Robert Cumming Schenck

Schenck, Robert Cumming (skĕngk), 1809-90, American politician and diplomat, Union general in the Civil War, b. Franklin, Ohio. He studied law and practiced in Dayton. Schenck was a Whig in Congress (1843-51) and minister to Brazil (1851-53). During the Civil War he fought at both battles of Bull Run and in W Virginia. He reentered Congress and became a leading radical Republican (1863-70). While minister to Great Britain (1871-76), Schenck, for a consideration, allowed the Emma Silver Mining Company to use his name in promoting its stock, which soon proved fraudulent. A congressional investigation ultimately forced his resignation.