Rufus Palen (February 25, 1807 – April 26, 1844) was an American manufacturer and politician in the U.S. state of New York.
In addition, he was a partner in a general store under the company name Palen Foster & Co., and was active in other business ventures.
He held several political offices in New York, including postmaster of Palenville, and town board member, school supervisor, and district highway overseer for Fallsburg.
[2] Palen contracted tuberculosis during his term in Congress, and spent much of his time afterwards traveling outside the United States in an effort to improve his health.
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress