Joseph P. Newsham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Parkinson Newsham
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 3rd & 4th district |
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| In office July 18, 1868 – March 3, 1869 May 23, 1870 – March 3, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas G. Davidson Michel Vidal |
| Succeeded by | Chester B. Darrall< |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James McCleery May 24, 1837 Preston, Lancashire, UK |
| Died | October 22, 1919 (aged 82) St. Francisville, Louisiana, US |
| Resting place | James McCleery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Parent | |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Merchant, planter |
Joseph Parkinson Newsham (born May 24, 1837 – died October 22, 1919) was an important politician from Louisiana in the 1800s. He was also a lawyer, a merchant, and a planter (someone who owned a large farm). He served two times in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. government that makes laws for the country.
Contents
Joseph Newsham's Life Story
Early Years and Education
Joseph Newsham was born in Preston, England, in 1837. When he was about two years old, in 1839, his family moved to the United States. They settled in a place called Monroe County, Illinois.
Joseph went to school and received a good education. For two years, he worked in a business that bought and sold goods. Later, he decided to study law. He worked hard and became a lawyer in 1860. He started his law practice in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Joseph Newsham joined the Union Army. He was an adjutant, which is an officer who helps a commanding officer with administrative tasks. He served with the 32nd Missouri Volunteer Infantry. In 1864, he was injured during a battle on July 4. Because of his injuries, he had to leave the army later that year.
Becoming a Politician in Louisiana
In 1864, after leaving the army, Newsham moved to Donaldsonville, Louisiana. There, he worked as a clerk for a court. In 1865, he passed the Louisiana Bar Exam and became a lawyer in Louisiana. He started his law practice in Donaldsonville.
In 1867, he moved to St. Francisville, Louisiana. He became a member of the Louisiana Constitutional Convention in 1867 and 1868. This was a special meeting where people wrote or changed the state's constitution, which is like a rulebook for the government.
When Louisiana was allowed to rejoin the Union after the Civil War, Newsham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party. He represented Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 1868 to 1869.
In 1868, he also started a newspaper called the Feliciana Republican. He was elected to the House of Representatives again in 1870, this time representing Louisiana's 4th congressional district. He served until 1871. He did not try to be re-elected after that term ended.
Life After Congress
After his time in Congress, Joseph Newsham continued to work as a planter and a merchant in St. Francisville, Louisiana. He kept working until he retired in 1913.
His Final Years
Joseph Newsham passed away in St. Francisville on October 22, 1919. He was buried in the Grace Church Cemetery in St. Francisville.
