Representative Jehiel Howell Halsey

Jehiel Howell Halsey (October 7, 1788 – December 5, 1867) was an American lawyer and politician from New York who served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1829 to 1831. He was born into a politically active family as the son of Congressman Silas Halsey, and his brother, Nicoll Halsey, would also later serve in Congress. In 1793, when he was still a child, Halsey moved with his parents to Herkimer County, New York, and the family subsequently settled in what is now the town of Lodi in Seneca County. He attended the common schools of the area and, like many residents of the region in the early nineteenth century, engaged in agricultural pursuits, establishing himself within the local farming community.

Halsey’s early public career developed at the county level. He was appointed County Clerk of Seneca County, serving from 1819 to 1821. In this position he was responsible for maintaining official county records, including deeds, court documents, and other legal instruments, work that reflected both his legal training and his growing role in local governance. His experience in county administration and his family’s political background helped to lay the groundwork for his subsequent entry into state and national politics.

Halsey entered national office as a member of the Jackson Party, also known as a Jacksonian, during a period of significant political realignment in the United States. He was elected as a Jacksonian to the 21st United States Congress and served from March 4, 1829, to March 3, 1831, representing New York. During his single term in the U.S. House of Representatives, he contributed to the legislative process at a time marked by the rise of Andrew Jackson and the consolidation of the Democratic Party. While in Congress, he served as Chairman of the Committee on Accounts, overseeing matters related to the financial administration and expenditures of the House. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, and he participated in the democratic process by representing the interests of his New York constituents on the national stage.

After leaving Congress, Halsey continued his political career at the state level. He was elected a member of the New York State Senate from the 7th District, serving from 1832 to 1835. During this tenure he sat in the 55th, 56th, 57th, and 58th New York State Legislatures, taking part in deliberations on state policy and legislation during a time of growth and development in New York. His work in the State Senate extended his influence beyond his home county and reflected the confidence placed in him by voters in his district.

Halsey remained active in public service in Seneca County following his term in the State Senate. He served as Surrogate of Seneca County from 1837 to 1843, presiding over probate matters, the administration of estates, and issues relating to wills and guardianships. Later, he returned to more localized office as Town Supervisor of Lodi from 1845 to 1846, a role that placed him at the head of town government and involved oversight of local finances, infrastructure, and community affairs. These positions underscored his long-standing engagement in both the legal and civic life of his community.

Jehiel Howell Halsey died on December 5, 1867. He was buried in West Lodi Cemetery in Lodi, Seneca County, New York, close to the community where he had spent most of his life and much of his public career. His life reflected the trajectory of an early nineteenth-century New York politician who combined agricultural pursuits, legal responsibilities, and public office at the local, state, and national levels, and who belonged to a family that contributed multiple members to the United States Congress.