Campaign stickpin, 1898-1900, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives

POLK, Rufus King, a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in Columbia, Maury County, Tenn., August 23, 1866; attended Webb’s Academy, Culleoka, Tenn.; was graduated from Lehigh University, South Bethlehem, Pa., in 1887 and took a post-graduate course in mining engineering; settled in Danville, Montour County, Pa., and was employed as a chemist; held supervisory positions with several steel companies and ultimately became engaged in the manufacture of structural iron; served as first lieutenant of Company F, Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in the Spanish-American War; delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1900; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-sixth and Fifty-seventh Congresses and served from March 4, 1899, until his death in Philadelphia, Pa., March 5, 1902; interment in Fairview Cemetery, Danville, Pa.