Victory Birdseye

Whig Representative of New York's 23rd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

December 25, 1782 (70 years old)

Birthday

September 16, 1853

Death

Born in Cornwall, Connecticut, and graduated from Williams College in 1804.
Studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1807, beginning his legal practice in Pompey Hill, New York.
Served as a U.S. Representative for two non-consecutive terms, first as a Democratic-Republican and later as a Whig.
Held various local and state positions, including Postmaster of Pompey Hill, District Attorney of Onondaga County, and member of the New York State Assembly and Senate.
Participated in the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1821.
Actively involved in the prosecution related to the abduction of William Morgan, which fueled anti-Masonic sentiments in the U.S.
Drafted and passed legislation to rescue New York citizens kidnapped and sold into slavery, notably aiding Solomon Northup’s return to freedom.
Resumed legal practice after his congressional terms.
Died in Pompey, New York, and was buried in Pompey Hill Cemetery.