Fort was interested in politics at a young age , and was named to the Marshall County Republican Party Committee as soon as he turned eighteen . Fort joined the Illinois National Guard , serving eight years . He held the position until 1895 , when he was elected mayor of Lacon . After a year , Fort was elected to the Illinois Senate , serving from 1896 to 1904 . Fort was a delegate to the 1896 Republican National Convention . In 1898 , Fort visited Cuba , and convinced that war was imminent , raised a company of cavalry volunteers . He was named captain of Troop L of the 1st Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry when the Spanish – American War broke out
1896 Republican National Convention
1896 Republican National Convention
Robert Boal Fort