Thomas J. Van Alstyne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas J. Van Alstyne
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| Mayor of Albany, New York | |
| In office 1898 – 1899 |
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| Preceded by | John Boyd Thacher |
| Succeeded by | James Henry Blessing |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 16th district |
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| In office March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1885 |
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| Preceded by | Michael N. Nolan |
| Succeeded by | John H. Ketcham |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne
July 25, 1827 Richmondville, New York |
| Died | October 26, 1903 (aged 76) Albany, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Sarah Clapp
(m. 1851; Louise Peck
(m. 1876; Laura Louisa Wurdemann
(m. 1886; |
| Alma mater | Hamilton College |
| Occupation | Lawyer, judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne (born July 25, 1827, died October 26, 1903) was an important person from New York. He served as a U.S. Representative in Congress. He also held the position of Mayor of Albany.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne was born in Richmondville, New York, on July 25, 1827. His parents were Dr. Thomas B. Van Alstyne and Eliza Gile. Thomas went to local schools and academies. He also attended Hartwick Seminary.
In 1848, he graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. He later earned his master's degree from Hamilton in 1851. This showed his dedication to learning.
A Life of Public Service
Thomas Van Alstyne had a long career helping his community and country. He was a lawyer, a judge, and a politician.
Starting a Law Career
After college, Thomas studied law in Albany, New York. He became a lawyer in 1849. He then started his own law practice in Albany. In 1853, he joined Matthew McMahon to form a law partnership.
Serving in the Military
During the American Civil War, Van Alstyne served in the Union Army. He was a judge advocate, which means he was a lawyer for the military. He held the rank of Major.
Becoming a Judge
After the war, he continued his legal career. From 1871 to 1882, he served as a judge for Albany County, New York. This was a very important role in the local justice system.
Working in Congress
Van Alstyne was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the Forty-eighth Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1885. In Congress, he worked on committees dealing with claims and government spending. He tried to get re-elected in 1884 but was not successful. After that, he went back to practicing law.
Serving as Mayor of Albany
From 1898 to 1900, Thomas Van Alstyne served as the Mayor of Albany. He won the primary election for re-election. However, he lost the main election to James H. Blessing.
Family Life
Thomas Van Alstyne was married three times during his life. His first wife was Sarah Clapp. They married in 1851. They had two sons together: Thomas Butler Van Alstyne and Charles Edwin Van Alstyne. Sadly, Charles died when he was very young. Sarah passed away in 1859.
In 1876, he married his second wife, Louise Peck. She was the daughter of Samuel S. Peck from Albany. Louise passed away in 1884.
In 1886, he married his third wife, Laura Louisa Wurdemann. She was the daughter of William Wurdemann. Laura and Thomas had one son together, William Thomas Van Alstyne.
Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne passed away in Albany on October 26, 1903. He was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery.
