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John Sergeant Cram
John Sergeant Cram - NYSPPM 3 028 (cropped).jpg
President of the New York Public Service Commission
In office
1911–1916
Governor John Alden Dix
Charles Seymour Whitman
Preceded by Edward Bassett
Succeeded by Travis Harvard Whitney
President of the Dock Board
Personal details
Born May 18, 1851 (1851-05-18)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died January 18, 1936 (1936-01-19) (aged 84)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouses
Beatrice Budd Cleland
1898
(m. 1903, her death)

(m. 1906; his death 1936)
Relations John Sergeant (grandfather)
John Sergeant Wise (cousin)
Richard Alsop Wise (cousin)
Alexander S. Webb (cousin)
H. Walter Webb (cousin)
William Seward Webb (cousin)
Parents Harry Augustus Cram
Katherine Sergeant
Education St. Paul's School
Alma mater Harvard College
Harvard Law School

John Sergeant Cram, Sr. (born May 18, 1851 – died January 18, 1936) was an important public official in New York City. He led the city's Dock Board and later the New York Public Service Commission. These roles involved managing the city's ports and overseeing public services like transportation and utilities.

Early Life and Family

John Sergeant Cram was born in New York City on May 18, 1851. His father, Harry Augustus Cram, was a lawyer. His mother was Katherine Sergeant.

John's grandfather, John Sergeant, was a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. John Sergeant Cram had many well-known relatives. His aunt, Margaretta Sergeant, was married to Major General George Meade, a famous Civil War general. Another aunt, Sarah Sergeant, married Henry A. Wise, who became the Governor of Virginia.

Through his father's side, his aunt Laura Virginia Cram married James Watson Webb, who was a U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. This made John Sergeant Cram a cousin to several notable people, including General Alexander S. Webb and railroad executive William Seward Webb.

Education and Public Service

John Sergeant Cram went to St. Paul's School. He then studied at Harvard College, graduating in 1872. He continued his education at Harvard Law School, finishing in 1875. After law school, he worked as a lawyer with his father.

Cram began his career in public service when he was appointed to the Dock Board. This board was in charge of New York City's docks and ferries. He was appointed by Mayor Thomas Francis Gilroy. He was later reappointed by other mayors. Eventually, he became the president of the Dock Board.

He was also confirmed by the New York State Senate for his public roles. He was reappointed by Governor Charles Seymour Whitman. Cram served until 1916. He was known for being a close friend and advisor to Charles Francis Murphy, a powerful political leader of Tammany Hall. Tammany Hall was a famous political organization in New York City.

Personal Life and Legacy

John Sergeant Cram married twice. His first marriage was in 1898 to Georgiana Beatrice Budd. She passed away in 1903.

On January 17, 1906, he married Edith Claire Bryce. Her father was General Lloyd Stephens Bryce, who was a U.S. Ambassador. Edith's mother, Edith Cooper Bryce, was the daughter of Edward Cooper, a former Mayor of New York City. Edward Cooper was also the son of the well-known industrialist Peter Cooper.

John and Edith had three children:

  • Henry Sergeant Cram (1907–1997)
  • Edith Bryce Cram (1908–1972)
  • John Sergeant Cram (1910–1997)

John Sergeant Cram died in his home in Manhattan on January 18, 1936. He was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Descendants of John Sergeant Cram

His grandson, John Sergeant Cram III, married Lady Jeanne Campbell. She was the daughter of the Duke of Argyll. John Sergeant Cram III and Lady Jeanne had several children. One of their children is Cusi Cram (born 1967). Cusi Cram is an actress and a playwright. She has also been nominated for an Emmy Award for her writing on the children's TV show Arthur.

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