Background
Maclay, William Brown was born on March 20, 1812 in New York City. Son of Review Archibald and Mary (Brown) Maclay.
Maclay, William Brown was born on March 20, 1812 in New York City. Son of Review Archibald and Mary (Brown) Maclay.
Graduated from the University City of New York (now New York University), 1836.
Temporary professor latin langs. and literature U. City of New York, 1836, trustee 1838-1882. Associate editor New York Quarterly Review, 1836. Admitted to New York bar, 1839.
Member of New York State Assembly, 1839-1842, responsible for legislation reorganizing New York Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas of City and County of New York, also member commission on colls., academics and common schools, obtained passage of act which gave New York City full benefit of the state law providing for publicly supported and controlled schools. Member United States House of Representatives (Democrat) from New York, 28th-30th, 35th-36th congresses, 1843-1849, 1857-1861, favored bill to aid Samuel F. Morse’s practical demonstration of the telegraph as a utility, favored annexation of Texas and Mexican War, advocated reduction of postal rates, favored homestead legislation instead of government sale of land to private speculators, introduced unsuccessful bill for relief of heirs of John Paul Jones. President American Bible Union, 1855-1856.
Member of New York State Assembly, 1839-1842, responsible for legislation reorganizing New York Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas of City and County of New York, also. Member United States House of Representatives (Democrat) from New York, 28th-30th, 35th-36th congresses, 1843-1849, 1857-1861, favored bill to aid Samuel F. Morse’s practical demonstration of the telegraph as a utility, favored annexation of Texas and Mexican War, advocated reduction of postal rates, favored homestead legislation instead of government sale of land to private speculators, introduced unsuccessful bill for relief of heirs of John Paul Jones.
Married Antionette Walton, August 22, 1838, 3 children including Mark, Archibald.