Herkimer County NyArchives Biographies.....McEvoy, P. H. 
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Nan Starjak http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00026.html#0006329 November 1, 2008, 11:42 am

Author: Hardin & Willard

McEvoy, Hon. P.H., Little Falls, was born in Ireland about thirty-seven years 
since and came to this country when quite young, and settled in the town of 
Salibury.  His early days were spent working for farmers in the town of 
Fairfield.  His early education was obtained in the district schools of the 
county by doing chores for his board in the winters and attending school, and 
working out summers.  Subsequently he attended school at Fairfield Seminary 
for six years and paid his tuition by working out for the farmers during 
vacation.  He graduated in the five year course in 1868 and was valedictorian 
of the class.  In the fall of 1868 he commenced the study of law in the office 
of Messrs. Hardin & Burrows (Mr. Hardin has been presiding judge of the 
General Term for many years).  He taught school in the "Old Brick Schoolhouse" 
on the creek road, near Herkimer, that winter, and in October, 1869, was 
admitted to the bar.  He soon after moved to St. Johnsville, Montgomery 
county, to help him as district attorney, and remained there about one year.  
He afterwards made a complete course of philosophy, moral and dogmatic 
theology at the University of Niagra.  At an early age he espoused the 
principles of the Republican party and in every important election since 1868 
stumped the county for the party, and frequently spoke in other parts of the 
State for the state committee.  He grew rapidly in public appreciation as a 
speaker and leader with the result that he was sent to the Legislature in 1887 
by the unprecedented majority of 1,804, and in 1888 the Democrats nominated no 
one against him.  While there he gained distinction for carrying through the 
celebrated elevator bill, that settled the important fact that the legislature 
has a right to say what charge corporations shall make for their public 
services.  It has been contested in every court and recently pronounced 
constitutional by the United States Supreme Court.  It had been introduced in 
the Legislature every year for the past eighteen years but never passed 
before.  He is actively engaged in the practice of law at Little Falls. 

Additional Comments:
source:
History of Herkimer County, New York : illustrated with portraits of many of 
its citizens
edited by George A. Hardin ; assisted by Frank H. Willard
Syracuse, New York : D. Mason, 1893
550 p., 276 p. : ill., maps, ports.


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