USA > New York > Biographical sketches of the state officers and members of the legislature of the state of New York in 1862 and '63 > Part 3
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Mr. Lewis is regarded in Brooklyn, where he has resided all his life, as a man of great integrity, industry and ability. He occupied the situation of Comptroller in that city from 1855 to 1859, and that of Water and Sewerage Commissioner from 1859 to the present time. Prior to 1859 he was Accountant in the Tax Collector's office three years. On the occasion of his election to his present position in the State Government, he was made the recipient of a very handsome compliment from his fellow employees in the Water and Sewerage Com- mission. On their behalf, Hon. HENRY C. MURPHY, now State Senator, presented him with a very elegant silver tea service, costing some $600, "as a testimonial to his public character and private worth."
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Mr. Lewis has commanded the confidence and respect of all classes of his fellow-citizens in Brooklyn, and on his leaving that city to enter upon the duties of his office as State Treasurer, the Brooklyn News, a Demo- cratic paper, thus spoke of him :
" Mr. Lewis has maintained an unblemished character for rigid integrity and unshrinking assiduity in the dis- charge of his official duties. It is the possession of these qualities, joined to the many personal virtues and kindly genial bearing which marks his social intercourse with his fellow-men, that form the basis of the great popu- larity which he enjoys among his fellow-citizens. Firm and unyielding in his political convictions, and a shrewd partisan leader, he is a favorite in his political party ; and fair and liberal in his dealings with his political opponents, he has excited no personal animosities against him among them. Mr. Lewis takes with him the kindest wishes of his fellow-citizens of Brooklyn."
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WILLIAM B. TAYLOR,
STATE ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR.
MR. TAYLOR was born February 27, 1824, in Manches- ter, Oneida county, N. Y. His father, Job Taylor, was foreman of cotton mills, at different periods, at Oak- ville, New Berlin, Manchester and Old Union Factory. He was, also, well and favorably known as an inn-keeper, in Utica, from 1830 to 1837. During this latter period, the subject of this sketch was educated at the Utica Academy, and was prepared to enter Geneva College,
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when reverses in fortune occurred, which compelled the relinquishment of that design ; and, at the age of eighteen, he was thrown upon his own resources.
In the year 1837, his brother, Lorenzo Taylor, was elected City Surveyor of Utica, and William became his assistant, receiving only a nominal salary. In the win- ter of 1849, he was appointed a leveler in the Engineer Department, Enlargement of the Erie Canal; and from that time to the present, with the exception of about two years, he has been retained in the State service, in the various positions of first and second assistant, Resi- dent and Division Engineer ; and in the fall of 1861 was elected State Engineer and Surveyor, by a majority ex- ceeding 100,000.
In 1853 Mr. Taylor was elected City Surveyor of Utica, and was re-elected in 1854. From 1857 to 1860 inclusive, he was a member of the Common Council in the City of Utica.
In politics, Mr. Taylor was a member of the old Whig party, and after that organization was abandoned, he joined the Republicans. Upon the breaking out of the present rebellion, and the consequent inauguration of the Union movement, he took a warm interest in its success. On the assembling of the People's and Re- publican State Conventions at Syracuse, in September, 1861, he was selected as the most competent and avail- able candidate for the office he now holds, and, as we have said, was triumphantly elected. He is the youngest man that ever filled that position, being only thirty-seven years of age when he received the nomination. Of his fitness for the place the public have had an opportunity
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of judging, and no man has ever filled it with more honor to himself, or credit to the State
As an Engineer, Mr. Taylor has attained a high rank, and is probably inferior to none in the State. He pos- sesses characteristics of mind peculiarly adapted to his profession A man of keen perception, he is quick to detect weak points, or determine strong ones. With a mind of great activity, he has the faculty of arriving at the conclusion of a proposition before it is half stated to him. His social qualities are of a rare order - never failing to produce a strong attachment between himself and acquaintances. Reliable in his pledges, true to his friends, he possesses sufficient independence of character to do what he thinks to be right. In whatever position he has been placed, the public have always evinced en- tire confidence in his ability and integrity.
Mr. Taylor has been married twice. His first wife was the daughter of William Harrington ; and his second wife, now living, is the daughter of the late C. H. Fair- banks. His residence is in Utica, and he attends the Universalist Church.
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VICTOR M. RICE,
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
MR. RICE is a very large, substantial-looking man - almost a giant in stature, with great muscular power, broad chest and sledge-hammer arm and fist ; and by his personal appearance alone, to say nothing of the other good qualities with which nature has blessed him, is well calculated to make friends wherever he goes. He is a gentleman of extremely affable, social and pleasing disposition ; and by his industry, integrity and active business habits, has pushed his way in the world with a good deal of success. He was born on the 5th of April, 1818, in the village of Mayville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and is now therefore in his forty-fifth year. He is of English and Welch descent. His father, William Rice, was a member of the Legislature about twenty- two years ago, and now resides at Waupaca, Wiscon- sin, at the age of seventy-one years. His mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Waldo, died in 1854, at the age of sixty-four. Both his parents were natives of Washington county.
Mr. Rice completed his education at Alleghany Col- lege, Crawford county, Pa., where he graduated with credit in 1841. After leaving college he engaged in teaching school, and after some eight months' experience in developing " young ideas," he concluded to change his pursuit, and accordingly entered the Clerk's office in Chautauqua county, and commenced the study of law in the office of the late William Smith, Esq. He
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remained here until June, 1843, when he went to Buf- falo and resumed the occupation of teaching, by taking charge of the Buffalo High School. He remained in this institution some three years, after which he was engaged for some time as editor of the Cataract, which subsequently became the Western Temperance Standard. He was employed in the Public Schools of the city of Buffalo from 1848 to January, 1854, three years of which time he was City Superintendent of Schools. In the spring of 1854 he was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, which office he held three years, performing the duties of the position with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the public. In 1861 he was a member of the Legislature from Erie county, and was one of the most valuable men in that body. No motives of policy, expediency or interest - no regard for individuals or localities, and no mere personal friendship could swerve him a hair's breadth from the strict line of duty. He was utterly impervious to lobby appliances, and was not only honest and faith- ful himself, but would not screen others in wrong doing. He did not distinguish himself as a debater in the house, but was content with the more valuable distinction of being a thorough working member.
The Legislature of 1862 again elected Mr. Rice to the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion, a well merited compliment and expressive of the public approbation of his former administration of the affairs of the office.
He was married in 1846, to Miss Maria Louisa Winter, and occupies a high position in all the social relations of private life.
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SENATORS.
CHAUNCEY M. ABBOTT.
SENATOR ABBOTT is a tall, slender man, of nervous bilious temperament, and although looking somewhat debilitated and unhealthy, has long been known in the section of the State where he resides, as a man of great physical strength. He has prominent features-rendered, apparently, more so by a heavy, black beard, which he neatly cultivates at unusual length ; hazel eyes ; a high, retreating forehead; dark brown hair; and an honest, candid expression of countenance which at once "gives assurance of the man." He is usually found sitting quietly in his seat, rarely participating to any considerable extent in the discussions of the Senate, and watches its proceedings with a degree of attention that indicates, at once, the calm deliberation and compre- hensive understanding of his legislative conduct.
Senator Abbott is a native of Niles, Cayuga county, N. Y., where he was born in 1822. He is of English extraction, and is descended from the Abbott family who figured so prominently in the English judiciary.
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His paternal grandfather, who was a native of Massa- chusetts, and afterwards resided in Vermont, partici- pated actively in the Revolutionary struggle, and at the close of the war, settled on the same tract of land upon which the subject of this sketch is now living.
Senator Abbott attended a common school until 1837, when he studied a year at Poughkeepsie and about the same length of time at the Moravia Institute, after which he took charge of his father's business, the latter having been suddenly prostrated by an attack of inflammatory rheumatism. This caused him to abandon a previous determination to become a professional man, and he consequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has since been chiefly occupied. He has held various town offices, including supervi- sor and justice of the peace, which he held last year, and was a member of the Assembly in 1858. He enacted a conspicuous part in that body during the session of that year, holding a position on the standing committee on State Prisons, and was one of the three Republicans who, by their votes, defeated the enact- ment of a Registry law, at that session. He was again a member of that body in 1859, and during that year was chairman of the standing committee of which he had the previous year been a member.
Politically Senator Abbott was originally a Democrat of Freesoil proclivities, and was one among the first to identify himself with the Republican movement. His nomination for his present position was awarded him with unusual unanimity by the Republican Convention of his district, and he was elected by a large majority.
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Although the Republican candidate, he entered heartily into the Union movement after the breaking out of the rebellion, and subsequently received the indorsement of one branch of the Union Convention, which divided equally between himself and his opponent. He is one of the staunchest friends of free schools and education in the Senate, and is always found laboring zealously for their promotion throughout the State and country. He has displayed great firmness and decision of charac- ter during the last session of the Legislature, and is the last man to be turned aside from an honest dis- charge of his duty by the flattery of political friends or the terrors of party rule. He is always found following the dictates of his conscience rather than the behests of a clique, and trusts to the people for his vindication.
Senator Abbott was married in 1845 to Miss Adaline, youngest daughter of the late Henry Oakley, and attends the Methodist church.
WILKES ANGEL.
SENATOR ANGEL was born on the 26th of February, 1815, in Exeter, Otsego county, N. Y. He is of Anglo- Saxon stock, and is the son of the late Hon. William G. Angel, of Angelica, Allegany county, who died in October, 1858, at the age of sixty-eight. His mother, whose maiden name was Emily P. English, died at Bur- lington, Otsego county, in May, 1822, at the age of thirty-two.
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Senator Angel's education was obtained in the Dis- trict School and Academy, where he was fitted for entering upon his law studies. He had the advantage, however, of his father's large fund of knowledge and experience, who had mingled much in public life, and had occupied official stations, having served in Congress six years-two under the administration of John Quincy Adams, and four under that of General Jackson ; and was also a member of the State Constitutional Conven- tion in 1846. Under such auspices young Angel began life ; and on his admission to the bar commenced the practice of law in Allegany county, where his success- ful course soon attracting public attention, he was elected to the office of District Attorney, which position he held from 1840 until '44. He was also appointed Master in Chancery by Governor Wright, whose political opin- ions he warmly adopted, and became a prominent men- ber of the Barnburner wing of the Democratic party. With the Seward, or Woolly Whigs, this section of the Democrats soon formed a coalition, and in 1854 formally inaugurated the Republican party. This party rapidly rode into power, having, in the space of six years from its organization, swept over all the Northern and Wes- tern States; elected its candidate for President in 1860, and now sways the destiny of this great Republic. In this new party Senator Angel occupies a prominent position ; and in the fall of 1859, he was its representa- tive on the floor of the Assembly of this State, from the County of Allegany. Here his duties were well and satisfactorily performed, and in 1862 he was elected to
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the State Senate, where he is now an active, intelligent, and energetic member.
Senator Angel is a man of fair ability, and of estima- ble private character. He is much respected in the community in which he resides, and stands high with his brother Senators as a man of integrity, sound judg- ment and honesty. As a debater, though not eloquent, he yet speaks forcibly and clearly, and, when excited, with a good degree of pungency and effect. His auditors are never at a loss to comprehend his meaning ; and, how- ever much they may be dissatisfied with his conclusions, they cannot but admire the ingenuity with which he has made the " worse to appear the better cause." He is not given to " much speaking," and never makes an elaborate effort, rising only when circumstances require it, and stopping when he has said all that was necessary. In this respect his example is worthy of imitation.
Mr. Angel was married December 23, 1841, to Miss Hannah Marble. In religious matters he seems to be bound by no special creed, and attends no particular church.
ALEXANDER H. BAILEY.
SENATOR BAILEY is of Anglo-Irish extraction, and was born in the town of Ridgebury, Orange county, N. Y., on the 14th of August, 1817. His father, Israel W. Bailey, has been dead some years; his mother, Jane Bailey, died in 1861-both at Ridgebury.
Senator Bailey graduated at Princeton College, New
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Jersey, in the year 1838, and soon after commenced the study of law. On finishing his legal course in 1841, he was licensed to practice by the old Supreme Court, and located at Catskill, Greene county. Here he filled the offices of Justice of the Peace and Master in Chancery ; and was elected member of the Assembly in 1849. In the fall of 1850 he received the nomination for County Judge, and was elected over Hon. Lyman Tremain, late Attorney-General of the State, and last fall the Union candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. During the years 1853, '54, '55 and '56 he spent his winters in the city of New Orleans, as the attorney of the heirs of Charles Millard, deceased, who reside in this State, in winding up the large estate of that gentleman, and thus had an opportunity of forming a correct estimate of Southern character, and Southern institutions, and par- ticularly that "peculiar " one which has caused the present desolating and unhappy war between the North and South.
In the summer of 1855 Senator Bailey removed to the flourishing village of Rome, Oneida county, where he became the law partner of B. I. Beach, and has remained ever since in the practice of the law. He was elected to the present Senate by a majority of 3,200 over John F. Seymour, brother of Governor Sey- mour, which is the first prominent official position he has ever held. He occupies a prominent position in that body, and is always found at his post in the dis- charge of his legislative duties. In politics, he was formerly an old Line Whig, and adhered to his party associations until its disbandment. On the organization
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of the Republican party he attached himself to its for- tunes, and is one of its most efficient and able supporters. He is liberal towards opponents, though firm and decided in his principles. He is an ardent patriot, and sustains the National Government with all the vigor of his mind, and the efficiency of his personal services. In the present crisis he is in favor of a thorough prosecu- tion of the war, and is throughly hostile to any peace movement so long as the rebels are in arms against the National Government. He has been the most active man in his district, since the war broke out, in raising volunteers and infusing a war spirit into the public inind, and his efforts have been eminently successful.
In person Senator Bailey bears strong resemblance to the late honored and lamented Douglas, and has some of the most prominent characteristics of that distin- guished Senator. He is not, however, so animated and ready in debate, though he speaks deliberately and elo- quently, with great perspicuity and effect. His points are always clearly stated and effectively argued-which is always the result of thorough preparation. He is short and thick set, with a high forehead and full face, a pleasant and expressive countenance, and though somewhat taller, one not familiarly acquainted with either, might readily mistake him for the great Illinoian. He has made but few speeches in the Senate, but he speakes only on important questions, with marked merit and power.
Senator Bailey was married in 1842 to Miss Mary E. Hovell, daughter of Charles Hovell, deceased, of Goshen, Orange county. He stands deservedly high
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in the community in which he lives, among all parties and sects, bearing the reputation of a kind, benevolent man, of great integrity and honor, and attends the Presbyterian church.
JAMES A. BELL.
SENATOR BELL was first chosen to the Senate in the fall of 1859. He was born of Anglo-Irish parentage in the town of Hebron, Washington county, on the 8th of February, 1814. His father, George Bell, was a farmer, and removed to Jefferson county in 1825, where he resided till his decease in 1841. His widow and three sons survive him.
Having obtained a good English education, at the age of seventeen Senator Bell commenced teaching school, which occupation he pursued with success some five or six years. In 1836 he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has uninterruptingly and successfully pursued to the present time. He has held various offices of responsibility and trust. He was Postmaster during the administration of Presidents Taylor and Fillmore, and besides other town offices held the position of Super visor in the town of Brownville, during the years 1857, and 1858. Previous to the Presidential contest of 1840 he was a strong, unyielding Clay Whig, but subsequent developments greatly impaired his confidence in the then existing political organizations, and although not wholly abandoning his distinctive protective tariff prin- ciples, he turned his attention more particularly to the
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restriction of the evil of intemperance and the further extension of slavery. Impressed with these views, he enlisted early and zealously in the organization of the Republican party, from which he has chiefly received all his political distinction. His first election to the Senate was achieved by a majority of more than 2,200 over the Democratic candidate, who had Whig and American antecedents, and was again triumphant at the last election by upwards of 3,000 majority. He was chairman of the Committee of Manufactures and a member of the Committee on Canals during the session of 1860, and distinguished himself by his persistent op- position to the New York City railroad projects of that year. He was again a member of the Committee on Canals, and, also, on Finance, during the session of 1862, and for the second time occupies the position of Presi- dent pro tem. of the Senate, where he has exhibited more than ordinary parliamentary tact and ability.
Senator Bell was married in 1840 to Miss Wood, second daughter of James Wood, who lived only eighteen days after their marriage. He was afterwards married on the 16th day of December, 1841, to his pre- sent wife, Miss Rachel P. Smith, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, by whom he has had two chil- dren. He united, at an early age, with the Presbyterian church, of which his parents were consistent members.
Senator Bell has proved himself one of the most use- ful members of the Legislature. A practical business man, he has rendered the State great service by his industry and zeal in cutting off all useless expenditures in view of the present and prospective burden of public
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taxes. He is a man in whose sterling integrity not only the citizens of his District, but the people of the State, have perfect confidence. Bogus claimants and dishonest petitioners tremble when the Senator from the 18th rises to speak, knowing full well that his voice and vote will be against them. He always seems reluctant to occupy the time of the Senate, but when he feels com- pelled to speak, his words are pointed and seldom fail to carry conviction to all unprejudiced listeners. He has great reverence for precedents, and does not hastily approve innovations, especially such as are to cost the State large sums of money. He discerns a conspiracy against the rights of the people, however carefully glossed over, as it were by intuition, and he possesses not only the wisdom to perceive a dishonest scheme, but the ability to show it to his compeers, in all its naked deformity. It is to be hoped that the State may long have the benefit of the experience, judgment and integ- rity of James A. Bell.
JOHN J. BRADLEY.
SENATOR BRADLEY is the youngest member of the Senate, being only thirty-two years of age. He is of Irish descent, and was born in the City of New York, where he was edu- cated in the Grammar School of Columbia College. When only twenty-three years of age he was elected a member of the Common Council, and held the place three years. He afterwards served as Alderman two years, and at the expi-
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ration of his term went to Europe and spent some time in traveling. On his return home he was put in nomination for Senator, and, receiving the united support of both wings of the Democratic party, was elected over both the Union and the Straight Republican candidates by a major- ity of nearly three thousand. He is yet a single man.
In his business operations Senator Bradley has been very successful. He is the proprietor of a large livery establishment in the City of New York, which is a source of great profit. In the Senate he has taken a great inte- rest in a bill that he introduced into that body, protecting dealers in hay, among whom he is prominent, from imposi- tion in the packing and sale of that article. The pro- posed law is important to large dealers, as it provides for the deduction of tare, so that they shall not be compelled to purchase the wooden staves that protect the sides of the bundles, at the rate of fifteen dollars, or more, per ton, which, under the present system, are included in the weight as hay, there being from thirty to forty pounds of wood to each bundle of from two hundred to four hundred weight. Although defeated last year, the bill has now passed the Senate, and will most probably become a law.
Senator Bradley is chairman of the Committee on Public Expenditures, and a member of the Committee on Claims and Indian Affairs. In whatever concerns his constituents, or in any way affects the interests of the great metropolis, he is exceedingly active and energetic, laboring diligently and with unflagging zeal for the accomplishment of a good measure, or the defeat of a bad one. He is not much of a speaker, however, though on the hay bill he waxed warm, and almost eloquent, the subject seeming to come home to
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his business, if not to his bosom, but he cannot elaborate. A few words are all that he can safely say - a labored effort would probably run him against a snag.
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