.jpg)
Robert Anthony Hatcher (February 24, 1819 – December 4, 1886) was an American lawyer, Confederate officer, and politician who served in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the United States House of Representatives. He also represented Missouri in the Second Confederate Congress during the American Civil War.
Hatcher was born inBuckingham County, Virginia, on February 24, 1819. He received his early education inLynchburg, Virginia, and studied law. After being admitted to the bar inKentucky, he relocated toNew Madrid, Missouri, in 1847, where he established a law practice and served as a circuit attorney.[1][2]
In 1850, Hatcher was elected to theMissouri House of Representatives, serving until 1851.[2]
During theAmerican Civil War, he joined theConfederate States Army, attaining the rank of major. He served as assistant adjutant general on the staffs of GeneralsAlexander P. Stewart andHenry D. Clayton.[3]
In 1864, Hatcher was elected to theSecond Confederate Congress, where he represented Missouri. He served on the Committees on Ordnance and Ordnance Stores and Enrolled Bills.[4]
After the war, Hatcher resumed political life. A member of theDemocratic Party, he was elected to representMissouri's 4th congressional district in theUnited States House of Representatives, serving from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1879.[1]
He served on several committees, including Agriculture, Missouri Levees, and the Census, and was chairman of the Committee on Public Expenditures during the45th Congress.[2]
He declined to seek renomination in 1878 and returned to legal practice.
After his congressional service, Hatcher resumed his law practice inCharleston, Missouri. He died there on December 4, 1886.
Hatcher is occasionally confused with Robert A. Hatcher, M.D., M.P.H. (1939–2020), a 20th-century physician and expert in reproductive health. The two are unrelated.
