Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MCCANN, James
MCCANN, James. (Down County, Ireland, Aug. 27, 1840--Dubuque, IA, June 25, 1918). Political leader. McCann's political career began in 1881 with his election as Dubuque County Sheriff, a position he held during four terms. He later served as Dubuque’s chief of POLICE.
In 1891 McCann was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-Fourth Iowa General Assembly. Reelected, he received his party's nomination for Speaker of the House, but was defeated by the Republican majority. McCann became chairman of the Congressional Committee of the Third Congressional District.
In the fall of 1892 he assisted in the organization of the Excelsior Brass Works and became president and general manager of the company. He kept these positions until July 10, 1893 when he sold his interest in the company.