William married Mary J. Swaney.

     Mary married William D. Stayman.

      Irene (Unknown) was born circa 1900 at Michigan. Irene married Russell William Fenner, son of James Bruce Fenner and Wilma Belle Stayman, circa 1922.

      Gerald James Fenner was born on 2-Feb-1907 at Martin, Allegan County, Michigan. He was the son of Orlie Perry Fenner and Isabelle Ketchum. Gerald James Fenner died on 3-Mar-2000 his last known address was at Plainville, Allegan County, Michigan, according to the Social Security Death Index.

      Dorothy Isabelle Fenner was born on 26-Nov-1909 at Martin, Allegan County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Orlie Perry Fenner and Isabelle Ketchum.

      Bruce William Fenner was born on 12-Jun-1915 at Michigan. He was the son of Orlie Perry Fenner and Isabelle Ketchum. Bruce William Fenner died in Apr-1963 at age 47.

      Verne LeRoy Brown was born on 10-Oct-1899 at Gunplain, Allegan County, Michigan. He was the son of David Edward Brown and Edith May Fenner. Verne LeRoy Brown died on 19-May-1915 at Gunplain, Allegan County, Michigan, at age 15.

      Reon David Brown was born on 23-Feb-1904 at Gunplain, Allegan County, Michigan. He was the son of David Edward Brown and Edith May Fenner. Reon David Brown died in Dec-1981 his last known address was at Plainwell, Allegan County, Michigan, according to the Social Security Death Index.

      Iola May Brown was born on 28-Aug-1909. She was the daughter of David Edward Brown and Edith May Fenner.

     Irene McLain was the daughter of Nicholas Edward McLain.

     Donald Eugene McLain was the son of Nicholas Edward McLain.

     Nicholas Edward McLain was the son of Nicholas Edward McLain.

     Judith Ann McLain was the daughter of Nicholas Edward McLain.

     Valarie Allen was the daughter of Donald Richard Allen.

      Lillian May Schenck was born on 9-Jul-1909 at Lysander Twp., Onondaga County, New York. She was the daughter of William Vanderveer Schenck and Nellie Wright.

      Ruth W. (Unknown) was born circa 1900 at New York. Ruth married John Hulbert Schenck, son of William Vanderveer Schenck and Nellie Wright, circa 1923.

     Elizabeth J. Schenck was the daughter of John Hulbert Schenck and Ruth W. (Unknown).

      Thola Nett Tabor was born on 16-Aug-1885 at Cato Twp., Cayuga County, New York. She was the daughter of Ernest Grant Tabor and Nett Clark. Thola married Lester Hulbert Schenck, son of James Shuler Schenck and Ella Lucretia Wormuth, on 21-Oct-1903. Thola Nett Tabor died in Jul-1965 at age 79.

     Ernest married Nett Clark.

     Nett married Ernest Grant Tabor.

      Thelma (Unknown) was born circa 1893 at New York. Thelma married Dr. Edward Bela Kaple M.D., son of Dr. John Delmar Kaple and Martha Goodrich.

      Alice Loretta Shearer was born on 2-Sep-1900 at Homer, Cortland County, New York. She was the daughter of Ceylon Charles Shearer and Florence Loretta Schenck.

      Grace Reba Shearer was born on 22-Dec-1902 at Cortland, Cortland County, New York. She was the daughter of Ceylon Charles Shearer and Florence Loretta Schenck.

      Marion Nellie Shearer was born on 11-Aug-1904 at Cortland, Cortland County, New York. She was the daughter of Ceylon Charles Shearer and Florence Loretta Schenck.

      Neva Estella Shearer was born on 19-Dec-1908 at Cortland, Cortland County, New York. She was the daughter of Ceylon Charles Shearer and Florence Loretta Schenck.

      Irma Louise Givens was born on 2-Oct-1884 at Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York. She was the daughter of George E. Givens and Hattie Harter. Irma married Rulef David Schenck, son of William Baird Schenck and Florence Loretta Osborn, on 6-Sep-1905.

     George married Hattie Harter.

     Hattie married George E. Givens.

      Lawrence David Schenck was born on 12-Dec-1906 at Cortland, Cortland County, New York. He was the son of Rulef David Schenck and Irma Louise Givens.

      Luthera Jane Schenck was born on 6-May-1910 at Cortland, Cortland County, New York. She was the daughter of Irma Louise Givens.

      Frederick William Corey was born on 5-Jul-1873 at Jordan, Onondaga County, New York. He was the son of Charles H. Corey and Helen Knight. Frederick married Ada Mary Wilson, daughter of Mervin James Wilson and Cornelia Harrington, on 12-Mar-1902. Frederick William Corey died in Feb-1964 at age 90.
      In the census on 3-Jan-1920 Frederick William Corey was named Fred W. Corey.

     Charles married Helen Knight.

     Helen married Charles H. Corey.

      Eunice Catherine Corey was born on 14-Jul-1903 at Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York. She was the daughter of Frederick William Corey and Ada Mary Wilson. Eunice Catherine Corey died on 18-Apr-1904 at Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York.

      Hilda Norman was born on 9-Jul-1871. She was the daughter of Olif Norman. Hilda married Willard Dennis Stone, son of Delancy Duyane Stone and Orinda More Wilson, on 12-Feb-1894.

      Norman D. Stone was born on 1-Nov-1894 at Baldwinsville, Onondaga County, New York. He was the son of Willard Dennis Stone and Hilda Norman.

      Donald D. Stone was born on 13-Dec-1895 at Baldwinsville, Onondaga County, New York. He was the son of Willard Dennis Stone and Hilda Norman.
     

     Ebenezer married Elizabeth Dillsworth.

     Elizabeth married Ebenezer Spining.

      Catherine Pierson was born on 11-Mar-1767 at Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of John Pierson and Ruth Howell. Catherine married Judge Isaac Spinning, son of Ebenezer Spining and Elizabeth Dillsworth, on 15-Jan-1785 at Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey; 10 children. Catherine Pierson died on 6-Sep-1818 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, at age 51.

     John married Ruth Howell.

     Ruth married John Pierson.

      Colonel William Rogers Schenck was born on 20-Oct-1799 at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. William married Phebe W. Reader, daughter of Jessie Reader and Phebe Wheeler, on 4-Sep-1822 at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. William married Phebe W. Reader, daughter of Jessie Reader and Phebe Wheeler, on 22-Sep-1822 at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. Colonel William Rogers Schenck died winter of 1882-3 at near the South Fork of the Canadian River.

      Catherine Schenck was born on 19-Jul-1793 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Catherine married John Schellenger, son of William Henry Schellenger and Philomelia Stites. Catherine Schenck died on 23-Dec-1868 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey, at age 75. She died on 23-Dec-1868 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, at age 75. Catherine was buried at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

      John Schellenger was born on 7-Aug-1787 at Cape May County, New Jersey. He was born on 7-Aug-1788 at Cape May County, New Jersey. He was the son of William Henry Schellenger and Philomelia Stites. John married Catherine Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. John Schellenger died on 18-Jan-1860 at Cape May County, New Jersey, at age 71. John was buried at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

      William Schenck was born on 29-May-1795 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey. He was the son of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. William married Mary Steelman on 4-Mar-1820 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey. William Schenck died in Aug-1855 at age 60.

     Mary married William Schenck, son of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes, on 4-Mar-1820 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

      Robert C. Schenck was born on 4-Aug-1798. He was the son of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Robert married Arabel Aarons; no issue. Robert C. Schenck died in Mar-1831 at age 32; lost at sea.

     Arabel married Robert C. Schenck, son of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes; no issue.

      Nancy Schenck was born on 19-Dec-1800 at below, Mays Landing, Atlantic County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Nancy married Recompensive Hand III on 5-Sep-1820. Nancy Schenck died on 23-Mar-1854 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey, at age 53.

      Recompensive Hand III was born on 21-Nov-1795 at Rio Grande, Cape May County, New Jersey. Recompensive married Nancy Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes, on 5-Sep-1820. Recompensive Hand III died on 15-Apr-1871 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey, at age 75. Recompensive was buried at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

      Martha Schenck was born on 19-Dec-1800 at Cape May County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Martha married Philip Hand on 3-Dec-1821. Martha Schenck died on 11-Oct-1836 at age 35. Martha was buried at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

      Philip Hand was born on 28-Oct-1797. Philip married Martha Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes, on 3-Dec-1821. Philip married Sarah H. Hand on 21-Dec-1837. Philip Hand died on 12-Aug-1881 at age 83. Philip was buried at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

     Sarah married Philip Hand on 21-Dec-1837.

      Israel Schenck was born on 5-Jan-1803. He was the son of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Israel Schenck died on 17-Sep-1804 at age 1.

      Zeruiah Schenck was born on 8-Nov-1804. He was the son of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Zeruiah Schenck died on 7-Mar-1815 at age 10.

      Maria Stockton Schenck was born on 12-Jul-1806 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Maria married William Cassedy on 14-Oct-1830 at Cape May County, New Jersey. Maria Stockton Schenck died on 10-Nov-1884 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey, at age 78.

      William Cassedy was born in 1807. William married Maria Stockton Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes, on 14-Oct-1830 at Cape May County, New Jersey. William Cassedy died on 11-Aug-1854 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

      Melinda Schenck was born on 14-Feb-1809. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Melinda married William Brooks. Melinda married Joseph Ludlam. Melinda Schenck died on 24-Nov-1861 at New York at age 52.

     William married Melinda Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes.

     Joseph married Melinda Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes.

      Eliza Schenck was born on 12-Sep-1811. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Eliza Schenck died on 10-Sep-1812.

      Eliza Schenck was born on 23-Jul-1813 at Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes. Eliza married (Unknown) Collins. Eliza married Edward Croft. Eliza Schenck died on 13-Apr-1858 at New York at age 44.

     (Unknown) married Eliza Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes.

      Edward Croft was born at Baltimore, Maryland. Edward married Eliza Schenck, daughter of Dr. Robert Cumming Schenck and Zerusiah Hughes.

      Nathaniel Potter Schenck was born in 1801 at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. He died young after 1801. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers.

      Sarah Rogers Schenck was born in 1803 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. She was the daughter of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. Sarah married Egbert Tangier Smith on 2-Apr-1818 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio.

     Egbert married Sarah Rogers Schenck, daughter of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers, on 2-Apr-1818 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio.

      Robert C. Schenck was born on 30-Aug-1805 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. Robert C. Schenck died on 6-Aug-1806.

      Admiral James Findlay Schenck was born on 11-Jun-1807 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. James married Darothia Ann Smith on 27-Jul-1829 at Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. Admiral James Findlay Schenck died on 21-Dec-1882 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, at age 75.
     

Franklin's Admiral James Findlay Schenck
Contributor: Dallas Bogan on 4 August 2004
Source: original article by Dallas Bogan
Return to Index to see a list of other articles by Dallas Bogan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Schenck was born at Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, June 11, 1807. He was the brother of General Robert C. Schenck. He was the son of Gen. William C. and Betsy Rogers Schenck, the former from New Jersey and the latter from Long Island, N.Y. General William Schenck, along with Daniel Cooper, laid out the town of Franklin in the winter of 1795-96.
In 1822, our subject received an appointment to the United States Academy at West Point, New York. Through some difficulties with an officer, Cadet Schenck and others tendered their resignations.
On March 1, 1825, Mr. Schenck received an appointment as midshipman in the United States Navy, and in the following August was ordered to the sloop HORNET, this being his first assignment.
After many ships and many years, Lieutenant Schenck was called upon to engage in the Mexican War (1846). He was involved, on the frigate CONGRESS, in the bombardment and capture of Guaymas and the taking of Mazatlan, in Mexico.
In October 1848, Lieutenant Schenck returned from the Pacific squadron as bearer of dispatches and was granted leave.
He was promoted to the rank of Commander, September 14, 1855. He entertained this position until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion. His location at the time was at Hong Kong, China.
In February 1862, Commander Schenck received orders to return home, his arrival being made at the New York Harbor March 17. He was ordered to take command of the frigate ST. LAWRENCE. His orders were to join the West Gulf blockading squadron. The vessel proved of little value in this operation and was converted into a store ship. He was not relieved from the command of the ST. LAWRENCE until the 14th of April 1863.
On the 6th of October 1864, he received the notification of his promotion to the rank of Commodore, his commission dating back to the 2nd of January 1863.
On the 14th of October 1864, he was given command of the POWHATAN. This ship was attached to the North Atlantic squadron under the command of Rear Admiral Porter. Under the command of Commodore Schenck, she took a prominent part in the two attacks upon Fort Fisher, North Carolina; Schenck, who in these attacks also, commanded the Third Division of the North Atlantic Squadron.
In Admiral Porter's dispatch, in relation to the fight, he said: "Commodore James F. Schenck and his vessel, the POWHATAN have come up to my expectations in every respect. This officer in battle has shown himself worthy to command so fine a ship. He performed his duty most faithfully, and I am proud not only to have had him under my command, but also to see him reinstated in the position to which he has done so much credit. He deserves all I can say of him, and is worthy of promotion."
Commodore Schenck applied to be relieved of the POWHATAN, which was done upon his arrival at Key West, the 12th of May 1865.
In November 1865, he was ordered to command the Naval station at Mound City, Illinois, and in the following November, was detached and placed on waiting orders. This was his last assignment of duty, and on the 11th of June 1869, having reached the age of 62; he was, in accordance with the law governing the Navy, placed upon the retired list. On July 18, 1870, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on the retired list.
Admiral Schenck had maintained a home in Dayton, Ohio, for many years, and after spending forty-four years in the service of his country, retired to his home place.
Admiral Schenck was married in 1829 to Dorothy Ann Smith. His life, which was very productive, came to an end December 21, 1882, in Dayton, Ohio.



James Findlay Schenck

SCHENCK, James Findlay, naval officer, born in Franklin, Ohio, 11 June, 1807; died in Dayton, Ohio, 21 December, 1882. His ancestor, Roelof Martense Schenck, emigrated from Holland to New Amsterdam in 1650. He was appointed to the United States military academy in 1822, but resigned in 1824, and entered the navy as midshipman, 1 March, 1825. He became passed midshipman; 4 June, 1831, and lieutenant, 22 December, 1835, and in August, 1845, joined the " Congress," in which he served as chief military aide to Commander Robert F. Stockton at the capture of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Pedro, California He also participated in the capture of Guaymas and Mazatlan, Mexico, and in October, 1848, returned home as bearer of despatches. He was commended for efficient services in the Mexican war. Lieutenant Schenck then entered the service of the Pacific mail steamship company and commanded the steamer "Ohio" and other steamers between New York and Aspinwall in 1849-'52. He was commissioned commander, 14 September, 1855, and assigned to the frigate " St. Lawrence," 19 March, 1862, on the West Gulf blockade. On 7 October, 1864, he was ordered to command the "Powhatan" in the North Atlantic squadron, and he also received notification of his promotion to commodore to date from 2 January, 1863. He led the 3d division of the squadron in the two attacks on Fort Fisher, and was highly commended for his services. Commander Schenck had charge of the naval station at Mound City, Illinois, in 1865-'6, was promoted to rear-admiral, 21 September, 1868, and retired by law, 11 June, 1869.--His brother, Robert Cumming, diplomatist, born in Franklin, Ohio, 4 October, 1809, was graduated at Miami university in 1827, and remained as a resident graduate and tutor for three years longer, then studied law with Thomas Corwin, was admitted to the bar, and established himself in practice at Dayton, Ohio. He was a member of the legislature in 1841-'2, displaying practical knowledge and pungent wit in the debates, and was then elected as a Whig to congress, and thrice re-elected, serving from 4 December, 1843, till 3 March, 1851. He was a member of important committees, and during his third term was the chairman of that on roads and canals. On 12 March, 1851, he was commissioned as minister to Brazil. In 1852, with John S. Pendleton, who was accredited to the Argentine Republic as charge d'affaires, he arranged a treaty of friendship and commerce with the government of that country and one for the free navigation of the river La Plata and its great tributaries. They also negotiated treaties with the governments of Uruguay and Paraguay. He left Rio Janeiro on 8 October, 1853, and after his return to Ohio engaged in the railroad business. He offered hisser-vices to the government when the civil war began, and was one of the first brigadier-generals appointed by President Lincoln, his commission bearing the date of 17 May, 1861. He was attached to the military department of Washington, and on 17 June moved forward by railroad with a regiment to dislodge the Confederates at Vienna, but was surprised by a masked battery, and forced to retreat. On meeting re-enforcements, he changed front, and the enemy retired. His brigade formed a part of General Daniel Tyler's division at the first Bull Run battle, and was on the point of crossing the Stone Bridge to make secure the occupation of the plateau, when the arrival of Confederate re-enforcements turned the tide of battle. He next served in West Virginia tinder General William S. Rosecrans, and was ordered to the Shenandoah valley with the force that was sent to oppose Gem Thomas J. Jackson. Pushing forward by a forced march to the relief of General Robert H. Milroy, he had a sharp and brilliant engagement with the enemy at McDowell. At Cross Keys he led the Ohio troops in a charge on the right, and maintained the ground that he won until he was ordered to retire. General John C. Fremont then intrusted him with the command of a division. At the second battle of Bull Run he led the first division of General Franz Sigel's corps. He was wounded in that action by a musket-ball, which shattered his right arm, incapacitating him for active service till 16 December, 1862, when he took command of the middle department and eighth corps at Baltimore, having been promoted major-general on 18 September After performing effective services in the Gettysburg campaign, he resigned his commission on 3 December, 1863, in order to take his place in the house of representatives, in which he served as chairman of the committee on military affairs. He was re-elected in 1864, and was placed at the head of the same committee, where he procured the establishment of the National military and naval asylum. In 1865 he was president of the board of visitors to the United States military academy, and was one of the committee of congress on the death of President Lincoln, serving also on the committee on retrenchment. In 1866 he attended the Loyalists' convention at Philadelphia and the soldiers' convention at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania He was re-elected to congress in 1866 and in 1868, when his opponent was Clement L. Vallandigham, serving as chairman of the committee of ways and means and of the ordnance committee. On 22 December, 1870, he received the appointment of minister to Great Britain. In 1871 he was one of the "Alabama" commission. He resigned his post in 1876 in consequence of the failure of the Emma silver-mine company, in which he had permitted himself to be chosen a director, and resumed the practice of law in Washington, D. C.

      Darothia Ann Smith was born circa 1803 at Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. Darothia married Admiral James Findlay Schenck, son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers, on 27-Jul-1829 at Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. Darothia Ann Smith died at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio.

      Julia Schenck was born circa 1835 at Ohio. She was the daughter of Admiral James Findlay Schenck and Darothia Ann Smith.

      Pay Master Caspar Schenck U. S. N. was born on 26-Sep-1835 at Nissequogue, Suffolk County, New York. He was the son of Admiral James Findlay Schenck and Darothia Ann Smith. Caspar married Mary F. Sewell, daughter of Francis Thornton Sewell and Helen Talbot, on 17-Nov-1868 at San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. Pay Master Caspar Schenck U. S. N. died on 21-Jun-1902 at age 66. Caspar was buried at United States Naval Academy Cemetery, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Missouri.

      Woodhull Smith Schenck was born in 1840 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. He was the son of Admiral James Findlay Schenck and Darothia Ann Smith. Woodhull married Caroline Owen, daughter of Allison Owen, in Feb-1871 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. Woodhull Smith Schenck died in 1880 at San Francisco, San Francisco County, California.

      Sarah Smith Schenck was born on 7-Mar-1830 at Nissequague, Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. She was the daughter of Admiral James Findlay Schenck and Darothia Ann Smith. Sarah married Col. Joseph G. Crane in 1851.

      Jeanette Schenck was born in 1831 at Long Island, New York. She was the daughter of Admiral James Findlay Schenck and Darothia Ann Smith. Jeanette married Andrew Barr Irwin in 1852 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio.
     Jeanette Schenck was also known as Jane Findley Schenck.

      General Robert Cumming Schenck was born on 4-Oct-1809 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. Robert married Rennelche W. Smith, daughter of Woodhull Smith and Sarah Rogers, on 21-Aug-1834 at Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. General Robert Cumming Schenck died on 23-Mar-1890 at Washington, District of Columbia, at age 80.
     

Robert Schenck was born on October 4, 1809, at Franklin, Ohio. His father was a land speculator and an important early settler of Ohio. Robert Schenck graduated from Miami University in 1827 and embarked on a teaching career. In 1830, Schenck began to study the law. He attained his law license the following year and opened a law practice in Dayton, Ohio.

During the 1830s and 1840s, Schenck emerged as an important politician in Ohio. He was a strong supporter of the Whig Party. Scheck first ran for political office in 1839, but he failed to win election to a seat in the Ohio legislature. He was successful in attaining a seat in 1841, but he quickly resigned this position when voter selected him to the United States House of Representatives in 1842. He served in the House of Representatives until 1851. That same year, President Millard Fillmore appointed Schenck as the United States ambassador to Brazil, a position Schenck held until 1854, when he returned to Ohio to practice law.

As tensions mounted between the North and the South during the 1850s, Schenck clearly sided with the Republican Party and its views. In 1859, Schenck delivered a speech in Dayton regarding the growing animosity within the country. In this speech, Schenck recommended that the Republican Party nominate Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. This was, perhaps, the first public endorsement of Lincoln for the presidency.

When the American Civil War erupted in 1861, Lincoln appointed Schenck as a brigadier general. Schenck performed admirably on the battlefield, participating in numerous battles including the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. At Second Bull Run, he was wounded in his arm, leaving this limb disabled for the remainder of Schenck's life.

Despite Schenck's serious injury, he intended to remain in the Union military, but political events caused him to resign his commission in December 1863. Since 1857, Clement L. Vallandigham had served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the region around Dayton, Ohio. Vallandigham was a member of the Democratic Party and an outspoken critic of the war. When the Republican Party gained control of the Ohio legislature in 1861, the party's members redrew the congressional districts with the state. The Republicans hoped that they would be able to unseat several Democratic Party members in the House of Representatives by gerrymandering the boundaries of various districts. In 1862, the Republican Party selected Schenck to run against Vallandigham. Voters rallied behind Schenck, a wounded veteran, giving him an easy victory over the incumbent. As a member of the House of Representatives, Schenck chose to resign his military commission.

Schenck remained a member of the House of Representatives until 1871. He had failed to win reelection to his seat in 1870 by just fifty-three votes. In 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Schenck as United States ambassador to Great Britain. Schenck held this position until 1876, when he resigned and resumed practicing the law. He died on March 23, 1890.

Ohio Historical Society, 2005, "Robert Cumming Schenck", Ohio History Central: An Online Encyclopedia of Ohio History.



GEN. ROBERT C. SCHENCK, [pages 171-173] deceased, one of Ohio's most distinguished sons, and one whom the people of Dayton take pride in claiming as their fellow citizen, was born in Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, October 4, 1809, and was the son of Gen. William C. Schenck.

Gen. William C. Schenck was a native of New Jersey, born in January, 1773. He came to Cincinnati in 1795, and served for a time in the land office under Gen. James Findlay, and afterward under John Cleve Symmes, as a surveyor, which became his profession. In 1798 he married Betsey Rogers, of Huntington, Long Island, N. Y., and reached Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, January 1, 1799. They resided in that city until about 1803, when they removed to Franklin, Ohio, of which place, as well as of Newark, Licking county; he was the founder and proprietor. His death occurred in January, 1821, on the forty-eighth anniversary of his birthday, at Columbus, where he was serving as a member of the legislature from Warren county. His eldest son, James Findlay Schenck, was rear admiral of the United States navy.

After the death of his father, Robert C. Schenck was placed under the guardianship of Gen. James Findlay. In November, 1824, he entered the sophomore class at Miami university, and in 1827 was graduated from that institution, but remained in Oxford, the seat of the university, employing his time in reading, and as tutor of French and Latin, until 1830, when he received the degree of master of arts. In November, 1836, he entered the law office of Thomas Corwin, at Lebanon, Ohio, and in the following January was admitted to the bar. He then located in Dayton and commenced the practice of law, which he continued with success until the commencement of his public life. In 1841 he was elected to the lower House of the Ohio general assembly. In May, 1843, he was elected to congress, and was re-elected for each succeeding term until 1850, when he declined a renomination. In 1851 he was appointed by President Fillmore as United States minister to Brazil. In April, 1852, while in Brazil, he received instructions to proceed to Buenos Ayres, and to Montevideo, and with the charge d'affaires to the Argentine confederation, to propose treaties of commerce with the latter government, and with the oriental republic of Uruguay. He was also empowered to negotiate with any person authorized to represent the republic of Paraguay. He returned from Brazil in 1854, and for some years took no active part in politics, spending his time in attending to important law cases and in managing, as president, a line of railroad from Fort Wayne, Ind., to the Mississippi river. In 1859, at a meeting of his fellow citizens of Dayton, he delivered an address upon the political questions of the day, and was on this occasion the first to suggest the name of Abraham Lincoln as the next president.

When the attack was made on Fort Sumter, Mr. Schenck, at once tendered his services to the government, and was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. On June 17, 1861, Gen. Schenck was ordered to take possession of the London & Hampshire railroad as far as Vienna. On reaching Vienna he was unexpectedly attacked by a body of rebels in ambush under Gregg, in greatly superior numbers. Gen. Schenck, with great coolness, rallied his few men, and behaved with so much courage that the rebels withdrew. At Bull Run, July 21, 1861, he commanded a brigade in Gen. Tyler's division, and when the order for retreat was given, Gen. Schenck, forming his brigade, brought off the only portion of that great army that was not resolved into the original elements of a mob. Gen. Schenck was next assigned to the command of a brigade in West Virginia under Gen. Rosecrans, and was actively engaged in the campaign on the Kanawha and New rivers. From .Cumberland, he, with a small force, was ordered to move up the south bank of the Potomac river, did so, and successfully occupied and held Moorefield, Petersburg, Franklin and other important points. At the battle of Cross Keys he was assigned to the right of the line, and the rebels, in heavy force, attempted to flank his position, but the attempt was promptly repulsed. From that time until the second battle of Bull Run the General was actively engaged in all the fatiguing marches along the Rappahannock. Gen. Pope abandoned this point, and on August 22, 1862, Gen. Schenck's division was ordered toward Bull Run. In the two days' fight that ensued his division took an active part. His orders were given with great promptness and judgment, and he himself was active in seeing them executed. Gen. Folk's report mentioned his conduct in highly commendatory terms. On the second day of the battle he was severely wounded, and was carried from the field and conveyed to Washington. Shortly afterward he received his appointment as major-general of volunteers, and accompanying it a letter from Secretary Stanton, in which he stated that no official act of his was "ever performed with more pleasure than the forwarding of the inclosed appointment." For some time Gen. Schenck's wound was critical, and he recovered very slowly, with his right arm .permanently injured. His service in the field closed with the second battle of Bull Run. Over six months elapsed before Gen. Schenck was again fit for duty. In the meantime his great reputation and experience in civil affairs bad Suggested him as the fit commander for the troublesome Middle department, and accordingly he was, on December 11, 1862, assigned to that command, Eighth army corps, with headquarters at Baltimore, where he assumed command on the 22nd of the month. His administration of the Middle department was what might have been expected from one of his known executive ability and firmness. He was warmly praised by the president and the war department, and had the unqualified endorsement of all Union men within the Middle department for his course while in Maryland and Delaware.

On December 5, 1863, Gen. Schenck resigned his commission to take his seat in congress, to which he had been elected from the third congressional district of Ohio. He was appointed chairman of the committee on military affairs, a position of much responsibility, involving continuous and exhaustive labors. A history of his course in the thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth congress would be a complete history of the military legislation of the country through the most eventful years of the war and after its close. Upon the organization of the fortieth congress Gen. Schenck was appointed chairman of the house committee on ways and means, thus becoming the leader of the house, which position he held until near the close of the forty-first congress. His services during that period were of great benefit to the country. From 1871 to 1876 Gen. Schenck ably represented the United States as minister to the Court of St. James, by appointment from President Grant, previous to which appointment he had served as a member of the high joint commission for the settlement of questions then in dispute between the United States and Great Britain. On his return he located in Washington, D. C., and resulted the practice of law. Subsequently the department of state placed in his hands the codification of international laws, upon which task he was employed for several years.

Gen. Schenck's death occurred in Washington City in March, 1890, and his remains were brought to Dayton for interment.

      Rennelche W. Smith was born on 27-Sep-1811 at Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. She was the daughter of Woodhull Smith and Sarah Rogers. Rennelche married General Robert Cumming Schenck, son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers, on 21-Aug-1834 at Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. Rennelche W. Smith died on 5-Nov-1849 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, at age 38.

      Lieutenant Woodhull Smith Schenck U.S.N.. was born on 15-Oct-1815 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. Woodhull married Jeanette Miller, daughter of Judge William Miller, on 14-Oct-1842. Lieutenant Woodhull Smith Schenck U.S.N.. died on 1-May-1849 at between Saint Louis and Fort Leavenworth at age 33; from cholera.

      Jeanette Miller was born circa 1822 at Kentucky. She was the daughter of Judge William Miller. Jeanette married Lieutenant Woodhull Smith Schenck U.S.N.., son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers, on 14-Oct-1842. Jeanette married Samuel Craighead circa 1854.

      Samuel Craighead was born circa 1820 at Pennslvania. Samuel married Jeanette Miller, daughter of Judge William Miller, circa 1854.

      Edmund Schenck was born on 3-Mar-1818 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. Edmund Schenck died on 10-Nov-1833 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio, at age 15.

      Colonel Egbert Tangier Smith Schenck was born on 18-Jul-1820 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers. Egbert married Sophia Green, daughter of Charles Green, on 9-Mar-1842 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio.

      Sophia Green was born on 10-Jan-1824 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Charles Green. Sophia married Colonel Egbert Tangier Smith Schenck, son of General William Cortenus Schenck and Elizabeth Rogers, on 9-Mar-1842 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio.

      John Schenck was born on 29-Mar-1810 at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of John Noble Cumming Schenck and Sarah Tapscott. John Schenck died on 25-Jul-1825 at age 15.