Elizur H. Prindle

Elizur H. Prindle (May 6, 1829 – October 7, 1890) was a U.S. Representative from New York and a Republican politician and lawyer who was active in state and local affairs during the mid-19th century. He was born in Newtown, Fairfield County, Connecticut, on May 6, 1829. During his childhood he moved with his family to Unadilla, New York, where he was raised. He completed preparatory studies and attended the local academy in Homer, New York, receiving the education that prepared him for a legal career.

After his academic preparation, Prindle studied law under the guidance of his cousin, Horace Gerald Prindle of Unadilla. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and commenced the practice of law. Seeking broader professional opportunities, he later moved to Norwich, Chenango County, New York, where he continued to practice. Originally affiliated with the Whig Party, he became a Republican as that party emerged in the 1850s, aligning himself with its principles during a period of intense national debate over slavery and the Union.

Prindle quickly became a prominent figure in local legal and political circles. He served as district attorney of Chenango County, New York, from 1860 to 1862, a role in which he was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and representing the interests of the county in legal matters. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, he was among several leading citizens of Norwich who took an active role in supporting the Union cause. He helped to raise a company of volunteers that was mustered into service as Company H of the 17th New York Volunteer Infantry. Later in the war, he again participated in recruitment efforts, contributing to the organization of another company that was mustered into the 114th New York Volunteer Infantry, further demonstrating his commitment to the Union war effort.

In addition to his legal and wartime activities, Prindle entered state-level politics. He was elected as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 1st District of Chenango County, and served in 1863. During his term in the Assembly, he took part in legislative deliberations at a time when New York was deeply engaged in issues related to the Civil War and the state’s role in the national conflict. He later served as a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868, participating in efforts to revise and update the state’s fundamental law in the postwar and Reconstruction era.

Prindle’s growing reputation as a lawyer and legislator led to his election to national office. As a member of the Republican Party representing New York, he was elected to the Forty-second United States Congress and served one term, from March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1873. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, in the midst of Reconstruction and continuing debates over civil rights, federal authority, and economic development. During this term he contributed to the legislative process, participating in the democratic governance of the nation and representing the interests of his constituents in New York.

After completing his single term in Congress, Prindle did not seek or did not secure immediate further federal office and returned to Norwich, where he resumed the practice of law. He continued his professional work there, remaining a respected member of the local bar and community. His later years were spent in Norwich, where he maintained his engagement in legal affairs and local matters until his death.

Elizur H. Prindle died in Norwich, New York, on October 7, 1890. He was interred in Mount Hope Cemetery in Norwich. His career encompassed service as a local prosecutor, state legislator, constitutional convention delegate, Civil War organizer of volunteer companies, and one-term Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, reflecting a life closely tied to the legal and political developments of his era in New York and the nation.