He was appointed a United States judge. He served in the southern district of Indian Territory (which is now part of Oklahoma). He worked as a judge from March 20, 1895, until he passed away.
Constantine Kilgore died on September 23, 1897. He was in Ardmore, Indian Territory. He was buried at White Rose Cemetery in Wills Point, Texas.
