Thomas Hinds

Thomas Hinds (1780–1840) was an American soldier and politician from the state of Mississippi, who served in the United States Congress from 1828 to 1831.
A hero of the War of 1812, Hinds is best known today as the namesake of Hinds County.

Early years

Thomas Hinds was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, (now part of West Virginia), on January 9, 1780. He would later move to (Old) Greenville in Jefferson County, Mississippi, where he was appointed justice and assessor of the county in 1805.

Hinds was made a member of the Mississippi Territorial Council in 1806, remaining in that position until 1808.

Military career

Hinds was commissioned as a cavalry lieutenant in October 1805, gaining promotion to major in September 1813, during the War of 1812. His forces participated with distinction in the Battle of Pensacola (1814) and the Battle of New Orleans (1814–1815), under the command of General Andrew Jackson.

Late in 1815, following the death of General Ferdinand Claiborne, Hinds was promoted by President James Madison as Brigadier General of the Mississippi territorial militia. He was continued as the highest officer of the Mississippi militia in the rank of Major general following statehood (late 1817), resigning this position in December 1819.

Return to politics

In August 1819 Hinds ran for Governor of Mississippi against George Poindexter but was soundly defeated, garnering only 38% of the vote behind Poindexter's 62%. (Mrs. Hinds had died in late June of the same year, at age 28.)

Hinds was elected to the Mississippi Legislature in 1823.

Following the resignation of William Haile on September 12, 1828, he was elected to the 20th Congress to complete his term. He later won re-election and held that position until March 3, 1831.

Thomas was married to Lemenda Green, daughter of Congressman Thomas M. Green.

Death and legacy

Hinds died on August 23, 1840, in Jefferson County, Mississippi. He was sixty years old at the time of his death.

During his lifetime Hinds was regarded as the leading military hero of Mississippi. He was remembered by Congressman J.F.H. Claiborne as having been "beloved by his troops, and one of the most intrepid men that ever lived."

Hinds County, Mississippi, home of the state capital, was named in his honor.