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Walter Cass Newberry
Walter Cass Newberry.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 4th district
In office
March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1893
Preceded by George E. Adams
Succeeded by Julius Goldzier
Personal details
Born (1835-12-23)December 23, 1835
Waterville, New York
Died July 20, 1912(1912-07-20) (aged 76)
Chicago, Illinois
Political party Democratic
Spouse Harriet (DeGrout)
Children Mary L.
Jessica C.
Parents Amasa L. Newberry
Cornelia (Pangborn) Newberry
Residences Chicago, Illinois
Occupation Soldier, Postmaster, Merchant

Walter Cass Newberry (December 23, 1835 – July 20, 1912) was an important figure in American history. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois. This means he was elected to speak for the people of Illinois in the United States government.

Walter Newberry House 1889
This house in Chicago was designed for Walter Cass Newberry in 1889.

Early Life and Military Service

Walter Cass Newberry was born on December 23, 1835, in Waterville, New York. When he grew up, he joined the Union Army. This was during the American Civil War, a major conflict in American history.

He started his military career as a private. A private is the lowest rank for a soldier. But Walter Newberry quickly showed his leadership skills. He was promoted many times during the war.

  • He became a lieutenant in 1861.
  • He was promoted to captain in 1862.
  • In 1863, he became a major.
  • By 1864, he was a lieutenant colonel and then a colonel.
  • On March 31, 1865, he was given the honorary rank of brigadier general. This is a very high military rank.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, Walter Newberry moved to Petersburg, Virginia in 1865. He continued to serve the public there.

  • From 1869 to 1870, he was the mayor of Petersburg. A mayor is the leader of a city.
  • In 1870, he moved to Richmond, Virginia.
  • For four years, he worked as the superintendent of public property for the state of Virginia. This job meant he was in charge of state-owned buildings and land.

Moving to Illinois and Political Career

In 1876, Walter Newberry moved to Chicago, Illinois. He continued his public service there.

  • From 1888 to 1889, he was the Postmaster of Chicago. This meant he was in charge of all the mail services in the city.
  • In 1891, he was elected to the Fifty-second Congress. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
  • He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1893.
  • He decided not to run for re-election in 1892.

Later Life and Legacy

Walter Cass Newberry passed away in Chicago on July 20, 1912. He was buried in Graceland Cemetery. He is remembered for his service in the military and in various public roles.

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