John Cessna

John Cessna (June 29, 1821–December 13, 1893) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

Early life and education

John Cessna was born near Bedford, Pennsylvania. He attended the common schools and Hall’s Military Academy in Bedford. He was graduated from Marshall College in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1842. He taught school, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1845 and commenced practice in Bedford.

Political activities

Democratic service

He served as member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 1850, 1851, 1862, and 1863, and served as speaker of the house in 1850 and 1863. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1856 and at Charleston, South Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland, in 1860.

Republican service

He became affiliated with the Republican Party in 1863, and served as chairman of the Republican State convention in 1865. He was elected chairman of the Republican State central committee in 1865. He was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1868, 1876, and 1880.

United States House of Representatives

Cessna was elected as a Republican to the Forty-first Congress. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1870. He was elected to the Forty-third Congress. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1874. He was again a member of the State House of Representatives in 1892. He resumed the practice of law in Bedford where he died in 1893. Interment in Bedford Cemetery.

ources

*CongBio|C000265
* [http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/cavarly-chaka.html The Political Graveyard]