The autographs of the Members of the Legislature of 1863 were collected by Assemblyman John McShea, Jr
These men made the laws of the State in the year of Gettysburg and of the Draft Riots, some of them hampering the government with all their strength, while others did all in their power to aid the administration in its conduct of the war. (John E. Boos)
John E. Boos was a dedicated historian and collector from Albany, New York, renowned for his extensive work in preserving and documenting American history, particularly related to the Civil War and the city of Albany.
John McShea Jr. was an American politician who represented Schenectady County in the New York State Assembly in 1863. Affiliated with the Democratic Party, he served during the 86th New York State Legislature, a period marked by the Civil War and significant political activity in the state .
Beyond his legislative role, McShea was also active in public discourse. On April 11, 1863, he delivered a speech titled “The War, Its Causes and the Remedy,” addressing the Civil War’s origins and potential solutions. This speech was preserved in the archives of the Schenectady County Historical Society, indicating his engagement with the pressing issues of his time.
While detailed records of his personal life and broader political career are limited, McShea’s contributions during a pivotal era in American history reflect his involvement in shaping public policy and opinion during the Civil War.
Autographs dated April 22, 1863, include Governor Horatio Seymour, Lt. Gov. D. R. Floyd Jones, Sec. of State J. Wesley Smith, and other state officials.
