John B. Macy | |
|---|---|
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromWisconsin's3rd district | |
| In office March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855 | |
| Preceded by | James Duane Doty |
| Succeeded by | Charles Billinghurst |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 25, 1799 Nantucket, Massachusetts, US |
| Died | September 24, 1856(1856-09-24) (aged 57) Port Washington, Wisconsin, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Russell Macy (m. 1818)[1] |
| Children | Four |
John B. Macy (March 25, 1799 – September 24, 1856) was aU.S. Representative fromWisconsin.
Macy was born inNantucket, Massachusetts, where he received a liberal education. He moved toNew York City in 1826 and later in that year toBuffalo, New York. He resided inCincinnati, Ohio from 1842 to 1845. Macy was one of the founders ofToledo, Ohio, and one of the proprietors of the Rock River Valley Union Railroad (the state line to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin). This line was the beginning of theChicago and North Western Railway. Macy moved toFond du Lac in theWisconsin Territory, in 1845 and engaged in the real estate business, acquiring land fromPhilip Hone, the mayor of New York City. Several street names in Fond du Lac, such asMacy Street, are named for Macy and members of his family.[2] He moved with his family to the town ofEmpire, Wisconsin, near Lake de Neveu, in 1850. Macy's home, built near what becameHighway 45, still stands. Its original outbuildings include a hexagonal library.[3]
Macy was elected as aDemocrat to representWisconsin's 3rd congressional district at the33rd United States Congress (March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855), but was unsuccessful for re-election in 1854 to the34th Congress. Following his failure to be re-elected, he resumed his former business pursuits.
Macy lost his life in the burning of thesteamerNiagara, nearPort Washington, Wisconsin onLake Michigan on September 24, 1856. TheNiagara was a sidewheel passenger steamer, one of the luxury vessels known as 'palace steamers', which sailed the Great Lakes in the years from 1844 to 1857. On September 23, 1856, theNiagara leftSheboygan, Wisconsin, for Port Washington. Fire broke out on board at around 4pm, causing the steam engines and the ship's giant paddlewheels to stop. The steamer, which was 4–5 miles offshore, quickly became engulfed in flames and smoke, and the passengers panicked while trying to board the lifeboats. Many jumped overboard into the water, which was reported to be too cold for anyone to survive in it.[4] Despite rescue efforts, over 60 people died in what was one of Wisconsin's deadliest transportation disasters. The wreck of theNiagara lies in 55 feet of water one mile offBelgium, Wisconsin. Macy was last seen on board exclaiming "We're lost! Oh God! We're lost!"[5] His body was never recovered.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
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| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromWisconsin's 3rd congressional district March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855 | Succeeded by |
