J. Hale Sypher facts for kids
Jacob Hale Sypher (born June 22, 1837 – died May 9, 1905) was an important person in American history. He was a lawyer and a politician. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana. He served four terms as a Republican member. Before becoming a politician, he fought in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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Growing Up and Learning
Jacob Hale Sypher was born in 1837 near a place called Millerstown, Pennsylvania. He went to school in his local area. Later, in 1859, he finished his studies at Alfred University in New York.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Jacob Sypher joined the Union Army. He started as a private soldier. He was part of the 1st Ohio Light Artillery. Later, he became a first lieutenant in another artillery unit.
In 1864, he was promoted to colonel. He was asked to lead the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (Colored). This unit was made up of African American soldiers. It was later renamed the 11th United States Colored Heavy Artillery. Colonel Sypher spent his time helping with military court cases. He did not lead his unit in battles. After the war, he was honored for his service. He was given the special rank of Brigadier General.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Sypher moved to northern Louisiana. He tried to live on a large farm called a plantation. He did not enjoy this life. So, he moved to New Orleans and began studying law. He quickly became a lawyer in Louisiana.
Becoming a Politician
Jacob Sypher was elected to Congress in 1866. He represented Louisiana's 1st congressional district. He was a member of the Republican party. He might have lost the 1868 election at first. But there were problems with the votes. So, Congress decided to have a new election. Sypher won the second time.
He was re-elected two more times. He served in Congress from March 4, 1867, until March 4, 1875.
Changes in Louisiana
In 1874, Sypher lost his election to Effingham Lawrence. Lawrence was a Democrat. This was the first time a Democrat had won a seat in Congress from Louisiana since before the Civil War. During this election, a group called the White League was active. This group tried to stop African Americans from voting. This period was the start of the end of Reconstruction in Louisiana. Reconstruction was a time when the U.S. government tried to rebuild the South after the war.
In the next election, there was even more trouble. Many African Americans were prevented from voting. The Democrats then took control of the state government. By 1877, federal troops left Louisiana.
Later Years
After leaving Louisiana, Sypher moved to Washington, DC. He continued to work as a lawyer there. He passed away in Baltimore in 1905.
