William Rumsey

William Rumsey (October 18, 1841 – January 16, 1903) was an American lawyer and judge from New York.

Early life William Rumsey was born on October 18, 1841, in Bath, New York, to Ann E. Brown and judge David Rumsey. At the age of 16, in 1857, he attended Williams College. He was a member of the New York State Militia. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, on April 19, 1861, he left college. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Due to his military service, the college graduated him in June 1861.

Civil War In April 1861, Rumsey was ordered to report to duty to Elmira by General Edwin D. Morgan. He served under General Robert B. Van Valkenburgh as a recruiter until October 17. He then enlisted in the 1st New York Light Artillery Regiment and became a first lieutenant and adjutant under Colonel Guilford Dudley Bailey. He had a son and two daughters, David, Blanche and Mrs. John S. Sheppard. He lived in Bath. He was a member of Custer Post, No. 81 of the Grand Army of the Republic of Bath and the New York Commandery of the Loyal Legion.

Rumsey had rheumatism. He died on January 16, 1903, at his home on 56th Street in New York City. He was buried in Grove Cemetery in Bath.

Awards Rumsey received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Williams College following his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1880.