Luther Glenn facts for kids
Luther Judson Glenn (born November 26, 1818 – died June 9, 1886) was an important lawyer and politician from Georgia. He also served as an officer for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became the Mayor of Atlanta.
Early Life and Family Connections
Luther Glenn went to the University of Georgia. He was part of the Phi Kappa Literary Society and finished his studies in 1841.
He married Mildred Lewis Cobb. Her brothers were famous Generals Howell and Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb. Howell Cobb later became the Governor of Georgia.
A Career in Politics
Before moving to Atlanta in 1851, Luther Glenn worked as a lawyer. He represented Henry County in Georgia's state government as a Democrat.
Six years after arriving in Atlanta, he was elected mayor in 1857. He served two terms, each lasting one year. He was the first mayor to create special groups, called committees, to help run the city. These committees handled things like the fire department, streets, and money.
Role in the Civil War
In March 1861, some Southern states decided to leave the United States. This was called secession. These states sent special representatives to other Southern states that had not yet left.
Luther Glenn was chosen to represent Georgia. He traveled to Missouri to try and convince its leaders to join Georgia in leaving the Union. He publicly read Georgia's reasons for seceding.
During the Civil War, Glenn also served in the military. He started as a company commander in a group called Cobb's Legion. Later, he became a Lieutenant Colonel in the same group.
He ended the war as the commander of the Confederate troops in Atlanta. On May 3, 1865, he officially surrendered the remaining Confederate soldiers in Atlanta to Colonel Beroth B. Eggleston of the 1st Ohio Cavalry.
Later Years
Luther Glenn stayed in Atlanta until he passed away. He was buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens, Georgia.
Two of his sons also became important. Howell Cobb Glenn was a lawyer but died at a young age in 1890. His other son, John Thomas Glenn, also became a lawyer and served as the Mayor of Atlanta from 1889 to 1891.
