Background
Elliott was born in Columbus, Georgia.
lawyer politician representative
Elliott was born in Columbus, Georgia.
He attended the common schools and studied law.
He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and commenced practice in Camden, Arkansas. He was chosen President of the Mississippi, Ouachita & Red River Railroad in 1858. Married Guglielma Sells Elliott (1830-1876) on April 4, 1844.
They had four children.
Elliott House is located on west Washington Street in Camden, Arkansas. Built in 1857 by James Thomas Elliott.
The Union General Frederick Salomon occupied the home in 1864 during a stay in Camden. The Battle of Poison Spring took place on April 18, 1864, during the Arkansas phase of the Red River Campaign.
Elliott became a Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Arkansas from October 2, 1865, serving until September 15, 1866.
He established and edited the South Arkansas Journal in 1867. In this time period, the family lost 2 daughters, Belle and Emmaline Elliott to yellow fever on the same day. James Thomas Elliott chose to run for the empty seat in a turbulent historical time.
He was elected as a Republican to the Fortieth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of James Hinds, and served from January 13, 1869, to March 3, 1869.
United States Representative James Thomas Elliott April 22, 1823 – July 28, 1875
Admitted to the Bar in 1854
President of the Mississippi, Ouachita & Red River Railroad in 1858. Housed Union General Frederick Salomon and Mathew Brady during the Battle of Poison Springs, in 1864.
Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Arkansas from October 2, 1865, serving until September 15, 1866. Republican Party, United States Representative, from Arkansas to the 40th United States Congress, served from January 13, 1869, to March 4, 1869.
Elected to the State Senate 1870.
Judge of the Ninth Judicial District 1872-1874, when the State Constitution was adopted. Died in Camden, Arkansas, on July 28, 1875 and is interred with his family in Oakland Cemetery.
During Reconstruction, the United States. Representative James M. Hinds on October 22, 1868 was assassinated by George A. Clark, a member of the Ku Klux Klan and the Secretary of the Democratic Committee of Monroe County.
