Cornelius A. Casey
City of Troy

This biography is from Troy and Rensselaer County, New York, Volume III, by Rutherford Hayner, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., New York and Chicago, 1925. It was submitted by Debby Masterson.

CORNELIUS A. CASEY—At the head of the Troy (New York) Fire Department is Chief Casey, a man whose intrepidity is vouched for by his associates and whose services during the famed Mohican fire, as a volunteer fireman, won him a place of honor on the regular force. He is also known as a successful contractor in the firm of Casey Brothers of this city.

Cornelius A. Casey is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Connery) Casey, both of whom are deceased, the father having been a mason contractor. He had five brothers and three sisters, who were as follows: Frederick C., an alderman of Troy; Philip, Jr.; William, a former member of the firm of Casey Brothers, who died in 1921: Timothv. who died in 1901; John J., also an alderman, died in 1917; Nellie; Elizabeth; and Alice.

Mr. Casey was born October 11, 1881, at Troy, New York, where he first attended La Salle Institute and later the public grammar schools. After leaving school he learned the trade of mason and continued at that for some years. Then the firm of Casey Brothers was formed, and schools, churches and blocks of business houses have been erected in Troy by this concern. They later incorporated under the name of Philip Casey, Jr., Inc., general contractors. They have had at times more than one hundred employees engaged in their work. Some of the largest buildings which the company have erected are: The Alvia car barns for the United Traction Company; St. Lawrence School; Guardian Angel Home; St. Bridget's Hall; many of the largest moving picture houses in the city; also many large residences.

In 1912 Mr. Casey became the captain of the Troy Volunteer Fire Department, and during the Mohican fire was so seriously injured as to necessitate his confinement in a hospital, and while there was made battalion chief in the regular fire department. In May, 1918, he became chief of the department. Mr. Casey was instrumental in installing the new fire alarm system in Troy, and instigated making a paid department of the fire system and motorizing the fire department. It was his idea of putting a squad wagon in the Troy Fire Department, which has been one of the greatest improvements in the department in many years.

As an active fraternal member of many lodges, he is well known, and is affiliated with the Troy Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Columbus, fourth degree; Kiwanis Club; Chamber of Commerce; St. Mary's Catholic Club; Laureate Boat Club, being an ex-member of the board of managers; and the Rod and Gun Club. He is especially fond of deer hunting. In religion he is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is not married.



Send comments or suggestions to:
Debby Masterson

Go Back to Rensselaer Co. Biographies
Go Back to Home Page