Charles H. Grosvenor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Henry Grosvenor
|
|
|---|---|
Grosvenor in 1897
|
|
| Chairman of the House Republican Conference | |
| In office March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1899 |
|
| Speaker | Thomas Brackett Reed |
| Preceded by | Thomas J. Henderson |
| Succeeded by | Joseph G. Cannon |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio |
|
| In office March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1891 |
|
| Preceded by | George W. Geddes |
| Succeeded by | Michael D. Harter |
| Constituency | 14th district (1885–87) 15th district (1887–91) |
| In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1907 |
|
| Preceded by | John M. Pattison |
| Succeeded by | Albert Douglas |
| Constituency | 11th district |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Athens district |
|
| In office January 5, 1874 – January 6, 1878 |
|
| Preceded by | Nelson H. Van Vorhes |
| Succeeded by | Charles Townsend |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 20, 1833 Pomfret, Connecticut |
| Died | October 30, 1917 (aged 84) Athens, Ohio |
| Resting place | West Union Street Cemetery, Athens, Ohio |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Samantha Stewart Louise A. Currier |
| Children | three |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel brevet brigadier general |
| Unit | 18th Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Henry Grosvenor (born September 20, 1833 – died October 30, 1917) was an important American politician and soldier. He served many terms as a U.S. Representative for Ohio. During the American Civil War, he was a brigade commander in the Union Army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Grosvenor was born in Pomfret, Connecticut. When he was five years old, in 1838, his family moved to southeastern Ohio. He grew up in Athens County, where he went to school.
After finishing his own schooling, Charles became a teacher. He later decided to study law. In 1857, he passed his exams and became a lawyer, practicing law in Athens.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Charles Grosvenor joined the Union Army. He served in the 18th Ohio Infantry regiment. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a colonel.
Key Battles and Leadership
Colonel Grosvenor showed great leadership during the war.
- In 1863, he led his regiment in the tough Battle of Chickamauga.
- In December 1864, he commanded a brigade (a large group of soldiers) at the Battle of Nashville.
After the war ended, Charles Grosvenor was given an honorary rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This special honor recognized his brave service and leadership. He officially left the volunteer army on October 9, 1865.
Political Career in Ohio
After his military service, Grosvenor became involved in politics in Ohio.
- He held several local offices in his township and village.
- From 1874 to 1878, he served as a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives.
- For two years, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House, a very important leadership role in the state government.
Helping Orphans
Charles Grosvenor also cared about helping others. From 1880 to 1888, he was a member of the board of trustees for the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home in Xenia. This home provided care for children whose parents had served in the military. He was the president of this board for five years.
Presidential Elections
Grosvenor played a role in national elections as well.
- In 1872, he was a Presidential elector for Ulysses S. Grant and Henry Wilson.
- In 1880, he was a Presidential elector for James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur.
- He also attended the Republican National Convention as a delegate in 1896 and 1900. These conventions are where political parties choose their presidential candidates.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
Charles Grosvenor was elected to the United States House of Representatives several times, representing Ohio.
- He served from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1891 (three terms).
- After a short break, he was elected again and served from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1907 (six more terms).
Leadership in Congress
During his time in Congress, Grosvenor led several important committees:
- He chaired the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Treasury.
- He led the Committee on Mines and Mining.
- He was chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries for many years.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Congress in 1907, Charles Grosvenor returned to practicing law in Athens, Ohio.
He was also appointed as the chairman of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park Commission in 1910. This park protects important Civil War battlefields. He served in this role until his death.
Charles Henry Grosvenor passed away in Athens, Ohio, on October 30, 1917. He was buried in the Union Street Cemetery.
Family Life
Charles Grosvenor was married twice.
- He first married Samantha Stewart in 1858. She passed away in 1866, leaving them with one daughter.
- He then married Louise A. Currier in 1867. They had two daughters together.
