Hugh White (New York)

Hugh White

Hugh White (December 25, 1798 in Whitestown, Oneida County, New York – October 6, 1870 in Waterford, Saratoga County, New York) was an American businessman and politician from New York.

Life

He was the grandson of Hugh White, the founder and namesake of Whitestown. White attended the common schools. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1823. Then he studied law, but did not practice. Instead he entered business at Chittenango in 1825, and afterwards at Rondout. He was active in the building of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad.

He moved to Cohoes in 1830. He was greatly interested in the development of water power from the Mohawk River. He established the Rosendale Cement Works.

White was elected as a Whig to the 29th, 30th and 31st United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1845, to March 3, 1851. He was Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture (30th Congress). Afterwards he resumed his business activities.

He died on October 6, 1870, in Waterford, New York; and was buried at the Albany Rural Cemetery.

Quotes

"The past cannot be changed. The future is still in your power." - Hugh White

Sources

• Hugh White at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress