99th New York State Legislature
The 99th New York State Legislature, consisting of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, met from January 4 to May 3, 1876, during the second year of Samuel J. Tilden's governorship, in Albany. Background. Under the provisions of the New York Constitution of 1846, 32 Senators and 128 assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts; senators for a two-year term, assemblymen for a one-year term. The senatorial districts were made up of entire counties, except New York County (five districts) and Kings County (two districts). The Assembly  districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards, forming a contiguous area, all within the same county. At this time there were two major political parties: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. The Prohibition Party also nominated a ticket. Elections. The New York state election, 1875 was held on November 2. All seven statewide elective offices up for election were carried by the Democrats. The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Secretary of State, was: Democratic 390,000; Republican 375,000; and Prohibition 11,000. Sessions. The Legislature met for the regular session at  the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 4, 1876; and adjourned on May 3. James W. Husted (R) was elected Speaker against Richard U. Sherman (D). William H. Robertson (R) was re-elected President pro tempore of the State Senate. Note: There are now 62 counties in the State of New York. The counties which are not mentioned in this list had not yet been established, or sufficiently organized, the area being included in one or more of the abovementioned counties. State Senate. Senators. The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued in office as members of  this Legislature. L. Bradford Prince, John R. Kennaday, Stephen H. Hammond and Commodore P. Vedder changed from the Assembly to the Senate. Note: For brevity, the chairmanships omit the words "...the Committee on (the)..." State Assembly. Assemblymen. The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued as members of this Legislature.