The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-02-10
COLONEL HEPBURN
CALLED BY DEATH
Famous Iowa Legislator Dies
at Home In CIarinda-Au-
thor of Noted LegiS-
lati0n.

Clarinda, Ia, Feb. 7.--Col. william p
Hepburn, former member ofscongEess
from this district, died here today. after
a long illness.
Death resulted from kidney and
heart trouble. Colonel Hepburn was
near death last November, but after
q time rallied and a few. weeks ago
was so far improved that he&thought
seriously OF returning TO Washing
ton to look after an extensive law
practice which he acquired after IeaV-
ing congress
About a week ago his condition took
a turn for the worse and since that
time he lost ground steadily.
Besides the wido-v, a SON and daugh-
ter survive him.
Colonel Hepburn, although 20 years
In congress, became best known
throughout the country during the
Roosevelt administration. It was ne
who framed what later was called the
Hepburn law, prohibiting rebates and
discrimination by railroads. AS chair
man of the House committee on inter
state and foreign commerce In the first
session of the 59th congress, he was
the author Of three acts out OF five that
the then President Roosevelt afterward
declared would cause that congress 10
be memorable in history because of its
constructive legislation OF the five
committee and three OF them-the Hep
burn law, the pure food act and the
public health act-were framed by
Colonel Hepburn himself.
Soldier and Lawyer.
Mr.. Hepburn represented the Eighth
Iowa district He also was an efficient
soldier and lawyer OF high reputa-
ton. He was a product Of the early
pioneer days in Iowa and got what lit
la En M in f,at
at an academy near Iowa City. He was
born in Columbiana county. Ohio, No
yember T. 1888, removing to Iowa. city.
where his mother and his stepfather
took up their residence on a farm, when
he was 8 years of age. After a brief
experience in the schools the comuIun
ity afforded, he got employment in q
printing office, where he worked for
four years. Later, he read law at,Iowa
City and Chicago, being admitted to the
Illinois bar in 1854. He returned 10
Iowa in 1855. married Miss MeEyfra A.
Morseman, of Iowa City, and settled a.
Marshalltown.
When the civil war broke out, Col
onel Hepburn organized company
and became it's captain. This COMPANY
went to the front in February, fBB2sTas
a part of the Second Iowa cavalry He
was soon advanced to the rank. OF ma
jor and in that position earned dis
tinction at the battle OF Corinth. Not
long afterwards he was placed on the
staff Of General Sheridan, and I'm De
cember of the same year became a
lieutenant colonel and was put in Com
mand of the Second brigade - cavalry
division, Sixteenth army corps. He. was
later transferred To other commands
and served until the close Of the war.
In 1875, Colonel Hepburn moved to
Clarinda, Ia. which had since been his
home. nXHnnt a n
when he had resided in Washington, d.
c. He was elected TO congress in 1880
and twice successfully thereafter. Bur
ing the Harrison administration he
was solicitor of the treasury depaTt
ment. which position he reslgued
March 4, 1893, to again enter conGfess
for his old district. He was an uEj5pc-
cessful candidate for United suites
senator in 1888.
Nominated 10 Times.
Colonel Hepburn was l3 times the
nominee OF his party in the Eighth
Iowa district. his first contest in 1880
being the most remarkable. The con
vention was held at Council Bluffs and
Congressman Sapp had received 81
votes-three less than a majority
without diminution 3S4 times. After a
three days session the convention took
a recess of four days, It's second SEES
sion covered two days and Colonel
Hepburn was nominated on the 3S5
ballot, receiving SO votes. His IL sub
sequent nominations were practically
unanimous. Two OF them were by$aC-
clamation. During his career In cong
ress which ended March 4, 1909, Cof6nel
Hepburn supported every measure That
became law looking to the control Cof
common carriers. Many OF these bills
were introduced by him.