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 ALBANY, N. Y. : 
 
 THE ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS, 
 
 1874. 
 

 
 3\W, Putnam 
 
INTRODUOTORT. 
 
 ' ' Let Anothbb Man Praise Thbk and Not Thine Own Mouth ; a Stransbr ani> Not 
 Thihs Own Lips." 
 
 Perched upon a high desk in the front of the Assembly chamber daring 
 the session now at its close, it has been the privilege of the writer to 
 look upon the law-makers of the State during their official term, and to 
 form conclusions of their several distinctive merits. In the spare moments 
 which have come to him during the three months sitting he has jotted 
 down hasty pen pictures of those who have distinguished themselves, in 
 his opinion, during the session, and who can be regarded as lights of 
 the Legislature. He has perhaps looked wholly on the sunny side of 
 human nature, and not allowed the acid to preponderate over the sweet- 
 ness ; but his praise has the merit of candor and honesty, and is only 
 tendered to those who, in his humble judgment, deserve it. The 
 "hundred days" had come and gone before these sketches were given 
 form, in order that no false statements be made, for a Greek proverb was 
 remembered which says: "Praise the fineness of the day when it is 
 ended, praise a woman when you have known her, a sword when yon 
 have proved it, a maiden after she is married, the ice when you have 
 crossed it, and the liquor after it is drunk,"— and to this the occu- 
 pant of the high desk adds, a Legislator at the expiration of his 
 term. In these half-hundred brief sketches, none have been inspired or 
 written by the subjects. Some have asked that privilege, not reflecting 
 that the breath of self-eulogy soils the face of the speaker, even as the 
 censer is dimmed by the smoke of its own perfume. They do not appear 
 within these pages, which but expresses the opinions of a disinterested 
 " Looker on in Vienna." 
 
 Assembly Chamber. | 
 
 Albany. N. Y., Ap7il 25, 1874. f 
 
fi^ps of t|t f fgtsktm. 
 
 SPEAKER HUSTED. 
 
 Probably the best Speaker that ever presided over the 
 Assembly is the Hon. James W. Husted, of Westchester, 
 who has this year been honored with this position. Certainly 
 he is the peer of any of his predecessors, the superior of 
 many, and will retire the present week from his high station, 
 with the approbation of every member, and the satisfactory 
 approval for his efforts, from the entire people of the State. 
 He has shown, during the session, now at its close, unflinch- 
 ing integrity, and the most straightforward conduct; while 
 his polished manner and innumerable graces of mind and 
 heart, have won the friendship and esteem of all the mem- 
 bers. Quick as a flash, universally correct in his rulings, courte- 
 ous and afiable at all times, he has been the ideal speaker, 
 and to him is almost wholly due the credit of the Assembly 
 adjourning one month earlier this year than last. General 
 Husted was bom in the county he represents. During the 
 latter part of the year 1833 he studied at Yale, graduated 
 with high honors, and afterward studied law and was 
 admitted to the Bar in 1857. 
 
 Mr. Husted has held numerous local offices as well as State, 
 such as School Commissioner for Westchester County in 
 1858, and in 1860 Deputy Superintendent of the State Insur- 
 ance Department. Since 1862 he has been Harbor Master of 
 the City of New York, and until recently was Deputy Cap- 
 tain of the Port. He was first elected to the Assembly 
 Chamber in 1868, since which time he has been re-elected 
 1* 
 
6 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 every year. His record, during those sessions, is so well 
 known as not to require to be repeated in these pages. 
 General Husted is a prominent member of the Masonic 
 Fraternity, having reached the highest order and held the 
 rank of D. D. G. M. for several years. In 1873 he was nomi- 
 nated by Governor Dix to be Major-General of the Fifth 
 Division of the National Guard, and was immediately con- 
 firmed by the Senate. 
 
 FRANKLIN A. ALBERGER. 
 
 The champion of Buffalo and of Western New York is 
 found in the person of the honorable gentleman from Erie, 
 Franklin A. Alberger, the Chairman in the Assembly of that 
 most important Committee on Canals. Mr. Alberger is promi- 
 nently a light of the Legislature ; possessing a great deal of 
 force of character and practical ability to perform his legisla- 
 tive duties ably and elBfectively. Few men in the chamber 
 are more prominent than he. Of a commanding presence 
 and pleasing address, his speeches, which are eminently stir- 
 ring and forcible, are listened to with eager attention. He 
 is also a skilled and effective debater, and keenly alive to the 
 welfare of his immediate constituents. This was remarkably 
 displayed the other day, when Mr. Alberger moved than an 
 appropriation of $150,000 be inserted in the Supply Bill for 
 the Buffalo Asylum. The committee had reported but ten 
 thousand for that institution and Gen. Batcheller, with other 
 leading men, strongly opposed the appropriation, when Mr. 
 Alberger arose, and, in a speech illustrated with statistics, 
 and delivered with rare oratorical power, he demanded the 
 appropriation, and made so powerful a plea tl erefor as to 
 carry the House with him and to secure to Buffalo, so far as 
 the Assembly was concerned, the appropriation. It was a 
 crushing defeat to his opponents, and manifested plainly the 
 influence of Mr. Alberger. The subject of these remarks was 
 born in Baltimore, Md., in January, 1825, but when quite 
 young became a resident of Buffalo, of which city he has 
 been repeatedly alderman and once mayor. Mr. Alberger 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 7 
 
 has been elected to the Assembly four consecutive terms. He 
 has held the office of Canal Commissioner for six years, and 
 now has a reputation extending from Montauk Point to his 
 own city. He is married, and socially, is one of the most 
 genial and cultured gentlemen that has come to Albany 
 this winter. 
 
 THOMAS G. ALYORD. 
 
 Under the great chandelier of the Chamber, in the very 
 choicest seat — which was extended to him at the beginning 
 of the session, as a mark of respect and esteem — sits the 
 patriarch of the House, "Honest Tom Alvord," of Syracuse. 
 He represents the Independent element of the Legislature, and 
 bears his honors unblushingly. No man so well as he, has 
 the faculty of putting things in so happy and convincing a 
 style as "Old Salt," He speaks fluently and well, is never 
 verbose, but always practical, and during this session has, 
 more than once, extricated the House out of a maze of 
 difficulties by his ready and earnest talk. Mr. Alvord has 
 had many bitter words said about him during the present session 
 by the press of the metropolis, owing to his relentless cutting 
 up of those editors, who will condemn a measure without 
 fully understanding its aim and purport. But as not a word 
 of suspicion has been uttered against his good name, Mr. 
 Alvord has rather gained in celebrity by those one-sided 
 attacks, which may do him more good than harm. It is, 
 perhaps, unnecessary for us to discuss at length the many 
 personal attributes of Mr. Alvord ; he is too well and 
 favorably known for that, but we know that he is a man of 
 the most genial manner, generous instincts and numerous 
 graces of character, possessing most of those qualities of 
 mind and heart which win popularity. As a Legislator he 
 takes tlie front rank, and his words at all times commands 
 the complete attention of the House, while his oratorical ability 
 is marvelously excellent. Mr. Alvoiicl was born in the county 
 he now represents, in December, 1810. He was educated at 
 Yale, graduating with high honors from that venerab'e 
 
8 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 institution in 1838. He studied law for two years and was 
 admitted to the Bar. Essentially a man of the people, he 
 has been repeatedly honored by them. First elected to the 
 Legislature in 1844, he served in that body during the years 
 1858, 1862, 1864, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1874. He was Speaker of 
 the House in 1858 and 1864. He was also elected Lieutenant- 
 Governor in 1864, on the ticket with Governor Fenton, 
 serving during the years 1865-6. The Senate never had a 
 rnore impartial President than he. He was a member of the 
 Constitutional Convention in 1867-8. Thus can we see how 
 brilliant a light is the gentleman from Onondaga. 
 
 Mr. BATCHELLER, 
 
 Of Saratoga. — The Premier of the House, the Chancellor 
 of the Exchequer and the spokesman for the maj ority. Gen. 
 George S. Batcheller, occupies in the present Assembly a posi- 
 tion of peculiar honor and responsibility. He has shown him- 
 self well worthy of the substantial compliments lavished upon 
 him, for, as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, 
 he has distinguished himself greatly by sending to the Senate 
 the " cleanest " Supply Bill that ever passed the lower House 
 of the Legislature. This is high praise indeed, but it is just 
 and will show better than anything we can say, the fitness of 
 Gen. Batcheller for the position he occupies. Saratoga 
 county is represented admirably this year in both its mem- 
 bers. This year few sections have two such able men to 
 look after their interests, as the subject of this sketch and 
 his colleague, Mr. West. Gen. Batcheller is a natural talker, 
 fluent and ready upon any subject. He is urbane and plea- 
 sant in his address, carrying with him an atmosphere of 
 gayety and good cheer, treating all with the deference a 
 gentleman invariably pays to those he comes in contact with. 
 As a Legislator he has proved himself to be able and wonder- 
 fully efficient, and but adds this year to a reputation already 
 great and honorable. 
 
LIGHTS OF TFIE LEGISLATURE. 9 
 
 Mr, Batclieller was born in Batcliellerville, Saratoga 
 County, July 25, 1837, and is descended from somewhat an 
 illustrious family; he was educated at Harvard College and 
 shortly afterward was admitted to the Bar and soon rose to 
 eminence in his profession. In 1858 he was elected to the 
 Assembly from the same district now represented by him, 
 and was again elected in 1873 and 1873. Mr. B. is entitled 
 to the rank of General both on account of his appointment 
 on Gov. Fenton's staff as Inspector-General, as well as for 
 his services in the war. 
 
 Mr. BEEBE, 
 
 Of Sullivan — Sitting at the] extreme right of the Speaker's 
 desk is George Monroe Beebe, the real leader of the opposition 
 in the Assembly, and a member universally respected; who 
 during this session has added new laurels to his already brilliant 
 reputation. Mr. Beebe is a positive man — no one who can look 
 upon the earnest intelligent features of the gentleman from 
 Sullivan but can discover that. His clear and quick percep- 
 tions, sound judgment and practical common sense impress, 
 most forcibly, all who come in contact with him. As a citizen 
 he is universally esteemed and respected, while his kindly 
 nature always displayed in an unostentatious manner has 
 e^deared him to those toward whom it has been exercised. 
 As a lawj'er, Mr. Beebe occupies a high rank in his profes- 
 sion. Firm as a rock when battling for the right, his mind 
 is unswayed by extraneous circumstances. His integrity is 
 acknowledged by all, and has never, so far as we know, been 
 questioned. Mr. Beebe is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian 
 school. He is a Democrat from principle, and his wisdom 
 and counsels are often consulted by party leaders. No one 
 in the present House can make a speech so commanding and 
 eloquent as he, and if a measure receives his approval and 
 advice much is accomplished from its passage, He is the 
 popular Democratic leader to whom all the young members 
 of that party go for advice. He is a kind, worthy, estimable 
 gentleman, who 1 joks at times, cross and unapproachable, but 
 
10 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 he is the opposite of that, and although a remarkably able 
 man, whose presence would adorn the Senate Chamber or 
 our Congressional Halls, yet is he as kindly and courteous to 
 the page boy at his side as to the Governor of the State. 
 
 JOHN P. BADGER. 
 
 Mr. Badger, who is now in his second term in the House, is 
 sustaining the excellent record that he made last year, when 
 he was a member of the Committees on State Prisons, Federal 
 Relations and Engrossed Bills, and the Speaker taking into 
 account his many Legislative qualities assigned him this year 
 to the Chairmanship of the Committee on State Prisons, and 
 member of the Committees on Grievances and Sub-Comittee 
 of the Whole, in which capacities he has shown himself to 
 be a hard and untiring worker. Mr. Badger has, on several 
 times, addressed the House on local measures effectively and 
 although he cannot be termed an orator he has a pleasant 
 delivery and what he says, is curt and to the purpose. He is 
 invariably to be found in his seat, zealously watching the 
 interests of his constituents and of the State at large. 
 
 John Peaslee Badger, was born in Ossipee, Carroll county, 
 N. H., August 3, 1834, but his parents removing to this State, 
 he received his education in the common schools of Franklin 
 County, and finally graduating from the Albany Law Schooh 
 he was admitted to the Bar in 1871, and at once commenced 
 the practice of his profession. 
 
 Mr. Badger early allied himself to the Republican party, 
 and in 1870, and 1872, he was elected a member of the Board 
 of Supervisors for his town. He was elected to his present 
 seat by a majority of 1,067 over Mr. Baker Stevens, Democrat. 
 
 He is now regarded as one of the strongest men upon the 
 floor. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 1 1 
 
 BERNARD BIGLIN. 
 
 This gentleman, who represents the Eighteenth district of 
 New York city, is now on his second term, having so far 
 pleased his constituents last year as to be re-elected by a plu- 
 rality of 556 over two formidable opponents. Mr. Biglin 
 was born in Pennsylvania, in 1841, of Irish parents, and 
 received his education in the common schools. Removing 
 to New York at an early age he learned the trade of a brass 
 moulder; but soon after completing his apprenticeship he 
 was appointed to a position as Inspector in the New York 
 Custom-house, which he held for three years. He was after- 
 ward appointed Inspector in the Internal Revenue Depart- 
 ment, where he served for four years. 
 
 Mr. Biglin, who is a follower in the Republican ranks, has, 
 for a number of years, been associated with New York poli- 
 tics, and taken an active part in the primaries and conventions 
 of his party, both county and State. 
 
 Mr. Biglin has been most active in the discharge of his 
 duties as Chairman of the Committee on Commerce and 
 Navigation, and has been very punctual in his attendance at 
 the House, and ever wakeful to the interests of his con- 
 stituents. As a speaker he is distinct and brief, but he seldom 
 takes the floor, except on matters that concern the interests 
 of his constituents. 
 
 EUGENE D. BERRI. 
 
 The County of Kings has sent many excellent representa- 
 tives to the Assembly for the last ten years, but in no case 
 have they sent one who has done more j ustice to his constitu- 
 ents and the citizens in general than Mr. Eugene D. Berri, 
 who is now closing his second term. 
 
 Mr. Berri was born in Buffalo in 1836, of English parents, 
 and accompanied them on their removal to Brooklyn, where 
 he received his education, chiefly in the public schools, but it 
 may safely be said that he is a self-educated man. At an 
 early age he embarked in the carpet business, and is now a 
 
12 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 member of one of the largest establishments of that kind in 
 Brooklyn. During the Rebellion he served for a short time 
 as First Lieutenant in the 133d Regiment, New York Volun- 
 teers, and performed active service at Suffolk, N. C. 
 
 In politics Mr. Berri is a Republican, but although he has 
 always been interested in political matters, he did not accept 
 any ofllce until he entered the Assembly in 1872, when he 
 was elected over Thomas W. Adams by a majority of 1,858, 
 on which occasion he made an honorable record. Last fall 
 he was elected to his present seat by a majority of 2,377 over 
 Chalmers M. Benson, and is credited to the Chairmanship of 
 the Committee on Expenditures of the Executive Department, 
 and is a member of those on Insurance and Banks, and he 
 has done noble work both in the Committees and in the 
 House, being constant in his attendance. 
 
 Mr, Berri frequently takes the floor on matters pertaining 
 to his County and touching the interests of his constituents. 
 As a speaker he is fluent and distinct, but his speeches are 
 generally brief and to the point. 
 
 ARTHUR F. BROWN. 
 
 Directly in front of the Speaker's desk, always in his seat 
 and closely watching the manner of legislation, sits a 
 pleasant-faced gentleman, who we find to be Mr. Arthur F. 
 Brown of Oneida, one of the most reliable, careful and pru- 
 dent members of the present Legislature. During the session, 
 now at its close, Mr. Brown has made for himself a reputa- 
 tion, among the thoughtful men of the House, as a member 
 always to be relied upon for his vote on honest legislation. 
 Listening carefully to the debates upon leading questions, in 
 which he seldom takes a part, he acts according to the dictates 
 of his own judgment, which are generally correct. Not to be 
 cajoled into a vote which shall not represent the real interests 
 of the people, he is a gentleman held in high esteem by the 
 Speaker and other leaders of the party with which Mr. 
 Brown acts. No man in the Assembly Chamber this winter 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 13 
 
 has gained for himself a finer reputation for consistency and 
 honor, than the member of whom we speak. Upri<^lit and 
 honorable in all his dealings, faithful to the will of his con- 
 stituenc}^ and possessed of a well-balanced mind, the people 
 of Oneida County have reason to be proud of their quiet but 
 working member. Mr. Brown was born in the county he 
 represents. There he has lived for a lifetime, and been 
 intrusted with several prominent offices, one of which was 
 Supervisor, and when a voter has recorded himself upon the 
 side of equality and justice. A Republican, earnest and 
 unfaltering, a vigorous advocate for the prosecution of the 
 late war, and a man of practical every-day common sense. 
 Mr. Brown is one of those men who could not fail to make 
 the excellent record as a Legislator he has. In the present 
 Assembly he is a member of three important committees, on 
 Claims, Roads and Bridges and Indian Affairs. 
 
 FRANCIS B. BREWER. 
 
 Close by the aisle leading from the lobby to the chamber 
 sits a somewhat portly gentleman, whose tout ensemble would 
 not fail to bring him to the notice of even a casual observer. 
 His cheerful florid countenance is an index to his mind, and 
 his long flowing beard gives him a venerable appearance. 
 This gentleman we recognize as Mr. Francis B. Brewer, who 
 is now representing the Count}^ of Chautauqua for the second 
 time. He comes from good eld Revolutionary stock, and 
 was born in Keene, N. H. , where he received a good liberal 
 education, and afterward entered Dartmouth College, from 
 whence he graduated in 1843, and then pursued the medical 
 studies attached to the same college, where, obtaining a doc- 
 tor's diploma, he practiced his profession for five years, when 
 he entered the lumbering business at Oil Creek, in Pennsyl - 
 vania. Having been most successful in his ventures in the 
 oil regions, Mr. Brewer removed to Westfield, in Chautauqua 
 County, where he now resides, and is interested in extensive 
 mercantile pursuits. He has, repeatedly, been the recipient, 
 2 
 
14 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 of political honors from his fellow-citizens, by whom he is 
 held in high esteem. Last year, as member of the Committee 
 on Ways and Means, he did most effectual service in reducing 
 the expenditures, and this session he is retained on the same 
 committee, and is also Chairman of Petitions of Aliens, and 
 member of Committee on Charitable and Religious Societies. 
 Mr. Brewer, who is a Republican in politics, is a strong adher- 
 ent to his party, a man of decided ability and much practical 
 good sense; he is quick to understand the bearings of every 
 question which he is called upon to consider, and therefore pos- 
 sesses qualities invaluable in the Legislator. He has frequently 
 taken the floor and expressed his views on various knotty 
 questions, which he does in plain yet graceful language. Dr. 
 Brewer has been very punctual in his attendance at the 
 House, and attentive to the interests of his constituents. 
 
 WATERS W. BRAMA^. 
 
 Directly to the left of the Speaker, can at all times be 
 found in his seat, the careful and hard-working member from 
 West Troy. A gentleman of pleasant manners and incor- 
 ruptible character, possessing, in a large degree, those qualities 
 so essential to the able Legislator. Mr. Braman is eminently 
 qualified to be classed among the lights of the Assembly of 
 1874. He is at all times against all corrupt schemes, and his 
 record will bear the searching scrutiny of his constituents. 
 
 Mr. Braman repeatedly has taken the floor, and although 
 he cannot be termed an orator, in the strict sense of the word, 
 he expresses his views pointedly and logically. 
 
 Mr. Waters W. Braman was born in Troy, N. Y., April 
 20, 1840, but his parents dying when he was but a child, he 
 was brought up by his uncle, Mr. Waters W. Whipple of 
 Troy. Receiving a good sound English education in the 
 common school and high school of his native town, at the 
 age of twenty he became a member of the firm of Belknap 
 & Braman, lumber dealers, but £it tbe outbreak of the Rebel- 
 lion he at once went to the front and earned an excellent 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 15 
 
 army record, retiring with the rank of Major. At the close 
 of the war he married Margaret J. Getty, of West Troy, and 
 became an active member of the lumber firm of W. W. 
 Whipple & Co., which he retains at the present time. In 
 politics the Major is an active Republican, but his political 
 history is briefly told. He is at the present time a trustee of 
 the village of West Troy, and, outside of his present position 
 in the House, he has held no other office. 
 
 WILLIAM L. BOSTWICK. 
 
 Mr. Bostwick, who enters the Assembly Chamber for the 
 first time as a Legislator, was born in Enfield, N. Y., March 
 15, 1837, but removed to Ithaca in 1863, where he is largely 
 connected wdth the mercantile interests of that town. In 
 1860 and 1861, he was elected Supervisor, on the Republican 
 ticket, from Enfield, and was Chairman of that Board, from 
 Ithaca, in 18G7, in which capacities he made a good record. 
 He was also a delegate from the Twenty-seventh Congressional 
 District to the Philadelphia Republican Convention which 
 nominated Gen. Grant in 1872. 
 
 He w^as elected to his present seat, by a majority of 274, 
 over Charles AV. Bates, Democrat, and William Hanford, 
 Temperance. He is Chairman of the Committee on Educa- 
 tion, and a member of Committee on Public Printing and 
 Sub-Committee of the Whole. 
 
 Mr. Bostwick has been most indefatigable in his duties 
 during the session ; always in his seat, he M^atches closelj'- all 
 the proceedings, but his chief exertions have been in behalf 
 of educational measures, with which subjects he is thoroughly 
 at home and conversant. Possessing a clear and distinct 
 enunciation, his arguments are listened to with much atten- 
 tion by the members of the House. His words are uttered 
 with a graceful force and precision, while he invariably 
 speaks to the point at issue. When an especially important 
 bill is up for consideration, he prepares his speeches with 
 much deliberation, but even when addressing the House 
 
1 6 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATUJRE. 
 
 extemporaneously lie is certainly entitled to a foremost place 
 in the oratorical ranks. His speech, in nominating the Rev. 
 Dr. Upsoh for the office of Regent of the University, was a 
 masterly production, and, on several occasions, the House 
 has been cognizant of his ability, in several sharp contests. 
 A bright political future appears in store for the worthy 
 member from Tompkins County. 
 
 GEORGE W. CHAD WICK. 
 
 This gentleman who represents the First district of Oneida 
 County, was born in Paris, in the County of Oneida, June 16, 
 1825, of Anglo-American parents, his father having emigrated 
 to this country in 1812. He received a good, sound common 
 school and academic education and early embarked in the 
 manufacturing business with his father, who, at his death, left 
 the whole business to him, and, at the present time, Mr. C. is 
 the sole proprietor of one of the largest manufacturing 
 establishments in the county, situated at Chadwick's Mills. 
 He employs 150 hands and is greatly beloved by his opera- 
 tives, having done all in his power to enhance their welfare 
 and comfort. He married in 1855, Miss Mary Wrigley, of 
 Lancashire, England, and has one son. 
 
 In politics, Mr. C. is a Republican, and has held several 
 positions. During the war he was elected Supervisor for the 
 County of Oneida, for three successive terms and executed 
 the duties of that office, which were at that time most onerous, 
 with much success and ability. 
 
 In 1871 he was elected to the Assembly by a majority of 
 684 over Colonel Cooke, Democrat, during which session he 
 made for himself an excellent record. He was elected to his 
 present seat by a majority of nearly 800, over Harvey Talcott, 
 Democrat, and is Chairman of the Committee on Civil Divi- 
 sions,and a member of the Committee on Railroads. 
 
 Mr. Chadwick lays no claim to oratory; but he is entitled to 
 a prominent notice in these pages on account of the superior 
 judgment he has exercised in the discharge of his duties. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 17 
 
 Invariably in his seat he watches the interests of his district 
 with the strictest attention and has been most successful in 
 passing what measures he has taken in hand. 
 
 The most important bill touching the interests of Utica, 
 that has been passed this session, is the Utica Fire and Police 
 Commission Bill which was introduced by Senator Lowery 
 in the Upper House. Mr. Chadwick was most assiduous in 
 endeavoring to find out the true wishes of the citizens oi 
 Utica in respect to the bill, and it was not until after he was 
 satisfied in his own mind, that he urged the passage of the 
 bill. 
 
 Although the New York Times wrote a most scurrilous 
 article on the members of the Committee on Railroads, the 
 writer exonerated Mr. Chadwick, who is also a member of 
 that committee from any charges, and said that his honesty 
 and integrity could not be questioned. This is indeed, a high 
 compliment emanating from such a paper as the Times. 
 
 STEPHE?^^ J. COLAHAN. 
 
 Although but in his thirty-second year, Mr. Colahan has 
 made a splendid political record. He has been a delegate to 
 nearly all the State and judiciary conventions for the past 
 six years, and was a member, in 1867 and 1868, of the Con- 
 stitutional Commission, of which body, although the young- 
 est, he was a prominent member and a strong upholder of 
 Democratic principles. His speech in opposition to the 
 clause prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, and one 
 in favor of regulating the sale and the dispensing of drugs, 
 were so eflTective that they were republished in pamphlet 
 form, and the State Medical Board indorsed his views and 
 tendered him a banquet. Mr. Colahan is a highly educated 
 man, having received the advantages of Fordham College, 
 after which, graduating from the law department of the New 
 York University, he commenced the practice of the law in 
 Brooklyn, and in 1871 was appointed chief clerk of the City 
 Court of that city. In 1872 he was a candidate for Congress 
 2^ 
 
18 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 from the Fourth district, but was defeated by a small majority 
 by General Crook, a Republican, and with whom he was 
 formerly associated in law business. Mr. C. was elected to 
 the present Assembly by a majority of forty over Mr. 
 Cochen, Republican and Patrick J. Gleason, Independent. 
 He is an active member of the Committees on Judiciary and 
 Privileges and Elections, and has only been absent from his 
 seat in the House, when the special duties of his position at 
 home called him away. 
 
 As an orator Mr. Colahan ranks high, possessing a full and 
 pleasing voice, he puts forth his views and arguments dis- 
 tinctly and forcibly; the utmost silence prevails, and the 
 attention of the House is riveted when he takes the floor. 
 Among the principal measures that he has advocated, are 
 the following: The Fourth street bill; the bill to form a Park 
 in Brooklyn; the Ferry Reform bill; the Trust Company of 
 Brooklyn ; the bill to amend the Excise Law, so as to give 
 alleged offenders the privilege of a trial by jury, and a bill 
 in favor of Mr. Milburne, an alien. He also took the floor 
 against the Academy Appropriation, and in a somewhat 
 lengthy but extremelj'- logical speech, he was partly instru- 
 mental in having that item stricken out of the Appropriation 
 Bill. An excellent record during the present session, he has 
 certainly made. 
 
 JAMES DALY. 
 
 This gentleman, who represents the Fourteenth district of 
 New York city, is but a novice in political honors, but a 
 bright career is predicted for him. He is a native of West- 
 meath, Ireland, where he was born in 1843, and where he 
 received a high collegiate education, having been originally 
 intended for the church, but in 1864, emigrating to this 
 country, he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Daly is a 
 Democrat, but was one of the foremost to aid in the overthrow 
 of the corrupt Tammany ring. He was elected, by a majority 
 of 636, over Carl Schmedler, Republican, and John Murphy, 
 Democrat. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 19 
 
 Mr. Daly has been most punctual in his attendance in the 
 House, and the very first day of the session he inaugurated 
 his entry as a Legislator by a powerful speech in behalf of 
 the unemployed of the City of New York, and has frequently 
 addressed the House on important questions pertaining to the 
 interests of his constituents. 
 
 As an orator, he stands in the foremost rank, and when he 
 rises he is sure to command the attention of the House, he 
 has a strong mellow voice with a peculiar, but pleasing accent, 
 and his speeches, which are wrapped in appropriate classical 
 language, denote the high culture of his mind. 
 
 Mr, Daly is a working member of the Committees on 
 Charitable and Religious Societies and Trade and Manufac- 
 tures. 
 
 AUGUSTUS DEJfNISTOlV. 
 
 Mr. Denniston, member from Orange County, though 
 quite a young man, has earned for himself an excellent 
 political record, this being his second term in the House. 
 Almost from boyhood he has been associated with politics, 
 for he has invariably attended all the primary conventions, 
 and when old enough was sent as a delegate to various politi- 
 cal bodies. He was elected to the present Assembly by a 
 majority of 291 over James W. Miller, of Newburgh, a 
 prominent Democrat. Mr. Denniston has been credited to 
 the Chairmanship of the Committee on Two-thirds and 
 Three-fifths Bills, and is a member of the important Com- 
 mittees on Railroads and Charitable and Religious Societies, 
 and has proved himself to be a valuable acquisition in the 
 Committee-room as well as in the House, on the practical 
 details of legislation. He has several times joined in the 
 debates and made brief but sharp speeches. He is a ker^n 
 observer, quick of manner, and can easily determine the true 
 nature of a bill at a glance. 
 
 Augustus Denniston was born at Blooming Grove, Orange 
 County, May 25, 1842, and received a high education, at home> 
 
20 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 from tutors. He went to the front, at an early stage of the 
 rebellion, as Quartermaster of the 124th Regiment, New York 
 Volunteers, where he made a good record. Mr. D. occupies 
 his time in managing the large estate left him by his father. 
 
 HARYEY G. EASTMAN. 
 
 To the left of the Speaker's desk, and directly under the 
 clock, sits a gentleman of marked individuality, at least, one 
 who 'cannot escape the notice of even a stranger to the legis- 
 lative halls, for those sharp features and restless eyes mast 
 command attention. Mr. Eastman, member for Poughkeep- 
 sie, who is the occupant of that seat, was born in Marshall, 
 Oneida County, November 16, 1832, ard received but a scanty 
 education, except what he taught himself ; and it is owing to 
 this want tiiat his idea was first started to form a school 
 which should aim to give young men the practical business 
 knowledge which is not generally taught in common schools 
 and academies. And although he commenced with but one 
 pupil and met with but adversity and discouragement, yet, by 
 the energy and indomitable perseverance which is character- 
 istic of the man, he has built up the largest Business College 
 in the United States — his pupils numbering 1,600. Pough- 
 keepsie may well be proud of such a man. Mr. Eastman, 
 who is a Republican in politics, has been the recipient of 
 many public trusts from his fellow-citizens. He is now serv- 
 ing his second term as Chief Magistrate of Poughkeepsie, and 
 also his second session in the Assembly Chamber, having 
 been elected in 1871. 
 
 For eight years he has held the office of State Commis- 
 sioner of Public Charities. In appearance, Mr. Eastman is 
 a true specimen of an American, a man of generous impulses, 
 genial disposition and courteous address, he has made a 
 favorable impression here this winter, and is very popular 
 among his fellow-members. He constantly takes the floor, 
 and expresses his views distinctly and fluently. The Rapid 
 Transit Scheme for New York city, introduced by him, made 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 21 
 
 quite an excitement in the House, owing to the Chairman of 
 the Railroad Committee failing to report the same in due 
 season, which elicited an inflammatory article from the New 
 York Times against the said committee. Mr. Eastman has 
 discharged the arduous duties as Chairman of Cities with 
 much tact, ability and unyielding impartiality, and has also 
 been an active member of the Committees on Grievances and 
 State Charitable Institutions, as well as Chairman of the 
 important Committee on Cities. 
 
 HAMILTON FISH, Jr. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Albany, April 17, 
 1849, during the period his father was Grovernor of the State. 
 He was educated at Columbia College, New York City, where 
 he graduated with honor, and, after acting as private secre- 
 tary to his father, in the State Department, for two years, he 
 entered the law school attached to Columbia College, and, in 
 1873, he graduated and was admitted to the Bar, and com- 
 menced the practice of his profession in New York City* 
 When Governor Dix was elected, he was appointed aide-de- 
 camp on his staff, with the rank of Colonel. 
 
 Mr. Fish, on attaining his majority, allied himself with the 
 Republican party, and during the exciting Presidential cam- 
 paign of 1872 he was Chairman of the Putnam County Re- 
 publican Committee, and also a delegate to the State Conven- 
 tion at Utica, in which capacities he did great service to his 
 party. He was elected to his seat in the Assembly by a 
 majority of 431 over Saxton Smith, a powerful Democratic 
 opponent. 
 
 Although the youngest member of the House, Mr. Fish 
 was appointed, by the Speaker, Chairman of the Committee 
 on State Charitable Institutions, and member of the Com- 
 mittees on Cities and Militia, and he has been most active 
 and attentive in the discharge of his duties in the different 
 committees, and is never absent from his seat in the House* 
 
22 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 The Colonel makes no pretentions as an orator, but lie has 
 on several occasions, taken part in debates, and has shown 
 that his views are solid and well considered. He has passed 
 several important local measures, and has taken great interest 
 in matters pertaining to New York city, being a member of 
 the important Committee on Cities. 
 
 ALONZO H. FARRAK. 
 
 Mr. Farrar is, indeed, a shining light of the Assembly of 
 1874, and no young man ever entered on a political career 
 with brighter prospects. He was born in Middletown, Vt., 
 March 39, 1843, and after receiving a good sound education 
 at Fort Edward Institute and Burton Seminary, Manchester, 
 Vt. , he entered the Albany Law School, where he gradu- 
 ated with honors, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He 
 commenced the practice of law in Kinderhook, Columbia 
 County, and is now recognized as one of the most powerful 
 and brilliant members of the legal profession in Columbia 
 County. He soon attached himself to the Republican party, 
 and early took a deep and warm interest in politics, but did 
 not accept any office until he was nominated to his present 
 position by the Republican party, when he was elected by a 
 majority of 307 over Mr. Peter Mesick, a popular Democrat. 
 He has been a hard working member on the Committees on 
 Judiciary, Grievances and Local and Special Laws, and has 
 been very punctual in his attendance in the House. 
 
 Although a perfect novice in legislative affairs, Mr. Far- 
 rar at once entered into his duties with all the ability and 
 confidence of an old Legislator. His maiden speech, in 
 opposition to the Proposed Amendment to the Fifth Article 
 of the Constitution, at once placed him in the foremost 
 ranks of orators and entitled him to the notice of the whole 
 House. His speech in favor of Compulsory Education is 
 recognized as the finest of the session, and his remarks on 
 . the death of Senator Sumner proved him to have no superior 
 as an orator in the Assembly ; for although several eloquent 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 23 
 
 and well prepared addresses were delivered on the occasion, 
 Mr. Farrar's was the only one that was not prepared and 
 read, but delivered on the spur of the moment. 
 
 Commanding a full and pleasant voice, he expresses his 
 views in classical and appropriate language, and liis argu- 
 ments, based on common sense and good judgment, rarely 
 fail to reach their mark. A bright future is predicted for 
 the young member from Columbia County. 
 
 GEORGE A. GOSS. 
 
 Mr. Goss may now be termed an old Legislator, although 
 comparatively a young man, this being his third term in the 
 Assembly. He was born in Pittsford, N. Y., March 3d, 
 1834, where he has lived ever since, and he received his edu- 
 cation in the common and union district school. On arriving 
 at the age of twenty-one he associated himself with the 
 Republican party, and early took an active part in politics 
 by becoming a member of the County Central Commit- 
 tee. He has held several important town offices, and, in 
 1871, he was elected to the Assembly from Monroe County, 
 and in 1872 was re-elected over Richard D. Cole, Democrat, 
 by a majority of 322, when he served as Chairman of the 
 Committee on Expenditures of the Executive Department, 
 and member of the Committees on Villages and Education, 
 and when he earned for himself a good record. He was 
 elected to his present seat by a majority of 385 over S. Hatch 
 Gould, Democrat; and this year he discharges the duties of 
 Chairman of the Committee on Villages and member of 
 Committees on Commerce and Navigation and Sub-Committee 
 of the Whole. He has been very attentive and assiduous in 
 his duties and punctual in his attendance at the House, and 
 is a general favorite with the members. 
 
 Mr. Goss does not rank as an orator, nor does he claim to 
 be one, but what he has to say is short and weighty. He 
 has taken the floor on several occasions during the session, and 
 his arguments seem to influence the members considerably. 
 
24 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 WILLIAM C. HAZELTON. 
 
 The County of Seneca is represented this year by one of 
 the finest-looking men in the Assembly. Tall, commanding 
 in person, and possessing an easy, gentlemanly address, Mr. 
 Hazelton cannot fail to attract attention in whatever society 
 he may be in. He was born at Ulysses, Tompkins county, 
 September 1, 1835, and after receiving a good common-school 
 and academic education, he took a liking for the legal pro- 
 fession, and studied law with Dana & Beers at Ithaca, and 
 was admitted to the Bar in 1857, and is now enjoying a very 
 lucrative practice at Ovid. 
 
 As a Democrat, Mr. Hazelton has been an unswerving 
 defender of its principles, and he has always taken a deep 
 interest in the politics of his county. He was Justice of 
 the Peace, at Ovid, one term, and served as District Attorney 
 of Seneca County for two full terms, and was elected to his 
 present position over Isaac N. Johnson, Republican. He has 
 proved himself to be a most efficient member of the important 
 Committees on Canals and Local and Special Laws, and has 
 been assiduous and punctual in his attendance at the House. 
 
 Mr. Hazelton is quiet and unostentatious in his demeanor, 
 and what he advocates is done effectively, but quietly. He 
 is a plain, straight-forward speaker, and what he says is 
 emphatic and to the purpose. 
 
 AUSTIN W. HOLDEN. 
 
 Mr. Holden, the efficient member from Warren County, 
 was born at White Creek, Washington County, N. Y., May 
 16, 1819. He received his education at the Primary and 
 District Schools, at the St. Lawrence Academy and at the 
 Albany Medical College, and has been connected in various 
 pursuits in life; first as cabinet-maker, then as teacher, and 
 lastly as physician of the Homoeopathic school. At the com- 
 mencement of the war, Mr. Holden went to the front and 
 served in various capacities; first as Captain and latterly as 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATtTRE. 25 
 
 Medical Officer on the staflF, earning for himself a record of 
 which he may justly be proud. 
 
 In politics Mr. Holden has been a life-long Democrat, but 
 never an extremist. He has held the following positions: 
 In 1846 and 1847 he was County Superintendent of Public 
 Schools; was Coroner for several terms for the County of 
 Warren; President of the Board of Health for Glen's Falls 
 for the last three years; Trustee and Secretary of Glen's Falls 
 Academy; corresponding or honorary member of various 
 learned and scientific societies. 
 
 Mr. Holden was elected to his present seat in the Assem- 
 bly, by a majority of sixty-two over Joseph Woodward, a 
 prominent Republican candidate. In 1873 the Republican 
 ticket received a majority of 1,000, thus showing the esteem 
 in which the doctor is held in his district. 
 
 As an orator Dr. H. has not especially signalized himself, 
 but that he possesses some ability in that direction, as well 
 as sound judgment, there is no mistake, for on more than 
 one occasion he has taken the floor and shown the earnest- 
 ness and liberality of his views. What he has to say, he 
 says briefly and to the purpose. As a worker he .has few 
 equals, for he has not been absent from his seat a single ses- 
 sion. He is a member of the Committees on " Public Print- 
 ing " and "Civil Divisions," and has faithfully discharged 
 his duties in those relations. He was prominently identified 
 with the educational bills favoring the Academy Appropria- 
 tion in the Supply Bill, and making a speech thereon. He 
 has also advocated several local measures in brief and perti- 
 nent remarks, so far having been successful in most of his 
 undertakings in the House. 
 
 ERASTUS H. HUSSEY. 
 
 The member from Cayuga County can well be styled one 
 
 of the solid men of the present Assembly, for one has but to 
 
 look on the genial, good-natured countenance of Mr. Hussey 
 
 and be satisfied that he is an honest, upright man. Quiet and 
 
 3 
 
26 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 unassuming in his demeanor, he is a keen observer, and is as 
 well posted on public affairs as any member in the House. 
 Although he has not made himself conspicuous by speech- 
 making, he has done so by the sound judgment he has dis- 
 played by his votes, and the punctuality of his attendance in 
 the House as well as the efficient services he has rendered as 
 a member of the Committee on Villages and Trades and 
 Manufactures. Mr. Hussey was born in Ledyard, Cayuga 
 County, January 19, 1827, where he received a good common- 
 school and academic education, and he is now engaged in 
 farming operations. He has been a member of the Board of 
 Supervisors of his county since the year 1867. He was 
 elected to his present seat by a majority of 1,293 over E. T. 
 Brown, Democrat, and W. H. Manchester, Temperance. 
 
 Mr. LINCOLN, 
 
 Of Ontario. — One would take Mr. Cyrillo S. Lincoln for a 
 public man and a statesman when seen. He has the appear- 
 ance of a politician of the better class, and as such must be 
 regarded. His massive head and long, flowing beard readily 
 attract the stranger to inquire who he is, while his physiog- 
 nomy indicates a good deal of force of character, and shows 
 him to be a man of more than ordinary ability. And so he is, 
 Mr. Lincoln being one of the decided lights of the present Legis- 
 lature. He is an ardent and active partizan, who has strong 
 notions of party fealty, and who never yet kicked in the 
 traces. There is a courteousness of manner and frankness 
 of language in all his political endeavors which invariably 
 attracts admiration and respect from his most decided oppo- 
 nents. Exceedingly fluent in debate, he is unquestionably 
 among the foremost members of the House, and is so 
 regarded, having the important Chairmanship of Railroads 
 given to his care and keeping. In this position he has been 
 exposed to adverse and unwarranted criticisms, which, now 
 that the session is at an end, are ascertained to have been 
 utterly without foundation, but caused by petty jealousy and 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 27 
 
 personal feeling. Mr. Lincoln has fully vindicated himself 
 from the ungenerous slurs cast upon him, and leaves the 
 Assembly chamber this winter carrying with him the esteem 
 and admiration of every member upon the floor. Mr. Lin- 
 coln was born in this State in July, 1833. He received a 
 good education, studied law, and was admitted to practice. 
 He has served three consecutive terms in the Assembly, and 
 was prominently mentioned for Speaker at the opening of the 
 present session, but declined to allow his name to be used. 
 
 AUSTIN LEAKE. 
 
 Mr. Leake, who represents the Fifth district of New York, 
 is a man justly calculated to take good care of the interests 
 of his constituents, having lived nearly all his life in the 
 metropolis. He was born in New York City, October 3, 1833 ; 
 received his education in the common schools, and, at an 
 early age, learned the trade of a sailmaker, but has left his 
 trade and is now engaged in the undertaking and livery busi- 
 ness ; moved to Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, in 1866 ; was 
 elected Justice of the Peace the following year, resigning the 
 position amid the regrets of his neighbors, returned to New 
 York and engaged in the undertaking and livery business in 
 1869. 
 
 He has earnestly opposed the system of governing that 
 city by commissions, and has struggled earnestly to secure 
 that people the right of local self-government. In politics 
 Mr. L. is a Republican, and he has always taken a deep inte- 
 rest in the politics of the State and country at large, but has 
 never before held any political office. He was elected to the 
 present Assembly by a plurality vote of 806 over George L. 
 Loutrel, Tammany Democrat, and Arthur J. Delaney, Apollo 
 Democrat, and is assigned, as a member, to the important 
 Committees on Banks, Privileges and Elections and Sub- 
 Committee of the Whole. He has been most earnest and 
 assiduous in his duties both in the committee-rooms and in 
 
28 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 the House, and is recognized as a Legislator of the highest 
 and purest character. 
 
 Mr. Leake has taken the floor on several occasions, and 
 expressed his views distinctly and fearlessly. What he has 
 to say is done on the spur of the moment, and, although the 
 words are well weighed and to the purpose, he can lay no 
 claim to oratory, but he invariably carries any measures that 
 he advocates. He has been interested in the following bills: 
 Making the office of Comptroller elective, Canal Enlarge- 
 ment, and whatever tended to increase the prosperity of the 
 city and State. 
 
 HENEY LAWRENCE. 
 
 If travel and a thorough insight into the institutions both 
 abroad and at home, contribute to a man's ability and expe- 
 rience, necessary for a Legislator, the gentleman who repre- 
 sents the First District of Columbia must indeed be a man of 
 decided ability and experience ; for Mr. Henry Lawrence, of 
 Claverack, has visited nearly every country on the globe in 
 his capacity as a marine engineer. 
 
 Mr. Lawrence was born in New York city, October 15, 
 1835, where he received a good education in the common 
 schools and became a marine engineer, and, after following 
 his roving profession for thirty years, he retired to Claverack, 
 where he now resides, and opened a hotel. In politics, Mr. 
 Lawrence is a Democrat, and he has, of late years, taken an 
 active part in politics, but has never before held office. He 
 was elected to his present seat by a majority of 334 over 
 Mr. John D. Langdon, Republican. He has done signal ser- 
 vice as member of the Committees on Expenditures of the 
 Executive Department and Public Lands, and has been most 
 punctual in his attendance in the House. 
 
 Mr. Lawrence has not made himself conspicuous through 
 speech-making, but by close observation it has been seen that 
 he has, by his constant application to the business of the 
 House, made himself worthy of a complimentary notice. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 29 
 
 JEROME B. LANDFIELD. 
 
 Mr, Landfield may be styled avetern politician, if we judge 
 by the many positions that he has filled, although he is now 
 but in his forty-seventh year. He is postmaster of Newark 
 Valley, a town in which he is extensively engaged in mercan- 
 tile pursuits, and has also been a member of the Tioga County 
 Board of Supervisors for several years. He represented Dela- 
 ware County in the Assembly in 1864, and Tioga County in 
 1872, when he made a good record as a member of the Com- 
 mittees on Railroads and Trade and Manufactures. He was 
 elected to the present House, by a majority of 608, over Isaac 
 S. Stanclift, Democrat. He is an earnest worker on the 
 Committees on Railroads, Trade and Manufactures and State 
 Prisons, and during the present session has been punctual 
 in his attendance at the House. He is curt and pointed in 
 his remarks, and although by no means an orator, he has 
 been most successful in carrying the measures he has had in 
 hand. During the present session, Mr. Landfield has dis- 
 played remarkable ability as a legislator. Crude and corrupt 
 legislation has been strenuously opposed by him, while his 
 voice has ever been raised on the side of honesty and good 
 government. He has shown himself one of the ablest mem- 
 bers on the floor, and commands the respect and esteem 
 of all. 
 
 DANIEL P. McQueen. 
 
 Mr. McQueen, the good-looking member from Schenectady, 
 is of Scotch origin and was born in Stockb ridge, Mass., July 
 6, 1843, but was brought up in Schenectady where his father 
 removed about twenty-five years ago. He was educated in 
 the common schools and became, as his father was before 
 him, a practical machinist and locomotive engineer. 
 
 Mr. McQueen has never held any political ofiice prior to 
 
 bis election to his present position, nor indeed has he been 
 
 much associated with politics, but such was his popularity at 
 
 home that, in. 1872, he was nominated by acclamation and 
 
 3* 
 
30 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 elected by a majority of 489 over Thomas B. Mitchell, Demo- 
 crat, and last year was re-elected by 154, over Arthur W. 
 Hunter, a very powerful Democrat. Mr. McQueen, has been 
 a hard worker and faithful in discharging his duties both in 
 the House and in the Committee-rooms as Chairman of Federal 
 Relations and member of Committee on Public Printing. 
 Although not given to much speech making, Mr. McQueen 
 has, on several occasions, addressed the House on bills when 
 in Committee of the Whole. He is very brief and distinct 
 in what he has to say and has accomplished more by acting 
 than talking. 
 
 THEODORE N. MELVIN. 
 
 The County of Kings has long been noted for sending 
 good and sound representatives to the Assembly, but in no 
 year have the people of the Fourth district been so fortu- 
 nate in their choice as when they sent the young, able lawyer, 
 Mr. Melvin, to represent their interests ill the House. 
 
 Although this is the first political oflice that Mr. Melvin 
 has held, he at once rushed to the front and has earned for 
 himself a good record as a public speaker and a Legislator 
 of good sound judgment and probity. He has taken the floor 
 on several occasions on very important questions pertaining 
 to the interests of New York city and Brooklyn, and has 
 expressed his views in somewhat lengthy but very able 
 speeches. Mr. Melvin is a Democrat, and was elected to his 
 present seat by a plurality of "822 over three opponents, one 
 Republican and two Democrats. 
 
 He was born in New York city December 1, 1846, and 
 received his education in the common schools. He studied 
 law with Hon. J. S. Lawrence, was admitted to the Bar in 
 1868, and has a good practice in Brooklyn in partnership 
 with ex-Judge W. Henry Gale. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 31 
 
 Mr. PRINCE, 
 
 Of Queens.— A sleek, affable and modest-appearing gentle- 
 man is Mr. L. Bradford Prince, of Queens, a prominent candi- 
 date for Speaker at the beginning of the present session, and, at 
 present, Chairman of the highly important Committee on 
 Judiciary. He is not a new member by any means; for four 
 years he has visited Albany as a Legislator, and has made 
 during that time a very enviable record. It is evident that 
 Mr. Prince has a fondness for purple and fine linen. That his 
 tendencies are aristocratic, and that he would adorn the Senate 
 chamber with even more happiness than the popular branch 
 of the Legislature is quite apparent. He is an exceedingly 
 talented man, studious, polite and friendly. He is regarded 
 among his brother members as a keen observer, a rapid reasoner 
 and an active thinker, worthy of occupying more exalted 
 places of trust than he has yet been called to fill. His dispo- 
 sition is unruffled at all times, his social qualities elegant 
 but cold, although to the ladies who, at times, grace, with their 
 presence, the rear of the Senate chamber, Mr. Prince is re- 
 garded as a charming controversialist, and of many pleasant 
 attributes. He is a gentleman who makes friends slowly, but 
 who retains them at all times afterward. 
 
 Mr. Prince was born in Flushing, his present home, July 3, 
 1840, where he received a highly classical education, and, 
 imbibing a taste for the legal profession, he entered Columbia 
 Law College, and graduated from there with great honor. 
 As a lawyer, he enjoys an enviable reputation, and his politi- 
 cal career extends over a period of sixteen years. He has 
 been the President of the Republican Committee of Queens 
 County for several years, and he was also a delegate to the 
 Chicago National Convention in 1868. He was first elected 
 to the Assembly in 1870, since which time he has been re- 
 elected three times. It is unnecessary to dwell on the legisla- 
 lative career of a gentleman of so wide a reputation ; suffice 
 it to say that throughout all his public life Mr. Prince has 
 preserved an unsullied record. Besides being a prominent 
 
32 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 member of the Masonic fraternity, he is president and mem- 
 ber of several scientific and learned societies. 
 
 EDWARD C. PHILPOT. 
 
 The First district of Madison County is fortunate indeed in 
 being represented by so substantial and solid a man as Edward 
 C. Philpot, who is now here for his second terra. He was born 
 in the town of Eaton, Madison County, November 9, 1834; 
 was liberally educated in the common schools and at the 
 Central New York Conference Seminary at Cazenovia, and, 
 imbibing a taste for the legal profession, he studied law in the 
 offices of Hon. Henry Goodwin and D. J. Mitchell, of Hamil- 
 ton, and was admitted to the Bar in 1856, but he has never 
 made the practice of his profession a speciality, except at 
 one or two intervals, his agricultural and other interests 
 having greater claims upon his attention. 
 
 Mr. Philpot has mingled largely ia the local politics of his 
 county, and his native town has honored him with every 
 office within its gift — Justice of Peace, Justice of Sessions and 
 Supervisor; and he was also a member of the last Legislature, 
 serving as Chairman of the Committee on Petitions of Aliens, 
 and member of Committee on Privileges and Elections, and 
 earning for himself the record of a sound and honest legislator. 
 His district has never returned a member the second term, but 
 last fall Mr. Philpot was re-nominated by acclamation, and 
 elected, by a majority of 1,000 votes, to the present Assembly. 
 He has been assigned the Chairmanship of the Committee on 
 Agriculture, and is a member of Committee on Civil Divisions, 
 on which Committees he is a hard and zealous worker. 
 
 Mr. Philpot speaks but seldom, but for effective work he 
 yields to none ; is always in his seat attending to the business 
 of the House, and watching closely the interests of his 
 constituents. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 3S 
 
 NATHAN D. PETTY. 
 
 There is not a member who has more right to a prominent 
 place in this book than Mr. Petty, for, although his advent 
 in the Assembly chamber is his first step in legislative expe- 
 rience, he has already made himself conspicuous by the 
 ability he has displayed in grappling the intricate and knotty 
 questions of the State. 
 
 Mr. Petty was born in Goodground, Suffolk county, on 
 January 6, 1843, and, after graduating with high honors from 
 Princeton College, he entered the Law School in Albany, was 
 admitted to the Bar in 1866, and commenced the practice of 
 the law at Riverhead. Embracing the Republican principles 
 firmly, he early showed a desire for politics, but did not 
 accept any office, with the exception of Assistant Assessor of 
 Internal Revenue for Suffolk County, which position he held 
 until the office was abolished in 1873. He was elected to his 
 present seat by a majority of 1,199 over Wilson J. Terry, 
 Democrat, and Edward Y. Reeve, Prohibition. He is mem- 
 ber of the Judiciary Committee, Grievances, and Local and 
 Special Laws. 
 
 As a debater he is deserving of a foremost place. His 
 reasoning is invariably sound and correct; his enunciation 
 clear and distinct, and his language well chosen and indica- 
 tive of a sound, cultivated mind. He only takes the fioor 
 when he is thoroughly conversant with the subject under 
 consideration, and his views are invariably sound and 
 weighty. 
 
 The first speech made by Mr. Petty, in the Assembly, was 
 against the act to dissolve the Narrowsburgh Home Associa- 
 tion. He opposed its passage on the ground that it was the 
 worst kind of special legislation, as the relief asked for could 
 be attained under existing general law. It passed the House 
 but was killed in Senate. His next effort was in the great 
 debate on the question of submitting the Proposed Amend- 
 ment to Article Five of the Constitution to the people. He took 
 the position that it should be submitted to the people for 
 
S4 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 their decision, but the vote in the House was against its sub- 
 mission. His next speech was against the act in relation to 
 County Treasurers, claiming that some of its provisions were 
 unconstitutional. It passed the House, but those provisions 
 were stricken out in the Senate. 
 
 His greatest effort and speech was made on March 24th, in 
 favor of Compulsory Education. The act passed the Assem- 
 bly by a large majority. 
 
 The next speech that attracted attention was one made in 
 joint caucus of Senate and Assembly, in putting Addison A. 
 Keyes, of Albany, in nomination for Superintendent of Pub- 
 lic Instruction. The speech was as follows : 
 
 Speech of Hon. N. D. Petty ^ of Suffolk^ 171 joint 
 caucus of the Senate and Assembly, April 6th, 
 1874, nominating Addison A. Keyes for Super- 
 intendent of Public Instruction. 
 
 Mr. Chairman. — Rising, as I do, to name a candidate for 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction, I desire to present to 
 this caucus the name of a gentleman well known to the 
 people of this State as being one eminently fitted for the 
 position, from his long experience in the Department of Pub- 
 lic Instruction, and in general school matters. He is a native 
 of Chautauqua County and at present a resident of this city; 
 a graduate of the Law University of Albany, and a member 
 of the Bar of this State, possessing in a high degree that 
 legal knowledge so desirable in this department. He has 
 been c< >nnected with the State Department of Public Instruc- 
 tion since 1865. Under Superintendent Rice, he had the 
 entire charge of the most important bureau in the depart- 
 ment, that of correspondence and appeals. He had charge 
 of all appeal cases, for three years, under Mr. Rice, and for 
 one year and a half under Superintendent Weaver; his legal 
 attainments enabling him to discharge the duties of that 
 bureau faithfully and well, and to the entire satisfaction of 
 both Superintendents. For some years past he has been a 
 member of the school board in Albany, and is now Presi- 
 dent of that board. He is also one of the editors of a 
 prominent and influential Republican journal, that has done 
 good service, and has accomplished much, for our party. In 
 the editorial chair he has distinguished himself with great 
 ability as a writer, and has ever stood firm to principle and 
 to the great Republican party. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE.' 35 
 
 Through the columns of that paper he has always vindi- 
 cated the progressive ideas of his party and its broad and 
 mighty principles. 
 
 Last, but not least, when the war came, when the nation 
 was bleeding at every pore, when the cry for help came, 
 and when the Government appealed to the heroism of its 
 sons, it was the one I am about to nominate, who went to 
 the front for three and a half years as an officer, fought our 
 battles, protected our flag, and aided, by his strong arm, in 
 retaining the thick clustering stars of that tri-colored emblem 
 in one glorious constellation forever. 
 
 He has claims on this caucus that it cannot overlook or 
 disregard. He has honored his country; let his country 
 honor him. 
 
 Mr. Chairman, it is with pleasure that 1 nominate for 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction, Addison A. Keyes of 
 the city of Albany. 
 
 Besides many other bills of a local nature, effecting only 
 his own county, he has rendered invaluable service to his 
 party as a speaker ; stumping, as he has, the States of New 
 York and New Jersey in every Presidential and Gubernato- 
 rial canvass from 1864. 
 
 CHARLES S. SPENCER. 
 
 The gentleman best known on the floor of the Assembly 
 chamber this winter, and the one to whom all are friendly 
 and who is friendly to all, is the eminently popular member 
 h-om the Thirteenth Metropolitan District, the Hon. Charles 
 Spencer, of New York. As a great criminal lawyer and an 
 earnest, forcible advocate, his fame long ago extended 
 throughout the State, and this winter he has but added lustre 
 to a reputation well earned and brilliant. Few men are 
 blessed with the many attributes of success Mr. Spencer is pos- 
 sessed of ; few are fortunate enough to have so kindly and gen- 
 erous a nature as to win such popularity and universal esteem. 
 It is, perhaps, needless for us to recount the triumphs of this 
 gentleman during the present winter ; they have been con- 
 tinuous and successive, and we fail to recollect a single mea- 
 sure in which he has been unsuccessful. He it was who 
 
36 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 championed the opposition to the famous Fifth Article of the 
 Proposed Amendments to the Constitution, holding it to be in 
 direct antagonism to the rights of the people. The Assembly 
 was apparently opposed to his views, but, with matchless 
 eloquence and rare power, he spoke for the whole people and 
 carried his point ; the article was defeated. This is but one 
 of his triumphs. So kindly is the nature of this exceedingly 
 estimable gentleman, that he is constantly doing good and 
 casting sunshine and happiness about him. A, young man, 
 who had suffered the pangs of adversity, was recently arrested 
 on the charge of securing food for his family through false 
 pretences. It came to the ears of " Charley " Spencer, the 
 poor man's friend ; he ascertained that the young man was 
 not really dishonest, but very unfortunate ; at once he went 
 to the court-room, became his counsel, and, after an eloquent 
 plea, secured the discharge of the poor fellow — a perfect 
 stranger — and sent him on his way rejoicing. Graceful acts 
 of generosity and humanity, such as these, are of repeated 
 occurrence. His heart is as open as the sea, his generosity 
 as boundless, and to the humblest page-boy on the floor he is 
 as kindly and courteous as to the wealthiest of his constituents . 
 A man of prepossessing appearance, with a bright, merry 
 twinkle in his eye, his person, as well as his genial manners, 
 attract. Mr. Spender's instincts and sympathies are all with the 
 people, and opposed to aristocratic monopolies. He is ever 
 anxious to confer benefits upon the industrial classes, and, by 
 his public-spirited liberality, has rendered himself so exceed- 
 ingly popular. On the floor of the House he excels as a de- 
 bater, his wit is as keen as a Damascus blade, his oratory is of 
 that pleasing, convincing style, which wins as well as delights ; 
 a member of unswerving activity, energy and perseverence, he 
 represents, with ability and honor, his constituency. Though 
 he always speaks extemporaneously, and often without pre- 
 paration, his efforts are generally models of compact, sym- 
 metrical argument. Indeed, we can truly say of Mr. Spencer, 
 whether we regard him in his private or public life, that he is 
 above reproach, and is, in all respects, an honest, able and 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 37 
 
 efficient Legislator. A staunch Republican he has ever been, 
 and is unfaltering in liis devotion to his country, his party 
 and his friends. Mr. Spencer was born in Ithaca, this State, 
 in February, 1824, was married in 1849, to Miss Loomis, of 
 Auburn, who, during the present winter, has presided over 
 Mr. Spencer's elegant mansion, with all the grace and charm 
 of the cultivated, estimable lady that she is. The receptions 
 given hj Col. and Mrs. Spencer this winter, have been the 
 most brilliant and successful of the season, and the end of 
 the session is, consequently, regretted by the elite of Albany 
 society. It is safe to say that the most prominent member of 
 the present Legislature is the subject of this sketch, Charles 
 S. Spencer of New York. 
 
 GEORGE B. SLOAN. 
 
 Mr. Sloan, the quiet but gentlemanly representative from 
 the First district of Oswego, was born in Oswego, June 20, 
 1832, where he received a good common-school education, and 
 early embarked in commercial pursuits which he has followed 
 with much success, and has now established the well-known 
 grain firm of Erwin & Sloan. 
 
 Although Mr. Sloan is held in the highest esteem by his 
 fellow-citizens he has persistently refused to accept any 
 political office, but he was constrained to accept his present 
 position as he was unanimously nominated by the Republi- 
 can District Convention, and he was elected by a majority of 
 1,200 over Mr. Fort, Democrat. 
 
 Mr. Sloan has taken the floor on several occasions and 
 made some very able remarks on measures pertaining princi- 
 pally to Education and Canals, on which subjects he is per- 
 fectly at home and conversant. He also delivered a very 
 eloquent address on the occasion of the death of Senator 
 Sumner; but generally, the gentleman's speeches are charac- 
 teristic of the man — short, pithy and logical. Mr, Sloan has 
 made an excellent record this winter, having been very 
 
 4 
 
38 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 punctual and assiduous in his duties, both in the House and 
 Committee-room. 
 
 GEORGE SHERWOOD. 
 
 The voters of Broome County were indeed happy in their 
 choice when they sent Mr. George Sherwood to represent their 
 interests in the Assembly, for not only have their interests been 
 ably looked after but the monotony of the House has also 
 been pleasantly disturbed by the fi projpos and instructive 
 stories and anecdotes that have been used by the veteran 
 from Broome when speaking against or advocating any bill. 
 
 Mr. Sherwood has been most active in opposing any 
 unnecessary expenditure of money, and his speeches are 
 invariably on the side of purity and righteousness, or in favor 
 of temperance, and in every speech he is sure to bring in 
 some story or anecdote so justly appropriate and applicable 
 to the question at issue that he is certain to carry his measure. 
 He is quaintly original in his style of speaking, reminding 
 one somewhat of a Methodist at a revival, but as soon as the 
 gentleman rises he is listened to more attentively than any 
 other member of the House, and invariably he sets the mem- 
 bers in roars of laughter. 
 
 Mr. Sherwood is a Republican in politics and, although 
 he has never sought for any political honors, he was elected 
 in 1870 a member of the Board of Supervisors from Bing- 
 hamton. 
 
 Mr. S. was born at McDonough's Springs, Chenango 
 County, January 18, 1820. and can be termed a self educated 
 man, having only attended school for a very short time, but 
 there is no mistake but that he is a well-informed man, and, 
 although some may deem him a " one idea" man, his views 
 are sound and logical. 
 
 The following are the principal measures advocated by Mr. 
 Sherwood : The bills for Susquehanna River Bridges ; Rulofi 
 Reward; Building Bell over Fireman's Hall, Binghamton; 
 Cemetery and Public Park, Binghamton; Additional Police, 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 39 
 
 Bingbamton; Sewerage in Bingliamton; Susquehanna Val- 
 ley Home ; Extending the time to Collect Taxes in Whitney's 
 Point; $5,000 for Repairs to River Bank. 
 
 FREDERICK SCHIFFERDECKER. 
 
 Mr. Schiflferdecker, the subject of the present sketch, was 
 born in Baden, Germany, February 2, 1836, and was brought 
 to this country, by his father, at the outburst of the revolution 
 in that country in 1848, who left behind him extensive landed 
 property, being a man of considerable means. The younger 
 Schifferdecker receive(' his education in the German common 
 schools, and he early evinced a spirit of independence, for he 
 commenced work at a furnace at the small stipend of seventy- 
 five cents a week, and, after trying his fortune at various 
 other employments, he embarked in the meat business. Soon 
 after the civil war commenced, and the characteristic warlike 
 spirit of the Schifferdeckers was roused, the subject of our 
 sketch went eagerly to the front and served his adopted 
 country in a manner not surpassed by any of her own legiti- 
 mate sons. He was wounded in more than one engagement, 
 and he still bears the scars of his wounds. His army record 
 is one that he may justly be proud of, and which should en- 
 title him to the worthy consideration of every true American. 
 He left the army, after the termination of the war, with the 
 rank of Captain, and entered once more into the meat busi- 
 ness, which he has since carried on with such success as to 
 place him in comfortable circumstances. 
 
 In politics Mr. Schifierdecker is a Republican, and he has 
 upheld those principles for the last eighteen years and done 
 considerable service to his party. He has not been a seeker 
 after political offices, but he was elected a member of the 
 Board of Supervisors in 1870 and 1871, and his record during 
 the tenure of those offices was such as to convince his consti- 
 tuents that he was a good, honest and zealous public servant, 
 and last fall he was elected over Barent S. Winne, a popular 
 and powerful Democrat, to the Assembly, and well indeed 
 
40 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 has he carried out the duties assigned him. As a working 
 member of the Committees on Two-thirds and Three-fifths 
 bills, Expenditures of the Executive Department and Expendi- 
 tures of the House, he has no superior. He has been most 
 punctual in his attendance at the House, and indefatigable in 
 his endeavors to pass the bills confided to him and looking 
 after the interests of his constituents. His principal aim iias 
 been to pass a law that would destroy the monopoly of the 
 Gas Companies of Albany, and should he not succeed it will 
 not be owing to his exertions, but to a want of outside co- 
 operation. 
 
 Although not aspiring to oratorical honors, Mr. S. has given 
 his views on several questions in brief but pointed language. 
 By his frank and open deportment, and genial, generous na- 
 ture, he has made himself a general favorite in the House. 
 
 MARTIN L. STOVER. 
 
 Mr. Stover, who has entered the political arena for the first 
 time, was born in Waterloo, N. Y., October 19th, 1845. He 
 was educated at Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio ; was 
 admitted to the Bar in 1870, and then removed to Amsterdam, 
 where he enjoys a good practice. He has always been an 
 adherent to Republican principles, and. was elected to the 
 present Assembly, over Hon. Isaac S. Frost, Democrat, by a 
 fair majority. 
 
 Mr. Stover is a member of the Committees on Railroads, 
 Federal Relations and Public Lands, and has been most assi- 
 duous in his duties on the Committees. He is rarely absent 
 from his seat in the House, and although he does not rank as 
 an orator, he has urged the passage of local bills connected 
 with his district in brief but matter of fact speeches. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 4rl 
 
 ROBERT A. SNYDER. 
 
 Few members of the Assembly are held in such high 
 esteem as the worthy member for the First district of Ulster 
 County, Mr. Robert A. Snyder. He is a valuable man in all 
 the details of legislation, as well as in the Committee-room, 
 where he has earned a good record as a member of the Com- 
 mittees on Commerce and Navigation and Federal Relations. 
 Although not given to much speech-making, he has, on seve- 
 ral occasions, taken the floor and expressed his views in brief 
 but pointed language. 
 
 Mr. Snyder was born in the city of Poughkeepsie, May 18, 
 1836, where he received a good common-school education 
 and embarked, at an early age, in business pursuits. He 
 was married on the 5th of March, 1863, to Miss Jane S. Mor- 
 gan, at Catskill, and then removed to Saugerties, where he 
 embarked in the transportation business. 
 
 In politics Mr. S. is an ardent Republican and has done 
 considerable service for his party, but has never been an 
 aspirant for public honors. In 1870 he was elected Collector 
 of the town of Saugerties, and last year represented the same 
 town in the Board of Supervisors. He was elected to his 
 present seat by a majority of 1,170 over Peter Gile, a power- 
 ful Democrat. 
 
 SAMUEL W. TEWKSBURY. 
 
 Wyoming County has a good, substantial representative, 
 this year, in the person of Mr. Tewksbury, who is worthy of 
 notice, not from any eloquent outburst of oratory, for he is a 
 man of few words, but from the earnestness and perseverance 
 he has displayed in catering to the wants and interests of his 
 constituency, and for his punctuality of attendance, both in the 
 House and the Committee-room. Although he has been more 
 or less connected with politics all his life, he has preserved 
 the record of an upright and incorruptible man. 
 
 4-^ 
 
42 LIGHTS OP THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 Mr. Tewksbury was born in York, Livingston County, July 
 23, 1820, of New England parentage, and he received a good 
 common-school and academic education. He taught school 
 for some years, and finally purchased the farm on which he 
 now resides. In politics Mr. T. is an unswerving Kepublican 
 and, during a period of eleven years, he was elected Town 
 Superintendent of Common Schools, and, five times, he was 
 Justice of the Peace, and, during six years, he has represented 
 his town in the Board of Supervisors. He was, also, a dele- 
 gate from Wyoming County at the exciting Republican State 
 Conventions in 1868 and 1872, and in all these numerous 
 capacities, he has always sough t to perform his duties with a 
 watchful eye to the public weal, and he now leaves the Assem- 
 bly chamber with a record untarnished, but with increased 
 popularity. He is a member of the Committees on Charita- 
 ble and Religious Societies and Agriculture. 
 
 COMMODORE P. VEDDER. 
 
 The gentleman who represents Cattaraugus County in the 
 present Assembly is confessedly one of the brighest ornaments 
 of the Legislature of 1874. Capable, efficient, and eloquent 
 are terms truly applicable to him, and but express the ele- 
 ments which predominate in him. He is a comparatively 
 young man, of exceeding merit, and is regarded by his fellow- 
 members as the personification of honor, integrity and good 
 nature. He speaks admirably, addressing the House with a 
 force and finish peculiarly his own, and which is, generally, 
 immediately effective. He is outspoken and fearless; con- 
 demns a measure unsparingly if, in his judgment, it is in 
 opposition to the people's interest, but advocates warmly a 
 bill of merit. Mr. Vedder has been a soldier and a sailor, 
 and is now a lawyer of celebrity and a Legislator of mark, 
 who, for the good of the whole people, we hope to have 
 among; us aarain. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 43 
 
 SMITH M. WEED, 
 
 Of Clinton.— From the forest of Clinton County comes Smith 
 M. Weed, a gentleman well known throughout the length 
 and breadth of the State as a politician of prominence, a 
 lawyer of celebrity, and a scholar of exceeding culture. For 
 the last decade of years Mr. Weed has been a leading man in 
 northern New York— not only in its politics but in its vast 
 business interests, with which he is closely connected. 
 
 But he is a man who looks beyond the interests of locali- 
 ties, and who is sound on any great question that arises 
 affecting the whole commonwealth, A speaker of care and 
 much deliberation his words are weighty, but few ; his argu- 
 ments being generally logical and convincing. During this 
 session and the last one Mr. Weed has been especially promi- 
 nent in the character of the legislation he has advocated. 
 During last winter he earnestly advocated the passage of tlie 
 . Champlain Ship Canal bill, and secured its passage through 
 the Assembly. This year he most distinguished himself by 
 opposing the Fifth Article of the Proposed Constitutional 
 Amendment- the defeat of which is mainly due to his efforts. 
 Indeed, had it not been for Mr. Weed's efforts in that direc- 
 tion, the article, which certainly had a tendency to concen- 
 trate and centralize power which belongs to the people, 
 would have been adopted. Mr. Weed is one of the finest 
 looking men in the House; of medium stature, his robust form 
 and broad shoulders seem well able to carry the massive and 
 well-developed head which is a fit repository for a brain of 
 more than ordinary activity. His dark flowing beard and 
 piercing black eyes make him conspicuous in the chamber in 
 which he is one of the brightest lights. Mr. Weed was born 
 in Franklin County July, 1833. He was educated at Harvard 
 and was married to an estimable lady, a lineal descendant of 
 Miles Standish, in 1859. He was a member of the Constitu- 
 tional Convention of 1867, a Member of Assembly for several 
 years, where he-has twice been honored with being the can- 
 didate of his party for Speaker. His reputation continues to 
 
44 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 enlarge itself, and a brilliant future seems promised to Mr. 
 Smith M. Weed. 
 
 OEORGE WEST. 
 
 The career of this gentleman is a fair example of what 
 energy, sagacity and persevering industry can accomplish. 
 Mr. West was born in Kentisbere, Devonshire, England, 
 February 17, 1823, and received a good common-school 
 education, but finding that England did not afi"ord scope 
 enough for his expansive ideas, he emigrated to this country 
 in 1849, and when he landed he was next to penniless, with- 
 out any friends to help him; but with the indomitable pluck 
 characteristic of his race, he obtained employment, and 
 gradually bettering his condition, he removed to Balls- 
 ton Spa, Saratoga county, and engaged in the paper manu- 
 facturing business, and he is at the present time sole proprie- 
 tor of five large paper mills, which are run exclusively on 
 Manilla paper. Mr. West is one of the wealthiest men in the 
 House, and the fact that this is his third term in the Assembly, 
 is a fair guarantee of the esteem and confidence in which he 
 is held by his fellow-citizens. On the last two elections no 
 competitor opposed him. 
 
 As a Legislator Mr. West is very cautious and extremely 
 tenacious as to the interests of the manufacturers' rights and 
 the interests of the working classes. He frequently addresses 
 the House, when his speeches are characterized by wit and 
 brevity. The Speaker was very happy in his choice when 
 he assigned Mr. W. to the Chairmanship of the important 
 Committee on Trades and Manufactures, for he is specially 
 adapted for that oflSce, and no member is better posted with 
 the manufacturers' interests than he ; he has also done good 
 service as a member of the Committees on Public Printing 
 and Public Lands. Mr. West is a good specimen of a sturdy 
 Englishman, and though somewhat short in stature, he has a 
 strong, heavy frame that seems capable of much endurance. 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 45 
 
 ALFRED WAGSTAFF, Jr. 
 
 Mr. WagstafF, member from New York city, is recognized 
 as the wit of the Assembly Chamber, and is one of the most 
 popular men of the House. He has been a most active mem- 
 ber, both in the House and in the Committee-room, and has 
 frequently taken the floor, when he is certain to bring down 
 the House by his ready remarks and repartees, as he possesses 
 a keen sense of the ludicrous as well as substantial facts. 
 
 Mr. WagstafF was born in New York citj'^, of Anglo- 
 Franco parentage, March 21, 1844, and received a highly 
 classical education, and, in 1866, graduated from Colum- 
 bia College Law School, with the degree of L. L. B., and 
 at once commenced the practice of his profession in the 
 metropolis. 
 
 He served through the war, holding various positions and 
 rnaking a good record, and retired with the rank of Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonel. On Governor Fenton's election, he appointed 
 the Colonel aid-de-camp on his staff. Colonel Wagstaff has 
 been associated with politics since 1866, when he was a 
 delegate to the Republican Convention at Syracuse, and 
 was one of the vice-presidents of that body, and, in the fall 
 of the same year, he was elected to the Assembly, by a 
 majority of 486. Since then he has been a delegate to several 
 political conventions and bodies, and otherwise identified 
 with the political movements of New York city. In 1872, 
 Colonel Wagstaff joined the Liberal Republican ranks, and 
 was elected by them to his present position, by a majority of 
 
 AMHERST WIGHT, Jr. 
 
 Amiable, unpretending in every respect, Mr, Wight has 
 gained much popularity during his sojourn in Albany this 
 winter, and excellent service has been accomplished by him 
 for the people of Westchester County. He is always to be 
 found in his seat, and is also punctual in his attendance in 
 the Committee-room. He was assigned, the present session, 
 
46 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 to the Chairmanship of the important Committee on Insu- 
 rance, and is also a member of Judiciary and Sub-Committee 
 of the Whole. 
 
 Mr. Wight has, on several occasions, taken the floor and 
 spoken on important matters and expressed his views briefly 
 and logically, making use of graceful and appropriate lan- 
 guage. His addresses on the death of Senator Sumner and 
 also the late Mr. Knapp were, indeed, evidences of a well- 
 cultured and highly educated mind. 
 
 Mr. Wight was born in New York city, August 15, 1828 
 and he learned the first rudiments of his education in a 
 private school, after which he applied himself vigorously to 
 the study of the classics. He studied law, and, on coming of 
 age, was admitted to the Bar, and now enjoys a lucrative 
 practice in the courts of New York and Westchester. Mr. 
 Wight has never taken a very active part in politics, but 
 has always had a deep feeling of interest in the fortunes of 
 the Republican party. In 1871 and 1872 he represented the 
 town of Portchester in the Board of Supervisors, and, in 1872, 
 he defeated Elias Dusenbury, by a small majority, for the 
 Assembly. Last fall he was re-elected over John H. Cornell, 
 Democrat, by a majority of ninety-three. 
 
 CHARLES B. WOOD. 
 
 Major Chas. B. Wood, member from the Second District 
 of Orange County, is a young man of much promise and has 
 proved himself to be a hard worker, although a silent mem- 
 ber, but he is always to be found in his seat where he is often 
 consulted b}^ other members on measures pertaining to his 
 party. He has alike been faithful in the discharge of his 
 duties both in the House and in the committee-room where 
 he serves as a member of the Committees on Two-thirds and 
 Three-fifths Bills and Indian Affairs. 
 
 Mr. Wood was born at Warwick, Orange County, Septem, 
 ber 3, 1837, and was educated in the public schools, and 
 
LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 47 
 
 sliortly after leaving which he engaged in railroading, and he 
 is now conductor on the Erie Railway. Mr. W.'s army record 
 is such as he may justly be proud of. He entered the army 
 as a private and left as Captain, disabled from wounds received 
 while in action, and was afterward breveted Major for meri- 
 torious and gallant conduct during the war. In politics the 
 Major is a strict Democrat, and although he has always taken 
 a deep interest in political matters, he has never before 
 accepted any office. He was elected to his seat by a majority 
 of 892 over Benjamin F. Bailey, Republican. 
 
 PETER WOODS. 
 
 This gentleman who ably represents the Sixteenth district 
 of New York city, can safely be styled the Champion of the 
 Laboring Classes, for he is in deep sympathy with those who 
 earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, being himself a 
 mechanic. In his endeavors to secure proper legislation to 
 reconcile the conflicting interests of capital and labor, Mr. 
 Woods made one of the most impassioned speeches of the 
 session, in the early part of the winter. He is a Democrat 
 of the order of *' Young Democracy," but he has been a per- 
 sistent and bitter foe, for nine years, of Tammany Hall and 
 of all the schemes connected therewith. Mr. Woods is a 
 native of Ireland, but came to this country when quite 
 young. He is forty-one years old, has a stout, short frame 
 and a pleasing countenance. Mthough for a long time iden- 
 tified with the politics of the city, Mr. W. never held any 
 office prior to being elected to the House in 1872. Last fall 
 he was re-elected on the Liberal-Republican ticket, over 
 Joseph B. Varnum, Republican and Nicholas Haughton, 
 Apollo Hall. Mr. Woods is a man of great business energy 
 and has been a hard worker in both the Committee-room 
 and House, but on certain occasions business has called him 
 to New York for a day or two at a time. 
 
48 LIGHTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 LOUIS C. WAEHNER. 
 
 The present Legislature has been somewhat remarkable 
 for the fact that it has produced so many young members, 
 who have at once rushed to the front and taken a foremost 
 place in the ranks of oratory, and no member of the House 
 is entitled to more consideration than the young member, 
 Mr. Louis C. Waehner, who represents the Tenth district of 
 New York city. That he has made an honorable record 
 there is no disputing. He grapples the most knotty ques- 
 tions with the shrewdness and tenacity of an Alvord, and 
 being a fluent and powerful speaker, he takes the floor 
 upon almost every important question, especially when it 
 touches the interests of his city, and has shown to the House 
 that he possesses fine legal abilities and decision of character. 
 He has a powerful resonant voice and a good delivery, and 
 uses appropriate and graceful language, thereby entitling him 
 to a prominent place among the orators of the Assembly 
 Chamber. 
 
 Mr. Waehner is of German origin, and was born in New 
 York city, where he received his education in the public 
 schools. He studied law with Messrs. Stillwell & Swain of 
 that city, and about six years ago he w^as admitted to the 
 Bar, and now enjoys a lucrative jractice. In politics he has 
 always been a Democrat, and has taken an interest and been 
 quite active in political campaigns, and, in 1873, while run- 
 ning as an Independent candidate, was defeated for the 
 Assembly. 
 
LIBRflRV OF CONGRESS 
 
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