John T. Hogeboom facts for kids

John T. Hogeboom (born January 31, 1816 – died February 11, 1886) was an American who had several important jobs. He was a lawyer, a farmer, and a politician from New York State.

Early Life and Education

John T. Hogeboom was born on January 31, 1816, in Ghent, New York. His father was Tobias L. Hogeboom. John was also a descendant of John Howland, who traveled to America on the famous ship Mayflower.

John went to Kinderhook Academy for his early schooling. He also studied at Amos Eaton's school. In 1833, he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After college, he decided to study law.

Becoming a Lawyer

John started learning law with a firm called Wilcoxson & Bramhall in Kinderhook. He finished his law studies with McKay & Bramhall in Buffalo. In 1837, he passed his exams and became a lawyer. He then worked with McKay & Bramhall as a partner.

In 1840, John moved to Nassau and continued his law practice there. Around this time, he started getting involved in politics. He gave many speeches during the 1844 election campaign. He spoke at 60 outdoor meetings, which was so much that it hurt his voice! Because of this, he decided to stop practicing law. He then moved back to Ghent to become a farmer.

Political Career

Even though John became a farmer, he stayed very active in politics. He cared a lot about the issue of slavery.

Fighting Against Slavery

John's father believed that slavery should be ended in New York, even though he owned slaves himself. John followed his father's example and became a strong opponent of slavery.

At first, John was a member of the Democratic Party. He belonged to a group within the party called the "Barnburners." This group was against the spread of slavery. John was one of 100 New York Democrats who protested against the party's choice for president, James Buchanan, because of his views on slavery.

Serving as a Judge and Assemblyman

After a big meeting in 1846 to update New York's laws, John Hogeboom became a county judge. He served for two terms. People wanted him to be a judge for a third time, but he said no. He felt he would soon leave the Democratic Party.

When the Republican Party was formed, John joined them. This party was strongly against slavery. The Republicans offered him a chance to run for Congress, but he turned it down. However, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, which is part of the state's government. He served in the Assembly in 1857, representing the Columbia County area.

In 1857, he ran for New York State Treasurer as a Republican, but he did not win. In 1860, he was chosen as a delegate to the 1860 Republican National Convention, where the Republican Party chose its candidate for president.

John was elected back to the Assembly in 1875. He served again in 1876 and 1877. He also worked for the United States government for 12 years. He was an appraiser for the Port of New York, which means he helped decide the value of goods coming into the port.

Family and Later Life

In 1842, John Hogeboom married Sarah McClellan from Nassau. They had five children together.

John T. Hogeboom passed away at his home on February 11, 1886. He was buried in Ghent Union Cemetery.