John Van McDUFFIE, Congress, AL (1841-1896)

McDUFFIE, John Van, a Representative from Alabama; born in Addison, Steuben County, N.Y., May 16, 1841; attended the common schools; moved with his parents to Bureau County, Ill., in 1855; attended Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, in July 1861 and served through the Civil War; settled in Lowndes County, Ala., and became a planter; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Hayneville, Ala.; elected judge of probate in 1868; reelected in 1874 and served until 1880; delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1872 and 1876; unsuccessful Republican candidate for election in 1886 to the Fiftieth Congress; successfully contested the election of Louis W. Turpin to the Fifty-first Congress and served from June 4, 1890, until March 3, 1891; unsuccessfully contested the election of Louis W. Turpin to the Fifty-second Congress; engaged in mercantile pursuits and continued as a planter; died in Hayneville, Lowndes County, Ala., November 18, 1896; interment in Pines Cemetery.

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