Background
Fitzgerald was born in Germantown, in Herkimer County, New New York His father was an Irish immigrant, and fought with the Continental Army, was wounded and received a pension.
Fitzgerald was born in Germantown, in Herkimer County, New New York His father was an Irish immigrant, and fought with the Continental Army, was wounded and received a pension.
Studied law.
Thomas received a common school education and fought with the United States. Army the War of 1812. He was severely wounded and afterwards taught school for a time in Marcellus, New New York In 1819 he moved to Boonville, Indiana, where he taught school and studied law.
He was admitted to the bar in 1821 and began a practice in Boonville.
He was a probate judge in Indiana in 1829. In 1832, Fitzgerald was appointed keeper of the lighthouse at the mouth of the Saint Joseph River and moved to Saint Joseph, Michigan.
He was clerk of Berrien County in 1834 and a regent of the University of Michigan in 1837. He was appointed bank commissioner in 1838 to investigate what were called "wildcat" banks and was served in the State house of representatives in 1839.
He ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor in 1839 and was appointed as a Democrat to the United States. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Lewis Cass, serving in the 30th Congress from June 8, 1848 until March 4, 1849.
He moved to Niles, Michigan in 1851 and served as probate judge of Berrien County from 1852 to 1855. He died in Niles and is interred in Silverbrook Cemetery.
Member Indiana; member Michigan House Member United States Senate (Democrat, filled vacancy) from Michigan, June 8, 1848-1849 moved to Niles, Michigan, 1851, continued practice of law.