BIOGRAPHY: John H. Ketcham ; Dutchess co., New York

Transcribed by W. David Samuelsen
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1683
History of Duchess County (sic - Dutchess County), New York
with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of someof its Prominent Men and
Pioneers.
By James H. Smith, assisted by Hume H. Cale and William E. Roscoe
published by D. Mason & Co., 1882, Syracuse, New York

Hon. John H. Ketcham

     Seldon does History present to us a more pleasaning subject than the
life and history of the Hon. John H. Ketcham.

     His life of usefulness, in both public and private, is worthy of
emulation, and it befits History to give it to the world for an example that
would be well followed by the many.

     His career through life may be likened to a deep flowing river,
constantly fed, as it pursues its way unturned by any obstacle, by the pure
waters of heaven, gathering strength and depth as it nears its destination -
the mighty ocean. So Mr. Ketcham has lived, a life of queiet yet busy
usefulness, gathering new strength and power from each act of beneficence.

     Happy in the associations of his youth, gifted with a kindly genius
attracted to the good and great, beloved by them, and finding nourishment in a
heroic history and an amiable life, he stands before us a noble character, one
of "Nature's own noblemen."

     Mr. Ketcham was born in Dover, Dutchess Co., December 21st, 1832, and is
a representative of one of the oldest families in Eastern New York. He is the
second son and child of John M. and Eliza A. Ketcham, of Dover, Dutchess Co.
John H. received his education in part at Suffield, Conn., and at Worcester,
Mass., where he was graduated in 1851. On his return to his native town he
formed a partnership with his older brothe rWm. S., engaging in farming and an
extensive marble business, which they continued successfully for several
years. It was while he was engaged in this, that he was called upon to come
out from the retirement of private life and take the offices of Town
Supervisor and Member of Assembly for two terms, also representing the State
in the Senate. In 1861, at the breaking out of the War, he was appointed by
Gov. Morgan a member of the War Committee for the counties of Dutchess and
Columbia, and was afterwards commissioned to raise a regiment, which he did,
filling out his quota with the picked men of the county, largely from the best
and most intelligent families.

     His Regiment, (the 150th New York Infantry,) was at first ordered to
Baltimore, aftewards took part in the ever memorable battle of Gettysburg,
suffering severely. Again recruiting and filling up his Regiment, he moved
south-west joing Gen. Sherman, and with him moved on to Atlanta, Ga. in his
notable "March to the Sea." While on duty on Argyle Island, near the mouth of
Savannah River, he received a wound, from the effects of which he has never
entirely recovered, besides his general health becoming much impaired from
privation and exposure.

     While at Savannah he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General by
brevet, afterwards to Brigadier-General and subsequently major-General by
brevet. Following this when on duty at Atlanta, he received the nominatio nfo
rmember of Congress from his home district, and was elected by a large
majority. He has since served six terms in the same office, and now in 1880
has received the seventh proof of confidence of the people of his District.
His nominations have been made by acclamation, and he has been supported by
the people in his District irrespective of party. He has always been untiring
and unremitting in his efforts to promote the wishes and interests of his
constituents.

     His privilege and pleasure will continue to be to keep the interests of
those whom he represents ever foremost and to serve them to the utmost of his
ability.

     During the interval - about three years - that Mr. Ketcham was not a
representative in Congress, he was appointed by President Grant with Ex-Gov.
Dennison of Ohio and the late H. T. Blow of Wisconsin, Commissiones of the
District of Columbia, and served with his usual energy and fideltiy, and to
the great satisfaction of the people of the District.

     Mr. Ketcham was marrie dFebruary 4th, 1868, to Miss Augusta A. Belden,
daughter of William H. and Sarah Belden, of Amenia, Dutchess Co., now residing
in New York City. The parents of Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham were among the earliest
and representative families of the County.

     The fruit of their marriage has been four children: two sons and one
daughter are living, named Henry, Charles and Ethel.

     He is a man of warm impulses, and always ready to help a friend to do a
kind act for a fellow being. He is one of the most popular men of his county,
and is known and recognized as the poor man's friend.