Thomas Flournoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Stanhope Flournoy
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1849 |
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| Preceded by | William Tredway |
| Succeeded by | Thomas H. Averett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 15, 1811 Prince Edward County, Virginia |
| Died | March 12, 1883 (aged 71) Halifax County, Virginia |
| Political party | American |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic |
| Alma mater | Hampden-Sydney College |
| Profession | lawyer, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  6th Virginia Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Jackson's Valley Campaign Battle of Port Republic Battle of Cross Keys |
Thomas Stanhope Flournoy (born December 15, 1811 – died March 12, 1883) was an important figure from Virginia. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he was a lawmaker for his state in the national government. He also became a cavalry officer, leading soldiers on horseback, during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Flournoy was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He went to college at Hampden-Sydney College. After finishing school, he worked as a private teacher. Later, he decided to study law. In 1834, he passed his exams to become a lawyer and started his own law practice in Halifax, Virginia.
A Career in Politics
Flournoy became involved in politics. He was elected as a member of the Whig Party to the U.S. Congress. He served one term from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. He tried to get re-elected in 1848 and 1850 but was not successful.
In 1855, he ran for Governor of Virginia as a candidate for the American Party (also known as the Know Nothing Party). However, he lost that election to Henry A. Wise.
Serving in the Civil War
In 1861, as the country was heading towards the American Civil War, Flournoy was a member of the Virginia convention in Richmond. This meeting decided if Virginia would leave the United States.
After Virginia decided to leave, Flournoy joined the Confederate States Army. He formed his own group of cavalry soldiers and started as their captain. He was later promoted to colonel and led the 6th Virginia Cavalry. He fought in Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Valley Campaign. He also took part in major battles like the Battle of Port Republic and the Battle of Cross Keys. In 1863, he tried to become governor again but was not elected.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Thomas Flournoy moved to Danville, Virginia. He went back to working as a lawyer. In 1876, he was chosen as a delegate to the 1876 Democratic National Convention, which is a big meeting where a political party chooses its candidate for president.
He passed away at his home in Halifax County, Virginia, on March 12, 1883. He was buried in his family's burial ground on his estate.
