Chauncey M. Depew

Chauncey M. Depew was an American lawyer, businessman, and politician who was born on April 23, 1834, in Peekskill, New York. He was the son of Isaac Depew, a wealthy businessman, and Martha Minot Depew. Chauncey attended Peekskill Military Academy and graduated from Yale University in 1856. He then studied law and was admitted to the New York bar in 1858.
Depew began his career as a lawyer, but he soon became involved in politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1862 and served as its speaker from 1864 to 1865. He was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1865 and served until 1869. In 1872, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1899.
Depew was also a successful businessman. He was the president of the New York Central Railroad from 1885 to 1898 and was instrumental in the development of the railroad industry in the United States.