William M. Kinsey
William M. Kinsey | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Kinsey by Charles Milton Bell, between 1873 and 1890 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 10th district | |
| In office March 4, 1889 – March 3, 1891 | |
| Preceded by | Martin L. Clardy |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Byrns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 28, 1846 |
| Died | June 20, 1931 (aged 84) St. Louis, Missouri, US |
| Party | Republican |
| Relations | Daniel Kinsey (grandson) |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | Monmouth College; University of Iowa College of Law |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer |
William Medcalf Kinsey (October 28, 1846 – June 20, 1931) was an American politician and lawyer. A Republican, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri.
Early life and education
Kinsey was born on October 28, 1846, in Mount Pleasant, Ohio.[1] He was descendent of Quakers who arrived in the United States alongside William Penn.[2] He attended common schools, followed by Hopedale Academy, then Monmouth College.[3] In 1863, he moved to Muscatine County, Iowa. There, he attended the University of Iowa College of Law, graduating in 1871.[1]
Career
Kinsey was admitted to the bar in 1872, after which he commenced practice in Muscatine County. In 1875, he moved to St. Louis, also practicing there.[1]
A Republican, Kinsey served in the United States House of Representatives from March 4, 1889, to March 3, 1891, representing Missouri's 10th district. He lost the following election.[1]
After serving in Congress, Kinsey returned to practicing law in St. Louis.[1] He was appointed acting St. Louis City Attorney in 1898, serving for several months. He then served as judge of the 1st District Police Court.[4] From c. 1905 – c. 1916, he served as a judge of the St. Louis Circuit Court, and during hus tenure presided over 1,500 divorce cases.[5] During the construction of the Civil Courts Building, he suggested multiple mottoes which were subsequently carved into the stone.[2] During World War I, he served as chairman of the draft examining board in Carondelet, St. Louis.[6] He afterwards returned to practicing law after the war ended.[1]
Personal life and death
Kinsey was a member of the Orthodox Church in America.[3] On March 21, 1872, he married schoolteacher Lucy Loretta Chapin;[6][7] they had five children together.[2] He died on June 20, 1931, aged 84, in Carondelet, St. Louis.[2] He was buried at Sunset Hill Burial Park, in St. Louis.[8] His grandson was Olympic hurdler Daniel Kinsey.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Kinsey, William Medcalf". bioguide.congress.gov. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
- ^ a b c d "William M. Kinsey". The New York Times. 1931-06-21. p. 21. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
- ^ a b Stevens, Walter Barlow (1909). St. Louis, the Fourth City, 1764-1909. S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. pp. 444, 446.
- ^ "Succeeds Judge Peabody". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 10 June 1899. p. 2. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
- ^ a b "Wed 56 Years, W. M. Kinsey Gives Advice on Marriage". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 20 March 1928. p. 3. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
- ^ a b "Ex-Judge Kinsey, St. Louis Lawyer For 57 Years, Dies". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 21 June 1931. p. 3. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
- ^ "50th Wedding Day To Be Celebrated". St. Louis Star-Times. 12 March 1922. p. 10. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
- ^ "The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Kinnick to Kirburis". politicalgraveyard.com. Retrieved 2026-03-22.