George W. McElroy is a member of the Orange County bar, now representing it at Albany, of which the bar is particularly proud. In the intervals of his official duties in the Transfer Tax Bureau he prepared a work upon the transfer tax law which affords abundant evidence of his industry, research and learning.
Mr. McElroy's service as special surrogate of the county at the time that he resided in Warwick, was distinguished for some opinions which showed his marked qualifications for judicial station. He wrote an opinion in a case involving the question whether the statute of limitations runs in favor of an administrator, in which the doctrine maintained by him was not generally accepted by the courts; but later the courts adopted and enforced the view which he, at one time, was almost alone in asserting.
Mr. McElroy is assured of a warm welcome from his brethren of the Orange County bar when he is ready to exchange the weary, dreary, depressing treadmill of department officialism for the pleasant, refreshing, verdured paths of general practice.
John B. Kerr, of the Newburgh bar, is another lawyer of whom Orange County is indeed proud, though he has now been separated for some years from its personal associations and activities, having accepted the position of general counsel for the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad Company. In this responsible position he finds unusual opportunity to exercise and develop those qualities of sound judgment, rare foresight, steady poise and intellectual grasp in which he so excels and of which his early career at the bar gave abundant promise.
Thomas P. Fowler, whose home is in Warwick, and who was at one time a member of the firm led by his distinguished father-in-law, Benjamin F. Dunning, has acquired a position in the railroad and financial world which reconciles him to his withdrawal from the activities of his profession. The masterly ability shown by him in making the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad Company one of the most important and valuable railroad properties of the country has given him national prominence and reputation.
John M. Gardner, formerly of the Newburgh bar, settled in New York, where his chief reputation has been gained in actions against corporations. He is a recognized authority in the law of negligence, having won many important cases and having edited for some years a series of reports specially devoted to cases of negligence. Mr. Gardner was born in Warwick, to which lovely spot he frequently returns. His career in Newburgh was distinguished by the same qualities which have commanded success in a broader field. His fine presence, unfailing resources, entire self-possession, tireless energy, dauntless courage and impressive delivery combine to make him one of the most formidable trial lawyers of the State.
Amos Van Etten, who began his practice in Port Jervis, removed to Kingston, where he very soon established his title to recognition as one of the leaders of the Ulster County bar, a position which he now holds by general acknowledgment of both the bar and the public.
Mr. Van Etten, as the attorney for the New York Central Railroad, and of other public service corporations, has been compelled to give his chief attention to railroad and negligence law, though he commands also a wide general practice. His success has been emphatic, pronounced and permanent.
William H. Stoddard, formerly of the Middletown bar, has become a prominent member of the Buffalo bar. He is original, independent and entertaining in his addresses to juries, while his conversation is full of wit, sally and anecdote.
One day there came to his office on old client whose wife had just left him to take up her abode with another man. His client was in deep dejection and wanted comfort. This is the way "Stod"—as he was familiarly called by his friends—gave it to him. He said: "Cheer up, John, brace up; why, there are a dozen men in Middletown who would be glad to be in your shoes to-day."