William Halstead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Halsted
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| United States House of Representatives | |
| In office March 4, 1837 – March 3, 1839 |
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| In office March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843 |
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| U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey | |
| In office 1849–1853 |
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| President | Zachary Taylor |
| Preceded by | James S. Green |
| Succeeded by | Garret S. Cannon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 4, 1794 Elizabeth, New Jersey |
| Died | March 4, 1878 (aged 83) Trenton, New Jersey |
| Political party | Whig |
| Alma mater | Princeton College (BA)(1812) |
| Profession | Lawyer Politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | April 12, 1861 -February 18, 1862 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry |
William Halstead (June 4, 1794 – March 4, 1878) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Whig Party. He served New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress, where laws are made. He served two terms, first from 1837 to 1839, and again from 1841 to 1843.
Early Life and Legal Career
William Halstead was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on June 4, 1794. He was a bright student and went to Princeton College. He graduated in 1812.
After college, he decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1816 and started his own law practice in Trenton, New Jersey. He worked as a "reporter" for the New Jersey Supreme Court. This meant he wrote down important court decisions. He did this from 1821 to 1832. He even published seven books of these law reports!
Halstead also served as a prosecuting attorney for Hunterdon County. This job meant he represented the government in court cases. He held this position for several years, from 1824 to 1829 and again from 1833 to 1837.
Serving in Congress
William Halstead was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Whig Party. He represented the entire state of New Jersey. His first term was from March 4, 1837, to March 3, 1839.
He was elected again to the Twenty-seventh Congress. He served from March 4, 1841, to March 3, 1843. During this time, he led an important group called the United States House Committee on Elections. This committee helped make sure elections were fair and followed the rules.
Later Public Service
After his time in Congress, William Halstead continued to serve his country. President Zachary Taylor chose him to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. He held this important legal job from 1849 to 1853.
When the American Civil War began, Halstead showed his dedication. He helped create a group of soldiers called the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry. He became their leader, serving as a Colonel until February 18, 1862.
William Halstead retired from public life after his military service. He passed away in Trenton, New Jersey, on March 4, 1878. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery in Trenton.
