Samuel Beardsley

Samuel Beardsley (February 6, 1790 – May 6, 1860) was an American attorney, judge and legislator from New York. During his career he served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, New York Attorney General, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, a member of the New York State Senate, and a justice of the New York Supreme Court. Early life Born in Hoosick, New York on February 6, 1790, the son of Obadiah Beardsley and Eunice (Moore) Beardsley. His siblings included Levi Beardsley, who served in both the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate. Beardsley's family soon moved to Monticello, an unincorporated village of Richfield, and he was educated in the local schools of his new hometown. He taught school and began the study of medicine with Dr. Joseph White of Cherry Valley, but later decided to pursue a legal career, and moved to Rome, New York to study law with Judge Joshua Hathaway. Beardsley served in the 157th Regiment of the New York State Militia during the War of 1812, he rose through the ranks to become the regimental adjutant with the rank of captain. He was later commissioned as a quartermaster in the United States Army, and took part in the Defense of Sacket's Harbor in 1813. Beardsley was admitted to the bar in 1815 and commenced practice in Watertown, New York. After his admission to the bar, he continued to serve in the militia as judge advocate of the 13th Brigade.