Martin MAGINNIS, Congress, MT (1841-1919)

MAGINNIS, Martin, a Delegate from the Territory of Montana; born near Pultneyville, Wayne County, N.Y., October 27, 1841; moved with his parents to Minnesota in 1852; pursued an academic course; attended Hamline University, but left to take charge of a Democratic newspaper; enlisted as a private in the First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, April 18, 1861; promoted to first lieutenant in September 1862 and to captain in July 1863; appointed major of the Eleventh Minnesota Volunteers in September 1864 and ordered to join the Army of the Cumberland, where he served under the command of General Thomas until mustered out with his regiment in July 1865; moved to Helena, Mont., in 1866; engaged in mining and subsequently in publishing and editing the Helena Daily Gazette; elected as a Democrat to the Forty-third and to the five succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1873-March 3, 1885); unsuccessful Democratic candidate for election in 1890 to the Fifty-first Congress; presented credentials on May 25, 1900, as a Senator-designate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William A. Clark, but was not seated; State commissioner of mineral land 1890-1893; died in Los Angeles, Calif., March 27, 1919; interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Helena, Mont.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present