Thomas J. Word

Summary

Thomas Jefferson Word (February 6, 1805 – May 25, 1890)[1] was a U.S. Representative from Mississippi.

Congressman Thomas Jefferson Word

Born in Surry County, North Carolina, Word studied law, passed his bar exam, and established a private practice. He served as member of the North Carolina House of Commons in 1832. He later moved to Mississippi and settled in Pontotoc, where he became active in state and local politics.

Word successfully contested the election of Samuel J. Gholson to the 25th Congress, and the election was set aside by the House of Representatives. Word was subsequently elected as a Whig to fill the vacancy caused by this action (May 29, 1838 – March 3, 1839). He was not reelected and retired from national politics to resume his legal practice.

In 1854, he moved to Anderson County, Texas.

He was a great-great-granduncle of writer William Faulkner.[citation needed]

References edit

  • United States Congress. "Thomas J. Word (id: W000742)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Notes edit

  1. ^ Several biographies of his nephew, William Falkner, mention that Jeff Word was born around 1809. For example, see Joel Williamson's William Faulkner and Southern History p. 38.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Mississippi's at-large congressional district

May 29, 1838 – March 3, 1839
Succeeded by