Burt Van Horn

Burt Van Horn (October 28, 1823 – April 1, 1896) was an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as United States representative from New York during the American Civil War. He represented New York's 31st District from 1861 to 1863, and the 29th District from 1865 to 1869. He was a staunch supporter of President Abraham Lincoln and the Union.

Early life Born in Newfane, New York, on October 28, 1823, to James Augustus Van Horn and Abigail Van Horn (née Carpenter). He attended the common schools, Yates Academy in Orleans County, and Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution (predecessor of Colgate University) in Hamilton. He engaged in agricultural pursuits in Niagara County and later in the manufacture of cloth.

Career 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.

On March 31, 1868, Van Horn testified in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, having been called as a witness by the prosecution.

Van Horn 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.

Death He died in 1896 in Lockport, NY and is interred at Glenwood Cemetery.