Lewis McKenzie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis McKenzie
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th district |
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In office January 31, 1870 – March 3, 1871 |
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Preceded by | Himself (1) |
Succeeded by | Elliott M. Braxton |
In office February 16, 1863 – March 3, 1863 |
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Preceded by | Charles H. Upton |
Succeeded by | Himself (1) |
Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia | |
In office 1861–1863 |
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Preceded by | William B. Price |
Succeeded by | Charles A. Ware |
Personal details | |
Born | Alexandria, District of Columbia |
October 7, 1810
Died | June 28, 1895 Alexandria, Virginia |
(aged 84)
Political party | Unionist |
Other political affiliations |
Conservative |
Profession | Politician, Merchant, Railroad President |
Lewis McKenzie (October 7, 1810 – June 28, 1895) was an important figure in Virginia during the 1800s. He was a politician, a successful businessman, and even led a railroad company.
Contents
Early Life and Business Career
Lewis McKenzie was born in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1810. As a young man, he focused on his studies. He became very involved in shipping goods and trading. He helped start a railroad company called the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad. He also became its president. McKenzie was also the president of the First National Bank.
Public Service and Political Roles
McKenzie cared a lot about his community. He began his political journey as a member of the Whig Party. From 1843 to 1850, he served on the Alexandria County common council. During this time, he pushed for Alexandria to become part of Virginia again in 1846.
He was also a member of the Alexandria city council from 1855 to 1859. Later, he served as the acting mayor of the city from 1861 to 1863. McKenzie also held other important roles. He was a judge in the magistrate court. He was also a Brigadier General in the town's local army.
Serving in Congress and Later Life
McKenzie was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1863. He filled a vacant spot and served from February to March of that year. He was a member of the Unionist Party at that time.
After his time in Congress, he returned to the Alexandria city council. He served there until 1866. He came back to the council a third time in 1868 and served until 1870. In 1869, he returned to the U.S. House of Representatives. This time, he was a member of the Conservative Party. He served from 1870 to 1871.
McKenzie continued to be active in politics. In 1870, he ran for office as a Republican candidate but did not win. He also ran for the state senate in 1874 and lost. In 1878, he was appointed as the postmaster of Alexandria. McKenzie served on the city council one last time from 1887 to 1891. He passed away in Alexandria on June 28, 1895. He was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery there.