John Schuyler Crosby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Schuyler Crosby
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| First Assistant United States Postmaster General | |
| In office 1884–1885 |
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| Preceded by | Frank Hatton |
| Succeeded by | Malcolm Hay |
| 5th Governor of the Montana Territory |
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| In office January 15, 1883 – November 11, 1884 |
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| Appointed by | Chester A. Arthur |
| Preceded by | Benjamin F. Potts |
| Succeeded by | B. Platt Carpenter |
| U.S. Consul, Florence, Italy | |
| In office 1876–1882 |
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| Preceded by | James Lorimer Graham Jr. |
| Succeeded by | William L. Welch |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 19, 1839 Albany, New York |
| Died | August 8, 1914 (aged 74) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | Albany Rural Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Harriet Van Rensselaer
(m. 1863; |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | Clarkson F. Crosby Angelica Schuyler |
| Relatives | Henry Sturgis Crosby (grandson) Stephen Van Rensselaer IV (father-in-law) |
| Education | University of the City of New York (now New York University) |
| Profession | Civil Engineer |
| Awards | Order of the Crown of Italy |
John Schuyler Crosby (born September 19, 1839 – died August 8, 1914) was an American military officer and government official. He is best known for his service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he worked as a U.S. Consul in Florence, Italy. He also served as the fifth Governor of the Montana Territory.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
John Schuyler Crosby was born in Albany, New York, on September 19, 1839. His parents were Clarkson Floyd Crosby and Angelica Schuyler. John came from important families in New York State. He was a direct descendant of Pieter Schuyler, a famous early leader. He was also the great-grandson of William Floyd, who signed the United States Declaration of Independence.
He started studying at the University of the City of New York. However, he left before finishing his degree. Instead, he went on a long trip around the world. He visited places like South America, the Pacific Islands, the East Indies, and China.
Military Career and Heroism
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Schuyler Crosby joined the Union Army. He already had experience from the New York State Militia. He became a second lieutenant in the First Artillery. He first served with the Army of the Potomac. In August 1861, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
In 1862, Crosby moved to the Department of the Gulf. He fought in battles like Fort Bisland and Irish Bend. For his bravery, he was promoted to captain. From 1863 to 1865, he worked as an assistant adjutant general for General Banks. During the Red River campaign, he bravely carried important messages through enemy areas. For this, President Abraham Lincoln personally thanked him. Later, he became an assistant inspector general for General Philip Sheridan.
After the War
After the Civil War, Crosby stayed with General Sheridan's team. He served as an aide-de-camp and adjutant general. He helped protect the U.S. border during the French occupation of Mexico. He also took part in campaigns during the American Indian Wars with General Custer. He was recognized four times for his bravery in the military. Crosby left the army on January 1, 1871, as a lieutenant colonel.
After leaving the army, Crosby became a civil engineer. He helped build important structures like breakwaters and lighthouses. These projects help protect coastlines and guide ships. In 1875, he won an international contest. On July 20, 1876, Crosby was on a boat called Mohawk when a sudden storm hit. The boat overturned, but Crosby bravely helped save lives. The U.S. government gave him a medal for his heroic actions.
Public Service Roles
U.S. Consul in Italy
In 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Crosby as the U.S. Consul in Florence, Italy. A consul is like a representative for their country in another nation. While in Florence, Crosby helped the local government catch and prosecute a group of criminals who were making fake money. For his help, he received the Order of the Crown of Italy on June 29, 1881. This was a special award from the Italian government.
Governor of Montana Territory
President Chester A. Arthur chose John Schuyler Crosby to be the Governor of Montana Territory. The United States Senate approved his nomination on August 4, 1882. He officially started his job on January 15, 1883.
When he arrived, Crosby showed his commitment to Montana. He invested over $20,000 in the territory. As governor, he worked to stop crime and opposed polygamy. He also tried to reduce lands held by Native Americans. A big part of his work was protecting Yellowstone. He stopped cattle businesses from taking control of parts of the park.
Crosby enjoyed big game hunting. While he was governor, he organized a very large hunting trip. Important people like President Arthur and Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln joined him. Crosby resigned as governor on November 11, 1884. He left to become the First Assistant Postmaster General.
Later Life and Activities
Crosby served as First Assistant Postmaster General until March 1885. After that, he moved to New York City. From 1889 to 1891, he worked as the city's school commissioner. This meant he helped manage the city's schools. After this job, Crosby traveled a lot until 1897. He was also active in several groups for veterans and social clubs. These included the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion.
Family Life
On June 26, 1863, John Schuyler Crosby married Harriet Van Rensselaer. She was the youngest daughter of General Stephen Van Rensselaer IV. Her family was very well-known in New York. Harriet was also the granddaughter of Stephen Van Rensselaer III and Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler. Peggy Schuyler was the daughter of General and U.S. Senator Philip Schuyler.
John and Harriet had two children:
- Stephen Van Rensselaer Crosby (1868–1959), who married Henrietta Marion Grew. Henrietta was the sister-in-law of J. P. Morgan Jr., a famous banker.
- Angelica Schuyler Crosby (1872–1907), who married John Brooks Henderson Jr.. He was the son of U.S. Senator John B. Henderson.
John Schuyler Crosby passed away in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 8, 1914. He is buried at Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, New York.
Descendants
His grandson was Henry Sturgis Crosby (1898–1929). Henry was a poet and publisher. He was married to Mary Phelps Jacob.
