Nehemiah Day Sperry was an American congressman and postmaster of New Haven. Elected to represent Connecticut's 2nd District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1895 until his death in 1911.
Background
He was born on July 10, 1827 in Woodbridge, Connecticut, United States, the third son of Enoch and Mary Atlanta (Sperry) Sperry and the descendant of Richard Sperry, an original settler in Woodbridge and one of those who aided the regicides in 1661.
Education
Nehemiah obtained a scanty education at the district school and later at a private school in New Haven, and while scarcely more than a boy taught successfully in various district schools.
As a youth he learned the trade of mason and builder.
Career
In 1847 Sperry began business as a building contractor in partnership with his brother-in-law. The firm, later known as Smith, Sperry & Treat, was successful from the start, and for more than a half century was a leading firm of contractors in New Haven. Early financial success led him into other lines of business, and he became prominent in many New Haven enterprises.
In 1853 he was a member of the New Haven common council, and an alderman in 1854.
In 1856 he was a member of the platform committee of the national convention of the American party that nominated Fillmore and was one of those who bolted the convention because of its refusal to take a strong anti-slavery stand. He was a member and secretary of the Republican National Committee during the Lincoln administration, and one of the executive committee in charge of his reelection. Throughout most of his life Sperry's great influence in politics was as a committeeman behind the scenes rather than as an elected officeholder. In his later life, however, he consented to run for the federal House of Representatives and was elected to eight successive congresses, 1895-1911, when he retired.
In Congress his chief interests were the tariff and the postal service.
He was offered membership on a commission to study the postal systems of Europe but declined.
He died on November 13, 1911 at New Haven.
Achievements
Politics
Although an able and successful business man, his primary interest was politics, and it is doubtful if, in length of years, his political career has been equaled in Connecticut.
Originally a Whig, he threw himself into the new American or "Know-Nothing" party and was an important leader in Connecticut. As a candidate of that party he was elected secretary of state for 1855 and 1856, and only his lack of the requisite age prevented his nomination for governor in 1855.
From then on his affiliations were with the Republican party, and for many years, as chairman of the state Republican committee, he dominated Republican politics in Connecticut.
Views
He was particularly interested in transportation and among other projects organized the Fair Haven and Westville horse railroad, said to be the first street railroad in the state, obtained for it a charter from the state, and served as its president for ten years. He was also one of the promoters and incorporators of the New Haven and Derby railroad.
Interests
He was an ardent believer in high protection, which he frequently defended on the platform, and in an efficient postal service. His particular hobby was the rural free delivery.
Connections
In 1847 he was married to Eliza H. Sperry of Woodbridge who died in 1873 leaving two children. His second wife, Minnie B. (Newton) Sperry, to whom he was married on December 3, 1874, survived him.