William Alexander Percy (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Alexander Percy
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c. 1878
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| 37th Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1878 – January 1880 |
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| Preceded by | Hugh McQueen Street |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin F. Johns |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the Washington County district |
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| In office January 1876 – January 1880 Serving with
1878–1880: Wade Hampton Jr. 1876–1878: James B. Young |
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| Preceded by | W. H. Harris John H. Morgan |
| Succeeded by | John W. Shields Peter Mitchell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 10, 1834 Huntsville, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | January 19, 1888 (aged 53) Greenville, Mississippi |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 5, including LeRoy |
William Alexander Percy was an important American lawyer and politician. He was born on May 10, 1834, and passed away on January 19, 1888. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Percy served as the Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1878 to 1880. He was also the father of LeRoy Percy, who later became a U.S. Senator.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Alexander Percy was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on May 10, 1834. His parents were Thomas George Percy and Maria (Pope) Percy. When his father died in 1841, William moved with his mother and brothers to Washington County, Mississippi.
They settled on land his father had owned. By 1853, the family had created the Percy Plantation near Greenville. William went to school in Alabama and then Mississippi. He later attended Princeton University, finishing his studies in 1853. He then studied law at the University of Virginia School of Law, graduating around 1855. Percy started his law practice in Greenville in 1858.
A Soldier in the Civil War
When the U.S. Civil War began, Percy joined the Confederate Army. He started as a Captain in the 22nd Mississippi Infantry Regiment. His company was the first from Washington County to join the fight.
In 1862, he became an assistant to General John S. Bowen. Percy was captured in July 1863 during the Siege of Vicksburg. After his release, he returned to duty in October 1863. He served as an assistant to General Armistead Lindsay Long. By the end of the war, Percy had reached the rank of Colonel.
His Time in Politics
After the Civil War ended, Percy returned to Greenville and continued his law practice. During the Reconstruction period, Percy, a Democrat, worked to bring back the influence of landowners. He believed in a "fusion" approach, where white landowners worked with some African American voters. This helped them win elections.
In 1873, he helped create a group called the "taxpayers' convention." This group of landowners aimed to change the government. In 1875, Percy was elected to represent Washington County in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He served from 1876 to 1878. He was re-elected for another term from 1878 to 1880. During this second term, he became the Speaker of the House. Percy also attended the 1884 Democratic National Convention.
Later Years and Family Life
After his time as Speaker, Percy left politics. He chose not to seek higher office. He focused on his law practice and served on the Levee Board. He also supported building more railroads and stronger levees. William Alexander Percy passed away on January 19, 1888, at the age of 53.
Percy married Nancy Irving Armstrong on February 23, 1858. They had five children together. Their children were Fannie, William A., LeRoy, Walker, and Lady. LeRoy later became a U.S. Senator, following in his father's footsteps in public service.
