Background
He was born at Poughkeepsie, New York. He was the son of James Emott, by his second wife, Esther (or Hester) Crary.
He was born at Poughkeepsie, New York. He was the son of James Emott, by his second wife, Esther (or Hester) Crary.
He received his early education at College Hill School in his native town, proceeding thence to Columbia College, New York City, where he graduated at the head of his class in 1841.
He then studied law in his father’s office at Poughkeepsie, and was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of New York at Poughkeepsie in 1844, immediately afterward commencing practise in that town. In the early period of his professional career he was undoubtedly assisted by his influential family connections and his father’s prominent position, but he possessed great natural ability and in a short period became a leading member of the district bar, acquiring a wide practise in all the courts.
In 1849 he was appointed district attorney of Dutchess County. In addition to his legal practise he was interested in much business enterprise, and in 1852 became president of the Merchant’s Bank of Poughkeepsie, a position which he held till his death—a period of thirty-two years. In 1854, when Poughkeepsie received its city charter, he was, on the nomination of the Whig party, elected its first mayor by a substantial majority. The following year the Republican party induced him to become its candidate for the position of justice of the supreme court of the state for the 2nd Judicial District. The district was predominantly Democratic, but on this occasion the Democratic party was badly split, and as a consequence Emott was elected. He remained on the bench from January 1, 1856, to January 1, 1864, becoming presiding judge in 1863, and serving exofficio as a judge of the court of appeals during the last year of his term. On the conclusion of his term of office he did not offer himself for reelection, his party affiliations precluding any chance of success.
On leaving the bench he resumed his legal practise at Poughkeepsie, but shortly afterward opened an office in New York City, where he was retained in much heavy litigation, especially such as involved the law applicable to corporations. His opinion was, however, frequently sought and he prepared many admirable briefs. Though for twenty years his professional labors centered in New York City he continued to retain a close connection with Poughkeepsie, where he died. A man of few intimate friendships, his sturdy independence of thought, consistency of conduct, and undeviating integrity procured for him unusual respect and confidence in the community.
An incessant reader, and a prominent and influential member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, he steeped himself in ecclesiastical and theological literature and lore, particularly relating to the controversies, doctrine, and ritual of the Christian church.
In 1854, when Poughkeepsie received its city charter, he was, on the nomination of the Whig party, elected its first mayor by a substantial majority. The following year the Republican party induced him to become its candidate for the position of justice of the supreme court of the state for the 2nd Judicial District.
He brought to the bench a wide experience in all classes of litigation and a knowledge of business methods and financial affairs, which, combined with a clear intellect, capacity for infinite research, and rigorous logic, gave him an enviable standing as a jurist.
His opinions were distinguished by lucidity of expression and felicity of form and have been deemed models of judicial composition. On leaving the bench he resumed his legal practice at Poughkeepsie, but shortly afterward opened an office in New York City, where he was retained in much heavy litigation, especially such as involved the law applicable to corporations.
leading member of the district bar
In 1869 he was one of the founders of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and he acted as chairman of its library committee for twelve years.
Appointed a member of the Committee of Seventy, he was indefatigable in his efforts to bring the guilty parties to justice. Recognized as one of the leaders of the New York bar.
He brought to the bench a wide experience in all classes of litigation and a knowledge of business methods and financial affairs, which, combined with a clear intellect, capacity for infinite research, and rigorous logic, gave him an enviable standing as a jurist. His opinions were distinguished by lucidity of expression and felicity of form and have been deemed models of judicial composition. Recognized now as one of the leaders of the New York bar, “his tall and slender but commanding figure was one of the most familiar sights in the courts” (Annual Cyclopedia and Register, 1884, p. 604), but during the last two years of his life he was prevented by ill health from personally acting as counsel.
His favorite recreation was playing the organ, of which instrument he became a master and to which he devoted a short time every day for years.
His favorite recreation was playing the organ, of which instrument he became a master and to which he devoted a short time every day for years.
On June 16, 1846, he married Mary Helen Crooke, daughter of Robert and Mary Crooke of Poughkeepsie.