John Basil Lamar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Basil Lamar
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's At-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1843 – July 29, 1843 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Butler King |
| Succeeded by | Absalom Harris Chappell |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office 1837-1838 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | November 5, 1812 Milledgeville, Georgia |
| Died | September 15, 1862 (aged 49) Crampton's Gap, Maryland |
| Resting place | Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Georgia |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Political party | Democrat Confederate States of America |
| Alma mater | Franklin College |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Basil Lamar (November 5, 1812 – September 15, 1862) was an American politician, lawyer, and farmer. He was known for his short time serving in the U.S. Congress and his humorous writings.
Contents
Who Was John Basil Lamar?
John Basil Lamar was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, in 1812. He grew up to become an important figure in Georgia. He was a successful farmer and also a talented writer.
Early Life and Education
Lamar started attending Franklin College in 1827. This college later became part of the University of Georgia (UGA). Even though he didn't finish his degree, he gained a lot of knowledge there.
In 1830, he moved to a large farm near Macon, Georgia. He became a very successful farmer. He owned land in many different counties in Georgia and even in Florida.
A Successful Farmer and Writer
After leaving college, Lamar focused on his farming business. He became well-known for his humorous writings. Some of his stories were published in a book called Polly Peablossom's Wedding in 1851.
He is considered one of the first writers to use a style called "Realism" in America. He also helped create a type of writing known as "Southern Humor." From 1855 to 1858, he served on the board of trustees for the University of Georgia.
Serving in Politics
Lamar also had a career in politics. In 1837 and 1838, he served in the Georgia House of Representatives. This is where state laws are made.
In 1842, he was chosen to represent Georgia in the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress, where national laws are made. However, his time in Congress was very short. He took office in March 1843 but resigned just a few months later, in July 1843.
After leaving Congress, Lamar went back to his farming life. In 1861, he was part of a state meeting in Georgia. This meeting decided that Georgia would leave the United States, which led to the American Civil War.
The Civil War and His Final Days
During the American Civil War, John Basil Lamar joined the Confederate States Army. He worked as an aide, or helper, for General Howell Cobb. General Cobb was his brother-in-law and a close friend.
Lamar was hurt during a battle called Battle of Crampton's Gap in Maryland. He was trying to encourage soldiers when he was wounded. He died the very next day, on September 15, 1862.
He was first buried in Charles Town, Virginia. Later, his body was moved and reburied in Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Georgia.
His Legacy
A place called the Lamar Mounds and Village Site is named after John Basil Lamar. This important historical site is located on what used to be his farm. The name "Lamar" was later used by a group of archaeologists, the Lamar Institute, who study history in the American South.
Images for kids
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A symbol of a Confederate Colonel, the rank John Basil Lamar held.
