Henry J. Spooner
Henry J. Spooner | |
---|---|
Member of theU.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's1stdistrict | |
In office December 5, 1881 – March 3, 1891 | |
Preceded by | Nelson W. Aldrich |
Succeeded by | Oscar Lapham |
Member of theRhode Island House of Representatives | |
In office 1875-1881 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Providence, Rhode Island | August 6, 1839
Died | February 9, 1918 Providence, Rhode Island | (aged 78)
Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery |
Nationality | American |
Political party | Republican |
Alma mater | Brown University |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States Union |
Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1862 – 1865 |
Rank | Second Lieutenant |
Unit | 4th Rhode Island Infantry |
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Joshua Spooner(August 6, 1839 – February 9, 1918), was aUnited States representativefromRhode Island.
Born inProvidence, Rhode Island,Spooner attended the common schools and graduated fromBrown Universityin 1860. During his undergraduate career Spooner became a member ofTheta Delta Chi.After graduation, he studied law before entering theUnion Armyin 1862 assecond lieutenantin the Fourth Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. He served in theArmy of the Potomacand theArmy of the James,mostly in theXVIII Corps.
Law career
[edit]After the end of theCivil War,Spooner was admitted to the bar in 1865 and commenced practice in Providence. In 1847, Spooner joined future Providence mayorAugustus S. Millerin partnership in a law firm, which later included Arthur J. Brown.[1]
Political career
[edit]He became the commander of the department of Rhode Island, Grand Army of the Republic, in 1877, before joining the political ranks as member of theRhode Island House of Representativesfrom 1875 to 1881. During his career in the state house, Spooner served as speaker 1879-1881.
In 1881 he was elected as aRepublicanto the47th United States Congressto fill the vacancy caused by the resignation ofNelson W. Aldrichand he was reelected to the Forty-eighth and to the three succeeding Congresses and served from December 5, 1881, to March 3, 1891. While in Congress, Spooner served as chairman ofUnited States House Committee on Accountsduring the51st United States Congress.In 1890, Spooner was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to Congress.
After a 12 year political hiatus, he returned to the Rhode Island State House of Representatives in 1902. He also resumed the practice of law in Providence. Spooner died in that city February 9, 1918 and was interred at Swan Point Cemetery.
References
[edit]- ^"Recent Deaths: Mayor A.S. Miller".Newport, Rhode Island: Newport Mercury. September 30, 1905. p. 1.RetrievedJanuary 4,2016.
External links
[edit]- United States Congress."Henry J. Spooner (id: S000740)".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Henry J. SpooneratFind a Grave