William A. James

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William A. James (December 8, 1838 - December 31, 1893) was an American politician and Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives.

Biography

William A. James was born December 8, 1838 in Providence, Rhode Island. He served in the American Civil War, reaching the rank of Colonel in the Union Army. He moved to Chicago in 1865 and open a steam machinery business. After the Great Chicago Fire, he moved to Highland Park, Illinois. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1874 and served for three terms. He served as Speaker in his final term. He was later elected Mayor of Highland Park. He died December 31, 1893. [1]

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References

  1. Redmond, Mary (1980). Mr. Speaker: Presiding Officers of the Illinois House of Representatives 1818-1980. Office of the Speaker of the House. pp. 54–55. Retrieved September 8, 2022.