Thomas Jefferson Foster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Jefferson Foster
|
|
|---|---|
| Confederate Congress | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 11, 1809 Nashville, Tennessee |
| Died | February 24, 1887 (aged 77) |
| Resting place | Florence Cemetery Florence, Alabama |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Virginia Prudence Watkins |
| Profession | Planter |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  27th Alabama Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Jefferson Foster (born July 11, 1809 – died February 24, 1887) was an important soldier and politician. He served the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. He was a member of the Confederate Congress twice. Later, he was chosen for the United States Congress, but he was not allowed to take his seat.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Jefferson Foster was born in Nashville, Tennessee. His father, Robert C. Foster, was also a well-known politician. He had been the president of the state senate.
When Thomas was 24, he married Virginia Watkins. Her father owned a large farm in Lawrence County, Alabama. Thomas and Virginia moved to Courtland, Alabama. There, Thomas became very successful with his own farming.
Joining the Confederate Army
When his home state decided to leave the United States, Thomas Foster took action. He created a group of soldiers called the 27th Alabama Infantry. He became their first colonel.
Foster also helped build Fort Henry. This fort was important for protecting the Tennessee River. He served at the fort under General Lloyd Tilghman. However, the fort's forces eventually gave up to General Ulysses S. Grant.
Political Career
After his time as a soldier, Thomas Foster became a politician. He represented Alabama in the First Confederate Congress and the Second Confederate Congress. People knew him as a great speaker and a skilled debater. He worked on committees that dealt with land and money.
After the War
In 1865, Thomas Foster was elected to the United States House of Representatives. But after the Civil War, the United States went through a time called Reconstruction. During this time, a group called the Radical Republicans had strong policies. Because of these policies, former Confederate leaders like Foster were not allowed to join Congress.
