Joseph Baltzell SHOWALTER, Congress, PA (1851-1932)

SHOWALTER Joseph Baltzell , a Representative from Pennsylvania; born near Smithfield, Fayette County, Pa., February 11, 1851; attended the public schools and Georges Creek Academy at Smithfield; taught school in West Virginia, Indiana, and Illinois 1867-1873; moved to Chicora, Pa., in 1873 and engaged in the production of petroleum and natural gas; studied medicine at Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1883; was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., in 1884; practiced medicine in Chicora, Pa., from 1884 to 1890, when he again engaged in the production of petroleum and natural gas; member of the State house of representatives in 1887 and 1888; served in the State senate 1889-1892; elected as a Republican to the Fifty-fifth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of James J. Davidson; reelected to the Fifty-sixth and Fifty-seventh Congresses and served from April 20, 1897, to March 3, 1903; was not a candidate for reelection; resumed his former business pursuits and resided in Butler, Pa.; moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., and then to Washington, D.C.; also engaged in the development of land in southern Florida; died in Washington, D.C., December 3, 1932; interment in North Cemetery, Butler, Pa.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present