William Lowndes Calhoun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Lowndes Calhoun
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| Mayor of Atlanta | |
| In office January 1879 – January 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Nedom L. Angier |
| Succeeded by | James W. English |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 23, 1837 Decatur, Georgia |
| Died | November 16, 1908 (aged 69) |
| Resting place | Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Spouse | Mary Jane Oliver Calhoun |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1862-1865 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  42nd Georgia Infantry Army of Tennessee |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Lowndes Calhoun (November 23, 1837 – November 16, 1908) was an American lawyer and politician from Georgia. He served as the 26th Mayor of Atlanta. Calhoun was a member of the Democratic Party. He was the first in a long line of Democratic mayors in Atlanta that continues today.
Early Life and Education
William Lowndes Calhoun was born in Decatur, Georgia, on November 23, 1837. His father, James Calhoun, also became a mayor of Atlanta.
In 1852, when William was 15, his family moved to Atlanta. At age 16, he started studying law at his father's law firm. He worked hard and passed the exam to become a lawyer in 1857.
Military Service in the Civil War
In March 1862, William Calhoun joined the Confederate States Army. He became a captain in Company K of the 42nd Georgia Infantry.
He served in Knoxville, Tennessee, and later in the Vicksburg Campaign. During this campaign, his group was forced to surrender on July 4, 1863. After being released, Calhoun fought in the Atlanta Campaign. He was wounded during the Battle of Resaca. After he recovered, he served in the Army of Tennessee.
Political Career and Public Service
After the war ended, Calhoun returned to Atlanta. He served in the Georgia state legislature from 1872 to 1876.
Following in his father's footsteps, he was elected Mayor of Atlanta in 1879. During his time as mayor, he started the city's street paving system. This helped make the city's roads better.
After being mayor, he worked as a judge for the Court of Ordinary in Fulton County. He held this position from 1881 to 1897.
