Smith Ely Jr. (April 17, 1825 – July 1, 1911) was an American politician, the 83rd Mayor of New York City, and a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York in the 19th century.
Early life
He was born in Hanover Township, New Jersey on April 17, 1825. His father, Smith Ely Sr., was a leather merchant who had been a soldier in the War of 1812 and his paternal grandfather was Moses Ely, who fought under George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. His maternal grandfather was Ambrose Kitchell. William Henry Ely and his wife, Maria Josephine Rogers, Edwin Augustus Ely, and Maria Louise Ely, who married George Burritt Vanderpoel.
Career
He studied in the law office of Frederic de Peyster,
New York City mayor
Following his resignation from Congress, Ely served as the Mayor of New York City from 1877 to 1878, beating former New York Governor Gen. John Adams Dix by 55,000 votes.
Legacy
His estate, valued in excess of $1,000,000, was almost entirely left to charity, including $50,000 to a fund for juveniles to "help offending youths get a better start in the world," $100,000 to the American Sunday School, $100,000 to United Charities, as well as funds to Orange and Morristown Memorial Hospitals. His bequests were in addition to the millions he gave away to charities during his lifetime.
Ely Avenue in the Bronx is named in honor of Ely.
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