John James Ingalls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John James Ingalls
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Ingalls in 1873
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| President pro tempore of the United States Senate | |
| In office February 26, 1887 – March 2, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | John Sherman |
| Succeeded by | Charles F. Manderson |
| United States Senator from Kansas |
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| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel C. Pomeroy |
| Succeeded by | William A. Peffer |
| Member of the Kansas Senate | |
| In office 1862 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 29, 1833 Middleton, Massachusetts |
| Died | August 16, 1900 (aged 66) Las Vegas, New Mexico |
| Political party | Republican |
John James Ingalls (December 29, 1833 – August 16, 1900) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Ingalls served as a United States Senator for Kansas. He is known for suggesting Kansas's state motto and designing its state seal.
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Early Life and Career
John James Ingalls was born in Middleton, Massachusetts. This was on December 29, 1833. He went to Williams College and graduated in 1855. He was known for being very clever. His graduation speech was a funny look at college life.
After college, he studied law. He became a lawyer in 1857. Ingalls then moved to Kansas Territory in 1860. He settled in Atchison.
Fighting for a Free Kansas
Ingalls joined groups that were against slavery. He worked hard to make Kansas a free state. This meant Kansas would not allow slavery. He was part of the group that wrote the Wyandotte Constitution in 1859. This document helped Kansas become a state. It is believed that Ingalls created the state motto: Ad Astra per Aspera. This means "To the stars through difficulties."
Political Steps in Kansas
When Kansas became a state in 1861, Ingalls became important. He was the secretary for the first state Senate. In 1862, he became a state senator himself. During the Civil War, he helped the Kansas militia. He worked as a judge advocate.
Ingalls also edited a newspaper in Atchison called Freedom's Champion. He wrote many articles for magazines. These articles made him well-known across the country.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In 1873, John James Ingalls was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served for 18 years. As a senator, he supported workers and farmers. He worked against large companies that had too much power.
He also supported important laws. These included the Interstate Commerce Act. This law helped control railroads and other businesses. He also supported the Pendleton Civil Service Act. This law made sure government jobs were given based on skill, not just political connections.
In 1886, Ingalls did not approve a person named James Campbell Matthews for a job. Ingalls said it was because Mr. Matthews did not live in Washington, D.C. However, some people at the time thought his reasons were not entirely about where Mr. Matthews lived.
Senate Leadership
In 1887, Ingalls was chosen for a special role. He became the President pro tempore of the Senate. This is a high-ranking position. He was praised for his sharp wit and clever remarks.
John James Ingalls passed away on August 16, 1900. He died in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was buried in Atchison, Kansas.
In 1905, Kansas gave a marble statue of Ingalls to the U.S. Capitol. This statue was part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. However, in 2022, Kansas replaced Ingalls' statue. They chose to honor Amelia Earhart instead.
Family Connections
John James Ingalls was a second cousin to Charles Ingalls. Charles Ingalls was the father of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the famous Little House on the Prairie books.
