Theodore M. Pomeroy

Theodore Medad Pomeroy
Born	Template:Birth date Elbridge, New York, U.S.
Died	March 23, 1905(1905-03-23) (aged 80) Auburn, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician, lawyer, banker
Years active	1843–1879
Known for	26th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (one day), U.S. Representative from New York, Mayor of Auburn, New York State Senator

Theodore Medad Pomeroy (December 31, 1824 – March 23, 1905) was a prominent American entrepreneur and political figure from New York. He briefly held the position of the 26th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for a single day, from March 3 to March 4, 1869, which stands as the shortest term ever served in that role. Pomeroy represented New York's 24th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives between 1861 and 1869. His public service also encompassed roles such as mayor of Auburn, New York from 1875 to 1876 and a member of the New York State Senate during 1878 and 1879.

Early life and education

Born on December 31, 1824, Theodore Medad Pomeroy grew up in Elbridge, New York. He pursued his early education at Monroe Academy before enrolling at Hamilton College as a junior at just 15 years old, completing his degree in 1842 at age 17.

Legal career

At 18, in May 1843, Pomeroy relocated to Auburn to apprentice in law under the firm Beach & Underwood. This firm included distinguished individuals such as William H. Seward—former Governor of New York—who acted as counsel, along with notable figures like Christopher Morgan and future Supreme Court Justice Samuel Blatchford. Pomeroy gained admission to the New York bar on May 23, 1846.

Political career

Pomeroy’s political journey began in 1847 when he was elected clerk of Auburn by the Whig Party. In 1851, he secured election as district attorney and served two consecutive terms. He was later elected to the New York Assembly in 1857 as a Republican but chose not to seek renomination.

In September 1860, Pomeroy won election to the U.S. House representing New York's 25th congressional district as a Republican. He joined the special session of the 37th Congress called by President Lincoln following the outbreak of the Civil War. Recognized for his vigorous debating style and adherence to Republican ideals inspired by the Declaration of Independence, he gained respect as an effective legislator.

He was re-elected without opposition in 1862, 1864, and again in 1866 from the 24th congressional district, which included Cayuga, Wayne, and Seneca counties. His congressional service concluded on March 3, 1869, marking his final full day in office during the 40th Congress.

One-day Speakership (1869)

When Schuyler Colfax, who was soon to assume office as vice president, resigned as speaker, the House passed a motion electing Pomeroy—who was set to depart Congress the following day—as speaker for that brief interval. This unprecedented one-day speakership remains the shortest tenure recorded in U.S. House history.

New York politics

After concluding his tenure in Congress, Pomeroy took a short hiatus from political life before reengaging in the mid-1870s. He was elected as the mayor of Auburn, New York, serving from 1875 to 1876, and subsequently represented the 25th District in the New York State Senate during the years 1878 and 1879.

Banking career

The post-Civil War era saw rapid industrial expansion that fueled growth in transportation and commerce. In 1866, the Merchants Union Express Company was established to streamline the movement of goods across the country. Pomeroy joined as legal counsel alongside prominent figures such as Elmore P. Ross and William H. Seward Jr. By early 1867, this enterprise had developed an extensive express service network spanning key railroad lines nationwide. Financial difficulties, however, compelled a 1868 takeover and consolidation into the American Merchants Union, which later evolved into the American Express Company. Throughout this transition, Pomeroy held the positions of first vice-president and general counsel, collaborating closely with co-founder William Fargo and subsequently J. C. Fargo.

Personal life

On September 4, 1855, while serving his second term as District Attorney, Pomeroy married Elizabeth Leitch Watson (1835–1892), daughter of Robert Watson from Auburn. Notably, Elizabeth’s sister was wed to William H. Seward Jr. Theodore and Elizabeth Pomeroy had five children together.

After retiring from public service in 1879, Pomeroy lived at 168 Genesee Street in Auburn until his passing in 1905. Harriet Tubman maintained a close friendship with the family, assisting in caring for their children and attending his funeral; her flowers and letter were uniquely placed upon his casket.

Descendants

Among Pomeroy’s grandchildren were Robert Watson Pomeroy (1902–1989), who served as a New York state senator; Janet Pomeroy Avery (1891–1969), who married U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles; and Josephine Herrick (1897–1972), recognized as a photographer and educator.

His great-grandchildren included historian John W. F. Dulles (1913–2008), Presbyterian minister Lillias Dulles Hinshaw (1914–1987), and Avery Dulles (1918–2008), distinguished as the first American Jesuit cardinal.

See also

• List of mayors of Auburn, New York

References

Notes

Sources