John H. Ketcham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Henry Ketcham
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| In office March 4, 1897 – November 4, 1906 |
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| Preceded by | Jacob LeFever |
| Succeeded by | Samuel McMillan |
| Constituency | 18th district (1897–1903) 21st district (1903–06) |
| In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1893 |
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| Preceded by | John O. Whitehouse |
| Succeeded by | William Ryan |
| Constituency | 13th district (1877–85) 16th district (1885–93) |
| In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1873 |
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| Preceded by | Homer A. Nelson |
| Succeeded by | Charles St. John |
| Constituency | 12th district |
| Commissioner of the District of Columbia | |
| In office July 3, 1874 – June 30, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | position established |
| Succeeded by | Thomas B. Bryan |
| Member of the New York State Senate | |
| In office 1860–1861 |
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| Constituency | 11th District |
| Member of the New York State Assembly | |
| In office 1856–1857 |
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| Constituency | Dutchess County, 1st District |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 21, 1832 Dover Plains, New York |
| Died | November 4, 1906 (aged 73) New York City, New York |
| Resting place | Valley View Cemetery, Dover Plains, New York |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Henry Ketcham (born December 21, 1832 – died November 4, 1906) was an important American politician and soldier. He served as a Representative for New York for more than 33 years. He was also a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Political Beginnings
John H. Ketcham was born in Dover Plains, New York. He went to school at Suffield Academy in Suffield, Connecticut. After finishing his studies, he became interested in farming and politics.
He started his political career in his hometown. He was the Supervisor for the Town of Dover in 1854 and 1855. Later, he became a member of the New York State Assembly in 1856 and 1857. He then served in the New York State Senate in 1860 and 1861.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Ketcham joined the Union Army. On October 11, 1862, he was made a Colonel of the 150th New York Volunteer Infantry.
He showed great leadership during the war. He was promoted to brigadier general on December 6, 1864. He became a full brigadier general on April 1, 1865. He was also given the honorary rank of major general on March 13, 1865.
Political Career After the War
After the war ended, Ketcham went back to politics. He was elected as a Republican to the United States Congress. He served in Congress from March 4, 1865, to March 3, 1873. During this time, he led the Committee on Public Lands. He tried to get re-elected in 1872 but was not successful.
From July 3, 1874, to June 30, 1877, Ketcham served as a Commissioner for the District of Columbia. He resigned from this role in 1877. He was also a delegate at the Republican National Convention in 1876.
He was elected to Congress again, serving from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1893. He led the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of State. He decided not to run for re-election after this period.
Later Years and Legacy
John Ketcham returned to politics one more time. He was a delegate at the 1896 Republican National Convention. He was then elected to Congress again, serving from March 4, 1897, until his death.
He passed away in New York City on November 4, 1906. John Ketcham is buried in Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains, New York.
A school in Washington, D.C., called John H. Ketcham Elementary School, is named in his honor.
