William Brickly Stokes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Brickly Stokes
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William Brickly Stokes
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| Born | September 9, 1814 Chatham County, North Carolina |
| Died | March 14, 1897 (aged 82) Alexandria, Tennessee |
| Place of burial |
Eastview Cemetery, Alexandria, Tennessee
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 5th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Brickly Stokes (born September 9, 1814 – died March 14, 1897) was an important American politician. He served in the United States House of Representatives for Tennessee. He was also a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Politics
William Brickly Stokes was born on September 9, 1814. His birthplace was Chatham County, North Carolina. Later, his family moved to Temperance Hall, Tennessee.
He worked in farming for a while. Then, he decided to get involved in politics. He became a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. He served there from 1849 to 1852. After that, he was a member of the Tennessee Senate in 1855 and 1856.
Serving in Congress
In 1859, William Stokes was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Tennessee as a member of the Opposition Party. He served in Congress until 1861.
Military Service in the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861. William Stokes joined the Union Army on May 15, 1862. He started as a major in the Tennessee Volunteers.
He quickly rose through the ranks. He became a colonel of the 5th Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. He led this cavalry unit until he resigned from the army in March 1865. During the war, he briefly commanded a brigade (a large group of soldiers) in the Army of the Ohio.
Becoming a Brigadier General
After the war, he received a special honor. On December 24, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated him. He was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This means he had the rank for honor, but not necessarily the full duties or pay. The U.S. Senate confirmed this award in February 1867.
Life After the War
After his military service, William Stokes studied law. He became a lawyer in 1867. He started his law practice in Alexandria, Tennessee. This town is in DeKalb County, Tennessee.
Return to Congress
Tennessee was allowed to have representatives in Congress again. William Stokes was elected once more. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from July 1866 to March 1871. He was first elected as an Unconditional Unionist. Later, he was re-elected as a Republican.
He tried to be re-elected in 1870 but was not successful. He also worked as a supervisor for internal revenue in Tennessee. This job involved collecting taxes.
William Brickly Stokes continued to practice law. He passed away in Alexandria, Tennessee, on March 14, 1897. He was buried in East View Cemetery in Alexandria.
