Henry Clay Longnecker facts for kids

Henry Clay Longnecker (born April 17, 1820 – died September 16, 1871) was an important American politician. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania. He belonged to the Republican Party.

About Henry Clay Longnecker

Early Life and Education

Henry Clay Longnecker was born on April 17, 1820. His birthplace was Allen Township, in Pennsylvania. He went to school at the Norwich Military Academy in Vermont. He also studied at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. After college, he studied law. He then became a lawyer and worked in Easton.

Military Service

Longnecker served in the Mexican–American War. This war happened between 1846 and 1848. He was a first lieutenant and later a captain. He fought in many major battles with General Winfield Scott. He was hurt during the Battle of Chapultepec on September 13, 1847.

After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania. From 1848 to 1850, he worked as the district attorney for Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. A district attorney is a lawyer who represents the government in court.

Political Career and the Civil War

Longnecker was elected to the Thirty-sixth Congress. This meant he became a representative for Pennsylvania. He served in the United States House of Representatives.

During the American Civil War, Longnecker helped organize soldiers from Pennsylvania. He served in the Union Army. He was a colonel, leading the Ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Later Life

In 1865, after the Civil War ended, Longnecker went back to being a lawyer. He practiced law in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 1867, he became an associate judge for Lehigh County. Henry Clay Longnecker passed away in Allentown in 1871. He was buried in Fairview Cemetery.