Matthew Diamond LAGAN, Congress, LA (1829-1901)

LAGAN, Matthew Diamond, a Representative from Louisiana; born in Maghera, Londonderry, Ireland, June 20, 1829; attended the common schools; immigrated to the United States and settled in New Orleans, La., December 28, 1843; engaged in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits; during the Civil War fitted out many vessels for the use of the Confederate States and later enlisted as a volunteer in the Confederate Navy; elected to the New Orleans Common Council in 1867; member of the State constitutional convention in 1879; again elected to the city council in 1882 and served as president and acting mayor during the term; elected as a Democrat to the Fiftieth Congress (March 4, 1887-March 3, 1889); declined a renomination for election to the Fifty-first Congress; elected to the Fifty-second Congress (March 4, 1891-March 3, 1893); died in New Orleans, La., April 8, 1901; interment in Metairie Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present