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Thomas Haughey letter

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-0648

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of one letter written by Thomas Haughey of Alabama, dated 28 December 1868 and written from Washington, DC, to Ben Perley Poone providing a short biographical sketch. In the letter he states "Having taken a prominent part against secession, and having thus made myself exceedingly obnoxious to the leaders of that movement, I was compelled to abandon my home and family and take refuge within the Union lines during the war."

Dates

  • 1868 December 28

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

None

Conditions Governing Use

None

Biographical / Historical

Alabama Unionist, member of the Constitutional Convention of 1867, and member of Congress, Thomas Haughey was born in 1826 in Glasgow, Scotland. He immigrated to the United States with his father and in 1841 moved to Jefferson County, Alabama. He taught several years and saved enough to study medicine and attend medical lectures. He graduated as a physician and surgeon from the New Orleans Medical College in 1858. He set up his practice in Elyton, Jefferson County, Alabama. Against secession, when the Civil War began, he left his home and practice and moved behind the Union lines. He served as a surgeon in the 3rd Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Infantry in the Union Army from 1862 until 1865 when he was honorably discharged. He returned to Elyton and became active in politics. He was a delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1867 and upon the readmission of the State of Alabama to representation, he was elected to the United States Congress and served from 1868 to 1869. He was a candidate for renomination and making a political speech when he was assassinated in Courtland, Alabama, on July 31, 1869 and died on August 5, 1869.

Extent

0.05 Linear Feet (1 letter, 2 pages)

Language of Materials

English

Overview

Letter written by Thomas Haughey of Alabama, dated December 28, 1868 and written from Washington, DC, to Ben Perley Poone providing a short biographical sketch. Mentions having to live in the north during the Civil War due to his anti-secessionist ideals.

Provenance

Unknown

Processed by

unknown, 2008; updated by Donnelly Walton, 2009; updated by Martha Bace, 2013
Title
Guide to the Thomas Haughey letter
Status
Completed
Date
December 2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0266
205.348.0513