Schuyler Colfax

Schuyler Colfax (1823–1885) was an American politician and journalist. Born in New York City, he moved to Indiana and worked in printing and newspapers, becoming associated with the South Bend Free Press. Colfax entered politics as a member of the Whig Party and later the Republican Party. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana and rose to national prominence as Speaker of the House (1863–1869) during the Civil War era. In 1868 he was elected Vice President of the United States, serving under President Ulysses S. Grant from 1869 to 1873. He died in Mankato, Minnesota.