Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 53

In the last half of the present century the lawyer has been a pre-eminent factor in all affairs of private concern and national importance. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and permanent interests of the whole people and is a recognized power in all the avenues of life. He stands as the protector of the rights and liberties of his fellow men and is the representative of a profession whose followers, if they would gain honor, fame and success, must be men of merit and ability. Such a one is Mr. Travis, who was admitted to the bar in October, 1847, and has since successfully engaged in practice in Peekskill, New York.

He was born January 15, 1824, a son of David E. Travis, and grandson of Elijah Travis. His parents were highly respected farming people, and on the paternal side he is of English origin and on the maternal side of German descent. He was reared and educated in Peekskill, graduating at the Peekskill Military Academy. He married Miss Catherine M. Hunt, and, to them was born a daughter, now the wife of William H. Craig, who is a member of the health department of Peekskill.

In early life Mr. Travis was a Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and has followed its fortunes ever since. In 1854 he was called upon to fill his first office, that of justice of the police courts, but since then he has often been called into public life, and for three terms, in 1867, 1879 and 1880, he most ably represented his district in the state legislature. He has served on several commissions of appraisal in relation to the New York city water-works, and has always been found true and faithful to every trust reposed in him, whether in public or private life. As a lawyer he has won the admiration and confidence of all, for truth and right are the only motives which sway him, and his career has been most progressive and honorable. Many important trusts have been committed to his care, and the confidence, reposed in him has never been betrayed. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.