James Bain White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Bain White
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 12th district |
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| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1889 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Lowry |
| Succeeded by | James B. White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 26, 1835 Denny, Stirlingshire, Scotland |
| Died | October 9, 1897 (aged 62) Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. |
| Resting place | Lindenwood Cemetery. |
| Political party | Republican |
James Bain White (born June 26, 1835 – died October 9, 1897) was an important person in American politics. He served as a Representative for the state of Indiana.
Contents
About James Bain White
Early Life and War Service
James Bain White was born in Denny, Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1835. He grew up and went to school there. In 1854, when he was a young man, he moved to the United States. He settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
In Fort Wayne, James worked as a printer for a type of fabric called calico. He also worked as a tailor, making clothes.
When the American Civil War started, James volunteered to join the Union Army. He was chosen to be a captain for a group of soldiers from Indiana. This group was called Company I, 30th Regiment Indiana Infantry.
He was hurt during the Battle of Shiloh on April 7, 1862. Eight months later, in December, he left the Army because of his injuries.
Life After the War
After leaving the Army, James White went back to Fort Wayne. In 1874, he was elected to the city's Common Council. This group helped make decisions for the city.
Besides his public service, James was also a successful businessman. He owned a department store. He also ran a business that made wheels. On top of that, he worked as a banker.
Political Career
James White was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the 50th United States Congress. He served as a Representative from March 4, 1887, to March 3, 1889.
He tried to be re-elected to the 51st Congress in 1888, but he did not win.
Later Life and Legacy
Even after leaving Congress, James White stayed involved in public life. In 1892, he was a delegate at the 1892 Republican National Convention. This was a big meeting where the Republican Party chose its candidate for president.
He also served as a commissioner for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. This was a huge world's fair that showed off new inventions and cultures.
James Bain White passed away on October 9, 1897, in Fort Wayne. He was buried in Lindenwood Cemetery there.
The White Memorial Fountain
In 1892, James White's family gave a special gift to the town of Denny in Scotland. They donated a drinking fountain. It was placed near Denny Old Parish Church.
A few years later, James B. White himself gave money to the town. This money was meant to create a fund. The interest from this fund would help pay for the fountain's upkeep every year.
Over time, the fountain became less important. More cars were on the roads, and people didn't use it for water as much. In 1940, during World War II, there was a big need for metal. The fountain was made of iron. So, it was removed in 1941 to help with the war effort.
The fountain was made by a company called Messrs. Steven Bros. & Co. It had a stone base. The base had small basins for dogs and larger ones for horses. The main part of the fountain was decorated with plants and flowers. It also had lion faces that spouted water for people to drink. Dolphins were also part of the design, symbolizing water.
The top of the fountain had a lamp column. It originally had a central gas lantern. By 1917, this was changed to three smaller lights. A special plaque on the fountain said it was a gift from the White Family.
