Thomas P. Ochiltree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas P. Ochiltree
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 7th district |
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| In office March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1885 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | William H. Crain |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 26, 1837 Nacogdoches, Republic of Texas |
| Died | November 25, 1902 (aged 65) Hot Springs, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Independent |
Thomas Peck Ochiltree (born October 26, 1837 – died November 25, 1902) was an important figure from Texas. He served as a representative for Texas in the United States House of Representatives. He had many different jobs throughout his life, including a Texas Ranger, a newspaper editor, and even a U.S. Marshal.
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Thomas P. Ochiltree's Early Life and Adventures
Thomas was born in Nacogdoches, which was part of the Republic of Texas at the time. He went to public schools when he was young.
When he was about 17, in 1854, Thomas joined the Texas Rangers. He was a private in Captain John G. Walker's company. They worked to protect people from Apache and Comanche Native American groups.
Becoming a Lawyer and Working in Government
In 1857, the Texas Legislature made a special rule so Thomas could become a lawyer. He then worked as a clerk for the Texas House of Representatives from 1856 to 1859. He was also the secretary for the State Democratic convention in 1859.
Thomas also worked in newspapers. He was the editor of a paper called the Jeffersonian in 1860 and 1861. He also went to important political meetings, called Democratic National Conventions, in 1860.
Service During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Thomas joined the Confederate States Army. He was part of the First Texas Regiment. He started as a private and was promoted several times. He became a lieutenant, then a captain, and finally a major.
After the War: Editor and Marshal
After the Civil War, Thomas went back to working with newspapers. He was the editor of the Houston Daily Telegraph from 1866 to 1867.
From 1870 to 1873, he had a special job. He was appointed as a commissioner for Texas to encourage people from Europe to move to Texas. This was a way to help Texas grow.
In 1874, President Grant appointed him as a U.S. Marshal for the eastern part of Texas. This meant he was a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
Serving in Congress and Later Life
Thomas Ochiltree was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served as an Independent representative from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1885.
After his time in Congress, he moved to New York City and retired from public life. Thomas Peck Ochiltree passed away in Hot Springs, Virginia, on November 25, 1902. He was first buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Later, his remains were moved to Mount Hope Cemetery in New York on November 8, 1903.
