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John Hailey
Johnhailey.PNG
Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Idaho Territory
In office
March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1887
Preceded by Theodore F. Singiser
Succeeded by Fred Dubois
Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Idaho Territory
In office
March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875
Preceded by Samuel A. Merritt
Succeeded by Thomas W. Bennett
Personal details
Born (1835-08-29)August 29, 1835
Smith County, Tennessee
Died April 10, 1921(1921-04-10) (aged 85)
Boise, Idaho
Political party Democratic
Residence Boise
Profession Rancher, mining

John Hailey (born August 29, 1835 – died April 10, 1921) was an important political leader from Idaho Territory. He served as a Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. This means he represented Idaho in Congress, even though he couldn't vote on final laws.

John Hailey's Early Life and Adventures

John Hailey was born in Smith County, Tennessee. He went to public schools there. When he was about 13, his family moved to Missouri.

Moving West

In 1853, John Hailey traveled across the plains to Oregon. This was a big adventure, as traveling west was very challenging back then!

A Soldier and a Family Man

In 1855, a conflict called the Rogue River Indian War started. John Hailey joined the army as a private. He later became a lieutenant. In 1856, he married Louisa M. Griffin. They had six children together. One of their sons, Thomas G. Hailey, later became a judge in Oregon.

New Beginnings in Idaho

In 1862, John Hailey moved to Washington Territory. He started farming, raising animals, and mining. These were common ways to make a living in the American West. He later moved to Boise, in what was then Idaho Territory.

John Hailey's Political Career

John Hailey became involved in politics in Idaho. He wanted to help shape the future of the growing territory.

Serving as a Delegate

In 1873, John Hailey was elected as a Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served one term, from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1875. He chose not to run for reelection that year.

A Leader in Idaho

After his first term in Congress, Hailey continued to serve Idaho. In 1880, he became a member of the Territorial Council of Idaho. This was like a local government body, and he even served as its president.

Second Term in Congress

In 1884, John Hailey was elected again as a Delegate to Congress. He served his second term from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1887. He tried to get reelected in 1886 but was not successful.

Later Years and Legacy

Even after his time in Congress, John Hailey continued to contribute to Idaho.

Warden and Historian

In 1899, he was appointed the warden of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. This was a very important job, overseeing the state prison. In 1907, the Idaho State Historical Society was founded. John Hailey became its first Secretary and Librarian. He loved history, and in 1910, he wrote a history book about the state of Idaho.

Remembering John Hailey

John Hailey passed away in Boise, Idaho, on April 10, 1921. He was buried in the Masonic Burial Ground. The city of Hailey was named in his honor. This shows how much he was respected and how important he was to the development of Idaho. In 1958, he was honored by being inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

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