James Monroe (New York politician)

James Monroe (born in Albemarle County, Virginia, on September 10, 1799 – September 7, 1870) was an American politician who served as the United States Representative from New York (1839–1841). He was the nephew of President James Monroe.

Early life

Monroe was born to Ann and Andrew Augustune Monroe (1755–1826), the older brother of his namesake and future president, James Monroe.

Military service

Monroe graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1815, and was commissioned in the Artillery Corps. Shortly after graduating, he was sent to fight in the war with Algiers, and was wounded while serving as a gunnery officer on board the USS Guerriere. From 1817 to 1822, he served as aide-de-camp to General Winfield Scott, receiving a promotion to first lieutenant in December 1818. Upon the re-organization of the US Army in 1821, he was assigned to the 4th Artillery Regiment. In June 1832, he was again appointed as General Scott’s aide for the Black Hawk War, but shortly afterward contracted cholera. He resigned his commission on September 30, 1832 and moved to New York City.^[1]

Political career

Monroe served as assistant alderman of New York City in 1832, alderman 1833-1835, and president of the board of aldermen in 1834. He was elected as a Whig to the 26th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1839, to March 3, 1841. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co.) in 1850 and 1852.

Family

His family consisted of his wife, Eliza Douglas Monroe (1799–1852), son William D. Monroe, and daughter Fanny (1826–1906). Following his wife's death he retired from public life to Orange, New Jersey, where he died on September 7, 1870 at age of 70, days before his 71st birthday. He is interred at Trinity Church Cemetery in Manhattan.

References

1. Career profile

• James Monroe at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

External links

• James Monroe
• James Monroe at Find a Grave