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First Name: Thomas

Last Name: Harris

Birthplace: Norwich, CT, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Militia - Other Engagements



Middle Name: Langrell



Date of Birth: 29 October 1816

Date of Death: 24 November 1858

Rank:

Years Served:
Thomas Langrell Harris

   
Engagements:
•  Mexican-American Wars (1846 - 1848)

Biography:

Thomas Langrell Harris
Major, U.S. Army

Thomas Langrell Harris was born on 29 October 1816 in Norwich, CT.

After pursing classical studies and graduating from Washington College in Hartford, CT, in 1841, he was admitted to the Illinois State bar the next year and commenced law practice in Petersburg, IL.

He served as School Commissioner of Menard County in 1845 and, during the Mexican War, raised a company that joined the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Major of the regiment and received a sword from the State of Illinois for gallantry during the Battle of Cerro Gordo. While away at war, he was elected to the Illinois State Senate as a Democrat (1846).

In 1849 he defeated Whig, Stephen Logan, for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Illinois 6th District, and serving until 1851 after having been defeated in the 1850 election. Elected again in 1855 to represent the 7th District, Harris, now in frail health due to malaria contracted in Mexico, became an outspoken opponent of slavery's expansion. Too weak to walk without aid, he was carried to the floor to deliver an impassioned speech on the subject.

He died two days later and his body was returned to Petersburg.

Death and Burial

Thomas Langrell Harris died on 24 November 1858 in Washington, DC. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg, IL.



Honoree ID: 2607   Created by: MHOH

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