Thomas Spight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Spight
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's 2nd district |
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| In office July 5, 1898 – March 3, 1911 |
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| Preceded by | William V. Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | Hubert D. Stephens |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives | |
| In office 1874–1880 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | October 25, 1841 near Ripley, Mississippi |
| Died | January 5, 1924 (aged 82) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Occupation | Lawyer, schoolteacher, newspaper owner |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | Army |
Thomas Spight was an important figure from Mississippi. He was born on October 25, 1841, near Ripley, Mississippi. He grew up to become a lawyer, a teacher, and a newspaper owner. Later, he served as a U.S. Representative for Mississippi. This means he helped make laws for the country in Washington, D.C.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Spight went to local schools as a child. He also attended Ripley Academy. For his college education, he studied at Purdy College in Tennessee. He also went to La Grange Synodical College, also in Tennessee.
Serving in the Army
In 1861, when he was about 20 years old, Thomas Spight joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private. Soon after, he was promoted to lieutenant. By 1862, he became a captain. He led a group of soldiers called Company B, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Mississippi Volunteer Infantry. He served in the army until the end of the war.
Career and Public Service
After the war, Thomas Spight worked as a schoolteacher. He also spent time working on farms. He decided to study law and became a lawyer in 1875. He started his law practice in his hometown of Ripley, Mississippi.
State Government Role
From 1874 to 1880, Thomas Spight served in the Mississippi House of Representatives. This is where state laws are made. He helped represent the people of Mississippi at the state level.
Newspaper and Legal Work
In 1879, he started a newspaper called the Southern Sentinel. He ran the newspaper for five years before leaving that business. From 1884 to 1892, he worked as a prosecuting attorney. This means he was a lawyer who worked for the government to bring people who broke the law to court.
Serving in Congress
Thomas Spight was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1898, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He filled a spot that became open when another representative, William V. Sullivan, left.
Years in Washington
He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. He was reelected several times. His time in Congress lasted from July 5, 1898, until March 3, 1911. In 1910, he tried to be nominated again for his position but was not chosen.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Congress, Thomas Spight went back to being a lawyer. He also spent time helping with religious activities. He passed away on January 5, 1924, in Ripley, Mississippi. He was buried in the Ripley Cemetery.
