Alfred Milnes

Alfred Milnes was a U.S. Representative from Michigan's 3rd congressional district, serving as a member of the Republican Party. His congressional tenure lasted from 1895 to 1897, during which he filled a vacancy in the House of Representatives. Milnes had a diverse career that extended beyond his time in Congress, including roles in local government and business, as well as military service during the Civil War. He was born in England and immigrated to the United States with his family, eventually settling in Michigan, where he became an influential figure in his community.

Early life and career

Alfred Milnes was born on May 28, 1844, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. He was the son of Henry and Mary Ann Milnes, who were members of the Latter-day Saints (LDS) Church. In 1854, the family emigrated from England, embarking on a journey that would take them across the Atlantic Ocean to New Orleans. After arriving in New Orleans, they traveled by boat to St. Louis and then made their way to Kansas City. From there, they undertook an overland trek to Salt Lake City, which took sixteen weeks to complete. The family reached their destination on September 25, 1854.

Tragedy struck the family two years later when Mary Ann passed away. Following her death, Henry Milnes moved the family to Springville, Utah, where they remained until May 1859. Disenchanted with the Mormon community, Henry sold his property at a loss and relocated the family to Newton, Iowa, for the winter of 1859-1860. In 1861, they arrived in Coldwater, Michigan, traveling the entire distance by ox-drawn wagon. In Coldwater, Henry established a small store and became a successful merchant.

Alfred Milnes was seventeen years old when he arrived in Coldwater. He received his education in common schools located in Salt Lake City and Newton, and upon settling in Coldwater, he worked during the summer months while attending school in the winter. With the onset of the Civil War, Milnes enlisted as a private in Company C of the Seventeenth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, on June 30, 1862. His regiment mustered in Detroit and soon departed for Washington, D.C.

Milnes participated in several significant battles during the war, including the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam, where his regiment suffered heavy casualties. The regiment continued to engage in various battles, including the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Siege of Vicksburg, before being reassigned to different campaigns throughout the war. By the end of the conflict, Milnes returned to Coldwater at the age of 21 and resumed his life in the community.

After the war, Milnes worked as a clerk in his father's business until 1871, when he formed a mercantile partnership known as "Mines & Vanderhoof." This partnership thrived for a decade, after which Milnes sold his interest and established his own business. On January 6, 1868, he married Lucina E. Hull, the daughter of local farmers. Together, they had three children: Alfred Cyrus, Maude L., and Mabel F.

House tenure

Alfred Milnes's political career began at the local level when he became a member of the board of aldermen in Coldwater in 1876 and 1877. He was subsequently elected mayor of Coldwater, serving in that capacity in 1885 and 1886. His political involvement continued to grow, and he was elected to represent the 7th district in the Michigan Senate from 1888 to 1892. Milnes's political ascent culminated in his election as the 28th lieutenant governor of Michigan in 1894, a position he held until his resignation on June 1, 1895.

Following his tenure as lieutenant governor, Milnes was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election held in April 1895. He represented Michigan's 3rd congressional district in the 54th Congress, serving from December 2, 1895, until March 3, 1897. His election filled the vacancy left by the resignation of Julius C. Burrows. During his time in Congress, Milnes participated in the legislative process but was not re-elected in 1896 for the Fifty-Fifth Congress.

After his congressional term, Milnes continued to serve his community in various capacities. In 1898, he was appointed postmaster of Coldwater, a role he held until 1902. He also participated as a delegate in the Michigan constitutional convention of 1907 and 1908, contributing to the state's governance and legislative framework.

Legislative focus and committees

While specific details regarding Milnes's legislative focus and committee assignments during his time in Congress are not extensively documented, it is known that he was a member of the Republican Party, which was a dominant political force during the late 19th century. The Republican Party at the time was focused on issues such as economic development, infrastructure, and the aftermath of the Civil War, including veterans' affairs and reconstruction efforts.

Milnes's background as a businessman and his experience in local government likely informed his perspectives on economic and community development. His previous roles, including that of mayor and lieutenant governor, would have provided him with insights into the needs and concerns of his constituents in Michigan's 3rd congressional district.

After leaving Congress, Milnes engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Coldwater, where he continued to be an active member of the community until his death on January 15, 1916. He was interred in Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of public service and community involvement.