Biography

James William Denver dabbled in a variety of professions across the nascent nation. Once Virginian natives, the Denvers relocated to Ohio around 1830 when young James was only thirteen years old. Denver excelled in Ohio, as he studied civil engineering taught in local schools, and shifted courses again to study law in Cincinnati. Denver's career took him to Missouri and then to California, where he began his political career. Beginning in 1851, Denver served in the senate, became Secretary of State in 1852, and was eventually elected to Congress in 1854. During the Civil War, Denver joined the Union Army and resigned by March 1863.