Thomas H. Bayly

Thomas Henry Bayly (December 11, 1810 – June 23, 1856) was a United States nineteenth-century Democratic politician, planter, militia officer, lawyer and judge from Virginia's Eastern Shore, and the son of Federalist Congressman Thomas M. Bayly.

Early life and education Born at "Mount Custis" plantation near Drummondtown (the Accomack County seat now known as Accomac, Virginia), to the former Margaret Pettit Cropper and her husband, then Virginia state senator and militia officer Thomas Monteagle Bayly. In 1850 Bayly owned 31 slaves (ten 10 years old or younger) as well as land worth $70,000.

Politician and military officer Accomack County voters elected and re-elected Bayly as one of their two representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served (part time) from 1836 to 1842. In 1837 he accepted appointment as brigadier general of the 21st Brigade in the Virginia Militia, and served until 1846. Fellow legislators elected Bayly judge of the Circuit Court of Law and Chancery for Accomack County in 1842, and he resigned both his legislative and military positions to avoid a conflict of interest. Bayly remained a judge for about two years, resigning after winning election to Congress, but that term led to his normal distinguishing title.

Elections 1844; Bayly was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 54.5% of the vote, defeating Whig Hitt Carter. 1845; Bayly was re-elected with 53.54% of the vote, defeating Whig George W. Southall. 1847; Bayly was re-elected with 52.47% of the vote, defeating Whig John J. Jones. 1849; Bayly was re-elected with 64.75% of the vote, defeating Whig Francis Mallory. 1851; Bayly was re-elected unopposed. 1853; Bayly was re-elected with 58.93% of the vote, defeating Independents Louis C.H. Finney and George W. Lewis. 1855; Bayly was re-elected with 79.09% of the vote, defeating Independents Robert L. Montague, Richard Lee Turberville Beale, Joseph Eggleston Segar, and a man identified only as Jennings.