John Runk

John Runk (July 3, 1791 – September 22, 1872) was an American Whig Party politician, who represented New Jersey's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1845–1847.

John Runk
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1845 – March 3, 1847
Preceded by	Isaac G. Farlee
Succeeded by	Joseph E. Edsall
Personal details
Born	July 3, 1791 Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Died	September 22, 1872(1872-09-22) (aged 81) Lambertville, New Jersey
Political party	Whig
Profession	Politician

Runk was born in Milltown (later, Idell), Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He attended the district schools and took charge of the mills and general store on his father's property in Milltown. He was a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders from Kingwood Township from 1825–1833. He was an unsuccessful candidate for sheriff in 1830, and served as high sheriff of Hunterdon County from 1836–1838.

Runk was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-ninth United States Congress (March 4, 1845 – March 3, 1847). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1846, and ran unsuccessfully against Democrat George F. Fort for Governor of New Jersey in 1850.

He moved to Lambertville, New Jersey in 1854 and engaged in the milling business and mercantile pursuits. He died in Lambertville and is interred in Rosemont Cemetery, Rosemont, Hunterdon County, N.J.

External links

• United States Congress. "John Runk (id: R000509)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• John Runk at The Political Graveyard
• John Runk at Find a Grave

Party political offices
Preceded by William Wright	Whig Nominee for Governor of New Jersey 1850	Succeeded by Joel Haywood
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Isaac G. Farlee	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 3rd congressional district March 4, 1845-March 3, 1847	Succeeded by Joseph E. Edsall