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 LIFE SKETCHES 
 
 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 STATE OF NEW YORK 
 
 FOR 1873. 
 
 BY WILLIAM H. McKLHOY AND ALEX. McBRIDE. 
 
 ALBANY : 
 
 WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY, PRINTERS. 
 1873.
 
 Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and 
 seventy-three, 
 
 BY WILLIAM H. McELROY AND ALEX. McBRIDE, 
 In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY", 
 
 PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS, 
 
 ALBANY, N. Y.
 
 M i 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Introduction, -----------5 
 
 State Officers, with steel portrait of Governor Dix, - 7 
 
 Senators. ___-_-__-___ 49 
 Members of Assembly, --------- 127 
 
 Autobiography of "John Smart," ------- 344 
 
 List of Senators, with their Districts, ------ 349 
 
 Alphabetical list of Senators, with County, Post-office and Politics, 351 
 Alphabetical list of Assemblymen, with District, County, Post- 
 office and Politics, - -------352 
 
 The Old Capitol and the New, with steel engraving, - 35~
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 A CERTAIN Englishman, who was either oversensitive, or over surly, 
 or both, once expressed himself to the effect that when he pondered 
 on the fact that, after giving up the ghost, he would be called upon to 
 figure in certain Life Sketches of the period known as "The Lives of 
 the Chancellors," death seemed clothed with exceptional terror. The 
 present biographers sincerely hope that no member of the current 
 State Government or Legislature of New York will find the burden 
 of public life heavier than 
 
 "It might have been," 
 
 but for his allotment in the pages that follow. Let us, rather, 
 fortified by a modest boldness, be confident that the general verdict 
 shall pronounce our little work as valuable for reference, and a 
 pleasant remembrancer of those who figured in public life at the 
 Capital of the Empire State in the year of our Lord 1873. 
 
 The publication of Life Sketches has been suspended since 1870, and 
 the present resumption is owing to the encouragement the editors 
 have received from those whom the project concerns. The sketches 
 have been prepared in the intervals of engrossing reportorial labors, 
 and have all been written since the commencement of the present 
 session of the Legislature. Great care has been taken, however, to 
 avoid errors either of fact or date, and also to render the information 
 given as complete as possible within the limits prescribed by taste, 
 propriety and the scope of the work. 
 
 It will be seen that the sketches of the Members of the Legislature 
 are alphabetically arranged, thus removing the necessity for an index. 
 
 The editors, as a last word, desire to express their thanks to all those 
 who have in any way co-operated for the success of their venture.
 
 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN A. DIX, 
 
 GOVERNOR. 
 
 "Nothing," says DE QUIKCY, "makes such dreary and 
 monotonous reading as the old hackneyed roll-call, chronolo- 
 gically arranged, of inevitable facts in a man's life. One is 
 so certain of the man's having been born, and, also, of his 
 having died, that it is dismal to lie under the necessity of 
 reading it." There would be more force in this utterance of 
 the great opium-eater, were it not for the fact that Nature 
 never repeats herself. No two of her children exactly cor- 
 respond. Characters are not duplicated any more than faces. 
 In an hundred biographies we are sure of perfect agreement 
 in but two particulars all the hundred were born, and they 
 all died ; but what a wide divergence as to the " inevitable 
 facts" that go to make up the record lying between the sta- 
 tions Life and Death ! 
 
 In the present biographical sketch and those which succeed 
 it, the editors profess to have given such and such only of 
 the inevitable facts in the history of those treated of, as the 
 public have a right to know. No fitter rule can be laid down 
 for the guidance of the biographer, who would write of living 
 subjects without offense to them or the canons of taste, than 
 that enunciated by Mrs. STOAVE in her volume " The Men of 
 Our Times." "Every public man," she says, "has two lives, 
 his public and his private. The one becomes fairly the 
 property of the public in virtue of his having been connected 
 with events in which every one has a share of interest ; but 
 the other belongs to himself, his family and his intimate 
 friends, and the public have no more right to discuss or pry
 
 8 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 into its details than they have into those of any other private 
 individual." 
 
 In considering the long and illustrious career of JOHN A. 
 Dix, we are forcibly reminded of a remark that IRVING makes 
 in regard to the first President. WASHINGTON, he tells us, 
 had very little private life. The words can be most appro- 
 priately transferred to General Dix, for probably no public 
 man living has occupied so many important positions of trust, 
 has had so long an experience in political life as he. The 
 salient facts of his history are as follows: JOHN" ADAMS 
 Dix, twenty-fourth Governor of New York, was born at 
 Boscawen, New Hampshire, July 24, 1798, and was the 
 son of Lieutenant-Colonel TIMOTHY Dix of that place. 
 After spending some time in a French college at Montreal, 
 young Dix was appointed a cadet at the United States Mili- 
 tary Academy in 1812, but gave up the appointment to bear 
 his part in the war of 1812-15, having in 1813 received an 
 appointment as ensign in the fourteenth United States 
 infantry. A year subsequently he was made third lieutenant 
 in the twenty-first regiment of infantry, in March, 1814, 
 became second lieutenant, and in the fall of that year was 
 transferred to the artillery arm. 1815 found him adjutant, 
 and 1818 first lieutenant. In 1819 he received the appoint- 
 ment of aide-de-camp to General JACOB BROWN, a dis- 
 tinguished officer, then Commander-in-chief of the army, 
 and spent much time at Washington, where he enjoyed the 
 acquaintance of CALHOUN, CLAY, VAN BUKEN and other 
 prominent party leaders of the time. In the spring of 
 1821 he was transferred to the third artillery, and in the 
 summer of 1825, became Captain Dix. Serving as cap- 
 tain until December 31, 1828, he then resigned his com- 
 mission, having spent sixteen years in the military service. 
 Going abroad not long after, he enjoyed the delights and 
 benefits of extensive travel, and then returned to this coun- 
 try and entered the legal profession at Cooperstown, this 
 State, where he soon became prominent in political circles
 
 JOHN A. Dix. 9 
 
 as a zealous partisan of ANDREW JACKSON and democratic 
 principles. In 1831 he was appointed adjutant-general by 
 Governor THROOP, and two years later was elected secretary 
 of state. A recent writer in the New York Commercial calls 
 attention to the fact that with General Dix's adjutant-gen- 
 eralship began one of the most memorable chapters of his 
 political life. We quote : 
 
 " Gen. Dix's connection with the political 'ring,' known 
 as the Albany Regency, dates from his acceptance of the 
 position of adjutant-general. That "'ring' was made up of 
 such material as VAN BUREN, MARCY, BUTLER, CROSWELL, 
 WRIGHT, BEN KNOWER, FLAGG, JAMES PORTER, BEARDS- 
 LEY, BRONSON, DICKINSON, YOUNG and Dix men irre- 
 proachable in private life men famous for their upright- 
 ness and intellectual political vigor. They were the brains 
 of the party, and when the places that knew them so well 
 knew them no more, the old democratic party went out with 
 the tide. They played an important part in the stirring 
 events that make history from 1815 to the present time, A. 
 C. FLAGG and Gen. Dix, as we observed, being the last of 
 the race. Mr. WEED, in his autobiography, could hardly 
 be expected to do more than incidentally refer to this 
 political galaxy of statesmen, diplomats, senators, judges, 
 financiers, lawyers and controversialists, who ' went to the 
 front' and participated in the fierce excitement and masterly 
 exhibition of talent at a time in the history of our State and 
 national politics most intensely interesting." 
 
 While General Dix was secretary of state and by virtue 
 of his office he was also superintendent of common schools, 
 a member of the canal board and one of the commissioners 
 of the canal fund new canals were being constructed, the 
 enlargement of the Erie canal was commenced, and the net- 
 
 a 
 
 Avork of railways that now covers the State was just begin- 
 ning to be spread. The secretary's position, it will thus be 
 seen, was one of unusual responsibility, and that he filled it 
 with creat honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of
 
 10 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 the people there is abundant evidence. His administration 
 was especially distinguished for what it accomplished in 
 behalf of the schools of the State. Hon. SAMUEL S. KAN- 
 DALL, in his " History of the Common School System of 
 the State of Kew York," reviews General Dix's career as 
 superintendent, and thus concludes : 
 
 " In passing from the administration of General Dix to 
 that of his successor, it is scarcely necessary to observe that 
 the exertions of the former, during the six years in which the 
 interests of the common schools were committed to his 
 charge, in the eleration and expansion of the system of 
 popular education, were unsurpassed by any of Ms predeces- 
 sors. The impress of his clear, discriminating and cultivated 
 mind was stamped upon every feature of that system ; and 
 the order, arrangement and harmony which prevailed in all 
 its parts, were due not less to the ceaseless vigilance of his 
 supervision than to the symmetry and beauty of the system 
 itself, in 1837, under the authority of the Legislature, he 
 collected together and published a volume of the decisions of 
 his predecessor and himself, embracing a full exposition of 
 nearly every provision of the school act establishing upon 
 f i permanent basis f he principle of future interpretation, and 
 exerting a highly beneficial influence upon the councils and 
 proceedings of the officers and inhabitants of the several dis- 
 tricts, in repressing litigation, and in defining the powers, 
 privileges and responsibilities of those called to the perform- 
 ance of any duty in relation to the common schools. The 
 system of district school libraries was also organized and put 
 into successful operation under his immediate supervision; 
 and to his clear ajid convincing exposition of the principles 
 upon which that useful and beneficent institution was based, 
 the ends it was designed to subserve, and the objects it was 
 capable of accomplishing, a large share of the success which 
 has attended tlie establishment is unquestionably due.'' 
 
 At the expiration of his term as a State officer, General Dix
 
 JOHN A. Dix. 11 
 
 resumed the practice of law, and devoted himself to the duties 
 of his profession until 1842, when he was sent to the Assembly 
 from Albany county. In 18-45, SILAS WRIGHT was called 
 from the United States Senate to be Governor of New York, 
 and JOHN A. Dix was elected to fill the place which he 
 left. He appeared in the Senate at a time when questions 
 of vast moment were agitating the country the annexation 
 of Texas, the war with Mexico, the joint occupation and 
 disputed boundary of Oregon, the power of Congress over 
 slaves in the territories, and others that will readily occur to 
 the reader. He took an active and distinguished part in the 
 discussions, and showed a broad and statesmanlike compre- 
 hension of, and thorough aptitude for affairs. He was chair- 
 man of the committee on commerce, and was an efficient 
 member of the committee on military affairs. He fathered 
 a bill for reciprocal freedom of trade with the British prov- 
 inces, and one fur defining the duties and reducing the 
 salaries of officers of the customs in the large ports. 
 
 WILLIAM II. SEWARD succeeded him in the Senate. In 
 1848 he ran on the "free-soil" ticket for Governor, but was 
 defeated by HAMILTON FISH. He took an active part in 
 1852 in the presidential campaign, doing much effective work 
 in FRANK PIEKCE'S canvass; but, after his candidate was 
 elected, declined the portfolio of State, offered him by PIERCE, 
 in favor of Governor MARCY. In 1853 he was appointed 
 assistant treasurer in Xew York city, a position which he 
 filled only for a short time, resigning, and devoting himself 
 exclusively to his profession until I860, when he was ap- 
 pointed postmaster of New York citv. And so \ve come to the 
 grey dawn of the great rebellion a rebellion on whose world- 
 regarded stage General Dix played a prominent part, adding 
 new lustre to an already famous name, and rendering ines- 
 timable services to his country. Near t he end of BUCHANAN'S 
 term, the secessionists, taking advantage of the approaching 
 interregnum, had appointed a convention to meet at .Mont-
 
 12 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 gomery, Alabama, and take measures for raising an army. 
 They proposed, as part of their treasonable programme, to 
 seize Washington, and prevent the inauguration of LINCOLN. 
 Early in December, 1860, HOWELL COBB resigned the con- 
 trol of the treasury, giving as a reason its bankrupt and 
 hopeless condition, and was succeeded by PHILIP F. 
 THOMAS, who had been commissioner of patents. THOMAS 
 resigned after a few weeks, being displeased with the attempt 
 to reinforce Sumter. It was at this serious juncture that 
 Attorney-General STANTON induced a number of leading 
 capitalists of Xew York to demand from BUCHANAN the 
 appointment of JOHN A. Dix as Secretary of the Treasury 
 a demand that was complied with. " For once," says Dr. 
 DRAPER, speaking of the incalculable benefit that resulted 
 to the cause of the Union from the presence of Dix in 
 BUCHANAN'S cabinet, " for once the financial embarrassment 
 of the nation proved its salvation. The condition of the 
 treasury was deplorable. The government could do nothing 
 without the aid of capitalists of !N"ew York. Through 
 the influence of the Attorney-General, who was instructed by 
 his own patriotism, and by the clear information of the 
 existing imminent danger, a deputation of capitalists hast- 
 ened to Washington and gave the President distinctly to 
 understand that the treasury department must be placed ii 
 charge of one in whom they had confidence, and that th: 
 should not be satisfied unless JOHN A. Dix, of their State, 
 was selected." A French writer, LAUGEL, says that STAN- 
 TON, HOLT and Dix saved Washington to the Union; and, 
 in the opinion of Dr. DRAPER, '' the obligations of the 
 republic to those three ministers can never be repaid."' 
 
 General Dix was called to the cabinet on the llth of 
 January, 1861, and remained in it but little over a month, 
 resigning at the close of BUCHANAN'S term. And. al- 
 though his tenure of the treasury was so short, yet. within 
 the limits of the narrow span of his life as a cabinet officer,
 

 
 JOHN A. Dix. 13 
 
 General Dix furnished a most striking exemplification of the 
 poet's lines 
 
 We live in deeds, not years. 
 
 He most lives 
 
 Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the 'best. 
 
 It was while he held this office, that he wrote his famous 
 dispatch, whose fac simile we present on another page, 
 which has well been characterized as " the most concentrated 
 und burning war-cry of the Union." The circumstances 
 under which it was written were these. General Dix had 
 sent W. H. JONES as special agent of the treasury depart- 
 ment, to secure three revenue cutters. JONES found one of 
 them, the " McClelland," in the possession of the authorities 
 of Alabama, and hastening to New Orleans, addressed a note 
 to Captain BEESHWOOD, of that cutter, inclosing one from 
 the Secretary of the Treasury, directing him to proceed 
 immediately with his vessel to New York. BRESHWOOD at 
 once replied, "Your letter, with one of the 19th of Janu- 
 ary, (1861) from the Honorable Secretary of the Treasury, 
 I have duly received, and in reply, refuse to obey the order." 
 JONES immediately communicated the fact of this refusal to 
 the Secretary of the Treasury by telegraph, and further 
 informed him that Collector HATCH of New Orleans, sus- 
 tained the action of the rebel captain. It was under these 
 circumstances, that General Dix promptly replied to JONES 
 with a telegram, ending with that sentence touched with a 
 live coal from the altar of patriotism, "!F ANY ONE 
 
 ATTEMPTS TO HAUL DOWN THE AMERICAN FLAG, SHOOT 
 
 HIM ON THE SPOT!" This order speedily became a proverb 
 on every true American's lips, and GREELEY, in his American 
 Conflict, most justly records that it " sent an electric thrill 
 through the loyal heart of the country." Probably one of 
 
 / J J 
 
 the highest, and certainly the most unique of the many 
 compliments paid to Dix's battle-cry, emanated from a Sun- 
 dav school scholar, at Akron, Ohio. MOORE, in his Rebellion
 
 14 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Record, tells of him. He was a lad of eleven, and on being 
 requested with other members of his class, to repeat from 
 the Bible a verse of his own selection, promptly gave the fol- 
 lowing : " If any one attempts to haul down the American 
 flag, shoot him on the spot ! " 
 
 In 1861 General Dix presided at the great meeting held in 
 Union Square, New York, and made a groat and effective 
 speech, in the course of which he said : " I regard the pend- 
 ing contest with the secessionists as a death-struggle for 
 constitutional liberty and law a contest which, if successful 
 on their part, could only end in the establishment of a 
 despotic government, and blot out, wherever they were 
 ascendant, every vestige of national freedom. We stand before 
 the statue of the Father of his country ; [the stand from 
 which the General spoke Avas near the equestrian statue of 
 Washington] ; the flag of the Union which floats over it hung 
 above him when he presided over the convention by which 
 the constitution was framed. The great work of his life has 
 been rejected, and the banner by which his labors were con- 
 secrated has been trampled in the dust. If the inanimate 
 bronze, in which the sculptor has shaped his image, could be 
 changed for the living form which led the armies of the 
 Revolution to victory, lie would command us, in the name 
 of the hosts of patriots and political martyrs who have gone 
 before, to strike for the defense of the Union and the Con- 
 stitution.'' A fe\v weeks after making this speech, General 
 Dix was appointed Major-General in the army of the United 
 States, and in August of the .same year. 1801, he relieved 
 General BAXKS of the command of the department of Mary- 
 land, \vitli his head-quarters at Baltimore. It was while he 
 Avas in command at Baltimore that he manifested his military 
 genius by a strategic movement which relieved the eastern 
 shore of Maryland and Virginia from the rebel grasp. 
 
 General Dix Avas subsequently placed in command of 
 Fortress Monroe, and in 1863 performed one of the best 
 manoeuvres of the campaign. In June he sent a portion of
 
 JOHN A. Dix. 15 
 
 his command to the White House, at the junction of the 
 Pain un key with the York river. In this position he threat- 
 ened both Richmond and the communications of General 
 LEE, who was advancing along the peninsula. This move- 
 ment defeated all General LEE'S plans, and so frightened 
 JEFF. DAVIS that he wrote an appealing letter to General LEE, 
 saying that it had " rendered him more anxious for the city 
 than at any former time." In July the department o'f North 
 Carolina was added to that of Virginia, and both placed 
 under command of General Dix, until he was transferred to 
 the command of the department of the east. 
 
 General Dix's general order to all provost marshals, with 
 regard to rebel and other refugees in Canada, crossing the 
 lines to vote at the presidential election in 186-1, ordering 
 their arrest, excited a great amount of attention at the time, 
 and had the effect of checking such fraudulent voting, the 
 election being one of the most peaceable ever witnessed. He 
 also ordered that after the election, should any suspicious 
 persons cross into Canada, they were to be detained until 
 proper investigations could be made. He also organized the 
 courts for the trial of JOHN Y. BE ALL and 11. C. KENNEDY, 
 as spies, conspirators and incendiaries, during February and 
 March, which resulted in their execution. 
 
 At the close of the war General Dix resigned his position 
 in the army, and, renewing his interest in politics, joined his 
 fortunes with the National Union party, of whose conven- 
 tion, at Philadelphia in the summer of 18G6, he was chair- 
 man. In the same year he was appointed minister to 
 France, after having declined the mission to the Hague, and 
 was presented to the Emperor in January, 1867. As our 
 national representative, he added to his own and his 
 country's honor by discharging all his duties with the same 
 distinguished ability that had marked his previous career of 
 soldier and statesman. The prominent part he played in 
 the famous coup d'etat of lust winter, by which the Erie 
 railroad was rescued from the ring who were running it for
 
 16 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 their own aggrandizement, is too recent to need more than 
 a passing mention here. 
 
 General Dix received his degree of Master of Arts from 
 Brown University in 1820, and that of Doctor of Laws from 
 Geneva College in 1845. He has found time in the pauses 
 of his busy life to turn aside into his library long enough to 
 turn out some literary work of a high order of merit, notably 
 a book of travel, '' A Winter in Madeira and A Summer in 
 Spain and Florence.'' His speeches and occasional addresses 
 and lectures have been compiled in two handsome volumes. 
 The late General HALPIXE, better known by his nom de 
 plume of " Miles O'Reilly," the brilliant young Irishman who 
 was for some time on General Dix's staff, in his racy remin- 
 iscences of the war, to which he gave the title of " Baked 
 Meats," bears witness to the fine attainments of the General 
 in classics and belle-lettres. He writes : 
 
 "General Dix, as should be known to every one, is an 
 extremely elegant classical scholar, who has carried forward 
 with him, through all the varied and valuable labors of his 
 public life, an unfading love and continual study of those 
 great masters of antiquity by whose precepts, and upon whose 
 model, his own pure and noble mind was originally formed. 
 Let any one who seeks to know the value of such an educa- 
 tion contrast the dignity, urbanity and stainless integrity 
 which have marked the life of this gentleman with the far 
 different qualities for which many of our public men are 
 alone to be distinguished, and we think a full answer will be 
 given to the too common, though vulgar and senseless 
 inquiry: ' Of what practical use are classical attainments ?' " 
 
 After these prefatory words, MILES submits to his readers 
 the following extremely literal and yet extremely elegant 
 translation, by General Dix, of HORACE'S famous ode (Liber 
 in, Carmen xxx) :
 
 JOHN A. Dix. 17 
 
 EXEGI MONUMENTUM -&1RE PERENNIUS. 
 I've reared a monument to fame 
 More durable than solid brass, 
 Which will, in loftiness of aim, 
 The regal pyramids surpass. 
 
 No wasting shower, no rending storm 
 Shall mar the work my genius rears ; 
 
 No lapse of time shall change its form, 
 No countless series of years. 
 
 I shall not wholly die : my name 
 Shall triumph o'er oblivion's power, 
 
 And fresh, with still increasing fame, 
 In glory posthumous shall tower, 
 
 While to the Capitolium 
 
 The Priest and Silent Virgin come. 
 
 Where Aufidus impetuous roars, 
 And Daunus, over arid shores 
 
 And rural population reigns 
 Shall I, once weak now potent live 
 As first of all the bards to give 
 
 JSolian verse to Latin strains. 
 
 Give me, Melpomene divine ! 
 
 The glory due to deathless lays ; 
 Propitious to my vows incline 
 
 And crown me with Apollo's bays I 
 
 His translations of Dies I roe and Stabat Mater rank with 
 the most successful renderings of those two great mediaeval 
 hymns into English. 
 
 The nomination which resulted in calling General Dix to 
 the gubernatorial chair was not only unsought by him, but 
 distinctly declined. But finding that the Republican con- 
 vention at Utica deemed it of so much importance that his 
 name should head the ticket as to place it there in opposition 
 to his wishes, he waived his personal preferences and con- 
 sented to become the standard-bearer. His triumph was 
 such as any man might justly be proud of. In the entire 
 State his vote led that of General GRANT, and in those local-
 
 18 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ities in which he was best known he proved strongest, us in 
 Kings county, where he led the ticket by 5,000. 
 
 General Dix has already passed the allotted term of human 
 life as laid down by the psalmist, and yet so erect, alert and 
 vigorous is he, despite his three score and ten years, his eye 
 not dim nor his natural force abated, that he stands to-day 
 " the un wasted contemporary of his own prime." 
 
 THE GOVERNOR'S STAFF. 
 
 Governor Dix's military family is composed of the fol- 
 lowing members : 
 
 Maj.-Gen. JOHN F. RATHBONE, of Albany, A djui 'ant- Gene- 
 ral. 
 
 Brevet Maj.-Gen. WILLIAM H. MOKRIS, of Cold Spring, 
 Inspector- General. 
 
 Brig-Gen. KILBURN KNOX, of New York, Chief of Ord- 
 nance. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. N. GANG DUNN, of New York, Engineer-in- 
 Cldef. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. J.HAMPDEN WOOD, of Albany, Judge- Advocate- 
 General. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. WILLIAM M. SMITH, of Angelica, Allegany 
 cou nty, Su rgeon- General. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. JOHN N. KNAPP, of Auburn, Quartermaster- 
 General. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. EUFUS H. KING, of Albany, Paymaster- 
 General. 
 
 Brig.-Gen. THEODORE E. SMITH, of Rochester, Commis- 
 sary-General of Subsistence. 
 
 Col. GEORGE G. HAVEN, of New York; Col. CHESTER 
 GRISWOLD, of Troy ; Col. ROBERT C. PRUYN, of Albany ; 
 Col. HAMILTON FISH, Jr., of New York ; Col. WM. A. W. 
 STEWART, of New York; Col. HIRAM P. HOPKINS, of Buf- 
 falo, Aides-de-C'amp. Military Secretary, Col. SIDNEY 
 DE KAY.
 
 JOHN A. Dix. 19 
 
 General RATHBONE has long shown a deep interest in 
 the National Guard, and his distinction as the commanding 
 officer for years of the Ninth Brigade, his high executive and 
 organizing ability, combined to eminently fit him for the im- 
 portant position of Adjutant-General. He has long been the 
 ardent friend of our State military organization. During the 
 war, as the commandant of the Albany Depot of Volunteers 
 and all the branch depots subsidiary to it, and having some- 
 times from twenty to forty thousand men under his imme- 
 diate charge, he evinced great capacity for organization, and 
 few men rendered such signal service in the preparation of 
 New York's quota for the war of the Union. 
 
 General WILLIAM H. MOREIS, the Inspector-General, has 
 served upon the staif as Commissary-General of Ordnance, 
 and also in the army of the Union. He is a good soldier 
 and a cultured gentleman. Gen. KNOX Avas for some time 
 Captain of the 13th Regular Infantry, and subsequently served 
 on the staif of General McPtiERSOX. He is every way qualified 
 for the honorable place assigned him. Gen. N. GAXO Duxx, 
 the Engineer-in-Chief, has been prominently identified with 
 the military in New York, where he has acquired the reputa- 
 tion of a thorough and accomplished officer. General WOOD, 
 the Judge-Advocate-General, is a young lawyer of honorable 
 standing in his profession, and the highest personal worth. 
 He is a son of Hon. BRADFORD R. WOOD, late American 
 Minister to Denmark. 
 
 Gen. JOHX N. KKA.PP, Quartermaster-General, is the able 
 and efficient secretary of the Republican State Committee, 
 and a gentleman of high business and social position. The 
 Paymaster-General, Gen. RUFUS H. KIXG, bears a name and 
 is identified with a family honorably associated with the staff 
 in the past, and is himself a genial, cultivated gentleman. 
 
 A word or two about the aides. Col. GEORGE G. HAVEX is 
 a gentleman of high standing in the financial and social cir-
 
 20 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 cles of the metropolis. Col. CHESTER GRISWOLD is the 
 eldest son of the late Hon. JOHN A. GRISWOLD, and his 
 appointment is a graceful testimony, both of the regard of 
 Gov. Dix for the memory of his lamented father, and of his 
 appreciation of the worth of the accomplished son. Col. 
 EGBERT C. PRUYN is the son of Hon. ROBERT H. PRUYN, 
 and is equally fitted for the position of Aide, by his military 
 tastes and his gentlemanly bearing. Col. HAMILTON FISH, 
 Jr., inherits not only the name but the culture of the dis- 
 tinguished Secretary of State. Col. WILLIAM A. W. STEW 
 ART is the son of JOHN A. STEWART, the well-known 
 President of the Trust Company. Col. HIRAM P. HOPKINS 
 js the son of Comptroller HOPKINS, and worthily represents 
 the city which is honored in his selection. 
 
 Col. DE KAY got his practical military education by long 
 and arduous service in our own war, and afterward in Greece, 
 whither he went as a volunteer and nearly lost his life through 
 a severe wound. Both from his legal and military acquire- 
 ments he is peculiarly fitted to discharge the duties of the 
 place to which the Governor has called him.
 
 JOHN C. ROBINSON. 21 
 
 JOHN C. KOBINSON, 
 
 LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR. 
 
 Men often in a single sentence as perfectly reveal their 
 ruling passion and peculiar traits of character, as in long 
 years of public service. GRANT'S saying, " We will fight it out 
 on this line if it takes all summer," affords as clear an illus- 
 tration of his sturdy persistency, as if he had written a score 
 of volumes to prove that perseverance is the cardinal virtue. 
 
 General Dix's mental activity and proverbial promptitude 
 found expression in his famous saying, "If any one hauls 
 down the American flag, shoot him on the spot ! " The sen- 
 tence is an embodiment of uncompromising patriotism, and it 
 affords a perfect illustration of the energetic character of the 
 man. Scarcely less striking, and more epigramatic was the 
 expression made use of by the distinguished soldier, the pres- 
 ent Lieutenant-Governor of New York, whose name stands at 
 the head of this sketch. When General KOBINSON was lead- 
 ing his division, amid a shower of bullets, against Spottsyl- 
 vania, he encouraged his followers with the battle-cry, "Tins 
 PLACE MUST BE OURS." The words indicate that peculiar deter- 
 mination and courage which constitute the leading features 
 in the General's character features that are prominently 
 brought out in a survey of his life. 
 
 JOHN CLEVELAND KOBINSON was born in Binghamton, 
 Broome county, April 10, 1817. He entered the Military 
 Academy in 1835, and remained there until 1838, when he 
 began the study of law, but received in 1839 a commission as 
 second lieutenant in the Fifth infantry. He was ordered to 
 the Rio Grande in 1845, and was promoted to be first lieu- 
 tenant during the Mexican war, in which he was distin- 
 guished at the battle of Monterey. At the close of that war 
 he served with his regiment in Arkansas, in the Cherokee 
 nation, and Texas ; was made captain in 1850, and was after-
 
 22 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ward sent against the Indians in Florida. In 1857 he accom- 
 panied the army in Utah, and was placed in command of 
 Fort Bridger. At the beginning of the civil war he com- 
 manded at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. When relieved from 
 this duty he was sent to the West, as mustering officer, and 
 remained as such until appointed colonel of the First Regiment 
 of Michigan volunteers. He was promoted to be major of 
 the Second infantry in February, 1862 ; was made brigadier- 
 general of volunteers in the following April, and took com- 
 mand of a brigade at Newport News in May, but was soon 
 ordered to the army of the Potomac, and placed in command 
 of the First Brigade of KEARNEY'S division, the corps of 
 General HEINTZELMAN. He was distinguished during the 
 seven days battles before Richmond, particularly those fought 
 on June 30 and Julv 1. 1862, when he was sliarhtlv wounded. 
 
 . ' * O / 
 
 He participated in the Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Center- 
 ville, Culpepper, Mine Run and Rapidan campaigns. When 
 the army of the Potomac started on the overland campaign of 
 1864, General ROBINSON was in command of a division in the 
 Fifth corps, and at the opening of the battle of Spottsylvania 
 he was ordered to the advance on Todd's Tavern, with Gen- 
 eral SHERIDAN'S cavalry. On reaching the Cross Roads, the 
 enemy made a determined stand behind breastworks. An 
 attempt was made to carry this position, which failed, when 
 General ROBINSON, riding coolly up to the head of his men, 
 said, '' This place must be ours ! " and asked his command to 
 follow him. 
 
 The call was responded to with enthusiasm, and a charge 
 was made. A terrible fire of musketry was encountered, and 
 General ROBINSON received a bullet in his left knee, the 
 wound rendering amputation of the thigh necessary. After 
 his convalescence, General ROBINSON was unable to endure 
 the fatigues of active duty, and was employed in various 
 capacities until 1869, when he retired from active service with 
 the full rank of Major-General. Since that date he has been
 
 JOHN C. ROBINSON. 23 
 
 an active and efficient member of the Kepublican party, but 
 has taken no very prominent part in public affairs. 
 
 During the extended military service of General ROBINSON, 
 he passed through many thrilling incidents and perils. 
 How he saved Fort McHenry at Baltimore from capture is 
 well worth relating here. It was the first of the series of 
 strategy which our government and our military command- 
 ers were so often obliged to resort to. He had with him 
 only one hundred men ; arid, after the attack on the sixth 
 Massachusetts in the streets of Baltimore, the rebels contem- 
 plated seizing on the fort, succeeding in which, they would 
 have gained an advantage of the greatest importance. A 
 steamer opportunely came in to coal, and General ROBINSON 
 seized upon the event to create the impression that she had 
 brought in reinforcements. He put up tents and made a 
 display, seemingly of a large force of troops newly arrived 
 and hastily accommodated. The ruse succeeded. The 
 rebels thought their attack had been anticipated and pre- 
 pared for ; so Fort McHenry remained in our possession ever 
 after, to declare to the rebels that, even though they cap- 
 tured Washington, it would be of no permanent advantage 
 to them. 
 
 General ROBINSON, with all the austerity of a military 
 nature, yet has a very kindly heart. He is a thorough 
 republican; loves the people, and has an abiding faith in 
 their capacity to govern themselves. He is inclined to socia- 
 bility, when once his '"'outworks of reserve" are penetrated, 
 and he then becomes as communicative as any one could 
 wish. 
 
 In the convention which nominated General ROBINSON 
 for Lieutenant-Governor, several admirable names were sug- 
 gested. Senator THAYER, of Troy, the chief competitor, 
 had hosts of warm friends, and would have peculiarly graced 
 the position. But the soldierly qualities of General ROBIN- 
 SOX gained him the day. His supporters adopted his motto, 
 and gained success to the cry " this place (on the ticket) shall
 
 24 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 be ours." The career of General ROBIXSOX is well known 
 to the people. One of the most gallant and distinguished 
 soldiers of 'the Empire State, his record in the war is of the 
 brightest lustre. His comrades in arms presented him with 
 a unanimity and a zeal which showed their high apprecia- 
 tion of his great soldierly worth ; and the people of the 
 State elected him by a most flattering vote. 
 
 We close our sketch by appending the terse and appropriate 
 remarks made by the General on the day when he entered 
 upon the discharge of his duties as President of the Senate. 
 He addressed the Senate, as follows : 
 
 " SEXATOKS : In taking this chair, and entering upon the 
 duties of the office with which I have been honored by the 
 people of this State, I have an adequate sense of the respon- 
 sibilities of the position. 
 
 " Without any of the experience in legislative proceedings, 
 possessed by most of my predecessors, and which I believe 
 to be requisite to a prompt and correct decision of perplex- 
 ing cpnestions, I may not at all times meet your expectations. 
 But, with a firm determination to discharge the duties of my 
 office honestly, faithfully and impartially, I shall expect and 
 hope to receive your indulgence, until experience shall make 
 me familiar with the proceedings of a body which has been 
 distinguished for its order, dignity and learning. 
 
 '' I congratulate you on the favorable circumstances under 
 which we meet. The State and National Administrations 
 are once more in full accord. The country is in the enjov- 
 ment of peace at home and abroad. The people of the State 
 are prosperous and contented, and in the enjoyment of all 
 the rights and privileges guaranteed to them by the Consti- 
 tution and laws of the land. 
 
 ' During this session, important measures will be brought 
 before you for your consideration, and much good is expected 
 from your deliberations, in the enactment of good and 
 wholesome laws. 
 
 I am sure you will unite with me in wishing that the 
 action of the Senate may be such as to meet the just expecta- 
 tions of the public, and conduce to the welfare, prosperity 
 and happiness of the people of the State."
 
 G. HILTON SCRIBXER. 25 
 
 G. HILTON SCRIBNER, 
 
 SECRETARY OF STATE. 
 
 G. HILTON SCRIBNER, Secretary of State, was born at 
 Ogden, Monroe county, N. Y., on the 23d of June, 1831. 
 His ancestors, on both the paternal and maternal side, were 
 English, and both came to Massachusetts in the first half of 
 the seventeenth century. His father, SEWELL B. SCRIBNER, 
 who is still living, with unimpaired faculties, at the age of 
 eighty, was one of the pioneers of western New York, hav- 
 ing removed from his native place. Andover, Xew Hamp- 
 shire, and settled in Monroe county in 1816 Rochester 
 being at that time but a mere hamlet. His mother, CLAR- 
 ISSA HILTOX, a woman of great intellectual power, rare cul- 
 tivation and refined tastes, was born in Allegany county, her 
 family coming hither at an early day from Newburyport, 
 Mass. 
 
 Young SCRIBXER received good common school instruc- 
 tion at liis native place, which at that time possessed excellent 
 educational advantages. Leaving home, he became a student 
 at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. N. Y., and after 
 remaining there for two years, he entered college at Oberlin, 
 where he at once took a marked rank, receiving the highest 
 honors for his thoroughness and originality. He had early 
 chosen the law as his profession, and, upon the close of his 
 collegiate course, in 1853, he started for Xew York, with no 
 friends or acquaintances in the great city, with scanty means 
 and little to encourage him except his own cherished pur- 
 poses, and a linn heart. 
 
 lie read law in the office of Hon. DANIEL B. TAYLOR, 
 who, at that time, enjoyed a large practice and possessed one 
 of the largest and best selected law libraries in the city. 
 Laborious and indefatigable as a student, he soon made him- 
 self complete master of the theory of law, and in 1855 was
 
 26 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 admitted to the bar. Soon after he was also admitted to 
 practice in the United States courts as proctor, solicitor and 
 advocate. In October, 1856, having married the eldest 
 daughter of Hon. J. 0. PETTINGILL, of Rochester, K Y., he 
 chose Yonkers, "Westchester county, as his home, where he 
 has since resided, holding many important town and village 
 offices and trusts. Rising rapidly in his profession, his pru- 
 dence as a counselor and ability as an advocate soon gave him 
 a large and lucrative practice. His peculiar executive power 
 and reliable judgment iu business transactions, making them- 
 selves apparent, he was retained as the counsel for many 
 moneyed corporations and large estates, and in the year 1862 
 he was one of the organizers of the North America Life 
 Insurance Company of New York, of which he became a 
 director and counsel. About this time, after collating and 
 analyzing facts and statistics in respect to travel and acci- 
 dents throughout the United States for a series of years, he 
 framed a bill for presentation to the Legislature to allow this 
 company to insure against accidents to travelers; the bill 
 was passed, and thus the first authority was granted iu this 
 country for "accident insurance" 
 
 Though so thoroughly a business man and so perfectly 
 devoted to his profession, yet amid all the calls upon his 
 time he never permitted his taste for literature or art to 
 become dulled or enfeebled; often organizing and always 
 connected with one or more literary circles, he could not 
 suffer his love of learning, the theoretical and the beautiful, 
 to be stifled by the cares or responsibilities of his profession 
 or the routine of daily labor. He has gathered at his home 
 a gallery of rare pictures and works of art, a library replete 
 with the printed thoughts of the best and great, and is 
 recognized among artists and men of letters as an appre- 
 ciative critic a man of cultivated judgment. 
 
 Born of Whig parentage. Mr. SCRIBXER early attached him- 
 self to that party, and remained a member of it until it had 
 outlived its usefulness. He attended the national conven-
 
 G. HILTON SCRIBNER. 27 
 
 tion which nominated FREMONT, at Philadelphia in 1856, 
 and has acted with the Eepublican party ever since. He was 
 frequently sent to State conventions as a delegate, and in 
 1863 was made chairman of the Eepnblican county com- 
 mittee for Westchester county. About this time, there were 
 published at Yonkers, two papers "The Examiner" and 
 " The Clarion," both professing allegiance to the Eepublican 
 party, but crippling its prospects in Westchester county by 
 local strifes and personal animosities. Mr. SCRIBNER per- 
 ceiving this, and persuading a few of his friends to join him, 
 they purchased the two papers, consolidated them, and thus 
 was born " The Statesman," the paper now having the largest 
 circulation and greatest influence in the llth congressional 
 district. 
 
 In 1866, Mr. SCRIBNER, with others, organized the Conti- 
 nental Life Insurance Company of JST. Y., becoming its vice- 
 president and counsel, and the unexampled success of this 
 corporation is due in a measure to his skill and energy. Dur- 
 ing these years, directing an extensive law practice, president 
 of the Palisade Bank at Yonkers, and acting director of several 
 large corporations, the tax upon his energies became onerous, 
 and having accumulated a moderate fortune, in 1868 he 
 retired from business, leaving a bright and successful pro- 
 fessional record of thirteen years. He traveled in Europe, 
 and on his return home, while on a visit to his father in 
 western Xew York, he was nominated in 1869 for the State 
 Senate. Owing to prior engagements he declined this nom- 
 ination, and in the same year was elected President of the 
 Empire Mutual Life Insurance Company of ]S T ew York. 
 
 It had been the habit of the Legislature for several years 
 previous to this time, at each sitting, to pass bills providing 
 for the construction of boulevards (so called) in the lower 
 districts of Westchester county, and, by reason of these leg- 
 islative permissions, taxes had been increased enormously 
 in these lower towns. Mr. SCRIBNER was, from the begin- 
 ning, most resolutely opposed to these oppressive and unjust
 
 28 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 measures, and upon this issue, accepting the nomination for 
 the Assembly in 1870, he was elected by a majority of about 
 six hundred, from a district which usually gave a Demo- 
 cratic majority of nearly 1,700, being the first member, other 
 than a Democrat, elected from the district in thirty-two 
 years. He soon made his influence felt in the House, and 
 gained a favorable standing with his constituency and the 
 Republican party of the State. 
 
 In March, 1871, he engaged with some of his friends, 
 members of the Legislature, in the organization of the Young 
 Men's State Republican Association, and was elected first 
 president of the same. During this session there had been 
 a marked want of unity of purpose and action among the 
 Republican members in both branches. Sufficient in num- 
 bers to have checked improper legislation, and in many 
 instances to have assumed control, the party was so dis- 
 tracted by strife and estrangement among its so-called 
 leaders, that its course was purposeless and feeble in the 
 extreme. To unite these discordant elements for the coming 
 campaign was the chief object of this organization. The 
 movement was an important one, and its leader was well 
 fitted for the position. A meeting of this association was held 
 in May. 1871. in Xew York city, thirty-eight assembly districts 
 being represented. Arrangements were there made for a con- 
 vention, to be held in the following June, at Binghamton. 
 At this convention, at which Mr. SCRIBXER presided, no less 
 than eighty assembly districts were represented. This organ- 
 ization gained to a fair extent, and as fully as the most san- 
 guine of its promoters could have anticipated, the confidence 
 of both wings of the party in the State, and Mr. SCRIBNER 
 having shown himself a true and faithful leader, was nomi- 
 nated by acclamation, in 1871. at the Republican State con- 
 vention at Syracuse, for Secretary of State, and this nomi- 
 nation was duly confirmed by the people in the Xovember 
 following, the ticket being elected by a majority of about 
 20,000.
 
 Q. HILTON SCRIBNER. 29 
 
 Soon after the close of the Legislature of 1871 the repre- 
 sentatives of the insurance, and other corporations of the 
 State, united in a complimentary tribute to Mr. SCRIBNER 
 for his intelligent, able and successful opposition to unjust 
 legislation while Member of Assembly. The compliment 
 was as creditable to those who paid it as it was deserved by 
 the recipient, both Democrats and Eepublicans uniting in 
 this tribute as a just and proper recognition of the services 
 of a faithful public officer. The presentation ceremonies, 
 which took place at the chambers of the Board of Under- 
 writers, in New York, called together a large number of the 
 leading men of the State, and the record of what was said 
 and done was one of which any man might well be proud. 
 In offering for Mr. SCRIBNER'S acceptance a magnificent 
 service of plate, Judge SAVAGE, president of the Board of 
 Underwriters, presented to him the following address, beauti- 
 fully engrossed upon parchment, with the autograph signa- 
 tures of the parties whose names are appended thereto : 
 
 TESTIMONIAL TO THE HON. G. HILTON SCRIBNER. 
 
 "Regarding the conscientious discharge of the duties of an 
 elect representative of the people as of far greater conse- 
 quence than the triumph of party, or the most brilliant suc- 
 cess of ambition, and, sincerely and deeply lamenting, as the 
 prevailing degeneracy demands, the decline of legislative 
 purity, honor and integrity, we are impelled, by these consid- 
 erations, to pay a tribute due to you for the faithful and 
 exemplary fulfillment of the trust reposed in you by your 
 election to the Legislature of the State of New York. 
 
 "The course you have pursued as a member of the Legisla- 
 ture for 1871 has attracted the attentive regard and received 
 the emphatic commendation of all classes, of every interest, 
 opinion and party. Your unwavering and able maintenance 
 of just and intelligent views, and pure measures of public 
 good, in defiance of an active and powerful opposition, and 
 great and numerous temptations, is, in times like the pres- 
 ent, a worthy subject of congratulation to your own imme- 
 diate constituency, and to the electors and people of the 
 Empire State.
 
 30 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 " The subscribers have special reasons to acknowledge the 
 merit of your public services. The aggressive and danger- 
 ous character of recent legislation on insurance, in various 
 States of the Union, threatens the prosperity and very exist- 
 ence in this country of this beneficent institution ; and the 
 particular purpose of this testimonial is to express, in behalf 
 of the life and fire insurance companies, and other corporate 
 interests of this metropolis, their grateful appreciation 
 of the potent influence and strenuous efforts you have con- 
 stantly exerted to secure them the privileges and protection 
 to which they are, by their importance and usefulness, so 
 fully and fairly entitled. 
 
 " Above all do we feel cordial pleasure in acknowledging the 
 value of your championship in repelling the assaults made 
 upon the vested rights of these corporations, which, if suc- 
 cessful, would have destroyed public confidence in their 
 securities, ruined their business, and dealt a fatal blow at 
 the commercial and financial supremacy of this Common- 
 wealth. 
 
 " With this brief and general testimony to the efficient zeal 
 and ability displayed by you throughout your public career, 
 which deserves a more detailed description than might be 
 acceptable to your modest sense of your own merits, accept 
 the assurances of our profound esteem, and our hearty thanks 
 for the protection you have so essentially helped to extend to 
 persons and property, and for your powerful and successful 
 advocacy of the cause of the widow and orphan, and the true 
 principles and practice of good and -wise government. 
 
 " NEW YORK, May 1, 1871. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 "George W. Miller. Superintendent Insurance Department. 
 F. S. Winston, President Mutual Life. William C. Alex- 
 ander, President Equitable Life. H. B. Hyde, Vice-President 
 Equitable Life. Morris Franklin, President Xew York Life. 
 W. H. Beers, Vice-President Xew York Life. John E. 
 De Witt, President United States Life. Henry Stokes, Presi- 
 dent Manhattan Life. C. Y. Wemple, Vice-President Man- 
 hattan Life. Erastus Lyman, President Knickerbocker Life. 
 W. H. Peckham, President Guardian Mutual Life. Cyrus 
 Curtis, President Washington Life. William A. Brewer, Jr., 
 Vice-President Washington Life. Hugo Wesendonck. Presi- 
 dent Germania Life. Robert L. Case, President Security
 
 G. HILTON SCRIBNER. 31 
 
 Life. Theodore R. Wetmore, Vice-President Security Life. 
 N". D. Morgan, President North America Life. Pliny Free- 
 man, President Globe Mutual Life. Charles H. Raymond, 
 President Widows' and Orphans' Benefit Life. Edward A. 
 Jones, President National Life. Christian W. Bouck, Presi- 
 dent Brooklyn Life. William Walker, President Universal 
 Life. Justus Lawrence, President Continental Life. James 
 H. Frothingham, President World Mutual Life. C. N. Mor- 
 
 Ein, President Excelsior Life. George Opdyke, Standard 
 ife. John R. Hegeman, Vice-President Metropolitan Life. 
 Henry A. Oakley, President New York Board of Fire 
 Underwriters. George W. Savage, Vice-President New 
 York Board of Fire Underwriters. Charles J. Mar- 
 tin, President Home Life Insurance Company. George 
 T. Hope, President Continental Insurance Company. 
 Carlisle Norwood, President Lorillard Insurance Company. 
 Stephen Crowell, President Phoenix Insurance Company. 
 
 A. F. Hastings, President Security Insurance Company. 
 
 B. S. Walcott, President Hanover Fire Insurance Company. 
 Alexander Stoddart, General Agent Underwriters'" Agency. 
 John K. Myers, President Pacific Mutual Insurance Com- 
 pany. James P.Wallace, President New York Guarantee and 
 Indemnity Company. John A. Stewart, President L T nited 
 States Trust Company. J. E. Southworth, President Atlan- 
 tic National Bank. William Orton, President Western 
 Union Telegraph Company. John E. Williams, President 
 Metropolitan National Bank. William L. Wallace, Presi- 
 dent West Side Elevated Railroad Company. H. P. 
 Morgan, President Government Security Life. George B. 
 Satterlee, President Eclectic Life. Andrew W. Morgan, 
 President Mutual Protection Life. D. D. T. Marshall, 
 President Homceopathic Mutual Life. Edward A. Lam- 
 bert, President Craftsmen's Life. E. Dwight Kendall, 
 President Amicable Mutual Life. William Edsall. Vice- 
 President Hope Mutual Life. James B. Pearson, President 
 Commonwealth Life. E. W. Crowell, Resident Manager 
 Imperial Fire. Ezra White, North British and Mercantile 
 Insurance Company. Alfred Pell, Liverpool. London and 
 Globe. John Adriance, President Central Park and North 
 River Railroad Company." 
 
 After reading the address, Judge SAVAGE said : " On behalf 
 of these great interests, and these numerous friends here 
 assembled, allow me to present you with this written state
 
 32 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 merit of our opinion and our respect, and also, on behalf of 
 the same interests, allow me to present to you this testi- 
 monial of our respect and esteem toward you (referring to 
 the silver service). I am happy to say that you fully deserve 
 it, and I have no doubt you are, as you ought to be, proud 
 to-day to receive the expression of the grateful feelings of 
 these monetary interests of New York, acknowledged as due 
 to you." 
 
 Mr. SCRIBNER made an eloquent and appropriate response, 
 after which congratulatory addresses were delivered by 
 Hon. WILLIAM ORTON, Hon. CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW and 
 Hon. WILLIAM BARNES. 
 
 Mr. SCRIRXER, since entering upon his present office, has 
 resided in Albany during the sessions of the Legislature, 
 and, as a member of the Canal Board, a Commissioner of 
 the Land Office, a llegent of the University, and member of 
 the State Board of Charities, has been most efficient and 
 constant in his attendance, and so administered the State 
 Department as to avoid all complaint and criticism, and 
 meet with the general approval of all. 
 
 Besides acting in his official capacity, as Secretary of State, 
 Mr. SCRIBXER holds also some important business positions 
 and trusts, among which may be mentioned a directorship in 
 the Atlantic National Bank, New York city; the Loaners' 
 Bank, New York city; the Abingdon Square Savings Bank, 
 New York city ; the Continental Life Insurance Co., New 
 York city; the German American Fire Insurance Co., New 
 York city; and is a trustee of the American Bible Union, 
 New York, the Rochester Theological Seminary, and the St. 
 John Riverside Hospital. 
 
 Thought and its translation into action constitute life. 
 He, then, may most fitly be called representative whose life 
 is the most perfect complement of his noble and successful 
 ideas. The division of men into thinkers and practical men, 
 however unfortunate, is generally well grounded. But, in 
 the subject of this sketch, we have an exception. Mr. SCRIB-
 
 G. HILTON SCRIUNER. 33 
 
 NEB turns to practical account broad and vigorous thought, 
 and thus makes to himself power. A man of deep and 
 accurate thinking, he is at the same time a man of fearless 
 and decided action, illustrating in his business, professional 
 and political experience the possibilities under the genius 
 of our American institutions, where energy and integrity 
 are united, and demonstrating with equal clearness that per- 
 sonal and political popularity are quite compatible with 
 strict fidelity to public trust.
 
 34 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 NELSON K. HOPKINS, 
 
 COMPTROLLER. 
 
 The family of Hon. NELSON K. HOPKINS, Comptroller of 
 the State, was of New England origin. His father, General 
 TIMOTHY S. HOPKINS, emigrated in the year 1800 from 
 Great Barrington, Mass., to Williamsville, a small town in 
 the vicinity of Buffalo, in the then county of Niagara. By 
 occupation a farmer, he was a man of sterling sense and 
 worth, and held various public offices of trust and honor, 
 both in the civil and military service. He was commissioned 
 as a Captain by Gov. GEORGE CLINTON, as Major by Gov. MOR- 
 GAN LEWIS, and as Lieutenant-Colonel and Brigadier-Gen- 
 eral by Gov. DANIEL D. TOMPKINS. NELSON, the second of 
 the five sons now living, was born on the 3d of March, 
 1819. He remained on the farm until he was about sixteen 
 years of age, when he attended school for a time at Fredonia 
 in the county of Chautauqua. From 1838 to 1840, he was a 
 student in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, where 
 he completed his collegiate preparations, and in the spring 
 of the latter year entered the sophomore class of Union Col- 
 lege, graduating in 1842 with high standing. Among his 
 class-mates Avere several who have since attained distinction, 
 including Hon. CLARKSON N. POTTER, member of Congress, 
 and Hon. JAMES WOOD, of the State Senate. In connection 
 with the latter an interesting circumstance is related of 
 young HOPKINS. The two students, as was not unfrequent 
 among their associates, visited Albany on one occasion, and 
 neither being blessed with a surplus of money, they found 
 themselves at the close of their stay without the means of 
 returning. In this exigency, nothing daunted, the spirited 
 young men started on foot and faithfully trudged all the 
 way from Albany to Schenectady. 
 
 Even before entering college, the subject of this sketch had
 
 NELSON K. HOPKINS. o5 
 
 evinced strong force of character and energy of purpose. At 
 the age of nineteen he had been elected captain of a company 
 in the State militia, and at the time of the " Patriot War," 
 which centered about the Niagara river, though still a student 
 at Lima, he was called home to enter the service with his 
 company, and for a month had command of Black Rock in 
 the vicinity of Buffalo. Returning from college, Mr. HOP- 
 KINS began the study of law in the office of Hon. ELBRIDGE 
 G. SPAULDING at Buffalo, and in 1846 was admitted as an 
 attorney. From the very first he has enjoyed an honorable 
 and lucrative practice. He has especially had confided to 
 him the most delicate duties in the settlement of estates, the 
 establishment of titles and all that branch of professional 
 service, and in these positions of fiduciary trust has secured 
 the highest respect for his honor, fidelity and capacity. In 
 1848, he married the only daughter of Hon. ORLANDO 
 ALLEN, but she died in 1853. In 1855, he married his 
 present wife, who is the eldest daughter of the late Hon. 
 HIRAM PRATT, and a most estimable lady. His family con- 
 sists of five children. 
 
 Although Mr. HOPKINS has always been actively engaged 
 in professional labors, he has at various times been called to 
 serve his fellow-citizens. Frequently elected supervisor and 
 alderman, he was also one year president of the common 
 council. In 1866 he was appointed Collector of Internal 
 Revenue, and filled that position with credit and satisfaction. 
 He has also been for many years a director and attorney of 
 AVhite's Bank at Buffalo ; attorney for the Western Savings 
 Bank; life member of the Young Men's Association ; trustee 
 of the Free Grosvenor Library; and has held many positions 
 of public and professional trust, attesting the high esteem 
 with which lie is regarded by the community where he lives. 
 Such was the great respect entertained for him by Ihose 
 among whom he has always resided, and such their elevated 
 opinion especially of the conscientiousness and ability for 
 financial administration which he has displayed throughout
 
 36 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 his career, that, without his own solicitation or knowledge, 
 he was unanimously presented by the Erie delegation at the 
 Republican State Convention of 1871, as a candidate for 
 Comptroller, and promptly nominated. He and his associates 
 were recognized as embodying the reform sentiment then so 
 pronounced among the people, and the ticket was elected by 
 a handsome majority. 
 
 In this responsible office. Mr. HOPKINS has signally vindi- 
 cated the judgment with which he was selected, and proved 
 himself a worthy successor of such men as MARCY, WRIGHT, 
 FLAGG, FILLMORE, HILLHOUSE and ALLEN. None of his 
 predecessors have received more general and cordial com- 
 mendation than he has for the faithful vigilance with which 
 he has guarded the interests of the State and the marked 
 ability with which he has administered its finances. Whether 
 a comptroller be lax or rigid in the discharge of his duties 
 may entail a loss or effect a saving of thousands upon thou- 
 sands to the treasury. At the outset, Mr. HOPKINS adopted 
 the rule of giving the most careful scrutiny to every matter- 
 coming before him, and this rule he has scrupulously 
 observed, transacting the business of the State with the same 
 care and watchfulness and frugality which he would carry 
 into the conduct of private business. He reduced the number 
 of assistants in his office, subjected every claim to rigorous in- 
 spection, and made the auditing of accounts something more 
 than a mere ministerial duty. So great is the confidence felt in 
 his integrity and discretion that the Legislature has vested him 
 with larger powers over the expenditure of appropriations in 
 connection with public institutions than were ever before con- 
 fided to the Comptroller, and it is not an undue estimate to say 
 that by his prudence and firmness he has saved the State at 
 least half a million dollars. ISTotonly in Impractical adminis- 
 tration of the department, but in his official discussions and 
 recommendations, he has shown conspicuous talent for the 
 position. His arinual report presented to the Legislature in 
 January, 1873, attracted unusual attention, and commanded
 
 NELSON K. HOPKINS. 37 
 
 the hearty and unreserved approbation of men and journals 
 of all parties, for its incomparably clear exposition of State 
 finances, and its valuable suggestions. It was signally suc- 
 cessful in stripping the various intricate funds of the 
 obscurities with which the traditional method of statement 
 surrounds them; in exhibiting at a glance the condition of 
 the treasury; in pointing out the true checks upon extrava- 
 gant expenditure, and in treating the subject of taxation. 
 The general judgment is that it fairly ranks among the best 
 of our State papers. 
 
 Always among his own neighbors, and now throughout 
 the State, Comptroller HOPKINS is respected for his unswerv- 
 ing probity, his sound judgment, and his large ability. Per- 
 sonally he is a man of strong friendships, warmly attaching 
 to himself those with whom he is brought into contact. 
 Frank, direct and outspoken, he is at the same time cordial 
 and unaffected, and his fine clear-cut features express at once 
 firm decision of character and winning amiability of dispo- 
 sition.
 
 38 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 THOMAS RAINES, 
 
 STATE TREASURER. 
 
 THOMAS EAINES, the present Treasurer of the State of 
 New York, is one of the youngest men ever chosen by the 
 people for a position of so much importance. He is now in 
 his thirty-first year and was called to preside over the Treas- 
 ury when but twenty-nine. The American people, however, 
 have regard rather to ability than years, agreeing with the 
 Earl of Chatham, that youth is not that sort of an " atrocious 
 crime" which stands in need of any palliation or denial. 
 
 Mr. EAIXES was born at Canandaigua, Ontario county, 
 N. Y., on the 13th of August, 1842. He is of English 
 descent on his father's side, and Scotch on his mother's. 
 His grandfather, JOHN EAIXES, a sturdy Englishman, was 
 born in 1784. At the early age of twenty-eight he had 
 acquired a large fortune in mercantile pursuits, and, not- 
 withstanding the cares of business, had found time while 
 amassing it to fulfill the duties of the sacred office. He was 
 the regularly installed minister of a Methodist congregation, 
 and had intimate relations with the celebrated divine, 
 EGBERT HALL, and other illustrious contemporaries. 
 
 We believe the historians are not at one. as yet, as to the 
 cause that induced the return of Napoleon from his island 
 retreat at Elba, but very many men in England, France and 
 elsewhere, knew too well the effect of the reappearance of the 
 Little Corporal. JOHN EAIXES was one of these, and his 
 financial losses were so heavy as to induce him to gather up 
 the remnants of his broken fortune and try to better his con- 
 dition in America. In the year 1821, the merchant-minister 
 arrived at Philadelphia, and soon after commenced the busi- 
 ness of manufacturing at that point. The usual nps and 
 downs marked his life in the city of Brotherly Love, and 
 after being twice burned out, and declining an offer of part-
 
 THOMAS RAINES. 39 
 
 nership from the now celebrated Thomas Tasker, he aban- 
 doned the Keystone for the Empire State, and took up his 
 residence at Canandaigua. 
 
 The father of the Treasurer, another JOHN RAINES, was 
 born at Hull, in the East Hiding of Yorkshire, England, in 
 the year 1818. While yet an infant he was brought to this 
 country by his parents, and here he has resided ever since. 
 
 After leaving school, and until his twenty-seventh year, 
 he followed farming for a living. He then abandoned sec- 
 ular pursuits and entered the ministry. For many years 
 he was widely known in Western New York, being rec- 
 ognized as standing among the foremost of his Methodist 
 brethren. Mrs. RAINES, the mother of the subject of our 
 sketch, was a Miss MARY REMINGTON. Her ancestors came 
 from New England, but she herself was born near Canan- 
 daigua. 
 
 The leading facts in the life of the Treasurer are about as 
 follows : 
 
 After receiving the usual common school education, and 
 supplementing it with a good deal of self-taught instruction, 
 he closed his text-books at the early age of fourteen. Those 
 who think they can see the coming oak in every acorn, will 
 be interested in knowing that the future financial head of 
 the State left behind him, at the common school from which 
 he graduated, a reputation for unusual proficiency in mathe- 
 matics. Commencing his business life on the bottom round 
 of the long ladder, he accepted a clerkship in a store at 
 Lyons, AVayne county, in this State, at an annual salary of 
 one hundred dollars. His industry, talents and determina- 
 tion soon led to his promotion, and at the age of sixteen he 
 had charge of the books of a large mercantile establishment. 
 A little later we find him book-keeper in the Bank of Canan- 
 daigua, in which institution his education in fiscal matters 
 fairly commenced. Keeping the books of the bank for a 
 year, he developed so much capacity as a banker that he was 
 promoted to be acting cashier.
 
 40 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 At the age of twenty, Mr. RAINES had attained a broad 
 and accurate knowledge of the important and intricate 
 branch of business to which he had resolved to devote his 
 future, and, in connection with a number of capitalists of 
 western New York, he then proceeded to start a National 
 Bank, one of the first, it may be remarked, ever organized 
 in the country. This bank was located at Geneva, Ontario 
 county, and under the management of Mr. RAINES, enjoyed 
 a high degree of prosperity. 
 
 In 1867, he removed to Rochester and, at the age of twenty- 
 four, became financial officer of the Farmers and Mechanics' 
 National Bank of Rochester. In this position, as in his 
 preceding ones, he has been eminently successful, and has 
 built up a large business. 
 
 On the 29th of December, 1864, Mr. RAINES was married 
 to Charrie, daughter of Hon. JOSEPH HALSTEAD, of Columbia 
 county. She died on the 5th of March, 1870, to the poignant 
 grief of a large circle of friends. A lady of high intellectual 
 endowment, and the possessor of varied accomplishments, 
 she was in very deed and truth a helpmeet for her husband. 
 Whatever of prosperity may have attended the later years 
 of his life, he attributes, for the major part, to her wise 
 counsels, and her unfailing sympathy in all his undertakings. 
 
 At the Republican State Convention, which met at 
 Rochester, in September, 1871, Mr. RAINES was nominated 
 by acclamation for the position which he now holds. In the 
 canvass that followed, he made a most gallant fight, and 
 gained the day by an overwhelming majority. The estima- 
 tion in which he is held by his fellow-citizens is shown in 
 the fact of his running nearly a thousand ahead of the State 
 ticket in Rochester. When a prophet (or a banker) comes 
 no nearer than that from being " without honor in his own 
 country," the conclusion is irresistible that his neighbors 
 have entire confidence in the prophet (or banker). Mr. 
 RAINES' entire majority in the State was 21,784 ; he polled 
 the highest vote on the ticket.
 
 THOMAS. RAINES. 41 
 
 Mr. RAINES has been for many years, and still continues 
 to be, an active Kepublican. Sympathizing with the Liberal 
 movement he attended the Cincinnati Convention in May 
 last, and was made one of its Vice-Presidents. Since his induc- 
 tion into the office which he now holds, he has justified the 
 high expectations of his friends, demonstrating both his 
 capacity and disposition to guard the treasury against all 
 thieves, and wisely administer its finances. One of the 
 most active members of the Canal Board, he has gained the 
 commendation of all who favor economy and frugality by his 
 eiforts for the cancellation of repair contracts, and a sweeping 
 and thorough canal investigation. 
 
 By virtue of his office Mr. RAINES is a Commissioner of the 
 Land Office and of the Canal Fund, a member of the Board 
 of State Canvassers, and, as we have already indicated, of the 
 Canal Board.
 
 42 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 FRANCIS C. BARLOW, 
 
 ATTORNEY-GENERAL. 
 
 A slight, almost delicate form, yet as closely knit as that 
 of a deer; a pair of strange, grey eyes; a well developed, 
 classical head, a firm, expressive mouth, giving the features, 
 in repose, an air of sadness ; and you have an outline of 
 General BARLOW'S physique. 
 
 FRANCIS C. BARLOW was born in Brooklyn, New York, 
 on the 19th of October, 1834, of New England parentage. 
 When he was two years of age, his parents removed to Mas- 
 sachusetts, in the vicinity of Boston, where, with the excep- 
 tion of two years spent in New Hampshire, he resided until 
 he entered Harvard. He prepared for college at one of the 
 institutions in Cambridge, and was matriculated at Harvard 
 in 1851. During his collegiate course he was distinguished 
 for his fine scholarship, graduating with the honors of 
 his class, in July, 1855. In the month of September 
 following, he went to the city of New York, where he 
 was very successfully engaged in teaching private classes, 
 for the purpose of preparing young men for college. In the 
 autumn of 1856, he entered the law office of WILLIAM 
 CURTIS NOTES, Esq., where he remained until the spring of 
 1857. He was then employed as a clerk by Messrs. WIIEA- 
 TON & LIVINGSTON, attorneys and counselors at law, also 
 reporting law cases for the Tribune, and was admitted to 
 the bar in 1858. In the month of January, 1859, he formed 
 a partnership with GEORGE BLISS, Jr.. now United States 
 District Attorney for the Southern District of New York, but 
 his professional duties were interrupted by the rebellion of 
 1861. r lhe very day that heralded the assault on Slimier 
 found him ready, at almost a moment's warning, to leave his 
 business and his home, in order to defend the principles 
 which had found such deep root in his heart. He hated
 
 FRANCIS C. BARLOW. 43 
 
 servitude in all its forms ; and he loved, both by nature and 
 education, all the foundation precepts of liberty in their 
 highest and broadest sense ; and he was prepared to go 
 beyond the simple entertainment of these views; he was 
 willing to make any sacrifice, however great, in order to 
 maintain the eternal justice of the nation's cause. 
 
 Although his friends knew how deeply he cherished his 
 opinions, yet they were unprepared for the announcement 
 that he would enter the ranks as a private soldier. He had 
 bright prospects ahead in his profession ; but, though his 
 attention was directed to them, he saw, above all, the danger 
 of the country. 
 
 "Wait," said some of his friends, '"'and we will get a com- 
 mission for you." 
 
 " A commission for me ? " was his inquiry, " I never handled 
 a gun in my life!" 
 
 Without further ceremony, he joined the 12th State Militia, 
 on the 20th of April, 1861, which went out for three months. 
 There was no nourish about this act; in an unostentatious 
 manner, Mr. BARLOW was enrolled as a private, and in the 
 same quiet way he commenced his proud record. The next 
 day after he enlisted, his regiment departed for Washington 
 in defense of the capital. While in camp, he applied him- 
 self, in an assiduous manner, to the study of military treatises. 
 Every leisure moment found him, book in hand, mastering 
 the tactics. At the end of three or four weeks, he accepted 
 the position of First Lieutenant, offered him by Colonel 
 BUTTERFIELD, who fully appreciated his merits. 
 
 At the expiration of the period for which he had enlisted, 
 lie returned to New York. But not feeling that his whole 
 duty to his country had been discharged, after the organiza- 
 tion of the Gist regiment, New York volunteers, he Avas 
 selected and appointed as its Lieutenant-Colonel, and thus 
 opened another chapter in his military course. He had com- 
 menced at the bottom of the ladder, but he saw what many 
 so often fail to perceive, that all one has to do is to put one foot
 
 44 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 above the other, and the ascent must be sure. Moreover, he was 
 not satisfied with being competent for performing the duties 
 of a lieutenant-colonelcy. The same spirit that had, before, 
 commenced to learn the simple evolutions of a company, 
 looked ahead, far beyond the elementary principles of the 
 science of war, to the grand sweep of brigades, divisions and 
 corps. 
 
 His regiment was assigned to General MCCLELLAJT'S 
 army ; and during the autumn and winter months of 1861, 
 Lieutenant-Colonel BARLOW was studying the tactics, as he 
 had leisure, with a resolute will. When the grand army 
 moved down in front of Yorktown, he was promoted to the 
 rank of colonel. In a few days transpired the fierce battle 
 of Fair Oaks in which the valor of our soldiers was put to 
 a severe trial. During this engagement Colonel BARLOW'S 
 regiment lost its color-bearer and four of the color-guard, 
 and General HOWARD, having lost an arm, gave the com- 
 mand of his brigade to Colonel BARLOW. He fearlessly led 
 the troops into the midst of the slaughter, now encouraging 
 by his words, now holding them firmly in their positions by 
 his authority and presence, never permitting them to swerve 
 from points already gained. His bravery won for him a 
 single star upon his shoulder. He distinguished himself in 
 the same gallant manner during the bloody " Seven Days' 
 Fight." The next conflict in which he took a prominent 
 part was at Antietam. On this occasion, he was wounded in 
 the breast and groin, and his life despaired of by the sur- 
 geons. But his noble, faithful wife nursed him with a 
 womanly tenderness that saved his life. Two days after the 
 battle, and on September 19, 1862, he was promoted to be a 
 Brigadier-General " for distinguished gallantry at the battle 
 of Fair Oaks." As soon as he recovered he led a brigade into 
 the bloody battle of Chancellorsville. Shortly afterward he 
 was given the command of a division. When the waves of 
 the rebellion dashed upon the southern slope of Pennsyl- 
 vania, General BARLOW led his division into the horrible
 
 FRANCIS C. BARLOW. 45 
 
 engagement. Without a twinge of physical fear, in the 
 midst of shell and cannon, he rode in front of the line, 
 inspiriting troops and exhorting them to remain unyielding. 
 Wheeling squadrons, carrying slaughter in their courses, 
 swept on like mighty engines of destruction, and still the 
 slight form of General BARLOW was seen dashing from 
 one point of attack to another. At last, the fearless rider 
 fell from his horse, wounded by four musket balls. The 
 great agony of the fight "went on, and the brave general 
 lay on the field, exposed to the fire of friend and foe. While 
 in this condition he was again twice wounded. When 
 night terminated the battle, he was found by the rebel Gen- 
 eral EARLY, who, while passing over the field, discovered his 
 rank by the star upon his shoulder. Supposing him to be 
 dead, General EARLY paused with his staff officers, to learn 
 his name, remarking that nothing could be done for the dead 
 general. Feebly raising his head, General BARLOW gave 
 EARLY that terse, gritty reply, which was afterward, at 
 the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, so fully verified : 
 " I will live to fight you yet, General!" 
 
 The assiduous attentions of Mrs. BARLOW, who had accom- 
 panied the army, succoring the wounded in hospital and 
 field, again brought her husband from the valley of death. 
 We would further add that this noble wife a most accom- 
 plished and beautiful woman in her work of heroic self- 
 sacrifices, contracted the hospital fever, and died as truly 
 and nobly a martyr to country as the bravest soldier who 
 ever fell on a battle-field. 
 
 Returning to the field in March, 1864, he was given the 
 command of the first division of the 2d (Hancock's Corps), 
 and in command of it he participated in the battle of the 
 Wilderness. In one of the engagements he captured a 
 whole division of General EARLY'S corps, under the com- 
 mand of General JOHNSON, and forty pieces of artillery. 
 In front of Petersburg he was promoted to a major-general- 
 ship. Taking a prominent part in the closing conflict
 
 46 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 before Richmond, he had the satisfaction of seeing the great 
 army of the Confederacy vanquished by the determined 
 legions of the North. 
 
 In the autumn of 1865, General BARLOW was nominated 
 by the union party of New York, as candidate for the office 
 of Secretary of State, against General SLOCUM, who had 
 been nominated by the democrats, and was elected, after an 
 exciting and warmly contested campaign, by a majority of 
 27,491. His administration was in every way creditable to 
 himself and satisfactory to the people. Resuming the prac- 
 tice of law, on the expiration of his term, he added to a 
 reputation already brilliant, by his able and trenchant protest 
 against the degradation of the legal profession under the 
 malign influence of Erie corruption. 
 
 General BARLOW was elected to his present honorable and 
 responsible position by a majority not far from twenty thous- 
 and. Prompt and decisive in peace as in war, he administers 
 the duties of his office as successfully as he led his men on 
 the battle field.
 
 WILLIAM'S. TAYLOR. 47 
 
 WILLIAM B. TAYLOR, 
 
 STATE ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR. 
 
 The subject of the present sketch was bom on the 27th of 
 February, 1824, in Manchester, Oneida county, New York. 
 His father, JOB TAYLOR, was, for some time, foreman of a 
 cotton mill at Manchester, and from 1830 to 1837, was "mine 
 host" of an inn in Utica in high favor with the traveling 
 public. His son. with whom we have to do, received his 
 schooling at the Utica academy, and was only prevented 
 from pursuing a collegiate course at Geneva by the reverses 
 of fortune. At the age of eighteen, he closed his text-books, 
 to take up that le*on of self-reliance, which henceforth was 
 to be taught him, and which he was to learn so well in that 
 great school, the world. In 1837, his brother, LORENZO, Avas 
 elected city surveyor of Utica, and appointed WILLIAM as his 
 assistant. Since that time he has been unremitting in the 
 practice of his profession. In 1849, he accepted a position as 
 leveler in the engineer's department of the enlargement of 
 the Erie canal, and for many succeeding years remained in 
 the employ of the State as first, and second, resident and 
 division engineer. In 18G1 he was elected State Engineer 
 and Surveyor, the position which he now holds, by the mag- 
 nificent majority of over 100,000. He was twice city sur- 
 veyor of Utica, and from 1857 to 1860, inclusive, was a 
 member of the common council of that city. He was form- 
 erly a Whig, and lias been a member of the Ivepublican party 
 since its organization. When elected State Eno-ineer and 
 
 o o 
 
 Surveyor, in 1SG1, he was only thirty-seven years of age 
 the youngest man who had ever filled that important and 
 responsible position. 
 
 Since 18G1 Mr. TAYLOR served his first term as State 
 Engineer and Surveyor, and in the fall of 1SG3 was again 
 nominated and elected for a second term, being with one
 
 48 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 exception (that of Hoii. VAN E. RICHMOND) the only in- 
 cumbent who has occupied that position during two succes- 
 sive terms. 
 
 On January 1, 1866, he vacated the office and devoted him- 
 self to the purchase and sale of real estate in the city of Utica. 
 Mr. TAYLOR was succeeded for one term by the Hon. J. 
 PLATT GOODSELL, who was followed by the Hon. VAN E. 
 RICHMOND again for two terms. 
 
 In the fall of 1871 Mr. TAYLOR, by nomination and elec- 
 tion, was again recalled to the position of State Engineer and 
 Surveyor. During the four years he discharged the duties 
 of this office as well as in the various public positions to 
 which he has been chosen by the citizens of Utica, where he 
 has resided since 1829, he has invariably possessed the 
 entire confidence of every one, regardle^ of party. Mr. 
 TAYLOR is now 48 years of age, has always enjoyed robust 
 health, and is honored and respected by all who have been 
 associated with him in private or public business. 
 
 As an engineer Mr. TAYLOR has attained a high rank and 
 is, probably, inferior to none in the State. He possesses 
 characteristics of mind particularly adapted to his profession. 
 A man of keen perceptions, he is quick to detect weak points 
 and determine strong ones. With a mind of great activity 
 he has the faculty of arriving at the conclusion of a proposi- 
 tion before it is half stated to him. His social qualities are 
 of a rare order ; few men have the faculty possessed by Mr. 
 TAYLOR of making and retaining friends. It may be truly 
 said of him that he has a "genius for friendship." Reliable 
 in his pledges, true to those who confide in him, he possesses, 
 withal, that independence of character which is one of the 
 chief ornaments of manhood.
 
 SENATORS. 
 
 CHARLES H. ADAMS. 
 
 The thirteenth district, consisting of the county of Albany, 
 is represented by CHARLES H. ADAMS, of Cohoes. Few, if 
 any, of his colleagues can boast a more honorable ancestry, or 
 one more closely identified with the living interests of the 
 republic. His maternal grandfather, ANTHONY EGBERTS, 
 served as an officer in the war of the Revolution, and his 
 father, HENRY ADAMS, was a surgeon in the war of 1812, 
 being engaged in his official duties at the battle of Sackett's 
 Harbor. His paternal grandfather, PETER C. ADAMS, repre- 
 sented the middle district in the State Senate from 1806 to 
 1808, the compeer of CLINTON, YATES and LIVINGSTON. All 
 these ancestors were upright men, and left to the present 
 Senator the heritage of an unsullied name. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was born at Coxsackie, Greene 
 county, in this State, April 10, 1825. He received his edu- 
 cation, and was fitted for the active duties of life at the 
 Albany Academy, where he graduated with credit to himself 
 and his Alma Mater. Soon after, he began to apply himself 
 to the study of law, and was, in due time, admitted to practice, 
 and entered upon his professional life in the city of New York. 
 Since 1852. however, he has devoted himself chiefly to 
 the manufacture of knit goods at Cohoes, which city is largely 
 indebted to his public spirit and munificence for its present 
 prosperity Before the incorporation of Cohoes as a city, he 
 served as trustee of the village, and president of the AVater
 
 50 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Board. In 1858 he was elected member of Assembly, and at 
 the expiration of his term, a large and enthusiastic meeting 
 of his fellow-townsmen testified by various complimentary 
 resolutions, their entire satisfaction with his course. 
 
 In such esteem is he held by all citizens, irrespective of 
 party, that although an ardent Republican, he was elected the 
 first mayor of his adopted home, under the new charter, the 
 city being at the time largely Democratic. He is, and has been 
 for some years, president of The Bank of Cohoes. In 1851 
 he was aide on Governor HUNT'S staff, and in 1868 a candi- 
 date for Presidential elector. Two years ago, he was elected to 
 his present position by a majority of 656, leading the Repub- 
 lican State ticket by 1,911 votes, thus demonstrating his 
 popularity in the most unmistakable manner. Hi rigi- 
 nally belonged to the old Whig party, and afterward to the 
 American, but is now in full accord with the Republican 
 party. 
 
 This is Mr. ADAMS' first term in the Senate ; yet thus 
 early he has shown that he possesses, in a rare degree, that 
 gravity, lofty sense of honor, and keen perception of the 
 people's wants, which are the distinctive traits of the true 
 legislator. His wealth is amply sufficient to enable him to 
 give his undivided attention to the duties and requirements 
 of his office. Strenuously opposed to all rings, and all jobs 
 under whatever guise they may appear, his vote and influence 
 have thus far been employed only to subserve the best inter- 
 ests of his constituency and the State at large. In the Sena- 
 torial body, Mr. ADAMS is emphatically a practical working 
 member. His strong common sense and thorough familiarity 
 with matters of finance, manufactures and internal improve- 
 ments, peculiarly adapt him for committee work; and his 
 presence on six important committees, of two of which he is 
 chairman, testifies the appreciation, by his colleagues, of his 
 large and varied abilities. His strength does not lie in 
 finesse or political diplomacy of doubtful repute, nor does he 
 ever engross valuable time in wearisome, unnecessary debate.
 
 NORMAN M. ALLEN. 51 
 
 He seldom indulges in speech-making, but accomplishes quite 
 as much of the public business by his advice and counsel, 
 as some who are favored with greater powers of declamation. 
 Last fall the Senator ran for Congress in the strongly Demo- 
 cratic 14th District. Although he was beaten, yet a com- 
 parison of votes shows that he received the largest vote ever 
 cast in that district for a Republican Congressman. 
 
 NORMAN M. ALLEN. 
 
 The thirty-second senatorial district, composed of the 
 counties of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua, is represented by 
 NORMAX M. ALLEX, who was born at Dayton, Cattaraugus 
 county, on the 24th of December, 1828. His father, LUTHER 
 ALLEX, and his mother, HULDAH BENEDICT ALLEX, were 
 both born at Fabius, Onondaga county, and are now deceased. 
 
 The subject of this sketch w r as left an orphan at the age of 
 sixteen, and is a, "self-made" man, one who has fought his 
 way to success in the world by force of his own talents and 
 industry, and without adventitious aids. Cast upon his un- 
 aided individual resources, while yet a mere boy, lie learned, per 
 force, that lesson which the wise man commended to bear 
 the yoke in youth. NORMAX'S education, that is to say, the 
 first rudiments of it, was acquired in the common school of 
 his native place, and such advantages as offered were im- 
 proved by the lad to the best of his ability. The years 
 immediately succeeding the death of his parents he devoted 
 to agricultural pursuits, but. finding that the farm was not 
 altogether to his liking, he turned his attention to the law 
 with all diligence. It was not long before he was admitted 
 to practice, and in the law, which has been the profession 
 of his life, he has been rewarded by a large measure of 
 success. 
 
 In 1848, Mr. ALLEX was married to HULDAH MERRILL. 
 He has four children, two of whom are married.
 
 52 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 During the late war, he was appointed paymaster by Pres- 
 ident LINCOLN", and was in service in that capacity for a 
 short time in 18G3. He resigned his position to accept the 
 appointment of Assistant Provost Marshal for the thirty-first 
 district of New York. 
 
 The main facts in the Senator's political history are as fol- 
 lows : From the time of his first becoming a voter until the 
 year 1854, he was a zealous member of the Democratic party, 
 but since the date last mentioned he has been an uncom- 
 promising and unwavering Eepublican. For thirteen suc- 
 cessive years, he was Supervisor at Dayton, and for ten years 
 of that time was chairman of the board facts which speak 
 volumes for the confidence reposed in him by his neighbors 
 and the citizens of Cattaraugus county. He has also filled 
 the office of school commissioner ; has served a term of 
 four years as State assessor, and was a member of the Conven- 
 tion, containing so many distinguished men, which met in 
 1867. to revise the Constitution of the State. 
 
 The present is not the Senator's first experience in legisla- 
 tive life. He was a member of the preceding Senate in 
 1864-5, and a member of the Committees on Literature, 
 Indian Affairs, and Towns and Counties in that body. He 
 was elected to the present Senate by the handsome majority 
 of 4,276. He is a legislator of the practical school, never 
 asking for the attention of his fellow-members unless he has 
 something to say, never thinking to be heard for his "much 
 speaking." The thirty-second district never was represented 
 by a more faithful or conscientious Senator, or one more 
 devoted to its interests than JSTc-RMAN M! ALLEN". 
 
 In the late presidential election Senator ALLEN cast his 
 vote for HORACE GREELEY. The choice, in his judgment. 
 was simply between two Republicans, and therefore he felt 
 free to follow his individual dictates. Hud the issue been 
 made up between General GRANT and an opponent not a 
 Republican, he, as in political duty bound, would have given 
 GRANT his vote and influence.
 
 SAMUEL AMES. 53 
 
 SAMUEL AMES. 
 
 The sixteenth senatorial district consists of the counties 
 of Clinton, Essex and "VVarren. The Senator is SAMUEL 
 AMES, who was born at Champlain, Clinton county, June 
 29th, 1824. His father, CHAKLES AMES, was a native of 
 Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where he was born near the 
 close of the last century. The senator is a remote descend- 
 ant of JOHN AMES, who came to this country from Briton, 
 Somersetshire, England, and settled in Braintree, Massa- 
 chusetts, as far back as 1640. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was educated at the Champlain 
 and Keeseville academies, which he attended until he was 
 twenty years of age, when he left school, and began the 
 study of law. Entering the office of GEOKGE A. SIMMONS 
 as a student, he subsequently formed a copartnership in law 
 with that gentleman, which continued until the death of 
 Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. AMES has had a successful professional 
 career ; his talents and industry being rewarded by a large 
 and remunerative practice. At the present time, having 
 withdrawn from the legal field, he is engaged in the business 
 of banking. 
 
 The record of Mr. AMES' political life is, in one respect, 
 that of many other of our public men with whom he 
 sympathises politically. That is to say, he was a Whig 
 until the formation of the Eepublican party, and ever since 
 lias been an active member of that organization. He has 
 served several terms as supervisor 'of his town ; in 1865 was 
 appointed commissioner of patents, and. subsequently, having 
 resigned the commissionership, was made register of bank- 
 ruptcy, an office which he now holds. 
 
 In the election, in the fall of 1871, which resulted in his 
 elevation to the Senate, his popularity in the sixteenth dis-
 
 54 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 trict was demonstrated in the most unmistakable manner. 
 He ran 550 votes ahead of his ticket, receiving a majority of 
 2)232. In 1869, the adverse majority was 2,066. Soon after 
 the commencement of his senatorial term, Mr. AMES was 
 stricken down with a painful and dangerous illness, which 
 has since prevented him, save at intervals, from actively 
 engaging in the discharge of his official duties. Early last 
 session, he was compelled to give up on account of impaired 
 health, and this year, no sooner had he reached the Senate 
 than a return of his old complaint necessitated his imme- 
 diate return to his home. 
 
 In 184-9, Mr. AMES was married to Miss THOMPSON, a 
 daughter of the late ANDREW THOMPSON, a banker, who 
 was for many years well known in northern Xew York. Of 
 large ability, and the highest purity, personally strong and 
 popular, Senator AMES is a man whose absence from the 
 Senate is the cause of the unfeigned regret of his fellow- 
 senators. An earnest wish for his speedy restoration to 
 health goes up from many hearts. 
 
 ISAAC V. BAKER, JE. 
 
 Remembering that the word "senator" is derived from the 
 Latin senex, which is, by interpretation, an old man, it seems 
 an anomaly to designate the gentleman who represents the 
 fifth senatorial district as senator, seeing that as yet he is in 
 the very bloom of his youth. 
 
 Mr. BAKER was born August 15, 1843. at Comstock's 
 Landing, Washington county, X. Y., a place founded by 
 his maternal grandfather, PETER COMSTOCK, well known 
 throughout northern Xew York as an energetic, go-ahead 
 business man, who took the first raft through the Cham- 
 plain canal, and was largely engaged in the forwarding and
 
 ISAAC V. BAKER, JR. 55 
 
 transportation business for many years, in connection with 
 the father of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 ISAAC V. BAKER, Sr., long and favorably known as a 
 leading railroad man, and now president of the New York 
 and Canada railroad, formerly owned and ran a line of 
 packets on the Champlain canal, also the canal boats com- 
 prising the northern transportation line, together with the 
 old Redbird line of stages running from Montreal to New 
 York. 
 
 Mr. BAKEK, the subject of the present sketch, inherits the 
 energy, enterprise and business qualifications of his father 
 and grandfather in a great degree, and has, at his early age, 
 acquired a reputation for himself enjoyed by few men of 
 more mature years. His first school days were passed in 
 the North Granville Academy and in the Brooklyn Poly- 
 technic and Collegiate Institute. He there obtained a fair 
 classical education. He started in business, at the age of 
 seventeen, as a merchant, in his native town, and retains 
 his interest in the business at the present date. He early 
 interested himself in agriculture, and especially in breeding 
 Merino sheep, in which branch of trade BAKER & HARRI- 
 GAX have acquired a national reputation, selling choice 
 specimens of their flock into nearly every State in the 
 Union, and also Australia. Mr. BAKER has been secretary 
 of the Washington County Sheep Breeders and Wool Grow- 
 ers' Association since its organization, some five years, and 
 served a term as president of the Washington County Agricul- 
 tural Society. At present he is actively engaged in railroading, 
 occupying the position of general financier for the consoli- 
 dated railroads which are operated by the Delaware and 
 Hudson canal company. The lines reach from Bingham- 
 ton to Rutland, and embrace many branches in addition to 
 the main line. He was nominated for member of Assembly 
 in 18G8, wlu-n but twenty-five years of age, and elected by 
 the largest majority ever given in that district, running over 
 three hundred ahead of the State ticket. He served, in the
 
 56 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Assembly of 1869, on the Railroad committee, also on the 
 special gas investigating committee, taking good rank in the 
 House. Many bills important to his district were passed 
 through his exertions. So well pleased were his constituents 
 with his course that they awarded him a second and a third 
 term in the Assembly, renominating him in 1869 and 1870 
 by acclamation. In the Assembly of 1870 he was a member 
 of the committee on Canals and Civil Divisions, and in 1871 
 a leading member on that of Railroads. 
 
 Having thus served in the lower house for three years, 
 and added to the qualities which originally commended him 
 to the public, faithful service and valuable experience, his con- 
 stituents would seem to have said to him, in the language of 
 the scriptures, " friend, go up higher." He was nominated to 
 the position which he now holds, in the same hearty style 
 with which he had been named for the Assembly by accla- 
 mation. In the election which followed, a compliment was 
 paid him of the rarest and most flattering character. He 
 actually received every vote but one in his own election dis- 
 trict (which is about evenly divided politically), and that 
 one was cast by an individual who had been arrested on the 
 complaint of Mr. BAKER, or one of his family, some 
 time previous. The Senator ran 2.250 ahead of his ticket, 
 carrying every toAvn in Washington county. His majority 
 was 4.458. 
 
 Senator BAKER never troubles the Senate with long set 
 speeches, full of sound, but signifying nothing. When he 
 does take the floor, he goes directly to the point which 
 induced him to rise. He is a hard worker in the committees, 
 and in every contest of the people with corruption, is found 
 on the right side. Few young men have so fair a future 
 before them as that which, seemingly, awaits Senator BAKEE.
 
 ERASTUS C. BENEDICT. 57 
 
 ERASTUS C. BENEDICT. 
 
 The fifth senatorial district is represented by ERASTUS 
 CORNELIUS BENEDICT. He was born at Branford, Connect- 
 icut, March 19th, 1800. In early life he had some experi- 
 ence in school teaching, commencing in a common school in 
 1816, and ending as a tutor in Williams College in 1824. He 
 entered the sophomore class in September, 1816, and grad- 
 uated in 1821, when he took charge of the academy in Johns- 
 town; he subsequently taught in the academy in Newburgh. 
 As tutor in college, he instructed the class of 1825, during 
 their junior year, and the class of 1826, during their sopho- 
 more year. His professional studies completed, at the end of 
 the year 1824, he entered upon the practice of the law, in 
 the city of New York, where he has ever since been, and is 
 now, a successful practitioner. When the common school 
 system was extended to the city of New York, he was chosen 
 among the first trustees of common schools, and, subse- 
 quently, in 1850, was elected a member of the board of edu- 
 cation for the city, of which board he was president for 
 several years. He resigned his office, as member of the 
 board of education, in 1863, not, however, until he was gen- 
 erally recognized as among the first who were instrumental 
 in consolidating and maturing the entire school system of 
 New York. The great value of the services he rendered 
 co-operating with like-minded men in rearing the Free 
 Academy, now the College of New York, are widely recog- 
 nized and appreciated. He was among the select number 
 who confessedly laid the foundations of the Areopagus, and 
 royal line of college advantages for the masses in the city of 
 New York. In 1855, he was elected by the Legislature a 
 regent of the University, which office he still holds. In 1840, 
 he was elected a member' of the Common Council of the city
 
 58 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 of New York. In 1848, he was a member of the lower house 
 of the State Legislature, as, also, in 1864. 
 
 In the Assembly of 1848, he was a member of the com- 
 mittee on colleges, academies and common schools, and 
 incorporation of cities and villages ; he was also chairman of 
 the select committee which reported the general railroad law 
 passed during that session, and wrote the report ; was actire 
 in securing the passage of the law giving married women the 
 control of their property, and also the act to simplify, etc., 
 the practice of the acts known as " The Code." In 1864, he 
 was a member of the committees on colleges and federal 
 relations ; reported, and actively promoted the passage of the 
 act to revise and consolidate the general acts relating to pub- 
 lic instruction, and also the act relative to common schools 
 in the city of New York. He is an elder in the Reformed 
 Church, and was a member of the general synod of 1868. 
 Mr. BENEDICT is the author of the " American Admiralty ; " 
 " A Run Through Europe," a book of travels of which a third 
 edition was published in 1868 ; the Hymn of Hildebert, and 
 other mediaeval hymns, with translations ; of various pam- 
 phlets, reviews, speeches and addresses on literary, religious, 
 and political subjects, published at various times during the 
 past thirty years, including the " Beginning of America," the 
 anniversary discourse before the New York Historical Society, 
 in 1863. In 1840, he delivered the anniversary address before 
 the society of alumni, of Williams college, in which institu* 
 tion he has established several prizes. The degree of LL. D., 
 was conferred upon him by Rutgers college, in 1865. He 
 has, for the past twenty-eight years, been a member of the 
 executive committee of the New York Historical Society; 
 has been a trustee of Williams college, since 1855 ; a man- 
 ager of the New York association to improve the condition 
 of the poor, since its organization in 1848; and a manager 
 of the American Art Union while it existed. He has also 
 been one of the governors of the State Woman's Hospital, 
 since that institution was incorporated.
 
 GEORGE Bo WEN. 59 
 
 Mr. BENEDICT was elected to the Senate by a majority of 
 4,842 over MICHAEL NORTON, who had been chosen to the 
 preceding Senate by a majority of over 500. He is Chair- 
 man of the Committee on Literature, and is a member of the 
 Committees on Cities, Militia, Engrossed Bills, and Joint 
 Library. He is a ready and fluent debater, erer vigilant for 
 the public weal, and especially devoted to the great metropo- 
 lis which he has loved so long and so well. 
 
 GEORGE BOWEN. 
 
 Mr. BOWEN represents the twenty-ninth Senatorial dis- 
 trict, which is composed of the counties of Niagara, Orleans 
 and Genesee. He is in the prime of life ; just that age 
 when the maturity of thought and the vigor of youth blend 
 most effectively. He was born at Shelby, Orleans county, 
 N. Y., September 28th, 1831. His mother's maiden name 
 was ANNA CONE ; and his father was Dr. ABIEL BOWEN, 
 who, in his earlier years, was a practising physician, but for 
 the last twenty years of his life a farmer. 
 
 Until Mr. BOWEN was fourteen years of age, he enjoyed 
 only the educational advantages of the common school. 
 After that time, he attended the Millville academy, in 
 Orleans county, and the Gary Collegiate Institute in Genesee 
 county. He also taught school a couple of winters. But 
 his chief aim was to adopt the practice of the law for his 
 profession ; and with this end in view, he studied with Hon. 
 JOHN H. MARTJNDALE. Hon. SETII WAKEMAN, and WIL- 
 LIAM G. BRYAN, at Batavia. He was admitted to the bar in 
 December, 1852, at Rochester, and, it is curious to note, 
 among his examiners on that occasion was Hon. JAMES 
 WOOD, then district-attorney of Livingston county, and now 
 
 v O / -' 
 
 a member of the same Senate in which Mr. BOWEN sits.
 
 60 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Four years after his admission to the bar, his legal abilities 
 received recognition from the Republican party by an election 
 to the office of district-attorney for Genesee county. In 
 1862 he was appointed postmaster at Batavia, by President 
 LINCOLN, and remained in that capacity for four years. 
 
 In Batavia, Mr. BOWEN is recognized as a first-class busi- 
 ness man. He is a Director of the First National Bank of 
 Batavia, and President of the Holland Purchase Insurance 
 Company. He is also a Trustee of the State Institution for 
 the Blind, at Batavia having been appointed to this posi- 
 tion of trust by Governor HOFFMAN and is Chairman of its 
 Executive committee. The tenure of these places of responsi- 
 bility and prominence by Mr. BOWEN, bespeaks the full con- 
 fidence reposed in him by such of his fellow-citizens as knew 
 him best. 
 
 In 1869 he was elected to the Senate, when, by reason of 
 the party to which he belongs being in the minority, there 
 was not that opportunity for him to do justice to himself, 
 which has been afforded him in the present Senate. Never- 
 theless, he exhibited such a wide-awake attention to the 
 wants of his constituents, and to the general welfare of the 
 State, that he was renominated with enthusiasm and elected 
 by a larger vote than he received at first. Charges, impeach- 
 ing his integrity, were made by certain parties, during the 
 canvass, with a view to defeat him, and a mass meeting was 
 called at Albion to nominate a Republican candidate against 
 him. But the Senator, in "A card to the electors of the 
 Twenty- Ninth Senatorial District," so answered and disposed 
 of the charges aimed at him, and placed their author in such a 
 bad light by laying bare the animus that inspired the attacks, 
 that the opposition convention proved weak and harmless, and 
 without appreciable adverse effect on Senator Bo"V\"EX ? s candi- 
 dacy. He was elected in 1869 by a vote of 2,096, and was re- 
 elected by 2.692. In the last Senate, Senator BOWEX was a 
 member of the committees on Claims. Villages and Printing, 
 and Sub-committee of the Whole. In the present Senate,
 
 THOMAS J. CHATFIELD. 61 
 
 he is chairman of 1 three important committees Claims 
 Printing and the Sub-committee of the Whole, better known 
 as the " grinding committee," and is a member of the Judici- 
 ary, Literature and Villages committees. No constituency, 
 we venture to say, ever had a more faithful representative. 
 Mr. BOWEN has an eminently legal mind, and speaks with so 
 much clearness, force and fluency as always to command 
 attention. 
 
 THOMAS J. CHATFIELD. 
 
 THOMAS J. CHATFIELD, who represents the twenty-fourth 
 Senatorial district, was born in Great Harrington, Berkshire 
 county, Massachusetts, September 16th, 1818. His father, 
 JOHN" CHATFIELD, came from Oxford, Connecticut, where he 
 was born in 1792. He held the rank of Major in the old 
 Massachusetts militia, and died in Owego, Tioga Co., JST. Y., 
 the residence of the Senator in the summer of 1865. 
 
 The subject of our sketch received a good substantial 
 education in the comnnon schools of Great Harrington, and 
 still holds pleasant remembrances of the old central school 
 house, of which he was an inmate for a number of terms. 
 While he was yet a boy, the military spirit which he inherited 
 from his father, induced him to organize and command a 
 military company composed entirely of young lads. At the 
 age of twenty-one years he laid aside his school books, and 
 at once embarked in active business. The virtue of per- 
 severance has been strikingly illustrated in the Senator's long 
 and successful career as a merchant. Beginning his business 
 life as a grocer, a grocer he has remained ever since, finding in 
 the steady and industrious pursuit of that branch of trade a 
 large measure of prosperity. He has carried on business in 
 the town of Owego in which he now resides, for the past 
 thirty-four years.
 
 62 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. CHATFIELD has often been honored by his fellow citi- 
 zens with that distinguished mark of confidence election 
 to office. He has filled a number of responsible positions, 
 and has always acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of 
 those whom he has represented, and to his own great credit. 
 He has been Supervisor of his town, and Trustee and Presi- 
 dent of the village. In 1852 he was selected to represent 
 the county of Tioga in the Assembly. In the year 1868 he 
 was a delegate to the memorable Eepublican National Con- 
 vention at Chicago, which called together such an array of 
 distinguished men, and which nominated General GRANT for 
 the presidency. Mr. CHATFIELD is, and has been since the 
 formation of the Republican party, an ardent and uncompro- 
 mising Eepublican. In the politics of the long past he was 
 a Whig. He was nominated to the position which he now 
 holds, under circumstances peculiarly gratifying. In a 
 district where three such sterling men as Messrs. CHATFIELD, 
 SELKREG and CHAPMAX were pressed for nomination, as 
 was the case in the twenty-fourth senatorial district, when 
 last its nominating convention met to name a Senator, it was 
 impossible to go amiss, and very easy for each one of the 
 three to be defeated because of the excellencies of his com- 
 petitors. In choosing Mr. CHATFIELD, the convention 
 stamped him as one of the most honored and successful 
 Republicans in the southern tier of counties. Two years 
 previous to his election to the Senate, such was his popularity 
 throughout the State that the position of Treasurer was 
 given to him on the State ticket. 
 
 He was elected Senator by a majority of 4,169. He brings 
 to the duties of his office sound judgment, large capacity for 
 public affairs and incorruptible integrity. He is Chairman 
 of two committees, Roads and Bridges, and Grievances; 
 and is a member of the committees on Canals and Public 
 health.
 
 TOWNSEND D. COCK. 63 
 
 TOWNSEND D. COCK. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, who represents the first Sena- 
 torial District of the State, comprising the counties of Suf- 
 folk, Queens and Richmond, was born December 3, 1838, 
 at Locust Valley, Queens county, upon the farm where he 
 now resides, which has been in the possession of his ances- 
 tors from the first settlement of the country. His ancestors 
 were Quakers, and he was educated in their religious faith. 
 The writer of the " Townsend Memorial" aflirms that be is 
 descended in ten different ways from the three TOWXSEXD 
 brothers who emigrated from England and settled upon 
 Long Island. 
 
 He received a common school education, and intended to 
 avail himself of the advantages of a collegiate course, with 
 a view of adopting the legal profession, but his health fail- 
 ing him, he was reluctantly compelled to abandon the inten- 
 tion he had thus formed. 
 
 Soon after attaining his majority he was urged by numer- 
 ous friends to permit his name to be used in connection with 
 the position of representative from his Assembly district, in 
 the Legislature, which he declined. In 1863 and 1864 he 
 was elected Vice-President of the Queens County Agricultural 
 Society, one of the most prosperous and successful organiza- 
 tions devoted to the advancement of the interests of Agricul- 
 ture in this State. In 1867 he was chosen Supervisor of his 
 town, serving in that capacity for five years, being elected 
 the last year without opposition, and honored with the Chair- 
 manship of the Board in 1870. 
 
 In the summer of 1871 his name was brought forward by 
 his friends as a candidate for the position he now holds. After 
 a severe and prolonged contest in the Senatorial Convention 
 he received the nomination and immediatelv entered earnestlv
 
 64 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 upon the canvass. A strong and powerful influence was 
 brought to bear against him, through the instrumentality of 
 money, which, coupled with the fact that his opponent was 
 an active and industrious worker, rendered the canvass an 
 exciting one, but Mr. COCK was successful and secured his 
 election by eight hundred and sixty-eight majority. A large 
 number of representative Eepublicans throughout the Dis- 
 trict gave him their warm and earnest support. 
 
 In the fall of 1864 he was invited to deliver the annual 
 address before the Eockland County Agricultural Society at 
 their exhibition, which invitation was accepted. We subjoin 
 the following extract from the same as an illustration of his 
 style : " So also would I urge upon you as farmers to beautify 
 and to adorn your homes as the best means of instilling in the 
 minds of your children a love of, and admiration for, the 
 useful, the noble, the beautiful and the good. In proportion 
 as you make your habitations inviting and pleasing, you 
 bind the boy just budding into usefulness and about to draw 
 around him the drapery of manhood with indissoluble ties 
 to the genial moral atmosphere of country life. That home 
 which is devoid of the presence of flowers, whose possessor 
 manifests no taste nor inclination to beautify it, and to 
 impart to it an interest, by planting a shrub here, or a tree 
 there, becomes but a sphere of drudgery and toil, upon which 
 the young candidate for the honors of the farm looks with 
 supreme disgust, rather than as a spot upon which he can 
 center his affections and lavish his unoccupied time, in em- 
 bellishing it with whatever his tastes might suggest. That 
 habitation becomes in his eyes a field where the golden hours 
 of his youth must be spent in the oftentimes vain endeavors 
 to gain a competency ; as a sphere of operation where he must 
 engage in the stern struggle of life, with but little prospect 
 of a decisive victory; and., in the absence of those pleasant 
 objects upon which he might bestow his attentions, when 
 released from the severer exactions of the farm, he becomes 
 disheartened and dispirited, and the duties of his pursuit
 
 S *S'. DICKINSON. 65 
 
 become irksome and disagreeable. Without any elaborate 
 argument upon this point, which time will not permit, allow 
 me to urge upon you as a part of your duties, the necessity 
 for the more general embellishment of your homes. Make 
 them reflect in their surroundings that purity which is 
 inseparable from country life ; make them spots that you and 
 your children will love ; make them, by the exercise of judi- 
 cious taste and right management, the abodes of unques- 
 tioned happiness and genuine enjoyment. Plant there the 
 purest flowers, fitting types, appropriate representatives of 
 that spirit which should lead you upward to the habitations 
 of the good; dedicate that home to truth, to love, to justice, 
 and to right." 
 
 Mr. COCK is a member of the following important stand- 
 ing committees : Railroads, Roads and Bridges, and Internal 
 Affairs of Towns and Counties. Not often addressing the 
 Senate, and never needlessly, he is ever vigilant for the inter- 
 ests committed to his hands, and can retire at the end of his 
 term with the consciousness that he has left nothing undone, 
 within his ability, that would promote the welfare of the first 
 Senatorial District. 
 
 WELLS S. DICKINSON. 
 
 The seventeenth Senatorial district, comprising the coun- 
 ties of Franklin and St. Lawrence, is represented by WELLS 
 S. DICKINSON, of Franklin, lie conies from a section of the 
 Empire State which has always been in the van of liberal 
 and progressive ideas, a section proud of its PKESTON KING, 
 its Si i. AS WRIGHT, and which has produced many sons who 
 have been potent in shaping the policy of State and nation. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born at Bangor, Franklin 
 county, where he still resides, in the year 18'-27. and is of gen- 
 uine American descent. After receiving the rudiments of
 
 66 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 his education at a common school, he entered the Franklin 
 academy in his native county, where he remained two years. 
 He then, in the year 1846, laid aside his books, and engaged in 
 mercantile pursuits with his father, whom he joined as partner 
 in 1850. In 1851 he took to himself a wife, marrying Miss 
 THUSA FISH. In 1853 he bought out his father's interest in 
 the business and associated Mr. A. C. PATTERSON with him- 
 self. The copartnership thus formed continued until the 
 year 1865, when he also admitted Mr. CHARLES WHITNEY 
 into the firm, and carried on business under the name of 
 PATTERSON, WHITNEY & Co. In 1857 Mr. WHITNEY went 
 out of the concern and Mr. DICKINSON'S brother took his 
 place. During all this time, however, Mr. DICKINSON had 
 devoted himself chiefly to his private and individual business, 
 the manufacture of potato starch and speculation in starch, 
 hops, etc. In addition to the pursuits, thus indicated, Mr. 
 DICKINSON ran for some years extensive grist and saw mills, 
 of which he was the owner, and had business interests at Red 
 Wing, Minnesota, as member of the firm of SMITH, MEIGS 
 & Co. 
 
 Thus much for the Senator's business history, and now a 
 glance at his public and political life. In politics he was 
 formerly a Whig, but now is and has been for years an active 
 and ardent Republican. His personal popularity at home is 
 shown in the fact that for three successive years, 1857-8-0, 
 he was elected Supervisor of his native town. In 1850 the 
 Legislature of Xew York appointed him one of the Commis- 
 sioners to whom was intrusted the settlement of the claim 
 and damages arising on the contract between the State and 
 J. D. KINGSLAND relative to convict labor. 
 
 Senator DICKINSON began his legislative career some years 
 ago. In 1860 he represented the county of Franklin in the 
 Assembly in a manner at once creditable to himself and sat 
 isfactory to his constituents. He was a member of one of 
 the most important committees in the House, that on Rail- 
 road?. In 1864 ho was a delegate to the memorable Republi-
 
 WILLIAM FOSTER. 6? 
 
 can national convention which met at Baltimore and renom 
 inated ABRAHAM LINCOLN for the Presidency. 
 
 Senator DICKINSON was nominated by acclamation for the 
 position which he now holds. He was the unanimous choice 
 of Franklin county and acceptable to the entire district. 
 Two years previous, when his name had been presented by 
 his county, the convention paid him the marked compliment 
 of passing a resolution recognizing him as " an upright and 
 patriotic citizen, a reliable and active Eepublican, and one 
 whom the people of the seventeenth district hold in high 
 respect." He entered actively into the campaign and was 
 elected by the handsome majority of 6.925. He is chairman 
 of the Committee on Villages and Indian affairs, and a mem- 
 ber of the Committees on Claims, Roads and Bridges and State 
 Prisons. 
 
 As a politician Mr. DICKINSON has an honorable reputa- 
 tion, and his course since he has been Senator has been such 
 as to justly entitle him to the confidence and respect of his 
 constituents. 
 
 WILLIAM FOSTER. 
 
 WILLIAM FOSTER of Cleveland, Oswego county, represents 
 the twenty-first Senatorial district, composed of the counties 
 of Oswego and Madison. For many years this district was 
 one of the Gibraltars of the Democracy '-'old Oswego'' 
 being one of their most reliable strongholds. But this state 
 of tilings has been changed, and now the twenty-first district 
 under ordinary circumstances is conceded to the Republicans. 
 
 The subject, of the present sketch was born in Leuham, 
 Kent county, England, on the 2?th clay of December, 1813. 
 Both his parents were of Scotch extraction. He received a 
 good substantial education, attending the academy at Maid- 
 stone in liis native countv, and also one at Hiirstmonaux
 
 68 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 in Sussex, which bounds Kent on the south. At the age of 
 seventeen he emigrated from "merrie old England," and 
 sailed for this country. The year 1830 found him settled on 
 the Oneida Lake, getting his living by clerking it. As a 
 clerk he remained for five years, and at the end of that time 
 left the Empire State and traveled in the Old Dominion. A 
 little later, the mood for travel still on him, he visited 
 Louisiana and Texas. In 1837 leaving the south he took up 
 his quarters in the great north-west and spent the next two 
 succeeding years in farming. In 1839 he returned to Xew 
 York State and took np his residence at Cleveland, Oswego 
 county, where he has since resided. 
 
 Mr. FOSTER has been actively engaged for many years as a 
 manufacturer of Avindow glass. He also carries on the busi- 
 ness of tanning. In 1867 he became identified with the 
 construction of the Midland Railroad, as director and active 
 agent, positions which he still holds. 
 
 The Senator has always taken a deep interest in politics. 
 He was formerly a Whig, and gave his first vote, in 1840, for 
 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISOX. for President. Subsequently 
 he sympathized strongly with the anti-slavery movement, 
 and became what was known as an Abolitionist. Since the 
 formation of "he Republican party he has been prominently 
 identified with that organization. 
 
 He was elected to the Senate by a majority of 4.130 over 
 his Democratic opponent. He holds the Chairmanship of 
 two Committees Erection and Division of Towns and 
 Counties and Poor Laws. He is also a member of the Com- 
 mittee on Railroads. 
 
 Senator FOSTER very seldom addresses the Senate, but he 
 appreciates the wants and wishes of his constituents, and In- 
 deed, if not by word, is potent for the interest of the twenty- 
 first district.
 
 JAMES H. GRAHAM. 69 
 
 JAMES H. GRAHAM. 
 
 The twenty-third Senatorial district, consisting of the 
 counties of Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie, is repre- 
 sented by the subject of the present sketch, JAMES II. GRA- 
 HAM. 
 
 Senator GRAHAM was born in Bovina, Delaware county, 
 New York, on the 18th of September, 1812, and, conse- 
 quently, is now in his sixty-first year. He is of Scotch 
 descent, both on his father's and mother's side. After receiv- 
 ing a good, substantial education in the common schools of 
 Franklin, lie began his fight for a place in the world without 
 availing himself of a collegiate training. He has been, in 
 the course of his active life, a farmer, merchant and banker, 
 but some years since retired from business. 
 
 The Senator has long been prominently identified with the 
 town of Delhi, in which he has resided for many years. A 
 service of twelve years' duration as Justice of the Peace dem- 
 onstrates how acceptably he has decided between man and 
 man. while a decade of years spent as Supervisor speaks 
 volumes for his knowledge of affairs, his business capacity, 
 and the confidence reposed in him by those among whom his 
 life lias been spent. During the last five years of his term 
 as Supervisor he was made Chairman of the Board. 
 
 Senator GRAHAM has always been an active participant in 
 polil leal matter?, and is strong in his attachment to the party 
 of his choice. Since the formation of the Republican party 
 he has been a staunch Republican, even as in earlier days, 
 and before the Missouri compromise was repudiated, he was 
 an ardent "Whig. 
 
 In IS,")*] lie was a member of the Republican National 
 Convention, and in 1808 was placed on the Republican 
 electoral ticket.
 
 70 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 In 1858, at the Convention called to nominate a Congress- 
 man, to be supported by the Republicans of the nineteenth 
 Congressional district (composed of the counties of Dela- 
 ware and Otsego), the Delaware delegation presented the 
 name of JAMES H. GRAHAM as their candidate for a seat in 
 the thirty-sixth Congress. The nomination met the unani- 
 mous approval of the Convention, and, after it had been 
 formally made, the following resolution was adopted as the 
 sense of the Convention : 
 
 ' ; Resolved, That we present with pleasure the name of 
 JAMES H. GRAHAM, of Delhi, to our fellow-citizens of this 
 Congressional district, and can heartily commend him as 
 honest, capable and faithful, and one to whose hands our 
 cherished principles can with safety be committed." 
 
 As a member of the Thirty-sixth Congress, Mr. GRAHAM 
 participated in the famous battle which finally resulted in 
 the choice of Governor PEXXIXGTOX, of Xew Jersey, for 
 Speaker, after two months of ineffectual balloting for SHER- 
 MAX and BOCOCK. He was a member in Congress of the 
 Committee on Accounts. 
 
 In 1871 he was sent to the Assembly from the second dis- 
 trict of Delaware county, and served on the Committee on 
 Federal Relations. He was elected to the Senate by a majority 
 of 4,804-, a handsome figure, considering the fact that Senator 
 GRAHAM'S immediate predecessor was returned to the Senate 
 over an able and popular Republican, by a majority of 1,355. 
 
 He is Chairman of two Committees on Retrenchment 
 and on Internal Affairs of Towns and Counties, and is a 
 member of the Committee on Agriculture. 
 
 Senator GRAHAM makes a prudent and sagacious, though 
 an unobtrusive, legislator. Strong in the confidence reposed 
 in him by the people, he watches the interests of his con- 
 stituents and those of the State with equal vigilance.
 
 GABRIEL T. HARROWKK. 71 
 
 GABRIEL T. HARROWER. 
 
 The Senator from the Twenty-seventh is one of those men 
 who, though quiet and unobtrusive in their demeanor, are, 
 nevertheless, alert, reflective and sagacious. Their voices 
 ma) 7 not be heard in the forum; they may not enter into the 
 inner circles of the political arena ; they may not gain a hear- 
 ing through flowing periods in the press ; but they read closely, 
 think deeply, and, consequently, form opinions from which 
 they are not easily shaken. Such men, in the main, are our 
 farmers who represent the agricultural interests of our State, 
 and of their number is Senator GABRIEL T. HAKROWER. 
 He was born in C'henango county in the year 1810. After 
 receiving a common school education, he spent some time in 
 attendance upon the lyceuin at Geneva, Ontario county. 
 Since reaching manhood he has devoted himself to farming and 
 the lumber business. He stands well with the people of Steu- 
 ben county, in which he now resides, and in 1853 they elected 
 him Sheriff of the county. He has also held the office of 
 Supervisor at Lindley, the town in which he resides. The 
 Senator participated in the grand work which, through blood 
 and tears, came to a successful consummation the redemp- 
 tion of the Kepublic as accomplished in the late war. He 
 went to the front in command of the 161st regiment, served 
 in the Department of the Gulf under General BAXKS. and 
 was a participant in the famous seige of Port Hudson. His 
 record throughout was honorable and free from any .stain. 
 
 The Senator has, through all his life, taken a deep interest 
 in politics. In 1848 he was a " Free Soileiy' so-called, and 
 cast his ballot lor VAN' BUREX and ADAMS. In 185G JOHX (.'. 
 FREMOXT was his man. He voted twice fur LIXCOLX and 
 once for GRAXT. and in the Presidential election last fall for 
 HORATK GHEKI.KY.
 
 72 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 The Senator was elected to his present office after a closely 
 contested canvass, and had to rest content with a majority 
 of 107 and the reflection that, for all practical purposes, that 
 number sufficed as well as if it had been ten thousand. He 
 serves on the Militia, State Prisons and Agriculture Com- 
 mittees ; is punctual and regular in his attendance upon the 
 sessions of the Senate, and an attentive and appreciative 
 observer of all that comes up for deliberation. Saying very 
 little, he, nevertheless, evidently "keeps up a deal of think- 
 ing." 
 
 WILLIAM JOHNSON. 
 
 Senator JOHXSOX is the acknowledged wit of the Senate. 
 He has a keen sense of the ludicrous, and frequently chooses 
 to place an adversary hors du combat by a racy repartee, 
 rather than force his surrender by the slow processes of logi- 
 cal reasoning. He rarely allows a subject to be disposed of 
 without putting his mark upon it, and 
 
 " is so full of pleasing anecdote, 
 
 So rich, so gay, so poignant in his wit, 
 Time vanishes before him as he speaks." 
 
 Urbane and pleasant in his address, and carrying around 
 with him " the atmosphere of gay. good cheer,'' he is a very 
 popular gentleman. A natural talker, fluent and facile on a 
 great variety of subjects, he is one of the marked men of the 
 Senate. 
 
 Senator Joiixsox represents the Twenty-sixth district, 
 including within its territory the counties of Ontario, Seneca 
 and Yates. He is a native of the good old Bay State, and 
 is now not far from 50 years of age. lie is of unmixed 
 English descent, the son of DAVID and OLIVE STODARD 
 
 O ' 
 
 Jonxsox. His father died in 1855. at Herkimer, Herkimer 
 county, this State. The subject of our sketch came to Xew
 
 WILLIAM JOHNSON. 73 
 
 York while he was yet an infant, with his parents, who took 
 up their residence in Ilerkimer county. He received a com- 
 mon school education, and subsequently was engaged some 
 five years in mercantile pursuits. From 1849 until 185G he 
 followed the business of jobbing, as a contractor on the 
 canals, and afterward was engaged in the manufacture of 
 woolen goods at Seneca Falls, where he now resides. Of late 
 years he has become prominently known as a railroad con- 
 tractor. 
 
 In 18G2, having the year previous represented the county 
 of Seneca in the Assembly, he felt moved to do his share in 
 putting down the rebellion, arguing, doubtless, that it was 
 useless to concern oneself about making laws for a country 
 until it had first been conclusively settled in the minds of all 
 men that there was, and was to be, a country capable of 
 enforcing obedience to its laws and maintaining its own exist- 
 ence. He raised the 148th regiment Xew York State volun- 
 teers and commanded it until near the close of the year 18G3, 
 when he resigned and returned to civil life. 
 
 In the Assembly of 1861 he was assigned a place on two 
 important committees Canals and Commerce and Naviga- 
 tion, and made an intelligent and useful legislator. He was 
 adjudged to have possessed a large degree of representative 
 ability, and to have faithfully and efficiently discharged his 
 official duties. 
 
 Mr. JOITXSOV was elected to the Senate from a district 
 usually carried by his political opponents, and his success 
 under the circumstances was a signal proof of great popu- 
 larity. Xot withstanding the other side had a record of 332 
 majority for 1800 to take heart with, he succeeded in wiping 
 those' figures out and gaining the Senatorship by a majority 
 of ( .Mi4. He is on the Standing Committees on Canals. 
 Manufactures and Grievances, and was Chairman of the 
 Special Committee appointed to investigate certain charges 
 against Kx-Scnator TWEED.
 
 74 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 The Senator was married in the summer of 1855 to 
 ANGELINE CHAMBERLAIN, daughter of the Hon. JACOB P. 
 CHAMBERLAIN. 
 
 LORAN L. LEWIS. 
 
 The Senator from the Thirty-first district, which consists 
 of the county of Erie, is Hon. LOR AX L. LEWIS, who was 
 born in 1825, near the city of Auburn, Cayuga county. Of 
 five children, LORAN L. was the third; Dr. Dio LEWIS, of 
 Boston, well known as an author, journalist and lecturer on 
 physiology, and the laws of life and health, is an elder 
 brother, and Dr. GEORGE W. LEWIS, of Buffalo, a younger. 
 His two sisters reside at the west, one of them being the 
 wife of Dr. TISDALE, of Indianapolis. 
 
 The subject of this sketch shared in serious pecuniary 
 misfortunes which befel the family, and was early brought 
 into painful contact with the rough side of life. When 
 about eighteen years of age. he warmly enlisted in the 
 Washington temperance movement, and was recognized as 
 one of the most effective speakers of that organization in the 
 county where he resided. This fact is mentioned, not 
 because of its importance per se, but to give the key-note to 
 his whole life. In all situations he has been an earnest, 
 practical, working American citizen. 
 
 Mr. LEWIS was educated at Auburn, receiving the advanta- 
 ges of an academical course. He then studied law with Judge 
 HULBERT, and finished his legal course in the office of 
 SEWARD & BLAITHFORD of that city. After his admission 
 to the bar, in 1848, he removed to Buffalo, and devoted him- 
 self with untiring zeal to the practice of his profession. 
 Achieving but moderate success for a few years, he toiled on, 
 occupying an obscure office, accepting no adventitious aids, 
 unwavering in the faith that interrritv and fidelity \vould
 
 LORAN L. LEWIS. 75 
 
 eventually command success. The result has fully justified 
 his confidence. For several years past he has had a large 
 and lucrative practice, and has devoted his entire attention 
 and time to the trial of causes, civil and criminal, in the 
 courts of Erie and adjoining counties. A large proportion 
 of his cases have been those in which he has acted as counsel 
 for other lawyers. 
 
 Although he has always taken a deep interest in political 
 affairs, yet Mr. LEWIS has not, until within a very recent 
 period, been known as a politician. Absorbed in the profession 
 of his choice, nominations have sought him and not he nom- 
 inations, and he persistently declined to stand for office until 
 1869, when without any wire-pulling on his part, he was 
 named by acclamation, by the Republican electors of Erie, 
 for the position which he now holds. He succeeded Hox. 
 A. P. NICHOLS, a Democrat, who had been elected two years 
 previous by 1,400 majority. Mr. LEWIS' election by a major- 
 ity of 259, furnished signal proof of the estimation in which 
 he is held by those who must be presumed to know him best. 
 He served on the Committees on Canals, Internal Affairs and 
 Commerce and Navigation, and established such a reputation 
 for forensic ability and legislative capacity, that his gratified 
 constituents re-elected him by the handsome majority of 
 1.845. 
 
 The Senator was originally a free soil Democrat, but has 
 been a member of the Republican party since its organization. 
 In the present Senate he is Chairman of the important Com- 
 mittee on Canals, and a member of the Committees on Com- 
 merce and Navigation, and Privileges and Elections.
 
 76 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JARVIS LORD. 
 
 Mr. LORD, the Senator from the Twenty-eighth district, 
 was born at Ballston, Saratoga county, February 10, 1816. 
 He is in the prime of life, and as vigorous as he was at 
 twenty-five ; cf good physical proportions, an excellent con- 
 stitution, and a temperament adapted to severe endurance, 
 botli of body and mind ; he has been favored with good 
 health, and seldom tires by active labor. 
 
 Mr. LORD was the son of poor parents, and had no other 
 educational advantages than those afforded by the common 
 schools in the days of his boyhood. He availed himself of 
 these, however, so far as to acquire a tolerable knowledge of 
 those branches which were to be most essential to his future 
 success in business life. He early adopted the avocation of 
 farming, and though, during most of his subsequent life, he 
 has had large interests in other pursuits, he has made the 
 farm his home, and has taken a pride in the culture of the 
 soil. He lias resided, for thirty years or more, at Pitts- 
 ford, seven miles from Rochester, and has there one of 
 the best cultivated and most productive farms in Monroe 
 county. He takes delight in the cultivation of fruit, and 
 the raising of stock, devoting himself particularly to horses, 
 of which he is a great admirer. 
 
 Mr. LORD has always been a Democrat of the JACKSON 
 and WRIGHT school. Devoted to the Union, he warmly 
 espoused the Federal cause at the beginning of the rebellion, 
 and gave freely to promote the national interests, and, it is 
 said, did more than any other man in his town to keep the 
 calls for men filled, and to help the soldiers in the field and 
 at home. He has enjoyed a personal popularity in his own 
 town, equaled by few men, and when nominated for office, 
 his neighbors have supported him with enthusiasm, lie was
 
 JAR vis LORD. *7u 
 
 made the recipient of a testimonial, in the spring of 1871, 
 which spoke- volumes as to his success in office, and his 
 assured place in the confidence of those who had intrusted 
 vital interests to his keeping. Serving two terms in the 
 lower House, and one term in the upper one, he had devel- 
 oped signal legislative capacity, and an unfaltering devotion 
 to the best interests of his constituents. On his return 
 home in 1871, at the end of his first Senatorial term, his 
 constituents gave expression to their appreciation of their 
 gratitude for his services in their regard by affording for his 
 acceptance a testimonial in the shape of an elaborate service 
 of plate. The presentation ceremonies took place at the 
 Senator's residence at Pittsford, and a special train was run 
 from Eochester for the accommodation of the large number 
 who desired to be present on the interesting occasion. The 
 trees upon the grounds connected with the house were hung 
 with many colored lanterns, producing, with the brilliantly 
 lighted house, a fine effect. After the company had paid 
 their respects to the Senator and his beautiful and charming 
 wife, the testimonial was produced, and WILLIAM N. SAGE, 
 on behalf of the admirers of the Senator, spoke as follows : 
 
 PRESENTATION ADDRESS BY WILLIAM 1ST. SAGE. 
 
 SENATOR : Some of your neighbors and friends, without 
 regard to their political affinities and associations, have met 
 together in your own quiet home to bear testimony to the 
 zeal, the tact, the ability, and the faithfulness you have 
 manifested for the past two years in every interest connected 
 with this Senatorial district. On the great and fundamental 
 political questions of the day we may honestly differ, and yet 
 at the same time award due praise and honor to the man 
 who, in practical legislation, proves himself a faithful public 
 servant, and who represents his district in all its just claims, 
 as you have nobly done, and who, when the conflict and 
 strife are over, can return to those you have so faithfully 
 served, and receive from all the welcome plaudit, " well
 
 76* LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 done ; " in which welcome the orphan, the sick, the home- 
 less, the child of poverty, and even the wayward boy, will 
 unite with a hearty " God bless you." Far distant may that 
 day be when the great State of New York shall cease her 
 interest in the various charities and educational institutions 
 which have so honored her history, and which must and 
 shall be sustained. Rather let her in all that elevates and 
 refines humanity be true to her own noble motto, " Excel- 
 sior," "higher, still higher." But I am not here to deliver a 
 speech, but come with other friends to bear testimony of 
 personal regard for your faithfulness, and to leave in your 
 own home the evidence of that regard. Accept then, 
 Senator, from these friends this service of silver in the spirit 
 intended, and we shall carry away with us pleasant memories 
 of this evening's interview. 
 
 The remarks of Mr. SAGE, finely delivered as they were, 
 appeared to express the sentiments of the gentlemen present. 
 The address was received with applause. Senator LORD 
 replied as follows : 
 
 REPLY OF SENATOR LORD. 
 
 GENTLEMEXJ: I have no language adequate to the 
 expression of my sense of gratitude and the fullness of my 
 heart for this manifestation of confidence and respect on the 
 part of my friends. This present is beautiful and valuable, as 
 regards gold and silver, but the sentiments which accompany 
 it, and the language so beautifully expressing them, make it 
 more valuable to me than all the treasures on earth and 
 this value is greatly enhanced by the fact that the "present" 
 comes from my friends, without distinction of party. It i< 
 only about eighteen months since I attended a convention 
 for the nomination of a candidate to represent this district 
 in the Senate of the State of New York. As an humble 
 member of that Convention, I was ardently in faror of the 
 nomination of a gentleman whom I thought better qualified 
 to represent the district than any other person whose name
 
 JAR vis LORD. C 76 
 
 had been mentioned, but by his tact and eloquence, and by 
 the decision of the convention, I was honored with that 
 nomination. I left the convention with a sad and heavy 
 heart. The thoughts which revolved in my mind were, that 
 in case of my election I would be expected to represent the 
 district as ably as the distinguished gentlemen who had pre- 
 ceded me men learned in the law, and men who enjoyed 
 the confidence and respect of all who knew them. But 
 election day came and I had every reason to feel proud of the 
 result. That result was accomplished by Republican votes, 
 and upon assuming the duties of the office I felt obligated, 
 and it was my determination to represent the whole people 
 of the district without distinction of party, to the best of 
 my ability ; how well I have succeeded is for the people to 
 judge. I may have made mistakes, but I assure you, gentle- 
 men, they were of the head, not of the heart. 
 
 I have been a resident of this county for nearly forty 
 years. I came here when a mere boy, without money, and, 
 as it were, without friends. During all this long residence I 
 have received uniformly nothing but kindness and friend- 
 ship from all classes of my fellow citizens. I hope to remain 
 among you the remainder of my life, and if I can succeed in 
 retaining your esteem and good will, my ambition will be 
 satisfied. For whatever success has attended my labors as 
 Senator, I owe much to the gentlemen with whom I was 
 associated. I have been treated by them all, without dis- 
 tinction of party, with the utmost kindness, but what sus- 
 tained me most was the reflection that I had the strong arms 
 and warm hearts of a united constituency at home to indorse 
 my actions. While I have been obliged to make many sac- 
 rifices respecting my own comfort socially and my interests 
 pecuniarily by neglect of private affairs, and while the duties 
 of the office have been responsible and laborious, your pres- 
 ence here to-night and the kind words you have spoken have 
 repaid me a thousand fold. 
 
 Gentlemen, I can only thank you for this beautiful and
 
 76 d LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 valuable testimonial, and the flattering expressions with which 
 you have accompanied it. I can assure you that I shall 
 treasure your gift and your words in grateful memory while 
 life lasts, and whatever may be my lot in the future, I can 
 never fail to feel under the deepest obligations to the people 
 of Monroe county. 
 
 In conclusion, gentlemen, I can only say that my fervent 
 prayers shall ever be for the prosperity and happiness of you 
 and yours, and that through the remaining journey of life 
 your pathway may be strewn with flowers. 
 
 The remarks of Senator LOKD were received with ap- 
 plause. 
 
 CHARLES B. HILL now stepped forward and read the fol- 
 lowing letters : 
 
 BUFFALO, May 26, 1871. 
 
 DEAR SIR I have to thank you for your kind favor of 
 the 26th instant, and exceedingly regret that very important 
 business engagements compel my attendance in New York 
 at that time. 
 
 Please accept my compliments for yourself and friends, 
 and assure them that I envy the good time they are to have 
 with our wide-hearted, generous gentleman, the honorable 
 Senator. 
 
 With great respect, your friend, 
 
 F. A. ALBERGER. 
 COL. JAMES BRACKETT. 
 
 FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL, 
 
 NEW YORK, May 27, 1871. 
 COL. JAMES BRACKETT : 
 
 MY DEAR SIR I have just i*eceived an invitation to be 
 present at the presentation of a testimonial to the Hon. 
 JARVIS LORD, on Monday evening, the 29th hist. Not 
 having been favored with the privilege of contributing, I 
 feel more sensibly the honor of the invitation, I sincerely
 
 JAR vis LORD. 7fi 
 
 regret that my attendance upon the national insurance 
 convention now assembled in this city, will prevent the 
 possibility of my acceptance. 
 
 The participation of citizens, " irrespective of party," in 
 this testimonial is a compliment which does well-merited 
 honor to the honorable Senator, and is worthy the high 
 character and independence of his constituents. It is an 
 auspicious omen that public services so eminent, so disin- 
 terested, so valuable to the whole community, receive such 
 recognition. I cannot allow this occasion to pass, without 
 joining with my old fellow citizens in contributing some 
 little memento of my cordial sympathy with their generous 
 movement, and of my own high personal regard for those 
 nobler qualities of heart and head, which so justly entitle the 
 honorable Senator to the love and respect which he so uni- 
 versally enjoys. Please add the trifling token herewith sent 
 to the testimonial, and convey to my honorable friend, the 
 Senator, the best wishes and congratulations of his and your 
 friend and humble servant, 
 
 GEO. W. MILLER. 
 
 The formality of presentation over, the presents were 
 inspected and admired. The testimonial consisted of the 
 following articles : Silver server, coffee urn, two tea pots, sugar 
 bowl, cream pitcher, slop bowl, card dish, fruit stand and 
 soup tureen. The articles are all solid sterling silver, hand- 
 somely engraved and gold lined. The silver is marked : 
 
 " Hox. JAKVIS LORD, from the citizens of the twenty-eighth 
 Senatorial district of New York, as an acknowledgment of 
 faithful services." 
 
 All the other articles are marked with the monogram, 
 >% J. L." in handsome old English letter. The cost of the 
 testimonial was $2,500. 
 
 The company present now scattered through the tastefully 
 furnished rooms. Some chatted and smoked upon the ver- 
 andahs, and others resorted to the "'bath-room." Congratu-
 
 76 f LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 lations were exchanged with Senator LOKD, and all were in 
 the best of spirits over the occasion. The following is a 
 partial list of those who were present : W. H. Bowman, 
 W. H. Crennell, John Lutes, Martin Briggs, B. M. Baker, 
 E. E. Sill, S. B. Roby, Win. N. Sage, Wm. L. Sage, 0. B. Hill, 
 R. E. Sherlock, A. J. Warner, Henry Churchill, James X. 
 Phelan, Ezra Jones, Win. C. Rowley, Theodore E. Smith. 
 George G. Clarkson, W. H. Gorsline, Frederick Cook, George 
 J. Whitney, Charles H. Chapin, Win. R. Seward, Lewis Selye, 
 W. H. Benjamin. Simon Stettheimer, E. B. Jennings, George 
 E. Jennings, C. A. Kellogg, C. II. Mason, Wm. H. Cum- 
 mings, C. H. Stillwell, A. G. Wheeler, Bernard Hughes, 
 Oliver Ladue, S. M. Spencer, T. W. Tone, J. H. Pool, A. V. 
 Smith, Thomas Leighton, D. Richmond, Henry C. Frost, 
 James R. Chamberlain, E. S. Ettenheimer, C. E. Upton, 
 Levi S. Fulton, F. Dewitt Clarke, Dr. B. L. Hovey, Dwight 
 Knapp, E. C. Purcell, Wm. Mudgett, M. F. Reynolds, James 
 Bellows, E. F. Hyde, H. P. Langworthy, L. A'. Pratt, J. W. 
 Mcllhenny, John H. Howe, Edgar Holmes, Chas. F. Smith, 
 Harvey W. Brown, W. A. Reynolds, Seth Green, Jas. 0. How- 
 ard, Byron Holley, W. B. Duffy, W. W. Reid, Frank A. Baker, 
 A. Carver, Mr. Miller, Levi A. Ward. The above are all of 
 Rochester. The following from other localities were also in 
 attendance: C. C. B.Walker, Corning; Hon. Benjamin F. 
 Angel, Geneseo ; William C. Dryer, Victor ; D. A. Ogden, 
 Penn Yan; James M. Wilsie, Pittsford: I. H. Sutherland, 
 Pittsford. The press were represented by the following: 
 William Purcell and George G. Cooper, Rochester Union ; 
 Francis S. Rew, Rochester Express; Charles S. Collins, Sun- 
 day Xewslctter; S. C. Cleveland, Penn Yan Chronicle; R. L. 
 Adams, Geneva Courier ; J. A. Hoekstra, Rochester Demo- 
 crat and Chronicle. 
 
 Choice Music by a brass band, and an elegant supper, 
 brought the memorable occasion to a close. 
 
 And now a few details of that legislative career, of which 
 we have spoken, and the Senator's business history. He was
 
 JARVIS LORD. 77 
 
 elected to the Assembly in 1858 on the Democratic ticket, 
 when the district went Kepublican by several hundreds. He 
 was elected again in 1866, by a majority of fifteen over a 
 strong opponent, when the district gave Governor FENTON 
 six hundred majority. At the opening of the Legislature, 
 in 1867, his party presented him as the Democratic candi- 
 date for Speaker, and sustained him by an unbroken vote ; 
 but the Republican majority in the House accomplished the 
 election of Mr. PITTS. He has once or more served as Super- 
 visor. 
 
 Mr. LORD has been engaged for many years in building 
 canals in this State, and he enjoys a wide reputation as a 
 contractor. He is President of the Bank of Monroe, of 
 Rochester, a sound and reliable institution, and as a business 
 man is well and favorably known all over central and west- 
 ern New York. 
 
 Mr. LORD was member of the last Senate, 1870-71, and 
 \vas made Chairman of the Finance Committee. Although a 
 new man in that body, at that time, he took a leading posi- 
 tion from the start and gave evidence of an extensive knowledge 
 of the wants and necessities of the State. His report on the 
 payment of a portion of the State debt in coin, made dur- 
 ing the first year of his term, was regarded as a paper of great 
 clearness and force. The Senator was re-nominated under 
 circumstances which must have been peculiarly gratifying to 
 him, indicating, as they did, that his course as a legislator 
 met with the hearty approval of his constituents. Before 
 the re-nomination was made, a letter was read to the conven- 
 tion from him, declining another senatorial term, and giving 
 his reasons therefor. The convention not seeing eye to eye 
 with Mr. LORD on that point, and having nominated him by 
 acclamation, sent a committee to inform the nominee of their 
 action, whereof the Senator appeared in the convention and 
 said if his letter of declination would not suffice, he would 
 vield to the wishes of his constituents and take the field.
 
 78 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 He was elected by a majority of 1,838, an increase of 1,138 on 
 his majority of 1869. 
 
 Mr. LORD does not claim to be an orator ; his attention 
 has never been bestowed on the embellishments of rhetoric 
 and elocution. Whenever he has an opinion to utter he 
 delivers it point blank and with force, if not with grace. 
 His shrewdness, plain sense and knowledge of the world are 
 his leading characteristics, and they serve him well in the 
 accomplishment of his ends as a Senator. 
 
 SAMUEL S. LOWERY. 
 
 SAMUEL S. LOWERY of L T tica, who represents the nine- 
 teenth Senatorial district, consisting of the county of Oneida, 
 was born in county Down, Ireland, on the fifth day of Feb- 
 ruary, 1831. It would, therefore, be an Hibernicism to say 
 that he is a Scotchman, but his ancestry, not less than his 
 characteristics, stamp him as one who is more a Gael than a 
 Celt. 
 
 Senator LOWERY'S parents emigrated to this country when 
 SAMUEL was about fourteen years old, and settled in Oneida 
 county. He received a good common school education in 
 Ireland, and. by reason of strong taste for books, he has 
 acquired during his latter years in this country an extensive 
 fund of knowledge. 
 
 The Senator is, by occupation, a manufacturer of woolen 
 goods. In this business he has been quite successful, and 
 conducts, at the present time, an extensive establishment, 
 in which he employs a large number of hands. He settled 
 in Whitestown, Oneida county, on his arrival in this country, 
 and there remained until the year 1848. From thence, he 
 went to Manchester, Xew Hampshire, where he was con- 
 nected with a woolen mill until ls.55, when he left and came
 
 SAMUEL S. LOWERY. 79 
 
 to Utica, and engaged in the dry goods business. Success 
 crowned his efforts, and, in 1861, he abandoned dry goods to 
 become a AVOO! dealer, and, two years later, started the mill 
 which he has since run. 
 
 In politics Senator LOWERY, although a strict believer in 
 the principles of the Republican organization, is never bit- 
 terly partisan. Until his election to the Assembly of 1870, he 
 neither held nor sought office. He was chosen to that body 
 by a majority of 448, over a worthy and popular competitor, in 
 a district Avhere the Republican majority in the previous year 
 was less than fifty. Serving upon the Committees on Public 
 Education, State Charitable Institutions, and Roads and 
 Bridges, he proved faithful to the interests of his constitu- 
 ents, and exhibited a comprehensive knowledge of the duties 
 of a legislator. As a member of the Committee on Education, 
 h<:- was especially distinguished for his sturdy and unflinch- 
 ing opposition to the policy of sectarian appropriations. 
 
 Mr. LOWERY was elected to the Senate by a majority of 
 1,591 over his opponent who had been a member of the pre- 
 ceding Senate, and was elected by a majority of 52, in a can- 
 vass, in which the Republican candidate for Secretary of State 
 received a majority of 1,023, in the nineteenth Senatorial dis- 
 trict. Senator LOWERY is very properly placed at the head 
 of the Committee on Manufactures ; he is also Chairman 
 of the State Prison Committee, and a member of several 
 other important Committees. He had the honor of renomi- 
 nating ROSCOE COXKLIXG for United States Senator, and 
 his speech, in joint caucus of the Republican members of the 
 Senate and Assembly, in presenting that gentleman, was an 
 able and eloquent effort. 
 
 His name having lately been mentioned in connection with 
 the mayoralty of Utica, the Senator informed his friends that, 
 while representing the nineteenth Senatorial district, he felt 
 in obligation bound to decline any other office, the holding 
 of which might interfere Avith his Senatorial duties. Com-
 
 80 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 meriting on this decision, the Utica " Herald " makes some 
 remarks which fully serve as a close for this sketch : 
 
 " In accepting the office of Senator, Mr. LOWERY pledged 
 the people of Oneida county undivided official duty. This 
 pledge he has fully redeemed, carefully watching the inter- 
 ests of his constituents, and those of the State. That Mr. 
 LOWERY is grateful for this expression of the esteem of 
 his fellow townsmen, none that know him need be assured. 
 He has wisely chosen not to accept an office which might 
 divide his attention, caring first to redeem, to the satisfac- 
 tion of the most strict constructionist, the obligations 
 assumed with the office of Senator. We congratulate the 
 people of Oneida county, on the possession of a Senator who 
 has so high a sense of his official obligations." 
 
 Mr. LOWERY will be remembered in connection Avith the 
 present Senate, for the prominent part he played in the dis- 
 cussion of the charter for the city of Xew York. He stoutly 
 insisted from the first, that the appointing power should be 
 vested in the mayor, and defended his position with much 
 ability and eloquence. 
 
 ARCHIBALD. C. McGOWAK 
 
 The Twentieth Senatorial district, composed of the coun- 
 ties of Otsego and Herkimer, is represented by ARCHIBALD 
 C. McGowAX. the subject of the present sketch. Residing in 
 Herkimer, and receiving only a nominal support from Otsego, 
 he was elected to the Senate by a large majority through 
 force of his personal popularity at home. Not a foolish 
 talker nor blunderer, but a straight-forward, quiet, common- 
 sense man, lie knows his business and does it does it hon- 
 estly, and treats every legislative measure with the same fair- 
 ness and attention that he bestows upon his personal mat- 
 ters.
 
 ARCHIBALD C. McGowAN. 81 
 
 Mr. McGowAN was bom in Pownal, Bennington county, 
 Vermont, August 26, 1825. His grandfather, JAMES Mc- 
 GOWAX, was born in Scotland in 1750, and emigrated to the 
 colonies before the Eevolution. He served in the Conti- 
 nental army, and subsequently settled at Hoosick, Rensselaer 
 county, where CLARK McGowAN, father of the Senator, was 
 born. 
 
 Both of Mr. McGowAN's parents died when he Avas an 
 infant, leaving him dependent for support and instruction 
 npon his relatives. He received a good common school edu- 
 cation, and afterward spent some time in attendance at the 
 Jonesville. Saratoga county, academy, passing from thence 
 to farming, at which he worked until his seventeenth year. 
 The next seven years of his life he clerked it, and after that, 
 was, by turns, a merchant, boat-builder, farmer, and dealer 
 in lumber and coal. At the present time he is President of 
 the Frankfort and Ilion Railroad Company. He was mar- 
 ried at the age of twenty-five, to MARY LOUISA ROGERS, and 
 has had three children, two of whom are dead. His sur- 
 viving child, ARCHIBALD W. McGowAN, is now in his tenth 
 year. 
 
 Glancing at the political chapter of the Senator's life, we 
 find that, until 1856, he was a Democrat ; in that year he 
 voted for MILLARD FILLMORE, the candidate of the American 
 National Convention, for the Presidency. A couple of years 
 later he espoused the interests of the Republican party, and 
 ever since has been actively identified with it. His legisla- 
 tive career commenced in 1863, when he was sent to repre- 
 sent the county of Herkimer in the Assembly. He served a 
 second term in that body in 1866 ; in the former year he was 
 a member of the Canal Committee, and in the latter was 
 Chairman of the Committee on Joint Library, and a mem- 
 ber of the Census and Apportionment and Engrossed Bills 
 Committees. During the years 1867-8-9 he represented the 
 town of Frankfort in the Board of Supervisors. 
 
 Mr. Mc(iowAN was elected to the position which he now
 
 82 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 holds by a majority of 643, receiving 1,323 majority in Her- 
 kimer county, and running ahead of the State and county 
 ticket nearly 300. Frankfort showed her appreciation of one 
 who is " not without honor" where he is best known, by giv- 
 ing him 258 majority. He made a most gallant fight, and was 
 rewarded by the largest majority .given in the county of 
 Herkimer for any candidate, local or State, for many years. 
 
 Mr. McGowAN serves in the Senate on three Committees 
 Canals, Salt, and Agriculture. Of this last named he is 
 Chairman, and as such, is, as one may say, the Senatorial 
 guardian of the interests of the great branch of industry and 
 wealth. Through him all the agricultural societies of tbe 
 State present their affairs to the Senate. Of popular manner, 
 and extensive acquaintance with the various industries of the 
 State, Senator McGowAX makes a faithful and efficient 
 servant of the people. 
 
 EDWARD M. MADDEN. 
 
 There are some men who. remembering the implied injunc- 
 tion of Holy Writ contained in the exclamation, " I would 
 thou wert either cold or hot," do whatsoever their hands find 
 to do with unqualified fervency. They recognize no such 
 things in the world as half-truths; to them whatever is not 
 radically right is radically wrong, and rice versa. Their 
 trumpets never give forth an uncertain sound or one wanting 
 in volume, and if all the Jericho walls at which their efforts 
 are directed do not tumble, they gazing upon some stub- 
 born piece of masonry on which their trumpeting makes no 
 impression have the consolation that goes with the con- 
 sciousness of always making a red-hot and never a luke- 
 warm fight. 
 
 Senator MADDEN belongs to this school of men. He has
 
 EDWARD M. MADDEN. 83 
 
 decided convictions, and is very decided in expressing them. 
 Once his mind is made up, he is extremely hard to move 
 from his position, and whoever questions the faith that is in 
 him is sure to hear the reasons on which that faith rests 
 couched in unequivocal language. His aye and nay are like 
 a woman's : 
 
 " When he wills, he wills, you may depend on't, 
 And if he wont, he wont, so there's an end on't." 
 
 GKOKGE W. BUNG AY, the poet, in a volume of " Pen and Ink 
 Portraits," issued in 1857, has an appreciative sketch of the 
 subject of this biography, from which we take the following : 
 
 " Senator MADDEST represents the county of Orange, where 
 he was born, has always lived, and where he will probably 
 die, unless political events so shape themselves that his 
 unquenchable love of liberty, and intense hatred of slavery, 
 should induce him to leave his Lares and Penates, and 
 migrate to Kansas.* Like many other men of mark, he is 
 Avholly the artificer of his own fortune. He had no advan- 
 tages of early education. From the age of nine to fourteen 
 he commenced fitting himself for the great battle of life as an 
 operative in a cotton factory ; thence he pursued his studies 
 as an apprentice in a tin shop; graduated in a hardware 
 store, and took his final degree, as a retail merchant, at Mid- 
 dletown, where he now has a very extensive saw factory. 
 Nature has done much for him. Gifted with a fine consti- 
 tution, his iron will, unbending energy, indomitable perse- 
 verance, and unflagging industry have combined to make 
 him a hard student and a well-read man. His mind is well 
 stored with practical knowledge, and few men are so thor- 
 oughly posted in the political history of our State or country. 
 There is no man in the Senate of greater pluck or nerve. 
 Governed in all his actions by fixed principles, nothing ever 
 turns him from his purpose, when his course is once marked 
 out. The State never had a more watchful guardian over 
 
 * He probably has given up the idea of ^oing to Kansas. [Er?.
 
 84 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 its interests. He is extremely sensitive and jealous about all 
 inroads upon the treasury more so than if it were his own 
 private purse. His active business habits make him invalu- 
 able on committees, and woe-betide the unlucky wight who 
 comes before him with a doubtful claim. He participates 
 freely in all debates, dissecting the subtleties and sophistries 
 of lawyers with the sharp scalpel of common sense. He is a 
 nervous, rapid speaker, and no man in the Senate is more 
 earnest, energetic, forcible or convincing. He goes in a 
 straight geometrical line right to the point, without any 
 flowers of rhetoric, but with a directness that there is no 
 mistaking. He uses no pearls of poetry, or nights of fancy, 
 but deals altogether in the purest and strongest Anglo Saxon. 
 He always votes in accordance with his convictions. Xo 
 motives of policy, expediency or interest; no regard for 
 individuals or localities ; no personal friendships can make 
 him swerve one hair's breadth from his line of duty. He 
 engages in no 'log rolling,' never aiding any project of 
 doubtful propriety to secure assistance in measures of real 
 merit." 
 
 Senator MADDEX was formerly a Democrat, and was 
 elected to the Senate in 1856-7 as an anti-Xebraska man. He 
 was Chairman of the Insurance Committee in that body, 
 and a member of the Finance, Claims, and Commerce and 
 Navigation Committees. He made a good record, proving 
 himself to be a strong, popular, earnest man. He was 
 elected to the present Senate by a majority of 2,085 over his 
 opponent, GEORGE M. BEEBE, a member of the present 
 Assembly. 
 
 In appointing the Committees this year, the President of 
 the Senate placed Mr. MADDEX at the head of Railroads, a 
 place of great honor and responsibility.
 
 HENRY C. MURPHY. 85 
 
 HENRY C. MURPHY. 
 
 Mr. MURPHY enjoys the distinction of being, in a legisla- 
 tive sense, the father of the Senate, the present being his 
 twelfth consecutive year of service in that body. He is, not 
 only by right of experience, but also by right of talents and 
 accomplishments, the ranking Democrat of the Legislature, 
 and the leader of his party in the upper house. 
 
 HENRY CRUSE MURPHY was born in Brooklyn in 1810, and 
 has ever since been a resident of that city. After receiving a 
 preparatory education, he entered Columbia College, from 
 which he graduated in 1830. He then commenced the study 
 of the law with the late PETER W. RADCLIFFE, of New York, 
 and was admitted to the bar in 1833. In the year following 
 he married Miss AMELIA-GREENWOOD, daughter of RICHARD 
 GREENWOOD, of Haverstraw, Rockland county, New York. 
 Though applying himself assiduously to the duties of his 
 profession, Mr. MURPHY found time to bestow on literary 
 and political subjects, and was a frequent contributor to sev- 
 eral periodicals of the day. He thus early became known in 
 political circles, in which he has since occupied a foremost 
 position. 
 
 At the time Mr. MURPHY entered public life, the State of 
 New York had been long pursuing, in regard to its moneyed 
 interests, a policy which had placed the banks, in every sec- 
 tion of the State, under the control of petty monopolists, 
 created by political favoritism. A convention of the young 
 men of the day assembled at Herkimer, in 1834. to which 
 Mr. MURPHY was elected a delegate. On its organization he 
 was appointed Chairman on Resolutions, and then, for the 
 first time, exhibited that foresight and energy of character 
 lor which lie has since been distinguished. He took occasion 
 at once to introduce in the Committee, and subsequently in
 
 86 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 the Convention, a resolution denouncing the above policy, 
 although the patronage which it created had been distributed 
 for the benefit of his own party. Violent opposition was 
 made to the adoption of this resolution, but it finally passed 
 with some modification. It was, however, never permitted 
 to see the light, having been suppressed in the official report 
 of the proceedings of the Convention. Still it had its effect. 
 The fact that the resolution had been smothered soon became 
 known. The New York Evening Post, then edited by WM. 
 LEGGETT, and many other journals, exposed the unfair pro- 
 ceeding, took up the doctrine and gave it a strength and 
 popularity which resulted, in a feAV years, in the utter pros- 
 tration of the system of monopolized banking in the State 
 of Xew York. 
 
 Mr. MURPHY was soon after appointed Attorney and Coun- 
 sel to the corporation of his native city, and, consequently, 
 became familiar with the nature and operation of municipal 
 corporations generally. In 1842 he was elected Mayor of 
 Brooklyn. During his administration he introduced a sys- 
 tem of retrenchment, which, mirabile dictu, actually kept 
 the expenditures of that city within its income! He com- 
 menced this retrenchment by the reduction of his own salary. 
 Before the expiration of his term of office as Mayor, he was 
 elected Member of the Twenty-eighth Congress, and took 
 his seat, accordingly, in the House of Representatives in 
 1843. Although one of its youngest members, he at once 
 secured a high position in that body; and on the tariff 
 question advocated a system of duties for revenue purposes 
 only, and thus, incidentally, indorsed the doctrine of free 
 trade. On the question of the annexation of Texas he took 
 the affirmative, but advised its postponement, in order that 
 Mexico might be afforded an opportunity to give her assent, 
 and that more unanimity might be secured thereby, in favor 
 of it in the United States. In view of the events which 
 have since transpired, the wisdom of this recommendation 
 must be admitted. On other questions of public policy he
 
 HENRY C. MURPHY. 8? 
 
 took an equally prominent position ; and Avith ability opposed 
 the alteration of the naturalization laws, and demonstrated 
 the inconsistency of such a measure with the genius of our 
 government, and its bad effects on the settlement of the pub- 
 lic domain. For the splendid dry dock which has been con- 
 structed at Wallabout Bay, the port of New York is indebted 
 to Mr. MURPHY'S zeal and perseverance. 
 
 The most notable position in State politics which this gen- 
 tleman has occupied, was that of member of the Convention 
 which assembled in 1846, to frame a new Constitution of this 
 State. Here he brought forward several important provis- 
 ions, some of which were eventually incorporated into that 
 instrument. His course on this, as on most occasions, met 
 the approbation of his constituents, and on his return from 
 the Convention, he was again elected to Congress by the 
 largest vote ever polled in his district. 
 
 On the accession of Mr. BUCHAXAX to the Presidency, 
 Mr. MURPHY received the appointment of Minister to the 
 Hague. Identified as he had long been with the efforts to 
 rescue from oblivion the early history of our State, particu- 
 larly that portion of it which relates to its first colonization 
 by Holland, the selection elicited general approval. When 
 the rebellion broke out Mr. MURPHY was still Minister of 
 the United States to the Netherlands, and it was exceedingly 
 important at the time, that the governments of Europe 
 should be correctly informed of the precise facts of the case, 
 and of the real relations of the States to the Federal Gov- 
 ernment, in order that foreign powers might readily see and 
 adhere to their well-established line of duty. Accordingly, 
 Minister MURPHY addressed to the government of the Neth- 
 erlands an elaborate exposition of that relationship, and 
 clearly pointed out the absolute supremacy of the general 
 government in all matters committed to it by the Constitu- 
 
 O / 
 
 tion, and the equally absolute rights of the State over all 
 matters not delegated to the United States by that instru- 
 ment. He seized the opportunity to show, at the same time,
 
 88 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 that the rebellion owed its origin chiefly to sectional hate 
 and the ambition of the leaders. This paper was printed at 
 length in the diplomatic correspondence of 1S61 and 1862, 
 and was highly praised by men of both parties. Upon his 
 return to the United States, he announced his determination 
 to uphold the national flag against secession, and was imme- 
 diately elected to the Senate of the State, as a Union man. 
 At the State Convention of the Democratic party in 1862, he 
 was chosen temporary Chairman, and insisted that all citi- 
 zens, without distinction of party, should support the admin- 
 istration in putting down the rebellion. In the annual 
 oration before the Tammany Society on the 4th of July, 
 1863, he took no less patrotic grounds in behalf of the 
 Union. Indeed, he was no less zealous in acts than in words ; 
 for mainly by his exertions the Third Senatorial Regiment, 
 the 159th Xew York State Volunteers, Colonel MOLIXEUX, 
 was raised, and the bounties paid to the men without calling 
 upon either the State, city or county authorities for that 
 purpose. Such, in brief, is the history of his action in 
 regard to the rebellion. 
 
 Mr. MURPHY has taken a conspicuous part in all import- 
 ant debates and discussions during his long term of service, 
 and particularly distinguished himself in his efforts to repeal 
 the bill in regard to ecclesiastical tenures, and to establish 
 the quarantine in the lower bay of Xew York measures 
 which he successfully carried through. He. also, was in 
 favor of sustaining the different internal improvements 
 throughout the State, without regard to the section where 
 they were proposed, provided they contributed to the general 
 prosperity. Having always been a strict constructionist, Mr. 
 MURPHY voted against ratifying the amendment to the Con- 
 stitution of the United States abolishing slavery. He holds 
 that, as the Federal Government is one of delegated powers 
 exclusively, and as the subject of slavery was not embraced 
 in the Constitution, and was to be disposed of only by the 
 States where it existed, the power of amendment is neces-
 
 HENRY C. MURPHY. 89 
 
 sarily limited to the subjects embraced in the Constitution, 
 and does not legitimately apply to that of abolishing 
 slavery. 
 
 Senator MUKPHY in 1867, and again in 1869, received the 
 nomination for United States Senator from the Democratic 
 members of the Legislature. He was a leading member of 
 the Constitutional Convention held in 1863, and took a 
 prominent part in all its proceedings. 
 
 In debate, Mr. MUKPHY generally speaks extemporaneously ; 
 in argument he is close and logical ; in manner, earnest and 
 apparently severe ; and when he warms to his subject, his- 
 tory, precedent and analogy, all seem to rise unbidden to 
 fortify the position he assumes. In private character he 
 possesses, in an eminent degree, all the essential elements of 
 a high-toned gentlemen, and no public man, we think, has 
 passed thus far through the trying ordeal of an extended 
 legislative career more free from the taint of corruption. 
 Though eminently a practical man, taking a deep and active 
 part in public affairs a man of the people he is a scholar, 
 " and a ripe good one." To the gratification of his scholastic 
 tastes Mr. MURPHY has given much of his time and means. 
 During his travels at home and abroad, he has accumulated 
 one of the finest private libraries in America, and possesses 
 the full power to appreciate and enjoy it; and however 
 much he may win honor and fame as a public spirited citizen, 
 or a successful political leader, his claim as one of the lit- 
 erati can never be lost sight of. Mr. MURPHY'S contribu- 
 tions to literature are of a very valuable character, and 
 include a number of translations from the Dutch language, 
 of which he is a perfect master. 
 
 He was elected to the present Senate by a majority of 
 6,565, and serves 011 the Judiciary, Literature, Commerce and 
 Navigation, and Rules Committees. 
 12
 
 90 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JAMES O'BEIEN. 
 
 Senator JAMES 0'BniEX, who represents the Seventh 
 Senatorial district, consisting of the eighteenth, twentieth 
 and twenty-first wards of the city of 'New York, is a good 
 illustration of a topic often commented upon the success 
 which pluck and perseverance will wrest from 
 
 " Those twin gaolers of the daring heart, 
 Low birth and iron fortune." 
 
 Seldom in any country, beside our own, can humble parentage 
 and the hindrances of poverty be overcome, and wealth and 
 influence be attained. It is little wonder, then, that they 
 who in the old motherland see before them only a future of 
 dreary toil and merely nominal wages, seek our hospitable 
 shores, knowing that under the freedom of Kepublican 
 government, the future promises all things to him who puts 
 forth earnest endeavor. 
 
 JAMES O ? BRIEX was born in Moate, Westmeath county, 
 Ireland, and is now about thirty-three years of age. Both 
 his parents, LA\VREXCE O'BniEX and Axx McDoxELL 
 0'BniEX, were born in Dublin, the Emerald island's famous 
 metropolis. They are still living to enjoy the prosperity 
 which has attended the Senator in the new World. After 
 receiving a common school education, he immediately 
 plunged into business. He was for many years a machinist, 
 and is now engaged in the manufacture of blacksmith's tools. 
 
 At the outbreak of the great rebellion, he went to work 
 recruiting with a will, and succeeded in raising a brigade, 
 composed for the most part, it is said, of his personal friends. 
 
 For years the Senator has been one of the most active 
 politicians of the metropolis, and it is as a politician that lie 
 is best known. He is perfectly familiar with all the crooks 
 and convolutions which have marked the course of Xew
 
 JAMES O'BRIEN. 91 
 
 York politics during the past ten years. He was a member 
 of the Board of Aldermen in 186o-'67, and Sheriff in 
 1868-'70. 
 
 The Senator claims a lion's share of the honor of break- 
 ing the Tammany ring, and maintains that for a time he 
 fought that ring single handed and alone, not turned aside 
 by the offers of immense bribes, nor intimidated by the infi- 
 delity of many who professed to be friends. 
 
 In his first canvass for Alderman, when he ran on the 
 " People's Ticket," his majority was so enormous as to exceed 
 the entire vote cast for his opponent. A more signal proof 
 of popularity was never bestowed upon a candidate. At the 
 present time the Senator calls himself a "Conservative 
 Democrat," 
 
 He was elected to the position which he now holds by 
 the rousing majority of 13,336, over JOHN J. BRADLEY, a 
 brother-in-law of PETEK B. SWEEXEY, who had been chosen 
 to the preceding Senate by a majority of 6,654. The canvass 
 Avas a most exciting one, and notwithstanding an herculean 
 effort was put forth to defeat O'BniEX, he achieved the 
 great triumph set forth in the figures of his majority. 
 
 The Senator was married in 1863 to Miss McGovEBX. 
 Personally, the Senator is a most genial gentleman one 
 whose frank, generous nature, and large heartedness, make 
 him a favorite in many social circles. Few men can boast 
 of a larger number of warmly attached personal friends than 
 JAMES
 
 92 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ABIAH W. PALMER. 
 
 The Senator from the Eleventh District was born on the 
 25th of January, 1835, in the town of Amenia, Dutchess 
 county, on the old homestead, which has for many years been 
 in the possession of the PALMER family, and on which Mr. 
 PALMER now resides. Both of his parents died when he was 
 still in his early childhood. He pursued his studies at 
 Amenia Seminary, and afterward at the Oneida Conference 
 Seminary in Cazenovia, with a view to a complete collegiate 
 course. At nineteen he entered the Sophomore class of 
 Union College; but in 1856 he was compelled by ill health 
 to relinquish his studies, and seek remedies at the Clifton 
 Springs' Water Cure, in which institution he remained for 
 several months. Having been convinced that he needed a 
 different kind of treatment, he made arrangements for a pro- 
 tracted visit to Europe. Accordingly, in 1857, he went 
 abroad, visiting Great Britain and the Continent, and avail- 
 ing himself of opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of 
 modern languages. 
 
 In 1859, Mr. PALMER returned and resumed the manage- 
 ment of his estate, in Amenia, paying particular attention 
 to mining for iron ore. a large bed of that metal being on 
 his lands. In the fall of that year, he was nominated for 
 Member of the Assembly by the Republican party, and 
 elected by a large majority, though the district had, hitherto, 
 bee?i closely contested by both parties. It will be perceived 
 that Mr. PALMER entered upon his political career when he 
 was but little over twenty-four years old. Up to that period 
 his time had been spent as a student or in foreign 
 travel, but still he had formed decided opinions relative 
 to public affairs, and been among the foremost to indorse 
 the enduring principles of universal freedom, which were 
 confirmed in his mind, bv the contrasts which were
 
 ABIAH W. PALMER. 93 
 
 presented to his observation, while in Europe. -Though 
 among the youngest Members of the Assembly, he held 
 an honorable and prominent place in that body, and 
 commanded respect because he had the integrity to resist 
 the overtures of corrupt schemers. The following year 
 he was unanimously re-nominated for the Assembly, but, 
 in consequence of ill-health, he was compelled to decline. 
 He thereupon withdrew from politics and gave his attention 
 to his private business and the restoration of his health. In 
 1865 he again accepted the nomination for the Assembly, 
 and was elected by the largest majority ever given by his 
 district. His talents received just recognition from the 
 Speaker, who appointed him a member of the committees of 
 Ways and Means, and Revision and Rules. While serving 
 on the former committee his attention was called to the 
 necessity of making provision for the better accommodation 
 of the insane. He succeeded in effecting the enactment of 
 a law authorizing the Governor to appoint Commissioners 
 to select a site for a new asylum for them. The follow- 
 ing summer he was appointed by Governor FENTON as 
 Chairman of that Board. He devoted nearly the whole of 
 his attention during the ensuing season to the selection of a 
 proper site, and strenuously urged upon the inhabitants, at 
 different points along the Hudson river, to make proposals 
 for having the institution located in their localities. The 
 city of Poughkeepsie offered the most liberal and desira- 
 ble inducements for the purpose in question; and conse- 
 quently the Commissioners decided to establish the asylum 
 at that place. Thereupon a splendid farm of two hundred 
 acres, affording one of the most beautiful sites on the Hud- 
 son, was purchased, costing the city of Poughkeepsie and the 
 remainder of Dutchess county 885,000. 
 
 During that year Mr. PALMER was again renominated, 
 but his delicate health compelled him to resign the candi- 
 dacy. During the session of the Legislature of 1866, he 
 presented the report of the Oommissioners relative to their
 
 94 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 action, and procured the passage of an act, accepting the 
 site, on the part of the State, and also an act for the establish- 
 ment and organization of the Hudson River State Hospital 
 for the Insane, and secured the appropriation of $100,000 
 with which to commence work upon the building. Under 
 this act he was appointed one of the managers, on behalf of 
 the State, for the consummation of the plans ; and was, sub- 
 sequently, elected President of the Board of Managers. This 
 honor was justly deserved, for Mr. PALMER had initiated, 
 and done much toward perfecting one of the most benevo- 
 lent and humane charities dispensed by the State of New 
 York. In fact, the accomplishment of this beneficent pur- 
 pose was the master-good which he desired to have conferred 
 upon suffering humanity ; and he entered into the work 
 actuated by sympathy for the unfortunate, and by motives 
 of an exalted charity. The time will come when many, 
 having emerged from the terrors of disordered minds, will 
 have cause to be grateful for the impulses which prompted 
 Mr. PALMER in his devotion to this project. 
 
 In 1867 Mr. PALMER was unanimously nominated as the 
 Republican candidate for State Senator for the eleventh dis- 
 trict, composed of Dutchess and Columbia counties. The 
 result showed his great popularity ; for although his district 
 gave the Democratic State ticket nearly two hundred 
 majority, yet Mr. PALMER was elected'by nearly seven hun- 
 dred majority. In the Senate he was Chairman of the com- 
 mittee on Bunks and Charitable and Religious Societies, and 
 was a member of the committees on Municipal Affairs and 
 Agriculture. 
 
 There was virtually no opposition to the Senator's election 
 to the present Senate. His majority of 8,572 was a deserved 
 compliment to his conspicuous popularity, and indicated 
 that he received a large number of votes from his political 
 opponents. He is a gentleman of the purest character and 
 blameless record ; no man ever came out of the legislative 
 halls with a more spotless reputation. He commands the
 
 ABIAH W. PALMER. 95 
 
 entire respect of political adversaries as well as political 
 friends, and his genial personal qualities have combined with 
 his untarnished reputation to secure for him a popularity 
 and appreciation not bounded by party lines. 
 
 Senator PALMER supported Mr. GREELEY for President, in 
 the late campaign, and on the occasion of a nomination by 
 the Senate of a candidate for United States Senator, he took 
 occasion to define and explain his political position in the 
 following remarks : Asking to be excused from voting, he 
 said : 
 
 Mr. PRESIDENT : As my Eepublican associates in the Sen- 
 ate have denied me the courtesy of an invitation to the cau- 
 cuses of my party, and I have be.en assigned positions on 
 committees as if I were a Democrat, it is perhaps due to myself 
 and to my constituents that I should briefly explain my 
 course at this time. In the late campaign I should have 
 voted for HORACE GREELEY for President had not sickness 
 detained me in a distant State on the day of election. It is 
 unnecessary on this occasion for me to speak of my personal 
 relations with Mr. GREELEY, or refer to the warmth of the 
 friendship which had so long existed between us. I will 
 only say that I deemed him a better exponent of Republican 
 principles than Gen. GRANT. 
 
 The fact that Democrats supported Mr. GREELEY upon a 
 Eepublican platform did not frighten me; nor did I become 
 the less a Republican by my course. The great body of rny 
 party decided that its regular nominee should be intrusted 
 with the government of the country for another term. I 
 sincerely trust that its confidence will prove well deserved. 
 The Republican State ticket I took pleasure in supporting 
 not only on account of the personnel of the nominees, but 
 because I had no ground for difference with my party upon 
 State questions. Now, Mr. President, I recognize the fact 
 that the same voice which, in this State, pronounced in favor 
 of GRANT and Dix was equally emphatic for ROSCOE CONK- 
 LING, for United States Senator, and I have no personal rea- 
 sons for preferring any other Republican for that office. 
 
 I have not always considered Senator CONKLING'S course 
 as conciliatory us I could have desired, but for many years our 
 relations have been extremely cordial. I esteem him as a 
 friend, and admire him for his ability and undoubted integf-
 
 96 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 rity. Yet I am told that some of the Senator's friends have 
 sought to read me out of the party, as if any power but 
 myself could decide to what party I belong ; and an indignity 
 has been offered to my Kepublican constituents in denying 
 them Republican representation. 
 
 A not unnatural pride would suggest that I should seek 
 welcome elsewhere; but the truest self-respect enjoins 
 adherence to my principles. By conviction and education 
 I am a Republican, and such I must remain. As a member 
 of this body I shall do nothing to defeat the purposes of 
 those who elected me; and in casting this important vote, 
 I feel bound to recognize the wishes of the party which has 
 so often honored me with its support. 
 
 The two candidates nominated by caucuses in which I did 
 not participate, are CHAKLES W. WHEATON, of Dutchess 
 county, one of the most able and pure-minded men in this 
 State/ but a life-long Democrat; and ROSCOE CONKLING, 
 the finished scholar, ripe statesman, and patriotic Republican. 
 
 Bowing to no dictation but the convictions of my own 
 conscience, I withdraw my request to be excused from voting, 
 and cast my vote for ROSCOE COXKLIXG. 
 
 JOHN C. PERRY. 
 
 The second Senatorial district is represented by JOHN 
 CYRUS PERRY, of Brooklyn. He was born in Forrestburg, 
 Sullivan county, April 21, 1832, and was educated at the 
 academy in Monticello, in that county ; when seventeen 
 years of age he entered the law office of Hon. ALPHEUS 
 DIMMICK, then Judge and Surrogate of the county, and one 
 of the most eminent lawyers of that section, with whom he 
 studied law two years, and then entered the law school at 
 Ballston, Saratoga county, X. Y., where he remained two 
 years, when he was admitted as attorney and counselor of the 
 supreme court at Albany, being then twenty-one years of 
 age. Immediately thereafter he opened an office, and com- 
 menced the practice of law in Kingston, lister county. On
 
 JOHN C. PERRY. 97 
 
 the 1st of January, 1854, he was appointed Assistant District 
 Attorney for that county by JOHN LYON, District Attorney, 
 and officiated in that capacity for three years. In the fall 
 of 1855 he was nominated for County Judge by the Whig 
 county convention, but declined the nomination to disem- 
 barrass the Kepublican cause which had been inaugurated 
 that fall for the first time in his county. In the fall of 
 1856 he was nominated by the Republican party for Dis- 
 trict Attorney of Ulster, but was defeated in the election 
 by the nominee of the Know-nothing party. Eemoving to 
 Brooklyn in the fall of 1857, he commenced the practice of 
 law in the city of New York; in 1861 he was nominated, in 
 Brooklyn, for Assembly on the straight Republican ticket, 
 but was defeated by CHARLES L. BENEDICT, the present 
 United States District Judge for the Eastern district, Avho ran 
 on a union ticket, which was nominated and supported by 
 the Democratic and a portion of the Republican party. He 
 was again nominated for Assembly in 1863 by the Republican 
 party, and elected ; and renominated and elected to the same 
 position by the same party in the fall of 1864. He was a 
 member of the committee on Cities in the Assembly in 1864 
 and 1865, and Chairman of that committee during the 
 latter year, and one of the notable legislative acts with 
 which that committee is identified is the act which inaugu- 
 rated the present paid Fire Department in the city of New 
 York. The bill, after a most exciting and bitter contest, was 
 reported favorably by a majority of the committee, and during 
 the session (1865), it was passed and became a law. In the 
 spring of 1865, on returning from Albany he received the 
 appointment from the Hon. B. D. SILLIMAJST, District Attor- 
 ney for the Eastern district of the United States, as Assistant 
 District Attorney for that district; and held that position 
 until May 1, 1866, when he resigned and resumed the prac- 
 tice of law in the city of New York, refraining absolutely 
 after that date from any participation in politics until the 
 fall of 1871, when he was tendered by the Republican Con- 
 7
 
 98 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 vention the unanimous nomination for Senator for the 
 Second district, and having accepted it, was elected by a 
 majority of 1,968 over JAMES F. PIERCE, his Democratic 
 opponent, who had been elected to the preceding Senate by 
 a majority of 1,351. Mr. PERRY ran ahead of the Republi- 
 can State ticket about 1,000 votes. 
 
 The Senator was brought prominently before the public 
 last year as Chairman of the Select Committee appointed to 
 investigate the charges brought against the late Clerk of the 
 Senate. He is at the head of the important committee on 
 Insurance, and, also, of Privileges and Elections, and a mem- 
 ber of the committee on Cities. Xo Senator around the 
 circle commands in a higher degree the respect of his asso- 
 ciates than Senator PERRY. A ready and finished debater, 
 always cool and collected, he delivers what he has to say in a 
 simple, direct manner, and rarely fails to carry his point. 
 Added to his capacity and ability as a legislator are fine social 
 gifts, which render him popular among all with whom he 
 comes in contact. 
 
 WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON. 
 
 The ninth Senatorial district, consisting of the counties 
 of Putnam. Eockland and Westchester, is represented by 
 WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON, of Katonah, Westchester county, 
 one of the most able and dignified members of the present 
 Senate. He was born at Bedford, in the county in which he 
 now resides, October 10, 1823. His father, HENRY ROBERT- 
 SON, who was born in 1791, at Bedford, is still living. After 
 pursuing his preliminary studies at Union Academy, Bed- 
 ford, he read law, and in 1847, was admitted to the bar. 
 
 The Senator has had a long and honorable career as a 
 public man. The confidence so often reposed in him by the 
 people has never been violated : the interests committed to
 
 WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON. 99 
 
 his hands never neglected. Beginning as Town Superin- 
 tendent of the Bedford Common Schools, he subsequently 
 served for four years as Supervisor, and on two occasions was 
 Chairman of the Board the only Republican who ever held 
 that position. Eising rapidly in his profession, he was 
 early elected County Judge of Westchester , and served in 
 that capacity for three terms, twelve years. 
 
 His experience as a legislator has been long and varied. 
 He represented "Westchester county in the Assembly, in 
 1849 and 1850; and the ninth Senatorial district in the 
 Senate of 1854-55. Later he was a Representative in the 
 fortieth Congress. In politics Mr. ROBEKTSON is a Repre- 
 sentative Republican, and has long been prominently iden- 
 tified with the organization of his choice. Until the year 
 1855 he was a Whig, and since that date has given his vote 
 and influence to the party to which he now belongs. For 
 three years he was a member of the Republican State Com- 
 mittee, and in 1864 attended the Republican National Con- 
 vention as a Delegate. He has also on many occasions 
 attended the Whig and Republican State Conventions as 
 Delegate. 
 
 The Senator did efficient service during the late war. He 
 was Chairman of the Military Committee appointed by 
 Governor MORGAX, in 1862, to raise and organize State 
 troops in the Eighth Senatorial district. Later on, he filled the 
 important position of Commissioner to superintend the draft 
 in Westchester county, under an appointment of the 
 Governor. For six years he was Brigade Inspector of the 
 Seventh Brigade, New York State National Guard. 
 
 He was elected to the Senate by a most nattering vote. 
 Running in a strong Democratic district, his defeat would 
 have been a matter of course had he not been conspicuous for 
 his great ability, and as popular as he was worthy. As it 
 was, he received a handsome majority in every town of West- 
 Chester, and succeeded in carrying Rockland and Putnam 
 counties as well his total majority being 5,851 over WIL-
 
 100 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 LIAM CAULDWELL, who had been chosen to the preceding 
 Senate by a majority of 2,274. 
 
 Last fall the Senator's name was among the foremost of 
 those presented at the Utica Convention for Governor. As 
 soon as it was found that General Dix would accept the 
 nomination, it was withdrawn in the interest of harmony 
 the friends of the Senator thinking, probably that being yet a 
 young man their candidate could afford to wait. 
 
 In presenting his name to the convention, Mr. CHARLES 
 E. SMITH, editor of the Albany Evening Journal cogent 
 alike with tongue and pen spoke as follows : 
 
 Mr. PRESIDENT: I rise to discharge a duty which has 
 been intrusted tome, and to present for the office of Governor 
 a gentleman whose name, I am sure, will commend itself 
 wherever tried and true men are honored. In common with 
 many others, I came here desirous of supporting for this 
 office the distinguished citizen and soldier, Gen. JOHN" A. 
 Dix. But it has been stated that in deference to his 
 expressed wish, his name is not to be offered. Under such 
 circumstances the delegation from Albany have determined 
 to cast their vote for another eminent citizen, whose name I 
 am instructed to submit to the convention. 
 
 I present the name of one who has, from the first, been con- 
 ceded to be peculiarly fitted for the chief magistracy of the 
 State, and to whom the eyes of many are now turning as our 
 proper standard-bearer. I present one whose record is his 
 sufficient argument, whose career is his best advocate, and 
 whose strength and popularity, whose worth and worthiness 
 will be best attested when I name the name of Hon. WIL- 
 LIAM H. ROBERTSON, of Westchester. [Great cheering.] 
 
 Sir, that response, thrilling through this convention, speaks 
 its sentiment of respect better than any words could do. 
 It shows that these representatives of the great and noble 
 Republican party of New York, from Montauk Point to Lake 
 Erie, know and appreciate the exalted character, the signal 
 ability, and the eminent merits of Judge ROBERTSON. Many 
 years Supervisor of his town ; two years Chairman of the board, 
 through his personal popularity, the board being politically 
 opposed to him ; twelve years Judge of his county, always 
 overcoming an adverse political majority of thousands ; twice
 
 WILLIAM T. SCORESBY. 101 
 
 a member of the Assembly; twice a member of Congress; 
 twice a State. Senator, elected the last time in a strong Demo- 
 cratic district by a majority of nearly six thousand, and 
 running over four thousand ahead of his ticket even in the 
 whirlwind by which we swept the State last year what 
 more need be said to show that he would be a worthy and 
 popular standard-bearer to lead us on to victory. [Applause.] 
 His personal fitness is as conspicuous as his popularity. A 
 judge without a stigma ; a legislator without a stain ; a safe, 
 wise and judicious leader; an earnest and zealous friend of 
 reform; a Republican whose heart beats with the truest 
 Republican principles and impulses ; a Chevalier Bayard, 
 without fear or reproach he would be as trusty a Governor 
 as he would be strong a candidate. [Applause.] I may be 
 allowed, sir, to speak especially for the young men. There is 
 a wise old maxim, " Old men for counsel, and young men for 
 action." Since these elders in the councils of the Republi- 
 can party have pointed us the way to victory, we of the 
 younger blood gladly accept your judgment, and promise, 
 that, with Judge ROBERTSON" as our candidate, we will enter 
 the canvass knowing no such word as fail. * * 
 
 With any such candidate as we are likely to nominate, we 
 shall triumph, and, with Judge ROBERTSON, we shall surely 
 win. Nominate him, and we shall go forward to victory in 
 the State and in the nation. For it may be truly said of him, 
 as was said of Gen. GRANT : " He never has been beaten, 
 and he never can be." 
 
 WILLIAM T. SCORESBY. 
 
 The SCORESBY family is one of note in England. Capt. 
 WILLIAM SCORESBY, the grandfather of the Senator, was 
 born in Cropton, England, in 1700. At the age of nine- 
 teen he apprenticed himself as a seaman, and ten years 
 later was in command of a Greenland whaleship. in which 
 capacity he made thirty voyages to the Arctic seas. Xot 
 only his success in his legitimate calling, but the great 
 importance of his explorations and discoveries in those 
 regions gave him great celebrity. He became an authority
 
 102 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 on all matters connected with Arctic navigation. His obser- 
 vations and conclusions on this subject were* of great ser- 
 vice to the cause of science. He had also a genius for inven- 
 tion, and made and suggested many improvements in con- 
 nection with his professional occupation. He died in 1828. 
 
 Capt. WILLIAM SCOKESBY'S son, Rev. WM. SCORESBY, 
 D. D., took up his father's profession, and for many years 
 was engaged in the whaling business. During this period 
 he was carrying on a series of investigations regarding the 
 laws of magnetism, and communicating the results to the 
 scientific world in papers of great value. Retiring from the 
 sea he entered the church and rose to eminence as a divine. 
 Meantime he pursued his inquiries into scientific subjects 
 and became one of the leading savans of his day. He visited 
 Australia as a member of a scientific commission ordered by 
 the English government. He was a member of the Royal 
 Societies of Edinburgh and London, of the Institute of 
 France, and of the American Institute, Philadelphia. He 
 visited this country twice, once in 1844 and again in 1847-48. 
 His death occurred in 1857. 
 
 Capt. WILLIAM SCORESBY'S daughter Mary married Mr. 
 JOHX CLARK, of Whitby, England, who was largely engaged 
 in the iron trade. Upon his death in 1834, Mrs. CLARK 
 succeeded to the management of his business. From then 
 to the present, hers has been among the heaviest establish- 
 ments in England, doing a large mining and manufacturing 
 business, of which she has the sole direction. Her corres- 
 pondence is immense, and her transactions are colossal. 
 
 Another daughter of Capt. WILLIAM SCORESBY, Arabella, 
 married Capt. THOMAS JACKSOX, a shipping merchant of 
 Whitby. Mrs. JACKSOX is the mother of the late Prof. R. E. 
 SCORESBY JACKSOX, of the University of Edinburgh, whose 
 brilliant talents gave promise of great distinction. His 
 death in January, I860, was regarded as a great public loss. 
 
 Capt. WILLIAM SCOKESBY'S sou, Thomas, the father of 
 Senator SCORESBY, was born in York, England, in 1804.
 
 WILLIAM T. SCOKESBY. 103 
 
 He made four voyages with his father to the Arctic Seas, 
 between 1819 and 1822. In the intervals between these voy- 
 ages, he studied medicine, and took his degree at the Royal 
 College of Physicians and Surgeons in Edinburgh in 1825. 
 In the same year he married Louisa, daughter of Capt. 
 GEORGE RICHARDSON, of London. 
 
 Mrs. SCORESBY was born in London in 1804, and is still 
 living with her son, the Senator. Dr. THOMAS SCORESBY 
 practiced medicine at Whitby and Doucaster till 1834, when 
 he emigrated to America. He located first at Port Jervis, 
 Orange county, and then at Fallsburgh, Sullivan county, 
 whence in 1865 he removed to Ellenville, Ulster county, 
 where he died in 1866. 
 
 Senator SCORESBY was born in Fallsburgh, Sullivan 
 county, January 2, 1840. He received only an academic 
 education, chiefly at the Ellenville High School, under the 
 tuition of the late Prof. S. A. LAW POST. Leaving there, he 
 studied medicine under his father's direction, and graduated 
 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, corner 23d street 
 and 4th avenue, New York, in March, 1864. In 1865, he 
 began the practice of his profession at Ellenville, where he 
 at present resides. As a practitioner, Dr. SCORESBY has been 
 decidedly successful. He is enthusiastic, patient, thorough, 
 and deeply in love with his profession. But few of the 
 younger members of the fraternity have given to the public 
 stronger pledges of eminence than he. How far his digres- 
 sion into politics will serve to vitiate these promises remains 
 to be seen. 
 
 Until now he has not been diverted from professional 
 work, except by occasional visits to England, whither family 
 affairs have several times called him. 
 
 Senator SCORESBY is a new comer in the political field. 
 His neighbors have repeatedly intrusted him with the 
 management of their public affairs, but except in these home 
 matters, he has never sought nor held office until now. In 
 politics lie has always held and acted with the Republicans
 
 104 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 till in the late Presidential canvass, when he sided with the 
 Liberal Republicans. They made him a delegate to their. 
 State convention at Syracuse, in the fall of 1872, and subse- 
 quently they nominated him to the Senatorship of the 14th 
 district, then vacated by the death of Hon. JACOB HARDER- 
 BURGH. The nomination was also indorsed and adopted by 
 the Democratic Senatorial Convention, and at the election. 
 November 5, 1872, Dr. SCORESBY was elected by a vote of 
 11,873; against 11,864 cast for his competitor, JOHN SANDER- 
 SOX, Esq., of Greene county. The Senator regards his present 
 position as, on the whole, an independent one. While recog- 
 nizing the fact that he is in honor bound not to betray the 
 trust of those who have given him his position, he still thinks 
 that party ties sit loosely upon him. The stuff that is in him 
 is not good to make " rings " of. 
 
 Senator SCORESBY was married January 29, 1867, to Miss 
 LILLIE ERNHOUT, a daughter of Capt, JOHN ERNHOUT, of 
 Sandburgh, Sullivan Co. Mrs. S. died suddenly, September 
 17, 1867, while her husband was absent in England. In 
 religious matters Dr. SCORESBY holds " orthodox " views, and 
 at home is an attendant upon the Reformed (Dutch) Church, 
 of which his mother and sisters are members. 
 
 DANIEL F. TIEMANN. 
 
 Senator and ex-Mayor TIEMANN was born in New York city 
 on the 9th of January, 1805. His father, I. ANTHONY TIE- 
 MANN, was a native of Germany, and his mother, MARY 
 NEWELL TIEMANN, of Massachusetts. She came to New 
 York in her childhood and resided there the remainder of 
 her life. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was educated at a private semi- 
 nary, which used to stand, in the days of old New York, on 
 Broadway at its junction with Twenty-second street. His 
 preceptor was E. WHITXEY. father of JAMES R. WHITNEY.
 
 DANIEL F. TIEMANN. 105 
 
 On leaving school, and at the early age of thirteen, he entered 
 the drug establishment of Shieffelin & Co., where he remained 
 for six years. On reaching his twentieth year he was taken 
 into business by his father and uncle, who were engaged in 
 the manufacture of paints and colors. He is still in the 
 same business and same establishment as the one in which he 
 started, and stands to-day the head of the oldest, and one of 
 the largest, manufactories of paints and colors in the country. 
 The Senator has always been a Democrat, a Democrat in 
 the best sense of the word one devoted to the interests of the 
 people. No public man has a clearer record than DANIEL 
 F. TIEMANN. His official life commenced in 1838 when he 
 \vas elected a member of the Board of Assistant Aldermen, 
 for the Sixteenth ward. In 1839-40 he represented the same 
 ward in the Board of Aldermen. In 1851 he was the Assist- 
 ant Alderman of the Twelfth ward, and in 1852-53 the 
 Alderman of the same ward. This long term of alderman ic 
 service enabled Mr. TIEMANN" to become thoroughly 
 acquainted with the municipal affairs of New York, and the 
 science of practical government. In the fall of 1857 he was 
 a contestant against FERNANDO WOOD, the Tammany candi- 
 date for the mayoralty, and was elected by a large majority. 
 He held the office of Mayor for two years, and discharged 
 its duties to the satisfaction of the people, showing him- 
 self a brave, hard-working and incorruptible administra- 
 tor at the head of the city government, influenced only 
 by a sincere desire to promote the best interests of the 
 people. Mr. TIEMANN was for along time very prominently 
 identified with the school interest of New York. In 1852 he 
 became a Trustee of Public Schools and held the position 
 until the School Society dissolved, when he was made Com- 
 missioner of its successor. He also held from 1840 to 1850, 
 by election in the new Public School Board, the office of 
 Inspector. During the years 1854. '55, '56, he was one of the 
 Governors of the Alms-house. In this lust-mentioned posi- 
 tion, as in all others which he has held, he exhibited a sincere
 
 106 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 desire to discharge the trust committed to him to the best of 
 his ability. It is said that while he continued Governor of 
 the Alms-house, he scarcely ever failed to visit the institu- 
 tions on the islands at least two or three times every week. 
 
 After a retirement of over ten years from official life, he 
 was once more called to public service as a representative of 
 that Reform spirit, which of late has swept so resistlessly 
 over this State, dominated as a Reform Democrat, against 
 HENRY W. GENET, Tammany's choice, the people of his 
 district rallied so enthusiastically to his support that, not- 
 withstanding his opponent had been elected to the preceding 
 Senate by a majority of 7,901, Mayor TIEMAXX defeated 
 him, and was chosen to represent the Eighth Senatorial dis- 
 trict by a majority of 4,663. 
 
 Mr. TIEMANX is one of the marked men of the Senate. 
 Bluff, direct and unconventional, he is careless of parliamen- 
 tary usages, and in appreciative of the beauties of JEFFER- 
 sox's Manual. But all the same he makes a good Senator 
 a legislator who is incorruptible, hard-working and potent 
 with his fellows. His speeches lack grace and finish, but 
 they never lack force or common sense. 
 
 Mr. TIEMAXX was married in 1826 to Miss MARTHA W. 
 CLOWES, a neice of PETER COOPER. He has six children, 
 three sons and three daughters.
 
 WEBSTER WAGNER. 107 
 
 WEBSTER WAGNER. 
 
 WEBSTER WAGNER, to whom, in the present Senate, the 
 interests of the fifteenth Senatorial district are committed, 
 is descended from German parents, and was born at Palatine 
 Bridge, Montgomery county, this State, where he still 
 resides, in the year 1817. After receiving a common school 
 education, he was apprenticed to his brother James to learn 
 the trade of wagon and carriage building. His apprentice 
 ship ended, and a good knowledge of the business acquired, 
 he continued to devote himself to wagon and carriage 
 making for a number of years. In 1845 he received the 
 appointment of station agent at Palatine Bridge for the 
 U tica and Schenectady Eailroad, a position which he occu- 
 pied until the year 1860. 
 
 AVhile acting as station agent, and watching the trains 
 coming and going, he proposed to himself a problem, the 
 successful solution of which has done so much for the com- 
 fort of the traveling public, and made the name of WEBSTER 
 WAGNER well known all over the country. The Senator 
 would, doubtless, shrink from being designated by that 
 much abused term "philanthropist," and yet if love for 
 one's fellow men is to be inferred from benefits conferred on 
 them, it is difficult to see why he should not in all justice be 
 named a philanthropist in virtue of his Wagner Palace Cars. 
 
 With the appearance of the sleeping and drawing-room 
 car as part of the regular railway train, the comfort and con- 
 venience of travel was increased an hundred fold. Looking 
 back a few years to the order of things that then prevailed, 
 we wonder how it was that we ever rested contented with the 
 old time unsightly and uncomfortable cars. In virtue of the 
 improvements, of which Mr. WAGNER was one of the pioneers, 
 the terror of railroad traveling lias been removed, and now, 
 seated in a drawing-room car. or reposing in a sleeping-car,
 
 108 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 one approximates very nearly to the comfort and ease of a 
 well-appointed home. 
 
 Mr. WAGXER was one of the original inventors, and the 
 first to put in operation the drawing-room and sleeping-cars 
 which have grown to be a necessity with those who travel by 
 rail. His long experience at wagon and carriage building 
 enabled him to proceed unerringly with his plans for an 
 easy-riding car, while his taste and judgment suggested the 
 proper interior arrangements. The result of his labors in 
 this regard was first made manifest on the 1st of September, 
 1858, when he introduced the first sleeping-car on the Utica 
 and Schenectady Eailroad. This effort proved eminently suc- 
 cessful, and encouraged him to still farther exertions in the 
 same direction. Having provided the means of accommoda- 
 tion and comfort for those who journeyed by night, he set 
 himself to work in the interest of day passengers. Consum- 
 mate skill, joined to great energy and perseverance, compassed 
 the desired object, and on the 20th day of August, 1867, he 
 presented to an admiring and delighted public the first draw- 
 ing-room car that was ever built in America. 
 
 These drawing-room or palace cars have introduced an 
 entirely new element of pleasure into traveling in the United 
 States, have indeed reduced it to a fine art. Taking one of 
 these magnificent conveyances in New York on Monday, a 
 pleasure-seeker can find himself in San Francisco in a week, 
 not the least fatigued by travel or otherwise, and scarcely 
 less fresh than when he popped his head out at Spuyten 
 Duyvil creek. 
 
 The first sleeping-car that was ever built in America and 
 used by Mr. WAGNER, cost but 83,000, whereas those used 
 nowadays cost 816,000 to 820,000 each. The difference in the 
 figures representing the progress made in railway comfort 
 and accommodation since 1857. Mr. WAGXER has now 
 forty-nine drawing-room cars in active use, each of which 
 cost near upon 815,000. 
 
 The WAGXER Sleeping Car Company are now running
 
 WEBSTER WAGNER. 109 
 
 sixty sleeping cars, which cost three-quarters of a million 
 dollars. 
 
 Senator WAGNER'S legislative career commenced in 1871, 
 when he was sent to the Assembly from Montgomery county. 
 Running with the odds against him he was elected by a 
 handsome majority, his vote being much ahead of that given 
 to the general Republican ticket. He served on the com- 
 mittee on Banks, and made a record as a legislator so satis- 
 factory to his constituents, that in the Senatorial Convention 
 of 1871, he was unanimously nominated for the position 
 which he now holds. Two years previous, the Fifteenth dis- 
 trict had been lost to the Republicans by an unfortunate 
 division among themselves, and the selection of Mr. WAGNER, 
 who was not a politician, and represented neither faction, was 
 considered a guarantee that the Democratic majority of 1869, 
 of 2,003, was to be overcome. And overcome it was. Mr. 
 WAGNER was elected over ISAAC FULLER, his Democratic 
 opponent, by the rousing majority of 3,222. 
 
 Senator WAGNER is chairman of the committee on Public 
 Expenditures, and a member on Railroads and Grievances. 
 One of the quietest gentlemen of the circle of the Upper 
 House, he is, nevertheless, a sound, reliable and discreet legis- 
 lator, full of energy and determination, and in possession, in 
 an eminent degree, of the confidence of the people. They 
 acknowledge him as a man who is incorruptible, an enemy 
 to fraud in all its forms, and who, by his genius and industry, 
 has risen from life's lower ranks to wealth and commanding 
 position.
 
 110 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 AUGUSTUS WEISMANN. 
 
 AUGUSTUS WEISMANN represents the Sixth Senatorial dis- 
 trict, which consists of the Tenth, Eleventh and Seventeenth 
 wards of the city of New York. 
 
 Mr. WEISMANN was born March 6th, 1809, in a village in 
 Wurtemberg, southern part of Germany. His ancestors were 
 exiled Protestants from Austria and Salzburg, in Bavaria. 
 At the age of six years he was sent to the village school, and 
 a few years later entered a classical school in the city of 
 Schorndorf, where he remained for six yeajs, under the 
 tuition of excellent teachers, and made good progress in 
 ancient and modern languages and other important studies. 
 Having passed a satisfactory examination, he was placed in 
 charge of a prominent chemist and apothecary, " to whom," 
 he is accustomed to say, "I was much indebted for my 
 further education, for the formation of my character and my 
 consequent success in business." Having followed the pro- 
 fession of an apothecary in various parts of Germany, he 
 resolved to go to the United States, and accordingly sailed 
 from Rotterdam in an American brig to New York, where 
 he arrived on the 3d of June, 1832. 
 
 His prospects in life were very poor the first year, but after 
 much difficulty and many hardships, he succeeded in estab- 
 lishing a small drug store in Broome street, New York city. 
 In 1834 he was married to a native of New York and 
 daughter of ADOLPHUS Loss, then City Surveyor. Being 
 prosperous and successful in business, he started in 1846, 
 in company with H. A. CASSEBUE, Esq., the second estab- 
 lishment, in importance, in Broadway, under the well-known 
 firm WEISMAXX & CASSEBUR, which firm continued until 
 1860. 
 
 In 1851 he was, on the nomination of Alderman ROBERT 
 T. HAWS, of the Tenth ward, appointed a member of the
 
 AUGUSTUS WEISMANN. Ill 
 
 Board of Education, and has become associated with the 
 most prominent men of New York, who had the welfare and 
 education of the rising generation truly at heart. 
 
 In the fall election (1857) he was elected a member of the 
 Board of Supervisors of the city and county of New York on 
 the Eepublican ticket, and remained in said board until the 
 31st of December, 1863. 
 
 From that period until 1871 he retired entirely from 
 politics, spent part of his time on his farm in New Jersey, 
 and paid much attention to agricultural pursuits, of which 
 he is passionately fond. 
 
 In June, 1869, he sailed with his wife to Germany, his 
 native country, which he had not visited in 40 years, and 
 studied with great attention the forms of government of 
 several States, and the management of their public and 
 municipal affairs. He returned in 1870 highly pleased with 
 his visit. 
 
 From 1837 to 1845, he served in the Jefferson Guards of 
 the New York State Militia, first as private and subsequently 
 as a commissioned officer. He was in the city during the 
 days of the memorable riots of 1863, and was a member of 
 the special committee appointed to examine the riot claims, 
 and other great expenditures proceeding from that incipient 
 rebellion. 
 
 Senator WEISMAFN" was formerly a Democrat, in 1848 was a 
 Free-Soiler, and since the formation of the Republican party 
 has been a member of that organization. He was elected to 
 the Senate by a plurality of 2,425. 
 
 The Senator is an earnest, nervous speaker, and when treat- 
 ing of subjects in which he is specially interested, is often 
 quite eloquent. There is a pleasant reminiscence of the 
 Fatherland in his accent, although he is a master of the 
 Anglo-Saxon tongue. He is very rarely absent from his 
 place, and seems to be as devoted to the public weal as if it 
 were exclusively his private matter. 
 
 The President, in arranging his standing committees, very
 
 112 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 properly placed Senator WEISMANN at the head of the com- 
 mittee on Public Health. He is also a member on com- 
 merce and Navigation, and Cities. 
 
 The Senator is the most courtly gentleman in the Sen- 
 ate a fine exponent of the entente cordiale. 
 
 ISTORRIS WINSLOW. 
 
 Senator WINSLOW represents the eighteenth Senatorial 
 district, composed of the counties of Jefferson and Lewis. 
 His father, JOHN WINSLOW. was formerly member of Assem- 
 bly, and subsequently one of the Supervisors of Watertown, 
 of which city he is a respected and influential citizen. 
 
 His son, the present Senator, was born in Watertown, in 
 May, 1835, and is emphatically a self-made man. After 
 attending the common schools and academies in his native 
 place, he entered a dry goods store, in Watertown, as clerk, 
 on the rather slim salary of two dollars a week. He was 
 engaged in the mercantile business from 1855 to 1865, when 
 he became proprietor of the Merchants' Bank, which 
 remained an individual institution until April, 18T1, when a 
 stock company was organized, of which he was made 
 President. 
 
 Mr. WINSLOW is extensively engaged in manufacturing, 
 leading in many important enterprises, and an energetic 
 patron of every movement calculated to promote the material 
 or moral prosperity of the community in which he resides. 
 He is President of the Watertown Fire Insurance Company, 
 and holds a large interest in the Agricultural Insurance Com- 
 pany of the same city. He is also President of the Hoard 
 American Spinner Manufacturing Company, and in addition 
 is extensively engaged in the manufacture of the Davis Sew- 
 ing Machine.
 
 NORRJS WlNSLOW. 113 
 
 Senator WINSLOW is still in early manhood. His mental 
 powers, however, have ever been active. By diligent read- 
 ing, and, what is not less important, by the habit of severe 
 thinking, he has acquired a large measure of information, 
 which, with ready tact, he is able to make available in the 
 practical work of legislation. A thoroughly well-informed 
 gentleman, his wealth and intelligence have always been 
 cast on the side of right, and have been potent in his native 
 place, with the wants and interests of which he is perfectly 
 familiar. 
 
 Mr. WINSLOW'S first vote was cast for JOHN C. FREMONT 
 for President in 1856. Since then he has always acted with 
 the Eepublican party, and during the rebellion he, like 
 thousands of other patriotic men, labored according to the 
 best of his ability to put down the terrible civil revolu- 
 tion. He was a candidate for Presidential Elector upon the 
 Kepublican ticket in 18G8, and is at present Supervisor of 
 the Second ward of Watertown. 
 
 In the last Senate Mr. WIN SLOW served on the committee 
 on Banks, where his experience as a banker was of great ser- 
 vice in determining the many perplexing questions brought 
 before that committee. He also was a member of the com- 
 mittees on Charitable and Religious Societies and Joint 
 Library. 
 
 So well pleased were his constituents with the manner in 
 which their interests had been attended to by Senator 
 WINSLOW in 1870, '71, that they re-elected him to the present 
 Senate by a majority over eight hundred greater than he 
 received when first running. Such an indorsement of his 
 legislative course any man might well be proud of, and 
 doubtless the Senator appreciates it at its full value. 
 
 In February of last year, he attracted a great deal of 
 interest and attention by his elaborate letter to HORACE 
 GUKET.EY in reply to certain criticisms made by the great 
 editor in the "' Tribune," as to his course in the Senate on the 
 New York charter
 
 114 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 In the present Senate, the important and responsible 
 position of Chairman of the committee on Banks is held by 
 Senator WINSLOW. He is also a member of the Insurance 
 and Printing committees. 
 
 Gifted with fine social qualities, he is as agreeable as a 
 companion, as he is capable and efficient as a legislator. 
 
 DANIEL P. WOOD. 
 
 DAXIEL WOOD, the father of the subject of this sketch, 
 came, in 1800, to Pompey, Onondaga county, from the Berk- 
 shire Hills. DANIEL P. WOOD is of New England, Massa- 
 chusetts stock. And this implies more than many men, 
 whose minds are biased by religious, sectional or political 
 antagonisms, are willing to admit. 
 
 Massachusetts is, in some important respects, the inferior 
 of this our native State. She has many faults of history 
 and character. She has given birth to not a few unworthy 
 sons and daughters. But, after all, in spite of what may be 
 truthfully said about the Puritan sternness and Calvanistic 
 bigotry, the persecution of Baptists and Quakers, the Cotton 
 Mathers and Salem witches of the past, or the lax notions 
 and heresies of the present, spite of all the business and 
 political sins fairly or unfairly laid at her door, Massa- 
 chusetts is a commonwealth eminent among her sisters for 
 the nobler qualities. Considering her population, and the 
 extent of her territory, her history cannot easily be sur- 
 passed for variety of excellence. Her children get from her a 
 moral and intellectual training, a personal independence and 
 love of liberty, and a political education which subordinates 
 States to the nation, the interests of the individual to the 
 interest of the masses, which holds the home prosperity as 
 bound up in, and inseparable from, the prosperity of neigh-
 
 DANIEL P. WOOD. 115 
 
 bors and sisters. Such sons of hers who go wrong are unjust 
 to their mother and share nothing of her spirit. 
 
 Hon. DANIEL P. WOOD inherited, and has exhibited 
 through life, the New England traits readiness to labor and 
 to learn, strength of will, forecast and sympathy with those 
 movements which have for their end the well-being of the 
 country, for their means to that end the advancing condition 
 of all classes and races. His father was a lawyer and 
 farmer, farming being his main occupation. Mr. WOOD 
 worked diligently on the farm till he was twenty years 
 old, acquiring a vigor of constitution which has since 
 enabled him to endure the severest mental labor. After 
 a preparatory course at Pompey Hill Academy, he entered 
 Hamilton College. There he not only disciplined his mind 
 by a mastering of the class studies, but expanded it by a 
 wide range of reading. He studied law at Pompey, with 
 VICTORY BIHDSEYE, and in 1846 commenced the practice of 
 law at Syracuse. His industry and skill were not long in 
 securing him great success. He was Corporation Attorney 
 for three years, and his general business was so large, and 
 attended to with such fidelity, that in 1853 his health broke 
 down. In that year, and the year 1854, he consented to 
 represent his district in the Assembly, in the hope of benefit 
 from lighter labors and a change of occupation. But the 
 legislation of those years was very important, and Mr. WOOD 
 was too earnest and active to give the needed rest to his 
 worn-out frame. In 1853, he was Chairman of the Com- 
 mittee on Salt, and was on the Committee on Claims and 
 the Code. On this last Committee was AUPHAXAD LOOMIS, 
 while DAVID DUDLEY FIELD, another codifier. was often 
 present at its sessions. The Committee sat many hours 
 each day, entertaining the most important discussions, de- 
 manding for their proper handling, severe thought and wide 
 knowledge, and Mr. WOOD brought to them his legal acumen 
 and conscientious industry. 
 
 In addition, the canal policy came up for review and
 
 116 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 determination. The Legislature of this year submitted the 
 question of debt for the completion of the enlargement to 
 the people, and in the long, exciting and able debates, Mr. 
 WOOD was prominent and influential. He was one of the 
 Managers, on the part of the Assembly, of the impeachment 
 of Canal Commissioner JOHN C. MATHER. To have been 
 assigned such important posts by a House politically opposed 
 to him, and during his first year as a legislator, was no light 
 tribute to his reputation and capacity. 
 
 In 1854, as Chairman of the committee on Colleges, 
 Academies, etc., he matured and carried through the act 
 creating the Department of Public Instruction. He was, 
 this year, a member of the Committee of Ways and Means. 
 He attended moderately to his profession during the three 
 years immediately following; but, in 1857, a hemorrhage of 
 the throat or lungs brought him to the borders of the grave. 
 
 Most men would have given way, but the will of Mr. 
 WOOD triumphed over disease, and as soon as he became 
 convalescent, he started for South Carolina, returning thence 
 on horseback. 
 
 In 1864, 'G5, '66, he was elected to the Assembly, as Repre- 
 sentative from the Second District of Onondaga county. In 
 1865 and 1866 he was Chairman of the committee on Canals, 
 a position requiring almost ceaseless labor. He understood 
 the canals, and defended their interests with honor to him- 
 self and usefulness to the State. In 1865, he was Chairman 
 of the Committee to receive the remains of President LIN- 
 COLN', at the city of Xew York, and conduct them through 
 the State. He was also on the Ways and Means, a committee 
 of which, in the following year, he was Chairman. 
 
 Mr. WOOD was a Whig; then a Republican. During the 
 war, he labored without ceasing. The first regiment which 
 went from Syracuse was raised in one week. In the same 
 period, mainly through the exertions of Mr. WOOD, nearly 
 20,000 was contributed on behalf of the soldiers and their 
 families. His patriotism knew no fear or faltering; he kept
 
 JAMES WOOD. 117 
 
 up his patience and his hope, speaking words of good cheer 
 all the more when hours were darkest. 
 
 As a legislator, Mr. WOOD is noticeable for his vigor, 
 activity and versatility. He speaks often, but always with a 
 good understanding of his subject. He was elected to the 
 present Senate by a majority of 3,991. Possessing, in an 
 eminent degree, the confidence of the people as a sound and 
 reliable representative, he has grown gray in the long years 
 of service exacted of him, because of his high intellectual 
 endowments and unflinching integrity. 
 
 JAMES WOOD. 
 
 An English family bearing the name of WOOD was num- 
 bered among the stout-hearted and hard-headed Puritans 
 who, two centuries ago, sought the inhospitable shores of 
 Massachusetts. These pilgrims came with the anomalous 
 desire of enjoying free worship themselves and of dictating 
 the worship of others. 
 
 From out of this colony a little band explored the then 
 unbroken forests of the North, and established a settlement 
 in what is now known as the State of New Hampshire. The 
 WOOD family accompanied this party of pioneers. They 
 were honest, industrious people, practical in worldly affairs, 
 and enthusiasts in matters pertaining to religion. 
 
 From this worthy stock sprang the Senator from the 
 Thirtieth District, 
 
 JAMES WOOD was born at Alsteml, New Hampshire, April 
 4, 1820. His father was a poor man, who earned a scanty 
 subsistence by tilling that soil which OAXIEL WEBSTER 
 described as being so stony that it was common to sharpen 
 the sheep's noses, to enable them to nibble the blades of grass 
 which grew between the rocks.
 
 118 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 In the year 1824, seeking to better his condition, the elder 
 Mr. WOOD emigrated with his family to the State of New- 
 York, where, after several changes of residence, he finally 
 settled in the year 1829, at Lima, in Livingston county. 
 
 Here James attended a district school, and subsequently 
 entered the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, where he completed 
 an academic course. He then went to Auburn, with the in- 
 tention of reading law, but reaching the conclusion that a 
 more thorough preliminary education was desirable, he 
 changed his plans and went to Union College, where he 
 graduated, with the honors of the institution, in the year 
 1842. 
 
 Immediately after leaving college, Mr. WOOD entered the 
 office of the Hon. JOHN YOUXG, then a practicing lawyer at 
 Geneseo, in Livingston county, as a student. In 1843 he was 
 admitted to the bar and became a partner of his patron. In 
 1840, Mr. YOTXG was elected Governor of the State of Xew 
 York, and in coming to Albany, relinquished his professional 
 business to Mr. WOOD, who has ever since made Geneseo his 
 residence. 
 
 In 1854. he was elected District Attorney of Livingston 
 county, and served one term with great acceptance to the 
 people. He declined a re-nomination, which was proffered 
 him, and returned to the regular duties of his profession. 
 
 Mr. WOOD developed, at an early age, great taste for mat- 
 ters pertaining to military affairs. While yet a boy at school, 
 he was elected the captain of a regularly organized company 
 of militia. During his college days he was made Lieutenant- 
 Colonel, and in the year 1848, he was commissioned Colonel 
 by Governor BOUCK. In 1850, he was instrumental in secur- 
 ing the passage of the law for uniforming the militia. In 
 the fall of that year his regiment, duly armed, equipped, and 
 uniformed, held an encampment at Mt. Morris, in the county 
 of Livingston the first ever held in the State. The next 
 year, General WOOL reviewed this regiment, and compli- 
 mented it highly on the excellence of its discipline.
 
 JAMES WOOD. 119 
 
 In 1854, Colonel WOOD drafted the law, authorizing the 
 appointment of an Inspector-General, an officer, whose power 
 has been largely instrumental in raising our National Guard 
 to its present high standard. 
 
 In 1855, the rank of Brigadier-General was conferred on 
 him. 
 
 When the war for the Union commenced in 1861, General 
 WOOD entered heartily into the patriotic spirit which actuated 
 the people, and devoted much of his time during the first 
 year to the work of organizing troops. 
 
 It was mainly through his efforts that the 136th regiment 
 was raised, and in August, 1863, lie was offered the command 
 of it, and accepted the same. He was shortly after ordered 
 to join the Eleventh Corps, with which body he participated 
 in much hard fighting. He led his men at the battles of 
 Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Chatta- 
 nooga, Missionary Ridge, Knoxville, Eesaca, Cassville, Dallas, 
 Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Milledge- 
 ville, Savannah, Charlestown, Averysburgh and Bentonville. 
 
 The first man killed in the Atlanta campaign was from 
 his regiment, and he commanded a brigade in the last battle 
 of SHERMAN'S famous march to the sea, 
 
 For his distinguished services in the army, Colonel WOOD 
 was breveted Major-General of the United States volunteers. 
 
 In 1865 he returned to his home in Geneseo, and resumed 
 the practice of law. 
 
 He was elected to the Senate from the Thirtieth district, 
 at the election of 1869, by a majority of 4,694, and in 1871 
 having been re-nominated by acclamation, by a majority of 
 
 The Senator is an affable, agreeable gentleman, standing 
 full six feet in height, with erect soldierly bearing. As a 
 debater he is unusually calm and dispassionate, speaking 
 with some hesitation at times, but always clothing his 
 thoughts in clear and unequivocal language. As Chairman 
 of the Judiciary Committee, his fine legal abilities have full
 
 120 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 scope for their exercise, and are vigorously and patiently 
 employed. 
 
 WILLIAM B. WOODIN. 
 
 The President pro tern, of the Senate, and the premier of 
 his party in that body, is Hon. WILLIAM B. WOODIN", of 
 Auburn, the subject of the present sketch. 
 
 He was born at Genoa, in the county of Cayuga, on the 
 25th of September, 1824. After receiving a thorough acad- 
 emic education, and graduating at the Cortland Academy, he 
 applied himself to the study of the law with so much suc- 
 cess that, once admitted to practice, it was not long before 
 he rose to a prominent place among his brethren at the bar. 
 
 In 1859 his high character and conspicuous legal abilities 
 secured his election to the office of Surrogate of Cayuga 
 county. He brought to the discharge of the delicate and 
 responsible duties incident to settling up estates, so much 
 patience, industry and intelligence that his re-election as Sur- 
 rogate followed almost as a matter of course. A second 
 re-election resulted at the proper time, and when Mr. 
 WOODIN was elevated to the Senate in 1869 there was a gen- 
 eral and an urgent request made of him to continue to dis- 
 charge the duties of Surrogate. He may well be proud of 
 the indorsement which he has received from homo. 
 
 The Senator's first experience as a law-maker for the 
 Empire State dates back to 1855. In that year he repre- 
 sented the second district of Cayuga county in the Assembly 
 to the satisfaction of those who sent him there. He is now 
 serving his second term in the Senate, having been a mem- 
 ber of that body in 1870-71. During his first term lie took 
 high rank as a legislator, especially distinguishing himself 
 from the very start as a debater. On the second day of the 
 session of 1871 he made an able argument on the right or
 
 WlLLfAM B. WOODIN. 121 
 
 power of one Legislature to rescind the action of a previous 
 Legislature in relation to amendments to the Constitution 
 of the United States, an argument which, although delivered 
 after a very slight preparation, commanded great attention, 
 and was pronounced by those who heard it as an exhaustive 
 treatment of the subject under discussion. 
 
 Having, in his two years' service in the former Senate, 
 taken rank among the foremost as an able, judicious and 
 honest legislator, possessing both business and forensic 
 capacity, he was, in the fall of 1871, renominated as Senator 
 by acclamation. The wisdom of the renomination, and Mr. 
 WOODIN'S growth in the respect and confidence of the people 
 of the Fifteenth district is shown by glancing at the vote cast 
 for him in 1869, as compared with that which he received in 
 1871. In 18G9 he was elected by a majority of 2,897 ; in 
 1871 his majority was 4,120, an increase of 1,223. In the 
 present Senate Mr. WOODIN" has played a very prominent 
 part. The session of 1872 was presided over by Lieutenant- 
 Governor BEACH, and that gentleman being opposed politi- 
 cally to the majority, was, very naturally, desirous of being 
 relieved from the responsibility of naming the Standing Com- 
 mittees. Accordingly, the task of committee-making fell to 
 Senator WOODIN, who had been chosen by his associates 
 President pro tern, of the Senate. Probably no more thank- 
 less or delicate task can well be conceived of than that of 
 forming standing committees. AHTEMUS WARD thought 
 he could achieve a military success by raising a regiment to 
 be composed entirely of major-generals. The plan is more 
 felicitous than feasible, but if something similar to it could 
 be contrived for legislative bodies, in virtue of which 
 every honorable gentleman should have a chairmanship, Mr. 
 President and Mr. Speaker would have considerable less worry 
 than under the present limitations. We believe Senator 
 WOODIN gave general satisfaction with his make-up of the 
 Senate committees for 1872 the chief, if not the only point
 
 122 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 of criticism that developed itself being that he gave himself 
 no appointments. 
 
 Lieutenant-Governor KOBINSON, in arranging the Senate 
 committees for 1873, designated Senator WOODIN as Chair- 
 man of the Committee of Cities a position which was an 
 appropriate recognition of his standing among his associates, 
 and his signal legislative capacity. 
 
 As a presiding officer, Senator WOODIN has won many 
 encomiums. Courteous, yet dignified, possessing a faculty 
 of dispatching business, and well versed in parliamentary 
 law and usages, he fills the position of President pro tern, to 
 the satisfaction alike of the majority and the minority. 
 
 Politically, Mr. WOODIIS" was a Whig from the time he be- 
 came a voter until the Whig party ceased to exist. When 
 the great Compromise was repudiated and the Kansas- 
 Nebraska bill passed, and, as a consequence, the Whig party 
 dissolved and made way for its legitimate successor, the Ee- 
 publican party, Senator WOODIN" at once became a zealous 
 supporter of the new organization. He still continues to 
 uphold its principles, and in nearly every political canvass 
 does effective work " on the stump."
 
 CHARLES R. DAYTON. 123 
 
 CHARLES R. DAYTON, 
 
 CLERK OF THE SENATE. 
 
 The duties of the Clerk of such a body as the Senate are 
 not solely or chiefly clerical, in the ordinary acceptation of 
 the word. Very much more is required of him than keeping 
 the diary of each day's legislative doings in a large, legible 
 hand ; very much more than filing petitions, bills, reports and 
 all that sort of thing in appropriate pigeon holes, and pro- 
 ducing them when required ; very much more than taking 
 charge of that important but imaginary table attached to his 
 desk, upon which so many documents of one kind and 
 another are temporarily or permanently ''laid;" very much 
 more than proclaiming, with stentorian voice, all the wis- 
 dom which "The People of the State of New York, repre- 
 sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact." 
 
 A man may give satisfaction as regards all the points indi- 
 cated, and, nevertheless, fall short of the stature of a Clerk of 
 the requisite capacity and accomplishments. A thoroughly 
 capable Clerk such an one, for instance, as he whose name 
 stands at the head of this article is on occasion, and must 
 always stand ready to be the prompter, if not the power, 
 behind the Chair. When new and inexperienced legislators 
 for the first time are called upon to preside over Senate or 
 Committee of the Whole, where would they be, what would 
 become of them, but for the friendly and incessant whis- 
 pers of the Clerk ? When a knotty point in parliamen- 
 tary law is brought forward to the disagreement of the 
 Senators, the Clerk who, on being consulted, fails to pro- 
 duce from his tongue's end a solution of the difficulty, is 
 apt to be looked upon with a measure of disapprobation, as 
 one not entirely fortified in his position. In addition to all 
 this, the Clerk is expected to name, on the instant, that a bill 
 is introduced no matter how queer and outlandish the bill
 
 124 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 the very committee set apart for its reception ; to keep in 
 mind the title of every act, "entitled an act," introduced from 
 the commencement to the close of the session, including, as 
 germain to the subject, the name of the committee to whom 
 referred, and the date of subsequent report. Having added 
 that, he must be as ready with answers to all sorts of ques- 
 tions as a metropolitan hotel clerk ; that his legislative 
 ability would avail him but little unless combined with great 
 executive talents ; that it behooves him to have a knowledge 
 of men as well as of affairs ; to be the possessor of the social 
 virtue, of unfailing good nature, and, as it were, to be a 
 walking edition of the blue and red book, we refrain from 
 further definition, and, merely repeating our preliminary 
 observation, that the duties of the Clerk of the Senate are 
 not solely or chiefly clerical, we pass on to give a brief sketch 
 of the present efficient Clerk of the Senate, CHARLES E. 
 DAYTOX. 
 
 CHARLES E. DAYTOX was born at East Hampton, Suffolk 
 county, on the 25th of December, 1828, and was the only 
 son of JOSIAH C. DAYTOX, of that place, and the eldest of 
 four children. His father, who died in 18.")!). was well and 
 favorably known in Suffolk county. He represented it in 
 the Assembly in the years 1837 and 1841, and for twenty-five 
 years held the office of Justice of the Peace, for East Hamp- 
 ton. 
 
 The subject of this biographical notice received a common 
 school education and spent some time in attendance at Clin- 
 ton Academy, at East Hampton. He was. however, not per- 
 mitted to pursue his studies without interruption, being com- 
 pelled to divide the year between the school-house and the 
 farm. His schooling over, lie continued to farm it until the 
 year 1852, when he was appointed Engrossing Clerk of the 
 Senate. He served in that capacity two terms. 1852-53, and 
 later in 1856-57. In the fall of 1858, he was elected County 
 Clerk of Suffolk county the first Eepublican incumbent 
 of that office. In this position he gave general satisfaction,
 
 CHARLES R. DAYTON. 125 
 
 but declining, at the end of his term, a renomination, he 
 returned to private life. 
 
 In 1862 he resumed a line of work for which he had shown 
 himself peculiarly qualified, being appointed Journal Clerk 
 of the Assembly. In this position he remained until 1865, in 
 the mean time making troops of friends, by his genial 
 but dignih'ed deportment, and his faithful and intelligent 
 discharge of the duties of the desk. On the resignation of 
 the Journal Clerk of the Senate in 1865, Mr. DAYTON was 
 tendered the vacant place. He accepted it, and ever since 
 has been in the service of the Senate. His character and 
 capacity are shown in the fact that he retained his position 
 during the years in which his political opponents had full 
 control of all the appointments. In 1872. upon the resigna- 
 tion of JAMES TERWILLIGER, it followed, as a matter of course, 
 that he should be appointed Clerk of the Senate. 
 
 Such is a brief record of the salient points in Mr. DAY- 
 TON'S life. Born of humble parentage, and in an obscure 
 corner of the State, Avith none of the agencies surrounding 
 him which compel the smiles of fortune, whatever of success 
 he has attained has been the 1'esult of his own unaided 
 efforts. His continued service as Journal Clerk in the two 
 Houses was not the result of political wire-pulling or official 
 influence. It was rather the logical sequence of duty, 
 thoroughly and conscientiously discharged he made himself 
 necessary to the places which he filled, and so retained them. 
 In serving the public he has always brought to bear the same 
 attention and devotion which lie would have bestowed upon 
 individual enterprise, and hence his long and uninterrupted 
 service under Democratic as well as under Republican rule 
 is not hard to be accounted for. 
 
 On his appointment as Clerk of the Senate the Albany 
 Argus, the organ of his political opponents, testified that, 
 " as a public officer, Mr. DAYTON has no superior for close 
 attention to business, and for courteous conduct toward all
 
 126 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 with whom he may come in contact. No gentleman more 
 deserving or more trustworthy ever filled the desk." 
 
 Mr. DAYTON commenced his political life as a Free Soil 
 Democrat, so called, but joined the Republican Party on its 
 organization in 1855, and ever since has remained an energetic 
 and influential member of that organization. He was mar- 
 ried December 16th, 1868, to SARAH F. SHERKILL of East 
 Hampton, and has been for many years a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church.
 
 MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 ALONZO B. CORNELL, 
 
 SPEAKEE. 
 
 In the long list of Speakers, few names shine more than 
 that of Hon. ALONZO B. CORNELL. The circumstances under 
 which he was chosen were peculiarly honorable to himself. 
 He had never been a member of any general legislative body. 
 Among the others elected to the Assembly were several who 
 had served through extended terms, and who united great 
 capacity with ample parliamentary experience. Yet such was 
 the standing which Mr. CORNELL had acquired, such the 
 aptitude he had shown in every position where he had been 
 placed, and such the universal sense of the recognition due 
 to his public services, that from the very day of the election, 
 the eyes of the people and of the members turned to him as 
 pre-eminently the man to preside. In this sentiment none 
 concurred more cordially than those whose own abilities 
 might justly have entitled them to aspire to the honor. 
 There was no contest. But one voice prevailed. Mr. COR- 
 NELL was nominated by acclamation in the caucus of his 
 party, and elected by the vote of nearly three-fourths of the 
 members. The complimentary judgment thus expressed has 
 been more than confirmed by the progress of the session. 
 
 Mr. CORNELL was born at Ithaca, Tompkins county, New 
 York, on the 22d of January. 1832, His father, Hon. EZRA 
 CORNELL, still actively continuing a busy, beneficent and 
 honorable career, is a man of high distinction in the State, 
 and universally esteemed as one of the chief of her public 
 benefactors. He was a Member of Assembly in 1862 and
 
 128 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 1863. In the latter year he was chosen to the Senate, where, 
 being re-elected, he served with great credit through two full 
 terms. But it is in connection with the establishment of 
 Cornell University that the senior Mr. CORNELL has the 
 highest claims to public gratitude. His munificent gener- 
 osity created that noble institution, as his wise direction 
 and ample endowments, skillfully assisted, have carried it to 
 its present high degree of development. Broad in its 
 scope, far-reaching in its aims, rich in the brilliant names 
 which it enlists, and the varied treasures of scholarship 
 which it lays under contribution, the newest in the sister- 
 hood of our colleges, but already outstripping many of the 
 others and pointing them to higher paths, it remains a source 
 of pride to the State and an enduring monument to the 
 liberal public spirit of its true-hearted founder. 
 
 The younger Mr. CORNELL was educated at the Ithaca 
 
 J O 
 
 Academy. In harmony with the genius of our institutions 
 he early struck out to carve his own fortune. At the age of 
 fifteen he entered upon the active work of life, beginning, like 
 his father and so many of our successful public men, on one 
 of the first rounds of the ladder, and by his own energy and 
 capacity climbing his Avay up. He chose the field in which his 
 father, struggling long and courageously, rendered conspicu- 
 ous service to the world and achieved eminent success, that of 
 the telegraph. Commencing as a telegraph operator, he was 
 employed successively at Troy, Montreal and Buffalo until 
 1848, when he became manager of the office at Cleveland, 
 Ohio, where he remained several years. Removing thence to 
 Xew York, he served from 1855 to 1859 as the manager of 
 the principal telegraph office in that city. Relinquishing 
 this position, he became proprietor of a line of steamboats 
 on Cayuga Lake, and continued as such through 1862 and 
 the subsequent year. From 1864 to 1869 he was Cashier and 
 Vice-President of the First National Bank of Ithaca, of 
 which institution he has been a Director since its organiza- 
 tion. He is also a Director of the Ithaca and Athens Rail-
 
 ALONZO B. CORNELL. 129 
 
 road, a Trustee of the Cornell Library and of the Cornell 
 University, a Director and First Vice-President of the West- 
 ern Union Telegraph Company, and also a Director of the 
 Gold and Stock Telegraph Company, and of the American 
 District Telegraph Company, positions which attest his busi- 
 ness talents and success. In November, 1852, he was mar- 
 ried to ELLEX, daughter of GEORGE COVERT, Esq., of Ithaca, 
 an accomplished and estimable lady. They have had three 
 sons, the second of whom, a child of remarkable promise, 
 Avas killed by falling down a stairway in March, 1870, being 
 then about eight years of age. This sad affliction was a 
 poignant blow to the fond parents, and they received the 
 warmest sympathy of an extended circle of friends, with 
 whom little EDDIE was an especial favorite. 
 
 In politics, Mr. CORNELL has been an ardent Republican 
 since the organization of that party in 1854. With large 
 public spirit and a natural taste for public affairs, he has 
 always taken a keen interest in political movements. His 
 rare organizing faculty was developed at an early period, as 
 he was Chairman of the Republican Central Committee of 
 Tompkins county from 1859 to I860, and a member of the 
 Republican State Committee in I860 and 1867. For two 
 years also, beginning in 1864, he served as Supervisor of the 
 town of Ithaca. He was named by the law of the State as 
 one of the Commissioners for the erection of the New Capitol 
 at Albany, and continued as such from 1868 to 1871, partici- 
 pating in the adoption of the plan and in the initiation of the 
 work which will produce one of the most commanding archi- 
 tectural structures on the continent. In 1868 he was the 
 Republican candidate for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket 
 with tlif lamented Jonx A. GRISWOLD. The ticket proved 
 very popular, and the campaign was one of great earnest- 
 ness; but though Mr. CORNELL received 411,670 votes, he 
 and his associates were defeated through the well-known 
 election frauds of that year. In March, 1869, at the begin- 
 ing of the new Republican Administration, he was appointed 

 
 130 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 to the responsible position of Surveyor of the Port of New 
 York, which he filled to the entire satisfaction of the govern- 
 ment and the public until October, 1872, when he tendered 
 his resignation in order to accept a nomination to the Assem- 
 bly. In June, 1870, he was nominated by President GRANT 
 to the honorable office of Assistant Treasurer of the United 
 States, at New York, but declined the appointment. 
 
 During these later years Mr. CORNELL has been recognized 
 as one of the most prominent and influential representatives 
 of the Republican party, with others wisely guiding its 
 councils and skillfully leading it to victory. No one has 
 labored with more zeal and judgment io advance its inter- 
 ests or contributed more to its success. In 1870, he was 
 made Chairman of the Republican State Committee a 
 position which he still holds, and which he has filled with 
 conspicuous ability. In two of the three years of his admin- 
 istration, his party won remarkable triumphs, and even, in 
 the first, where it failed, the foundations were being laid for 
 the success which was subsequently achieved. This con- 
 summation was not reached merely by the ordinary methods. 
 It was wrought out through the prescient wisdom which 
 recognized the necessity for a thorough reorganization of the 
 party, and the firm purpose which persistently and unflinch- 
 ingly prosecuted it to its conclusion. This is not the place 
 for partisan references or for political history. Yet, as illus- 
 trating one of the most important achievements with which 
 Mr. CORNELL was intimately identified, it may be permitted 
 us to say a word of this great work accomplished under his 
 Chairmanship. In connection with others, conspicuous 
 among whom was Senator CONKLING and the relations of 
 Mr. CORNELL with the distinguished Senator merit a pass- 
 ing allusion as deserving a place in the annals of notable 
 political friendships in connection with these associates, 
 Mr. CORNELL believed that a reorganization of the party in 
 the city of New York, and its rescue from prejudicial influ- 
 ences which had debauched and paralyzed its machinery,
 
 ALONZO B. CORNELL. 131 
 
 were vital to success. Accordingly, he and they set out to 
 retrieve its position. Their determination was in reality the 
 beginning of the great reform movement which has produced 
 such important and far-reaching consequences. In the 
 prosecution of this work, he was brought into conflict with 
 some men who resisted the new policy, and, among others, 
 with the late Mr. GREELEY. Having written a letter to the 
 Hon. GILES HOTCIIKISS, explaining the necessity and char- 
 acter of the movement, he was arraigned by Mr. GREELEY 
 in a passionate and vehement reply. Mr. CORNELL rejoined 
 in a calm, able and convincing letter, dated September 7, 
 1871, and concluding with the following dignified reference 
 to his own action and spirit : 
 
 Mr. GREELEY ! much has been said about dissensions and 
 controversies between Republicans. Remember that this 
 controversy is of your own seeking. I wrote a civil letter to 
 a leading Republican, in answer to inquiries which had been 
 made of me as Chairman of the State Committee. Others 
 thought it desirable that it should be published. In it I 
 assailed no one, nor spoke an unkind word of any Republi- 
 can. The Tribune attacked me by name, called me a calum- 
 niator, and charged me with unworthy motives. Not con- 
 tent with this, you, over your o\vn signature, address me 
 officially by name in the Tribune, and boldly accuse me of 
 falsehood and misrepresentation. In what manner have I 
 merited such violence ? Last year I labored earnestly and 
 faithfully to nominate you for Governor, and that, too. in 
 opposition to General WoODFORD and GEORGE WILLIAM 
 Ci'KTis, both my esteemed personal friends. Later, I warmly 
 supported your nomination and election to Congress, while 
 you were strenuously opposed by many of the very men 
 with whom you are now consorting in the Tammany-Repub- 
 lican committee. During all of the proceedings in regard to 
 the reorganization, I treated you with the greatest courtesy. 
 In my Ilotchkiss letter I said not a single word disrespectful 
 of you. What I have said in this communication has been 
 more than provoked by your personal attack upon me. The 
 Republicans of the State are sick and tired of these person- 
 alities. With them rests the disposition of the work of 
 reorganization. For my part, I do not intend to contribute
 
 132 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 to any further controversies. I shall do my best to promote 
 the harmony and prosperity of the party which has been so 
 needlessly imperiled by your unfortunate action. 
 
 The reorganization was completed. It was ratified by the 
 State Convention. It was followed by the success of the 
 party and the triumph of reform ; and the sagacity of those 
 who had planned and executed it was thus fully vindicated 
 by the result. The final test came in the campaign of 1872, 
 and the masterly abilities of Mr. CORNELL, as a political 
 organizer, were then signally illustrated, as the movement 
 itself was crowned with complete victory. Every thing con- 
 spired to make it a memorable contest. Besides involving this 
 action, it was the Presidential battle, and that made the can- 
 vass long and arduous. As Chairman of the State Committee, 
 Mr. CORNELL took the full and immediate direction. Never 
 was a campaign more thoroughly and systematically organized. 
 A hundred speakers were on the stump; scores of meetings 
 were daily held; all the local committees were playing their 
 harmonious parts; the whole intricate machinery of an 
 intense, absorbing campaign, stretching over the entire State 
 and aiming to concentrate half a million voters, was in full 
 motion. It was the touch of the central spring in the hands 
 of the chosen chief, that largely impelled these varied and 
 multiplied movements. Himself untiring, he inspired others 
 with his own energy. Himself full of faith, others caught 
 from him the infectious spirit of confidence and enthusiasm. 
 Such was the general sense of his invaluable services that it 
 prompted a public testimonial, which took the appropriate 
 and graceful form of two costly and superb albums, the one 
 embracing the photographs and the other the accompanying 
 letters of the candidates and of those who shared the labors 
 of the campaign ; a testimonial in which President GRANT, 
 Vice-President WILSON, Senator CONKLING, Speaker ELAINE 
 and many of the most illustrious men in the State and the 
 nation cordially united. Rarely has so extraordinary a tribute- 
 been paid or been so well deserved.
 
 ALONZO B. CORNELL. 133 
 
 The campaign with which Mr. CORNELL was so promi- 
 nently identified in the interest of his party, also brought 
 his own election as a Member of Assembly, from the Eleventh 
 district of New York. This was followed by his unanimous 
 nomination to the Speakership, as already stated. In this 
 difficult and trying position, as in every other place, he has 
 acquitted himself with eminent success. From the very first, 
 he has shown much of that peculiar native gift which dis- 
 tinguishes the true presiding officer, and which can scarcely 
 be acquired. Ready in resource, prompt in decision, impar- 
 tial in judgment, cordial and unaffected in manner, and 
 endowed with rare tact, he has become as popular with his 
 associates as he is expeditious in the dispatch of business. 
 It is but the common expression of all who are familiar with 
 Legislative history, that, in the qualities which adorn the 
 chair, he justly ranks With the most accomplished and 
 successful Speakers of later years. But he is more than an 
 executive and presiding officer. His impression is felt in 
 shaping legislation, and moulding public policy, and in this 
 sphere he is actuated by a high and conscientious sense of 
 public duty, as he is guided by clearness of perception and 
 wisdom of judgment. 
 
 In personal appearance, Mr. CORNELL is at once attractive 
 and commanding. Of full proportions, with dark, clear eye, 
 and clean-shaven face, his features expressive both of decision 
 of character and of a genial disposition, and possessing the 
 stamp of animation and intellect, his whole bearing is that 
 of the courteous gentleman. Though yet only in the early 
 prime of life, he has had a successful and promising career, 
 and has proved himself equal to every position in which he 
 has been placed.
 
 134 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 FRANK ABBOTT. 
 
 Mr. ABBOTT, who capably represents the Second district of 
 Orange county, claims New Haven as his birth-place. He 
 was born February 9, 1828, of parents who were also natives 
 of Connecticut. As is the case, generally, with Connecticut 
 youth, Mr. A. received a good common school education, 
 and learned a trade before he reached his majority, conse- 
 quently he is a thoroughly competent machinist and en- 
 gineer, and, in addition to his services as a legislator, has, 
 for the last three years, filled the position of master mechanic 
 of the Erie railway shops at Port Jervis, and also the office 
 of engine-dispatcher, having charge of the engineers and 
 firemen located at that place, both of which are offices of 
 much responsibility, requiring not only superior mechanical 
 skill, but decided executive ability in the performance of 
 their duties. In 1802 and 1803, he rendered important 
 service in operating the United States military railroads. 
 His labors in this connection, always arduous, were some- 
 times exceedingly dangerous. 
 
 Mr. ABBOTT was the first to institute and put in practical 
 operation the co-operative plan of life insurance, which has, 
 for a number of years, been a very economical and popular 
 method of insurance with railway engineers, conductors 
 and other classes ; he has held the office of Secretary and 
 Treasurer of the Engineers' Association since its first organi- 
 zation in 1807. The association numbers over three thousand 
 members, and pays from ten to twenty thousand dollars per 
 month to the widows and orphans of deceased members. 
 
 Mr. A. was a member of the last House, to winch he was 
 elected by the Republicans, receiving a majority of 549 over 
 HKXKY B. OGDE.Y, his Democratic opponent. He served on 
 the Committees on Trade and Manufactures and Civil
 
 FRANKLIN A. ALB ERG ER. 135 
 
 Divisions. Last fall he was re-elected by the Democrats and 
 Liberal Republicans, defeating R. H. CHAMBERLAIN, Repub- 
 lican, by a majority of about GOO. Mr. ABBOTT'S political 
 history is somewhat varied. Formerly a Democrat of the 
 strictest sect, the issues of the war placed him on the side 
 of Republicanism, and up to the last campaign he acted 
 with that party. Entering heartily into the Cincinnati 
 movement, however, he supported the late HORACE GREELEY 
 for President, and was elected to the Assembly as a Liberal. 
 In the present House he is a member of the Committees on 
 State Prisons and Grievances. 
 
 Mr. ABBOTT is a man possessing a good deal of force of 
 character and practical ability, and performs his legislative 
 duties quietly and unostentatiously, yet effectively. 
 
 FRANKLIN A. ALBERGER. 
 
 Few men who figure in State politics occupy a more con- 
 spicuous position than the member from the Third district of 
 Erie county ; and it may also be added that few have been 
 identified to a greater degree with the material and com- 
 mercial progress of the commonwealth. Representing a con- 
 stituency largely composed of those connected with the 
 mercantile and shipping interests, and being himself one of 
 that, class, he has a clear appreciation of the importance of 
 developing to the utmost every means likely to augment the 
 commercial greatness of the State. His long experience as 
 Canal Commissioner has also given him a thorough insight 
 into the workings of the great arteries of inter-communica- 
 tion, and enabled him to fully understand their relation to 
 the stupendous eastward movement of the agricultural pro- 
 ducts of the great west. He has, therefore, always been the 
 earnest advocat o" every project which commended itself to
 
 136 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 his judgment as likely to effect an increase in the capacity of 
 the canals, and enable them to successfully compete with 
 other transportation routes from the west to the Atlantic sea- 
 board. His views upon the subject of canal policy are not 
 only clear and decided, but liberal and progressive, and 
 founded upon a regard for the best interests of the State at 
 large, rather than of special localities. Indeed, his convictions 
 upon every subject brought before the Legislature are quickly 
 and generally judiciously formed and tenaciously adhered to. 
 Enjoying a large business experience, as well as an intimate 
 knowledge of State affairs, and also of men and events, Mr. 
 ALBERGER is peculiarly qualified to perform the duties of 
 legislation. 
 
 Born in Baltimore, Md., on the 14th of January, 1825, of 
 parents who were both natives of that city, Mr. ALBERGER 
 received a liberal education in district and select schools. He 
 removed to Buffalo at the age of 17 years, and engaged in the 
 butchering and provision business, which he prosecuted suc- 
 cessfully until the year 18G8. He early became very active 
 in the local politics of Erie county, and was prominently 
 identified, first with the Whig and then with the Republican 
 party. It is a notable fact, in this connection, that he was 
 a member of the last Whig convention, and also of the first 
 Republican convention held in Erie county. He was also 
 Secretary of the first Republican meeting held in the city of 
 Buffalo, and a member of the first County Committee of that 
 party, acting as its Treasurer during a period of ten years. 
 During the native American campaigns, Mr. ALBERGER 
 was decided in his hostility to the movement his uncom- 
 promising opposition to every thing savoring of Know- 
 nothingism being doubtless still remembered by those fami- 
 liar with the political contests of those days. 
 
 Mr. ALBERGER'S known ability and integrity have marked 
 him as peculiarly a fit man in almost any capacity. He has. 
 therefore, often been called upon to fill positions of trust and 
 responsibility. As early as 1854. he was elected an Alderman
 
 FRANKLIN A. ALBEROER. 137 
 
 of Buffalo, and was reflected in 1858 and 1859. In 1860 
 the people of Buffalo chose him as their mayor, and so 
 acceptably did he fill the position during the term of two 
 years, that the eyes of the State at large were turned upon 
 him. and in 1862 he was elected to the office of Canal Com- 
 missioner, in which he served six years, two successive terms, 
 being nominated each time by acclamation. Mr. A. is now 
 serving his third consecutive term as Member of Assembly, 
 and it is a sufficient indication of his growing popularity to 
 state that his majorities were, respectively, in 1870, 189; in 
 1871, 881 ; and, in 1872, 1,801. 
 
 Besides these public positions, strictly political in their 
 nature, Mr. ALBERGER has held numerous private and busi- 
 ness trusts. During the war, he was Chairman of the Mili- 
 tary Relief Fund of the city of Buffalo, and was also Chair- 
 man of the committees charged with raising and equipping 
 the 21st and 49th Regiments of volunteers. The last-named 
 regiment was raised with such celerity that it was the first 
 completed regiment raised outside of New York city under 
 the second call for volunteers. 
 
 As a public speaker, Mr. ALBERGER is forcible and fluent. 
 His speeches usually bristle with a formidable array of facts 
 raid figures, and upon them he relies rather than upon fervid 
 eloquence, or brilliant rhetoric. He takes part in the 
 debates upon all questions which come before the House, 
 and displays equal familiarity with the subject, whether it 
 relate to government, law, social reform or commerce. In 
 religious belief and connection Mr. ALBERGER is a Presby- 
 terian, but his views on religion, as on other subjects, are 
 broad and liberal. He was married June 16, 1847, to Miss 
 KATE RICE.
 
 138 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ISAAC H. BABCOCK. 
 
 Mr. BABCOCK, who represents, for the second time, the first 
 Niagara district in the Assembly, was born in Rensselaer- 
 ville, Albany county, on the 20th of September, 1830. In 
 his early youth, his parents removed to Somerset, Niagara 
 county, and engaged in farming on the borders of Lake 
 Ontario, a region of unsurpassed fertility. Here young BAB- 
 COCK spent his youth, working on the farm, and attending 
 school during the winter months. His father, JEPTHA "W. 
 BABCOCK, represented the Second district of Niagara in the 
 Assemblies of 1851 and 1852, being elected by the Whigs, and 
 is still living at Lockport, engaged in active pursuits. 
 
 At the age of sixteen, young BABCOCK entered the Wilson 
 Collegiate Institute, having previously obtained considerable 
 rudimentary instruction in the common schools. The ensuing 
 six years were devoted to study, some time being spent in the 
 Lockport Union School, and he graduated from the first- 
 named institution in 1852. Several years later he settled in 
 Lockport. engaging successfully in nursery and fruit grow- 
 ing, and entering the married state soon after, he settled 
 permanently in the suburbs of that thriving city. The 
 prominence which he subsequently attained as a successful 
 horticulturist is indicated by the fact that in 1870 he was 
 chosen President of the Niagara County Agricultural Society. 
 
 Mr. BABCOCK'S political career dates back some fifteen 
 years, when lie was known as a Free Soil Whig. When the 
 Republican party was organized, however, he was one of its 
 first members, and has since been unswerving in his fidelity 
 to its principles. He was a candidate for County Clerk, in 
 1802, when HORATIO SKYMOTU was elected Governor, but, 
 owing to the presence of a third candidate in the canvass, he 
 lacked seven votes of an election, the Democrats carrying the 
 county by a small majority. In the years 1807 and 1808 he
 
 ISAAC H. BABCOCK. 139 
 
 served with credit in the Board of Supervisors. In 1871, he 
 received an unsolicited nomination to the Assembly, and 
 though his district is a very close one, and his opponent, 
 AY.M. 8. FARNELL, was professedly favorable to reform, Mr. 
 BABCOCK was successful by a majority of 265. 
 
 In the Assembly of 1872, he acquitted himself with entire 
 satisfaction, serving upon the Insurance Committee and upon 
 the Committee on Expenditures of the House. The insur- 
 ance investigation of the last session is fresh in the mind of 
 the public. Mr. BABCOCK was a member of the Sub-Com- 
 mittee which conducted the investigation into the charges 
 against Mr. MILLER, the then Superintendent of the Insur- 
 ance Department ; and he, with other members of the Com- 
 mittee, was called upon to perform exacting and laborious 
 service, spending several weeks in Xew York and Albany in 
 taking evidence. It has been alleged that strong influences 
 were brought to bear to control their final action, but the 
 committee made a report sustaining the charges, and. as 
 is now matter of history, the Assembly promptly passed a 
 resolution expelling Mr. MILLER from his office. Mr. BAB- 
 COCK'S part in this trying investigation was cordially indorsed 
 by his constituents, who gave him the compliment of a unani- 
 mous renomination last fall, and he was re-elected by a 
 majority of 542, Mr. FARXELL again being his opponent. 
 
 In the present session lie has been prominent in another 
 important investigation, acting as Chairman of the special 
 committee to inquire into alleged frauds connected with the 
 recent transfer of the Erie railway directory. 
 
 Mr. BABCOCK is a man of quiet and unassuming manners, 
 polished and genial in social intercourse, and extremely indus- 
 trious and regular in his habits. Ik- has alivadv made his 
 mark as a capable and efHeient legislator, and has shown 
 himself worthy of still further honors at the hands of his 
 fellow citizens.
 
 140 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN P. BADGER. 
 
 JOHN PEASLEE BADGES was bora in Ossipee, Carroll 
 county, N. IT., August 3, 1834. He is a son of WM. P. C. 
 BADGER, a native of Compton, P. Q., but born of American 
 parents. While yet in early infancy he came with his parents 
 to this State, and is consequently a New Yorker to all 
 intents and purposes. His father and mother are still living 
 in comfortable circumstances, the former being about sixty 
 years of age. Young BADGER Avas educated in the common 
 schools, and though his early life was spent upon the farm 
 and in a country store, of which he was proprietor for 
 several years, he availed himself of every opportunity to pre- 
 pare himself for the legal profession, to which he looked 
 forward as his chosen pursuit. He finally entered the Albany 
 Law School, graduated with credit in November, 1871, and, 
 shortly afterward, was admitted to the bar. Since that time 
 he has practiced law with marked success, ranking already 
 as one of the foremost lawyers in his county. 
 
 Mr. BADGER learned his first political lessons in the Ameri- 
 can party, and was an ardent member of that party during 
 its brief existence, voting for MILLARD FILLMORE for Presi- 
 dent. When its elements were scattered he identified him- 
 self with the Republicans, with whom he has continued to 
 act up to the present time, lie is constitutionally quite an 
 active man, and has therefore been a participant in Franklin 
 county politics for a number of years past. Twice he has 
 been elected to represent his town in the Board of Super- 
 visors in 1870 and 1872. Though his town was formerly 
 Democratic, he carried it when first elected by a majority 
 of 32. In his second canvass his majority was 4G, in a total 
 vote of 300; and last fall he carried it by the gratifying 
 majority of 141, his entire majority in the county, over W. 
 W. PADDOCK, being 1,214, or about forty votes ahead of the
 
 GEORGE BALTZ. 141 
 
 State ticket. These figures speak well for the popularity of 
 the Franklin county member at home. 
 
 Mr. BADGER'S frank and modest deportment and evident 
 ability attracted attention very early in the present session, 
 and he has already demonstrated great aptitude for legisla- 
 tive duties. .He is a consistent and earnest member of the 
 Methodist church, and possesses a character entirely above 
 reproach. He was married in January, 1855, to Miss EMILY 
 E. PHELPS. 
 
 GEORGE BALTZ. 
 
 Mr. BALTZ, an active and Avide-awake German Eepublican, 
 of the city of Buffalo, is now serving his second term in the 
 Assembly. He was born in Odernheim, Hesse Darmstadt, 
 Germany, on the llth of August, 1837, and may therefore 
 be ranked among the younger members of the House. He 
 received a liberal education in the German common schools, 
 and being a man of more than ordinary shrewdness and 
 intelligence, he attained prominence as a politician very soon 
 after he came to this country. He located at Buffalo, where 
 he has taken an active part in political campaigns for several 
 years past. From the start he identified himself with the 
 Eepublican party, and he has also labored with zeal and 
 enthusiasm to induce his countrymen to act as a unit witli 
 that political organization. For several years past he has 
 made it a practice to stump the counties of Erie, Niagara, 
 Chautauqua and Cattaraugus, speaking usually in the Ger- 
 man tongue. His speeches are characterized by thorough 
 earnestness and convincing logic, and are delivered with a 
 pointed energy which sends their truths straight to the hearts 
 of those to whom they arc addressed. His success, there- 
 lore, lias been very great. With an unusually active mind, 
 and broad views upon oil the questions of the day. it was
 
 142 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 very natural that Mr. BALTZ should turn his attention to 
 journalism as a means of more thoroughly Americanizing 
 his countrymen, who constitute no inconsiderable portion of 
 the population of Buffalo. He became the proprietor of the 
 Freie Presse, a daily and weekly journal, which has attained 
 a large circulation among his German constituency, and is 
 doing good service in the Republican cause. 
 
 Mr. BALTZ held the office of City Auditor of Buffalo in 
 1869, and during the next two years was an Assistant Asses- 
 sor of Internal Revenue. He was elected to the Assembly 
 of 1872 by a majority of 626, and served in that body on the 
 Committees on Petitions of Aliens, and the Militia. Last 
 fall he was re-elected by a majority of 646, and now serves 
 on the Committees on Charitable and Religious Societies, 
 Public Printing, and Militia. 
 
 GEORGE S. BATCHELLER. 
 
 Gen. BATCHELLER is certainly entitled to be ranked 
 among the most popular and distinguished members of the 
 present House. He was born in Batchellerville, Saratoga 
 county, February 25, 1836, and has therefore just completed 
 his thirty-seventh year, lie is descended from a somewhat 
 illustrious ancestry. His father's family were originally Irish, 
 and went to Spain with the O'DoxOHUE. From thence, 
 after several generations, their descendants found their way 
 to this country, and settled in Massachusetts. Gen. B.'s 
 father. SHEKMA.V BATCIIELLEH, was born in Vermont, and 
 was a nephew of ROGER SHERMAX, one of the signers of the 
 Declaration of Independence, and was also related, though 
 distantly, to DANIEL WEBSTER'S family. He died suddenly 
 in 1862. The General's mother was of English descent, and 
 a native of Massachusetts. Gen. BATCHELLER is a thoroughly
 
 GEORGE S. BATCHELLER. 143 
 
 educated gentleman, having graduated at Harvard University, 
 and received the degree of LL. B. from the law school of 
 that institution. He entered Harvard in the junior year, 
 but, owing to a family affliction, he was obliged to suspend 
 his studies. He returned, however, and completed the scien- 
 tific course successfully, receiving a diploma which entitles 
 him to the degree of Ph. B. In 1858, about a year after 
 leaving college, he was admitted to the bar, and soon rose to 
 eminence in his profession. In the fall of the same year, he 
 was elected to the Assembly from the same district now rep- 
 resented by him. This proved the stepping-stone to what 
 is as yet an uncompleted career of brilliant and honorable 
 public service. 
 
 Two or three years later the war of the rebellion broke 
 out. lie entered the volunteer service, acting as Major 
 until he was commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel in the 
 One Hundred and Fifteenth New York Volunteers, and, 
 though but recently married, he went to the front with 
 that command. He participated in all the battles and skir- 
 mishes in which the regiment was engaged, until he was 
 taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, in September of the same 
 year. Early in 1863 he was exchanged, and received the 
 appointment of Deputy Provost-Marshal-General in the 
 department of the South. He held this responsible position, 
 having under his charge all the civil and military matters 
 pertaining to that office, within those portions of South 
 Carolina, Georgia and Florida within our lines, until the 
 winter of 1804, serving under Generals HUNTER, GILMORE, 
 SEYMOUR and others. Subsequently he was transferred to 
 Flmira to look after drafted men for his department, and 
 there honorably discharged from the service, receiving the 
 rank of brevet Colonel. 
 
 hi 18<!o he was appointed Inspector-General on the staff 
 of Governor FENTOV. and held the position during the four 
 years' administration of that official. While Inspector- 
 General, he reorganized the National Guard throughout the
 
 144 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 State, and, as President of the Auditing Board, examined 
 and presented to the general government claims of the State 
 for organizing volunteer forces, amounting to several 
 hundred thousand dollars, which the United States have 
 since allowed and paid. 
 
 In 18G8 he ran as GRAXT elector for the Eighteenth, 
 now Nineteenth, Congressional district. Since 1868 Gen. 
 BATCIIELLER has applied himself diligently to his profession, 
 and to the enjoyment of those home pleasures to which he 
 had almost become a stranger. Last fall, however, the Kepub- 
 licans of his district tendered him, with one accord, the 
 nomination for the Assembly, and, after a lively canvass, he 
 was elected a member of that body by the largest majority 
 ever given in the district, although his opponent. CHARLES 
 H. HOLDEX, was an agent of the Delaware and Hudson 
 Canal Company, and backed by the influence of that organi- 
 zation, the managers of which made special efforts to elect 
 him. Speaker CORXELL paid a marked compliment to Gen. 
 B.'s sagacity and knowledge of State affairs, by selecting him 
 as Chairman of the Canal Committee, a position for which 
 he possesses special qualifications. He is, besides, a member 
 of the Committee on Militia. 
 
 Gen. BATCHELLER is a man of fine figure, polished manners 
 and pleasant address. Courteous alike to friends and oppo- 
 nents, he is in every respect the affable and genial gentleman. 
 With fine oratorical powers and rare forensic ability, he 
 unites a ready appreciation of legislative requirements, and 
 is, therefore, a skillful and effective debater. He is at all 
 times keenly alive to the Avelfare of his immediate con- 
 stituents, but he is as watchful of the interests of the entire 
 State, and every measure designed to effect genuine reform 
 in State or municipal government, or likely to advance the 
 commercial prosperity of the commonwealth, invariably 
 enlists his sympathy, and. should bis judgment approve, his 
 enthusiastic advocacy. Few men in the State enjoy a larger 
 measure of personal popularity, or have yet before them a
 
 GEORGE M. BEEBE, 145 
 
 more promising future. Gen. BATCHELLER is a man of 
 family, having married, in 1861, the daughter of the late 
 Hon. JAMES M. COOK. 
 
 GEORGE M. BEEBE. 
 
 GEORGE MONROE BEEBE was born in New Vernon, Orange 
 county, on the 28th of October, 1836. He is the son of GIL- 
 BERT BEEBE, a native of Connecticut, who, still living in 
 Middletown, Orange county, at the advanced age of 72, is 
 actively engaged in the varied occupation of preaching the 
 gospel and publishing the Signs of the Times, a religious 
 newspaper. Mr. BEEBE secured a good education at the 
 common schools and at the Wallkill Academy, Middletown, 
 graduating from the latter in 1854. Next year he com- 
 menced studying law in the office of GEO. "YV. LORD, in Mon- 
 ticello, attending in the mean time the requisite courses of 
 lectures, and graduated from the Albany LaAV University, in 
 1857, with the degree of Bachelor of Law. A year later 
 he went to Peoria, 111., where, on the recommendation of 
 STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, he had been selected to edit a Demo- 
 cratic daily newspaper. Though young in years, he was an 
 earnest and spirited writer, and rendered efficient service in 
 the memorable campaign of 1858, accompanying DOUGLAS in 
 his famous tour of discussion with ABRAHAM LINCOLN. At 
 the close of the campaign he settled in Troy, Kansas, and 
 commenced practicing law in earnest. He succeeded in 
 making himself so popular there that in about a year he 
 was elected, notwithstanding his pronounced Democracy, to 
 represent the Republican county of Doniphan in the Terri- 
 torial Council. While, still a member of the Council, he was 
 appointed Secretary of the Territory by President BUCHAN- 
 AN. Subsequently, by the resignation of Gov. MEDARY, he 
 10
 
 146 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 became acting Governor, and although he had not yet com- 
 pleted his twenty-third year, he was continued in the posi- 
 tion by the President, until Kansas was admitted into the 
 Union. 
 
 In 1861 he married CORNELIA, the eldest daughter of 
 JAMES H. FOSTER, of Monticello. Subsequently, he practiced 
 law during a year or more at St. Joseph, Mo., but in August, 
 1862, he went overland to Virginia City, Nevada, where he 
 again " nailed up his shingle " as an Attorney and Counselor 
 at law. "Wherever he located he gained speedy popularity. 
 In 1864, when Nevada was admitted as a State, we find Mr. 
 BEEBE the nominee of a Democratic Convention for District 
 Judge, for which office he was defeated by a small majority. 
 Subsequently he declined the appointment of United States 
 Internal Eevenue Collector for Nevada, which was tendered 
 by President JOHNSON, but he consented to represent the new 
 State in the Philadelphia Convention of 1866. In October 
 of that year he purchased the Mouticello Watchman, a Demo- 
 cratic journal, and removing at once to Monticello, he has 
 since conducted that paper with marked ability and success. 
 In the fall of 1871 Mr. BEEBE was the Democratic nominee 
 in the Orange and Sullivan district for the State Senate, and 
 took strong ground against the use of money in elections, 
 tendering a public challenge to his opponent to unite with 
 him in a pledge not to use money in the canvass. He was 
 beaten, however, Hon. E. M. MADDEN, the present Senator 
 from that district, being successful. Last spring he was a dele- 
 gate to the Rochester Convention, and strongly opposed the 
 policy of indorsing GREELEY. He also fought the idea with 
 warmth and earnestness in his paper; but after the Baltimore 
 Convention, being left with the only alternative of " GRANT or 
 GREELEY," he felt constrained to support the latter. He was 
 also sent as a Delegate to the Syracuse Convention, and Avas 
 unanimously chosen its permanent President, in which posi- 
 tion he displayed marked ability as a presiding officer. He 
 took active part in the subsequent campaign, stumping the
 
 BERNARD BIQLIN. 147 
 
 State for the Liberal Democratic ticket. His nomination for 
 the Assembly was made by acclamation in both the Liberal 
 and Democratic Conventions, and he was elected by a majority 
 of 664, though the county gave GRANT a majority of some 
 200. 
 
 As will be gathered from this sketch, Mr. BEEBE is, and 
 always has been, an unflinching Democrat. On entering the 
 Assembly he at once assumed a prominent position among 
 the members of the " opposition," and his career as a legis- 
 lator is certainly, thus far, a brilliant one. Possessing rare 
 oratorical powers, he is cool, incisive and compact in argu- 
 ment, thinks rapidly, and is prompt, either in availing him- 
 self of the Aveak points of his opponent, or in arranging his 
 own line of attack or defense. He is frequently strongly 
 denunciatory in his speeches, using, in his polished invective, 
 the plainest and at the same time the most cutting words in 
 the language. He is also master of the art of sarcasm, and 
 often covers an antagonist with confusion by a deftly hurled 
 shaft of ridicule. The member from Sullivan is justly con- 
 sidered one of the most forcible and effective debaters in the 
 present House. 
 
 BERNARD BIGLIN. 
 
 There are, perhaps, few readers of newspapers who are 
 unfamiliar with the aquatic exploits of the BIGLIN brothers, 
 the celebrated New York oarsmen, but there are many, 
 doubtless, who will now learn for the first time that one of 
 these brothers, Avhose name heads this article, is a'Bepresenta- 
 tive in the State Assembly. 
 
 BERNARD BIGLIN was born in the State of Pennsylvania, 
 on the 4th of September, 1841. His parents, JOHN and 
 ELLEX HART BIGLIN, were natives of Ireland, and are both 
 deceased. Their family consisted of eighteen children, of
 
 148 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 whom ten are now living, six brothers and four sisters. 
 Young BIGLIN was educated in the common schools, and, 
 locating in New York at an early age, he served an apprentice- 
 ship as brass moulder with Mr. S. B. H. VANCE, now Presi- 
 dent of the New York Board of Aldermen, and proprietor 
 of the largest chandelier manufacturing establishment in 
 the country. Completing his apprenticeship in 1860, he soon 
 after obtained a position as Inspector in the New York Cus- 
 tom House, which he held three years. From 1863 until 
 1867 he was an Inspector in the Internal Revenue Depart- 
 ment. Subsequently he was appointed Ganger in the Internal 
 Revenue Department, but resigned when elected to the 
 Assembly. 
 
 Always a Republican, Mr. BIGLIN has occupied a promi- 
 nent position in New York politics for a number of years, 
 taking an active part in the primaries and conventions of 
 the party. He has served as delegate at all the Republican 
 State Conventions for five years past, and is now in the 
 Assembly as the representative of the eighteenth Assembly 
 district Republican Association. His district, which is 
 usually strongly Democratic, gave, in 1871, a Reform Demo- 
 cratic majority of 4,034. Mr. BIGLIN had three candidates 
 opposed to him last fall PETER SEERY, Tammany, and 
 WM. J. SHIELDS and JOHN P. CROSBY, both Apollo Hall, the 
 last named being indorsed by the Committee of Seventy, but 
 he was successful by a plurality of 612 ; certainly a very grat- 
 ifying result. The confidence reposed in him by his friends 
 was well placed, as he is a very active and industrious mem" 
 ber, and watches closely the interests of his constituents. 
 
 Had we the requisite data at hand it would be interesting 
 to refer with some particularity to Mr. BIGLIN'S career as an 
 oarsman, which has been very brilliant. The crew of which 
 he and his brother JOHN Avere the organizers and leading 
 spirits, and which included five of the BIGLIX brothers, 
 obtained a wide reputation, and were virtually the champions 
 of the United States during a long period, being victorious
 
 CHARLES BLACKIE. 149 
 
 in numerous contests on the lakes and rivers in various parts 
 of the country. The BIGLINS are not " sporting men," as 
 the phrase is generally understood, and never prostitute 
 their rowing abilities to the object of gambling, as is too 
 often the case. They are imbued with a thorough enthu- 
 siasm for the pursuit, and are using their best efforts to 
 spread a love for the manly and rigorous art, with the 
 laudable object of improving and developing the physique 
 of the rising generation. This is so well understood in JS'ew 
 York that their athletic school is patronized by the best anl 
 wealthiest citizens of the metropolis, and a large number of 
 amateur oarsmen owe their proficiency to the tuition received 
 from the BIGLINS. Their service is also frequently called in 
 requisition to train and instruct racing crews in other parts 
 of the country. 
 
 As may be presumed, Mr. BIG LIN is a man of good 
 physique. He is about the medium height, well and com- 
 inictlv built, light hair and moustache, light blue eyes, and 
 generally a pleasing expression of countenance. He is, 
 withal, a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was 
 married some years ago to MARY ANN GRUNDY. In religious 
 faith he is a Catholic. 
 
 CHARLES BLACKIE. 
 
 Mr. BLACKIE represents the thirteenth Assembly district 
 of New York in the present Legislature, and constitutes a 
 very fair personification of the young Bepublican element of 
 that city. The district was represented last yairby GEORGE 
 MrK.\Y, also a Republican, previous to which it was in the 
 hands of Tammany. Mr. BLACKIE received the decided 
 plurality of 1,305, against McKAY's majority of 110, which 
 shows either that Republicanism is making rapid progress in 
 the Sixteenth Ward of Xcw York, or that Mr. BLACKIE is a
 
 150 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 very popular man. Mr. B. was born in New York city on 
 the 7th of October, 1836, and received a very thorough 
 academic education. He engaged in a mercantile business 
 soon after leaving school. This he continued until 1868, 
 when he accepted the position of Weigher in the New York 
 Custom House, which he held up to the time of his election. 
 In the recent canvass he was elected as a straight Republi- 
 can, his opponents being Mr. CHRISTOPHER FINE, Democrat, 
 JAMES KELLET, Liberal, and JOHM F. HAGAN, Independ- 
 ent. 
 
 Mr. BLACKIE is a young man of great activity and busi- 
 ness capacity, having already shown a striking aptitude for 
 legislative duties ; with the practical experience in law- 
 making, which he is rapidly acquiring, he gives promise of 
 becoming a man of more than ordinary mark in the As- 
 sembly. 
 
 ANDREW BLESSING. 
 
 ANDREW BLESSING is from the seventeenth New York dis- 
 trict, and is now serving his first term as a member of Assem- 
 bly. Born in the county of Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1844, 
 he came to this country at the age of thirteen, and obtained 
 a very fair education in the common schools of New York 
 city. He learned the trade of boiler maker, and worked at 
 that and kindred mechanical employments for several years, 
 when he obtained a lucrative clerkship in a mercantile 
 house, and finally drifted into the real estate business, in 
 which he is now engaged. In the course of business, Mr. 
 BLESSING has visited nearly every part of the country, and 
 is therefore very thoroughly acquainted with American insti- 
 tutions. He has always retained his residence in New York, 
 however. Possessing decided natural ability, and being a 
 shrewd observer of men and events, he is, Avithal, a man of
 
 JOSEPH BLUMENTHAL. 151 
 
 much practical common sense, and a fair representative of 
 the active and energetic Irish-American. 
 
 Mr. BLESSING is not a politician, strictly speaking, having 
 never formally identified himself with any of the numerous 
 political organizations in the metropolis ; but he has always 
 been known as an uncompromising Democrat of the Tam- 
 many school, and as such he was elected to the Legislature 
 by a plurality of 596, three candidates being opposed to him. 
 He is a member of the Committee on Grievances, and State 
 Prisons. 
 
 Though very quiet and reserved in manner, Mr. BLESSING 
 is a useful and capable man in the Assembly, and performs 
 his duties with praiseworthy diligence and modesty. 
 
 JOSEPH BLUMENTHAL. 
 
 Mr. BLUMENTHAL, one of the most prominent of the New 
 York city members, was born in Munich, the capital of 
 Bavaria, December 1, 1834, and came to this country with his 
 parents, LAWRENCE and REBECCA BLUMENTHAL, and their 
 family of six other children, when he was but five years old. 
 Both his parents are dead. He Avas educated in the common 
 schools, and in 1853 went to California, residing while there 
 in Mariposa county, celebrated as the locality of the famed 
 Yosemite valley and falls. He remained in California but 
 five years, returning, in 1858, to New York, where he engaged 
 in business as an importer and merchant, with very satisfac- 
 tory results. 
 
 Always a straightforward Democrat, Mr. BLUMENTHAL 
 has never until now held any office, but he has participated 
 actively in the political contests of New York city for many 
 years past, and has secured wide prominence by reason of his 
 efforts in behalf of municipal reform, and for the deration
 
 152 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 i 
 
 of honest and capable men to official position. He was one 
 
 of the earliest and most persistent opponents of the corrupt 
 ring that has disgraced and well nigh ruined the Democratic 
 party in the metropolis. He has been a member of the Com- 
 mittee of Seventy since its organization, serving on such 
 important sub-committees as Elections, Investigation of 
 Frauds, Nominations, etc. 
 
 Last winter he was active in urging the passage of what was 
 known as the Keform Charter, and during the present session 
 he has been, probably, the most active opponent of those 
 features of the Charter measure, which proposed to abolish 
 the Board of Assistant Aldermen, and curtail the power of 
 the Mayor in making appointments, representing the views 
 of the Committee of Seventy. He made several able speeches 
 during the discussion of the measure, and the courtesy, 
 moderation, and entire freedom from personality or acrimony 
 which characterized his participation in the exciting debates, 
 were the subject of complimentary remark among opponents 
 and friends. 
 
 In the election last fall he received the indorsement of 
 Tammany Hall, the German Reformers, the Committee of 
 Seventy, and the Council of Municipal Beform, and received 
 a plurality of 1,169, although there were four strong candi- 
 dates in the field against him. He is a member of the Com- 
 mittee on Cities, and Engrossed Bills. 
 
 A man of decided ability and much practical good sense, 
 Mr. BLUMEXTHAL is quick to understand the bearings of 
 every question which he is called upon to consider, and 
 therefore possesses qualities invaluable in the legislator. He 
 is also a thorough gentleman in every sense of the word. 
 and his excellent social traits render him popular in a very 
 large circle of acquaintances. He is a member of the Jewish 
 persuasion.
 
 FRANCIS B. BREWER. 153 
 
 FRANCIS B. BREWER. 
 
 Mr. BREWER is a descendant of revolutionary stock, his 
 grandfather having held the rank of colonel in the struggle 
 with the mother country. His father, EBEJSTEZER BREWER, 
 who died some years since, was also familiar with the trying 
 scenes of that period, and held a captain's commission in 
 the war of 1812. They were both, we believe, natives of 
 Xew Hampshire. Mr. BREWER was himself born in Keene, 
 N. 11., and is now a robust and well-preserved gentleman of 
 perhaps fifty years of age. He enjoyed, when young, the 
 advantages of a liberal education, and early determined to 
 enter the medical profession. He therefore pursued with 
 diligence the general and scientific courses at Dartmouth 
 College, from which he graduated in 1843. Two years later 
 he graduated with honor from the medical department of 
 the same institution. He practiced his profession but five 
 years, however, when he entered the lumbering business at 
 Oil creek in Pennsylvania. This was about the year 1850, 
 when the oleaginous treasures of that region were practically 
 unknown to the world. Mr. BREWER perceived the value 
 of the deposits before they attracted general attention, and 
 it is an interesting fact, that in his clear and practical brain 
 was formed the first feasible plan to secure and utilize the 
 petroleum oozing through the soil. As early as 1858 he, 
 with several other gentlemen of energy and means, formed 
 the first oil company, and inaugurated a branch of commerce 
 which has since reached gigantic proportions, and added 
 immensely to the wealth of the world. 
 
 Mr. BREWER was reasonably successful in his ventures in 
 the oil region, and finally removed to Westfield, in Chautau- 
 qua county, when- he has since resided, having become a 
 wealthy and substantial citizen of that thriving village. He
 
 154 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 devotes his attention mainly to supervising the affairs of the 
 Westfield Lock Works, of which he is the sole proprietor. 
 He is also President of the First National Bank of Westfield, 
 a flourishing institution. 
 
 He has frequently been the recipient of political honors 
 from his fellow citizens, Avith whom he is held in very high 
 regard. Several times he has been elected to the Board of 
 Supervisors, and once or twice he was Chairman of the Board. 
 Mr. B. always discharged his duties satisfactorily in this local 
 legislative body, acting on all questions for the best interests of 
 the county and the town he represented. During the war he 
 rendered important service as special State Agent to the hospi- 
 tals, and also to the soldiers in camp. This office he held, 
 with rank of Major, by appointment of Governor FEXTON", 
 and from the time of his appointment, in the winter of 1864, 
 until the close of the war, he was instrumental in relieving 
 an immense amount of suffering among the brave men who 
 composed the Army of the Potomac. 
 
 Mr. BREWER was a Whig until the formation of the Ee- 
 publican party, since which time he has always been actively 
 identified with Republican measures and men. In person, 
 he is somewhat portly, and rather above the medium height. 
 His flowing light brown beard, in which a few white hairs 
 are sprinkled, gives him a slightly venerable appearance, 
 which is contradicted, however, by the vigorous frame, elastic 
 step, and florid, healthy complexion which characterize him. 
 Dignified and courteous in bearing, a man of well-balanced 
 intellect and unusually ripe judgment, he is in the full 
 prime of intellectual and physical manhood, and is in all 
 resoects an able and upright legislator.
 
 ELIJAH E. BROWN. 155 
 
 ELIJAH E. BROWN. 
 
 The Second district of Cayuga is well represented in the 
 person of Hon. ELIJAH E. BROWN, of Niles. No man in 
 the House enjoys in greater degree the respect and regard of 
 his fellow-members, or the confidence of his constituents, 
 and the fact is due as well to the decided ability and excellent 
 judgment he possesses as to the natural courtesy of manner 
 and kindliness of disposition which he takes pains to mani- 
 fest toward all with whom he comes in contact. 
 
 Mr. BROWN was born in Hancock, Berkshire county, 
 Mass., April 9, 1816. He is the youngest of a family of six 
 children, and when but seven years old, his father moved to 
 JSTiles, Cayuga county, and purchased a farm. Young BROWN 
 was brought up on the farm, remaining steadily at home 
 until the age of twenty-one. He varied the routine of farm 
 life by a pretty constant attendance at the district school, 
 where he developed a passion for mathematics, spending 
 much of his leisure in working out difficult problems. It 
 was intended that he should have a liberal education, but his 
 father's health failed to that extent that it was desirable that 
 the son should remain and manage the farm, which he did 
 until his parent died, in May, 1854. Mr. BROWN therefore 
 received no instruction outside of the common schools, be- 
 yond that obtained in a select school one winter. When he 
 reached the age of twenty-one, however, he went west and 
 invested largely in land, his father furnishing means for that 
 purpose. After being absent about a year, he disposed of 
 his purchase at a large advance, and returned to Cayuga 
 county, where he has since resided. 
 
 In September, 1840, he was married to Miss ANN CHENEY, 
 a daughter of ZACCHEUS CHENEY, with whom Hon. MILLARD 
 FILLMORE served an apprenticeship and learned the trade 
 of a clothier. Mr. BROWN continued to manage his father's
 
 156 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 farm as well as another farm which he purchased himself, 
 embracing in all some 360 acres, for a number of years, 
 devoting his attention especially to stock breeding. He still 
 owns one of the farms, though for the past ten or fifteen 
 years he has done little but supervise his agricultural opera- 
 tions. Of late years he has turned his mathematical knowl- 
 edge to account in the business of surveying. 
 
 Mr. B.'s ancestry have been somewhat noted as well as 
 numerous. His father was born in Killuigly, Conn., in 1773, 
 and was, therefore, too young to be of service in the Revolu- 
 tionary war, but the family, in its different branches, were 
 somewhat prominent in that struggle. His father's ancestry 
 were English on the paternal side, and Irish on the mother's. 
 His maternal great-grandfather, WILLIAM SMITH, was com- 
 pelled to flee from Ireland, because of some trouble incident 
 to hot-headed youth, and subsequently became a Lieutenant 
 in the Revolutionary war. The maternal ancestors of the 
 subject of our sketch lived in Rhode Island for several 
 generations; his grandfather on that side being a noted sea 
 captain. 
 
 Mr. BROWX'S political record is in every way honorable. 
 He commenced life as a Whig, casting his first Presidential 
 vote for HARRISON. Acting with the Whigs unt' 1 the party 
 dissolved, he was among the first to cast his lot with the 
 Republicans, and up to the present time he has steadily given 
 his efforts to secure the success of the principles and candi- 
 dates of that organization. In his town, and in his county, 
 he has been recognized as an active and influential worker 
 in the Republican ranks, and his counsel has been highly 
 valued and always sought. Occupying such a position, he 
 has frequently been called to fill public office. In 1856 he 
 was elected Justice of the Peace, and held the office until 
 1869, adding to its duties from 1859 to 1863 those of Justice 
 of Sessions. In the years 1866 and 1867 he represented his 
 town in the Cayuga county Board of Supervisors. In each 
 of these positions he displayed ability and judgment, and
 
 ELIJAH E. BROWN. 157 
 
 succeeded in adding to the regard in which he was held by 
 the people. In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the Assem- 
 bly by a majority of 1,608, and so well did he fulfill the trust 
 reposed in him, that he was returned in the fall of 1872, by 
 the increased majority of 1,772, defeating WILLIAM P. Sis- 
 sox, a Liberal Republican. 
 
 It is not alone as a politician that Mr. BROWN has won 
 prominence, however. He has always evinced an unselfish 
 regard for the welfare of the community in which he resides. 
 During the war he was the leading spirit among those in his 
 county who aided in sustaining the government. When 
 hostilities first began, he advanced the money necessary to 
 pay the first installment of recruits, trusting to the good 
 faith of the town to make good the amount. Subsequently 
 he was intrusted with the duty of filling the quota of the 
 town, and it was by his active exertions, mainly, that the 
 quotas were promptly filled at every call, as he devoted his 
 time and money largely to that end. Large quantities of 
 hospital stores were also sent to the army through his aid, 
 much of the incidental expense of which was defrayed from 
 his private purse. 
 
 Mr. BKOWX is held in very high regard by all the mem- 
 bers of the House, because of his numerous graces of char- 
 acter. Modest and unobtrusive in manner, dignified and 
 courteous in deportment, a thorough gentleman, and a 
 pleasant acquaintance, he unites, with all these qualities, 
 ability and thoroughness in performing his legislative work. 
 He is therefore popular with all, and though he seldom 
 makes a speech, he is admittedly one of the most valuable 
 members of the rtresent Assemblv.
 
 158 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JAMES H. BROWN. 
 
 Mr. BROWN represents the Second district of Ulster county. 
 He is a large-framed man, of about fifty years of age, and 
 occupies quite a prominent position in the community where 
 he resides. In his early days he learned the trade of a black- 
 smith, but after working at it for a number of years he 
 bought the farm on which he has since resided, and which 
 he cultivated during a long period. For several years past 
 he has served his fellow-citizens as a Justice of the Peace, 
 and has, therefore, to a great extent, remitted agricultural 
 labors to other hands. He filled the office of Justice with 
 dignity and ability, and has, besides, occupied other positions 
 of a public nature, enjoying in a large measure the confidence 
 and esteem of all who have occasion to know him. 
 
 He was elected to the Assembly by a majority of 226, 
 defeating OSCAR MULFORD, his Democratic opponent. He 
 is a member of the Committees on Affairs of Villages, and 
 Commerce and Navigation, and though not specially con- 
 spicuous as a public speaker or as a politician, he, never- 
 theless, effectively represents a large and intelligent con- 
 stituencv. Seldom absent from his seat in the chamber, he 
 at all times evinces comprehension of the business of legis- 
 lation and diligence in the performance of his duties.
 
 J. LYMAN BULKLET 159 
 
 J. LYMAN BULKLEY. 
 
 JUSTUS LYMA.N" BULKLEY, for fifteen years a successful 
 Physician and Surgeon of Sandy Creek, Oswego county, was 
 born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, August 20, 1832. His 
 father, PETER H. BULKLEY, born in the year 1800, and a 
 native of this State, died when young BULKLEY was but 
 eleven years old, leaving his son little besides an inheritance 
 of poverty. Compelled thus early to fight his way in the 
 world, he did not shrink from the contest, but proceeded, 
 under the counsel of his worthy mother, who is still living, 
 to secure an education. Although for a number of years he 
 was compelled to work in the capacity of a farm laborer, he 
 eventually succeeded in his object. He studied the English 
 branches in an academy, and when he was able to do so, 
 entered college. He passed through Madison University, 
 graduating in 1857, with an honorary degree, and after- 
 ward graduated with all the honors from the New York 
 Opthalmic Hospital College. He immediately entered upon 
 the practice of his chosen profession, and has pursued it 
 with such success that he now enjoys a reputation second 
 to none in the county. It Avill be seen, therefore, that Dr. 
 BULKLEY is in the fullest sense a self-made man, and owes 
 all that he has and is to his own individual exertions. 
 
 Dr. BULKLEY has always been an earnest Republican, and 
 has found time to devote considerable attention to party 
 politics, in which, in his county, he is a leading spirit. 
 Besides holding the office of Coroner during one term, and 
 being an incumbent of the post of Pension Surgeon for three 
 years past, he has held a number of minor offices, and is 
 always active at local conventions and primaries. He was 
 elected to the Assembly last fall by a majority of about 1,700, 
 defeating GILBERT "W. HAKDIXG, his Democratic opponent. 
 He serves acceptably on the Committees on Education and
 
 160 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Public Lands, and though he cannot be numbered among 
 the talkers of the House, he is an energetic and efficient 
 member. 
 
 DENNIS BURNS. 
 
 Mr. BURNS, who comes from the Second district of the 
 metropolis, is a pleasant and sociable gentleman, just turning 
 his forty-sixth year. Blunt and plain of speech, he yet 
 possesses a kind heart, and a sympathetic disposition. The 
 direct and merciless little speeches which frequently burst from 
 him, are invariably reserved for opposing political schemes, 
 or questionable measures of legislation. They are never the 
 vehicles of ill-nature or malice, though he is unsparing in his 
 denunciation of every thing which does not agree with his 
 notions of right and wrong. 
 
 Mr. BURNS was born in Ireland, in the year 1827, and 
 came to Xew York when he was abrmt ten years of age. 
 Shortly after his arrival in the metropolis, he was apprenticed 
 to a stone-cutter. He learned the trade thoroughly, and 
 worked at it a number of years, but its effect upon his health 
 was such that he was obliged to relinquish it. He subse- 
 quently obtained a clerkship in the County Clerk's office, and 
 still holds the position. 
 
 He has been active in Xew York politics for many years, 
 being well known in the down-town wards, and, indeed, in the 
 city at large. Always a Democrat of the Tammany stripe, 
 he has never swerved from his allegiance, and is, to-day, one 
 of the most wide-awake representatives of that organization 
 upon the floor. He was first elected to the Assembly, in the 
 fall of 1807, beating in the canvass two Union Democrats, 
 by a plurality of 1.101. He made a satisfactory record during 
 his first year of service, being a member of the Committees on 
 Banks, and Claims. In the fall of 1868, he was re-elected by
 
 DENNIS BURNS. 161 
 
 a majority of over 6,000, his opponent being a Eepublican. 
 With the exception of the year 1872, when the district was 
 represented by Mr. DUN PHY, an Apollo Hall Democrat, Mr. 
 BURNS has occupied a seat in the House since 1867. In 
 1870, he was Chairman of the Committee, on Insurance, 
 and a member of the Committee on Charitable and Religious 
 Societies. In the present House, he is a member of the Com- 
 mittees on Aliens, and Indian Affairs. 
 
 In person Mr. BURNS is about the medium height, stoutly 
 built, somewhat florid complexion, nearly white hair and 
 moustache, and that cast of countenance and contour which 
 indicates a bull-dog tenacity of purpose. He watches the 
 course of legislation closely, and being very prompt in grasp- 
 ing a subject in its various bearings, it is a favorite habit of 
 his to break in upon the elaborate arguments of the more 
 oratorical legislators with a brief but forcible and unanswer- 
 able query or proposition which often plays the mischief 
 with finely spun theories. He possesses plenty of sound 
 common sense, which, with a fair education, an intimate 
 knowledge of the inner workings of that mystery known as 
 JS'ew York politics, and a familiarity with the details of leg- 
 islation, renders him a very efficient member. His social 
 qualities and many fine traits of character constitute him a 
 favorite with an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, 
 ani there are few men who are able to appreciate a good joke 
 with greater readiness than DENNIS BURNS. 
 
 11
 
 162 LIFE SKETOUES, 
 
 LEONARD BURRITT. 
 
 Mr. BURRITT, who represents the Third district of Monroe 
 county, is one of the "always reliable" Republicans of 
 the lower House. He makes few speeches, but invariably 
 votes " right," is invaluable in the committee room, and has 
 a sharp eye for the wishes of his constituents. He was once 
 a Whig, but since Whigism became a thing of the past he 
 has been a steadfast Republican. He was born in Chili, 
 Monroe county, his father being ISAAC BURRITT, now 
 deceased. Brought up on a farm, and receiving in the mean 
 time a pretty thorough common school and academic educa- 
 tion, he has remained a farmer until the present time, but 
 manages also to attend to other pursuits. From 1862 until 
 1870 he filled the position of United States Assistant Asses- 
 sor for Monroe county. In the fall of 1867 Mr. BURRITT 
 was elected to the Assembly by a majority of 890, and last 
 fall by a majority of 985, a decided gain. 
 
 TIMOTHY J. CAMPBELL. 
 
 The pleasant face of the genial and popular member from 
 the Sixth district of Kew York is as familiar to the regular 
 habitues of the Capitol as is the appearance of the ancient 
 pile itself. He boasts a longer continuous service than any 
 other member, except JOHN C. JACOBS, and though he 
 stands in point of age with the younger members, his long 
 experience and close habit of observation have rendered him 
 an excellent politician. He sprung from a Scottish-Irish 
 ancestry, and unites the firmness, persistency and frankness 
 of the Scotch character, with the characteristic humor, hearty 
 friendship and unswerving fidelity of the Irish. With a
 
 TIMOTHY J. CAMPBELL, 163 
 
 nature imbued with such sterling qualities, it is not strange 
 that Mr. CAMPBELL has troops of friends in the metropolis 
 and elsewhere. 
 
 Born in the county of Cavan, Ireland, in January, 1840, 
 young CAMPBELL was brought to New York by his parents 
 when he was but five years old. At suitable age he was 
 placed at a common school, where he remained until the age 
 of twelve. His parents were in straightened circumstances, 
 however, and this fact, as well as his restless and ambitious 
 spirit, impelled him to seek a means by which to earn his 
 own livelihood. Leaving school, therefore, before he had 
 fully realized its benefits, he entered a printing office. By 
 his own act, as well as by the necessities of the case, he Avas 
 thrown upon his own resources, and under the tuition of 
 stern necessity he learned the habits of industry and self- 
 reliance which have brought him to his present position. 
 Always watchful and studious, he availed himself fully of 
 the many opportunities for acquiring general knowledge 
 afforded by a printing office, gradually making up for early 
 deficiencies in book-learning by attending evening schools. 
 He also joined a debating club, gaining by active partici- 
 pation in its discussions that familiarity Avith parliamentary 
 practice, and with the social and political topics of the day, 
 which has since been very valuable to him. In the mean 
 time he passed through all the grades of the printer's craft, 
 from the fly-boy of the press to general office manager. On 
 completing his apprenticeship he worked several years at the 
 trade, serving in several job offices in New York, and also in 
 Ihc various newspaper offices, including the Herald, Exprcxs, 
 and News. 
 
 During a portion of the year I860, while portentous war- 
 clouds were rolling up from the southern horizon, Mr. 
 CAMPBELL sojourned at Augusta, Ga., and was conneclcd 
 with the office of the Dispatch of that city. He returned to 
 \r\v York, however, before the storm burst upon the country,
 
 164 LIFE SKETCHES, 
 
 and has since resided there, serving during several years as 
 a clerk in the county clerk's office. 
 
 Mr. CAMPBELL has, for a number of years past, been active 
 in metropolitan politics, his ability as a local manager 
 securing him a position as Chairman of his district on the 
 Tammany General Committee, which he still holds. He has 
 always been a steadfast adherent of the Tammany wing of 
 the Democracy, and so popular is lie in his Assembly district, 
 that all the mutations through which Tammany has recently 
 passed have not resulted in materially reducing the majori- 
 ties by which he is annually elected to the Legislature. 
 
 Mr. CAMPBELL was a member of the fire department in 
 the good old days of the "volunteer" system. In that 
 capacity lie was behind none in enthusiasm and daring, and 
 had his share of "perilous adventures and hair-breadth 
 'scapes." 
 
 He is now serving his sixth term as Member of the House, 
 having been first elected in 18G7. During his first year of 
 service, he acted as Chairman of the Committee on Roads 
 and Bridges, and as Member of the Committee on Internal 
 Affairs. Since then he has served three years on the Com- 
 mittee on Cities, and has been Chairman of the Committee 
 on Petitions of Aliens. 
 
 Mr. CAMPBELL is a man of medium size, compactly built, 
 well proportioned, and quite prepossessing in appearance.
 
 JACOB B. CARPENTER. 165 
 
 JACOB B. CARPENTER. 
 
 Nearly a century ago BENJAMIN CARPENTER purchased a 
 large tract of land in Stanford, Dutchess county, N. Y., and 
 resided upon it until his death, in 1836. His son, the late 
 MORGAN CARPENTER, was there born in 1799, and in 1819 
 married MARIA, daughter of Hon. JACOB BOCKEE. His 
 birthplace was also his residence until 1852, when he removed 
 to Pouglikeepsie, where, in November, 1871, he died, but a few 
 months the survivor of hi: 1 wife. For many years he took 
 an active interest in wool-growing, and his flocks, numbering 
 about o,000 sheep, were widely celebrated for the fineness of 
 their fleeces. An ardent and influential Whig and Republi- 
 can, he sought only the advancement of the cause, and sel- 
 dom occupied any official position. 
 
 JACOB B. CARPENTER, the subject of this sketch, is the 
 son of MORGAN and MARIA BOCKEE CARPENTER, and was 
 born at the ancestral homestead, on the 26th day of July, 
 1826. He received a collegiate education, graduating at 
 Union College, in 1846, in the same class with Hon. HENRY 
 II. PIERSON and Ex-Governor JOHN T. HOFFMAN. After 
 leaving college he engaged extensively and successfully in 
 agriculture in his native town until 1864, when he retired 
 from active business, and removed to the city of Poughkeep- 
 sie, where lie has since resided. He has served twice as a 
 member of the Board of Supervisors, and in 1855, having 
 aided as a delegate in the formation of the Republican party, 
 he was elected to the Assembly, but declined to be a candi- 
 date for a second term. In 1860 he was Presidential Elector 
 for the Twelfth district, and voted for LINCOLN and HAM- 
 LIN. During the eleven succeeding years, although an 
 earnest Republican, and frequently active in his efforts for 
 the success of the party, he was at no time a candidate for 
 office, or even a delegate to a Convention. After the pro-
 
 166 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 mulgation of the platform adopted by the Cincinnati Con- 
 vention, he espoused the Liberal cause, and was urged by the 
 Liberals and Democra;s to accept their nomination for 
 Eepresentative in Congress. Shortly after the Congressional 
 Convention, a joint Convention of Liberals and Democrats 
 unanimously nominated him as their candidate for the Assem- 
 bly, and upon the representation that they could harmonize 
 only upon his name, he yielded to their solicitations, and 
 accepted the nomination. The election resulted in giving 
 him a majority of 1,268 over the Republican nominee, 
 GEORGE ESSELSTYNE, Esq., a talented and popular lawyer 
 of Rhinebeck. 
 
 The estimation in which he is held by the citizens of his 
 county is attested by the fact that, whenever a candidate for 
 office, he has never failed to run very largely ahead of the 
 general ticket. In 1860 he was married to SARAH E., 
 daughter of the late STEPHEN E. THOUX, Esq., of Pough- 
 keepsie, and attends the Episcopal Church. In politics he is 
 a Liberal Republican, and but recently received the unani- 
 mous nomination of the Liberal and Democratic Convention 
 as their candidate for Mayor of Poughkeepsie, but business 
 reasons compelled him to decline being a candidate. 
 
 WILLIAM S. CLAPP. 
 
 The member from Putnam county is Rev. WM. S. CLAPP, 
 of Carmel, where he has resided for the past fifteen years. 
 He is the son of CHESTER CLAPP, whose ancestors were 
 direct descendants of the Puritans, and natives of North- 
 ampton, Mass. He was born in Ballston Spa, Saratoga 
 county, about fifty years ago, and is in the full prime of a vig- 
 orous and well-developed manhood. Mr. CLAPP early chose 
 the ministry as his profession, and was educated witli that 
 end iii view, accomplishing successfully the full collegiate
 
 WILLIAM 8. CLAPP. 167 
 
 course at Madison University, and graduating in 1846. Very 
 soon afterward he was ordained to the ministry and took 
 charge of the First Baptist Church at Albany, where he 
 remained four years. Since then he has preached with 
 decided success in New York city, at Danbury, Conn., and at 
 Carmel, in this State. Several years ago he enjoyed a brief 
 respite from ministerial duties and made the tour of Europe, 
 from which his keen powers of observation enabled him to 
 profit largely. He is an able and eloquent preacher, possessing 
 fine oratorical abilities, and is, withal, a gentleman of culture 
 and a man of generous impulses, pleasant manners and 
 exalted personal character. 
 
 In politics Mr. CLAPP has always been a Republican, 
 though he voted twice for MARTIN VAN SUREST, and sympa- 
 thized warmly with the Liberal movement in the last can- 
 vass. He endeavors, however, to perform his duty as a popu- 
 lar representative without rigid regard to party lines, though 
 on strict party questions he usually votes with the Republi- 
 cans. He was elected as an independent candidate by a 
 plurality of 430, running against the regularly nominated 
 candidates of both the great parties. This fact is sufficiently 
 indicative of the estimation in which he is held at home. 
 
 Mr. CLAPP has been married twice. His first wife was 
 MARIA MESICK, to whom he was united in Albany soon after 
 he was ordained to the ministry. Since her -death occurred 
 he married Mrs. C. D. KELLEY, the only daughter of DAN- 
 IEL !)RK\V. the distinguished financier. He serves acceptably 
 on the Committees on Charitable and Religious Societies, 
 Public Education, and Expenditures of the House.
 
 108 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 GEORGE W. CLARKE. 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON CLARKE was born in the town of 
 Milton, Saratoga county, on the 2d of April, 1830. His 
 parents were plain, honest, well-to-do people, of the class 
 which gives character and stability to our more flourishing 
 rural communities. One of their chief aims was to give each 
 of their children a good education ; and, therefore, young 
 CLARKE was enabled to gratify the desire for knowledge which 
 he felt at quite an early age. He passed through the usual 
 common school experience of youth, and at the proper age, 
 entered Union College at Schenectady, from whence he gradu- 
 ated with honor in the year 1840. It was intended that he 
 should enter tJif Christian ministry, but the state of his 
 health forbade this, and, after weighing the matter, he 
 decided to adopt teaching as a profession. With this view 
 he took up his residence in New York city, and soon after 
 founded the Mount Washington Collegiate Institute on 
 Washington square. This institution still nourishes, and has 
 ranked, for many years past, among the best of the educa- 
 tional establishments in New York city. Its course of study 
 is judicious, thoroughly systematized and progressive, and 
 numerous graduates of the institution now occupy exalted 
 positions throughout the country. Professor CLARKE is 
 thoroughly imbued with enthusiasm and love for his profes- 
 sion, untiring in his efforts to elevate the standard of instruc- 
 tion, to extend and improve the modes of imparting knowl- 
 edge, and to enlarge the scope of human thought. 
 
 While Prof. CLARKE has never been a politician in the 
 ordinary party sense, he has always closely watched the 
 developments of party movements and policy, and invariably 
 co-operated with that organization which, in his view, best 
 represented liberal and progressive ideas of government. In
 
 GEORGE W. CLARKE. 169 
 
 his younger days he acted with the Whig party, and when 
 that dissolved he became a Republican. Being well known 
 in the metropolis as an earnest and thoroughly conscientious 
 member of the party, he was frequently called upon to repre- 
 sent his fellow Republicans in the local conventions and 
 organizations. For some time he was President of the 
 Seventh Assembly District Republican Association, and dis- 
 charged the duties of the trust with dignity and judgment. 
 He was a delegate to the Elmira Convention, at which dele- 
 gates were chosen to Philadelphia, and was a member of the 
 Utica Convention of last August, and had the honor there 
 of presenting Gen. Dix for the gubernatorial nomination. It 
 is not out of place, perhaps, to state here that Prof. CLARKE 
 undoubtedly had as much to do with bringing Gen. Dix 
 forward as any other man. Months before the Convention 
 met, he became convinced of the propriety of such a nomi- 
 nation, and strove earnestly to bring it about. Two or three 
 weeks before the Convention met, he addressed a letter on 
 the subject to Hon. A. B. CORNELL, Chairman of the State 
 Committee, in which he strongly urged the nomination, as 
 an effectual means of uniting the reform movement with the 
 Republican party, and of opening the door for those Demo- 
 crats who were dissatisfied with the GREKLEY coalition. 
 That Gen. Dix was nominated and triumphantly elected are 
 mat tors of history, and Prof. CLAKKE would be less than 
 human, perhaps, did he not feel proud of his own connection 
 with the event. 
 
 In view of Prof. CLARKE'S prominence and known probity 
 of character, there was a strongly expressed desire among 
 the Republicans of his district that he should represent them 
 in the Assembly this winter, and when the convention met 
 he was nominated without opposition. He accepted the 
 honor with considerable reluctance, but he entered into the 
 canvass with spirit, and was elected by the gratifying 
 majority of 1,135. He proves to be an active and energetic 
 member of the House, taking part in nearly all the debates
 
 170 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 on general as well as local questions, devoting his attention 
 more particularly, however, to the latter. He is an efficient 
 Member of the Committee on Ways and Means, and also 
 that on Charitable and Eeligious Societies. 
 
 Both by education and conviction, Prof. CLARKE is a firm 
 and consistent Presbyterian, having been a member of that 
 religious denomination since his youth. He was married at 
 Fort Washington, on the Hudson, in 1847, to MARY JANE 
 McKiE, a daughter of THOMAS McKiE of New York city. 
 
 WILLIAM V. CLEARY. 
 
 Mr. CLEARY, a young and active Democrat, represents the 
 city of Troy, where he has resided all his life, and for several 
 years past has been identified with its business interests. 
 Born in Troy, on the 12th of September, 1847, he is still quite 
 a young man, but he takes naturally to political life, and 
 occupies quite a prominent position in the local councils of 
 his party. His father, KYRAX CLEARY, who died in 1861, at 
 the age of 45, was also active in politics and was once a mem- 
 ber of the Board of Aldermen. The younger CLEARY 
 received a good education in the common schools, and was 
 brought up in the business followed by his father, the manu- 
 facture of ale and porter, and on his father's death, he took 
 sole charge of his large establishment, conducting it with 
 success up to the present time. 
 
 Mr. CLEARY has already held a number of positions in the 
 gift of his party. During two terms he occupied a scat in 
 the Board of Aldermen, and was chosen unanimously at his 
 last election. In 1870 he was President of the Board of 
 Common Council, and filled the position satisfactorily to the 
 people, and with credit to himself. Two years ago IK- was 
 Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee. He was
 
 FREDERICK COCHKU. 171 
 
 elected to the Assembly by a majority of 1,485, over DENNIS 
 O'LouGHLiN, an independent candidate. Young, vigorous, 
 intelligent and capable, Mr. CLEARY evidently has a bright 
 future before him. He is still unmarried, and is a member 
 of the Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 FREDERICK COCHEU. 
 
 The gentleman who represents the Seventeenth district of 
 Kings county is one of those who really deserve to be styled 
 " self-made/' He never went to a school in his life, his parents 
 being too poor even to feed and clothe him, and he has 
 earned his own living since he was eight years old. Conse- 
 quently we find him to-day a thoroughly self-reliant, ener- 
 getic, and well-informed man of business, and possessing 
 more than ordinary force of character. He came from quite 
 an illustrious stock, as his father, now deceased, was a native 
 of France, and had the honor o'f serving in the body guard 
 of Napoleon Bonaparte. His mother was born in Orange 
 county, in this State, where her ancestors resided for several 
 generations. 
 
 Young COCHEU was born in New York city, on the 30th 
 of March, 1832. He is therefore about forty-one years of 
 age. His youth presents no feature of special importance, 
 save the fact that during the period when other boys go to 
 school, he was acquiring practical knowledge of life through 
 the teachings of adversity and bitter experience. Soon after 
 reaching his majority, he secured a position on the police 
 force of Brooklyn, which he held until the breaking out of 
 the Rebellion. He then enlisted as a private in a battery of 
 artillery, serving with honor and distinction during upward 
 of three years of that bloody struggle. His valor and atten- 
 tion to duty soon secured him promotion to a Lieutenancy,
 
 172 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 and when he finally came home he held the commission of 
 Captain in the 61st Eegiment, New York volunteers. He 
 participated in most of the battles and marches which fell to 
 the lot of the Army of the Potomac, and performed much 
 arduous service in North Carolina and other portions of the 
 theater of war, having been actively engaged, from first to last, 
 in some twenty-three battles. Always a brave soldier and 
 efficient officer, Mr. COCHEU certainly has no reason to feel 
 ashamed of his military record. 
 
 At the close of the war, he was appointed Internal Revenue 
 Inspector for Long Island and Staten Island, and during two 
 years service in that capacity he passed upon three hundred 
 and eleven cases of violation of the revenue laws. During 
 four years past, he has been President of the Grand Street 
 and Newtown Railroad Company. 
 
 Always a Republican, Mr. COCHEU has been very active in 
 the local politics of his district, but has never before been 
 elected to office. The fact that he was elected by a decided 
 majority, in a district recently very strongly Democratic, shows 
 that he is popular at home, and that his valuable services and 
 undoubted capacity are appreciated. 
 
 Mr. COCHEU has a rather dark complexion, with a coun- 
 tenance which, though mild and pleasant in its expression, 
 denotes a strongly marked individuality. He does not have 
 much to say, but he manifests keen interest in the progress 
 of legislation. He has already attained prominence in the 
 House, and is known as a man of fine instincts and generous 
 sympathies. He attends the Episcopal Church.
 
 HENRY J. COGGESHALL. 173 
 
 HENRY J. COGGESHALL. 
 
 Mr. COGGESHALL was born at Waterville, Oneida county, 
 N. Y., April 28th, 1845. His education was gained at the 
 Seminary in his native village, from which he graduated in 
 1862. Soon after his graduation he entered upon a course 
 of law study in the office of E. II. LAMB, Esq., of Water- 
 ville. Being admitted to the practice of la\v in 1806, he has, 
 until the present time, been sedulously engaged in profes- 
 sional labors at Waterville. 
 
 From 1869 to 1872, Mr. COGGESHALL held the position of 
 Assistant District Attorney of Oneida county. During the 
 past year he has been chairman of the Republican Jtown 
 committee of Sangerfield. He is a member of the board of 
 trustees of Waterville, and for the last four years has fre- 
 quently been elected delegate to district and county conven- 
 tions. He was sent as delegate to the Republican State con- 
 vention held at Elmira in May, 1872, and was there elected 
 alternate delegate to the Republican National convention 
 held in Philadelphia. 
 
 In addition to the political trusts imposed upon him by 
 his constituents, he has held several positions of honor and 
 popular confidence in his native town, having been for sev- 
 eral years prominent in furthering the interests of church 
 and school, and various charitable enterprises. 
 
 Mr. COGGESHALL is well known in Oneida and adjoining 
 counties as an eloquent and trenchant speaker. He has de- 
 livered able addresses before agricultural and temperance 
 societies, giving expression at all times to broad, liberal 
 and generous views. As a friend of the soldier he has, with 
 fervid unction, eulogized the memory of our slain military 
 heroes, on successive Decoration Days, and has ever aimed to 
 promote the welfare of those who imperiled their lives in 
 our country's service.
 
 174 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 During the late Presidential campaign he rendered valiant 
 aid t3 the Republican cause, which he warmly and ingenu- 
 ously espoused. With pen and voice he gave his best efforts 
 to the promotion of a Republican triumph, performing with 
 ardor the onerous duties devolving upon him. Possessing a 
 warm and sympathetic heart, a clear and analytical brain, a 
 calm and mature judgment, he worked with energy to secure 
 the victory. During the canvass he developed remarkably 
 his great natural gifts ; and a rare, convincing intellect has 
 placed him where he worthily belongs, among the foremost 
 of Oneida county's distinguished political orators. 
 
 Mr. COGGESHALL has always been a Republican. He was 
 elected to the Assembly by a majority of 462 over REUBEN 
 S. BINGHAM, Liberal. 
 
 WILLIAM W. COOK. 
 
 One of the most agreeable members of the New York 
 delegation is WILLIAM W. COOK, who is now serving his 
 fourth consecutive term as a representative from the Twelfth 
 district of that city. He rose from the ranks of the working- 
 men, and owing partly to his well-known personal qualities 
 and partly to the fact that he is ever watchful of their inter- 
 ests. Mr. COOK is very popular among- that class in the 
 metropolis. He was born in Philadelphia on the 12th of 
 October, 1832. When he was but two years old his parents 
 removed to New York city. He attended Public School Xo. 
 4 quite steadily previous to his fourteenth year, when he was 
 apprenticed to the trade of mason. He served faithfully 
 four years, when he laid aside the trowel, and has not since 
 resumed it as a means of livelihood. In 1854 he was 
 appointed to an important position in the melting and 
 refining department of the United States Assay Office, 
 which he held until he was elected to the Assemblv in the
 
 JOHN COPE. 175 
 
 fall of 1869. The manner in which he performed his duties 
 while in the service of the government demonstrated his 
 fitness for almost any position requiring industry, integrity 
 and general ability, and he gained the confidence and esteem 
 of all with whom he came in contact. 
 
 Mr. COOK has always affiliated with the Tammany wing of 
 the Democracy, invariably carrying his district by very 
 decided majorities. In 1809 his majority over two competi- 
 tors was 1,500 ; in 1870, 1,298 ; in 1871, over three competi- 
 tors, 274 ; and in 1872, G39. He has served on various com- 
 mittees, among which may be mentioned those on Banks, 
 Public Health Printing, Manufacture of Salt, and others. 
 In this session he is a member of the Committee on Petitions 
 of Aliens, and the Sub-Committee of the Whole. 
 
 JOHN COPE. 
 
 Mr. COPE is of English descent, his father, who was born 
 in Staffordshire, in the year 1798, emigrating to this country 
 about the year 1800. The subject of this sketch was born on 
 (he 1st of March, 1821. at New Lisbon, Otsego county, and 
 he is therefore about fifty-two years of age. His education 
 was obtained in the common and select schools of Otsego 
 county, and at the age of fourteen he commenced his busi- 
 ness life in the counting-room of a manufacturing company 
 at Morris, in that county. He remained at Morris some 
 eighteen years, gaining a reputation for persistent industry 
 and correct business habits. About the year 1852, however, 
 he removed to Oneonta and engaged in mercantile business 
 on his own account, which he has successfully carried on up 
 to the present time, being now one of the most substantial 
 and prominent citizens of that thriving village. He is Presi- 
 dent of the First National Bank of Oneonta, and is in all
 
 176 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 respects a wide-awake and enterprising citizen. The fact 
 that he has served almost continuously in the Board of 
 Supervisors of Otsego county, during a period of twelve 
 years, sufficiently indicates the opinion entertained by his 
 neighbors concerning him. 
 
 He was first elected to the Board in 1861, re-elected in 
 1864, and since that year he has been regularly chosen each 
 spring to represent the town of Oneonta in the county legis- 
 lature. 
 
 Mr. COPE Avas a "Whig while that party existed, and voted 
 for HENRY CLAY in 1844. When the Republican party was 
 organized, he immediately joined its ranks, and has since 
 been an unwavering advocate of its principles and candi- 
 dates. He is an efficient worker as member of the Com- 
 mittees on Villages and on Banks. 
 
 CHARLES G. CORNELL. 
 
 Mr. CORNELL represents the Fourteenth district of New 
 York city, and is a man of solid worth and decided ability. 
 He was born in that city on the 12th of February, 1827. He 
 is a Democrat of the sturdy, uncompromising type, as were 
 his fathers before him, and is identified with the Tammany 
 wing of the party. In personal appearance lie is a well-built 
 man, standing about five feet eleven, with a well-balanced 
 head set on a stout neck. His frame is closely knit and well 
 covered with muscle, so that physically he is a fine specimen 
 of a man. His face denotes truth and sincerity, and firm- 
 ness, if not stubbornness of character; yet he has a mild blue 
 eye and quite pleasing expression of features. His disposi- 
 tion and social qualifications are such as to gather around 
 him firm and lasting friends. As a business man he is one 
 of those who have the foresight to look well ahead, and the 
 courage to take risks where others would hesitate. He
 
 CHARLES G. CORNELL 177 
 
 acquired a competency in his business before he entered the 
 field of politics, and, with his business habits, had he 
 ignored the honors of office, he might have been far more 
 wealthy than he is at present. 
 
 Mr. COHNELL is greatly esteemed and respected in the 
 district which he represents. His political course has been 
 open and faithful to his party and to his friends. Even with 
 his political opponents he bears the reputation of being 
 a man of honor and truth. He served several years in the 
 city government, and in one of its branches as its presiding 
 officer. During the years 1863, 1804, 1865 and 1866. he filled 
 the onerous position of Street Commissioner, holding the 
 place longer, and giving better satisfaction in the discharge 
 of its duties, perhaps, than any other incumbent. During 
 the last year in which he performed its duties, the office was 
 made a sort of scape-goat for all the so-called reform inter- 
 ests, and he was so harrassed and annoyed that he retired 
 from the position. 
 
 Mr. CORNELL has served two terms in the State Senate 
 with distinguished ability, representing the Fifth district. 
 He was first elected in the fall of 1861, and again in 1865. 
 His career in the upper House during both terms was highly 
 honorable to himself and to his constituency, and he was 
 instrumental in initiating and perfecting much valuable 
 legislation. 
 
 Mr. CORNELL served the full period of his time in the 
 Eighth Regiment, New York State Militia, and was among 
 the first to volunteer his services, at the breaking out of the 
 war. He served with his regiment with great credit, and 
 was in command during most of the Bull Run battle. 
 During the long struggle with the South, he was an unflinch- 
 ing Union man, and an advocate of law and order. When 
 the draft riots broke out in the city of New York, he rendered 
 efficient service, for which he was publicly complimented by 
 Mayor OPDYKE. 
 
 He was elected to the Assembly last fall, by a plurality of 
 12
 
 178 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 491, two candidates being opposed to him. He is recognized 
 as one of the ablest members of the New York delegation. 
 While not particularly ambitious to distinguish himself as a 
 debater, he knows how to make a forcible speech when the 
 occasion requires. He was especially prominent in his oppo- 
 sition to the New York charter measure of this session. He 
 is courteous and affable with every one, while his legislative 
 tact and sagacity are unquestioned. He is a member of 
 the Committees on Banks, and on Public Health. 
 
 PATRICK H. COSTELLO. 
 
 The member from the Third district of Oneida is a kindly, 
 pleasant-faced gentleman of perhaps fifty years of age. A 
 thorough Irishman, Mr. COSTELLO possesses in a marked 
 degree the best traits of the large-hearted and impulsive race 
 to which he belongs. He was born in the old country, and 
 emigrated to America at an early age. About the year 1848 
 he established himself, though on a small scale, in a tannery 
 at Camden, Oneida county. In this business he was asso- 
 ciated with his nephew, PATRICK C. COSTELLO, who was a 
 Member of Assembly in 1859, and a candidate for Presi- 
 dential elector in 1868. The COSTELLOS were excellent and 
 prudent managers, and their business has prospered to such 
 a degree, that their Oneida county concern is now one of the 
 largest leather manufactories in this State. They also carry 
 on the hide and leather business in New York city on a 
 large scale. 
 
 Mr. COSTELLO lias mingled very little in politics, preferring 
 to devote his best energies to his business; but he has never- 
 theless always been warmly devoted 1o Republican principles 
 since the party had an organization. Last fall, much 
 against his inclination, he was induced to accept the Assem- 
 bly nomination in opposition to GEOKGE K. CARKOLL, a
 
 PETER COUCHMAN. 179 
 
 member of the last Assembly, and though the district is 
 usually Democratic by a majority of four or five hundred, 
 he was elected by seven hundred and eighty-nine majority. 
 This decided mark of popular confidence is evidently not 
 misplaced, as Mr. COSTELLO is a man of sound judgment, 
 great activity and large business capacity, united with liberal 
 views and correct principles. He is not a man of great ora- 
 torical ability, but, what is better, he possesses an apprecia- 
 tion of the practical duties of legislation, and is regarded as 
 a valuable member of the House. He is a devout Eoman 
 Catholic, and in all his dealings with others he is scrupu- 
 lously exact and truthful. 
 
 PETER COUCHMAN. 
 
 Mr. COUCHMAN is the largest member in the House, and 
 though his towering form is seldom to be observed among 
 those who engage in the frequent oratorical conflicts on the 
 floor, his keen, black eye intently watches the progress of 
 legislation, and no man is, as a rule, better posted upon the 
 merits of every question than the member from Schoharie. 
 When occasion requires, however, he is able to state his views 
 as clearly, logically and sensibly as many of the gentlemen 
 who possess much greater fluency of speech. Quiet and 
 reserved in manner, he is always in his place, fully awake 
 to the welfare of his constituents and the public. 
 
 Mr. COUCHMAN was born in the town of Broome, Scho- 
 liarie county. July 28, 1833. His parents were both natives 
 of this State, but of Dutch descent; his father, PHILIP 
 COUCHMAN, having filled the offices of Supervisor and Jus- 
 tice of the Peace in Schoharie county for a number of years. 
 Until about the age of thirty, Mr. COUCHMAN continued to 
 reside in the place of his birth, and was brought up to the 
 occupation of a farmer, receiving meanwhile a good common
 
 180 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 school education. Eleven years since, and shortly after his 
 marriage to MARY B. BLOODGOOD, an estimable lady, he 
 removed to Conesville, where he still resides. For several 
 years he was engaged in the hardware business at Windham 
 Center, with D. S. KIXGSLEY, but he sold out his interest in 
 the concern about a year ago, and now, as far as is consistent 
 with public duties, he devotes himself to the management 
 of a productive farm. Mr. COUCHMAX has been honored by 
 his fellow-citizens in an unusual degree, having been elected 
 Supervisor eight times in succession. In the fall of 1871 he 
 was elected to the Assembly, and notwithstanding the popu- 
 larity of his opponent, LUMAX REED, he received a majority 
 of 1,132. His course in the last House, in which he served 
 on the Committees on Internal Affairs, Grievances, and 
 Expenditures of the House, gave such satisfaction to his con- 
 stituents that he was returned by nearly the same majority. 
 Mr. COUCHMAX has alwavs been a straight dved-in-the- 
 
 *- O */ 
 
 wool Democrat, and it is probably a sufficient indication of 
 his personal character to state that he has never tasted strong 
 drink in his life. In September last he sustained a severe 
 affliction in the death of his wife. 
 
 WILLIAM W. CRANDALL. 
 
 Dr. CRAXDALL was born in Genesee, Allegany county, 
 March 23, 1828, and is, therefore, in the prime of a vigorous 
 manhood. He is the son of EZEKIEL CRAXDALL, a native 
 of Westerly. R. I., who held a Major's commission in the 
 war of 1812, serving with honor in the defenses of Rhode 
 Island and Connecticut. The elder CRAXDALL died in 1855, 
 at the age of 71 years. He was a farmer during the greater 
 portion of his life, and settled in Allegany county about 
 three years anterior to the birth of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Youns; CRAXDALL was raised on his father's farm, but he
 
 WILLIAM W. C RAND ALL, 181 
 
 developed very little taste for agriculture. In accordance 
 with his evident predilection, he was suffered to indulge his 
 inclination for study to a very liberal extent. After passing 
 with credit through the curriculum of study at Alfred 
 Academy, Mr. CRANDALL, about the year 1848, secured a 
 teacher's license from VICTOR M. llicE, Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction, and taught in the public schools of New 
 York and Khode Island for several years, occupying hi 
 leisure in the mean time in diligent study. He entered upon 
 the scientific course at Brown University, at Providence, K. 
 I., spending about two years there, but before he graduated 
 his father became a sufferer from cancer in the face, and 
 duty called him home to take charge of the farm and the 
 care of his parent's infirmity. Not expecting to return to 
 study, and the prospect then being that he would continue at 
 farming, he was married to Miss E. EUPHEMLE POTTER, July 
 5th, 1853. The elder CRANDALL survived under his malady 
 two years, and arrangements being made whereby an elder 
 brother took charge of the farm and the invalid parent, he 
 turned to the study of medicine, passing through the course 
 of the Medical Department of the University of New York, 
 and graduating in the year 1858, with the usual diploma, 
 and a ''certificate of honor" conferred for extra qualifica- 
 tions. His technical education thus completed, Dr. G RAN- 
 DALL spent a year or two in England, closely studying the 
 schools of medicine and hospitals of London, and on his 
 return settled in a lucrative medical practice. The Doc- 
 tor is about the medium height, of pleasing manners and 
 appearance, and though not remarkable as a fluent debater, 
 he is very earnest in the advocacy of any measure in which 
 his feelings or his sense of right and duty are enlisted. In 
 view of his fifteen years successful practice as a physician, he 
 occupies a peculiarly appropriate position in the present 
 House, as Chairman of the Committee on Public Health, and 
 in that capacity has been actively instrumental in initiating 
 several important measures. lie was a member last year,
 
 182 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 having been chosen by the handsome majority of 2,742 over 
 ITTAI J. ELLIOT, his Democratic competitor. His record was 
 so unexceptionable that he was returned last fall by a 
 majority of 2,913 over MINER, the "Liberal" candidate. 
 Mr. CRANDALL is a staunch Republican, as was also his 
 father, after the division of the Whig party, with which he 
 had always previously acted. 
 
 CHARLES CRARY. 
 
 The member from the Twenty-first district of New York 
 is a self-made man, having won an enviable position in the 
 legal profession solely by the aid of his own exertions and 
 his inherent natural gifts. Mr. CRARY was born in Williams- 
 ville, Erie county, on the 2d of May, 1823, and is, therefore, 
 still in the prime of life. He was the son of Gen. LEONARD 
 P. CRARY, a native of Vermont, who died near Buffalo when 
 the subject of our sketch was but twelve years of age. Young 
 CRARY remained at home, attending school occasionally until 
 his seventeentti year, when he entered the printing office of 
 ABRAHAM DINSMORE, in Buffalo, and spent two years as an 
 apprentice. His ambitious spirit, however, indulged in 
 aspirations which the types and composing stick could not 
 satisfy. His elder brother, LEONARD P. CRARY, had already 
 Avon some distinction as a lawyer in Milwaukee, Wis., and 
 thither he determined to proceed. His brother gave him the 
 advantages of his office, and for nearly two years he remained 
 there, paying his way by setting type in the newspaper officer. 
 and devoting his leisure moments to hard study. At the end 
 of that period he returned to Buffalo, and continued the 
 same course of life, varied by one or two terms of school 
 teaching in the town of Willink. In 1845 he moved to 
 Salem, in Washington county, where he entered the office of 
 JOHN CRARY, once a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor,
 
 CHARLES CRARY. 183 
 
 and somewhat of a celebrity. Here he remained fourteen 
 years, and not only mastered his chosen profession, but 
 established a good reputation, and \von the confidence and 
 esteem of his fellow-citizens. In 1859 he removed to New 
 York city, and soon became established in a lucrative practice 
 in the metropolis. Two years afterward he published a work 
 on the " Law and Practice in Special Proceedings," which is 
 so exhaustive in its treatment of the subject, and so well fills 
 a manifest legal want, that it has since passed through 
 several editions, and no law library is now deemed complete 
 without it. Mr. CRARY, since his sojourn in the metropolis, 
 has identified himself prominently with the best interests of 
 the city. He was for several years President of the Eastside 
 Association, an organization having for its object the carry- 
 ing out of needful public improvements, and the promotion 
 of municipal reform. He is also an efficient member of 
 the Committee of Seventy. In politics he has always been a 
 Democrat, belonging to the reform or progressive wing of 
 the party, and bowing to no dictation of rings or cliques. 
 During the war he acted with the Republicans and war 
 Democrats, espousing with enthusiasm the cause of the 
 Union, and in 1868 he voted for Gen. GRANT. In the last 
 election, however, he supported HORACE GREELEY for Presi- 
 dent. 
 
 Mr. CRARY possesses undoubted talent as a public speaker, 
 and without being impassioned or very brilliant in style, he 
 is plain, logical and fluent, influencing his hearers more 
 by earnest, direct, convincing statement, than by ornately 
 rounded periods or exalted flights of eloquence. In person, 
 he is tall, well proportioned, straight as an arrow, with dark 
 complexion, and large, earnest, dark gray eyes. He is easy 
 and courteous in manner; and is, in fact, in every way well 
 constituted to secure a large measure of popularity.
 
 184 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOSEPH F. CRAWFOKD. 
 
 Although not really a native of this country, Mr. CRAW- 
 FORD may be justly considered such, as his father, an eminent 
 Methodist divine, was born and reared in Saratoga Springs. 
 He, however, removed to Brantford, Out., where the subject 
 of this sketch was born on the 13th day of July, 1831. Pre- 
 vious to his ninth year, Mr. CRAWFORD gained some rudiment- 
 ary knowledge in a public school. From that time until his 
 twenty-first year, he enjoyed no educational advantages, except 
 such as he availed himself of in moments of leisure. He 
 learned a trade, however, that of maker of agricultural imple- 
 ments, and succeeded in saving some money, which he deter- 
 mined to devote entirely to gaining an education. He 
 entered Cazenovia Seminary in 1852, and spent four years in 
 that institution, graduating in 1856 very successfully. 
 
 Like his father, he is a minister of the Methodist persuasion, 
 and is a member of the Central New York Conference, in 
 which he has preached with considerable success for sixteen 
 years past. About a year previous to his graduation he mar- 
 ried Miss ELIZABETH A. PORTER, of Caxenovia. He resides 
 at Cazenovia where, in addition to his ministerial duties, he 
 superintends the cultivation of a farm of 290 acres, and 
 attends to other business operations. 
 
 In 1870, he was active in promoting the establishment of 
 the Syracuse University, an institution which is now well 
 known throughout the State. He not only made a donation 
 of 25,000 from his own means to the project, but it was 
 largely by his influence and exertions that a plot of land 
 Avas secured for its use, and he has in other ways rendered 
 material aid to the enterprise. He manages an establishment 
 for the manufacture of mowing machines and other agricul- 
 tural implements, whose profits are in part devoted to the
 
 JOSEPH F. CRA WFORD. 185 
 
 University, and he also acts as its agent, performing much 
 efficient service in that capacity. 
 
 Mr. CRAWFORD is a man of great force of character and 
 executive ability, and brings to the performance of the mul- 
 tifarious duties devolving upon him all the energy and 
 decision characterizing a well-balanced and cultivated mind. 
 He adds to great mental resources untiring industry, as is 
 evidenced by the fact that he is able to attend and do full 
 justice to his various duties as minister, business agent, 
 farmer, manufacturer arid legislator, all of which necessi- 
 tate a voluminous correspondence, and an immense amount 
 of work. The secret of his success lies in the fact that one of 
 his inflexible rules is to perform each day all the duties belong- 
 ing to that day, and never to procrastinate. It is worthy of 
 note, also, that amid all his engrossing occupations, lie finds 
 a little time to devote to literary pleasures, and has recently 
 published, tinder his own supervision, a volume of poems of 
 merit, under the title of "Echoes from Dreamland." 
 
 He is earnest in and out of the House in the advocacy of 
 all measures of reform and retrenchment, a zealous supporter 
 of the temperance measures introduced during the present 
 session, and is always found on the Christian and moral side 
 of every question. 
 
 As a public speaker, he possesses rare gifts. His voice is full 
 and well modulated, and being well skilled in all the graces 
 of oratory, his earnest and deliberate style of delivery never 
 fails to secure the attention of the House. Strictly speak- 
 ing, he is not a politician, but he has always taken an active 
 interest in the political movements of tbe day, and his influ- 
 ence has been felt in the Republican party since its organiza- 
 tion, previous to which he voted and acted with the Whig 
 party. Although never a seeker for political preferment, his 
 many and obvious qualifications for legislative position were 
 seen and recognized by the Republicans of his district, and 
 he was induced to be their candidate in the canvass of last 
 fall. He was elected by a very decided majority, GKO. BKKRY
 
 186 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 of Oneida being his Democratic opponent. He has been 
 assigned to the Chairmanship of the Committee on Charita- 
 ble and Religions Societies, and is a member of the Committee 
 on Internal Affairs. 
 
 Mr. CKAWFOKU is six feet and one inch high, weighs 200 
 pounds, wears a full beard, and is as good a figure of a man 
 as one often meets. 
 
 MICHAEL A. CUMMINGS. 
 
 The member from the First district of Ulster county is a 
 straight- forward man. of business, and such men are peculiarly 
 valuable in legislative halls. His parents were born in 
 Ireland, and, emigrating to this country shortly after their 
 marriage, settled in Ulster county, ili the fall of 1837. They 
 were industrious, frugal people, and young CUMMLNGS, who 
 was born in London, on the 13th of September, 1835, inheri- 
 ted these traits, to which in a large degree is due his success 
 in life. He received a fair common school education, and 
 began life as an engineer, at the age of twenty-one. Two 
 years later he became superintendent of the lime and 
 cement business at Wilbur. He acted in that capacity a 
 number of years, and finally became a partner in the concern, 
 which yields a large revenue. He is also engaged in the 
 flour and feed business, and in all his business ventures, 
 has been quite successful. He is a man of high standing in 
 the city of Kingston, where he now resides, and was recently 
 elected city Assessor, by a unanimous vote. In politics he 
 is an unflinching and life-long Democrat. Though he has 
 never sought office and place, he has generally been quite 
 active in party organizations. He was elected to the Assem- 
 bly last fall by a majority of 304 over CLIFFORD CODDINGTOX, 
 Republican, in a district which gave over 700 Republican
 
 JOHN N. DA VIDSON. 187 
 
 majority, in 1871. His religious faith is that of his fathers, 
 Roman Catholic. He was married to ANNA MURRAY, in the 
 year 1865. 
 
 JOHN N. DAVIDSON. 
 
 JOHN NESMITH DAVIDSON, of Wyoming county, was born 
 in Wyndham, Rockingham county. New Hampshire, April 
 14, 1834. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, through both 
 parents, whose ancestors settled in Londonderry, in the same 
 State, and he inherits many of the solid virtues characteristic 
 of the sturdy north of Ireland race. In person, Mr. DAVID- 
 SON is tall and slender, and though a young man, his 
 demeanor is marked by a quiet, reserved dignity, tempered 
 with unassuming modesty. His countenance bears the un- 
 mistakeable impress of sterling honesty and unquestion- 
 ing candor. An examination of his record as a member of 
 Assembly affords full confirmation of this estimate. No bill 
 ever received his indorsement or vote unless he felt satisfied 
 that it was not only a proper measure, but one demanded by 
 the best interests of the people. Strictly upright in thought 
 and action, he is the inflexible foe of every thing in the shape 
 of " rings " or legislative jobs, and keenly alive to the inter- 
 ests of his constitutents. Mr. DAVIDSON has received a good 
 education, graduating at Alfred Academy in the year 1854, 
 after passing with high honor through the full academic 
 course. Since then he has pursued the occupation of farm- 
 ing and occasionally teaching school. Mr. D. is unmarried, 
 which may be partially accounted for from the fact that li is 
 mother is still living, and claims his regard in an unusual 
 degree. Mr. DAVIDSON'S religious faith is not strictly 
 bounded by creeds and dogmas, though lie is a firm believer in 
 the Christian faith. He is a man of acts, rather than of pro- 
 fessions, and is inclined to treat all men as brethren who act
 
 188 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 in a fraternal spirit. In politics he is an ardent Republican, 
 being firmly imbued with the distinctive principles of that 
 party. Though he never sought public position, he was 
 induced, in the fall of 1871, to allow his name to be used as a 
 candidate for the Assembly. He was elected by a handsome 
 majority, and was re-elected last fall by a greatly increased 
 vote. 
 
 JAMES A. PEERING. 
 
 Mr. DEERING enjoys the distinction of being the youngest 
 member of the present House, being as yet under twenty-two 
 years of age. He was born in New York city in July, 1851. 
 As is the case with several of the active members of the 
 present Legislature, Mr. DEERING'S parents came from the 
 north of Ireland, and the sturdy independence and hearty 
 generosity characterizing the people of that country are 
 fully expressed in the frank countenance of this young 
 New Yorker. Mr. DEERING lias enjoyed ample educational 
 advantages, and before he had reached his nineteenth vear 
 
 O ' *> 
 
 he had graduated with the degree of A. M., from Manhattan 
 College, and also from Columbia College Law School, with 
 the degree of LL. B. He immediately commenced the practice 
 of law, and is rapidly winning a reputation in that profession. 
 For three years past he has been Secretary of the West-Side 
 Property Owners' Association, of the Twelfth Ward. In the 
 recent canvass Mr. DEERIXG was known as a "straight-out" 
 Democrat, and was the only individual of that stripe elected 
 in New York last fall. The fact that he was chosen to the 
 Assembly by a majority of 400, in what lias heretofore been 
 a strong Tammany district TIIOMA.S C. FIELDS having 
 carried it by large majorities the two previous years 
 is a striking illustration of the change that lias been 
 wrought in New York politics, and constitutes a splendid
 
 AUGUSTUS DENNISTON. 189 
 
 personal compliment to Mr. DEEIUNG. Mr. D. has, on 
 several occasions during the present session, shown marked 
 ability as a public speaker and an acute reasoner, and lie does 
 not hesitate, when the occasion arises, to cross lances with 
 any of the old debaters of the House. Being hampered by 
 no cliques or rings in his political connection, he is also in 
 a position to be perfectly untrammeled in the expression of 
 his opinions on the floor. His tendencies have been toward 
 the Apollo Hall wing of the Democracy, but we believe he 
 came to the Legislature entirely unpledged to any specified 
 course. Mr. DEERING is a man of robust physique and tine 
 presence, which causes him to appear much older than he 
 really is. He is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic 
 church, and is still a bachelor. 
 
 AUGUSTUS DENNISTON. 
 
 Though quite a young man, Mr. DENNISTON has passed 
 through quite an eventful career, and has already shown that 
 he possesses the characteristics of the Scotch-Irish ancestry 
 from which he sprung. He was born on the 25th of May, 
 1842, at Blooming Grove, Orange county, where he still 
 resides. His father was the late Hon. ROBERT DENNISTON, 
 who, in old Barnburner times, was distinguished for his 
 integrity, force of character and ability during several years 
 of service in both Houses of the Legislature, and one term us 
 Comptroller of the State. Young DENNISTON was educated 
 by private tutors at home, and enjoys, therefore, a very 
 thorough acquaintance with all the practical branches of 
 knowledge. In 1800, when his father was elected Comptrol- 
 ler, he accompanied him to Albany as his confidential secre- 
 tary, and diligently availed himself of the opportunity thus 
 afforded of becoming familiar with the practical details of
 
 190 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 legislation. At the expiration of the two years term of ser- 
 vice, Mr. DENNISTON was seized with the war fever, then 
 widely prevalent among young men, and receiving the ap- 
 pointment of Quartermaster of the 124th Regiment, New 
 York volunteers, he went to the front with the gallant Col. 
 ELLIS. He made an excellent Quartermaster, winning the 
 good opinion of the entire regiment, but the severity of camp 
 life was too much for him, and he was compelled to resign 
 after about six months service, having contracted a disease 
 by which he was prostrated nearly a twelve-month after his 
 return. Mr. DENNISTON" belongs to a patriotic family. Four 
 brothers and a brother-in-law were in the army and navy 
 during the great war. Since the death of his father, in 1867, 
 Mr. DENNISTOJST has been occupied in administering and 
 managing the large estate left to his care, as well as being 
 trustee of several other estates, and as it includes one of the 
 finest farms in Orange county, it furnishes him ample em- 
 ployment. 
 
 Almost from boyhood Mr. DENNISTON has been active in 
 political life, it being his habit always to attend the primary 
 conventions, and he has frequently been sent as a delegate to 
 various deliberative bodies. He was never elected to office 
 until last fall, however, and is the first Assemblyman elected 
 in many years from the country portion of his district, the 
 member being generally taken from the city of Newburgh. 
 His personal popularity is indicated by the fact that he re- 
 ceived a majority of nearly nine hundred over a very popular 
 Liberal Republican opponent, ALEXANDER LESLIE, of New- 
 burgh. Mr. DENXI.STON" is a gentleman of pleasant manners 
 and incorruptible character, possessing in a large degree 
 those qualities which are essential to the able legislator. He 
 is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and, in 
 all the public and private relations of life, is without re- 
 proach. He has never married, and, with the exceptions 
 already noted, has always lived on the farm occupied by hu 
 father and grandfather.
 
 SEYMOUR DEXTER. 191 
 
 SEYMOUR DEXTER. 
 
 Mr. DEXTER was born in Independence, Allegany county, 
 March 20, 1841. He is the son of DANIEL DEXTER, a native 
 of Herkimer county, who is still living at Independence, at 
 the age of 67. His mother's maiden name was ANGELINA 
 BRIGGS. She is also living, being ten years younger than her 
 husband. Mr. DEXTER'S early youth was spent upon his 
 father's farm. On reaching a suitable age, he entered Alfred 
 University, from whence he graduated in July, 1864, and 
 afterward studied law in the office of J. L. WOODS, at Elmira. 
 He was admitted to the bar in May, 1866, and is now a mem- 
 ber of the law firm of DEXTER & VAN DUZER, at Elmira. 
 Though quite a young man, Mr. DEXTER has gained a wide 
 reputation as an able advocate, and his success thus far indi- 
 cates a promising future. The rebellion broke out while he 
 was pursuing his studies at Alfred University, but he 
 promptly responded to the call for men, enlisting as a private 
 in the ^Ikl Kegiment, 'New York Volunteers, in April, 1861. 
 The regiment shared in the good and ill-fortune which fell 
 to the lot of the Army of the Potomac during the first year 
 of the war, Mr. DEXTER remaining with it. and participating 
 in innumerable battles and skirmishes, until the expiration 
 of his two years term of service. He was then honorably 
 discharged with a non-commissioned grade. 
 
 Though Mr. DEXTER has always been a Republican, lie 
 has never been ambitious for office. Last year he held the 
 position of City Attorney in Elmira, and discharged its 
 duties with marked credit. For several years, however, he 
 lias been prominent in Elmira politics, and has become quite 
 popular, II is canvass last fall was in some respects remark- 
 able. For six years past, Cheniung county has sent Demo- 
 cratic representatives to Albany, usually by decided majori- 
 ties. Last fall Mr. DEXTER was nominated by acclamation,
 
 192 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 and was elected, after a most spirited contest, by a majority 
 of 350, a gain of 750 votes over the previous year, when 
 DAVID B. HILL, a Democrat, was elected. Mr. DEXTER'S 
 opponent was JOHN A. REYNOLDS, a well-known citizen of 
 Elmira. Mr. DEXTER was married in June, 1868, to 
 ELLA E. WEAVER, of Leonardsville, Madison county, a very 
 accomplished lady, and, by the way, a graduate of the ladies' 
 collegiate course at Alfred University. He is a member of 
 Rev. T. K. BEECHER ? S Congregational Church at Elmira, 
 and is a man greatly esteemed in the social circles of that 
 city, and respected in all classes of society. In person, he is 
 about the medium height. He possesses no marked physi- 
 ognomical characteristics, but is simply a man of the ordi- 
 nary American type, genial, courteous, intelligent, and a 
 favorite with those who are so fortunate as to possess his 
 friendship. As a member of Assembly, he has shown great 
 aptitude for legislative duties, and is a forcible and eloquent 
 speaker. As a member of the Committees on the Judiciary 
 and State Prisons, he is active and efficient. 
 
 JAMES F. DONAHUE. 
 
 JAMES FRANCIS DONAHUE was born in Brooklyn, w'here 
 he still resides, December 25, 1843. He is a son of TIMOTHY 
 and MARY DONAHUE, who are both natives of Corry, Ire- 
 land, and who are still living in Brooklyn at an advanced 
 age. In fact, Mr. DONAHUE comes of a long-lived stock, his 
 grandparents having all of them lived to a great age. 
 When very young, Mr. DONAHUE enjoyed some common 
 school advantages, but he was able to acquire very little aside 
 from the merest rudiments, and he may be said to be really 
 self-educated. Since boyhood he has followed various occu- 
 pations. He has been at different times a hatter, a candle- 
 maker, and a ship-caulker, and at present he is very success-
 
 JAMES F. DONAHUE. 193 
 
 fully engaged in mercantile pursuits. Soon after the break- 
 ing out of the rebellion he enlisted as a private in the Four- 
 teenth (Brooklyn) Regiment, which was attached to the first 
 brigade, first corps, army of the Potomac, and was in all the 
 battles in which that noted regiment participated, until nearly 
 the close of the war. He never asked nor sought promotion, 
 but was content to do his duty as a soldier, regardless of 
 nonors or emoluments. In 18G8 he was married to an estima- 
 ble lady of Brooklyn. During several years past Mr. DOXA- 
 HUE has been an active and influential Democratic politi- 
 cian in his district, being frequently called upon to do duty 
 as delegate to the Assembly, Senatorial and County conven- 
 tions of his party. The good sense and thoroughness with 
 which he performed his duties, together with his known per- 
 sonal popularity, moved his friends to nominate him for the 
 Assembly last fall. He accepted the nomination and was 
 elected, after a spirited contest, by a majority of 283 over 
 PATKICK J. COLLINS, a Democratic opponent, there being 
 no Republican in the field. He is a member of three Com- 
 mittees, Public Education, Civil Divisions, and Public 
 Lands, and is known as a quiet, attentive and industrious 
 legislator. Mr. DOXAHUE is a little below the medium 
 height, but he is solidly built and well-knit together. His 
 face, which is round and full, is closely shaven, and, without 
 going into details, we may observe that his appearance is 
 prepossessing and indicative of much ability, as well as 
 capacity to appreciate the social amenities of life. 
 
 13
 
 194 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 DANIEL D. ELTING. 
 
 Mr. ELTING was born in the town of Rosendale, Ulster 
 county, Jan. 29, 1839. He is descended from French Hugue- 
 not stock, his father's name being DAXIEL ELTIXG, a native 
 of New Paltz, in the same country. His father and mother 
 are still living, the latter now fifty-five years of age, being of 
 Holland descent and a native of Eochester, Ulster county. Her 
 maiden name was RACHEL SCHOOXMAKER. Young ELTIXG 
 was educated in the common schools, and at Ellenville High 
 School, and after leaving school entered mercantile life as a 
 clerk, and followed that occupation several years. For a 
 long period, and until within a year or two, he was foreman 
 of repairs on the Delaware and Hudson canal. Besides his 
 present position, he has never held any public office except 
 that of Town Collector. 
 
 In the spring of 1861, being at that time engaged as clerk, 
 Mr. ELTIXG enlisted in Company E, Twentieth Regiment, 
 New York State Militia, for three months. He was appointed 
 to the grade of Sergeant, and served with the regiment until 
 its return. He was then commissioned 1st Lieutenant in 
 Co. G, 56th New York Volunteers, and served through most 
 of the hardest fighting of the Avar. He was in the memora- 
 ble Peninsula campaign, sharing in the honors won by the 
 regiment; his conduct at the battle of Fair Oaks being such 
 that he was promptly promoted, on the field, to a Captaincy 
 in the same command. Subsequently he participated with 
 marked credit in the campaigns in Xortli and South Caro- 
 lina, and was present at the protracted bombardment of Fort 
 Sumter. When the regiment re-enlisted in the fall of 1864, 
 Captain ELTIXG resigned his commission and returned to 
 civil life. 
 
 Mr. ELTIXG is a straight-forward Republican, active in the 
 performance of his legislative duties, a pleasant, courteous,
 
 HENRY L. FISH. 195 
 
 gentleman, and in all respects an honor to his district. He 
 was married Dec. 15, 18G4, to Miss MAKY BEODHEAD. He 
 is a member of the Committees on Roads and Bridges, Public 
 Printing, and Militia. 
 
 HENRY L. FISH. 
 
 Mr. FISH is a fit representative of the flourishing commer- 
 cial city of Rochester, which embraces by far the largest 
 assembly constituency in the State, there being fully 60,000 
 inhabitants within its boundaries. Having been engaged in 
 
 o o o 
 
 the forwarding and commission business in that city for 
 many years, he is fully conversant with all its requirements, 
 and knows precisely what legislation is needed, not only for 
 the healthy development of its commercial interests, but for 
 securing to its citizens good municipal government, and con- 
 sequent progressive social tendencies. Mr. FISH has always 
 been known as a Democrat of advanced views and liberal 
 ideas. During the rebellion years, he was classified as a war 
 Democrat, and such lie was, in the best sense of the phrase, 
 inasmuch as he favored no half-way measures in that contest. 
 Since the war closed he has retained his party association, 
 but invariably held himself at liberty to vote the best men 
 into office, Avithont much regard to political affiliation. 
 Being brought by his extensive business relations into close 
 intimacy Avith " canal men" and canal interests, he is fully 
 conversant Avith the needs and capabilities of ISTeAV York's 
 great Avater highway, holding decided views in regard to the 
 policy Avhich should guide its management. Speaker 
 CORNELL paid a handsome compliment to his sagacity and 
 experience in this respect, when he gave him the second 
 place upon the Canal Committee, and in reference to matters 
 which came before that committee, Mr. FISH'S counsel and 
 co-operation are valued by every member of the House.
 
 196 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. FISH'S parents, who are both dead, were natives of 
 Massachusetts, and he was born in Amherst, Mass., on the 
 25th of October, 1815. Three years later his fathers family 
 moved to this State, settling in Wayne county, where he 
 followed the occupation of farming for many years. Young 
 FISH was brought up on the farm, receiving, meanwhile, 
 a good common school education. In the year 1840, he 
 located in Rochester, and engaged in the business which he 
 still carries on successfully. He is now a member of the firm 
 of FISH & HEATH (formerly FISH, ELLISOX & Co.), Forward- 
 ers and Commission Merchants, and was one of the founders, 
 and still a part owner, of the Rochester Transportation Com- 
 pany, one of the heaviest freighting lines in western Xew 
 York. During several years, he was also President, Treas- 
 urer and part oAvner of the Rochester Towing Company, 
 another very extensive concern. It will therefore be seen 
 that Mr. FISH is one of the " solid men " of Rochester, and 
 it may also well be imagined that he has played no insignifi- 
 cant part in the political and municipal history of that city. 
 
 Never a strong partisan, in any sense, he has always 
 espoused the cause of the people, and labored to secure the 
 greatest good to the greatest number. He is, therefore, very 
 popular among all classes. For two decades he has resided 
 in the Eighth ward of Rochester, and during that period he 
 has been almost constantly in the service of the city in some 
 capacity. As he always acted in his political connection 
 with the Democratic party, he has frequently been a member 
 of the city and county committees, in which he has ren- 
 dered effective campaign service. Popular appreciation of 
 his merits has, however, been generally based on other than 
 party considerations. 
 
 His public career may be said to date from 1850. when he 
 was elected to serve two years in the Board of Aldermen. 
 During the years 1852, 1853 and 1855, he filled the office of 
 School Commissioner with credit to himself and advantage 
 to the educational interests of the citv. In 1854 he was a
 
 HEXRY L. FISH. 197 
 
 member of the Board of Supervisors. In 185G he was again 
 elected Alderman, and was successively elected for two year 
 terms until he had served nine years, being chosen in one 
 year to fill a vacancy. While in the Board of Aldermen, he 
 was a leading member of all the important committees, and 
 was personally identified with every measure designed to 
 benefit the city. In 18'>7 he was the candidate of his party 
 for the Mayoralty, and was elected by a majority of 100. 
 His course in this exalted position was so satisfactory that 
 he was re-elected in 1868, his opponent boing the late Hon. 
 WM. A. REYNOLDS, late a member of the Constitutional 
 Commission. He was renominated in 1869, but declined 
 to run. Since that year he has devoted himself assiduously 
 to commercial life. Last fall, however, he was nominated 
 for the Assembly by acclamation, at a mass convention of 
 citizens called regardless of party affiliations, it being deemed 
 desirable, on account of important local issues, to defeat GEO. 
 D. LORD, the regular Democratic candidate, who had repre- 
 sented the city two years. Although it promised to interfere 
 seriously with his other pursuits, Mr. FISH reluctantly 
 accepted the nomination, and was elected, by a majority of 
 173, his opponent having received a majority of 1,186 the 
 year previous. The result was hailed with gratification by 
 good men of all parties. 
 
 Mr. FISH'S earnestness in the cause of reform is shown by 
 the fact that, on the first business day of the session, he in- 
 troduced three bills designed to abolish the system of com- 
 missions given to the city by the Legislature of 1872. That 
 he has not succeeded in securing the repeal of the acts creat- 
 ing those commissions is due to no lack of energy and persist- 
 ency on his part, as lie has labored in season and out of 
 season to effect what he deemed the principal object of his 
 election to the Assembly. 
 
 Being elected by the people on other than party issues, Mr. 
 FISH occupies a particularly independent position in the 
 House. He recognizes two facts, however: First. That here-
 
 198 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ceived the solid support of the Eepublicans in the recent can- 
 vass ; and, second, that true reform in State and municipal 
 administration can best be subserved by supporting the Ke- 
 pitblican policy. Hence, he has uniformly acted with the 
 majority on party questions. 
 
 Mr. FISH is a fervent and consistent member of the Pres- 
 byterian church. He has been married a number of years, 
 and has one son. His personal appearance indicates marked 
 individuality, in which there is much of the milk of human 
 kindness, strong moral and religious convictions, and correct 
 ideas of the principles which should govern all the relations 
 of life. His countenance, framed in a flowing beard, in 
 which the gray of age predominates, is extremely kindly in 
 its expression, and faithfully mirrors some of the best traits 
 of the human heart. It is a countenance, in short, in which 
 one feels implicit confidence. Mr. FISH does not appear to 
 be ambitious to excel as a debater, or to gain political promi- 
 nence. His sole aim is apparently to perform his duty as a 
 legislator acceptably, and in this, we imagine, he will succeed 
 to the satisfaction of his constituents. 
 
 MORRIS B. FLINN. 
 
 The member from Yates is Hon. MORRIS B. FLIXX of 
 Rushville, who was born in Springport, Cayuga county, on 
 the 27th of April, 1811. He therefore ranks among the 
 older members of the Assembly. His father was PETER 
 FLIXX, who was born in this State and was one of the first 
 settlers upon the Cayuga reservation. His mother, whose 
 maiden name was RICHARDSOX, came from thrifty Pennsyl- 
 vania stock, and the two were fair types of the hardy pioneers 
 of Western New York. Young FLIXX was brought up on 
 the farm, but his parents permitted him to enjoy every 
 educational opportunity which the country afforded in those
 
 MORRIS B. FLIKN. 199 
 
 days. He attended common school with considerable regu- 
 larity, and he was also a pupil in a village academy for several 
 terms. He thus secured as much book-learning, perhaps, as 
 a young man in his position required. During his 20th, 21st 
 and 22d years he taught school, after which he followed farm- 
 ing as a means of livelihood, marrying, in 1836, Miss ELIZA 
 THOMPSON. On the death of his wife, in 1851, he relin- 
 quished the farm and soon after established himself in the 
 hardware business at Eushville, and a few years afterward 
 Avas again married, his second wife being Miss HARRIET A. 
 WHITNEY. He has continued in the hardware business until 
 the present time, and has been quite successful. 
 
 Mr. FLINN'S political career has been no more notable 
 than that of hundreds of other plain and unassuming, 
 yet substantial and useful citizens of the State. During 
 his earlier years of manhood he was a Democrat, and 
 remained such until the Eepublican party was organized. 
 He then changed his party connection, and has since been 
 uniformly identified with the Kepublican organization. 
 
 Although he has for a number of years exerted consider- 
 able influence politically, he has never held any office, and it 
 was only at the earnest solicitation of his neighbors and 
 friends that he consented last fall to be a candidate for the 
 Assembly. The fact that he was elected by a majority of 
 680 in a county which is usually closely contested, and 
 which, in 1871, gave its Republican member but 59 majority, 
 conclusively indicates the estimation in which he is held at 
 home. 
 
 Mr. FLINN is not one of the talkers of the House, but 
 he possesses gifts which more than make up for a lack of 
 words, and render him an exceedingly efficient legislator, 
 while his many excellent traits of character have caused 
 him to be highly esteemed at the capital.
 
 200 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ROBERT B. FOOTE. 
 
 Mr. FOOTE represents the Fifth district of Erie county, 
 which has heretofore been Democratic. He is a man of con- 
 siderable ability and force of character, having, by dint of 
 well-directed energy, worked himself up from poverty to a 
 position of comparative affluence. 
 
 Born in England, on the 13th of February, 1844, he was 
 brought to this country by his parents when only three 
 years old. His youth was spent upon the farm, with inter- 
 vals of hard study in the common school and academy. 
 During the winters of 1861 and 1862, and also that of 1865, he 
 taught school. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in the 116th 
 Eegiment of Xew York Volunteers, and accompanied the Regi- 
 ment in the eventful campaign which culminated in the cap- 
 ture of Port Hudson. In the sanguinary struggle for the pos- 
 session of that stronghold, he lost the forefinger of his right 
 hand and the index and middle fingers of his left hand. 
 The disability thus occasioned resulted in his honorable dis- 
 charge a couple of months later, he having in the mean time 
 been promoted to a non-commissioned grade. 
 
 In 1864 he located in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and 
 became interested in certain oil property which proved very 
 valuable. He operated several oil wells and kept a hard- 
 ware store until 1867. when he left the oil regions, having 
 secured a moderate fortune. He then purchased a farm in 
 the town of Hamburgh, Erie county, and has since been 
 quietly engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has 
 been fairly successful. He was married in 1865 to MARY 
 G. KIXGSCOTT, of Buffalo. 
 
 Always a strong Republican, Mr. FOOTE has generally been 
 quite active in the local councils of his party, but he has 
 never before held office. He ran for Supervisor of his town 
 two years ago, but was defeated by a small majority, a? the
 
 WILLIAM L. FORD. 201 
 
 town has generally been Democratic. His majority over Mr. 
 WILEY, in the Assembly canvass last fall, was 240. 
 
 Mr. FOOTE is a man of quiet manner and modest bearing ; 
 though he has little to say in debate, he watches the legisla- 
 tive proceedings with close interest, and is seldom absent 
 from his seat. 
 
 WILLIAM L. FORD. 
 
 Mr. FORD, the member from Broome, is a successful mer- 
 chant in the village of Deposit, where he has carried on busi- 
 ness for the past twenty-five years. He is not a stranger to 
 legislative duties, having been a member of the House in 
 1852, and agian last year, when he was chosen to succeed 
 the late Hon. WM. M. ELY. He has made himself quite 
 popular in the House, and as his business habits are brought 
 to bear upon all the details of legislation with which he is 
 connected, he is a very useful member, either in the com- 
 mittee room or on the floor. 
 
 He was born at Middleville, Herkimer county, March 12, 
 1820, his father being DANIEL FORD, of Connecticut, who 
 died about seven years ago. Mr. FORD received a thorough 
 common school education. Previous to going into business 
 on his own account, he married the daughter of Major 
 AUGUSTUS MORGAN, of Binghamton. She died, however, in 
 1850. three years later, and, in 1859, he married the daugh- 
 ter of AUSTIX WARD, of Floyd. Oneida county. 
 
 Mr. FORD was a member of the old Whig organization 
 before its dissolution, and afterward joined the Republican 
 party, with which lie has since acted. Besides his legislative 
 service., he was a member of the Broome County Board of 
 Supervisors in 1807, and was a delegate to the Republican 
 State Conventions of 1871 and 1872. His popularity at 
 home is shown bv the fact that he carried his countv in the
 
 202 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 recent canvass by the large majority of 1,280, his opponent 
 being NEIL T. CHILDS, a Liberal Kepublican. In the session 
 of 1852, he served on the Committee on Trade and Manu- 
 factures, and in that of 1872 on State Prisons and on Con- 
 gressional Apportionment. In the present session, he is 
 Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Bridges, and 
 an efficient member of the Committee on Public Printing. 
 
 DANIEL G. FOET. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Clifton 
 Park, Saratoga county, New York, on the 27th of January, 
 1827. His father was a farmer, and while Mr. FOET was still 
 a child, removed to Fabius, Onondaga county. In the com- 
 mon schools and academies of that section Mr. FORT was 
 educated. Like many of our public men, in early manhood 
 he resorted to teaching, alternating summer and winter 
 between the duties of the school-room and the labors of the 
 farm. 
 
 In 1855, Mr. FORT went to the city of Syracuse and 
 engaged in mercantile pursuits, as a salesman and book- 
 keeper. A few years subsequently he accepted an invitation 
 from E. B. JUDSOIST, Esq., the well-known banker of Syra- 
 cuse, to accompany him to Oswego, where he had become 
 interested in the Lake Ontario Bank. This invitation was 
 accepted, and in 1863 Mr. FORT succeeded to the cashiership 
 of that institution, a position which he has ably filled to the 
 present time. Mr. JUDSON subsequently returned to Syra- 
 cuse, but his early interest in our subject, who still regards 
 him as one of his most cherished friends and advisers, has 
 never ceased. 
 
 In 1862, Mr. FORT, very unexpectedly to himself, was 
 made the Republican candidate for Mayor of the city of
 
 DANIEL f. FORT. 203 
 
 Oswego. It was in the stirring days of the war, and the 
 excitement ran high. A public meeting was called the 
 night before the election in the principal hall of the city, to 
 ratify the. nomination. The hall was densely packed, and 
 upon this occasion Mr. FORT made his first speech. Young 
 and inexperienced in politics, and comparatively unknown 
 up to that time, that effort convinced the Eepublicans that 
 the confidence of their convention had not been misplaced. 
 The late Hon. HEXRY FITZHUGH, who presided at the meet- 
 ing, slapped his hands during the speech, exclaiming, em- 
 phatically, " He'll do he'll do ! " And he did do. 
 
 Mr. FORT was elected. As Mayor of the city it became 
 necessary that he should take an active part in the raising 
 of men for the war under the various calls of the govern- 
 ment. To this work he lent his full energies. Having 
 " broken the ice " in the Eepublican ratification meeting, lie 
 soon become one of the most efficient and ready public 
 speakers in the city. He addressed meeting after meeting, 
 not only in the city of Oswego, but in all parts of the coun- 
 try, and no man in his county rendered the government 
 more efficient service than he did down to the close of the 
 war. 
 
 From the close of his term as Mayor down to his election 
 to the Assembly in 1871, Mr. FORT allowed himself to 
 become a candidate for no political office. He was elected 
 and served a term as a member of the Board of Education 
 of the city, in which body he was an active and influential 
 member, always laboring to promote the efficiency of the 
 schools and to advance the interests of education. While 
 Mayor he became acquainted with the working of the laws 
 for the support of the poor of the city, and matured the plan 
 which was subsequently adopted, under which the poor of 
 the city are now supported. This system, non-partisan in 
 operation, is unlike that of any other city in the State. 
 Although condemned and severely denounced by the party 
 in powor in the city when it became a law, it has proved a
 
 204 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 great success in every respect, saving the tax payers of the 
 city thousands of dollars annually, while the poor are more 
 comfortable and better provided for than ever before. This 
 system has been so successful in Oswego that no one now 
 asks for its repeal, and other cities are looking into its fea- 
 tures with a view to its adoption. 
 
 Although, as we have stated, Mr. FORT, until recently, has 
 not allowed himself to be a candidate for any political office, 
 no man in his section of the State has been more active in 
 promoting the success of the Eepublican party. A ready, 
 popular and effective speaker, the opening of every campaign 
 has been the signal for him to take the field in behalf of the 
 principles and candidates of his party. During every politi- 
 cal canvass during the past few years there is no speaker in 
 his county whose services have been so frequently called for 
 in every section, and during the late national political can- 
 vass his services were frequently called for by the State 
 Kepublican Committee to address meetings in various parts 
 of the State. These calls he has always responded to very 
 acceptably to the people whenever his business duties would 
 permit. 
 
 Mr. FORT'S readiness as a speaker, and his untiring 
 activity, have resulted in his frequently being called upon to 
 serve his fellow-citizens in various capacities. He is an active 
 member of the Board of Trade, and is frequently selected 
 to represent his city in commercial, railroad and business 
 conventions in various parts of the country. His knowledge 
 of the laws of commerce and trade, and his energy of char- 
 acter, make his services in such bodies always valuable, and 
 reflect credit upon those who make him their representative. 
 
 In 1871 Mr. FORT accepted the Republican nomination in 
 his district (the first of Oswego county), for Member of 
 Assembly. It was in the palmy days of TNVEKD. The dis- 
 trict was regarded as a close one, and one of the number in 
 the State that had been selected, in which extraordinary 
 Hurts should be made to save the Legislature to the
 
 DA. vi EL G. FORT. 205 
 
 Pemccracy. That party nominated its most popular man. 
 and the contest became an animated one, resulting in the 
 election of Mr. FORT. In the Legislature, his knowledge of 
 business and commerce gave him the important position of 
 Chairman of the Committee on Canals, an unusual compli- 
 ment to a new member. The manner in which the duties of 
 that committee were discharged fully vindicated the wisdom 
 of the Speaker in his selection of its chairman. Mr. FORT, 
 in that Legislature, was also complimented by a position upon 
 the Committee on Ways and Means, and other important 
 committees. 
 
 It is not too much to say that in the Legislature of 1872 
 Mr. FORT was one of the most prominent and influential 
 members, and that his legislative record was unspotted; his 
 lidclity to the interests of his constituents and the State was 
 unquestioned. In the Republican Convention of his district 
 in the fall of 1872, he was complimented by a unanimous 
 nomination for re-election. The Democrats and Liberals 
 brought out against him Hon. D. C. LITTLEJOHX, who 
 accepted the nomination. It was understood at once, all over 
 the district, that it was to be a contest between titans. Mr. 
 FORT had. to his advantage, a small majority in the district, 
 personal popularity, and indomitable "pluck ''and energy. 
 Mr. LITTLEJOHX had the prestige of unbroken success as a 
 political candidate, almost unbounded popularity, and a per- 
 sonal following which could be boasted by but few other 
 public men in the State. He was also at the head of the Mid- 
 land Railroad, which, Avith its officers and car works, gave 
 him great personal strength. The Democrats and " Liberals " 
 entered the contest entirely confident of success. Both can- 
 didates, so to speak, stripped for the encounter. It was lit- 
 erally a "hand to hand tight."' Every other issue was lost 
 sight of in the discussions and encounters which followed. 
 Probably never in this State had there been so exciting and 
 animated a canvass over a question of this kind. Ft assumed 
 more than local importance, and the leaders of both parties,
 
 206 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 all over the State, watched the issue with great interest. 
 Notwithstanding the great efforts put forth, the sturdy 
 Eepublicans of the district stood firm by the principles of 
 their party and their candidate. Mr. FORT was elected by 
 one hundred and twenty-nine majority. 
 
 Mr. FORT'S prominence in the last Legislature, and the 
 notice which the contest in his district attracted throughout 
 the State, caused the suggestion of his name for the Speaker- 
 ship, and he was frequently urged to become a candidate for 
 that honor, but he promptly and peremptorily declined the 
 use of his name in that connection. 
 
 In the present Assembly he has been awarded the position of 
 Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, by common 
 consent regarded as the most important and leading Com- 
 mittee of the House. The Chairmanship of this Committee 
 is a position rarely attained by one year's service in the Legis- 
 lature. That Mr. FORT has done and will do himself honor 
 in the prominent place he has reached, no one familiar with 
 the doings of the Assembly of the present winter will doubt. 
 
 Mr. FORT is still in the vigor of manhood. In addition to 
 his duties as Cashier and principal manager of an important 
 banking institution, he is a member of the firm of WHEELER, 
 FORT & Co., an extensive Milling house in Oswego, and has 
 been engaged in various other business enterprises. He is a 
 member of the Congregational Church, and has always taken 
 an active part in the enterprises and movements of every 
 description to advance the business, moral or religious inter- 
 ests of his city. 
 
 With a pleasing address, a hearty and unaffected manner 
 which " takes with the people," with ability and energy, and 
 at least a laudable ambition, it may safely be believed that 
 the subject of this sketch has still before him, either in the 
 public or private walks of life, a useful and an honorable 
 career.
 
 THOMAS M. FOWLER. 207 
 
 THOMAS M. FOWLER. 
 
 Mr. FOWLER, who resides in the village of Wayland, was 
 a member of the Assembly of 1872, and established a repu- 
 tation for faithfulness to duty and honesty of purpose 
 greatly to his credit. Though a man of few Avords, his acts 
 are ever prompted by correct understanding and sound con- 
 victions, and few members of the last House, or of the 
 present one, can show a cleaner record in every way than 
 THOMAS M. FOWLER. 
 
 Born in the town of Gorham, Ontario county, on the 25th 
 of May, 1823, Mr. F. is now turning a half century of exist- 
 ence. He is the son of REUBEN W. FOWLER, who was born 
 in Connecticut shortly after the close of the revolution and 
 died in 1856 at the age of 78. Mr. FOWLER'S mother is still 
 living. 
 
 Young FOWLER was educated mainly at the common 
 schools, but he spent some time at the Genesee Wesleyan 
 Seminary at Lima, Livingston county, and there perfected 
 himself in several branches not so thoroughly taught in the 
 district schools of that day. The first regular business he 
 engaged in after reaching years of manhood, was that con- 
 nected with the operation of a foundry and mill. In this 
 he was quite successful, remaining in it up to the year 1870. 
 Since that time he has bee"n in the produce and commission 
 business, and has also invested pretty largely in the lumber 
 trade. 
 
 Mr. FOWLER has been quite active in politics for a num- 
 ber of years, and few men in Steuben county possess a larger 
 degree of influence in the Republican party. Xatunilly, 
 he has been frequently urged to fill positions of trust in the 
 gift of the party, and occasionally he has accepted such 
 positions. "\Vhen he has done so he has invariably brought 
 to the performance of the duties devolving upon him, a high
 
 ^08 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 degree of ability, as well as a conscientious regard for the 
 public interests. 
 
 In 1863 he was chosen Supervisor of the town of Spring- 
 water. Livingston county, where he then resided, and so sat- 
 isfactorily did he represent his town in the Board that he 
 was re-elected the ensuing year without opposition. Remov- 
 ing afterward to "Way-land, he soon acquired popularity, and 
 in 1871 he was elected to the Assembly and served through 
 the session on the Committees on Internal Affairs and on 
 Expenditures of the Executive Department. In the present 
 House he is member of the Committees on Eoads and Bridges, 
 Two-thirds and Three-fifths Bills, and Joint Library. 
 
 Mr. FOWLER had the good or ill fortune to be drafted in 
 1864, but he was discharged before entering the service, 
 thereby cutting short what might have been a brilliant mili- 
 tary record. 
 
 As may be gathered from the foregoing, Mr. FOWLER is 
 an earnest Republican, and lias been such since the party was 
 organized, acting with the Whigs previous to that time. He 
 was married iu 1848 to Miss HAXXAH E. EVERETT, a daugh- 
 ter of Hon. B. EVERETT, of Herkimer county. He is a man 
 of quite striking appearance, though he is extremely plain 
 and unpretending in his carriage and demeanor. For some 
 time previous to taking his seat this session he was afflicted 
 with a painful and lingering illness, but he is rapidly regain- 
 ing his wonted health.
 
 JOHN I. FURBECK. 209 
 
 JOHN I. FURBECK. 
 
 The subject of the present sketch was born in New Scot- 
 land, Albany county, October 14, 1827. His father, JOHN" 
 FURBKCK, who is still living at the age of seventy-six years, 
 is also a native of Albany county, and has followed farming 
 all his life. Mr. FURBECK received an ample common 
 school and academic education, graduating from the Onon- 
 daga Academy with all the honors in 1847. Brought up on 
 a farm, however, he has adhered to that pursuit during most 
 of his life, though he has also engaged in business more or 
 less extensively, dealing especially in real estate, tobacco and 
 hops. His enterprises have been uniformly successful. 
 
 Mr. FURBECK has been active in politics from early youth, 
 acting first with the Whig and then with the Republican 
 party. It has invariably been his desire to devote his time to 
 his business pursuits, and to labor at his own expense for the 
 success of the Republican party and the advancement of its 
 principles. Always prominent in the party caucuses and 
 local conventions, he has been relied upon as a trusted leader 
 and wise manager. Several times, also, he has been intrusted 
 with positions of honor and trust, none of which have been of 
 his own seeking. These positions he has uniformly filled with 
 fidelity and ability. In 1858 he was elected Justice of the 
 Peace, and evinced such manifest fitness for the position that 
 he was four times re-elected thereto, and is now an incumbent 
 of the magisterial office. The first time he ran for Justice of 
 the Peace was when his town was considered Democratic but 
 two other Republicans beingelected he receiving 185 major- 
 ity. He was triumphantly re-elected the second term ; the 
 third term he ran 145 ahead of his ticket; and the fourth 
 term he was 87 ahead of his ticket, Avith one of the strongest 
 opponents in the county Democracy against him. In 1862 
 he was elected Associate Jud^e, and served four years. In 
 14
 
 210 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 1861 he was appointed Postmaster of Collamer, and still 
 holds the position. Finally his fellow-citizens determined 
 that he was fitted for higher honors. The Assembly conven- 
 tion of his district the third of Onondaga gave him, on 
 the informal ballot, thirty-four out of its thirty-seven votes 
 as its candidate for member, and he was nominated by accla- 
 mation. 
 
 He had refused a number of times to become a candidate, 
 and did not accede to the persistent demands of the press of 
 the district and his personal friends until about one hour 
 before the Convention was organized. The vote was very 
 flattering in view of the fact that he made no effort to secure 
 a single delegate. The succeeding canvass was sharply con- 
 tested, but he was elected by a majority of 639 over GARRET 
 DOYLE, his Democratic competitor. He serves the House 
 and his constituency effectively as a member of the Com- 
 mittees on Villages, Public Printing, and Manufacture of 
 Salt. 
 
 Mr. FURBECK was married April 17, 1852, to EMILY 
 MOSHEK, of Albany county. He attends the Presbyterian 
 Church. In all his intercourse and relations with others he 
 is the soul of probity and honor, and is just what he seems 
 a plain, unpretentious man of business.
 
 WILLIAM H. II. GKRK. 211 
 
 WILLIAM H. H. GERE. 
 
 Mr. GERE enjoys the distinction of being the successor of 
 Governor ALVORD, from the First district of Onondaga. Tt 
 is but just to add, however, that this fact does not constitute 
 his sole claim to consideration, as he is one of the most wide- 
 awake and substantial citizens of Central New York. 
 
 Mr. GERE was born in Geddes, where he still resides, on 
 the 14th of August, 1820, his father being ROBERT GERE, a 
 native of Xew London, Conn., and still living, at the age of 
 seventy-seven. He received a very thorough education in the 
 common schools and at Homer Academy, taking especial 
 pains to qualify himself for the profession of civil engineer- 
 ing, which he afterward followed for a number of years. 
 For a long time previous to 1868, he served the State as 
 Resident and Division Engineer on the canals. In 1866 he 
 was appointed I nspcctor of .the Onondaga Penitentiary, and 
 continues to hold the office. He was also elected Supervisor 
 of the town of Geddes six successive terms, commencing in 
 1864. He is now engaged in the manufacture of salt and 
 iron, and, we may add, is honorably accumulating a com- 
 petence. 
 
 Mr. GERE has always been a straightforward, active 
 Republican, and in the late canvass he was chosen to the 
 Assembly by a decided majority over THOMAS G. ALVORD, 
 the candidate; of the Liberals and Democrats, although 
 extraordinary efforts were made to secure his defeat. 
 
 Physically, Mr. GERE is a robust, vigorous man, with a 
 large and well-proportioned frame, and a countenance glow- 
 ing with health. He also possesses a generous heart, and 
 correct instincts, while his entire personality, in fact, is so 
 constituted that he will undoubtedly be proof against all the 
 deleterious influences pervading the capitol. whether they be 
 the mephitic gases of the Assembly chamber, or the sediic-
 
 212 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 tive wiles of the swarming lobbyists. Mr. GERE is not a 
 public speaker, his abilities tending rather toward practical 
 and effective work, for which, whether in or out of the 
 Legislature, he is well qualified by nature and education. 
 He is a member of the Committees on Cities and Indian 
 Affairs. 
 
 STEPHEN F. GILBERT. 
 
 The member from the Second District of Steuben is an 
 active, energetic, well-informed gentleman of about thirty- 
 one years of age. With the exception of two years recently 
 spent in Rochester, he has resided in Hornellsville nearly all 
 his life. He was born in Grovelaiid, Livingston county, on 
 the 28th of February, 1842. His parents moved to Hor- 
 nellsville about a week later, and young GILBERT enjoyed the 
 benefit of common school education until his twelfth year, 
 after which he had few educational opportunities, except 
 those which came by reading and observation. He is an 
 accomplished stenographer, and is probably the first profes- 
 sional short-hand writer ever elected to the Assembly. Since 
 1865 he has been a regular reporter in the courts of the Sixth 
 and Seventh judicial districts, and lias attained considerable 
 eminence as an accurate and rapid stenographer. 
 
 Mr. GILBERT served honorably in the Avar of the rebellion. 
 In the summer of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company 
 F, 141st Regiment, New York Volunteers, and participated 
 in numerous battles and marches until he was honorably 
 discharged in the fall of 1864. 
 
 Always an enthusiastic Republican, Mr. GILBERT has been 
 quite active in the local politics of Hornellsville since he Avas 
 quite young, but he never held office until the present year. 
 He was elected to the Assembly by a majority of 1,107 over 
 JOHN McDouGALL, his Democratic opponent. He serves
 
 GEORGE A. Goss. 213 
 
 on the Committee on Petitions of Aliens, Expenditures of 
 the House, and Privileges and Elections. His record thus 
 1'a.r, while devoid of any marked feature, has heen such as 
 to reflect honor upon his constituency. 
 
 GEORGE A. GOSS. 
 
 Mr. Goss was born at Pittsford, N". Y., March 3, 1834. He 
 is the son of Hon. EPIIRAIM Goss, who represented the 
 Twenty-eighth (Rochester) district in the State Senate 
 during the years I860 and 18G1. Senator Goss was born 
 in West Fulton, Schoharie county, N. Y., on the 12th 
 of June, 1806. Mr. Goss's mother was the daughter of 
 CHAUZSTCEY PORTER, and born in Nassau, Rensselaer county, 
 N. Y., March 9, 1814; his greatgrandfather, EPHRAIM Goss, 
 served through the Avar of Independence, and was a gallant 
 and successful soldier. The subject of this sketcli received 
 his education in the common and union district school. For 
 a short time he followed the occupation of farmer, but for 
 several years he has been engaged in the commission busi- 
 ness. His first vote was given for the Republican ticket in 
 the year 1855, and he has ever since been a reliable and active 
 Republican, devoting much time as a member of the County 
 Central Committee and otherwise to the success of the 
 party. Besides holding a number of town offices, he was in 
 the year 1871 unanimously nominated by the Republican 
 Convention of the First Assembly district of Monroe county, 
 and triumphantly elected, and in 1872 was re-elected by a 
 large majority, defeating RICHARD I). COLE, the Democratic 
 candidate. Mr. Goss is Chairman of the Committee on 
 Expenditures of the Executive Department, and is also a 
 member of the Committees on Villages and Education, and a 
 regular attendant upon the sessions of the House, looking
 
 214 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 after the interest of the State, and especially watching and 
 taking care of the business of his constituents. 
 
 Frank, genial and courteous in his intercourse with every 
 one, Mr. Goss is certainly a very popular member of the 
 present House. He is large and well built, with a prepos- 
 sessing countenance, intelligent blue eyes, and generally 
 agreeable presence. He possesses what is a prime requisite to 
 those compelled to labor in the fetid atmosphere of the As- 
 sembly Chamber, a sound constitution and robust phvsique, 
 but above all, h is a man of unquestioned integrity of char- 
 acter and earnestness of purpose. He is still unmarried. 
 
 MATTHEW GRIFFIN. 
 
 Mr. GRIFFIN is a self-made man. His early youth was 
 passed amid humble surroundings, and though he was com- 
 pelled to earn his own support from a very early age, he 
 managed, by close application during his winter schooling, 
 to obtain a good education. He was born in Dutchess 
 county, in this State, October 22, 1811. of parents who were 
 of English descent, his father's name being EZEKIEL GRIF- 
 FIN. His father, now deceased, moved to Delaware county, 
 and there young GRIFFIN worked by the day or week at 
 whatever presented itseli in the way of occupation until his 
 twenty-sixth year, by which time, as the results of his habits 
 of prudence and close economy, he had accumulated quite a 
 respectable savings. He then entered mercantile business, 
 and though he found it moderately remunerative, he disposed 
 of it ten years later and moved to Ulster county, where he 
 engaged in steam forwarding. He remained in this branch 
 of trade but three years, however, when he sold out his in- 
 terest, and, returning to Delaware county, resumed the pur- 
 suit he left, being able, with increased capital, to conduct it 
 much more advantageously and extensivelv.
 
 MATTHEW GRIFFIN. 215 
 
 In the mean time, Mr. GRIFFIN was a hard student, spend- 
 ing most of his leisure in a determined effort (.0 master a 
 knowledge of the law. As a result he was admitted to the 
 bar in 1851, and has since, besides attending to his mercan- 
 tile business, practiced as an attorney and counselor more 
 or less continuously, and with a good degree of success. His 
 probity of character and purity of life, together with the 
 warm interest he ever felt in the welfare of those around 
 him, made him very popular among his townsmen, and he 
 has been frequently called upon to fill positions of local 
 official trust. It is worthy of mention that in one instance 
 he was elected Justice of the Peace in a town where the 
 party vote was about 160 majority against him. 
 
 In his political connection, Mr. GRIFFIN has always been 
 either Whig or Republican. He voted for HENRY CLAY for 
 President three times, and for HARRISON twice. He voted 
 for TAYLOR in 1852, and for SCOTT in 1856. Since that time 
 his votes and influence have been given to the nominees of 
 the Republican party. His Assembly district is quite closely 
 contested, but he was elected in the fall of 1871 by a major- 
 ity of 266, and in the recent canvass, after a very spirited 
 contest, he exceeded those figures by nearly a hundred votes. 
 His popularity may, therefore, be said to rest upon a very 
 solid basis. 
 
 Of his course in the Assembly, it is sufficient to say that 
 he has fully justified the confidence of those who elected 
 him. He is a good speaker, a man of strong convictions 
 and earnest views, and has regard at all times to what is for 
 the best interest of the commonwealth. He participates 
 frequently and ably in debate, and being active and ener- 
 getic in the performance of his dutv, he may fairly be 
 regarded as among the most efficient members of the lower 
 House. 
 
 Though he is in the prime of life, his personal aspect is 
 quite venerable, his tall and commanding form and patri- 
 archal beard, giving him a dignity which comports well with
 
 216 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 a demeanor in which courtesy, frankness and modesty are 
 the chief characteristics. He was married in the year 1833 to 
 Miss CLAKA DODGE, by whom he has had five children, two 
 sons and three daughters. His eldest son died in 1872 ; but 
 the rest of his children are all comfortably settled in life. 
 His second son is a graduate of the Albany Law school, and 
 is now practicing with very fair prospects. 
 
 LEONARD F. HARDY. 
 
 Mr. HAKDY was born in Westminster, Vermont, in 
 August, 1827, his parents removing to this State and settling 
 in Cortland county when he was quite young. He secured 
 a thorough education in Cortland Academy and in the State 
 Normal School at Albany, graduating from the latter insti- 
 tution in 1855. He adopted teaching as a profession, and 
 was for eight years principal of the Weedsport Union School. 
 Subsequently he engaged in the mercantile business at Weeds- 
 port, which he still continues very successfully. He held the 
 position of School Commissioner from 1867 to 1872, but, 
 with that exception, he has never held public office until his 
 election to the Assembly. He has been a Republican since 
 the organization of the party, and previous to that was a 
 Whig. He succeeds Dr. IRA D. BROWX in the Assembly, 
 and in the recent canvass received a majority of 1,020, a gain 
 of nearly 400 on the Assembly vote of the previous year. He 
 is an efficient and wide-awake member, serving on the Com- 
 mittees on Expenditures of the House, Public Lands, and 
 Engrossed Bills.
 
 JAMES HAYES. 217 
 
 JAMES HAYES. 
 
 Mr. HATES' parents were born in Ireland and emigrated 
 to this country many years ago, locating in New York city, 
 where the subject of this sketch was born on the llth of 
 May, 1830. Though his father's family were in humble cir- 
 cumstances, young HAYES managed to obtain a good ordi- 
 nary education at the public schools. At an early age he 
 entered a printing office and learned the " art preservative." 
 He worked at the press several years after attaining his 
 majority, but finally abandoned printing. During the palmy 
 days of the Volunteer Fire Department Mr. HAYES was an 
 active and prominent member and officer, and for a number 
 of years he was honorably identified with that organization 
 of the past. From a very early age Mr. HAYES has mingled 
 more or less in local politics. A disciple of the Tammany Hall 
 society in its best days, he is still a trusted member of that 
 association of politicians, and one of the most influential 
 Democrats of that stripe in the third Assembly district. 
 The extent to which he has been trusted by the rank and file, 
 as well as the leaders of the party, is shown by the fact that 
 he was a member of the New York Common Council for five 
 years in succession, being first elected in the spring of 1862. 
 In 1866 he was chosen Supervisor and held a seat in that 
 board for live consecutive years. In these capacities he has 
 shown signal ability, not so much in speech-making, however, 
 as in managing the practical details of local legislation and in 
 closely watching the interests of his constituents. In 1870 lie 
 warmly espoused the cause of the Young Democracy. His 
 temporary defection from Tammany Hall did not result in 
 any loss of popularity, inasmuch as he was elected to the 
 Assembly in the fall of 1871 by a very decided majority. 
 His services as a State legislator were so satisfactory to his 
 constituents, that he was re-elected.
 
 218 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Last year he served on the Committees on Trade and 
 Manufactures, and Indian Affairs. In the present session he 
 is on the Committees on Expenditures of the House, and 
 Public Lands. Mr. HAYES is a slimly-built, dark-complex- 
 ioned man ; his countenance indicates a high degree of intel- 
 ligent capacity and the ability to appreciate the requirements 
 of any situation. He is a married man, and a member of 
 the Catholic church. 
 
 WILLARD J. HEACOCK. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is modest and unassuming in 
 deportment, but, as Chairman of the Railroad Committee, he 
 is one of the active workers of the Assembly. Mr. HEA- 
 COCK was born in the town of Johnstown, Fulton county, on 
 the 5th of April, 1821, near what is now the nourishing vil- 
 lage of Gloversville, and his present residence. His parents, 
 PHILANDER and MARGARET SMITH HEACOCK, were both 
 natives of Connecticut. They settled at Johnstown soon 
 after their marriage, and died in the meridian of life, within 
 a few days of each other, leaving a family of eight children, 
 several of whom were at the time quite young. Mr. HEA- 
 COCK enjoyed the advantage of an excellent common school 
 and academic education, spending several terms in the acad- 
 emy at Kingsboro, then considered one of the best educa- 
 tional institutions in the State. He commenced business 
 life as a merchant at Kingsboro, within sight of his late 
 father's home, and amid his early friends and associates. 
 Four years subsequently he began the manufacture of gloves 
 and mittens on quite a large scale, and has. for twenty- 
 five years, carried on that branch of industry with marked 
 success. Latterly his energies have been directed to the 
 accomplishment of certain railroad projects which will 
 ultimately be of great benefit to that section of the State
 
 WlLLAKD J. HE ACOCK. 219 
 
 The fact that he is now President of two railroad corpora- 
 tions the Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville, and the Glov- 
 ersville and Northville railroads, the first of which has been 
 some time in successful operation is a sufficient indication 
 of the interest felt by him in local enterprises, and of the 
 public appreciation of his services. 
 
 Mr. II. is not a stranger to legislative halls, having served 
 as a member of Assembly in 1863, when he was Chairman 
 of the Committee on Trade and Manufactures. 
 
 The Fulton and Hamilton district is closely contested 
 politically, and it was, therefore, a most gratifying compli- 
 ment to him when he was chosen over so popular an oppo- 
 nent as NIEL STEWART, by the decided majority of 234, to 
 represent the district in the Assembly. 
 
 Mr. HEACOCK was a Whig until the formation of the 
 Republican party, and was not only active among those who 
 aided in the organization of that party, but has, up to the 
 present time, remained unchangeably attached to its princi- 
 ples and policy. In all his business and public relations 
 Mr. HEACOCK is a man of unswerving and scrupulous integ- 
 rity. He possesses many qualities which constitute him the 
 ornament and favorite of the social circle, while tone and 
 strength are given to his character by a consistent practice 
 of the principles and precepts of the Christian religion. For 
 many years lie lias been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was 
 most active in the organization of the Presbyterian society 
 of Gloversville, and it is largely to his exertions and contri- 
 butions that it now occupies a commodious and beautiful 
 house of worship, and, generally, is in a very flourishing con- 
 dition. Mr. HEACOCK was married on the llth of February, 
 1845, to MINERVA, only daughter of the Rev. R. A. AVERY, 
 with whom he still lives, within a mile of the spot on which 
 they first settled. In the present session, in addition to being 
 Chairman of the Committee on Railroads, Mr. HEACOCK is 
 also a member of the Committee on Trade and Manufactures.
 
 220 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JAMES HEALEY. 
 
 The First district of New York city, embracing wards 1, 
 2, 3 and 5, is represented for the second time consecutively 
 by Hon. JAMES HEALEY. He was elected to the present 
 House by a plurality of 362 over the Apollo Hall and Ee- 
 publican candidates, the latter being, however, very much in 
 the minority in that district. His plurality in 1871 was 401. 
 He has served on several important committees during the 
 two sessions, and is a faithful adherent of the Tammany 
 Hall wing of the Democracy. He is a man of considerable 
 ability, though he makes no claims to oratorical attainments, 
 and, generally, his legislative course is such as to reflect 
 credit upon his constituency. 
 
 HORATIO S. HENDEE. 
 
 Dr. HENDEE, of Carthage, worthily represents the Second 
 district of Jefferson county. A man of commanding presence 
 and high grade of ability, he is one of the marked members 
 of the present House, and not only gives every measure close 
 scrutiny but is active in forwarding those which he deems 
 conducive to the public welfare. He was born in Greig, 
 Lewis county, November llth, 1826, and is, therefore, about 
 forty-six years of age. His parents, CALEB and RUTH HEN- 
 DEE, were natives of Vermont, from whence they moved to 
 New York shortly after their marriage. Mr. HKNDEE'S 
 mother is still living, at the age of eighty, but his father 
 died in 1833. 
 
 Mr. HENDEE secured the advantages of a liberal common 
 school education, and early chose the medical profession.
 
 HORATIO S. HEN DEE. 221 
 
 in which he has attained considerable eminence as a practic- 
 ing physician and surgeon. After the completion of his 
 studies he visited Europe, and gained much knowledge of 
 value in his profession. During his absence the rebellion 
 broke out, and on his return he offered his services in the 
 Union cause. He was commissioned Surgeon of the 183d 
 Regiment, New York volunteers, and during the years 1862, 
 1863 and 1864, he served with distinction in that capacity, 
 and acquired a professional experience which was invaluable 
 to him. On leaving the army he settled at Carthage in a 
 lucrative practice, which he still enjoys. 
 
 In political belief, Mr. HENDEE is an uncompromising and 
 earnest Republican, having always acted with that party 
 since its organization, though his first vote was cast for 
 Whig candidates. He has always been adverse to accepting 
 public honors, however, and never held office previous to his 
 present term in the Assembly. He was elected by a majority 
 of 300 over ANDREW J. CORNWALL, his Democratic oppo- 
 nent. He is Chairman of the Committee on State Chari- 
 table Institutions, and a member of the Committees on the 
 Militia and Public Health. 
 
 Mr. HENDEE is a man of large frame and iron constitu- 
 tion, and his physiognomy denotes that he is also a man of 
 deep convictions and sound judgment. He is now in the 
 prime of life, and with a mind fully matured and ripened in 
 the school of experience, he is in all respects a safe counselor 
 and an able legislator. He has been twice married. His 
 first wife Avas SABRA L. MYERS. She died in January, 1871, 
 twenty years after her marriage; and in February, 1872, he 
 married ELLA F. WARD. For many years past, Mr. HENDEE 
 has been a member of the Presbyterian church.
 
 222 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 CASTLE W. HEREICK. 
 
 Mr. HERRICK is a native of Dutchess county, and was born 
 in the town of Washington, September 28, 1811. He is 
 therefore over sixty years of age, though he does not appear 
 to be more than fifty. He received a good education in the 
 common schools and elsewhere, and has mainly been engaged 
 in commercial life. For a number of years he was engaged 
 in the patent medicine business with Dr. L. R. HERRICK, at 
 Albany, but he disposed of his interest in that in 1868, and 
 has since been successfully engaged in the manufacture of 
 boots and shoes. 
 
 Formerly a Whig, and latterly a Republican, Mr. HERRICK 
 has mingled more or less in politics for a number of years, 
 and now occupies a leading position in his town and county. 
 In the years 1859 and 1860 he represented his town in the 
 Board of Supervisors of Rensselaer county, and has, besides, 
 held various other town offices. In 1860 he was a delegate to 
 the Republican State Convention. In. the fall of 1871 he was 
 elected to the Assembly by a majority of 315, and served his 
 constituency well as a member of the Committees on Internal 
 Affairs, Public Health, and Grievances. He was elected to 
 the present House by the largely increased majority of 979. 
 He is now Chairman of the Committee on Grievances, and 
 a member of the Committee on Internal Affairs, and of the 
 Sub-Committee of the Whole. 
 
 Mr. HERRICK is a stoutly-built, active and well-preserved 
 man of business. Rarely absent from his seat during the 
 session, he closely watches the public interests, and is one 
 of the most industrious and valuable members upon the 
 floor.
 
 WILLIAM HERRING. 
 
 WILLIAM HERRING. 
 
 Were we called upon to name the most effective orator in 
 I lie present Assembly, we should certainly be inclined to 
 select the stalwart representative of the First district of West- 
 chester. It is not our province, however, to make any such 
 invidious distinction, and we will leave to others the delicate 
 task of weighing critically the points of comparison between 
 the several gentlemen who habitually and ably take part in 
 legislative discussions. Nevertheless it is the duty of the edi- 
 tors of this work to state facts, and in doing so they cannot 
 ignore the very obvious fact that Mr. II BERING'S gifts as a pub- 
 lic speaker are of a very high order. His distinguishing per 
 sonal characteristics are a large and towering form, straight 
 as an arrow and well proportioned, a piercing gray eye, a well 
 shaped forehead, and a physiognomy suggestive of great 
 mental force and large reserve power. With magnificent 
 physique is united a voice round, full and powerful, having 
 something of the grandeur of mu filed thunder in its sonor- 
 ous intensity, a manner occasionally impassioned, but always 
 earnest and scholarly, and a mind from which is evolved with 
 startling rapidity a chain of consecutive and logical ideas 
 which he groups and arranges around the pivotal proposition 
 with rare skill, clothing them the while in chaste and pol- 
 ished language. When he rises to address the House he at 
 once fastens the attention of every person within the sound 
 of his voice, and fortunate indeed is the cause which secures 
 his eloquent advocacy. Although he is serving his first term 
 in the halls of legislation, he is already known as at least 
 the peer of the most brilliant debaters in the Assembly, being 
 especially at home in the discussion of legal questions. Mr. 
 HKIIRING is a native of New Jersey, and was born in New 
 .Brunswick in that State on the 31st of January, 1833. He 
 conies of sterling revolutionary stock, his father, CALEB
 
 224 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 HERRING, having been born a few years after the close of 
 that struggle in Fort Putnam on the Hudson river. His 
 grandfather, whose name was also CALEB, was a soldier in 
 the revolution, and served his country faithfully until he was 
 killed in the Indian campaign under General HARMAR. Mr. 
 HERRING'S father is still living at the age of eighty-five. 
 His mother, who was a native of Newburgh, Orange county, 
 has been dead several years. 
 
 When young HERRING had reached a proper age, he was 
 placed in the Normal School in New York city. There he 
 obtained a thorough knowledge of the English branches, 
 and subsequently entered the Law Department of Columbia 
 College, acquitting himself honorably and graduating in the 
 year 1866. In 1865, however, he was admitted to practice in 
 the Poughkeepsie circuit and, on his graduation, he was also 
 admitted to the bar by virtue of his diploma from Columbia 
 College. He at once commenced an active practice in West- 
 chester county and in New York city, meeting with extra- 
 ordinary success. His first case, which was a mandamus 
 upon the trustees of Morrisania, was a brilliant victory for 
 the young lawyer; and so well pleased was the judge, who, 
 upon his motion, affirmed the mandamus, that he secured a 
 copy of his brief in the case and deposited it in the State 
 Library. Since then he has won many legal victories, and 
 has evinced high talent as an advocate. 
 
 Previous to the war, Mr. HERRING was a Democrat, and 
 cast his first vote for FRANKLIN PIERCE ; but as soon as the 
 first gun was fired at Fort Sumter he withdrew his allegiance 
 from the party with which his youthful associations were 
 connected, and transferred it to the organization which up- 
 held the government in its struggle with rebellion. Since 
 that time he has been earnestly and uncompromisingly a 
 Republican of the strictest sect. He has never been afflicted 
 with an itching for office, and even in the canvass of last fall, 
 when he was deemed the fittest person to carry out, in the 
 legislature, certain important local projects, among which
 
 ALBION P. HIGGINS. 225 
 
 may be mentioned the scheme to annex Westchester county 
 to New York city, he was for a long time exceedingly reluc- 
 tant to be a candidate. The result of his acceptance was 
 his election by a majority of 656, in a district which is really 
 about 1,350 Democratic. As an evidence of his popularity 
 among his own neighbors and friends, it is worthy of men- 
 tion that the town of Morrisania, where he resided several 
 years, gave him 192 majority, though two years previous it 
 gave Gov. HOFFMAN" 944 majority. He, in fact, enjoys the 
 confidence and esteem of all his constituents, while his course 
 as a legislator shows that the people of Westchester county 
 have wisely judged their man. In the House his unflinch- 
 ing integrity, straightforward conduct, polished manners and 
 innumerable graces of mind and heart, have won the friend- 
 ship and esteem of all his fellow-members. He is one of 
 that class of men, none too numerous, with whom a mean 
 action, willfully committed, is an impossibility. He was 
 married about fifteen years ago to an estimable lady, and 
 is now a wealthy and substantial citizen of West Farms. 
 
 ALBION P. HIGGINS. 
 
 ALBION P. HIGGIXS, youngest son of Eev. JOSEPH HIG- 
 , was born October 13, 1824, in Waldo county, Maine. 
 He received an academic education at Parsonsfield Seminary, 
 in that State, came to New York in 1852, and has since 
 been engaged in the piano business connected with the 
 firm of T. S. BERRY & Co., 789 Broadway, but making his 
 residence in Brooklyn. He has been a Republican since the 
 formation of the party, but never ran for office until last 
 November, when he was elected to the Assembly from the 
 5th district of Kings county (7th and 20th wards of Brook- 
 lyn), by a majority of 845 over JOHN L. HILL, the Democratic 
 and Liberal candidate. 
 15
 
 226 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. HIGGIXS is a man of much practical good sense, and 
 possesses many qualifications desirable in a law-maker. He 
 bids fair to make an excellent record. He is a member of 
 the Committees on Cities, and State Charitable Institutions. 
 
 AUGUSTUS HILL. 
 
 Mr. HILL, the somewhat magisterial looking gentleman 
 from Greene county, is one of those quiet, unimpressible 
 persons, who give little indication of their real character to 
 those who are unfamiliar with them. He is, nevertheless, a 
 man of marked personal characteristics and possesses more 
 legislative ability, perhaps, than many whose pretensions 
 are much greater. Personally and socially he is genial, 
 courteous and frank, a firm friend and an agreeable com- 
 panion, while, as a politician, he is firm in his views and 
 faithful in his party allegiance 1 , but never obtrusive in the 
 expression of his opinions, which, however, are not con- 
 trolled by party action, where such control would destroy 
 his independence of spirit or violate his own convictions of 
 right and wrong. He is a man somewhat under the medium 
 height, Avith a sharp, grey eye, a benevolent cast of counte- 
 nance, and profusely whitened hair and goatee. He was 
 born in Waterbnry, Conn., in the year 1816, and is, there- 
 fore, about fifty-seven years of age. His father, HARVEY 
 HILL, was of English descent, and died in 1843, at the age 
 of 54. His mother is still living at the advanced age of 88. 
 When eight years old, young HILL came with his parents to 
 Durham, Greene county, and six years later moved to Cairo, 
 where he has since resided. He was educated in the com- 
 mon schools, and also in what were then known as select 
 schools. Subsequently he studied law in the office of P. C. 
 MATTOOX. at Cairo, and being admitted to the bar in 1856,
 
 AUGUSTUS HILL. 227 
 
 he soon afterward commenced practicing as a lawyer, and is 
 still a member of that profession. 
 
 He has always been a leading Democrat of Greene county, 
 and has taken an active part in politics, but has never been 
 particularly anxious for public position. Some twenty-two 
 years ago, however, he was elected Justice of the Peace in 
 his town, and he has held that responsible and honorable 
 office ever since, to the entire satisfaction, we believe, of 
 everybody interested. 
 
 When the rebellion broke out he took strong ground in 
 favor of supporting the administration and vigorously prose- 
 cuting the war. He addressed the first war meeting held in 
 his town, and throughout the entire struggle he was active 
 in behalf of the Union cause. At first he incurred consid- 
 erable odium among members of his party because of his 
 course, but the stern logic of events fully vindicated his action, 
 and much of his present popularity is undoubtedly due to 
 his war record. 
 
 In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the Assembly by a 
 majority of 355, and he served very acceptably in the last 
 Legislature as a member of the Committees on Railroads, 
 Roads and Bridges, and Sub-Committee of the Whole. He 
 was elected to the present House by a majority of 780, over 
 HEZEKIAH BALDWIN, Republican. This year he is a mem- 
 ber of the Committees on Civil Divisions, and Roads and 
 Bridges.
 
 228 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN BLAKE HILLYER. 
 
 Mr. HILLYER is the very capable representative of Rich- 
 mond county in the present House. His parents were both 
 of American birth, and resided in Richmond county until 
 the close of their lives. It is worthy of note that his father 
 and grandfather each in his day filled the office of Sheriff of 
 that county. 
 
 Mr. HILLYER was born in the county he now represents 
 on the 18th of October, 1818, and is therefore pretty well 
 advanced in life. He received an ordinary common school 
 education in the town of Xorthfield, where his parents 
 resided. After reaching his majority he became engaged in 
 mercantile business and manufacturing, which lie followed 
 for a number of years. Finally he purchased a farm, and he 
 may now be classed as a successful agriculturist and fruit 
 grower. 
 
 Mr. HILLYER is a plain and unassuming citizen, but he 
 possesses solid worth and probity in very large measure, 
 and faithfully watches over the interests of his constituents 
 in the Assembly. He has been Justice of the Peace for the 
 past twelve years and Justice of Sessions for nearly the same 
 length of time, while he is at present a member of the Board 
 of Supervisors of Richmond county. He has been active in 
 politics since early youth, having been a Whig until the dis- 
 ruption of the party, and since that date a thorough-going 
 reliable Republican. He \vas elected to the Assembly by a 
 majority of 34? over SAMUEL R. BUCK, his Democratic 
 opponent, and is a member of the Committees on Public 
 Health, and Federal Relations.
 
 JOHN D. HILLER. 229 
 
 JOHN D. HILLER. 
 
 Mr. HILLER, of Chautauqua, is one of the new members. 
 He is a fine-looking man, about forty years of age, with dark 
 hair, full beard, well-proportioned form, and frank, ex- 
 pressive features. His presence conveys the impression to 
 those who know him for the first time that he has sufficient 
 brains and capacity for almost any position in life, and it is 
 but just to say that a closer acquaintance confirms the im- 
 pression. 
 
 He was born at Smith's Mills, Chautauqua county, where 
 he still resides. His father, JOHN I. HILLER, was a native 
 of Schoharie county, but removed to Chautauqua county in 
 1828. and died there a couple of years ago, at the ripe age of 
 seventy. Mr. HILLER laid the foundation of his education 
 in the common schools, spending, however, one year at the 
 Fredonia Academy. Subsequently he entered the State Nor- 
 mal school at Albany, and after accomplishing the entire 
 course at that institution, graduated with credit in 1855. 
 Being well qualified for teaching he spent one year in charge 
 of a department in Canandaigua Academy, and also taught 
 two years in the district schools ; but teaching was not pre- 
 cisely to his taste and he entered mercantile life. Since 
 1858 he has managed a country store at Smith's Mills with 
 fair success. In 1857 he married LIBBIE M. SMITH, a 
 daughter of RODXEY M. SMITH, one of the earliest settlers 
 of Chautauqua county. 
 
 Mr. HILLER held the office of Clerk of the town of Han- 
 over during the years 1864 and 1865, and in 1868 and 1869 
 he served in the Chautauqua Board of Supervisors. AVhile 
 the rebellion raged in the South, he warmly sympathized 
 with the cause of the Union, and though not himself liable 
 to military duty, he furnished a representative recruit at a 
 time when men were greatelv needed. He has been a Re-
 
 230 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 publican since the formation of the party, and has always 
 taken an active interest in the political movements of the 
 day. Though not a strict churchman, Mr. HILLEE is a man 
 of correct life, large heart and generous impulses, and 
 thoroughly in earnest. His convictions are deeply-rooted and 
 decided, and his influence and votes are invariably on the 
 side of right and justice. As yet he has developed no es- 
 pecial penchant for oratory on the floor of the Assembly, but 
 he is able to talk and to talk well when the occasion arises. 
 
 EDMUND W. HOLLISTER. 
 
 Mr. HOLLISTER is now serving his second term as a repre- 
 sentative of the first district of Washington county, having 
 served his constituents faithfully in the last House as a mem- 
 ber of the Committees on Canals, and on Charitable and 
 Religious Societies. He is not a man who seeks to obtrude 
 himself much upon public notice, or to render himself promi- 
 nent in any way. He prefers to perform his duty quietly, 
 thoroughly and unostentatiously, and so as to win the appro- 
 val of his conscience as well as the satisfaction of his con- 
 stituents. He is somewhat above the medium height, with 
 florid complexion, brown whiskers, and mild, intelligent eye. 
 His frame is rather loosely knit, though it is evidently tough 
 and muscular ; and judging from his daily intercourse among 
 his friends and acquaintances, a heart imbued with more than 
 ordinary kindness and generosity throbs underneath the 
 rough exterior of the man. 
 
 Mr. HOLLISTER was born in the town of Chatham, Colum- 
 bia county, in July, 1827, and is consequently nearly forty- 
 six years of age. His father, SYLVAXUS HOLLISTER, now 
 deceased, was also born in Chatham in 1797. Mr. H. 
 received a liberal education at the Schuylerville and Union 
 Village academies, and was brought up as a farmer, an occu-
 
 JAMES W. HUSTED. 231 
 
 pation which he has since followed more or less up to the 
 present time, though much of his attention is now devoted 
 to the buying and selling of country produce. 
 
 Always an active Republican, Mr. HOLLISTER has inva- 
 riably taken mach interest in party movements, and has for 
 a number of years been known as one of the best men of 
 his party in Washington county. He never held office, 
 however, until 1868, when he was elected Supervisor of the 
 town of Easton, and served two years with credit. In 1871 
 he was elected to the Assembly by a majority of 1,422, and 
 re-elected last fall by a majority of 1,528, his opponent being 
 R. W. LOWBER, a popular and well-known Democrat. He is 
 now serving acceptably on the Committees on Canals, and 
 Roads and Bridges, and is making for himself an excellent 
 record. 
 
 He was married on the 27th of February, 1873, to Miss 
 JULIA F. McMuLLEN. 
 
 JAMES W. HUSTED. 
 
 Although now serving his fifth term as member of 
 Assembly, Gen. HUSTED admirably retains his pre-eminence 
 among legislators for brilliancy of intellect, quickness of per- 
 ception, and, we may add, oratorical excellence. His dash- 
 ing, off-hand style of debate, and the lightning-like rapidity 
 with which he grasps the situation of the moment, together 
 with his bold, concise and incisive mode of argument, and 
 sometimes startling readiness at repartee, render him a 
 formidable opponent. He is master of the art of sarcasm, 
 and, as he usually veils his keen and merciless retorts in 
 elegant language and apt classical allusion, the wounds 
 made by his sharp thrusts produce more pleasure than pain. 
 In the most exciting passages of partisan debate, Mr. 
 HUSTED is ever the pink of courtesy and coolness, while in
 
 232 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 argument he is clear, connected and logical, his more ambi- 
 tious speeches being frequently enriched with pointed anec- 
 dote and scholarly illustration. He speaks very rapidly, and 
 has surprising command of language, while his thorough 
 knowledge of parliamentary rules enables him to be perfectly 
 at home in the most bewildering cross-fire of motions and 
 counter-motions characteristic of legislative filibustering 
 and bushwhacking. 
 
 Gen. HUSTED'S ancestors were of marked honesty and 
 respectability, and belonged originally to the old Whig party. 
 He was born in Bedford, in this State, October 31, 1833. 
 The incidents of his boyhood were not specially remarkable. 
 He prepared for college at the Bedford Academy, in his native 
 town, and at quite an early age he entered Yale College, 
 from which he graduated on reaching his majority in 1854. 
 While in college he stood well with his class, and was com- 
 plimented with University honors when he graduated. Sub- 
 sequently he studied law with EDWARD WELLS, of Peekskill, 
 and was admitted to the bar in 1857. As a lawyer he pos- 
 sesses fine abilities, and is regarded with confidence and 
 respect, 
 
 As a politician Gen. HUSTED'S life has been somewhat 
 varied and not entirely devoid of vicissitudes. He started 
 as a Know-Nothing, and for two years was Secretary of the 
 American State Council. He was elected Town Superin- 
 tendent of Common Schools, in 1855, on the KnoAv-Nothing 
 ticket, and in 1858 he was chosen by the same party as one 
 of the School Commissioners of Westchester county. But 
 in 1859 the test of a man's " Americanism" being a willing- 
 ness to " plough with a Democratic heifer," Mr. HUSTED pro- 
 tested against a betrayal of the principles upon which the 
 party was founded. During the Utica Convention, held in 
 that year, when the " Hybrid " ticket was formed, he pub- 
 lished a protest against it and left the organization, joining 
 the Republican party. In 1860 he was appointed Deputy 
 Superintendent of the State Insurance Department by Hon.
 
 JAMES W. HUSTED. 233 
 
 WILLIAM BARNES, the then Superintendent. Since 1862 he 
 has been Harbor Master of the city of New York, and, until 
 recently, was Deputy Captain of the Port. 
 
 In the fall of 1868 Mr. HUSTED was elected to the Assem- 
 bly from the Third district of Westchester county by 307 
 majority. He made an honorable record as a debater and as 
 a legislator during his first session, being Chairman of the 
 Committee on Federal Relations, and member of the Com- 
 mittee on Commerce and Navigation. The next year he was 
 re-elected by 1,144 majority, running 837 ahead of his ticket, 
 and 417 ahead in his own town. Since then he has been 
 regularly re-elected, his majority in 1871 reaching the unpre- 
 cedented figure of 1,509. Last year, owing to local compli- 
 cations and the defection of Liberal Republicans, it Avas 
 reduced to 502. He has served during the last three terms 
 on the Committees on Commerce and Navigation, Ways and 
 Means, Grievances, Local and Special Legislation, and Fed- 
 eral Relations, being again Chairman of the latter Committee 
 iu 1872. In the present session he is Chairman of the Com- 
 mittee on Education, and member of the Ways and Means. 
 
 Gen. HUSTED has been frequently honored with respon- 
 sible positions by the party to which he belongs, and he in 
 turn has honored the party with his best efforts, but his 
 sphere of useful activity has not been confined to politics. 
 He is one of the most prominent members of the Masonic 
 Fraternity in the State, and has reached to the highest honors 
 in the order, being a member of the Order of Knights Templar, 
 and entitled to wear the jewel of the 33d degree. For sev- 
 eral years he has held the rank of D. D. G. M., and is now 
 Junior Grand Warden. He has also been Judge Advocate on 
 the staff of the Seventh Brigade, New York State Militia. 
 
 On March 26th, of the present year, he was nominated by 
 Gov. Dix to be Major-General of the Fifth Division of the 
 National Guard, in place of Gen. GATES who had resigned, 
 and he was immediately confirmed by the Senate. The 
 appointment was universally recognized as an eminently fit
 
 234 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 one, and none were more hearty in their congratulations 
 than his fellow members of the Assembly. On the evening 
 after the announcement of his appointment, Mr. McGuiKE, 
 of Schuyler, offered the following resolution, which was 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That always feeling a deep interest in the per- 
 sonal and official relations of our fellow members, and a 
 warm regard for them individually, we desire to express our 
 heart-felt thanks to Gov. Dix for his promotion of the Hon. 
 JAMES W. HUSTED to the command of the military forces of 
 the Fifth Division, and that as he has been first in peace, we 
 know he will, in the event of a great military necessity, be 
 first in war, and in the future first in the hearts of his 
 countrymen. 
 
 Socially, Gen. HUSTED possesses rare gifts. Genial and 
 talented, a brilliant conversationalist, and an adept in all the 
 accomplishments and qualities which constitute the gentle- 
 man, he is peculiarly fitted to ornament society and win 
 friendship and esteem. His unaffected manners and sterling 
 qualities have rendered him extremely popular with the 
 people at large, while the same traits, in connection with his 
 solid attainments, have secured him hosts of friends in the 
 field of letters and politics. 
 
 JOHN C. JACOBS. 
 
 Mr. JACOBS, the able and popular representative of the 
 Ninth district of Kings county, bears the honored title of 
 "Father of the House," being, in point of consecutive ser- 
 vice, the oldest member of the present Assembly. He is far 
 from being the oldest in years, however, and is youthful 
 enough to be one of the most shrewd and active members of 
 the opposition. 
 
 He was born in Lancaster county, Penn., on the 10th of 
 December, 1838, and is, therefore, now in the thirty-fourth
 
 JOHN C. JACOBS. 235 
 
 year of his age. His paternal ancestors were of the old New 
 England Revolutionary stock, and several of them partici- 
 pated with honor iu the memorable struggle for independ- 
 ence. Mr. JACOBS' mother was born in Pennsylvania, and 
 was of German origin, one of her progenitors having held a 
 high position under Frederick the Great of Prussia. 
 
 When Mr. JACOBS was quite young his parents removed to 
 Brooklyn, and he was placed in a select school as soon as he 
 had reached a sufficient age. The family removed to Phila- 
 delphia a few years later, and his school studies may be said 
 to have closed when he attained the age of twelve. He was, 
 nevertheless, able to turn every opportunity of obtaining 
 knowledge to account, and the loss occasioned by the check 
 thus given to his educational progress, is not as apparent as 
 it might be in a duller man. Returning to Brooklyn, after 
 a year's stay in Philadelphia, he entered a lawyer's office as a 
 messenger boy. The drudgery there required of him was 
 very repugnant to his somewhat high-strung nature, however, 
 and he left it after a short experience, and sought and 
 obtained a position as copy-holder in the large printing 
 establishment of JOHN A. GRAY & Co., New York. A 
 large number of journals being issued from the establish- 
 ment, Mr. JACOBS naturally came in contact with many 
 newspaper men, and he soon developed a taste for journal- 
 istic life. At the age of eighteen he became a reporter for the 
 New York Express. He showed great aptitude and ability 
 in the arduous duties belonging to the life he had now 
 entered, and he was gradually promoted on the Express staff, 
 until he was given charge of the political news columns. In 
 1S5 ( J he became correspondent of the same paper at Albany, 
 remaining with it until 1865, when, in the same capacity, he 
 represented the New York World. He also won distinction 
 as a war correspondent, volunteering in 1862 to accompany 
 McCLELLAx's army to the Peninsula. Becoming attached 
 to the 1st New York Volunteers, then in KEARNEY'S 
 division, he had a chance to see and participate in some of
 
 236 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 the hardest fighting of the war. His account of the evacua- 
 tion of Harrison's Landing, and the march to Yorktown, 
 which he sent to the Express, was extensively copied by the 
 press throughout the country. 
 
 Mr. JACOBS began his political life when a mere boy. In 
 1851, though but eighteen years of age, he was active in his 
 opposition to FREMONT'S election. In 1860 he was well 
 known in Brooklyn us a leader among the young men who 
 combined against the LINCOLN ticket. In 1863 he received 
 the regular Democratic nomination for Assembly against 
 JOHN C. PERRY, Republican and present Senator ; THEOPHI- 
 LUS C. CALLICOTT ran as an Independent Democratic candi- 
 date, however, and the split thereby occasioned defeated him. 
 In 1865 he also ran. being again defeated by WILLIAM W. 
 GOODRICH, after an unusually spirited contest. Mr. JACOBS' 
 friends insisted that he should run again in 1866, and the 
 Democratic Convention nominated him by acclamation. A 
 strong effort was made by the Republicans to defeat him. but 
 the plucky young journalist was successful this time by 900 
 majority. Since that time he has been regularly returned 
 annually, his majority being usually larger than the State 
 ticket received. 
 
 In 1869 he served on the Committee on Commerce and 
 Navigation and on several special committees. In 1870 he 
 was Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, and a 
 member of the Committees on Insurance, and Grievances. 
 In 1871 he was a member of the Committees on Grievances, 
 Judiciary, and Ways and Means, and Chairman of the latter. 
 In 1872 he was a member of the Committee of Ways and 
 Means, and Petitions of Aliens ; and in the present House 
 he is a member of Ways and Means, Insurance, and Rules. 
 During the last session Mr. JACOBS was honored by being 
 chosen as one of the managers to conduct the trials of Judges 
 BARNARD and McCuNN. In the years when the Democrats 
 held the majority in the House Mr. JACOBS displayed great 
 effectiveness as a leader and party manager, winning deserved
 
 JOHN C. JACOBS. 237 
 
 repute for his readiness and ability in debate, his tireless 
 activity and his dauntless courage in battling for political 
 principles. Two or three times he has been a candidate for 
 the Speakership, but in the year when the party majority was 
 with him, the Tammany interest of New York city, with 
 which he was not always in entire accord, succeeded in 
 defeating him. He was the candidate of the Democratic 
 minority for the position in the last session, and also in the 
 present one, receiving the entire vote of his party. Inas- 
 much as he possesses peculiar qualifications for the post of 
 presiding officer, and is thoroughly versed in parliamentary 
 law, the compliment thus twice given him has been in every 
 way deserved. 
 
 Mr. JACOBS is a great favorite among all his friends, and 
 is in every respect a genial, true-hearted gentleman. Though 
 he is an ardent and active partisan, there is yet a courteous- 
 ness of manner and a frankness of language in all his politi- 
 cal endeavors, which invariably extorts admiration and 
 respect from his most decided opponents. He is a man of 
 large heart and warm sympathies to his friends, and gener- 
 ous to his foes, very few of the latter being such in other 
 than a political sense. In legislative matters he devotes the 
 largest share of his attention to local matters, but his ring- 
 ing voice is often heard, also, in defense of party policy, and 
 in denunciation of Republican measures and schemes. He 
 is very fluent in debate, occasionally rising to heights of ora- 
 torical eloquence rarely attained by a party speaker, and he 
 never fails to command the attention of the House, when 
 once warmed up with his subject. He unquestionably 
 stands in this session among the foremost members of a 
 minority which includes an unusual number of very able 
 men.
 
 238 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 WILLAKD JOHNSON. 
 
 Mr. JOHNSON is of New England parentage, his father, 
 LOWELL JOHNSON, having been a native of Vermont, while 
 his mother was born in Massachusetts. He was born in the 
 town of Volney, Oswego county, on the 16th of May, 1830. 
 He attended common school at an early age, and subsequently 
 went to the Mexico and Cazenovia academies, thus securing 
 an excellent education. In the year 1852, he engaged in the 
 lake and canal transportation business at Fulton, and con- 
 tinued it successfully for about twelve years. Afterward he 
 became a contractor and has completed several important 
 works for the State and national governments, among which 
 may be mentioned the improvement of the Mississippi river 
 at Eock Island, and the construction of a lock in the Illinois 
 river, which is probably the largest in the world, being 350 
 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 30 feet high, and capable of 
 accommodating twelve ordinary canal boats at once. He has 
 successfully completed contracts which amount, in the aggre- 
 gate, to fully five millions of dollars. 
 
 Mr. JOHNSON has always been a Democrat of the old school, 
 and for many years he has been prominent in the councils of 
 that party. During the rebellion he was classed as a War 
 Democrat, and gave his influence and means freely to the 
 cause of the Union. In 1862 he was elected to the Assembly 
 without opposition, and co-operated heartily in all the meas- 
 ures designed to sustain the national government in the con- 
 test which it was then waging against armed treason. Sub- 
 sequently he served two years on the War Committee of 
 Oswego county. He was also a member of the Board of 
 Supervisors in the years 1861 and 1862. In 1860 he was a 
 delegate to the memorable Charleston Convention, and was 
 afterward also a delegate to the National Democratic Con- 
 ventions at Chicago in 1864, in New York in 1868, and in
 
 ELEAZER JONES. 239 
 
 Baltimore in 1872. During the five war years, he was a 
 member of the State Committee. It will thus be seen that 
 Mr. JOHNSON'S political experience is extensive and varied, 
 and there are really few men in Central New York whose 
 counsel is held in greater estimation. He still holds to the 
 political creed of his earlier years, and is very popular among 
 the Democrats of Oswego, and, indeed, among men of all 
 parties. This is shown by the fact that he was elected last fall 
 by a majority of 189, over THOMAS W. GREEN". Republican, 
 who represented the district last year. He is a man of mod- 
 est, unassuming deportment, and seldom addresses the House, 
 being a man who believes in actions rather than words. His 
 large experience, ripe judgment and active mind are of great 
 value, however, in the practical work of legislation, and his 
 seat is seldom unoccupied during the sessions. He was 
 married at the age of 27 to MARY GASPE, and as a result of 
 his prudently managed business operations he is quite 
 wealthy. 
 
 ELEAZER JONES. 
 
 Although Mr. JONES has been removed by death from his 
 legislative duties, and can, therefore, be no longer numbered 
 among the members of the Assembly, a brief sketch of his 
 career will not, perhaps, be out of place. He was born in 
 Beddgelert, Wales, in the year 1824, and after receiving a 
 thorough education at one of the Beddgelert private schools 
 and at the Academy of Dr. Robert, at Holyhead, he left Wales 
 and started in business as a general passenger broker and 
 commission agent in Liverpool, and met with great success. 
 In 18r>2 he came to this country and was appointed by 
 Messrs. WEED & MABY as manager of the Emigrant Depart- 
 ment of the Xew York and Erie Railway. In that capacity 
 he returned to Great Britain and Ireland, armed with author- 
 ity to establish agencies at all the seaports, important cities
 
 240 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 and inland towns. During the years 1854 and 1855 he made 
 several trips across the Atlantic in the performance of his 
 duties, occupying the intervals in extended tours through 
 the United States for the double object of gaining relaxation 
 and information. During one of these excursions he pur- 
 chased a joint interest with his brother and nephew in the 
 slate property at Middle Granville, Washington county, then 
 operated by his brother, who had emigrated to this country 
 in 1845. In 1856 he disposed of the Erie agency and trans- 
 ferred his family to New York. He then applied himself 
 with energy to the development of the slate quarry, which 
 promised in time to be quite profitable. In 1860, however, 
 he was induced to accept the general agency for this 
 country of the Passage Department of the Montreal Steam- 
 ship line, which he retained for about five years. In 1866 
 the Penrhyn Slate Company was organized, and up to the 
 time of his death he was actively engaged in its management. 
 To his exertions is largely due the fact that the establish- 
 ment is now probably the most extensive of its kind in the 
 United States. Since he became a citizen of this country, 
 Mr. JOXES has always been an active Republican, and when 
 he became well established at Granville it was not long 
 before he was prominently identified with local and county 
 political movements. His business prominence and shrewd- 
 ness of character rendered him a desirable accession to those 
 who run the party machine, and he soon secured confidence 
 and esteem. In 1870 he was elected a Justice of the Peace 
 for the town of Granville, and filled the office satisfactorily. 
 In the fall of that year the Democratic District Convention 
 tendered him a nomination for the Assembly, which he 
 respectfully declined, and last fall he received the unsolicited 
 nomination of the Republican Convention for the same 
 office, and was triumphantly elected, receiving a majority of 
 780. 
 
 Though Mr. JONES spent but a brief time in the halls of 
 legislation, the members, one and all, had begun to regard
 
 ARCHIBALD KENNEDY. 241 
 
 him as a quiet, active, conscientious and courteous gentle- 
 man, one who gave ample promise of becoming n capable, 
 efficient law-maker, and his sudden death evoked sincere 
 expressions of regret. His death, which was the result of 
 a severe cold contracted at Albany, occurred on the 10th of 
 February. 
 
 ARCHIBALD KENNEDY. 
 
 Mr. KENNEDY is serving his second term as the repre- 
 sentative of Livingston county. Born in York, in that 
 county, he has been identified during his whole life with the 
 interests of that locality, and is, perhaps, better acquainted 
 with its needs than any other resident. He was the son of 
 ARCHIBALD KENNEDY, a native of Eannoch, Scotland, who 
 died in 1842, at the age of sixty-four. Mr. KENNEDY is 
 Avell educated, having passed through the general course of 
 study in Geneseo Academy and Lima Seminary. In addi- 
 tion to these opportunities, extensive reading at home has 
 rendered him thoroughly well informed upon every subject. 
 Though he makes no special pretension to oratorical powers, 
 he is a good speaker, and, when occasion requires, he 
 expresses his views in a plain and logical, and, at times, 
 forcible and eloquent manner. He is fully alive to the 
 importance of fostering the educational interests of the 
 State, though, even in this direction, lie studies economy in 
 the use of the public funds. His views, in reference to popu- 
 lar education, are broad and liberal. He believes in adopt- 
 ing the most effective mode of educating the masses, and, as 
 a means to this end, he is the warm friend of every measure 
 likely to increase the efficiency of the common schools. 
 
 Mr. KENNEDY is a plain and prosperous Livingston county 
 
 farmer. Since 1853, however, he has almost constantly been 
 
 the incumbent of some responsible official position, and 
 
 much of his time is occupied in settling estates. In 1853 he 
 
 10
 
 242 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 was elected Town Superintendent of Common Schools and 
 served four years. He was Justice of the Peace from 1856 
 to 1868, and was then elected Supervisor, serving three years, 
 the last as Chairman of the Board. In 1869 he was a dele- 
 gate to the Eepublican State Convention from Livingston 
 county. Finally, in 1871, he was elected to the Assembly, 
 defeating ANDREW SILL, the Democratic candidate, by a 
 majority of 889. His service last winter was so satisfactory 
 to the people of the county that he was returned to the pres- 
 ent House by the immense majority of 1,221 over C. W. 
 GIBSON. He is an energetic and capable member of two 
 important Committees, Ways and Means, and Public Print- 
 ing. 
 
 Mr. KENNEDY has always been a Eepublican, and is one 
 of the leading men of the party in Livingston county. 
 Always straight-forward and reliable, he is also a man of 
 stern and unyielding integrity, and is as strong in his oppo- 
 sition to those measures which contemplate inroads upon the 
 public treasury, as he is earnest in the advocacy of legislation 
 designed to effect genuine reform in State and local govern- 
 ments. He was married to CATHARINE MCMARTIN on the 
 17th of April, 1856. 
 
 ANSON W. KNETTLES. 
 
 Mr. KNETTLES, who is entitled to whatever distinction 
 may attach to the fact that he is the tallest man in the 
 House, was born in South Lansing, Tompkins county, 
 August 7, 1824. His parents came to this State from Penn- 
 sylvania when quite young. He received a good education 
 at the Aurora Academy, but on reaching mature years he 
 continued to pursue the occupation of his father, that of a 
 farmer, in which he is still successfully engaged. He has, 
 however, spent much of his time in the service of his
 
 ANSON W. K NETTLES. 243 
 
 country, and has also held a number of positions of trust 
 in his town and county. During three years he was a 
 member of the Board of Supervisors of Tompkins county, 
 representing the town of Lansing, and one year was Chair- 
 man of the Board. Shortly after the war broke out he 
 assisted in raising the 109th Regiment, New York Volun- 
 teers, and on the organization of the regiment in July, 
 1862, he was commissioned as Captain of Company G. In 
 that capacity he participated in most of the hard fighting 
 which fell to the lot of the army of the Potomac, from the 
 summer of 1862 until the close of the war. He passed un- 
 scathed through the terrible campaign of 1864, from Wash- 
 ington to Petersburg, but was wounded in the memorable 
 siege of the latter city. While acting as Brigade Officer of 
 the Day he received a rifle ball above the right eye, cutting 
 out the eye and passing entirely through the head and out 
 of the left side, injuring somewhat the sight of the left eye. 
 It was certainly a narrow escape from death, and though his 
 countenance is somewhat disfigured by the rebel bullet, it 
 constitutes an honorable memento of the scenes in which he 
 was a prominent actor. 
 
 Mr. KNETTLES was a Democrat until 1855, but since that 
 year he has uniformly acted with the Republicans and taken 
 quite a prominent part in the local politics of his county. 
 He was a member of the House last year, and made a good 
 record as a member of two important Committees, Canals, 
 and Militia. His majority in 1871 was 1,273. Last fall, not- 
 withstanding the fact that a Liberal Republican ran against 
 him, his majority was 513. In the present session he serves 
 on the Committees on Canals, and \ r illages. 
 
 Mr. K. is a man standing over six feet in height, somewhat 
 slender, with light brown hair and somewhat florid complex- 
 ion. Though not a speech-maker, he is a very active man 
 and possesses a great deal of the practical abilitv essential to 
 the legislator.
 
 244 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JEROME B. LANDFIELD. 
 
 Mr. LANDFIELD'S father, CLARK LANDFIELD, was born in 
 the town of Harvard, Delaware county, and there, also, 
 the son first saw the light, in November, 1827. He was 
 educated at Delhi Academy, and also in the Delaware Insti- 
 tute, at Franklin, and on reaching years of maturity, he 
 entered a mercantile business at Harvard. Several years 
 since he removed to Newark Valley, where he is now success- 
 fully engaged in mercantile pursuits, managing besides an 
 extensive tannery. He is also postmaster of that town, and 
 a member of the Tioga Board of Supervisors. 
 
 In 1864, he represented Delaware county in the Assembly, 
 serving on the Committee on Affairs of Villages, and making 
 a creditable record. He was elected to the present House 
 by a majority of 711, and serves acceptably on the Com- 
 mittees on Railroads, and Trade and Manufactures. 
 
 Mr. LAXDFIELD was a Whig until the party dissolved, and 
 since then he has been an unyielding Republican. He is a 
 man of great probity of character, and greatly respected in 
 Newark Valley, where he resides.
 
 WILLIAM LEWIS, JR. 245 
 
 WILLIAM LEWIS, JR. 
 
 Mr. LEWIS, now serving his second term in the Assembly, 
 is a native of Scotland, and was born on the 31st of October, 
 1827. When but six years of age, he came to this country 
 with his parents, who settled in Delaware county, and 
 engaged in farming. Young LEWIS was brought up on the 
 farm, receiving meanwhile a common school education, and 
 remained with his parents until about the year 1850, when 
 he entered mercantile life at llamden. in Orleans county, 
 and has followed it successfully until the present time. 
 Soon after he started in business he married Miss JANETTE 
 NEISH. His father is still living at an advanced age. 
 
 Besides his mercantile pursuits, Mr. LEWIS has had some 
 experience in railroad building, and during the years 1870 
 and 1871 he constructed, under contract, about twenty miles 
 of the New York and Midland railroad. From 1862 until 
 1870 he held the office of Assistant-Assessor of Internal 
 Revenue. 
 
 In politics, Mr. LEWIS was formerly a Whig, but lie joined 
 the Republican party at its organization, and has ever since 
 voted and acted therewith. In the fall of 1871 he was 
 chosen to represent his district in the Assembly, defeating 
 JAMES KNOX POLK JACKSON" whose name, it would seem, 
 deserved better fortune by the usual majority of 1,135, the 
 Republican majority of the previous year being but G82. 
 His majority last fall, when he was re-elected, was 457. 
 
 Mr. LEWIS is known as a careful, sound and able K-gi.-hi- 
 lor. Always favoring economy when it can be accomplished 
 witli due regard for the public interests, he is keenly alive to 
 the material and moral advancement of his own locality, as 
 well as the entire State. While he perhaps yields to no man 
 in his attachment to party, his votes and speeches are evi- 
 dently dictated by honest conviction and regard for that
 
 246 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 which is due to his constituents. He makes no pretensions 
 to oratory, but he is nevertheless a clear and cogent speaker, 
 and has the faculty of presenting his views sensibly and 
 gracefully, and frequently takes part in the debates on gen- 
 eral questions. 
 
 CYRILLO S. LINCOLN. 
 
 Being a man of acknowledged ability, sound principles 
 and inflexible integrity, and possessing a large share of per- 
 sonal magnetism, Mr. LINCOLN wields an influence hardly 
 inferior to that of any other member of the present Assem- 
 bly. His habit of thinking and acting for himself on all 
 important questions, at the same time maintaining an atti- 
 tude of entire party fealty, and doing so with such tact and 
 judgment as to commit no mistakes, has secured him respect 
 as well as the hearty esteem of friends and opponents. His 
 character has the ring of the genuine metal, and though he 
 is now serving his second term in the Assembly, his gar- 
 ments are free from the slightest taint. 
 
 Mr. LINCOLN was born in South Bristol, Ontario county, 
 on the 18th of July, 1833. His father, Lucius LINCOLN', 
 was born in Otsego county, and is still living and engaged in 
 farming. Young LINCOLN enjoyed ample educational advan- 
 tages. At the age of twelve he entered the Genesee Wesleyau 
 Seminary, subsequently spent some time in the Xew York 
 Conference Seminary, and in 1855 entered Union College, 
 graduating from that institution with honor in 1858. He 
 then read law for a year or more at the office of F. L. 
 DUKAND, in Rochester, and was soon after admitted to the 
 bar. Since then he has practiced successfully, devoting 
 much of his time, however, to grape growing, owning one of 
 the finest vineyards in that section of the State. In 1804 lie 
 was elected Justice of the Peace, and held the office until 
 1871, when he was elected to the Assembly.
 
 GYRILLO S. LINCOLN. 247 
 
 His career in the Assembly has been most creditable to his 
 constituents and to himself. He was elected to the last 
 House by a majority of 510, but in the recent canvass his 
 majority reached 810, and constitutes a most gratifying 
 indorsement of his course. His recognition at Albany has 
 also been marked. Though he had been placed on no very 
 important committees last year, a deserved tribute was paid 
 him by the House later in the session in choosing him as one 
 of the managers in the BARNARD impeachment trial. The 
 result of that trial is well known, and no one, with perhaps 
 one or two exceptions, labored harder to bring it about than 
 Mr. LINCOLN. In the present House he is Chairman of 
 the Committee on Claims, and is also a member of the Com- 
 mittee on Petitions of Aliens and of the Sub-Committee of 
 the Whole, and of the special committee to investigate the 
 affairs of the Erie Railway Company. 
 
 Mr. LINCOLN'S Kepublicanism is a part of his personality. 
 It is " dyed in the wool." Since the party was organized he 
 has steadily acted with it, voting for FREMONT in 1856, for 
 LINCOLN twice and for GRANT twice. He is, in fact, one of 
 the most active and influential Republicans of Ontario county. 
 As a public speaker he has few siiperiors. With a voice full 
 and sonorous, easy and natural manner of delivery, and clear 
 enunciation, he has no difficulty in securing the attention of 
 the House, whatever the topic of discussion. He talks well 
 on all subjects, and is also a clear and acute reasoner, hold- 
 ing in the main sound views on all the political, social and 
 financial questions of the day. 
 
 Physically, Mr. LINCOLN is well built, and the embodi- 
 ment, of perfect health. His prepossessing countenance is a 
 true index to the man, and harmonizes well with the broad 
 intellectual forehead, luxuriant brown hair, and clear blue 
 eyes. The people of the Second district of Ontario can cer- 
 tainly congratulate themselves on bein# well represented in 
 the present Assembly.
 
 248 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 DOLPHUS S. LYNDE. 
 
 The son of parents in quite comfortable circumstances, 
 Mr. LYNDE has been literally the architect of his own for- 
 tune. He was born at Antwerp, Jefferson county, July 1, 
 1833, and is therefore nearly forty years of age. His parents 
 were of Irish and English descent. He remained with his 
 father, doing farm work, and attending the common schools 
 and Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary until the age of twenty, 
 when he married ESTHER S. CAUL, who proved herself 
 indeed " a help-meet " to him. His father was worth a 
 fine property at that time, yet he declined to extend to the 
 young couple any pecuniary aid whatever. He argued that 
 he had earned the money himself, and, as he might need it, 
 he proposed to take care of it while he lived. The newly- 
 married pair moved into a board shanty, and supported 
 themselves by keeping boarders at a dollar and a half each 
 per week, the plucky husband earning in the mean time about 
 $20 a month by driving an ox team and carting and piling 
 lumber. He carried the first fifty pounds of flour for the 
 new household a distance of two miles past his father's house, 
 although at the same time there were two hundred bushels of 
 wheat in the old gentleman's barn. 
 
 The somewhat singular conduct of his parent aroused all 
 the spirit in the young man's breast. When the next spring 
 arrived he bought a farm and a stock of cows on credit, and 
 sold them again in the fall, realizing 1,000 above the debt he 
 had incurred. This fortunate speculation was the beginning 
 of a successful career. Placing his money at interest, lie 
 kept a set of books during the next two years for JAMES 
 STERLIXG, an Antwerp iron manufacturer, at an annual 
 salary of 8500, and the use of a house and garden. At the 
 end of three years he had doubled his thousand dollars. He 
 then moved to Hermon, St. Lawrence county, where he has
 
 DOLPHUS S. LYNDE. 249 
 
 since been engaged in selling goods, milling, buying and sell- 
 ing cattle and real estate, and similar occupations. He also 
 aided to organize the Cooper's Falls Iron Works, and was one 
 of the stockholders of the corporation, but sold his interest 
 before the works were finally completed. 
 
 He has been uniformly successful in all his ventures, so 
 that he is now the possessor of a handsome fortune, and he 
 filially attributes his success in life entirely to what he deemed, 
 at the time, very harsh conduct on the part of his respected 
 parent, which, however, had the intended effect to stimulate 
 him to make extraordinary exertions to place himself in an 
 independent position. Plowcver we may regard the course, 
 of the elder LYNDE in the abstract, we must admit that he 
 correctly estimated his son's character, and did what in the 
 end proved to be the best for him. 
 
 Since Mr. LYNDE has resided in St. Lawrence county, he 
 has been prominently identified with its political history. 
 Previous to 1864 he was a Democrat, but in that year, in 
 common with many Democrats, he took a new departure, and 
 cast his vote for the LINCOLN electoral ticket. Since that 
 time, he has invariably acted with the Republican party. As 
 a member of that party he represented the town of Hermon. 
 in the St. Lawrence Board of Supervisors, for three years, 
 commencing in 1868. In 1870 he was appointed a Notary 
 Public. Three times in succession he has been elected to the 
 Assembly from the Second district of St. Lawrence, the last 
 time by a majority of 2,486, and his straightforward, honest 
 course in that party has becTi a source of gratification, alike 
 to his constituents and the State at large, in which he is 
 already quite extensively known.
 
 250 LJFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JAMES MACKIN. 
 
 Mr. MACKIN, a man of prepossessing appearance and 
 pleasant address, represents the First district of Dutchess 
 county for the second term. He is a lineal descendant of 
 genuine Irish stock, though his parents were natives of this 
 country, his father having been born in New York, and his 
 mother in Newburgh. They both died, however, within 
 three years of each other, before young MACKIN had reached 
 his eighth year, and he was left entirely without means. 
 Compelled thus to struggle for his own support, from early 
 youth, Mr. MACKIN is necessarily one of those practical 
 self-made men, who contribute so largely to the prosperity of 
 the country. 
 
 Born in Newburgh, Orange county, on the 25th of Decem- 
 ber, 1823, he was educated in the common schools of New- 
 burgh and Fishkill, and has spent the greater portion of his 
 life in the latter town, where he has had the care of a large 
 estate. During the years 1860, 1861 and 1862, he conducted 
 a mercantile establishment at Fishkill quite successfully. 
 The responsibilities of the estate mentioned were, however, 
 sufficient to give him ample occupation, and he retired from 
 business. Subsequently, he became President of the First 
 National Bank of Fishkill Landing, and still holds that 
 position. 
 
 Mr. MACKIN has mingled largely in public and political 
 life. He was an active and influential Whig of the Free Soil 
 stamp, until the party was dissolved. He was not only a 
 delegate to the convention which gave form and cohesion to 
 the Republican organization, but, previous to 18G6, he was 
 several times a delegate to the conventions of that party, and 
 has held a number of public positions. For four years lie 
 was postmaster at Fishkill, holding the position under the 
 appointment of President FILLMORE. In 1862 President
 
 JAMES MAC KIN. 251 
 
 LINCOLN appointed him United States Assessor for the 12th 
 (now the 13th) district, and he held the office two years and 
 a half. Foul 1 times he was elected Supervisor of his town, 
 and once he was ctiosen President of the Board. In 1859 he 
 represented his Assembly district in the Legislature, serving 
 on the Committees on Claims, and Internal affairs of Towns 
 and Counties. 
 
 During the past six or seven years, Mr. MACKIN has acted 
 with the Democratic party, and was elected to the Assembly 
 last fall as a member of that political organization, receiving 
 a majority of 828 over EDWARD M. GORIXG, the present Scr- 
 geant-at-Arms of the House, who was elected in 1871 by a 
 majority of over 1,400. 
 
 Though not greatly given to debate, Mr. MACKIN possesses 
 excellent qualifications for legislative position. He enjoys a 
 large degree of popularity, both in private and public life, 
 and there are few men in his section of the State more deserv- 
 ing of public confidence. He was married, in July, 1858, 
 to Miss SARAH E. WILTSE, a very intelligent and accom- 
 plished lady, and a daughter of JAMES WILTSE, an old and 
 respected citizen of Fishkill. She was a devout member of 
 the Keformed Church, where Mr. MACKIX also worshiped. 
 Her death took place in 1862, and her place in the family 
 circle has never been filled. Mr. M. has been reasonably suc- 
 cessful in all his business undertakings, and may be regarded 
 as in quite comfortable circumstances.
 
 252 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN MANLEY. 
 
 The member from the Second district of Cattaraugus 
 county is new to the Assembly, but he is well known through- 
 out the State as a sound and reliable business man, as well 
 as an earnest and conscientious Republican. Born in JSTor- 
 ridgewock, Me., in the year 1824, his early years were mainly 
 spent upon the farm of his father, AM ASA MANLEY. He 
 attended school regularly, however, and obtained a good 
 English education. In 1847 he married Miss ELIZABETH 
 BITTUES, at Augusta, Me., and soon afterward removed to this 
 State. He settled at Little Valley, Cattaraugus county, 
 where he in time became the owner of a large landed prop- 
 erty. For a number of years he has been engaged in farming, 
 and gradually became one of the most prosperous, active and 
 influential citizens of that section. His real estate operations 
 in Little Valley have been quite extensive, and to his enter- 
 prise and public spirit is due much of the attractions of that 
 thriving village. 
 
 Mr. MANLEY has been very prominently identified with 
 politics during most of his life. In his early days he was a 
 Whig, and as such he voted for Generals TAYLOR and SCOTT 
 for the Presidential office. Since the Whig party dissolved 
 he has been an unswerving Republican, taking a leading 
 part in the councils of that party, both in his own county 
 and in the State at large. He has also held several important 
 public positions, in which he invariably exhibited marked 
 ability and devotion to duty, as well as the sternest integrity. 
 His first entrance into public life was in I860, when he repre- 
 sented Little Valley in the Cattaraugus Board of Supervi- 
 sors. In 1870 he was again chosen a member of the Board, 
 and still serves in that capacity, being re-elected every year 
 by a nearly unanimous vote. In 180] he was appointed 
 Clerk in the Department of the Interior, under Secretary
 
 JOHN MANLEY. 253 
 
 SMITH, and served four years. In 18G4 he was detailed as a 
 special Indian Agent within the New York agency, and it 
 was made his duty to pay over the moneys and annuities due 
 from the United States under treaty stipulations. In the 
 performance of that duty he visited the several reservations, 
 and conferred freely with the Indians in reference to their 
 educational, agricultural and industrial condition, and also 
 in regard to a difficulty which had previously arisen between 
 the special Commissioner of the Government and some of 
 the representatives of the Six Nations. In March, 18G5, he 
 was appointed Military Secretary on the Staff of Governor 
 FEXTON", and held the position until May, 1866. Since that 
 time, however, he has been an uncompromising opponent 
 of Mr. FENTON". 
 
 During the war, Mr. MANLEY was active in his efforts to 
 mitigate the sufferings of the Union soldiers in the hospital 
 and in the camp. During his residence in Washington he 
 was active in their behalf, directing his efforts, of course, 
 specially to those from his own county. At the close of the 
 war, he received several handsome testimonials, in recogni- 
 tion of the service he rendered in this respect, among which 
 was an elegant gold watch and chain, presented by the mem- 
 bers of the Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers. 
 
 That Mr. MANLEY has gained considerable eminence as an 
 agriculturist, is shown by the fact that he served seven years 
 as President of the Cattaraugus County Agricultural Society, 
 aiding very materially in bringing it to its present prosperous 
 condition. He is now a member of the Executive Committee 
 of the New York State Agricultural Society. 
 
 In the recent canvass, Mr. MANLEY was met by a storm of 
 detraction and slander, and herculean efforts were made to 
 defeat him ; but, after an exciting contest, he was successful, 
 notwithstanding the large " Liberal " defection in his district, 
 by a majority of 535. 
 
 He is a plain, substantial-looking gentleman, in the full 
 flush of rosy health, and possesses a nature well calculated
 
 254: LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 to win the regard of his fellows. His religion, as he himself 
 expresses it, consists in faith in the Supreme Being, and an 
 endeavor to do right in all things. A knowledge of the 
 man impresses one with the belief that he is quite successful 
 in carrying that sort of religion into his daily life. 
 
 JOHN S. MARCY. 
 
 Mr. MARCY, a clear-headed, energetic man of business, is 
 the son of ZEBADIAH and ABIGAIL MARCY, of Millington, 
 Connecticut, and was born at Willimantic, in the same State, 
 on the 23d of March. 1830. He received in his youth no 
 more than the ordinary common school education ; but gifted 
 as he is with quick perception, large powers of observatipn 
 and a good stock of common sense, there are few men of his 
 age and position in life who entertain broader views of pub- 
 lic affairs, or whose counsel is more valuable. He was 
 brought up on a farm and laid the foundation of a healthy 
 personal organization in early youth. Since his majority he 
 has been engaged in several business ventures, in which he 
 has met with uniform success. About the year 1862 he went 
 into the insurance business, which he followed until 1871. 
 In that year he purchased a farm near Riverhead, where lie 
 now resides. Twenty years ago he married Miss SARAH L. 
 CASE, whose family resides in Brooklyn. 
 
 Until the year 1860 Mr. MARCY was a Democrat, but in 
 common with many others then in that party, he joined that 
 organization which had assumed the duty of crushing armed 
 treason. Ever since Sumter was fired upon lie has been a 
 straightforward and consistent Republican. Mr. M. was a 
 member of the last Assembly, having been elected over 
 JAMES N. -BAYLIS. a member in 1871, by a majority of 1.194. 
 His popularity among his constituents is shown by the fact 
 that his majority last fall was 1,314.
 
 JEREMIAH McGuiRE. 255 
 
 Mr. MARCY is a man of medium height, with a frame 
 solidly knit and well proportioned. He is quite genial in 
 disposition, and popular among a host of friends. Having 
 taken a deep interest in politics for many years past he is 
 well posted in all the intricacies and detail of party manage- 
 ment. He seldom makes speeches upon the floor of the 
 House, but his influence and labors are appreciably felt in 
 the shaping and perfecting of important legislation. 
 
 JEREMIAH McGUIRE. 
 
 Schuyler county is fortunate in her present representative 
 in the Assembly. Mr. McGuiKE, to whom we allude, is a law- 
 yer of eminent ability, who possesses much more than the 
 average share of discriminating judgment and common 
 sense. Without being at all obtrusive, and only occasionally 
 indulging himself in a speech, he is, notwithstanding his 
 connection with the political minority, a man of command- 
 ing influence in shaping legislation. His legal reputation is 
 one of the best in the State, having enjoyed a wide practice 
 in the courts of central and western "New York for many 
 years past, and being connected with more celebrated causes 
 than usually fall to the lot of lawyers outside of the great 
 cities. The McGEE suits, which have been in litigation for 
 years, involving an immense estate, were in his charge from 
 their commencement, while other suits of magnitude have 
 been conducted by him successfully. Born in Ireland in the 
 year .1825, Mr. McCuiRE came to this country at an early 
 age. He enjoyed no extraordinary educational advantages in 
 his youth, but he eagerly availed himself of all that his 
 opportunities threw in his way, and when he reached man's 
 estate, determined to qualify himself for the legal profession. 
 He did so. and was dulv admitted to the bar. As we have 
 intimated, he soon rose to eminence in his calling, and
 
 256 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens very 
 largely. He is located in the thriving village of Havana. 
 His career as a politician, as a lawyer, and as a man. is 
 replete with much that would interest the public, and we 
 therefore regret that the paucity of data in our possession 
 precludes more than the barest reference to his life. 
 
 He was elected from the county of Schuyler to succeed a 
 Republican by a majority of 106. He is a firm and consist- 
 ent Democrat, and has long taken an active part in politics. 
 His well-known legal abilities secured him a place on the 
 Judiciary Committee, and he is also a member of the Com- 
 mittees on Claims, and Local and Special Laws. 
 
 DANIEL P. MCQUEEN. 
 
 We have been accustomed to couple the name of the his- 
 toric county up the Mohawk with venerable associations, but 
 the fact that she is represented on the floor of the Assembly 
 by one of her younger sons, is not so incongruous as it might 
 appear at first thought, inasmuch as she has of late suc- 
 ceeded, in a figurative sense, in transfusing a good deal of 
 youthful blood into her veins. 
 
 Mr. McQuEEisr, the member from Schenectady, is of Scotch 
 descent, and was born in Stockbridge, Mass., July 6, 1843. 
 His father, WALTER McQuEEN, a practical machinist, re- 
 moved to Schenectady about twenty-five years ago, and 
 became Superintendent of the well-known Schenectady loco- 
 motive works, a position which lie has held until the present 
 time. Young McQrjEEN received a good common school 
 education, and was brought up in the locomotive works, 
 becoming, like his father, a practical machinist and locomo- 
 tive engineer. Four years since, he was married to Miss S. 
 M. MYERS, of Toledo. Ohio.
 
 DARIUS A. MOORE. 257 
 
 He has never been particularly prominent as a politician 
 until the recent canvass, when he was induced, somewhat 
 against his wishes at first, to become a candidate for the 
 Assembly, and was nominated in the convention by accla- 
 mation. The Democrats nominated THOMAS B. MITCHELL, 
 a man of considerable ability, but the popularity of Mr. 
 McQuEEN secured his election by a majority of 489. Mr. 
 McQuEE.v is a man of action rather than of words, and is 
 wide awake in every sense of the term. Favored as he is 
 with robust health, a superb physique, and sound common 
 sense, his future career certainly promises to be a brilliant 
 one. 
 
 DARIUS A. MOORE. 
 
 Mr. MOORE is serving his second term, and ably represents 
 the First district of St. Lawrence county. He is of Scotch 
 descent, though his parents were both American born, his 
 father, JOHX W. MOORE, being a native of Pultney, Vt., and 
 his mother of Ogdensburgh, 1S T . Y. Young MOORE received 
 a good education in Gouverneur "Wesleyan Seminary, and 
 early developed a taste for mercantile life. For a number of 
 years past he has been successfully engaged in business, and 
 has acquired a wide reputation for energy and integrity. 
 
 Mr. MOORE has been an active politician from his youth 
 up, always active in the primaries, in the conventions and at 
 the polls. His influence in the politics of his county is there- 
 fore something tangible. Frequently, also, he has held 
 responsible positions in the gift of his party, always bringing 
 to the performance of his duties, of whatever character, de- 
 cided ability and sound judgment. Soon after he reached his 
 majority he was elected Town Clerk, and held that position 
 until 1865. He was then elected Supervisor of the town of 
 DeKalb, and has held the position ever since, being again 
 17
 
 258 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 elected this spring. He commenced life as a Democrat, 
 though he voted for FILLMOEE in 1865, but he soon afterward 
 joined the Eepublican organization, and has since acted and 
 voted therewith. In 1871, he was chosen to the Assembly 
 by a majority of 1,816. He served his constituents with such 
 marked fidelity to their interests, and proved himself so 
 capable as a legislator, that he was returned last fall by the 
 largely increased majority of 2,252. 
 
 Mr. MOORE is a quiet member, rarely making a speech, but 
 he is fully conversant with the requirements of legislative 
 routine, and is second to none in executive capacity and 
 effective industry. 
 
 GEORGE B. MOSHER. 
 
 Mr. MOSHER, of the Fourth Albany district, is a native of 
 Warren county, where he was born on the 28th of August, 
 1825. He received a good common school education, and 
 became a lumber merchant and manufacturer at Fort 
 Edward, carrying on business there for a number of years. 
 While a resident of Fort Edward he was prominent as a 
 Democratic local political leader. In 1860 he was elected 
 Supervisor of the town, ASAHEL WIXG being his opponent. 
 In 1863 he was the Democratic candidate for Sheriff of 
 Washington county, but was defeated. A few years ago he 
 removed to West Troy, Albany county, and engaged in busi- 
 ness quite extensively as a lumber commission merchant. 
 In this he has been quite successful, and is now worth a snug 
 fortune. 
 
 He was not long a resident of West Troy before he became 
 prominent in political circles, and the fact that he has been 
 three times a candidate for Member of Assembly sufficiently 
 indicates the regard in which he is held by the Democratic 
 party. He was nominated in 1870. but, owing to the fact
 
 GEORGE B. MOSHER. 259 
 
 that there were two Democratic candidates in the field, he 
 was defeated. He was renominated in 1871, however, and 
 was successful, defeating OSCAE F. POTTER by 78 majority. 
 Last fall he was again elected by a majority of 136, JEHIEL 
 W. HIMES, of Cohoes, being his opponent. As a member of 
 the House, he is energetic and capable, giving close attention 
 to the interests of his constituents. He serves on the Conv 
 mittees on Canals, and Villages. 
 
 Mr. MOSHEE boasts a long and honorable army record. 
 Commissioned as Captain of Company F, Ninety-third Regi- 
 ment New York Volunteers, in August, 1861, he proceeded 
 to the front, and served about, two years under Generals 
 McCi/ELLAN, HOOKEE, BuENSiDE and MEADE, participating 
 in nearly all the battles and marches of the Army of the 
 Potomac during that period. A portion of the time he was 
 detailed as an officer of General MCCLELLAN'S headquarters' 
 guard. 
 
 Mr. MOSHEE is a man of somewhat striking presence. 
 He is solidly built, about the medium size, with dark features, 
 long flowing beard, tinged with iron-grey, large black eyes 
 and dark hair. He has the appearance of an earnest, intel- 
 ligent man of business, and he is one. He was married, in 
 1848, to CHEISTIKA McMiLLix, of Warren county.
 
 260 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN NICE. 
 
 Erie county has very nearly a monopoly of the German 
 element in the House, there being but two native Germans 
 from the rest of the State, while Erie county sends two very 
 excellent representatives of that nationality, Messrs. BALTZ 
 and NICE. Mr. NICE is a resident of Grand Island, and was 
 elected from the Fourth district of Erie county. He was 
 born October 15, 1813, in Kiudenheim, Rhenish Bavaria. 
 He therefore ranks among the older members of the House. 
 His parents, who were also born in Kindenheim, emigrated 
 to this country in 1836, settling upon a farm in Erie county. 
 
 Young NICE was educated in the common schools and 
 brought up on the paternal farm, which he continued to 
 manage for some years after his father died. Finally, he 
 became a heavy dealer in wood and timber, and gave up 
 agriculture. , 
 
 He has generally felt a warm interest in politics, and exer- 
 cises considerable influence among his countrymen, who con- 
 stitute a large proportion of the population of that section 
 of the State. He has been a Republican since the party was 
 organized, and before that was a Whig. His almost life-long 
 residence in Erie county, and his active participation in its 
 politics, have rendered him more than ordinarily deserving 
 of the numerous public positions he has been called to fill. 
 He has served four times on the Board of Supervisors in 
 1864, and each time he bore himself with credit. During 
 three years from 1861 to 1863 he was County Superin- 
 tendent of the Poor. Last fall he was selected by common 
 consent as the fittest man to represent his district in the 
 Assembly, and was chosen by a majority of 754, although 
 another German. GEORGE ZEXT, run against him. The Re- 
 publicans carried the district by a majority of 89. 
 
 Mr. NICE is a man of robust, well-developed physique.
 
 MICHAEL NORTON. 261 
 
 His countenance indicates much decision of character, 
 blended with kindness of heart. He is one of the quiet 
 members, but he watches closely the progress of legislation. 
 He professes the Protestant religion, was married in 1843 to 
 Miss MARY ANN PFIZENMEIER, and is greatly respected in 
 the community where he resides. 
 
 MICHAEL NORTON. 
 
 Mr. NORTON, from the Fifth metropolitan district, is one 
 of the best known members of the Xew York delegation. 
 An Irishman by birth, but a thorough American in feeling 
 and education, energetic, generous, true-hearted, social, and 
 in every way an agreeable gentleman, Mr. NORTON is un- 
 doubtedly one of the most popular members on the opposition 
 side of the House. Born on Christinas day, 1839, he is now 
 in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and presents a splendid 
 specimen of physical development. The better traits of 
 manly character are very fully indicated in his physiognomy, 
 of which a pleasant countenance, a mild blue eye, and a firm, 
 yet amiable expression of feature are the main characteristics. 
 He is a man of strong, practical common sense, and knows 
 well how to make his knowledge of politics available. Few 
 men of his education can compare with him in his control 
 of men and party organizations, lie is a Democrat by 
 instinct, faith, education and practice, and though a firm 
 adherent of Tammany, and, in fact, a representative of that 
 wing of the Democracy in the Assembly, no man has ever, 
 by assertion or intimation, connected him with the fraudulent 
 practices of certain former members of the Tammany organ- 
 ization. 
 
 Mr. NORTON was born in the count v of Roscommon, Ire- 
 land, lli.s ancestry were all honorable and honored, and 
 embraced men of distinction. But the misfortunes so com-
 
 262 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 mon and constant in the Green Isle did not spare his father's 
 family ; and when he was but five years old they joined in 
 the exodus to America, and settled in the city of New York, 
 where they resided up to the time of their death. 
 
 Mr. NORTON is almost entirely self-educated. Except 
 during a period of about nine months, at a very early age, he 
 never attended a school under ordinary teachers; at the age 
 of eight years he not only had to earn his bread but make it 
 also, and commenced that part of his education which relates 
 to the " loaves and fishes " in a cracker bakery, in which he 
 remained about three years. He was then employed about 
 five years with the firm of Swift & Co., sugar refiners, and 
 subsequently engaged as mess boy on the " Atlantic," one of 
 the vessels of the " Collins Line," and made several trips to 
 Europe. He next learned the coopers trade, which he fol- 
 lowed with characteristic industry until the assault upon 
 Sumter in 1861 called the country to arms. Leaving his 
 hoops and staves in response to that call, Mr. NORTOX 
 enlisted as a private in the 35th Regiment New York Volun- 
 teers. His popularity and ability secured his selection to the 
 Captaincy of Co. D of the regiment, which was mustered 
 into service in May, 1861, and was one of the first at the 
 front, He remained in the field about eight months when 
 news of the serious illness of his mother compelled him to 
 resign, his father having died a few months previously, and 
 the care and support of the family consequently devolving 
 upon him. 
 
 Returning to Xew York in December, 1862, he was urged 
 to enter politics. After some hesitation he accepted an inde- 
 pendent Democratic nomination fur Alderman of his dis- 
 trict, though it involved the leadership of a forlorn hope. 
 The result of the election, however, was auspicious for the 
 future, and fully demonstrated his power with the people. 
 Four candidates besides himself were in the field, but, not- 
 withstanding the odds against him, he came out second in 
 the race. In 1864 he again ran as an independent Demo-
 
 MICHAEL NORTON. 263 
 
 cratic candidate and came off victorious in a severe contest 
 with three opponents. His course in the Board of Alder- 
 men, during his first term, was such that in I860 he received 
 the regular Tammany nomination for re-election, and after 
 another hot contest swept the field against three candidates. 
 His aldermanic record was eminently satisfactory, and his 
 courage and firmness, combined with his manifest sincerity, 
 his natural gentility of manners, and his knowledge of men, 
 constantly added to his power and popularity, which have 
 since been fully proven by his repeated election to the State 
 Senate from the Third district. 
 
 At the time Mr. NORTON became a Senatorial candidate, 
 in 1867, the Legislature was Kepublican, and a Eepublican 
 Senator, Hon. ABRAHAM LEXT, represented the district, 
 which had become traditionally of the same political com- 
 plexion. Mr. NORTOX'S first campaign, however, changed 
 the tradition and the facts, and he curried the district for 
 the Democracy by a large majority, although he had opposed 
 to him CHARLES BLAUVELT, the Mozart Hall candidate, and 
 two Kepublican candidates. In the Senate he became a per- 
 sonal favorite with men of all parties, and was in all respects 
 a valuable member. In 1869 he was again nominated as the 
 regular Tammany candidate for Senator, and though again 
 opposed by an outside Democrat, ex-Alderman FLYXN, and 
 by a Kepublican. lion. JACOB SHARPK, he gave both a speci- 
 men of his quality as the ''Thunderbolt," a title which he 
 earned in these contests, and was again elected by a large 
 majority. 
 
 In the fall of 1871 he was again a candidate, but the com- 
 bination against him was too formidable, and he was defeated. 
 Last November he was elected to the Assembly by a majority 
 of 673, and as a member of the Committees on Canals and 
 Militia, he is an effective member of the House. 
 
 Besides his services as a State legislator and as an Alderman, 
 Mr. NORTON has frequently been a delegate to the State con- 
 ventions of his party, serving in that capacity in the National
 
 264 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Democratic Convention which was held in New York in 
 July, 1868. He has also been a prominent member of the 
 Tammany General Committee in New York, and is recog- 
 nized as one of the most shrewd and indefatigable workers 
 in his party. 
 
 JAMES M. OAKLEY. 
 
 Mr. OAKLEY is now serving his third term as the represent- 
 ative from the Third district of Queens county. He is one 
 of the younger members of the House, having been born in 
 New York city on the 19th of January, 1839. He received 
 a thorough academic education, and since his majority has 
 been engaged in the business of buying and selling real 
 estate. He now resides at Jamaica, Queens county, where 
 he is very popular among all classes. 
 
 A Democrat of unswerving fidelity, Mr. OAKLEY has 
 mingled considerably in politics, and enjoys the confidence 
 of his party in very large measure. In the recent canvass 
 extraordinary efforts were made to defeat him, but he re- 
 ceived a majority of 141, over THOMAS J. COGSWELL, Repub- 
 lican, and was the only Democrat elected in Queens county. 
 He is a man of unusually prepossessing appearance and 
 genial manners. Well posted in the routine of legislation, 
 though not a great talker, he is an efficient and valuable 
 member, and much esteemed by all so fortunate as to possess 
 his friendship. 
 
 His seat was contested by Mr. COGSWELL, his opponent, 
 but the Committee on Privileges and Elections decided 
 unanimously that Mr. OAKLEY was entitled to the seat.
 
 JOHN O^BRIAN. 265 
 
 JOHN O' BRIAN. 
 
 Mr. O'BRIAN, of Erie, is a son of JOHN and MARY O' 
 natives of the county of Cork, Ireland, and was born in Little 
 Falls, Herkimer county, December 12, 1842. He is well ed- 
 ucated, having spent most of his youth in the public schools, 
 and in the Buffalo Mercantile College, obtaining a thorough 
 acquaintance with those branches especially essential to busi- 
 ness life. After leaving school he learned the printing busi- 
 ness, but he was compelled to leave it on account of ill health, 
 and was then employed as salesman in the coal department of 
 the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, at 
 Buffalo. At the commencement of President GRANT'S admin- 
 istration, he was appointed assistant postmaster of Buffalo, 
 and served two years. Recently he held an important position 
 in the State Comptrollers office, under Hon. NELSON K. HOP- 
 KINS, but resigned last fall, in order to accept a nomination 
 for Member of Assembly. 
 
 Mr. O'BuiAN has always acted with the Republican party, 
 his first vote having been cast for ABRAHAM LINCOLN. He 
 has mingled largely in the local politics of his district, and 
 not only bears a good reputation for integrity and ability, 
 but is very popular with all classes. He ran for Assembly 
 in 1868, on the Republican ticket, but was defeated by Hon. 
 GKO. J. BAMLER. The result of the contest was, however, 
 quite gratifying to Mr. O'BRIAN, inasmuch as he ran 1.400 
 ahead of his ticket. In the fall of 1872. he again received 
 the nomination, and was elected by a majority of 407. over 
 DANIEL CRUISE, Democrat, in a district which gave 607 
 Democratic majority the previous year. He is, in fact, the 
 first Republican member ever elected in the district. He is 
 Chairman of the Committee on Militia, and a member of the 
 Committee on Public Education. 
 
 Being Captain of the McMahon Corps of the 74th Regi-
 
 266 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ment, N. Y. S. N. G., one of the crack organizations among 
 the citizen soldiery of Buffalo, and being identified with 
 various social and political institutions in that city, Mr. 
 O'BitiAN naturally enjoys a large acquaintance, and he is 
 highly esteemed by all his associates and friends. He pos- 
 sesses numerous graces of character, and is ever firm in his 
 friendships, strong and decided in his convictions, and always 
 the courteous, genial gentleman. With his many good quali- 
 ties, however, and possessing in marked degree those attri- 
 butes which are calculated to win the regard of the other 
 sex, Mr. O'BKiAisr is, strangely enough, unmarried. In 
 religion he is a Roman Catholic. 
 
 WILLIAM S. OPDYKE. 
 
 Mr. OPDYKE, who represents the Twentieth metropolitan 
 district, \vas born on the 6th of October, 1836. He received 
 a liberal education, graduating at the age of twenty from 
 the University of the city of New York. Deciding to adopt 
 the profession of the law, he attended the Albany Law 
 School in 1866-7, and then went to Europe and studied at 
 Heidelberg during the years 1858 and 1859. On his return 
 he again attended the Albany Law School in, 1859-60, was 
 admitted to the bar at Albany in May, 1860, and has since 
 practiced in the city of New York. ' He has always been more 
 or less active as a politician. In the earlier years of his life he 
 was attached to the Free Soil wing of the Democratic party, 
 but, as the issues of the war obliterated that distinction in 
 the ranks of the Democracy, he, in common with many 
 others holding similar views, gravitated toward Republican- 
 ism, and for several years past he has uniformly acted with 
 the party which fought out the war and abolished slavery. 
 He enjoys a large popularity in the Nineteenth ward, where he 
 resides, but, with the exception of being a member of the
 
 JACOB M. PATTERSON. 267 
 
 lower board of the New York Common Council in 1864, he 
 has never held public office until the present year. In the 
 present canvass he was elected by a plurality of over 1,000, 
 in a district largely Democratic, the opposition vote being 
 about equally divided between the Tammany and Apollo 
 Hall candidates. This result is, perhaps, the more gratifying 
 to him, as the Committee of Seventy declined to indorse his 
 nomination. 
 
 Mr. OPDYKE is a young man of decided force of character, 
 and possesses marked legislative ability. As a public speaker 
 he is pleasing, concise and logical, and. though he is more at 
 home, perhaps, in the discussion of legal questions than any 
 other, he brings to every question the ripe judgment of a 
 well-balanced and well-informed mind, and that critical fac- 
 ulty which springs from thoroughly matured conviction. 
 Since the session opened he has ably participated in numer- 
 ous important discussions, and was specially prominent in 
 the debates in the Assembly upon the New York city char- 
 ter. He is a man of very pleasing appearance, and carries 
 with him the manners of the cultivated gentleman. He was 
 married in October, 1863, to Miss POST, a daughter of Prof. 
 ALFRED C. POST, an eminent physician of New York city. 
 
 JACOB M. PATTERSON. 
 
 Hon. JACOB M. PATTERSOX, Jr.. was born of American 
 parents, June 20th, 1838, in the district which he now repre- 
 sents, the 10th of New York. He received a common school 
 and academic education, and is now engaged in business as a 
 dealer in meats. 
 
 Mr. PATTERSOX has for a number of years been actively 
 engaged in political contests, especially in his own district, 
 where he has labored for years to establish a Republican 
 Association to be composed only of consistent members of
 
 268 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 his party. In this he has been completely successful, and 
 for several years he has been unanimously elected to the 
 presidency of a large and influential organization. 
 
 A warm admirer of Gen. GRAXT during his military 
 career, he was one of his most ardent supporters in 1868, 
 and early became an earnest advocate of the President's 
 claims to the renomination. As a member of the Executive 
 Committee of the State Central Committee "he labored zeal- 
 ously during the late campaign. The Tenth Assembly dis- 
 trict, comprising a densely populated portion of the Seven- 
 teenth ward, is largely Democratic, and great numbers of 
 Germans reside within its boundaries. By the latter element 
 Mr. PATTERSOX has been justly regarded as a friend, and 
 their hearty support greatly contributed to his success in the 
 late election. It is worthy of mention that Mr. PATTERSON 
 is the first Republican who has obtained a clear majority in 
 the district since the formation of the party. 
 
 In view of his business interests, he yielded reluctantly to 
 persuasions of political and personal friends, and entered 
 upon a compaign against two opponents, one of whom had 
 received the regular nominations of Tammany and Apollo 
 Hall. He had, however, the prestige of a name well known 
 and highly honored for many years in the district where his 
 ancestors resided. Hosts of personal and political friends, 
 together with Germans and others who, regardless of party 
 ties, combined with those who were enthusiastic in his sup- 
 port, on account of his great personal popularity and well- 
 known unswerving devotion to Republican principles, 
 secured a result which, considering the political complexion 
 of the district, surprised those most who deemed themselves 
 the best judges of political probabilities, and can only be 
 regarded as a great personal triumph of the candidate thus 
 honored. In 1871 the vote for member of Assembly was as 
 follows: Republican, 1,810; Independent Liberal, 309; 
 Tammany, Apollo, and Independent Democrats, 3,632. The 
 Republican candidate was elected by a small plurality, though
 
 STEPHEN PELL. 269 
 
 the total opposition vote was in a majority of 2,131. In 
 1872 Tammany and Apollo Hall combined upon one of the 
 candidates of 1871, and a German ran on an Independent 
 ticket. The result was most gratifying to the friends of Mr. 
 PATTERSON. He received a vote of 2,985 ; ROLLAVAGON, the 
 Tammany and Apollo Hall candidate, received 1,834, and 
 WERNER, the Independent candidate, polled Init 891 votes, 
 thus leaving Mr. PATTERSON a clear majority of 260, and a 
 majority over Tammany and Apollo Hall of 1,151. 
 
 STEPHEN PELL. 
 
 Mr. PELL is a prosperous merchant of New York city, 
 residing in the Ninth ward of that city nearly all his life. 
 He was born, however, in the Fifth ward, on the 26th of 
 February, 1819, being, therefore, about fifty-four years of 
 age. He was a son of ABIJAH PELL, who served with 
 honor in the war of 1812. Mr. PELL is in large degree self- 
 educated, though he passed through the usual training 
 which the average American youth receives in the public 
 schools. His common-sense views of questions which come 
 before him as a legislator, and his equally common-sense 
 mode of dealing with them, were derived mainly from the 
 school of experience, in which he has been all his life an apt 
 pupil. In 1843, heAvas married to MARY JANE MASTERSON, 
 Avho Avas also a native of XeAv York city. During many 
 years Mr. PELL Avas an active member of the old Volunteer 
 Fire Department of the metropolis, and has long borne the 
 reputation of a large-hearted, public-spirited citizen. He 
 never held public position. hoAvever, until 1872, Avhen he 
 represented the same district, the Xinth, in the Assembly, 
 being elected by a decided majority over two opponents, 
 WILLIAM BERGEN and TERENCE SHEA. In the canvass
 
 270 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 last fall his re-election was opposed by WILLIAM DURGAN. 
 He has been a Republican since the organization of the 
 party, previous to which he acted with the Whigs. Mr. 
 PELL is a well-preserved gentleman of courteous manners 
 and liberal views. In person he is large and rather stoutly 
 built, with a massive head and shoulders, 'benevolent coun- 
 tenance, black eye, and hair plentifully sprinkled with 
 gray. He is esteemed by friends and opponents alike, and 
 performs his legislative duties with diligence and ability, 
 devoting his attention mainly to local matters. 
 
 EL AM PERSONS. 
 
 Mr. PERSONS, who re-presents the first district of Jefferson 
 county, was born in Somers, Tolland county, Connecticut, 
 August 2, 1809. His father, SAMUEL PERSONS, was also a 
 native of Connecticut, but he removed to New York State a 
 few years after his marriage, and died in 1859 at the age of 
 ninety-two. Mr. PERSONS was educated in the common 
 schools of this State, and learned the trade of a wheelwright, 
 which he followed until about the year 1853, when he pur- 
 chased a farm in the town of Ellisburgh, and has managed 
 it up to the present time with a very good degree of success. 
 At an early age he became identified with the old Whig 
 party, and steadily adhered to its fortunes until it was 
 dissolved; since that event he has as steadily acted with the 
 Republican party, taking a very active part in the details of 
 local organization. His first advent in public affairs was in 
 1847, when he was made Collector of the town of Ellisburgh, 
 and served one year. In 1862 he was elected Highway Com- 
 missioner, and remained in office continuously for nine years. 
 Last fall his friends and neighbors determined upon his pro- 
 motion, and, after receiving the unanimous nomination of 
 his district convention, he was elected by the flattering
 
 GEORGE W. PHILLIPS. 271 
 
 majority of 1,587 over ALEXANDER DICKINSON, a Liberal 
 Republican, supported by Democrats. Mr. PERSONS has 
 been married twice, his first wife being ELIZA McNiTT, whom 
 he married in 1833, and his second, CHLOE E. KETCHUM, 
 married in 1855, and still living. Mr. PERSONS is a plain, 
 blunt man of action, with kindly disposition and pleasant 
 manners. He expends very little energy in words, but is 
 always in his seat, and performs his legislative duty with 
 diligence and judgment. 
 
 GEORGE W. PHILLIPS. 
 
 Mr. PHILLIPS was born in the town and county of Onon- 
 daga, December 18, 1823. In addition to an ordinary com- 
 mon school education, he came to Homer in 1840 and was a 
 diligent and faithful and successful pupil of Cortland 
 Academy until 1843. He taught a common school for 
 several winters, and was Town Superintendent of common 
 schools during the years 1845 and '46. In 1850 he became a 
 resident of Homer, where he established himself as a mer- 
 chant, and has pursued that occupation ever since. He soon 
 acquired, and has uniformly maintained, an honorable repu- 
 tation as an upright, competent and successful business man, 
 and a public spirited citizen. He served one term as Trus- 
 tee of Homer village. For the past several years he has been 
 an active and influential Trustee of Cortlaud Academy. In 
 1861 he was elected Supervisor of the town of Homer, and 
 with an interval of a few months, held the office for nine 
 years. He was chosen by the Board of Supervisors a member 
 of the Volunteer Bounty Committee, and held that position, 
 most of the time as Chairman, during its entire existence. 
 His services on this committee are regarded as having been of 
 great value to the county and to the Federal cause. His 
 knoAvledge of the details of the duties devolving upon him
 
 272 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 was thorough, and his judgment was much respected. His 
 clear perception of the principles involved, his retentive mem- 
 ory of the facts in each case, and his uniform readiness to meet 
 all the demands made by it upon his time and attention, fully 
 justified the successive Boards of Supervisors in retaining his 
 services upon the committee. In politics he was a Whig 
 until the formation of the Kepublican party, in which he 
 took an early and active part. He has remained an earnest 
 worker in that party. In the Republican County Convention 
 last fall he was nominated for Member of Assembly by an 
 unusually large vote. At the ensuing election he received 
 3,484 votes, his opponent, Judge W. A. SHANKLAND, receiv- 
 ing 2,492. His service in the Assembly thus far has been 
 eminently satisfactory. 
 
 EDWARD C. PHILPOT. 
 
 The gentleman who ably represents the First district of 
 Madison county in the Assembly is EDWARD C. PHILPOT, a 
 native and resident of the toAvn of Eaton, in that county. 
 He is of Protestant-Irish descent. His grand-parents settled 
 in Eaton in 1807, on the farm still occupied by his mother, 
 whoso maiden name was MARY TOOKE, his father having 
 died July 27, 1859. Mr. PHILPOT was born on November 9, 
 1834, and lie is, therefore, a little over thirty-eight years of age. 
 He was liberally educated in the common schools and at the 
 Central JS r ew York Conference Seminary at Cazenovia, com- 
 pleting his study of the ordinary branches in 1852. During 
 a couple of years subsequently he taught school, but enter- 
 taining a penchant for the legal profession, he read law for 
 several years in the office of Hon. HENRY GOODWIN and 
 D. J. MITCHELL, of Hamilton, and was admitted to the bar 
 in 1856. He then formed a partnership with Hon. J. B. 
 ELDRIDGE, at Hamilton, and practiced with fair success until
 
 EDWARD C. PHILI>OT. 273 
 
 the partnership was dissolved in 1858. During the next two 
 years he practiced law with Col. JOHN" T. PHILPOT, his 
 brother, at Cleveland, Ohio. Owing to poor health he finally 
 returned to Eaton, however, and settled down to the occupa- 
 tion of farming. He also practices law, and is a Railroad 
 Commissioner of his town. 
 
 Mr. PHILPOT has been active and prominent in Madison 
 county politics for a long period, having been a delegate to 
 every county and district convention for the last ten years. 
 He has also been a delegate to State Conventions, and as 
 Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Justice of Sessions, and now 
 as member of Assembly, bids fair to perform his full share 
 of public service. Soon after his return from Ohio he was 
 elected Supervisor for the town of Eaton, and served two years 
 in the board. In 1864 he was chosen Justice of the Peace, and 
 has filled the office ever since. In 1867 he was also elected 
 Justice of Sessions, holding the office until 1869. Last fall 
 he received a majority of 1,525 for the Assembly, P. ADELBERT 
 BUEDICK being the opposing candidate. Mr. PHILPOT'S first 
 vote was cast for Joirx C. FKEMOVT for President. Since 
 then he has steadily labored and voted for the success of 
 Republican principles and candidates. Mr. P. is Chairman 
 of the Committee on Petitions of Aliens, and a member of 
 the Committee on Privileges and Elections. He is a bachelor, 
 and weighs 200 pounds. 
 
 18
 
 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 HENRY R. PIERSOK 
 
 The Second district of Albany county has of late adopted 
 the commendable rule of sending her best men to the 
 Assembly. To this class, in whatever way we may regard 
 him, Mr. PIERSOX assuredly belongs. He is decided!} 7 the 
 most conspicuous man in the Assembly, and his prominence 
 in the public mind is due entirely to his exalted, personal 
 attributes. He is emphatically one of those men who, by 
 self-reliance, ability, and force of character, achieve a meas- 
 ure of success of which many, more favored by fortune, 
 come short. Born in Charleston, Montgomery countv, in 
 this State, on the 13th of January, 1819, of poor and 
 obscure, but respectable family, he inherited nothing but 
 the sterling honesty which characterized his parents, and his 
 early opportunities for acquiring an education were con- 
 lined to those obtainable, with little regularity, in a country 
 school-house. When he reached the age of twenty-one, how- 
 ever, being thrown upon his own resources, he left home. 
 His first care, on finding himself his own master, was to 
 make up, as far as possible, for his educational deficiencies. 
 He therefore labored industriously, studied hard, and by 
 teaching school, and with trifling outside aid. he finally 
 attained the object of his ambition. He entered Union Col- 
 lege in 1843, and graduated in July, 184G, with full honors, 
 being in the class with ex-Governor Joiix T. -HOFFMAN, and 
 other men who have since reached eminence. He chose the 
 law as his profession, and removed to Xew York in 1847. 
 Being without fortune, friends or influence, it was up-hill 
 work with him at first, but his unconquerable spirit soon 
 surmounted those obstacles which often fatally discourage 
 young men on entering the crowded city. He studied faith- 
 fully, and in May, 1848. his zeal and ability were rewarded 
 by his admission to the bar. He at once engaged in active
 
 HENRY R. PIEKSO\. 275 
 
 practice, and was known as one of the most promisiag 
 young lawyers of the metropolis. lie formed a partnership 
 with Hon. ABIJAH MAXX, Avhich continued several years, 
 during which he established a good reputation. 
 
 In 1849 he removed to Brooklyn and immediately inter- 
 ested himself in public affairs to that extent that he soon 
 became a prominent and influential citizen. Warmly attached 
 to the Whig cause at that time, he allied himself with the 
 Republicans as soon as the new party was organized, and 
 has consistently adhered to it up to the present time. The 
 prominence he attained and his splendid abilities caused him 
 to be selected as the standard bearer of the party in numer- 
 ous political contests, and it has been well for him, and well 
 for the communities in which he has resided, that he pos- 
 sessed a physical and mental organization which singularly 
 fitted him to stand in the fore-front of the hottest party 
 fights. 
 
 The first position held by him was that of member of the 
 Brooklyn Board of Education. He was appointed to that 
 office by the mayor and aldermen in 1854, and served until 
 1857. Mr. PIEESO>* fully recognized the importance of the 
 trust confided to him, and performed his duties with tact and 
 judgment. He was re-appointed in I860, and held the posi- 
 tion as long as he resided in the city. In 1857 he was elected 
 Alderman of the Third ward of Brooklyn, and represented 
 the interests of the ward for three years, to the entire satis- 
 faction of a large, wealthy and intelligent constituency. 
 His position in the municipal legislature was one of com- 
 manding influence, and for a year and a half he was Presi- 
 dent of the Board of Aldermen. In 1857 he was the 
 Republican candidate for State Senator for the Second dis- 
 trict, and was defeated by the Democratic candidate. Mr. 
 GARDIXKR, by about forty votes. Irregularities, amounting 
 in some instances to positive fraud, wen' alleged to have 
 occurred in connection with the election, and Mr. PIERSON 
 was urged, by his political friends, to contest the seat. lie.
 
 276 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 however, declined to do so, preferring to owe Senatorial 
 honors to the will of the people, clearly expressed in a major- 
 ity vote, rather than to a technical question of regularity. 
 In 1868 that will was thus expressed, by a handsome majority, 
 in a district usually regarded as close and doubtful. In that 
 year Mr. PIERSOX was elected over CALVIN E. PRATT, the 
 Democratic candidate, by a majority of 1,097. His services 
 in the Senate are forgotten neither by his constituents nor 
 by the State at large. He participated in the important dis- 
 cussions occurring during his stay at the Capital witli signal 
 ability, and showed those qualities of the true statesman 
 which have since been more fully developed. 
 
 In 1860, Mr. PIERSOX retired from the legal profession, 
 and was chosen President of the Brooklyn City Eailroad, 
 and henceforth became actively identified with the great and 
 rapidly growing railroad interests of the country. He held 
 this office until 1869, Avhen he was elected Financial Agent 
 of the Chicago and Northwestern Eailroad Company. This 
 necessitated his removal to Chicago, and he was soon after 
 made Vice-President of the same company, retaining, how- 
 ever, the position of Financial Agent. This office he held 
 two years, when, on being chosen Resident Executive Direc- 
 tor of the Xew York Central and Hudson Eiver Eailroad. he 
 removed to Albany, where he has since resided. 
 
 Besides the positions of a business and political nature 
 already mentioned, Mr. PIERSON has held several important 
 trusts of an honorary character, educational and otherwise. 
 In July, 1870, he was elected a trustee of Union College, his 
 alma mater, and was also chosen as a trustee of the Albany 
 Medical College, but he resigned both positions on being 
 elected Eegent of the University by the Legislature of 1872, 
 to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. ERAS- 
 TUS CORXING. He is now, however, Trustee of the Dudley 
 Observatory at Albany, and also of the State Inebriate Asy- 
 lum at Binghamton. 
 
 It seems superfluous to observe that in all these positions
 
 JAMES G. PORTEOUS. 277 
 
 Mr. PIERSON has shown conspicuous ability, rare capacity, 
 and large mental powers. In every situation requiring exec- 
 utive talent, prompt and unerring judgment, and discrimi- 
 nating tact, he is at home. A keen observer, a rapid reasoner, 
 and an acute thinker, he certainly seems fitted to occupy 
 more exalted places of trust than any he has yet been called 
 to fill. 
 
 In the Assembly he was accorded a prominent position 
 from the start, being assigned to the Chairmanship of the 
 Committee on Cities, and the second place on the Railroad 
 Committee. He therefoi-e wields an influence second to that 
 of no other member of the present House. He is a man 
 of large frame and dignified presence, and is full of healthful 
 vitality. His profusion of silvery hair gives him a venerable 
 appearance beyond his years. Of unruffled disposition, warm, 
 social qualities, hearty and pleasant manners, he certainly 
 possesses all the characteristics which win popularity. He is 
 an excellent debater, fluent, clear, sensible, unostentatious, 
 frequen-tly brilliantly eloquent. He lays down his proposi- 
 tions vigorously and plainly, and always commands the atten- 
 tion of the House. 
 
 JAMES G. PORTEOUS. 
 
 JAMES GEORGE PORTEOUS, who represents Warren county 
 in the present Assembly, is a physician of twenty years' 
 practice, and so thorough and reliable is he in his professional 
 capacity, that he is admitted to be ' the best physician in 
 Warren county/' He was born in Moriah, Essex county, on 
 the 3d of January, 1839, his father being ANDREW POR- 
 TEOUS, who is still living. He received a liberal education, 
 graduating from Harvard University in 1862. In August 
 of the same year he received the appointment of assistant 
 surgeon of the 118th Regiment Xew York Volunteers. While-
 
 278 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 with this regiment, and subsequently, he greatly distin- 
 guished himself by his bravery and coolness in action, 
 making it his invariable practice to accompany the command 
 wherever it went, nobly sharing in its dangers and priva- 
 tions on the march and under fire. He was in many of the 
 battles and campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, and 
 served throughout with the Army of the James, being espe- 
 cially conspicuous at South Anna, siege of Suffolk, City 
 Point, Drury's Bluff, Coal Harbor, second Fair Oaks, Chapiir s 
 Farm, Fort Harrison, Petersburgh and Five Forks. He was 
 known in the army as the " Fighting Surgeon," and his 
 bravery on the occasion of the capture of Fort Harrison, 
 while his regiment formed a portion of the Army of the 
 James, elicited the following complimentary mention in the 
 general orders of the commanding officer, Gen. BUTLER : 
 
 - Assistant Surgeon, J. G. PORTEOUS, 118th X. Y. V., 
 deserves the highest credit for his bravery and attention to 
 duties, being the only surgeon in the brigade advancing with 
 his regiment in charging column." 
 
 After the close of the James River campaign, Dr. POR- 
 TEOUS was promoted to Surgeon, and transferred to the 46th 
 Regiment 1ST. Y. Volunteers, with which he remained until the 
 close of the war. 
 
 On his return home, Dr. PORTEOUS settled at Luzerne, 
 where he still practices his profession with great success. 
 Though always an enthusiastic and active Republican, he 
 never accepted public position until the year 1869, when he 
 was chosen Supervisor of Luzerne. To this office he has 
 been twice re-elected. Last fall he was a delegate to the 
 county convention, and steadily resisted the efforts made to 
 induce him to be a candidate for the Assembly, and it 
 Avas only when the unanimous voice of the convention called 
 upon him to accept, that he yielded. He was elected by 
 a decided majority in a county sometimes closely contested, 
 and his course, since he has been a member, fully justifies 
 the confidence reposed in him by his constituents.
 
 L. BRADFORD PRINCE. 279 
 
 Dr. PORTEOUS is a man of fine presence and courteous 
 demeanor, with warm, social instincts. Quiet and unassum- 
 ing in manner, a man of few words, but sound judgment, 
 his natural abilities and finely cultured mind inspire respect,' 
 and render him competent to fill any position in life. He 
 also unites with those qualities strict principles and unas- 
 sailable integrity. 
 
 L. BRADFORD PRINCE. 
 
 In view of his three years' record as a legislator, his emi- 
 nence in the legal profession, his prominence in literature 
 and politics, id his honorable connection with societies and 
 institutions of learning, Mr. PRINCE may be regarded as one 
 of the prominent men of our State. A finely cultivated gen- 
 tleman, a thorough scholar, a brilliant and forcible speaker, 
 and a man of decided and advanced opinions in most depart- 
 ments of thought, he is well qualified to maintain a leading 
 position in a House which practically recognizes no leader. 
 Mr. PRIXCE was born in Flushing, his present place of resi- 
 dence, on the 3d of July, 1840. He is a lineal descendant of 
 Gov. WM. BRADFORD, of Plymouth, one of the "Men of the 
 Mayflower," and inherits many of the sturdy virtues of his 
 Puritan ancestry. Both his grandfather and great-grand- 
 father, on the maternal side, were Governors of Rhode Island, 
 and, on the paternal side, he conies of the well-known 
 PRIXCE family, of horticultural fame. After spending much 
 of his youth in South Carolina and Florida in search of 
 health, lie was engaged for a short time in horticultural pur- 
 suits at Flushing, but his tastes leading him to the law, he 
 entered Columbia Law School, from which lie graduated 
 with the highest honors, receiving the 8200 prize in Politi- 
 cal Science. In 18G8 he was complimented by being chosen 
 as the Alumni orator, and is now President of the Alumni
 
 280 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Association of the Law School. As a lawyer, he stands 
 high, being a clear and incisive reasoner, and possessing rare 
 ability as an advocate. He indulges in very little fanciful 
 rhetoric, relying mainly upon carefully presented facts and 
 skillfully digested deductions therefrom. 
 
 Mr. PKINCE'S political career reaches over a period of 
 more than sixteen years, extending through the whole his- 
 tory of the Kepublican party. His interest in political mat- 
 ters early developed itself, and as long ago as 1856 in the 
 Fremont campaign he was an active writer and worker, 
 receiving a special vote of thanks from the town club, of 
 which he was too young to be a member. In 1860, though 
 still not a voter, he acted as officer of the local organization, 
 delegate, speaker, etc., enthusiastically supporting the Lincoln 
 ticket. Since that time he has always been actively engaged 
 in political work, though living in a county where the heavy 
 Democratic majority precluded all expectation of personal 
 advancement; and, as a political speaker, is well known in 
 many sections of the State. Twelve years ago he was chosen 
 a member of the Kepublican Committee of Queens county, 
 and has been its presiding officer for several years. He was 
 also u delegate to the Chicago National Convention in 1868, 
 and in the following year a member of the State Committee. 
 He was first elected to the Assembly in 1870, when he 
 received a majority of 1,415, although the district is about 
 600 Democratic. 
 
 Mr. PRIXCE'S popularity, in fact, has never been bounded 
 by party lines, men of all shades of political belief recogniz- 
 ing the fact that his splendid abilities are available for the 
 welfare of the whole people. Though not entirely unknown 
 in the State at large when he entered the Assembly, his 
 talents commanded speedy recognition in that body, and his 
 skill as a debater and his legislative efficiency were soon appar- 
 ent. In the fall of 1871 he was again placed in nomination, 
 and though his opponent was the strongest Democrat in the 
 district, and a man who had served two terms in the Assem-
 
 L. BRADFORD PRIXCE. 281 
 
 bly and one in the State Senate, Mr. PRINCE received a 
 majority of 1,169. In the fall. of 1872 he received the extra- 
 ordinary compliment of a request for his continuance in 
 office, signed by over two thousand voters irrespective of 
 party. He was thereupon nominated by acclamation, and 
 elected without opposition. Such tribute to high personal 
 character and exceptional official fidelity, is rarely extended 
 to a public man, and all who know Mr. P. will readily admit 
 that it was in every way deserved. 
 
 His service in the Assembly has been an honorable one. 
 As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee during this and 
 the last sessions, his labors have not only been multifarious 
 and arduous, but exceedingly valuable to the State. It was 
 his province during the winter of 1872 to conduct the investi- 
 gation into the official conduct of Judges BARXARD, CAR- 
 DOZO and McCuxx. This investigation extended from Feb- 
 ruary 19 to April 10, during which time 239 witnesses were 
 examined, and over 2,400 pages of evidence taken. The 
 thoroughness and fairness with which the investigation was 
 prosecuted secured the approbation of all parties, and its 
 results form the brightest page in the history of the last 
 Legislature. The verdict of the committee was so evi- 
 dently based upon justice and evidence, that it met with 
 very general acquiescence. The report in favor of impeach- 
 ing two of the judges and removing the other, was adopted 
 by the House, and in the choice of managers to conduct 
 the impeachment trial, which, as is known, resulted in the 
 disgrace of Judge BARXAUD. Mr. PRIXCE received 110 of the 
 113 votes cast by the House, the others chosen varying from 
 104 to 50 each. He was also appointed to proceed to the 
 Senate and formally impeach Judge BARXARD at its bar, for 
 high crimes and misdemeanors. He was active in the mat- 
 ter until the trial closed, and it is probablv due to him more 
 than any other one man, that the Judiciary of the State was 
 relieved of the disgrace that would have attended BARXARD'S 
 retention on the Bench.
 
 282 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 In the present session, besides the Chairmanship of the 
 Judiciary Committee (\vhich .Committee annually considers 
 nearly four hundred bills, having over one-quarter of the 
 legislation of the State referred to it), he is Chairman of the 
 Committee on Local and Special Laws, and a member of the 
 Joint Library Committee. 
 
 It is not alone, however, in the field of politics or law 
 that Mr. PRIXCE has won honor and fame. He is well 
 known, also, as a thoughtful Avriter and lecturer on various 
 topics, among which, perhaps, those relating to Legislative 
 and Governmental Keform have attracted the widest notice. 
 Several years ago he wrote a work entitled "E Pluribus 
 Unum, or, American Nationality," which passed through 
 several editions, and was warmly commended by statesmen 
 and political scientists. Last winter he delivered a lecture 
 in Xew York and several other cities, in which some of the 
 evils of the present system of law-making were severely 
 handled. He inveighed very strongly, in particular, against 
 the tendency to burden the Legislature with a mass of spe- 
 cial and local legislation, compelling much of the important 
 work of every session to be crudely and hastily performed. 
 His suggestions attracted much attention, and some of them, 
 have been embodied in the constitutional amendments now 
 pending. Mr. PRIXCE is also a prominent member of the 
 Masonic fraternity, having been D. D. Grand Master of 
 Queens and Suffolk counties for three terms. For ten years 
 he was Superintendent or Director of the Queens county 
 Agricultural Society, and during eight years has been an 
 officer of the Long Island Historical Society. With all his 
 attainments, Mr. PRIXCE is a quiet, courteous, unassuming 
 gentleman, strictly conscientious in all his dealings with 
 others, and it is evident that still greater honors are in store 
 for him in the future.
 
 BENJAMIN RAY. 283 
 
 BENJAMIN RAY. 
 
 The member from the First district of Columbia county is 
 one of the old-fashioned class of Democrats. Sturdy and 
 uncompromising in his character, earnest in his views, and 
 persistent in the advocacy of what he deems to be right prin- 
 ciples, he is well knoAvn in the eastern section of the State 
 as a sound and reliable member of the party. From his 
 youth up he has never faltered in his Democracy. During 
 the divisions of the party previous to the war he warmly 
 espoused the Hunker or Hardshell wing. His political 
 faith may therefore be said to be pure and unadulterated. 
 
 Mr. KAY was born in the city of Hudson, February 16, 1819. 
 His father, now dead, was Captain SAMUEL RAY, a native of 
 Dutchess county, and in his day a well-known shipmaster. 
 Mr. RAY'S mother, we believe, is still living, at a very advanced 
 age. Educated in the common schools and at Hudson 
 Academy, Mr. RAY adopted the profession of engineering, but 
 has not recently followed it. Until a few months ago he 
 
 */ o 
 
 owned a handsome farm in the vicinity of Hudson, upon 
 which he spent much of his time for several years past, but 
 he availed himself of an opportunity to dispose of it. 
 
 Mr. RAY'S life has been somewhat checkered and replete 
 with incident. Besides those mentioned he has at different 
 times tried his hand at a number of employments. He has 
 been a steamboat builder, a navigator on the Hudson, and 
 has done somethfng at blacksmi thing, boiler-making, and 
 sundry other trades. He went to California in 18-49. working 
 his passage, and spent several years in San Francisco, where 
 he made many warm friends, and held an important public 
 position solely because of his capability therefor, being polit- 
 ically opposed to those who appointed him. The climate did 
 not agree with him, however, and lie returned to Xcw York. 
 He remained in that citv until about five voars ?ince. when
 
 284 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 he located in Columbia county, and still resides there, 
 respected and honored. He is quite influential in the local 
 politics of that county, and has frequently held positions of 
 trust, which he has filled with credit. As the result of his 
 varied experience, and the buffetings of fortune, Mr. KAY is 
 a man of iron nerve and determined purpose. Yet with all 
 his rough exterior he is a man of extremely generous im- 
 pulses and kindly nature, and his inbred courtesy of manner 
 is extended to friends and opponents alike. He is now 
 serving his fourth term in the Assembly, having been a 
 member in 1856, and the last three terms being consecutive. 
 Mr. RAY'S voice is not often heard in debate, but he is capa- 
 ble of making a strong common-sense speech on almost any 
 topic, and is thoroughly posted in all the details of legis- 
 lation. 
 
 GEORGE RAYNOR. 
 
 The member from the Second district of Onondaga county 
 is a quiet man of business, possessing sound sense and un- 
 questioned capacity for legislative duties. This is his first 
 term in the Assembly, but the honorable record he has made 
 thus far is certainly to some extent an earnest that it will not 
 be his last. He Avas born in Oswego, December 14, 1816, 
 and is, therefore, about fifty-seven years of age. He is of 
 English descent, his father, JACOB RAYNOR, being the scion 
 of a family which early settled on Long Island. His mother 
 was a native of Washington county, in this State. Both his 
 parents have been dead some years. 
 
 Young RAYXOK received a good business education, partly 
 in a common school, and partly in the Onondaga Academy, 
 under the tutelage of the well-known educator, S. B. WOOL- 
 WORTH. After leaving school in 1828, he spent several years 
 as a clerk, and about the year 1841 he became an assistant in
 
 &EORGE RAYNOR. 285 
 
 the Syracuse post-office. He entered energetically upon his 
 duties, and made postal matters a study to such a degree that 
 he has been almost continuously in the service of the depart- 
 ment until a very recent period. He served in the Syracuse 
 office until 1845, when he became a mail agent on the route 
 between Albany and Buffalo, and served, either as deputy or 
 principal, from 1846 to 1865. When the new post-office 
 cars came into use he was selected as one of the postal clerks 
 between New York and Buffalo, and acted as such during 
 the years 1870 and 1871. He is largely interested in build- 
 ing and street-car enterprises in Syracuse, and though he 
 resides in Onondaga, the Saline City is virtually his business 
 home. . 
 
 Mr. RAYXOR'S political life has been active and honorable. 
 His first vote was cast for WM. H. SEWARD, in 1838, and 
 thenceforward he consistently acted with the Whigs until 
 the party dissolved. Then he became a Republican, and we 
 are safe in asserting that Onondaga county has few men who 
 have worked harder or more zealously for the cause than 
 Mr. RAYXOR. He is, in fact, always ready to do his whole 
 political duty, and has, therefore, been for many years prom- 
 inently identified with Onondaga county politics. For the 
 most part he has preferred to do his work in the ranks, but 
 he has occasionally held offices of a local nature, and invari- 
 ably filled them with credit. During two years, in 1864 and 
 1865, he was Supervisor of the town of Onondaga. He was 
 elected to the Assembly by a majority of 442. after an excit- 
 ing canvass, and is assigned to the Committees on Canals, 
 and State Charitable Institutions. 
 
 Mr. RAYXOR was married, in 1848, to CORDELIA HALL, a 
 daughter of Judge JOHXSOX HALL, of Syracuse. Unob- 
 trusive in disposition, agreeable in manners, strictly just and 
 honest in all his relations, and. withal, a man of keen judg- 
 ment and great ability, the member we have thus brieflv 
 sketched needs no graces of oratory to constitute him a val- 
 uable and effective legislator.
 
 286 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ELEAZER C. RICE. 
 
 The member from Herkimer was born in Salisbury. Her- 
 kimer county, on the 26th of March, 1827, and has there- 
 fore reached the age of full manly vigor. He was educated 
 at Fairfield Academy, in the same county, but he chose an 
 agricultural life, and, during his adult years, has farmed and 
 dealt in real estate with considerable success. He has 
 mingled much in political affairs, and has uniformly enjoyed 
 the confidence of his party and the country in large degree. 
 He held the office of Commissioner of Highways three 
 years, was Justice of the Peace twelve years, and Supervisor 
 three years. In these positions he exhibited marked ability 
 and integrity of character. He was a Democrat previous to 
 1856, but since that time he has acted with the Republican 
 party, never missing an opportunity to vote for its candi- 
 dates. In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the Assembly 
 by a majority of 1,063, and his career was so entirely satis- 
 factory to his constituents that he was returned last fall by 
 a majority of 1,101, his opponent being GEORGE A. FEETER, 
 a well-known Liberal Republican, of Little Falls. Mr. RICE 
 was married in 1851, to Miss SARAH A. IXGHAM. He pos- 
 sesses plenty of tact and judgment, and is, withal, a culti- 
 vated and agreeable gentleman.
 
 DOMINICK H. ROCHE. 287 
 
 DOMINICK H. ROCHE. 
 
 Mr. ROCHE, from the Third district of Kings, is well 
 known among the politicians of the State, especially those 
 of New York and Brooklyn, having, for a number of years, 
 taken an active part in the political contests of the latter 
 city, and, for three years past, forming part of its representa- 
 tion in the Assembly. He is a young man, full of fire and 
 vigor, and belongs to what is commonly regarded as the 
 Tammany school of Democracy. He was born in Cork, 
 Ireland, in 1834. Twelve years later he came to New York 
 with his parents, and was subsequently educated in the com- 
 mon schools of that city. He then commenced his business 
 life as a clerk in a wholesale dry goods house. His industry 
 and integrity were appreciated by his employer, and he 
 rapidly rose to the position of chief book-keeper and cashier. 
 He was, in fact, on the point of securing admission as a part- 
 ner in the concern, when the financial crisis, following the 
 political troubles of I860, forced the firm into bankruptcy, 
 in consequence of its heavv southern losses. He was already 
 
 / j 
 
 a resident of Brooklyn, having removed thither in 1854, and 
 he speedily obtained employment in adjusting the accounts 
 of the city sinking fund, which had become greatly involved. 
 Completing this task satisfactorily he was offered and accepted 
 a responsible position in the Register's office of Brooklyn, 
 and in 18G3 he became Secretary of the Board of City 
 Assessors, an office which he still holds. He \vas an active 
 member of the old volunteer Fire Department until it ceased 
 to exist, and always evinced a warm interest in its welfare. 
 In 1803. he was elected Trustee of the Fire Department 
 Widows and Orphans' Benefit Fund, of which board he was 
 President for several years, and is now Chairman of the Law 
 Committee. He has been elected to the Assembly, each time 
 by large majorities, receiving in 18TO, a plurality of .">10 over
 
 288 LIFK SKETCHES. 
 
 two candidates. His majority in 1871 was 5,182 over 
 CHRISTIAN, the Republican candidate, and he was chosen 
 last fall by a vote of 2,914 against 1,715 for SAMUEL B. 
 VREELAXD, Republican, and 1,400 and 1,285 for two inde- 
 pendent candidates. His course in the Assembly has, we 
 believe, been eminently satisfactory to his constituents, and, 
 indeed, no better proof would be desired on that point than 
 the decided popular majorities mentioned above. He is a 
 warm friend of local improvements, and, when he assumes 
 to champion a cause in the Legislature, he devotes to it all 
 his energies, and frequently carries his point through sheer 
 momentum. His speeches, though unquestionably lacking 
 in finished rhetorical eloquence, are always terse and logical, 
 and bristle with facts and figures, items which more eloquent 
 opponents frequently find it hard to controvert. During his 
 three years' service, Mr. ROCHE has served on the Commit- 
 tees on Railroads, Charitable and Religious Societies, Joint 
 Library, Petitions of Aliens, Privileges and Elections, and 
 Public Printing. 
 
 PARKER W. ROSE. 
 
 ISTo man in the Assembly bears a greater reputation for 
 sturdy honesty, and those qualities which denote the states- 
 man and patriot, than PARKER TV. ROSE. His countenance, 
 seamed and marked Avitli rugged angularity, is an unerring 
 index to the clear brain and keen intellect which it masks, 
 and. though he is not given to bold flights of eloquence, his 
 voice is always raised, when occasion requires, in behalf of 
 sound public policy and honest legislation. He is the especial 
 champion of economy in the public service, and no measure 
 which contemplates a needless or wanton expenditure of the 
 public funds can hope to escape either his vigilance or his 
 earnest protest.
 
 PARKER W. ROSE. 289 
 
 Mr. ROSE was born in Stockholm, St. Lawrence county, 
 on the 29th of March, 1812, and is consequently about sixty 
 years of age, but he comes of a hardy stock, and physically 
 and mentally he is as vigorous as the average of men at forty- 
 five. His father, DANIEL P. ROSE, was born in Coventry, 
 and is of English ancestry. Mr. ROSE'S educational oppor- 
 tunities in early youth were somewhat limited, being mainly 
 such as could be obtained at the common school during the 
 winter season. But he was more than ordinarily studious, 
 and when this was finally supplemented by a brief term at 
 the St. Lawrence Academy, he was abundantly competent to 
 fill the position of a teacher in a district school, and spent 
 several years in that capacity. Teaching was not to his 
 liking, however, and he soon relinquished it. Shortly after 
 attaining his majority, he engaged in the pursuit in which 
 much of his youth was passed that of farming ; and to this, 
 in later years, he added manufacturing. All his business 
 affairs have been managed with such prudence and sagacity 
 that he possesses a comfortable competence as the reward of 
 well-directed and honest industry. 
 
 Mr. ROSE has been an earnest and consistent member of 
 the Baptist church since his youth, having made a public 
 profession and consecration at the age of fourteen. During a 
 period of nearly thirty-four years he was Superintendent of 
 the Baptist Sabbath School at Parishville. He was married 
 to CYXTHIA PUTNAM in November, 1837. She died in 
 February, 1852, while he was a member of Assembly, Avhen 
 he was married in April, 1853, to Miss JULIANA BEECHEK, 
 who is still living. Mr. ROSE has frequently filled positions 
 of a public nature. During six years he was a member of 
 the St. Lawrence county Board of Supervisors, acting one 
 year as its Chairman. In 1852 he was a member of Assembly, 
 serving on the Committee on Grievances. He was re-elected 
 next year, when he was made Chairman of the Committee on 
 Internal Affairs, and also acted as Chairman of the Demo- 
 cratic caucus. In 1ST2 he was returned under different 
 19
 
 290 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 political auspices, having joined the Republican party at its 
 formation in 1854. Previous to that year he acted with the 
 Free Soil wing of the Democratic party. During the last 
 session Mr. R. was Chairman of the Committee on Grievances, 
 and the Sub-committee of the Whole, and a member of the 
 Committee on Federal Relations. So entirely satisfactory 
 was his course that he was renominated last fall by acclama- 
 tion, and beat his opponent, HOEACE BICKNELL, a " Liberal," 
 by the very large majority of 2,120. He is still Chairman of 
 the Sub-committee of the Whole, and a member of the Com- 
 mittee on Expenditures of the Executire Department. 
 
 JAMES RYAN. 
 
 JAMES RYAN represents ward seven of New York city, 
 which constitutes the Fourth Assembly District of the 
 metropolis. He was elected by a majority of 635 over his 
 Apollo Hall opponent, John Galvin. He is of Irish descent, 
 is an inflexible adherent of the Tammany wing of the Democ- 
 racy, and is a man of large social instincts, agreeable man- 
 ners, and much ability as a legislator. He is a member of 
 the Committees on Internal Affairs, and Expenditures of the 
 Executive Department. 
 
 PETER SCHOONMAKER. 
 
 Mr. SCIIOONMAKEK belongs to a class of intelligent and 
 substantial farmers found in every section of the State, who 
 are really among our best citizens. A man of strict integ- 
 rity, excellent social virtues and practical good sense, he more 
 than balances any lack of superficial polish by sterling traits 
 of character, and those inborn instincts which constitute the
 
 PETER SCHOONMAKER. 291 
 
 true gentleman. He was born in Knox, Albany county, June 
 20, 1827, his father, CHRISTIAN SCHOONMAKER, being also a 
 native of that town. He was brought up in the old home- 
 stead, and has never left it, being content to follow in his 
 father's footsteps and cultivate the paternal acres. He 
 received a liberal common school education, however, and 
 has taken pains to make himself thoroughly informed upon 
 all the prominent subjects of human thought. He is there- 
 fore a man of prominence in his quiet rural hamlet, and has 
 frequently been selected to fill positions which ought to fall 
 to the lot of the very best men in every community. During 
 a period of seven years he represented the town of Knox in 
 the Albany Board of Supervisors, making his influence felt 
 in a marked degree in favor of economy and prudence in the 
 management of the county finances. He is also President of 
 the Knox Insurance Company, and a Trustee of the Knox- 
 ville Academy. Living in a district which has generally 
 been quite evenly divided, politically, Mr. SCHOONMAKER has 
 always been an active worker in the Republican ranks, and 
 has rendered efficient service to the party since its first organ- 
 ization, previous to which he was a Whig. Though he has 
 never been an anxious seeker for office, he has seldom felt at 
 liberty to decline the public honors which have from time to 
 time been urged upon him. Last fall he was somewhat 
 reluctant to accept an Assembly nomination, but his friends 
 overcame his scruples and elected him by the largest majority 
 ever given to any candidate in the district, defeating COR- 
 NELIUS BAKER, a popular Democrat, by 980 votes. Quiet 
 and unassuming in deportment, but possessing decided prac- 
 tical ability as well as legislative knowledge. Mr. SCHOON- 
 MAKER is a valuable member in a House which admittedly 
 contains more than an average degree of talent. He is an 
 industrious member of the Committees on Agriculture. Civil 
 Divisions, and Privileges and Elections. He was married on 
 the 7th of August. 1850, to Miss*EMELiKE WOLFORD. and has 
 two children.
 
 292 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 SOLON B. SMITH. 
 
 Mr. SMITH is one of the youngest members of the Assem- 
 bly, being twenty-three years old this spring. His father and 
 mother were both natives of New York city, where he was 
 born on the 4th of April, 1850. He was educated in the com- 
 mon schools, and is now a clerk in a grocery and provision 
 house in the metropolis. Though his political career has 
 necessarily been short, he has become quite well known in his 
 district as an active Republican, and since he reached his 
 majority he has been President of the District Association. 
 He possesses ability, however, and he may yet attain fame 
 and profit in the field of politics. 
 
 JOHN L. SNYDER. 
 
 Few members of the present Assembly enjoy a greater 
 degree of personal popularity than Mr. JOHN L. SNYDEB, of 
 Rensselaer. His political career is in some respects remarkable. 
 Although he has been but about five years in the arena of 
 politics, he has already served nearly two terms in the 
 Assembly, been a delegate to a State Convention, and won 
 an enduring reputation as a man of good principles, excellent 
 business capacity, and undoubted skill in the manipulation 
 of party details. His popularity at home is very great. 
 Being a native and life-long resident of the town where he 
 lives, he is intimately identified with its prosperity and pro 
 gress, and has given his best efforts to its welfare. In twice 
 selecting him as their representative in the Assembly, in pref- 
 erence to older and more experienced, though perhaps less 
 active men, his constituents have not only honored them-
 
 JOHN L. SNYDER. 293 
 
 selves, but shown good sense. The adage "old men for coun- 
 sel, young men for action," is evidently highly regarded in 
 Mr. SNYDER'S bailiwick, and while he is certainly the man 
 to act wisely and promptly at the proper time, we are sure he 
 does not despise the invaluable counsel of his elders in the 
 party at home. 
 
 JOHN LANSING SNYDER was born at Pittstown, Rensse- 
 laer county, on the 24th of November, 1846. He is there- 
 fore about twenty-seven years of age, and ranks among the 
 youngest members of the Assembly. The parents of Mr. 
 SNYDER were of German extraction, but they were old resi- 
 dents of Pittstowu, residing there for a period of time 
 '"whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." 
 The subject of our sketch received the rudiments of an Eng- 
 lish common school education in his own town, and subse- 
 quently pursued the higher branches of a collegiate educa- 
 tion at the Fort Edward Institute. He also perfected him- 
 self in the elements of a business education in one of Bryant 
 & Stratton's commercial colleges. His father was a sub- 
 stantial farmer, and in the intervals of gaining an education 
 the son was inured to the same honorable pursuit. In 1868, 
 however, Mr. SNYDER availed himself of an excellent 
 business opening in New York city, and became the leading 
 and managing partner in a wholesale produce and commis- 
 sion house. In this he was successful beyond even his own 
 sanguine hopes; but the death of his father in 1870 com- 
 pelled the relinquishment of his metropolitan connection 
 and his return to the paternal homestead. From that time 
 forward he has resided at Pittstown, where he supervises his 
 productive acres and mingles largely in the social, business 
 and political life of the locality. 
 
 Very soon after his return he was chosen to fill the office 
 of Justice of the Peace for a term of four years, and, of 
 course, still holds the position, performing its duties with an 
 urbanity and discrimination rare in one of his years. It is 
 worthy of mention, in passing, that his opponent for the
 
 294 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 magisterial office was a man of his own political faith, but 
 Mr. SNYDER was successful by 235 majority. That vote is a 
 good indication of the esteem and popularity that he had 
 acquired among his own townsmen, who have known him 
 all the way from boyhood to man's estate. 
 
 His next political fight was in the summer of 1871. 
 There was a sharp contest over the delegates to the State 
 Convention of that year. Mr. SNYDER was brought forward 
 by his friends, and especially by the young men, as a candi- 
 date for delegate, but a number of the " old stagers " made a 
 strong effort to defeat him. They were somewhat chagrined, 
 however, when it Avas found that he had triumphed by a 
 handsome majority. His success as a delegate was such that 
 his friends insisted upon placing him in nomination for the 
 Assembly. There were several candidates for the honor, 
 some of whom were disposed to make light of the claims 
 of ' that young man SNYDER." When the vote was taken 
 in the Convention, he had a clear majority, and was duly 
 nominated as the regular Republican candidate. IRA B. 
 FORD, a wily and indefatigable worker, Avas his Democratic 
 opponent in the subsequent canvass. The Republican 
 majority Avas not large in the district, and his enemies 
 thought they saw a chance of defeating him. Mr. LAPE, a 
 Republican, Avas thereupon put in the field as an Independ- 
 ent Temperance candidate. The fight Avas a hot one, every 
 inch of ground and CA r ery locality in the district being 
 sharply fought over by the opposing candidates. It Avas one 
 of the sharpest and most exciting contests ever Avitnessed in 
 the district for member of Assembly, and the opponents of 
 Mr. SXYDER felt confident of securing his defeat. But they 
 counted without their host, for Mr. SXYDER developed all 
 the qualities of a thorough leader in the conduct of a for- 
 midably contested canvass. When the votes came to be 
 counted, it Avas found that he had secured a majority of 987 
 over FORD, 3,000 over LAPE, and 600 over both combined. 
 The young Republicans Avere greatly delighted at this result.
 
 JOHN L. SNYDER. 295 
 
 his majority being one of the largest ever given to an 
 Assembly candidate in the district. Of course the efforts of 
 his friends aided largely in securing his election ; but it was 
 more directly due to his own indomitable courage, sagac- 
 ity and energy. Last fall the opposing influences against 
 him had sensibly diminished. He had made a good record 
 in the Assembly, his popularity was assured, and even his 
 bitterest opponents had began to admire the plucky young 
 politician. He was re-elected by a majority of 3,361 over 
 SANDERS S. BAUCUS, his Democratic opponent. 
 
 Mr. SNYDER has thus far proved himself to be a straight- 
 forward, unswerving and reliable Republican. He has placed 
 himself above any claims or petty factional feuds that exist 
 in Rensselaer county as well as in other portions of the State 
 in both parties. He is honest and reliable under all circum- 
 stances, and seems to have an intuitive knowledge of the 
 course of conduct which gains the confidence and esteem 
 of his fellows. He takes up very little time in speech-making. 
 When he has any thing to say he says it in the most terse and 
 forcible language he can command. Others may pile argu- 
 ment upon argument, but he contents himself with a direct 
 and plain statement of the case and leaves it. It is to be 
 noticed that he seldom fails to carry his point. His effi- 
 ciency as a member lies rather in his capacity for hard work 
 in the committee room and elsewhere. His industry, his 
 familiarity with legislative rules, as well as his genial quali- 
 ties and warm friendliness of manner, combine to render 
 him a capable member. During his tAvo terms Mr. S \YDER 
 has served on several important committees. Last year lie 
 was a leading member of the Committee on Commerce and 
 Navigation, and also a member of the Militia Committee. 
 In the present Assembly he is Chairman of the Committee 
 on Expenditures of the House, and retains his place on Com- 
 merce and Navigation.
 
 296 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JAMES STEWART. 
 
 Though a young man, Mr. STEWART is a lawyer of decided 
 ability, and a respected and esteemed resident of South Wor- 
 cester, Otsego county, where he was born November 26, 1841. 
 He is a son of WILLIAM STEWART, an able and wealthy 
 physician of that town, who, we believe, is still living. Mr. 
 STEWART was thoroughly educated in the Delaware Literary 
 Institute, the New York Conference Seminary, and Ferguson- 
 ville Academy, passing with credit through the English and 
 classical course, and after suitably qualifying himself was 
 admitted to the bar in 1863. He represented Otsego county 
 in the Democratic State Convention of 1868, but aside from 
 that service, he never held any political position until he 
 took his seat in the present Assembly. At one time during 
 the war, he was aid-de-camp on the staff of Gen. BURNSIDE, 
 and proved himself an able officer. Always a consistent and 
 straightforward Democrat, this gentleman's popularity 
 where he is known is amply demonstrated by the fact that 
 but fifteen votes were cast against him in his own election 
 district in the recent canvass. Mr. STEWART is a tall, good- 
 looking gentleman, of pleasing manner and gentlemanly 
 address, and is evidently fully able to discharge the impor- 
 tant trust which his constituents have committed to his care.
 
 ADRIAN M. SUYDAM. 297 
 
 ADRIAN M. SUYDAM. 
 
 Mr. SUYDAM worthily represents the Eighth district of 
 Kings, and though his voice is not often heard in debate, 
 his influence and co-operation are of great value in the prac- 
 tical work of legislation. He was born in the town of Bush- 
 wick, now the Eighteenth ward of Brooklyn, and a por- 
 tion of his Assembly district, on the 25th of November. 
 1856. He is a direct descendent of the first settlers of Long 
 Island, who emigrated from Holland about the year 1626. 
 His father, JACOB SUYDAM, served honorably in the war of 
 1812. His grandfather, who Avas also a native of Bushwick, 
 served with a cavalry regiment during the War for Independ- 
 ence, and participated in many of the hard-fought battles 
 of that trying period. It will be seen, therefore, that Mr. 
 S. comes of good stock. Mr. SUYDAM was educated in the 
 district school at Bushwick, and early turned his attention 
 to garden and dairy farming, which he has since followed 
 with a reasonable degree of success. In 1852 he married 
 the daughter of NICHOLAS WYCKOFF, of Brooklyn. Mr. 
 SUYDAM was formerly an Old Line Whig, and when that 
 party dissolved he became a Eepublican, and has never 
 swerved from his political faith. During the years 1855 and 
 1856 he represented the Eighteenth ward in the Brooklyn 
 Board of Aldermen, and from 1867 to 1870, he was an 
 efficient member of the Brooklyn Board of Education. In 
 the Assembly canvass of last fall he received a majority of 
 420 over two candidates, A. M. BLISS, Liberal, and W. F. 
 JKXXINGS, Democrat. He is an effective and hard-working 
 member of the Committees on Ixailroads and Agriculture.
 
 298 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 GEORGE M. SWAIN. 
 
 Mr. SWAIN, a well-to-do farmer in the town of Somerset, 
 Niagara county, was born in the town of Totteness, Devon- 
 shire, England, October 18, 1821. His father was born in 
 this country, and was married in England. He became a 
 Nantucket whaleman, and led a very eventful life, having, in 
 the course of his vocation, been in almost every portion of 
 the world, and was at St. Helena when BONAPABTE landed on 
 that isolated place of exile. He died about two years ago, at 
 the age of ninety-four. Young SWAIN was brought to this 
 country at a very early age, and had very little chance to 
 emulate his father's roving course of life. He was educated 
 at Auburn Academy and in a select school at Batavia, and 
 spent the early years of his life at Auburn. Finally, he 
 became a farmer, and has since adhered to that occupation, 
 with a fair measure of success. 
 
 His political record presents no feature of interest, beyond 
 the fact that, since he ceased to be a Whig, he has always 
 been a consistent and active Republican, and his counsel and 
 co-operation in local management are valued very highly by 
 the members of his party. He has not manifested much 
 desire for office, but, at the same time, he is not disposed to 
 shrink from any responsibility of that nature he is called 
 upon to assume. He was a member of the Niagara county 
 Board of Supervisors from 1862 to 1804, serving with credit. 
 He was also a member of the Assembly of 18T2, serving on 
 the Committees on Claims ani Agriculture, and was elected 
 to the present House by an increased vote. He is now 
 Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, and is retained 
 on the Claims Committee. 
 
 Mr. SWAIN is quiet and retiring in disposition. He seldom 
 participates in the debates, but contents himself with ably 
 and faithfully representing his constituency, and keeping
 
 SIDNEY SYLVESTER. 299 
 
 himself right on the record. Possessing legislative abilities 
 of a high order, he is well posted in parliamentary routine, 
 and is valuable in the committee room. He was married 
 in 1842. 
 
 SIDNEY SYLVESTER. 
 
 Mr. SYLVESTER was born and has always lived in Lewis 
 county, and is, therefore, fully competent to represent that 
 locality, being fully acquainted with its needs. His parents 
 were New England people, his father, ELEAZER S. SYLVESTER, 
 being a native of Chesterfield, Mass., and his mother coming 
 from New Hampshire. His father died in 1835, at the age 
 of 56, but his mother is still living, and is nearly seventy- 
 four years of age. Young SYLVESTER first saw the light in 
 the village of Copenhagen, June 5, 1818, and as soon as he 
 was old enough, was given ample educational opportunities, 
 spending several years in the common schools, and complet- 
 ing his studies with a two years' course in Clinton Liberal 
 Institute. He was then twenty years of age, and having 
 been recently bereft of his father, he was thrown, to a certain 
 extent, upon his own resources. He taught school for several 
 years and then became a farmer, and afterward a merchant, 
 He is now engaged in milling, and is not only a man of 
 means, but an upright, public spirited citizen. 
 
 Mr. SYLVESTER commenced his political life as a Democrat, 
 and acted for many years with the ' Free Soil " and ' Barn- 
 burner " wings of that party. Since 1855, however, lie has 
 voted and acted with the Republican party. Previous to 
 1860 he held several public positions. In 1843 he was 
 appointed County Superintendent of public schools by the 
 Board of Supervisors of Lewis, and served two years. In 
 1855 he was elected County Clerk, and was three years in the 
 position. In the year 1860 he was a member of the Board 
 of Supervisors. During the past twelve years, while he has
 
 300 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 felt a lively interest in political matters, and aided the local 
 organizations with his personal co-operation and influence, 
 he has steadily declined preferment of any kind until last 
 fall, when he consented, much against his wishes, to become 
 a candidate for the Assembly. The county is quite closely 
 contested, politically, and after a spirited canvass he was 
 elected, defeating ELISHA CROFOOT, the Democratic candi- 
 date, by a majority of 321. He serves on the Printing Com- 
 mittee, and also on the Sub-committee of the Whole. He 
 takes part occasionally in the debates, but he is not ambitious 
 as a public speaker. He applies his energies and abilities 
 unstintedly to the work of the committee room, and to the 
 practical details of legislation ; and no one who knows Mr. 
 SYLVESTER will venture to dispute the statement that Lewis 
 county is worthily represented in the present Assembly. 
 
 WILLIAM H. TEFFT. 
 
 Mr. TEFFT'S legislative career has as yet been very brief, as 
 he comes into the House in the last third of the session. He 
 has shown, however, that he possesses marked ability, both as 
 an orator and as a quiet, persistent, practical worker. He is 
 a man who would attract attention in any assemblage, his 
 features impressing one at first glance with the fact that he 
 possesses ample nerve and determination for every exigency. 
 His full, clean-shaven, broad face, coal-black hair and eyes, 
 fresh complexion, pleasing expression of feature, and well- 
 developed form, make up a physique which shows, in every 
 characteristic, a man of energy and capacity. 
 
 WILLIAM H. TEFFT Avas born in Greenwich, Washington 
 county, October 6, 1833. He is therefore yet in the early 
 prime of manhood. He enjoyed excellent educational ad- 
 vantages, and before attaining his majority he had graduated
 
 WILLIAM H. TEFFT. 301 
 
 from the full course of the Troy Conference Academy, at 
 West Poultney, Vt., and had also spent three years in Brown 
 University, a member of the class of 1854. On leaving col- 
 lege, he went to New York city and entered the law office of 
 Judge E. D. CULVER, well known throughout the State as 
 an able jurist and effective speaker. He remained with 
 Judge CULVER two years, assiduously striving to perfect 
 himself in his chosen profession, and in 1856 he was duly 
 admitted to the bar, at once assuming a respectable standing 
 among the legal talent of the metropolis. In 1864 he 
 removed to Whitehall, where he now resides, his time, when 
 at home, being mainly devoted to editorial duties. 
 
 oon after his return to Whitehall, the Clironicle news- 
 paper was on the point of suspension, owing to causes which 
 it is not necessary to refer to here. He was induced to 
 assume the control of the paper at this critical period in its 
 fortunes, and his energy and determination soon placed it 
 upon a firm footing, and it at once became recognized as 
 a leading influence in Washington county politics. In 1870, 
 the Chronicle was destroyed by fire, and for a time he devoted 
 himself again to the legal profession ; but his tastes and 
 aspirations had become firmly rooted in the journalistic field, 
 and his experience was that of nearly all newspaper men in 
 similar circumstances he could not content himself outside 
 of the sanctum. Finally, a small paper was established out 
 of the ruins of the Clironicle. He took control of it, and is 
 now its editor and publisher, having already made it one of 
 the best of the several excellent journals of that county. 
 
 In politics, Mr. TEFFT is and has been a Eepublican since 
 he cast his first vote, and has been active in advocating 
 
 O 
 
 Republican principles, both in the press and on the stump. 
 He has never been a seeker for office, feeling that he could 
 do more effective service with his pen than as the incumbent 
 of any public position. On but one other occasion than the 
 present has he filled public place, and that, strangely enough, 
 was also to fill a vacancy caused by death. In 1869 he was
 
 302 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 appointed School Commissioner in place of Rev. Dr. PARKS, 
 deceased. When the death of Hon. ELEAZEK JONES made 
 it necessary to elect another member from the second district 
 of Washington county, public opinion naturally turned to 
 Mr. TEFFT. He had been conspicuous in his editorial advo- 
 cacy of the bill now pending in the Legislature to construct 
 a ship canal from the Hudson river to Lake Champlain, a 
 measure in which the citizens of his district feel a deep 
 interest. He was, therefore, felt to be just the man to push 
 forward that as well as other local measures. Though 
 several gentlemen of acknowledged ability were named, Mr. 
 TEFFT was nominated and elected without opposition, the 
 Democrats permitting the election to go by default. The 
 estimation in which he is held is indicated by the fact that 
 he received every vote but one in his own town, where the 
 Democratic candidate for supervisor had received 263 
 majority at the town meeting held the week previous. 
 
 A man of strong sympathies, brilliant attainments, and 
 the instincts of the thorough gentleman, Mr. TEFFT is 
 already popular in the House, his urbanity and courtesy 
 securing him the esteem of all with whom he comes in 
 contact. 
 
 FRANKLIN W. TOBEY. 
 
 Though the member from Essex has been less than two 
 years in public life, he is well known from one end of the 
 State to the other, and ranks among the most prominent 
 members of the present House. Speaker CORNELL displayed 
 prompt recognition of his ability, and of the signal service 
 he rendered the State at the last session, by placing him at 
 the head of the Insurance Committee. Born at Jay, Essex 
 county, on the 7th of February, 1844, Mr. TOBEY is only 28 
 years of age, and is, therefore, in the flush of youthful and 
 vigorous manhood. He received no educational advantages
 
 FRANKLIN W. TOBEY. 303 
 
 in his boyhood, except those offered by the common schools. 
 His father, ISAAC TOBEY, was, and is still, a plain Essex 
 county farmer, and young TOBEY was trained to hard labor 
 ou the paternal acres. But he made diligent use of oppor- 
 tunities within reach, and succeeded in acquiring knowledge 
 to such a degree that before he readied his majority he was 
 permitted to study law in the office of Judge AUGUSTUS C. 
 HAND. He made good progress, and in 1868 he was admitted 
 to the bar, and has since been engaged in the practice of the 
 law in the firm of WALDO, TOBEY & BECKWITH, at Port 
 Henry. Several years ago he married the daughter of Rev. C. 
 RANSOM, a Presbyterian clergyman, now Chaplain of Clinton 
 State Prison. Mr. TOBEY'S political life does not extend 
 very far into the past, but it has been brilliantly successful. 
 Always a Republican, he has taken an active part in local 
 politics since his 18th year. In 1869 he was elected Super- 
 visor, and on his being re-elected in 1870, was made Chair- 
 man of the Board. In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the 
 Assembly by a majority of 1,406, and re-elected last fall by 
 1,981 majority. 
 
 His services during the session of 1872 are so well known 
 that it seems almost needless to refer to them. On making 
 his first appearance at Albany he was regarded as a beardless 
 youth of no great account, but he soon showed his mettle. 
 Speaker SMITH knew something about him, and assigned him 
 the second place on the Insurance Committee, and also made 
 him a member of the Judiciary Committee, which, as the event 
 proved, were the two most important Committees of the last 
 House. It fell to the lot of Mr. TOBEY to act as Chairman 
 of the Sub-committee which conducted the long and 
 arduous investigation into the official conduct of (!i-:o. W. 
 MILLER, the then Superintendent of the Insurance Depart- 
 ment. Weeks were occupied in the examination of witnesses, 
 and the testimony taken constituted one of the most bulky 
 documents of the session. Much of the examination was 
 conducted by Mr. TOBKY in person, and it is but just to say
 
 304 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 that he was excellently fitted for the difficult and delicate 
 task devolving upon him. The result of that investigation 
 is now a matter of history ; but the unanimity with which 
 the Eepublican majority of the Assembly promptly indorsed 
 the conclusions of the Committee, by expelling Mr. MILLER 
 from his office, was a marked compliment, not only to 'Mr. 
 TOBEY, but to every Republican member of the Committee. 
 As a member of the Judiciary Committee, it was Mr. TOBEY'S 
 privilege to play a prominent part in what was pre-eminently 
 the distinguishing achievement of the last Legislature, 
 namely, the impeachment trial and expulsion of the cor- 
 rupt New York judges. The offenses of these men had 
 long been a stench in the people's nostrils, and it was 
 peculiarly the province of a "reform" Legislature to bring 
 about a needed change for the better in the judiciary. 
 If the Legislature of 1872 had accomplished no other 
 act worthy of commendation, the fact that it did effect 
 this reform should entitle it to the gratitude of the long- 
 suffering people of the State. When the charges had been 
 made against Judges BARNARD, CARDOZO and McCuxx, it 
 devolved upon the Judiciary Committee to investigate them, 
 and to prepare articles of impeachment in case they were 
 well founded. The committee entered upon its work with 
 alacrity, and prosecuted it with thoroughness. They pro- 
 ceeded to New York, where they took a great mass of evidence, 
 and, except on one or two minor points, were unanimous in 
 recommending the impeachment of the judges for mal and 
 corrupt conduct. The impeachment articles were prepared 
 and adopted by the Assembly, and the result of the protracted 
 trial, which took place in the summer of 1872, is familiar to 
 every one. In all these proceedings Mr. TOBEY bore a con- 
 spicuous and honorable part, and won a reputation which 
 few realize who spend a life-time in public service. Of course, 
 with such a record as the result of a single session, his con- 
 stituents had no choice but to return him to the Assembly 
 by a largely increased majority, and they did so. In the
 
 MILTON M. TOMPKINS. 305 
 
 present session he is making an unexceptionable record. As 
 Chairman, respectively, of the Committees on Insurance and 
 Rules, and as a prominent memuer of the Judiciary Com- 
 mittee, he has aided in initiating and perfecting much im- 
 portant legislation. 
 
 In appearance, Mr. TOBEY is still somewhat youthful, as 
 he wears no beard, and while he is large of frame, his portli- 
 ness is not sufficiently apparent to spoil his good looks. 
 Though not particularly brilliant as an orator, he occasion- 
 ally takes part in debates, but his speeches are mainly con- 
 fined to brief statements of fact, and hence are, probably, as 
 a rule, quite as effective as the more pretentious of those who 
 have the "gift" in a much greater degree. Mr. TOBEY'S 
 strong point lies in what may be termed the preliminary 
 work of legislation, and in the labors of the committee 
 room. 
 
 MILTON M. TOMPKINS. 
 
 Mr. TOMPKIXS was born in Chatham village, where he 
 still resides, on the Gth of October, 1843. His parents, both oi 
 whom are now deceased, were of American birth, his father 
 being in his day a respected citizen of Columbia county. 
 Young TOMPKIXS was liberally educated, having spent several 
 years at Sandlake Collegiate Institute, and at the Hudson 
 River Institute at Claverack. His occupation is that of a 
 paper manufacturer, a business which he has successfully 
 conducted several years. He also owns a farm, but his 
 agricultural labors are little more than supervisory in their 
 nature. In 1SGG he was married to KITTIK GARXER, and 
 among his neighbors and friends he is known as a young 
 man of great business ability and strict integrity. He 
 attends the Reformed church. 
 
 Mr. TOMPKIXS is a Democrat, and represents the Second 
 district of Columbia county for the second time in the 
 20
 
 306 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Assembly. He was elected in 1871 by a majority of 74. 
 Last fall his majority, JAMES S. SHUFELT being his oppo- 
 nent, was 324, showing a material gain. Besides his service 
 in the State Legislature, he served one year as Supervisor of 
 the town of Chatham, in the contest for the office defeating 
 GEORGE VAN VALKEXBURGH by a majority of 152. Last 
 year, in the Assembly, he served on the Committees on State 
 Prisons and Expenditures of the Executive Department. 
 This year he is on Villages, Salt and Public Lands. His 
 career in the House is marked by quiet, unostentatious per- 
 formance of duty. He is no speech-maker; but, where 
 practical work is required, he is the right man in the right 
 place. 
 
 ELBERT TOWNSEXD. 
 
 If physiognomy be any indication of character, the subject 
 of this notice may be safely set down as one of nature's 
 noblemen. A plain, honest face is Mr. TOWNSEXD'S, and 
 one which gives little encouragement to the designing horde 
 of lobbyists which swarm about the Capitol. Coming from 
 a portion of the State rich in agricultural resources and in 
 all the elements of material prosperity, he has little sympathy 
 with the schemes of political adventurers, and his efforts as a 
 legislator are therefore directed to the accomplishment of 
 that which is for the best interests of the commonwealth, 
 and the immediate locality which lie represents. He was 
 born in Pavilion, Genesee county, January 28, 1842, and has, 
 therefore, just passed his 31st year. His father, ASHLEY 
 TOWXSEXD, who died about thirteen years ago, was a native 
 of Vermont, though he settled in western Xew York soon 
 after his marriage, and was the inventor of the first thresh- 
 ing machine used in that section of the country. Young 
 TOWXSEXD was brought up on his fathers farm, and educated 
 in the common schools. He married Miss E.MILIE OLMSTKD
 
 DAVID C. VAN COTT. 307 
 
 in 1862, and since then has successfully managed a large 
 farm, devoting his attention specially to the breeding of 
 Spanish merino sheep and Durham cattle. His efforts in 
 this direction have gained for him quite a reputation among 
 the farmers of western New York, and he has already accom- 
 plished much toward the improvement of farm stock in that 
 section. In 1872 he was President of the Genesee County 
 Agricultural Society, and has always taken an active interest 
 in the welfare of that organization. Though he has always 
 been identified with the Republican party, and generally 
 exerted a strong influence in behalf of its nominees, he has 
 very rarely accepted public position. Before he was 21 years 
 of age he had served two years as Town Clerk, and he was 
 
 o v 
 
 subsequently Justice of the Peace for four years. His elec- 
 tion to the Assembly was entirely unsought, and the fact 
 that he received a majority some 400 in excess of the 
 Republican majority of 1871, is a sufficient indication of the 
 regard in which he is held at home. Mr. TOWXSEND serves 
 acceptably as a member of the Committees on Agriculture, 
 Grievances and Indian Affairs. He is a man of robust 
 physique, possesses an intelligent appreciation of the duties 
 of a legislator, and will undoubtedly make an excellent record 
 in the Assembly of 1873. 
 
 DAVID C. VAN COTT. 
 
 Mr. VAIST COTT, who is deservedly regarded as one of the 
 brightest and keenest members of the present House, is a 
 native of Brooklyn, the city which he in part represents. He 
 was born May 31, 1843, and is descended from a Dutch 
 family, who, about the year 1090, purchased and settled upon 
 lands in Bushwick, which now forms part of the city of 
 Brooklyn. His father is the Hon. JOSHUA M. VAX COTT, 
 widely known as an eminent lawyer, who has given much of
 
 308 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 his time to the service of his city and State in various offi- 
 cial capacities, his most recent and notable public service 
 being performed as one of the leading counsel in the recent 
 judicial impeachment trials. 
 
 Assemblyman VAN COTT acquired his education mainly 
 in the course of private study, not having availed himself of 
 collegiate advantages. He is said to have been a thorough 
 student of scientific subjects, which laid the foundation for 
 his taste and aptitude for the trial of patent suits and actions 
 involving the consideration of that class of questions. 
 
 By carefully applying himself to languages, historical and 
 literary studies, he acquired the best possible preparation for 
 a professional and public career, which, strengthened and 
 directed by experience in public life, will add greatly to his 
 influence and means of usefulness. By the diligent improve- 
 ment of natural gifts he has come to be recognized, by those 
 who know him, as a man of fine culture and acquirements, 
 while the opportunities he has had of friendly intercourse 
 with men of learning at home and abroad have afforded 
 him many of the pleasantest associations of his life. 
 
 Wisely choosing the legal profession as the field for his life 
 work, he was admitted to the bar in 18C8, and after practic- 
 ing several years in the firm of VAN COTT, WINSLOW & 
 VAX COTT in Xew York city, he went to Brooklyn and 
 entered into a law partnership with BENJAMIN F. MACY, 
 Esq., in which he has since continued, and though he is still 
 quite a young man, his reputation as a careful and industri- 
 ous lawyer rests upon a solid basis. He is one of the most 
 active and efficient members of the majority in the Assembly, 
 taking part in many of the discussions upon important sub- 
 jects. He is a very finished speaker, and usually adopts an 
 easy, conversational style, which wins attention by clear and 
 logical statement expressed in- graceful and correct English. 
 Occasionally he warms up with his theme, and is at such 
 times an animated speaker, but generally his remarks are 
 delivered calmly and dispassionately, but with power and
 
 WILLIAM IF. VAN DEMARK. 309 
 
 emphasis. Especially at home in the discussion of legal 
 questions which come before the House, he is well informed 
 as to many of the subjects in reference to which legislation 
 is sought, and applies to their consideration keenly critical 
 faculties, excellent judgment, and correct understanding. 
 He is rather below the medium size, and somewhat slight in 
 frame, but he evidently enjoys good health. Courteous and 
 pleasant in his intercourse with others, Mr. VAX COTT has 
 made many warm friends in Albany, and it seems evident 
 that his public career is destined to be one of exceptional 
 brilliancy. 
 
 WILLIAM W. VAN DEMARK. 
 
 Mr. VAX DEJIABK is another of the farmer legislators 
 whose presence in the Assembly constitutes a solid wall 
 against the schemes' of unprincipled politicians. He was 
 born in the town of Junius, Seneca county, on the 12th of 
 August, 1836, and still resides there, engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits. He received a liberal common school and academic 
 education, passing through the full English course at Water- 
 loo Academy. In 1862, he married the daughter of LEWIS 
 B. PAKSOXS, a prominent Republican of Galen, Wayne 
 county. With the exception of one term in the Board of 
 Supervisors of Seneca county, in 1866, Mr. VAX DEMAKK 
 has never before held public position. He has always acted 
 with the Democratic party, and, though his district was 
 represented by a Republican last year, he carried it last fall 
 by a majority of 13-i, over STERLIXG G. HADLEY, his Repub- 
 lican opponent. Serving on the Committees on Roads and 
 Bridges and Agriculture, he performs his duties acceptably. 
 He is, in fact, a man of decided ability, and though he is 
 tenacious and positive in his political predilections, he is 
 never obtrusive in the expression of his views. In religions 
 faith lie is a Universalist. .
 
 310 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 AMBROSE L. VAN DUSEK 
 
 Hon. A. L. VAN DUSEN is a native of Gypsum, Ontario 
 county, where he still resides, engaged in farming. He Avas 
 born on the first of October, 1810, and is, therefore, over 
 sixty-two years of age. His parents were natives of Hills- 
 dale, Columbia county, and moved to Ontario county in the 
 winter of 1800. His mother, who was a sister of AMBROSE 
 L. JORDAN, now deceased, is still living. Mr. VAN DUSEN 
 received a thorough common school education, although his 
 "alma water" was none other than a country "school- 
 marm." At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to a mer- 
 chant, and, after seven years of service, he went into busi- 
 ness for himself. Three years of independent mercantile 
 life satisfied him, however, as, at the expiration of that 
 period, he purchased the farm which he has since managed 
 with good success. During the past four years he has been 
 a director of the Third National Bank at Butfalo. 
 
 Until the formation of the Eepublican party, Mr. VAN 
 DUSEN was a Whig, and was elected Supervisor of his 
 town before the dissolution of that organization. Since that 
 event he has invariably acted with the Republicans, and has 
 held a number of responsible positions in the gift of his 
 party. In 18G1 he was elected Superintendent of the Poor, 
 and still holds the office. He is now serving his second term 
 in the Legislature. In the canvass of 1871 he was chosen to 
 the Assembly by a majority of 450, although the district 
 went Democratic the previous years by over 300 majority. 
 Last fall his majority was 265, notwithstanding the popular- 
 ity of his Democratic opponent, Mr. THADDEUS HOTCHKISS. 
 In the last Assembly he served on the Committees on Insur- 
 ance and Engrossed Bills; in the present, on Ways and 
 Means and Salt. 
 
 Mr. VAN DUSEN was married, in 1834, to Miss RICHARD-
 
 WILLIAM J. VAN DUSEN. 311 
 
 SON, of Victor, in this State. In religious belief he is a 
 Universalist, and his stable convictions and earnest purpose 
 are very plainly apparent in his course as a legislator. His 
 voice is frequently raised in behalf of the oppressed, and in 
 favor of honesty everywhere. Mr. VAX DUSKX has much 
 of the " old school " in his appearance. His countenance is 
 kindly and benevolent in expression, and no man would 
 hesitate to trust him on sight. He is not given to much 
 speaking, but all he says is to the point and eminently prac- 
 tical. He closely scrutinizes every measure that passes 
 through his hands, and is uncommonly fertile in suggestion. 
 In short, he is an excellent legislator, prompt in the dis- 
 charge of duties, and able to point his constituents to an 
 unimpeachable record. 
 
 WILLIAM J. VAN DUSEN. 
 
 The closely-contested county of Montgomery is repre- 
 sented for the second time by Mr. VAX DUSEX, who is a 
 plain farmer of unbending integrity and irreproachable char- 
 acter. He was born in Schodack, Rensselaer county, of 
 American parents, on the 16th of July, 1808. When he was 
 but four years old his parents removed to Canajoharie, where 
 he has since resided. Besides managing the productive 
 estate which has been his main occupation through life, 
 Mr.- VAX DUSEX has found time to be of great service to his 
 neighbors and the party in public positions, and has been at 
 various times School Commissioner, Commissioner of High- 
 ways, Assessor, Collector, Uuder-Sheriff, Assistant Assessor 
 of Internal Revenue, and Supervisor, holding the last named 
 office in the years 1858, 1859, 1805. 1800, 1807 and 1868. 
 In all these positions he has shown large administrative 
 capacity, and in each has developed the ability suited to the
 
 312 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 exigency. He was elected to the last Assembly by a majority 
 of 764, and served his constituents faithfully as a member of 
 the Villages and Indian Affairs Committees. His majority 
 last fall was reduced to 202, but that is not a matter of sur- 
 prise in a county which occasionally sends a Democrat to 
 the Assembly. His opponent was Judge DAVID SPEAKER, a 
 very prominent and influential citizen of the same town, 
 and though the town is usually Democratic by 50 majority, 
 Mr. VAX DUSEX carried it by 129 majority. This year he is 
 Chairman of the Committee on Villages, and a member of 
 the Committee on Expenditures of the Executive Depart- 
 ment. He also ranks among the honest workers of the 
 Assembly, and is quiet, dignified and somewhat reserved in 
 manner. 
 
 J. W. VAN VALKEXBURGH. 
 
 The member from the Third district of Albany county is 
 a solid, substantial looking gentleman, in the prime of life. 
 Square, compact and muscular in physique, his countenance 
 and physiognomy denote an individuality in which force 
 and determination predominate; a man. in fact, who is quite 
 apt to succeed in any thing he undertakes, and who, pos- 
 sessed of large business capacity and sound sense, is pecu- 
 liarly well qualified to legislate for such a commercial and busi- 
 ness center as is the city of Albany. Mr. VAN VALKEXBURGH 
 was born in Chatham, Columbia county, June 23, 1826. 
 His parents, both deceased, were JAMES B. and CLORIXDA 
 VAX R. VAX VALKENTBURGH, also natives of Columbia 
 county, his father being a soldier in the war of 1812. 
 Young VAX VALKEXBURGH received an ample common 
 school education, and, being brought up partially on a farm, 
 he was well qualified to begin the battle of life when he 
 reached the age of twenty-one. He followed farming and 
 milling for a number of years, and has since been engaged
 
 J. W. VAN VALKENBURGH. 313 
 
 in a variety of occupations. He was Town Collector at one 
 time, then became a Kailroacl Conductor, and was Superin- 
 tendent of the Albany and Susquehanna Eailroad for four 
 years prior to its being leased to the Delaware and Hudson 
 Canal Company. While in this position he figured promi- 
 nently in what was known as the " Susquehanna Eailroad 
 war," which arose from an attempt of the late JAMES FISK, 
 Jr., and the Erie Eailway Company to take possession of the 
 Susquehanna Eoad. Mr. VAN V. was called upon in the dis- 
 charge of his duty to throw Mr. FISK down the stairs of the 
 Susquehanna office in Albany, and there are a number of 
 witnesses who attest that he performed the task with remark- 
 able celerity. He is still more or less interested in railroads, 
 but is actively engaged in the cement, lime and stone busi- 
 ness. 
 
 During the Rebellion Mr. VAN VALKENBURGH went to 
 the front as First Lieutenant of Co. E, 128th New York Vol- 
 unteers (the Columbia and Dutchess county regiment), Col. 
 COWLES commanding. He Avent to New Orleans under Gen. 
 BANKS, who was directed to relieve Gen. BUTLER, and parti- 
 cipated in the subsequent Louisiana and Eed River campaigns, 
 being actively engaged at Port Hudson, and in all the arduous 
 service before and after that stronghold fell. 
 
 In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and, as such, 
 represented the second district of Columbia county in the 
 Assembly in 1866, defeating JONATHAN R. RIDER by 100 
 majority, and being the first Democrat elected from the dis- 
 trict in thirteen years. In the recent canvass he had two 
 candidates opposed to him, CHAS. P. E ASTON, a popular and 
 influential Republican, and LAFAYETTE CASE, an independ- 
 ent Democratic candidate, but his popularity was such that 
 he received 131 majority over both, although the Republicans 
 carried the district by a small majority in the previous elec- 
 tion. He is a member of the Committees on Banks, State 
 Charitable Institutions, and Expenditures of the House, and 
 is in all respects an able and intelligent legislator.
 
 314 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 COMMODORE P. VEDDER. 
 
 Few members of the present Assembly exert a more com- 
 manding influence or possess greater legislative talent than 
 Mr. VEDDER. He is known throughout the State as an 
 active, earnest and independent Republican, who, while 
 unswerving in his party fealty, is nevertheless incapable of 
 being made the tool of cliques or rings. He is a man of 
 exceptionally clear views of public interest as well as of 
 party policy, while his convictions regarding all questions 
 are the result of careful reflection and the exercise of sound 
 judgment. When once formed they are tenaciously 
 adhered to. 
 
 Mr. VEDDEK is the son of American parents, his father, 
 JACOB VEDDER, being an industrious Cattaraugus county 
 farmer. He was born in Ellicottville, his present place of 
 residence, on the 23d of February, 1838. Before reaching 
 man's estate he spent five years as a sailor on the lakes. He 
 secured a good education, partially in the common schools, but 
 mainly in the Springville Academy, which he entered in his 
 twentieth year. Afterward he studied law, and was ad- 
 mitted to the bar in 1866. In 1862, after teaching school 
 a few months, he enlisted as a private in the 154th regiment, 
 New York Volunteers, and remained with the regiment until 
 the close of the war, participating with uniform credit to 
 himself in the battles of Chaneellorsville, "Wauhatchie, 
 Lookout Valley. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Rocky- 
 faced Ridge, Siege of Savannah, and Bentonville. He bore 
 an honorable part in SHERMAN'S celebrated march to 
 Atlanta and the sea, and for his gallant conduct in that cam- 
 paign and at Lookout Mountain he was promoted success- 
 ively to Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers, 1st 'Lieutenant, 
 Captain and Brevet Major. L'. S. A. His war record ie 
 therefore something to be proud of.
 
 COMMODORE P. VEDDER. 315 
 
 When the Avar ended Mr. VEDDER commenced the practice 
 of the legal profession, in which he has continued to the 
 present time with marked success. In 1867 he was 
 appointed Register in Bankruptcy, and still holds the office. 
 He was also Assessor of Internal Revenue from May 10, 
 1869, until May 4, 1871, filling the office, as he fills every 
 position, to the satisfaction of every one interested. In the 
 fall of 1871, he was elected member of Assembly by a major- 
 ity of 401, defeating CHARLES S. GARY, his Democratic com- 
 petitor. Last fall he defeated the same opponent by a 
 majority of 688, after a very sharp canvass, in which the 
 combined strength of the Liberal Republican and Demo- 
 cratic elements was brought against him, and herculean 
 efforts made to defeat him. 
 
 Mr. VEDDER'S course in the Assembly has been in every 
 way creditable to himself and to his constituents. Last year 
 he served on the Judiciary Committee, of which he is still a 
 prominent member, and took an active part in the investiga- 
 tion into the conduct of the New York judges. He was also 
 Chairman of the committee which drew up the articles of 
 impeachment against Judge BARNARD, and was one of the 
 managers selected by the House to conduct the trial of that 
 unworthy wearer of the ermine. His connection with these 
 momentous proceedings aided largely in developing his fine 
 legal talents, and added greatly to his reputation. He has 
 also been prominently identified with much of the important 
 legislation of this and the last session, serving on several 
 committees faithfully and well. 
 
 As an orator, Mr. VEDDER has few equals. Though he 
 always speaks extemporaneously, and often without prepara- 
 tion, his efforts upon the floor are generally models of com- 
 pact symmetrical argument. He clothes his ideas in direct 
 and forcible, yet elegant, phraseology; sometimes bold almost 
 to audacity in his utterances, especially when discussing 
 political questions, he frequently rises to heights of eloquence 
 attained by few public speakers.
 
 316 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Previous to the war, Mr. VEDDER was a Democrat, but the 
 reverberation of the first gun at Sumter affected him much 
 as it did thousands of other honest Democrats throughout 
 the State. The so-called Democracy was effectually elimi- 
 nated from his political constitution. He has since acted 
 consistently with the Republican party, and is popular with 
 men of all parties, as his personal and social qualities are of 
 the most genial character. Whether we regard him in his 
 private or public life, he is above reproach, and is in all 
 respects an honest, able and efficient legislator. He is a man 
 of fine personal appearance and unusually pleasing address, 
 and evidently has a brilliant career yet before him. 
 
 WILLIAM VOORHIS. 
 
 Mr. VOORHIS occupies his present position by virtue of 
 indomitable energy, persistent industry and inflexible integ- 
 rity. As the result of a long and successful business career, 
 began at the bottom of the ladder, he possesses large wealth, 
 which he quietly enjoys in well-earned retirement when not 
 engaged in political duties. 
 
 He was born at Xyack, June 26, 1819, and is, therefore, 
 nearly fifty-four years of age. though he possesses the activity 
 of a man of forty. His father, JACOB VOORHIS, a native of 
 New Jersey, and his mother, born in Eockland county, are 
 still living on the estate they have occupied since their mar- 
 riage, which, by the way, was in the family before New York 
 became a State, Mr. VOORHIS' ancestors on both sides settling 
 in Eockland county before the revolution. 
 
 Mr. VOORHIS attended the common schools in his youth, 
 but he is for the most part self-educated. He commenced 
 life as a boatman, and before he settled down to commercial 
 pursuits he had considerable experience of the sea, for which
 
 WILLIAM VOORHIS. 317 
 
 he had a decided predilection. Indeed, this predilection still 
 clings to him, as he is the fortunate owner of the yacht Tidal 
 Wave, and has been Commodore of the New York Yacht 
 Club. He is, in fact, an authority in yachting matters, and 
 is well known among nautical men. Most of his life, np to 
 live past six years, during which he has been in retirement, 
 has been spent in commercial pursuits in Brooklyn and New 
 York, and the fact that he has been able to retire with a 
 comfortable fortune is a sufficient indication of his success. 
 
 He has always taken a lively interest in politics, usually 
 acting with the Democrats ; his course, however, is invariably 
 dictated rather by his judgment of Avhat is right, than allegi- 
 ance to party. During the rebellion he was a strong War 
 Democrat. He raised the first company of volunteers organ- 
 ized in the county, and was otherwise very active on behalf 
 of the Union. At that time sympathy with secession was 
 predominant in Ilockland county, and, indeed, so bitter was 
 the feeling that Mr. VOORHIS was actually mobbed for his 
 loyalty, and his life was threatened. He, however, took 
 measures to defend himself, and manfully persisted in the 
 course he had marked out for himself. 
 
 His present position in the Assembly is his first appear- 
 ance in public political life, and the honor which his fellow- 
 citizens saw fit to bestow upon him was entirely unsought. 
 He had taken a somewhat medium ground, and was therefore 
 supported by men of both parties. He carries his independence 
 into the House, and, though nominally a Democrat, he has 
 on several occasions followed the dictates of his judgment 
 and voted with the Republicans on party questions. He 
 takes frequent part in the debates on the floor, and. though 
 not specially gifted with the graces of oratory, he is a iluent 
 speaker, and says what he has to say in a straightforward, 
 practical manner. 
 
 He was married, about nine years ago, to Miss SUSAN E. 
 LYON. lie once belonged to the Methodist church, but his 
 views are now more nearlv in harmonv with what is known
 
 318 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 as the Armenian creed. The fact that Mr. VOORHIS com- 
 menced life poor, and without any adventitious aids, and 
 has worked his way up to his present position solely by his 
 own exertions, shows in strong light what can be attained 
 by well-directed energy and perseverance. 
 
 DANIEL WALKER. 
 
 A plain, substantial and prosperous agriculturist repre- 
 sents the Fourth district of Oneida, in the present Assembly ; 
 a man who is as thoroughly proof against the evil influences 
 surrounding the capitol as he is faithful in the discharge of 
 his duty to his constituents. 
 
 DANIEL WALKER was born in the town of Deerfield, his 
 present home, on the 18th of May, 1807. In point of age he 
 is therefore the patriarch of the House by several years. 
 His father, ALEXANDER WALKER, was born in Wearthshire, 
 Scotland, in 1778, emigrated to this country in 1803, was 
 married in 1804, to ANNA McERCHER, of Broadalbiu, Fulton 
 county, and the same year settled in Deerfield, then a dense 
 wilderness, and devoted himself to farming. Young WALKER 
 was born and reared amid the privations of pioneer life, but 
 he attended school quite regularly, and secured a good ordi- 
 nary education. His tastes led him to second the wish of 
 his father that he should remain a farmer, and he has there- 
 fore followed that pursuit all his life, having occupied the 
 farm which he now owns for the past forty years, and managed 
 it successfully. In 1832, he married NANCY MCLAREN, a 
 member of an estimable family in Johnstown, Fulton county. 
 Through his whole life he has borne a reputation for 
 honesty and probity of character, ami since early youth has 
 been a member of the Presbyterian church. His son, ALEX- 
 ANDER WALKER, served through the recent rebellion as
 
 DANIEL WALKER. 319 
 
 Major in the 7th Michigan Cavalry, participating in some 
 fifty skirmishes and battles, and was severely wounded in the 
 battle of Gettysburg!!. 
 
 Mr. WALKER has always taken a warm interest in politi- 
 cal affairs, and as a Whig, and afterward as a Republican, has 
 exercised large influence in the towns composing his Assem- 
 bly district. He voted for HARRISON in 1840, for CLAY in 
 1844, for TAYLOR in 1848, for SCOTT in 1852, for LINCOLN 
 in 1860 and 1864, and for GRANT in 1868 and 1872. He 
 also voted for WM. H. SEW A ED the last time he was returned 
 to the United States Senate in 1855, and was a delegate to the 
 Philadelphia Convention of 1872, which re-nominated Presi- 
 dent GRANT. Comment upon such a record is needless. 
 He has once before been a member of the Legislature. In 
 1855 he was elected to the Assembly by the Whigs of his 
 district, defeating SALMON D. ROOT by about 900 votes. 
 Last fall his majority was just 1,000, against a Republican 
 majority of 658 the previous year, his opponent being 
 CHARLES B. COVENTRY, a Democrat of considerable popu- 
 larity. Besides his legislative honors, Mr. WALKER, while he 
 was a Whig, served as Justice of the Peace of Deerfield 
 during a number of years, notwithstanding the fact that it 
 was at that time a Democratic town. 
 
 Mr. WALKER is seldom absent from his seat in the House, 
 and attends to his duties quietly and effectively, being at all 
 times keenlv alive to the interests of his constituents.
 
 320 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JAMES WATT. 
 
 Dr. WATT, the member from the Fourth district of 
 Brooklyn, was born in 1844. His parents were Scotch, and 
 were noted for those habits of industry, frugality and 
 personal integrity which so generally characterize their 
 countrymen. From them young WATT inherited the valu- 
 able patrimony of self-reliance, perseverance, and inflexible 
 adherence to known duty. In 1859 he removed, with 
 other members of the family, from Poughkeepsie to Brooklyn, 
 where, from 1860 to 1864, he was engaged as a drug clerk. 
 During the two following years we find him the proprietor 
 and manager of a flourishing drug store on Fulton avenue. 
 By the means and knowledge thus acquired he was enabled 
 to prosecute with success at Bellevue Hospital and in the 
 Long Island Medical College his favorite study of medicine. 
 From the time of his admission into the parish school of 
 Christ's church, Poughkeepsie, until the day of his gradua- 
 tion, in 1866, he exhibited that enthusiasm, energy, persist- 
 ency and unity of purpose which usually guarantee success. 
 Soon after his graduation Dr. WATT spent some time abroad, 
 where he visited the principal hospitals and medical institu- 
 tions of Great Britain and France. The noble sentiment of 
 TERENCE, '' I am a man, and nothing human can be foreign 
 to me," finds response in the sympathetic nature of every 
 true physician. The medical profession, perhaps, more than 
 any other, demands and invites tender sympathy with the 
 suffering. In common with other philanthropic physicians 
 of the Long Island College Hospital, Dr. WATT has for 
 several years devoted some hours daily to that institution, for 
 the gratuitous treatment of the worthy poor. Recently he 
 has extended these benevolent labors to the South Brooklyn 
 Dispensary, which institution has honored him as one of its 
 founders by appointing him to the vice-presidency. Though
 
 JAMES WATT. 321 
 
 always a firm Republican, Dr. WATT has never been a poli- 
 tician. His election from a district which has not for years 
 sent a Republican to the Assembly, is one of the significant 
 signs of the political reforms now in progress. This election 
 must also be regarded as the spontaneous expression of the 
 people's heartfelt appreciation of those benevolent medical 
 gentlemen to whose generous services the community is so 
 largely indebted. Genuine courtesy consists not in mere 
 prudential self-praise, superficial polish or severity of man- 
 ners; its seat is the heart and its law the golden rule, as 
 applied to the varied intercourse of life. Education and 
 association with the refined at home and abroad may develop, 
 but can never produce it. Wherever such courtesy exists it 
 secures social power for its possessor. 
 
 It is generally admitted that the subject of this sketch 
 possesses this quality, and that it constitutes an important 
 element of his strength. 
 
 There is yet another feature in the character of Dr. WATT 
 which must not be overlooked in any life sketch of him. We 
 mean his unflinching fidelity and unswerving tenacity to 
 friends. He practices the great counsel of the poet : " The 
 friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, grapple them to 
 thy soul with hooks of steel."
 
 322 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 SMITH M. WEED. 
 
 SMITH MEAD WEED was born in the town of Belmont, 
 Franklin county, N. Y., July 26th, 1833. His father, Ros- 
 WELL ALCOTT WEED, was born at Lebanon, N". H., 1798, and 
 died at Plattsburgh, 1ST. Y., in the year 1869. His mother, 
 SARAH A. MEAD, a daughter of SMITH MEAD, a prominent 
 citizen of Clinton county, and who participated in the battle 
 of Plattsburgh, is still living. 
 
 Mr. WEED, after receiving a good common school and 
 academic education, attended the Harvard University Law 
 School, where he graduated in 1857, with the degree of 
 Bachelor of Laws. He immediately entered upon the prac- 
 tice of law in Plattsburgh, becoming a copartner with 
 Messrs. BECKWITH & JOHNSOK of that place. He very 
 soon displayed more than ordinary ability and skill in his pro- 
 fession, and, from 1857 to 1865, was constantly occupied with 
 its duties. In 1865, Mr. WEED was elected President of the 
 village of Plattsburgh, which office he continued to fill for a 
 number of terms. In the same year he first appeared in 
 political life as Member of the Assembly from Clinton 
 county. He was returned to the Legislature for the two fol- 
 lowing years, and in 1866 received from his party the com- 
 pliment of being its candidate for Speaker. 
 
 In 1867, Mr. WEED was elected Delegate-at-Large to the 
 Constitutional Convention. One of his speeches made in 
 that body on the separate submission of the negro suffrage 
 clause, attracted considerable attention at the time. In it he- 
 avowed his belief that the colored people of the State 
 possessed sufficient capacity and intelligence to vote. Ho 
 had, in 1865, voted for the amendment to the Constitution 
 of the United States prohibiting slavery, and in the Assem- 
 bly, in 1867, urged that the negroes of the State be allowed 
 to vote for delegates to the State Constitutional Convention.
 
 SMITH M. WEED. 323 
 
 In fact, Mr. WEED then occupied the liberal ground which 
 his party have rather slowly come up to since, and was cer- 
 tainly one of the first Democrats in the country to urge the 
 propriety of the " New Departure." 
 
 In 1868, Mr. WEED was engaged as senior counsel, on the 
 part of the State, by the managers of the impeachment of 
 Canal Commissioner DORN. He made the principal argu- 
 ment for the prosecution in that case, which is reported in 
 the volume of the proceedings at that trial. 
 
 In 1871 Mr. WEED was again returned to the Legislature 
 from Clinton county. During this term, when "Tammany" 
 was in the very pride of its strength, he came, almost single- 
 handed, in collision with its schemes. As a member of the 
 then Railroad Committee, he successfully resisted the designs 
 of the strikers upon the Delaware and Hudson Canal Com- 
 pany. He, as a member of that Committee, proposed and 
 submitted to the Assembly a minority report in favor of the 
 repeal of the Erie Classification Act. That report was con- 
 sidered an able statement of the question, and came within 
 one vote of carrying against the full power of Tammany 
 and Erie. It was the first official document which denounced 
 the Erie Ring in unmeasured terms. 
 
 For this Tammany did not forgive him, and although his 
 desire to adhere to his party led him to support, in common 
 Avith other Democrats, such bills as had been made party- 
 measures at this session, he Avas thereafter regarded as an 
 enemy of the then party-controlling influence. He Avas bru- 
 tally assaulted by the notorious JAMES IRVING, then apower 
 Avith the '' Ring," for which assault IRVING Avas promptly 
 driven from the Assembly. 
 
 Since ISGo Mr. WEED has been a leading man in North 
 Eastern New York, not only in its politics, but in its various 
 business interests, lie is now largely concerned in (lie 
 lumbering and mining business of Clinton county. He has 
 done much to call attention to the resources of that quarter 
 of the State, and has labored with great earnestness for some
 
 324 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 time to bring railroad facilities to the country along the 
 western shore of Lake Champlain. He forwarded very con- 
 siderably the enterprises of the railroad on the west side of 
 Lake Cham plain, and the recent formation of the New York 
 and Canada Railroad Company with the design of pushing 
 a through road from Whitehall to Montreal, on the west side, 
 is due almost solely to his untiring efforts. 
 
 In business, Mr. WEED is enterprising and sagacious. As 
 a lawyer and political speaker, he commands attention more 
 by the substance of his matter than by any graces of diction 
 or manner. He has not the "gift of gab " or facility of 
 fluent declamation. His ideas are always put into the 
 plainest and shortest words. He needs antagonism to bring 
 him out, and is strongest in debate and repartee. 
 
 In politics he has always been a Democrat, and is greatly 
 attached to the fundamental ideas of that party. He has 
 always stood on the side of liberality and progress. Even in 
 his first term in the Legislature he became noted for his 
 advocacy of the Free School Law. 
 
 Mr. WEED was married September 6, 1859, to CARRIE L. 
 STAXDISH, seventh in lineal descent from MILES STAXDISH, 
 of Plymouth, and daughter of Col. M. M. STAXDISH, late of 
 Pittsburgh. 
 
 He was elected to the Legislature of 1873 by about 250 
 majority, although his county went for GRANT by about 500 
 majority.
 
 EDWARD B. WELLS. 325 
 
 EDWARD B. WELLS. 
 
 The subject of this sketcli was born in Prattsburgh, 
 N. Y., April 22, 1835, and is consequently nearly thirty-eight 
 years of age. His father. IRA WELLS, and his mother, PA- 
 MELIA TAYLOR, are still living, and celebrated their golden 
 wedding last September, with their children and their 
 children's children to the fourth generation, a family as yet 
 unbroken by death. The subject of this sketch is the fourth 
 of seven children. His parents removed in 1838 to Lyons, 
 where he received such educational advantages as are afforded 
 by the excellent Union School in that village. In 1850 he 
 was apprenticed to the business of marble-cutting. Com- 
 pleting his trade, he moved to Cherry Valley, Otsego county, 
 where he started in business on his own account; in an 
 humble way, of course, for he had no capital beyond his 
 own modest savings; soon after removing to Fort Plain, 
 where lie drove a thriving trade for about three years. We 
 then find him back at Lyons, and a little later settled at 
 Clyde, the owner of the marble-shops in both of those towns, 
 and one in Canada ; besides that, a prominent member and 
 director of a paper manufacturing company, and a heavy 
 dealer in real estate. With scarcely an exception, all of Mr. 
 WELLS' numerous ventures have proved successful, thanks 
 to his skillful management ; and his friends and neighbors, 
 in the belief that a man who conducts his own affairs suc- 
 cessfully, and at the same time honorably, may safely be 
 intrusted with those of others, were not: slow to name him 
 (though not through his seeking) for positions of public 
 trust in the community, lie acquitted himself honorably 
 of the duties imposed upon him, and in 1870, respond- 
 ing to the almost unanimous wish of the Republicans 
 of the town of Galen, he accepted the nomination for Super- 
 visor. His opponent was an old resident of the town, a very
 
 326 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 respectable, a very worthy gentleman, and personally 
 popular with the advantage, which was no small one, of 
 his town having for two consecutive years previously, and 
 several times besides, elected a Democrat for Supervisor. 
 Mr. WELLS was, however, elected by a majority of 138. His 
 majority, as well as his vote, exceeding that of any other 
 candidate on the ticket. In 1871 he Avas again nominated 
 and again elected, this time by a majority of 287. In the 
 fall of that year his name was prominently mentioned in 
 connection with the position of Member of Assembly from 
 eastern Wayne ; and the wishes of his party being expressed 
 through its Convention, he was nominated, and elected in 
 November by a majority of 250. Serving his district with 
 the same fidelity and the same zeal displayed by him in 
 the Board of Supervisors, he was in 1872 re-nominated 
 and re-elected, this time having a majority of 494, or 
 nearly double that of the previous year. In both of these 
 campaigns his opponents were gentlemen of conceded 
 influence and standing, who conducted the canvass on their 
 side with acknowledged shrewdness and liberality ; and in 
 both the opposition was concentrated upon Mr. WELLS, with 
 the determination to defeat him, if such a thing were possi- 
 ble. How they succeeded, let the figures show. It was 
 enough to succeed at all, under such circumstances, but to 
 conic off with such majorities was victory indeed. 
 
 Mr. WELLS, though not the man to thrust himself into 
 conspicuousness, is one of the most generally respected 
 and thoroughly reliable members of the House. In the 
 Assembly of 1872, he served upon the Committees on 
 Trade and Manufactures, and Affairs of Villages, and in the 
 present Assembly he has places upon the same committees, 
 being Chairman of the one first named. He is a caivl'ul 
 legislator, observing closely the proceedings of the Assembly, 
 and bringing into his legislative business the same practical 
 common-sense that has insured his success in every-day 
 affairs. Always prudent, thoughtful, and considerate, he
 
 GEORGE WEST. 327 
 
 makes no pretensions as an orator, but his remarks never 
 fail to command attention because of their earnestness and 
 directness. 
 
 Mr. WELLS' life furnishes a practical illustration of the 
 beneficence of our American institutions, under which a 
 man may rise, by his own exertions, to an independent, 
 honorable position. He is one of the kind of men we are 
 glad to see honored: a man who has made himself what 
 he is. 
 
 GEORGE WEST. 
 
 Mr. WEST is also an excellent representative of the success- 
 ful business man. By dint of energy, sagacity and persevering 
 industry, he has risen in a few years from comparative poverty 
 to opulence, and is now one of the largest manufacturers in 
 the eastern section of the State. His career is instructive and 
 worthy of emulation. Born in Keentsbeer, Devonshire county, 
 England, on the 17th of February, 1823, of parents in moder- 
 ate circumstances, he had very little adventitious aid in 
 making a future for himself. He received a good common 
 school education, however, and inherited from his parents 
 industrious habits and a robust constitution. With these as 
 his capital he commenced the battle of life. His father and 
 uncle were paper-makers, but he served a thorough apprentice- 
 ship with JOHN" DEWDXEY, one of the leading manufacturers 
 in the west of England, learning the business in all its 
 branches. Soon after reaching his majority he married an 
 English girl, whose prudent management and wise counsel, 
 no doubt, contributed in no small degree to his success. He 
 soon discovered that England failed to afford full scope for 
 his abilities, and in 3849, when he had readied his twenty- 
 sixth year, he came with his young wife to this country. 
 When he arrived on our shores he Avas almost penniless, but 
 he possessed a good stock of indomitable pluck. lie procured
 
 328 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 employment in New Jersey, where he worked about a year. 
 From there he went to Massachusetts, where he obtained em- 
 ployment in a paper mill as an ordinary operative, continu- 
 ing in that capacity about three years. Ultimately his 
 employers discerned and appreciated his value, and he soon 
 found himself the responsible manager of one of the largest 
 manufactories of writing paper in the Bay State. During 
 several years' experience in that position, he rapidly developed 
 the sterling qualities by which he finally won success; and 
 before he had been ten years in this country he became a 
 partner in an extensive paper mill. In the year 1860 he sold 
 out his business in Massachusetts, and seeing a favorable 
 opening at Ballston Spa, removed thither. How well time 
 has demonstrated the wisdom of his venture is shown by the 
 fact that he is now sole proprietor of five large paper mills, 
 all of which are run exclusively on manilla paper, used in 
 the manufacture of grocers' bags, and also a paper bag manu- 
 factory, which turns out from eighty to one hundred million 
 of those bags per year, transacting in connection therewith 
 a business which averages about 865,000 monthly. He is 
 also an equal partner in the firm of G-AIR & WEST, a principal 
 depot for the sale of paper, paper bags and twine, located at 
 No. 143 Reade street, New York, as well as director in the 
 First National Bank of Ballston Spa, and the largest indi- 
 vidual stockholder in the Bank. 
 
 In personal appearance, Mr. WEST is a good specimen of 
 the sturdy Briton. Though short of stature, his robust fprm 
 and broad shoulders seem well able to carry the massive and 
 well-developed head, which seems a fit repository for a brain 
 of more than ordinary activity. He bears with him, however, 
 the air and manner of one who has earned the right to take 
 the world easy, and the geniality characterizing his inter- 
 course with others strengthens such an impression in the 
 mind of one who judges men by first impressions. He is a 
 man of much earnestness of character, and is still a hard 
 worker, carrying much of his energy and thoroughness in
 
 ELISHA S. W HAL EX. 329 
 
 the committee rooms, though he very rarely attempts to 
 make more than a brief and pointed off-hand speech on the 
 floor of the House. 
 
 Mr. WEST has always been an ardent Kepublican, and 
 enjoys a large degree of popularity in his own district, as is 
 evidenced by the fact that he was elected to the last Assem- 
 bly by the large majority of 1,166 over WH. T. ODELL, his 
 Democratic competitor. Last fall he was re-elected without 
 opposition, no other candidate being nominated, and is the 
 only member of the Assembly having no vote against him. 
 
 ELISHA S. WHALEN. 
 
 Mr. WHALEN" was born in the town of Milton, Saratoga 
 county, N. Y., March 24, 1817. He had common school ad- 
 vantages until the age of thirteen years, when his business life 
 commenced as clerk in a country store at Eock City Falls, 
 where he remained about two years ; thence he went to West 
 Milton in the same capacity, remaining there until November, 
 1836, when he left for western New York, spending the fol- 
 lowing winter with his father's family in Monroe county, 
 whither they had preceded him by two or three years. He 
 went to the village of Medina, in March, 1837, poor and 
 unknown, but armed with a letter signed by the then prom- 
 inent men of Milton and Ballston Spa, '-'commending him 
 to the respect and confidence of all with whom he might 
 make cither acquaintance or business." Securing a situation 
 at vnce with a prominent firm, carrying on a large country 
 store, post-office, grain warehouse and a potash factory, he 
 commenced a new business career at 810 per month on 
 trial; after two months' service he was promoted to the 
 situation of book-keeper, confidential clerk and $400 per 
 annum, then the largest salarv paid in the village. He has 
 
 O J 1 O 
 
 been in active business life since as subordinate or principal,
 
 330 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 having been engaged in merchandising, merchant, milling, 
 and as produce dealer since 18-41, retiring last September (on 
 account of impaired health) on a moderate comj etency. He 
 is a director of the Union Bank of Medina, and was one of 
 the original directors of the projected Niagara River and 
 New York Air Line Eailroad, organized during the present, 
 year. He was a Democrat up to the organization of the 
 American party; joined the Republican party on the Kansas 
 question, and has acted with that party since ; was Super- 
 visor in 1851 and 1852, and again in 1871 and 1872, and is 
 Chairman of the present Board; was chosen Member of 
 Assembly by the American party at a special election, held 
 December 26, 1854, in place of ALEXIS WAKD, deceased, over 
 BORDEX H. MILLS, Whig and Democrat, by over 1,000 
 majority; was Presidential Elector in 1861, casting his vote 
 in the electoral college for LINCOLN and HAMLIX, and was 
 chosen to the Assembly at the late general election, by 1,385 
 majority, over Dr. THOMAS GUSHING, Liberal, nominated in 
 place of E. KIRKE HART, Liberal, who declined. 
 
 On the 6th of August, 1844, Mr. WHALEX was married to 
 Miss CATHARINE GROFF, who has contributed largely to his 
 life success. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, of which he is trustee, treasurer and district steward, 
 and was lay delegate to the last annual conference of the 
 Genesee district. 
 
 His father was American born, of Irish descent, and a 
 farmer in comfortable circumstances; his mother is of 
 German descent, American born, and both are deceased.
 
 NICHOLAS A. WHITK. 331 
 
 NICHOLAS A. WHITE. 
 
 The First district of Oneida county, embracing the larger 
 portion of the city of Utica, is represented in the Assembly 
 this year by NICHOLAS A. WHITE, one of the most respected 
 business men of that city. Mr. WHITE was born in Thet- 
 ford, Vermont, February 26, 1819, and the son of NOAH 
 WHITE, a native of New Hampshire, who died about six 
 years ago in Utica, where he had resided about forty years. 
 Young WHITE was educated in the common schools, and 
 early entered business life, for which he was well adapted. He 
 is known throughout Central New York in connection with 
 the old established linn of N. A. WHITE cSt Sox, manufac- 
 turers of stone-ware and fire-brick. 
 
 Though Mr. WHITE has always felt a warm interest in politi- 
 cal movements, having since early youth acted either with the 
 Whig or the Republican organization, he has never troubled 
 himself much with the details of party management, and is, 
 therefore, not a politician in the popular sense of the term. 
 His influence in the business circles of Utica is, however, 
 very large, and it is invariably exercised in behalf of Republi- 
 can principles and candidates. During several terms he has 
 been a member of the board of Supervisors of Oneida county, 
 and has also served in the Utica board of Aldermen, of which 
 he is now a member. In these positions his business capacity 
 and sterling honesty have been of great value In the late 
 general election he was pitted again LEWIS II. BABCOCK, a 
 very popular candidate of the Democrats and Liberal Repub- 
 licans, and was elected by a majority of 13,")., the Republican 
 majority of the previous year being something over 500. 
 
 Mr. WHITE is one of the quiet members, having little 
 talent for speech-making. But he is capable and efficient, 
 and is making an honorable record. He has been married 
 since the year 1840.
 
 332 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 AMHERST WIGHT, JR. 
 
 No portion of the State is more ably represented in the 
 Assembly than Westchester county. Her three members are 
 each of them of marked character and superior ability. 
 It would be invidious to draw a comparison between them, 
 but we cannot certainly transgress the bounds of propriety 
 in observing that, if such comparison were made, Mr. WIGHT 
 \vould not suffer thereby. Able, dignified and candid in 
 debate, and pleasant and courteous in his more familiar inter- 
 course with fellow members, he is respected by both friends 
 and opponents, while his decided ability inspires genuine 
 admiration. JEe is not, perhaps, a brilliant orator, but his 
 speeches are invariably full of sound sense, expressed in well- 
 chosen language. He shows upon the floor much less of the 
 politician than of the law r yer, -while he brings to the discus- 
 sion of the important legal topics of the present session 
 extensive learning fortified by large experience and exhaust- 
 ive reading. 
 
 Mr. WIGHT was born in Xew York city, August 15. 1828, 
 and lias therefore passed his forty-fourth year. He is the son 
 of AMIIEUST WIGHT, Sr., a native of Bellingham, Mass., who 
 is still living at the age of eighty-two years, having been a 
 prominent member of the bar of this State for more than 
 half a century. Mr. WIGHT'S mother was JOHANNA G. 
 SANDERSON previous to her marriage, and it is worthy of 
 note that she was born in the historic HASBKOUCK house at 
 Newburgh, which was occupied in revolutionary times by 
 General WASHINGTON- as his headquarters. Mr. WIGHT'S 
 education is mainly self-acquired. Previous to his thirteenth 
 year he attended a private school in Xew York city, where, 
 of course, his studies were almost entirely rudimentary. 
 When he had reached that age, he left school and applied 
 himself diligently to study, being especially enamored of the
 
 AMHERST WIGHT, JR. 333 
 
 classics, with which he became quite familiar. Finally he 
 began the study of law, which he prosecuted until he reached 
 his majority. He was then admitted to the bar, and since 
 that time he has practiced in the courts of New York city 
 and Westchester, devoting his talents principally to that 
 branch of the profession relating to real estate. He resided 
 in the metropolis until 1859, when he removed to Portchester, 
 where, with the exception of a brief period spent in New 
 York, he has resided up to the present date. 
 
 Mr. WIGHT'S political creed is unmistakably Republican. 
 He has belonged to the party since its first organization, at 
 which time he aided in forming the first Republican com- 
 mittee in New York city, being then a resident of the Ninth 
 ward where the committee was organized. Though not, 
 properly speaking, a politician, he has always felt deep 
 interest in the fortunes of the Republican party, aud, when 
 occasion required, has not only assumed his share of active 
 campaign work, but has often stepped into the breach, and 
 acted us the party standard bearer in exciting local contests. 
 His town is Democratic by about 150 majority, but we find 
 him, in 1871, triumphantly chosen to a seat in the Board of 
 Supervisors, to which he was also chosen in the following 
 year. Last fall he received a spontaneous nomination for the 
 Assembly from the Second district of his county, where 
 the Democratic majority is usually about 800. The opposing 
 candidate, ELIAS DUSEXBURY, possessed undoubted strength, 
 but Mr. WIGHT was successful by a small majority, running 
 several hundred votes ahead of the Presidential ticket. 
 
 He was married in 185G; became a widower in 1864, and 
 married again in 18G7. Although formerly connected with 
 Dr. OSGOOD'S Unitarian church in New York city, he has 
 during late years belonged to the Episcopal denomination. 
 An amiable, unpretending gentleman in every respect, Mr. 
 WIGHT has gained much popularity during the present 
 session, and is doing excellent service for the people of West- 
 Chester county. He is Chairman of the Committee on Priv-
 
 334 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ileges and Elections, a member of the Insurance Committee, 
 and serves also on the special Erie Committee. 
 
 PETER WOODS. 
 
 Mr. WOODS was the opponent, in the late canvass, of ex- 
 Assemblyman JAMES IRVING, the candidate of Tammany, in 
 the 16th metropolitan district, defeating him by a majority 
 of 865. He was born in the county of Monahan, Ireland, 
 December 15, 1832, and is therefore forty-one years of age. 
 At the age of seventeen, he came to this country, and located 
 in New York city, where he has resided ever since. He was 
 educated in the common schools in Ireland and in New 
 York, and learned the trade of a painter. He has been in 
 business for about fifteen years, and is now quite comfortably 
 off. Except his present service in the Assembly, he has never 
 held any public position. He served his time in the New 
 York Volunteer Fire Department, and has taken an active 
 part in local politics for a number of years, belonging to 
 what is known as the Young Democracy, and for nine years 
 past has persistently fought the Tammany ring. 
 
 Mr. WOODS is a man of considerable business energy and 
 sagacity, and represents his district very efficiently. He is a 
 member of the lioman Catholic Church, and has been twice 
 married, iirst to Ais'x BUU.NKU, in 1858, and the second time 
 to ELIZABETH LECOMPT, in 1809, his first wife dying in 
 1862.
 
 JACOB WORTH. 335 
 
 JACOB WORTH. 
 
 Mr. WORTH is a resident of the Sixteenth ward of 
 Brooklyn, and represents the Sixth district of Kings county 
 in the Assembly. His parents emigrated from South Ger- 
 many in the year 1837, locating in New York city; five 
 years later they removed to Brooklyn, and there the family 
 have since resided. Mr. AYoRTii was born in New York soon 
 after his parents arrived in that city, and therefore he is now 
 about thirty-five years of age. His father died when he was 
 but seven years of age, and from that time he was practically 
 obliged to depend upon his own efforts to earn a living, as well 
 as to provide for his widowed mother. He thus had very little 
 opportunity to obtain an education. In point of fact, the 
 first time he ever saw the inside of a school-house was in 
 1863, when he was first a candidate for legislative honors. 
 He is therefore self-made, as the phrase goes, and self-edu- 
 cated. 
 
 His life has been quite eventful. At the age of fifteen 
 he went to sea, and, during an absence of three years, made 
 the circuit of the globe. Soon after his return lie entered 
 the political arena, and at the early age of nineteen was 
 elected to represent his ward in the Democratic General 
 Committee. When the war broke out in 1801, he was 
 enthusiastic in championing the Union cause, and since that 
 time he has been a firm anil consistent Republican, devoting 
 much time and effort in spreading a knowledge of the prin- 
 ciples of his party among his fellow-countrymen. It is 
 probably due to him more than to any other man that, in 
 spite of adverse influences arising from excise laws and other 
 issues, the Germans of the Eastern District of Brooklyn, 
 comprising a large portion of the population of that section, 
 have been kept true to Republicanism. 
 
 In September, 18G2, Mr. WORTH was commissioned a First
 
 336 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Lieutenant in Col. CONK'S regiment, the 139th New York, 
 and went with his regiment to the front. Shortly after he 
 was promoted to a Captaincy, and was given a command in 
 the 84 th New York regiment. He participated with credit 
 in all the battles and skirmishes of the regiment, nntil the 
 latter part of 1863, when he resigned because of ill-health. 
 
 In the fall of the same year he was placed in the field as 
 the Republican candidate for Assembly in the district com- 
 prising the ?th, 15th, 16th and 19th wards of Brooklyn, and 
 succeeded in defeating FRANK SWIFT, the Democratic can- 
 didate, by over one thousand majority. In 1864 he was 
 re-elected by about 700 majority over JOHN HANSON, the 
 district giving the Democratic State ticket at the same time 
 500 majority. In 1865 he was once more chosen to the 
 Assembly, receiving about 1,200 majority, Judge EAMES, a 
 very popular man on the Democratic side, being his oppo- 
 nent. In 1866 he was a candidate for Street Commissioner 
 against EGBERT FURY, and was defeated by 1,400 votes, in a 
 poll of more than 48,000, running 8,800 votes ahead of the 
 Republican State ticket. In the fall of 1867 he was elected 
 to the Assembly from the district composed of the 16th and 
 19th wards of Brooklyn, by 30 majority, the Democratic 
 State Ticket receiving over 1,100 majority. In 1868 he rep- 
 resented the 2d Congressional district of this State in the 
 Electoral College which gave Gen. GRANT the thirty-four 
 votes of the Empire State. He ran again for Assembly in 
 1869, but was defeated by BERNARD HAVER, a Democrat, by 
 58 votes, owing to the fact that an Independent Republican 
 was in the field, and polled some 458 votes. He is now com- 
 pleting his fifth term in the State Legislature, to which he 
 was elected by a majority of 555 over AUGUST MERRINGER. 
 
 It is almost impossible to overcome his popularity in the 
 16th ward. He has suffered much detraction at the hands 
 of political opponents, but he is ever ready to meet his 
 assailants face to face on any issue, and his manly course of 
 action invariably compels respect and admiration. His
 
 LUCIEN T. YEOMAXS. 33? 
 
 energy and perseverance are distinguishing traits in his 
 character, and the Committee of One Hundred showed 
 obvious appreciation of his merit by requesting him to 
 champion their Reform Charter through the Assembly. It 
 is conceded that lie worthily performed the task allotted to 
 him, not hesitating to measure lances with the ablest debaters 
 in the House. Mr. WORTH has been elected to represent the 
 16th ward in the Republican General Committee every year 
 for the past twelve years, and during the past ten years has 
 been the elected representative of his Assembly district to 
 all the State Conventions of the Republican party. He is a 
 gentleman of good presence and commanding figure, stand- 
 ing six feet in height. If he lives to the usual age allotted to 
 man, he bids fair to become as popular in the State as he is 
 now in Brooklyn. He was married in 1861, and has two 
 interesting children. 
 
 LUCIEN T. YEOMANS. 
 
 One of the most active young Republicans of the House 
 is the Hon. LUOIEX T. YEOMAXS, of Wayne, who is now 
 serving his second term. Mr. YEOMAXS was born in Wai- 
 worth, Wayne county, December 1st, 1840, and is a son of 
 THEROX G. YEOMAXS, who was a member of Assembly in 
 1851, ? 52. The subject of our sketch is still a resident of 
 that pleasant village, where he owns and supervises a well- 
 managed and productive fruit farm. He is, in fact, well 
 known throughout the State as a nurseryman and fruit 
 grower. Those who manage State and county fairs are 
 aware that he has a habit of manifesting a lively interest in 
 whatever tends to the advancement of his favorite pursuit, 
 and there are probably very few men who have, at his age, 
 succeeded in accomplishing as much for the horticultural 
 interests of the commonwealth. Mr. YEOMAXS is thoroughly 
 22
 
 338 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 qualified for a business career, haring mastered a full course 
 of study at Walworth Academy, and at Eastman's Commer- 
 cial College in Poughkeepsie. Since he cast his first vote he 
 has been an active and thorough-going Republican, and being 
 also a man of clear convictions and enlarged views, he has 
 attained a prominent position in the local councils of his party, 
 in which his shrewdness and energy are felt and acknowl- 
 edged. He was never a seeker after political preferment, and 
 never held office in the party until last year, when he served 
 his constituents honorably in the Assembly. His course, 
 indeed, gave such complete satisfaction to those he repre- 
 sented, that he was returned to the present House by a largely- 
 increased majority over two competitors, ORLANDO W. 
 POWERS, a " Liberal " Republican, and AMASA HALL, an 
 '' Independent " Republican. His majority at the last elec- 
 tion was 1,635 against 1,200 in the fall of 1871. In the 
 Assembly of 1852 he was appropriately given the Chairman- 
 ship of the Committee on Agriculture. As a member of the 
 Committees on Claims and Expenditures of the Executive 
 Department, and also of the Sub-committee of the Whole, 
 he labored industriously and with credit throughout, the pro- 
 longed session of last year. In the present session he is 
 Chairman of Joint Library, and member of Commerce and 
 Navigation, and Sub-committee of the Whole. 
 
 Mr. Y. is not conspicuous as a debater, though he occasion- 
 ally takes the floor ; but he possesses qualities which are far 
 more essential to good legislation, namely, unwearied indus- 
 try, keen discrimination, sound sense, and sterling integrity. 
 Though yet a young man, he has already made his mark, and 
 has evidently entered upon an honorable career.
 
 RUSSELL A. YOUNG. 339 
 
 RUSSELL A. YOUNG. 
 
 Mr. YOUNG is a resident of Norwich, Chenango county, 
 where he owns a valuable farm, and is accounted one of the 
 most successful agriculturists in that section. His parents, 
 MARTIN and MARY YOUNG, were natives of Otsego county, 
 and he was born in Pittsfield, in that county, on the 
 30th of October, 1835. His father and mother are, we 
 believe, both living. Removing to Cheiiango county at an 
 early age, Mr. YOUNG received an education in the ordinary 
 English branches at New Berlin Academy, and subsequently 
 served an apprenticeship at carriage-making. After working 
 about twelve years at that business, he purchased a farm, 
 and, since 1862, his time has mainly been occupied in its 
 cultivation. His probity of character and sterling worth 
 have secured him the esteem and regard of all the citizens 
 of Norwich, without regard to party. In 1866, he was 
 elected Commissioner of Highways, and has held the office 
 continuously up to the present time. He has also been 
 Secretary of the County Agricultural Society since the year 
 1869. Mr. YOUNG cast his first vote for JOHN C. FREMONT. 
 and in all the elections since then he has invariably voted 
 the Republican ticket. He was chosen to the Assembly in 
 the canvass of last fall by a majority of 813, his opponent 
 being DAVID H. KNAPP. Though he is not conspicuous in 
 the debates of the House, he is an able and efficient mem- 
 ber, and effectively represents the interests of his constitu- 
 ents, with due regard to the welfare of the State at large. 
 In religion he is an Episcopalian, and is one of the leading 
 members of that denomination in Norwich. He was mar- 
 ried, on the 6th of September, 1859. to Miss FANNIE K. 
 BROWN.
 
 340 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN O'DONNELL, 
 
 CLEKK OF THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 Though he assumed the position without previous experi- 
 ence in the desk, the duties of Clerk of the Assembly 
 have very rarely been better performed than by ex-Senator 
 O'DoxxELL. The position is one of great labor and respon- 
 sibility, and requires a peculiar order of talent in the incum- 
 bent ; but he has shown that he possesses in large degree the 
 special qualifications required, being, as all will admit who 
 have watched him during the session, industrious, prompt, 
 methodical, a good reader, a clear-headed man of business, 
 and a pleasant, courteous gentleman. For the admirable 
 and orderly manner in which the legislative business has 
 been transacted, great credit is primarily due to Speaker 
 CORXELL, but his efforts would be useless to a great extent 
 were they not aided and seconded, as they certainly have 
 been, by the tact and intelligence of the Clerk. Mr.O'Dox- 
 XELL'S ability is universally recognized, and he enjoys the 
 confidence and esteem of all the members of the House. 
 
 JOHN* O'DoxxELL is a native of Fort Ann, Washington 
 county, where he was born in 1857. His father was born in 
 Ireland and his mother in America. In early life lie removed 
 to Lyme, Jefferson county, and in 18-iO he settled in Lowville, 
 Lewis county, where he now resides. In that place he com- 
 menced trade as a general merchant, and by earnest and 
 careful attention to business gradually extended his means 
 and acquired the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. 
 He subsequently purchased largely of real estate, in central 
 and eligible business localities, and erected commodious 
 blocks of buildings, extending along both the main streets 
 of Lowville, which have added greatly to the commercial 
 facilities of the place. His investments proved successful to 
 that extent that lie, several years ago, withdrew from trade,
 
 JOHN O'DoNNELL. 341 
 
 the leisure thus secured enabling him to render valuable 
 service to the people of the State and the Republican party, 
 us Avell as to the temperance cause, with, which he has long 
 been closely identified. 
 
 He has had a long and honorable political career. In 1864 
 he was a member of the Republican State Committee, and 
 was also a Delegate to the Baltimore Convention which 
 renominated President LIXCOLN. In the same year he was 
 a Member of Assembly from Lewis county, serving in that 
 body as Chairman of the Committee on the Internal Affairs 
 of Towns and Counties, and bestowing diligent attention 
 upon the interests of his constituents and such measures 
 as were for the public welfare. During the session he 
 secured the passage of laws appropriating about fifty thou- 
 sand dollars for improvements in Lewis county, and was 
 the author of an important bill to protect the butter and 
 cheese interests of the State. In 1865 he was elected Senator 
 for the eighteenth district (Lewis and Jefferson), in place 
 of Hon. JAMES A. BELL, defeating, by a large majority, 
 AXDREW CORNWALL, his Democratic opponent. During 
 his first senatorial term he was Chairman of the Internal 
 Affairs Committee, and a member of the Committees on Insur- 
 ance and Public Expenditures. In his first session he reported 
 and advocated the New York Excise Bill, and was the author 
 of acts to protect political primaries, caucuses and conven- 
 tions, and to divide a safety fund of 880,000 in the Bank 
 Department among the bill-holders of Yates and Lewis 
 counties and reciprocity banks. 
 
 In 1867 he distinguished himself by introducing a measure, 
 noted for its originality and success, and known as the 
 " O'Donnell Railroad Bill.'"' It provided, in place of State 
 aid to individual roads, a general plan by which the State 
 should aid any steam railroad in the State, outside of New 
 York city and county, that should build and complete in 
 good running order, where a parallel road was not already 
 built or in process of building, within an average distance of
 
 342 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 ten miles thereof, to the amount of $5,000 per mile for 
 every twenty miles of road. It was with difficulty that a 
 report, even for consideration, could be obtained from the 
 Senate Eailroad Committee in reference to the bill. At its 
 first appearance in Committee of the Whole but two Sena- 
 tors were in favor of it, but a long discussion of its merits 
 changed the current of opinion, and it finally passed by a 
 large vote. Afterward it passed the Assembly, but it was 
 vetoed by Governor FEXTOX. He also secured the passage 
 in the Senate of bills to extend the New York excise law to 
 the State at large, to suppress obscene literature, and to pro- 
 hibit the employment of railroad employees who use liquors 
 as a beverage, but they were all defeated in the Assembly. 
 
 In 1867 he was again elected to the Senate, defeating LEWIS 
 H. Buowxby 1,647 majority. In the ensuing session, as a 
 reward for his fidelity to the interests of the State, and for 
 his unbending integrity and honesty, he was made Chairman 
 of the Finance Committee, a position which constituted him 
 the premier of the Senate. He was besides a member of the 
 Committees on Printing, Privileges and Elections, and Pub- 
 lic Health. 
 
 During this session he devoted himself to the revision of 
 the assessment laws of the State, and introduced a bill which 
 provided for the taxing and assessing of corporations at the 
 Comptroller's office in Albany. In pursuance of the order 
 of the Senate in connection with his bill, for the first time 
 in the history of the State, all the corporations made sworn 
 statements of the amount of their capital, surplus and net 
 earnings for the preceding five years. These returns weiv 
 embodied in a report from the Comptroller, and, in an clabo- 
 orate speech upon his bill, Senator O'Doxs'ELL claimed that 
 there was $870,989,672.39 of corporate property alone liable 
 to taxation, and that of this vast amount only 8235.855,172 
 was assessed for taxation. In 1869. without his knowledge, 
 he was selected as Supervisor of Internal Revenue for the 
 Northern District of New York, which office he held until
 
 JOHN CfDoNNELL. 343 
 
 August, when, by law of Congress, the two districts in the 
 State were consolidated into one. In the late Presidential 
 canvass Senator O'DoNNELL took the stump for General 
 GRANT, and held upward of fifty meetings in behalf of the 
 cause. After the close of the canvass, at the organization of 
 the Assembly, and in obedience to the unanimous wish of 
 the party in the State, who desired to carry the reforms 
 promised into the Clerk's desk, he was chosen Clerk of the 
 Assembly, without solicitation on his part. 
 
 Mr. O'DoxxELL has been the recognized champion of the 
 temperance interest in the Legislature and elsewhere, for a 
 number of years past, and he has given his best efforts in 
 behalf of that cause. He is, in fact, one of the most promi- 
 nent temperance men in the entire State, and frequently 
 takes occasion to deliver lectures and addresses on the sub- 
 ject. So far as honorably lay in his power, he has been active 
 in endeavoring to secure the passage of the several temper- 
 ance bills before the present Legislature. As a public speaker 
 he is fluent and argumentative, seldom failing to fix the 
 attention of an audience, and always leaving the impression 
 that he is correct and conscientious in his views. He is 
 known as a man of great energy and perseverance, and he 
 seldom undertakes an enterprise without carrying it through. 
 Genial in disposition, gentlemanly and courteous in manners, 
 and a man of fine intellectual attainments, JOHX O'DoxxELL 
 is in every way an ornament to the Clerk's desk, and an 
 honor to the State he serves.
 
 34:4 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 JOHN SMART, M. A., 
 
 OF SMARTVILLE. 
 
 [The following autobiographical sketch was found among 
 the papers in the hands of the editors of this work. As a 
 bit of pleasantry, it is deemed worthy of publication. It 
 was written by a well-known member of the present Assem- 
 bly, who is serving his second term :] 
 
 Editors of Life Sketches : Your circular soliciting bio- 
 graphical data of members of Assembly and other distin- 
 guished persons was duly received. I shall be very happy to 
 assist you as far as lies in my power. 
 
 At present I will only briefly allude to some of the most 
 important events of my past life and ancestral connections. 
 
 My ancestors were of the Simon pure thoroughbred Puri- 
 tan stock, and came to this country on the Plymouth Rock, 
 about twenty-live years before the Sunflower landed with 
 the BEECIIER family consequently they enjoyed all the 
 hardships and privations of the early settlers. My great- 
 grandfather, II AX ABLE SMART, was a deacon in the church 
 and fought in the Indian Avars under POCAHONTAS and 
 Captain JOHX SMITH. He finally settled in an unsettled 
 part of the State, and started the village of Smartville. My 
 grandfather was a shoemaker. I don't know what my grand- 
 mother was, but probably she Avas of the same persuasion. 
 They pegged out before my remembrance, and left a right 
 smart family of children, eleven boys and nine girls, some 
 of whom emigrated to Pike county, Pennsylvania, and have 
 never been heard from since. Probably they joined the 
 Liberals or Bourbon Democracy and perished in the late- 
 Presidential campaign. My father, JOHN HANCOCK SMART, 
 was a distinguished military officer, and served eighteen years 
 us captain in the Connecticut militia. My mother weighed 
 240 pounds. They fought in the battle of "Tippecanoe and
 
 JOHN SMART, M. A. 345 
 
 Tyler too ;" also, in the Young Hickory and White Ash cam- 
 paign. 
 
 As to my own nativity, I have not a very distinct recollec- 
 tion, but think it occurred about forty years ago. At a 
 very early age I set out to paddle my own canoe, and the 
 first notable event that I distinctly recollect was being 
 placed in charge of the motive power of a canal boat, on 
 the Erie canal. Since then many memorable events have 
 occurred which I should prefer to forget, notwithstand- 
 ing the loss it would be to the world not to have them 
 recorded. Probably if I had remained on the canal instead 
 of paddling my canoe into the dirty waters of politics, I 
 might to-day write the biography of a much better man. My 
 early education was chiefly obtained from the common schools 
 (very common ones they were), except about six months 
 which I spent with a circus. I don't recollect whether 1 
 graduated from either institution. 
 
 The public positions which I have held in civil life have 
 been somewhat varied and attended with responsibility and 
 profit, if not with honor. At the age of twenty-two I was 
 appointed Superintendent of a light-house on the Jersey 
 Flats. This was considered a very dangerous service, as the 
 mosquitoes had taken off those previously appointed to that 
 office ; but by the exercise of a little strategy, instead of 
 being taken off by the varmints, I managed to take them in 
 and make it pay. to boot. By leaving the lamp open on a 
 warm night, they would fly in and get thoroughly singed, 
 the remains could then be gathered up and sold very readily 
 in Catharine Market for baked shrimps an excellent article 
 of food for a light diet. I next received an appointment in 
 the Internal Revenue Department as Whisky Inspector, after 
 a competitive examination with twenty-five other candidates, 
 my success being due to the possession of the greatest capacity 
 to sample the goods. I was compelled to resign after six 
 months' service in the Jersey lightning district, my constitu- 
 tion not being strong enough to endure that service.
 
 346 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 After occupying several other important positions in civil 
 life, and taking a very active part in primaries and political 
 clubs, having been President of the Strikers' Club for the 
 last ten years, and in connection therewith, having been 
 instrumental in electing several men of great financial 
 ability to the Legislature and to Congress, I was myself elected 
 last year to the Assembly, and took an active part in the 
 work of the session. I served on the Committee on Fixed 
 Bills, and also on the Committee on Expenditures of the 
 Lobby. Owing to the last Legislature being so strongly in 
 favor of reform, and the many reform measures introduced, 
 the labors of these Committees were very arduous and 
 exacting. 
 
 As a mark of appreciation for my past services, and an 
 indorsement of my course in the cause of reform, my con- 
 stituents re-elected me to the Legislature of 1873. 
 
 Before closing this hasty sketch, I would briefly allude to 
 my military service during the late Avar. Soon after the 
 commencement of difficulties, I enlisted in the Sutlers' 
 Department with the Pennsylvania Eeserves, and was in the 
 front or rear (don't exactly remember which) of Gen. 
 POPE'S army, at the second Bull Run fight. When the run 
 commenced I outran them all, and was the first man in 
 except a newspaper correspondent, who stole a commissary 
 mule, and rode bare-back. His paper always got the news 
 from the rear in advance of any other. Soon thereafter, 
 and, as a reward for hard service, I received an appointment 
 as captain in the Home Guard, and was detailed for recruit- 
 ing service ; the difficulties and dangers of this service I did 
 not shrink from, but, owing to a trifling misunderstanding 
 with the Department on account of some irregularity in the 
 transactions of the bounty-broker-jumpers, I tendered my 
 resignation, and did not again engage in any military ser- 
 vice until last winter, when I joined the '' Black Horse Cav- 
 alry" at Albany, and performed active service in that com- 
 mand until its colonel resigned, when I accepted a commis-
 
 JOHX SMART, M. A. 34? 
 
 sion in tlie bone brigade, and became a leader of some note 
 in the skirmishes and battles fought during the latter part 
 of the campaign. It is my intention, after the close of the 
 present session, when I will have served through two Reform 
 Legislatures, to deliver lectures as a reformed member, 
 believing they can be made as entertaining and profitable as 
 the ''Reformed Drunkard" or "Reformed Gambler" lec- 
 tures which Avere so popular some years ago. 
 Yours truly, 
 
 JOHN SMART, 
 
 Member from Smartville.
 
 MEMBERS OF THE SENATE. 349 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE SENATE. 
 
 NUMBER OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS, WITH THE COUNTIES AND 
 WARDS COMPOSING THE SAME. 
 
 Dlst. Counties and Wards. Senators. 
 
 1. Counties of Suffolk, Queens and Richmond TOWNSE.VD D. COCK. 
 
 2. First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eleventh, 
 
 Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth wards 
 
 of the city of Brooklyn, In the county of Kings JOHN C. PERRY. 
 
 3. Sixth, Eighth, Xinth, Tenth, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Six- 
 
 teenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth wards of the city of 
 Brooklyn, and the towns of Fhitbush, Flatlands, Grave- 
 send, New Lots and New Utrecht, of the county of 
 Kings HENRY C. MURPHY. 
 
 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Thir- 
 
 teenth and Fourteenth wards of the city and county of 
 
 New York VACANT. 
 
 5. Eighth, Ninth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth wards of the city 
 
 and county of New York ERASTUS C. BENEDICT. 
 
 6. Tenth, Eleventh and Seventeenth wards of the city and 
 
 county of New York AUGUSTUS WEISMANN. 
 
 7. Eighteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-first wards of the city 
 
 and county of New York JAMES O'BRIEN. 
 
 8. Twelfth, Nineteenth and Twenty-second wards of the city 
 
 and county of New York DANIEL F. TIEMANN. 
 
 0. Counties of Westchester, Putnam arid Kockland WILLIAM II. KOBERTSO*. 
 
 10. Counties of Orange and Sullivan EDWARD M. MADDEN. 
 
 11. Counties of Dutchess and Columbia ABIAH W. PALMER. 
 
 12. Counties o!" Renssolaer and Washington ISAAC V. BAKER, JR. 
 
 13. County of Albany CHARLES II. ADAMS. 
 
 14. Counties of Greene and Ulster WILLIAM F. SCORESBT. 
 
 1,">. Counties of Saratoga, Montgomery, Fulton, Hamilton and 
 
 Schenectady WEBSTER W A ONER. 
 
 16. Counties of Warren, Essex and Clinton SAMUEL AMKS. 
 
 17. Counties of St. Lawrence and Franklin WELLS S. DICKINSON. 
 
 15. Counties of Jefferson and Lewis NORRIS WIXSLOW. 
 
 19. County of Onohla .... SAMUEL S. LOWERY.
 
 350 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 Dist. Counties and Wards. Senators. 
 
 20. Counties of Herkimer and Otsego ARCHIBALD C. McGowAM. 
 
 21. Counties of Oswego and Madison WILLIAM FOSTER. 
 
 22. Counties of Onondaga and Cortland DANIEL P. WOOD. 
 
 23. Counties of Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie JAMES H. GRAHAM. 
 
 24. Counties of Broome.Tioga and Tompkins THOMAS J. CHATFIELD. 
 
 25. Counties of Cayuga and Wayne WILLIAM B. WOODIN. 
 
 26. Counties of Ontario, Yates and Seneca WILLIAM JOHNSON. 
 
 27. Counties of Chemung, Schuylet and Steuben GABRIEL T. HARROWEK. 
 
 28. County of Monroe JARVIS LORD. 
 
 29. Counties of Niagara, Orleans and Genesee GEORGE BOWEN. 
 
 30. Counties of Wyoming, Livingston and Allegany JAMES WOOD. 
 
 31. County of Erie LORAN L. LEWIS. 
 
 32. Counties of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus NORMAN M. ALLEN.
 
 MEMBERS OF THE SENATE. 
 
 351 
 
 SENATORS 
 
 AXPHABETICALI/Y ARRANGED, WITH THE COUNTIES IN WHICH THEY 
 RESIDE, POST-OFFICE ADDRESS AND POLITICS. 
 
 Lieut.-Gov. JOHN C. ROBINSON, President of the Senate. 
 
 NAME OF SENATOR. 
 
 County. 
 
 Post-office address. 
 
 Politics. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ames, Samuel 
 Baker, Isaac V., Jr 
 Benedict, Erastus C 
 
 Essex 
 Washington 
 New York 
 
 Keeseville 
 Comstock's Landing.... 
 New York 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Chatflekl, Thomas J 
 Dickinson, Wells S 
 Foster William 
 
 Tioga 
 Franklin 
 Oswego, 
 
 Owego 
 Bangor 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Delaware 
 
 Delhi 
 
 
 narrower, Gabriel T 
 Johnson, William 
 
 Steuberi 
 Seneca 
 Erie 
 
 Lindleytown 
 Seneca Falls 
 Buffalo 
 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 
 
 Monroe 
 
 
 
 
 Oneida 
 
 
 
 Madden, Edward M 
 M M \rchib?Ul C 
 
 Orange 
 
 Middletown 
 Frankfort 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Murphv Henrv C 
 
 Kings 
 
 Brooklyn 
 
 
 O'Brien, James 
 Palmer, Abiah W 
 Perry, John C 
 Robertson, William II 
 Scorosbv William F 
 
 New York 
 Dutchess 
 Kings 
 Westchester .... 
 Ulster 
 
 New York 
 Amenla 
 Brooklyn 
 Katonah 
 EHenville 
 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Palatine Bridge 
 
 
 WeUnumn, Augustus 
 
 Ne\v York 
 
 New York 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Woodin, William I! 
 Wood, Daniel P 
 
 Cayuga 
 Onondaga 
 
 Auburn 
 Syracuse 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 Wood, James. 
 
 Livingston .. 
 
 Geneseo Republican.
 
 352 
 
 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY 
 
 ALPHABETTCA:LLY ARRANGED, WITH THE DISTRICTS AND COUNTIES 
 THEY REPRESENT, POST-OFFICE ADDRESS AND POLITICS. 
 
 Hon. ALONZO B. CORNELL, Speaker. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Name. 
 
 County. 
 
 Post-office address. 
 
 Politics. 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 Abbott, Frank 
 
 Orange 
 
 Port Jervls , 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 3 
 
 Alberger, Franklin A 
 
 Erie 
 
 Buffalo 
 
 Republican. 
 
 1 
 
 Babcock, Isaac H 
 
 Niagara 
 
 Lockport 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Badger, John P.. 
 
 Franklin ' Burke ! Republican. 
 
 2 ; Baltz, George j Erie Buffalo 
 
 2 i Batcheller, Geo. S | Saratoga Saratoga Springs. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Biglin, Bernard \ New York New York city | Republican. 
 
 Blackie, Charles ' New York New York city | Republican. 
 
 Blessing, Andrew , New York New York city ! Democrat. 
 
 Blumenthal, Joseph , 
 
 New York , New York city 
 
 Brewer, Francis B ! Chautauqua Westfleld 
 
 Brown, Elijah E | Cayuga | New Hope 
 
 Brown. James H ! Ulster ! Highland 
 
 Bulkley, Justus L ! Oswego \ Sandy Creek 
 
 2 i Burns, Dennis ' New York., 
 
 New York citv. 
 
 Burri.t, Leonard Monroe Spenccrport 
 
 Campbell, Timothy J New York i New York city 
 
 New York city.. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Independ't. 
 
 Republican. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Clarke, Geo. W Now York. 
 
 Cleary. Wm. V Rensselaer ' Troy 
 
 C'ocheu, Frederick Kings. Brooklyn, E. D Republican 
 
 Coggeshall, Henry J Oneiila j AVaterville ': Republican 
 
 Cook, Wm. \V New York New York city ; Democrat. 
 
 Cope, John Otscgo ' Oneonta ' Republican 
 
 Cornell, Chas. G New York I New York city Democrat. 
 
 Costello, Patrick II Oneida Carnden Republican 
 
 Couchman, Peter Schoharie ; Conesville Democrat
 
 MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 353 
 
 Name. 
 
 County. 
 
 Post-office address. 
 
 Politics. 
 
 Crandall, Wm. \V 
 Crary, Charles 
 
 Allegany 
 New York 
 
 Andover 
 New York city 
 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Independ't. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Ulster 
 
 Wilbur 
 
 Davidson, John N 
 Deenng, James A 
 Dennlston, Augustus 
 Dexter, Seymour 
 Donohuo, James F 
 Kiting, Daniel D 
 
 Wyoming 
 New York 
 Orange 
 Chemung 
 Kings 
 Ulster 
 
 Portageville 
 New York city 
 Blooming Grove 
 Klmira 
 Brooklyn 
 Ellenville 
 
 Fish, Henrv L 
 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Flinn, Morris B 
 Ford, Win. L 
 
 Yates 
 
 Rushville 
 Deposit 
 
 Fort, Daniel G 
 
 
 Oswego 
 
 Fowler, Thomas M 
 Furbeck, John I 
 Gere, Wm. H. II 
 Gilbert, Stephen F 
 
 Steuben 
 Onondaga 
 Onondaga 
 
 Wayland 
 Collamer 
 Geddes 
 Hornellsville 
 
 
 
 Pittsford 
 
 Griffin, Matthew 
 
 
 
 Hardy, Leonard F 
 Hayes, James 
 Heacock, Willard J 
 Healey, James 
 Hendee, Horatio S 
 Herrlck, Castle W 
 Herring, William 
 Hlggins, Albion P 
 Hill, Augustus 
 
 Cayuga 
 New York 
 Fulton&Ham.. 
 New York 
 Jefferson 
 Kensselaer 
 Westchester .... 
 Kings 
 
 Weedsport 
 New York city 
 
 New York city 
 Carthage 
 Nassau 
 Fremont 
 New York city 
 Cairo 
 
 Hillyer, John Blake 
 Kille; JohnD 
 Holltoter, K'lmund \V 
 Husted, James W 
 Jacobs, John C 
 
 Richmond 
 Chautauqua 
 Washington 
 Westchester .... 
 Kings 
 Oswego 
 Washington 
 lam II. Teffl elec 
 
 New Springville 
 Smith's Mills 
 
 Peekskill 
 Brooklyn 
 Fulton 
 Middle Granville 
 ted to flll vacancy. 
 
 Johnson, Willard 
 Jones, Eleazer* 
 * Deceased; Wil 
 
 23
 
 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 p 
 
 Name. 
 
 County. 
 
 Post-office address. 
 
 Politics. 
 
 
 Kennedy, Archibald 
 Knettles Anson \V 
 
 Livingston 
 Tompklns 
 
 York 
 
 Republican. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 2 
 \ 
 
 Landfield, Jerome B 
 Lewis, William, Jr 
 Lincoln, Cyrillo S 
 Lynde, Dolphus S 
 
 Tioga 
 Delaware 
 Ontario 
 St. Lawrence ... 
 Dutchess 
 
 Newark Valley 
 Hamden 
 Naples 
 Hermon 
 Fishkill-on-tlie-llud'n 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 Manley, John 
 Marcy, John S 
 McGuire, Jeremiah 
 McQueen, Daniel P 
 
 Cattaraugus .... 
 Suffolk 
 Schuyler 
 Schenectady .... 
 St. Lawrence ... 
 
 Little Valley 
 Hi verhead 
 Havana 
 Schenectady 
 De Kalb 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 Mosher, George D 
 Nice, John 
 
 Albany 
 Erie 
 New York 
 
 West Troy 
 Grand Island 
 New York citv 
 
 Democrat. 
 Republican. 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 Oakley, James M 
 
 Queens 
 Erie 
 
 Jamaica 
 Buffalo 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 20 
 10 
 
 Opdyke, William S 
 
 New York 
 New York 
 
 New York city 
 
 Republican. 
 
 9 
 1 
 
 ] 
 
 ? 
 
 Pell, Stephen 
 Persons, Elam 
 Phillips, George W 
 Philpot, Edward C 
 
 New York 
 Jefferson 
 Cortland 
 Madison 
 
 New York city 
 Ellisburgh 
 Homer 
 Pratt's Hollow 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 
 
 Warren 
 
 
 
 1 
 1 
 ? 
 
 Prince, L. Bradford 
 Ray, Benjamin 
 
 Queens 
 Columbia 
 
 Flushing 
 Hudson 
 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 Rice, Eleazer C 
 Roche, Domlnlck H 
 Rose Parker W 
 
 Herkimer 
 Kings 
 
 Fairfleld. 
 Brooklyn 
 Parishvllle 
 
 Republican. 
 Democrat. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 ? 
 
 Smith, Solon B 
 
 New York 
 
 New York city 
 
 Republican. 
 
 ] 
 
 8 
 
 Stewart, James 
 Suydam, Adrian M 
 
 Otsego 
 'Kings 
 
 South Worcester 
 Brooklyn, E. D 
 
 Democrat. 
 Republican.
 
 MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 355 
 
 Q 
 
 Name. 
 
 County. 
 
 Post-office address. 
 
 Politics. 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 Swain, George M 
 Sylvester, Sidney 
 Tefft William H 
 
 Niagara 
 Lewis 
 
 Washington 
 
 Somerset 
 Martlnsburgh 
 Whitehall 
 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Tobey, Franklin W 
 
 Essex 
 
 Port Henry 
 
 Republican. 
 
 2 
 
 Tompklns. Milton M 
 
 Columbia 
 
 Chatham Village 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 
 Townsend, Elbert 
 
 Genesee 
 
 Pavilion Centre 
 
 Republican. 
 
 2 
 
 VanCott, David C 
 
 Kings , 
 
 Brooklyn 
 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Van Demark, William W 
 
 Seneca 
 
 Waterloo 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 1 
 
 Van Dusen, Ambrose L 
 
 Ontario 
 
 Gypsum 
 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Van Dusen, William J 
 
 Montgomery 
 
 Canajoharie 
 
 Republican. 
 
 3 
 
 Van Valkenburgh, John W 
 
 Albany 
 
 Albany 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 1 
 
 Vedder, Commodore P 
 
 Cattaraugus 
 
 Ellicottville 
 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Voorhls, William 
 
 Rockland 
 
 Nyack 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 4 
 
 Walker, Daniel 
 
 Onelda. 
 
 North Gage 
 
 Republican. 
 
 4 
 
 Watt, James 
 
 Kings 
 
 Brooklyn 
 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Weed Smith M 
 
 Clinton 
 
 Plattsburgh 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 1 
 
 Wells, Edward B 
 
 Wayne 
 
 Clyde 
 
 Republican. 
 
 1 
 
 West, George 
 
 Saratoga 
 
 Ballston Spa 
 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Whalen, Elisha S 
 
 Orleans 
 
 Medina 
 
 Republican. 
 
 1 
 
 White, Nicholas A 
 
 Onelda 
 
 Utica 
 
 Republican. 
 
 2 
 
 Wight, Amherst, Jr 
 
 Westchester .... 
 
 Port Chester 
 
 Republican. 
 
 16 
 
 Woods, Peter 
 
 New York 
 
 New York city 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 6 
 
 Worth, Jacob 
 
 Kings 
 
 Brooklyn, E. D 
 
 Republican. 
 
 2 
 
 Yeornans, Lucien T 
 
 Wayne 
 
 Walworth 
 
 Republican. 
 
 
 Young, Russell A 
 
 Chenango 
 
 Norwich 
 
 Republican.
 
 THE OLD CAPITOL AND THE NEW. 357 
 
 THE OLD CAPITOL AND THE NEW. 
 
 We present on another page the engraved counterpart of 
 the new Capitol. A few words concerning that magnificent 
 coming edifice and its predecessor, still in possession, the old 
 Capitol, will not be out of place in this volume. 
 
 The Capitol building in which the laws of New York are 
 now made, owed its origin to the Mayor, Aldermen and Com- 
 monalty of the City of Albany. In 1803, the Legislature 
 of the State, then holding its sessions in Albany's Court- 
 house a plain, substantial four-story building, situated on 
 what is now the corner of Broadway (then Court street) and 
 Hudson street was respectfully petitioned by said Mayor, 
 etc. Their petition set forth that the Court-house then in 
 use, "as well from local situation as from its not having a 
 sufficient number of apartments for the accommodation of 
 the Legislature, has become inconvenient for the transaction 
 of public business ; that the continual passage of carts and 
 wagons at particular seasons renders it difficult if not im- 
 practicable from the noise occasioned thereby to attend with 
 accuracy to the debates and proceedings of the different 
 bodies assembled in the Court-house ; that for these and 
 other inconveniences the petitioners are desirous that a State 
 and Court-house be erected in said city, sufficiently spacious 
 and commodious for the sessions and deliberations of the 
 different branches of government." The petitioners offered 
 to appropriate an eligible site for such a building, in the 
 public square of the city, and to cause the Court-house and 
 lot on which it stood to be sold, and apply proceeds toward 
 defraying the expenses of the new building; and they prayed 
 for legislative aid in order that such a building as they 
 desired might be erected, "and that such appropriation be 
 made as is necessary for finishing said new building and pro-
 
 358 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 viding suitable apartments for the use of Senate and Assem- 
 bly." 
 
 Mr. LUSH, from the Senate committee to whom this peti- 
 tion was referred, reported thereon, March 19th, 1803. The 
 committee was of opinion that it would be expedient for the 
 Legislature to grant $10,000 in aid of the undertaking, and, 
 in case the proceeds arising from the sale of ;he old Court- 
 house and lots, together with the said 10,000, proved insuf- 
 ficient to complete said building, to allow a further sum of 
 $6,000, to be raised by tax equally divided between the city 
 and county of Albany. The report having been made, the 
 Senate granted the petitioners leave to present a bill. In 
 the Assembly, Tuesday, February 21st, 1804, a similar peti- 
 tion was presented with a like result. 
 
 The petitioners lost no time in having a bill drawn up to 
 meet the object set forth in the petitioii. It was introduced, 
 read, and put on its final passage without delay the Senate 
 disposing of it April 3d, 1804, and the Assembly March 31st. 
 
 The Commissioners appointed to erect the new building 
 were JOHN TAYLOR, DANIEL HALE, PHILIP S. VAN KENS- 
 SELAR, SIMEON DE WITT, NICHOLAS QUACKENBUSH. 
 
 By the terms of the law, Albany was to proceed imme- 
 diately to sell its old Court-house, and pay over the money 
 arising from such sale to the Commissioners, the purchaser 
 not to have possession until the completion of the State 
 House. It was further enacted that the Supervisors of the 
 city and county should raise, by tax on the freeholders and 
 inhabitants of the county, exclusive of the city, 3,000. and 
 in the city the same amount, paying over the entire sum to 
 the Commissioners. A further enactment of the law reads 
 strangely in the light of these better days, when mild raffles, 
 at innocent and charitable-minded fairs, are protested against 
 by a large and influential portion of the community as tend- 
 ing to "debauch the public conscience." The enactment in 
 question provides that certain managers of lotteries in the 
 State shall cause to be raised the sum of $12,000 by lottery,
 
 THE OLD CAPITOL AND THE NEW. 359 
 
 the same to be paid over to the Commissioners. Said Com- 
 missioners were severally to give bonds in the sum of $30,000, 
 and required to account twice a year for all moneys received 
 by them. 
 
 They at once qualified and entered upon their duties. 
 The old Court-house, on Court street, was soon sold by 
 the Corporation, and the money paid over as provided by 
 law. It brought $17,200. On the 23d of April, 186G, the 
 corner-stone of the new State House was laid. 
 
 The Albany Daily Advertiser chronicles the important 
 event thus concisely : 
 
 "On Wednesday, the 23d of April, the corner-stone of the 
 State House was laid by Hon. PHILIP S. VAN RENSSELAER, 
 in presence of the Chancellor, Judges of the Supreme Court, 
 members of the Corporation, State House Commissioners 
 and other citizens. The site on which this edifice is to be 
 erected is at the head of State street, on the west side of the 
 public square. It is to be built of stone, one hundred feet 
 by eighty, on an improved plan embracing much elegance, 
 with great convenience and durability." 
 
 In Assembly Journal of 1807. appears the first report of 
 the Commissioners. The following is an extract from the 
 minutes : 
 
 " To the Honorable the Legislature : The Commissioners 
 for erecting a building for public purposes, in the city of 
 Albany, report : That, in prosecuting the duties of their 
 appointment, they have expended 833,200, and have on 
 hand, of the materials purchased with moneys out of that 
 sum, to the amount of $8,750. The architect estimates that 
 to enclose the building will still require about 610.000. To 
 complete the interior 820,000. The portico, with steps of 
 freestone, columns of marble and pediment of wood, 80,800. 
 Total, 42,800. This estimate contemplates a wooden cor- 
 nice around the building, and a shingle roof; if the cornice 
 be made of stone and the roof of slate, 10,000 more will be 
 required.
 
 360 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 " In determining on the dimensions of the building, the 
 Commissioners have been governed by the purposes for 
 which it is intended, as particularly specified in the law ; 
 and it will be found that a more contracted plan could not 
 well have been adapted. The expenses would have been 
 somewhat less if the walls had been constructed of brick ; 
 but the Commissioners would have considered themselves 
 erring in their duty had they not conformed to the opinions 
 and practices of the best architects in every age, in prefer- 
 ring more substantial materials for such an edifice. Every 
 attention has been paid to have the work conducted with 
 the strictest economy, and the Commissioners trust that the 
 plan they have adopted, and their proceedings thus far, will 
 meet with the approbation of the Legislature. Kespectfully 
 submitted, JOHN TAYLOR, P. S. VAN KENSSELAER, SIMEON 
 DE WITT, DANIEL HALE, Commissioners. Dated 5th 
 March, 1807." 
 
 The Legislature of 1807 appropriated $20,000 in aid of the 
 erection, with the understanding that the amount should be 
 made good to them by the lotteries. On the 10th of March, 
 
 1808, the Commissioners made another report, showing that 
 the total amount received from all sources for the woi'k they 
 had in hand was $69,600, of which amount $67,688 had been 
 expended. They further reported, that $25,000 more Avas 
 needed, in their opinion, to finish the building. On the 8th 
 of April, in the same year, a law was passed appropriating 
 the additional 825,000 asked for. 
 
 In 1809, the supply bill contained an appropriation of 
 $5,000 for the new State House, the same to be devoted to 
 defraying the expenses incurred in procuring necessary fur- 
 niture for the rooms occupied by the Legislature, and for 
 furnishing said building. Up to this time the new building 
 had been known as the ' State House ; " but in this year, 
 
 1809, in making an additional appropriation of $500, the 
 law reads : " for the completion of the public building in the
 
 THE OLD CAPITOL AND THE NEW. 361 
 
 city of Albany, which building shall hereafter be kuowii as 
 the CAPITOL." 
 
 In 1810, $4,000 was appropriated toward finishing the 
 building. In 1811 the same amount was appropriated, and 
 in 1814 the Commissioners were ready to make their final 
 accounting. It is provided, in section 48 of the supply bill, 
 for 1814, that on the final settlement of the accounts of 
 the Commissioners, the Comptroller shall allow them one 
 per cent out of the moneys expended, as a compensation for 
 their services. 
 
 In May, 1829, Albany sold out her interest in the Capitol. 
 By act of May 5th, 1829, $17,500 was authorized to be paid 
 to the city, on condition that all her right and interest in the 
 Capitol and the park in front should be released to the State 
 by the Corporation of Albany and the Supervisors of the 
 city and county, before June 1st, 1829. The city accepted 
 the terms of this offer, and so the Capitol passed from under 
 its rule. 
 
 The expenses of erecting the Capitol are given in some 
 papers accompanying a message of the Governor to the Leg- 
 islature in 1819. The cost of the building is thus set forth: 
 
 Paid by the State 873,485 42 
 
 Paid by the City 34,200 00 
 
 Paid by the County 3,000 00 
 
 Total 8110,085 42
 
 362 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 THE NEW CAPITOL. 
 
 In the latter part of January, 1865, the Senate passed a 
 resolution appointing a committee of three to ascertain from 
 the different municipalities of the State, "on what terms 
 the grounds and buildings necessary for a new Capitol and 
 public offices can be obtained." The committee appointed, 
 in accordance with this resolution, at once proceeded to in- 
 quire by circular, of all the leading cities and towns of the 
 State, what they were willing to do in the way of " eligible 
 offers." The responses were numerous from all parts of the 
 State. Albany was among the cities that made overtures. 
 She offered what was known as the Congress Hall property 
 for the site of the proposed buildings. The committee 
 reported to the Senate that, in the event of the Capitol's 
 removal, they thought it ought to be located in New York 
 city; but, doubting the wisdom of making a change, they 
 recommended a bill providing for the erection of a new 
 Capitol at Albany. 
 
 On May 1st, 1865, a law was passed providing that, when- 
 ever, within three years from the passage of the bill, the city 
 of Albany should convey to the State the Congress Hall 
 block, the Governor should appoint a board of three Com- 
 missioners, to be known as " The New Capitol Commission- 
 ers," for the purpose of erecting a new Capitol. Ten 
 thousand dollars was appropriated for the commencement of 
 the work. In the year following, the city of Albany, having 
 complied with the requirements of the bill, the Governor 
 appointed HAMILTON HARRIS, Jxo. V. L. PRUYN, and 0. 
 B. LATHAM, Commissioners, and on the 14th of April, an 
 act confirming the location of the Capitol at Albany, was 
 passed in these words: 
 
 "The city of Albany having fully complied with the pro- 
 visions of chapter six hundred and forty-eight of the laws
 
 THE OLD CAPITOL AND THE NEW. 363 
 
 of eighteen hundred and sixty-five, the location of the Capi- 
 tol and the site of the Capitol building at Albany, are hereby 
 ratified and confirmed." 
 
 In 18G7, $250,000 was appropriated toward the erection 
 of the new Capitol by the Legislature. In 1868, the number 
 of Commissioners was increased, HAMILTON HARRIS, JOHN 
 V. L. PRUYN, OBADIAH B. LATHAM, JAMES S. THAYEK, 
 ALONZO B. CORNELL, WILLIAM A. RICE, JAMES TERWILLI- 
 GER, JOHN T. HUDSON, constituting the then board. In 
 1869, $125,000 was appropriated; in 1870, $1,300,000. In 
 1871 the Commission was changed, and HAMILTON HARRIS, 
 WILLIAM C. KINGSLEY, WILLIAM A. RICE, CHAUNCEY M. 
 DEPEW, DELOS DEWOLF and EDWIN A. MERRITT appointed 
 as the new board. The appropriation for 1871 was $050,000, 
 and for 1872, $1,000,000. 
 
 On the ninth day of December, 1867, the work of excava- 
 tion was commenced, and on the seventh day of July, 1869, 
 the first stone in the foundation was laid. The work has 
 steadily gone on ever since. The cost of the building is 
 restricted by the statute of 1867, and also that of 1868, to 
 " four million of dollars." It will probably not be built with- 
 out considerable addition to those figures, but, as the Commis- 
 sioners remark in their Annual Report for 1870, the matter 
 is under the control of the Legislature, and any amount 
 appropriated will be disbursed in any way the Legislature 
 may direct. 
 
 The new Capitol will be a fair memorial of the advance- 
 ment of our Commonwealth in architectural knowledge and 
 taste. It is designed in the Renaissance, or modern French 
 style of architecture, a style which will at once be recognized 
 by those conversant with the subject, as the prevailing mode 
 of modern Europe. Derived originally from Italian sources, 
 and partially from the later edifices of the Venitian repub- 
 lic, this beautiful style has now been so successfully natural- 
 ized in other countries as to have become, in fact, the pre- 
 vailing manner for most of those secular edifices of a digni-
 
 364 LIFE SKETCHES, 
 
 fied and permanent character which the wants of our times 
 have called forth. It holds this prominent place in the pub- 
 lic regard, too, as a style which supplies the greatest amount 
 of convenience attainable in our modern buildings, com- 
 bined with the most dignified and appropriate elegance in 
 their adornment. In the present instance, from the great 
 variety of outline of which it admits, and from the multi- 
 plicity of parts required, it will be found to be a style admira- 
 bly suited to the wants and uses of a great public building. 
 
 In the exterior composition of the design, there is a gen- 
 eral adherence to the style of the pavilions of the New 
 Louvre, of the Hotel de Ville of Paris, and the elegant hall or 
 Maison de Commerce recently erected in the city of Lyons. 
 Without servile imitation of any particular example, the 
 architects have produced a composition in the bold and 
 effective spirft which marks the most admired specimens of 
 modern civil architecture. The terrace, which forms the 
 grand approach to the east or principal front, will form an 
 item of striking architectural detail, nowhere else attempted 
 on such an extensive scale, at least in America. The exte- 
 rior is two hundred and ninety feet north and south, and 
 three hundred east and west. 
 
 One of the peculiar features will be the open court in the 
 center. This is one hundred by one hundred and fifty feet 
 in extent, and hence will contain more than one-third of an 
 acre. It will be open to the sky, and the rain which may 
 fall will be carried off by drains. The object of this large 
 vacancy is to afford light to the interior of the building. 
 
 The floor immediately above the level of the plateau of 
 the terrace will be entered through the porticoes on Washing- 
 ton avenue and State street, and through a carriage entrance 
 under the portico of the east front. The first, or main 
 entrance floor, will be reached by a bold flight of steps on 
 the east front and also on the west, leading through the por- 
 ticoes to the halls of entrance, each having an area of sixty 
 by seventy-four feet, and twenty-five feet in height. Com-
 
 THE OLD CAPITOL AND THE NEW. 365 
 
 municating directly with these halls will be two grand stair- 
 cases, forming the principal means of communication with 
 the second floor. On the left of the east entrance hall 
 are a suite of rooms for the use of the Governor and his 
 secretaries and military staff. On the right are rooms for 
 the Secretary of State and Attorney-General, with a corridor 
 leading to the rooms apportioned for the Court of Appeals, 
 which is seventy by seventy-seven feet. 
 
 On the second or principal floor are the chambers for the 
 Senate and Assembly, and for the State Library, all of which 
 (in elevation) will occupy two stories, making forty-eight 
 feet of height. Rooms for the committees and other pur- 
 poses will occupy the remainder of these floors. The Senate 
 Chamber will be seventy-five by fifty-five feet on the floor, 
 with a gallery on three sides of eighteen feet width. 
 The Assembly Chamber will be ninety-two by seventy-five 
 feet on the floor, and surrounded by a gallery similar to that 
 of the Senate Chamber. 
 
 The Library will occupy the whole of the east front of 
 these stories, and will be two hundred and eighty-three feet 
 long and fifty-four feet wide. These chambers will all be 
 lighted from the roof as well as from side windows. Ample 
 provision is made for the Board of Regents, for packing and 
 store-rooms required by the two Houses, and for a spacious 
 and comfortable refreshment-room for the use of the mem- 
 bers. In order to sustain the immense weight imposed upon it, 
 the outer wall is twenty-five feet thick, and the division wall is 
 only four feet less. The crypt exhibits immense arches based 
 on the concrete floor, and also the heavy foundation walls 
 made of Essex limestone, which is the strongest material 
 found in this country. The arches referred to are seventeen 
 feet high, and support the entire main floor. They are of 
 brick, and are finished in a style of groat beauty as well as 
 strength. Hence it is interesting to descend to the crypt in 
 order to get an idea of the importance of a foundation. It 
 will be used for the ventilating machines, and also will afford
 
 366 LIFE SKETCHES. 
 
 storage -room for the archives of the State sufficient for 
 many centuries to come. 
 
 When the building is completed the old Capitol, Library 
 and Congress Hall will be removed, leaving a park on the 
 east four hundred and seventy-two feet long, and three 
 hundred and thirty feet wide, or a little more than two and 
 one-half acres. It is worthy of notice, that so skillfully has 
 the design and adaptation of each of the requisitions been 
 studied by the architects, that in nearly every important 
 part of the building the area of accommodation provided 
 will be found slightly to exceed rather than fall short of 
 the amount called for in the circular of the Commissioners. 
 
 Unless something unforeseen happens, it is expected that 
 the new Capitol will be in readiness for the roof by the close 
 of the season of 1875.
 
 University of California 
 
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