John M. Pinckney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Pinckney
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 8th district |
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| In office November 17, 1903 – April 24, 1905 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Ball |
| Succeeded by | John M. Moore |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John McPherson Pinckney
May 4, 1845 near Hempstead, Texas |
| Died | April 24, 1905 (aged 59) Hempstead, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
John McPherson Pinckney (born May 4, 1845 – died April 24, 1905) was an important politician from Texas. He served as a United States Representative, which is part of the U.S. Congress. Sadly, he was shot and killed in Hempstead, Texas in 1905. This made him the third member of the United States Congress to die in office in such a way.
John Pinckney's Early Life and Career
John Pinckney was born near Hempstead. At that time, Texas was its own country, called the Republic of Texas. He grew up on his family's farm near Fields Store.
When John was young, his father was hurt in a farming accident. This meant John had to do most of the farm work. His mother passed away in 1861. John then became the main provider for his father and three siblings.
Even with these responsibilities, Pinckney joined the Confederate States Army at age 16. He served with the 4th Texas Infantry during the American Civil War. After the war ended, he went back home. He worked as a cotton weigher.
Later, Pinckney was elected as a justice of the peace. This job involves handling minor legal cases. He then decided to study law. In 1875, he became a lawyer and started his own practice in Hempstead.
In 1890, he was chosen to be the district attorney. He held this job for ten years. After that, he was elected as a county judge for Waller County in 1900.
Pinckney then ran for the United States House of Representatives. He was elected as a Democrat in 1903. This happened after the previous representative, Thomas H. Ball, resigned. Pinckney was reelected in 1904. He continued to serve in Congress until his death.
A Tragic Event
On April 24, 1905, people gathered in Hempstead. They were outside the Waller County Courthouse. They wanted to talk about a request to the Governor. This request was from a group called the Prohibition League.
The League wanted the Texas Rangers to help enforce local rules about alcohol. These rules limited where and when alcohol could be sold. People had strong feelings about these rules. Some were "wets" (against the rules) and some were "drys" (for the rules).
Congressman Pinckney supported the request. He spoke first at the gathering. People who disagreed with him often interrupted him. During the discussion, a local lawyer, J. N. Brown, became involved. A conflict started, and people were injured.
Pinckney tried to stop the conflict. But he was shot and killed. His brother, Tom Pinckney, also died trying to protect him. J. N. Brown and John Mills, a leader of the Prohibition League, also passed away.
The event lasted only about thirty seconds. Many people were deeply affected. Both John and Tom Pinckney were buried at Hempstead City Cemetery. The person who shot Congressman Pinckney was never officially identified.
