Joel Funk Asper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joel Funk Asper
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 7th district |
|
| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1871 |
|
| Preceded by | Benjamin F. Loan |
| Succeeded by | Isaac Parker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 20, 1822 Adams County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 1, 1872 (aged 50) Chillicothe, Missouri |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Joel Funk Asper was an important person in American history. He was born on April 20, 1822, and passed away on October 1, 1872. He served as a U.S. Representative for Missouri, which means he was a lawmaker in the United States government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joel Funk Asper was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania. When he was about five years old, his family moved to Ohio. They settled in Trumbull County in 1827. Joel went to public schools and a local college in Warren, Ohio. He decided to study law, which is the system of rules a country or community uses.
In 1844, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. He then started his law practice in Warren, Ohio.
Early Career and Public Service
Joel Asper was involved in public service from a young age. In 1846, he worked as a Justice of the Peace. This role involves handling small legal cases and keeping the peace in a community. The next year, in 1847, he became the prosecuting attorney for Geauga County. A prosecuting attorney works for the government to bring legal cases against people accused of crimes.
In 1848, Joel Asper was a delegate at the Buffalo Free-Soil Convention. This was a meeting for a political group that opposed slavery spreading into new U.S. territories. In 1849, he became the editor of a newspaper called the Western Reserve Chronicle. He moved to Iowa in 1850 and started another newspaper, the Chardon Democrat.
Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Joel Asper showed his dedication to his country. He gathered a group of soldiers and became their captain. During the war, he was wounded in the First Battle of Winchester.
In 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Because of his injuries from the war, he had to leave the service in 1863.
Even after being wounded, Joel Asper continued to serve. In May 1864, he became the Colonel of the 171st Ohio Infantry. This was a special "One Hundred Day Regiment," meaning they served for a shorter period. His regiment was stationed at Johnson's Island, Ohio, which was a prisoner of war camp.
During his service, some of his regiment's companies were forced to surrender to a Confederate general named John Hunt Morgan. This happened at Keller's Bridge, Kentucky, on June 12, 1864. After their term of service ended, Joel Asper and his regiment were discharged.
Life After the War
In 1864, Joel Asper moved to Chillicothe, Missouri. There, he went back to working as a lawyer. He also started a newspaper called the Spectator in 1866.
His interest in politics continued. In 1868, he was chosen as a delegate for the Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
Serving in Congress
Joel Asper was elected to the Forty-first Congress as a Republican. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1869, to March 3, 1871. During his time in Congress, he helped make laws for the country. He did not seek to be re-elected in 1870.
Later Life and Legacy
Joel Asper continued to practice law until he passed away. He died in Chillicothe, Missouri, on October 1, 1872. He was laid to rest in Edgewood Cemetery.
