Henry Bell Van Rensselaer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Bell Van Rensselaer
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 14th congressional district | |
| In office March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843 |
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| Preceded by | John Fine |
| Succeeded by | Charles Rogers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 14, 1810 Albany, New York |
| Died | March 23, 1864 (aged 53) Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Resting place | Grace Episcopal Churchyard, Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New York |
| Spouses |
Elizabeth Ray King
(m. 1833; |
| Children | 10 |
| Parents | Stephen Van Rensselaer III Cornelia Paterson |
| Relatives | See Van Rensselaer family |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1831–1832, 1861–1864 |
| Rank | Brigadier General (1861) Colonel (1861-1864) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Bell Van Rensselaer (born May 14, 1810 – died March 23, 1864) was an important person in American history. He was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also worked as a politician, serving in the United States Congress for New York.
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Henry Bell Van Rensselaer's Early Life
Henry Van Rensselaer was born in Albany, New York. His family was very well-known. His father, Stephen Van Rensselaer III, was a powerful landowner and also served in Congress. He also founded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Henry's mother, Cornelia Paterson, also came from an important family. Her father, William Paterson, was the Governor of New Jersey. He also served as a judge on the highest court in the country, the U.S. Supreme Court.
Henry went to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He graduated from this famous military school in 1831.
Henry Bell Van Rensselaer's Career
After graduating from West Point, Henry became a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served for a short time, then left the military in 1832.
He then started farming near Ogdensburg, New York. From 1839 to 1840, he worked as a military helper for Governor William H. Seward.
Family Inheritance and Business
When his father passed away in 1839, Henry inherited wild lands in St. Lawrence County. These lands were located along the St. Lawrence River. His oldest brother, Stephen Van Rensselaer IV, inherited the family manor in Albany.
Henry also became involved in business. He was the president of several mining companies. He also helped start the Ogdensburg, Clayton and Rome Railroad.
Serving in Congress
Henry Van Rensselaer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a member of the Whig Party. He served in Congress from March 4, 1841, to March 3, 1843.
Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Henry Van Rensselaer rejoined the military. He became a colonel in the Union Army. He was made a brigadier general and became the chief of staff for General Winfield Scott.
After General Scott retired, Henry Van Rensselaer continued to serve. From November 1861 until his death, he worked as an inspector general. This meant he checked on different army groups and departments.
Henry Bell Van Rensselaer's Family Life
On August 22, 1833, Henry Van Rensselaer married Elizabeth Ray King. Her father, John Alsop King, was also a Governor of New York. Elizabeth's grandfather, Rufus King, was a U.S. Senator.
Henry and Elizabeth had ten children together:
- Mary Van Rensselaer (1834–1902)
- Cornelia Van Rensselaer (1836–1864)
- Stephen Van Rensselaer (1838–1904)
- Henry Van Rensselaer, who died young
- Euphemia Van Rensselaer (1842–), who became a nun
- Elizabeth Van Rensselaer (1845–1911)
- John King Van Rensselaer (1847–1909)
- Katherine Van Rensselaer (1849–1901)
- Henry Van Rensselaer (1851–1907), who became a priest
- Westerlo Van Rensselaer (1853–1857), who died young
Henry Van Rensselaer passed away from typhoid fever in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864. This was shortly before the Civil War ended. He was buried in the Grace Episcopal Churchyard in Jamaica, Queens, New York City.
Notable Descendants
Henry Van Rensselaer has many interesting descendants. His great-grandson was Floyd Crosby (1899–1985), a famous cameraman. Floyd Crosby was the father of the well-known musician David Crosby and actress Jane Wyatt.
