James Hooker Hamersley (1844-1901)
J. Hooker Hamersley, of New York City & Garrison-on-Hudson, New York
He was born in New York City and began his studies in Paris before returning to the States. He graduated from Poughkeepsie College Institute; Columbia College (1865); and, Columbia Law School (1867). He began his legal career in the offices of James W. Gerard and continued for a further ten years, distinguishing himself in several cases appertaining to property that demonstrated his natural, "tenacity, energy and intelligence". He considered a public career and was elected to the State Assembly but withdrew in favor of his friend, William Waldorf Astor. He retired when it became necessary to focus on managing the considerable real estate empire he inherited.
By the time he was twelve years old, he had visited over 20-European capitals, climbed Mount Vesuvius in Italy, seen several members of Royalty and been presented to Pope Pius IX. He continued to visit Europe frequently and travelled from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Ocean. He was passionate on the subjects of History and Classics and aside from writing about topical issues such as religion and politics, his poetry appeared in many periodicals and newspapers. He was a member of the St. Nicholas Society; the Society of Colonial Wars; the New-York Historical Society; and, the American Geographical Society. He was a member of the University, Metropolitan, City and Badminton Clubs; the Law Institute, and President of the Knickerbocker Bowling Club.
He was for many years a director of the The Knickerbocker Fire Insurance Company and when a young man had been romantically involved with future First Lady Edith Roosevelt. In 1888, he married Margaret Willing Chisholm, daughter of William Eddings and Mary Ann (Rogers) Chisholm. Mrs Hamersley was described as having, "charming manners, sweet disposition and great executive ability. Her kind heart and gracious ways make friends for her wherever she goes". They first lived at 414 Madison Avenue before building their French Renaissance mansion at 1030 Fifth Avenue. Their country estate "Brookhurst" in Dutchess County stood on land first granted to his ancestor, Henry Beekman,that was afterwards continuously occupied by succeeding members of his family.
The Hamersleys were survived by two children. By virtue of producing "male issue" their son, Louis, immediately became heir to John's late cousin, Louis, adding to what would be an already considerable inheritance. Their daughter, Catherine, gained notoriety in 1939 on becoming the first American woman to visit the Riyadh, capital of the new state of Saudi Arabia, and she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society in the same year.
By the time he was twelve years old, he had visited over 20-European capitals, climbed Mount Vesuvius in Italy, seen several members of Royalty and been presented to Pope Pius IX. He continued to visit Europe frequently and travelled from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Ocean. He was passionate on the subjects of History and Classics and aside from writing about topical issues such as religion and politics, his poetry appeared in many periodicals and newspapers. He was a member of the St. Nicholas Society; the Society of Colonial Wars; the New-York Historical Society; and, the American Geographical Society. He was a member of the University, Metropolitan, City and Badminton Clubs; the Law Institute, and President of the Knickerbocker Bowling Club.
He was for many years a director of the The Knickerbocker Fire Insurance Company and when a young man had been romantically involved with future First Lady Edith Roosevelt. In 1888, he married Margaret Willing Chisholm, daughter of William Eddings and Mary Ann (Rogers) Chisholm. Mrs Hamersley was described as having, "charming manners, sweet disposition and great executive ability. Her kind heart and gracious ways make friends for her wherever she goes". They first lived at 414 Madison Avenue before building their French Renaissance mansion at 1030 Fifth Avenue. Their country estate "Brookhurst" in Dutchess County stood on land first granted to his ancestor, Henry Beekman,that was afterwards continuously occupied by succeeding members of his family.
The Hamersleys were survived by two children. By virtue of producing "male issue" their son, Louis, immediately became heir to John's late cousin, Louis, adding to what would be an already considerable inheritance. Their daughter, Catherine, gained notoriety in 1939 on becoming the first American woman to visit the Riyadh, capital of the new state of Saudi Arabia, and she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society in the same year.
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Contributed by Mark Meredith on 03/08/2021 and last updated on 04/08/2021.