Burt Van Horn


Burt Van Horn was a United States Representative from New York during the American Civil War. He served New York's 31st District from 1861-1863, and the 29th District from 1865-1869. He was a staunch supporter of President Abraham Lincoln and the Union.

Biography

Born in Newfane, NY, on October 28th, 1823 to James Augustus Van Horn and Abigail Van Horn. He attended the common schools, Yates Academy in Orleans County, and Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution in Hamilton. He engaged in agricultural pursuits in Niagara County and later in the manufacture of cloth.
Van Horn was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1858 to 1860. On January 15, 1860, standing before the Assembly, Burt delivered the speech, "Liberty and The Union".
Van Horn was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-seventh Congress, holding office from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. He was elected to the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1865, to March 3, 1869; he was not a candidate for renomination in 1868.
He moved to Lockport in 1867, where he engaged in the family farming and textile businesses. He was also involved with community banking, specifically making loans. He was a collector of internal revenue at Rochester from 1877 to 1882. He died in 1896 in Lockport, NY and is interred at Glenwood Cemetery.

Personal Life