Michael P. O'Connor (politician)

Michael Patrick O'Connor (September 29, 1831 – April 26, 1881) was an American lawyer and politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from South Carolina from 1879 to 1881.

Michael Patrick O'Connor
Frontispiece of 1882's Memorial Addresses on the Life and Character of Michael P. O'Connor, a Representative from South Carolina
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 2nd district
In office
March 4, 1879 – April 26, 1881
Preceded byRichard H. Cain
Succeeded byEdmund W.M. Mackey
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from St. Philip's and St. Michael's Parish
In office
November 22, 1858 – December 23, 1864
Personal details
BornSeptember 29, 1831
Beaufort, South Carolina, US
DiedApril 26, 1881(1881-04-26) (aged 49)
Charleston, South Carolina, US
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materSt. John's College
ProfessionAttorney, politician
Military service
AllegianceConfederate States of America
Branch/serviceConfederate States Army
Years of service1861–1865
RankLieutenant
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Early life

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Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, O'Connor attended the public schools and was graduated from St. John's College, Fordham, New York, in 1850.[1] He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1854 and commenced practice in Charleston, South Carolina.[1] During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate military as a lieutenant in the Lafayette Light Artillery.

Political career

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He served as member of the South Carolina House of Representatives 1858–1866. He served as delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1872 and 1876. He argued against secession in the state house of representatives.

Congress

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He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1874 to the Forty-fourth and in 1876 to the Forty-fifth Congresses, but was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1879 – March 3, 1881).

Death and burial

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He received credentials as a Member-elect to the Forty-seventh Congress, but died, pending a contest by Edmund W.M. Mackey (which subsequently resulted successfully for the contestant), in Charleston, South Carolina, April 26, 1881.[2] He was interred in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

See also

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References

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Sources

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Books

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  • Memorial Addresses on the Life and Character of Michael P. O'Connor, a Representative from South Carolina. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. 1882.

External sources

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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 2nd congressional district

1879–1881
Succeeded by