Henry C. Deming facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry Champion Deming
Henry C. Deming, 1865 photograph by Mathew Brady & Co.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 1st district
In office March 4, 1863 – March 4, 1867
Preceded by	Dwight Loomis
Succeeded by	Richard D. Hubbard
Acting Military Mayor of New Orleans
In office October 2, 1862 – January 30, 1863
Preceded by	Godfrey Weitzel
Succeeded by	James F. Miller
Mayor of Hartford
In office April 9, 1860 – February 27, 1862
Preceded by	Timothy M. Allyn
Succeeded by	Charles S. Benton
In office April 17, 1854 – April 12, 1858
Preceded by	William Jas. Hamersley
Succeeded by	Timothy M. Allyn
Member of the Connecticut State Senate
In office 1851
Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
In office 1859–1861
In office 1849–1850
Collector of Internal Revenue
In office 1869 – October 8, 1872
Appointed by	Ulysses S. Grant
Personal details
Born	(1815-05-23)May 23, 1815 Colchester, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	October 8, 1872(1872-10-08) (aged 57) Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Resting place	Spring Grove Cemetery
Political party	Republican
Signature

Henry Champion Deming (born May 23, 1815 – died October 8, 1872) was an important American politician and writer. He served in many roles, including a U.S. Representative for Connecticut. He was also the mayor of Hartford and even the temporary military mayor of New Orleans during the American Civil War.

Henry Deming's Early Life and Education

Henry Champion Deming was born on May 23, 1815, in Colchester, Connecticut. His father, General David Deming, was a military leader who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

Henry studied classical subjects, which means he learned about ancient Greek and Roman history and literature. He graduated from Yale College in 1836. While at Yale, he became known for his writing and speaking skills. He also joined a secret society called Skull and Bones. Later, he studied law at Harvard Law School and finished in 1839.

In 1861, he received an honorary law degree (LL.D.) from Trinity College.

Starting His Career

After finishing law school, Henry Deming became a lawyer in 1839. He started practicing law in New York City. However, he was more interested in writing and literature. He worked with Park Benjamin, Sr. to edit The New World, which was a weekly magazine about literature. During this time, he also translated a famous book called The Wandering Jew by Eugène Sue.

In 1847, Deming moved from New York City to Hartford, Connecticut. He opened a law office there and lived in Hartford for the rest of his life.

Serving in Connecticut's Government

Henry Deming was active in Connecticut's state government. He served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1849 to 1850. He returned to the House again from 1859 to 1861. In 1851, he was a member of the Connecticut State Senate.

Mayor of Hartford

Deming was elected as the mayor of Hartford twice. His first term was from 1854 to 1858. He served again from 1860 until he resigned in 1862.

Military Service During the Civil War

In September 1861, Henry Deming joined the Union Army to fight in the American Civil War. He was made a colonel and led the 12th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. He went with General Benjamin Butler during the capture of New Orleans.

Acting Military Mayor of New Orleans

After the Union Army captured New Orleans, Deming was given a special job. He became the temporary military mayor of New Orleans. The city was under martial law, which means it was controlled by the military. He served from October 1862 to January 1863. He then resigned from both his military and civil roles because of his own health and his wife's health.

One notable event during his time in New Orleans involved a controversial order issued by General Butler. This order was given after an incident where dirty water was reportedly thrown on Deming and David Farragut while they were in uniform.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

After leaving the army, Henry Deming returned to Hartford. He was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives. He served two terms, from March 4, 1863, to March 4, 1867.

While in Congress, he led the House Committee on Expenditures in the Department of War. This committee looked at how money was spent by the War Department. He also served on the House Committee on War Expenditures. He tried to be re-elected in 1866 but was not successful.

Collector of Internal Revenue

In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Henry Deming to be the Collector of Internal Revenue. This job involved collecting taxes for the government. He held this position until his death.

His Writings and Literature

Henry Deming spent a lot of time working as a writer and journalist. Besides editing The New World magazine, he published many of his speeches. These included speeches he gave in Congress and a special speech (a eulogy) he gave about Abraham Lincoln in 1865. He also wrote an important book called "Life of U. S. Grant" in 1868. This book was about his good friend, Ulysses S. Grant, whom he admired greatly. The book sold very well and was considered important at the time.

Henry Deming's Family Life

In 1850, Henry Deming married Sarah Clerc. Sarah was the daughter of Laurent Clerc, who was the first deaf instructor in the United States. Henry and Sarah had three sons and one daughter. Sarah passed away in July 1869.

In 1871, Henry married Mrs. Annie Putnam Jillson. She was a great-granddaughter of General Israel Putnam. Annie survived Henry when he died.

Henry Deming's Children

Here are the children Henry Deming had with his first wife, Sarah:

• Henry Champion Deming, Jr. (born November 25, 1850 – died January 19, 1931), who became the president of the Mercantile Trust Company.
• Mary Shipman Deming (born May 2, 1855 – died November 11, 1859).
• Laurent Clerc Deming (born November 21, 1860 – died October 12, 1945), who became a railroad executive.
• Three other infants who died very young (in 1854, 1857, and 1859).

His Death

Henry Deming passed away in Hartford on October 9, 1872, at his home. He was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery.