John William Hamersley (1808-1889)

He was born in Virginia and brought up at Hanover Square, New York City. He graduated from Columbia College (1826) and practiced law for several years before retiring to devote himself to "travel and literary pursuits". At the same time, he not only ably managed the real estate empire he inherited, but greatly increased its size and value. Described as, "a man of noble presence and fine character, rugged in physique and capable of great labor" he was a Colonel in the New York Militia and supported Mexico's Independence from France. While a young man, he was presented at the Court of Saint James and travelled extensively through Europe and Asia.

He collected an impressive library while writing and translating several books, most notably A Chemical Change in the Eucharist by Jacques Abbadie. His British friend, Captain Mayne Reid, immortalized him in his book, The Lone Ranche. He co-founded the Union Club and was a member of the Century Club; St. Nicholas, Huguenot and Historical societies. His Friday night receptions at 255 Fifth Avenue became famous for the number of writers and artists who attended them. He was a Democrat, but declined to take office.

There is a large brass lectern at Grace Church, New York, presented by his children to his memory, and a library and reading room at the summer home of his favorite charity, The Children's Aid Society. He married Catherine Livingston Hooker, "a lady of rare abilities and sterling worth," daughter of Judge James Hooker, and they were the parents of four children. Their only son, J. Hooker Hamersley, became sole heir to another sizeable portion of the Hamersley fortune after the death of John's nephew's wife, Lady Beresford.