Biography

Mentioned in 18510526FMS_WHS as possible law firm for Frederick William Seward to clerk in Albany. Excerpt: "He [Cagger] was born at Albany, July 6, 1812. His parents were natives of Ireland, where his father was extensively engaged in business. Before the birth of Mr. Cagger, his father removed his family to the United States, and for a brief period were residents of the City of New York, but they soon removed to Albany, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Cagger married Maria Maher, daughter of James Malier, well known for a considerable period as State Librarian, and in the War of 1812 as the gallant Captain of the "Irish Greens," a military company originating in Albany and which bore a prominent part in the famous conflict at Sackett's Harbor. A daughter, the sole remaining issue of this marriage, survives him.

At an early period of life he was placed in the then celebrated law office of Reynolds & Woodruff. Even as a clerk his remarkable administrative capacity began to manifest itself, and the efficiency of his labors was occasionally recognized in the most handsome manner by the distinguished principals of that powerful firm.

Mr. Cagger afterward associated himself with Mr. Samuel Stevens, and the firm name of Stevens & Cagger became speedily potential in legal circles. After a successful practice of some years, Mr. Stevens, a very able man and the peer of renowned lawyers in the legal arena, yielded to excessive labor; and shortly after his decease a new legal firm, that of Hill, Cagger & Porter, was established, which will go down to posterity as one of the most remarkable combinations of ability and fitness for the several departments of a great law office ever known in the annals of the State.


In the midst of his successful career as a lawyer and politician Mr. Cagger was suddenly summoned from earth. On the 6th of July, 1868, while riding with a friend in the City of New York, he was thrown from his carriage and instantly killed.

This distressing event cast a gloom over his native city, whither his remains were tenderly carried.

At the time of his death Mr. Cagger was fifty-six years of age.