William Gannaway Brownlow

Republican Senator of Tennessee

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1805 (72 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1877

Death

Served as the 17th governor of Tennessee from 1865 to 1869 and as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1869 to 1875.
Initially gained prominence as a newspaper publisher and Methodist minister.
Known for his divisive and controversial viewpoints, especially during the Reconstruction Era.
Advocated for Whig Party ideals and opposed secession leading up to the Civil War.
Became known for his vitriolic editorial style and personal attacks against opponents.
Supported enfranchisement of male African-American former slaves in Tennessee.
Policies as governor helped Tennessee become the first former Confederate state readmitted to the Union in 1866.
Opposed policies of Andrew Johnson, aligning with the Radical Republicans.
Experienced a change in views on slavery over time, initially supporting it but later advocating for emancipation.
Staunchly opposed Southern secession and supported the Union during the Civil War.
Utilized state government to combat the Ku Klux Klan and protect voters.
Suffered from a nervous disease later in life, which affected his ability to speak in the Senate.
Predicted the failure of Reconstruction and the resurgence of Southern opposition to civil rights.
Returned to Knoxville after his Senate term, engaging in newspaper publishing until his death in 1877.
Left a legacy as a polarizing figure in Tennessee political history, with opinions on him ranging from admiration to disdain.