Washington C. Whitthorne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Washington Curran Whitthorne
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| United States Senator from Tennessee |
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| In office April 16, 1886 – March 3, 1887 |
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| Appointed by | William B. Bate |
| Preceded by | Howell E. Jackson |
| Succeeded by | William B. Bate |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 7th district |
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| In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1883 |
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| Preceded by | John Atkins |
| Succeeded by | John G. Ballentine |
| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | John Ballentine |
| Succeeded by | Nicholas N. Cox |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel M. Arnell |
| Succeeded by | John F. House |
| Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives | |
| In office 1859-1861 |
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| Member of the Tennessee Senate | |
| In office 1855-1858 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 19, 1825 Marshall County, Tennessee |
| Died | September 21, 1891 (aged 66) Columbia, Tennessee |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Adjutant General |
Washington Curran Whitthorne (born April 19, 1825, died September 21, 1891) was an important American politician. He was a lawyer from Tennessee and a member of the Democratic Party. He also served as an Adjutant General in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Whitthorne held many important roles in government, both in Tennessee and in the United States Congress.
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Early Life and Education
Washington Whitthorne was born in Marshall County, Tennessee. This was near a town called Petersburg, Tennessee. When he was young, James K. Polk, who later became a U.S. President, visited his family's home. Polk noticed how smart young Washington was. He suggested that Washington should study law.
Whitthorne went to Campbell Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee. He then attended East Tennessee College, which is now the University of Tennessee. He graduated from college in 1843. After college, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1845. He worked for James K. Polk for a while. In 1848, he started his own law practice in Columbia, Tennessee. On July 4, 1848, he married Matilda Jane Campbell, who was a cousin of James K. Polk.
Early Political Career
Whitthorne began his political career in Tennessee. He was elected to the Tennessee Senate and served from 1855 to 1858. After that, he became the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. He held this important position from 1859 to 1861. The Speaker leads the discussions and manages the work of the House of Representatives.
Service During the Civil War
In 1861, the American Civil War began. Washington Whitthorne became the Adjutant General for Tennessee in the Confederacy. An Adjutant General is a high-ranking military officer. They are in charge of managing the army's administration and records. Whitthorne served in this role throughout the entire Civil War. He also worked on the staff of several important Confederate generals. These included Robert Anderson, Marcus Joseph Wright, Samuel P. Carter, and William J. Hardee.
Post-War Public Service
After the Civil War ended, Whitthorne was briefly held as a prisoner. However, President Andrew Johnson helped him. President Johnson gave him a special pardon. This pardon restored Whitthorne's civil rights, allowing him to participate in public life again.
In 1870, Whitthorne decided to run for the United States House of Representatives. He won the election and served six terms in a row. During this time, he led the House Committee on Naval Affairs from 1875 to 1881. This committee was important for overseeing the U.S. Navy.
Later, a U.S. Senator from Tennessee, Howell E. Jackson, resigned. Tennessee's governor, William B. Bate, appointed Whitthorne to fill the empty spot in the United States Senate. Whitthorne served as a U.S. Senator from April 16, 1886, to March 3, 1887. After his time in the Senate, he returned to the House of Representatives. He served two more terms there, from 1887 to 1891.
Later Life and Legacy
After his long career in the House of Representatives, Washington Whitthorne returned to Columbia, Tennessee. He passed away there later in 1891. He was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery. Today, Whitthorne Middle School in Columbia is named in his honor. It was formerly known as Whitthorne Junior High School.
