Jacob Sloat Fassett

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Jacob Sloat Fassett (November 13, 1853 Elmira, New York - April 21, 1924 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) was a businessman, lawyer, and member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.

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[edit] Early life

He attended the public schools and graduated from the University of Rochester in 1875. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1878 and commenced practice in Elmira. He acted as the district attorney of Chemung County in 1878 and 1879. At this time he became the proprietor of the Elmira Daily Advertiser. Afterwards he enrolled as a student in Heidelberg University in Germany, returning to Elmira in 1882 and resumed the practice of law.

[edit] Political career

Fassett was a member of the New York State Senate 1884 to 1891 and served as president pro tempore from 1889 to 1891. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1880, 1892 and 1916. He was secretary of the Republican National Committee from 1888 to 1892. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of New York in 1891. President Harrison appointed him collector of customs of the Port of New York, a post he held in from August 1 to September 15, 1891.

He was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1904 and elected to the Fifty-ninth, Sixtieth, and Sixty-first Congresses (March 4, 1905 - March 3, 1911). His last political role was as chairman of the Republican advisory convention in 1918.

After retiring from politics, he resumed his work in the banking and lumber business in Elmira. He died in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on April 21, 1924, while returning from a business trip to Japan and the Philippines. He was an investor in various mines among which was the Oriental Consolidated Mining Corporation in Korea. He was buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery in his hometown Elmira.

[edit] Legacy

In World War II the United States liberty ship SS Jacob Sloat Fassett was named in his honor.

[edit] Sources

The text on this page was adapted from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. OCMC: Chosen Gold - TIME Magazine http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,711781,00.html?promoid=googlep

[edit] External links