Charles Brumm

Charles Brumm was a prominent political figure in Pennsylvania, serving as a U.S. Representative for the state’s 12th congressional district. Initially affiliated with the Greenback Party, he later became a member of the Republican Party. Brumm's congressional career spanned nearly three decades, during which he was elected to eight terms in the House of Representatives. His legislative contributions were marked by his roles on various committees, including serving as chairman of the House Committee on Claims and the House Committee on Mileage. After his tenure in Congress, he transitioned to a judicial role, becoming a judge on the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.

Early life and career

Charles Napoleon Brumm was born on June 9, 1838, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He received his early education in local common schools before attending Pennsylvania College in Gettysburg, where he pursued further studies. Brumm's academic journey included a focus on law, which he studied for two years.

With the onset of the Civil War, Brumm enlisted in the Union Army under the first call for troops by President Abraham Lincoln. He began his military service as a private and quickly rose through the ranks, being elected as the first lieutenant of Company I in the Fifth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His commitment to the war effort led him to reenlist in 1861 for a three-year term, during which he served as the first lieutenant of Company K in the Seventy-sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Throughout his military service, Brumm was detailed to the staff of General Barton, where he served as an assistant quartermaster and aide-de-camp, a role he maintained under both General Barton and General Galusha Pennypacker until the conclusion of his service in 1871.

Following the Civil War, Brumm returned to his legal studies and was admitted to the bar in 1871. His initial foray into politics came in 1878 when he ran for election but was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, his political career gained momentum in the following years.

House tenure

Brumm's congressional career began when he was elected as a member of the Greenback Party to the Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth Congresses. His political alignment shifted as he later joined the Republican Party, through which he was elected to the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Congresses. Despite his efforts, he faced defeat in his bid for reelection in 1888.

Brumm's political influence continued to grow as he was a delegate to the 1884 Republican National Convention. He returned to Congress as a Republican for the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Congresses, during which he served as chairman of the United States House Committee on Claims. His leadership in this role underscored his involvement in legislative matters concerning claims against the government. However, he was not renominated in 1898, which marked another setback in his political career.

Despite these challenges, Brumm's persistence paid off when he was elected to the Fifty-ninth Congress to fill a vacancy created by the death of fellow Congressman George R. Patterson. He was subsequently reelected to the Sixtieth Congress, where he continued to serve until March 3, 1909. During this time, he served as chairman of the United States House Committee on Mileage, further contributing to the legislative process. After his congressional service, Brumm transitioned to a judicial role, having been elected as a judge of the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, a position he held until his death.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Brumm was involved in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments that reflected his interests and expertise. His tenure included significant contributions to the House Committee on Claims, where he played a crucial role in addressing issues related to claims against the federal government. This committee was responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on claims for compensation from individuals or entities that sought redress for losses or damages incurred.

In addition to his work on claims, Brumm also chaired the House Committee on Mileage during his time in the Sixtieth Congress. This committee was tasked with overseeing matters related to the reimbursement of travel expenses for members of Congress and other official travel-related issues. His leadership in these committees highlighted his engagement with the operational aspects of congressional responsibilities and the importance of fiscal accountability.

Brumm's legislative focus was not limited to committee work; he was also known for his inventive spirit. He held patents for several inventions, including a meat cutter, a brick and mortar elevator, a railroad snow shovel, and a self-starting car brake. These inventions demonstrated his mechanical aptitude and contributed to his reputation as a forward-thinking individual.

Brumm's family background also played a role in his political legacy. He was the father of George Franklin Brumm, who followed in his footsteps and became a Congressman, indicating a continuation of political engagement within the family.

Charles Brumm passed away on January 11, 1917, in Minersville, Pennsylvania. His life and career reflect a significant period in American history, encompassing the Civil War, the rise of new political movements, and the evolution of the legislative process in the United States. His contributions to both military service and public office remain a part of Pennsylvania's political heritage.