William H. Kitchin facts for kids

William Hodge Kitchin (December 22, 1837 – February 2, 1901) was an American lawyer, soldier, and politician. He served one term as a U.S. Congressman from North Carolina. Kitchin was a member of the Democratic Party. He also briefly joined the Populists.

Early Life and Family

William Kitchin was born on December 22, 1837, in Lauderdale County, Alabama. In 1841, he moved with his family to North Carolina. He later attended Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia.

In April 1861, Kitchin left college to join the Confederate States Army. He served throughout the Civil War. By 1863, he had been promoted to the rank of captain.

In 1864, Kitchin married Maria Figures Arrington. They had eight sons and one daughter who lived to adulthood. Many of their children became successful in various fields.

Kitchin's Children

• Samuel Boaz: A planter.
• William Walton Kitchin: Became a lawyer, Congressman, and governor.
• Claude Kitchin: Became a lawyer and Congressman.
• John Arrington: A planter.
• Paul: Became a lawyer and state senator.
• Gertrude (Mrs. A. McDowell).
• Richard Vann: Held various roles.
• Annie Maria (Mrs. Charles L. McDowell).
• Thurman Delna: Became a physician and President of Wake Forest College.
• Leland H.: A planter.
• Teddy Alston: Held various roles.

Legal Career

After the Civil War, Kitchin studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1869 and started practicing law in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. He once traveled to California to resolve a land claim. This case earned him a large fee of $20,000. This money helped him become financially secure. He was also an active member of the Masons.

Political Career

In 1878, Kitchin was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented North Carolina's 2nd congressional district. He served in the Forty-sixth United States Congress from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1881. His election faced some challenges. There were accusations of voting problems. His win was also helped by a split between two other candidates.

Kitchin did not win reelection in 1880. He then returned to North Carolina and continued his law practice. In 1885, he built a house called "Gallberry."

Kitchin was known for his strong speeches. He often spoke against the growing political influence of African Americans in his state. He had defeated an African American candidate to win his Congressional term.

In 1890, Kitchin disagreed with the Democratic Party. He criticized President Grover Cleveland. Kitchin briefly joined the People's Party, also known as the Populists. He served on their state executive committee in the mid-1890s. For a time, he worked with the Populists to form alliances with African American voters.

However, Kitchin became unhappy with his new allies. This was due to a "fusion" agreement between Populists and Republicans in the state legislature in 1895. Despite this, he was a delegate to the national Populist convention in 1896. There, he worked to get the party to support the Democratic candidates, William J. Bryan and Arthur Sewall. He later returned to the Democratic Party.

Death and Legacy

William Kitchin passed away in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, on February 2, 1901. He was buried in the family plot at Trinity Episcopal Church cemetery.

Kitchin started a family tradition of political service in North Carolina. Two of his sons, Claude Kitchin and William Walton Kitchin, became important politicians. His grandson, Alvin Paul Kitchin, also became a prominent politician. Another son, Thurman Delna Kitchin, served as president of Wake Forest College for many years. North Carolina has a highway marker near his home, Gallberry, to honor him.