Churchill C. Cambreleng

Churchill Caldom Cambreleng (October 24, 1786 – April 30, 1862) was an American businessman and politician from New York. He is notable for his service in the United States House of Representatives from 1821 to 1839, including terms as chairman of several high-profile committees. In addition, he served as U.S. Minister to Russia from 1840 to 1841.

Life

File:C. C. Cambreleng Historical Marker 1.jpg

Historical marker designating the birth city of Cambreleng

C. C. Cambreleng was born in Washington, Beaufort County, North Carolina on October 24, 1786, the son of Stephen Cambreleng and Ann (Patten) Cambreleng.Template:Sfn He attended school in New Bern, North Carolina, and moved to New York City in 1802.Template:Sfn

Early career

Intending to begin a career as a businessman, Cambreleng worked as a clerk in a mercantile counting room.Template:Sfn In 1806 he moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where he was the chief clerk for a merchant with interests in the Pacific Northwest.Template:Sfn After the death of his employer, Cambreleng intended to pursue a business opportunity in New Orleans, but was unable to remain there because of ongoing combat during the War of 1812.Template:Sfn

He then returned to New York City, where he was employed by John Jacob Astor.Template:Sfn Cambreleng traveled throughout Europe and Asia while handling commercial opportunities for himself and Astor, and he eventually became wealthy as a result of his business success.Template:Sfn

Congress

Cambreleng was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the 17th, and was re-elected as a Crawford Democratic-Republican to the 18th, as a Jacksonian to the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, and as a Democrat to the 25th United States Congress, holding office from December 3, 1821 to March 3, 1839.Template:Sfn He was Chairman of the Commerce Committee (20th to 22nd Congresses), Foreign Affairs Committee (23rd Congress) and Ways and Means Committee (24th and 25th Congresses).Template:Sfn

During the 22nd United States Congress, Cambreleng was critical of Louis McLane's report regarding the Second Bank of the United States, writing "The Treasury report is as bad as it can possibly be—a new version of Alexander Hamilton's reports on a National Bank and manufacturers, and totally unsuited to this age of democracy and reform."Template:Sfn

Later career

Upon its incorporation in 1831, he became the first President of the Saratoga and Schenectady Railroad.Template:Sfn

President Martin Van Buren appointed him United States Minister to Russia in 1840 and he served until 1841.Template:Sfn He was a delegate from Suffolk County to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1846.Template:Sfn

He attended the 1848 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore as a Barnburner but withdrew with his faction, and participated in the nomination of Van Buren as the candidate of the Free Soil Party.Template:Sfn Later he rejoined the Democrats and supported Franklin Pierce for president in 1852.Template:Sfn

Death and burial

Cambreleng died in West Neck, Suffolk County, New York on April 30, 1862.Template:Sfn He was buried at Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery, Section 73, Lot 4150.Template:Sfn

Family

In 1835, Cambreleng married Phebe Glover, the daughter of New York City merchant John J. Glover.Template:Sfn They remained married until Cambreleng's death, and had no children.Template:Sfn

External links

• Template:PAGENAMEBASE at Find a GraveTemplate:EditAtWikidata
• House Ways and Means Committee
• Biography at NC Gen Web