Biography

Thomas McElrath was born to Robert and Anna Barbara McElrath. Thomas first married Ann in 1829. However, Thomas remarried in 1831 to Elizabeth Price. Thomas worked as a printer apprentice in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, PN and studied law in Williamsport, PN. Thomas moved to New York City and worked as a proof-reader. There, Thomas became the leading salesman of the Methodist Book Concern. After completing his law studies, Thomas began practicing as a lawyer with partners William Bloomfield and Charles P. Duly. In 1838, Thomas was elected to the state assembly as a Whig party member. In 1840, Thomas became the master in chancery for New York, appointed by Gov. Seward. In 1841, Gov. Seward appointed Thomas to state director of the Bank of America. That same year, Thomas also became partners with Horace Greeley and they founded the firm Greeley & McElrath. From 1845-46, Thomas was the alderman of New York City. From 1857-1861, Thomas worked as the corresponding secretary of the American Institute. In 1861, President Lincoln elected Thomas as appraiser-general of the district of New York, serving in this office until 1864. After that, Thomas worked as the business manager of the Tribune. In 1866, Thomas became the chief appraiser of the New York port. In 1867, he served as the US commissioner to the Paris exposition and In 1873, he served as the US commissioner to the Vienna exhibition. In 1876, he served as the general executive officer of the NY state commission. Until his death in 1888, Thomas served as legal advisor to the New York City Park National Bank. 

Mentioned in: 18620824FMS_WHS1