Thomas Cage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Cage
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| Louisiana State Senate | |
| In office 1872–1880 |
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| Louisiana House of Representatives | |
| In office 1884–1888 |
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| Louisiana State Senate | |
| In office 1888–1892 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1845 Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana |
| Died | December 10, 1896 (aged 50–51) |
| Political party | Republican |
Thomas A. Cage (born 1845 – died December 10, 1896) was an important political leader in Louisiana. He served in the Louisiana State Senate during a time called the Reconstruction era. He also served in the Louisiana House of Representatives and later again in the State Senate.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Cage was born in 1845 in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. At the time, he was enslaved. During the American Civil War, he gained his freedom with the help of the Union Army.
His father was white, and his mother was an enslaved Black woman. Thomas took the last name Cage from the owner of the sugar plantation where he lived.
After the Civil War, Thomas moved north of Louisiana. There, he was able to get an education. He returned to Louisiana in 1869.
Life in Terrebonne Parish
During the Reconstruction era, Thomas Cage became the editor of a newspaper called the Terrebonne Republican. He also bought and successfully managed a plantation. By 1883, his plantation was still doing well.
Thomas Cage was also a member of the board of trustees for Southern University at New Orleans. He was appointed to this important role in February 1883.
Political Career
Thomas Cage began his political journey in 1870. He was elected as a justice of the peace for Houma, Louisiana. A justice of the peace is a local judge who handles minor legal matters.
In 1871, Governor Henry C. Warmoth appointed him to another role. Thomas became the parish assessor and tax collector. This meant he was in charge of valuing property and collecting taxes for the parish.
State Conventions and Senate Service
In August 1871, Thomas Cage represented Terrebonne Parish. He was a delegate at the Republican State Convention in New Orleans. He served on a special committee. This committee was tasked with writing resolutions and a message to the people of Louisiana.
Thomas Cage was first elected to the Louisiana State Senate in 1872. He represented the 8th district. He was re-elected in 1876. Another person, Isaiah D. Moore, challenged his election. However, the challenge was denied in March 1878.
He served in the Senate from 1872 until 1880. He had to leave office because of changes to the state constitution in 1879.
Sheriff and House of Representatives
After leaving the Senate, Thomas Cage ran for sheriff of Terrebonne Parish in 1880. He won the election with more than 60% of the votes. He served as sheriff for four years.
Next, Cage was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. He represented Terrebonne Parish along with G. W. Lyons. He served in the House from 1884 until 1888.
Return to the Senate
In 1888, Thomas Cage ran for the State Senate again. This time, he ran for a seat that represented three parishes. He was elected and served one term, from 1888 until 1892. During this time, he moved to New Orleans. This move happened because of problems with labor in Terrebonne Parish.
Thomas Cage also served as the chairman of the Republican state central committee. He held this important leadership position during the 1880s and 1890s. He remained active in politics until he passed away.
Later Life and Death
Thomas Cage died at his home in New Orleans on December 10, 1896. He had been ill for some time. He was buried in Girod cemetery.
See also
