James Semple

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James Semple
United States Senator from Illinois
In office 1843–1847
Preceded by	Samuel McRoberts
Succeeded by	Stephen A. Douglas
Born	January 5, 1798 Green County, Kentucky
Died	December 20, 1866 Elsah, Illinois
Political party	Democratic
Profession	Attorney, soldier, businessman

James Semple (January 5, 1798 - December 20, 1866) was a United States Senator from Illinois.

[edit] Earlier Years

Born in Green County, Kentucky, he had some private education as well as public schooling before enlisting in the Army in 1814 and being an ensign in the Kentucky Militia in 1816. He moved to Edwardsville, Illinois in 1818 and to Chariton, Missouri in 1819.

Semple unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 1836 but was the judge of the Illinois Supreme Court from 1842 to 1843.

[edit] Senatorial Years

Semple was appointed and subsequently elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Samuel McRoberts and served from December 4, 1843, to March 3, 1847. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1846.

[edit] Post-Senate Years

Semple ended up in Jersey County, Illinois, where in 1853 he founded the town of Elsah, Illinois.

James Semple died in Elsah, Illinois on December 20, 1866 and is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Preceded by Samuel McRoberts

United States Senator (Class 2) from Illinois 1843–1847 Served alongside: Sidney Breese

Succeeded by Stephen A. Douglas