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Legrand W. Perce

Legrand Winfield Perce (born June 19, 1836 – died March 16, 1911) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Mississippi. This means he was a person elected to speak for his state in the U.S. Congress.

Legrand Perce's Early Life and School

Legrand Winfield Perce was born in Buffalo, New York. He went to school and completed his early studies there.

He later attended Genesee College in Lima, New York. After that, he studied law at the Albany Law School. He graduated from law school in 1857.

In the same year, he became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Buffalo, New York.

Moving West and Civil War Service

In 1859, Legrand Perce traveled to St. Louis, Missouri. He planned to live there. However, he strongly disagreed with slavery. Because Missouri was a slave state, he decided not to settle there.

Instead, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. When the American Civil War began, he offered to help. He volunteered his services to Governor Yates of Illinois.

Perce served for four months on General Prentiss' staff. He was stationed in Cairo, Illinois, and held the rank of captain.

In August 1861, he joined the Sixth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was made a second lieutenant. He was promoted to captain in June 1862.

He became a captain in the United States Volunteers in August 1863. Later, in 1865, he was given the honorary ranks of lieutenant colonel and colonel.

Political Career in Mississippi

After the Civil War, Legrand Perce settled in Natchez, Mississippi. In June 1867, he was appointed as a register in bankruptcy. This was a role in the legal system.

When Mississippi was allowed to have representatives in Congress again, Perce was elected. He was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the Forty-first Congress.

He was reelected to the Forty-second Congress. He served in Congress from February 23, 1870, to March 3, 1873.

During his time in the Forty-second Congress, he led an important group. He was the chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor. This committee worked on issues related to schools and jobs.

He did not run for reelection in 1872.

Later Life and Passing

After his time in Congress, Legrand Perce returned to his work. He continued to practice law. He also worked in the real estate business.

He lived in Chicago, Illinois. Legrand Winfield Perce passed away in Chicago on March 16, 1911. He was buried in Rosehill Cemetery.

External resources

  • Memorials of Deceased Companions of the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Chicago, 1912, p. 639-44.
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
John J. McRae
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Mississippi's 5th congressional district

1870 – 1873
Succeeded by
George C. McKee
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