Matthew D. Lagan Explained

Matthew D. Lagan
Term Start:March 4, 1891
Term End:March 3, 1893
Term Start2:March 4, 1887
Term End2:March 3, 1889
Birth Name:Matthew Diamond Lagan
Birth Date:20 June 1829
Death Place:New Orleans, Louisiana
Resting Place:Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans
Party:Democratic

Matthew Diamond Lagan (June 20, 1829 – April 8, 1901) was a U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 2nd congressional district from 1887 to 1889 and 1891 to 1893. He was a Democrat.

Lagan was born in Maghera, County Londonderry, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States at age 14. In New Orleans, he fitted out vessels for the Confederate Navy, and served in the Confederate Navy himself. He was elected to terms on the New Orleans City Council in 1867 and 1882. After serving his first term in Congress, he chose not to run for reelection, but then ran in 1890 and defeated his successor, Hamilton D. Coleman.

Lagan died in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 8, 1901, and is buried in Metairie Cemetery.