Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1918-01-24
NUCENT IS NAMED
TO SENATE BY
ALEXANDER
GOVERNOR MAKES APPOINT
MENT TO FILL VACANCY cAUS-
ED BY DEATH OF BRADY
PROMINENT AS DEMOCRAT
Former Prosecuting Attorney in Min
ing Town Reaches U. S. Senate
Is 40 Years of Age

From prosecuting attorney in lit
| tie mining town in the mountains of
southwestern Idaho, and far removed
from a railroad, TO q seat in the T..
S. senate IN twelve years, is indeed an
extraordinary step, but that was the
step made by John F. Nugent of Boise,
| the other day, when he was appoint
ed U. S. senator by Governor Alex
ander, to fill the vacancy in the upper
house of congress caused by the death
of Senator James II. Brady. Governor
Alexander made the appointment Tues
day noon before a number of state of
ficials and other spectators, including
Mrs. Nugent. Mr.. Nugent was in
Washington, ID. C.
Mr.. Nugent has been prominent
democratic leader in this state for
years, having been chairman of the
state central committee fro ml90S I'M
til 1912. He will serve until a successor
is elected at the coming November
elections.
New Senator 40 years Old
Mr.. Nugent is 40 years old. He be-
came wellknown through acting as at
torney for the Western Federation of
Miners at Silver City, idaho and
when he was associated with Clarence
Darrow and other attorneys in the
defense of officers of that organiza-
ton, who were charged with conspir
acy in connection with the murder
of Gov. Frank Steunenberg in 1905.
Senator William E. Borah, senior SEN
ator from Idaho, aided the state in the
prosecution of these men.
Nugent IS entrance into the senate
will make Idaho's representation in
that body consist of a former teacher
and pupil, for the newly chosen SEN
ator gained his law education i'll the
office and under the direction of Sen
ator Borah, who was practicing in
Boise at that time.
Born in LaGrande, Ore.
Nugent was born at LaGrande,
Ore, while his parents, Judge and J
Mrs Edward Nugent, who resided in
Silver City, Idaho, were on a visit
there. He received his early edhca
ton in the public schools and was
admitted to the bar when he was 30
years old. From 1895 until 1905 he |
was prosecuting attorney of Owyhee
county, Idaho, the only public office
he ever held before his appointment
to the senate. In 1895 he married Miss
Della Ainslee. They have one child,
Lieut.. G. A. Nugent, of the 3lSth |
infantry, Z. S. army.
'In appointing Mr.. Nugent senator
from Idaho ] do so feeling that | am |
best serving the interest of Idaho at |
this time,' said Governor Alexander |
The appointment is made voluntarily ]
bv me- | have made no promises to any /
one respecting the senatorship. While |
as governor ] am vested with the sole |
power to make such an appointment, |
I followed the same policy in relation |
to the appointment of Mr.. Nugent as
/ have with other important matters ,
which were discussed with the mem
hers of the present state administra-
ton, including the attorney general
secretary of state and state auditor I
The senatorship was thoroughly gone |
over Sunday and in the appointment /
of Mr. Nugent my associates have |
adopted the same view of the matter |
as / have
Nugent Self Made Man
Senator Nugent might be termed
self-made man. Although born in |
Oregon, he spent most Of his life in
Idaho, receiving a common and high |
school education. He never attended |
college. For some years he has been
prominent as lawyer, qualifying
himself to pass the bar examination
by his determination to forge ahead.
He is recognized leader and for TWEEN
ty years has been identified with lead 7
ership in the Democratic party
At Silver City, Owyhee county,
Idaho, Senator Nugent spent most of
his childhood and younger manhood.
His father was judge of the district
,ourt and appointed his son court re-
porter. Later Senator Nugent became
Identified with large mining company
and was sent on a trip around the
world in its interest in 1897.
Becomes State Chairman 70
Senator Nugent was state chairman
If his party in 1912 and in 1914 was
/ primary candidate for the senatorial
nomination against James II. Hawley
md was defeated Some time ago
Hawley announced his candidacy for
senator. That YVES before Mr.. Brady 5
leath, when Nugent is said TO have
.iven way to Hawley, stating that he
would have no opposition. Hawley 5
friends were active in his behalf, en-
to secure his appointment