Thomas Ludlow Ogden was born on December 12, 1773. He was descended from John Ogden, who emigrated from England to Southampton, Long Island, in 1640, later settling in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Thomas' grandfather, Judge David Ogden, was an influential Loyalist, and after the Revolution prosecuted Loyalist claims in English courts. His son, Abraham, Thomas' father, was a distinguished lawyer, surrogate of Morris County, New Jersey, and after his removal to Newark, was appointed United States attorney for that district (1791 - 98) by George Washington. Ogden was born probably in Morristown, New Jersey. Here, in the winter of 1776-77, Washington spent much time with the Ogden family, and according to family tradition, young Thomas often rode mounted on the saddle in front of Washington, on the General's tours of inspection of the army. It is recorded also that during the progress of a playful duel between the two, the button flew off the boy's foil, and Washington received a small flesh wound in the hand. Owing to the Loyalist sentiments of David Ogden, a rumor of attempted assassination got abroad, but was soon dissipated.
Education
In 1788 Thomas entered Columbia College, and four years later delivered his graduation oration, "On the Rising Glory of America. " Later he studied law with his father and Richard Harison.
Career
Thomas Ogden was admitted to the New York bar in 1796. In the same year he formed a law partnership with his elder brother, David. Later, he was associated in practice with Alexander Hamilton. He became one of the most active corporation lawyers in New York City, specialized in trusts and will and equity jurisprudence, and served as counsel for prominent families in the city. He was eminently successful when, as temporary counsel for the Holland Land Company, which owned a three-million-acre tract of land in the western part of the state, he secured through political influence at Albany the passage of a law which the corporation had desired for twenty years. This law enabled it "to re-enter lands sold under the foreclosure of mortgages" and allowed the transfer of lands to aliens on equal terms with natives.
Outside his professional life, Ogden's interests and activities centered around religious and philanthropic enterprises. He was vestryman or warden of Trinity Church, New York, from 1807 to 1844, and for many years was "an able and and judicious delegate" to special councils of the Episcopal Church. He was one of the founders and vice-presidents of an Episcopal society for promoting religion and learning in New York, and a trustee of the General Theological Seminary; was trustee of Columbia College (1817-44), and served in the same capacity for Sailors' Snug Harbor. The vigorous support which he gave a treaty which in his opinion offered the Indians a chance to "be saved from extinction and become a civilized people, " further illustrates his breadth of interest. Socially prominent, he was vice-president of the banquet at the city hall in honor of Washington Irving's return to America (1832) and committeeman of the public dinner for Chancellor Kent (1843).
Achievements
Thomas Ogden was one of the most active corporation lawyers in New York City, specialized in trusts and will and equity jurisprudence. He was a trustee of the General Theological Seminary, Columbia College, and Sailors' Snug Harbor.
Membership
Thomas Ogden was a member of the New York bar. He was one of the founders and vice-presidents of an Episcopal society.
Personality
Ogden was described as a modest, courteous, public-spirited gentleman of the old school.
Connections
On January 23, 1796, Thomas Ogden was married to Martha Hammond. They had seven sons and four daughters.
Father:
Abraham Ogden
He was a distinguished lawyer, surrogate of Morris County, New Jersey, and after his removal to Newark, was appointed United States attorney for that district (1791-1798) by George Washington.
Wife:
Martha (Hammond) Ogden
Grandfather:
Judge David Ogden
He was an influential Loyalist, and after the Revolution prosecuted Loyalist claims in English courts.
