Representative Archibald Campbell Niven

Archibald Campbell Niven (December 8, 1803 – February 21, 1882) was an American lawyer, militia officer, and Democratic politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1845 to 1847. He was born on December 8, 1803, in Newburgh, Orange County, New York. Niven completed his preparatory studies in Newburgh and later in Monticello, Sullivan County, New York, where he established the community ties that would shape his legal and political career.

After his early schooling, Niven studied law and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Monticello. His legal ability and growing prominence in Sullivan County led to his appointment as Surrogate of Sullivan County, a judicial and administrative office in which he served from 1828 to 1840. In this capacity he handled probate and estate matters, gaining experience in public administration and local governance that would later inform his legislative work.

Parallel to his legal and civil career, Niven was a longtime member of the New York State Militia. In 1827 he was commissioned as a captain in the 10th Artillery Regiment, marking the beginning of a steady rise through the militia ranks. He was promoted to major in 1828 and subsequently appointed regimental commander with the rank of colonel. His leadership responsibilities expanded further in 1837, when he was elected commander of the 10th Artillery Brigade with the rank of brigadier general. In 1843 he was appointed adjutant general of the state militia, the senior administrative officer of the force, and he served in that position until 1845, overseeing organizational and readiness matters for the state’s military establishment.

Niven’s prominence in law and military affairs provided a foundation for his entry into national politics. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the 29th United States Congress as a Democrat representing New York, serving from March 4, 1845, to March 3, 1847. His single term in the U.S. House of Representatives coincided with a significant period in American history, including debates over territorial expansion and the Mexican–American War. During this time, Niven participated in the legislative process and represented the interests of his New York constituents, contributing to the broader democratic governance of the era.

Following his service in Congress, Niven returned to public office at the county and state levels. He served as District Attorney of Sullivan County from 1847 to 1850, prosecuting criminal cases and advising county officials. Later, he was elected to the New York State Senate from the 9th District, taking his seat in 1864. His election, however, was contested by Republican Henry R. Low, and after review, Low was seated in Niven’s place on January 17 for the legislative session of 1865, bringing Niven’s brief tenure in the state senate to an end.

In his personal life, Niven married Jane Thompson in 1832. The couple had three children: Alexander T., Mary C., and Thornton A. The family experienced tragedy when their son Alexander Niven died in the sinking of the SS Arctic in September 1854, one of the notable maritime disasters of the mid-nineteenth century. Niven’s extended family also included figures of regional prominence; his brother, Thornton M. Niven, became a well-known architect, contributing to the built environment of New York in the nineteenth century.

Archibald Campbell Niven spent his later years in Monticello, continuing to be identified with the legal, civic, and military traditions of Sullivan County. He died in Monticello, New York, on February 21, 1882. He was interred in Rock Ridge Cemetery, where his burial marked the close of a long career in public service at the county, state, and national levels.