Thomas Lawson Price facts for kids
Thomas Lawson Price (born January 19, 1809 – died July 15, 1870) was an important American politician from Missouri. He served as a Representative in the U.S. Congress and also as the Lieutenant Governor of Missouri.
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Thomas Price's Early Life and Career
Thomas Price was born near Danville, Virginia, in 1809. He went to public schools there. In 1831, he moved to Missouri and settled in Jefferson City.
In Jefferson City, he became involved in several businesses. He ran stagecoach lines, which were like early bus services. He also worked in manufacturing and trade.
Becoming Jefferson City's First Mayor
Thomas Price was a very active member of his community. He became the very first mayor of Jefferson City. He served in this role from 1839 to 1842.
In 1845, he tried to get elected to the State senate but did not win. However, in 1847, he was made a general in the Sixth Division of the Missouri Militia.
Price's Political Journey
Thomas Price continued his political career. In 1848, he was elected as the eighth Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. He served from November 20, 1848, until January 3, 1853. During this time, Austin Augustus King was the Governor.
Later, from 1860 to 1862, Price was a member of the State house of representatives. He also helped start the Capital City Bank and was the president of the Jefferson Land Company. He worked hard to help build new railway lines in the state. In 1861 and 1862, he became a Brigadier general of Volunteers.
Serving in Congress
In 1862, Thomas Price was elected as a Democratic Representative to the U.S. Congress. He took over a spot that had become empty. He served in Congress from January 21, 1862, to March 3, 1863.
He tried to get reelected to Congress in 1862 but was not successful. He also ran for Governor of Missouri in 1864 but did not win that election either. Price continued to be involved in politics, serving as a delegate for the Democratic Party at their national meetings in 1864 and 1868.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Lawson Price passed away in Jefferson City, Missouri, on July 15, 1870. He was 61 years old. He was first buried in a private cemetery. Later, in 1912, his remains were moved and reinterred in Riverview Cemetery, also in Jefferson City.
