Henry Washington Hilliard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Washington Hilliard
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Circa 1892
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| Born | August 4, 1808 Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| Died | December 17, 1892 (aged 84) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Buried |
Oakwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Alabama
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Washington Hilliard (born August 4, 1808 – died December 17, 1892) was an important American figure. He served as a U.S. Representative (like a congressman) for Alabama. During the American Civil War, he became a colonel in the Confederate States Army. After the war, he worked to end slavery in Brazil.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Hilliard was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He went to college at South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) and graduated in 1826. While there, he was part of a student group called the Euphradian Society.
Becoming a Lawyer and Professor
After college, Hilliard studied law. He moved to Athens, Georgia, and became a lawyer in 1829. From 1831 to 1834, he taught at the University of Alabama. He then moved to Montgomery, Alabama, to focus on his law career.
Starting a Political Career
Hilliard began his political journey in Alabama. He was a member of the state's House of Representatives from 1836 to 1838. He also attended a national political meeting in 1839. In 1840, he was chosen to help elect the president.
Serving the Country Abroad
From 1842 to 1844, Hilliard worked as a diplomat for the United States. He was a chargé d'affaires (a type of diplomat) in Belgium. This role meant he represented the U.S. government in that country.
Time in Congress
Hilliard was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Whig Party. He served three terms, from 1845 to 1851. He chose not to run for re-election in 1850. In 1856, he again helped elect the president, this time for the National American ticket.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Henry Hilliard was appointed by Jefferson Davis (the president of the Confederacy) to be a commissioner to Tennessee. This meant he was a special representative.
Hilliard's Legion
During the war, Hilliard became a colonel in the Confederate States Army. He led a group of soldiers known as Hilliard's Legion. This group was formed in Montgomery, Alabama, in June 1862. It had about 3,000 soldiers.
The Legion was part of McCown's Brigade. They took part in the siege of Cumberland Gap. They also spent time in Kentucky and east Tennessee during the fall and winter.
Leaving the Army
Hilliard resigned from the army on December 1, 1862. He left to take care of his personal business. He also resigned because he had not been promoted to a higher rank, like brigadier general.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Henry Hilliard moved to Augusta, Georgia. He went back to working as a lawyer.
Later Political Attempts
In 1876, Hilliard tried to get elected to Congress again, this time as a Republican. However, he was not successful. He continued to practice law in Augusta before moving to Atlanta.
Working Against Slavery in Brazil
From 1877 to 1881, Hilliard served as a special diplomat to Brazil. He was called an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. In Brazil, he worked with important figures like Joaquim Nabuco and Emperor Pedro II. Together, they supported the movement to end slavery in Brazil.
Henry Hilliard passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 17, 1892. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama.
Images for kids
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Circa 1892
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Portrait of Henry Washington Hilliard, by Mathew Brady, c1851
