James Wolcott Wadsworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Wolcott Wadsworth
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| In office November 8, 1881 – March 4, 1885 |
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| Preceded by | Elbridge G. Lapham |
| Succeeded by | Sereno E. Payne |
| Constituency | 27th district |
| In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1907 |
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| Preceded by | John G. Sawyer |
| Succeeded by | Peter A. Porter |
| Constituency | 31st district (1891–93) 30th district (1893–1903) 34th district (1903–07) |
| New York State Comptroller | |
| In office January 1, 1880 – December 31, 1881 |
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| Governor | Alonzo B. Cornell |
| Preceded by | Frederic P. Olcott |
| Succeeded by | Ira Davenport |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from Livingston County | |
| In office January 1, 1878 – December 31, 1879 |
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| Preceded by | Jonathan B. Morey |
| Succeeded by | Archibald Kennedy |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Wolcott Wadsworth
October 12, 1846 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | December 24, 1926 (aged 80) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Temple Hill Cemetery, Geneseo, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Louise Travers
(m. 1876; |
| Children | James W. Wadsworth, Jr. |
| Parents | James S. Wadsworth Mary Craig Wharton |
| Education | Hopkins School |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1864–1865 |
| Rank | Brevet Major |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Wolcott Wadsworth (born October 12, 1846, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – died December 24, 1926, in Washington, D.C.) was an important American figure. He was a farmer, a soldier, and a statesman. A statesman is someone who is skilled in leading a country or state. Wadsworth served in the military during the Civil War and later held many important political jobs in New York and the United States government.
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Early Life and Family Background
James Wolcott Wadsworth was the son of Civil War General James Samuel Wadsworth. His mother was Mary Craig Wadsworth. James had several brothers and sisters. His elder sister, Cornelia, became well-known for managing large properties in Ireland and Texas.
His family had deep roots in New York. His paternal grandfather, James Wadsworth, and his great-uncle, William Wadsworth, were among the first settlers of Geneseo, New York.
James was educated at the Hopkins School in New Haven, Connecticut. He had planned to attend Yale University. However, he decided to join the Army in 1864 instead.
Military Service in the Civil War
In 1864, James Wadsworth joined the Union army during the Civil War. He served bravely in the conflict.
On January 24, 1865, he was given an honorary rank of brevet major. This honor was for his "gallant and meritorious service" at the Battle of Five Forks in Virginia. He honorably left the army on June 25, 1865.
Political Career
After his military service, Wadsworth began a long career in politics. He held several important positions.
Serving in New York State Government
Wadsworth was a member of the New York State Assembly for Livingston County. He served in this role in 1878 and 1879.
He then became the New York State Comptroller. This job involves managing the state's money. He held this position from January 1, 1880, to December 31, 1881.
Representing New York in Congress
James Wadsworth was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He first served from December 5, 1881, to March 3, 1885. He filled a vacancy and was re-elected once.
He ran for State Comptroller again in 1885 but was not elected.
He later ran for the U.S. House of Representatives again in 1890. He was elected and served for many terms, from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1907. During this time, some people thought he might run for Governor of New York, but he did not. In 1906, he was not re-elected to Congress.
Wadsworth was also a delegate to important political meetings. He attended the Republican National Conventions in 1884 and 1904. He also participated in the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1915.
Personal Life and Legacy
On September 14, 1876, James Wadsworth married Louise Travers. Her father was a wealthy New York lawyer, William R. Travers. Her grandfather was U.S. Senator Reverdy Johnson.
Important Family Members
James and Louise had two children:
- James Wolcott Wadsworth, Jr. (1877–1952): He followed in his father's footsteps and became a U.S. Senator. He married Alice Evelyn Hay, whose father was Secretary of State John Hay.
- Harriet Travers Wadsworth (1881–1975): She married Fletcher Harper, a polo player.
James Wolcott Wadsworth passed away on December 24, 1926, in Washington, D.C.. He was buried at Temple Hill Cemetery in Geneseo, New York.
His family continued to be involved in public service. His grandson, James Jeremiah Wadsworth (1905–1984), served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. His granddaughter, Evelyn Wadsworth (1903–1972), married William Stuart Symington, Jr.. He was the first Secretary of the Air Force and a U.S. Senator from Missouri.
His great-grandson, James Wadsworth Symington (born 1927), served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri. His great-great grandson, William Stuart Symington IV (born 1952), is a diplomat.
Honors and Recognition
In 1898, Yale University gave James Wadsworth an honorary Master of Arts degree.
The Wadsworth Hospital, Theatre, and Chapel at the Sawtelle Veterans Home in Los Angeles, California, are named in his honor.
