James M. Cavanaugh | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Cavanaugh, byMathew Brady andLevin Corbin Handy | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromMinnesota'sat-large district | |
| In office May 11, 1858 – March 3, 1859 Serving with William Wallace Phelps | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | William Windom |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromMontana Territory'sat-large district | |
| In office March 4, 1867 – March 3, 1871 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel McLean |
| Succeeded by | William H. Clagett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Michael Cavanaugh (1823-07-04)July 4, 1823 |
| Died | October 30, 1879(1879-10-30) (aged 56) |
| Resting place | Green-Wood Cemetery,Brooklyn, New York City |
| Party | Democratic |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician |
James Michael Cavanaugh (July 4, 1823 – October 30, 1879) was an American lawyer and politician. ADemocrat, he served in theUnited States House of Representatives fromMinnesota and a delegate from theTerritory of Montana.
Cavanaugh was born on July 4, 1823, inSpringfield, Massachusetts. Educated at local schools, he worked for newspapers. He later studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1854, beginning his practice inDavenport, Iowa. In 1854 or spring 1856, he moved toChatfield, Minnesota, and continued the practice of law.[1] In 1856, he was chosen to manage a land grant in Chatfield.[2]
A Democrat, Cavanaugh andWilliam Wallace Phelps were elected to theUnited States House of Representatives from itsat-large district, as part of the first legislature following Minnesota's admittance as a state. On May 28, 1868, he stated within the House of Representatives "I like an Indian better dead than living. I have never in my life seen a good Indian – and I have seen thousands – except when I have seen a dead Indian"; similar statements were also ascribed toAmerican Indian Wars officerPhilip Sheridan, which he denied making.[3] Cavanaugh was known for his speaking ability.[2] He served from May 11, 1858, to March 3, 1859. He lost his re-election in 1858.[1]
In 1861, Cavanaugh moved to theColorado Territory, and continued practicing law, as well as mining. He was a member of the Colorado Constitutional Convention of 1865. In 1865, he moved to theMontana Territory, again serving in the House of Representatives, from itsat-large district. He served from March 4, 1867, to March 3, 1871, having lost his re-election in 1870. He later moved toNew York City and practiced law, returning to Colorado in 1879. He settled inLeadville, where he died on October 30, 1879. He was buried inGreen-Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn.[1]
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by New state | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromMinnesota's at-large congressional district May 11, 1858 – March 3, 1859 Served alongside:William Wallace Phelps | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives fromMontana Territory March 4, 1867 – March 3, 1871 | Succeeded by |
| Territorial (1865–1889) |
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| Oneat-large seat (1889–1913) |
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| Two at-large seats (1913–1919) |
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| Districts (1919–1993) |
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| One at-large seat (1993–2023) |
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| Districts (2023–present) |
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| International | |
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| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
