Edward Haight (politician) facts for kids
Edward Haight (born March 26, 1817 – died September 15, 1885) was an American politician and businessman. He came from New York City. Haight served in the U.S. Congress for one term. This was from 1861 to 1863, during the American Civil War.
Edward Haight's Early Life and Business
Edward Haight was born in New York City. As a young boy, he went to local schools. He started working early in his life. He worked in a countinghouse, which was like an office where money and accounts were handled.
In 1838, Haight joined a company called Cromwell, Haight & Co. They were dry goods importers. This means they brought in fabrics and other non-food items from other countries to sell. Their office was on Maiden Lane in New York City.
In 1839, Edward Haight married Sarah Louise Burgoyne. She was from Charleston, South Carolina. In 1850, he moved to Westchester, New York. This area is now part of The Bronx.
Haight was also important in the banking world. He was a director at the National Bank of New York. In 1856, he helped start the Bank of the Commonwealth of New York City. He was the president of this bank until 1870. After 1870, he worked with his son, Edward Jr. They had a brokerage firm called Haight & Company on Wall Street. A brokerage firm helps people buy and sell stocks and other investments.
Serving in Congress During the Civil War
Edward Haight was elected to the 37th United States Congress. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in Congress from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. This was a very important time in American history, as the American Civil War had just begun.
Haight was known as a War Democrat. This meant he was a Democrat who supported the Union's efforts in the Civil War. In 1862, he tried to be re-elected to Congress. He ran as a candidate for the Union Party. This was the name the Republican Party used that year. However, he did not win re-election to the 38th United States Congress.
Edward Haight's Later Life
Edward Haight passed away in Westchester, New York. He is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City.
