Rufus K. Polk was born in Columbia , Tennessee , the son of Confederate States Army Brigadier General Lucius E. Polk and great-nephew of Leonidas Polk . He attended Webb 's Academy in Culleoka , Tennessee , graduated from Lehigh University in South Bethlehem , Pennsylvania , in 1887 , and took a post-graduate course in mining engineering . He settled in Danville , Pennsylvania , and was employed as a chemist . He held supervisory positions with several steel companies and ultimately became engaged in the manufacture of structural iron . He served as first lieutenant of Company F , Twelfth Regiment , Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry , in the Spanish – American War . He was a delegate to the 1900 Democratic National Convention
1900 Democratic National Convention
1900 Democratic National Convention
Rufus King Polk