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David M. Key facts for kids

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David McKendree Key (January 27, 1824 – February 3, 1900) was an important American politician and judge. He was born in Tennessee and lived until 1900. During his life, he served as a Senator for Tennessee, a top government official in charge of mail (Postmaster General), and a federal judge.

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David M. Key
DMKey-PostmasGener.jpg
Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee
Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee
In office
May 27, 1880 – January 21, 1895
Appointed by Rutherford B. Hayes
Preceded by Connally Findlay Trigg
Succeeded by Charles Dickens Clark
27th United States Postmaster General
In office
March 12, 1877 – June 2, 1880
President Rutherford B. Hayes
Preceded by James Noble Tyner
Succeeded by Horace Maynard
United States Senator
from Tennessee
In office
August 18, 1875 – January 19, 1877
Preceded by Andrew Johnson
Succeeded by James E. Bailey
Personal details
Born
David McKendree Key

(1824-01-27)January 27, 1824
Greeneville, Tennessee
Died February 3, 1900(1900-02-03) (aged 76)
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Resting place Forest Hill Cemetery
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Political party Democratic
Education Hiwassee College
University of Tennessee (A.M.)
read law
Signature
Military service
Allegiance Confederate States of America Confederate States
Branch/service  Confederate States Army
Years of service 1861–1865
Rank Confederate States of America Lieutenant Colonel.png Lieutenant Colonel
Unit Tennessee 43rd Tennessee Regiment
Battles/wars American Civil War

Early Life and Education

David McKendree Key was born on January 27, 1824. His birthplace was near Greeneville, in Greene County, Tennessee. He went to local schools as a child.

Later, he attended Hiwassee College and graduated in 1850. He also studied law by himself, which was a common way to become a lawyer back then. He earned a Master of Arts degree from East Tennessee University, which is now known as the University of Tennessee.

Becoming a Lawyer and Soldier

After studying law, David Key became a lawyer. He worked in private law practices in different towns in Tennessee. He started in Madisonville (1850-1852), then Kingston (1852-1853), and finally Chattanooga (1853-1861).

He was also involved in politics early on. He supported the Democratic Party and was a Presidential Elector in 1856 and 1860.

When the American Civil War began in 1861, David Key joined the Confederate States Army. He served until 1865 and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, he returned to his law practice in Chattanooga. He also helped write the Tennessee state constitution in 1870. From 1870 to 1875, he served as a Chancellor for the Tennessee Chancery Court.

Serving in the Senate

In 1875, David Key was chosen to become a United States Senator for Tennessee. He filled a spot that became open after the death of former President Andrew Johnson. Key served in the Senate from August 18, 1875, to January 19, 1877.

Postmaster General

From 1877 to 1880, David Key held a very important job in the United States government. He was the United States Postmaster General. This meant he was in charge of the entire postal service for the country.

He was part of President Rutherford B. Hayes's cabinet. Key was the only Democrat in Hayes's cabinet, which was unusual at the time. His appointment was part of a political agreement called the Compromise of 1877.

Becoming a Federal Judge

After his time as Postmaster General, President Rutherford B. Hayes nominated David Key to become a federal judge. On May 27, 1880, he became a judge for two important courts: the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

He served as a federal judge for many years, until he retired on January 21, 1895.

Later Life and Legacy

David McKendree Key passed away on February 3, 1900, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Chattanooga. He is remembered for his long career serving the public in various important roles.

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