Benjamin Fitzpatrick
A comprehensive examination of his impactful tenure as Governor of Alabama and United States Senator during a transformative era in American history.
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Early Life and Career
Origins and Upbringing
Born in Greene County, Georgia, on June 30, 1802, Benjamin Fitzpatrick was orphaned at the tender age of seven. He was subsequently taken to Alabama in 1815 by his sister, Celia Fitzpatrick Baldwin. This early displacement profoundly shaped his formative years.
Establishing Roots in Alabama
Fitzpatrick dedicated his early adulthood to assisting his brothers in managing their extensive landholdings along the Alabama River. He also served as a deputy sheriff in Autauga County, gaining practical administrative experience before embarking on his legal career.
Legal Acumen and Practice
After studying law, Fitzpatrick was admitted to the bar in 1821. He commenced his legal practice in Montgomery, Alabama. His early public service included a term as solicitor of the Montgomery circuit from 1822 to 1823. He later relocated to his plantation in Autauga County in 1829, where he engaged primarily in planting.
Governorship and Senate Tenure
Governor of Alabama
Benjamin Fitzpatrick ascended to the position of Governor of Alabama in 1841, serving a full term until 1845. His governorship occurred during a period of economic challenges, notably the aftermath of the Panic of 1837. He implemented measures to address the state's financial situation, including overseeing the closure of state banks that had faced severe difficulties.
Service in the United States Senate
Fitzpatrick's distinguished career extended to the federal level. He was appointed to the U.S. Senate multiple times to fill vacancies, representing Alabama from November 25, 1848, to November 30, 1849, and again from January 14, 1853, to March 3, 1855. He was subsequently elected and served from November 26, 1855, until January 21, 1861, when Alabama seceded from the Union.
President Pro Tempore
During his tenure in the Senate, Fitzpatrick held the esteemed position of President pro tempore on several occasions. He served in this capacity from 1857 to 1860, presiding over the Senate during critical legislative periods and demonstrating significant leadership within the chamber.
| Benjamin Fitzpatrick | |
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| President pro tempore of the United States Senate | |
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In office June 26, 1860 – December 2, 1860 |
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| Preceded by | Jesse D. Bright |
| Succeeded by | Solomon Foot |
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In office December 7, 1857 – February 26, 1860 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Jefferson Rusk |
| Succeeded by | Jesse D. Bright |
| United States Senator from Alabama |
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In office January 14, 1853 – January 21, 1861 |
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| Preceded by | William R. King |
| Succeeded by | George E. Spencer (1868) |
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In office November 25, 1848 – November 30, 1849 |
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| Appointed by | Reuben Chapman |
| Preceded by | Dixon Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Jeremiah Clemens |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Benjamin Fitzpatrick June 30, 1802 Greene County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died |
November 21, 1869 (aged 67) Wetumpka, Alabama, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oakwood Cemetery (Montgomery, Alabama) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Sarah Elmore Aurelia Blassingame |
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Governors and lieutenant governors of Alabama
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United States senators from Alabama
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Presidents pro tempore of the United States Senate
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Vice Presidential Nomination
A Pivotal Election Year
In the tumultuous election year of 1860, the Democratic Party fractured. Benjamin Fitzpatrick was nominated for Vice President by the faction supporting Stephen A. Douglas for President. This nomination occurred amidst significant national division leading up to the Civil War.
Refusal and Withdrawal
Despite being nominated, Fitzpatrick ultimately declined the Vice Presidential candidacy. He withdrew from the U.S. Senate on January 21, 1861, following Alabama's secession from the Union, signaling his alignment with his home state's decision during this critical juncture.
Role During the Confederacy
Limited Direct Involvement
While Fitzpatrick's political career spanned the period leading up to and including the early stages of the Confederacy, his direct involvement in Confederate politics was notably limited. He did not take an overtly active role in the governance or military affairs of the Confederate States of America.
Constitutional Convention
His most significant post-secession political activity was serving as the president of the constitutional convention of Alabama in 1865. This role placed him at the forefront of Alabama's efforts to redefine its governance in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War.
Personal Life and Family
First Marriage
In 1827, Benjamin Fitzpatrick married Sarah Terry Elmore, the daughter of John Elmore. Their union resulted in five children: Elmore J., Morris, Phillips, James M., and John A. Tragically, Sarah passed away in 1839, leaving Fitzpatrick to raise their young family.
Second Marriage
Fitzpatrick remarried in 1846 to Aurelia Blassingame. This second marriage produced one child, Benjamin Jr., who survived to adulthood. Aurelia provided companionship and support through the later years of his public life.
Passing and Legacy
Final Years
Benjamin Fitzpatrick died on his Oak Grove Plantation near Wetumpka, Alabama, on November 21, 1869. He was 67 years old at the time of his passing.
Enduring Influence
Fitzpatrick's career spanned significant periods of Alabama's development and the tumultuous antebellum years in the U.S. Senate. His service as Governor and Senator, including his time as President pro tempore, marks him as a notable figure in 19th-century American political history.
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