Gulian Verplanck

Gulian Verplanck was an American attorney, politician, and writer who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 3rd congressional district from 1825 to 1833. A member of the Jacksonian and later Democratic parties, Verplanck was known for his involvement in various political and civic roles, including serving as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. His career spanned several decades, during which he also held significant positions in state government and contributed to the literary community as a member of the Knickerbocker group.

Early life and career

Gulian Crommelin Verplanck was born on August 6, 1786, in New York City, specifically in the family mansion located at 3 Wall Street. He was the son of Elizabeth Johnson, who passed away when he was very young, and Congressman Daniel C. Verplanck, a descendant of Dutch colonists. Following the death of his mother, Verplanck was raised by his paternal grandmother, Judith Crommelin Verplanck, after his father remarried in 1789. His family background was notable; his paternal grandfather, Samuel Verplanck, and great-uncle, also named Gulian Verplanck, were prominent figures in New York's political landscape, with the latter serving as Speaker of the New York State Assembly. On his maternal side, his grandfather, William Samuel Johnson, was a U.S. Senator from Connecticut and the third president of Columbia College, while his great-grandfather, Samuel Johnson, was the first president of Kings College.

Verplanck pursued higher education at Columbia College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1801. Following his graduation, he began studying law under the mentorship of Edward Livingston. He was admitted to the bar in 1807 and established a law practice at 51 Wall Street. His early political engagement began in 1808 when he became the first secretary of the Washington Benevolent Society, a Federalist-affiliated organization that focused on political activities and electioneering. Verplanck's public life gained attention in 1809 when he delivered a speech at a meeting of the society, marking his entry into the political arena.

In 1811, Verplanck became embroiled in controversy when he was fined for inciting a riot during a Columbia College commencement. The incident arose when a student made political statements that were met with disapproval from the faculty, leading to a dispute that attracted significant public attention. The trial, presided over by Mayor DeWitt Clinton, was seen as politically charged due to Clinton's interests in garnering Federalist support against President James Madison.

House tenure

Verplanck's political career progressed as he was elected to the New York State Assembly for multiple terms between 1820 and 1823. Initially affiliated with the Federalist Party, he transitioned to the Jacksonian movement and was subsequently elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served four consecutive terms in the House, from March 4, 1825, to March 3, 1833. During his tenure, he held the position of Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means during the 22nd Congress, where he played a significant role in legislative matters, including advocating for the extension of copyright periods.

In 1833, Verplanck's political alignment shifted as he distanced himself from the Democratic Party amid President Andrew Jackson's efforts to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States. Following this departure, he ran for mayor of New York City in April 1834 as a candidate for the newly formed Whig Party but was narrowly defeated. Despite this setback, Verplanck remained active in politics, supporting various presidential candidates across party lines, including William Henry Harrison, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, and James Buchanan.

After his time in the House, Verplanck continued his political career by serving in the New York State Senate from 1838 to 1841. He participated in the 61st through 64th New York State Legislatures. In addition to his legislative roles, Verplanck was appointed as the President of the New York State Board of Commissioners of Emigration in 1846, a position he held until his death in 1870. His contributions to this role included the establishment of the State Emigrant Hospital on Ward's Island, which was later named in his honor.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Verplanck was primarily focused on issues related to economic policy and public welfare. As Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, he was involved in significant legislative initiatives that impacted the financial landscape of the nation. One of his notable contributions was his advocacy for the extension of copyright periods, which aimed to protect the rights of authors and creators.

Verplanck's legislative work was characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and the broader public. His involvement in the House of Representatives coincided with a period of significant political and economic change in the United States, and he navigated these challenges as a member of the Jacksonian movement before ultimately aligning with the Whig Party.

In addition to his legislative duties, Verplanck's influence extended beyond the political sphere. He was an active participant in the literary community, contributing articles and poetry to the North American Review. He was associated with the Knickerbocker group, a collective of writers and intellectuals in New York City, which included prominent figures such as Washington Irving and William Cullen Bryant. His literary contributions, particularly his critiques of contemporary works, showcased his engagement with the cultural and artistic movements of his time.

Gulian Verplanck passed away on March 18, 1870, in New York City. His legacy is marked by his multifaceted contributions to politics, law, and literature, reflecting a life dedicated to public service and intellectual engagement. He was laid to rest at Trinity Churchyard in Fishkill, New York.