Thomas L. Harris

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Thomas Langrell Harris (October 29, 1816 - November 24, 1858) was a U.S. Representative from Illinois.

Born in Norwich, Connecticut, Harris pursued classical studies and was graduated from Washington (now Trinity) College, Hartford, Connecticut, in 1841. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1842 and commenced practice in Petersburg, Illinois. School commissioner for Menard County in 1845. During the Mexican-American War, he raised and commanded a company and joined the Fourth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

Harris was subsequently elected major of the regiment. While absent and with the Army was elected a member of the State senate in 1846. He was presented with a sword by the State of Illinois for gallantry at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, Mexico.

Harris was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-first Congress (March 4, 1849-March 3, 1851). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1850 to the Thirty-second Congress. He was not a candidate in 1852.

Harris was elected to the Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth Congresses and served from March 4, 1855, until his death. He served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy (Thirty-fourth Congress), Committee on Elections (Thirty-fifth Congress). Had been reelected to the Thirty-sixth Congress. He died in Springfield, Illinois, November 24, 1858. He was interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersburg, Illinois.

[edit] References

• Thomas L. Harris at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress