Henry May (American politician) facts for kids

Henry May (February 13, 1816 – September 25, 1866) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Maryland during a very challenging time in American history.

Henry May's Early Life

Henry May was born in Washington, D.C. on February 13, 1816. His father, Dr. Frederick May, was a doctor who worked in Washington for many years. Henry's grandfather, Colonel John May, was a brave soldier in the American Revolutionary War and even took part in the famous Boston Tea Party.

Henry went to Columbian College, which is now known as George Washington University. He studied law there and became a lawyer in 1840. After that, he started his own law practice.

Henry May's Political Career

Henry May became involved in politics and served in the U.S. government.

Working with President Franklin Pierce

In 1850, President Franklin Pierce sent Henry May to Mexico. His job was to look into claims related to a peace treaty between the United States and Mexico. This was an important diplomatic mission.

Serving in Congress

Henry May later moved to Baltimore, Maryland. In 1852, he was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served one term from 1853 to 1855.

He tried to get re-elected in 1854 but was not successful. However, he was elected again in 1860, this time as a Unionist. He served another term from 1861 to 1863.

During the Civil War

Henry May was in Congress when the American Civil War began in 1861. This was a very difficult time for the country.

Arrest and Release

In September 1861, Henry May was arrested because people suspected he was involved in treason. Treason means betraying your country. He was held in Fort Lafayette without being told what he was accused of or having a chance to go to court. This right is called habeas corpus, which means you have the right to know why you're being held and to have a fair legal process. President Lincoln had temporarily stopped this right in Maryland during the war.

Eventually, Henry May was released. No charges were ever brought against him, and no evidence was shown. He returned to his seat in Congress in December 1861.

Fighting for Rights

After his experience, Henry May worked to protect the rights of others. In March 1862, he suggested a new law. This law would require the government to either officially charge "political prisoners" with a crime or release them. This idea was included in a law passed in 1863. This law allowed the President to suspend habeas corpus but also required that suspected traitors be formally charged.

Henry May also worked with another Congressman, Clement Vallandigham, to investigate how the government was controlling what the newspapers could print during the war. They looked into whether the Secretary of State, William H. Seward, was unfairly censoring news.

Henry May's Family Life

On November 29, 1845, Henry May married Henrietta de Courcy in Chester, Maryland. They had several children together:

• Frederick DeCourcy May (1846–1893)
• Rosalie May (1848–1922)
• Henry May (1854–1936)
• George May (1855–1931)
• Julia May (1859–1954)
• Lilian Marie May (1863–1958)

Henry May passed away on September 25, 1866, in Baltimore. He is buried in Cathedral Cemetery. His wife, Henrietta, lived until 1919.