William L. Stoughton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William L. Stoughton
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| Born | March 20, 1827 Bangor, New York |
| Died | June 6, 1888 (aged 61) Sturgis, Michigan |
| Place of burial |
Oaklawn Cemetery, Sturgis, Michigan
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 11th Michigan Infantry Regiment 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, XIV Corps, Army of the Cumberland |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | United States Congressman, lawyer |
| Signature |  |
William Lewis Stoughton (born March 20, 1827 – died June 6, 1888) was an important person in American history. He was a politician and a soldier from the state of Michigan. He served in the United States Congress and was also a high-ranking officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Stoughton was born in Bangor, New York. He went to different schools, called academies, in Lake County, Ohio. These included Kirtland, Painesville, and Madison Academies. After his schooling, he decided to study law. He studied law in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan between 1849 and 1851. In 1851, he passed his exams to become a lawyer. He then started his law practice in Sturgis, Michigan.
Early Career and Politics
Before the Civil War, Stoughton was active in politics. From 1855 to 1859, he worked as a prosecuting attorney for St. Joseph County. This job meant he represented the government in court cases. In 1860, he was chosen to be a delegate at the 1860 Republican National Convention. This was an important meeting where the Republican Party chose its candidate for president.
In March 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Stoughton as the United States District Attorney for Michigan. This was a big job, but he only held it for a few months. When the Civil War began, he decided to join the army.
Military Service in the Civil War
William Stoughton joined the Union Army and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a Colonel and led the 11th Michigan Infantry. This was a group of soldiers from his home state.
He commanded a brigade, which is a large group of soldiers, in the XIV Corps. His unit was part of the Army of the Cumberland. Stoughton and his troops fought in major battles of the Civil War. These included the Battle of Stones River, the Battle of Chickamauga, and the Battle of Chattanooga. These battles were very important in the war.
In August 1864, Stoughton had to leave the army because he became very ill. After the war, in 1867, he was given an honorary rank of brevet major general. This was a special recognition for his brave service.
After the War: A Return to Politics
After leaving the army, William Stoughton returned to his law practice in Sturgis, Michigan, in 1865. But his public service was not over.
In 1867, he became a member of the Michigan State Constitutional Convention. This group helped write new rules for the state's government. From 1867 to 1868, he served as the Michigan Attorney General. In this role, he was the chief legal officer for the state of Michigan.
Stoughton was then elected to the United States Congress as a Republican. He represented Michigan's 2nd congressional district. He served two terms in Congress, from March 4, 1869, to March 3, 1873. After his time in Congress, he went back to practicing law in 1874.
Later Life
William L. Stoughton passed away in Sturgis, Michigan, on June 6, 1888. He was buried in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. He is remembered for his dedication to both his country as a soldier and his state as a politician and lawyer.
Images for kids
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William L. Stoughton
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Signature of William Lewis Stoughton
