John Hickman

John Hickman was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district from 1855 to 1863. Initially a member of the Democratic Party, he later aligned with the Anti-Lecompton Democrats and ultimately the Republican Party. His political career was marked by significant involvement in legislative committees and a notable stance on issues surrounding the Civil War era.

Early life and career

John Hickman was born on September 11, 1810, in West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania. He was raised in a farming family, which provided him with a modest upbringing. His education included private tutoring, where he received instruction in English and classical studies. Initially, Hickman pursued a career in medicine; however, he shifted his focus to law. He studied under Townsend Haines and was admitted to the bar in the early 1830s, marking the beginning of his legal career.

Following his admission to the bar, Hickman began practicing law in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His early career included significant political involvement; he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Baltimore in 1844. Additionally, he served as the district attorney for Chester County in 1845 and 1846, which further established his reputation in both legal and political circles.

House tenure

Hickman's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began when he was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-fourth Congress. He was re-elected for the Thirty-fifth Congress, during which he served as chairman of the House Committee on Revolutionary Pensions. His political alignment shifted during his time in office; he became an Anti-Lecompton Democrat for the Thirty-sixth Congress and then a Republican for the Thirty-seventh Congress.

Throughout his congressional service, Hickman was actively involved in key legislative matters. He chaired the House Committee on the Judiciary during the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Congresses, a role that placed him at the center of significant legal discussions and decisions during a tumultuous period in American history. His political activities were not limited to legislative duties; he was also a delegate at the 1860 Republican National Convention, where he finished third in the race for the vice-presidential nomination.

Hickman's political career was notably influenced by the events surrounding the Civil War. In December 1860, shortly after South Carolina's declaration of secession, he delivered a passionate speech at a political dinner in Philadelphia. His remarks emphasized the urgency of defending the Union and rejecting compromises with the secessionist states, reflecting the intense political climate of the time. Despite his active role in Congress, Hickman chose not to seek renomination in 1862, indicating a shift in his political aspirations.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Hickman was appointed as one of the managers for the impeachment proceedings against West H. Humphreys, a judge from Tennessee, in 1862. This role underscored his involvement in significant judicial matters during his time in office.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House, Hickman focused on various legislative issues, particularly those related to the judiciary and veteran affairs. As chairman of the House Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, he played a crucial role in overseeing matters related to pensions for veterans of the Revolutionary War, reflecting his commitment to supporting those who had served the nation.

His leadership on the Judiciary Committee during the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Congresses placed him at the forefront of legal debates and legislative initiatives during a critical period in American history. The issues addressed by the committee included matters of civil rights, federal authority, and the legal ramifications of the Civil War, all of which were pivotal in shaping the future of the United States.

Hickman's political affiliations evolved throughout his congressional career, transitioning from the Democratic Party to the Anti-Lecompton faction and finally to the Republican Party. This evolution was indicative of the broader political realignment occurring in the United States during the mid-19th century, particularly in response to the contentious issues surrounding slavery and states' rights.

After concluding his congressional service in 1863, Hickman returned to the practice of law, continuing his professional career until his death in 1875. In 1868, he briefly served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County, which further demonstrated his ongoing engagement in state-level politics.

In his personal life, Hickman was married twice, including to the sister of General John W. Phelps. He maintained friendships with notable political figures, including Thaddeus Stevens, which reflected his connections within the political landscape of his time. John Hickman passed away on March 23, 1875, at his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and was interred in Oaklands Cemetery.

Hickman's legacy is characterized by his active participation in the legislative process during a pivotal era in American history, as well as his commitment to the principles he espoused throughout his political career. His contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives and his involvement in key issues of his time continue to be recognized in discussions of 19th-century American politics.