Charles Durkee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Durkee
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| 6th Governor of Utah Territory | |
| In office September 30, 1865 – January 9, 1869 |
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| Preceded by | James Duane Doty |
| Succeeded by | John Shaffer |
| United States Senator from Wisconsin |
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| In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1861 |
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| Preceded by | Isaac P. Walker |
| Succeeded by | Timothy O. Howe |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853 |
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| Preceded by | William P. Lynde |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Wells Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 10, 1805 Royalton, Vermont |
| Died | January 14, 1870 (aged 64) Omaha, Nebraska |
| Resting place | Green Ridge Cemetery Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Nationality | American |
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Charles H. Durkee (born December 10, 1805 – died January 14, 1870) was an important American pioneer. He served as a Congressman and a United States Senator for Wisconsin. He also helped start the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Later in his life, he became the Governor of the Utah Territory.
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Early Life and Moving West
Charles Durkee was born in a town called Royalton, Vermont. When he grew up, he became a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. In 1836, he moved to the Wisconsin Territory.
In Wisconsin, he started working in farming and cutting down trees for wood. He was one of the people who helped create the town of Southport. This town later became known as Kenosha, Wisconsin. Some land he used to own in Kenosha is now part of a historic area called the Library Park Historic District.
A Career in Politics
Charles Durkee decided to get involved in politics. He served two terms in the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature. This was a group that made laws for the Wisconsin Territory before it became a state.
He started out as a member of the Democratic Party. But over time, he joined other groups. First, he was part of the Liberty Party. Then he joined the Free Soil Party.
Serving in Congress
In 1848, Charles Durkee was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. government where elected officials represent different areas. He served two terms, from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1853. He represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district.
In 1854, he joined the new Republican Party. The Wisconsin State Legislature then chose him to be a United States Senator. Senators represent their entire state in the U.S. government. He served one term as a Senator, from 1855 to 1861.
Governor of Utah Territory
In 1865, Charles Durkee became the governor of the Utah Territory. A governor is the leader of a territory or state. He held this important job until 1869. He resigned because he was not feeling well. He passed away in Omaha, Nebraska, while he was traveling back home.
Remembering Charles Durkee
Many places remember Charles Durkee. A street in the city of Appleton, Wisconsin, is named after him. An elementary school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, also carried his name for many years, but it was taken down in 2008.
He gave a speech at a very important event on May 10, 1869. This was when the Golden Spike was hammered in Promontory, Utah. This spike connected the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, which was a huge step for travel across the country.
His old home later became a school for girls. Today, it is known as Kemper Hall. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
See also
In Spanish: Charles Durkee para niños
