Michael Griffin (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Griffin
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 7th district |
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| In office November 5, 1894 – March 3, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | George B. Shaw |
| Succeeded by | John J. Esch |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 30th district |
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| In office January 1, 1880 – January 1, 1882 |
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| Preceded by | Abraham D. Andrews |
| Succeeded by | Rockwell J. Flint |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Columbia 1st district |
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| In office January 1, 1876 – January 1, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | Marcus Barden |
| Succeeded by | David Owen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 9, 1842 County Clare, Ireland, U.K. |
| Died | December 29, 1899 (aged 57) Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Stroke |
| Resting place | Forest Hill Cemetery Eau Claire, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  1st Lieutenant |
| Unit | 12th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Michael Griffin was an important person in American history. He was born in Ireland in 1842 and moved to the United States. He became a lawyer and a politician. He even served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Wisconsin. When he was younger, he was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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Growing Up and Moving to America
Michael Griffin was born in County Clare, Ireland, on September 9, 1842. At that time, all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. When Michael was five years old, in 1847, his family moved. They first went to the British Canadian colonies. Later, in 1851, they moved to Ohio in the United States.
In 1856, Michael moved again, this time to Wisconsin. He settled in a town called Newport in Sauk County. He went to public schools in both Ohio and Wisconsin.
Serving in the Civil War
When Michael was 19, he joined the Union Army on September 11, 1861. This was during the American Civil War. He started as a private in Company E of the 12th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He fought in the war until it ended in 1865. By the end of his service, he had earned the rank of first lieutenant.
After the war, in 1865, Michael moved to Kilbourn City, Wisconsin. He began studying law. In 1868, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. He started his own law practice in Kilbourn City.
On September 6, 1871, Michael Griffin married Emma Irene Daniels. From 1871 to 1876, he also worked as the cashier at the Bank of Kilbourn.
A Career in Politics
Michael Griffin became very active in politics. In 1874 and 1875, he was a member of the County Board for Columbia County, Wisconsin. This board helps manage the county. In 1876, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is part of Wisconsin's state government.
Later in 1876, he moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He served as the City Attorney for Eau Claire in 1878 and 1879. This job meant he was the main lawyer for the city. From 1880 to 1881, he was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate. This is another important part of the Wisconsin state government.
Michael Griffin was also a leader in the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for veterans who fought for the Union in the Civil War. He was their Department Commander in 1887 and 1888.
Serving in Congress
In 1894, Michael Griffin was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party. He filled a spot for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district after the previous representative, George B. Shaw, passed away.
He was re-elected two more times, serving from November 5, 1894, to March 3, 1899. He decided not to run for re-election in 1898.
After his time in Congress, Governor Edward Scofield appointed him to a special job. On May 28, 1899, Michael Griffin became the chairman of the State Tax Commission. This commission helps manage taxes for the state.
Later Life and Legacy
Michael Griffin passed away in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on December 29, 1899. He was 57 years old. He died from a Stroke. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.
