Hiram Walden (August 21, 1800 – July 21, 1880) was an American businessman and politician from New York. He was most notable for his service as a United States Representative from 1849 to 1851.
Biography
Walden was born in Pawlet, Vermont on August 21, 1800.[1] He attended the district schools of Pawlet and moved to Berne, New York in 1818.[1] In 1821, he moved to the hamlet of Waldenville in what is now the town of Wright.[1] Walden farmed and was involved in the manufacture of axes, a business he operated until it was destroyed in an 1846 fire.[1][2]
He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1836.[3] In addition to his business interests, Walden was involved in the state militia and in 1839 he attained the rank of major general as commander of the 16th Division.[4][5] He commanded the division until resigning in 1841.[6] He was Schoharie's town supervisor from 1842 to 1844.[7] When the town of Wright was created by separating it from Schoharie, Walden was Wright's first town supervisor, and he served from 1846 to 1849.[8]
After leaving Congress, Walden was employed as an inspector in New York City's United States Custom House.[1] After retiring, he was a resident of Waldenville until his death on July 21, 1880.[1] He was buried at Berne and Beaverdam Cemetery (formerly Pine Grove) in Berne, New York.[1]
Family
In 1822, Walden married Sophia Dominick (1803-1893), daughter of John Dominick and Margaretha Ball.[10] They were the parents of 10 children, of whom eight lived to adulthood.[11]
^"Walden's Axe Factory Burnt". The Schenectady Cabinet: Or, Freedom's Sentinel. Schenectady, NY. March 10, 1846. p. 3 – via New York State Library: NYS Historic Newspapers.
