Lyman Sanford
American judge and militia officer from New York (1811–1881)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lyman Sanford (13 November 1811 – 14 March 1881) was an American attorney, judge, and militia officer from Middleburgh, New York. Active in politics, first as a Democratic-Republican, and later as a Democrat, he served as Adjutant General of New York in 1843, and judge of Schoharie County, New York from 1856 to 1863.
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Lyman Sanford | |
|---|---|
From 1882's History of Schoharie County, New York | |
| Judge of Schoharie County, New York | |
| In office 1 January 1856 – 1 January 1864 | |
| Preceded by | Demosthenes Lawyer |
| Succeeded by | William C. Lamont |
| Adjutant General of New York | |
| In office 4 January 1843 – 4 July 1843 | |
| Preceded by | Rufus King |
| Succeeded by | Archibald C. Niven |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 November 1811 |
| Died | 14 March 1881 (aged 69) |
| Resting place | Upper Middleburgh Cemetery, Middleburgh, New York, US |
| Party | Democratic |
Other political affiliations | Democratic-Republican |
| Spouse |
Ann Eve Bouck (m. 1837–1881) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Union College |
| Profession | Attorney |
Early life
Lyman Sanford was born in Greenville, Greene County, New York on 13 November 1811, a son of Truman Sanford and Silence (Tuttle) Sanford.[1][2] He was raised and educated in Greenville and graduated from Greenville Academy.[1] In 1827, he began studies at Union College, from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1831.[1][3] While in college, he became a member of the Philomathean Society and the Kappa Alpha Society.[4][5] He taught school for a year after his college graduation, then studied law with his brother-in-law Erastus Barnes in New York City.[1]
Sanford finished his legal studies with Robert McClellan of Middleburgh, was admitted to the bar in 1835, and practiced in New York City with his brother Mitchell.[1] Sanford was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, and participated in activities including campaign rallies and ward meetings.[6] In 1837, he married Ann Eve Bouck, daughter of William C. Bouck; they were married until his death and were the parents of five children.[1][2] In 1839, Sanford moved to Middleburgh, where he resumed the practice of law.[1]
Career
In January 1840, Sanford formed a law partnership with Peter S. Danforth, which they maintained until January 1856.[1] In 1843, Sanford's father-in-law was serving as governor, and appointed him Adjutant General of New York.[1][7] In 1845, Sanford succeeded Bouck as financial agent and treasurer of the Hartwick Seminary (now Hartwick College), and he continued in this position until 1880.[1] He served on the school's board of trustees from 1859 until his death, and was the board's president from 1874 to 1880.[1] By now a Democrat, he continued his involvement in politics, including serving as a delegate to state party conventions.[8] In 1855, Sanford was elected judge of Schoharie County, and he served from 1 January 1856 to 1 January 1864.[1]
After leaving the bench, Sanford resumed the practice of law; in January 1866 he formed a partnership with William E. Thorne, which continued until Sanford's death.[1] Sanford was an original incorporator of the Middleburgh and Schoharie Railroad and served on its board of directors and as treasurer and vice president.[1] He was also an incorporator of the Middleburgh and Schoharie Plank Road, and served on the board of directors and as treasurer.[1] Sanford died in Middleburgh on 14 March 1881.[1] He was buried at Upper Middleburgh Cemetery in Middleburgh.[2]