Robert Anderson Van Wyck

Robert Anderson Van Wyck (July 20, 1849 – 1918) was a U.S. political figure.

Related Topics:
July 20 - 1849 - 1918 - U.S. - Political figure

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The son of Abraham Van Wyck and Zeruah Van Wyck, he was prepared for college at the Wilson Academy in North Carolina, and later graduated from Columbia College, and was valedictorian of his class. He then passed a number of years in mercantile life, after which he became an able lawyer and enjoyed a large practice for many years. Later, he was elected Judge of the City Court of New York, becoming thereafter Chief Justice. He resigned to accept the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Greater New York, and was elected by a very large majority. He served as mayor of New York City between 1898 and 1901 and served as the first mayor to govern New York City after its five boroughs had been consolidated into a single city.

Related Topics:
Wilson Academy - North Carolina - Columbia College - Valedictorian - Mayor of New York City - 1898 - 1901 - New York City - Five boroughs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was a member of the Holland Society, of which he became President. He belonged to many of the social clubs of the city, and was prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of The Ancient Lodge, New York City. For many years he took a most active interest in party matters, attending many conventions, State and national. He subsequently becames intensely fond of travelling, and indulged in that pleasure to a very large extent.

Related Topics:
Holland Society - Masonic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As Mayor, he brought together the unnumerable municipal corporations comprising the greater city, adjusting their finances and bringing order out of almost chaos. He also caused to be constructed the first subway railroad in Manhattan, and provided for the construction of the Brooklyn Tunnel. Van Wyck Boulevard, later the Van Wyck Expressway, in New York City is named for Van Wyck.

Related Topics:
Subway - Manhattan - Brooklyn Tunnel - Van Wyck Expressway

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The bulk of this information is derived from "Descendants of Cornelius Barentse Van Wyck and Anna Polhemus," by Anne Van Wyck. New York, Tobias A. Wright Printer and Publisher, 1912: 207-208.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~