Game Constables (1872-1901)

In 1871, the State of New York adopted an act related to “the preservation of moose, wild deer, birds and fish.” Towns were authorized to hold yearly elections for a game constable who received, as compensation, one-half of the fines recovered from prosecutions under the game laws. 

From 1872 to 1898, the Game Constable elected to a one-year term, starting in April. In the final election for this position, in 1899, the Game Constable was elected to a two-year term, starting in April. This elected position was eliminated in 1901, and became an appointed position.

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Andrew F. Smith was the first Game Constable. After his one term, the life-long bayman Andrew F. Smith held no other elected positions. 

Elected in 1893, Charles D. Brewster was the first person of color to be elected in the Town of Babylon. Brewster was a Native American and Civil War veteran (a Private in the 20th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment), who lived in North Amityville. Brewster Lane, off Albany Avenue, is named for his family.  


Game ConstablesTerm of Service

1.

Andrew F. Smith

April 2, 1872 -- April 1, 1873 

2.

James Noe

April 1, 1873 -- April 3, 1877** 

3.

Arden Weeks (or Wicks)

April 3, 1877 -- April 2, 1878 

---

James Noe

April 2, 1878* -- April 1, 1879 

4.

n/a

April 1, 1879 -- April 6, 1880 

5.

Alexander Sammis

April 6, 1880 -- April 5, 1881 

6.

John Heyer

April 5, 1881 -- April 4, 1882 

7.

Henry Baylis

April 4, 1882 -- April 3, 1883 

8.

John E. Arnold

April 3, 1883 -- April 1, 1884 

9.

William Hirsch

April 1, 1884 -- April 7, 1885 

10.

T. Harvey Austin

April 7, 1885 -- April 6, 1886 

11.

Willis Smith

April 6, 1886 -- April 6, 1887 

12.

Thomas Willets

April 6, 1887 -- April 3, 1888 

13.

Charles E. Smith

April 3, 1888 -- April 5, 1889 

14.

Charles Heartt

April 5, 1889 -- April 2, 1890 

15.

Marcus Zeilner

April 2, 1890 -- April 8, 1891 

16.

Louis Hyens

April 8, 1891 -- April 6, 1893 

17.

Charles D. Brewster

April 6, 1893 -- April 4, 1894 

18.

John Gleis

April 4, 1894 -- April 5, 1895 

19.

August Bopps

April 5, 1895 -- April 7, 1897 

20.

Charles A. Metzger

April 7, 1897 -- April 5, 1898 

21.

Joseph Zeilner, Jr.

April 5, 1898 -- April 4, 1899 

22.

George W. Bulger

April 4, 1899 -- April 3, 1901≠ 

* Previously elected to a non-consecutive term.   ** Re-elected to a non-consecutive term.   ≠ Position eliminated.