James Gunn (congressman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Gunn
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Idaho's at-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1897 – March 3, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | Edgar Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Edgar Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 6, 1843 County Fermanagh, Ireland |
| Died | November 5, 1911 (aged 68) Boise, Idaho, U.S. |
| Resting place | Morris Hill Cemetery Boise, Idaho |
| Political party | Populist |
| Residences | Hailey, Idaho Boise, Idaho |
| Profession | Journalist |
James Gunn (born March 6, 1843 – died November 5, 1911) was an important politician from Idaho. He served one term as a U.S. Congressman, helping to make laws for the country.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
James Gunn was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1843. When he was very young, his family moved to the United States. They made their home in Wisconsin. James went to school there. Later, he studied at Notre Dame Academy in Indiana. For a short time, he worked as a teacher before the Civil War began.
A Soldier in the Civil War
In 1862, James joined the army during the Civil War. He was part of the 27th Wisconsin Infantry. He fought until the war ended. By October 1865, when he left the army, he had become a Captain. After the war, he briefly studied law. However, he never worked as a lawyer. In 1866, he decided to move west.
Life in the American West
In the West, James Gunn looked for new chances. He lived for a while in Gilpin County and Georgetown, Colorado. He also worked in Virginia City, Nevada, and in California. In 1881, he finally settled in Hailey, Idaho. In Hailey, he started a newspaper business. He published a newspaper called the Wood River Valley Sentinel.
A Career in Politics
James Gunn became a member of the Populist Party. This party worked to help farmers and ordinary people. He tried to get elected to office several times. When Idaho became a state in 1890, James Gunn was elected to the Idaho State Senate. This meant he helped make laws for Idaho.
He also worked as an editor for the Boise Sentinel newspaper. He continued this job until he was elected to the U.S. Congress. He ran for Congress four times. These were in 1892, 1894, 1896, and 1898. Only his election in 1896 was successful. He won against William Borah, a lawyer from Boise. William Borah later became a very famous U.S. Senator.
Gunn lost his chance to be re-elected in 1898. He was defeated by Edgar Wilson. Edgar Wilson was a Silver Republican. He had been the Congressman before James Gunn.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Congress, James Gunn continued to serve Idaho. From 1901 to 1903, he was the leader of the Idaho Soldiers' Home. This home cared for soldiers who had served their country. James Gunn passed away in 1911. He is buried at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise.
