The Biographical Dictionary of America/Alcorn, James Lusk

ALCORN, James Lusk, senator, was born near Golconda, Ill., Nov. 4, 1816. He was graduated from Cumberland college, Kentucky, taking up his residence in that state, and in 1843 he served one term in the state legislature. In 1844 he went to Mississippi to practice law, and between the years 1846 and 1865 he represented his district in the state legislature for sixteen years, serving in both branches. In 1852 he was an elector on the national Whig electoral ticket, and in 1857 was nominated for governor by the Whigs, but declined. In 1858 he was an unsuccessful candidate for representative in Congress. The levee system was founded by him, and he was chosen president of the levee board. At the breaking out of the civil war he was appointed by the State Secession convention brigadier-general, but when his brigade entered the Confederate army, President Davis refused to commission him, on account of political differences. He was elected United States senator in 1865, but did not take his seat, as Mississippi was under provisional government and not allowed congressional representation. In 1869 he was elected governor by the republicans, but resigned in 1871, having been elected to the U. S. senate, where he remained until 1877, when he was succeeded by L. Q. C. Lamar. In 1873 he was the unsuccessful candidate for governor. In 1890 he served as a member of the State constitutional convention. He died at Eagle Nest, Miss., Dec. 20, 1894.