John Van Dyke

John Van Dyke (April 3, 1807 – December 24, 1878) was an American jurist and Whig Party politician who represented in the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1851.

Early life He was born on April 3, 1807, in the Lamington section of Bedminster Township in Somerset County, New Jersey. He was a son of Abraham Van Dyke and Sarah (née Honeyman) Van Dyke.

After completing his preparatory and law studies, Van Dyke was admitted to the Bar in 1836. In 1841, Van Dyke became prosecuting attorney of Middlesex County. A few years later, in 1846–1847, he served as president of the Bank of New Jersey at New Brunswick, while also serving as Mayor of New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Personal life On October 7, 1841, Van Dyke was married to Mary Dix Strong (1819–1873), a daughter of prominent mathematician and professor Theodore Strong. His wife was the aunt of New Jersey State Senator Theodore Strong. Together, they were the parents of nine children, four of whom died in infancy:

Theodore Strong Van Dyke (b. 1842), a Princeton graduate and lawyer who married Lois A. Funk. who received two Academy Award nominations for Best Director.