Ferris Jacobs Jr.
A New York lawyer who answered the Union's call during the Civil War and later brought his battlefield perspective to a single term in Congress.
1836–1886 (age 50)·American military officer·Birthday: March 20
Biography
Ferris Jacobs Jr. lived a 19th-century American life of layered service. A lawyer by trade in Delaware County, New York, his path was irrevocably altered by the Civil War. He enlisted in the Union Army, rising from a captaincy in the 3rd New York Cavalry to command the 20th New York Cavalry by war's end, seeing action in pivotal campaigns. The discipline and leadership forged in combat followed him home. He entered politics, winning election as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives for the 41st Congress. His single term from 1869 to 1871 was shaped by the tumultuous Reconstruction era, where he voted on matters of national reunification and civil rights. After Washington, he returned to law and local business, his life a compact narrative of military duty, political engagement, and civic responsibility.
#1 When Ferris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1836
Ferris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1836Born
1841Started school
1849Became a teenager
1852Could drive
1854Could vote
1857Turned 21
1866Turned 30
President: Andrew Johnson
1876Turned 40
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1886Turned 50
Statue of Liberty dedicated in New York Harbor
President: Grover Cleveland
Key Achievements
- Served as a commanding officer of the 20th New York Cavalry Regiment during the latter part of the American Civil War.
- Elected as a U.S. Representative from New York, serving one full term in Congress.
- Practiced law and served as a bank president in his post-political career in Walton, New York.
Did You Know?
He was originally commissioned as a captain in the 3rd New York Cavalry in 1861.
His father, Ferris Jacobs Sr., was also a U.S. Representative from New York.
He was only 30 years old when he first entered Congress.
“The regiment will move at daylight; see that your men are ready.”
