John L. Schoolcraft

John Lawrence Schoolcraft
Born	Template:Birth date Guilderland, New York, U.S.
Died	June 7, 1860(1860-06-07) (aged 53) St. Catharines, Province of Canada (now Ontario)
Occupation(s)	Politician, banker, railroad executive
Years active	1830s–1860
Known for	U.S. Representative for New York's 13th congressional district

John Lawrence Schoolcraft (September 22, 1806 – June 7, 1860) served as a U.S. Representative for the state of New York.

Biography

Originating from Guilderland, New York, Schoolcraft was brought up by his grandparents following the early passing of his father and his mother's move to Michigan. The Schoolcraft family possessed more than 1,000 acres of farmland and managed a tavern along with a hotel situated on the Great Western Turnpike.

After receiving his education locally, Schoolcraft relocated to Albany at the age of 18, subsequent to being denied admission to the United States Military Academy. He embarked on a professional path in commerce and finance, running a wholesale grocery business and participating in ventures such as the Albany and Cohoes and New York Central Railroads.

During the 1830s, Schoolcraft became involved with the Whig Party, taking on roles within the New York Whig Central Committee and attending several party conventions. He cultivated close relationships with influential individuals including William H. Seward and Thurlow Weed.

As a Whig candidate, he was elected to represent New York's 13th congressional district in the Thirty-first Congress and secured re-election to the Thirty-second Congress, serving from 1849 until 1853. He triumphed over Democratic and Free Soil challengers like Erastus Corning but chose not to pursue renomination in 1852; his seat was subsequently filled by Russell Sage.

In 1853, Schoolcraft married Caroline Cornelia Canfield, who was William H. Seward’s niece, with Thurlow Weed acting as a witness at their wedding.

Schoolcraft played a significant role in Albany’s banking sector as one of the founders of Albany City Bank and held an executive position at the Commercial Bank of Albany (presently Key Bank). He presided over the Commercial Bank from 1854 until his passing.

Aligning with the newly established Republican Party during the mid-1850s, Schoolcraft served as a delegate at the 1860 Republican National Convention.

Death and burial

While returning from the Republican convention held in Chicago, Schoolcraft became ill and died on June 7, 1860, in St. Catharines, Province of Canada (now Ontario). His remains were interred at Albany Rural Cemetery.

Legacy

The home he owned in Guilderland, known as the John Schoolcraft House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and continues to be owned by the town.