John DeWitt Clinton Atkins

Democrat Representative of Tennessee's 8th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

June 4, 1825 (82 years old)

Birthday

June 2, 1908

Death

American politician and slave owner from Tennessee.
Served in various legislative roles, including the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate.
Elected to the United States House of Representatives, serving multiple terms in different congressional districts.
Participated in the Confederate Congress during the Civil War, holding positions in both the Provisional and First Confederate Congresses.
Advocated for the purchase of slaves to bolster Confederate military strength during the war.
Played a significant role in opposing Reconstruction efforts post-Civil War, contributing to the removal of Federal troops from the South.
Chaired the United States House Committee on Appropriations during the Forty-fifth and Forty-sixth Congresses.
Appointed as United States Commissioner of Indian Affairs, where he implemented policies against the use of Native languages in schools.
Engaged in agricultural pursuits after his political career and retired in 1898.
Lived until the age of 82, passing away in 1908.