Elijah Webb Chastain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elijah Webb Chastain
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 5th district |
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| In office March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas C. Hackett |
| Succeeded by | John Henry Lumpkin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 25, 1813 Near Pickens, South Carolina |
| Died | April 9, 1874 (aged 60) Dalton, Georgia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit |  1st Georgia Regulars |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Elijah Webb Chastain (born September 25, 1813 – died April 9, 1874) was an important American figure. He was a politician, a soldier, and a lawyer.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Elijah Webb Chastain was born in 1813 near Pickens, South Carolina. When he was about eight years old, his family moved to Habersham, Georgia.
Military Service and Law
Chastain served as a soldier in the Seminole Wars. These were conflicts between the United States and the Seminole people in Florida. He held the ranks of captain and colonel during these wars. Later, in 1849, he became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Blairsville, Georgia.
Political Journey
In 1851, Chastain was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Georgia's 5th congressional district. He was first elected as a Unionist. This meant he supported keeping the United States together.
Serving in Congress
Chastain was re-elected for another term. This time, he ran as a Democrat. He served in Congress from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1855. During his time in Congress, he helped make laws for the country.
Role in the Civil War Era
In 1861, Chastain was a delegate at the Georgia secession convention. This was a meeting in Milledgeville, Georgia where Georgia decided to leave the United States. They passed the Ordinance of Secession.
During the American Civil War, Chastain served as a soldier again. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate States Army. He was part of the First Georgia Regiment. At the same time, he also worked as a lawyer for the Western and Atlantic Railroad in Georgia.
Later Life and Legacy
Elijah Webb Chastain passed away near Dalton, Georgia, on April 9, 1874. He was buried in his family's cemetery near Morganton, Georgia.
