John Edward Bouligny

American Representative of Louisiana's 1st district

Representative
Louisiana, district 1
December 5, 1859 - March 3, 1861

Congresses Served

House Terms

February 5, 1824 (40 years old)

Birthday

February 20, 1864

Death

Served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of the Know Nothing movement’s anti-immigrant American Party.
Remained loyal to the Union after Louisiana seceded, refusing to resign his Congressional seat.
Born into a politically active family with connections to both U.S. and colonial Spanish Louisiana governance.
Practiced law after studying and being admitted to the bar.
Became involved in politics through the Know Nothing movement, despite its national anti-Catholic stance, due to the Louisiana faction’s openness to Catholics.
Elected as a recorder for the Fourth Municipal District of New Orleans before his Congressional term.
Opposed Louisiana’s secession and supported the Democratic candidate Stephen A. Douglas in the 1860 presidential election.
Engaged in numerous duels over his Union support, resulting in physical injuries.
Was involved in efforts to hold early elections in Union-occupied New Orleans during the Civil War but was defeated when he ran for re-election to Congress.
Multilingual, speaking French and Spanish in addition to English, which he used in his professional life.
Married Mary Elizabeth Parker in a high-profile wedding attended by President James Buchanan and other notable figures; had two daughters.
After his death, Congress passed an act recognizing his loyalty to the Union by awarding land to his widow and daughters, though this was later contested and ultimately revoked.
Died in Washington, D.C., and was buried in Congressional Cemetery.