Jacob Aaron Cantor (December 6, 1854 – July 2, 1921) was an American lawyer and politician from New York who served as a United States representative from 1913 to 1915.

Early life and education

Cantor was born at 19 Second Street in New York, the son of Henry Cantor and Hannah Cantor, both natives of London. He was a reporter for the New York World from 1872 to 1877. At the same time, he studied law at the City College of New York, graduated in 1875.

Family

On November 2, 1891, his first wife Julia (Lewenthal) Cantor died. On September 25, 1897, he married Lydia Greenbaum, and they had three children: Margaret, Ruth and John.

Career

Cantor was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in New York City.

Early political career

He was a delegate to the 1884 Democratic National Convention. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co., 23rd D.) in 1885, 1886 and 1887. He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1888 to 1898, sitting in the 111th through 121st New York State Legislatures (all three 20th D.); and was President pro tempore from 1892 to 1893. He was Borough President of Manhattan from 1902 to 1903, elected on the fusion ticket headed by Seth Low for Mayor of New York City, nominated by the anti-Tammany Hall Democrats, Republicans and the Citizens Union.

Congress

Cantor was elected as a Democrat to the 63rd United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Francis Burton Harrison, and served from November 4, 1913, to March 3, 1915. He unsuccessfully contested the election of Isaac Siegel to the 64th United States Congress.

Later career and death

Afterwards he resumed the practice of law in New York City. He was president of the New York City Department of Taxes and Assessments from 1918 until his death.

Personal life

Cantor died at his home at 2345 Broadway, in Manhattan, and was buried at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

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