James Monroe (New York politician)

James Monroe (born in Albemarle County, Virginia, on September 10, 1799 – September 7, 1870) was an American politician who served as the United States Representative from New York (1839–1841). He was the nephew of President James Monroe.

Early life
Monroe was born to Ann and Andrew Augustune Monroe (1755–1826), the older brother of his namesake and future president, James Monroe.

Military service
Monroe graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1815 and was assigned to the Artillery Corps. He served in the war with Algiers, and later as aide to General Winfield Scott from 1817 to 1822. He was promoted to first lieutenant in the 4th Artillery in 1821 and served on garrison and commissary duty. In June 1832, he was again appointed as General Scott’s aide for the Black Hawk War, but shortly afterward contracted cholera. He resigned his commission on September 30, 1832 and moved to New York City.

Political career
Monroe served as assistant alderman of New York City in 1832, alderman 1833-1835, and president of the board of aldermen in 1834. He was elected as a Whig to the 26th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1839, to March 3, 1841. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co.) in 1850 and 1852.

Family
His family consisted of his wife, Eliza Douglas Monroe (1799–1852), son William D. Monroe, and daughter Fanny (1826–1906). Following his wife's death he retired from public life to Orange, New Jersey, where he died on September 7, 1870 at age of 70, days before his 71st birthday. He is interred at Trinity Church Cemetery in Manhattan.