John Birdsall (politician, born 1840)

John Birdsall (October 5, 1840 – April 15, 1891) was an American merchant, Union Army officer, lawyer and politician from New York.

John Birdsall
Member of the New York State Senate from the 1st district
In office 1880–1881
Preceded by	James M. Oakley
Succeeded by	James W. Covert
Personal details
Born	October 5, 1840 Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York
Died	April 14, 1891 (aged 50) New York, New York
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Annie Frost
Residence	Glen Cove, New York
Occupation	Lawyer, merchant, and farmer

Life

He was born on October 5, 1840, in Flatbush, Kings County, New York. He attended the grammar school in Brooklyn, and then engaged in mercantile pursuits, and later in farming. He had a law office at 39 Nassau Street in New York City, and lived at Glen Cove.

During the American Civil War he became a major of the 13th New York Cavalry, and after the war was commissioned as a captain of cavalry in the U.S. Army.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (1st D.) in 1880 and 1881.[1]

Apparently due to financial troubles, he committed suicide April 15, 1891, by inhaling natural gas, lying fully dressed on the bed in a room at the United States Hotel, on the corner of Pearl and Fulton streets, in Manhattan.[2]

Sources

1. New York Red Book (1897; pg. 402)
2. "Found Dead in His Bed; Suicide of Ex-State Senator John Birdsall, of Glen Cove" (PDF). The New York Times. April 16, 1891.