Henry A. du Pont
Henry Algernon du Pont (July 30, 1838 – December 31, 1926) was an American military officer, businessman, and politician from Delaware. A member of the du Pont family, he graduated first in his class from West Point shortly after the beginning of the American Civil War and served in the U.S. Army, earning the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Cedar Creek in October 1864.
Henry A. du Pont | |
|---|---|
| United States Senator from Delaware | |
| In office June 13, 1906 – March 3, 1917 | |
| Preceded by | L. Heisler Ball |
| Succeeded by | Josiah O. Wolcott |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Henry Algernon du Pont July 30, 1838 Greenville, Delaware |
| Died | December 31, 1926 (aged 88) Greenville, Delaware |
| Resting place | Du Pont de Nemours Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Pauline Foster |
| Children | Henry Francis du Pont Louise Evelina du Pont Crowninshield |
| Residence(s) | Greenville, Delaware, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania United States Military Academy |
| Occupation | Soldier, politician, railroad executive |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1875 |
| Rank | Brevet lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 5th Regiment, U.S. Artillery |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
After retiring from the army in 1875, he was president of the Wilmington and Northern Railroad Company for 20 years, until 1899. An active member of the Republican Party, he was elected by the state legislature as a U.S. Senator from Delaware, serving most of two terms (June 13, 1906, to March 4, 1917).
du Pont was also an elected member of the American Philosophical Society.