Stephen Taber
American farmer, businessman, and politician (1821–1886)
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Stephen Taber (March 7, 1821 – April 23, 1886) was an American farmer, businessman, and politician from New York. A Democrat, he served in the New York State Assembly from 1860 to 1861 and as a U.S. Representative from 1865 to 1869.
Stephen Taber | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 1st district | |
| In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1869 | |
| Preceded by | Dwight Townsend |
| Succeeded by | Henry A. Reeves |
| Member of the New York State Assembly | |
| In office January 1, 1860 – December 31, 1861 | |
| Preceded by | Edward A. Lawrence |
| Succeeded by | Isaac Coles |
| Constituency | Queens County, 1st District |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 7, 1821 Dover, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 23, 1886 (aged 65) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Roslyn Cemetery, Roslyn, New York |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Rosetta M. Townsend (m. 1845) |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Thomas Taber II (father) George T. Pierce (cousin) |
| Occupation | Farmer, businessman |
Biography
Taber was born in Dover, New York on March 7, 1821, the son of Thomas Taber II and Phebe (Titus) Taber.[1] He was educated in Dover and Poughkeepsie, then moved to Queens, New York, where he engaged in farming and business.[2]
In addition to farming, Taber assisted in organizing the Long Island North Shore Transportation Company in 1861 and served as its president for several years.[2] He was also a director of the Long Island Rail Road.[2] After moving to Roslyn, New York, he became the first president of the Roslyn Savings Bank in 1876.[2] Taber also helped establish a steamboat route between Roslyn and New York City.[3] As a booster of Roslyn's local economy, Taber took steps to make the village a tourist attraction, including constructing an observation tower and picnic area at the top of Harbor Hill, where Clarence Hungerford Mackay later constructed a mansion.[3]
Political career
A Democrat, Taber was a member of the New York State Assembly (Queens County, 1st District) in 1860 and 1861.[2]
In 1864, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.[2] He was re-elected in 1866 and served in the 39th and 40th Congresses (March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1869).[2]
Death
Taber died in New York City on April 23, 1886.[2] He was buried at Roslyn Cemetery in Roslyn.[2]
Family
In 1845, Taber married Rosetta M. Townsend.[1] They were the parents of five children: Samuel T., William T., Adelaide, Gertrude, and Thomas T.[1]
Taber was the first cousin of George T. Pierce, who served in the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate.[1][4]