William F. Slemons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Ferguson Slemons
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arkansas's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Oliver P. Snyder |
| Succeeded by | James K. Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 15, 1830 Dresden, Tennessee |
| Died | December 10, 1918 (aged 88) Monticello, Arkansas |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Bethel College |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  2nd Arkansas Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Ferguson Slemons (born March 15, 1830 – died December 10, 1918) was an important American politician and lawyer. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Arkansas. This means he was elected to represent Arkansas in the United States Congress.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Slemons was born in Dresden, Tennessee, on March 15, 1830. He went to college at Bethel College. In 1852, when he was about 22 years old, he moved to Arkansas.
Becoming a Lawyer
After moving to Arkansas, William Slemons decided to study law. He worked hard and was allowed to practice law in 1855. This is called being "admitted to the bar." He started his law practice in a town called Monticello, Arkansas, which is in Drew County.
Service During the Civil War
In 1861, William Slemons was part of the Arkansas State convention. This was a meeting where important decisions about the state's future were made.
Soon after, the American Civil War began. In July 1861, Slemons joined the Confederate States Army. He became a Colonel, which is a high-ranking officer. He led the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry, a group of soldiers who fought on horseback.
Captured in Battle
During the war, in the fall of 1864, Colonel Slemons was fighting in Kansas. His horse was shot from under him during a battle. He and many of his soldiers were captured by the Union forces. He remained a prisoner for the rest of the war.
A Career in Public Service
After the Civil War ended, William Slemons went back to practicing law. He also took on several important public roles.
Serving as District Attorney
From 1866 to 1868, Slemons worked as a district attorney. A district attorney is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to bring legal cases against people accused of crimes.
Becoming a U.S. Representative
William Slemons was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States Congress three times. He served in the House of Representatives from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1881. During this time, he helped make laws for the entire country.
He decided not to run for re-election in 1880. After his time in Congress, he returned to Monticello, Arkansas, and continued his law practice.
A Judge in Drew County
Later in his life, Slemons became a judge. He served as the county and probate judge for Drew County from 1903 to 1907. A probate judge handles legal matters related to wills and estates. From 1908 to 1918, he also served as a Justice of the Peace. This role involves handling minor legal cases and keeping the peace in the community.
Later Life and Legacy
William Ferguson Slemons passed away in Monticello, Arkansas, on December 10, 1918. He was 88 years old. He was buried in Union Ridge Cemetery, which is near Monticello.
