Jacob Van Vechten Platto

Jacob Van Vechten Platto (January 17, 1822 – January 2, 1898) was an American lawyer, politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the west side of the city of Milwaukee during the 1862 session. In historical documents, his name was often abbreviated as , and his first name was sometimes incorrectly listed as "John".

Early life

Jacob V. V. Platto was born in Schenectady, New York, in January 1822. At age six, he moved with his parents to Albany, New York, where his father was employed. He was raised and educated in Albany, and, at age 16, he went to study law as a clerk in the office of Judge Rufus Wheeler Peckham. While obtaining his legal education from Peckham, he also maintained Peckham's finances and became a skilled bookkeeper in the process. As a result, after his admission to the bar in 1843, his first job was as a bookkeeper for a large wholesale dry goods seller in New York City.

Legal career

In 1848, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he became invested in a wholesale liquor business. His business ventures brought him a significant income, and, about 1856, he decided he had accumulated sufficient wealth to being a legal practice without endangering his financial situation.

Political career Platto was interested in public affairs, but was not very active in politics, and not interested in holding offices.

Personal life and family J. V. V. Platto was a son of Frederick Platto and his wife Bathshebu ( Chapman). Frederick Platto was an early settler in Schenectady and was a successful building contractor in New York. While the family was living in Albany, Frederick Platto was involved in constructing several buildings on behalf of the state government.

J. V. V. Platto married Mary Whitney in 1843. They had at least five children, though only three survived to adulthood.