An Illustrated Congressional Manual. The United States Red Book, 1896, (detail), Collection of U.S. House of Representatives

BOATNER, Charles Jahleal, a Representative from Louisiana; born in Columbia, Caldwell Parish, La., January 23, 1849; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1870 and practiced; member of the State senate from 1876 until May 1878; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third Congresses (March 4, 1889-March 3, 1895); presented credentials as a Member-elect to the Fifty-fourth Congress but on March 20, 1896, the House declared the seat vacant, the election having been contested by Alexis Benoit; elected to fill the vacancy caused by the House declaring the seat vacant and served from June 10, 1896, to March 3, 1897; declined to be a candidate for reelection in 1896; moved to New Orleans and resumed the practice of law; died in New Orleans, La., on March 21, 1903; interment in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, La.