Frederick D. Kilburn
Frederick Douglass Kilburn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Clinton County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | December 2, 1917 (aged 67) |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, banker, politician |
| Years active | 1870s–1917 |
| Known for | New York State Senator; Superintendent of the New York State Banking Department |
Frederick Douglass Kilburn (July 25, 1850 – December 2, 1917) was a prominent New York attorney and political figure.
Life
Born in Clinton County, New York, Kilburn's family later settled in Fort Covington, New York, where his father was engaged in legal practice. The family moved again in 1870 to Malone, New York. Kilburn received his education at Fort Covington Academy and Franklin Academy, pursued legal studies under Judge Taylor, obtained a legislative clerk position in Albany, and completed his degree at Albany Law School. He initially practiced law alongside Taylor before becoming part of the firms Gilbert, Badger & Kilburn and Hobbs & Kilburn. In 1885, he transitioned from law to banking, assuming the role of vice-president and manager at Peoples National Bank of Malone. His public service included roles such as town clerk, clerk of the board of supervisors, and county treasurer.
Kilburn was a member of the New York Republican State Committee between 1891 and 1892. In 1893, he won election to the New York State Senate representing the 21st district as a Republican, serving during the years 1894 and 1895. During his tenure, he sponsored multiple legislative measures concerning Adirondack Park. Governor Morton appointed him Superintendent of the New York State Banking Department in 1896, a position he maintained until resigning in January 1907 following Governor Hughes’s inauguration. Afterward, Kilburn took on the presidency of the Fidelity Realty Company and led the Malone Light and Power Company from 1907 through 1914.
In addition to his civilian career, Kilburn held the rank of lieutenant in the 27th Separate Company of the National Guard. Throughout World War I, he chaired both Franklin County’s Home Defense Committee and its Red Cross chapter; notably, both of his sons were enlisted during the conflict.
Kilburn married Clara Berry in 1875, and together they had three children: James, Clarence, and a daughter who married Ward B. Castle. He was active in fraternal organizations including the Freemasons and Elks and was a member of the Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church.
He passed away from a brain hemorrhage at Clifton Springs Sanitarium on December 2, 1917, and was interred at Morningside Cemetery.