Solomon Lewis SPINK, Congress, DK (1831-1881)

SPINK, Solomon Lewis, a Delegate from the Territory of Dakota; born in Whitehall, Washington County, N.Y., March 20, 1831; completed preparatory studies and was graduated from Castleton (Vt.) Seminary; taught school several years; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1856 and commenced practice in Burlington, Iowa; moved to Paris, Ill., in 1860 and became the editor and publisher of the Prairie Beacon; member of the State house of representatives in 1864; moved to Yankton, Dak., in 1865, having been appointed by President Lincoln, as secretary of the Territory of North Dakota, in which position he served until 1869; was elected as a Republican to the Forty-first Congress (March 4, 1869-March 3, 1871); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1870 to the Forty-second Congress; resumed the practice of his profession in Yankton, S.Dak.; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1876 to the Forty-fifth Congress; died in Yankton, S.Dak., September 22, 1881; interment in the City Cemetery.

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