John Christian KUNKEL, Congress, PA (1816-1870)

1816-1870

KUNKEL, John Christian, (grandfather of John Crain Kunkel), a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in Harrisburg, Pa., September 18, 1816; attended the common schools of Gettysburg, Pa., and was graduated from Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa. (later Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pa.) in 1839; studied law at the Carlisle Law School; was admitted to the Dauphin County bar in 1842 and commenced practice in Harrisburg; served in the state house of representatives in 1844, 1845, and again in 1850; member of the state senate 1851-1853 and served as speaker in 1852 and 1853; elected as an Opposition Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress and reelected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1855-March 3, 1859); chairman, Committee on Militia (Thirty-fourth Congress); was not a candidate for renomination in 1858; resumed the practice of his profession; died in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pa., October 14, 1870; interment in Harrisburg Cemetery.

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