William S. Holabird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William S. Holabird
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|---|---|
| 37th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut | |
| In office May 4, 1842 – May 1, 1844 |
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| Governor | Chauncey Fitch Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Charles Hawley |
| Succeeded by | Reuben Booth |
| United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut | |
| In office 1834–1841 |
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| President | Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren |
| Preceded by | Asa Child |
| Succeeded by | Charles Chapman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1794 Canaan, Connecticut |
| Died | May 20, 1855 Winchester, Litchfield County, Connecticut |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
William S. Holabird (born around 1794 – died May 20, 1855) was an important American lawyer and politician. He served as the 37th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut.
Contents
William S. Holabird's Early Life
William S. Holabird was born around 1794. His birthplace was Canaan, Connecticut. His parents were William D. Holabird and Dorcas Bird. He later married Adeline Catlin.
A Career in Law and Politics
William S. Holabird had a long career in public service. In 1831 and 1833, he tried to become a member of Congress. He ran as a candidate for the Democratic Party, but he did not win.
Serving as U.S. Attorney
In 1834, President Andrew Jackson chose Holabird for an important job. He became the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. In this role, he represented the government in legal cases.
The Amistad Case
One of the most famous cases Holabird worked on was the Amistad case. This case was about a group of Africans who had been taken from their homes. They were on a ship called La Amistad. They took control of the ship to gain their freedom.
The case went to court to decide their future. William S. Holabird presented the government's side. Later, the case went all the way to the Supreme Court. The Africans eventually won their freedom.
Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut
After his time as U.S. Attorney, Holabird was elected to another high office. He became the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut. He served two terms, from May 4, 1842, to May 1, 1844. During this time, Chauncey Fitch Cleveland was the governor.
After Governor Cleveland, Roger Sherman Baldwin became governor in 1844. Interestingly, Baldwin was known for defending the Africans in the Amistad Case. This was the same case where Holabird had represented the government.
William S. Holabird passed away in Winchester, Connecticut, on May 20, 1855.
William S. Holabird in Movies
The famous Amistad case was made into a movie. The film, called Amistad, came out in 1997. In the movie, actor Pete Postlethwaite played the role of William S. Holabird.
See also
