Lemuel Stetson

Lemuel Stetson (March 13, 1804 – May 17, 1868) was an attorney, politician and judge from Plattsburgh, New York. He was most notable for his service as judge of the Clinton County, New York court and a United States Representative from New York.

Portrait of Lemuel Stetson.

Early life

Stetson was born in Champlain, New York, one of thirteen children born to Reuben and Lois (Smedley) Stetson of Hardwick, Massachusetts.[1] Stetson was raised on his family's farm and attended the public schools of Champlain.[1] He attended the academy in Plattsburgh and received additional instruction in classical languages from the academy's principal.[2] Stetson taught school while studying law with attorneys Julius C. Hubbell of Chazy, Henry. K. Averill of Rouses Point, and John Lynde of Plattsburgh.[1] He was admitted to the bar in 1828 and commenced practice in Keeseville, New York.[1]

Start of career

In addition to practicing law, Stetson became active in politics as a Democrat.[1] He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1835, 1836, and 1842.[1] From 1838 to 1843, Stetson served as district attorney of Clinton County.[1]

Stetson was active in several upstate New York businesses, including serving as secretary and a board of directors member of the Clinton and Essex Mutual Insurance Company.[3]

Congressman

Stetson was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1842 and served in the 28th Congress (March 4, 1843 - March 3, 1845).[1] During his term in the US House, Stetson was a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.[3] In addition, he was chairman of the Committee on District of Columbia.[3]

Later career

In 1846, Stetson was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention and was chairman of the committee that considered the powers and duties of the state legislature.[3] In 1847, he moved to Plattsburgh to take office as judge of the Clinton County court, and he served from 1847 to 1851.[1] Stetson was involved in the long running dispute between the Barnburners and Hunkers of New York's Democratic Party and in 1855 was the unsuccessful "Soft Hunker" nominee for New York State Comptroller.[1] He was a delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, where he supported Stephen A. Douglas for president.[1]

Stetson returned to the State Assembly in and 1862, during the American Civil War.[1] Stetson was a pro-Union Democrat and supported measures to prosecute the war and prevent the Confederate states from seceding.[1]

Death and burial

Stetson died in Plattsburgh on May 17, 1868.[4] He was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Plattsburgh.[5]

Family

In 1831 Stetson married Helen Hascall (1808-1860).[6] Their children included sons Ralph, John, Francis, and William.[6] John was killed during the Civil War's Maryland campaign while serving as lieutenant colonel and second in command of the 59th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.[6]

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References
  1. Cyclopedia, p. 40.
  2. Northern Lancet, p. 91.
  3. Northern Lancet, p. 92.
  4. Death Notice, Lemuel Stetson, p. 2.
  5. Spencer, p. 253.
  6. Cyclopedia, p. 41.

Sources

Magazines
  • Nelson, Horace (March 1, 1850). "Honorable Lemuel Stetson: County Judge of the County of Clinton". Northern Lancet and Gazette of Legal Medicine. Vol. 1 no. 2. Plattsburgh, NY: The Lancet Office – via Google Books.

Books

Newspapers
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
John Sanford		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 15th congressional district
1843–1845		 Succeeded by
Joseph Russell
New York State Assembly
Preceded by
Henry McFadden		 New York State Assembly
Clinton County
1862		 Succeeded by
George Adgate
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