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American politician (1806–1884) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Kennedy Moorhead (September 7, 1806 – March 6, 1884) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.
James Kennedy Moorhead | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania | |
| In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1869 | |
| Preceded by | Robert McKnight |
| Succeeded by | James S. Negley |
| Constituency | 22nd |
| In office March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1863 | |
| Preceded by | David Ritchie |
| Succeeded by | John L. Dawson |
| Constituency | 21st |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1806 Halifax, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | March 6, 1884 (aged 77) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US |
| Resting place | Allegheny Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations | Democratic, Know Nothing |
| Profession | Politician, Canal Executive |
James K. Moorhead was born in Halifax, Pennsylvania. He served an apprenticeship at the tanner's trade, after which he became a canal contractor. He was superintendent and supervisor on the Juniata Canal in 1828, and projected and established the first passenger packet line on the Pennsylvania Canal in 1835.[1]
In 1838 he was appointed adjutant general of Pennsylvania. He constructed the Monongahela Navigation Canal and was president of the company for twenty-one years. He was president of the Atlantic & Ohio Telegraph Co., which later became the Western Union Telegraph Company.[1]
In his early political career he was a Democrat, but defected to the Know Nothings shortly after the fall elections of 1854.[2]
He was elected as a Republican to the 36th Congress and to the four succeeding Congresses. In Congress he served as chairman to Committee on Manufactures during the 38th and 39th Congresses.[1]
On March 31, 1868, he testified in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, having been called as a witness by the prosecution.[3]
He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1868. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1868, and an unsuccessful candidate for election to the United States Senate in 1880.[1]
James K. Moorhead was the father of Pittsburgh financier Maxwell K. Moorhead, a member of the elite South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club of Johnstown Flood fame.[4]
He was president of the chamber of commerce of Pittsburgh from 1877 until his death in 1884, aged 77.[1]
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