Thomas Young Simons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Young Simons
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| Member of the South Carolina General Assembly | |
| In office 1854–1860 |
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| Constituency | Charleston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1828 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Died | April 30, 1878 (aged 49) Charleston, South Carolina |
| Political party | |
| Spouse |
Annie L. Ancram
(m. 1852) |
| Education | Yale College |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician |
| Signature |  |
Thomas Young Simons (born October 1, 1828 – died April 30, 1878) was an American lawyer and politician. He was known for his work in law and his role in South Carolina politics during a very important time in American history.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Young Simons was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 1, 1828. He was the third son of Dr. Thomas Y. Simons.
He went to Yale College and finished his studies there in 1847. After college, he returned to Charleston.
Career as a Lawyer
For two years, Thomas Simons taught at the Charleston High School. During this time, he also studied to become a lawyer. In 1850, he officially became a lawyer.
He worked as a lawyer in Charleston for most of his life. The only time he stopped was during the American Civil War.
Family Life
Thomas Young Simons married Annie L. Ancram in July 1852.
Political Roles
Simons was very active in politics. He represented his hometown of Charleston in the South Carolina General Assembly from 1854 to 1860. This was like being a state representative.
In 1860, he was chosen as a Democratic Presidential elector for South Carolina. This meant he helped choose the president.
Role in the Civil War
Thomas Simons was also part of the State Convention in December 1860. This group voted to pass the ordinance of secession. This decision meant South Carolina chose to leave the United States.
During the American Civil War, Simons served as an officer in the Confederate army. He was a Captain in the 27th Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers. Later, he became a Judge Advocate, which is like a military lawyer.
Later Years and Legacy
After the war, in September 1865, Simons became the main editor for a newspaper called the Charleston Courier. He worked there until April 1873. Juggling his newspaper work with being a busy lawyer made him very tired.
In his later years, he worked hard to help South Carolina regain local self-government. He also helped create the Union Reform party in the state.
Thomas Young Simons passed away in Charleston on April 30, 1878, after a long illness. He was 49 years old.
