William A. Peffer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Alfred Peffer
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| United States Senator from Kansas |
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| In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | John J. Ingalls |
| Succeeded by | William A. Harris |
| Member of the Kansas Senate | |
| In office 1874 1876 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | September 10, 1831 Cumberland County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 6, 1912 (aged 81) Grenola, Kansas |
| Political party | People's Party (Populist) |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
William Alfred Peffer (born September 10, 1831 – died October 6, 1912) was an important politician from Kansas. He served as a U.S. Senator, representing the state of Kansas. He was especially known for being one of the first senators from the Populist Party, a political group that focused on helping farmers and working people. People often recognized him by his long, flowing beard!
Contents
Who Was William Alfred Peffer?
William Alfred Peffer was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He went to public schools and started teaching when he was only 15 years old.
Early Life and Learning
In 1850, when he was 19, Peffer traveled to San Francisco, California during the exciting time of the gold rush. After that, he moved around quite a bit. He lived in Indiana in 1853, then Missouri in 1859, and finally Illinois in 1862.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, William Peffer joined the Union Army. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank, but he quickly moved up! He became a second lieutenant and took on important jobs like managing supplies and helping with legal matters for the army. While serving in the army, he also studied law.
Starting a Career in Law and Journalism
In 1865, after the war, Peffer became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Clarksville, Tennessee. A few years later, in 1870, he moved to Fredonia, Kansas. There, he continued to practice law and also bought and edited a newspaper called the Fredonia Journal.
His Time in Politics
Peffer became involved in politics in Kansas. He was a member of the Kansas Senate from 1874 to 1876. After that, he moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, where he continued to edit a newspaper, the Coffeyville Journal, and work as a lawyer.
From State to National Politics
In 1880, he was chosen as a presidential elector for the Republican ticket. This meant he helped formally elect the president. In 1881, he became the editor of the Kansas Farmer newspaper in Topeka, Kansas.
A Populist Leader
William Peffer was elected to the United States Senate by the Kansas Legislature. He was a member of the Populist Party. He served as a U.S. Senator from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1897. He was one of the first Populists to become a U.S. Senator, and Kansas sent more Populist senators than any other state!
While he was in the Senate, he was in charge of a committee that looked into how the government jobs were managed. He tried to get re-elected in 1896 but was not successful. Another Populist, William A. Harris, won the election instead.
After the Senate
In 1898, Peffer ran for Governor of Kansas but did not win. After his political career, he spent his time writing. William Alfred Peffer passed away in Grenola, Kansas in 1912. He was buried in Topeka Cemetery under a special tombstone given to soldiers by the government.
