Thomas McHugh (politician)
Thomas Morris McHugh (November 22, 1822 – March 19, 1856) was an Irish American lawyer and politician who became Wisconsin’s first Secretary of State.
- Born in Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland, to Elizabeth Norris and Reverend Stephen McHugh, an Episcopal minister.
- Studied law in Utica, New York.
- Moved with his family to Delavan in the Wisconsin Territory in 1844, where his father started an Episcopal parish.
- In 1847, he served as Secretary to the Wisconsin Territorial Council.
- In 1848, he was Secretary for the second Wisconsin Constitutional Convention.
- Elected as the first Secretary of State of Wisconsin, serving from June 7, 1848 to January 7, 1850, under Governor Nelson Dewey.
- Admitted to the Wisconsin State Bar in 1849.
- Later served as Chief Clerk to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1853 and 1854.
- Died unmarried in Palatka, Florida, on March 19, 1856, at age 33.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:41 (CET).