De Littlejohn

De Littlejohn was a U.S. Representative from New York, serving during the Civil War era. A member of the Republican Party, he held office in the 38th Congress from 1863 to 1865. In addition to his political career, Littlejohn was a brevet brigadier general in the Union Army, having played a significant role in recruiting and organizing troops during the Civil War. His contributions extended beyond his congressional tenure, as he was also involved in various business ventures and local governance in New York.

Early life and career

De Littlejohn was born on February 7, 1818. He began his education at Geneva College but did not complete his studies. Instead, he pursued a career in commerce, engaging in several successful business ventures. Initially, he worked as a forwarder of fresh produce, utilizing the lakes and canals of the region to facilitate trade. This experience in the mercantile sector laid the groundwork for his later endeavors in manufacturing, particularly in flour production in Oswego, New York.

Littlejohn's political career began at the local level. He served as the Mayor of Oswego in 1849 and 1850, where he gained valuable experience in governance and public service. His political involvement deepened when he became a member of the New York State Assembly, representing Oswego County's 1st District in multiple sessions throughout the 1850s and 1860s. During his time in the Assembly, he held the position of Speaker on several occasions, demonstrating his leadership abilities and influence within the state legislature. Littlejohn was closely associated with prominent political figures of his time, including Thurlow Weed, which further solidified his standing in New York's political landscape.

In 1861, Littlejohn was instrumental in the political maneuvering that led to the selection of Ira Harris as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, a position that became vacant when William H. Seward chose not to seek re-election. His involvement in these political processes showcased his commitment to the Republican Party and his active engagement in state politics.

House tenure

Littlejohn's congressional career began when he was elected as a Republican to the 38th United States Congress. He officially took office on March 4, 1863, after resigning from his military commission in the Union Army on February 3 of the same year. His tenure in the House of Representatives lasted until March 3, 1865. During this period, he served as the Chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, a role that involved overseeing matters related to pensions for veterans of the Revolutionary War.

Although his time in Congress was relatively brief, Littlejohn's service coincided with a critical period in American history, as the nation was embroiled in the Civil War. His legislative activities and decisions during this time were influenced by the ongoing conflict and the pressing issues facing the country. Notably, Littlejohn did not seek renomination in 1864, marking the end of his congressional career after just one term.

After leaving Congress, Littlejohn continued to be active in public life. In 1867, he was nominated by President Andrew Johnson for the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers, a recognition of his service during the Civil War. The U.S. Senate confirmed this appointment shortly thereafter, reflecting his contributions to the Union effort.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Littlejohn's primary focus was on issues related to Revolutionary War pensions, as evidenced by his role as Chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions. This committee was responsible for addressing the needs and concerns of veterans from the Revolutionary War, a topic of significant importance in the post-Civil War era as the nation sought to honor and support its veterans.

Littlejohn's legislative work was shaped by the broader context of the Civil War, which influenced many aspects of governance and policy during his tenure. While specific details about the bills he supported or opposed are not available, it can be inferred that his background as a Union Army officer and his political affiliations would have aligned him with the Republican Party's priorities during this tumultuous period.

After his congressional service, Littlejohn remained active in politics but shifted his affiliations. He became disillusioned with the Republican Party, particularly during the Grant administration, which he perceived as corrupt. This led him to join the Liberal Republican Party and support Horace Greeley's presidential candidacy in 1872. Eventually, he transitioned to the Democratic Party, participating as a delegate in several state conventions and aligning himself with notable figures such as Samuel J. Tilden.

In addition to his political pursuits, Littlejohn was involved in business ventures that contributed to the economic development of New York. He played a key role in the establishment of the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad, which aimed to connect Oswego with major transportation routes. This initiative was part of his broader vision for enhancing the region's economic prospects.

De Littlejohn passed away on October 27, 1892, in Oswego, New York. His contributions to both military service and public office left a lasting impact on his community and the state of New York. He was interred at Riverside Cemetery in Oswego, where he is remembered for his multifaceted career as a soldier, politician, and businessman.