Thomas Whitehead (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Whitehead
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | John T. Harris |
| Succeeded by | John R. Tucker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 27, 1825 Lovingston, Virginia |
| Died | July 1, 1901 (aged 75) Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Martha Henry Garland |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Merchant, Editor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  2nd Virginia Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Whitehead (December 27, 1825 – July 1, 1901) was an important figure in Virginia during the 1800s. He was a politician, a lawyer, an editor, and a merchant.
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Who Was Thomas Whitehead?
Thomas Whitehead was born in Lovingston, Virginia, on December 27, 1825. He did not get much formal schooling when he was young. Instead, he learned about business and trade. Later, he decided to study law. In 1849, he became a lawyer and started his own practice in Amherst, Virginia.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Thomas Whitehead joined the Confederate States Army. He was a captain in Company E of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry. He served from 1862 to 1865. During his service, he was wounded twice. He was promoted to Major on April 15, 1865.
After the War: A Public Servant
After the war, Whitehead continued his public service. He was chosen to be a member of the Virginia Senate. However, a period called Reconstruction prevented him from taking his seat.
In 1866, he was elected as the prosecuting attorney for Amherst County, Virginia. He was elected again in 1869. He held this job until 1873.
Time in Congress
In 1872, Thomas Whitehead was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in Congress from 1873 to 1875.
Later Career and Legacy
After his time in Congress, Whitehead worked as an editor. He edited the Lynchburg News in 1876. In 1880, he edited the Lynchburg Advance. He also went back to practicing law.
In 1888, he was elected as the commissioner of agriculture for Virginia. He held this important position until he passed away. Thomas Whitehead died on July 1, 1901, near Lynchburg, Virginia. He was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg.
How Was Thomas Whitehead Elected?
In the 1872 election, Thomas Whitehead ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won with 51.40% of the votes. He defeated an independent candidate named J. Foote Johnson.
