Commodore P. Vedder facts for kids

Commodore Perry Vedder was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was born on February 23, 1838, in Ellicottville, New York, and passed away on December 24, 1910, in Manhattan, New York City. He served bravely in the American Civil War. Later, he became an important figure in New York State politics, working in both the State Assembly and the State Senate.

The Early Life of Commodore Vedder

Commodore Perry Vedder grew up in New York. His father was Jacob Vedder. As a young man, he went to regular schools. After that, he spent five years working as a sailor. He sailed on the Great Lakes, which are huge freshwater lakes in North America. In 1858, he decided to continue his education. He attended Springville Academy. Later, he began to study law, preparing for a career as a lawyer.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Commodore Vedder joined the Union Army. He started as a private soldier. He was part of the 154th New York Volunteers. He fought in many important battles. These included the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Battle of Wauhatchie, and the Battle of Lookout Mountain. He also fought in the Battle of Bentonville. He showed great courage during the war. By the end of the war, he had earned a high rank. He finished his service as a lieutenant colonel of Volunteers.

Starting a Law and Political Career

After the war ended, Commodore Vedder finished his law studies. He became a lawyer in 1866. He started his own law practice in Ellicottville. From 1869 to 1871, he worked as an Assessor of Internal Revenue. This job involved helping to collect taxes for the government.

Working in the State Assembly

Commodore Vedder then decided to enter politics. He became a member of the New York State Assembly. This is like a part of the state's law-making body. He represented Cattaraugus County. He served in the Assembly for four years. These years were 1872, 1873, 1874, and 1875.

Serving in the State Senate

After his time in the Assembly, he moved to the New York State Senate. This is the other part of the state's law-making body. He served in the Senate from 1876 to 1877. He also worked as a State Assessor from 1880 to 1883. He returned to the State Senate in 1884. He served there for many more years, until 1891.

Later Life and Legacy

On July 12, 1892, Commodore Vedder got married. He married Genevieve Wheeler in Chicago. The couple then moved to live in New York City. In 1894, he was chosen to be a delegate. He attended the New York State Constitutional Convention. This was a meeting to help write new rules for the state's government.

Commodore Perry Vedder passed away on December 24, 1910. He died from heart disease. He was staying at the Majestic Hotel in New York City at the time. He was buried in the Sunset Hill Cemetery in Ellicottville, New York.