Archibald Hart
Archibald Chapman Hart was a prominent figure in early 20th-century American politics and law. Born on February 27, 1873, in Lennoxville, Quebec, Hart moved to the United States at a young age, eventually settling in New Jersey. He studied law and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1896, later practicing in Hackensack. Hart served as a major in the US Army during the Spanish-American War, which marked a significant chapter in his life before he shifted his focus to politics. He was active in the Democratic Party, attending the Democratic National Convention in 1908 and serving a brief term in the U.S. Congress from 1912 to 1917. During his political career, he gained popularity, winning elections with substantial margins. After leaving Congress, Hart returned to his legal practice and served as the Bergen County prosecuting attorney from 1920 to 1930. He married Lily Fenwick and passed away on July 24, 1935, in Teaneck, New Jersey, leaving behind a diverse legacy in law and politics.
Subject Terms
Archibald Hart
Politician
- Born: February 27, 1873
- Birthplace: Lennoxville, Quebec
- Died: July 24, 1935
- Place of death: Teaneck, New Jersey
Contribution: Canadian-born Democrat Archibald Hart served as a congressman from the Sixth District of New Jersey from 1913 to 1917. Hart was also a lawyer, publisher, and banker.
Early Life and Education
Archibald Chapman Hart was born on February 27, 1873, to R. M. Hart and Caroline Antrobus Hart in Lennoxville, in the Province of Quebec. In 1882, when Hart was nine, the family moved from Canada to New York City. Two years later, they moved to Hackensack, New Jersey.
Growing up, Hart attended common schools. During his college years, he studied law, and in 1896, became a member of the New Jersey bar. He began practicing law in his hometown of Hackensack.
During the Spanish-American War, Hart served as a major in the US Army in the Second Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. After the war was over, he remained in the military as part of the New York National Guard for four years. After that, Hart tried his hand at law, banking, real estate, and publishing before entering into politics in 1907.
Political Career
In 1907, Hart ran for a seat on the New Jersey State Senate, but he lost. However, in 1908, he was sent to the Democratic National Convention as the New Jersey delegate.
His first term in Congress was quite short, extending only from November 5, 1912, to March 3, 1913, as he replaced Congressman William Hughes, who resigned his position. During campaigns for the Sixty-Third Congress, Hart lost the Democratic nomination. However, after the death of Congressman Lewis J. Martin, Hart was elected.
The election in 1913 showed Hart to be a favorite among the candidates. First, he defeated the county clerk of Sussex County for the party nomination and then defeated both Republican Major Stephen Wood McClave and Progressive Herbert M. Bailey. In each election, Hart easily won by more than 5,500 votes.
In 1913, he was reelected to Congress and served until 1917. This would be the end of Hart’s political career, even though he was asked to run for re-election in 1916. Instead, Hart returned to Teaneck, New Jersey, to pursue a career in law in Hackensack. Along with his other pursuits, Hart worked as the Bergen County prosecuting attorney from 1920 to 1930.
Personal Life
Although specific dates are unclear, Hart married Lily Fenwick. Throughout his life, Hart was involved in many professions and belonged to many organizations. He died on July 24, 1935, in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Bibliography
“Dirty Politics, McClave: But He Exonerates Hart Who Defeated Him for Congress.” New York Times. 25 July 1913: 6. Print.
“Hart, Archibald Chapman.” American Reference Library—Biographies. N.p.:Western Standard, 2001. Print.
“Hart Wins Election M’Clave Defeated; Democrat Goes to Congress from Sixth Jersey District—Congratulated by Wilson.” New York Times 23 July 1913: 1. Print.
Office of the Historian, Office of Art and Archives. “HART, Archibald Chapman, (1873–1935).” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present. Office of the Historian, Office of Art and Archives. n.d. Web. 29 July 2013.
“Archibald Chapman Hart.” Scannell’s New Jersey First Citizens: Biographies and Portraits of the Notable Living Men and Women of New Jersey with Informing Glimpses into the State’s History and Affairs, 1917–1918. Vol. 1. Ed. William Edgar Sackett. Patterson: Scannell, 235–36. Print.