of some of his associates, he has proven himself one of
the most useful members of the present Senate. He has
always been identified with the Seward-Weed wing of
his party, and is now Chairman of the regular or old
Republican Central Committee in ISTew York city.
In personal appe^ance, he is somewhat prepossessing,
being a man about five feet ten in height, stoutly built,
light hair and florid complexion.
JOHN I. NICKS.
This gentleman, the Senator from the Twenty-seventh,
recently elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna-
tion of Stephen T. Hatt, chosen Canal Commissioner,
comes into the Senate in the latter session of the term
without previous legislative experience. But the sterling
qualities which he is known to possess, will soon make him
as well appreciated here, as he has so long been, at home.
Senator Nicks was born at Rhinebeck, in Dutchess
county, in the year 1822. He is of English descent,
though, like most self-made Yankees, having been left at
an early age to fight his own way through life, he knows
little or nothing concerning his ancestors.
His advantages of early education were extremely limi-
ted ; a few months in the rude common school of the day
was all that he enjoyed. A necessity more immediately
pressing, than a brilliant, or even an ordinary education,
128 LIFE SKETCHES.
made imiDerative demand on his time and energies. He
must work — and so was apprenticed with Messrs. Near
& Hendkicks, at Red Hook, New York, to learn the art
and mystery of a tobacconist. He afterward, before he
was of age, carried on a little business in that line, in
Brooklyn, from whence he removed to Ithaca. At this
latter place, he was, for some time, foreman of a large
tobacco factory, and also carried on business for himself.
In 1847, he removed to Elmira, at which place there was
then no establishment of the kind. Mr. Nicks' resources
were small, and he opened business i^j a modest w^ay ; but
constant success, from the first, attended his enterprise.
For years past, his business has been larger than that of
any similar establishment in Southern New York. His
own material prosperity has increased with his business,
and, from a poor boy, he has become, at middle age, a man
of independent resources.
Mr. Nicks early took a promiraent interest in politics.
In 1844, he staked his all on Henry Clay, and lost. He
did not thereby lose his admiration for the great com-
moner, but he wisely concluded to make no more bets on
elections, and has consistently adhered to his determina-
tion ever since. The first political office held by Mr.
Nicks was that of Supervisor from the Second Ward in
the village of Elmira, in 1851, having been chosen by the
Whig party of that day. He was afterward, for several
terms, chosen Trustee of the village, also member of the
Board of Education, and Chief Engineer of the Fire
Department. In 1864, when Elmira was made a city, he
was the candidate of the Republican party, for Mayor,
but failed, by a few votes, of an election. In 1865, his
name was again used, and his election secured by an
unprecedented majority. In 1866, he was reelected by a
handsome vote, in spite of very determined opposition.
He is now invested with the dignities of that office, his
JOHN I. NICKS. 129
term expiring in March, 1867. In the prompt, intelligent
and satisfactory discharge of the duties of Mayor, he has
displayed his marked executive talent. Under his admin-
istration, numerous reforms and improvements have been
inaugurated, until the business matters of the city have
been reduced to the same thorough system which ever
characterizes the prudent management of his private
affairs.
In 1862, when the present internal revenue system was
inaugurated, Mr. JSTicks was appointed by President
Lincoln to the office of Assessor for the Twenty-seventh
District of New York. To the management of this office,
he brought the same characteristic ability which has
marked his discharge of every public as well as private
duty. Out of chaos, he produced system and order, and
ranked, at Washington, among the best officers of his
class, in the country. No decision of his was ever over-
ruled by the Department. The duties of this office ho
was quietly pursuing when Mr. Johnson commenced his
gyrations " around the circle." Mr. Nicks, like hundreds
of other Republican office-holders, was true to principle.
He kept on the even tenor of his way, pursuing precisely
the same course which he would have pursued under ordi-
nary circumstances. He neither courted martyrdom nor
hid from the wrath of the " powers that be." In August,
1866, after the adjournment of Congress, the Republicans
of Elmira invited their able and faithful Representative,
Hon. Hamilton Warp, to address them on the political
issues of the day, at Ely Hall. Over this meeting, Mr.
Nicks was invited to preside. On taking the chair, among
other remarks he made the following :
" Ladies AND Gentlemen : — You are all aware that I am now
filling a small office in the gift of the Government. But if to hold
that office I must sacrifice my principles, I say begone with the
office. I say to you, and desire it may be heard and understood
17
130 LIFE SKETCHES.
throughout the length and breadth of the land, that principle is,
and ever should be, above office. When I, in my boyhood, learned
to love that great man, Henry Clay, I was taught by him that it
was 'better to be right than President.' I say to you, ladies and
gentlemen, of this platform sent forth by Congress, that in looking
it over carefully, I feel that I can indorse every word of it. I feel
that it is asking but little of those men who have combined to
destroy our Government to submit to the policy of Congress. I
care not for the position in which this may place me, so long as
I feel that I am acting upon principle, fearless of all considera-
tions."
This was but a few days before the Philadelphia Con-
vention. Within a week, the head of Assessor Nicks
rolled in the basket. On the evening of the day of the
telegraphic announcement of this fact, the Republican
citizens of Ehnira, to the number of three or four thou-
sand, marched Avith music and banners, to the residence
of the Mayor, and saluted him in honor of his adherence
to principle. The demonstration was a spontaneous and
heartfelt expression of popular sentiment. A few days
afterward, when the office of Senator for the Twenty-
seventh District was made vacant by the resignation of
Canal Commissioner Hayt, the public voice suggested
Mr. Nicks as his successor. In the nominating Conven-
tion, held at Corning, each delegate from Chemung,
Steuben and Schuyler, as his name was called, rose in his
place and designated him as the candidate of their choice.
The nomination, thus made, was ratified by the people, by
a larger majority than was ever before received by any
candidate in the district.
In the discharge of the duties of this important station,
we predict that Senator Nicks will speedily achieve an
honorable rank among the eminent gentlemen with whom
he is now associated, doing his full share to preserve the
high character of the Senate.
JOHN o'doxnell. 131
Senator Nicks is a member of the same Committees as
was his predecessor — those of Canjils, Grievances, and
Retrenchment.
JOHN O'DONNELL
Senator O'Donnell is a native of Fort Ann, Wash-
ing county. New York, where he was born, in 1827. His
father was of Irish birth, and his mother an American
woman. His opportunities for education were limited to
the District School, at which, until fourteen years of age,
he enjoyed the ordinary advantages, which extended no
further than reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar and
geography. Whatever else he has acquired (and he is a
man of excellent information) is through judicious reading
and careful observation.
In early life, he removed to Lyme, Jefferson county, and
in 1849, settled in Lowville, Lewis county, where he
now resides. Here he commenced trade, at first in the
line of clothing, but afterward as a general merchant;
and, by earnest and careful attention to business, gradually
extended his means, and acquired the confidence and
respect of his fellow citizens. He subsequently purchased
the site of two corner lots, in the most central and eligible
point for business in the village, and erected large and
commodious blocks of buildings, extending along both
streets, which have added greatly to the business facilities
of the place. Within a year or two, he has withdrawn
from trade, as a successful merchant.
Mr. O'Donnell is known at home, as a man of great
energy and perseverance, and seldom undertakes an enter-
prise without carrying it through. It is understood among
132 LIFE SKETCHES.
his friends, that he has been reading law for the last two
years, and that he designs to be admitted to the Bar.
In 1864, he was on the Republican State Committee,
a delegate to the Baltimore Convention, which renominated
President Lincoln, and a member of Assembly from
Lewis county. In that body, lie served as Chairman of
the Committee on the Internal Affairs of Towns and
Counties, and was noted for the diligent attention he
bestowed upon the interests of his constituents, and upon
all measures of the public Avelfare He obtained, in various
appropriations for Lewis county, for building a bridge,
lock and dam, on Black river, and for the improvement
of Beaver river, over fifty thousand dollars ; also, secured
the passage of an act removing the Court House from
Martinsburgh to Lowville ; and was the author of an
act of great importance to the dairy interests of the
State : — " To protect butter and cheese manufactories ; "
and was complimented by the Speaker for carrying
througli every bill which he attempted.
In 1865, he was elected Senator for the Eighteenth Dis-
trict (Lewis and Jefferson), against Andeew Cornwall,
the Democratic candidate, and succeeding Hon. James A.
Bell. He is Chairman of the Senatorial Committee upon
Internal Affairs of Towns and Counties, and a member of
the Committee upon Insurance, and upon Public Expendi-
ture. Mr. O'DoNNELL reported the New York Excise
Bill, and was active in securing its passage through the
Senate ; he was the author of the bill to protect " Primary
Meetings, Caucuses and Conventions of Political Parties;"
also of the bill to divide the safety fund of $80,000, remain-
ing in the Bank Department, among the bill-holders of
the Lewis County, Yates County, and Reciprocity Banks,
resulting in a payment of nearly fifty per cent to the bill-
holders. During the campaign of 1 866, he was very active,
and spoke some forty times, at political meetings, held by
THOMAS PARSONS. 133
appointment of the State Committee. As n public speaker,
-Senator O'Donnell is energetic, fluent and argumentative,
seldom failing to fix the attention of a political opponent,
and always leaving the impression, that he is correct and
conscientious in his views.
THOMAS PARSONS
In Senator Paksons is seen a good illustration of
success in life gained over unfavorable circumstances
and surroundings. Seldom in any other country than
our own, can humble parentage and the hinderances of
poverty be overcome, and wealth, position and influence
be attained. "What wonder, then, that they who in the
old motherland see before them only a future of dreary
toil and miserable return, seek our hospitable shores,
knowing that under the freedom of Republican govern-
ment, the future promises all things to him who puts
forth earnest endeavor ?
Senator Parsons was born in Chieveley, Berkshire,
England, January 7th, 1814. His parents were both
English. A common school education was afibrded him,
until his fourteenth year, when he engaged as a shepherd.
Four years of his youth were spent in this lowly occupa-
tion ; and then came a desire for a difierent field of labor.
Actuated by this, he emigrated to America in the year
1832, leaving England, in advance of his parents. By
some means, he was led to the garden of the Empire
State, commonly spoken of, in. those days, as "the
Genesee Country," and hired out as a farm hand, in
the town of Wheatland, Monroe county. Here he labored
at chopping cord-wood, husking corn, and performing the
134 LIFE SKETCHES.
various services incident to farm life, for the very modest
remuneration of seven dollars per month. About four-
years more were thus spent, and at the end of that time,
he went to Rochester, where he has since continued to
reside most of the time. He is now a manufacturer of
lumber doing a large milling business in that line. His
mill is located near the brink of the beautiful Genesee
Falls ; and there, during business hours, he may be gen-
erally found, busily engaged in overseeing employes, &c.
In the years 1851, '52, '53, '54, '57, and '58, Senator
Parsons was a member of the Common Council of the
" Flour City," being elected Alderman by the Democratic
party, with which he was then identified. Having done
excellent service in that capacity, he was, in 1857, elected
to the Assembly, where he made a good record as an
efficient, straightforward representative. He severed his
connection with the Democratic party, in the summer of
1860, sustaining the nomination of Abraham Lincoln.
His election to the Senate, was the result of an unusually
bitter canvass, in which Amon Bronson, Conservative
Republican, nominated by the Democrats, was defeated
by a majority of six hundred.
Senator Parsons occupies a good position as a legis-
lator. He is a member of the Canal Committee, and also
of the Committees on Engrossed Bills, and Privileges and
Elections. He is a close observer of the proceedings of
the Senate, and brings into legislative business the same
careful consideration which has insured his success in the
every-day transactions of life. Possessed of good sound
common sense — a requisite with which all politicians are
not gifted — he weighs well his actions, and is always
prudent and thoughtfuL, and thoroughly watchful over the
interests of his constituents. The great commercial con-
cerns of the State receive his constant and unceasing care;
the canals more especially, find in him a zealous protector.
HENRY K. PIERSON. 135
111 person, Senator Parsons is about five feet eiglit
inches in height, broad-shouldered,' and has a well-
balanced head. His address is pleasant, and his manner
courteous, but decisive. He is social, open-hearted and
approachable ; and though a good talker, he makes little
pretension to oratorical display, and seldom takes up much
time in debate ; his remarks, however, command attention
for their earnest directness.
HENRY R. PIERSON.
The Senator for the Second District, is one of those
men who, by self-reliance and force of character, achieve
a measure of success, of which others, more favored by
fortune, come short. He was born in Charleston, Mont-
gomery county, New York, June 13th, 1819. His parents
were poor, and he inherited from them nothing but an
unblemished name, and those elemental qualities which
enabled him to make his way to an honorable position.
His early opportunities for acquiring an education were
only those afforded by the ordinary course of common
school instruction. At the age of twenty-one, being
thrown on his own resources, he left home. Determined
to secure for himself a liberal education, he labored indus-
triously, and by teaching school, and with trifling outside
aid, at length attained the object of his ambition. He
entered Union College, in 1843, and graduated in July,
1846, with full honors. Choosing the law as a profession,
he removed to New York, in 1847. The perseverance
that had helped him thus far, aided him in surmounting
new obstacles in a crowded city, where he found him-
self, without fortune, friends, or influence. His zeal and
136 LIFE SKETCHES.
ability were such that he was admitted to the Bar, in
May, 1 848. He at once engaged in active practice, and sub-
sequently formed a partnership with Hon. Abijah Mann,
which continued several years. In 1849, he removed
to Brooklyn. In that city, where he has since resided, he
immediately interested himself in public affairs, and soon
became a prominent and influential citizen. Originally a
Whig, he has been identified with the Republican Union
party, since its organization. The first official position
held by him, was that of member of the Board of Educa-
tion. He was ai:>pointed to that position by the Mayor
and Aldermen, in 1854, and served until 1857. Important
interests are intrusted to the management of the Board
of Education, and, in the discharge of his share of the
duty, Mr. Pierson fully recognized the responsibility of
the trust. He was reappointed in 1860, and is still a
member of the Board. In 1857, he was elected Alderman
of the Third Ward. Until 1860, he represented that ward
in the Common Council, to the entire satisfaction of a
large, wealthy, and intelligent constituency. His position
in the local legislature was one of commanding influence ;
and, for a year and a half, he was President of the Board
of Aldermen. In 1857, he was the Republican candidate
for State Senator for the Second District, and was defeated
by the Democratic candidate, Mr.' Gardiner, by about
forty votes. Irregularities, amounting in some instances
to positive fraud, were alleged to have occurred in connec-
tion with the election, and Mr. Pierson was urged by his
political friends to contest the seat. He, however, declined
to do so, preferring to owe senatorial honors to the will
of the people, clearly expressed in a majority vote, rather
than to a technical question of regularity. In 1865, that
will was thus expressed, by a handsome majority, in a
district usually regarded as close and doubtful. In that
year, Mr. Pierson was elected over Calvin E. Prati', the
HENRY E. PIERSON. 137
Democratic candidate, by a majority of 1,097. In 1863,
the Democratic majority in the district was 1,068. In
1860, Mr. PiERSOJsr retired from the active jDractice of his
profession, and Avas chosen President of the Brooklyn
City Raih'oad Company, an office which he still fills. The
position is one demanding, from an incumbent, much
executive ability, which Mr. Pierson has abundantly
developed. During the six years of his Presidency, the
business of the numerous roads controlled by the Com-
pany, has largely increased ; and, while the stockholders
have reason to be satisfied with the management of aflTairs,
the accommodation provided for a very numerous and
rapidly augmenting population, is superior to that afforded
at any previous period. Mr. Pierson is of large frame,
and portly presence, and is full of healthful vitality. Of
a genial temper, warm social qualities, and good address,
he is that rare and fortunate individual — a popular man.
As a debater, Mr. Pierson holds a good rank, rejecting,
however, ostentation and rhetorical ornament. He lays
down his propositions plainly and concisely, and discusses
them both vigorously and correctly,
18
MOSS KENT PLATT,
Senator Platt was born May 3d, 1809, in Plattsburgh,
a town situated on Lake Champlain, receiving its name
from his grandflither Judge Zepheniaii Platt, who
moved there from Poughkeepsie at an early day, when
the country was a comparative wilderness, and who was
one of the original proprietors of the town. Of Judge
Platt's nine sons, five made Plattsburgh their permanent
home. The only one now living is Hon. James Platt, of
Oswego.
William Pitt Platt, father of Senator Platt, married
Hannah Kent, the only sister of Chancellor Kent. Mrs.
Platt was a woman of superior intellect and mental cul-
ture. The writer has often heard her relate amusing and
interesting incidents connected with her bridal trip down
Lake Champlain, when the only mode of conveyance was
an open row-boat, and the journey, now performed in a
few hours during the season of navigation, occupied three
weeks. This long and tedious journey was, in a measure,
relieved by her ardent appreciation of the wild beauty of
scenery, Avhich has charmed thousands of travelers, since
that time. Her fine countenance — charming even in old
age, and while suffering from total loss of sight — would
glow with animation as she related the impression made
on her mind when her eye first rested upon the grand
mountain ranges that skirt the borders of this beautiful
lake. The home to which farmer Platt conducted his
beautiful young bride, was on the point of land running
out into the lake, called Cumberland Head, in sight of
which, occurred the naval engagement of the 11th of Sep-
tember, 1814. On a bright Sabbath morning, she landed,
accompanied by her husband and colored servants, and
MOSS KENT PLATT. 139
took possession of the Log Cabin prepared for her
reception.
Senator Platt's father iDlaced him in a store, at the age
of fourteen, where he remained until he was twenty-one.
At that period he entered into active mercantile business,
and continued in it, seventeen years. In 1847, he was
induced to engage in manufacturing iron, on the Saranac
river which abounds in rich mines of ore. These mines
are situated west of the flourishino: villaoje of Plattsburs^h.
Mr. Platt soon perceived that the rough roads of the
country were serious obstacles to the successful prosecu-
tion of business in that region. He immediately entered
into a project for constructing a plank road. It was suc-
cessfully carried through, and it has added greatly to the
business of Plattsburgh ; it is, moreover, the only avenue
of communication with Clinton Prison, in the good man-
agement of which he has always taken a lively interest ;
and it is with no small degree of satisfaction that he finds
that his favorite plan of manufacturing iron by convict
labor, proves profitable to the State.
In 1851, the Legislature aj)propriated $10,000 to improv-
ing the channel of the Saranac river. Mr. Platt Avas
appointed one of the Commissioners to expend the money.
This expenditure has proved of great value ; the money
has been returned tenfold to the State, in tolls on the
Champlain Canal, and has opened a wilderness, now
rapidly being settled, which must otherwise have remained
uninhabited for many generations.
In 1852, Senator Platt was induced by urgent
entreaties, to engage in a project for constructing a rail-
road from Plattsburgh to the Canada line, in conjunction
with an effort made by gentlemen of Montreal to build a
road from that city to the same point, thereby shortening
the distance from Montreal to Plattsburgh, twenty-five
miles. Mr. Platt was immediately chosen director in the
140 LIFE SKETCHES.
company formed to carry out the work, and entered into
it with the vigor and activity so characteristic of him,
never relaxing his efforts until the enterprise was pushed
through to comj)letion. He has had charge of this road
for the last ten years, and is now earnestly engaged in its
extension to Whitehall, on the west side of the lake.
When completed, it will give an almost air-line com-
munication between Montreal and New York, and save
fifty miles of travel over any other route between the
two cities.
Mr. Platt is not easily turned aside from the object he
has in view, and he meets all difficulties with a determina-
tion to overcome them. His integrity and unswerving
fidelity to every trust are well understood, and his kind-
ness of heart has won for him the title of " Friend to the
Poor." It may not be amiss to say that he has, from early
life, sustained an unblemished religious character.
In the fall of 1865, Mr. Platt was put in nomination
for Senator against Hon. Winslow C. Watsoiv', over
whom he was elected by a majority of fifteen hundred.
Owing to his popularity he ran very much ahead of his
ticket. During the session of 1866, he introduced and
carried through the Plattsburgh and Whitehall Railroad
Bill, which was vetoed, however, by Governor Fenton :
through his exertions a similar bill has been passed by the
Senate, during the present session, and ably sustained by
him in an effective speech.
He is a member of the Committees on Railroads, and
State Prisons, and is Chairman of the Committee on
Retrenchment.
Senator Platt is emphatically a working man, and
when he retires from his duties in the Senate Chamber, he
will have the consciousness of knowing that he has left
nothing undone to advance the interests of his constit-
uents, and the welfare of the State.
WALTER L. SESSIONS.
Mr. Sessions belongs to that class of men who have