Thomas Rivers

For the English nurseryman, see Thomas Rivers (nurseryman). For the American bacteriologist and virologist, see Thomas Milton Rivers. For the English politician, see Sir Thomas Rivers, 2nd Baronet.

Thomas Rivers (September 18, 1819 – March 18, 1863) was an American politician and a member of the United States House of Representatives for the 10th congressional district of Tennessee.

Thomas Rivers
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 10th district
In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857
Preceded by	Frederick P. Stanton
Succeeded by	William T. Avery
Personal details
Born	(1819-09-18)September 18, 1819 Franklin County, Tennessee
Died	March 18, 1863(1863-03-18) (aged 43) Somerville, Tennessee
Political party	American Party
Spouse	Mary Ann Rivers
Alma mater	La Grange College, Alabama
Profession	planter lawyer politician

Biography

Rivers was born in Franklin County, Tennessee, on September 18, 1819. He received an academic education and attended La Grange College in Alabama. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1839.

Career

Rivers began his practice of law in Somerville, Tennessee. He also served for many years in the state militia ranking as a brigadier general.^[1]

Elected as the candidate of the American Party to the Thirty-fourth Congress, but not a candidate for renomination in 1856, Rivers served from March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857.^[2]

Resuming his profession, Rivers continued the practice of law until his death on his plantation near Somerville, Tennessee.

Death

Rivers died on March 18, 1863. He is interred in Somerville Cemetery, Somerville, Tennessee.^[3]