Representative Stephen Taber

Stephen Taber (March 7, 1821 – April 23, 1886) was a farmer, businessman, and Democratic politician from New York, most notable for his service as a U.S. Representative from 1865 to 1869. He was born in Dover, New York, on March 7, 1821, the son of Thomas Taber II and Phebe (Titus) Taber. Raised in Dutchess County, he received his education in the local schools of Dover and in Poughkeepsie. Taber was part of a politically active family; he was a first cousin of George T. Pierce, who later served in both the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate.

After completing his schooling, Taber moved from Dutchess County to Queens, New York, where he engaged in farming and business pursuits. Establishing himself as a farmer, he also became involved in local commercial enterprises that supported the growing communities on Long Island. In 1845, he married Rosetta M. Townsend. The couple had five children: Samuel T., William T., Adelaide, Gertrude, and Thomas T. His family life and business interests were closely tied to the economic development of Queens and, later, the village of Roslyn.

Taber’s business activities expanded significantly in the decades before the Civil War. In 1861 he assisted in organizing the Long Island North Shore Transportation Company, a venture that improved transportation links along the north shore of Long Island. He served as its president for several years, reflecting his prominence in regional commerce. He was also a director of the Long Island Rail Road, helping to oversee one of the key transportation arteries connecting Long Island with New York City. After moving to Roslyn, New York, he continued to shape the local economy. In 1876 he became the first president of the Roslyn Savings Bank, an institution that supported local growth and investment. He also helped establish a steamboat route between Roslyn and New York City, further integrating the village into the broader commercial life of the region.

A Democrat, Taber entered public office as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 1st District of Queens County. He served in the Assembly in 1860 and 1861, during a period of mounting national tension preceding the Civil War. In Albany he was part of the Democratic Party’s legislative contingent, participating in debates and decisions affecting both his district and the state at large. His legislative service at the state level helped establish his reputation and laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to national office.

In 1864 Taber was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat from New York and was reelected in 1866. He served two consecutive terms in the 39th and 40th Congresses, from March 4, 1865, to March 3, 1869. His tenure in Congress coincided with a critical period in American history, encompassing the closing months of the Civil War and the early years of Reconstruction. As a member of the Democratic Party representing New York, Stephen Taber contributed to the legislative process during his two terms in office, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents while national policy focused on reunification, civil rights, and the reintegration of the former Confederate states.

Following his congressional service, Taber returned to his business and civic interests on Long Island. In Roslyn he continued to promote local development and tourism. He took steps to make the village a destination for visitors, including the construction of an observation tower and picnic area at the top of Harbor Hill. This site later became notable as the location where Clarence Hungerford Mackay constructed a mansion, but in Taber’s time it served as a scenic attraction that drew people to the area and supported the local economy. Through these efforts, he remained an influential figure in the community long after leaving federal office.

Stephen Taber died in New York City on April 23, 1886. He was buried at Roslyn Cemetery in Roslyn, New York. His life encompassed significant roles as a farmer, transportation and banking executive, state legislator, and member of Congress, and he left a lasting imprint on both the political life of New York and the economic development of Long Island’s north shore.