Haughey, Thomas, 1826-1869

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.

From the guide to the Thomas Haughey letter MSS. 0648., 1868 December 28, (University Libraries Division of Special Collections, The University of Alabama)