Schuyler Colfax

vice president of the United States from 1869 to 1873

Schuyler (pronounced "Sky-ler") Colfax, Jr. (March 23, 1823 – January 13, 1885) was a U.S. representative from Indiana, the 29th speaker of the House of Representatives, and the 17th vice president of the United States.

Schuyler Colfax
17th Vice President of the United States
In office
March 4, 1869 – March 4, 1873
PresidentUlysses S. Grant
Preceded byAndrew Johnson
Succeeded byHenry Wilson
29th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
In office
December 7, 1863 – March 3, 1869
PresidentAbraham Lincoln
Andrew Johnson
Preceded byGalusha A. Grow
Succeeded byTheodore M. Pomeroy
Member of U.S. House of Representatives
from Indiana's 9th district
In office
March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1869
Preceded byNorman Eddy
Succeeded byJohn P. C. Shanks
Personal details
Born(1823-03-23)March 23, 1823
New York City, New York
DiedJanuary 13, 1885(1885-01-13) (aged 61)
Mankato, Minnesota
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Evelyn Clark Colfax
Ellen Maria Wade Colfax

Legacy

change

The towns of Colfax, California, Colfax, Washington, and Colfax, Louisiana, are named for Schuyler Colfax. The "Jewel of the Midwest," Schuyler, Nebraska, named after Colfax, is the county seat of Colfax County, Nebraska. The now ghost town of Colfax, Colorado was named after him. Colfax County, New Mexico is named after the Speaker as well. In addition, the "main street" traversing Aurora, Denver, and Lakewood, Colorado and abutting the Colorado State Capitol is named "Colfax Avenue" in the politician's honor. The middle school Schuyler Colfax in Wayne, New Jersey is also named after him.