USA > New York > Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume II > Part 16
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Mr. Cagger was born in Albany, November 10, 1814, and in that city he received his early education. He went later to Canada, and en- tered the College of Chambly, from which he graduated. On deciding to enter the legal profession, he began the study of law in the office of Marcus T. Reynolds, Esq., then recognized throughout the country as a leader in his profession. When only twenty-one years of age he formed a law partnership with Samuel Stevens, one of the most eminent attornies of that time in Albany, and the firm became a power in legal circles throughout the state. After a successful practice of some years Mr. Stevens yielded to the strain of ex- cessive labor, and on his death Mr. Cagger formed a partnership with Nicholas Hill, who had until then held the office of state reporter. Later John K. Porter linked his name with theirs, the firm assuming the name of Hill, Cagger & Porter. This firm of unusually brilliant minds had a widely extended prac- tice, and its fame is destined to go down to posterity as one of the most remarkable com- binations of ability in the several departments of a great law office ever known in the annals of the state. The great intellect of Hill shone in the court of last resort, where his genius flashed, in which his professional learning, and the unbending integrity of his character, secured the reverence of the bench. The per- suasive eloquence, the penetrating mind, and admirable sagacity of Porter, took easy prece- dence of all others at "Nisi Prius," and the extraordinary administrative talent of Cag-
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ger, ready at once and at a moment's notice for abstruse pleadings, alert for the minutiæ of litigation, with its inexhaustive fund of device and ingenuity ; intuitively prepared for all combinations of finance or of politics, and perfectly at home in important business nego- tiations. All these combined to make this trio remarkable. Mr. Porter was the survivor of the firm, and was traveling in Europe when the news of Mr. Cagger's death reached him. On the death of Nicholas Hill, which occurred May 1, 1859, when he was only fifty-three years old, Judge Samuel Hand became asso- ciated with the firm.
Mr. Cagger was in politics a strong and staunch Democrat, a party leader in every campaign, and although frequently urged to accept public office, always resolutely refused. He was often a delegate to conventions, and many times exerted himself in shaping the course of his party. He was a warm friend of John VanBuren, Edwin Croswell and Sam- uel Tilden. Many youthful aspirants to the legal profession read law in his office and have since become eminent. He was a Catho- lic of the Catholics, his very name a tradition among those of his faith, for he had identified himself largely with the early history of the Catholic church in Albany. While he was an earnest, conscientious and faithful believer, he had a host of friends and close associates among those of other creeds. and he was the confidant, trusted friend and adviser of many, whose religious bias might have suggested other counsel.
Mr. Cagger met his death in New York City, July 6, 1868, by an accident while driv- ing in Central Park. The said occurrence was long remembered by Albanians, and plunged the whole city in mourning. When the start- ling news was received, it spread with light- ning rapidity to all classes, creating profound sorrow, which is the best indication of the strong hold this distinguished citizen had on the whole community. He had been stop- ping at the Worth House, on Fifth Avenue, while a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, which assembled in that city on July 4th to nominate the Hon. Horatio Sey- mour for president of the United States. He left his hotel about six o'clock in the evening with his friend, George Evans, also of Al- bany, for a drive through Central Park. Af- ter driving together for some time they met John E. Develin. He stopped them, and asked Mr. Cagger to get in his carriage with him, and go with him to see a Mr. Fay, a merchant residing in Manhattanville. The invitation was accepted. They made their call, and left Mr. Fay's residence at eleven P. M., desirous
of being back for a conference at midnight. Mr. Develin was driving his spirited but well- trained team through the Park when a for- ward wheel snapped in turning a short curve. The horses took fright, ran away, dragging the overturned carriage at break-neck speed, until it was dashed into fragments, but the beasts still continued on with only the pole and traces. Mr. Cagger had fallen out and struck the ground with the back of his head. When a policeman approached he was im- movable, and had evidently expired immedi- ately. His friend, Mr. Develin, lay on the other side of the road, bleeding from a severe cut on the temple and almost insensible, so that it was some time before he could give their names for identification. Mr. Cagger's body was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, not far from the southern entrance to the Park, and the examining physician declared that death had come without pain. The remains were transferred the next night by boat to Albany, and taken on the morning of the ninth to his late residence, No. 174 State street. The funeral was held in St. Joseph's Church on the Ioth of July. Archbishop (afterwards Cardinal) McCloskey and Bishop Conroy, both of whom had been his intimate friends, officiated. The burial was in the family lot in St. Agnes Cemetery. Flags upon the City Hall, State House and other public buildings and institutions were lowered to half mast out of respect to his memory, and a public meeting of the citizens of Albany was held in the rooms of the Board of Trade. The Democratic general committee appointed a committee of three to prepare suitable resolu- tions, and these were drafted by Chairman Thomas Kearney, the secretary. The follow- ing autumn there was a meeting of the bar, and John Meredith Read, Esq., among others, paid a glowing tribute to Mr. Cagger.
Mr. Cagger was for a time a director of the National Commercial Bank, where his suggestions were always considered and ex- erted a great influence. He was a trustee of the Atlantic Mutual Life Insurance Company, and his counsel was often of inestimable value in the conduct of its affairs. It would be no easy matter to recount or detail his in- numerable benefactions, for his charitable deeds were numberless, and not often made known to the public. Truly of him can be said, that the poor, the widow, the orphan, the needy, the sick, or the friendless never appealed to him in vain. St. Peter's Hospital is the joint gift of Mrs. Cagger and Miss Mary C. Cagger to his memory, his devoted wife and daughter, who understood his incli- nation.
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As a friend he was loyal and true, never found wanting. He was a man of winning temperament, possessed of a large heart, ami- able in disposition, genial and buoyant in character. His life, it is said by one who knew him well, was a "Series of happy an- titheses." A Democrat of the Democrats, bold, sagacious, and widely known as a par- tisan, on some occasions almost the sole dar- ing manager of the interests of a great party. He was an absolute controller of its local, state and national destiny. As a leader he could attract without effort. In seasons of fierce political excitement he became the most potential among those of antagonistic senti- ment, and he numbered among his friends his most bitter political opponents. His brother- in-law, William Cassidy, editor and proprietor of the Albany Argus, penned the following graphic estimate of him, which appeared on July 8, 1868, as a portion of an editorial, and which is the truest sketch anyone can draw. "Familiar to mind and heart from pleasant associations of early manhood, a bold, true and powerful friend and ally in the bitter partisan conflicts which are part of our State and National history, and finally endeared to us by sacred social ties and sympathies, we cannot disguise the shock communicated by this sad event. Friend and political foe, for his only foes were such, poor and rich alike, were paralyzed, as it were, by the awful dis- pensation, and as memory recalled the cheer- ful countenance, the unflagging, delightful gayety of manner, and withal the sterling good, the kindly heart, and the powerful in- tellect that lay concealed beneath these ap- pearances, more than one sympathizing tear fell from 'eyes unused to weep.' Arrived at that sedate and fortunate maturity, when judgment succeeds passion, and impulse yields to reflection ; blessed with a devoted family, and surrounded with affectionate and admir- ing friends, possessed too of a vigorous physi- cal constitution, and a uniformly happy tem- perament, he might seemingly have justly claimed a little longer lease of life. With an administrative capacity absolutely marvelous, with a power of accomplishing with amazing facility the most diverse business, once out of his office, he was essentially a domestic man, and gracefully relinquished all traces of the annoying cares of active life. Admired by his friends, respected by his opponents, a public- spirited citizen, a true-hearted gentleman."
Mr. Cagger had an elder brother, Michael, who was a young man of great promise, of a thoughtful, philosophic turn of mind. Bril- liant in his speech, he attracted the attention of many distinguished men, who discovered in
him unmistakable elements of future great- ness, but he died in the prime of life at Liver- pool, where he had gone in a sailing vessel for his health. Another brother, William, was for a time engaged in business in Albany, and afterwards employed in the New York cus- tom house. While holding that position he died.
Mr. Cagger's first wife was Maria Maher, daughter of James Maher, who for a con- siderable period held the position of state librarian. In the war of 1812 he was the gallant captain of the company styled the "Irish Greens," a military organization origi- nated in Albany, and which bore a prominent part in the famous conflict at Sacketts Har- bor. His daughter by his first wife, Mary C. Cagger, was born in Albany. Miss Cagger has made her home for many years in the Convent of the Sacred Heart at Kenwood, near Albany. The religious quiet of the place and its beautiful location created an at- mosphere entirely suited to her temperament. It is there she was living in 1910.
Mr. Cagger married for his second wife Elizabeth Cassidy, a sister of William Cassidy, prominently known for a long time as the versatile editor of the Albany Argus, and likewise its proprietor. Six children were born to them: I. Elisabeth, born in Albany, died in Heidelberg, Germany, and buried in Rome, Italy. Over her grave and that of her mother in the cemetery of San Lorenzo the remaining family have erected a beautiful chapel in which Mass can be said. The ceme- tery is in charge of the Capuchin Monks, and extends over the catacombs of San Lorenzo outside the walls of Rome. 2. Frances, born in Albany, died there an infant. 3. Margaret, born in Albany, died in infancy. 4. Susanna, died in Montpellier, France, and buried there. 5. Peter, born in Albany, died in Paris, and buried in the cemetery of Pere-la-Chaise. 6. William C., the youngest, born in Albany in 1867, and living in Aix-les-Bains, France, in 1910. He married Jeanne, daughter of Doc- tor Guilland, a celebrated French physician, and has three children, Jean Pierre, Louise Elisabeth and George.
CARR This name is illustrious in the military annals of the state of New York, made so by the life and dis- tinguished services of Brevet Major General Joseph B. Carr, a rank and title conferred "for gallant and meritorious services during the war." He was of the second generation of his family in the United States ; his parents being natives of Ireland. They came to this country in 1824.
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(II) Joseph Bradford, son of William and Ann Carr, was born in the city of Albany, New York, August 16, 1828, died at Troy, February 24, 1895. He grew up in Albany and Troy, in which latter city he was in the tobacco business from 1842 until 1861. He early displayed his love of a military life. On arriving at the age of twenty-one he joined the Troy Guards. He served in the ranks one year, when he was commissioned second lieutenant. He rose rapidly through successive ranks until he was colonel of the Twenty- fourth Regiment New York State Militia, assuming command July 10, 1859, continuing until the firing upon Fort Sumter, when he at once offered his services to his country. April 15, 1861, the Second Regiment New York Volunteers was organized in Troy; on May 10, he was elected colonel; four days later the regiment was mustered into the United States service for a term of two years. On May 24 the regiment camped near Hampton, being the first regiment to encamp on the "sacred soil of Virginia." Their first battle was "Big Bethel," where they were forced to retreat ; they were at Newport News until May 10, 1862, when Colonel Carr re- moved his command to Portsmouth, where he was assigned to the command of a provisional brigade, consisting of the Second and Tenth New York regiments and Howard's light bat- tery. June 10, he was ordered with the Sec- ond regiment to report to General McClellan at Fair Oaks. He proceeded to the extreme front, where he was assigned to General Frank Patterson's brigade, Hooker's division, Third Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Owing to absence of its regular commander, Colonel Carr was temporarily assigned to the Third Brigade, familiarly known as the Jersey Brigade, which he led throughout the battle of the Orchards, June 25, and through the historical "Seven Days" fighting. On General Patterson's return Colonel Carr resumed com- mand of his regiment at Harrison's Landing. On July 2, by order of General Hooker, he superseded General Patterson's; remaining at the head of the brigade until promoted by President Lincoln upon the personal recom- mendation of General Hooker "for gallant and meritorious services in the field" to be a Brigadier-General of Volunteers, commission dating from September 7, 1862. His courage and coolness under fire was illustrated at the battle of Bristoe Station; with a murderous storm of shot and shell that burst upon his men, General Carr moved about, cheering them on and encouraging them by his own daring. His horse was shot under him; he coolly mounted an orderly's horse and success-
fully charged the enemy. He gained on that day the title of "Hero of Bristoe," which ever afterward clung to him. He took part in the battle of Bull Run, August 30 and 31, and at Chantilly, September 3, when the gallant Kearney fell. In these battles he fully sus- tained his reputation for courageous, daring conduct. September 17, he was transferred to the First Brigade, composed of troops from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire. December 13 and 14, participated in the bloody fight at Fredericksburg, where he lost heavily in officers and men. January 12, 1863, he commanded an expedition to Rappa- hannock Bridge. March 30, he was officially notified by the Secretary of War that the Senate having failed to act upon his nomina- tion, he had ceased to be an officer of the army. General Hooker, then in command of the Army of the Potomac, proceeded at once to Washington, and on the following day telegraphed General Carr that President Lin- coln had reappointed him, to date from March 3, 1863. At Chancellorsville, May 3, after the death of General Berry, he succeeded to the command of Hooker's old division, the white-patched heroes. He sustained the repu- tation he had made on other hard-fought fields, and was made the subject of special, laudatory mention in the official report by Major General Sickles, the Corps commander. July 1, 1863, Major General Humphreys as- sumed command of the division and General Carr returned to his brigade. June 15 he moved with the Army of the Potomac to Gettysburg, where on July 2 and 3 he par- ticipated in that memorable battle. During that fight he was mounted upon a valuable horse, presented him by friends in Troy, until the noble animal fell, pierced by five bullets, in the fall injuring the general's leg. Ex- hausted and lame as he was, General Carr refused to retire, but mounted another horse, and continued directing the movements of his brigade. He lost heavily in this battle- nearly two-thirds of his force-while not one of his staff, orderlies or headquarters horses escaped injury. After the battle the division general and officers of the brigade assembled at headquarters and complimented him upon his gallantry. Major-General U. A. Hum- phreys, in his official report of the battle, spoke of him and said: "I wish particularly to commend to notice the cool courage, deter- mination and skillful handling of their troops of the two brigade commanders, Brigadier- General Joseph B. Carr and Colonel William R. Brewster, and to ask attention to the offi- cers mentioned by them, as distinguished by their conduct." After Gettysburg he was at
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the battle of Wapping, and in temporary camp at Warrenton, Virginia. October 5 he was assigned to the head of the Third Division, Third Corps, advanced to Warrenton Junc- tion, and participated in the battles at Brandy Station and Kelly's Ford. In November he was one of the principal actors in the battles of Locust Grove, Robinson's Tavern, and Mine Run. In April, 1864, on the reorganiza- tion of the army, he was assigned to the com- mand of the Fourth Division, Second Corps (Hancock's), retaining command until or- dered by General Grant to report to General Butler, commanding the Army of the James, who placed him in command of the exterior line of defense on the Peninsula, headquarters at Yorktown. Early in July, 1864, he was ordered by General Butler to evacuate York- town and report to him at the front for assignment. Obeying his order, he was sent to Major-General E. O. C. Ord, who placed him in command of the First and Third Divis- ion of the Eighteenth Corps. August 4, he was given command of the First Division of the same corps and occupied the right of the line in front of Petersburg. He retained this command until October 1, when he was placed in command of the defense of the James river, headquarters at Wilson's Land- ing. Here he remained seven months, during which he built two important forts and strengthened the defenses. May 20, 1865, he was transferred to City Point, where he re- mained until the close of the war. June I, 1865, he was brevetted major-general, "for gallant and meritorious services during the war," to rank as such from March 13, 1865. On being relieved of command, he returned to Troy. where he was mustered out of the ser- vice. January 25, 1867, he was appointed by the Governor of New York, major-general of the Third Division New York State Militia, where he rendered valuable service during railroad riots of 1877, at Albany, dispersing the mob and restoring peace and order with- out the sacrifice of life or property. He re- mained in this command until his death at Troy in 1895. He was given an imposing military funeral on February 27 from St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, Troy. The body lay in state and was viewed by thou- sands, officers of the army, governors, states- men, representatives of every department of the service, and a vast concourse of his fel- low citizens attended. He had won distinction by real work and gallant performance amid the danger of bloody contests, and all "de- lighted to do him honor." After retiring from official duty as Secretary of State, General Carr entered the manufacturing field as the
senior partner of J. B. Carr & Company, operating the extensive chain manufacturing works established in 1866, located between Troy and Lansingburg. He continued at the head of the concern until his death. He be- came a factor in the development of other business enterprises of Troy. He was a direc- tor of the Mutual National Bank; second vice-president and director of the Troy City Railway Company. He was reared in the Catholic church and never departed from that faith. He was a Republican and received the unanimous nomination of his party in conven- tion at Saratoga, September 3, 1879, for Sec- retary of State. He was elected by a large majority; re-elected in 1881, and again in 1883. In 1885 he was the Republican candi- date for Lieutenant-Governor of the state, but was defeated at the polls. He was highly esteemed at home and abroad, many organiza- tions bestowing honorary membership upon him. He was a companion of the Loyal Le- gion, and a Comrade of Post Williard Grand Army of the Republic; member of the Sec- ond Regiment Association, Third Army Corps Association ; the Old Guard of New York; the Ninth Regiment Troy Citizens' Corps, Burgess Corps of Albany; vice-president Renssalaer County Soldiers and Sailors Mon- ument Association ; trustee of New York State Gettysburg Monument Association; the Troy and Ionic Clubs of Troy.
He married Mary Gould, born in Canada in 1837, who survives him. Children : Mary, resided with her mother; William Gould (see forward).
(III) William Gould, only son of Major- General Joseph B. and Mary (Gould) Carr, was born in Troy, where he was educated. He was interested in the J. B. Carr & Com- pany Chain Works at Troy, and is now in business in New York. He married Hattie Anne French, born in Bradford, New York, daughter of Iras Cressey and Hester Maria (Gowey) French. Children: Joseph B., born 1893 ; Marjorie, 1895 ; botlı born in Lansing- burglı.
The history of the English-speak- CARR ing family of the Carrs and Kerrs is as old as the Norman Conquest of England. One of the followers of William the Conqueror, taken from a roll in "Battle Abbey," bears the name of "Karre." The early posterity of this Norman soldier settled in the north of England, and succeeding gen- erations spread on both sides of the border- land of England and Scotland and afterward into northern Ireland. The name has passed through many changes and variations and is
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found in the old documents spelled Carre, Carr, Car, Karre, Karr, Kar, Kerre, Kerr, Ker. There is almost as much variation in the colors and mottoes of the coats-of-arms of the various branches of the family. The ancient and original arms-three mullets or etoibles on a chevron ; crest : a hart's head, has been generally adhered to, but a wide play given to coloring and motto. The earliest definite Carr records pertaining to the an- cestry of the American family go back to four brothers-Benjamin, William, George and James Carr, who were born in London. The eldest son Benjamin is the American progen- itor. William Carr married Susan Rothchild and came to America in 1621 on the ship "Fortune," Captain Roger Williams, and was a founder of the town of Bristol, Rhode Island. George Carr married Lucinda Daven- port, and came to America in 1620, on the "Mayflower," as ship carpenter. He was granted an island in the Merrimac river that was in possession of the family a great many years. James Carr ran away from home, went to sea, afterward became a sea captain. He was drowned while on a voyage from the West Indies to Boston. It is not known that he had a family.
(I) Benjamin Carr was born in London, England, August 18, 1592. He married Mar- tha Hardington in London, September 2, 1613. They both died in London. Children : I. Robert, see forward. 2. Caleb, born Decem- ber 9, 1616. 3. Richard, January 5, 1621. 4. Andrew, December 5, 1622.
(II) Robert, eldest son of Benjamin and Martha (Hardington) Carr, was born in London, England, October 14, 1614, came to America with his brother Caleb (afterward governor of the colony) on the ship "Eliza- beth Ann," Captain Roger Cooper, sailing from London, May 9, 1635. These two brothers were both minors and were sent to America after the death of their parents, to live with their uncle, William Carr, who had previously settled in Bristol, Rhode Island. A few years later the two brothers settled in Newport. Robert Carr was admitted an in- habitant in Portsmouth, February 21, 1639, and a freeman in Newport. March 16, 1641. He was one of the original purchasers of Conanicut Island, in Narragansett Bay, con- taining six thousand acres. He owned con- siderable property in Newport. He died in 1681, and his will was probated October 4, 1681. The name of his wife is not known nor when she died. Children: I. Caleb, see forward. 2. Elizabeth, married (first) James Brown, (second) Samuel Gardiner. 3. Mary, married John Hicks. 4. Robert (2), married/
Elizabeth Lawton. 5. Esek, married Susanna -. 6. Margaret, married Richard Harts- horne, an eminent Quaker ; settled in Middle- town, New Jersey.
(III) Caleb, eldest child of Robert Carr, the American ancestor, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, and lived in Jamestown, Rhode Island, on land willed him by his father. He died in 1690. His will, made in Jamestown, was dated "Jan 27 Ist of William K. of Gt.B." His wife was executrix of the estate. He married Phillis Greene, born October 7, 1658, daughter of Deputy Governor John Greene, of Warwick, Rhode Island. Chil- dren: I. Robert (2), died young. 2. Caleb (2), see forward. 3. William, married Abi- gail Baker. 4. Robert, married Hannah Hale. 5. Job, married Mehitable Sherman. 6. Mary. 7. Phillis, married Edward Boss. Mrs. Phil- lis (Greene) Carr survived her husband and married (second) Charles Dickinson.
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