Harry Burn: A Statesman of Courage and Conviction

Tennesse Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections & a Life of Service

by David Wiles

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	291 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Harry Burn was a prominent Tennessee statesman who lived during a tumultuous period in American history. He served as the state's governor during the Civil War and played a key role in the state's reconstruction after the war. Burn was a man of great courage and conviction, and his actions helped to shape the course of Tennessee history.

Early Life and Career

Harry Burn was born in 1831 in Maury County, Tennessee. He graduated from Cumberland University in 1851 and went on to study law. He was admitted to the bar in 1853 and began his legal career in Nashville. Burn quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and talented lawyer. He was also a gifted orator, and his speeches often drew large crowds.

In 1859, Burn was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives. He served in the legislature for two terms, during which time he became a vocal opponent of secession. When Tennessee voted to secede from the Union in 1861, Burn resigned his seat in protest.

Civil War

Despite his opposition to secession, Burn did not support the Union cause during the Civil War. He believed that Tennessee should remain neutral in the conflict. However, after the Confederate army invaded Tennessee in 1862, Burn joined the Confederate army and served as a captain in the Tennessee Cavalry.

Burn was wounded in action at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. After recovering from his wounds, he returned to Tennessee and continued to serve in the Confederate army. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1864 and led a brigade of cavalry in the Battle of Franklin.

Reconstruction

After the Civil War, Burn returned to Tennessee and resumed his law practice. He was elected to the Tennessee Senate in 1869 and served as speaker of the senate for two terms. In 1872, he was elected governor of Tennessee.

As governor, Burn worked to rebuild the state after the war. He supported the construction of railroads and schools, and he promoted economic development. Burn also worked to restore civil rights to African Americans. He signed a bill that allowed African Americans to serve on juries, and he appointed several African Americans to government positions.

Burn's term as governor was marked by controversy. He was accused of corruption and cronyism by his political opponents. However, he remained popular with the people of Tennessee, and he was re-elected to a second term in 1874.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Burn continued to be active in public life. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1876, and he was a member of the Tennessee Historical Society. Burn died in 1907 at the age of 76.

Harry Burn was a man of great courage and conviction. He served his state with distinction during a turbulent period in American history. His actions helped to shape the course of Tennessee history, and his legacy continues to inspire Tennesseans today.

Harry Burn was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a man of great courage and conviction, and his actions helped to shape the course of Tennessee history. His legacy continues to inspire Tennesseans today.

Tennesse Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections & a Life of Service

by David Wiles

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	291 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE