Richard Schell

Richard Schell (May 15, 1810 – November 10, 1879) was an American politician who represented New York in the United States House of Representatives from 1874 to 1875.

Early life Schell was born in Rhinebeck, New York on May 15, 1810. and Elizabeth (née Hughes) Schell (1783–1866).

His paternal grandparents were Richard Schell and Anna (née Schultz) Schell.

Political career He was a member of the New York State Senate (6th D.) in 1858 and 1859.

Personal life Schell was married to Helen Lott Jerome (1820–1890), the daughter of Aurora Murray (1785–1867) and Isaac Jerome (1786–1866). She was also the sister of Leonard Jerome, the prominent financier, and the aunt of Jennie Jerome, an American who later became Lady Randolph Churchill when she married Lord Randolph Churchill, the parents of U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Death and burial Schell died in New York City in 1879, and was buried in the Old Dutch Cemetery in Rhinebeck.

In popular culture In the 2012 film Lincoln, the character of Richard Schell was portrayed by actor Tim Blake Nelson. He was shown lobbying for votes from Democratic House members to obtain passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.