Capron, Horace, 1804-1885

U.S. army officer and U.S. commissioner of agriculture.

From the description of Horace Capron papers, 1834-1961 (bulk 1871-1875). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71131604

Horace Capron: worked in cotton manufacturing, 1829-1834; in 1834 commissioned colonel of the 32nd Regiment of Maryland Militia; opened a cotton factory, 1836; active in progressive farming and agricultural societies; from 1852-1854 special agent over certain Indian tribes in Texas; served in the Civil War, attaining rank of Brigadier-general in the Illinois cavalry; in 1867 appointed U.S. Commissioner of Agriculture, remaining until 1871, when he was appointed by the Japanese government as commissioner and chief advisor to the Kaitakushi Department in the development and settlement of Hokkaido; returned to the U.S. in 1875.

From the description of Horace Capron papers, 1837-1884 (inclusive). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702168503

From the guide to the Horace Capron papers, 1837-1884, (Manuscripts and Archives)

Epithet: Brigadier-General; American agriculturalist

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000843.0x0002e0

Biographical Note

• 1804, Aug. 31: Born, Attleboro, Mass.
• 1834: Married Louisa V. Snowden (died 1849)
• 1836 - 1851 : Owner and superintendent of a cotton factory, Laurel, Md. Became nationally known for progressive farming techniques
• 1854: Married Margaret Baker
• 1863: Commander and lieutenant colonel, 14th Illinois Cavalry
• 1865: Commander and brigadier general, United States Volunteers
• 1866: Served in United States Army
• 1867 - 1871 : Commissioner of agriculture
• 1871 - 1875 : On staff of Agriculture Commission; adviser to the Japanese government
• 1885, Feb. 22: Died, Washington, D.C.

From the guide to the Horace Capron Papers, 1834-1961, (bulk 1871-1875), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)