Schuyler Colfax

Uncommon card · No. 100086

Schuyler Colfax Jr. ( SKY-lər KOHL-fax; March 23, 1823 – January 13, 1885) was an American journalist, businessman, and politician who served as the 17th vice president of the United States from 1869 to 1873, and prior to that as the 25th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1863 to 1869. Originally a Whig, then part of the short-lived People's Party of Indiana, and later a Republican, he was the U.S. representative for Indiana's 9th congressional district from 1855 to 1869. Born in New York City, Colfax was known for his opposition to slavery while serving in Congress, and was a founder of the Republican Party. During his first term as speaker, he led the effort to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States. When it came before the House for a final vote in January 1865, he emphasized his support by casting a vote in favor—by convention the speaker would vote only to break a tie. Chosen as Ulysses...

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