Thomas R. Horton facts for kids

Thomas Raymond Horton (born April 18, 1823 – died July 26, 1894) was a politician from New York. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he was a member of the U.S. Congress.

Thomas Raymond Horton's Life

Early Life and Work

Thomas Raymond Horton was born in Fultonville, New York. He went to public schools there. Later, he studied law and became a lawyer. He worked as a lawyer in his hometown.

Horton was involved in his community from a young age. In 1848, he was part of the Fultonville village board of trustees. He also worked for six years as a clerk for the Montgomery County board of supervisors. For eight years, he served as a Justice of the Peace, helping with local legal matters.

Besides his legal and community work, Horton was also a newspaper editor. He was the editor and publisher of the Amsterdam (New York) Recorder newspaper from 1841 to 1857.

Time in Congress

In 1855, Thomas Horton was elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress. He was a member of the Opposition Party. He served in Congress from March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857.

During his time in Congress, there was a big disagreement about choosing the Speaker of the House. This was a very important position. Horton tried to help find a solution to this problem.

A Newspaper Story

A newspaper article was published in Horton's home district. It talked about the disagreement in Congress and mentioned his efforts. The famous newspaper editor Horace Greeley wrote about it in the New-York Tribune.

Another person, named Rust, was not happy with how he was described in Greeley's article. Rust thought the article was wrong. He confronted Horton, believing Horton had written the story. Horton admitted he wrote it. He agreed to say sorry and take back his words. He published his apology in newspapers like Washington Evening Star.

After Congress

Thomas Horton did not run for re-election in 1856. He continued to be involved in politics. In 1860, he was a delegate at the 1860 Republican National Convention.

During the Civil War, Horton served in the military. He was an adjutant in the 115th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment from 1862 to 1864. After the war, he went back to working with newspapers. He became the editor and publisher of the Montgomery County Republican.

Horton was also active in the Montgomery County Agricultural Society. He helped lead the Fonda and Fultonville Railroad as a board member.

Thomas Raymond Horton passed away in Fultonville on July 26, 1894. He was buried in the Old Fultonville Cemetery.