Chester Bidwell Darrall

ChesterBidwellDarrall

Chester Bidwell Darrall (June 24, 1842 – January 1, 1908) was an American politician and physician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Louisiana during the Reconstruction era.

Early life and education

Chester Bidwell Darrall was born in Addison, New York. He attended the common schools and later graduated from the University of Michigan in 1862. He studied medicine and graduated from the University of Louisiana (now Tulane University) in 1867.

Civil War service

During the American Civil War, Darrall served as a surgeon in the Union Army. He was assigned to the 86th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry.

Political career

After the war, Darrall settled in Brazoria, Texas, where he practiced medicine. In 1868, he moved to Franklin, Louisiana, and became involved in politics. He was elected as a Republican to the Forty-second and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1879). He was an advocate for the rights of freedmen and supported the Reconstruction policies of the federal government.

In 1876, Darrall contested the election of Democrat Joseph H. Acklen to the Forty-fifth Congress. The United States House of Representatives declared the seat vacant, and Darrall won the subsequent special election, serving from December 3, 1877, to March 3, 1879.

Later life and death

After his congressional service, Darrall resumed the practice of medicine in Washington, D.C., and later in Morgan City, Louisiana. He died in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1, 1908, and was interred in Franklin Cemetery, Franklin, Louisiana.

Legacy

Chester Bidwell Darrall is remembered for his contributions to the Reconstruction era and his efforts to support the rights of freedmen in the post-Civil War South.

See also

• List of United States representatives from Louisiana
• Reconstruction era
• Union Army

External links

• United States Congress. "Chester Bidwell Darrall (id: D000063)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

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