Protrait & Bio record Orange County, N.Y. Page 433 & 434 William W. Rumsey, This well known resident of Newburgh is alike prominent in business, musical and social circles, being in the employ of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, a member of Moscow's Orchestra, and Generalissimo of Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K.T.. He was born at No. 11 High Street, Newburgh, May 14, 1850 , and is of English descent. His father Alfred T. was born in the town of Monroe, in 1804, and grew to manhood on the farm of the grandfather, Jeremiah. Soon after his marriage he came to Newburgh, and continued to reside on High Street until his death, in February, 1878 , at the age of seventy- four years. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Catherine Alexander, and was born in Little Britain, Orange County, being a daughter of James Alexander, an old settler of that locality. Concerning the family history , mention is made elsewhere in this volume, under sketch of James K. Alexander. She was reared to womanhood in Little Britian and has spent her intire life within this county. Having been born in 1813, she is now advanced in years, but retains to a large degree the possession of her mental faculties and physical strength. The parental family consisted of three sons and one daughter, all of whom are living. They are named as follows: James, who is a conductor on the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad; William W. , of this sketch; Frank M. , who resides n Newburgh and Anna, Mrs. A.E. McCrea, a resident of New Rochelle, NY. The subject of this sketch was reared in Newburgh, and in boyhood attended the old high school, now known as the Second Ward School graduating from it at the age of fourteen. In 1864 he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, beginning at very low wages and in an humble position, but in 1866 he was promoted to a clerkship, and has continued with the firm since, one of their most trusted employes. In this city, in 1869, Mr. Rumsey married Miss Margaret White, who was born here, and is a lady of culture. In 1871 Mr. Rumsey joined Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. & A.M., in which he served as junior Warden. He is also identified with Highland Chapter No. 52, R.A.M., in which he held an official position for many years. As above stated, he is the present Generalissimo of Hudson River Commandery No 35, K.T. He belongs to Mecca Temple of the Noble Mystic Association he is an active member, and is serving on one of the committies of that organization. From the fall of 1868 until the spring of 1872 he was connected with the Columbia Hose Company No. 2, being it's secretary for two years. Politically he is an ardent Republican, always pleased when his party scores a success. Since 1871 he has been identified with musical organizations, and now plays the drum in Moscow's Orchestra. He is particularly interested in matters relating to music, and is a good judge of the art.