Thomas Hedge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hedge
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Sketch of Hedge circa 1911
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1899-March 3, 1907 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel M. Clark |
| Succeeded by | Charles A. Kennedy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 24, 1844 Burlington, Iowa Territory |
| Died | November 28, 1920 (aged 76) Burlington, Iowa |
| Alma mater | Yale College |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Thomas Hedge (born June 24, 1844 – died November 28, 1920) was an important American politician from Iowa. He served as a U.S. Representative for Iowa's 1st congressional district for four terms. He was a member of the Republican Party.
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Thomas Hedge's Early Life
Thomas Hedge was born in Burlington, which was part of the Iowa Territory at the time. He went to local schools and also attended Denmark Academy in Iowa.
Education and Military Service
In 1861, Thomas graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. However, his studies were paused because of the American Civil War. During the war, in 1864 and 1865, he served as a soldier. He was a private and later a second lieutenant in the 106th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
After the war, Thomas continued his education. He graduated from Yale College in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1867. He then went on to study law at Columbia College Law School in New York City, graduating in 1869.
Becoming a Lawyer
In 1869, Thomas Hedge was officially allowed to practice law in New York. He then moved back to Iowa and started his law career in Burlington. For twenty years, he worked with another Republican politician, J.W. Blythe, as a law partner. Their clients included big companies like the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
Thomas Hedge in Politics
In 1898, Thomas Hedge decided to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He was elected as a Republican to represent Iowa's 1st congressional district. The person who held the seat before him, Samuel M. Clark, chose not to run again.
Serving in Congress
Thomas Hedge served in the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms. He was a member of the Fifty-sixth Congress and the three Congresses that followed. He served in Congress from March 4, 1899, until March 3, 1907. In 1906, he decided not to seek re-election for another term.
Later Years
After leaving Congress, Thomas Hedge returned to his law practice. He continued to work as a lawyer. He passed away in Burlington, Iowa, on November 28, 1920. He was buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
