Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Blackburn
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Governor of Panama Canal Zone | |
In office April 1, 1907 – December 4, 1909 |
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Appointed by | Theodore Roosevelt |
Preceded by | Richard Reid Rogers |
Succeeded by | Maurice Thatcher |
Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus | |
In office June 4, 1906 – March 4, 1907 |
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Preceded by | Arthur Pue Gorman |
Succeeded by | Charles Allen Culberson |
United States Senator from Kentucky |
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In office March 4, 1901 – March 4, 1907 |
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Preceded by | William Lindsay |
Succeeded by | Thomas H. Paynter |
In office March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1897 |
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Preceded by | John S. Williams |
Succeeded by | William J. Deboe |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 7th district |
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In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1885 |
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Preceded by | James B. Beck |
Succeeded by | William Breckinridge |
Personal details | |
Born | Spring Station, Kentucky, U.S. |
October 1, 1838
Died | September 12, 1918 (aged 79) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Relatives | Luke P. Blackburn (Brother) |
Education | Centre College (BA) |
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Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn (October 1, 1838 – September 12, 1918) was an important American politician. He was a Democrat who served as a Representative and Senator for Kentucky. Blackburn was also a talented lawyer, known for his ability to convince juries. He was a powerful speaker, too.
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Who Was Joseph Blackburn?
Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn was born on October 1, 1838. His birthplace was near Spring Station, Kentucky. He had an older brother named Luke P. Blackburn, who later became the Governor of Kentucky.
Early Life and Education
Joseph went to Sayres Institute in Frankfort. Later, he graduated from Centre College in Danville in 1857. After college, he studied law in Lexington. He became a lawyer in 1858.
A Lawyer and Soldier
Blackburn first practiced law in Chicago. In 1860, he moved back to Woodford County, Kentucky. When the Civil War began in 1861, he joined the Confederate Army. He started as a private soldier.
By the end of the war, he had become a lieutenant colonel. After the war, he lived in Arkansas. There, he worked as a lawyer and managed a farm. In 1868, he returned to Kentucky. He opened his own law office in Versailles.
Starting in Politics
Blackburn began his political career in Kentucky. From 1871 to 1875, he was a member of the state's House of Representatives. This was his first step into public service.
In 1875, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served five terms, from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1885. During this time, he led important committees. These included the Committee on the District of Columbia. He also chaired the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of War.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
Blackburn was elected to the United States Senate in 1884. He was reelected in 1890. He served as a Senator from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1897. He was the chairman of the Committee on Rules during one of his terms.
He tried to be reelected in 1896 but did not win. However, he was elected to the Senate again in 1900. His final term as a Senator was from March 4, 1901, to March 3, 1907. He was a well-known figure in national politics. In 1896, his name was even suggested as a possible candidate for president.
Governor of the Panama Canal Zone
On April 1, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Joseph Blackburn to a new role. He became the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone. This was a very important job at the time. The Panama Canal was being built, and the zone needed strong leadership.
Blackburn later resigned from this position. He returned to his home in Woodford County, Kentucky.
Mount Blackburn
In 1885, an army officer named Lt. Henry T. Allen honored Joseph Blackburn. He named a mountain after him. This mountain is called Mount Blackburn. It is the highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains in Alaska. It is also the fifth highest mountain in the entire United States.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn passed away on September 12, 1918. He died in Washington, D.C.. He was buried in the State Cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Blackburn is remembered for his long career in public service. He was a dedicated politician and a skilled lawyer.