James Abercrombie (Alabama politician)
American politician (1792–1861)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Abercrombie (February 18, 1792 – July 2, 1861) was an American politician, serving as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate.[1] He later represented Alabama's Second Congressional District in the United States Congress from 1851 to 1855.[1][2]
James Abercrombie | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 2nd district | |
| In office March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Washington Hilliard |
| Succeeded by | Eli Sims Shorter |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1820-1822 | |
| In office 1824-1825 | |
| In office 1838-1839 | |
| Member of the Alabama Senate | |
| In office 1825-1833 | |
| In office 1847-1850 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 18, 1792 |
| Died | July 2, 1861 (aged 69) |
| Citizenship |  United States |
| Party | Whig |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Rank | corporal |
| Unit | Squadron of Georgia Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Early life
Abercrombie was born in Hancock County, Georgia on February 18, 1792, to Charles and Edwina Dicey Malinda Booth Abercrombie.[1] His father was an officer in the American Revolutionary War and later became an active politician in Georgia.[1] Abercrombie received a good education and fought in the War of 1812, serving as corporal in Major F. Freeman's Squadron of Georgia Cavalry.[1][3]
Following the war, Abercrombie moved to Monroe County (present-day Dallas County), Alabama and settled in Montgomery County, Alabama, in 1819.[1] He married Evelina Elizabeth Ross in 1816, and they had four sons and six daughters, including James, Sarah, Jane, and Clara.[3] While becoming interested in politics, Abercrombie owned and managed several large plantations and was a slave owner.[1][4]
Career
Abercrombie was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1822, 1824, and later in 1838.[2] He served as a captain in the Alabama Militia during this time, and was present when the Marquis de la Lafayette visited Fort Mitchell during his tour of the state.[1] Abercrombie became a member of the Whig Party and served in the Alabama Senate from 1847 to 1850.[2][1]
Abercrombie was a delegate to the first Nashville Convention in 1850 that was held to bring pro-slavery Southerners together to discuss the possibility of secession, considering himself a Unionist, despite supporting the institution of enslavement.[1] He was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Alabama's Second Congressional District, where he served from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1855.[5]
Death
After retiring from politics in 1856, Abercrombie moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he worked as a brick contractor for the U.S. government.[2] He remained involved in Alabama politics, and although he did not serve, he helped in campaigns and political efforts.[1] Abercrombie died on July 2, 1861, and is interred at Linwood Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.[6][3]