Stephen Taber

For the 1871 ship, see Stephen Taber (schooner).

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 Augustus 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	(1821-03-07)March 7, 1821 Dover, New York
Died	April 23, 1886(1886-04-23) (aged 65) New York City, New York
Resting place	Roslyn Cemetery, Roslyn, New York
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Rosetta M. Townsend (m. 1845)
Children	5
Relatives	Thomas Taber II (father) George T. Pierce (cousin)
Occupation	Farmer Businessman

Stephen Taber (March 7, 1821 – April 23, 1886) was a farmer and businessman from New York. A Democrat, he was most notable for his service as a U.S. Representative from 1865 to 1869.

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, moved to Queens, New York and 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 Co., 1st D.) in 1860 and 1861.[2]

Congress

In 1864 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.[2] He was reelected 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]

References

1. Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Dutchess and Putnam. Vol. 1. Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897. pp. 212, 218 – via Google Books.
2. Joint Committee on Printing, U.S. Congress (1950). Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 1891 – via Google Books.
3. Russell, Ellen Fletcher; Russell, Sargent (2009). Images of America: Roslyn. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-7385-6505-7 – via Google Books.
4. "Death Notice, Hon. Thomas Taber". Albany Evening Journal. Albany, NY. March 24, 1862. p. 2 – via GenealogyBank.com.

External links

• United States Congress. "Stephen Taber (id: T000002)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Stephen Taber at Find a Grave

New York State Assembly
Preceded by Edward A. Lawrence	New York State Assembly Queens County, 1st District 1860–1861	Succeeded by Isaac Coles
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Dwight Townsend	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 1st congressional district 1865–1869	Succeeded by Henry A. Reeves