Simon Jacob Schermerhorn

Simon Jacob Schermerhorn (September 25, 1827 – July 21, 1901) was an American politician and farmer who served one term as a United States Representative from New York from 1893 to 1895. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented his constituents in the House of Representatives during a significant period in American history, contributing to the legislative process during his single term in office.

Schermerhorn was born on September 25, 1827, in Rotterdam, Schenectady County, New York. He attended the common schools of the area, receiving a basic formal education typical of rural New York in the mid-nineteenth century. After completing his schooling, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, establishing himself as a farmer in his native town. His roots in the local farming community helped shape his understanding of the economic and social concerns of his region.

Schermerhorn’s public career began in local government. He served as supervisor of the town of Rotterdam in 1856, a role that placed him at the center of town administration and local decision-making. He was also elected to two terms as school commissioner, reflecting his involvement in and concern for public education in his community. In addition, he was active in local financial institutions, serving as a director and trustee in area banks, which underscored his standing in business and civic affairs.

Building on his local service, Schermerhorn advanced to state-level office during the Civil War era. He was elected a member of the New York State Assembly in 1862 and again in 1865. In the Assembly, he participated in state legislative deliberations at a time of national conflict and reconstruction, representing the interests of his district while gaining broader political experience that would later support his move to national office.

Schermerhorn was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-third Congress, serving as a United States Representative from New York from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1895. During this term in the House of Representatives, he took part in the democratic process at the federal level, representing the interests of his New York constituents during a period marked by economic and political change in the United States. He did not seek renomination in 1894 and thus concluded his congressional service after one term.

After leaving Congress, Schermerhorn retired from national politics and returned to his agricultural pursuits in Rotterdam. He resumed life on his farm, remaining in the community where he had been born and had spent much of his career in public and private endeavors. Simon Jacob Schermerhorn died in Rotterdam on July 21, 1901. He was interred in Viewland Cemetery, bringing to a close a life characterized by local, state, and national public service rooted in his upstate New York community.