William Springer

William McKendree Springer was an American attorney and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 13th congressional district from 1875 to 1895. A member of the Democratic Party, Springer was known for his involvement in significant legislative matters during his tenure in Congress, including the organization of the Oklahoma Territory and the establishment of the United States Court for the Indian Territory. His career spanned over two decades, during which he held various leadership roles on multiple congressional committees.

Early life and career

William McKendree Springer was born on May 30, 1836, near New Lebanon in Sullivan County, Indiana. In 1848, he and his family relocated to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he attended local public schools. His education continued at Illinois College in Jacksonville, where he became a member of the Phi Alpha Literary Society. Springer left college after engaging in political debates surrounding the Kansas-Nebraska Act and later completed a master's degree at Indiana University in Bloomington in 1858.

Following his academic pursuits, Springer began a career in journalism before turning to law. He studied legal principles and was admitted to the bar, starting his legal practice in Springfield, Illinois. His early political involvement included serving as secretary of the Illinois State Constitutional Convention in 1862 during the American Civil War. He also ran for the Illinois Legislature in 1860 and 1864 and briefly held the position of assistant secretary of the Illinois Senate at the age of 26.

Springer's legal career was marked by his challenge to the constitutionality of income taxes, which led to the Supreme Court case Springer v. United States. He spent several years traveling in Europe between 1868 and 1871 before returning to the United States, where he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1871 and 1872.

House tenure

William Springer was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 1874, taking office in March 1875 as a member of the 44th Congress. Over the course of his political career, he was re-elected for a total of ten consecutive terms, serving until March 3, 1895. His lengthy tenure in Congress was characterized by involvement in various committees, reflecting his influence on legislative processes.

During his time in the House, Springer held several prominent committee positions. He served as chairman of the House Committee on Expenditures in the Department of State during the 44th and 45th Congresses, and later chaired the Committee on Elections in the 46th Congress. His leadership extended to the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of Justice, the Committee on Claims, and the Committee on Territories. Notably, he was also the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means during the 52nd Congress and the Committee on Banking and Currency during the 53rd Congress.

Springer was actively involved in significant legislative matters, including the investigation of election fraud during the contentious 1876 presidential election. His work on the Committee on Territories was particularly impactful, as he played a crucial role in framing legislation that organized the Oklahoma Territory in 1889 and 1890. Additionally, he contributed to the establishment of the United States Court for the Indian Territory and drafted an amendment to the Indian Appropriations Act of 1890, known as the Springer Amendment. This amendment initiated the process of placing the former Unassigned Lands of the Indian Territory into the federal public domain for distribution to homesteaders.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Springer demonstrated a commitment to various legislative issues, particularly those related to territorial organization and Native American affairs. His involvement in the establishment of the Oklahoma Territory was a significant achievement, as it laid the groundwork for the governance and development of this new region.

In addition to his work on territorial matters, Springer was deeply engaged in issues affecting Native American populations. His efforts in drafting the Springer Amendment reflected his interest in the legal and political status of Native American lands, as well as the rights of Indigenous peoples in the face of federal policies.

After his defeat for re-election in 1894, which was attributed to the division within the Democratic Party between Gold Democrats and Silver Democrats, Springer transitioned from his congressional role to a judicial position. He was appointed by President Grover Cleveland as a judge for the Northern District of the United States Court for the Indian Territory. This appointment allowed him to continue his work in legal matters concerning Native American tribes.

In 1899, Springer left the bench to return to private legal practice, establishing law offices in both Chicago and Washington, D.C. He also took on a role as a lobbyist for the National Livestock Association, where he gained insight into the grasslands of the Kiowa Indian reserve. His legal expertise was further utilized as he represented various Native American tribes, including the Muscogee Nation and the Cherokee Nation.

In 1901, Springer became involved in a significant legal case, Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock, representing members of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Reservation. This case challenged the validity of the Jerome Agreement, which had resulted in the cession of tribal lands to the federal government. Springer argued that the agreement was signed under duress and did not meet the legal requirements for consent, asserting that the alterations made to the agreement by Congress were invalid without the tribes' approval.

William McKendree Springer's career was marked by a dedication to public service, legal advocacy, and a focus on the rights of Native American communities. His contributions to the legislative process and his subsequent judicial work reflect a commitment to addressing complex issues of governance and justice during a transformative period in American history.