James Albertus Tawney

James Albertus Tawney


Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 1st district
In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1911
Preceded by	William H. Harries
Succeeded by	Sydney Anderson
House Majority Whip
In office March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1905
Preceded by	Position Established
Succeeded by	James E. Watson
Member of the Minnesota Senate
In office 1890
Personal details
Born	James Albertus Tawney January 3, 1855 Mount Pleasant Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	June 12, 1919 (aged 64) Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Emma B. Newall
Children	5
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin–Madison

James Albertus Tawney (January 3, 1855 – June 12, 1919) was a blacksmith, machinist and U.S. politician and a member of the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota. He was the first House Majority Whip, holding that position from 1899 to 1905.

Tawney was born in Mount Pleasant Township, near Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania. He apprenticed with his father as a blacksmith, and subsequently learned the trade of machinist. In 1877, moved to Winona, Minnesota, where he was employed as a blacksmith and machinist until 1881. He attended the law department of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and was admitted to the bar in 1882 and commenced practice in Winona. Tawney was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1890. In 1892, he was elected to Congress as a Republican, and served in the 53rd, 54th, 55th, 56th, 57th, 58th, 59th, 60th, and 61st congresses. During his time in Congress, Tawney served as Majority Whip and as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.