David James (American politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David G. James
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| Member of the Wisconsin State Senate | |
| In office 1908–1912 |
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| Constituency | District 28 |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David Goodrich James
August 3, 1843 Deerfield, New Hampshire |
| Died | October 3, 1921 (aged 78) Richland Center, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Laura James |
| Children | Ada James |
| Occupation | Businessman, tinner, politician |
David Goodrich James (born August 3, 1843 – died October 3, 1921) was an American businessman and politician. He was also a veteran of the American Civil War. James served one term as a Republican in the Wisconsin State Senate. He represented the 28th District, which included Richland and Vernon counties. His brother, Norman L. James, had also served in the same Senate seat before him.
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Early Life and Moving to Wisconsin
David James was born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, on August 3, 1843. When he was young, his family moved to Richland County, Wisconsin. He lived there for the rest of his life.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, David James joined the army. He was only 18 years old. He enlisted on October 13, 1861, in the 16th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
In 1864, James was captured by enemy forces. He was taken to Andersonville Prison. This was a very difficult prison camp. David James survived his time there. When the war ended, he was released on July 18, 1865. He was given the special military rank of Brevet Captain. This honor was given to him because of his great bravery. He showed this bravery during the Battles of Corinth and Atlanta.
Life After the War
After the war, David James went back to Richland Center. He learned the trade of a tinner, which means working with tin. In 1866, he joined a business with his brother Norman. The company was called G. H. & N. L. James. By 1881, David became the only owner of the business.
James was also active in politics. In 1888, he was chosen as a delegate. This meant he represented his state at the Republican National Convention. In 1900, he became the Wisconsin Department Commander for the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Civil War veterans. He also served for many years as a trustee for the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home. This home helped old soldiers.
Serving in the State Senate
In 1908, David James was elected as a state senator. He served a four-year term. He won the election with 6,358 votes. His opponent, J. K. Schreiner, received 3,360 votes. As a senator, James worked on important committees. These included committees for agriculture, military affairs, and villages and cities.
Family and Women's Rights
David James's family was very important in the fight for women's rights. His wife, Laura James, helped start the Richland Center Woman's Club in 1882. This club worked hard for women's suffrage, which means the right for women to vote. It might have been the first group in Wisconsin to focus on this cause.
Their daughter, Ada James, also became a leader in the suffrage movement. In 1892, Ada and her high school friends formed the Equality Club. This club helped with the campaign for women's right to vote. Ada became one of Wisconsin's most famous suffragists. In 1911, she helped create the statewide Political Equality League. She later became its president.
In 1919, Wisconsin became the first state to officially approve the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment gave women the right to vote across the United States. Wisconsin earned this special honor because David James himself traveled to Washington, D.C. He took the official documents by train and delivered them. This quick action helped Wisconsin be the first state to ratify the amendment, just ahead of Illinois.
David G. James passed away in Richland Center on October 3, 1921.
