Henry Van Aernam was born on March 11, 1819, in Marcellus, New York. He married Amy Melissa Etheridge on November 30, 1845, and they had at least two children: Isadore, born around 1847; and Charles, born around 1852. They lived in Franklinville, New York, and he worked as a physician. By 1860, he owned $1,500 of real estate. He supported the Republican Party, and he served in the state legislature in 1858.

 

In the fall of 1862, he received a commission as a surgeon in the 154^th New York Infantry. The regiment took part in the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and the Atlanta campaign. He resigned on November 5, 1864.

 

He served in Congress from March 1865 until March 1869. He then received an appointment as commissioner of pensions, a position he held until May 1871. By 1870, he owned $7,750 of real estate and $8,000 of personal property. He returned to Congress in March 1879 and served for the next four years. After his final term expired, he returned to Franklinville and resumed his medical practice. He died in Franklinville on June 1, 1894.

 

Image: Henry Van Aernam (courtesy Wikicommons)

SOURCES