Orsamus Matteson

Orsamus Matteson was a U.S. Representative from New York who served in the House of Representatives during the mid-19th century. A member of the Republican Party, he held office in the 20th congressional district of New York. Matteson’s political career spanned four terms in Congress, beginning in 1849 and concluding in 1859. His tenure was marked by involvement in various legislative matters, although his career was also marred by allegations of corruption that ultimately led to his resignation.

Early life and career

Orsamus Benajah Matteson was born on August 28, 1805, in a log cabin located in Verona, New York. He was the son of a family with a total of eleven children, which likely influenced his early life and ambitions. Matteson received his education in the common schools of the area, where he developed a foundational understanding of various subjects. He pursued further studies in law in Utica, New York, where he was contemporaneous with Horatio Seymour, a notable political figure of the time. Matteson was admitted to the bar in 1830, marking the beginning of his legal career.

Following his admission to the bar, Matteson began practicing law in Utica. He formed partnerships with several prominent attorneys, including William J. Bacon, P. Sheldon Root, and Charles A. Doolittle. His legal career included significant roles, such as serving as the first city attorney of Utica in 1834 and again in 1836. Additionally, he held the position of state supreme court commissioner, which further established his legal credentials and reputation within the community.

Despite his early successes, Matteson faced challenges in his political aspirations. He ran unsuccessfully for election to the Thirtieth Congress in 1846, which did not deter him from continuing his pursuit of public office. His political career gained momentum when he was elected as a member of the Whig Party to the Thirty-first Congress, serving from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1851. However, he was not re-elected in 1850 for the Thirty-second Congress, marking a temporary setback in his political journey.

House tenure

Matteson returned to Congress when he was elected to the Thirty-third Congress, beginning his term on March 4, 1853. During this period, he served as the chairman of the Committee on the District of Columbia, a role that involved overseeing matters related to the federal district. His leadership in this committee allowed him to influence legislation pertinent to the governance and administration of Washington, D.C.

In 1854, Matteson was re-elected to the House as a member of the Whig Party, continuing his legislative work. However, his time in Congress was not without controversy. On February 27, 1857, he resigned from his position just before the House was set to consider a recommendation of censure against him. This recommendation stemmed from allegations of bribery and corruption related to a Minnesota land bill. Furthermore, he faced accusations of publicly asserting that a majority of the members of the U.S. House were purchasable, which contributed to the decision to resign. These allegations significantly impacted his political standing and legacy.

Despite the controversies, Matteson continued his political career by being elected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth Congress, serving from March 4, 1857, until March 3, 1859. His transition to the Republican Party reflected the shifting political landscape of the time, as the Whig Party was declining in influence. During his final term, he remained engaged in various legislative matters, although the controversies surrounding his earlier tenure continued to overshadow his contributions.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Matteson was involved in a range of legislative issues, with a particular interest in infrastructure and economic development. He showed a notable interest in the construction of the St. Mary's Ship Canal, which aimed to enhance transportation and trade routes in the region. This focus on infrastructure indicated his awareness of the economic needs of his constituents and the broader implications for commerce in the area.

In addition to his legislative work, Matteson engaged in various business enterprises later in life, including lumbering and iron manufacturing. He also acquired large tracts of land, which reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to invest in the economic opportunities available in New York. However, despite these ventures, he would ultimately die comparatively poor, indicating the challenges he faced in his business endeavors.

Matteson's legislative career was marked by both achievements and controversies, and his resignation from Congress due to allegations of corruption left a complex legacy. After leaving office, he continued to be involved in various business activities but did not return to public office. He married Mary Hurlburt of Utica in 1830, and they had two children, a son named Henry Clay and a daughter who married Colonel George Pomeroy of Utica.

Orsamus Matteson passed away on December 22, 1889, in Utica, New York. His contributions to the legal and political landscape of New York during the 19th century remain a part of the historical record, and he was interred in Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica. His life and career reflect the complexities of political service during a transformative period in American history.