USA > New York > Westchester County > Westchester county in history; manual and civil list, past and present. County history: towns, hamlets, villages and cities, Volume III > Part 2
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Though burdened with many responsibilities Mr. Depew al- ways finds time for rest and recreation. This is not only because
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he displays a phenomenal capacity for the disposal of work, but because he so systematizes his labors that one occupation is never permitted to interfere with another. His rest and recreation are found rather in change of occupation than in the repose which most men seek after their labors, and he returns from reading and study to weightier cares refreshed and rein- vigorated.
Mr. Depew's chief recreation is public speaking. "Speech- making is a tonic to me," he has said, "and not an occupa- tion of wear and tear. It gets the mind into another channel and answers the same purpose as the Greek and Latin transla- tion of Mr. Gladstone; as horse-driving did to Commodore Van- derbilt, and as cards do to many business men. The difference between my recreation and that of other business men is that mine is all in public." What would be a subject of anxiety and of long and hard labor to most men is but a necessary diversion to him. His more important orations and addresses are dic- tated to a stenographer and typewritten, though his memory is so tenacious that he never uses notes in delivery ; but many of his after-dinner speeches are extemporaneous, born of the time and the occasion, for he has the rare talent of thinking while on his feet and is never at a loss for a word or a simile. Some- times Mr. Depew has made addresses that were mirth-provoking from beginning to end; but oftener he has veiled some serious intent behind the mask of raillery; and as often, again, has he spoken on questions whose gravity has forced his laughter-loving side into complete retirement. Mr. Depew has often been called one of the best of after-dinner speakers, but such characteriza- tion, though eminently true, does him an injustice, for that is but one phase of his many-sided eloquence. As one writer, speaking of Mr. Depew, says, "The characteristic of Mr. De- pew's speaking is that it does not depend upon verbal jokes nor funny stories for its success. It is the true humor which grows naturally out of the subject, and is based upon a com- mon substratum of common sense."
No man in the United States, perhaps in all the world, has attended so many public dinners as Mr. Depew, that is, where speeches were made. In his time he has been at some 8,000 banquets, as he estimates. Though seventy-nine years of age, he is to-day as young and alert as a man half his age; in fact more so than many of them. He has formulated his own rules for right living and he has written them down. He says: "I
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have seen a flow of champagne suggestive of Niagara, but I have never been submerged. One rule I have followed for forty years-I pick out of each bill of fare what I would have eaten if I had stayed at home. At a very large dinner, I do not take the oysters. I merely touch the soup. I skip the fish. I skip all dishes upon which the chef has exhausted his art. I eat the roast if it is lamb or a fowl, and skip it if it is beef. If there is terrapin, I take that, because it is very digestible, and I take the game. I do not smoke, and I never drink anything but champagne, and a very little of that. The next day everything with me-head or vitality-is as usual.
"There never was a man yet, unless he became dependent upon alcohol, whom drink did not dull or deaden. Most of the great speakers that I have known never touch anything at din- ner. They have told me that their mental processes would not work until at least five hours after a meal, unless the digestive processes were over. I never was troubled that way.
"A curious thing about public men going to a dinner to deliver an address is the way in which many of them will lose a national reputation. I have seen half a dozen of the finest reputations in the country go to pieces at a banquet in New York because the man spoke too long and did not relieve his speech, because he thought it beneath his dignity to give a display of humor. I remember two dinners in New York where the principal speakers were men of national reputation, and there were six others to come after them also of national repu- tation. They emptied the hall and when they closed there were very few present except the officers and the band. The other speakers had also fled.
"I have never experimented with strange food. My health and longevity are due more than anything else to the fact that I have always been very careful what got inside me."
At dinners in the White House many important public measures are decided.
In an address delivered by him before the Montauk Club of Brooklyn, at a dinner given by that club on April 26, 1913, in celebration of his seventy-ninth birthday, Senator Depew in speaking of goodfellowship at dinners, in part, said: "I have met most of the distinguished men and women of my time, in this and other countries, and with scarcely an exception the best I ever knew of them occurred at dinner."
"Judge Robertson, of Westchester, and I were invited by
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Secretary of State Seward to dine with him in Washington on our way to the Republican National Convention which re- nominated President Lincoln. That dinner changed the vice- president from Daniel S. Dickinson, of New York, to Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, and made a different chapter in American history."
Though Mr. Depew has not, until late years, filled any important national position, he is probably better known, both at home and abroad, than many men of world-wide reputation. With a few exceptions, he is the best known American living to-day, and his yearly visits to Europe have made his personality familiar to almost everybody, from crowned heads to the common people. His popularity is owing partly to accessibility, for, unlike most prominent men of affairs, he does not hedge himself in with impenetrable dignity, but is as ready to welcome the employees as the directors of his company; and partly because of the kind- ness of heart that prompts such accessibility and makes him a friend of every reporter that comes to him for an "item of news."
Mr. Depew's orations and addresses are virtually a history of the past half century; and not only a mere record of events, but a political, industrial, commercial, educational, and social picture of the period in which he has been one of the most con- spicuous figures. We must not forget, too, to note that he has found time also to edit a series of the greatest orations of the world in twenty-four volumes, and a massive work entitled "One Hundred Years of American Commerce," a series of articles illustrating the progress of the country during the century.
Mr. Depew received his A. M. in course and in 1887, when he delivered the annual address to the Yale Law School, was given the honorary degree of LL.D. In the following year he was elected a member of the Yale Corporation, a position which he held by re-election until 1906. Mr. Depew was elected by the Legislature in 1874 Regent of the University of the State of New York and held the position for thirty-four years. He was also elected by the Alumni for two terms of six years each a member of the Corporation of Yale University.
It is almost needless to say that in Mr. Depew's long service in the United States Senate he won the praise not only of his native State but of the Nation for his ability and his grasp of the great questions of the day. He was more successful than
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almost anyone in either House in getting bills passed relating to his State.
The Montauk Club of Brooklyn has indulged in the delightful habit of giving a dinner in celebration of Senator Depew's birth- day for many years. On Saturday evening, April 23, 1913, the club gave its twenty-second annual "Depew Birthday Dinner," and in recognition of the high honor paid him on the seventy- ninth anniversary of the day of his birth, Senator Depew, as usual, delivered one of his instructive and happy orations.
As Mr. Depew is still in the plenitude of his powers, physi- cally, mentally, and intellectually every good citizen will pray that he may long be spared, to advance the best interests of the Nation and the State, and continue to be "Our Chauncey," and an honor to Westchester, his native County.
Mr. Depew was married in 1871, to Miss Elise Hegeman, daughter of William Hegeman, of New York City, who died in 1892. Of this union there is one son, Chauncey M. Depew, Jr., born in 1882.
Mr. Depew was again married in 1900, to Miss May Palmer, daughter of John Palmer, of New York.
FRANCIS MARSHALL CARPENTER, the subject of this sketch, is, in the truest sense, "an honored son of West- chester County," as many of his admiring friends have desig- nated him. He was " of the manor born," as he first saw the light of day in the charming locality where he still maintains a residence, among long time neighbors who never tire of mani- festing their great respect and according him honor in recog- nition of an enviable private and public career. It is said of Mr. Carpenter that he is liberally endowed with the happy faculty of making many friends and but few enemies. His amiable and conciliating disposition proves a tower of strength in enabling him to better serve his fellow-men. Being a man of high intelligence, strong and active in mind, positive in principle, never hesitating to take a stand for what he considers to be right and just, though great influences should attempt to sway him, he has earned the respect of all those who know him best; though they may at times disagree with him, not being able to see things from his viewpoint, yet they will not say he is not acting for the best, in his honest, straightforward way.
arpenter
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When serving this County as its representative in the State Senate, for several terms, he proved one of the staunchest friends and supporters Governor Hughes had, and his vote could always be depended upon in the upholding of the Gov- ernor's attempted reforms in the direction of good government.
Governor Hughes voluntarily paid Senator Carpenter a just compliment when he said that he was always confident that the cause of good government could unfailingly depend for support upon Senator Carpenter of Westchester County, who needed no prompting or urging to do his duty as he understood it, regardless of what other men did; his loyalty to himself and regard for upright principles ever guided him aright, along the right course.
That the Governor's appreciation of the character of our County's representative in the Senate was shared in general by his colleagues in the State Legislature, was proven when the Legislature, in 1908, elected him, at the termination of his last term in the Senate, a Regent of the University of the State, a position of high honor, much coveted.
The Albany Evening Journal, a representative newspaper in northern New York, edited by a Republican leader of the State, in speaking of the election as Regent that came to Mr. Carpenter as a surprise, said in commending the choice: " The Legislature has chosen a man of plain common sense and good judgment, and just the kind of material of which the Board of Regents should be composed."
Another influential newspaper, in speaking of the placing in nomination of ex-Senator Carpenter and urging the prefer- ment, said: "Senator J. Mayhew Wainwright, of Westchester County, in well chosen remarks, alluding to his predecessor's faithfulness in serving the best interests of the people of the State, placed Francis M. Carpenter's name before the joint caucus of Republican Senators and Assemblymen, and asked that the popular former Senator receive endorsement as the caucus' choice for the position of Regent of the University of the State of New York, to represent the Ninth Judicial District, which is an additional representation in the Board.
"Assemblyman Frank L. Young, who represents the Third Westchester County Assembly District, in which former Senator Carpenter resides, delivered a most pleasing address extolling the good qualities of the gentleman named, who has not sought the office, but is presented in hopes that friends he made while
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a legislator might join in an effort to honor a man proven worthy.
" Then followed several short addresses made by State Sena- tors from all sections of the State, who had been Senator Car- penter's co-laborers, each vieing with the other in endeavor to render justice to a man of 'sensitive honor,' as one of them termed it."
The position of Regent, which is an honorary one; was sev- eral years held by the late Hon. Whitelaw Reid, who was United States Ambassador to Great Britain; St. Clair McKelway, editor of the Brooklyn Eagle; Eugene A. Philbin, of New York; Ches- ter S. Lord, of Brooklyn, managing editor of the New York Sun (just re-elected to succeed himself) ; and others well known as being conspicuous in literature, law and similar pursuits. recommending them as fit guardians over vital interests en- trusted to them.
The office of Regent of the University of the State of New York, created in 1784, is as venerable as it is honorable. Men most distinguished in the State's history have held the position, and the man is yet to be known who would refuse so great an honor. Residents of this County who have held this office are: Jonathan G. Tompkins, of the first appointed, served until 1808, Washington Irving, the world-wide famous author, elected in 1835, United States Senator Chauncey M. Depew, elected in 1877, and Hon. Francis M. Carpenter, elected in 1908. The late Regent Whitelaw Reid had a residence in this County.
When Mr. Carpenter retired from the State Senate, January 1, 1908, he had rounded out forty-five years of active public official life, a longer term than usually falls to the lot of man, and, if life be spared, and he be permitted to serve out the twelve-year term of his new office, he will have more than passed the half century mark in the civic service. It has been said of some public servants who have been a long time prominent in the public eye, that it would have been better for their good reputations had they retired before they did; but no such senti- ment prevails relative to him who strives to live aright, that his living may benefit others as well as himself.
Before entering upon his long career as a public official, Mr. Carpenter was successful in mercantile pursuits and estab- lished a reputation for integrity and honesty in dealing; the reputation thus founded has been his through all these years.
In 1862, at the earnest urging of his fellow-townsmen, Mr.
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Carpenter consented to become a candidate for Supervisor in the town of New Castle, in which he resided; his election fol- lowed. With the exception of two years, he served continu- ously in the Board of Supervisors, of which he was many times chairman, up to the year 1896 (for thirty-two years), when he had to relinquish the office to accept that of County Treasurer, which he held for two terms, six years.
Without his solicitation, he was called upon to accept a nomi- nation as candidate for State Senator, in 1903. He was elected by a majority surpassing that given for any other candidate previously nominated for that office. He served as the County's representative in the " Upper House " of the State Legisla- ture for five years, and as long as he desired to. His decision to retire was regretted by friends of all political parties, espe- cially those of his own political faith, who were more than willing to give him any office within their gift.
His unanimous election to so honorable a position as Regent of the State University, which followed immediately after his retirement from the Senatorship, is an evidence showing in part the appreciation in which he is held throughout the State, by members of all political parties.
This, to him an unexpected calling back to public official duties, has retained for the State the services of a man who can be trusted to serve it faithfully in any capacity.
Not only as a statesman is Mr. Carpenter known. His fame as a leading financier of the County is familiar to us. He is an officer, Vice-President or Director, in several banks and trust companies scattered about the County. He is the active President of the Westchester and Bronx Title Company, and largely interested in several thriving realty corporations.
As executor or administrator of estates he has been com- mended by the courts for his judicious management in the handling of funds and increasing to an unusual extent the amounts due heirs at final accounting. (See page 161, Vol. 1.)
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WILLIAM BOURKE COCKRAN, lawyer, Congressman, orator, etc., is rightfully claimed by Westchester County, as one of its own.
He was born in Ireland, on February 28, 1854, a son of Martin and Harriet K. Cockran. Was educated in his native country, and in France. Came to this country when seventeen years of age, in the year 1871.
It is said of him that he obtained his mother's consent to his crossing the Atlantic at that early age by representing to her that he was going to visit a cousin of his father, Mr. Edward Martin, then Supervisor of Eastchester and President of Mt. Vernon village, and that she was induced to give him his fare for this purpose as part of his general education. She also sent Mr. Martin a draft for £20 to pay his return passage. When this money for his return passage was handed to young Cockran he calmly announced that he never had the slightest intention of returning to Ireland, and with that sum-one hundred and eighteen dollars according to the then rate of exchange-he began life in America. On the day of his arrival, Mr. Martin took him out to Mount Vernon, in this County, and that very evening he became acquainted with Hon. John Berry, one of the leading merchants, and who served the village of Mount Vernon thirty-five years as Treasurer, was Supervisor of the town of Eastchester and later a Member of Assembly. Mr. Berry took a fancy to young Cockran, admiring his quick intelli- gence and many good qualities; the more he came to know the youth the greater Mr. Berry's interest in him grew, and recog- nizing that he had but few friends in this country, invited the young man to come to Mount Vernon and accept employment in the Berry dry goods establishment. For a short time he was employed in the wholesale establishment of A. T. Stewart & Co., New York city.
Shortly afterwards Cockran accepted an offer to teach in a private academy, a position for which he was particu- larly adapted owing to having received a liberal education; he next was engaged as principal of the public school in Tuckahoe, in the town of Eastchester. While teaching he read law, serving the required period for practical experience in the New York city law office of Supreme Court Justice Abra- ham B. Tappan, a resident of this county. He was admitted to practice at the bar in 1876. Opening offices in Mount Vernon he had, from the start, as clients many prominent citizens of
WILLIAM BOURKE COCKRAN
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the county, among them being his staunch friend John Berry, and another firm admirer in the person of Daniel C. Hickey, a well-known railroad contractor, and at one time Supervisor and Democratic State Committeeman.
Even in his younger days Mr. Cockran's eloquence and logical arguments before judge and jury attracted attention of mem- bers of the bar as well as of laymen. In 1877 he was unani- mously chosen by the Eastchester Town Board as Town Counsel, thus being called upon to fill an office previously held by such veteran advocates as District-Attorneys William H. Pemberton and Pelham L. McClellan and County Judge Silas D. Gifford. Mr. Cockran was then but twenty-three years of age, and doubts Mr. Cochran was then but twenty-three years of age, and doubts were expressed as to his being able to successfully conduct the Town's legal business, owing to his lack of experience. The success which crowned his endeavors in defence of the Town in all legal contests, put to flight all doubts, and called from Supervisor David Cromwell, a political opponent, unsolicited praise, to the effect that the Town of Eastchester has had many able lawyers to fill the responsible position of Town Counsel, but none more capable than the young attorney-at-law Cockran.
Mr. Cockran appeared frequently before Courts held in White Plains, our county seat, taking part in important litigation. About this time an unusually strong friendship sprang up be- tween young Cockran and Martin J. Keogh, of about the same age, and like Cockran a struggling young lawyer who had come from Ireland to a strange country seeking his fortune. Keogh had come to New Rochelle, in this county, in 1875; in 1896 he had become a Supreme Court Justice. Cockran likewise had become conspicuous in his chosen profession, and has served several terms in Congress and made an enviable world-wide repu- tation as lawyer and orator. The Cockran-Keogh friendship con- tinues, and grows stronger with the years.
Seeking a wider field of usefulness, and at the suggestion of friends, Mr. Cockran decided to open law offices in New York city.
In 1882 he received appointment as counsel to the Sheriff, from Alexander V. Davidson. When Hugh J. Grant suc- ceeded Davidson, Mr. Cockran was reappointed by Sheriff Grant. It was then a position much sought after by the legal fraternity. Aaron J. Vanderpool had held the office for some twenty-eight years before Cockran's appointment. At the ter-
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mination of Sheriff Grant's term Mr. Cockran retired from active public office holding, finding inducements to devote his entire time to private practice of his profession too attractive to be ignored. An offer of appointment to the important and high salaried office of Corporation Counsel of the City of New York did not tempt him. Refusing this office for himself he was permitted to name a suitable person for the position; in compliance with this he proposed William H. Clark, a rising young lawyer associated with him in business. Mr. Clark re- ceived the appointment and proved an especially efficient official, justifying his friend's confidence in him.
Though continuing as a recognized power in the Democratic . organization of New York county, and a close friend of Mayor Hugh J. Grant and of Mayor Thomas F. Gilroy, Mr. Cockran devoted himself to the practice of his profession, appearing as a pleader in most of the prominent litigations of the day, fre- quently as a trial lawyer for many of the largest legal firms of the country in State and Federal Courts.
Among the most celebrated of his cases was the appeal of Jacob Sharp after he had been convicted of bribing the Board of Aldermen, the case of Kemmler, involving the constitution- ality of the law providing for execution of criminals convicted of capital offenses by electricity.
He makes a favorable appearance before a Court; he reasons logically and possesses great fluency of speech. Before a jury Mr. Cockran is earnest and impressive. In whatever position he is placed he retains his dignity, good humor and self-pos- session.
In 1886 Mr. Cockran was first elected as a Representative in Congress, from a New York city district, and became a member of the Fiftieth Congress, from 1887 to 1889 ; he was immediately recognized as a leader on the Democratic side to whom unusual deference was paid, considering he was "a new member." Was a member of the Commission to revise the judiciary article of the Constitution of the State of New York. Was elected to the Fifty-second and re-elected to the Fifty-third Congresses, from 1891 to 1895.
In the New York State Democratic Legislative caucus held at Albany in January, 1893, Mr. Cockran was undoubtedly the choice of a majority for election as United States Senator, and it was quite possible had members been left free to give ex-
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pression to their choice, and had not yielded to outside influence, Mr. Cockran would have been chosen to fill a place for which he was fully competent and well equipped. As it was, he received many votes in the caucus. His many friends openly resented the injustice done Mr. Cockran at this time by influential men in the party who were jealous of his rapidly increasing popu- larity in State and National politics.
In 1896 Mr. Cockran opposed the platform adopted by the Democratic Convention at Chicago, and voted for Mckinley, the Republican Presidential candidate, declining to participate in the Indianapolis Convention or to support Palmer and Buck- ner, Independent Democrats. The great mass meeting he ad- dressed in Madison Square was the opening and the chief event of that memorable campaign. In November, 1896, at Chick- ering Hall, New York city, he addressed the first public meeting in favor of intervention by this Government to terminate the perpetration of barbarities in Cuba, and in January, 1899, at the Academy of Music, New York city, he addressed the first public meeting in opposition to the forcible annexation or con- quest of the Philippine Islands. In the election of 1900 he sup- ported William J. Bryan the Democratic Candidate for Presi- dent, on the ground that the result could not in any way affect the coinage of the country, owing to the complexion of the Sen- ate, while he believed the defeat of the Republican party would of its self have sufficed to expel imperialism from our political system.
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