falo until 1854, when he moved to New York City, and there opened an office. He soon built up a large practice, being retained in many suits of the first importance. He had been in New York but a very few years, when he formed the closest friendship with Horace Greeley, continuing unimpaired to the last sad days of Mr. Greeley's life. He was retained by Mr. Greeley to defend The Tribune in the many libel suits which were brought against that paper during Mr. Greeley's management, among the most noted of which were the cases of the notorious Count Johannes, and of Dewitt C. Littlejohn, at that time Speaker of the Assembly, in both of which cases Mr. Williams was successful. He was also associated with Charles O'Conor in several important suits. For a time he was partner of Francis B. Cutting; but his mind was of a cast which rendered him impatient of partnerships, and he much preferred to be alone, assisted only by clerks. He did not confine himself wholly to the practice of his profession, but took an active part in the political struggles of 1856, when he made speeches in favor of his old friend, Mr. Fillmore, and in 1860, when he spoke for Lincoln. During the war he took a part in the exciting controversies of that period, sharing in the dangers which surrounded Mr. Greeley and those who acted with him. Mr. Williams did not confine himself to those questions of public interest which pertained more especially to America. In 1857 he visited Europe, where he interested himself in the ballot question which then agitated England, making speeches in its favor both in England and Wales. While abroad he visited the principal capitals of Europe, enjoying exceptional facilities for meeting prominent men, because of Mr. Fillmore's letters of introduction. In Paris, in London and at Oxford University he received marked attention from men distinguished in scholarship, politics and law, by whom he was sought, for his brilliant conversational powers. While in Paris he was thrown into the society of Charles Sumner, between whom and Mr. Williams a friendship was formed, which survived with unabated warmth for many years. In 1867 excessive labor in his profession broke down his health, and he was obliged to retire from the practice of law. He thereupon accepted the position of register in bankruptcy for New York County. He acquired a high reputation in that office, writing many valuable opinions. In 1872 he threw himself heart and soul into the political struggle for the Presidency between Mr. Greeley and General Grant, speaking in several States in favor of the former. In 1860 Mr. Williams went to live at Fordham, then in Westchester County, but since annexed to New York City, where he remained until 1869, when he bought a farm near Mr. Greeley's residence at Chappaqua, in which he took great interest and pride. In 1877 he resigned the registership of bankruptcy and returned to the practice of his profession, and opened an office at White Plains, having formed a partnership with M. M. Silliman. In 1881 he dissolved this partnership and returned to New York, although he had built up a large and lucrative practice in Westchester County, and there continued in the active practice of his profession up to the time of his death. His last birthday, on which he reached the age of sixty-seven, was spent in arguing a case before the Court of Appeals at Albany. In 1849 he married Ellen E. White, a daughter of Ferdinand Elliot White, of Boston. She died in 1877, and he did not marry again. In Westchester County he was one of the original incorporators of the Westchester Historical Society and one of its vice-presidents. At the time of his death, and for many years before, Mr. Williams was a member of "All Saints" Protestant Episcopal Church, at Briar Cliff, and was greatly interested in the temporary home for destitute children. He also took an active part in the meetings of the Bedford Farmers' Club. He died at his residence in Chappaqua on April 5, 1886, after a few hours illness, of neuralgia of the heart, in his sixty-eighth year, leaving four sons and one daughter surviving him. He was well read not only in the law, but in general literature, and in social intercourse he was a most kind, entertaining and courteous gentleman. Reuben W. Van Pelt, late of Yonkers, for many years, especially in his early manhood, held a very high position both at the Westchester and the New York City bars. He was of very great capacity as a lawyer and early in his practice gained full recognition of his abilities. As a young man he made phenominal progress in his profession. Unfortunate circumstances several years ago diverted him largely from legal practice, and afterwards he engaged in various speculative ventures, none of which proved successful. He died at Putnam, Conn., on the 2d day of May, 1886. In the prime of his practice as a lawyer he delivered some of the finest arguments, both before the court and before the jury, that ever have been heard in the county. He was of good origin and had a liberal education. His ability, energy and industry are acknowledged by all who knew him. David B. Williamson was a son of Major-General Williamson, of Maryland, who acquired distinction in the organization of the National Guard of that State. He was born in Maryland, but lived abroad during most of his youth, and was educated in Germany. For some time he was an attache of the United States Legation at Madrid. He was about twentyfive years of age when he returned to this country and began the study of law in New York, where he made his home. He took a warm interest in the State Militia and was a member of the Seventh Regiment. General Fitzgerald appointed him his chief |