Trusten Polk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Trusten W Polk
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| United States Senator from Missouri |
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| In office March 4, 1857 – January 10, 1862 |
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| Preceded by | Henry S. Geyer |
| Succeeded by | John B. Henderson |
| 12th Governor of Missouri | |
| In office January 5, 1857 – February 27, 1857 |
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| Lieutenant | Hancock Lee Jackson |
| Preceded by | Sterling Price |
| Succeeded by | Hancock Lee Jackson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 29, 1811 Bridgeville, Delaware |
| Died | April 16, 1876 (aged 64) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Skinner Polk |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  Missouri State Guard |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Trusten W. Polk (born May 29, 1811 – died April 16, 1876) was an important American politician. He served as the 12th Governor of Missouri for a short time in 1857. After that, he became a U.S. Senator for Missouri, serving from 1857 to 1862.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Trusten W. Polk was born in Bridgeville, Delaware. He grew up to become a lawyer and a judge. Later, he decided to get involved in politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party. This was one of the main political groups in the United States at the time.
Becoming Governor of Missouri
In 1856, Polk was chosen by the people of Missouri to be their Governor. A governor is like the chief leader of a state. He started his term on January 5, 1857. However, he did not stay governor for very long.
Moving to the U.S. Senate
Just a few weeks after becoming governor, Trusten W. Polk was chosen for an even bigger job. He was selected to be a U.S. Senator. A U.S. Senator represents their state in the national government in Washington, D.C. Because he took this new role, he resigned as governor on February 27, 1857. Another politician, Hancock Lee Jackson, then became governor.
Role in the Civil War
The United States faced a very difficult time called the American Civil War. This war was fought between the Northern states and the Southern states. Trusten W. Polk supported the Southern states, also known as the Confederacy.
Expulsion from the Senate
Because of his support for the South, Trusten W. Polk was removed from his position as a U.S. Senator. This happened on January 10, 1862. Being removed from the Senate is a very serious action.
Military Service
After leaving the Senate, Polk joined the military forces of the Confederacy. He became a colonel in the Missouri State Guard. This group was led by Confederate General Sterling Price. Later in the war, he worked as a judge in military courts in areas controlled by the Confederacy.
Later Life and Legacy
After the Civil War ended, Trusten W. Polk returned to his work as a lawyer. He practiced law in St. Louis, Missouri. He lived there until he passed away on April 16, 1876. He is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.
