[10] He was elected to twelve terms as a member of the New York State Assembly,[2] representing Putnam County, in 1874, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1894, 1895 and 1896.

[1] He was selected in 1903 to serve as assistant treasurer of the United States in charge of the Wall Street sub-treasury in the administration of Theodore Roosevelt.

He withdrew his second choice, William Plimley, after objections from several senators and New York bank presidents to the appointment of a political aide who had no relevant experience.

[1] For many years Fish was considered to be one of the top Republican bosses in the State of New York, controlling Putnam County.

In the late 19th century, he purchased the Rock Lawn and Carriage House at Garrison, New York.

[20] Through his son Hamilton, he was the grandfather of Hamilton Fish IV (1926–1996),[40] a thirteen-term U.S. Representative from New York who held office from 1969 to 1995,[41] and Lillian Veronica Fish married David Whitmire Hearst (1915–1986),[42] son of William Randolph Hearst.