Morgan C. Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Morgan Calvin Hamilton
|
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
United States Senator from Texas |
|
In office March 31, 1870 – March 3, 1877 |
|
Preceded by | John Hemphill |
Succeeded by | Richard Coke |
Personal details | |
Born | Madison County, Alabama |
February 25, 1809
Died | November 21, 1893 San Diego, California |
(aged 84)
Political party | Republican; Liberal Republican |
Morgan Calvin Hamilton (born February 25, 1809 – died November 21, 1893) was an important American politician. He was a merchant who later became a United States Senator for Texas. He was also the brother of Andrew Jackson Hamilton. Both brothers were unique because they supported the Union during the American Civil War, even though they lived in Texas.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to Texas
Morgan Calvin Hamilton was born on February 25, 1809. His birthplace was near Huntsville, Alabama in Madison County, Alabama. He grew up with his siblings, including his brother Andrew Jackson Hamilton.
Later, Morgan Calvin Hamilton moved to Texas. At that time, Texas was still part of Mexico. He started his career there as a merchant, buying and selling goods.
Working for the Republic of Texas
From 1839 to 1845, Morgan Calvin Hamilton worked for the Republic of Texas. This was before Texas joined the United States. He served in the war department.
He started as a clerk, helping with office tasks. By 1844 and 1845, he became the Secretary of War. This was a very important job, overseeing the military affairs of the Republic. He settled down in the city of Austin.
A Voice for Change
Morgan Calvin Hamilton was one of the few people in Texas who wanted to end slavery. These people were called abolitionists. This was a brave stance to take in Texas.
When the American Civil War began, he supported the Union. The Union was the group of states that stayed loyal to the United States government. He fought for the Union forces during the war.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
After the Civil War, the United States went through a period called Reconstruction. During this time, the country worked to rebuild and reunite. Morgan Calvin Hamilton was elected to the U.S. Senate.
The Texas state legislature chose him for this role. He was a member of the Radical Republican party. This group wanted big changes in the South after the war. He served as a U.S. Senator from March 31, 1870, to March 3, 1877.
Morgan Calvin Hamilton passed away on November 21, 1893. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas.