Richard H. Whiting facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard H. Whiting
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 9th district |
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| In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | Granville Barrere |
| Succeeded by | Thomas A. Boyd |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 17, 1826 West Hartford, Connecticut |
| Died | May 24, 1888 (aged 62) New York City, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
Richard Henry Whiting (born January 17, 1826 – died May 24, 1888) was an important politician from Illinois. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress. He was also the uncle of another representative, Ira Clifton Copley. His grandson, Richard A. Whiting, became a famous composer.
Contents
Richard H. Whiting: A Life of Public Service
Early Life and Moving West
Richard Henry Whiting was born on January 17, 1826, in West Hartford, Connecticut. He went to local schools there.
In 1850, when he was 24, he moved to Altona, Illinois. Later, in 1860, he moved again to Galesburg, Illinois. In Galesburg, he started a business that built gas works, which provided gas for lighting and heating.
Serving During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Richard Whiting joined the Union Army. From 1862 to 1866, he worked as a paymaster for the Volunteers. This meant he was in charge of paying the soldiers.
After the war, he continued his public service. In February 1870, he was chosen to be an assessor for internal revenue in Illinois. This job involved collecting taxes. He held this position until May 1873.
When that office closed, he was appointed as a collector of internal revenue for the same area. His office was in Peoria, Illinois. He worked in this role until March 1875, when he resigned because he had been elected to Congress.
Becoming a U.S. Representative
Richard Whiting was a member of the Republican Party. In 1875, he was elected to the 44th United States Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1877.
He decided not to run for re-election in 1876. Even after his time in Congress, he remained involved in politics. In 1884, he was a delegate at the 1884 Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
Later Years
Richard Henry Whiting passed away in New York City on May 24, 1888, when he was 62 years old. He was buried in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois.
