Elbert Ellery Anderson (1833-1903)

He was born in New York City, the son of Columbia's Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy and the grandson of the distinguished Librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte who introduced Italian Opera to America. His middle name was for his aunt's grandfather, Founding Father William Ellery. In 1847-48, he accompanied his father on the United States Dead Sea Expedition, travelling through Europe, Egypt, Nubia and the Holy Land - he carved his name "E.E. Anderson" into the facade of the Temple of Abu Simbel, which can still be seen today. On his return, he entered Harvard and graduated in 1852. He embarked on a legal career and for many years was the senior partner of Anderson, Pendleton & Anderson in New York City. He led proceedings against Jay Gould and the Texas Railway Company, winning $2-million for the bond-holders.

In 1862, he volunteered with the 12th New York State Militia and was stationed at Harper's Ferry when he was captured by Confederate troops under Stonewall Jackson just before the Battle of Antietam. After the war, he was an active member of the group that brought down Tammany Hall and with Abram S. Hewitt and William C. Whitney he was a key component in organizing the County Democracy. He was, "a zealous advocate" of tariff reform; President of the Reform Club; a leading Gold Democrat; and, declined several nominations to the Supreme Court Bench. In 1887, President Grover Cleveland placed him on Committee to investigate the affairs of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railways, and was one of the Rapid Transit Commissioners. In later years he dedicated his energies towards education and was appointed School Commissioner for New York in 1896. He married Augusta Chauncey and was the father of two sons.