John Arnot

Democrat Representative of New York's 28th district

  • Representative

    New York, district 28

    December 7, 1885 - March 3, 1887

2

Congresses Served

2

House Terms

January 1, 1831 (55 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1886

Death

  • American Civil War veteran and politician.
  • Served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1883 until his death in 1886.
  • Began a banking career in New York City before returning to Elmira to work at the Chemung Canal Bank.
  • Involved in various business ventures, including banking, brewing, gas, coal, and real estate.
  • Active in local politics as a Democrat, serving on the Elmira board of education and as the village president.
  • Elected as the first mayor of Elmira when it became a city in 1864, and served multiple terms.
  • Initially declined the Democratic nomination for Congress but later agreed to run and was elected.
  • Suffered severe injuries from an explosion at the Chemung Canal Bank in 1884, which affected his health until his death.
  • A memorial chapel was built in his honor at Trinity Church in Elmira, financed by his sister and her husband.