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.
Education 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.
Career 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 was a delegate to the
1900 Democratic National Convention.
Spanish-American War He served as first lieutenant of Company F, Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in the
Spanish–American War.
Congress Polk was elected as a Democrat to the
Fifty-sixth and
Fifty-seventh Congresses and served until his death in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Death and burial He is buried in Fairview Cemetery in
Danville, Pennsylvania. ==See also==