Scottish American New Yorkers

Many names mentioned in other sections apply equally to New York city but for lack of space they are not here again referred to. David Jamison, one of the early Colonial lawyers in New York, was born in Scotland. In 1707 he defended Francis Makemie, the Presbyterian clergyman, when he was arrested for preaching in the city without a license, and in 1710 he became Chief Justice of New Jersey. James Graham (died c. 1700), Recorder of the city, was also a native of Scotland. John Watts (1749-1836), of Scots parentage, was the last Royal Recorder of the city, Speaker of the New York Assembly, Member of Congress, 1793-96, and founder of the Leake and Watts Orphan Asylum. Archibald Gracie, born in Dumfries, emigrated to America about 1778. Through his business enterprise he largely developed the commercial importance of the port of New York. He was also founder of the first Savings Bank in America, founder of the Lying-in Hospital of the Cedar Street Presbyterian Church, President of the Chamber of Commerce for twenty years, etc. Cadwallader David Golden (1769-1834), grandson of Cadwallader Colden, was Mayor of the city from 1818 to 1821, and made an enviable record in that office. James Lenox (1800-80), merchant, philanthropist, bibliophile, and founder of the Lenox Library, now incorporated in the New York Public Library, was one of the most useful citizens New York ever possessed. His public benefactions were numerous, but only the largest were made public. Among these were the Lenox Library, formerly at Fifth Avenue and Seventieth Street; the Presbyterian Hospital, and liberal endowments to Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Alexander Turney Stewart (1803-76), merchant and philanthropist, born in Ireland of Scots parents, established the great dry goods business now owned by John Wanamaker. He was nominated as Secretary of the Treasury (1869) but was not confirmed. Hugh Maxwell (1787-1873), born in Paisley, was Assistant Junior Advocate General in 1814, District Attorney for the city from 1819 to 1829, and Collector of the Port (1849-52). Robert L. Stuart (1806-82) and his brother Alexander (1810-79), sugar refiners, both gave large sums, estimated at over two million dollars, to many charities, and the library, pictures, and mineral and shell collections of the former are preserved in a separate room of the New York Public Library. Hugh Auchincloss (1817-90) and John Auchincloss, his brother, sons of Hugh Auchincloss of Paisley, were prominent merchants in the city. Robert Lenox Kennedy (b. 1822), banker and public spirited citizen, grandson of a Scot, was President of the Trustees of the New York Public Library, an institution largely Scottish in its foundation and endowment. James Gibb, born in Scotland in 1829, a successful merchant, was President of Brooklyn Park Commission. James Cruikshank (b. 1831), of Scottish descent, was noted for his activity in furthering education in Brooklyn. Abram Stevens Hewitt (1822-1903), of Scottish parentage, was Member of Congress from New York (1875-79, 1881-86), and Mayor of the city (1887-88). John Stewart Kennedy (1830-1909), financier and philanthropist, born at Blantyre, near Glasgow, gave one million dollars to the Presbyterian Hospital as his golden wedding anniversary gift, five hundred thousand dollars to Columbia University, besides innumerable gifts to other institutions. His will left over sixty-seven million dollars, nearly half of it for charitable purposes. Alexander Ector Orr (1831-1914), President of New York Rapid Transit Commission, Vice-President of many financial institutions, was of Ulster Scot descent. Thomas Fitchie (1834-1905), of Scottish parentage, was an earnest worker for purity in civil life in Brooklyn. Charles A. Lamont (1835-1904), son of Neil Lamont from Scotland, was one of the original members of the Republican Party and of the Union League prominent in city affairs. He was the originator of the Ramapo scheme of water supply for the city. Robert Maclay (b. 1836), of Scottish parentage, was President of the Knickerbocker Ice Company (1875), Commissioner of Education, Rapid Transit Commissioner, etc. Dr. Albert Prescott Marble (1836-1906), a recognized leader in educational matters, President of the Board of Superintendents of the New York Department of Education, was a descendant of one of the Scots settlers of Maine. Robert Macy Galloway (b. 1837), merchant and banker, had a considerable part in developing the elevated railroads of the city. Eugene Gilbert Blackford (1839-1904), merchant and ichthyologist, of Scottish descent, "did more to advance the interests of fish culture in this country than any other man." He wrote much on the subject and to his efforts was due the creation of the Aquarium at the Battery. Alexander Taylor, born in Leith, Scotland, in 1821, was founder of the firm of Alexander Taylor's Sons. Walter Scott, managing Director of Butler Brothers, born in Canada, of Scottish parentage, is widely known as a liberal promoter of education, art, athletics, and patriotism.

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