Dewitt Clinton Giddings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dewitt Clinton Giddings
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 5th district |
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| In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1879 |
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| Preceded by | John Hancock |
| Succeeded by | George Washington Jones |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 3rd district |
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| In office May 13, 1872 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | William Thomas Clark |
| Succeeded by | James W. Throckmorton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 18, 1827 Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 1903 (aged 76) Brenham, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Prairie Lea Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Malinda C. Lusk |
| Children | 5 |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States Army |
| Branch/service | 21st Texas Cavalry |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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Dewitt Clinton Giddings (born July 18, 1827 – died August 19, 1903) was an important politician from Texas. He served three times in the United States House of Representatives. This means he was a lawmaker for Texas in the U.S. government.
Contents
Growing Up in Pennsylvania and Texas
Dewitt Clinton Giddings was born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of eight children in his family. His parents were James and Lucy Giddings.
Moving to Texas
Some of Dewitt's older brothers moved to Texas. One brother, Giles, sadly died during the battle of San Jacinto. Another brother, Jabez Demming Giddings, went to Texas to claim Giles' land. Dewitt joined Jabez in Brenham, Texas in 1852.
Dewitt's Education and Career
Dewitt worked as a teacher to pay for his schooling. He studied to become a civil engineer. Later, he worked as a railroad engineer. In 1850, he started studying law in Pennsylvania. By 1853, he became a lawyer in Texas. He worked with his brother Jabez in their law firm in Brenham.
Serving in the Military
During the American Civil War, Dewitt Clinton Giddings joined the Confederate States Army. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 21st Texas Cavalry Regiment.
Serving in Congress
Dewitt Giddings became a member of the United States House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the country.
First Election and Challenge
His first election was a bit tricky. He won against William Thomas Clark by a small number of votes. There were some questions about the votes at first. But Dewitt Giddings successfully showed that he had won fairly. He then took his seat in Congress.
Later Terms in Congress
Giddings was re-elected two more times. He served in the 42nd, 43rd, and 45th Congresses. His terms were from May 13, 1872, to March 4, 1875, and then again from March 4, 1877, to March 4, 1879.
Family Life
In 1860, Dewitt Giddings married Malinda C. Lusk. Her father, Samuel C. Lusk, was also a soldier and politician in Texas. Dewitt and Malinda had five children together. Three of their children lived to be adults: De Witt, May Belle, and Lilian.
Later Years and Death
Dewitt Clinton Giddings passed away on August 19, 1903. He died from heart disease in Brenham, Texas. He is buried there with his wife at Prairie Lea Cemetery.
