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{{short description|American politician}}
{{About|Robert H. Pruyn (1815-1882)|his son, Robert C. (1847-1934)|Robert C. Pruyn}}
{{About|Robert H. Pruyn (1815-1882)|his son, Robert C. (1847-1934)|Robert C. Pruyn}}

{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Robert H. Pruyn
|name = Robert H. Pruyn
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|restingplace = [[Albany Rural Cemetery]], [[Menands, New York]]
|restingplace = [[Albany Rural Cemetery]], [[Menands, New York]]
|education = [[Rutgers University]] <small>([[Bachelor of Arts|B.S.]], [[Master of Arts|M.A.]])</small>
|education = [[Rutgers University]] <small>([[Bachelor of Arts|B.S.]], [[Master of Arts|M.A.]])</small>
|spouse = Jane Ann Lansing
|spouse = {{marriage|Jane Ann Lansing|1841}}
|children = 4 (including [[Robert C. Pruyn]])
|children = 4 (including [[Robert C. Pruyn|Robert]])
|relations = [[Gerrit Y. Lansing]] (father in law)
|relations = [[Gerrit Y. Lansing]] (father in law)
|occupation = Politician, lawyer, diplomat
|occupation = Politician, lawyer, diplomat
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Pruyn was born in [[Albany, New York]] on February 14, 1815, the son of Casparus F. and Ann (Hewson) Pruyn. The Pruyn (pronounced "Prine") family of [[Albany, New York]] was one of the oldest and most esteemed [[Dutch (ethnic group)|Dutch]] families in New York, and at the time of Robert's birth there, had resided in Albany for over two centuries.<ref>"[http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/FindingAids/PRUYN%20FAMILY%20PAPERS%20JQ%2084-08.pdf A Guide to the Pruyn Family Papers, 1679-1978] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030053418/http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/FindingAids/PRUYN%20FAMILY%20PAPERS%20JQ%2084-08.pdf |date=2008-10-30 }}". ''[[Albany Institute of History & Art]]''. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref> Pruyn graduated from [[The Albany Academy]], and received [[Bachelor of Arts]] (1833) and [[Master of Arts]] (1836) degrees from [[Rutgers University]]. He studied law with [[Abraham Van Vechten]], was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Albany.<ref name="sched">"[http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/families/hmgfm/pruyn-1.html Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs: Pruyn]". ''[[Schenectady County, New York|Schenectady County]] [http://schenectadyhistory.org Public Library]''. Retrieved March 14, 2008.</ref>
Pruyn was born in [[Albany, New York]], on February 14, 1815, the son of Casparus F. and Ann ([[née]] Hewson) Pruyn. The Pruyn (pronounced "Prine") family of [[Albany, New York]] was one of the oldest and most esteemed [[Dutch (ethnic group)|Dutch]] families in New York, and at the time of Robert's birth there, had resided in Albany for over two centuries.<ref>"[http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/FindingAids/PRUYN%20FAMILY%20PAPERS%20JQ%2084-08.pdf A Guide to the Pruyn Family Papers, 1679-1978] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030053418/http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/FindingAids/PRUYN%20FAMILY%20PAPERS%20JQ%2084-08.pdf |date=2008-10-30 }}". ''[[Albany Institute of History & Art]]''. Retrieved March 14, 2007.</ref>
Pruyn graduated from [[The Albany Academy]], and received [[Bachelor of Arts]] (1833) and [[Master of Arts]] (1836) degrees from [[Rutgers University]]. He studied law with [[Abraham Van Vechten]], was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Albany.<ref name="sched">"[http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/families/hmgfm/pruyn-1.html Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs: Pruyn]". ''[[Schenectady County, New York|Schenectady County]] [http://schenectadyhistory.org Public Library]''. Retrieved March 14, 2008.</ref>


==Political, military, and diplomatic service==
==Political, military, and diplomatic service==
Pruyn served as Albany's corporation counsel and was a member of the city council. Active in the state militia, he was named [[Judge Advocate General's Corps|Judge Advocate General]] in 1841, serving until 1846, and again in 1851.<ref name="ala"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=FTTmls3FTcMC&pg=PA535&dq=robert+pruyn+%22judge+advocate+general%22&ei=0rPcR4iKD4PQiQGb0P3VAQ Seward, p. 535]</ref>
Pruyn served as Albany's corporation counsel and was a member of the city council. Active in the state militia, he was named [[Judge Advocate General's Corps|Judge Advocate General]] in 1841, serving until 1846, and again in 1851.<ref name="ala"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=FTTmls3FTcMC&dq=robert+pruyn+%22judge+advocate+general%22&pg=PA535 Seward, p. 535]</ref>


A political ally and close friend to [[William Henry Seward]], he was a [[United States Whig Party|Whig]] member of the [[New York State Assembly]] (Albany Co., 3rd D.) in [[71st New York State Legislature|1848]], [[72nd New York State Legislature|1849]], [[73rd New York State Legislature|1850]], [[74th New York State Legislature|1851]], [[75th New York State Legislature|1852]] and [[77th New York State Legislature|1854]].<ref name="t1">[https://books.google.com/books?id=iVcQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA193&dq=robert+pruyn&ei=OavaR-LYLIGktAPt1qDwAQ Treat, p. 193]</ref> On January 30, 1850, after Speaker [[Noble S. Elderkin]] left the Assembly to stay at home with his wife who was terminally ill, Pruyn was elected Speaker pro tempore.<ref name="sched"/> He was again [[Speaker of the New York State Assembly|Speaker]] in 1854.<ref>Findling, p. 427</ref> Governor [[Myron Clark]] appointed him [[Adjutant General]] of the [[New York National Guard]], replacing [[John Watts de Peyster]] in 1855.<ref name="ala">Allaben, p. 205</ref><ref>Allaben, p. 304</ref><ref>''[https://books.google.com/books?id=9W43AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA212&dq=%22robert+h.+pruyn%22+%22judge+advocate+general%22&ei=-bPcR_O4NqGMiQHwn-zNAQ The New York Almanac and Yearly Record]''. Mason Brothers: New York, 1857.</ref> He achieved the rank of [[Brigadier General]] of the militia,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=GyUOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA400&dq=robert+pruyn+general+militia&ei=rq7aR6DPIYKwsgPo2KnmAQ#PPA400,M1 Hutchins, p. 400]</ref> and was succeeded as adjutant general by [[Frederick Townsend]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hugo |first=Francis M., Secretary of State of New York |date=1919 |title=Manual for Use of the Legislature of the State of New York |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VLxXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA465 |location=Albany, NY |publisher=J. B. Lyon Company |page=465}}</ref>
A political ally and close friend to [[William Henry Seward]], he was a [[United States Whig Party|Whig]] member of the [[New York State Assembly]] (Albany Co., 3rd D.) in [[71st New York State Legislature|1848]], [[72nd New York State Legislature|1849]], [[73rd New York State Legislature|1850]], [[74th New York State Legislature|1851]], [[75th New York State Legislature|1852]] and [[77th New York State Legislature|1854]].<ref name="t1">[https://books.google.com/books?id=iVcQAAAAYAAJ&dq=robert+pruyn&pg=PA193 Treat, p. 193]</ref> On January 30, 1850, after Speaker [[Noble S. Elderkin]] left the Assembly to stay at home with his wife who was terminally ill, Pruyn was elected Speaker pro tempore.<ref name="sched"/> He was again [[Speaker of the New York State Assembly|Speaker]] in 1854.<ref>Findling, p. 427</ref>


Pruyn was an experienced militia officer, including service as the state judge advocate general. In 1855, Governor [[Myron Clark]] appointed him [[Adjutant General]] of the [[New York National Guard]], replacing [[John Watts de Peyster]].<ref name="ala">Allaben, p. 205</ref><ref>Allaben, p. 304</ref><ref>''[https://books.google.com/books?id=9W43AAAAMAAJ&dq=%22robert+h.+pruyn%22+%22judge+advocate+general%22&pg=PA212 The New York Almanac and Yearly Record]''. Mason Brothers: New York, 1857.</ref> He achieved the rank of [[brigadier general]] of the militia,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=GyUOAAAAQAAJ&dq=robert+pruyn+general+militia&pg=PA400 Hutchins, p. 400]</ref> and was succeeded as adjutant general by [[Frederick Townsend]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hugo |first=Francis M., Secretary of State of New York |date=1919 |title=Manual for Use of the Legislature of the State of New York |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VLxXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA465 |location=Albany, NY |publisher=J. B. Lyon Company |page=465}}</ref>
⚫
At the personal request of Seward, who was then [[Secretary of State]], President [[Abraham Lincoln]] appointed him Minister to Japan in 1861, and he served in that capacity until 1865, when he returned to New York.<ref name="Pruyn House">Jean S. Olton, "Robert Hewson Pruyn: Enjoy to Japan 1862-1865," Town of [[Colonie, New York]] (November 1990).</ref><ref name="t2">[https://books.google.com/books?id=iVcQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA193&dq=robert+pruyn&ei=OavaR-LYLIGktAPt1qDwAQ#PPA194,M1 Treat, p. 194]</ref><ref>"[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C02EEDF173AE63BBC4C52DFB467838E679FDE ARRIVAL OF HON. ROBERT H. PRUYN]". ''[[New York Times]]''. December 14, 1865.</ref> [[Japan–United States relations]] had only recently been established with the [[Japan-United States relations#Commodore Matthew Perry|visits by Commodore Perry in 1852 to 1854]].<ref name="Pruyn House" />


⚫
At the personal request of Seward, who was then [[Secretary of State]], President [[Abraham Lincoln]] appointed him Minister to Japan in 1861, and he served in that capacity until 1865, when he returned to New York.<ref name="Pruyn House">Jean S. Olton, "Robert Hewson Pruyn: Enjoy to Japan 1862-1865," Town of [[Colonie, New York]] (November 1990).</ref><ref name="t2">[https://books.google.com/books?id=iVcQAAAAYAAJ&dq=robert+pruyn&pg=PA193 Treat, p. 194]</ref><ref>"[https://archive.today/20120716053009/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C02EEDF173AE63BBC4C52DFB467838E679FDE ARRIVAL OF HON. ROBERT H. PRUYN]". ''[[New York Times]]''. December 14, 1865.</ref> [[Japan–United States relations]] had only recently been established with the [[Japan-United States relations#Commodore Matthew Perry|visits by Commodore Perry in 1852 to 1854]].<ref name="Pruyn House" />
⚫
Pruyn's crowning achievement was the successful negotiation following the [[Bombardment of Shimonoseki|Shimonoseki bombardment]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=IWdZTaJdc6UC&pg=PA406&dq=%22Robert+H.+Pruyn+Papers%22&lr=&ei=Q7LaR7jqOI6AsgORxLHsAQ&sig=_z0mRQjQyTPjHyeiOYcSdnVjodo Shavit, p. 406]</ref> He was considered highly successful in his dealings with the ''[[shōgun]]''.<ref name="Pruyn House" /><ref>Stern, p. 159</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=ElIDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PT424&dq=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general&lr=&ei=ErLaR7rpIIWwtgObg7DnAQ Johnson & Howard, p. 424]</ref> He also signed an agreement to allow [[shipwreck]]ed Japanese sailors to be repatriated.<ref name="Pruyn House" />


⚫
Pruyn's crowning achievement was the successful negotiation following the [[Bombardment of Shimonoseki|Shimonoseki bombardment]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=IWdZTaJdc6UC&dq=%22Robert+H.+Pruyn+Papers%22&pg=PA406 Shavit, p. 406]</ref> He was considered highly successful in his dealings with the ''[[shōgun]]''.<ref name="Pruyn House" /><ref>Stern, p. 159</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=ElIDAAAAYAAJ&dq=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general&pg=PT424 Johnson & Howard, p. 424]</ref> He also signed an agreement to allow [[shipwreck]]ed Japanese sailors to be repatriated.<ref name="Pruyn House" />
⚫
==Later career==
⚫
He was awarded an [[LL.D.]] from [[Williams College]] in 1865 and served on the board of [[trustee]]s.<ref name="sched"/> He went on to become President of the [[Key Bank|National Commercial Bank and Trust of Albany]], and was one of the founders of [[Albany Law School]].<ref>"[http://www.albanylaw.edu/sub.php?navigation_id=292 The History of Albany Law School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105203237/http://www.albanylaw.edu/sub.php?navigation_id=292# |date=2008-01-05 }}". ''[[Albany Law School]]''. Retrieved March 14, 2008.</ref>


⚫
===Later career===
⚫
In 1866, he was the unsuccessful [[New York gubernatorial elections|Conservative Union candidate]] for [[Lieutenant Governor of New York|Lieutenant Governor]] of New York.<ref>[https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1866/09/11/83458695.pdf The Conservative Union state convention opens] in NYT on September 11, 1866</ref>
⚫
He was awarded an [[LL.D.]] from [[Williams College]] in 1865 and served on the board of [[trustee]]s.<ref name="sched"/> He went on to become president of the [[Key Bank|National Commercial Bank and Trust of Albany]], and was one of the founders of [[Albany Law School]].<ref>"[http://www.albanylaw.edu/sub.php?navigation_id=292 The History of Albany Law School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105203237/http://www.albanylaw.edu/sub.php?navigation_id=292# |date=2008-01-05 }}". ''[[Albany Law School]]''. Retrieved March 14, 2008.</ref>


⚫
In 1866, he was the unsuccessful [[New York gubernatorial elections|Conservative Union candidate]] for [[Lieutenant Governor of New York|Lieutenant Governor]] of New York along with gubernatorial candidate, [[John T. Hoffman]], who was then the [[mayor of New York City]].<ref>[https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1866/09/11/83458695.pdf The Conservative Union state convention opens] in NYT on September 11, 1866</ref>
==Death and burial==
⚫
He died suddenly in 1882 in [[Albany, New York|Albany]].<ref name="nyt1">"[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9806E2DD123BE033A25754C2A9649C94639FD7CF THE HON. ROBERT H. PRUYN DEAD]". ''[[New York Times]]''. February 27, 1882.</ref> His remains are interred at [[Albany Rural Cemetery]], Section 30, Lot 14.<ref>{{cite book |last=Phelps |first=Henry P. |date=1893 |title=The Albany Rural Cemetery: its Beauty, Its Memories |url=https://archive.org/stream/albanyruralcemet00phel#page/123/mode/2up |location=Albany, NY |publisher=Phelps & Kellogg |pages=124–125}}</ref>


In the Summer of 1869, he was illegally arrested with other [[Albany and Susquehanna Railroad]] executive members during [[Jay Gould]] and [[James Fisk (financier)|Jim Fisk]]'s attempt to buy the railroad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O4g7AQAAMAAJ&q=state+judge+from+poughkeepsie%2C+jay+gould&pg=PA158|title=Documents of the State of New York Volume 6 – Charges Against Justice George G. Barnard, and Testimony Thereunder, Before the Judiciary Committee of the Assembly|date= 1872|publisher=Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers|page=3,6,7|access-date=November 18, 2018}}</ref>
==Family==
In 1841, Pruyn married Jane Ann Lansing, a daughter of [[Gerrit Y. Lansing]].


==Personal life==
*Edward (1843-1862)
In 1841, Pruyn married Jane Ann Lansing (1811–1886), a member of another prominent Albany family. Her father, [[Gerrit Y. Lansing|Gerrit Yates Lansing]], was a [[U.S. Representative]] who served as the chancellor of the [[University of the State of New York]]. Together, Robert and Jane were the parents of four children, including:<ref name="schenectadyhistory">{{cite web|last1=Sullivan|first1=Robert G.|last2=Reynolds|first2=Cuyler|title=Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs. Vol. I|url=http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/families/hmgfm/lansing-2.html|website=www.schenectadyhistory.org|publisher=Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs|access-date=14 August 2017|pages=74–76|language=en}}</ref>
*Robert Clarence (1847-1934)
⚫
*Helen Lansing (1849-1854)
⚫
*Charles Lansing (1852-1906)


* Edward Pruyn (1843–1862)
Their son [[Robert C. Pruyn]] was a prominent banker and leader of the American toy industry.<ref>"[http://www.toyhistory.com/embosspeople.html The embossing company]". ''[http://www.toyhistory.com/ toyhistory.com]''. Retrieved March 14, 2008.</ref>
* [[Robert C. Pruyn|Robert Clarence Pruyn]] (1847–1934), who was a prominent banker and leader of the American toy industry.<ref>"[http://www.toyhistory.com/embosspeople.html The embossing company]". ''[http://www.toyhistory.com/ toyhistory.com]''. Retrieved March 14, 2008.</ref>
⚫
* Helen Lansing Pruyn (1849–1854)
⚫
* Charles Lansing Pruyn (1852–1906)

⚫
He died suddenly in 1882 in [[Albany, New York|Albany]].<ref name="nyt1">"[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9806E2DD123BE033A25754C2A9649C94639FD7CF THE HON. ROBERT H. PRUYN DEAD]". ''[[New York Times]]''. February 27, 1882.</ref> His remains are interred at [[Albany Rural Cemetery]], Section 30, Lot 14.<ref>{{cite book |last=Phelps |first=Henry P. |date=1893 |title=The Albany Rural Cemetery: its Beauty, Its Memories |url=https://archive.org/stream/albanyruralcemet00phel#page/123/mode/2up |location=Albany, NY |publisher=Phelps & Kellogg |pages=124–125}}</ref>


==Electoral history==
==Electoral history==
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==References==
==References==
*Allaben, Frank. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sTwDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA9&dq=John+Watts+de+Peyster#PPA3,M1 John Watts de Peyster]''. Frank Allaben Genealogical Company: New York, 1908. {{ISBN|1-4021-4454-7}}
*Allaben, Frank. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=sTwDAAAAYAAJ&dq=John+Watts+de+Peyster&pg=PA9 John Watts de Peyster]''. Frank Allaben Genealogical Company: New York, 1908. {{ISBN|1-4021-4454-7}}
*Findling, John. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=IpMYAAAAIAAJ&q=robert+pruyn+general+militia&dq=robert+pruyn+general+militia&ei=rq7aR6DPIYKwsgPo2KnmAQ&pgis=1 Dictionary of American Diplomatic History]''. Greenwood Press: Westport, 1989. {{ISBN|0-313-26024-9}}
*Findling, John. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=IpMYAAAAIAAJ&q=robert+pruyn+general+militia Dictionary of American Diplomatic History]''. Greenwood Press: Westport, 1989. {{ISBN|0-313-26024-9}}
*Hutchins, S.C. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=GyUOAAAAQAAJ&dq=robert+pruyn+general+militia&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0 Civil List and Forms of Government of the Colony State of New York]''. Weed, Parsons & Co.: Albany, 1870.
*Hutchins, S.C. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=GyUOAAAAQAAJ&q=robert+pruyn+general+militia Civil List and Forms of Government of the Colony State of New York]''. Weed, Parsons & Co.: Albany, 1870.
*Johnson, Rossiter, and Brown, John Howard. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=ElIDAAAAYAAJ&printsec=titlepage&dq=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general&lr=&source=gbs_summary_r The twentieth-century biographical dictionary of notable Americans]''. The Biographical Society: Boston. 1904.
*Johnson, Rossiter, and Brown, John Howard. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=ElIDAAAAYAAJ&q=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general The twentieth-century biographical dictionary of notable Americans]''. The Biographical Society: Boston. 1904.
*Shavit, David. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=IWdZTaJdc6UC&dq=%22Robert+H.+Pruyn+Papers%22&lr=&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0 The United States in Asia: A Historical Dictionary]''. Greenwood Press: Westport. 1990. {{ISBN|0-313-26788-X}}
*Shavit, David. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=IWdZTaJdc6UC&q=%22Robert+H.+Pruyn+Papers%22 The United States in Asia: A Historical Dictionary]''. Greenwood Press: Westport. 1990. {{ISBN|0-313-26788-X}}
*Seward, Frederick W. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=FTTmls3FTcMC&dq=robert+pruyn+%22judge+advocate+general%22&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0 Autobiography of William H. Seward, from 1801 to 1834]''. D. Appleton: New York. 1877.
*Seward, Frederick W. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=FTTmls3FTcMC&q=robert+pruyn+%22judge+advocate+general%22 Autobiography of William H. Seward, from 1801 to 1834]''. D. Appleton: New York. 1877.
*Stern, Philip Van Doren. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=aMpBAAAAIAAJ&q=robert+pruyn&dq=robert+pruyn&ei=OavaR-LYLIGktAPt1qDwAQ&pgis=1 When the Guns Roared: World Aspects of the American Civil War]''. Doubleday: New York, 1965.
*Stern, Philip Van Doren. ''[https://archive.org/details/whengunsroaredwo0000ster <!-- quote=robert pruyn. --> When the Guns Roared: World Aspects of the American Civil War]''. Doubleday: New York, 1965.
*Treat, Payson Jackson. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=iVcQAAAAYAAJ&dq=robert+pruyn&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0 The Early Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and Japan, 1853-1865]''. The Johns Hopkins Press: Baltimore, 1917. {{ISBN|0-548-59476-7}}
*Treat, Payson Jackson. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=iVcQAAAAYAAJ&q=robert+pruyn The Early Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and Japan, 1853-1865]''. The Johns Hopkins Press: Baltimore, 1917. {{ISBN|0-548-59476-7}}


===Further reading===
===Further reading===
:*American Council of Learned Societies. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=OmI3AAAAMAAJ&q=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general&dq=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general&lr=&ei=ErLaR7rpIIWwtgObg7DnAQ&pgis=1 Dictionary of American Biography]". Charles Scribner's Sons: New York. 1959.
:*American Council of Learned Societies. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=OmI3AAAAMAAJ&q=robert+pruyn+adjutant+general Dictionary of American Biography]". Charles Scribner's Sons: New York. 1959.
:*Lee, Edwin B. "Robert H. Pruyn in Japan, 1862–1865". ''New York History'' 66 (1985) pp. 123–39.
:*Lee, Edwin B. "Robert H. Pruyn in Japan, 1862–1865". ''New York History'' 66 (1985) pp. 123–39.
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081030053418/http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/FindingAids/PRUYN%20FAMILY%20PAPERS%20JQ%2084-08.pdf Robert H. Pruyn Papers], [[Albany Institute of History & Art|Albany Institute of History and Art]], [[Albany, New York|Albany]], [[New York (state)|N.Y.]]
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081030053418/http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/FindingAids/PRUYN%20FAMILY%20PAPERS%20JQ%2084-08.pdf Robert H. Pruyn Papers], [[Albany Institute of History & Art|Albany Institute of History and Art]], [[Albany, New York|Albany]], [[New York (state)|N.Y.]]
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/procum-pryde.html Political Graveyard, Pruyn, Robert Hewson (1815-1882).]
*[http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/procum-pryde.html Political Graveyard, Pruyn, Robert Hewson (1815-1882).]
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=QTEWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA477&lpg=PA477&dq=Find+a+grave+Robert+H.+Pruyn&source=web&ots=fXQC4twMCJ&sig=xG6HSrNeiYrtLWARgN-slusWf_8&hl=en&ei=gICZSf3EEaGbtwfGsaisCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States.]
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=QTEWAAAAYAAJ&dq=Find+a+grave+Robert+H.+Pruyn&pg=PA477 Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090228200611/http://colonie.org/pruyn/ Pruyn House, Diane Morgan Curator 207 Old Niskayuna Road P.O. Box 212 Newtonville, NY 12128.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090228200611/http://colonie.org/pruyn/ Pruyn House, Diane Morgan Curator 207 Old Niskayuna Road P.O. Box 212 Newtonville, NY 12128.]
*{{Findagrave|5788448}}
*{{Find a Grave|5788448}}
*S. Fessler, "[https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/eas_fac_scholar/19 The Letters of Robert Hewson Pruyn]" (2022). East Asian Studies Faculty Scholarship. 19.


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[[Category:1815 births]]
[[Category:1815 births]]
[[Category:1882 deaths]]
[[Category:1882 deaths]]
[[Category:American militia generals]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of the United States to Japan]]
[[Category:Rutgers University alumni]]
[[Category:Lawyers from Albany, New York]]
[[Category:Politicians from Albany, New York]]
[[Category:Politicians from Albany, New York]]
[[Category:19th-century American diplomats]]
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[[Category:The Albany Academy alumni]]
[[Category:Rutgers University alumni]]
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[[Category:New York (state) Whigs]]
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[[Category:19th-century American politicians]]
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[[Category:American expatriates in Japan]]
[[Category:Burials at Albany Rural Cemetery]]
[[Category:Burials at Albany Rural Cemetery]]
[[Category:Lawyers from Albany, New York]]
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[[Category:19th-century American legislators]]
[[Category:Lansing family]]
[[Category:Pruyn family]]

Latest revision as of 06:27, 21 December 2023

This article is about Robert H. Pruyn (1815-1882). For his son, Robert C. (1847-1934), see Robert C. Pruyn.
Robert H. Pruyn
Robert H. Pruyn, circa 1865
United States Minister Resident to Japan
In office
May 17, 1862 – April 28, 1865
Preceded byTownsend Harris
Succeeded byRobert B. Van Valkenburgh
Speaker of the New York State Assembly
In office
January 30, 1850-March 14, 1850
Preceded byNoble S. Elderkin
Succeeded byFerral C. Dininny
In office
January 3, 1854-December 31, 1854
Preceded byWilliam H. Ludlow
Succeeded byDeWitt C. Littlejohn
Member of the New York State Assembly from Albany County's 3rd District
In office
January 3, 1854-December 31, 1854
Preceded byWilliam W. Forsyth
Succeeded byAlexander Davidson
In office
January 4, 1848-December 31, 1852
Preceded byValentine Treadwell
Succeeded byWilliam W. Forsyth
Adjutant General of New York
In office
March 5, 1855 – January 1, 1857
Preceded byJohn Watts de Peyster
Succeeded byFrederick Townsend
Personal details
Born(1815-02-14)February 14, 1815
Albany, New York, US
DiedFebruary 26, 1882(1882-02-26) (aged 67)
Albany, New York, US
Resting placeAlbany Rural Cemetery, Menands, New York
Spouse
Jane Ann Lansing
​
(m. 1841)​
RelationsGerrit Y. Lansing (father in law)
Children4 (including Robert)
EducationRutgers University (B.S., M.A.)
OccupationPolitician, lawyer, diplomat

Robert Hewson Pruyn (February 14, 1815 – February 26, 1882) was an American lawyer, militia general, diplomat, and politician from Albany, New York. He was most notable for his service as Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Adjutant General of New York, and United States Minister Resident to Japan.

Early life[edit]

Pruyn was born in Albany, New York, on February 14, 1815, the son of Casparus F. and Ann (née Hewson) Pruyn. The Pruyn (pronounced "Prine") family of Albany, New York was one of the oldest and most esteemed Dutch families in New York, and at the time of Robert's birth there, had resided in Albany for over two centuries.[1]

Pruyn graduated from The Albany Academy, and received Bachelor of Arts (1833) and Master of Arts (1836) degrees from Rutgers University. He studied law with Abraham Van Vechten, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Albany.[2]

Political, military, and diplomatic service[edit]

Pruyn served as Albany's corporation counsel and was a member of the city council. Active in the state militia, he was named Judge Advocate General in 1841, serving until 1846, and again in 1851.[3][4]

A political ally and close friend to William Henry Seward, he was a Whig member of the New York State Assembly (Albany Co., 3rd D.) in 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852 and 1854.[5] On January 30, 1850, after Speaker Noble S. Elderkin left the Assembly to stay at home with his wife who was terminally ill, Pruyn was elected Speaker pro tempore.[2] He was again Speaker in 1854.[6]

Pruyn was an experienced militia officer, including service as the state judge advocate general. In 1855, Governor Myron Clark appointed him Adjutant General of the New York National Guard, replacing John Watts de Peyster.[3][7][8] He achieved the rank of brigadier general of the militia,[9] and was succeeded as adjutant general by Frederick Townsend.[10]

At the personal request of Seward, who was then Secretary of State, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Minister to Japan in 1861, and he served in that capacity until 1865, when he returned to New York.[11][12][13] Japan–United States relations had only recently been established with the visits by Commodore Perry in 1852 to 1854.[11]

Pruyn's crowning achievement was the successful negotiation following the Shimonoseki bombardment.[14] He was considered highly successful in his dealings with the shōgun.[11][15][16] He also signed an agreement to allow shipwrecked Japanese sailors to be repatriated.[11]

Later career[edit]

He was awarded an LL.D. from Williams College in 1865 and served on the board of trustees.[2] He went on to become president of the National Commercial Bank and Trust of Albany, and was one of the founders of Albany Law School.[17]

In 1866, he was the unsuccessful Conservative Union candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York along with gubernatorial candidate, John T. Hoffman, who was then the mayor of New York City.[18]

In the Summer of 1869, he was illegally arrested with other Albany and Susquehanna Railroad executive members during Jay Gould and Jim Fisk's attempt to buy the railroad.[19]

Personal life[edit]

In 1841, Pruyn married Jane Ann Lansing (1811–1886), a member of another prominent Albany family. Her father, Gerrit Yates Lansing, was a U.S. Representative who served as the chancellor of the University of the State of New York. Together, Robert and Jane were the parents of four children, including:[20]

  • Edward Pruyn (1843–1862)
  • Robert Clarence Pruyn (1847–1934), who was a prominent banker and leader of the American toy industry.[21]
  • Helen Lansing Pruyn (1849–1854)
  • Charles Lansing Pruyn (1852–1906)

He died suddenly in 1882 in Albany.[22] His remains are interred at Albany Rural Cemetery, Section 30, Lot 14.[23]

Electoral history[edit]

1866 General election results
Governor candidate Running Mate Party Popular Vote
Reuben E. Fenton Stewart L. Woodford Republican 366,315 (50.96%)
John Thompson Hoffman Robert H. Pruyn Conservative Union 352,526 (49.04%)

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "A Guide to the Pruyn Family Papers, 1679-1978 Archived 2008-10-30 at the Wayback Machine". Albany Institute of History & Art. Retrieved March 14, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c "Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs: Pruyn". Schenectady County Public Library. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Allaben, p. 205
  4. ^ Seward, p. 535
  5. ^ Treat, p. 193
  6. ^ Findling, p. 427
  7. ^ Allaben, p. 304
  8. ^ The New York Almanac and Yearly Record. Mason Brothers: New York, 1857.
  9. ^ Hutchins, p. 400
  10. ^ Hugo, Francis M., Secretary of State of New York (1919). Manual for Use of the Legislature of the State of New York. Albany, NY: J. B. Lyon Company. p. 465.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ a b c d Jean S. Olton, "Robert Hewson Pruyn: Enjoy to Japan 1862-1865," Town of Colonie, New York (November 1990).
  12. ^ Treat, p. 194
  13. ^ "ARRIVAL OF HON. ROBERT H. PRUYN". New York Times. December 14, 1865.
  14. ^ Shavit, p. 406
  15. ^ Stern, p. 159
  16. ^ Johnson & Howard, p. 424
  17. ^ "The History of Albany Law School Archived 2008-01-05 at the Wayback Machine". Albany Law School. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  18. ^ The Conservative Union state convention opens in NYT on September 11, 1866
  19. ^ "Documents of the State of New York Volume 6 – Charges Against Justice George G. Barnard, and Testimony Thereunder, Before the Judiciary Committee of the Assembly". Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers. 1872. p. 3,6,7. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  20. ^ Sullivan, Robert G.; Reynolds, Cuyler. "Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs. Vol. I". www.schenectadyhistory.org. Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs. pp. 74–76. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
  21. ^ "The embossing company". toyhistory.com. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  22. ^ "THE HON. ROBERT H. PRUYN DEAD". New York Times. February 27, 1882.
  23. ^ Phelps, Henry P. (1893). The Albany Rural Cemetery: its Beauty, Its Memories. Albany, NY: Phelps & Kellogg. pp. 124–125.

References[edit]

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly
Albany County, 3rd District
1848–1853 		Succeeded by
Alexander Davidson
Preceded by New York State Assembly
Albany County, 3rd District
1854–1854 		Succeeded by
Alexander Davidson
Political offices
Preceded by Speaker of the New York State Assembly
1850 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Speaker of the New York State Assembly
1854 		Succeeded by
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by U.S. Minister to Japan
1861–1865 		Succeeded by
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