William Campbell Preston Breckinridge

Democrat Representative of Kentucky's 7th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

August 28, 1837 (67 years old)

Birthday

November 18, 1904

Death

Served as a U.S. Representative from 1885 to 1895.
Member of a prominent political family with historical ties to the U.S. Senate and Vice Presidency.
Educated at Centre College and the University of Louisville, earning a Juris Doctor.
Initially pursued a medical career before switching to law.
Served as a captain and later colonel in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
Returned to law practice and also taught jurisprudence at the University of Kentucky after the war.
Advocated for racial equality and civil rights for African Americans post-Civil War.
Opposed literacy tests and supported the inclusion of black testimony in legal proceedings.
Involved in a high-profile breach of promise lawsuit that negatively impacted his political career.
Had multiple marriages and children, with notable descendants.
Engaged in editorial work and public speaking after leaving Congress, including addressing labor issues.