Thomas J. Oakley
Thomas Jackson Oakley (November 10, 1783 near Poughkeepsie – May 11, 1857 New York City) was a United States Representative and New York State Attorney General.
Biography
Education
He graduated from Yale College in 1801, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1804 and commenced practice in Poughkeepsie.[1]
Professional career
He was Surrogate of Dutchess County from 1810 to 1811, and was elected as a Federalist to the Thirteenth United States Congress (March 4, 1813 – March 4, 1815). During this term, Oakley was an anti-war Federalist and opposed the policy of the War of 1812.[2]
Oakley was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1816. From 1819 to 1821, he was New York State Attorney General.
He was again elected to Congress, serving from March 4, 1827, until May 9, 1828, when he resigned to go on the bench. He was a judge of the superior court of New York City from 1828 to 1847, was appointed chief justice in October 1847 and served until his death in office.[1]
Oakely's resignation from Congress in 1828 was a disappointment as Oakley was offered a candidacy as President but declined it.[2][3]
Personal life
He married Matilda Cruger (1809–1891), and they had several children. His father-in-law was Henry Cruger, who had the unique distinction of serving as both a member of Parliament (1774–1780; 1784–1790) and as a New York State Senator (1792–1796).[3]
Death
Oakley died May 11, 1857 and is buried at Trinity Churchyard in New York City.
References
- 1 2 United States Congress. "Thomas J. Oakley (id: O000003)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- 1 2 The late Thomas J. Oakley in NYT on May 13, 1857
- 1 2 Southern New York 1
| United States House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Emott |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 4th congressional district 1813–1815 |
Succeeded by Abraham H. Schenck |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Martin Van Buren |
New York State Attorney General 1819–1821 |
Succeeded by Samuel A. Talcott |
| United States House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by Bartow White |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 5th congressional district 1827–1828 |
Succeeded by Thomas Taber II |