Schenck, Robert Cumming [key], 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.
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