Thomas G. Alvord facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Gold Alvord
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | December 20, 1810 |
| Died | October 26, 1897 (aged 86) |
| Other names | Old Salt |
| Education | Yale College (1828) |
| Title | Lieutenant Governor of New York |
| Term | 1865–1866 |
| Spouse(s) | Amelia Ann Kellogg Charlotte Curtis Merrill Alvord |
| Children | 5 |
| Signature | |
.png){kind=small} |
|
Thomas Gold Alvord (born December 20, 1810 – died October 26, 1897) was an American lawyer, businessman, and politician. He was known as Old Salt during his time in politics.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Gold Alvord was born on December 20, 1810, in Onondaga, New York. His parents were Elisha Alvord and Helen Lansing. His family moved to Lansingburgh, New York, in 1813.
When he was 15 years old, Thomas started studying at Yale College. He graduated from Yale in 1828. After college, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1832. He began his law practice in Salina, New York. In 1846, he also became a lumber merchant.
Alvord's Political Journey
Thomas Gold Alvord had a long career in politics. He started as a member of the Democratic Party. In 1848, he joined the Free Soil Party. Later, he was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Democrat in 1858.
Changing Political Parties
In 1861, Thomas Alvord became a "War Democrat." This meant he was a Democrat who supported the Union during the American Civil War. He was nominated for the Assembly again and won without anyone running against him. From 1864 to 1872, he was elected as a Republican. In 1874, he ran as an Independent and won against the Republican who was already in office.
Serving in the New York State Assembly
Thomas Alvord was a member of the New York State Assembly many times. He represented Onondaga County in 1844, 1858, 1862, 1864, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, and 1882.
He was chosen to be the Speaker three times. The Speaker is the leader of the Assembly. He held this important role in 1858, 1864, and 1879.
Lieutenant Governor of New York
From 1865 to 1866, Thomas Gold Alvord served as the Lieutenant Governor of New York. The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest official in the state government. They are ready to take over if the Governor cannot do their job.
Constitutional Conventions
Thomas Alvord was also a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Conventions in 1867 and 1894. These conventions are meetings where people discuss and make changes to the state's constitution. He was chosen as the vice president for both of these important meetings.
Later Life and Death
Thomas Gold Alvord passed away on October 26, 1897, in Syracuse, New York. He was buried at the Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse.
