Isaac Roberts Hawkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Roberts Hawkins
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 7th district |
|
| In office December 4, 1865 – March 3, 1871 |
|
| Preceded by | Civil War |
| Succeeded by | Robert P. Caldwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 16, 1818 Maury County, Tennessee |
| Died | August 12, 1880 (aged 62) Huntingdon, Tennessee |
| Political party | Unionist Republican |
| Spouse | Ellen Ott Hawkins |
| Children | Eugene, Samuel |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Commands | 7th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Isaac Roberts Hawkins (born May 16, 1818 – died August 12, 1880) was an American soldier and politician. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Tennessee's 7th congressional district. He played an important role during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Isaac Roberts Hawkins was born on May 16, 1818. His birthplace was near Columbia, Tennessee, in Maury County. His parents were Samuel and Nancy Roberts Hawkins. Nancy's mother was Ann Robertson Johnston Cockrill, an early pioneer. She was also the sister of James Robertson, who helped found Fort Nashborough (now Nashville).
In 1828, Isaac and his family moved to Carroll County. He went to the local schools there. Their home was on land that was given to General Roberts in 1790. Isaac worked in farming and also studied law. He became a lawyer in 1843. He started his law practice in Huntingdon, Tennessee. He married Ellen Ott. Her sister, Justina, married Isaac's cousin, Alvin, who later became the governor of Tennessee.
Military Service and Public Life
Isaac Roberts Hawkins served as a lieutenant in the Mexican–American War. After the war, he went back to being a lawyer. He strongly supported the Union, which meant he wanted the United States to stay together.
In 1861, he was a delegate from Tennessee at a peace meeting in Washington, D.C.. This meeting tried to find a way to stop the upcoming American Civil War. He was also chosen for a special meeting to discuss how Tennessee related to the federal government. In 1862, he became a judge for the circuit court.
Joining the Union Army
Later in 1862, Isaac joined the Union Army. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 7th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. In 1864, he and his regiment were captured at Union City, Tennessee. He was held as a prisoner.
He was released in August 1864. After his release, he went back to active service. He commanded the Cavalry forces in western Kentucky until the end of the Civil War. In 1865, Governor William Gannaway Brownlow offered him a job as a chancellor of Tennessee. However, Isaac chose not to take the position.
Serving in Congress
Isaac Roberts Hawkins was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868. This is where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
When Tennessee was allowed to have representatives in Congress again, Isaac was elected. He was first elected as a Unionist to the Thirty-ninth Congress. He was then re-elected as a Republican to the Fortieth and Forty-first Congresses. He served in Congress from December 4, 1865, to March 3, 1871. During the Forty-first Congress, he was the chairman of the United States House Committee on Mileage.
Later Life and Death
Isaac Roberts Hawkins passed away in Huntingdon, Tennessee, on August 12, 1880. He was 62 years old. He was buried in the Hawkins family burial ground near Huntingdon.
