Background
Pont, Henry Algernon Du was born on July 30, 1838 in near Wilmington, Delaware, United States. Son of Henry.
Pont, Henry Algernon Du was born on July 30, 1838 in near Wilmington, Delaware, United States. Son of Henry.
G.s. of Elenthère Irenee du Pont de Nemours. G.g.s. Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, French economist and statesman (died in. Delaware, 1817); graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1861.
At head of class.
Commissioned Second lieutenant engineers First lieutenant 5th Artillery, 1861. Regimental adjunct July 6, 1861.
Acting assistant adjutant general of troops in New York harbor, 1862-1863.
Captain 5th Artillery, March 24, 1864. Commanded battery at battle of Newmarket, West Virginia, as chief of artillery, that department.
Took part in battles of Piedmont and Lynchburg. Later chief of artillery, Crook’s Corps.
In battles of Winchester, September 19, 1864, Fisher’s Hill, September 22, 1864, and Cedar Creek, October 19, 1964.
Resigned from army, March 1, 1875. Bvtd. major “for gallant services at Winchester and Fisher’s Hill”. Bvtd. lieutenant colonel October 19, 1864, “for distinguished services at Cedar Creek”.
Awarded Congressional Medal of Honor “for extraordinary gallantry” at Cedar Creek.
Received in Delaware legislature May 9, 1895, 15 of the 30 votes cast for United States senator Election contested on question of right of ex-speaker of Delaware Senate (then acting as governor) to vote.
Without his vote Colonel du Pont had majority of 1. United States Senate Committee reported in his favor, but he was not seated, not receiving unanimous party support, because of opposition to the free and unlimited coinage of silver.
Elected United States Senator for terms 1906-1911, 1911-1917.
Chairman of Senate Military Committee May 1, 1911-March 15, 1913. President and general manager, Wilmington & Norfolk Railroad Company, 1877-1899. Retired. Home: Winterthur, Delaware
Children: Louise Evelina (Mistress F. B. Crowninshield), Henry Francis.