Halbert S. Greenleaf facts for kids
Halbert Stevens Greenleaf (born April 12, 1827 – died August 25, 1906) was an important person in American politics. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of New York. This means he was elected by people in New York to speak for them in the United States government.
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Early Life and Business
Halbert Greenleaf was born in Guilford, Vermont, in 1827. He went to local schools and studied hard. Later, he moved to Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. There, he started a business making locks. He even helped create a company called Yale & Greenleaf Lock Co.
Community Roles
Greenleaf was also involved in his community. In 1856, he became a Justice of the Peace. This role meant he could help with local legal matters and keep the peace. In 1857, he served as a captain in the Massachusetts Militia, which was like a local defense force.
Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Halbert Greenleaf joined the Union Army in August 1862. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank. However, he quickly showed leadership skills. By September 12, 1862, he was made a captain of Company E in the Fifty-second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. Just over a month later, on October 23, 1862, he was elected to be the colonel of his regiment. This was a very high rank, showing how much his fellow soldiers trusted him.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Greenleaf lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, for several years. He worked in a salt factory there. In 1867, he moved to Rochester, New York. He went back to his old business of making locks.
Political Career
Halbert Greenleaf decided to enter politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1883, he was elected to the 48th United States Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1885. He tried to be re-elected in 1884 but was not successful.
Return to Congress
However, Greenleaf ran for Congress again a few years later. He was elected to the 52nd United States Congress. He served another term from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1893. After this term, he chose not to run for re-election in 1892.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Congress, Halbert Greenleaf returned to his lock-making business. He worked there until he retired in 1896. He passed away on August 25, 1906, at his summer home near Charlotte, New York. Halbert Greenleaf and his wife, Jean Brooks Greenleaf, were buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York. His wife was also a notable person, known for her work as a suffragist, which means she worked for women's right to vote.
