William Musgrave Calder I (March 3, 1869 – March 3, 1945) was an American politician and architect who served as a member of both chambers of the United States Congress from New York.[1]
Early life and education
He was born in Brooklyn on March 3, 1869, to Susan Calder (née Ryan) and Alexander G. Calder, a carpenter and building contractor.[2] He trained as a carpenter and attended night classes at Cooper Union.
Career
Calder went into business as a builder and architect, most notably in the Park Slope and Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn. In this capacity, he developed the "Calder House," a semi-detached two-family structure that was widely adopted in the latter district.[3] From 1902 until his death, Calder resided in the former district at 551 1st Street, a limestone townhouse built by competitor William Flanagan.[4]
In 1893, he married Catherine E. Harloe. His children were Elsie Calder, who married to Rear Admiral Robert C. Lee, and William M. Calder II. He died on March 3, 1945, which was his 76th birthday.[1]