Robert Van Wyck

Robert Anderson Van Wyck
Robert Anderson Van Wyck
91st Mayor of New York City
In office January 1, 1898 – December 31, 1901
Preceded by	William L. Strong
Succeeded by	Seth Low
Personal details
Born	(1849-07-20)July 20, 1849 New York, New York
Died	November 14, 1918(1918-11-14) (aged 69) Paris, France

Robert Anderson Van Wyck (/vænˈwaɪk/; July 20, 1849 – November 14, 1918) was the first mayor of New York City after the consolidation of the five boroughs into the City of Greater New York in 1898.

Robert Anderson Van Wyck was the son of William Van Wyck and Lydia Ann Maverick. He was one of seven children, including a brother Augustus and a sister Lydia Maverick Van Wyck. He was a distant cousin of Charles Van Wyck; their common ancestors were Theodorus Van Wyck (1668-1753) and his wife Margretia Brinckerhoff Van Wyck. He studied at the Wilson Academy in North Carolina, and later graduated from Columbia University, where he was valedictorian of his class. His sister Lydia married Robert Hoke of North Carolina, a Confederate general during the American Civil War and businessman.

Van Wyck began working in business, then studied law and became an attorney. He enjoyed a large practice for many years before entering politics.

His business life depended on his social connections as well. Van Wyck was a member of the Holland Society, of which he became President. He belonged to many of the social clubs of the city, and was prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of The Ancient Lodge, New York City.

For many years Van Wyck took an active interest in Democratic Party matters, attending many conventions, state and national. Later, Van Wyck was elected Judge of the City Court of New York. He advanced to Chief Justice.