Near the end of 1909, Republican US Senator Martin Johnson of North Dakota suddenly passed away. Governor Burke, a Democrat, soon appointed state senator Fountain L. Thompson as interim senator, pending a special election.
While some in both parties grumbled over the selection, some newspapers reported, "There is no doubt that the wisdom of Governor Burke's choice of Fountain L. Thompson of Cando to fill the senatorial chair left vacant by M. N. Johnson will make itself manifest later on. ...Mr. Thompson bears an excellent reputation in every respect and is held in high esteem by everybody who knows him. ... He is a staunch Democrat of the old type and will undoubtedly be heard of in the future."
However, Thompson was in ill health. Newspapers reported that he had hemorrhages of the lungs, and heart trouble, and that that his physician told him he should go to Mexico as soon as possible to improve his health. He resigned, with state senator William E. Purcell, of Wahpeton appointed to replace him.
It seemed this decision was made quickly and kept quiet until fully announced in Washington, but the news had leaked out early -- although some did note that Purcell had a penchant for practical jokes and perhaps was stringing reporters along, but Thompson's health made the reports seem likely. Newspaper commentary on the matter said: "there has been a split between the radicals and conservatives in the democratic ranks, and that the appointment of Purcell, purely as an 'honorary' senator, would heal the breach and bring the democrats of the state into line."
On this date in 1910, North Dakota papers reported on Purcell as he settled into his new role, working alongside the other ND Senator, Porter J. McCumber saying: "While they are personal friends, they have been always on opposite sides in the red-hot political campaigns which have been waged in Richland county during the past thirty years. They will be opposed to each other in the campaign next year and there is no telling what the results will be."
That is not to say they faced each other. Purcell had the special election coming up to decide who would finish the term of Martin Johnson, and he lost! So, in less than a year and a half, 4 different people held that senate seat.
The other seat was much more stable. McCumber won his race that year, and won again in 1916. He served in the senate for 24 years.
Dakota Datebook by Sarah Walker
Sources:
The Evening Times, December 4, 1909, p1
Bismarck Daily Tribune, Dec 21, 1909, p1
Courier Democrat, January 6, 1910, p4
The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, January 15, 1910, p2
The Wahpeton Times, Feb 3, 1910
The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, February 1, 1910, p10
Bismarck Daily Tribune, February 2, 1910, p5
Bismarck Daily Tribune, February 1, 1910, p5
The Evening Times, February 9, 1910, p2
