Frank Steunenberg

Frank Steunenberg (born August 8, 1861 in Keokuk , Lee County , Iowa , † December 30, 1905 in Caldwell , Idaho ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Idaho from 1897 to 1901 .

Early years and political advancement

After finishing school, Steunenberg completed an apprenticeship in the newspaper business at the age of 16. He then studied at Iowa Agricultural College for two years . After moving to Caldwell, Idaho, he and his brother edited the Caldwell Tribune. Steunenberg became a member of the Democratic Party . In 1889 he was a delegate to the Idaho Constituent Assembly and in 1890 he was a member of the State House of Representatives . He was also a member and chairman of the Caldwell City Council for several years.

Governor of Idaho

In 1896, Frank Steunenberg was elected governor of his state. After a re-election in 1898, he was able to exercise this office between January 4, 1897 and January 7, 1901. During this time, several new agencies and committees were created in Idaho. These included a mediation committee for labor law issues, a health committee and an immigration authority. Steunenberg's tenure was overshadowed by labor disputes in the mining industry. The governor took a radically conservative stance towards the strikers and the trade unions and declared the labor dispute to be a fight between the trade unions and the state, which it must win. Based on this conviction, the governor imposed martial law on the affected areas. Hundreds of workers were surrounded and detained without a legal basis.

Assassination victim

At the end of his governorship, Steunenberg withdrew from politics and returned to his newspaper in Caldwell. On December 30, 1905, he was the victim of a bomb attack on his doorstep. A man named Harry Orchard was arrested as the perpetrator. He said he was acting on behalf of three union leaders. They were charged accordingly but acquitted in court for lack of evidence. Orchard was sentenced to death for murder. However, this sentence was not carried out, but instead converted into a life sentence.

Frank Steunenberg was married to Evaline Belle Keppel, with whom he had three children.

literature

Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 1, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME	Steunenberg, Frank
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	August 8, 1861
PLACE OF BIRTH	Keokuk , Iowa
DATE OF DEATH	December 30, 1905
Place of death	Caldwell , Idaho