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William Andrew 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.[1] He was elected mayor in 1873.[2]

He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1874 and served for three terms. He served as Speaker in his final term.[1]

He died in Highland Park on December 31, 1893, and was buried at Lake Forest Cemetery.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ a b 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.
  2. ^ "Suburban: Highland Park". Chicago Evening Post. April 16, 1873. p. 1. Retrieved January 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Memorials of Deceased Companions of the Commandery of the State of Illinois. Vol. 1. 1901. pp. 173–174. Retrieved January 30, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  4. ^ "Funeral of Colonel W. A. James". Chicago Inter Ocean. January 3, 1894. p. 8. Retrieved January 30, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.