William Ferguson Colcock (November 5, 1804 – June 13, 1889) was a U.S. Representative from South Carolina.

William Ferguson Colcock
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 7th district
In office
March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853
Preceded byRobert B. Rhett
Succeeded byDistrict eliminated
Edmund W.M. Mackey after district re-established in 1883
20th Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives
In office
1842–1848
Preceded byDavid Wardlaw
Succeeded byJohn I. Middleton
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
In office
1830–1847
Personal details
Born(1804-11-05)November 5, 1804
Beaufort, South Carolina
DiedJune 13, 1889(1889-06-13) (aged 84)
Washington, D.C.
Resting placeMcPhersonville, South Carolina
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materSouth Carolina College
Professionlawyer, planter

Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, Colcock attended Hulburt's School, Charleston, South Carolina, and was graduated from South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina) at Columbia in 1823. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1825 and commenced practice in Coosawhatchie, South Carolina. He also engaged in planting. He served as member of the State house of representatives 1830–1847.

Colcock was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Congresses (March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853). He was a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution 1850–1853. He served as collector of the port of Charleston 1853–1865, serving first under the United States Government and subsequently under the Confederate States Government. He served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Charleston in 1860. He resumed the practice of law. He died in McPhersonville, Hampton County, South Carolina, on June 13, 1889. He was interred in Stoney Creek Cemetery, South Carolina.

Sources edit

  • United States Congress. "William F. Colcock (id: C000603)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 7th congressional district

1849–1853
Succeeded by
District eliminated in 1853