Biographical Sketches
CHARLES S. CRYSLER
Nature endowed Charles Sumner Crysler with 2 of the prime requisites for a good lawyer - a marked taste for the law and a splendid constitution. The last he no doubt inherited from his mother, since her father was a man of marvelous physique, as well as of the most genial, kindly disposition. This maternal grandfather, George W. Dunlap, and his wife came of fine old families living in the north of Ireland, Protestant in their form of faith. The young couple sailed to America in 1825, locating in Marcellus, Onondago county, New York, where Mr. Dunlap became one of the large landowners and valued citizens of his county. He reared 3 sons and 4 daughters, and died at the advanced age of 84 years.
Philip Crysler, who was of German lineage, although born in New York, is still remembered in the Empire state as a man of great usefulness and saintly character. His long life was devoted to the ministry in the Methodist church, and he died at his home in Navarino, at the age of 89.
His son ?Cornell was graduated at the Albany Law School, and soon afterward married Miss Nancy Dunlap, a beautiful girl and amiable as she was fair. Housekeeping and the practice of law began in Marcellus. Three children were born - Fanny, the eldest; Charles (August 21, 1856), and Cornell, a lad of great promise, who died at 16. The family soon removed to Syracuse, where Cornell Crysler built up a large, lucrative practice. He was intimately connected with educational matters, and took a leading part in all progressive movements that would benefit his city or state, but declined political honors. He numbered among his associates Roscoe Conkling, Horace Greeley and Andrew D. White. The latter, who was at that time president of Cornell University, offered Mr. Crysler scholarships for his sons, and promised “his personal oversight” during the years they would spent in college. Charles was in the meantime receiving elementary training in the public schools of Syracuse and at Onondaga Academy.
When the war began patriotism impelled Cornell Crysler to set aside every personal interest for that of his country. He raised inteest for that of his country. He raised volunteer Company D, New York infantry, and joined the 122nd regiment. He served as captain through all campaigns until after the battle of Antietam, and was with Sheridan on his famous ride “to Winchester!” Whether in military, public or private life, he has always discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the highest commendation. His health being badly impaired by army life, the climate of his native state proved too severe. In 1868 he moved with his family to Independence, Missouri, where he resided over 20 years, and was mayor of the town when he left it for his present home of El Dorado Springs.
Charles Crysler finished his school days in Missouri, for the sudden death of his brother made it impossible for him to leave his parents to carry out the plan of spending 4 years at Cornell University. He began to read law in 1875, and was admitted to the bar June 1, 1879.
In October of the same year he married Miss Harriet E. Child, daughter of John Adams and Sarah (Drake) Child, of Weybridge, Vermont. Mrs. Crysler traces her Puritan ancestry back to William Brewster, of the Mayflower. She has some taste in literary and artistic directions.
Mr. Crysler has been a stanch republican from childhood, but has not sought political office for himself.
Personally he is a man of distinguished appearance. Affable in manner and buoyant in temperament. Although of a social disposition, he is especially fond of reading, and spends most of his leisure moments among his books. When a boy he liked to hunt, and his unerring shot stopped the flight of many a quail and duck. In late years fly-fishing has been his favorite sport. Numerous shining pike and bass from northern and New England lakes could bear witness to his skill. Mr. Crysler has an unusual fund of energy, perseverance and reserve force. With him hard work, discouragemens and great fatigue count for nothing, and this enables him to surmount obstacles that would appall most men.
The measure of success he has attained is largely due to a natural aptitude for his profession and to ceaseless labor for his clients. His opinions are carefully formed, but maintained with confidence and firmness. Each case receives thorough preparation, so that he meets his opponent amply fortified with authorities and precedents. He is a good counselor, and as an advocate clear and earnest. He is now in partnership with Messrs. James H. Harkless and John O'Grady - a firm who se popularity brings liberal patronage.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.