Bourne, Jonathan, 1855-1940

Jonathan Bourne was a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts and was educated at Harvard University. He came to Portland, Oregon in 1878 and practiced law for eight years. He became active in mine and real estate speculation and Republican politics. In 1885 and 1887 he was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from Multnomah County, and from 1888 to 1892 a member of the Republican National Committee. He favored direct election of senators and was elected U.S. Senator in 1906 but was not re-elected in 1912. He led the movement for a presidental preference primary in Oregon, a system adopted in 1910. Considered a progressive, he was founder and president of the National Progressive Republican League in 1911 and organized the Republican Publicity Association in 1912.

Jonathan Bourne was a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and was educated at Harvard University. He came to Portland, Oregon in 1878 and practiced law for eight years. He then became active in mine and real estate speculation and Republican politics. In 1885 and 1897, he was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from Multnomah County, and from 1888 to 1892, a member of the Republican National Committee. An ardent free silver proponent, Bourne supported Bryan in 1896 presidential race. He favored direct election of senators, and was himself elected U. S. Senator in 1906, but was not re-elected in 1912. He led the movement for a presidential preference primary in Oregon; a system adopted in 1910. Considered a progressive, Bourne was a founder and president of the National Progressive Republican League in 1911 and organized the Republican Publicity Association in 1912.

Source: Schmitt, Martin. Catalogue of Manuscripts in the University of Oregon Library . Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon Books, 1971. Entry 126.