John Sanford (1803–1857)

John Sanford (1803–1857) was an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat. He served as a United States Representative from New York.

Born in Amsterdam, New York, Sanford graduated from Union College in 1823. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1825, commencing practice in his hometown.

Sanford was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-second Congress (March 4, 1831 – March 3, 1833). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1832 to the Twenty-third Congress.

He then served as Secretary of State of New York from 1833 to 1835. Later, he was appointed United States Chargé d'Affaires to the Netherlands, serving from 1835 to 1839. He resumed the practice of law upon his return to the United States.

Sanford died in Amsterdam, New York, in 1857. He is interred in Green Hill Cemetery.