Mark L. De Motte facts for kids
Mark Lindsey De Motte (born December 28, 1832 – died September 23, 1908) was an important person from Indiana. He served as a member of the U.S. Congress, which is part of the government that makes laws for the country. He was also a lawyer, a leader at a law school, a newspaper editor, and a postmaster. A town in Indiana, DeMotte, Indiana, was even named after him while he was in Congress!
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Early Life and Education
Mark L. De Motte was born in Rockville, Indiana. He went to college at Indiana Asbury University, which is now called DePauw University. He finished his first degree there in 1853.
Becoming a Lawyer
After his first degree, Mark De Motte continued his studies at the same university. He graduated from their law school in 1855. That same year, he became a lawyer and started his own law practice in Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1856, he was chosen to be a prosecuting attorney, which means he worked for the government to bring legal cases against people accused of crimes.
Military Service
During the American Civil War, Mark De Motte joined the Union Army. He started as a first lieutenant in 1861. The next year, in 1862, he was promoted to captain. He served his country during this important time in American history.
Career After the War
After the Civil War ended, Mark De Motte moved to Lexington, Missouri. There, he continued his work as a lawyer. He also became the editor and owner of a newspaper called the Lexington Register.
Entering Politics
Mark De Motte tried to get elected to Congress as a Republican in 1872 and again in 1876, but he didn't win those elections. In 1876, he was also a delegate at the Republican National Convention, which is a big meeting where the party chooses its candidate for president.
Return to Indiana
In 1877, Mark De Motte moved back to Valparaiso, Indiana. He started practicing law there again. In 1879, he helped create the Northern Indiana Law School. This school later became part of Valparaiso University.
Serving in Congress
Mark De Motte was finally elected to the U.S. Congress as a Republican. He served from March 4, 1881, to March 3, 1883. During his time in Congress, the town of DeMotte, Indiana was named after him. He tried to get re-elected in 1882 but was not successful.
Later Public Service
After his time in Congress, Mark De Motte continued to serve the public. He was a member of the Indiana State Senate from 1886 to 1890. He was also appointed as the postmaster of Valparaiso, serving from 1890 to 1894.
Law School Dean
From 1890 until his death in 1908, Mark De Motte was the dean of the Northern Indiana Law School. This means he was the main leader and administrator of the law school.
Death
Mark Lindsey De Motte passed away in Valparaiso, Indiana, on September 23, 1908. He was buried in Maplewood Cemetery.
