Henry Meigs

Henry Meigs (October 28, 1782 – May 20, 1861) was a U.S. Representative from New York and a prominent New York City lawyer, municipal official, and civic leader. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of Josiah Meigs and Clara (Benjamin) Meigs. Raised in New England, he attended the common schools, receiving a basic classical education that prepared him for higher study. His family background was one of learning and public service, which helped shape his later career in law and politics.

Meigs entered Yale College as a young man and was graduated in 1799, at a time when the institution was a leading center of classical and legal education in the United States. Following his graduation, he pursued the study of law, a common path for ambitious young men of his generation who sought careers in public life. After completing his legal training, he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in New York City, which was rapidly emerging as a major commercial and political center. His legal practice in the city provided him with professional standing and connections that would support his later entry into public office.

During the War of 1812, Meigs served in the military with the rank of adjutant, contributing to the nation’s defense during a critical period in its early history. His wartime service enhanced his public reputation and reflected the strong sense of civic duty that characterized his later career. After the war, he became increasingly involved in state and local politics. In 1818 he served as a member of the New York State Assembly, participating in legislative deliberations at a time when New York was expanding rapidly in population, commerce, and political influence.

Meigs advanced to national office the following year. He was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Sixteenth Congress and served as a U.S. Representative from New York from March 4, 1819, to March 3, 1821. During his single term in the House of Representatives, he served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures on Public Buildings, a position that placed him at the center of congressional oversight of federal construction and related appropriations. His work on this committee reflected both his legal training and his interest in the orderly development of public institutions and infrastructure.

After leaving Congress, Meigs returned to New York City and continued to build his career in municipal government and the judiciary. He served as president of the board of aldermen of New York City in 1832 and 1833, a period marked by significant urban growth and the challenges of managing a large and complex city. In this role he helped oversee city governance and local legislation. He later served as a judge of one of the city courts, applying his legal expertise to the administration of justice, and afterward as clerk of the court of general sessions, a position that involved important responsibilities in maintaining the records and proceedings of a major criminal court.

In addition to his legal and political work, Meigs was active in civic and agricultural improvement organizations. In 1845 he was elected recording secretary of the American Institute of the City of New York, an influential society devoted to promoting industry, agriculture, and the mechanical arts. He retained this position, in connection with the secretaryship of the Farmers’ Club, until his death, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the advancement of practical knowledge and economic development. Through these roles he contributed to the diffusion of scientific and technical information among farmers, artisans, and manufacturers.

Henry Meigs died in New York City on May 20, 1861. According to Congressional records, he was interred in St. Ann’s Churchyard, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, but church records indicate that he was originally buried in St. Luke’s in New York City and later moved to St. Peter’s Churchyard in Perth Amboy. His family continued his tradition of public and commercial leadership; his son, Henry Meigs Jr., became the first mayor of Bayonne, New Jersey, and served as president of the New York Stock Exchange, extending the Meigs family’s influence into both municipal government and the financial sector.