Predecessor

PREDECESSOR. One who has preceded another.
     2. This term is applied in particular to corporators who are now no longer such, and whose rights have been vested in their successor; the word ancestor is more usually applicable to common persons. The predecessor in a corporation stands in the same relation to the successor, that the ancestor does to the heir.
     3. The term predecessor is also used to designate one who has filled an office or station before the present incumbent.