Quick Facts
Biography
William Herman Cuddeback (March 23, 1852 – August 16, 1919 Goshen) was an American lawyer and politician from New York, with his career culminating in his election to the New York Court of Appeals in 1912.
Biography
He was born on March 23, 1852 in Deerpark, New York to Lewis Cuddeback (1807–1889) and Caroline Lee Thompson (1820–1877). He was educated at Goshen Academy and graduated from Cornell University in 1874. He was admitted to the Bar in 1877, and practiced in Goshen until 1885, when he moved to Buffalo, New York. He was Chairman of the Democratic Committee of Buffalo from 1895 to 1896, and Corporation Counsel of Buffalo from 1898 to 1902.
In 1912, he was elected on the Democratic and Independence League tickets to the New York Court of Appeals, defeating Progressive George Kirchwey. During his tenure he concurred on landmark cases written by his colleague Benjamin Cardozo, including MacPherson v. Buick Motor Co. and Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon.
He died on August 16, 1919 in Goshen, New York.
He was succeeded by Abram I. Elkus whom Governor Alfred E. Smith appointed to complete his term.
He was buried in Slate Hill Cemetery in Goshen, New York.