Thomas Claiborne (May 17, 1780 – January 7, 1856) was an American politician and a United States Representative for the state of Tennessee.

Early life and family background

Son of Mary & Thomas B. Claiborne was born in Brunswick County, Virginia. The Claiborne family was one of the First Families of Virginia since the 17th century, when an earlier Thomas Claiborne sat in the House of Burgesses representing King William County (and he or his son established the historic house at Sweet Hall). This boy's father, who also served as a Virginia legislator and U.S. Congressman, was the fifth generation to hold such political and economic power.

Military officer, planter and lawyer

This Thomas Claiborne served on the staff of Gen. Andrew Jackson in the Creek War, with the rank of Major. He studied law and was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1807. He owned slaves.

Politician

As a member of Tennessee House of Representatives from 1811 to 1812, fellow delegates elected him as their Speaker, so he presided over the latter sessions. Claiborne also served as a United States Marshal. Elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Fifteenth Congress, Claiborne served from March 4, 1817 to March 3, 1819. He also served as Mayor of Nashville in 1818.

Death

Claiborne died on January 7, 1856, at the age of 75 years, 235 days. He is interred at Nashville City Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee.

Personal life

Claiborne represented Hiram Lodge No. 7 and Cumberland Lodge No. 8, of the Free and Accepted Masons, at the formation of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee on December 27, 1813. He was chosen Most Worshipful Grand Master of Tennessee from 1813 to 1814. He resumed the practice of law in Nashville.