William A. Rodenberg

William A. Rodenberg

William August Rodenberg (born October 30, 1865 in Chester , Illinois , †  September 10, 1937 in Alpena , Michigan ) was an American politician . Between 1899 and 1923 he represented the state of Illinois in the US House of Representatives several times .

Career

William Rodenberg attended the public schools of his home country and then until 1884 the Central Wesleyan College in Warrenton ( Missouri ). He then taught as a teacher for seven years. After studying law at St. Louis Law School and being admitted to the bar in 1893, he began working in this profession in East St. Louis . At the same time he embarked on a political career as a member of the Republican Party . In the years 1896, 1908, 1916 and 1920 he took part as a delegate at the respective Republican National Conventions .

In the 1898 congressional election , Rodenberg was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Washington, DC , in the 21st  constituency of Illinois , where he succeeded Jehu Baker on March 4, 1899 . Since he was not confirmed in 1900, he could initially only complete one legislative period in Congress until March 3, 1901 . In 1901 and 1902 Rodenberg was a member of the United States Civil Service Commission , a federal commission that dealt with civil service matters. He also worked as a lawyer again. At that time he was also financially involved in other areas of the economy.

In 1902, William Rodenberg was re-elected to Congress in the 22nd district of his state, where he was able to complete five more legislative terms after four re-elections as successor to George Washington Smith between March 4, 1903 and March 3, 1913. Between 1909 and 1911 he was chairman of the Committee on Industrial Arts and Expositions . In 1912 he was defeated by William N. Baltz of the Democratic Party . Two years later he was re-elected to Congress in the 22nd district, where he replaced Baltz on March 4, 1915. After three re-elections, he could remain in parliament until March 3, 1923. During this time the First World War fell . In addition, the 18th and 19th amendments to the Constitution were ratified in 1919 and 1920 . It was about the ban on trade in alcoholic beverages and the nationwide introduction of women's suffrage . From 1919 to 1923 William Rodenberg headed the flood protection committee.

After his time in the US House of Representatives, he practiced as a lawyer in Washington. He died on September 10, 1937 while visiting Michigan.

Web links

• William A. Rodenberg in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)