Hiram Walden (August 21, 1800 – July 21, 1880) was an American businessman and politician from New York. He was most notable for his service as a United States Representative from 1849 to 1851.
Hiram Walden | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 21st district | |
In office March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1851 | |
Preceded by | George A. Starkweather |
Succeeded by | William W. Snow |
Member of the New York State Assembly from Schoharie County | |
In office January 1, 1836 – December 31, 1836 Serving with Alvin Wilkins | |
Preceded by | John F. Hiller, Jonas Krum |
Succeeded by | Philip Mann, Reuben Merchant |
Town Supervisor of Wright, New York | |
In office 1846–1849 | |
Preceded by | None (position created) |
Succeeded by | Henry D. Rosekrans |
Town Supervisor of Schoharie, New York | |
In office 1842–1844 | |
Preceded by | John S. Brown |
Succeeded by | Daniel Larkin |
Personal details | |
Born | August 21, 1800 Pawlet, Vermont |
Died | July 21, 1880 Wright, New York | (aged 79)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Sophia Dominick (m. 1822-1880, his death) |
Children | 10 |
Occupation | Businessman Farmer |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States New York |
Branch/service | New York Militia |
Years of service | 1830s-1840s |
Rank | Major General |
Commands | 16th Division |
Walden was born in Pawlet, Vermont on August 21, 1800.[1] He attended the district schools of Pawlet and moved to Berne, New York in 1818.[1] In 1821, he moved to the hamlet of Waldenville in what is now the town of Wright.[1] Walden farmed and was involved in the manufacture of axes, a business he operated until it was destroyed in an 1846 fire.[1][2]
He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1836.[3] In addition to his business interests, Walden was involved in the state militia and in 1839 he attained the rank of major general as commander of the 16th Division.[4][5] He commanded the division until resigning in 1841.[6] He was Schoharie's town supervisor from 1842 to 1844.[7] When the town of Wright was created by separating it from Schoharie, Walden was Wright's first town supervisor, and he served from 1846 to 1849.[8]
In 1848, Walden was the successful Democratic nominee for a seat in the United States House of Representatives.[1] He served in the Thirty-first Congress (March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1851).[9] During his House term, Walden was a member of the Committee on Invalid Pensions and chairman of the Committee on Patents.[9] He was an unsuccessful candidate for re-nomination in 1850.[1]
After leaving Congress, Walden was employed as an inspector in New York City's United States Custom House.[1] After retiring, he was a resident of Waldenville until his death on July 21, 1880.[1] He was buried at Berne and Beaverdam Cemetery (formerly Pine Grove) in Berne, New York.[1]
In 1822, Walden married Sophia Dominick (1803-1893), daughter of John Dominick and Margaretha Ball.[10] They were the parents of 10 children, of whom eight lived to adulthood.[11]