Representative Frank Potter Coburn

Frank Potter Coburn (December 6, 1858 – November 2, 1932) was an American farmer, banker, and Democratic politician from La Crosse County, Wisconsin. He served one term as a Representative from Wisconsin in the United States Congress from 1891 to 1893, representing Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district during the 52nd Congress. A member of the Democratic Party, he contributed to the legislative process during this single term in office and later became a prominent figure in La Crosse County government.

Coburn was born on December 6, 1858, on his family’s farm in the town of Barre, La Crosse County, Wisconsin. He was raised and educated in La Crosse County, attending the local public schools. After completing his schooling, he went to work as a farmer, continuing the agricultural traditions of his family and establishing himself in the rural community of the region.

Engaging primarily in agricultural pursuits near West Salem, Wisconsin, Coburn developed a livelihood based on farming while also entering the banking business. His dual involvement in agriculture and finance gave him a strong understanding of the economic concerns of his neighbors and constituents. This background in local business and farming helped shape his political outlook and prepared him for public service at both the county and national levels.

Coburn first sought national office as a Democrat in 1888, when he was an unsuccessful candidate for election to the 51st United States Congress. Undeterred by this initial defeat, he ran again and was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district in the 1890 election. He served in the 52nd United States Congress, with his term beginning on March 4, 1891, and concluding on March 3, 1893. During this significant period in American history, he participated in the democratic process in the House of Representatives and represented the interests of his constituents from western Wisconsin. In 1892 he was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election to the 53rd United States Congress, losing to Republican George B. Shaw by a margin of 2,270 votes, or 7.2 percent.

After his service in Congress, Coburn returned to private life and resumed his banking interests and agricultural pursuits near West Salem. He remained active in public affairs at the local level and became an influential figure in La Crosse County government. He was elected to the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, on which he served for nine years, from 1894 to 1903. During this period he was chosen as chairman of the board in 1902 and 1903, reflecting the confidence placed in him by his colleagues and the community.

In addition to his work on the county board, Coburn held several other important county positions over the ensuing decades. He served as jury commissioner of La Crosse County from 1897 until 1932, overseeing aspects of the local judicial process for thirty-five years. He was also a trustee of the county asylum from 1907 to 1932, participating in the administration and oversight of county institutional care. From 1912 to 1926, he served as a member of the county board of review of income taxes, contributing to the review and administration of local tax matters. Through these roles, he remained a central figure in county governance long after his congressional service had ended.

Frank Potter Coburn died in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on November 2, 1932, at the age of 73. He was interred in Hamilton Cemetery in West Salem, Wisconsin. His career encompassed service as a farmer, banker, county official, and member of the United States House of Representatives, and he remained closely identified with La Crosse County throughout his life.