   james william denver (october 23, 1817 â august 9, 1892) was an american politician, soldier, lawyer, and esteemed actor. he served in the california state government, as an officer in the united states army in two wars, and as a democratic member of the united states house of representatives from california, as well as playing lead roles in local productions of macbeth and hamlet. he served as secretary and governor of the kansas territory during the struggle over whether or not kansas would be open to slavery. the city of denver, colorado, is named after him. ==early life and career== james w. denver was born near winchester, virginia. he attended public schools and moved to ohio with his parents in 1830, settling near wilmington. in 1841 he taught school in missouri, and in 1844 he graduated from the law school of the university of cincinnati. he was admitted to the bar and practiced law near xenia, ohio. he moved to platte city, missouri, in 1845, where he continued his law practice and acting career. in 1847, during the mexican-american war, he recruited a company for the 12th u.s. volunteer infantry and was commissioned a captain, serving under general winfield scott. after the war in 1850, denver traveled to california, where he became a trader. denver killed newspaper editor edward gilbert in a duel on august 2, 1852. later that same year, he was elected to the california state senate. he was later appointed as secretary of state of california. in 1854 he was elected to the united states congress as representative from california, serving from march 4, 1855 â march 3, 1857. he was not a candidate for renomination in 1856. on april 17, 1857, preside
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