Samuel J. Gholson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel J. Gholson
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi |
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| In office February 13, 1839 – January 10, 1861 |
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| Appointed by | Martin Van Buren |
| Preceded by | George Adams |
| Succeeded by | Robert Andrews Hill |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's at-large district |
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| In office July 18, 1837 – February 5, 1838 |
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| Preceded by | himself |
| Succeeded by | Thomas J. Word |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's at-large district |
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| In office December 1, 1836 – March 3, 1837 |
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| Preceded by | David Dickson |
| Succeeded by | himself |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samuel Jameson Gholson
May 19, 1808 Richmond, Kentucky, US |
| Died | October 16, 1883 (aged 75) Aberdeen, Mississippi, US |
| Resting place | Odd Fellows Cemetery Aberdeen, Mississippi |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | read law |
Samuel Jameson Gholson (born May 19, 1808 – died October 16, 1883) was an important figure in American history. He served as a U.S. Representative for Mississippi. He was also a federal judge for two different districts in Mississippi. Later in his life, he became a General in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.
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Early Life and Education
Samuel Gholson was born on May 19, 1808. His birthplace was near Richmond, Kentucky in Madison County, Kentucky. When he was young, his family moved to Franklin County, Alabama. He went to local schools there.
Instead of going to college, Gholson chose to read law. This means he studied law on his own or under an experienced lawyer. He passed his law exams in 1829 in Russellville, Alabama. After that, he started his own law practice. He worked as a private lawyer in Athens, Mississippi from 1830 to 1839.
Early Political Career
Gholson also became involved in politics early on. He was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. He served in this role from 1835 to 1836, and again in 1839.
Serving in Congress
Samuel Gholson was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Mississippi as a Jacksonian Democrat. This was a political party at the time. He first served from December 1, 1836, to March 3, 1837. He filled a spot that became empty when another representative passed away.
He was elected again and served from July 18, 1837, until February 5, 1838. His time in Congress showed his dedication to public service.
Becoming a Federal Judge
In 1839, President Martin Van Buren chose Samuel Gholson to be a federal judge. He was nominated on February 9, 1839. The United States Senate approved his appointment a few days later. He officially became a judge on February 13, 1839.
Gholson served as a judge for two important courts in Mississippi. These were the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. He held this position for many years.
End of Judicial Service
His time as a judge ended on January 10, 1861. This was because Mississippi decided to leave the Union. This event is known as secession. Gholson was part of the Mississippi convention that voted for secession in 1861.
Later Years and Military Service
While he was a federal judge, Gholson also served in the Mississippi State Militia. He was a lieutenant in 1846.
American Civil War Role
During the American Civil War, Samuel Gholson joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private and rose through the ranks. He became a captain, colonel, and then a brigadier general. He even became a major general of state troops. In June 1863, he was put in charge of a group of cavalry soldiers.
Post-War Career and Death
After the Civil War, Gholson returned to politics. He was again a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1865 to 1866. He also served another term in 1878. He continued his private law practice in Aberdeen, Mississippi. He worked as a lawyer from 1866 to 1878, and again from 1878 until his death.
Samuel Gholson passed away on October 16, 1883, in Aberdeen, Mississippi. He was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Aberdeen.
