David Outlaw facts for kids

David Outlaw (born September 14, 1806 – died October 22, 1868) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Whig Party and served as a U.S. Congressman for North Carolina. He represented the Albemarle district from 1847 to 1853.

Early Life and Education

David Outlaw was born in 1806 near Windsor, North Carolina. He went to private schools and academies in Bertie County. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1824. While there, he was part of the Philanthropic Society. After college, he studied law. He became a lawyer in 1825 and started his own law practice in Windsor.

Starting in Politics

Outlaw began his political career in North Carolina. He was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1831 to 1834. In 1835, he was chosen as a delegate for the state's constitutional convention. This convention helped create important rules for the state.

From 1836 to 1844, Outlaw worked as a solicitor. A solicitor is a lawyer who represents the government in a specific area. He worked for the first judicial district in North Carolina.

Serving in Congress

In 1844, the Whig Party chose David Outlaw to run for the 29th United States Congress. However, he did not win that election. Two years later, he ran again and won. He then served in the 30th, 31st, and 32nd U.S. Congresses. His time in Congress was from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1853.

In 1852, the Whigs nominated him again for the 33rd Congress. But this time, he was defeated by his opponent, Henry Marchmore Shaw.

Back to State Politics

After his time in the U.S. Congress, Outlaw returned to politics in North Carolina. He served Bertie County in the North Carolina House of Representatives again, from 1854 to 1860. He also served in the North Carolina Senate in 1860 and 1866. He ran for the Senate in 1862 and 1864 but lost both times.

During his 1864 campaign for the North Carolina Senate, Outlaw told voters he would support Governor Zebulon Baird Vance. He also said he would work for peace with the North. He believed in his state's independence. He also opposed a special meeting, thinking it was a trick to remove North Carolina from the Confederacy.

David Outlaw also served as a colonel in the Bertie County regiment. This was part of the North Carolina state militia, which was a local military force.

Later Life

David Outlaw passed away in Windsor on October 22, 1868. He is buried in the Episcopal Cemetery in Windsor.

He was the son of Raphael Outlaw. He was also a cousin of George Outlaw, who was also a U.S. Congressman and a North Carolina State Senator.