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 7
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Senator Ramsey was married in March, 1836, to Miss Sarah S. Boyce, and attends the Reformed Dutch Church.
RALPH RICHARDS.
SENATOR RICHARDS is a native of Weathersfield, Windsor county, Vermont, at which place he was born in the year 1809. He is of English descent. After receiving a common school education he entered the Castleton Academy, at which institution he passed con- siderable time, preparing himself for the profession of teacher. In 1813, his father, Eli Richards, removed into the State of New York, settling in Hampton, Washington county, where he remained until his death, at an advanced age, in March, 1858, and where his son, the subject of this sketch, still resides.
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For many years, principally at Whitehall, Senator Richards pursued the profession of teacher with dis- tinguished success. His peculiar qualities of character admirably fitted him for that honorable pursuit. His unchangeable good nature, his uniform courtesy and kindness, and a remarkable power of adapting himself to the various dispositions of his pupils, rendered him universally popular, and hundreds who have now ad- vanced to man and womanhood, looking back to their school days, remember him with affection and respect.
Several years since he retired to his farm in the pleasant valley of Hampton, where, as an agriculturalist, he has been equally successful as in his former pursuit. From early life he has taken a deep interest in political affairs, and has always been open, candid and decided in the expression of his sentiments. He is no political trimmer, setting his sails to catch whatever popular breeze may arise, but stands steadfast by his convictions, in sunshine and storm, in triumph and defeat. He commenced his political career as a Whig, but as the question of slavery began more and more to attract public attention, he gradually seceded from his former associates until he found himself among the foremost of those whom he styled the friends of freedom, but who, in the nomenclature of parties, are known as Abolitionists.
Years ago, while yet an obscure backwoodsman among the mountains of North Elba, and before his name had been blazoned through the world, Senator Richards had looked into the eyes of John Brown, and felt that the sentiments which spoke through them were
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congenial with his own. Though disapproving of the insane raid which at length brought him to the scaffold, he nevertheless remembers the old puritan with admi- ration, regarding him as a fearless, self-sacrificing but misguided hero.
He has also been a strong and unwavering advocate of temperance, and upon that subject and the subject of slavery has frequently spoken in public, maintaining that intemperance and human bondage were the two great and overshadowing evils of the times.
In the fall of 1857 he was elected member of Assem- bly from the northern district of Washington county, and at the ensuing session of the Legislature comported himself in such manner as to secure the warm appro- bation of his constituents. He now represents the district comprising the counties of Rensselaer and Washington in the Senate, his honesty of purpose, his sound judgment, and his cordial manners, securing him an honorable position among his associates in that body.
In private life, among his friends and neighbors, no man enjoys a more enviable reputation. However
much some may differ with him in political or religious matters, all unite in awarding to him, in their highest sense, the qualities of uprightness and integrity, and designating him as "God's noblest work - an honest man."
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HEZEKIAH D. ROBERTSON.
SENATOR ROBERTSON is one of the most active and en- ergetic members of the Senate. He is a ready, but an elaborate speaker, seldom occupying the floor more than five or ten minutes at a time, but stating his views clearly and succinctly. He never seeks, nor avoids a discussion on any given subject ; and, no mat- ter what obstacles obstruct his way, never relaxes his efforts in whatever he undertakes. He is now on his second term, or fourth year, in the Senate ; and from his large experience and familiarity with legislative pro- ceedings and rules, possesses a very considerable influ- ence. His working propensities, too, add greatly to his usefulness, and render him a most valuable Senator. He has acted as Chairman of the Committee on Com- merce and Navigation ever since he has been in the Senate, and has served on the Committees on Manufac- tures, Indian Affairs, and Retrenchment. Several of the leading bills passed during the last three years were introduced by him, among which was the Metropolitan Police bill, whereby the Police Department of the city of New York was remodeled, and by which Westches- ter county, though included in the Police District, was exempted from taxation for police purposes. The Board of Public Charities and Corrections in New York also owes its existence to his indomitable perseverance and legislative tact-a measure by which the office of Alms House Governor was abolished, and the Board reduced
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from ten to four members. He likewise introduced the Pilot bill, and carried it triumphantly against a strong opposition, thus securing to the pilots of Long Island Sound the same privileges that are accorded to those of Sandy Hook. The Emigrant Runner's bill, by which ad- ditional safeguards are secured to the emigrants, was also drafted and introduced into the Senate by him ; as was, also, the Concert Saloon bill, which became a law, and he was eminently successful in getting through several local measures tending to benefit his own immediate constituents.
Senator Robertson is a native of the town of Bed- ford, Westchester county, N. Y., and was born on the 15th of December, 1828. He is of Scotch and German extraction, and is a cousin of ex-Senator William H. Robertson, who represented the same Senatorial district in the years 1854 and 1855, and who is now Judge of Westchester County Court. His maternal grandfather, Hezekiah Dykeman, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and was distinguished for his courage and patri- otism.
Senator Robertson received an academical education in his native town, intending to go through a collegiate course and fit himself for the legal profession, but the sudden death of both of his parents induced him to turn his attention to agricultural pursuits. He com- menced farming in the town of Poundridge. At the age of twenty-one he was chosen Superintendent of Schools, and at the close of his official term Supervisor of that town. In 1853 he removed to Bedford, and engaged in the mercantile business with Benjamin J.
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Ambler, under the firm of Ambler & Robertson. In 1859 the copartnership was dissolved, Mr. Robertson retiring from the firm. Immediately upon his removal to Bedford, he was chosen Superintendent of Schools in that town, and subsequently, for some years, has been elected Supervisor. Originally a devoted follower of Henry Clay, and a determined Whig, he has, during his whole political career, evinced the sincerity of the views he maintained, by a consistent, energetic, straight- forward course, and adherence to the principles avowed and practised by that great expounder of Whig doc- trine. It is mainly to his efforts that the Union party, which has been so successful in Westchester county, was formed. As a citizen of the Ninth Congressional District he advocated and secured, at the hands of the Americans, the re-nomination and election of Hon. John B. Haskin to his seat in the Thirty-sixth Congress. His sympa- thies and proclivities since the campaign of 1858 have been with the Republicans, agreeing with them sub- stantially on all questions of National interest.
In 1856, Senator Robertson was nominated by the Americans of the First Assembly District of Westches- ter county, for a seat in the Assembly, but, although receiving fifteen hundred votes, he was defeated by the Republican candidate. He was elected Senator on his first term, in the fall of 1859, by a majority of over eighteen hundred, having been nominated by the Ameri- cans, and indorsed by the Republicans and Anti-Lecomp- ton Democrats. On his second term, he was elected, in 1861, on the Union ticket, by nine hundred majority.
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In person Mr. Robertson is of ordinary size; has light brown hair and whiskers; expressive blue eyes, and an intelligent, good-natured countenance. Although for some time on the bachelor list, reason and reflection have satisfied him that a single life is not entirely com- patible with Senatorial dignity ; and having the highest possible authority that "it is not good that man should be alone," he has recently changed his condition, by consummating a union with the fairer and better part of creation. He was married on the 16th day of Decem- ber, 1861, to Miss Sarah C. Butler, daughter of the Rev. Charles F. Butler, of Syracuse.
RICHARD K. SANFORD.
SENATOR SANFORD is a native of the town of Volney, Oswego county, N. Y., and was born on the 25th of July, 1822. His ancestors were originally members of the Plymouth Colony, and abandoned their home rather than surrender their religious freedom. His pa- ternal grandfather served in the war of the Revolution, and gained honorable distinction. After the close of the war, he settled in Warren, Herkimer county, and reared a family. In 1816, Kingsbury E. Sanford, his son, and father of the subject of this sketch, removed to Volney, Oswego county, where, as we have men- tioned, Richard was born. Mr. Sanford was one of the first settlers of the town, and bore a prominent part in the public affairs of that region. In 1819 he was ap-
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pointed Justice of the Peace by the old Council of Appointment, and during the greater portion of his ac- tive life was honored with official station.
Senator Sanford entered Hamilton College in 1839, and graduated in 1843, taking the highest honors of his class. He was soon afterwards elected Superintendent of Common Schools in his native town, which position he held until he was invited to take charge of Middle- bury Academy, in Wyoming county, where, and at other institutions, he remained until 1855, when he set- tled on a farm in the vicinity of his father's residence. Becoming wearied of agricultural pursuits, however, after about three years of earnest toil, he abandoned his farm and entered upon the more congenial occupa- tion of catering for the public, through the medium of a newspaper. In 1856 he became the owner and editor of the Fulton Patriot and Gazette, and since that time has been its conductor. In this employment, he is at home, having, by education and the accumulation of a large fund of knowledge, political, historical and gene- ral, become eminently fitted for the position of editor. Here he has attained an enviable reputation, not only for firmness as a politician and ability as a writer, but for his uniform courtesy, and honorable bearing towards all men and all parties. Although a political editor, he has but little taste for the usual appliances of partisan- ship, preferring to wage a contest of principle, to that of winning an ephemeral triumph, by means of the in- trigues and tricks of caucus. "An honest man is the noblest work of God."
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In the fall of 1860 Senator Sanford was honored with a nomination for the Assembly, without his solicitation or expectation. It was a voluntary tribute by his friends of all parties, to his moral worth and patriotic devotion to the cause of the Union, then, and now, in jeopardy by the secession of the Southern States, and the civil war against the Government consequent thereon. His voice had been emphatic in favor of sustaining the na- tional authorities upholding the Constitution, and de- fending the national honor ; and his name was given to the people as one calculated to inspire the feelings of the masses, rouse them to action, and cheer them on to victory. The result vindicated the sagacity of his friends-he was elected by an unprecedented majority. Performing his legislative duties to the entire satis- faction of his constituents, his services were again de- manded ; and in 1861 his name was brought forward as a candidate for State Senator. He was elected, and now occupies a seat in that distinguished body.
In his Senatorial course, Senator Sanford commands universal respect. His character and tastes comport well with the dignity of the office. He is usually silent, but always attentive to his duties, rarely participating in debate, and only when necessity seems to demand an effort. In his manner he is calm and courteous, seem- ing rather to avoid than attract attention ; and when he speaks it is with the purpose of enforcing his views, and elucidating the subject matter under discussion. He attempts no rhetorical display or finished elocution ; but his ideas are always good, his words well chosen and well weighed, and his manner deliberate and im-
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pressive. In a word, he is not an orator but an excel- lent talker, and he talks good sense, sound logic and convincing argument.
In politics he was formerly a radical Democrat, and voted for John P. Hale in the Presidential election of 1852. In 1854 he united with the Republican party, and continues an able advocate and defender of its creed.
Senator Sanford was married, in 1848, to Miss Lucy A. Carrier, who died in May, 1859, after a protracted illness and great suffering. She left two children. He is a member of the Presbyterian church in the village of Fulton, where he resides, and sustains a high social position.
JESSE C. SMITH.
SENATOR SMITH is fifty-four years old, and is of Scotch extraction on his maternal side. His father's family came from Rhode Island and were probably of English or Irish origin. He is a native of Butternuts, Otsego county, N. Y., but how long he resided there, or where he was educated and studied his profession, does not appear. It can only be stated, therefore, that he is now a practising lawyer, of fair ability, in the city of Brooklyn, Kings county, where he has resided for some years. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been identified with that organization. He does not seem,
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however, to have been very prominent as a politician, and never rose to the surface of public attention until our national difficulties merged, for a time, political parties and considerations, inducing the nomination of no-party or Union men as candidates for office. He seems to have risen into notice with the decline of par- tisan feeling, and received the nomination for Senator on what purported to be a Union ticket. The district which he represents is largely Democratic; but so strong was the desire of the people to discard party considerations, and to exhibit a degree of patriotism that rose above partisan politics, that Mr. Smith was triumphantly elected, though there was nothing in his name, or in any service he had rendered the public, or in his superior standing as a lawyer or a citizen, to give him notoriety, but simply for the reason that he was designated by a Union Convention This fact alone gave currency to his name and nomination, and he was swept along by the irresistible tide of patriotism that then prevailed, and was suddenly metamorphosed from a private citizen into a " grave and reverend " Senator. What effect the resumption of party strife will have upon his destiny remains to be seen.
Before the breaking out of the rebellion Senator Smith was Colonel of the Fourteenth Regiment, of the N. Y. State Militia, which position he has resigned. His knowledge of military matters was properly appreciated by the President of the Senate, who, on forming the several committees, placed him at the head of that on Military Affairs. To this committee was devolved the important duty of revising the militia laws of the State,
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and deducing therefrom a system better adapted to the present situation of our National affairs. As chairman of the committee, he reported a bill which, after much consideration and modification, passed the Legislature and became a law. Its practical working, however, has not been so favorable as the Senator hoped and pre- dicted, and important amendments have been suggested which have been brought before the Legislature at its present session. Doubtless the military sagacity and experience of Senator Smith has enabled him to dis- cover the errors of the bill, so that he can readily recon- struct and adapt it to present and future emergencies.
Except on the Militia bill, Senator Smith has not distinguished himself in the Senate. He does not possess the power of speaking with facility or eloquence, and consequently seldom takes part in the discussions of the Senate, other than by suggestion, briefly stated, on some matter under consideration in Committee of the Whole. On grave National subjects which are periodically in- troduced, touching the Governor's peculiar opinions, or the policy of the National Administration in prosecut- ing the war, he is silent, and probably wisely so; in- deed, there are few who add to their reputation by reading long, dry speeches, perhaps prepared by other hands, which are intended, not so much for the en- lightenment of the public as to see their own names in print, for selfish motives and Buncombe notoriety. The rage for this kind of distinction prevails to a great extent at the present time, and it is creditable to Senator Smith that he has not fallen in with the current.
The Senator's career has attracted but little attention,
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not so much from innate modesty which leads one to shrink from the public gaze, as lawyers, generally, do not possess much of this estimable quality, and he is not an exception, as from the deficiencies we have noted. It should be mentioned, however, as an indication of partisan feeling, that he voted against the joint resolu- tions inviting General McClellan to visit the Capital, which were introduced into the Assembly by Mr. Darcy, and had passed that body with great unanimity. He is, nevertheless, an active and industrious member, rather " useful than ornamental," and possibly effects as much for his constituents and the State, as any of his more distinguished associates. Generally he is social and of easy access, but to those who seek business favors at his hands, he is not easily approached. In personal ap- pearance he is scarcely of medium size ; has dark eyes ; black crispy hair and stubby whiskers. His counte- nance is rather animated, indicating industry and energy. .
WILLIAM H. TOBEY.
SENATOR TOBEY possesses a higher degree of Senatorial dignity, perhaps, than any other man in the Senate, and by the venerableness of his mien and the measured utterance of his matured thoughts in well-balanced and classic sen- tences, carries us irresistibly back to the good old days when such men as John C. Spencer, Silas Wright, William C. Bouck, and John A. King occupied seats in that body. He is a gentleman of strong mind and superior legal
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attainments, which, coupled with an ingenuous common sense and sterling integrity, have been of no little service to the State in enabling him to assist in maturing the large number of bills that have come before the Senate for its consideration during the present session. His position as a calm, dispassionate and logical debater is doubtless unsur- passed by that of any of his Senatorial colleagues, and though always extemporaneous, his speeches never, unlike those of nearly all public men, need revision, being ready for the printer as soon as they have fallen from his lips. He is always fair and honorable with his opponents in dis- cussion, possessing a strong aversion to all manner of stra- tagey, but seems to enjoy the position of his antagonist with considerable delight when he has reduced him to the attempt of successfully replying to an unanswerable argu- ment.
Senator Tobey was born in Hudson, Columbia county, N. Y., in 1799. He was liberally educated for the law, and since his admission to the bar has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in his native county, where he has always resided. He was brought up in the old Whig school of politics, having been a prominent and active member of that party for many years, and since the abandonment of its organization has been identified with the Republican movement. So far as party obligations, however, are concerned, he is one of the most independent men in the Senate, and is never found according a measure his support simply upon party grounds. He was a leading member of the Assembly in 1858. In 1840 he was appointed Surrogate of Columbia county by Gov. Seward, and from the time of his retirement from that
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position until his election to the seat he now occupies in the Senate, remained a private citizen at his home in the village of Kinderhook, where he still resides.
LYMAN TRUMAN.
SENATOR TRUMAN is a living example of the power of man over his own destiny, having arisen by the exercise of industry, economy and perseverance from a very humble condition in life to his present distinguished public and -private position. At the early age of sixteen, having had but a few months' schooling, he was thrown upon the world, by the death of his father, with a widowed mother, and four brothers and three sisters, younger than himself, mainly dependent upon his exertions to extricate them from the difficulties that surrounded them. They were without any visible means of support, the farm of which they had been left in possession being so much incum- bered as almost to preclude the possibility of retaining it. The circumstances in which the family was placed, however, demanded of him instant and laborious exer- tion to provide for its wants, and he immediately set himself to work with a will. With the blessing of Heaven on his labors he accomplished his task. In a few years he succeeded in clearing off all incumbrances on the farm - schooling his brothers and sisters in the meantime - and secured a comfortable home to cheer
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the declining years of his honored mother. In the culture of the farm he met with extraordinary success, confining his attention, mostly, to the production of a single crop - potatoes, of which he raised, annually, an almost incredible quantity. This crop he shipped down the Susquehanna every spring in arks ; and realized from it, during his management of the farm, a sum sufficient to pay all outstanding debts and furnish a fund with which to commence the mercantile business. Having become established in this new branch, in which he had taken three of his brothers as partners, leaving the other brother to manage the farm, the firm embarked in the lumber business, which they have continued to the present time with great success, realizing an ample fortune thereby. He is also the owner of large tracts of land in the Western States, much of which has largely increased in value since he purchased, and which alone constitutes a very large property, it having been selected on personal inspection and in good localities.
Senator Truman's personal appearance is not very pre- possessing, always having evinced an utter disregard of fashionable dress, and, seemingly, held in sovereign con- tempt the refinements of social life. He looks as though his clothes were put on his person by some one else. His collar, unlike his creed, yields to every pressure, and his coat hangs like a bag on his back. He has very thick black hair and whiskers, which presents the ap- pearance of never having been in contact with a comb. His features, however, are expressive, his eye dark and piercing, and his whole countenance indicate intelligence and energy. He is emphatically a self-made man, taking
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no other human being as a model, but shaping his own course and character according to his own notions of propriety. He is of English and Scotch descent, and was born in Candor, Tioga county, on the 2d of March, 1806. Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers took part in the Revolutionary war. His father, Aaron Truman, emigrated from Massachusetts to New York, in 1804, and settled in Tioga county, where he died in 1822. His mother was a native of Connecticut, and died in 1844.
Senator Truman has been President of the Bank of Owego several years, and was three times elected Su- pervisor of the town. In 1847 he ran as a stump can- didate for the Assembly against his uncle, Hon. Erastus Goodrich, the Democratic nominee, by whom he was beaten by a majority of fourteen, in a district that usually gave a Democratic majority of from five to six hundred. In early life he was a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson. From 1833 to 1848 he was an ardent Whig, but in the latter year he joined the Free Soilers in the support of Martin Van Buren. From that time until the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, he took but little interest in politics ; but when the Republican party was organized, he again entered the field and be- came a zealous and active partisan in its support. In 1857 he was elected State Senator, and in 1859 and 1861, was re-elected to the same office, being the only Senator who has held the office three terms, under the present Constitution. Ever since he has been in the Sen- ate he has been Chairman of the Committee on Claims.
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