Thomas J. Barr

This article is about the U.S. Representative. For the lawyer, see Thomas D. Barr.

Thomas Jefferson Barr (1812 – March 27, 1881) was a U.S. Representative from New York.

Born in New York City in 1812, Barr attended the public schools. He moved to Scotch Plains, New Jersey in 1835, and conducted a roadhouse. He returned to New York City in 1842 and aas Assistant Alderman from the Sixth Ward in 1849 and 1850, and Alderman in 1852 and 1853. He was a member of the New York State Senate (3rd D.) in 1854 and 1855.

Barr was elected on January 6, 1859, as an Independent Democrat to the 35th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Kelly, and was re-elected to the 36th United States Congress, holding office from January 17, 1859, to March 3, 1861.

Barr was appointed a New York City Police Commissioner in 1870 and served until 1873, when the police board was abolished. Subsequently, he was employed in the office of the Collector of the Port of New York.

Barr died in New York City, March 27, 1881 and was interred in Calvary Cemetery, Long Island.

References

• Thomas J. Barr at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

New York State Senate
Preceded by William McMurray	New York State Senate 3rd District 1854–1855	Succeeded by Daniel E. Sickles
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by John Kelly	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 4th congressional district 1859–1861	Succeeded by James Kerrigan