Richard Franchot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Hansen Franchot
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 19th district |
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| In office March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | James H. Graham |
| Succeeded by | Samuel F. Miller |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 2, 1816 Morris, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 23, 1875 (aged 59) Schenectady, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Vale Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Branch/service | U.S. Army Infantry Branch |
| Years of service | 1862 |
| Rank | Colonel Brigadier General (Brevet) |
| Unit | Union Army |
| Commands | 121st New York Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Richard Hansen Franchot (born June 2, 1816 – died November 23, 1875) was an important person in American history. He served his country in different ways. First, he was a U.S. Representative (a type of politician) for New York. Later, he became an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also helped run two big railroad companies.
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Who Was Richard Franchot?
Richard Hansen Franchot was born in a town called Morris, in Otsego County, New York. His father, Paschal Franchot, was an immigrant from France. Richard grew up attending local public schools. He also went to special schools called Hartwick and Cherry Valley Academies.
Early Life and Education
Richard Franchot was very interested in building things. He studied civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. This type of engineering is about designing and building roads, bridges, canals, and other structures. His education helped him later in his career with railroads.
Serving in Congress
Richard Franchot became a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. government where elected officials make laws for the country. He served in Congress from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. He decided not to run for re-election in 1862.
A Leader in the Civil War
After his time in Congress, Richard Franchot moved to Schenectady, New York. The American Civil War was happening at this time. He helped create a group of soldiers called the 121st New York Infantry. On August 23, 1862, he became a colonel in the army. Later, he was given the honorary rank of brigadier general for his service. This special rank is called a brevet.
After the War: Railroads
After the Civil War ended, Richard Franchot continued his work with railroads. For several years, he was the president of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad. He also worked with the Central Pacific Railroad. Railroads were very important for travel and trade in the 1800s.
His Family
Richard Franchot had several children and grandchildren who also became well-known. His sons, Nicholas Van Vranken Franchot and Stanislaus P. Franchot, both served in public office in New York. Nicholas became the Superintendent of Public Works, and Stanislaus was a State Senator. His grandson, Nicholas V. V. Franchot II, was an Assemblyman. The famous actor Franchot Tone was his great-grandson.
Richard Franchot passed away in Schenectady on November 23, 1875. He was buried in Vale Cemetery.
