1882
HISTORY
Stephen Grover Cleveland
was born in Caldwell, New Jersey on March 18, 1837. He was one
of nine children born to a Presbyterian pastor. Soon afterwards
the family moved to Fayette, New York, where the elder Mr.
Cleveland took charge of a church.
Grover attended the common school's in whichever
town his father was located as a pastor, until he was fifteen
years old. At this time he was sent to the Clinton Academy
in Clinton, New York. After one year there, he entered a
clerkship in one of the Eleemosvnary institutions of New
York City.
He taught at the New York Institute for the Blind
from 1853 - 1854.
It was while working in New York City that Cleveland
befriended a man who persuaded him to travel to Cleveland,
Ohio, (supposedly the name had no influence, but that seems
doubtful), where they were attempting to find employment.
This journey occurred in 1855, when Cleveland was
18 years old. They agreed to stop in Niagara Falls and Buffalo
en route, to visit Cleveland's uncle Lewis F. Allen. During
the visit, Cleveland laid out his future plans, which Mr.
Allen thought hazardous. He finally offered Grover a job
as a clerk in his store if he agreed not to continue his
journey.
Cleveland explained that he agreed to make this trip
with his friend, and he needed his consent to abandon him.
His friend agreed to let Grover stay in Buffalo
, and he went on to Ohio.
It was at this time that Grover became a resident
of Buffalo
His uncle gave him the job he promised, and Cleveland set
his sights upon the profession he desired; that of law.
Not long after, he was admitted to study law in the
office of Rogers (Henry), Bowen (Dennis) & Rogers (Sherman
S.). They could not pay him at first, but they said if he
should develop any merit they might be able to pay him in
the future. It was not long before the law firm felt justified
in fixing a salary for young Cleveland, as he proved his
worth.
After four years of study, in 1859, Cleveland was
admitted to practice law. He stayed with Rogers, Bowen &
Rogers for four years after becoming a lawyer, as managing
clerk.
Cleveland was elected an Erie County ward supervisor
in 1862, and was also a Library Board member that year.
In 1863 he was appointed Assistant District Attorney
for Erie County. He filled this position for three years,
doing much of the work of his boss, who was ill.
In 1865 he was nominated by the Democratic County
Convention to the position of District Attorney, to succeed
his boss, but was defeated at the election by 602 votes.
On August 1, 1866 Cleveland formed a law partnership
with I. V. Vanderpool, which continued until January, 1869.
In 1869 Cleveland was again elected a Library Board
member.
It was at this time that the firm of Laning (A.P.),
Cleveland & Folsom (Oscar) was formed. This firm remained
in existence for two years.
In 1870 Cleveland was suggested as a candidate for
Congress, but the nomination went to William Williams
, (who was a mayoral candidate in 1852). He was then asked
to accept the nomination for Sheriff of Erie County. He
was inclined to decline, but accepted. In November 1870
he was elected Sheriff, at which time Laning, Cleveland
& Folsom was dissolved.
At the expiration of his term as Sheriff, he became
a member of the firm Bass (Lyman K.), Cleveland & Bissell
(Wilson S.). This firm was very popular and at once commanded
a large and lucrative practice.
Under failing health, Mr. Bass relocated to Colorado,
and the firm became Cleveland & Bissell.
On October 19, 1881 the Republican City Convention
was held at
Miller's Hall on Genesee Street. Milton E. Beebe, President
of the Common Council
, was nominated for Mayor of Buffalo
The Democratic City Convention
was held October 25, 1881 at Tivoli Hall, which was closed from
the general public. Honorable D. N. Lockwood made a nomination
speech for the Democratic candidate.
"The name which I shall present is the name
of a gentleman who when he takes this nomination for Mayor,
will do so at a great personal sacrifice to his business
and general interests. Mr. Chairman, it affords me great
pleasure to present to this Convention the name of Grover
Cleveland
..I hope this nomination will be made by acclamation."
Two men were sent to apprise Cleveland Cleveland
of his nomination. He returned with the men and addressed
the Convention. "It certainly is a great honor to be
thought fit to be the chief of a great and prosperous city
like ours, having such important and varied interests. I
hoped that your choice might fall upon some other...member
of the city Democracy. But because I am a Democrat and because
I think no one has a right at this time of all others to
consult his own inclinations as against the call of his
party and fellow-citizens, and hoping that I may be of use
to you in your efforts to inaugurate a better rule in municipal
affairs, I accept the nomination tendered to me."
Once again, the Republican Party was split, and the
Independent Voters selected their own candidates for the
various offices. They also chose Grover Cleveland
as their Mayoral candidate.
LIFE AS A MAYOR
On November 8, 1881 the local elections were held,
and Cleveland was triumphant. He defeated Republican Milton
Beebe
15,120 to 11,528. Cleveland, the so-called `Reform Mayor,' was
the first lawyer elected Mayor in 25 years.
The Common Council
was predominately Republican and many of the other offices were
split between the parties. "These seemed to be no rhyme
or reason in the running of most of the candidates, outside
of Grover Cleveland
"
The City had a population of 182,511 people at this
time.
In December 1881 Cleveland's law firm became Cleveland,
Bissell & Sicard as George J. Sicard was admitted as
a partner.
Cleveland nominated Harmon S. Cutting
, a friend of his, as Mayor's Clerk.
On January 2, 1882 Grover Cleveland
's Inaugural Address
was delivered and read before the Common Council
"In presenting to you my first official communication,
I am by no means unmindful of the fact that I address a
body, many of the members of which have had quite large
experience in municipal affairs; and which is directly charged,
more than any other instrumentality, with the management
of the government of the city and the protection of the
interests of all the people within its limits. It may not
be amiss, however, to remind you that our fellow-citizens,
just at this time, are particularly watchful of those in
whose hands they have placed the administration of the city
government, and demand of them the most watchful care and
conscientious economy.
"We hold the money of the people in our hands
to be used for their purposes and to further their interests
as members of the municipality; and it is quite apparent
that, when any part of the funds which the taxpayers have
thus entrusted to us, are diverted to other purposes, or
where, by design or neglect, we allow a greater sum to be
applied to any municipal purpose than is necessary, we have,
to that extent, violated our duty.
"It seems to me, that a successful and faithful
administration of the government of our city, may be accomplished
by constantly bearing in mind that we are the trustees and
agents of our fellow-citizens, holding their funds in sacred
trust, to be expended for their benefit; that we should,
at all times, be prepared to render an honest account to
them touching the manner of its expenditures; and that the
affairs of the city should be conducted, as far as possible,
upon the same principles as a good business man manages
his private concerns.
"I am fully persuaded that in the performance
of your duties, these rules will be observed. And I, perhaps,
should not do less than to assure your Honorable Body, that
so far as it is in my power, I shall be glad to co-operate
with you, in securing the faithful performance of official
duty, in every Department of the City Government.
"I desire to call your attention to certain
facts relating to our municipal condition, which have been
furnished by the heads of the several departments.
"The recent investigation into the affairs of
[the Street department], has developed the most shameful
neglect of duty, on the part of the persons in charge. The
entire absence of any record of work done, renders it impossible
to give exact data.
"The mismanagement of the affairs of this department
has led directly to the wasting, (to use no stronger term)
of the people's money.
"I heartily endorse the recommendation, lately
made by my predecessor, that all work of the description
mentioned be let to the lowest bidder, he to do all such
work that is required, at a stated price, for a certain
time.
úThe system of the out-door relief is subject to
so many abuses, that the greatest care should be exercised,
that it is only extended, when necessary to relieve actual
and unavoidable need, and never when it encourages voluntary
pauperism.
"The number of school districts in the city
is thirty-six, in each of which is located one or more buildings,
wholly used for school purposes.
"There is also maintained at the public cost
a Central, or High School, the pupils of which are graduates
of the other schools, who seek, through its more ample facilities,
a higher and more extended education.
"Our public schools are matters of such vital
public concern, and so intimately connected with good citizenship,
that I recommend all necessary measures be taken to promote
their usefulness and efficiency.
"I am unable to see why the owners of lots fronting
on streets in which water pipes are laid should not pay
a small annual tax irrespective of the fact whether they
use the water or not. The value of their property is enhanced,
in the same manner as by any other street improvement; and
it seems but reasonable that they should pay something for
this increase in value.
"The city, too, should pay, I think, a reasonable
sum for the water which is used for public purposes.
"The constantly increasing number of those who
visit our parks, demonstrate that the opportunities they
afford for recreation, are becoming more and more appreciated
by our citizens, since cheap and easy access has been afforded
to these parks by means of the street railroads.
"I believe the taxpayers of the city are prepared
to cheerfully bear the burden of taxation which is necessary,
within proper limits, to maintain our parks.
"[The Buffalo
State Asylum For the Insane
]...may well be considered a feature of our city, since
we have donated for its purposes the large tract of land
upon which it stands and guaranteed to it a supply of water.
"The splendid building projected is so far completed
as to be able to accommodate 300 persons. It was opened
for the reception of patients
November 15th, 1880. From that date to the 1st day
of December, 1881, 264 patients have been admitted.
"...I cannot pass to another subject, before
urging upon you the great and present necessity of constructing
a sewer in the lower part of the city, and the consequent
abatement of the nuisance which now exists in the Hamburgh
Canal.
"We have no right to falter or procrastinate.
Because we have had a measure of immunity from its worst
consequences hitherto, we ought not to tempt Providence
further.
"The charter provides that the Common Council
shall delegate one of the daily newspapers published in the
city, as the official paper; and the action of the Council
in this matter is expressly exempted from the operation
of the veto power of the Mayor. And yet, I hope it may not
be considered entirely out of place, to remind you, that
work of this description, like all other, should be done
where it can be done the cheapest. This is not accomplished,
when it is bestowed as a professed reward for party service,
or an item of political patronage. Why should other work
of the city, involving the expense of a few hundred dollars,
be advertised, to the end that the lowest price for which
it can be done, may be ascertained, and this printing, which
involves the expenditures of thousands of dollars, be given
to a party organ, without question?
"I am utterly unable to discover any valid reason,
why the city offices should be closed and the employees
released from their duties at the early hour in the day,
which seems now to be regarded as the limit of a day's work.
I am sure no man would think an active private business
was well attended to if he and all his employees ceased
work at four o'clock in the afternoon. The salaries paid
by the city to its officers, and their employees, entitle
it to a fair day's work. Besides these offices are for the
transaction of public business; and the convenience of all
our citizens should be consulted, in respect to the time
during which they should remain open.
"In conclusion, I desire to disclaim any dictation
as to the performance of your duties. I recognize fully
the fact, that with you rests the responsibility of all
legislation which touches the prosperity of the city and
the correction of abuses. I do not arrogate to myself any
great familiarity with municipal affairs, nor any superior
knowledge of the city's needs. I speak to you not only as
the Chief Executive Officer of the city, but as a citizen,
proud of its progress and commanding position. In this spirit
the suggestions herein contained are made. If you deem them
not worthy of consideration, I shall still be anxious to
aid the adoption and enforcement of any measures which you
may inaugurate looking to the advancement of the interests
of the city and the welfare
of its inhabitants."
During Cleveland's term he returned 43 vetoes to
the Council, not counting building permits. Everyone "felt
the sting of his disapproval," friend and foe alike.
About six months into his term, June 19, 1882, the
Council awarded a contract for street-cleaning, at a price
over $100,000 more than the lowest bidder, and $50,000 above
what the same contractor had bid several weeks earlier.
The Council convinced themselves that Cleveland would veto
their resolution, so they rescinded the contract on June
26, before the Mayor could. Alas, it was too late, as Mayor
Cleveland
sent the council his "Plain Speech Veto," which was
read before the Council.
It said, in part: "I withhold my assent from
the same, because I regard it as the culmination of a most
barefaced, impudent, and shameless scheme to betray the
interests of the people and to worse than squander the public
money."
He backed civil-service reform, and the publicity
created by his battle with the 'bosses' won him many admirers.
Cleveland's political career rocketed skyward at
an incredible pace. In the fall of 1882 he was nominated
Governor of New York. He won, defeating Mr. Folger 16,118
to 11,070, the largest majority ever cast for Governor in
any state up to that point. Cleveland was also the first
citizen of Erie County ever chosen Governor.
Cleveland's short Mayoral term ended on November
20, 1882 as he resigned to accept his new office.
PERSONAL LIFE
Cleveland was a bachelor during his tenure in Buffalo
One of his first homes was above his offices on West Swan
Street.
Cleveland's political career continued to blossom
as his popularity grew. As Governor he continued his "anti-boss"
crusade.
In 1884 he was nominated for President
over Tammany Hall
opposition, and defeated Republican James G. Blaine.
He did not marry until he was elected President,
at which time he married Frances Folsom, a daughter of one
of his former law partners. They had five children, one
of whom died at age fourteen.
In 1888 he was defeated by Benjamin Harrison, although
his popular vote was larger, he lost the electoral vote.
He returned in 1892, being re-elected over Harrison.
A severe depression and labor trouble racked his administration,
but he refused the demand for unemployment
relief. This was a major reason why the Democrats repudiated
his administration in 1896 and chose a different candidate.
He retired from politics after his Presidential term
ended and moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where he was a
trustee of Princeton University for over ten years.
Grover Cleveland
died on June 24, 1908 in New Jersey, where his body was laid
to rest.
