T. R. Stockdale
American judge (1828–1899)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas Ringland Stockdale (March 28, 1828 – January 8, 1899) was a U.S. representative from Mississippi from 1886 to 1895, and a justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi from 1896 to 1897.
Thomas Ringland Stockdale | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's 6th district | |
| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1895 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Smith Van Eaton |
| Succeeded by | Walter McKennon Denny |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 28, 1828 Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | January 8, 1899 (aged 70) Summit, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery, Summit, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Mississippi |
Biography
Born at West Union Church near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Stockdale graduated from Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College) in 1856 and received a master's degree in 1859.[1][2] He taught school in Pike County, Mississippi,[3] received his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1859 and practiced in Woodville, Mississippi.[2][4]
During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate States Army. Enlisting as a private in the 16th Mississippi Infantry in 1861,[2] he was promoted to lieutenant, captain and major, and served as regimental adjutant. He later commanded a battalion in the 4th Mississippi Cavalry Regiment and then served as the regiment's second in command with the rank of lieutenant colonel.[5][6]
After the war Stockdale resumed the practice of law in Summit, Mississippi. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1868. He was also a Democratic presidential elector in 1872 and 1884.[7]
Stockdale was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1886 and served four terms, March 4, 1887 to March 3, 1895. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1894.[8][9][10][11]
In 1896 Stockdale was appointed by Governor Anselm J. McLaurin to fill a vacancy as a justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court and he served until 1897.[2][12][13]
He died in Summit, Mississippi on January 8, 1899, and was interred in Summit's Woodlawn Cemetery.[14][15][16]
Stockdale's home has been preserved by the Summit Historical Society, and the grounds of his home also contain a memorial to Stockdale.[17]