Alfred Ely facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Ely
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 29th district |
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| In office March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel George Andrews |
| Succeeded by | Augustus Frank |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1815 Lyme, Connecticut, United States |
| Died | May 18, 1892 (aged 77) Rochester, New York, United States |
| Resting place | Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
Alfred Ely (born February 15, 1815 – died May 18, 1892) was an important politician from New York. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. government. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Ely was elected to Congress for two terms. He served from March 4, 1859, to March 3, 1863. He represented the 29th congressional district of New York State. A very interesting part of his life happened during the American Civil War. He was captured by Confederate forces while watching a battle!
Contents
Early Life and Start in Politics
Alfred Ely was born in Lyme, Connecticut. He went to local schools and then to Bacon Academy. This was a school in Colchester, Connecticut.
In 1835, when he was 20 years old, he moved to Rochester, New York. There, he decided to study law. By 1841, he had finished his studies. He was then allowed to work as a lawyer. He started his law practice in Rochester.
Ely became involved in politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the country. He served during the 36th and 37th Congresses.
During his time in Congress, he led a special group. This group was called the Committee on Invalid Pensions. This committee helped people who were injured or disabled. He did not run for re-election in 1862.
Captured During the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861. Alfred Ely was a member of Congress at this time. He went to watch the First Battle of Bull Run. This was a big battle near Washington D.C.
While watching the battle, something unexpected happened. Congressman Ely was captured by the Confederate army. The Confederates were the southern states fighting against the U.S. government.
Ely was taken to a prison called Libby Prison. This prison was in Richmond, Virginia. He stayed there as a prisoner for almost six months. Many other people were also held there.
Release from Prison
In December 1861, a deal was made. Alfred Ely was set free in exchange for another person. This person was Charles J. Faulkner. Faulkner was a Confederate who had been captured.
Ely was released from Libby Prison on Christmas Day. It was 5:00 AM on December 25, 1861. After he was freed, he wrote a book. It was a journal about his time in Libby Prison. The book was published in 1862.
After his release, Alfred Ely went back to being a lawyer. He continued to practice law in Rochester. He passed away in Rochester, New York, on May 18, 1892. He was buried in the Ely family vault. This vault is in Mount Hope Cemetery.
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Alfred Ely, a U.S. Representative from New York.
