John H. Marsalis Explained

John H. Marsalis
Birthname:John Henry Marsalis
Image Upright:0.85
Restingplace:Roselawn Cemetery
State1:Colorado
District1:3rd
Term Start1:January 3, 1949
Term End1:January 3, 1951
Predecessor1:John Edgar Chenoweth
Successor1:John Edgar Chenoweth
Birth Date:May 9, 1904
Birth Place:McComb, Pike County, Mississippi, U.S.
Death Date:June 26, 1971 (aged 67)
Death Place:Pueblo, Colorado, U.S.
Party:Democrat
Education:University of Mississippi, University of Colorado Law School

John Henry Marsalis (May 9, 1904 – June 26, 1971) was an American lawyer and politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from Colorado from 1949 to 1951.

Early life and education

Born in McComb, Pike County, Mississippi, Marsalis attended the public schools of McComb, Mississippi. He moved with his parents to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1922, reportedly for the benefit of his father's health.[1] He graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1923 and enrolled as a student at the University of Mississippi in 1925 and 1926. He graduated from the University of Colorado Law School in 1934.

Career

He was admitted to the bar on March 14, 1935, and commenced the practice of law in Pueblo, Colorado. He was an investigator in district attorney's office in Pueblo in 1935 and 1936.

Military service

He entered the United States Army on May 11, 1942, assigned to the Weather Squadron, United States Army Air Forces, and was discharged on June 16, 1945. He was a sergeant while running for office in November 1944.[2]

Political career

Marsalis was elected district attorney, tenth judicial district of Colorado, in 1944 and took oath of office while on furlough on January 9, 1945. He assumed his duties upon release from Army and served until December 1948.

Marsalis was elected as a Democrat to the 81st Congress (January 3, 1949 – January 3, 1951). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1950 to the 82nd Congress and for election in 1952 to the 83rd Congress.

He was appointed city attorney on December 15, 1952, and served in that capacity until elected district judge, tenth judicial district of Colorado, in November 1954. He served in that office until his retirement on February 28, 1962.

Personal life

He was unmarried. He lived in Pueblo, Colorado, where he died June 26, 1971. He was interred in Roselawn Cemetery.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Congress, United States . Official Congressional Directory . 1949 . U.S. Government Printing Office . 17 . en.
  2. https://www.newspapers.com/image/588834059/ "Soldier Elect Sheriff"