John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn 1811-1877
John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn (1811–1877) was a New York lawyer, politician, and educator who served in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War era and later became Chancellor of the University of the State of New York.
- John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn [1811-1877]
John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn – Wikipedia |
Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress
US Congressman
John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn was born in Albany, NY on June 22, 1811. He graduated from Albany Academy, NY in 1826, then studied law and was admitted to the NY Bar and began a law practice in Albany, NY in 1832, at the age of 21.
Following his legal preparation he held several local public offices and was appointed a Regent of the University of the State of New York in 1844.
He ran for the 34th U.S. Congress in 1854 but was not successful. In 1861 he became a member of the NY State Senate. A few years later he was appointed to the 38th U.S. Congress to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Erastus Corning. He served in Congress from December 1863 until March 1865.
He apparently decided not to, or was not successful, in running for the 39th U.S. Congress. But he did run for election to Congress in 1866 for the 40th U.S. Congress and was successful. He served in U.S. Congress from March 1867 to March 1869, and was not a candidate for the 41st U.S. Congress.
In 1868, while still in U.S. Congress he was appointed to the Chancellorship of the University of the State of New York. Apparently it was not a full time position because he also resumed his law practice in Albany, NY. He served in the chancellor position until his death.
John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn passed away in Clifton Springs, Ontario County, NY on November 21, 1877 at the age of 66. He was interred in Albany Rural Cemetery, Albany, NY.
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