American politician (1842–1910)

James Way Covert (September 2, 1842 – May 16, 1910) was a United States Representative from New York.

Biography

Born at Oyster Bay, he attended the public schools and received an academic education in Locust Valley. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1863, and commenced practice in Flushing. He was district school commissioner from 1867 to 1870, *istant prosecuting attorney of Queens County, and Surrogate of Queens County from 1870 to 1874.

Covert was elected as a Democrat to the 45th and 46th United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1881. He was Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture (46th Congress). He was a member of the New York State Senate (1st D.) in 1882 and 1883.

He was elected to the 51st, 52nd and 53rd United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1889, to March 3, 1895. He was Chairman of the House Committee on Patents (53rd Congress). Covert moved to Brooklyn in 1896 and resumed the practice of law. He died in Brooklyn in 1910; interment was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Maspeth.

References

• United States Congress. "James W. Covert (id: C000814)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• James W. Covert at Find a Grave