Charles Colden

Charles Colden was a U.S. Representative from California's 17th congressional district, serving as a member of the Democratic Party from 1933 until his death in 1938. His political career included significant roles in local government, including service on the Los Angeles City Council and the Harbor Commission. Colden's tenure in Congress was marked by his involvement in various legislative matters and his support for significant political figures and initiatives of his time.

Early life and career

Charles Colden was born on August 24, 1870, in Peoria County, Illinois. He spent his early childhood on a farm before relocating with his family to Nodaway County, Missouri, at the age of ten. His education began at the Ireland Schoolhouse, which was located near his family’s farm. He later attended Maryville High School, approximately ten miles from his home, where he completed his secondary education. Following high school, Colden pursued further studies at Stanberry Normal School in Stanberry, Missouri, and Shenandoah College in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Colden began his professional career in education, teaching school in both Missouri and Iowa from 1889 until 1896. His career took a different direction when he became the editor and publisher of the Parnell Sentinel from 1896 to 1900. He then transitioned to the Nodaway Forum, which later became known as the Maryville Daily Forum, serving in this capacity from 1900 to 1908. His involvement in education and journalism laid a foundation for his future endeavors in public service.

In addition to his work in publishing, Colden was active in higher education governance, serving as the president of the board of regents for Northwest Missouri Teachers College from 1905 to 1908. His contributions to the institution were recognized with the naming of Colden Hall in his honor. Following his tenure in education, Colden entered the construction business in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1908 to 1912.

In 1912, Colden took a vacation tour of the western United States, during which he became interested in the potential of the Los Angeles harbor in San Pedro. This interest prompted him to settle in the area, where he continued his work in real estate and construction. His leadership capabilities were further demonstrated when he served as president of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce from 1922 to 1924.

House tenure

Colden's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served from 1901 to 1905. After moving to California, he became involved in local governance, notably as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. He was the first resident of the Harbor Area to serve on the council after the area was annexed to Los Angeles in 1909. Colden initially ran for the council in an at-large election in 1923 but was not elected. However, following a change in the city charter in 1925 that allowed for district representation, he successfully ran for the newly created 15th District seat, winning the general election against James H. Dodson Jr. He was reelected in the May 1927 primary but chose not to run for reelection in 1929.

Colden's experience on the City Council and his involvement in the Harbor Commission, where he served as president from 1923 to 1925, helped establish his reputation as a dedicated public servant. His work on the Harbor Commission included advocating for the Harbor Belt Line, which connected various port facilities via rail, and he was involved in efforts to secure railroad access to the waterfront.

In 1932, Colden was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from California's 17th district. He took office on March 4, 1933, and served until his death in 1938. During his time in Congress, Colden was part of a significant legislative period marked by the New Deal and various reforms aimed at addressing the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional tenure, Colden was involved in a range of legislative activities and supported various initiatives reflective of the Democratic Party's platform during the 1930s. He was known to have supported George Creel in the Democratic primary during the 1934 California gubernatorial election. However, after Upton Sinclair emerged as the Democratic nominee, Colden publicly endorsed Sinclair and his "End Poverty in California" program, which aimed to address economic hardship in the state.

Colden's legislative focus included issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader economic landscape of the time. His background in local governance and business likely informed his approach to legislative matters, as he sought to advocate for policies that would benefit the residents of his district and the state of California.

Colden's contributions to Congress were cut short by his death on April 15, 1938, while he was still in office. His passing marked the end of a significant chapter in his political career, during which he had worked to represent the interests of his constituents and engage with the pressing issues of his time. Following his death, he was buried in Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery in Gardena, California, and later reinterred at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Colden's legacy includes his service in various capacities at both the local and national levels, reflecting a commitment to public service and community development throughout his life. His contributions to the Los Angeles area, particularly in terms of urban planning and harbor development, remain part of the historical narrative of the region.