Richard Schell
Photograph of Schell by Rockwood
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 9th district
In office
December 7, 1874 – March 3, 1875
Preceded byDavid B. Mellish
Succeeded byFernando Wood
Member of the New York State Senate
In office
January 1, 1858 – December 31, 1859
Preceded byErastus Brooks
Succeeded byBenjamin F. Manierre
Personal details
BornMay 15, 1810
Rhinebeck, New York, U.S.
DiedNovember 10, 1879(1879-11-10) (aged 69)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Resting placeOld Dutch Cemetery in Rhinebeck
SpouseHelen Lott Jerome
RelationsAugustus Schell (brother)
Edward Schell (brother)
Leonard Jerome (brother-in-law)
Parent(s)Christian Schell
Elizabeth Hughes

Richard Schell (May 15, 1810 – November 10, 1879) was an American politician who represented New York in the United States House of Representatives from 1874 to 1875.

Early life

Schell was born in Rhinebeck, New York on May 15, 1810.[1] He was the son of Christian Schell (1779–1825), a merchant,[2] and Elizabeth (née Hughes) Schell (1783–1866).[3] He was the brother of Augustus Schell (1812–1884), Robert Schell (1815–1900), and Edward Schell (1819–1893), who were well-known business men of New York City.[3][4]

His paternal grandparents were Richard Schell and Anna (née Schultz) Schell.[3]

Career

He completed preparatory studies and engaged in mercantile pursuits before he moved to New York City in 1830 and became a wholesale dry-goods merchant. Schell was also an agent and lobbyist for Cornelius Vanderbilt.[5]

Political career

He was a member of the New York State Senate (6th D.) in 1858 and 1859.[1]

Schell was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of David B. Mellish and served from December 7, 1874, to March 3, 1875. After leaving Congress, he resumed mercantile pursuits.[1][6]

Personal life

Schell was married to Helen Lott Jerome (1820–1890), the daughter of Aurora Murray (1785–1867) and Isaac Jerome (1786–1866). She was also the sister of Leonard Jerome, the prominent financier, and the aunt of Jennie Jerome, an American who later became Lady Randolph Churchill when she married Lord Randolph Churchill, the parents of U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Death and burial

Schell died in New York City in 1879,[7] and was buried in the Old Dutch Cemetery in Rhinebeck.[1]

In the 2012 film Lincoln, the character of Richard Schell was portrayed by actor Tim Blake Nelson. He was shown lobbying for votes from Democratic House members to obtain passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Schell, Richard - Biographical Information". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  2. ↑ "Augustus Schell (1812-1884)". New-York Historical Society. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 The Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York: History, Customs, Record of Events, Constitution, Certain Genealogies, and Other Matters of Interest. Volume 1. Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York. 1905. p. 138. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  4. ↑ Johnson, Andrew (1967). The Papers of Andrew Johnson: September 1868-April 1869. Univ. of Tennessee Press. p. 168. ISBN 978-1-57233-028-3. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  5. ↑ Stiles, T.J. (2009). The First Tycoon. New York City: Alfred A. Knopf. p. 452. ISBN 978-0-37541-542-5.
  6. ↑ Reports of Committees of The House of Representatives Made During The First Session of The Thirty-Fifth Congress. Washington, D.C.: James B. Steedman. 1858. p. 67. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  7. ↑ "Funeral of Richard Schell". The New York Times. 14 November 1879. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  8. ↑ Lucie, Patricia Allan (1986). Freedom and Federalism: Congress and Courts, 1861-1866. New York City: Garland Publishing. p. 118. ISBN 978-0-82408-285-7.
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