William Riggin Travers (1819-1887)

William R. Travers, Lawyer & 1st President of the Saratoga Racecourse

His ancestry remains obscure, but his name is still very much well-known: Known as "Stuttering" Travers for his speech impediment, he became a celebrated wit and his stutter helped endear him to people. The New York Times reckoned him the most popular man in the country. Edith Wharton, a great friend of his daughter Matilda, satirized him as Sillerton Jackson in The Age of Innocence

Spouse (1)

Maria (Johnson) Travers

Mrs Maria Louisa (Johnson) Travers

1827-1893

Children (9)

Mary (Travers) Heckscher

Mrs Mary Mackall (Travers) Gray, Heckscher

1847-1900

Maria (Travers) Wadsworth

Mrs Maria Louisa (Travers) Wadsworth

1848-1931

Harriet (Travers) Fearing

Mrs "Hattie" (Travers) Fearing

1849-1931

Ellen (Travers) Duer

Mrs "Ellin" Ellen North Moale (Travers) Duer

1850-1902

John Travers

John Travers, died unmarried

1851-1888

Matilda (Travers) Gay

Mrs Matilda E. (Travers) Gay; Diarist & Socialite of Paris

1856-1943

Susan Travers

Susan Travers, died unmarried

b.1858

William Riggin Travers Jr.

1861-1905

Reverdy Johnson Travers

1864-1892