Henry Clay Longnecker

Henry Clay Longnecker (April 17, 1820 – September 16, 1871) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. He was born in Allen Township, Pennsylvania, where he spent his early years before pursuing formal education that would prepare him for both military and legal careers.

Longnecker attended the Norwich Military Academy in Vermont, an institution known for its emphasis on military discipline and training, and subsequently graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. After completing his collegiate studies, he read law and was admitted to the bar. He began his legal practice in Easton, Pennsylvania, establishing himself professionally before entering public service.

With the outbreak of the Mexican–American War, Longnecker entered military service and served under General Winfield Scott. He rose through the ranks as first lieutenant, captain, and adjutant, taking part in all the principal engagements of Scott’s campaign. His service included participation in the advance on Mexico City, and he was wounded at the Battle of Chapultepec on September 13, 1847. Following his return to Pennsylvania after the war, he resumed civilian life and served as district attorney of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, from 1848 to 1850, combining his legal expertise with public office at the county level.

Longnecker’s experience in law and public affairs led to his election as a Republican to the Thirty-sixth Congress, where he represented Pennsylvania for one term in the U.S. House of Representatives. His service in Congress took place during a significant period in American history, on the eve of the Civil War, when debates over slavery, sectional conflict, and the preservation of the Union dominated the national agenda. As a member of the Republican Party representing Pennsylvania, he contributed to the legislative process and participated in the democratic governance of the nation while representing the interests of his constituents.

During the American Civil War, Longnecker again turned to military service in support of the Union. He was active in organizing Pennsylvania troops and served in the Union Army as colonel of the Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. His dual background in military affairs and public office reflected his ongoing commitment to the Union cause and to the defense of his state and country during a time of national crisis.

After the war, Longnecker returned to legal practice. In 1865 he resumed the practice of law in Allentown, Pennsylvania, continuing his professional career in the city that would remain his home for the rest of his life. His legal standing and public reputation led to his appointment as associate judge of Lehigh County in 1867, adding judicial responsibilities to his record of service in military, legislative, and prosecutorial roles.

Henry Clay Longnecker died in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on September 16, 1871. He was interred in Fairview Cemetery, leaving behind a record of service that spanned the Mexican–American War, the formative years of the Republican Party, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Union effort in the Civil War, as well as significant contributions to the legal and judicial life of Lehigh County.