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F'l^EF^.^OE.

THE importance of placing in book form biographical history of representative citizens—both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations—is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past decade there has been a growing interest in this commendable means of perpetuating biography and family genealogy.

That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature needs no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has said that the history of any country resolves itself into the biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citizens. This medium, then, serves more than a single purpose; while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records history, much of which would be preserved in no other way.

In presenting the Commemorative Biographical Record to its patrons, the pub-hshers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling them *to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the production of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the material composing the sketches was gathered from those immediately interested, and then submitted in type-written form for correction and revision. The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the public with the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an invaluable contribution to the historical literature of the State of New York.

THE PUBLISHERS.

JOSEPH F. BARNARD.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

ARNARD. HON. JOSEPH F. The family of this distinguished citizen of Poughkeep-sie, Dutchess county, is of English origin.

In very early times two brothers by the name of Barnard received a patent from the king of Great Britain of a considerable tract of land upon the island of Nantucket, and there they and their descendants made their home until about the year 1818. The father pf Joseph was born upon that island, as was his father and his father's father, and his father's grandfather also.

This makes quite a long line of American citizenship. By birthright the Judge must be an American of Americans. The business of all upon this island from time immemorial was to "go down to the seas in ships," a life of trial, adventure and profit, in pursuit of the whale, principally, but sometimes chartered for commercial ventures the world over. At about the age of twenty years Frederic Barnard, the father of Joseph, came to the fore and took command of a ship sailing in all the seas where the whale was to be found. He seems to have been the last male representative of the name and fortunes of the Barnards at Nantucket. About this time he married a Miss Margaret Allen, a native of Millford Haven, on the border of Wales and the kingdom of Great Britain. William and Thomas were born there. Remaining there a few years, Frederic brought his family to Nantucket, and having accumulated a fair competence he migrated with his family of two children and wife to the east bank of the Hudson river about two miles north of the then village of Poughkeepsie, and settled

upon arl estate of about 100 acres of farm and 1

wood lands. It is said that he was attracted to this location partly by the fact that there was a company here engaged in sending out a fleet of whalers to search the seas for whales, then valuable for oil and bone. But the father of Joseph engaged in no further business ventures. He lived quietly upon his lands, doing not much more farming than seafaring men are accustomed to do when upon the seas. Here were born to this father and mbfher eight additional children, si.x sons—Thom'as^, Henry, Joseph F., John, Frederic, George—and two daughters—Margaret and Martha. Each of these lived to adult age except Heijry, who from some child's sickness died as a little one of some half dozen years.

Capt. Frederic Bernard used his time and resources most faithfully and wisely for the profit of his numerous family, for every child, nine in number, both girls and boys, were as thoroughly educated as was possible in this country. William, Thomas, Robert and Frederic were each graduates from Union College, while John, Joseph F. and George G. were graduated from Yale. This shows remarkable fixedness of purpose in a parent, and shows also that there were no idle ones in that family. Capt. Barnard seems to have taken the bearings of life early and to have sailed the ship without variation from the true course. In that day the funds and opportunities for education were far more difficult of attainment than now since the cities and State almost fill one with learning with but one price—the boy must be diligent. In 1836 Frederic Barnard parted with the lands upon the Hyde Park road and purchased of Walter Cunningham the premises known as 47 Cannon street, where he died at the age of eighty years. The house is still owned within the

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

family, and Margaret Barnard, and Martha B. Jones, widow of judge Samuel Jones, now reside there during a portion of each year. All of the brothers of Joseph F. Barnard are now deceased. William, Thomas and Henry died at Poughkeepsie, and John at Santiago, in the Republic of Chili, where he acted most successfully and with uncommon skill in behalf of the government as a civil engineer. He was said to be one of the ablest in his profession. Frederic and Robert practiced law in California and died there. George G. was a law3'er, recorder, and judge in New York City and died there. Every member of this large family who lived to manhood or womanhood, was known for quick abilities, thoughtful also, ahd won to themselves the firmest personal friendships and regard from others.

On December 31, 1893, our subject laid off the robes as presiding justice of the supreme court, he having then reached the age of seventy years—the constitutional limit. On this occasion the story of his life as here given appeared in the Poughkeepsie Nezvs-Telegrap/i of about that date:

"Joseph F. Barnard was prepared for college at the Dutchess County Academy in the village of Poughkeepsie and finished the course at Yale, graduating in 1841. He returned to Poughkeepsie and resided at the Barnard house on Cannon street. He entered the law office of Stephen Cleveland, then that of Henry Swift, each most able lawyers of that day here. He was admitted to practice about the year 1845. He began his career as a lawyer at Poughkeepsie alone. He was tall, thin and pale, but athletic, given to rowing, swimming, and keeping out of doors a good share of the day, although he attended carefully to his little business. He was alert, independent, not at all given to oratory, but his work was done and the matter was either won or lost, and no one found fault with him or his effort. It seemed to be from the time of his first efforts that the work was thought to be well done if he did it. He used his time upon a wise plan, such as to be sure of having what he wanted of it for his business. He arose early, and the office work, drawing of papers, writing letters, and hunting law, was done at once. Much was added to his knowledge of law, and his clients' business was attended to, and then ho had more leisure time for recreation, and had done as much work as any man on the street. He had no influences of family, or

corporation to help him. He got clients, poor ones with small business at first, but the people began to discover that there was something to get in his office; and the farmers and able people of the county who wanted a militant lawyer, and did not expect to be fawned over in a law office, began to be seen there early in the morning. He had them, after a few years, sufficient for full employment; he was earnest in whatsoever he took hold of; if he was not to be, he let go of it very quickly—the dawdling client's money had no place in his pockets, and this quick-brained, truthful lawyer had no use for any part or parcel of such case or man. He won the cases in court that work, ingenuity and law would win; fair charges were made, collected, and business closed. Next morning he was early at the office ready for a new investment in himself. The clients came more and more plentifully until his time was used fully, and if there was a tough, hard job of litigation or a close legal question, and people wanted sure work, and answers to live and die by to questions of law, the hard-headed working and business men stated their cases to him, and sometimes the statements had to be shortened, too, for he was ready to answer, and it may be that he wanted the question or statement to be lively in its delivery also. At any rate he got a place as lawyer at the Poughkeepsie bar, wherein he had more real clients than any other lawyer here. No large corporations— but suits for all the people everywhere, suits about little things and big. People who wanted right protected or a wrong stopped took him for lawyer quickly. The trials, as to all the various businesses of men, in which he put his fervid, his best, efforts, it was always one thing with him, the best he could do; they were all the time going on and covered our county completely, until he was the head of the profession here, and people commonly said if he said a thing it must be so. He was careful of money, but obliging with it in all proper situations, often helping the nafdy client with aid to tide him over troubles. He did not appear to think life was all on one side, and that side for himself.

"In 1863 there was an opening for some Democratic lawyer in this judicial district to be elected as justice of the supreme court. Joseph F. Barnard was the choice of the profession and people in Dutchess county. There was no question made as to that here, and,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

after some little struggle at Brooklyn, he was nominated and elected for eight years at a salary of $2,500 per year; after serving this term he was again elected, in 1871, for the term of fourteen years, at a salary of $8,500 per year: this term he served in full, and was again re-elected in 1885, for the term of fourteen years; for each of these two latter terms he was renominated by both political parties, and with the expiration of this year (1893) the eighth year of the present term, liis ofSical duties end as judge.

" Judge Barnard began the discharge of his official duties with the same earnestness with which he had acted as advocate or counsel. He was the servant of the people and did their work only, and this was first with him, above all things, during these whole thirty years. He was early at his post—indeed, his life work thus far has been largely done by noon of each succeeding day, and it has been an exceedingly active lawyer who has been able to be at the court room before him with business for the judge, or order, or paper for him to sign. This has enabled him to dispose of the business, and to take upon himself to personally see to many things, in the administration of the law, that are usually disposed of otherwise. This has been largely to the benefit of the people in money, and in the saving of their time. There is a vast amount of work for the judiciary of the district of which Dutchess county is a part to do, it being a: district with as great a population as any in the State. But the appeal calendar under Judge Barnard was clear each term, the special and regular court terms for trials are made to move with vigor, lawyers, jurymen and all are kept busy with this system of going ahead with business. When the court house bell is ringing the judge is on the bench ready, with gavel in hand, to begin the duty of the day. This place, he considered, was as important as a railroad train, and why delay and use up the people's money in idle court hours when just a little pains on the part of each would bring all of them along in time 1 At any rate the system of this judge has kept our calendars clear of stale suits, and there is no long deferred litigation to worry and perplex litigants.

" In the work of Judge Barnard as a trial judge a great benefit has been conferred. The case, and nothing else, was to be heard. The attorney who wandered, as manj' are prone to do, into illogical paths, was suddenly

brought up with an admonitory word, and things moved on apace. There has been no known delay of this judge to administer the \vord, and the ways were made plain, kindly but firmly. How is it.' It is often asked, ' Does the judge try cases all the time .'' It has come about in Dutchess county, that almost all the law cases are left to arbitrament by Judge Barnard without a jury, and thus, day by day, the weeks, months and years have been going away—the judge constantly trying cases, as it makes so much less trouble to the litigants and less expense in all ways. The practice in this respect has brought cases to a conclusion, and prompt justice is had.

'' What scenes of legal work have transpired in those plain rooms wherein our special terms are held! The judge has sat there as any other occupant of the room, near the table, surrounded by the counsel for the parties, with nothing in seat or station to indicate his rank in the assembly. At times the room is filled with the leading lights of the profession from New York and Brooklyn, and some great case is heard, involving millions of property rights, perhaps; the arguments are varied, opposing and masterly; but almost invariably as soon as the argument is ended, if there is need of decision, it is rendered at once, orally—in a few plain words, directly to the point, and decisive of the subject matter. This quickness of decision has been of great value to both lawyers and their clients. ^

'' Sometimes it has seemed that the case has been by him rolled up and handed over in a very small parcel, and just a little warm from the mental forging, but it has had the thing in it that has satisfied the people, for it was right and men could see it. It is a great thing for a man to have so satisfied the conscience of all the people through thirty years of living under their gaze, and administering their affairs. Of friends the judge has many, but some of those, with whom youth and manhood were passed, have gone from earth. Other lawyers were here to strive and work with him. Judge Charles Wheaton, Homer A. Nelson, John Thompson, Edward Crummey, Cyrus Swan, E. O. Eldridge, L. B. Sackett, and others; with them, as a lawyer, he had his struggles, but he was just as readj- to help them to win their cases when he was not engaged against them, as he had been to win his own. He has greatly enjoyed the society of his legal brethren, and jokes and pleasant talks were a daily

COM.VE.VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

repast; indeed, the writer has often, in the early days, found great pleasure in the talks of Judge Charles Wheaton, and those other gentlemen of the law. Sometimes the joke would be upon Judge Barnard—often this way when Judge Wheaton was to the fore—and the Judge has not failed since his accession to the bench to use and fully enjoy these kindly and and familiar social habits. But, in passing, a word must be in justice said, that many a hard knock-down has come to many of us when our cases did not upon e.xamination bear his acute inspection. What a legal fight there was about the building of the reservoir, about the walling in of the Fallkill and the Quicksilver Mining Company case; and cases without number could be mentioned, especially remarkable, from the public interest as to their decision, and by reason of the eminence of the counsel engaged—but why particularize when it has been every-da} business for him for thirty years full of work.

"The father of Judge Barnard and his ancestors for many generations were of the sect known as Quakers, bringing with them to Nantucket this religious faith and practice. The mother was of the Church of England, and Joseph and the other children were, through her influence, brought up in the American representative of her faith, the Episcopal Church. The Judge is a most faithful reader of the Bible and a firm believer in the doctrines it sets forth, and it is often that he speaks with wonder of the wealth of wisdom in the book.

'•Judge Barnard has become the owner of man> farms in the county of Dutchess, and also of a number in other counties. He has taken much care of these possessions, and has put the buildings and the farm appurtenances in first-class order; indeed, nearly all of them have new sets of buildings upon them, and, perhaps, in this opening for personal attention to the management of lands, crops and nice stock of farm animals, he may find a charming employment, in out-door life, in his days of leisure to come. It has been his constant pleasure to walk over the roads and fields, taking close note of all that there is in Nature —getting health, rest and amusement. .All the roads and ways upon each side of the river for miles around have been well and frequently traveled by him. He continues to practice, as a means of throwing off the burdens of in-door life. Judge Barnard has always been a Democrat, and a man in sympathy with the people.

In 1861 he was married to Miss Emily B. Has-brouck, of Kingston, Ulster county. They have two children—Frederic Barnard, yet residing with his parents in their beautiful home in Poughkeepsie, and a daughter named Maud, who is now Mrs. James Leno.x Banks, of New York City; each of these, the son and son-in-law, are graduates of Yale College, and are each lawyers working in the profession for its emoluments and honors. A young lawyer bids us say, and we cannot refrain from so doing, since we think it a sure mark of greatness and broadness of thought in a man who has won high position by dint of merit, to remember how weak and timid Joseph F. Barnard once was as a lawyer; and so we must say that, to the young lawyer, diffident, strange in the place, poor, usually, and needing help just then with his case, no parent with his child could have been more considerate than Judge Barnard was with him. No attempt at praise in this article has been intended, and only the facts of this useful service to us all has been the purpose of this story to plainly and truthfully give."

J

fUDGE CHARLES WHEATON (deceased).

,j The subject of this sketch, one of the most talented and distinguished members of the Dutchess County Bar, was born May 21, 1834, at Lithgow, in the' town of Washington, Dutchess county.

He was connected bj' marriage and blood with many well-known residents of this region, the Bockee, the Carpenter, the Barculo, the Smith and the Thompson families, and his ancestors in the direct line were among the most prominent citizens of their day. His (Charles \\'heaton's) great-grandfather Wheaton died during the Revolution, in the city of New York. His grandfather Augustus (born in 1774 in New Miiford, or. town of Washington, Conn., and died in 185 i in New Miiford) was married, about 1796, to Hannah Givan, of the town of Washington, Conn.; she was born in 1776, and died in 1825 in Pompey, N. Y. In about 1802 Augustus Wheaton came to the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, where he remained till 1810, managing one of Judge Isaac Smith's farms. In 1810 he moved to Pompey, N. Y., with his family, where he bought a farm and lived till about 1840. In 1S33 or 1834 he was appointed by the Governor as inspector of salt, which posi-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPBICAL BECORD.

tion he held for about five j'ears. Later he removed to his former home, New Milford, Conn., where he married Miss BQstwick. He died in 1851.

On December 15, 1804, Charles Wheaton's father. Homer, was born about three-quarters of a mile north of the Square. He commenced his school life at Pompey, where he entered the academy at eight years of age. His precocity is evidenced by his being already engaged in translating Xenophon when nine years old. He entered Hamilton College in 1819, being 'graduated in 1822, and delivering the English oration. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began to practice in Syracuse. On June 23, 1830, he married Louisa Smith, daughter of Judge Isaac Smith, a well-known jurist and large land-owner of Dutchess count}', and as she preferred to live near her old home he gave up his profession and came to Lithgow, where his time was largel}' occupied in managing the estates of his wife. He prepared for the ministry of the Episcopal Church, was ordained in 1841, and in 1842 was made assistant rector of Christ Church, Pough-keepsie, and in 1846 was chosen rector, serving one year, when he resigned and returned to Lithgow. Here he acted as rector of St. Peter's Church, building Episcopal churches in Amenia Union and Beekman during his ministry. In 1854 he was urged by a number of the clergy for the bishopric then vacant by the death of Bishop Wainwright, but his religious views were undergoing a change, and he discouraged the movement. In 1855 he became a Roman Catholic, and thereafter resided at his beautiful country home till within a few years of his death, which occurred in his ninetieth year. He had become quite deaf, and was accidentally killed by the cars at Mill-brook, on November 12, 1894.

As to the maternal ancestry of Charles Wheaton: His mother, Louisa Smith, was born March 29, 1805, and died May 21, 1863. Her father, Isaac Smith, was born at the Square, July 25, 1767, and died at Lithgow in 1825. Early in the century he held the office of county judge, and served also as member of the Assembly of the State. For the earlier history of the Smith family we copy the following from an old record: '' William Smith came from Gloucestershire, in England, in or about the year 1635 or '636, unto Boston, where he was persecuted for his religious principles. He left Boston and came to Hempstead, on Long

Island, in the year 1639, where about forty families that had left Boston on the same account had settled about two years before, under the States of Holland. He was killed a few years after by the Indians. He left several sons: John, Abraham and Morris. Abraham had two sons—Isaac and Abraham; the youngest removed to Cape May, in New Jersey. Abraham died, aged eighty-six years. Isaac Smith, he settled on the side of Hempstead Plains. He was born about the year 1657 or '8, and died in the year 1746. He left two sons—Jacob and Micah. Jacob was born December, 1690; Micah was born 1703. Jacob died in the year 1757. He left two sons— Thomas, born 9th of August, 1720; Jacob was one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas when he died. Isaac Smith was born the 9th day of September, 1722, and moved from Hempstead, in Queens county, where his ancestors fiad resided nearly a century before, to the town of Amenia, in Dutchess county, the year 1769"—and from another section: "Isaac Smith was born September 9, 1722; Margaret Piatt was born August 16, 1728. They were married January 2, 1743 or '4. Of eleven children born to them, Isaac Smith was the tenth, born July 25, 1767," the grandfather of Charles Wheaton, subject of this sketch.

Of the two sons of Homer Wheaton, the elder, Isaac Smith, died in November, 1872; Charles, the younger son, was a graduate of the College of St. James at Hagerstown, Md., and a tutor there for two years. He then studied law in the office of Thompson & Weeks, of Poughkeepsie, was admitted to the bar, and entering the office of Silas Wodell, then district attorney, he became assistant district attorney. In 1863 he was elected county judge, and on the resignation of Judge Homer A. Nelson, who had been elected to Congress, he was appointed to fill his un-e.xpired term in addition to that for which he had been chosen. He declined a renomina-tion, and never again held a public office, although as an ardent believer in the principles of the Democratic party he valiantly led a "forlorn hope" several times against the overwhelming Republican majority of his district. He seemed to care nothing for defeat; the cause was all that he considered; the principles which he held dear filled him with enthusiasm, in which the thought of self had no place. He was candidate for Congress in

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

1866, for the U. S. Senate in 1873 (against Roscoe Conkling), and for State Senator in 1877, bearing the party standard as gallantly as if success instead of defeat were assured. He was frequently a delegate to State Conventions, and on several occasions was chairman, his clearness of intellect and judicial fairness making him an ideal presiding oflicer. He held minor offices of public trust, fulfilling their duties with scrupulous care, serving on the board of education, and on the board of managers of the Hudson River State Hospital for many years. With his high intellectual endowments, and a manner which never failed to establish a spirit of good-fellowship, it has been a matter of surprise to many that he did not make use of opportunities for distinction in public life which arose from time to time. But he was genuinely indifferent to official honors for himself, and preferred rather to help his friends, when victory was probable, than to enter into competition with them. Again, his high sense of honor has stood in his way on more than one occasion, and the story is told that in 1879, during the preliminary campaign for the nomination of a governor, a friend asked his support for the State Treasurership. Judge Wheaton's promise was readily given, and when he was afterward notified by several delegations that he could be named for governor if he so desired he informed them that he could not accept the nomination as his promise had been given to support a Dutchess county man for the Treasurership, and two could not be chosen from that county. Had he been nominated, he could certainly have been elected, as he would have reconciled all factions. Public opinion is united in the belief that had he possessed greater ambition, and a less scrupulous sense of honor, he would have filled a larger place in the public eye. This is doubtless true, but one may well question whether he would have found in official place and power the satisfaction which private life afforded one of his temperament. A lover of books and travel, of home and all the refinements of cultured society, it is no wonder that he turned from the turmoil of political life with perfect contentment. He died Tuesday, May II, 1886, at the early age of fifty-two, after a brief illness. The funeral services were held in St. Paul's Church at eleven o'clock, Friday, ^fay 14, and the sad event was marked by sincere grief among all classes. The mem-

bers of the Dutchess County Bar, who attended the funeral in a body, passed the following resolutions of condolence and respect:

Whereas, Tht- members of the bar of the County of Dutchess have learned, with threat sorrow, of the death of th^ Hon. Cliarles Wheaton, and have met in council to publicly express their appreciation of the man and their sympathy with his family:

Rewired, That in the loss of our well-beloved associate and friend, ever upright, courteous and generous, pure of character, honest of purpose, filling every position with sagacity and courage, never faltering or hesitating in following his convictions of duty, a profound lawyer and learned man, an impartial and clear-minded judge and a wise counsellor, always ready to aid the younger and less experienced of his associates, and a firm and steady friend, we desire to place on record an expression of our common loss, and to his family our condolence and our sympathy in their bereavement.

On further motion it was resolved that, out of respect for the deceased brother, the members of the bar attend the funeral.

Judge Wheaton was married in Pough-keepsie, October 26, 1859, to Miss Caroline Barculo, who survives him. They had five children: Barculo, born September 24, 1861, died at the age of thirteen; Louisa, born August 6, 1863, is a sister in the order of The S. H. C. J. at the convent at Sharon Hill, Penn., near Philadelphia; Isaac Smith, born December 13, 1864, resides at Lithgow, and is married to Helen Marguerite Fairchild, of New York; Frank died at the age of fourteen months; and Agnes, born January 19, 1870, is in the convent at Sharon Hill. A few years after his marriage Judge Wheaton built the brick mansion in North Hamilton street, which faces Mansion square near the intersection of Mansion street. There his children were born, and there he accumulated his library. He was rarely absent from home, and never for a long period of time. He made an extended trip through Europe in 1880 in company with his family, and returned with probably acuter and more appreciative knowledge of what he had seen than most travelers gain. Extensive reading had prepared his mind for the scenes and objects he was to visit; therefore, sight of them was had with a relish that was keen and intelligent. He loved to talk of his experiences; those that were vital with humor or exhibited striking phases of human nature were narrated by him with bright phrases and a verbal coloring that indicated his many-sided apprehension. His amusements were all of an intellectual character; outdoor diversions seemed to have but little attraction for him. In his younger manhood his physique was

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

almost perfect, his sound health imparting a ruddiness to his skin and a brightness to his eyes that set him forth one of the handsomest of men. These qualities, added to his native honhoiiiii\ made him especially attracti\e. His courtesy toward women, and good fellowship with men, assured him a lasting popularity. It can be said with literal truth that Charles Wheaton was one of Nature's noblemen. His intellect was a noble gift; his perceptions were of the keenest, his powers of expression superior; he apparently lacked nothing of a thoroughly-equipped mind. His knowledge of history was wide and e.xact; perhaps few men in this State e.xceeded him in the wealth of middle-age and modern history. Polite literature was a favorite study in his younger years, and as he approached the end of half a century of life his literary tastes and reading were unabated. He was especially informed concerning the literature of the Elizabethan, the Queen Anne and the Georgian eras of English drama, oratory and belles lettres. The law seemed to possess more attractions for him in his early manhood than in his later years, and while such attractions receded from him, the allurements of modern and coetaneous literature exerted their spell upon his receptive mind.

Hon. Seward Barculo, the father of Mrs. Charles Wheaton, was the son of Rev. George Barculo, who, at the time of his son's birth, September 22, 1808, was pastor of the two churches at Hopewell and New Hackensack, Dutchess county. Seward was a favorite of his uncle. Jacobus Swarthout, with whom he spent much of his time in boyhood, and who adopted him and provided for his education. As a boy he was remarkable for the active and mischievous turn of his mind, while he was at the same time truthful, generous, fearless, and firm. He began his academic course in December, 1826, at the academy in Fishkill village, then under the charge of Rev. Cornelius D. Westbrook. He prepared for college at Cornwall, Conn., and entered the freshman class at Yale in September, 1828, remaining until August, 1830, when owing to some difficulty with the Faculty he received an honorable discharge and went to Rutgers College, N. J. He was a year in advance of his class there, and after three months he returned home; the Faculty being displeased at this step, expelled him, and this ended his college course. He commenced the study of law with S. Cleveland, Esq., of Poughkeepsie,

and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1834. He then began to practice under circumstances which, though generally deemed favorable, are in reality a disadvantage to a young man anxious to commence the trial of causes at nisi prius. He entered into partnership with Mr. Cleveland, whose many clients were always desirous that he should personally conduct their cases. The junior partner rapidly acquired confidence, and began to try his skill unaided by senior counsel, and as Mr. Cleveland was in New York much of the time, the young man gradually assumed the business of the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his clients. He was appointed judge of the county court in April, 1845, by Gov. Wright, on the unanimous recommendation of the Dutchess County Bar, and in 1846 was appointed circuit judge by Gov. Wright. In 1847 he was elected one of the justices of the supreme court for the Second District, and drew the longest term, serving six years and a half.

Judge Barculo had no negative characteristics; none of the easy and facile utterance of non-committal expressions which mark the weak and mediocre man who aims at political "availability." He was an extensive reader, possessed of fine literary taste, and he took great interest in the public library of the city of Poughkeepsie. Horticulture was a favorite pursuit with him, and his varieties of strawberries, peaches, pears and other fruits became quite celebrated in his section. To the culture of the grape he paid especial attention, and the manufacture of wine, of which he left some fine varieties. Some valuable papers were written by him for the " Horticulturist," on the varieties and management of fruit.

In 1846, 1850 and 1854, he visited Europe, as much for the sake of being on the ocean as to observe for himself the manners and customs of foreign society, and the machinery of their social and political life. His fondness for the water amounted to a passion. He owned a sail boat, and would occasionally hoist sail and pass down the river to New York City, across the bay, and up the Shrewsbury river, where he would spend weeks in sailing and bathing. During his last trip to Europe his health failed perceptibly while he was in London and Paris, but he never complained. Always kind and considerate to those about him, he would insist upon going with his young friends to places of interest, that their visit might not be

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUWAL RECORD.

marred by his afflictions. Finding himself growing feebler, in June, 1854, he turned his face homeward, his one wish being to die in h-s own home, surrounded by those who were near and dear to him. But that home he never reached, for on June 20, 1854, he died in New York City. His unconscious dust reposed for a while in its desolate halls, and then—

Gently wi- laid him down to rest, With his own white- roses upon his breast.

He was buried with the solemn ritual of the Episcopal Church, of which he was a member, on June 22, 1854, in the cemetery which, shortly before his departure for Europe, he was most active in procuring, as if in prophetic knowledge that he would soon occupy it. Eleven weeks later, September 4, 1854, in Poughkeepsie, his only son, Sidne}', was killed by an accidental fall, and their remains rest side by side.

On May 12, 1834, Judge Barculo was married to Cornelia, daughter of John H. and Sarah (Somerindykei Talman, of New York City. His wife survives him with two daughters—Caroline T., born March i, 1835, ^nd Marion, born June 5, 1S36: Cornelia F., born March 31, 1851, died August 6, 1881.

It is one of the consolations of a good man that his memory shall not die; that the remembrance of his services and virtues shall be preserved as an inheritance to his children, and as an incentive to others who may be treading the arduous path of public life. The sentiment, which seeks its gratification in the desire for honest fame while we live, may legitimately be extended to posthumous renown. It is a premonition and prophecy that we are not all mortal, but that something survives and claims a consciousness of the character it leaves behind. Judge Barculo well merited the epitaph inscribed upon his monument:

In Society, an Ornament; In the State, a Judge, fearless, dignified and incorruptible;

in fiabit, simple and pure.

He died young, but mature

In usefulness and fame, Adorning Jurisprudence by the clearness of his decisions,

And illustrating Religion by

The Strength of his Faith.

HOMER AUGUSTUS NEJ.SOX (de-_ ceased). The subject of this memoir, a native of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, born August 31, 1829, was at the time of his death

characterized by one of the Poughkeepsie journals as " the first citizen of this city and county." This unusual tribute was deserved. The son of John M. Nelson, a Dutchess county farmer. Judge Nelson achieved a prominent place in State and National affairs, solely by virtue of his inherent abilities. He was educated at the Dutchess County .Academy, and afterward studied law in the offices of Tallman & Dean, Varick & Eldridge, and Hon. Charles H. Ruggles, ail of Poughkeepsie, and at twenty-one years of age was admitted to the bar.

He at once began to attract attention as a lawyer by his keen analysis of legal questions, while in politics he was speedily recognized as a leader of the local Democratic party. In 1855, when but twenty-si.x years old, he was elected judge of Dutchess county, being the youngest man ever chosen to that office. He served upon this bench with distinction for two terms. In 1859 he was renominated unanimously, and re-elected bj- a large majority, notwithstanding the fact that all the other candidates on the Democratic ticket were defeated.

At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he was made colonel of the 167th Regiment, N. Y. \'. I., and would have accompanied his command to the front but for the urgent pleading of his numerous friends, who prevailed on him to take his seat in Congress, where they considered his services would be of more value to the country at large. In the fall of 1862 he was elected to Congress, and in the following year entered upon his duties there, having, at the special solicitation of his bosom friend, Mr. Kelly, of Rhinebeck, resigned his commission in the army. It may be here mentioned that Col. Nelson's regiment was among those that suffered most in the great struggle, a large proportion of its officers and men having been numbered among the killed and wounded. In December, 1863, he proceeded to Washington, and on New Year's Day, 1864, he was present at a reception held at the White House, to which all the generals in the army were invited, the first and only occasion of the kind during the war.

During his entire Congressional term Judge Nelson warmly advocated and supported all measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war, and the suppression of the Rebellion. The adoption of the Constitutional .Amendments for the Abolition of Sla\ery was doubtless due in a large measure to his efforts, for he was not

;^,-^

UXJ-'f'^'^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

only one of the few Democrats to vote for them, but he also exerted his influence to induce others of his part}' to support them at a time when they could not have been secured without a partition of the Democratic vote in the House of Representatives.

In 1867 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of New York State, where he rendered conspicuous service, leading to his nomination and election the same year as Secretary of State. He was re-elected two years later by a majority which at that time was the largest ever given to a Democratic candidate in the State. His success in this position was acknowledged even by party opponents; but he generously declined a re-nomination for a third term in favor of a friend, Died-rich Willers, who was his deputy.

After his retirement in 1871 from the office of Secretary of State, Judge Nelson removed his law office to New York City, where he was engaged in litigations of the greatest importance. He retained his residence at Pough-keepsie, however, and in 1881 was elected State Senator from Dutchess county, serving as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, in which capacity his services were invaluable in the revision of the penal code. His appointment by the Governor, in 1890, as a member of the commission to prepare and propose to the Legislature amendments to the judiciary article of the Constitution, was a recognition of his distinguished services, and of his learning, ability, and experience as a lawyer. Altogether he was one of the most prominent, active, and influential members, and during his career in the House served as chairman of three committees. As a member of the legal profession, he was highly popular, not only with his colleagues, but among all classes, and was universally respected. At the bar he was as distinguished as when he sat in both Congress and Senate, and in 1S57 Rutgers College, New Jersey, conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, in token of the esteem in which his abilities had thus early won him.

With the young men of his time, and especially with the then struggling law student, or newly-fledged attorney. Judge Nelson's memory will be ever held in kindly reverence. To these he was always considerate and helpful, encouraging and affable, and none ever came to him for advice or counsel that was not cheerfully given. On one occasion, having

delivered an address in the Opera House, a reporter waited on him with the request that he, the Judge, would repeat certain points in his address. The Judge not only immediately acceded to this, but cheerfully repeated the whole of the address to the reporter. In fact, Judge Nelson was one of the most urbane and courteous of men, and possessed the faculty of putting at ease all who approached him. He was also possessed of an extremely generous heart, was charitable to all deserving causes, and the poor at all times had his counsel "without money and without price." All these characteristics, and more, the outcome of genuine kindliness of heart, were the completion of his well-rounded character. Physically he was a man of fine presence, handsome, standing six feet in height, and well built in proportion. He was fond of sport, even boyish in his tastes and enjoyments, and delighted to join with children in their games and sports.

The Judge was married in September, 1S55, to Miss Helen J. Stearns, daughter of a well-known attorney, John M. Stearns, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Judge Nelson departed this life at Poughkeepsie, April 25, 1891, the cause of his death being heart trouble, and on the day of his funeral, out of respect to his memory, the entire business in town was suspended. He was a member of the State Bar Association, and was a Freemason.

HON. LEVI PARSONS MORTON, ex- Vice-President of the United States, and

ex-Governor of the State of New York, claims descent from an old French family, one member of which (supposed to have been Robert Comte de Mortain) joined William the Conqueror, in Normandy, in his famous expedition to England. This Count Robert had a son, William, Earl of Moriton and Cornwall, and from these first of the name in England sprang many men of renown both in Church and State.

Prominent among the English Mortons who early came to America were Thomas Morton, Esq., Rev. Charles Morton, Landgrave Joseph Morton, and (I) George Morton, the ancestor of our subject. He was born about 1585, at Austerfield, Yorkshire, England, and about 1622, accompanied bj- his wife and five children, he set sail for America, as one of the "Pilgrims," in the "Ann,"

COMMEAfORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

reaching Plymouth in June, 1623. He did not long, however, survive his arrival, dying in June of the following year. He married Juliana Carpenter, and by her had five children: Nathaniel, Patience, John, Sarah and Ephriam. The mother married a second time, and died at Plymouth, February, 18, 1665.

(Ill Hon. John Morton, second son of George and Juliana Morton, was born in 1616-17, and came with his parents in the "Ann." From Plymouth he removed to Mid-dleboro, in the same county, and there died,

October 3, 1673. He married I^ettice ,

who married again, and died, February 22, 1691.

(HI) John Morton, eldest surviving child of Hon. John and Lettice Morton, was born at Plymouth, December 21, 1650, and died at Middleboro in 1717. He married, about 1680,

Phcebe , and after her death wedded,

about 1687, Mary Ring.

(IVI Capt. Ebenezer Morton, fourth child of John and Mary Morton, was born at Middleboro, October 19, 1696, and died there in 1750. He married, in 1720, Mercy Foster, born 169S, died .\pril 4, 1782.

(V) Ebenezer Morton, fourth child of Capt. Ebenezer and Mercy Morton, was born at Middleboro, August 27, 1726, and married there, July 23, 1753, Mrs. Sarah Cobb.

(VI) Livy Morton, fourth child of Ebe-nenzer and Sarah Morton, was born at Middleboro, February 4, 1760; removed to Win-throp, Maine, where his children were born, but subsequently returned to Middleboro, where he died July 19, 183S. He married (first) March 13, 1788, Hannah Dailey, born November 15, 1760, died in 1807; married (second) in 1808, Catherine Richmond, who died in 1849.

(VII) Rev. Daniel Oliver Morton, A. M., eldest son of Livy and Hannah Morton, wasborn at Winthrop, Maine, December 21, 1788, and died at Bristol, N. H., March 25, 1852. At Pittsfield, Vt., August 30, 1814, he married Lucretia Parsons, daughter of Rev. Justin and Electa (Frary) Parsons; she was born at Goshen, July 26, 1789, died at Philadelphia, January 11, 1862. Children of Rev. Daniel Oliver, and Lucretia Morton, all born at Shore-ham, Vt., were Daniel Oliver, Lucretia Parsons, Electa Frary, Levi Parsons, Mary and Martha.

(VIII) Hon. Levi Parsons Morton, fourth child of Rev. Daniel Oliver and Lucretia (Par-

sons) Morton, was born May 16, 1824. Early in life he became a merchant's clerk, and later was a merchant in Hanover, N. H., where he continued until 1850, in which year he entered the firm of Beebe, Morgan & Co.. then one of the leading drj-goo^s houses in Boston. In the following year the firm opened a branch house in New York, to which Mr. Morton was detailed as resident partner and manager. On January i, 1854, he withdrew from the firm to form the dry-goods commission house of Morton & Grinnell. In 1863 he established the banking houses of L. P. Morton tk. Co., in New York, and L. P. Morton, Burns & Co., in London. In 1869 the firm became Morton, Bliss & Co., in New York, and Morton, Rose & Co., in London, where his principal partner was Sir John Rose, formerly Minister of Finance, Canada. It was through this house that the United States Government paid Great Britain the Halifax fishing award of five million five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Morton was one of the noted American bankers whose advice and assistance were sought by the Treasury Department in the movements of specie payments.

Early in his business career in New York Mr. Morton evinced an interest in public affairs, and his counsel was frequently solicited in the political concern of the Republican party, especially of New York, but not till 1876 did he enter actively into political life. In this year he was, without his knowledge, nominated for Congress by the Republican party in the Eleventh District, and, although unsuccessful, he nevertheless materially reduced the usual Democratic majority. In 1878 he was appointed by President Hayes honorary commissioner to the Paris Exposition, and in the autumn of the same year he was again nominated for Congress, and after a vigorous canvass was elected by 6,000 majority, which majority was larger than the number of all the votes of his opponent. This was the first time the district had been carried b}' the Republicans.

Mr. Morton took his seat in Congress (the Forty-sixth I March 18, 1879. and he immediately secured a high position in the legislative councils. On April 21, 1879, he was appointed on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he served acceptably and with distinction. In 1880 he was again elected to ("on-gress from the same district, by an increased majority.

V0MME3I0RATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

11

When the Convention of 1880 had nominated Mr. Garfield for President of the United States, it turned to New York to find a candidate for Vice-President, and Mr. Morton was urged to permit the use of his name. He, however, dechned the honor, and the choice then fell upon Mr. Arthur. Mr. Garfield offered Mr. Morton the choice of the Secretaryship of the Navy, or the position of Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary to France. The latter office he accepted, and in the summer of 1881 sailed with his family for the French capital.

The pre-eminent fitness of the new envoy at once became apparent, and the success of his diplomatic career has probably never been surpassed, if equalled, by any American representative to a foreign court. Shortly after President Cleveland entered upon the duties of his office Mr. Morton resigned, and May 14, 1885, the retiring minister presented his letter of recall to the President of the Republic.

In January, 1885, while he was yet in France, Mr. Morton's name was brought before the Republican caucus of the New York Legislature as a candidate for the Senate of the United States, the vote being: William M. Evarts, 61; Levi P. Morton, 28; Chauncey M. Depew, 3. Two years later his name was used in the same connection, but after the first ballot in the Legislature Mr. Morton withdrew in favor of Mr. Hiscock, who was elected.

Early in the Presidential campaign of 1888, when Gen. Harrison was nominated for President Mr. Morton was nominated for Vice-President, and both candidates were elected, after a most hotly contested campaign. The successful vote in New York was universally conceded to have been largely due to Mr. Morton's strength and popularity in that State. On March 4, 1889, he entered upon the duties of the Vice-Presidential office, and discharged the same during his four-year term with marked ability; and it may not be too much to say that the United States Senate has never been presided over with greater courtesy, dignity and efficiency. In 1894 Mr. Morton was nominated for and elected governor of the State of New York, his term of office expiring January 1, 1897.

Mr. Morton has not only achieved distinction in financial and political circles, but in charitable deeds as well, as witness his munificent donation to the Irish poor during the great famine in Ireland, of 1888, and his gen-

erosity on several other occasions, .^d^xk to the city of Newport; a house and lot^ Hanover to Dartmouth College, that thePollege might be enabled to erect an art galry and museum; $10,000 toward the foundain of a professorship of Latin and French inttiddle-burg College; $75,000 to Grace Churl, New York, to provide a building for a day rsery, as a tribute to the memory of his fi ; wife, Mrs. Lucy Kimball Morton, and her in est in the children of the poor—all these slid out from the list of Mr. Morton's public anc rivate benevolences.

From Middleburg College, in 188lie received the degree of LL. D., also fro Dartmouth College in 1882. Socially, : is a member of the Union, Union League,letro-politan. Century, and Lawyers Clubs : New York; the Metropolitan Club of Was! gton, D. C.; the Historical and America Geographical Societies of New York, and t New England Historic Genealogical Societj

On October 15, 1856, Mr. Mort was married at Flatlands, Long Island, t Lucy Kimball (born July 22, 1836, died 3* 11, 1871), daughter of Elijah H. and Sar; Wet-more (Hinsdale) Kimball, of Flatland Long Island. On February 12, 1873, Mr. jarton, for his second wife, married Anna Liigston Reade Street, born May 18, 1846, dainter of William Ingraham Street, Esq., an Susan Kearney, his wife. The following lildren have been born to Levi Parsons a Anna (Street) Morton: Edith Livingston, orn at Newport, R. I., June 20, 1874; Le Kearney, born at Newport, May 20, 187 Helen Stuyvesant, born at Newport, August 1S76; Lewis Parsons, born at London, igland, September 21, 1877, and died thereanuary 10, 1878; Alice, born at New York, :rch23, 1879; and Mary, born at New York, ne 11, 1881.

Among the finest country seats o

is Mr. Morton's on-the-Hudson, adorned, a spot proud of.

" Ellerslie," at beautifully laid that Rhinebeck

■merica

fnecliff-

t and

justly

jr WALLACE SMITH has tlireputa-tion of a strictly first-clasausiness man, reliable and energetic, and is aitizen of whom Poughkeepsie, Dutchess cojy, may be justly proud. He is an offsprinaf excellent stock of stanch Scotch anctry, his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPHICAL RECORD.

grandfather having come from Scotland to the New \\'orld, becoming a cabinet-maker of New ^■(^r^; Citj-. Politically, he was an Old-line \\ liig, and in religious faith was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church.

William Smith, the father of our subject, was a native of New York City, where he grew to manhood and followed cabinet-making. There he was married to Miss Jemima Horn, who was born in that city, and was descended from Mathew Van Horn, who, with his brother James, came from Holland and located in New York Cit}-, where their descendants now live. She was a daughter of Mathew and Margaret (Hagerman) Horn, who were born, reared and died in that city, where her father engaged in the real-estate business, owning a large amount of property. In the metropolis five children were born to the parents of our subject: John H., who was one of the valiant soldiers of the Civil war, and died of starvation in Salisbury (N. C.) prison; W. Wallace, the subject of this review; George E., who is engaged in the trunk business in New York City; Margaret, who died unmarried; and Sarah H. Smith. For twenty years after his marriage the father continued to reside in New York City, and then went to Baltimore, Md., where he engaged in the trunk business for five years. His death, however, occurred in Poughkeep-sie, in 1864, where he had removed in 1859. His wife died in 1889. In politics he loyally adhered to the Republican party.

The birth of W. Wallace Smith occurred in New York City, September 20, 1834, and there he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, ittending the city schools and learning the bookbinding business with A. Appleton & Co., with whom he remained until the panic of 1857. He then shipped on board the "Niagara" to help lay one of the Atlantic cables, which they commenced to lower on reaching England; but after it broke he returned to that country, though the "Niagara" came on to the United States. He ne.xt boarded the "Susquehanna," making a trip up the Mediterranean Sea. In 1858 the vessel was ordered home; but during the passage the yellow fever broke out, and only eighty-seven of the three hundred and fifty on board reached America. Mr. Smith then followed his trade of bookbinding in New York until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he joined Company L, Ninth N. Y. State Militia, and remained with the regiment for

two years, during which time he participated in several battles, but while on picket duty just before the battle of Bull Run, he caught a cold which caused the loss of one eye. Returning to New York, he was with D. Appleton & Co., until 1870. when he came to Pough-keepsie and purchased the Poughkeepsie Book Bindery, of Gidley & De Garmo, at No. 258 Main street, and has conducted a very successful business there ever since, doing all kinds of bookbinding.

In 1869 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Martha W. Avery, a native of West Point, N. Y., and a daughter of Josiah Avery, who was of Holland descent. Four children were born of this union, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are William Wallace, Jr., and Franklin A., who are with their father. In his political views, Mr. Smith coincides with the Republican party; was elected alderman of the Fifth ward of Poughkeepsie, Januari" i, 1887, serving four terms, and in 1893 was elected supervisor of the Seventh ward. Socially, he is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is highly respected and esteemed by the entire population of the cit}'. and looked up to as a man truly honorable and upright in all things, and one whom thej- can depend upon as a friend.

HON. HARVEY G. EASTMAN. LL. D., founder of Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, and one of the most remarkable men of his time, was born October 16, 1832, in Marshall, Oneida county, New York. The earlier years of our subject were passed upon the farm which his father owned and cultivated, receiving as he grew up an academical education, and while still very young he became a pupil and afterward a teacher in a commercial school in Rochester, N. Y., taught by an uncle of his. It was while engaged in this school that Mr. Eastman conceived the idea of a Commercial or Business College, and, as the plan took definite form, he put it into practice by founding, December 19, 1855 (when he was but twenty-three years of age), the first school of any prominence of that class in Oswego, N. Y. In the spring of 1858 he opened a Commercial College in St. Louis, Mo., in one of the finest buildings in the city, equipped with all the appointments for his method of instruction, and, by judicious management and systematic advertising, it at the end of the year

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

13

had become the largest and most popular private school in the West. Owing, however, to some differences existing among a certain class as to the political status of some of the lecr.ur-ers brought to this institution by Mr. Eastman, he sold his good will in the College and turned his eye eastward for a new and permanent location.

In 1859 Mr. Eastman came to Poughkeep-sie—a place he had never visited before, but where his name and his College had by skillful advertising already become "familiar as household words "—and here founded the present Eastman National Business College, which at once became famed for its practicability and usefulness, and has for many years now been the recognized leader in business education throughout the United States. He rented his first room in the old Library building for seventy-five cents a week, and with temporary desks started his school, November 3, 1859, with three students in attendance. The beginning of the second week showed an attendance of si.xteen, and before the end of the month this new school—started by a stranger at a few days' notice, and without friends or capital, and with no small degree of opposition from a large body of citizens—had outnumbered in patronage other institutions many years its senior. By 1861 the attendance had increased to 500; in 1863 to 1,200, every State, Territory and several foreign countries being represented; while in 1864-65 the daily attendance had reached the extraordinary number of more than 1,700 students. By 1S64 the college proper had increased from one room to five distinct buildings, used for instruction alone, and sixty-four teachers were employed, beside numerous assistants. A secretary and six assistants were required to attend to the official correspondence, which, it may be inferred, was one of no small magnitude. Each building was supplied with a stationery store to supply students, and a bindery belonging to the college was devoted exclusively to ruling, making and binding the blank books used. In 1876 the building was considerably enlarged to meet the phenomenal growth of the business which seventeen years before had been established by Mr. Eastman without the aid of idowment to the amount of a dollar, or .. .-../. icription to the extent of a penny.

Mr. Eastman died of pneumonia in the prime of early manhood, July 13, 1878, at Denver, Colo., whither he had gone for the

benefit of his health. He was a man of indefatigable energy, and through his enterprise became one of Poughkeepsie's most prominent citizens. In 1867, and again in 1873, he was appointed a commissioner of charities for the Second district; in 1872, and again in 1874, he represented the Second district of Dutchess county in the Assembly; in 1871, and again in 1876, he was elected mayor of Poughkeepsie. The degree of LL. D. had been conferred on him, and he was repeatedly urged to accept positions of greater public trust. Personally, he was one of the most genial, whole-souled men, a polished and accomplished gentleman; socially, he was a man of exemplary virtues, a true and valued friend; in business he was prompt and reliable. Physically, Mr. Eastman was a tall, slim, winning man, with keen, flashing eyes that lit up when engaged, indicating a soaring, restless ambition; he was compactly built, apparently of an iron constitution, with a vast amount of the go-ahead element in his nature.

Mr. Eastman was the owner of a valuable property of twenty-seven acres, known as '• Eastman Park," situated almost in the heart of the city, and celebrated as one of the most beautiful and valuable private estates in the country. On the purchase and the elaborate preparation of the grounds he invested upward of two hundred thousand dollars, and the entrances were always wide open, inviting citizens and strangers alike to enter. In the midst of this grand park he erected his own residence, a castellated building of much attractiveness. On an eminence, known as Eastman Terrace, he also erected two blocks of houses —twenty-four in number—which have lawns, gardens, etc., and command an extended view up and down the Hudson.

In 1857 Mr. Eastman was married to Miss Minerva M. Clark, of Canastota, N. Y., and children as follows were born to them, three daughters—Cora C, Charlotte C. and Minerva; Minerva died in infancy. In October, 1884, Mrs. H. G. Eastman was married to Clement C. Gaines, president of Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, and of the New York Business College, New York City, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.

In his political preferences Mr. Eastman was a stanch Republican; socially, he was a member of the F. & A. M. and K. of P., and he was vice-president of the Poughkeepsie Bridge Company.

COMMEMORA TIFE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

The founder and genius of Eastman Business College is no more, but the name of Harvey G. Eastman is held in loving remembrance by the friends who knew him, the students who revered him, and the city svhich honored him. Other hands picked up the dropped threads, and continued the work which his hands had laid aside, and Eastman Business College remains a lasting monument to his memory. His motto throughout life was—" Peace and good will toward all;" and his last words were—" I have tried to so live as to do no man injustice."

Lanfine also, where he married Janet Kay Mc-Whirter, and they brought up a large family of children, the youngest of whom was our subject. William spent all his life on a farm.

JOHN DON.\LD (deceasedt. The subject of this sketch was a member of the firm of Donald, Converse & Maynard, one of the largest dry-goods houses in this section of the country. He was born in Lanfine, Scotland, August 17, 1844.

fn early life our subject learned the dry-goods trade in Scotland, and with his brother William went to Aberdeen, where they formed a partnership in that business, continuing it for four years. In 1869 John came to America and located at Hartford, Conn., where he had charge of one of the departments in a dry-goods store. He remained there about five years, and in 1874 returned to Scotland and married Miss Jessie Frew, a native of that country, and a daughter of Alexander Frew, a tile manufacturer. Mr. Frew married Miss Mary Douglas, and they had two children: Jessie and William, the latter a physician in Scotland. Mr. Frew and his wife died in Scotland.

In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Donald came to Poughkeepsie, and he formed a partnership with C. E. Converse and R. L. Maynard, the firm name being as above. Two children were born to our subject and his wife: William A. who is in the store at Poughkeepsie, and Douglas, who is at school. Mr. Donald died November 20, 1894. Politically he was a Republican, and fraternally a Mason. He and his wife were members of the Congregational Church, and took a deep interest in all Church affairs. He was an elder and deacon, and superintendent of the Sunday-school at the time of his death. He was a merchant of high standing, and greatly respected by all. His place in the store has been taken by his son William.

William Donald, the father, was born in

GEORGE H. WILLIAMS, the son of Ge-rome and Catherine \\'illiams, was born at Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess Co., N. Y., September 16, 1844, and resided there until i860, when he removed to Poughkeepsie, where he has since resided.

During his residence in the country he attended the district school, and one year in a private school in the Clove kept by George Draper, later school commissioner of Dutchess county. After removing to Pougnkeepsie he took a course at Eastman Business College, and then commenced studying under a private tutor for the purpose of taking an examination for admission to Yale College; but the wave of war fever then extending over the country was too much for him, so, leaving thought of college behind, he, on September 22, 1862, joined Company G. 150th regiment, N. Y. S. V., and on October 11 left with the regiment for the front, and continued to serve with it until it was mustered out at the end of the war, June 8, I 865. During the time of his service in the army he was engaged in the battle at Gettysburg, Penn., in the campaign from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Atlanta, Ga., in Sherman's march to the sea, in the campaign from Savannah, Ga., to Raleigh, N. C, and the surrender of Johnston's army; was wounded in the arm and hand at New Hope Church, Ga.; marched in the grand review at Washington, D. C, May 24, 1865.

After his return home he studied law with his father at Poughkeepsie, and was admitted to the bar May 18, 1866, and has ever since practiced law there. He has since been admitted to practice in the U. S. Courts.

In 1865 he joined the 21st regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., and continued a member until it was mustered out, he being at that time its lieutenant-colonel.

Mr. Williams was city chamberlain of Poughkeepsie in 1875 and 1876, and Deputy Collector of U. S. Internal Revenue during part of President Cleveland's first administration. He is a Knight of Pythias and a P. C. of Armor Lodge 107; a member of the G. A. R., and P. C. of D. B. Sleight Post 331; belongs to the Masonic order, and is captain-general

COMMEMOLATIVE BIOOUAPUICAL liECCRD.

15

of Ponghkeepsie Commander_v No. 43, K. T., and a member of the Mystic Shrine; and secretary of the Veterans Association of the i 50th regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers.

Our subject is descended on the side of his father from a brother of Roger WiUiams, who settled in Rhode Island, and comes from a line of soldiers, his grandfather serving in the war of 1812, and his great-grandfather during most of the Revolutionary war, and his great-greatgrandfather being in the French and Indian war. On his mother's side he is descended from Henry Emigh, who came to this country from Holland about 1696 and settled in Clove, Dutchess county, building a stone house which is still standing and inhabited.

JAMES SPENCER VAN CLEEF, one of the most prominent and successful lawyers of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born August i, 1831, at Athens, Greene Co., N. Y. He is descended from one of the old Knickerbocker families, the first American ancestor being Jans V'an Cleef, who came from the town of Cleve or Cleef, Holland, as early as 1659, settling in New Utrecht, L. I. He was probably a descendant of the old Dukes of Cleve, whose inheritance, now vested in the Emperor of Germany, was the immediate cause of the Thirty-years War. There is also a legend that Lohengrin was a Van Cleef.

Jans Van Cleef represented Borwick (now Bushwick) in the General Provincial Assembly at New Amsterdam, April 10, 1664, under Peter Stuyvesant, Director General, in relation to the "protection of the inhabitants against the malignant English." He married Enjeltje Lowerons Preterse prior to 1661, and had eight children, among whom was Benjamin, the third child and first son, born November 25, 1683. He married Hendriks Supten as early as 1711, and settled in New Jersey, where they reared a family of twelve children. One son, Laurens, married Jen-rietje Loan, and had five children, among whom was Isaac, our subject's great-grandfather, who was born October 24, 1742. He married Dorcas Pumyea in 1769, and had eleven children. Their son, Cornelius, our subject's grandfather, was born January 2, 1777, and died July 10, 1855. He became a leading farmer at Harlingen, N. J., and an active supporter of the Reformed Dutch Church there. He married Margaret Kershau,

granddaughter of Lucas Nevius, who was a grandson of the Johannes Nevius who was clerk of the city council. They had four children, namely: Cornelius, Isaac, George, and Matilda, who married Garrett Hegeman. The family have generally been engaged in agricultural pursuits, the majority living in New Jersey, but one branch residing on Staten Island has engaged in commercial pursuits. They have always been adherents of the Reformed Dutch Church, and many have been ministers. Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef, D. D., of Jersey City, is a member of the family.

Our subject's father. Rev. Cornelius Van-Cleef, was educated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn.. with a view to entering the ministry. Soon after entering college he joined with a fellow student in establishing the first students' prayer meeting ever held there, meeting once a week in their several rooms. For more than a year this faithfully-conducted exercise was treated with ridicule by the other students, but during the second year, on the occasion of the death of Rev. John M. Mason, D. D., a son of President Mason, of the college, the attendance at the prayer meetmg became very large and nearly every student was converted, including all but one in Cornelius Van Cleef's class. All but two of his class entered the ministry, the Rev. Dr. George W. Bethune, of Brooklyn, being one of the most successful. After leaving college Cornelius Van Cleef studied in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Dutch Church, then located at New Brunswick, N. J., and on graduating, in 1823,. he immediately offered his services to the Board of Domestic Missions, or what was then called the Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the Reformed Dutch Church. He was sent to Palatine, N. Y., where he remained six or eight months, and as a result of his labors the foundation was laid for the now flourishing Church at Fort Plain. He was then transferred to Manayunk, near Philadelphia, where he remained two years, and there also was successful in establishing a Church, now known as the Fourth Church of Philadelphia. From the missionary field he was called to the Church at Athens, N. Y., where he was installed as a settled pastor. He remained there five years, and during that time the country was visited by its first scourge of cholera, Athens being especially afflicted and losing many of its inhabitants. Mr. \'an Cleef remained there

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throughout the plague, ministering to the sick and the dying, and so generall}- beloved did he become that when he returned years afterward to visit his old charge all the other churches closed their doors for the purpose of hearing him. His pastorate there was very successful, the membership increasing from forty to about one hundred and sixty. In 1833 Mr. Van-Cleef accepted a call to the Church at New Hackensack, and remained there thirty-three years, when, because of advancing age, he moved to Poughkeepsie. Here he held no stated charges, but preached as opportunity offered, and we may without impropriety call him the honorary pastor, indeed, almost the apostle, of many of the Churches in this vicinity. It was largely through his efforts that the Second Reformed Dutch Church was established in Poughkeepsie in 1848, and the Church at Millbrook about 1870. During his active ministry he was once appointed president of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, which position he filled with great ability and dignity. As a speaker he was faithful, earnest and impressive, and being more solicitous concerning truthfulness and clearness than grace and embellishment, his discourses were marked by simplicity and Godly sincerity. As a pastor he had in rare measure the one qualification which is first of all in importance, and without which all others are of little avail—a hearty love for his people.

It has been said of him by one who knew him well. "As a Christian man his character was so exquisitely beautiful that I know not in what character to describe it." He passed the borders of the unseen on Sunday morning, June 13, 1875, in his sixty-seventh year, leaving two children, James Spencer and Sophia Somers Van Cleef.

James Spencer A'an Cleef was educated at College Hill, Poughkeepsie, and Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., graduating in 1852 with the degree of A. B., to vvhcih was added later that of A. M. He entered the ofifice of Holden & Thayer, of New York City, as a law student, and was admitted to the bar there in 1855. In 1858 he began the practice of his profession at Poughkeepsie, and in the following year formed a partnership with Hon. Mark D. Wilbur, which continued until the close of the Civil war. During this time Mr. Van Cleef had almost exclusive charge of the business, Mr. Wilbur being in the army. About 1870 Mr. \'an Cleef entered into partnership

with Prof. Samuel W. Buck, of Lyndon Hall; but two or three years later this was dissolved, and for twenty years he has practiced alone. He has been very successful especially in cases connected with the Surrogate's court, in which he has for many years ranked among the leading practitioners. He was married in 1862 to Harriet Mulford Howell, daughter of Capt. George Howell, a prominent resident of Sag Harbor, N. Y., and has had three children: Elizabeth Howell, who married Dr. B. C. Kinnear, then of Boston, and died in 1886, leaving no children; Ellen Shepard, who married \\'alter M. Jones, of the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co., of New York, and has four children; and Henry Howell, now a student in his father's office.

Mr. Van Cleef was originally a Whig in political faith, but in 18 56 he became an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Prior to the Civil war he took an active part in the politics of Dutchess county, and he has now been a member of the board of education in Poughkeepsie for twenty years, being the oldest continuous member of same. During this time he has been largely instrumental in bringing the schools of the city into their present satisfactory condition. In any movement for the public welfare he has taken a prompt and hearty interest, and one of the largest industries in the city was located there a few years ago mainly through his influence. . For many years he has been an active member of the Second Reformed Dutch Church.

Mr. Van Cleef is known as a very successful angler; is one of the leading members of the State Association for the Protection of Fish and Game, and since its organization has been a member of the Committee on Law and Legislation. In the fall of 1894 he was retained as counsel for the Senate Committee on Game and Fish, and at their request drew up the new fish and game law, which was passed substantially as the original draft made by him.

GEN. ALFRED B. SMITH (deceased). _ Among the leading citizens of Poughkeepsie none holds a higher place in the estimation of his fellow men, or has taken a more active part in the development and growth of all those enterprises which go to make up a flourishing city than did the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. As a man of

J/Wlu^^Mk.

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17

business; as a member of the legal fraternity; as an honored veteran of the Civil war; as a worker in Church and philanthropic matters; as a friend of education and as a public official, he always commanded the respect and admiration of those more intimately connected with him.

Stephen Smith, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, was a farmer in Massachusetts in the early Colonial daj'S. He married Dorothea Matton, a sister of Gen. Matton, of Massachusetts, who was a major in the Revolutionary war. Three brothers of Stephen Smith also served throughout that war. Arad, a son of Stephen, and our subject's greatgrandfather, was born in Salem, Massachusetts.

The grandfather, also named Arad, was born at Amherst, Mass., and married Salome Elmer, by whom he had fourteen children, of whom Adolphus H. was the father of our subject. In 1808 Arad Smith moved with his numerous family to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and settled on a one-square mile tract of land in the primeval forest. There he made his home until 1833, when he removed to Elyria, Ohio, where he died about the year 1865. Politically he was a Whig, and in religious belief he was a Congregationalist.

Adolphus G. Smith, our subject's father, born August 22, 1800, at Amherst, Mass., was married on July 4, 1824, to Miss Nancy Dodge, who was born in Addison, \'t., a daughter of Major Thomas Dodge. Her father was of English descent, and was one of twelve children, of whom several sons served in the war of the Revolution, in the war of 1812, and in the Mexican war. After their marriage Adolphus G. Smith and his wife settled on a farm in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where they reared a family of eleven children, of whom the following record is given: Alfred Baker, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest; Selome E. married Xewcomb Perkins, a farmer of Augusta, Wis.; Clarissa C. died in 1850; Hannah D. is the widow of Harvey D. Hyde, who was a farmer in St. Lawrence county, N. Y.; Thomas D. is a farmer in Rolla, Mo.; Martin M. is farming at Massena, Cass Co., Iowa; Wallace H. was a clerk in the post office at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and died in 1875; Silas C. was a carpenter b}' trade, and died in 1880, near Rochester, N. Y'; Dorothy became the second wife of Newcomb Perkins, and died in 1870; Lepha E. is the wife of Emmett Russell, a carpenter in Mas-

sena, Iowa; and Gustavus A. is farming at the old homestead. The father always followed the occupation of a farmer, and in politics was originally an Old-line Whig, in later years becoming a member of the Republican party. He died August 26, 1879, his wife passing away in January, 1894, at the good old age of ninety years.

Alfred B. Smith was born November 17, 1825, in Massena, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and received his early education in the district school. When seventeen years old he began teaching, spending his vacations in work in the fields and other farm duties. In the fall of IS48 he entered Union College, at Schenectady, N. Y., from which he was graduated in the class of '51. Shortly afterward he came to Poughkeepsie, and became teacher of mathematics in the school of Charles Bartlett, on College Hill, which position he filled some four years, during that time devoting his leisure hours to the study of law under Judge James Emott. He was admitted to the bar in 1855, and for three years was a partner of Mathew Hale; then formed a partnership with Charles Williams, with whom he practiced until the spring of 1862.

In the meantime the Civil war had broken out, and the fighting spirit inherited from his martial ancestors on both sides proved stronger than all other incentives. Our subject was among the first to raise a regiment in Dutchess county, which became the 150th N. Y. V. I., and of which he was made major. His first commission was that of lieutenant-colonel; later he was promoted to major, and when he became colonel he was made brevet brigadier-general for gallant and meritorious service under Sherman, in Georgia and the Carolinas. At the battle of Gettysburg, Gen. Smith's regiment (mustering about 500 men) formed part of the Corps No. 8, No. 12, No. 20 and No. 28, and was on the celebrated march to the sea. The General served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with his regiment June 8, 1865.

When peace was again restored Gen. Smith returned to Poughkeepsie, and resumed his practice of law in partnership with L. B. Sackett, which connection lasted some twent}' years, after which he practiced alone. At the time of his death he was the only one li\ing of the twelve men who were the first members of the Republican party in Dutchess county.

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and he always took an acti\e part in politics, (icn. Smith held various responsible public offices, and always fulfilled his duties with faithfulness and to the satisfaction of all concerned. For thirty-three years he was a member of the board of education; was president during eight years of that time, and also for some years was chairman of the building committee, all of the school houses in the district having been erected under his supervision. In 1892, after being elected city recorder, he resigned from the board.

Just after the war C.en. Smith served as deputy collector of internal revenue. In 1867 he was appointed postmaster of Poughkeepsie, by President Johnson, and was reappointed by President Grant, holding the office for eight years. He also served two terms as supervisor of the Fifth ward of the city, and did much to establish the Hudson River State Hospital. He always took a leading part not only in political and public affairs but also in Church matters, and, indeed, to quote from an article printed during his lifetime, in one of the city newspapers, "one cannot mention a good cause in which Gen. Smith has not taken a part." He had been an elder in the Presbyterian Church and superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years, and was sent as delegate to three of its General Assemblies which met at Madison, Wis., Philadelphia, and Washington, D. C, respectively. He was instrumental in the formation of what is known as "the Poughkeepsie Plan," which has for its object the breaking down of the barriers between the Catholics and Protestants, and which is recognized not only in the United States, but also in Europe. Gen. Smith was connected with the Electric Light Co.; was a member of the State Bar Association; of the Loyal Legion; of the Masonic fraternity, and was a Knight Templar and chief counsel of King Solomon's Temple. In 1867 he organized the first G. A. R. Post in Poughkeepsie, now know as Hamilton Post No. 20.

On June 20, 1854, Gen. Smith was married to Ann Eliza Mitchell, who was born at Jewett Heights, Lexington, Greene Co., N. Y., a daughter of David and Leah (Dunham) Mitchell. Her parents were of English extraction, and her father was a merchant tailor. Two children—one daughter and one son—were born to our subject and his wife, to wit: Margaret J., born September2, T855,

died May 3, 1875; anc" Matthew J., born April 21, 1S60. Mrs. Smith died January 5, 1894; she was a most estimable woman, affectionately remembered by a large circle of warm friends. Gen. A. B. Smith departed this life at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., January 28, 1896.

NDREW JACKSON KETCHAM. of .^^ Poughkeepsie, one of the oldest and ablest financiers in this section, was identified with various banking institutions in Dutchess county for half a century previous to his retirement, in 1890, from the position of president of the Poughkeepsie National Bank.

His family originated in England, and his grandfather, Solomon Ketcham, who was born there April 6, 1757, was the first of the line to come to America. He located at Huntington, L. I., where he followed agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. He entered heartily into the struggles of the Colonies for freedom, and in a speech by Hon. Henry C. Piatt, on " Old Times in Huntington, L. I.," this account appears: "He lent his energies to the battle-field, and fought for the birthright of freedom when the storm-cloud of Revolution burst upon the infant America and threatened to overwhelm the Nation in its fiery torrent." ■■ * * "Among the prisoners taken b}- the British during the Revolutionary war we find the name of Solomon Ketcham, and they were carried aboard the 'Swan' in 1777. Solomon Ketcham lived on Main street. He got into difficulty with the British soldiers, and snatching a picket from a fence offered to fight three or four officers. He was afterward confined in the fort on Burying Hill, and kept on a diet of bread and water. He never forgot his imprisonment nor forgave his enemies, and when the British fieet dropped anchor in Huntington Bay during the war oi 1812, the old man might have been seen prowling around the shores of Lloyd's Neck and Bay, gun in hand, and woe to the son of Britain who came within his reach." He married Rebecca Piatt, who died April 17, 1834, and he survived until February 19, 1851. They had seven children, whose names with dates of birth and death are as follows: Jonas, December 4, 1779, died October 31, 1842; Hannah, born March 29, 1782; Solomon, Jr.. December 12, 1784, died March 28, 1852; Oliver, October 11, 1788. died August 5, 1792; Amos Piatt, May 12,

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1791, died October 19, 1825; Conklin, October 22, 1794, died December 16, 182 i (lost at seaj; John, September 2, 1797.

Amos P. Ketcham, our subject's father, left the old home in Huntington, and moved to the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, where he ran a fiouring-mill and engaged in farming in a small way. In 1821 he removed to Pough-keepsie and established the first steam-boat house in the city, about 300 yards from the dock at the foot of Main street. Later he moved into a house on the dock which was known as " The Exchange," and was for some time the leading hotel of the city. He was married September 9, 1811, to Miss Anna Rogers Piatt, who was born November 26, 1793, and died at Poughkeepsie, October 31, 1861. After his death she conducted the hotel alone until her marriage February 2, 1832, to Warren Skinner, who took charge of it. By the first marriage she had five children: Esther Emily, Aionzo R., Zephar Piatt, Andrew J. and Rebecca, of whom, the last two are the only survivors. Two children by the second marriage died in infancy.

Mr. K.etcham was born in the town of Amenia, March 18, 1819, but with the exception of two years in a select school there he was educated in Poughkeepsie at the Dutchess County Academy, which stood in his early years on the corner of Cannon and Academy streets, but afterward was moved to the upper part of the city. His education was practical and quite extensive for the times, and his wide reading has kept him well abreast of the world's progress. In early manhood he became a partner in a grocery business in upper Main street, the firm name being Gale & Ketcham. After a few years there he began his successful career in finance as clerk in the Farmers & Manufacturers Bank, under Frederick W. Davis, and a few years later was appointed teller. In 1852 he was appointed cashier of the First National Bank of Saugerties, N. Y., which he had helped to organize. In 1861 he started the Saugerties Bank, and in 1865 he went to Dover Plains, N. Y., as cashier of the Dover Plains National Bank, and held that position nineteen 3'ears. He retired in 1884 and moved to Poughkeepsie; but in 1886 he was made president of the Poughkeepsie National Bank, and was in charge of that institution for four years. Throughout these j'ears of service he has performed the duties of every position with marked ability and unvarying rectitude, and by his wise

management he has not only won success for himself but has satisfactorily cared for the interests of others.

Mr. Ketcham was married first, in 1842, to Sarah Anderson, daughter of Nathan Anderson, a well-known resident of Rondout, N. Y. They had six children: Richard Piatt is cashier of the Dover Plains National Bank; Annie married Arthur Bangs, of Dover Plains; and Gaston is secretary of the Borden Condensed Milk Co., of Wassaic, N. Y. Of the others, Andrew Golding died at the age of nine years, Golding at the age of six, and John at one year. Mr. Ketcham formed a second matrimonial union, with Mary Frances Cowles, daughter of a leading citizen of Stamford, N. Y., Jessee F. Cowles. They have one son, Charles Andrew, now a clerk in the First National Bank, Poughkeepsie. Mr. Ketcham and his wife are prominent members of the Second Reformed Church, in which he has been an elder for ten years. He takes great interest in public affairs, and while he has never sought political office, has given strong support to the party which represents his convictions. Originally a Democrat, he adhered to that party until the Civil war broke out, and since that time he has been a Republican.

J|AMES E. DUTCHER, president of the board of public works of Poughkeepsie, is one of the best-known and most prominent men in Dutchess county, having been a member of the State Legislature, twice elected sheriff, and chairman of the Republican County Committee, besides holding minor offices.

The Dutcher family is of Holland descent, and Abraham, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, where he died. He had a family of eleven children, of whom, Abraham, Jr. (the father of our subject), was born in Lagrange, Dutchess county, and married Miss Gertrude, daughter of Stephen Van Vores, who was of Dutch descent. They settled on a farm in Lagrange, but afterward removed to the town of Beekman, where the father died in 1869; he followed farming all his life. In his early days he was a Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. The mother died in 1892. Their family consisted of five children, as follows: Daniel V. is a resident of Mattea-wan, Dutchess county; James E. comes next; William H. is a farmer in the town of Beek-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

man; Mary F. is unmarried, and resides in Beekman; and Allison died in 1882.

James E. Dutcher was born in the town of Lagrange, January 21, 1838. He was twelve years old when his parents removed to Beekman, and after completing his education worked upon his father's farm until his marriage, in February, 1869, with Miss Elizabeth Flagler, She was born and reared in the town of Beekman, and is a daughter of Benjamin F. Flagler, a farmer of that town. In 1876 Mr. Dutcher was elected sheriff of Dutchess county, and was re-elected in 1882, which office he filled three years longer. During this time he also served as chairman of the Republican County Committee. In all these responsible positions he won the confidence and esteem of the people by the faithful and impartial discharge of his duties, and proved himself a man of more than usual ability and progressive ideas. During his term as sheriff, a house on Pawling hill was blown up with dynamite, one man being killed, and for this offense three men were tried, convicted and sentenced to Sing Sing for life. After retiring from the shrievalty Mr. Dutcher engaged in the coal business, which he successfully carried on until 1894, when he retired from that. He is at present serving as president of the board of public works of Poughkeepsie, having been elected to that office in May, 1896.

Socially, our subject is a member of the F. & A. M. He is public-spirited, always ready to assist in matters relating to the welfare of his city or county, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. The family are identified with the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Dutcher is an active member.

[ON. JOHN THOMPSON (deceased) was a native of Dutchess county N. Y., born in the town of Rhincbeck July 4, 1809, a son of Robert Thompson, a farmer of near the village of Rhinebeck, and his wife, a Miss Scott, the daughter of Rev. Robert Scott, who for many years kept a boarding school for boys. At this institution our subject received the rudiments of his education, up to the age of thirteen years, when, the school being discontinued, he for the next four years spent the most of his time in establishing his always e.xtensively delicate health in the light work about the farm, also in reading and study.

On October 2G, 1826, Mr. Thompson entered the office of Francis A. Livingston, then district attorney of Dutchess county, and at once began the study not only of law, but of general literature. Within the first j'ear of his clerkship he acquired a perfect knowledge of the routine of the duties of the district attorney's office, and in many ways soon made himself an indispensable acquisition to Mr. Livingston, attending court with him, etc., at the same time pursuing his studies in English literature and philosophy.

On the removal of Mr. Livingston to New York, in 1829, Mr. Thompson went into the office of Hooker & Tallmadge, in the then village of Poughkeepsie, and, upon receiving his license as an attorney, was taken into partnership by James Hooker, then surrogate of the county.

In 1834 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Mary Smith, youngest daughter of Judge Isaac Smith, of Lithgow, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and, she owning a farm recei\ed from her father's estate, much of her husband's time was taken up in its management. In 1840, however, he gave this up and devoted himself e.xclusively to his profession. He was cotemporary with some of the most learned of the old school of lawyers, with whom it is but just to say that he " held his own," and was engaged in the trial of every important case from 1845 till his retirement. Not the least of his labors was his acquisition for the Hudson River Railroad Co. of ihe title of much of the lands needed for the use of the road from Poughkeepsie to Albany. Mr. Thompson was for many years connected in business with James H. Weeks, under the firm name of Thompson & Weeks, which firm, by the admission of Frank B. Lown, in 1878, became Thompson, Weeks & Lown. Mr. Weeks died in 1887, and the firm then remained as Thompson & Lown, which partnership continued until Mr. Thompson's death.

In the summer of 1856 Mr. Thompson was asked to represent Columbia and Dutchess counties in Congress, and induced to accept the nomination, though the result seemed dubious, considering the heavy and influential Democratic majority in the district. However, he at once organized a series of meetings in the two counties, and by a thorough discussion of the momentous issues then pending, so aroused public sentiment,

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that he was elected by over 1,200 majority on the side of the Republican ticket. During the sessions of '57-58 Mr. Thompson entered into the debates on the floor of the House of Representatives, and a number of his speeches were circulated throughout the district and country. One upon the exciting topic of the hour, "The Admission of Kansas," and another on the "Mormon Question" were warmly received, thousands of copies being circulated by members all over the Southern as well as the Northern States.

A second nomination was tendered Mr. Thompson, but declined by him on account of pressing business duties. After his Congressional career, he held no public office of a political nature, but beside his professional duties, gave his efforts to benevolent and philanthropic movements of society and in the Church, with which he was united while a student at law. For some ten years in the earlier history of the organizations of Lyceums and Young Men's Associations, he lectured in their aid. He twice delivered the oration before the literary societies at Union College on commencement day—at New Brunswick and at Williamstown; was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa at Union, and received the degree of A. M. from Union and Yale. He was a lifelong student, devoting his leisure to the cultivation of general literature, especially of theology, delivered many Sunday evening lectures, and also published numerous essays —one on "Inspiration," one on the "Atonement," and another on the "Inner Kingdom." He also published an article vindicating the miracles of the New Testament. When Matthew Vassar had settled upon devoting his wealth toward the founding of Vassar College, Mr. Thompson was among the first persons consulted by him, and was chosen one of the trustees of that institution. For many years he was vice-president of the Fallkill National Bank, of Poughkeepsie, and at the time of his death was president of that institution.

Mr. Thompson, in 1835, built his residence at the corner of Market and Church streets, and passed the rest of his life there, except some four or five summers spent by the family at a cottage owned by Mrs. Thompson, in New Hamburg, on Wappingers creek. In 1871 Mr. Thompson spent a year in Europe, both for his health and mental improvement.

Mr. Thompson was possessed of rare forensic and rhetorical gifts, which gave grace to

his pen, and beauty and strength to his utterances. His stj'le was ornate, without weakness, and philosophical without obscurit}-; on the platform or at the bar, he was one of the most effective speakers in the land. His kindness of heart, cheerful temperament, abundant humor and quick repartee, made him an agreeable companion and the best of friends. The weight of his character from early manhood had been on the side of Christian principle, in which regard he was of vast benefit to the moral and philanthropic movements of his times.

Mr. Thompson died June i, 1890, leaving surviving him his second wife, Caroline la daughter of the late James Bailey, of Pratts-burg, N. Y.J, and several children.

HON. ISAAC S. CARPENTER, one of the most prominent citizens of Dutchess

county, is a worthy representative of an old and honored family. He is the eighth generation in direct descent from William Carpenter, who was born in England in 1576, and came to America in 1638 in the ship " Bevis," landing at Weymouth, Mass. His son, William (2), born in England in 1605, accompanied him, bringing also his wife, y^bigail. In 1643 the family moved from ^^'ey-mouth to Rehoboth, Mass. William and Abigail Carpenter had seven children : \Mlliam, Samuel, Joseph, John, Abiah, Hannah and Abraham—the last three born in America. John Carpenter came to Long Island in early manhood, and in 1663 was chosen townsman of Hempstead; later his name is on the records as captain of fusiliers in the Narragansett expedition. He was married in 1665 to Hannah Baright, and made his home at Jamaica, where he died May 23, 1695. He and his wife had five children: John, William, Samuel, Hope and Hannah. \Villiam (3), our subject's great-great-grandfather, was born at Hempstead, and after his father's death he bought his mother's right in the estate there, and moved from Jamaica with his wife, Eliza. They had three children: Daniel, John and Elizabeth. Daniel Carpenter, our subject's great-grandfather, was born in Hempstead, and in 1752 came to Dutchess county, where he bought a farm at Crum Elbow, Hyde Park, and there died in 1777. On February 4, 1729, he married Sarah Hall, of Hempstead, by whom he had six children: (i) Joseph,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

who was a merchant of Bangall, and a justice of the peace of the town of Stanford, married Dorcas Smith, whose father was an officer in the British army during the Revolutionary war; they had five children: John and Smith (who both entered the naval service), Joseph, Benjamin and Dorcas. (2) Daniel, who was a resident of Fishkill. (3) William. (4) Joseph. (5) Benjamin. (6) Mary, Mrs. John Carpenter.

Benjamin Carpenter, our subject's grandfather, was born at Hempstead July 11, 1749, and lived for many years at Crum Elbow on land given him by his father. He was persecuted during the Revolution by the Tories of his locality for raising a company for the Colonial army, having his home robbed three times; on other occasions he was saved by his immense greyhound. He bought land of Job Swift in 1782, and of Samuel Pugsley in 1796, and in 1798 he purchased from John Miller a farm on "Carpenter Hill," where, in 1S04, he built the house now occupied by our subject. On September 9, 1773, he married Mary Pugsley, who was born March 25, 1756, the daughter of Samuel Pugsley, of Westchester. She died November 16, 1821, he surviving until January ^7< 1837. Eight children were born of this union, whose names, with dates of birth and death are as follows : ( i 1 Sarah, August 6, 1774, died November 30, 1852 (she married George Ferris, of Peekskill). (2) Hannah, February 25, 1776, died in 1845 (she married Noah Tabor and had two children—Benjamin and Maria). (3) ^faria, April 14, 1778, died September 2, 1839 (she married Bernard Matthewson). (4) Daniel, October 29, 1785, died May 3, 1853 (he was a resident of Amenia, and was married to Zayde Perlee, and had four children—Hannah, Benjamin (who married Tamma Hunting), Edmund P. (who married Frances Hoag) and Tazde. (5) Cornelia, November 6, 1789, died March 12, 1840 (she never married). (6) Elizabeth, April 26, 1791, died young. (7) Samuel P., March 8, 1780, died January 30, 1814. (8) Morgan, November 4, 1795, died November 14, 1871, our subject's father.

Morgan Carpenter received his early education in the district schools near his home, and in a private school near Peekskill. He was for some years associate county judge, under appointment from Gov. Seward. On February 3, 1819, he was married to Maria Bockee, who was born in the town of North-

east, Dutchess county, January 3, 1794, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Smith) Bockee. In 1852 they moved to No. 333 Mill street, Poughkeepsie, where they spent their \ later years, his wife dying January 29, 1871, less than a year from the time of his own death. Nine children were born of this union: (!) Catherine, born November 23. 1S19, died February 2, 1S20. (2) Benjamin Piatt, born November 25, 1821, died December 30, 1836. (3) Catharine Bockee, born June 24, 1823, married George B. Lent, of Poughkeepsie, October 28, 1847, and died September 17, 1S79. (4) Mary M., born February i, 1825, married Edward G. Tyler, October i, 1844 (he died April 21, 18911, and has three children—Maria Seymour (born February 3, 1846), Morgan Carpenter (born December 22. 1847), and Mary Catharine (born December 31, 1856). (5) Jacob Bockee, born July 16, 1826, was a leading resident of this locality, and was chosen supervisor of the town of Stanford in

1855, member of the Assembly in 1856, Presidential elector in i860, supervisor of the Fifth ward of Poughkeepsie in 1870, and mayor of Poughkeepsie in 1875-76. He lived in Stanford and Northeast until 1861, and then moved to Poughkeepsie, later to Little Rest, where he died April 9, 1894. On January 28, i860, he was married to Sarah E. Thorne, and had three children, whose names, with dates of birth, are here given: Mary Thorne, March 18, 1861; Jacob B., September 17, 1863 (died December 15, 1874); and Maria B., October 12, 1865, who was married June 5, 1890, to Joseph S. Tower. (6) Isaac Smith, June 24, 1828, was twice married,, first on August 28, 185 I, to Julia Willson, who died May 22, 1858, and second on September 5, 1S60, to Sfirah Rebecca Willson. Three children were born of the first marriage: Eliza, September 19, 1852; Morgan, June 7, 1854, was married December 14. 1876, to Virginia A. Bartlett, of Hampton, V'a., and has two children, Maria \'. and Miriam; Maria Bockee, November 21,

1856, was married, October 17, 1888, to Thomas C. Clark, of Grand Island, Neb., and has two sons—Henry C. and Isaac C. Of the second marriage three children were born: Willson, October 7, 1861, graduated from Yale in 1884; Julia, March 25, 1864; and Sarah Louisa, December 6, 1865. (7) Louisa S., November 26, 1830, was married July 21, 1851, to Abram Staats, of Red Hook, and had one daughter, Catherine Eliza, born May 23,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1852, died in 1890. (8) Sara Maria, March 25, 1832, took a prominent part in reform movements, and was a member of the State Board of Charities. She died March 22, 1894. (9) Benjamin P., May 14, 1S37, was a lawyer and a prominent politician. He was a supervisor of Amenia in 1861, district attorney of Poughkeepsie in 1858, member of the Constitutional Convention, State senator in 1875, county judge from 1877 to 1883, delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1884, governor of Montana in the year 1884, and member of the Code Commission. He was married in i860 to Esther Thorne, who was born July 3, 1840, daughter of Stephen Thorne, of Poughkeepsie. Four children were born to them: Estelle, June 5, 1861 (died January 9. 1863); Nina, August 26, 1863, was married April 8, 1885, to Albert E. Tower, and has one son — Albert, born November, 1887; Kate, October 12, 1866; and Stephen, June 14, 1869, is now the city attorney of Helena, Mont. He was admitted to the bar December 3, 1890, appointed United States Commissioner in March, 1892, and elected Assemblyman in 1892.

Isaac Smith Carpenter, the subject proper of this sketch, received his early education in the public schools of Stanford, the Amenia Seminary, Pittsfield Gymnasium, Warren Institute, in Connecticut, and College Hill, Poughkeepsie. He has always lived at the old homestead in Stanford. His distinguished abilities and high character have enabled him to sustain well the position in the community which was his by family inheritance, and he is foremost among the supporters of any worthy public fnovement. He was supervisor of the town of Stanford four terms, and was elected to the Assembly from the First district in 1879, and again in 1880, serving each term as a member of the Ways and Means committee.

iON. JOHN BOWDISH BUTCHER, one

of the ablest and most distinguished sons of Dutchess county, is noted for his ability as a financier and as an organizer and manager of large corporate interests, as well as for his effective work in political lines. The simplest summary of the various positions of trust and honor which he holds, or has held, would cover widely different phases of political, social and business life.

Mathew Dutcher, grandfather of our subject, came from Holland, and settled in what is now the town of Dover, Dutchess county, where he probably passed the remainder of his life as a farmer. He died at a comparatively early age, but his wife, Sarah Dutcher, survived him many years, dying in her ninety-first year. They had five children: Harry, who located in Ontario county, N. Y.; David, our subject's father; Phcebe, the wife of William Kronkright; Clarissa, who married Eph-raim Kronkright; and Pattie, the wife of Ferris Carey. David Dutcher was born in the town of Dover in 1796, and lived all his life near South Dover. He was a man of strong character and great energy, wielding great influence in local affairs, and making a success of his business as an agriculturist and dealer in live stock. In the latter branch he had an extensive trade, supplying the local and New York City markets. He commenced life poor, but at his death, which occurred June 9, 1853, he owned about si.\ hundred acres of land. He married Amy Bowdish, daughter of Asa Bow-dish, and a descendant of an old Quaker family, which had settled at an early period near New Bedford, Mass. She was born in 1799, and died June 5, 1875. Eight children were born of this union: Albro, who was quartermaster in the 2 ist Missouri Regiment during the Civil war, and died in the service; Asa, a resident of Sharon, Conn.; John B., our subject; Jane Ann, who married Frederick Coleman, of Warren, Conn.; Julia, the wife of Baldwin Stevens; DeWitt C, who enlisted in the army and was drowned while serving on the staff of Gen. Viele; and Charles (deceased), who was a paymaster in the navy during the Civil war, and later resided at White Plains.

Our subject was born in the town of Dover, February 13, 1830, was reared as a farmer boy, and obtained his education chiefly in the common schools. He has always been engaged in agriculture, at first in his native town, and later in the adjoining town of Pawling. In i860 he married Miss Christina Dodge, daughter of the late Daniel Dodge, of Pawling, and in April, i86i,he located upon his present homestead in that town. He owns 1,600 acres of fine grazing land in Dutchess county, stocked with thoroughbred horses and 250 cows. His agricultural interests are now managed by his son, J. Gerow Dutcher (the only offspring of his marriage), who was united in wedlock in April, 1894, with Miss Helen Titus

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Willetts, daughter of Edward Willetts, of Roslyn, Long Island.

Possessing sound judgment, Hon. J. B. Dutcher has gained and kept the confidence of the people at large in an unusual degree. He was made supervisor of the town of Dover in 1857, and justice of the peace in the following year. A Whig in early years, he became a Republican on the organization of that party, and is still an ardent advocate of its principles. An injury prevented him from going to the front during the Civil war, but he was active and zealous in recruiting and ecjuipping troops. He was a member of the State Assembly in 1861 and 1862, and of the State Senate in 1S64 and 1865. In the Assembly he was chairman of the committee on Internal Affairs and a member of the committee on Railroads; in the Senate was a member of the committee on Cities, and chairman of the committee on Internal Affairs. For sex^eral years he was a member of the State Republican Committee. In 1864 he was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated Lincoln, and in 1880 he was sent in the same capacity to the convention that placed Garfield at the head of the National ticket. He keeps closely in touch with all the questions of the day, and is strongly in favor of the curtailment of the liquor traffic as far as possible.

In 1864 Mr. Dutcher became a director of the New York & Harlem railroad, and in 1865 he took charge of the department of live-stock transportation on the New York Central & Harlem railroads, and has ever since held this responsible position, to which has been added the West Shore railroad and the Rome & Watertown railroad. He is also prominently identified with other lines, being a director of the Spuyton Duy\'al railroad, the Poughkeepsie & Eastern railroad, and the New York & Putnam railroad. His other business interests are legion. He is president of the Union Stock Yards & Market Co., of New York City, and was one of its incorporators; president of the National Bank at Pawling, succeeding Albert J. Akin; director of the American Safe Deposit Company; director of the Fifth Avenue Bank; and one of the original stockholders in its incorporation in 1875; director of the Mizzentop Hotel Company at Quaker Hill, and formerly its president; member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Produce Exchange; and for many years before its sale was president of the St. Louis National Stock Yards, of which he

was one of the founders. Not the least of his labors have been his successful efforts for the improvement of the village of Pawling, where he has built a fine block containing a hotel and number of stores. He is now the president of the village, and to his efforts the village is largely indebted for one of the best water-supply systems in the State; and he is president of the board of water commissioners. In his agricultural matters he is regarded as a leader; he was president of the New York State Agricultural Societj' for two years, and has been president of the Holstein Friesian Association of America. Socialh' he is no less prominent; he is one of the oldest members of the Union League Club, and a member of the St. Nicholas Society of New York City.

J

AMES HENRY WEEKS. Among the influential and leading citizens of Poughkeepsie, none was held in higher esteem, or was more worthy a place in the records of her history than the subject of this sketch, who is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him. In all the relations of life—as a lawyer, a lawmaker, a citizen, and a tender and devoted husband and father—he fulfilled his duties with faithfulness and discretion, and left to his children the best of all legacies, "a good name."

The Weeks family was of old English origin, the paternal grandfather of our subject having emigrated to America in an early day. Thomas Weeks, our subject's father, was born in Connecticut, where he follow'ed farming. He married Elizabeth Bogardus, a daughter of James Cornelius Bogardus, and they came to Dutchess county, settling on a farm and rearing a family of children, as follows: Elizabeth, who died in 1892, unmarried; Emily, who married Isaac S. Vary, at one time teller of the Farmers' & Manufacturers' Bank, Poughkeepsie; Ann, married to John DePew, of Dutchess county; Eloise, who became the wife of Charles Barrett, a farmer of Putnam county, N. Y.; and James Henry.

James H. \N'eeks, the subject proper of this sketch, was born December 21, 1822, in N. Hackensack, N. Y. He attended the district school of his locality in early boyhood, continuing his education at the Dutchess County Academy, subsequently reading law with Alexander Forbes. He was admitted to the bar at Poughkeepsie, May 16, 1845, and shortly afterward formed a partnership with Hon. John Thomp-

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25

son, which continued for nearl}- thirty years, until the time of the death of Air. Weeks. This firm was then the oldest law firm in the State. In 1878 Frank B. Lown was taken into partnership, the firm name at Mr. Weeks' decease being Thompson, Weeks & Lown.

Mr. Weeks was married June 28, 1S66, to Harriet S. Babcock, a native of Salem, Mass., and a daughter of Rev. Rufus Babcock. Her father was born in Colebrook, Conn., and was pastor of a Baptist Church in Salem, Mass., and of one in Poughkeepsie; was also president of Colby University, at Waterville, Maine. He married Olivia Smith, a native of Barring-ton, R. I., born of English descent, and three children were the result of this union: Caroline, who married Horatio G. Jones, a lawyer of Philadelphia; Emily, the wife of George H. Swift, a lawyer of Poughkeepsie, but residing in Amenia; and Harriet (Mrs. Weeks).

Mr. Weeks died November 28, 1887, in Poughkeepsie, which had always been his home. He was closely identified with the interests of the city, and took an active part in all public enterprises. In his early years he was a Democrat in his political views, afterward, however, becoming associated with the Republican party, he was a leading spirit in its councils. He held several town offices, and in the winter of 1853-54 was a member of the Assembly at Albany, N. Y., during which incumbency he was chairman of the judiciary committee, and won the esteem of his constituency for his careful and untiring devotion to their interests. As a lawyer he was well known for his keen insight into human nature, his correct judgment on intricate questions, and his thorough knowl-ledge of law in all its bearings. Personally he was a man of genial manners, generous and charitable in his disposition, and greatly beloved in his home. He was an able financier, and left some valuable property in Dutchess county and also in Rhode Island. He was a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church, to which his family belong. Mrs. Weeks and her daughters—Caroline Babcock and Elizabeth Mauran —are widely known and highly esteemed in the community, and are women of culture and refinement.

ON. JOHN A. HANNA, of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, member of the New York State Assembly from the First District, is one of the most distinguished citizens, and

has made his way to the front in business and political life notwithstanding the fact that he is still young in years. He was born in \\"i\\-iamsbridge, near New York City, on October 8, 1859, and received a good education, attending first the schools of his native place, and later a private seminary at Dover. After his graduation he engaged in mercantile business, and in 1875 he established a general store in Dover Plains, which at once became a prominent factor in the commercial life of the town. His father-in-law, H. \\'. Preston, is associated with him under the firm name of J. A. Hanna & Co.

Mr. Hanna possesses the admirable traits of character which mark the leader in public affairs, and has been prominent in the councils of the Republican party from his first entrance into politics, being elected to various town offices at different times—including that of supervisor in 1890, for one year, and in 1893, for two years. May 20, 1889, he was appointed postmaster of Dover Plains, under President Harrison, and held that position until a short time ago, and in 1895 he was elected to the State Legislature, where he has served his constituency ably and faithfully. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum at Wassaic, N. Y., and is a leading member of the Baptist Church at Dover Plains, taking great interest in the prosperity and growth of that body. His wife, formerly Miss Ada Preston, is a descendant of one of the oldest families. They have one daughter—Julia E. Hanna.

The Hanna family originated in Mayha-land. County Londonderry, Ireland, and Mr. Hanna has made a visit to the eld home of his ancestors while taking an extended European tour. Samuel Hanna, his grandfather, was born in Mayhaland, County Londonderry, Ireland, and was there reared and educated. He followed the occupation of a farmer and also engaged in the operation of a flax and grist mill at that place. He married Matilda Furgeson, and to their union were born thirteen children, namely: Jane, who married James Sergent; Thomas, who married Margaret Hutchinson; James and John, who died in infancy; Isabella, who married James Hutchinson; Nancy, who married William Hanna; John, who remained single; Robert, who married Matilda Dixon; Eliza, who died in girlhood; Peggy, who died in infancy; David, our subject's father; Sarah, who married a Mr. Livingston; and Alex.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

David Hanna, our subject's father, during his boyhood attended the schools of his native land, and assisted his father in the work of the mills. On March 15, 1852, he married Miss Eliza Hutchinson, a daughter of Samuel and Arabella (Greer) Hutchinson, who lived on a farm in County Londonderry. Her father was one of the seven children born to Robert and Nancy (Patterson) Hutchinson, who were also agriculturists of the same locality, the others being: John, William, James, Bettie, Alex and Thomas. Shortly after his marriage David Hanna and his wife sailed from the Emerald fsle for the New World, and made their first location at Paterson, N. J., where they remained for some time. On leaving that city they went to New York, and for forty-three years Mr. Hanna was in the employ of the Harlem road, being fireman for seven years and five months, and was then given a position as watchman, which he held until his resignation a short time ago, owing to his age. His long continued service well indicates his faithful discharge of duty, and the implicit confidence placed in him by his emploj'ers. He had a family of seven children, namely: Arabella; Samuel, a conductor on the Harlem railroad, married Minnie McGlasson, and they have one child—Herbert J.; Matilda is now deceased; John is our subject; David, a conductor on the Harlem railroad, married Mary Hutchinson; Dorley is deceased; and Lizza A.

The ancestors of Mrs. John A. Hanna were early settlers in Rhode Island, where her great-great-grandfather, Ebenezer Preston, was born and educated. He was the first of the family to come to Dutchess county, and he became a successful farmer in the town of Dover. His wife was a Miss White, and they had five children: Bijah married Betsey Ross; Smith married Phoebe Eazenef; John married Amy Wing; Ebenezer remained in single blessedness; and Hannah married Jackson Wing. John Preston, Mrs. Hanna's great-grandfather, was born in Dover Plains, and after attending the common schools for some years engaged in farming. He purchased a tract of land on the old post road near Dover Plains, upon which stood a house that was one of the historic land-marks of the locality, having been used for many years as a tavern. The days of the stage coach not yet being ended, he maintained it in that capacity for some years. He married Miss Amy Wing, daughter of Thomas Wing, a well-known farmer of Dover, and they had

eight children, whose names with those of their husbands and wives are as follows: Myron married Sarah Ward; Shandinett married Sal-lie A. Sheldon; Harvey married Emeline Ta-ber; Uriah, no record; George married Mary Germond; John married Sallie Thomas; Hannah married Oscar Taber; and Pha-be married David \'incent. The two younger daughters were twins.

Myron Preston, Mrs. Hanna's grandfather, was born in 1804, and after a course in the common schools in the town of Dover engaged in farming there. He was greatly interested in local politics, and held a number of offices. His wife was Miss Sarah Wood, daughter of Paltira and Anna Wood, who owned a fine farm near Dover Plains. Of the two children of this union the younger, Anna, married Abram Denton. The elder, Henry W. Preston, Mrs. Hanna's father, was born in 1830, and was educated in the schools of Dover Plains and at the Amenia Seminary. After graduating from the latter institution he engaged in farming for a time, but later became connected with a mercantile firm in Dover Plains as a clerk. In 1875 he formed the present partnership with his son-in-law, which has proved mutually advantageous. He married Miss Julia M. Pierce, the daughter of a prosperous saddle and harness maker of Salisbury, Conn., and Mrs. Hanna is their only child.

ON. ALFRED BONNEY. As one of the youngest and ablest members of the State Assembly of 1882, the subject of this review rendered good service to his constituency of the First District of Dutchess County, and proved himself a worthy descendant of an-ancestry which has numbered more than one man of ability and note.

The Bonney family is of Anglo-Norman stock, and the head of the American line came from Dover, England, about 1604. For several generations the home of the family was in Massachusetts; but the numerous descendants have since become widely dispersed. Peter Bonney, our subject's grandfather, was born May 18. 1773, at Charlestown, N. H., and April 7, 1800, was married to Eleanor Savage, who was born November 16, 1781. Shortly after his marriage he settled at Littleton, N. H., and engaged in business as a tanner, and dealer in wild lands. He was a man of much influence, and in 1810 represented Grafton

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

27

county, N. H., in the State Legislature. His death occurred December 15, 1836, his wife surviving him many years, dying at Jamaica Plains, Mass., October 7, 1873. They had eight children, all of whom (except the youngest) are now deceased, their names with dates of birth, &c., being as follows: Emily, May

30, 1801; Benjamin West, February 2, 1803; Elvira, March 14, 1805, married and settled near Boston; Almeria, September 9, 1807, also married and lived in New Hampshire; Franklin R., December 6, 1810; Elizabeth M., October 12, 1815, married and resided in San Francisco, Cal.; Alfred P., August 29, 1820, was married, and left a widow and four children, who now reside in Waterford, Caledonia Co., Vt., about fourteen miles from St. Johns-bury; and Ellen, April 2, 1825, widow of the late Rev. Oliver S. St. John, a Congregational minister.

Judge Benjamin West Bonney, our subject's father, received an elementary education in the common schools at Littleton, N. H., and then taught school in order to obtain funds for further study. Later he entered Dartmouth College, from which he graduated valedictorian of his class in 1824, and subsequently settled in New York City, where he began the study of law. In 1827 he was appointed commissioner of deeds; February 29, 1828, was admitted to practice as attorney in the Court of Common Pleas; on October 29, 1S30. received his license as counsellor, and on the following day was licensed as counsellor at law in the Court of Common Pleas. On May

31, 1831, he became a licensed counsellor in all the courts of the State. He practiced his profession continuously in New York City until his death, e.xcept while serving as justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; and was widely influential in public affairs, religious, educational and political. He was an ardent supporter of the Republican party, from its formation. He was president of the New England Society in the City of New York; chairman of the Board of Audits; and one of the earliest members of the Union League Club; a director in the Washington Life Insurance Co.; general counsel of the Merchants Bank, and counsel for many years of Madame Jumel.

On April 28, 1848, he was married by Rev. Mancius S. Hutton, D. D., to Adriana Rapalje, daughter of Sylvanus Rapalje, who was born July 3, 1795, and died November 12, 1883; he

was a prominent man of his day, in various lines of effort; he was twice married, first on June II, 1823, to Susan Roe Van Voorhis, who was born April 14, 1805, and died January 26, 1832. To their union were born three children: Adelaide, August 7, 1824; Jeromus, February 25, 1S26; and Adriana, our subject's mother, November 11, 1827. On November

16, 1833, he married, for his second wife, Rachel Ann Van Voorhis, a native of Fishkill, Dutchess county, and a sister of his first wife. She died March 23, 1877. They had three children, viz.: William, born August 20, 1834; Susan Augusta, widow of the late Rev. Lester M. Dorman (Yale '54), January 21, 1839; and Stewart, September 6, 1843.

Our subject's parents made their home in New York City, where the father died August 18, 1868, -and the mother on August 15, 1891. They reared a family of seven children, to all of whom were given unusually good educational advantages. Their names, with dates of birth, etc., are here given: Eleanor, March 2, 1849, married Edward F. Brown, a lawyer of New York City; Adriana R., March 30, 1850, is the widow of Dr. Weber-Liel, late of Bonn, Germany, where she now resides; and Benjamin W., April 2, 1852, is a farmer at Fishkill Plains; Susan R., May 20. 1854, married Major of Cavalry Carl Emil Schultz-Schulzenstein, of Berlin, Germany, and died in Charlotten-burg, Germany, September 26, 1895; Alfred, our subject; Jeromus R., May 6, 1859, who has never married, is a civil engineer; Elvira B., July 5, 1863, married Anton L. Bamberger, who died in London, England.

Hon. Alfred Bonney was born February

17, 1857, at No. 18 West 14th street, New York City, where his education was begun in its schools, and in 1869 he, in company with his mother, brothers and sisters, went to Germany to study. He spent one year at Dussel-dorf-on-the-Rhine, and two years at Berlin, and then returned to the United States. He attended the Brooklyn Polytechnic and Collegiate Institute for a time, and later entered Cornell University, where he remained three years, making a special study of agriculture. In 1878 he settled in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, purchasing his present estate of 151 acres, then known as the "old Rapalje farm," but now re-christened the "Green Meadow farm." Here his thorough scientific training for his calling has been put to a successful test in the raising of general

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

crops, and he is regarded as one of the leading farmers of that section. His activities are not confined to agricultural work, however, and he has been prominent in the Kepublican party, being chosen, as has been said, to represent the Assembly District in the Legislature at Albany.

On April 30, 1889, Mr. Bonney married Miss Sarah A. Luyster, daughter of the late Peter Luyster, and they have one son, Alfred, Jr., born April 20, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Bonney are members of the Reformed Church at Hopewell, in which he has held office as deacon. He is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, Cornell Branch, and is a life member of the New England Societv.

BISBEE FAMILY. THE, of which Joseph B. Bisbee, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a worthy and respected representative, is of English origin, and the progenitorof the American line came to this country in 1734, the name appearing in the early records as " Besbedge." He settled at Plymouth, Mass., but his descendants located at various points, being named among the first settlers at Mansfield, Pembroke and Scituate, Mass. Gideon Bisbee located at Chesterfiefd, Hampshire Co., Mass., and was the father of two sons, lotham and Gideon. Jotham had ten children: Jonathan, Asenath, Elisha, Lucy, Rebecca, Lydia, Rachel, Jotham, Job and Ashael.

Job was born in 1797, and during his early manhood was a farmer at W'orthington, Mass. In 1819 he married Miss Susan Buck, who was born in 1800, and was of the sixth generation in descent from James Buck, of Hingham, Mass., who at one time was town clerk of Scituate. He died in 1695. His son Isaac

married Frances , and had a son Matthew,

born in 1724, who married Elizabeth Howard. Their son Thomas married Silence Brett, and had a son Cyrus (Mrs. Bisbee's father), who was born in 1775 and died in i860. About 1830 Job Bisbee removed to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., with his family, and engaged in farming until 1864, when he went to Poughkeepsie to reside. His death occurred there March 11, 1866, his wife surviving him until April, 1881. Job Bisbee was a man of strong character and fine mental ability, and held a high place in the esteem of his associates. He was well read, much noted as a mathematician, and taught with great success

in Worthington, Mass., and in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. Although he was not a member of any Church, he was of unblemished Christian character, and his influence was always powerful for good. He was especially pronounced in his views upon public questions. He and his wife reared a family of nine children, to whose education he gave careful attention: Otis, Alvin (a resident of Nebraska) and George (deceased) were born at the old home in Massachusetts; the others were natives of Cattaraugus county. Jane married Manley Fuller, and lives at Rochester, Minn.; , Mary married Dr. Edwin Kimball, of Hay-wards, Cal.; Samantha married Dr. John Veach (now deceased), formerly of Kentucky, but later of Portland, Oregon; Susan never married; Adelia is the wife of Oren Cobb, of \\'inthrop, Maine; and Anna married George Gifford, Esq., of Jamestown, New York.

Otis Bisbee, one of the most successful educators of the State, and the founder and principal of Riverview Academy, was born February 14, 1822, in the town of Chesterfield, Hampshire Co., Mass., and came with his parents to New York State during boyhood. Until he was fifteen years old his schooling was limited to two or three months' attendance each year at the district school, his help being needed on the farm at other seasons. The country was new, much rough work having to be done, and in that he rapidly developed the independent spirit and industrious habit which carried him through the exacting duties of later years. At the age of thirteen he showed these traits by undertaking to make maple sugar by himself, and so thoroughly in earnest was he that he made from sixty-five trees a larger proportionate amount than any one else in the neighborhood. One evening he remained at the camp until about ten o'clock, and the next morning traces of wolves following a deer were found near the place. His father was a well-informed man, and encouraged discussion while they were working about the farm, and thus the boy's mind was early stimulated to thought, and a keen desire awakened to learn the answers to the questions which remained unsolved in their often-interrupted conversations, while his reading in biography and history helped him to form a determination to lea\e his narrow life. An accident in his se\enteenth year confined him to the house, thereby giving him leisure for study; so he availed himself of the oppor-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

29

tunity by preparing himself for the teacher's examination, and subsequently secured a school in a backwoods district. Then followed three years of work among strangers, in which the sorrow of being parted from the old home was only relieved by the thought that he was helping to pay off a debt which lay heavily upon his father. He succeeded in this, and in securing a small fund for himself. The next four years were spent with his uncles in Herkimer county in dairy farming, and the last three of these were passed in the town of Fairfield, where a celebrated academy and medical college were located. While there he taught for several winters, and studied as he could at Fairfield Academy.

In 1847 he entered the sophomore class of Union College, of which Dr. Nott was then the head; but young Bisbee was not inclined to play any pranks, he did not become as well acquainted with that noted educator as some of his less steady-going companions. In 1S48 he was president of the Adelphi Literary Society, and during his term the society held its semicentennial celebration, imposing upon him the duty of welcoming back to the old walls the Alumni who gathered on that happy occasion. Mr. Bisbee left college in 1849, to teach in Mr. Charles Bartlett's school in Poughkeepsie, and on the graduation of his class he was elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1850 he married Miss Frances C. Bartlett, and two years later built a house for a dwelling and school on the southwest corner of Mill and Hamilton streets, Poughkeepsie. [The house standing just south on Hamilton street, of the present building, was the school room and dormitory.] On the death of Mr. Bartlett in 1857 he became, in company with Mr. Charles B. Warring (later the principal of Poughkeepsie Military Institute), an associate principal of the Poughkeepsie Collegiate School. Mr. Warring retiring in 1862, Mr. Bisbee introduced some changes in the school, notably the military character which it afterward retained. In 1866 he erected the building known as Riverview Academy, which under his able management became one of the best institution? of its grade in the State. In^i885 Mr. Bisbee passed away, and his mantle fell upon his son. Joseph Bartlett Bisbee.

Joseph Bartlett Bisbee, principal and proprietor of Riverview Military Academy, was • born in 1853 in the building now standing on the southwest corner of Mill and Hamilton

streets. In 1S57, with his father, he moved to College Hill, and then began his studies and received his military instruction, which has been of untold value to him in his career as a teacher. In 1867 his father moved the school to its present quarter at Riverview. In 1876 Joseph B. Bisbee entered Amherst College, where he remained three years, till called home to assist in the school. In 1884 Amherst College recognized his work and conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.

In 1880 Mr. Bisbee married Miss Sarah M. Pangburn, of Albany, N. Y. They had one child, Elsie P. Mrs. Bisbee died March 3, 1884. In December, 1885, Mr. Bisbee married Miss Winifred Dana Wheeler, daughter of the late Francis B. Wheeler, D. D., who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Poughkeepsie for nearly forty years. They have had three' children: Francis Wheeler, who died in 18S8; Joseph Bartlett Bisbee, Jr.; and Eleanor Dana. Mr. Bisbee is a member of the Masonic order, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church.

OSEPH E. ODELL, M. A. The first Baron Odell was a count of Flanders, and Matilda, the wife of William the Conqueror, was a daughter of one of these counts, and presumably the sister of the first Baron Odell, whose title and estates were bestowed by William. These honors were conferred for distinguished military services in the conquest of England. The estate consisted of, perhaps, twenty thousand acres of land, and extended into two counties, containing within its boundaries upward of twenty villages or small towns. The head of the Baroncy was at Odell, Bedfordshire, England, where Odell Church and Odell Castle still stand, both of which have been erected within recent times, but are near or upon the site of the ancient fortress. Here the church and tovvn records disclose vast numbers of inhabitants of that name from remote times to the present.

The direct descendants of the first Baron Odell were closely related to at least four Kings of England: W^illiam the Norman, Alfred the Great, Edward the Second and Henry the Eighth. They were also related by blood or marriage to upward of fifty families entitled to bear arms, that is, those belonging to the gentry and nobility of England. The title from which the name was derived was be-

COMMEMORATIVE niOOIiAPniCAL RECORD.

stowed in 1066, and from about 795 to the present time the line from father to son is unbroken, the name of not a single individual being wanting. There were many obstacles to the completion of the early part of this record, but diligent and patient research overcame them. Previous to 795, however, no record of the family line has been found, and reliance must be placed upon general historical statements discovered here and there, often in rare and curious forms of ancient record. Assuming the correctness of such authorities, there existed in the possession of the Counts of Flanders a complete and unbroken record, traced back, step by step, to Priam, King of Troy, or to about 1200 B. C.

No remnant of this alleged record has been discovered. But as such a record would naturally be in some French repository of ancient learning, and therefore difficult of access, it is scarcely surprising that the discovery has not been made. It is known, however, that throughout a long period the Counts of Flanders were almost or quite equal in power to the Kings of France, and that in the turbulent times of the Dark Ages they were practically kings, with a horde of dependents to do their bidding. Such families make history, and, doubtless, there were always at hand persons able and willing to write it as fast as it was ready for the pen. And astonishing as the statement, of an unbroken record back to Priam, appears at first glance; on mature reflection, there should appear nothing in it more surprising than that the record should stand unbroken, as it unquestionably does, from 1066 to the present time. The keeping of a family history could not have been more difficult than it has been subsequently.

The line as traced downward includes about thirty generations from the first Baron Odell until the present time. His direct descendants of the same name are now very numerous, and of these the subject of this sketch is a representative. To his efforts arc due in a great degree the discovery and arrangement of the fafcts necessary to furnish proof of the connection with the ancient baronial family, and he has laid under contribution legal documents, church, immigration and shipping records, public speeches and prints, and many volumes, ancient and modern. The result of these labors is a host of facts, sufficient, probably, for a large volume. As an example of the exhaust-iveness of the investigation, it has been found

that the name, during a period of about 800 years, has been authentically used under no less than forty different spellings, W'ahul predominating at first, and Odell now. To sum up, here is a lineage covering 3,000 years, or about ninety generations, carrj'ing us back to what it pleases us to call the infancy of the world. During this time nations have gone to decay, languages have perished, a new world has been discovered, time and space have been annihilated by inventions, the Iliad and Bible have been written, and Christ and His religion have illumined the world! It would scarcely seem presumptuous were the Odells of this line to issue a challenge to the world to produce a more ancient family record.

William Odell, the first of the family in this country, settled in Concord, Mass., about 1639, and his descendants have since occupied a prominent place in the annals of this country, three of them having been Congressmen from this State, Moses F. Odell and N. Holmes Odell, from Brooklyn, and Benjamin Odell, from Newburg. The minor posts of honor held by members of the family have been numberless. The descendants are widely scattered, being found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, Illinois, Alabama, Minnesota, and also in Nova Scotia. They are very numerous in eastern Massachusetts, southern Connecticut, Long Island and Westchester, Orange, and Dutchess counties, those of the latter locality being mainly offshoots from the Odells of Westchester county. At an early date an intermarriage took place with the Bolton family, a branch of which has long been resident in Dutchess county. The Boltons worthily boast a noble and honored lineage, stretching back in unbroken line far within the luminous mists of the ancient nobility of England. At the same time that William Odell settled at Concord there came also the Rev. Peter Bulkeley, who had been a clergyman in the Odell Church in England, and had married a near relative of the Odells there. Having been silenced for non-conformit\', he came to a freer land, and his descendants have made the family name widely known and greatly honored, especially in the eastern States.

In 1639, at Concord, Mass., now a suburb of Boston, came William:—then in direct line William; then Isaac; then Joshua; then John; then Daniel, whose son was Joseph E. Odell, the subject of this sketch. John Odell came to Dutchess count\' from \\estchester about

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81

1795. He settled at Pleasant Plains, where for many years he was the proprietor of a country store, but later removed to Beekman, where he had purchased a large farm, to which his son Daniel succeeded and where Joseph E. Odell was born April 5, 1848, the third in a family of four sons, the others being Eliphalet P., John D., and Caspar L., whose biography appears elsewhere. His mother was Malinda, daughter of John LeRoy, who for a long time was proprietor of the store, flourmill, sawmill, shops of various kinds, and farm, where Frost's Mills now stand. The church at Pleasant Plains probably owes its existence to his liberality, and its later prosperity to the generous support of his children.

fn 1856 Prof. Odell's parents moved to the town of Hyde Park, a mile south of Pleasant Plains church, and in 1868 to Schenectady. He attended the common schools of Beekman and Hyde Park during boyhood, and in 1867-68 studied in the High School at Poughkeepsie under Prof. John M. Clarke. He was graduated from the Union Classical Institute at Schenectady in 1870, and from Union College in 1S74, standing first in his class in both institutions and taking the Nott Scholarship Prize of $150 offered yearly in the college to the one who should stand at the head of his class, not in one but in all studies. He received the degrees of A. B. and A. M. from Union College. While a student in the Institute he originated the A. Z. fraternity, of which he was the first president, and he was a member of the Psi Upsilon Society at college. After graduating, he engaged in teaching, and was principal of the schools at Fish-kill Landing, and Scotia, N. Y., and Storm Lake, Iowa. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar while at Storm Lake, and returning to the East he taught at Berwick and Academia, Penn., as principal of the academies there. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar at Brooklyn, N. Y., and practiced for a short time. He then resumed teaching, and was principal of the schools at Greenville, N. Y., and Monroe, La., and of Leslie Academy, in Poughkeepsie. For the last ten years he has been a successsful private tutor at Poughkeepsie, giving thorough preparation for college to a large number of students.

Prof. Odell was married in November, 1875, to Miss Clara A. Page, of Schenectady. They have no children. He has done some valuable literary work, having been a regular

contributor to the Poughkeepsie Kagh-, and in former years having furnished numerous articles on various topics to other papers and periodicals.

He is also the author of a work on English Grammar, and one on Geometry as applied to surveying. His learned acquirements include many languages, ancient and modern; and, as to proficiency in matters purely scholastic, he has few superiors. He is remarkably efficient as a teacher, and many now successful young men can gratefully attribute the beginning of their ascent to his wise and helpful instruction and advice.

Prominent among those who have rendered assistance in collecting the above facts concerning the Odell family, is Mr. Rufus King, of Yonkers, N. Y., who is an experienced genealogist, whose mother was an Odell, and whose father's family, for several generations, has taken a leading place in State and National politics. There are numerous Odells whose connection with this family cannot be established with the facts at hand. Whether they are of a difl'erent origin, or are offshoots who have lost the proofs of connection with this line, seems difficult of determination.

^ON. STORM EMANS. Among the early comers from Holland to this countrj' were the ancestors of the Emans family, so well and favorably known in this section. They came about the time of the Huguenot immigration, and located for the most part in New England, some of their descendants, however, becoming pioneer settlers in Dutchess county.

There is ground for belief that James Emans, our subject's great-grandfather, was born in Dutchess county, and it is at least certain that he spent the greater part of his life in what is now the town of East Fishkill, where he obtained a grant of 137 acres of land from Madame Brett, which tract is still in the possession of the family, having never been alienated. Here James Emans followed farming until his death. He and his wife reared a family of eight children, of whom the four sons—Cornelius (who died in 1849), James. John and Hendrick—all engaged in farming. Of the daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine never married; Ann was the wife A Samuel Betty, a farmer, and Margaret married John Miller, also a farmer. John Einans, our sub-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ject's grandfather, married Abby Way, and settled at the old homestead where he passed his life. Five children were born to him: Albert, who died in 1895, was a farmer in the town of Lagrange, and also engaged in freighting and speculating; James C. is a farmer in East Fishkill; John S. is mentioned more fully below; George (deceased) was a prominent farmer in Lagrange; and Charles W. is also an agriculturist in East Fishkill.

John S. Emans, the father of our subject, was born in 1824, and grew to manhood at the old homestead. He engaged in agriculture there, taking also a keen interest in public affairs and holding a prominent place in that locality. Although he was not a lawyer, his mind was of a judicial cast, and he was very often called upon to try cases and advise in legal controversies. He was a justice of sessions for some time, represented his town repeatedly on the county board of supervisors, and was one of the three excise commissioners of Dutchess county. In his political views he was a Democrat, and he was elected many years ago on that ticket to the State Legislature. A man of commanding influence, he left a memory which is a cherished legacy among his descendants. He married Eliza Storm, a member of an old and highly respected family, and a daughter of Garret Storm, of East Fishkill. The Emans family have been members of the Reformed Church from a very early period, and our subject's parents were both active and faithful adherents. The father died September i, 1877, the mother on May 26, 1S82. Of their five children, the first and third, Catherine and Abby C, died in early youth; Albert S. is a merchant at Gayhead, in the town of East Fishkill; and Lillian married Dr. Leslie A. Sutton.

Storm Emans, the fourth member of this family, was born at the old homestead, June 12, 1856, and after attending the neighboring district schools for some years went to Pough-keepsie for a course in Bishop's Select School, but ill health compelled him to give up his studies sooner than he intended. After leaving this school he learned telegraphy, and followed it five years at Matteawan, Millerton and Millbrook, operating a private line for the president of the Dutchess & Columbia railroad. He then went to Saratoga Springs, N. Y.. where he met the president of the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co., and was ap-

pointed to open and take charge of the office at Newburgh; but he remained in that position only a short time, owing to the death of his father. Returning to his old home, he was chosen, in 1S77, to fill his father's une.xpired term as justice of the peace, and in 1881-82--86-87 he served on the board of supervisors, and was chairman of various committees. In 1883 he was a member of the State Assembly, having been elected to the office in the First Assembly District of Dutchess county, and in 1890 he was appointed index clerk of that body; from 1891 to 1894 he held the office of clerk of Dutchess county. At present he is secretary and treasurer of the Mitchell Heater Co., and his time is devoted to that business and the management of his farms.

On January 26, 18S1, Mr. Emans was united in marriage with Miss Alice A. Water-bury, daughter of William Waterbury, a prominent hardware merchant of Saratoga Springs, and they have one son, Storm Waterbury, born May 22, 18S3.

EEDWARD HAZEN PARKER, son of Hon. ^ Isaac and Sarah (Ainsworth) Parker, was

born in the city of Boston, Mass., in 1823.

Dr. Parker graduated from Dartmouth College in 1846, and received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in 1848. In the same year he was appointed lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology at Bowdoin Medical College, and for the following nine years was editor of the "New Hampshire Medical Journal." In 1853 Dr. Parker was called to the chair of Physiology and Pathology in the New York Medical College, and associated himself in practice with Dr. Fordyce Barker in New York City. He lished the "New York which he continued to many years with great In 1854 he received the degree of A. M. from Trinity College. In 1S58, as the result of overwork. Dr. Parker had serious trouble with his eyes, necessitating his removal from the city, and in the out-door life of a country practice to seek the recovery of his health. He came to Poughkeepsie, where, as a general practitioner and consultant, he practiced his profession for nearly forty years. He was elected president of the New "V'ork State Medical Society in 1862, and in the same year, and in the succeeding one, went to the front

at this time estab-

Medical Monthly,"

edit personally for

ability and success.

^^^^.^^

UOMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

33

as a volunteer surgeon in the service of New York State.

The Doctor was one of the trustees of, and visiting surgeon to, St. Barnabas Hospital from its opening, until it was closed in 1887. In 1887 he was appointed visiting surgeon to \'assar Brothers' Hospital, and elected president of the medical board. Dr. Parker died November 10, 1896. He was twice married. His first wife, Sarah (Heyderk), died in 1880, leaving three daughters and one son, Dr. Harry Parker, all of whom are living. In 1883 he married Jeannie C. Wright, who with one son survives her husband.

Dr. Parker was a physician of signal competency and skill, and as a surgeon he had few superiors. He was a man of very fine fibre, of unusual cultivation, and of high scholarly attainments. His classical education was sound and liberal, his sympathies most acute, and he was also possessed of a fine poetical talent, which in his busy life, were less frequently exercised than his friends could have desired. The poem, a single verse of which is given below, was composed by Dr. Parker in 1879. It applies most fittingly to his life, which was marked through the long years of his devotion to his work by a conspicuous purity of character, great unselfishness and self sacrifice.

"Life's race well run; Life's work all done; Life's victory won;

Now Cometh rest."

CHARLES WALSH, the well-known editor of the Amenia Times, is conducting this paper with signal ability and success, and holds a prominent position among the journalists of Dutchess county.

Mr. Walsh was born at Futtegarh, India, March 14, 1854, but is descended from a well-known New York family of Irish ancestry. William Walsh, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Newburgh, N. Y., and in later years was president of the Bank of Newburgh; he died there in 1847.

Rev. John Johnston Walsh, the father of our subject, was born at Newburgh, Orange county, in 1820, received his classical education at Union College, class of '39, and later graduated at the Princeton Theological Seminary. At the age of twenty-one, he went to India as a Presbyterian missionary, and there faithfully served for twenty-eight years. On

account of cataract of the eve, he returned to 3

America, where he found that it was incurable, and subsequently for three years was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Miller-ton, N. Y. He wrote and published the " Martyred Missionaries," a memorial to those massacred during the Sepoy rebellion in 1857, at which time he was on a trip to the United States to leave his children to be educated.

At Fishkill, N. Y., in 1841, Rev. Mr. \\'alsh was married to Miss Emma Brett, a daughter of Henry Brett; she is still living, making her home at Newburgh, N. Y., but her husband died at Amenia in 1884. Henry Brett was a direct descendant of Francis Rom-bout, proprietor of the famous Rombout Patent. The only child and heiress of Francis Rombout was Katrina, who married Lieut. Roger Brett, of the English navy. Lieut. Brett, dying in early manhood, left his wife with the management of a large estate, which she conducted with marked ability. The name of Madame Brett is a noted one in the early annals of Dutchess count}' history; she died at an advanced age, leaving a goodly number of descendants.

Although born in India, our subject was educated in the public schools of Newburgh, and at the Newburgh Academy, preparing for college at Cornwall-on-the-Hud-son. For four years he was then engaged in the drug business at Newburgh and New York City. In 1876 he purchased a half interest in the Amenia Times, which was established in 1852, and in 1878 bought out his partner, William L. De Lacey. He then conducted the paper alone until 18S8, when he sold a fourth interest to Theron Griffin, who has been connected with the office for thirty years. It is a bright, spicy paper, well edited and non-partisan in politics. On July i, 1895, Mr. Walsh also purchased the Pawling Chronicle, which he has since greatly enlarged and improved.

On April 8, 1890, at Amenia, Mr. Walsh was married to Miss Georgia A. Thompson, daughter of Hon. George Thompson, Judge of the City Court of Brooklyn, N. Y'., and they now reside at their pleasant home in Amenia. Mrs. Walsh belongs to the old Dutchess county family of Thompsons, who migrated from Connecticut in 1750.

Mr. Walsh has always been an ardent Democrat in politics, and was appointed postmaster at Amenia in August, 1893. He has proved a popular and capable official, and sue-

COMMEMORATTVIC BTOaRAPMICAL RECORD.

ceeded in having the office changed to the third class December 27, 1894. Socially, he belongs to Amenia Lodge No. 672. F. & A. M., and to the Royal Arch Chapter, Poughkeepsie, and the Royal Arcanum. He is also connected with Amenia Grange. He takes an active part in the work of the Presbyterian Church of Amenia, of which he is a consistent member, and is at present serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school.

JEREMIAH S. PEARCE, the present sheriff of Dutchess county, and a well-known citizen of Poughkeepsie, was born August 28, 1837, in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. The Pearce family is of Welsh extraction, and the father and grandfather of our subject were of the same nativity as himself.

Henry Pearce, the grandfather, married Miss I'iebecca Birdsill, who was born in Dutchess county, and they settled on a farm in the town of Pawling. In politics he was a Whig, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church.' Five children were born to them: Nathaniel (who was made assessor of his township), Sally, Rebecca, Amie and Benoni.

Benoni Pearce, the father of our subject, was reared on the old home farm, and married Miss Mary Ann Stark, who was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, a daughter of Benoni Stark, a farmer of that town. After their marriage they settled on a farm, and there reared a famil}' of seven children, as follows: Henry is a physician in Pawling; Lillius H. married A. J. Brown, a farmer in Yates county, N. Y.; Jeremiah S. is our subject; James S. is a druggist and undertaker in Pawling; Charles W. resides in New York City; Elizabeth married John Gelder, a farmer in Yates county, N. Y.; and Edwin died in 1877. In 1849 the family removed to Yates counts', where the father carried on farming until his death in 1893. He was a Whig, later a Republican, and at one time was captain in the State militia. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jeremiah S. Pearce, whose name opens this sketch, spent his boyhood days on the farm in Pawling, attending the district school until about fourteen years of age, when the parents removed to Yates county. He was twenty-two years old when the Civil war

broke out, and the same year, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 33d N. Y. V. I., and was sent to Washington. Being taken ill, however, he was discharged. This did not dampen his ardor, and as soon as convalescent and able for duty, he re-enlisted, in the spring of 1862. this time in the 128th N. Y. V. I., being commissioned second lieutenant. In IS63 he was made first lieutenant, and the following year was promoted to the rank of captain of Company B. He served throughout the entire war, and was mustered out July 12, 1865, during which time he participated in many important battles, among them those of Cedar Creek, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and was in the Shenandoah Valley with Gen. Sheridan, besides taking part in minor skirmishes, etc. In all these years of fighting he was so fortunate as to escape without a wound. At the close of the war Mr. Pearce returned to Pawling, and for a number of years was engaged in various occupations. On September 8, 1875, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Chase, who was born in Pawling, and is a daughter of Darius Chase, a station agent on the Harlem Road railway. They have two children, Carrie L. and Charles D. Mr. Pearce is a Republican and prominent in his party; served several terms as supervisor of Pawling, and twelve terms as assessor. In I 894 he was elected sheriff of Dutchess county, in which office he is giving satisfaction to the public by the faithful and judicious discharge of its responsible duties. He is a public-spirited man. believes in progress, and is interested in all projects for the growth and development of the county and State. He and his wife are liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly esteemed citizens.

T'ELLINGTON C. LANSING, secretary and city editor of the Poughkeepsie Enterprise, is a native of New York City, where he was born June 20, 1855.

Richard E. Lansing, father of our subject, was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., January 30, 1830, and there spent his early boyhood, going to school and working upon the farm. Later he moved to Princeton, N. J., and clerked in a store, from there, after his first marriage, removing to New York City, where he clerked in a dry-goods store. In 1859 he came to Poughkeepsie, and for ten

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

35

years was engaged in the grocery business at No. 16 Washington street, being the leading grocer of his time. He is now, and has been for the past twenty years, in the real-estate and insurance businesses at the same location. In religious circles he is quite prominent, and has been a director and vice-presideait of the Y. M. C. A.; is a trustee of the Old Ladies' Home and of the Old Men's Home; is one of the organizers and the first superintendent of Cherry Street Chapel, and is a deacon and trustee of the Baptist Church; is also a director of the Poughkeepsie Lyceum. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as city treasurer of Poughkeepsie, also alderman of the Third ward, and was a candidate for mayor.

Richard E. Lansing has been twice married, first time in 1851 to Miss Emily Welling, by whom there was one child, W^ellington C., our subject. This wife was afflicted with heart disease, and thrice before she was five years old was laid out for burial, her death finally occurring May 17, 1863, when she was thirty-one years old. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-five years. In September, 1876, Mr. Lansing, for his second wife, married Miss Sarah Hull, a daughter of Thomas Hull, by which union there is no issue.

Garrett P. Lansing, grandfather of our subject, was born in Hyde Park, Dutchess county, in 1790, a son of Peter Lansing, who died at Hyde Park at the age of ninety-eight years. Garrett P. was married to Miss Melinda G. Husted, by whom he had fourteen children, seven of whom are living, all now over fifty years old. They are: William H., of Troy, X. v.; George E.; Lewis L., of Minneapolis; James F., Richard E., Garrett P., Jr., and Margaret J., of Poughkeepsie. Mr. Lansing was a cabinet maker by trade, and also carried on farming. In politics he was a Democrat, and at one time was collector of the town of Hyde Park. He served in the war of 1812. His death occurred January 7, 1847.

The maternal great-grandfather of Wellington C. Lansing was one of the original Nine Partners, who at one time owned nearly all of Dutchess count}'.

Wellington C. Lansing, our subject, spent his early life in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, and later attended the Classical and Scientific Institute of Hightstown, N. J. He was married in Catskill, N. Y., May 17, 1877, to Miss Mary D. Bogardus, who is a lineal descendant, like himself, of Anneke Jans, who

owned the Trinity Church property in New York City. To Mr. and Mrs. Lansing the following children have been born: Sarah Emil}', who died when eight years old; Charles A., born November 7, 1S79; Irene E., born February 19, 1S81; Bertha D., born August 12, 1882; May B., born May 11, 1886.

Mr. Lansing was employed in the Eagle office until 1882, when he and Edward Van-Keuren bought the paper called the Dutchess Fanner, an agricultural weekly, which they conducted until June, 1883, at which time they formed a partnership with Derrick Brown, who was then editor of the Poughkeepsie ^Vi-zi'.?, and they formed a new company, Mr. Brown becoming editor-in-chief, and Mr. Lansing city editor, while the name of the paper was changed to the Evening and VVeek/j Enterprise. In 1892 the paper was bought by a company of Cleveland Democrats, and the above firm runs the paper for it. Mr. Brown is now business manager and treasurer, and editor-in-chief, and Mr. Lansing is secretary and city editor.

Our subject at one time was prominent in firemen's circles, and was president of Davy Crockett Hook and Ladder Co. No. i. He is past chancellor of Armor Lodge, K. of P., of Poughkeepsie, and past district deputy of the same order; was vice-president of the Y. M. C. A., which office he has held two terms; has been superintendent of the Baptist Sunday-school; president of the Y. P. S. C. E.; president of the Baptist Boys Brigade, and president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. In principle he is a Prohibitionist, but votes independently.

€OLVIN CARD, editor and proprietor of the _' Millerton Telegram, the leading paper of the northeastern portion of Dutchess county, is one of the most prominent of the younger men of that region, and one who has without doubt a fine future before him. His grandfather, Eason Card, was an early settler upon the Livingston estate in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, and his father, Eason H. Card, was born there in 1826, in early life coming to Dutchess county and engaging in farming in the town of Northeast. In 1863 he returned to his native county, and for eight years was engaged in mercantile business and farming at Scotchtown Mills. In 1S72 he purchased a farm of 500 acres of land near

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIGAL RECORD.

Boston Corners, and has since resided there, being one of the principal farmers of that vicinity. In public affairs he is prominent also, taking an active part in the work of the Democratic organization, and serving for many years as justice of the peace. He is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church at Ancram Lead Mines. In 1856 he married Dorcas Decker, a daughter of Everett Decker, and they have two children: Adelbert, born August 28, 1858; and Colvin, our subject. The mother died in 1892; the father is still living on the old farm.

The subject of our sketch was born July 20, 1866, in the town of Northeast, on a farm near Boston Corners, and he was educated mainly in the common schools, with some excellent practical finishing touches in the office of the Millerton Telegram. At the age of nineteen years he left the home farm and taught school for ten years, being principal of the Millerton public schools for four years. After two years at Irondale he returned to Millerton for one year, and in March, 1889, he bought the V^an Scriver interest in The Telegram, and continued the paper under the firm name of Deacon & Card until February 15, 1891, when he became the sole proprietor. Since his connection with the paper it has increased in circulation from 480 subscribers to 1,108, and has become the principal paper in the locality. In politics Mr. Card himself is a Democrat, but his paper is independent. He is an energetic, enterprising young man, and finds time to conduct some profitable real estate transactions, and to carry on a successful auction business in partnership with W. D. McArthur. Always loyal to the interests of the village, he is active and influential in local politics; has been town clerk for two terms, and is now a member of the board of education. Socially he is also prominent, being an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a leader in the choir, and he also belongs to Webatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M., of Millerton, and to Millerton Lodge No. 383, I. O. O. F.

CHARLES P. LUCKEY (deceased), the founder and, at the time of his death, the senior partner in the well-known firm of Luckey, Piatt & Co., the leading dry-goods merchants in Poughkccpsie, was born May 30,

1832, near Ithaca, N. Y. His ancestors settled in Dutchess county in early times.

Thomas P. I. Luckey, father of our subject, was born in the city of Poughkeepsie in 1803, and was a farmer by occupation. In early manhood he removed to Ithaca, later to Chautauqua count}', but he and his wife returned to Poughkeepsie to spend their declining 3'ears. On April 28, 1824, he was married to Jane Ann Hoffman, daughter of Loderwick Hoffman, and they had five children: John, Theodore H., Catherine, Charles Pinckney and Francis Drake, all now deceased. The father died in Poughkeepsie, September 16, 1868, the mother on March 19, 1879.

Charles P. Luckey, the subject proper of this review, shortly after the return to Dutchess county, began his business career as a clerk for W. H. Nase, Dover Plains, and for some years he was employed in that capacity in Hustonville and New Hamburg. In 18— he became a clerk in the dry-goods store of Robert Slee, of Poughkeepsie, and in February, 1866, he was admitted to partnership in the firm. In 18— he established, at No. 328 Main street, the firm of Luckey. ^'ail & Mandeville, which existed a year and a half, when Mr. Vail withdrew, and about eighteen months afterward, or in 1869, the firm became Luckey & Piatt. Later it became Luckey, Piatt & Co., S. L. De Garmo being the third member. They owned the largest dry-goods store in the city, with a trade which extended through several counties, and their name became a synonym for enterprise and sound methods.

Mr. Luckey was twice married, the first time in New York City to Miss Annie E. Brush, a daughter of Alfred Brush; she died in 1867, leaving one son, Frank M. R. Luckey, now a Congregational minister at New Haven, Conn.; he is remarkably gifted as an orator, in early life had an inclination for the stage, and spent three years in the company of William Florence. His education was thorough, and he was a graduate of both Cornell and Yale; his wife was Miss Lettie A. Rensley, of Poughkeepsie. For his second wife, Charles P. Luckey was married, on .April 6, 1871, to Miss Cecelia Reed, a daughter of John Reed, of Syracuse, N. Y., by which marriage there were no children. Mr. Luckey died January 30, 1S96, of heart failure, having been afflicted for some considerable time; his widow is now living in Poughkeepsie.

Mr. Luckey held high rank among the

^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

37

business men in this region, and took part in \arious enterprises. He was director and vice-president of the First National Bank, and president of the Retail Merchants Association in the city. He never engaged in politics, and was not a member of any club or secret organization; a thorough home man, he was ever happiest there. He was a man of large heart, generous and charitable in all his acts, and possessed of a well-balanced mind. As far as his boyhood educational advantages were concerned, they were limited, but he was fond of reading, and he was twelve years old when he entered the arena of business. For several years he lived in Eastman Terrace, in 1893 removing to his late residence on Garfield Place, Poughkeepsie.

T>HEODORE ADDISON HOFFMAN, county clerk of Dutchess county, is a

native of the county, having been born in the town of Red Hook, May 23, 1844. Theodore Hoffman, his father, was a son of Zacharias Hoffman, who owned a tract of land near Tivoli, along the Hudson river.

Our subject is a member of that steady and worthy class whose ancestors were among the first settlers of Dutchess county. He received his early training at the public schools and at Trinity School, from which he was graduated at the age of fifteen years. After leaving school he was employed as clerk in a general store, and at the age of twenty-two he embarked in mercantile business at Tivoli, N. Y. When twenty-three years old he was appointed postmaster at Tivoli, N. Y., which office he held for eighteen years, and the office has been in his store for some thirty years. He was elected president of the village of Tivoli. In 1888 he was elected county clerk of Dutchess county on the Republican ticket, and in 1891 he was removed from office by Governor Hill for refusing, as he says, to sign what was known as the Mylod return of the county canvassers. In 1894, however, he was re-elected county clerk, which office he now holds.

In 1866, at the age of twenty-two, Theodore A. Hoffman was united in marriage with Harriet Saulpaugh, daughter of Augustus Saul-paugh, a well-known farmer, and seven children have been born to this union—three sons and four daughters : John T., Harry, Frederick, Helen, Maud, Florence and May. In

politics Mr. Hoffman is a stanch Republicari; in religious faith an Episcopalian; and socially he is a member of the Freemasons, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

LBERT R. HASKIN, the well-known .t^ secretary and manager of the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and one of the prominent financiers of that city, was born August 27, 1850, in Elkhart county, Indiana.

The family is of English origin with a strain of Scotch blood, and the first ancestor of the American line was an early settler in Vermont, his descendants branching out in later years to all parts of the country. Samuel Haskin, our subject's grandfather, was for a time a resident of Ticonderoga, N. Y., where his son, Caleb Almon (our subject's father), was born in 1826. When the latter was si.x years old the family moved to Addison county, Vt., later to Lock-port, N. Y., and still later to Dowagiac, Mich., and then to Elkhart, Ind. He became a farmer by occupation, and in 1855 went to Marshall county, Iowa, where he entered 200 acres of government land, of which he has made a fine farm. He is a leader in the community, in both business and political affairs, has been a justice of the peace and supervisor of his town for many years, and has been urged to become the Republican candidate for Congress. In school matters he has taken more than ordinary interest, and he is also active in the work of the Baptist Church, of which he is a prominent member.

On May 27, 1849, Caleb A. Haskin was married in Indiana to Miss Rebecca Lacy, daughter of Laban Lacy, a leading citizen of Elkhart county, Ind., and a descendant of an old Virginia family. Seven children were born of this union, of whom four lived to maturity —one son (our subject) and three daughters, namely: Anna C, who married Adam Grimes, and died in 1893; Melissa J., the wife of Charles F. Ricker, a hardware merchant in Grundy Center, Iowa; and Hattie, who married Edward Shelton, of Michigan. The mother of this family died in 1S84, and in 1887 the father married Miss Elizabeth Bibb, his present wife.

Albert R. Haskin, our subject, attended the district schools near his father's farm, and after acquiring an elementary education there he entered Iowa College, at Grinnell, Iowa,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUWAL RECORD.

and for four years, from 1868 to 1872, pursued an elective course. In June, 1872, he came to Poufjhkeepsie and took a course in the Eastman Business College, graduating September 2 of the same \"ear. His work as a pupil had been so satisfactory that he was' appointed superintendent of the Banking Office department in the school, a position which he filled with marked ability for some years. He then became principal of theTheory department, and in 1885 was made principal of the school, which has prospered greatly under his able management. In November, 1896, he was appointed secretary and manager.

On December 31, 1874, Mr. Haskin married Miss Mary A. Cline, a daughter of Henry Cline, a prominent resident of Dutchess county, and late of Saratoga. N. Y. They have had three children, of whom two, Albert C. and Minerva M., are living. Mr. and Mrs. Haskin are leading members of the Baptist Church, in which he has held many official positions, and is now trustee and deacon. He is also a director of the Y. M. C. A. He is an ardent Republican, taking an active share in local politics, and in any enterprise for the public benefit. For thirteen years he has labored for the interests of the public schools as a member of the board of education, and he is now president of that body. His rare business abilities have won him the esteem and confidence of financial leaders, and he has become interested in a number of important business operations, being a director of the Poughkeepsie National Bank, of the Home Building & Loan Association, and of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association of Dutchess county. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., Fallkill Lodge No. 297, and has passed the chairs; is also a member of the F. & A. M., Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, of which he is past master; of Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M., of which body he is high priest; and of Commandery No. 43, K. T., also of Mecca Temple, of New York City.

SAMUEL MANSFIELD. No citizen of \\'appingers Falls is better known, or stands higher in the estimation of his fellow-men, than does this gentleman, who for many years has stood in the front rank of the educators of Dutchess county.

Prof. Mansfield was born in New Baltimore, N. Y., July 14, 1834, his family being of Eng-

lish descent. His grandfather, Samuel Mansfield, was born in Greene county, N. Y., and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Hannah Hallenbeck, who was of Dutch stock, and they reared a family of five children, namely: William; Jehoiakim, who became a ship carpenter; Hannah, who married Peter Doty, a farmer of Saratoga county, N. Y.; Margaret, who married James Reed, superintendent of a paper factory at Saugerties, N. Y.; and Sarah, who became the wife of Sylvanus Rutan, a market man of New Jersey.

William Mansfield, the father of our subject, turned his attention to farming. He married Nancy Kelsey, who was born in western New York, and they settled in New Baltimore, where the following children were born to them: Samuel; Silas W'iltsey, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and is now deceased; James Reed, a farmer in Greene county, N. Y.; Sarah Amelia and Hannah Margaret, both deceased, and William Brooks, who died in infancy. The parents both died in Greene county. They were originally members of the Reformed Dutch Church, afterward uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father in his early life was a Whig, later joining the Republican party.

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and attended the common schools of his vicinity until he was seventeen years old, when he entered the seminary at Charlotteville, N. Y. Afterward he taught school, and thus assisted in defraying his expenses while obtaining an education. He entered the Sophomore class of Union College in 1857, and was graduated in i860, being chosen class poet. In 1862 he went to Wap-pingers Falls, and was appointed principal of the Union Free School, which he taught until 1S78. resigning to accept the principalship of the Wappingers Falls Graded School, which position he is filling at the present time. During these long years of service in this responsible position. Prof. Mansfield has succeeded in securing the confidence and esteem of not only those under his immediate supervision, but of all those with whom he has been brought into business and social relations. As a teacher he has the best interests of his pupils at heart, and spares no pains in their training. He is firm in his government, yet so genial and companionable that he holds a warm place in the affections of all who have ever been under his care. He is a man of fine tastes and scholarly

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

39

habits, and is a student and ardent lover of nature, as well as of books. Although popular in social circles, Prof. Mansfield has never been married, his whole life having been devoted to his vocation.

In addition to his school duties, Prof. Mansfield has always taken a lively interest in matters relating to the progress and welfare of the village, and has done much to aid in its development. He has been a member of the board of trustees of the village for many years, and was its president for four years. In 1882 he was made a trustee of the Wappingers Savings Bank, and in 1884 elected its president, which office he still holds. He is president of the board of Park commissioners, to which position he was elected in 1892. He is also one of the original trustees of the Grinnell Library, and chairman of the library committee. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, and has always taken a lively interest in the success of his party and the principles for which it stands. .■\lthough not a men-tber of any Church, he is a regular attendant at Zion Protestant Episcopal Church, of Wappingers Falls. He ranks among the best citizens of Wappingers Falls, and has the respect and esteem of all classes of people.

LUKE D. WYMBS, the present school commissioner for the First District of

Dutchess county, has been recognized for man)' years as one of the leading educators of this section.

Born in Livingston, Columbia Co., N. Y., August 21, 1845, he passed his youth at that place, attending the public schools, and making such good use of his advantages that at sixteen years of age he was qualified to teach. He began his professional career February 23, 1862, and among the schools over which he presided were those of Germantown, Livingston, Glencoe Mills, Pine Plains and Glenham. In 1S64 he enlisted in Battery M, 3d New York Light Artillery, assigned to the army of the James, and his battery was in service against the fortifications around Petersburg and Richmond. At the close of the war he returned home and again engaged in teaching, spending nineteen years in the Glenham school. In the fall of 1893 he was elected on the Republican ticket to his present position, where his superior talents and wide experience enable him to benefit the cause of education through-

out a larger field. He has always been prominent in teachers' associations, both in Dutchess and Columbia counties. On November 3, 1896, he was re-elected school commissioner by a majority of 2.600. being the largest majority ever given a school commissioner in his district.

In early manhood Prof. Wymbs married Miss Mary E. Simmons, of Taghkanick, daughter of Jeremiah and Almah (Tanner) Simmons. She died May 2, 1873, leaving one daughter, lola M., now the wife of Bertrand J. Harder, of Mechanicsville, Saratoga Co., N. Y. On October 21, 1874, Prof. Wymbs was united in marriage with his present wife, Mary A. De-Lamater, daughter of Osterhoudt and Mary (Decker) De Lamater. The Professor has always taken keen interest in public questions and in local affairs. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is past commander of Howland Post No. 48, Department of New York. He and his wife attend the Reformed Church at Glenham.

The Wymbs family originated in Scotland, and at the time of religious persecution in that country moved to the North of Ireland. Our subject's grandparents, Luke and Mary Wymbs, were residents of New York City, where the grandfather was a merchant in the early part of this century. During the war of 1812 he was making a voyage to Ireland with a cargo of linseed, accompanied by his wife and son, Luke D., when the vessel was captured by a British man-of-war, and Mr. \\'ymbs and his family were taken to Cadiz, and held as prisoners for five or six months. Luke D.Wymbs, the Professor's father, was then a mere boy. He was born in 1805, and on attaining manhood became a farmer in the town of Taghkanick, Columbia county. In 1840 he married Margaret Ferris, and our subject was their only son. Both parents passed from earth in 1886, the mother on February 13, the father on April 25. The mother was born in 1807, one of the fourteen children of her parents, William Ferris and his wife, Jane (Warren).

EDWARD BROWN DU MOND, principal ,' of the Union Free School, in the village

of Fishkill, Dutchess county, is one of the leading educators of this section, his professional labors covering a period of nearly thirty years, twenty of them in his present position. His family, which is of Huguenot extraction, has been a resident in this State since an

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

early period, and his great-grandfather, Johannes Philip Du Mond, was an ensign and lieutenant in the American armj' during the Revolution, in the regiment of Col. Johannes Snyder, and the company of Capt. Evert Bogar-dus. His commission, which is dated October 23. 1779. and signed by George Clinton, is now in the possession of our subject. He married Sarah Elmendorf, and their son Conrad (Prof. Du .Mond's grandfather) married Catherine Copp. Philip Du Mond (our subject's father) was born May 28, 1817, and followed agricultural pursuits, first in West Hurley, N. Y., and later (in the "sixties") near Kingston, N. Y., where he lived several years, finally purchasing a farm at Accord, N. Y., spending the remainder of his active years there. He died at Fishkill, February 10, 1892, leaving a widow, Mrs. Cornelia Catherine (Brown) Du-Mond, and six children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Mary Catherine is the wife of John H. Davis, a paper manufacturer of Mill-hook, Accord, N. Y.; Martha Antoinette lives in New Jersey with her sister Frances; John Calvin resides at the old homestead at Accord; Philip Nelson married Miss Kate Davis, daughter of Joseph and Charity Davis, and lives at Los Angeles. Cal.; and Frances Augusta married Joachim H. Davis, with the New York Afni/ and Express, and lives in New Jersey. The mother of this family, who was born June 28, 1817, now makes her home with our subject. She is a descendant of a well-known family, a daughter of Matthias and Mary (Copp) Brown, and granddaughter of Silas and Martha (Robinson) Brown, of whom the last named lived to the age of 102 years.

Prof. Du Mond was born in West Hurley, July 9, 1843, and received his education in the public schools at Kingston, and in the State Normal School at Albany, where he was graduated in 1867. His first professional work was at Stuyvesant Falls, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he remained a year and a half, and then taught the same length of time at Schodack Landing, Rensselaer county. In 1870 he became principal of the Fishkill school, and after twelve years of effective work went to Pelham Manor, N. Y., where he filled a similar position for six years. In 1888 he returned to his former place in Fishkill, and since the Union School came under the control of the Regents in 1894, he has also had charge of the academic department, which was then added.

Prof. Du Mond is one of the honored vet-

erans of the Civil war, and his entrance into the service August 6, 1862. interrupted his studies. He was a member of the 120th N. Y. V. I., and participated in all the battles through which his regiment passed, until wounded, viz.: Fredericksburg, Chancellors-ville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, W'ilderness, Spott-sylvania. North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Strawberry Plains, and the siege of Petersburg, where his left hand was shot off by a shell. He is a member of the G. A. R., and in 1890 was a delegate to the National Encampment at Boston, where 45,000 men took part in the parade. In politics he is a Republican.

On March 10, 1870, Prof. Du Mond married Miss Ellen L. Mathewson, daughter of Sylvanus and Adelia (Cleveland) Mathewson, of Oneida, N. Y. Three children were born of this union: Grace Lavina, Edna Brown and Marcia Adelle. The Professor and his family are members of the Reformed Dutch Church at Fishkill. Their home is a beautiful estate comprising two acres—the old Oppie homestead. Mrs. Du Mond owns desirable village property at Pelham Manor, N. Y.; she is also a graduate of the Albany State Normal School.

Mrs. Du Mond's grandfather, Winchester Mathewson, married Abagail Swift, and lived in Smithfield, Madison Co., N. Y., where they both died. Their family consisted of fifteen children—seven sons and eight daughters. Mrs. Du Mond's father, Sylvanus, who was the eldest, about the year 1830 married Adelia Cleveland, and their family consisted of ten children—five sons and five daughters—Mrs. Du Mond being the sixth child; at the time of her marriage she was living in Oneida Castle, Madison Co., New York.

OHN PETER NELSON (deceased). The subject of this sketch, who in his day was was one of the most prominent men of Dutchess county, was born July 29, 1810, in the house now occupied by his widow, at the corner of Cannon and Liberty streets, Pough-keepsie.

Francis Nelson, the first ancestor of the Nelson family, emigrated from England to America about the year 1647, he himself settling at Mamaroneck, Westchester county, while part of his family came to Poughkcepsie and part remained in Peekskill. Col. Joseph

^c^lL. .^f^^^eX

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

41

Nelson, born April i, 1786, at Clinton, Dutchess county, a descendant of this Francis Nelson, was an editor in Poughkeepsie, and in 1806 published a paper known as the Political Bar-oiuctci\ and was one of the leading citizens of his locality. He knew Washington, Hamilton, Burr and other prominent men of that time. He was a colonel in the war of 1812, and during his service contracted typhoid fever, from which he died in New York City, November 3, 1812. Col. Nelson married Hannah Fort, a daughter of Maj. Abram Fort, who fought in the Revolutionary war, and was well-known in his day. To Col. and Mrs. Nelson were born the following children: Jane Ann, who married Henry F. Granger, son of Judge Granger, of Grangerville; John Peter, our subject; and James Fort. Maj. Abram Fort was the father of the following children: Col. John A. Fort, who was one of Gen. Jackson's aides in the war of 1812; Peter Fort, also an aide on Gen. Jackson's staff, who each year, on January 8, hoisted the stars and stripes in honor of the battle of New Orleans; James Fort; Mrs. Pierson;Mrs. Abram Thompson; Alida; Sarah; Catharine; Mrs. Susan Haviland; Mrs. Maria Granger, and Mrs. Hannah Nelson.

John Peter Nelson, our subject, was educated in the private schools of New Orleans, where he spent the most of his boyhood. He also had a private tutor, and spoke several languages. After reaching his majority, he became a commission merchant, and owned several vessels which plied between New Orleans and England. Some years prior to 1S45, he became interested in cotton growing in Louisiana, where he had a plantation of 1,400 acres, and owned 900 slaves who were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. At one time, prior to the war, he was the richest planter in the State of Louisiana. He continued in business until 1874, when on account of ill health he retired, and in 1876 went to Europe, returning in the fall of 1877. His death occurred March 26, 1878. He was a remarkable man in many ways, was possessed of great firmness of character, a kind heart, great generosity—in fact, he was one of nature's noblemen. He was a kind father and a good husband. On December 5, 1839, he married Julia .Ann Keese, who died May 23, 1841, leaving one child, Julia Keese Nelson, who married George Wetmore Colles, of New York City.

Mr. Nelson was married, the second time, in 1845, to Miss Cornelia Mandeville Nelson, and the following children were born to them: Peter Fort, who died of 3'ello.v fever at New Orleans in 1873; William James; Elizabeth Parker; Edward Beverly, principal of the New York Central Institution for Deaf Mutes, at Rome, N. Y.; Walter Huntington, in business in Washington, but living in Virginia; Thomas Grant; and Cornelia Mandeville.

Mr. Nelson was a stanch Democrat, a strong Union man, and did all he could to defeat the ordinance of Secession. He was a member of Christ's Episcopal Church, New Orleans, and contributed liberally to its support. In all matters he was a public-spirited man, much admired by all who knew him.

William Nelson, the father of Mrs. John Peter Nelson, widow of our subject, was born June 29, 1784, in Clinton (now Hyde Park), Dutchess county, and was the son of Thomas Nelson, an old citizen and native of the county, born in Clinton March 17, 1744, and died in Poughkeepsie, November i, 1823. He married (first) Sarah Wright, of Somers, Westchester county, April 11, 1769, and (second) Maiy Delavan. William Nelson attended the Dutchess County Academy, and received his legal education also in Poughkeepsie. He was admitted to the bar soon after reaching his majority, and went to Buffalo with a view to opening an office in that city. He spent a short time there, however, moving to Peeks-kill. He also practiced in the counties of Rockland, Putnam and Westchester. In the year 1812 he was elected to the State Senate, and took his seat there some two or three sessions. In 1848-49, and 1850-51, he was sent to Congress and was urged for re-election, but declined to accept. He was district attorney some thirty years, a remarkable length of time in that office. He was a man of great energy and will power, an extensive reader, and one of the foremost men of his community.

William Nelson was married to Miss Cornelia Mandeville Hardman, daughter of John Hard man, a West India merchant, of New York City, whose other children were: Sarah Ann, who married Dr. Thomas Mower, a surgeon in the arm}'; and Eliza, wife of Henry Starr, of New York City. The children of William Nelson were: Joseph, living in Milwaukee; Dorinda, deceased wife of John Arthur, of San Francisco. Cal.; George P., a lawj'er in New York City; Thomas, also a law-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

yer in New York City; William Rufiis (deceased), who was a lawyer in Peekskill; Sarah A., who became the wife of J. Henry Ferris, a lawyer in Peekskill; Elizabeth, now the widow j of Rev. John Johnson, of Upper Red Hook; Robert Dean (deceased); and Cornelia Man-deville, the wife of our subject. Mr. Nelson was an Old-time Henry Clay Whig, and personal friend of Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln and Henry Clay. He was a public-spirited man, and took great interest in all matters pertaining to his community. He died in October, 1869, aged eighty-five years; Mrs. Nelson passed away August 28, same year, five weeks before her husband.

REV. BENJAMIN E. DICKHAUT, A. M. As pastor, the subject of this sketch is

one of a long line of able and eloquent workers in the cause of Christ, and his labors have shown him to be well-worthy of a place in that illustrious company.

His father. Rev. J. Conrad Dickhaut. was a zealous clergyman of the Reformed Dutch Church. He .was born in Germany, February 17, 181 5, and ordained in New York City, at the church in N. Williams street, by the Classis of New York. He at once organized the German Mission in Greenwich street, New York, but remained only a short time, as he took a settled charge at New Brooklyn, where he officiated twelve years, building meantime a new church edifice. His next pastorate was in the Presbyterian Church at East Williamsburg, N. Y., and after four years of faithful toil there, sickness compelled him to suspend his labors for two years. On resuming, he organized the Reformed Church at Canarsie and ser\ed as its pastor until April, 1887, when failing health again caused him to retire, it being in fact his last illness, as his death occurred December 30, 1887. In early manhood he married Miss Eva Ruby, who survives him. She was a daughter of Michael Ruby, and his wife, Margaret, who was a daughter of Martin Leyenberger. The following children were born to them; Conrad, Amelia, William, John, Sophia, Benjamin E., Timothy, Samuel and David. Of these, only three are now living: Sophia, Benjamin E. and Samuel.

Benjamin E. Dickhaut, our subject, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 29, 1863, and attended the public schools of the city, and then the Polytechnic Institute, graduating

from the latter in 1880. In 1884 he was graduated from Rutgers College with the degree of A. B., and in 1887 he completed his course in the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, receiving in the same year the degree of A. M. from Rutgers. At the beginning of his theological course at New Brunswick he was chosen for missionary work at the Middle Collegiate Church, New York City, and spent his vacation in this field. In the summer of 1885 he was engaged by the Collegiate Church to do missionary work in connection with DeWitt Chapel, and during the remainder of his seminary course he continued working there. On graduating from the seminary, he was ordained by the Classis of New York to do missionary work under the supervision of the Collegiate Church. In October, 1889, he accepted a call to the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, Dutchess county, which was his first independent charge. There he made his influence felt for good in many lines of effort. He was president of the Law and Order League of the village, and was on the executive committee of the county organization for good citizenship. On September i. 1896. he accepted the call of the South Reformed Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., and the same aggressive methods employed by him at Fishkill have been productive of very encouraging results in his new field of labor. He is a most decided temperance advocate, and is frequently engaged on the platform in this cause. On March 17, 1888. he was married at New Brunswick to Miss Margaret P. Maddock, daughter of Rev. George C. and Mary 1 Price) Maddock. Her father is a minister for the M. E. Church, New Jersey Conference, and at present is chaplain of the New Jersey State Prison, at Trenton, N. J. Mr. and Mrs. Dickhaut have two children, viz.: Margaret Maddock and Dorothy.

The following is a list of the pastors of the Reformed Dutch Church of Fishkill since its organization in 1716 by Rev. Petrus Vas: Rev. Cornelius Van Schie. 1731-1738; Rev. Benjamin Meynema, 1745-1755; Rev. Jacob Vannist, served two and one-half years when he died, 1761; Rev. Henricus Schoon-maker, 1763-1772; also Isaac Rysdyck, jointly with Rev. Schoonmaker, 1765 to 1772, and alone until 1790; Rev. Isaac Blanvelt, 1783-1790; Rev. Nicholas Van Vranken, 1791-1804; Rev. Cornelius D. W'estbrook, 1806-1830; Rev. Geo. H. Fisher, 1830-1835; Rev. Fran-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOMAPIIWAL RECORD.

43

cis M. Kip, 1836-1870; Rev. Peter E. Kipp, 1S70-1875; Rev. Asher Anderson, 1875-1880; Kev. M. Bross Thomas, 1881-1888; Rev. Benjamin E. Dickhaut, 1889-1S96; Rev. Abel Huizioga, 1896, present pastor.

In the old Reformed Dutch church the Tory and other prisoners were confined, and from this building tradition teaches us that "Harve}' Birch" (Enoch Crosby), having been arrested as a spy, effected his escape. During the Revolutionary war a part of the army was located in Fishkill, and their barracks extended from the Van Wyck place to the foot of the mountain. The officers' headquarters were in the dwelling well-known to the readers of the "Spy" as the "Wharton House" (occupied in 1866 by Sidney E. Van Wyck, and now (1896) by Miss Nettie Hustis); near the residence, by the large black walnut trees, south of the road and at the foot of the mountain, was the burial ground of the soldiers. The Episcopal church was used as a hospital, as was afterward the Presbyterian church at Brinckerhoff, about one and one-half miles north of the village.

E\DWARD ELSWORTH, president of the ; Fallkill National Bank, and who has held

various honorable and important offices in the city of Poughkeepsie, and in the county, was born January 6, 1840, in New York City. His parents were John and Martha (Van Varick) Elsworth, both natives of New York City, the former born in 1802. The father was a descendant of Christoffel Elsw.art, who was a free holder in New York in 1655, and the mother was a daughter of Joseph Van Varick, who was a merchant of that city.

In 184S the parents of our subject removed to Poughkeepsie, where the father died in May, 1873, the mother surviving him until 1880. Mr. Elsworth was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Reformed Dutch Church. He was a school trustee of the town of Poughkeepsie, and a member and trustee of the Mechanic Society, of New York City. Their famih- consisted of four children: Two died in infancy; John K. was a merchant in New York City; and Edward, the sole survivor, is the subject of this sketch.

Edward Elsworth was eight years of age when his parents took up their residence in Pousrhkeepsie, and for a number of years was a pupil in the Dutchess County Academy.

His legal education was acquired in the State and National Law School, Poughkeepsie, from which he was graduated in the class of '58. For the following two years he was in the law office of Thompson & Weeks, and also in that of Judge Nelson. He then went to New York City, and for two years was in the law practice with Bernard Roelker, and later practiced in Rockland county. In 1S66, he returned to Poughkeepsie. and, after practicing his profession for a time, entered into the hardware business in partnership with Guilford Dudley. During this time he was made director and also vice-president of the Fallkill National Bank, and in 1891 was elected its president; he is also vice-president of the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank.

On November 26, 1867, Mr. Elsworth was married to Miss Mary Johnston. The Johnston family are of Scotch extraction, and Mrs. Elsworth's father, Samuel B. Johnston, a descendant of Capt. Archibald Johnston, a Revolutionary soldier, was a cousin of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston. He was a native of Connecticut, but for many years a resident of Poughkeepsie, where he was a banker, and for a long period was vice-president of the Fall-kill Bank. Four children have been born to our subject and his wife, namely: Grace Varick, Mary Johnston, Ethel Hinton and Edward Wead, all of whom are at home. Mr. Elsworth is a stanch Democrat, and has always been prominent in his party. In 1874he was elected supervisor of the Third ward of Poughkeepsie, and served one term. In 1880 he was made school commissioner, which office he filled for seven years. In November, 1886, he was elected mayor of Poughkeepsie, served one term, and in 1891 was re-elected to the same honorable position. He was elected a trustee of Vassar College in 1892, and is still serving as such. Mr. Elsworth also holds the following offices: Trustee and treasurer of Vassar Brothers' Institute; and vice-president for Dutchess county of the Holland Society of New York. He is also a member of the Sons of the Revolution. For several years he was judge advocate of the Eighth Brigade of the National Guard S. N. Y., and served in other offices in that organization. In 1891, he received the degree of A. M. from Rutgers College. The family are members and liberal supporters of the Reformed Dutch Church, and stand high in social and religious circles.

From the foregoing facts it will be seen

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

that Mr. Elsworth is a man of more than usual ability, and business qualifications, and that his many sterling qualities are appreciated by his fellow citizens. In the numerous responsible positions in which he has been placed, he has fully merited their confidence and esteem, and no man occupies a higher place in the regard of the public, or in the friendship of his more intimate associates.

OLIVER II. BOOTH (deceased; was born in 1823 upon a farm within the present limits of the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and died March 13, 1896, after an illness of twenty-two days—the first sickness he ever experienced. During his life of well nigh three-quarters of a century, he saw a marvelous transformation, not only in the outward appearance of that locality, but in all phases of our complex and constantly progressing civilization. His early home was on the south side of Fallkill creek, opposite the present location of Pelton's factory, and his father, George Booth, a prominent citizen of that day, had a woolen-mill for manufacturing cloth, the first of the kind run b_\- machinery in the county. This was before the days of pins, and old citizens remember the large thorn bushes in the neighborhood from which Mr. Booth obtained thorns to fasten his bundles with. In the field north of the church of the Holy Comforter, he raised teazles, which were used in " gigging " the cloth.

During his earl_v boyhood our subject attended a school that was kept in a small building which is yet standing in the rear of No. 120 Main street, Poughkeepsie, the teacher being Aunt Anna Haight, and he was proud of being able to say that he also, when a young boy, attended the old school at Pawling kept by Jacob Willets and his wife. It is said that this Jacob Willets was the author of the well-known rhyme about months "Thirty days hath September" etc..—which he introduced into his arithmetic. Later, Mr. Booth studied at the academy in Poughkeepsie. after which he was employed in his brother's (Alfred) store in Boston, Mass., but at the age of fourteen ran away, joining a sea-going vessel as cabin boy, and for four years he sailed the ocean. We next find him in a bank at Detroit, Mich., where he remained some time, then returning to Poughkeepsie, at the age of twenty-one, became bookkeeper in the V^assar Brewery, of

which he ultimately was the owner. His mother was a sister of Matthew Vassar, Sr.. and he became more or less identified with many of the extensive interests of that distinguished family. He was named as executor in the will of Matthew Vassar, Jr., and John Guy Vassar, and he was treasurer of Vassar Hospital, in which he took much pride, personally superintending the extensive improvements recently made in the grounds. As a financier his ability was acknowledged, and he was a director in several of the banks of Poughkeepsie, also vice-president of the City Bank. He left a large estate.

He was always fond of the sea and of shipping, and he found time in the midst of his extensive business dealing to indulge this taste, having been the owner or part owner of more vessels than any other resident of the city. In sailing vessels, he was interested in the sloops "Surprise" (formerly the "Revenge"), "Index." "Comet," "Agent," and "Timothy \\ood;" also in the schooners " Matthew Vassar, Jr.," •' Oliver H. Booth," and another which he bought in Wilmington, on which to bring the machinery for the "Underwriter" up the river. He built the steamer "Joseph F. Barnard," then the finest tug ever seen on the Hudson, and whose history has a tinge of romance. During the trouble in Cuba, in the " sixties," he sold her to the Cubans, but in 1867 she disappeared, supposed to have been burnt at sea. Mr. Booth owned the news-yacht, " Herald," which he rebuilt and named the " Commodore." and then sold to parties in Norfolk, \'a.; he also purchased and re-built the " O. M. Freleigh " and the "Idlewild," the latter being bought afterward by New Haven parties. The last boat that he built was the speedy steam yacht "No. 83." He owned the four-oared gig "Stranger," which was manned by workmen from the brewery, who were considered remarkably fast rowers in their da}-. He was also commodore of the old Poughkeepsie Ice Yacht Club, and the owner of the ice yacht " Restless."

The only political office that Mr. Booth ever held was that of member of the village board of trustees, of which he was elected clerk in 1843, and he held that incumbency until April 18. 1S54, when the books were turned over to the new city government. \'ery early in life he became an active worker in the Fire Department, and June 18, 1844, he by request organized the Phoenix Hose

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPHWAL RECORD.

45

Company of Poughkeepsie. About the year

1850 he resigned as an active member, but was on the honorary list up to his death. In

1851 he was elected chief engineer of the Fire Department, and held the office three years, during which time the Booth Hose Company was named for him. At the time of his death he owned one of the old " goose-neck " engines "No. 7," and m 1886 he paraded with her as foreman. In that year the Veteran Firemen's Association was formed, of which he was chosen president, and he held that office several years, at last refusing a re-election, at which time his comrades desiring to signify their high regard for him, presented nini with a costly loving cup on his retirement. Socially he was a member of the F. & A. M., Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266.

Mr. Booth married Miss Ferris, daughter of Mr. John Ferris, of Milan, Dutchess county. She died in March, 1893, leaving but one child, a son, William F. Booth, who now resides at the old homestead. The family residence on Market street was the scene of a solemn and affecting service at the funeral of Mr. Oliver H. Booth, which took place March t6, 1896, and a large gathering of the prominent citizens of the city and vicinity showed the esteem in which he was held, while many beautiful floral tributes offered their silent benediction.

JAMES L. WILLIAMS, one of the distinguished members of the Dutchess county bar, was born December 12, 1S46, in the city of Poughkeepsie, with whose interests his entire life has been identified.

When a boy our subject received his education in the Dutchess County Academy, and after studying law he was admitted to the bar in 1867, and began the practice of his profession there. His first partner was Hon. Peter Dorland, e.\-surrogate of Dutchess county, the firm of Dorland & Williams continuing until 1873, when Mr. Dorland was elected to a third term as surrogate. In 1873 Mr. Williams was elected district attorney, being the first Democrat elected to that position in twenty-five years; but at the expiration of his term he declined a renomination. In 1884 he became a member of the widely-known firm of Hackett & \\'illiams, the senior member being John Hackett, who has since been twice elected dis-

trict attorney. In 1883, without his solicitation, and even without his knowledge until the announcement was made, Mr. Williams was appointed State assessor by Grover Cleveland, then governor. This office he held until his resignation in 1892, serving with marked ability and success, and several important amendments to the ta.x laws were adopted by the Legislature at his suggestion. He holds a prominent place in business circles as well as in professional life, and is a director of the City National Bank, and other corporations. He organized and was first president of the Poughkeepsie News Company, publishers of the Nezus Press and Ncics Telegraph, the leading Democratic journals in the Hudson Valley, and until 1894 was very active in State and local politics, after which time till the Presidential campaign of 1896 he devoted his attention to legal business.

Mr. Williams has been a member of the Democratic State Committee; in 1887 was chairman of the State Executive Committee, and met and solved with rare courage and skill the intricate problems of the campaign of that year, complicated as it was with the Henry George and Labor movements. In 1894 he again served as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee. In the fall of 1893 the delegations from Dutchess and other counties of the Second Department presented his name at the judicial convention held in Brooklyn as their candidate for justice of the supreme court to succeed Hon. Joseph F. Barnard, whose term expired that fall; but Mr. Pearsall, of Brooklyn, received the Democratic nomination, and was defeated b}' Hon. William J. Gaynor, the Reform and Republican candidate. Early in 1896 he protested against the proposed departure of the Democratic party from what he regarded as the ancient standards of his party, and on the adoption of the Chicago platform and the nomination of Mr. Bryan he formerly severed his connection with that party, and entered actively into the campaign for the Republican candidates. On January I, 1897, he was appointed corporation counsel of the city of Poughkeepsie.

Mr. Williams is a member of many fraternal organizations, including the Freemasons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, and he organized the Odd Fellows Mutual Benefit Association of Dutchess county with five members, the membership now being increased to nearly one thousand. He is president of the leading social organization of Poughkeepsie, the Dutch-

COMAfE.VORA TIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

ess Club, having succeeded Hon. Homer A. Nelson, its first president, and is a member of several clubs in New York and other cities.

J\ NTHONY UNDERHILL, M. D. (de-_ L ceased). Among the talented men who ha^e done honor to the medical profession in Dutchess county, the subject of this brief memoir held a worth}' rank. The son of a prominent physician, his natural aptitude for the calling had unusual opportunities for development, and application in early life, and his later years of effort were rewarded with well-deserved success.

His family was of English origin, and his father. Dr. Joshua B. Underbill, was a lifelong resident of Westchester county, N. Y., where our subject was born in 1818. The common schools of that locality furnished him his academic education, and he then began the study of medicine with his father, and later attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He opened a drug store in that city, which he carried on for some years previous to entering the medical department of Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me., from which he graduated in 1845. Locating at New Hackcnsack, Dutchess county, he engaged in the active work of his profession, and continued for about forty j-cars, building up an extensive practice and enjoying the confidence of the people throughout a large circuit. In 1852 he married Miss Charlotte A. Mar-vine, who was born in 1832, in Wilton, Conn., the daughter of William M. Marvine. They made their home on a farm near New Hacken-sack, and reared a family of six children: (i) Charles married Miss Annie M. Rapelje, and lives at Hopewell Junction, Dutchess county, where he is the agent for the N. Y. & N. E. and the D. cS: C. railroads. {2) George resides at the old homestead. (3) William married Miss Mary E. Griffin, and lives at Fishkill, where he is employed as general passenger agent for the N. D. & C. R. R. (4) Frank is a farmer at home. (5) Lottie married Dr. R. C. Van W^'ck, of Hopewell Junction, who was thrown from his buggy and killed in Februar}-, 1S96. (6) Edward A. married Miss Jeannette E. Schubert, and resides in Glenham, where he is employed as depot agent and telegraph operator.

Dr. Underbill was prominent not only in professional circles, but in local political affairs.

and took great interest also in educational matters, and in various movements for the public benefit. His death, which occurred September 4, 1889, caused a loss which was deeply and sincerelj' mourned among all classes of people. One of his sons, Frank, conducts the farm, a fine tract of one hundred acres, with a handsome residence and other improvements.

CHARLES F. COSSUM, of the well-known law firm of Wilkinson & Cossum, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in New York City, April 17, 1859. His father, Charles Cossum, was born in Hastings, England, in 1S26.

Richard Cossum, grandfather of our subject, was also born at Hastings, and was the last male of his name of that generation. He was educated in England, and by occupation was a draper, or dry-goods merchant. In 1841 he moved with his family to the United States and settled in Oswego county, N. Y., where he retired from active life. In 181 5 he was married to Miss Caroline Foster, and they had twelve children, of whom, Charles, Edwin, Fannie, Decimus, Elizabeth and Caroline are still living.

Charles Cossum, Sr., spent his boyhood days in Oswego county, N. Y., and at the age of thirteen years he started out on his own account. When twenty-five years old he was employed by the Hudson River R. R. Co. as a brakeman, from which he was promoted through the various positions to assistant superintendent and train master. He has a record of forty-two j'ears with this road, and is still in the company's employ, stationed at Poughkeepsie. In 1858 he was married to Miss Sarah Wood, who was born in New York City, and who is a daughter of Peter Wood. They have four children: Charles F., our subject; Oscar, now living in Stamford, Conn., \\'illiam H., a missionary in China, and Caroline.

Charles F. Cossum attended the schools of Peekskill, N. Y., from 1865 to 1872, at which time he went to New York City, and in 1873 was graduated from the Thirteenth Street Grammar School. He was then admitted to the College of New York City, but did not attend as he preferred to work. In 1S75 he began the study of law with Homer A. Nelson, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and subse-

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47

quently entered the office of Robert F. Wilkinson, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. In that year he was appointed deputy county clerk, and filled that incumbency five j'ears. Ir 1886 he went on a business trip to England, which occupied him for a year, and upon his return he opened an office in New York City. In 1888 he returned to Poughkeepsie and formed a partnership with Robert F. Wilkinson, with whom he is still associated. For five years he was the attorney for the League of American Wheelmen, and was first vice-president of the organization during 1896. He is president of the Amrita Club and Apo-keepsing Boat Club; secretar}' and treasurer of the Poughkeepsie Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and president of the Mitchell Heater Co. Mr. Cossum has not held any public office except that of deputy county clerk. Cossum is an unusual family name, there being but few persons in the world who bear it, and all of them are descendants of the grandfather of our subject.

JAMES C. Mccarty, one of the most able law3-ers of Dutchess county, has for many years successfully engaged in practice at Rhinebeck. He traces his ancestry back to Daniel McCarty, who was born February 22, 1754, in Charlestown, then a suburb of Boston, Mass. His father was a Scotchman, who owned and sailed a schooner plying between New London, Conn., and Boston, and during the Revolutionary war he sailed with a full cargo and crew from the latter place, and, as they never returned or were heard from, it is supposed they were captured by the British privateers, being killed or taken prisoners, and the vessel and cargo confiscated. At the age of twenty-one Daniel joined the minute men in defense of the country against British aggression, and April ig, 1775, participated in the battle of Lexington, after which he enlisted for nine months in the company commanded .by Capt. Josiah Harris. On June I/' 1775. he was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and soon after with his old captain he joined the Continental service, belonging to the regiment commanded by Col. Bond. After six months spent in New York the regiment was ordered to Fort Edward, Canada, where they joined Gen. Schuyler about December i, 1776. Later a thousand troops, including his coin-■ pany, were ordered to New Jersey to join the

army under Washington, where they arrived prior to the battle of Trenton, and took charge of the prisoners captured there.

Although his term of service had expired, Daniel McCarty remained with his command until January, 1777, when the army was encamped at Morristown, where he was discharged, but could not return home, as he had no money, so re-enlisted for three years, receiving $20 bounty, and liberty to go to his home in Boston and report for duty when ordered. In the spring of 1777 his regiment was reorganized under Col. Grayton, Col. Bond havingdied, andhewas appointed sergeant, and afterward served in that capacity. They were again ordered to Fort Edward, Canada, where they met Gen. Schuyler's army retreating before Burgoyne, but soon after readvanced against that general, and engaged in all the battles that ended in the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga. The troops made a forced march from Albany to Kingston in one day, a distance of sixty miles, hoping to prevent the British from burning the latter place, but arrived just in time to see them escaping in their boats, after its destruction, October 16, 1777.

Soon after Mr. McCarty accompanied Gen. Gates to Yorktown, \'a., as one of his body guards and was employed as messenger to and from Lancaster, Baltimore, and other places. In May, 1778, he returned north with that general, serving under him until the following December, after which he remained with his old company andregiment until honorably discharged December I, 1779, at Peekskill, N. Y. When his enlistment expired he served as a substitute for Lieut. Young in Capt. Brown's company. Col. Mead's regiment of Connecticut State troops, employed chiefly in guarding the lines from Horseneck to Norwalk. About May I, 1781, Gen. Waterbury took command of the Connecticut State troops, and gave Mr. McCarty a regular commission as lieutenant, in which capacit}' he served until the close of the war in 1783. .

For a time Daniel McCarty made his home in Stamford, Conn., where his son Stephen was born February 14, 17S3, but about r790, he came to Rhinebeck, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and became head miller at Schuyler's Mills (now destroyed) two miles east of the village, on the place now owned and occupied by Dr. George N. Miller. In 1794, while living there, his first wife died and was buried in the cemetery connected with the little Methodist chapel

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

near their home. The children of this marriage were: Stephen, Robert, Tolbert, Daniel and Katy. He later married a Mrs. Jay, by whom he had three children: William, an Episcopal minister, who lived and died in Canada; Eliza; and Rev. Dr. John McCarty, also an Episcopal minister, who was chaplain in the United States army, and was known as the fighting priest during the Me.xican war. The father later removed to the village of Rhinebeck, where his youngest son was born in the old stone house now standing on the Huntington place. He and his wife spent their last days on the old homestead of Stephen McCarty, father of our subject.

On that place the birth of James C. McCarty occurred May 7, 1824, and at Rhinebeck he was educated by Messrs. Bell and Marcy, taking what constituted a full academic course, with the exception of Greek. On leaving school in 1843 he was made deputy clerk under his brother, Andrew Z., who was then county clerk for Oswego county, having been elected in the fall of 1840 for three years, and served as a member of the 34th Congress for Oswego and Afadison counties, N. Y. For two years our subject filled that position, and while searching the records of that-county for Peter Chandler, conceived the idea of studying law. As his term of service expired on January i, 1844, he returned to I^hinebeck the following February and entered the law office of Ambrose Wager, with whom he remained for twelve years. In January, 1847, he was admitted to practice as attorney at law, being admitted at the supreme court at Albany, and his diploma signed by Green C. Bronson, and by the constitution of 1846 was counsellor at law and solicitor in chancery. While still with Mr. Wager he engaged in general practice, but in the fall of 1856 he was appointed superintendent of document room under President Pierce's administration, holding the position until the following fall, during which time the 34th Congress held both its first and second sessions.

Returning to Rhinebeck, Mr. McCarty opened an office of his own, where he continued practice until 1861, when he was appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue for the district of Dutchess county, and during that year and the two years following was with Jacob W. Elsifer, at Red Hook. In 1864, however, he again resumed practice at Rhinebeck. although he still continued to be revenue collector. Up to 1872 he had been alone in

business, but at that time formed a partnership with George Esselstyn, which connection still continues, theirs being the oldest law firm in Dutchess county. He takes rank among the successful and prominent lawyers of the county, and is one of the most highly respected legal practitioners in the community.

Mr. McCarty was married in August, 1847, the lady of his choice being Miss Louisa I. Cross, daughter of Moulton Cross, of Pulaski, Oswego Co., N. Y., and two sons were born to them; J. Canfield, who died of heart disease at the age of seventeen years; and Charles E., an attorney and counsellor at law, who is '. also engaged in the insurance business at Rhinebeck.

Mr. McCarty is an earnest defender of Republican principles, and is a man whose opinions are invariably held in respect. He has ever taken an active part in political affairs, in the years 1852, i860 and 1861 served as supervisor of his town, and for several years has been clerk of the village, which office he is still holding to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has been quite prominently identified with civic societies, being the oldest living member of Rhinebeck Lodge No. 162, I. O. O. F.; belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity; and in i860 joined the Masonic order, of which he is now an honorary member. In earlier years he took an active part in fraternal work, and passed through all the chairs of the lodges to which he belongs. For twenty years he has served as vestryman of the Episcopal Church, of which he is a faithful and consistent member.

HON. JOHN P. H. TALLMAN, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in the town of Washington, Duchess county, March 19, 1820. His ancestry for several generations had been residents of that county. Darius Tallman, his great-grandfather, emigrated from Nantucket, married Miss South-worth, and settled on Chestnut Ridge, near the place where in later years Mr. Benson J. Lossing, the historian, lived. His father's maternal grandfather was Capt. Harris, of the British army during the Revolutionary war, whose wife was a Miss Velie, of Lagrange. Deacon Benham, of New Haven, a Revolutionary soldier, was his maternal grandfather; he lived in the town of Washington, and married Miss Comstock.

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49

Mr. Tallman's father, Darius Tallman, Jr., married Almira Benham in 1817. Botii lived to be over eighty years of age.

John P. H. TaHman, the eldest son of these parents, worked upon his father's farm until he was fifteen years of age, when, being desirous of securing an education which would enable him to fill a position of usefulness in life, he entered the Amenia Seminary as a student, and remained at that institution for the three years required to complete the course of study. During that period he supported himself chiefly upon money borrowed for the purpose, and these loans were repaid out of his first earnings after entering upon the practice of his profession.

On leaving the Seminary he began reading Law in the office of Hon. James Hooker, then Surrogate of the County, and Hon. Virgil D. Bonesteel, in Poughkeepsie. While still a student his industry was rewarded by his promotion to the position of first clerk to the Surrogate; and upon the appointment of Hon. Robert Wilkinson to the surrogateship in 1840, Mr. Tallman became his managing clerk. In 1843, at the General Term in Utica, he was admitted to practice in the State Courts, and also in the District and Circuit Courts of the United States. The ne.xt 3'ear he was appointed Master in Chancery for Duchess County by the Governor, on the recommendation of a County Convention of Delegates, Mr. Owen T. Coffin and Hon. Gilbert Dean being his competitors.

In 1847 Mr. Tallman received the unanimous nomination of the Democratic party for the office of Surrogate for Duchess County. His opponent was the Hon. John Thompson, the nominee of the Whig part)'. In this contest he was successful; but before the election, and especially during the first term of his service, he was so violently and persistently assailed by the local organ of the Whigs that he deemed it necessary that he should lay before his fellow-citizens a defence of his conduct. This presentation of his case attracted much attention by its clear and convincing argument. Among those who read this paper, and were impressed b}' the evidence of intellectual vigor it displayed, was the Rev. Dr. Stephen Olin, then President of Wesleyan University. Shortly afterward that institution conferred upon Mr. Tallman the honorary degree of Master of Arts.

Mr. Tallman's friends insisted upon his be-

coming a candidate for re-election to the position of Surrogate. To this he consented, and he was re-elected by an increased majority. At the expiration of his second term, he declined to be agam a candidate.

An interesting reminiscence of this period is a document to which Mr. Tallman attached high value. His political and personal adversaries carried their opposition so far as to present to the Governor of the State, Hon. Hamilton Fish, a petition for his impeachment. The petitioners, who belonged to the same political party as the Governor, naturally hoped that their request would prevail with him. The Governor, after carefully considering the arguments and evidence on both sides, wrote on the back of the paper: "I see nothing in the course 'of the officer complained of but what is commendable. H. F"ish."

After the conclusion of his second term as Surrogate he never again held a political office. He was, however, for many years interested in local and State politics, and for a long time was chairman of the County Central Committee. His tact in management and his rare gift of personal influence over men fitted him for success in political lite, had he chosen to pursue that course. But although tempting offers of preferment were held out to him, he concluded to devote himself to the practice of his profession.

His first partnership was with Hon. Gilbert Dean, afterward judge. Subsequentlj' he was connected with Mr. Charles Powers, Mr. George W. Payne, Mr. George W. Lord and in later years with Mr. Walter Farrington, Capt. Pelatiah Ward, who fell in one of the battles of the Civil war; Hon. William I. Thorn, Hon. Homer A. Nelson, and Hon. A. M. Card were students in his office.

As a lawyer, Mr. Tallman's chief strength was in his comprehensive grasp of any matter which he took in hand, and in the cool and clear estimate which he formed of its bearings both near and remote. His familiarity with legal points was clear and accurate, so that he was eminently wise in counsel. His great industry and unfailing interest in his client's case, left nothing to the uncertainties of chance. His cases were carefully prepared, and the evidence was presented with convincing effect. Much of his practice was in the Surrogate's Court, for which the training and experience of iiis earlier professional life specially fitted him. He was retained in connection with sev-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUIVAL RECORD.

eral important and well-known cases, involving large interests.

In addition to his j^eneral law business, he had a special practice in the United States District and Circuit Courts. He was a member of the New York State Bar Association, and for some years was on the Executive Committee.

During the earlier years of his practice and prior to the period when that class of investments was taken up by insurance and other financial institutions, large transactions in real estate, bonds and mortgages were arranged for m his office. A wide acquaintance with investors was thus formed, which resulted in his being called to fill various positions of reponsi-bility and trust.

In 1856 Mr. Tallman was offered the position of Treasurer of the Iowa Central Railroad Company. This road was projected from a point on the Mississippi river, where the City of Clinton now stands, to Cedar Rapids. Under another name it now forms part of the great line to California. He declined the office, but yielded to the request of the officers to accompany the rcconnoitcring party over the territory. He drew the report of the conmiission as to the feasibility of the project and the route which the road should take.

In 1855 he established a banking house in Davenport, Iowa, under the name of Tallman, Powers & McLean. The resident partner was Mr. Powers, who had been his clerk when he was Surrogate. The direction of the business of the firm was necessarily left chiefly in the hands of Mr. Powers. Though at first this business enterprise met with much encouragement, it was ultimately unsuccessful and involved Mr. Tallman in pecuniary losses which seriously embarrassed him for several years.

In 1859 Mr. Tallman was active in the effort to establish the City Bank of Pough-keepsie, and was chosen its first President. He did not accept the office, but favored in his stead the Hon. Joseph F. Barnard, who retained that position for upward of twenty years. Mr. Tallman, however, was appointed attorney to the Bank, and continued to act in that capacity for nearly thirty years.

Early in his career he favored the building of the Hudson River railroad. He gave his earnest assistance to the establishment of the Poughkeepsie and Eastern railroad, and of the Poughkeepsie City railroad, of which he,\vas one of the mcorporators. In 1853 he aided in

establishing the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery; he was appointed a Trustee and continued to hold that position until his death. He was instrumental in having the Hudson River Hospital for the Insane located at Poughkeepsie, and was a member of the first Board of Trustees. In 1852 he helped to organise the Home for the Friendless; he prepared its Act of Incorporation and was one of the first Board of Counsellors. At the time of his death he was one of the Trustees of the Vassar Brothers' Home for Aged Men.

He was interested in every plan to beautify the Cit\' of Poughkeepsie, and to make it pleasant and inviting to all who should seek a place for elegant and refined homes.

From his youth Mr. Tallman was one interested in the cause of temperance, having when nine years of age signed what was then known as the partial pledge. At the age of twenty he became an officer in the Young Men's Temperance Society, and soon after signed the total abstinence pledge. Later he was an officer in the Duchess County Temperance Society, and occasionally delivered addresses before that and similar organizations. He was one of the founders of the State Inebriate Asylum at Binghampton, of which for several years he was a Trustee.

Mr. Tallman united with the Methodist Church at the age of seventeen, while a student at Amenia Seminary, then under the supervision of Dr. Merrick, later of the Ohio University, afterward Bishop, and Dr. Davis W. Clark. In 1840 he helped to found the Second Methodist Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, located in Cannon street. In 1842 he became a Trustee of that Society, and continued to hold that position and to maintain other official relations until his death. He was the representative of this Society to the first Electoral Conference of Laymen of the New York Conference in 1872, and was its presiding officer. For several years he was an officer of the Duchess County Bible Society. He was a member of the first and only State Council of Methodists of the State of New York, which met at Syracuse, February, 1870, and was composed of about 600 representatives from most of the churches of the denomination in the State. This Council voted to raise about $200,000 for the Syracuse University and favored various reforms for Church and State. One of these was the establishment of the State Council of Political Reform,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

51

which was a potent factor in the overthrow of the Tweed Ring. He was a member of the State Executive Committee, and, although a lifelong Democrat, he disregarded any action inconsistent with the platform of the Council, which declared: '' We leave the party relations of ever}' man undisturbed, but when parties command the support of bad principles, bad measures, or bad men, we must refuse to obey."

In 1884 he was chosen a Lay Delegate from the New York Conference to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which met in the City of Philadelphia. In the assemblage of representative men of American Methodism he filled a place of marked importance. Although his voice was seldom heard on the floor in the debates, his wise and judicious counsels had weight in the deliberations of the Committees.

For many years it had been his hope that the Society with which he worshiped in the Cannon Street church should have a new and more eligibly located edifice, and to this subject he gave much thought. In the year 1892 circumstances seemed to favor the consummation of the plan. With characteristic earnestness Mr. Tallmangave himself to this welcome work. He encouraged the timid, admonished the faltering, guided the sanguine, and used his rare personal influence to create and mould a united sentiment which should make the movement for a new church a success. Largely through his efforts the site was selected, the ground purchased and prepared for building, the plans drawn, the mechanics set to work, the old property disposed of, the subscriptions obtained, the enterprise brought to a happy conclusion, and the Society put into the possession of its present beautiful and commodious place of worship. His whole heart was in the work, and his cheerful spirit and stimulating faith made him a leader whom it was a delight to follow.

In his home relations Mr. Tallman was seen at his best. If the work of the day had been severe and its results disappointing, no trace of this appeared upon his face or in his demeanor when he crossed the threshold of his home. His personal friendships were many, and he delighted to entertain his friends in his own house. Over those with whom he was brought in contact his influence was morally bracmg. He never disguised or compromised his principle. Although far from obtrusive of his religious experiences, he never

allowed himself to occupy a questionable attitude in that important relation.

Perhaps the most pronounced characteristic of Mr. Tallman was his hopefulness. No situation was so full of danger or doubt that he could not see a happy outcome. \\'hen others faltered, he smiled and pursued hii; way. And this did not result from insensibility or indifference, but was the endowment of his nature and the charm of his character. It was this that made him a cheerful companion and an enthusiastic guide.

Mr. Tallman married Miss Mary Newman, of South Egremont, Mass., in 1840; she died in 1850. In 1851 he married Miss Sarah J. Anderson, of New York, a lady of rare intellectual endowments.

It was permitted Mr. Tallman to enjoy a cheerful and healthful old age. He was able to attend the business of his office until within a few days of his death. His last professional service was in the Surrogate's Court on March 16, 1895. A few days afterward he was taken ill and his disease rapidly assumed a threatening character. After a week of great suffering he passed away, at the age of seventy-five years and four days. His funeral was attended by a large circle of friends in the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The Revs. Doctors Osbon, Gregory and Stobridge, who had been his pastors, conducted the service, which was marked by the evidence of sympathetic feeling. Dr. Gregory, in the course of his remarks, said: "He was a manly man, with strength of principle and great force of character, possessed of refined sentiment and religious feeling, with clear convictions of truth and duty, which were freely expressed, but never ostentatiously obtruded. He was tolerant of the opinions of others who differed from him. He was not a pessimist, but had great faith in God, his fellow-men and in the future."

Mr. Tallman left four children: Mary E., wife of Theodore W. Davis, of New York; Augusta C, wife of John F. Phayre, of New York; John Francis, the General Agent in Brooklyn of the New York Life Insurance Company; and Katharine Eliot, wife of Rev. Dr. Maltbie D. Babcock, of Baltimore.

In the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, in the erection of which he had labored with such joyous earnestness, the loving hands of his son have placed a tablet to his memory, bearing as its inscription the fol-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lowing words from the Book which he had made the guide of his Hfe:

" He that overconifth I will make "him a pillar in the temple of God."

LEWIS TOMPIvINS (deceased). Few citi- zens of Dutchess county have done more

to advance her interests than did the late Lewis Tompkins, of Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, who was for many years the acknowledged head of the wool-hat industry in the United States, and whose extensive factories have furnished a well-earned livelihood to hundreds of workmen whose homes have sprung up in the neighboring towns. He was himself familiar with the trials of honest poverty,- though happily his later years were blessed with every comfort, and doubtless his well-known sympathy with the needy had its origin in a remembrance of his own early struggles.

Mr. Tompkins was descended from an old English family, and the first of the American line was Stephen Tompkins, who it is believed located first in Connecticut and from there moved to Westchester county, N. Y., where his later years were passed in cultivating the soil. He was the father of sixteen children, among whom were James, the great-grandfather of our subject, and Jonathan Griffin, both of whom rendered gallant service in the Revolutionary war on the patriot side. James served in the Seventh Dutchess county regiment under Col. Henry Luddington, and in company commanded by Capt. George Lane. This showed high courage, as Westchester county had a large Tory population, and neighbor was arrayed against neighbor, and friend against friend. Much of it was neutral ground, but spies were busy on both sides and perils abounded. The story of Enoch Crosby, the Harvey Birch of J. Fenimore Cooper's "Spy," is familiar to all, and there is no doubt that many another such romantic history might have been told. Jonathan Griffin Tompkins was the father of Daniel D. Tompkins, vice-president of the United States from 1816 to 1820. His was a notable career. He was graduated from college, read law and practiced with distinguished success, was a member of Congress, judge of the supreme court of New York, and governor of the same State, his last act in that office being to recommend the abolition of slavery.

Solomon Tompkins, a son of James, had

a son Solomon (2), our subjecfs father, and the two left the old home to locate in the wilds of Greene county, near the present village of Ashland, in which region settlers were then few and far between. Although Mr. Tompkins' father had only limited educational advantages, he was not lacking in good judgment and practical ability, and he took a leading place among his associates. He married Elizabeth Randall, daughter of Timothy Randall, a citizen of Delaware county, but a native of Connecticut; she is still li\ing, in a hale and beautiful old age, with a married daughter at Matteawan.

Lewis Tompkins, the eldest son of this worthy couple, was born at the old farm near Ashland, August 5, 1836, and received his education in the district schools of the vicinity, working upon the farm in summer and attending school for a few months each winter until he was about seventeen, when he began to learn the trade of hat finishing with Strong & Ruggles, of Ashland. After serving an apprenticeship of three years, he established a new hat factory at Ashland in 1852, in partnership with Leveritt Conine; but this venture ended two years later in a complete failure. With characteristic integrity Mr. Tompkins gave up everything to the creditors, even parting with his watch. Soon after he turned his face westward with just enough money in his pocket to carry him to Chicago, and from that point he made his way on foot to Kansas, seldom getting a ride, and often passing the night upon the open prairie. He finally reached Manhattan, Kans., and located upon a government claim on Blue river. That was a memorable period. The fiery discussion of a few years before on the Kansas-Nebraska bill had stirred the whole nation, and those territories were being rapidly settled. Young Tompkins was, of course, a Free-Soiler, and was early drawn into the struggle between the opposing factions, being appointed deputy sheriff and, later, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Topeka. He remained in the West about two years, returning home in November, 1859, for a brief visit, which lengthened into a perinanentstay. At Middle-town, Orange county, he accepted a position with Wilcox & Draper, which he held for a few months, and in the summer of i860 he went to Matteawan, where he was employed for several years with the Seamless Clothing Manufacturing Co., and later he was in busi-

f.

Q^^ ^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

53

ness as a clothier at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson; also at Matteavvan. He wisely invested his gains in real estate, buying and subdividing a large tract. Succeeding in this, he bought other tracts of land and built a number of substantial dwellings, adding to his own prosperity and that of the town. In 1872 he sold out his business interests and made a trip to Europe, where he remained a year studj'ing European industries and business methods. On coining home a new enterprise was begun —the building of a large hat factory near the river at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, and notwithstanding the "hard times" of 1873. the Dutchess Hat Works was put into successful operation. The business grew from year to year, and additions were made to the works as needed; but it was soon deemed advisable to establish a branch at Tioronda, a mile away, and later another branch was opened at Mid-dletown. The efficient hand of the founder of the business was on it all, mastering every detail; but he had capable coadjutors in his brothers, E. Lakin Tompkins, at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, and Edward D. Tompkins, and Frank O. Tompkins, at Middletown. He became the leading manufacturer of wool hats in the United States, and at his death his fortune amounted to several hundred thousand dollars. One feature of his enterprise was the erection of comfortable homes for his employes, which proved a benefit to all concerned.

He was greatly interested in local progress, and especially in educational matters. A student of men and affairs rather than of books, he still appreciated to the full the advantages of a thorough system of popular education, and it was largely through his endeavors that Matteavvan and Fishkill-on-the-Hudson secured their new and commodious school buildings. The building of the handsome hose house of the Lewis Tompkins Hose Co., at the latter place, was chiefly due to him, and he was a constant and liberal giver to the Churches of both towns. The Highland Hospital was a charity which found him a steadfast friend, and his purse was ever open to sustain or enlarge its usefulness. Many of his beneficences will never be known, as he could never withhold his help when his sympathies were touched, and his senre of justice wounded by the sight of suffering. He was a Republican in politics, and an influential one, but sought no oflice. He was a member of the board of education at Matteawan, and was at one time president

of the village of Fishkill-on-the-Hudson. For more than thirty years he belonged to Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M.

In 1862 Mr. Tompkins married Miss Van-Voorhis, who did not long survive to bless his life. One son was born of their union, Charles Randall Tompkins, who died in 1892 in early manhood. A second happy matrimonial union was formed on January 3, 1868, with Miss Helen E. Mather, of Wellsboro, Penn. Her father was a lineal descendant of Cotton Mather, of New England, and her mother, whose name was Beecher, was collaterally connected with the Lyman Beecher family. The three children of the second marriage are all living: Jennie, Helen M. and Ralph S. The family residence is a beautiful place. It is appropriately named ■' Edgewater," being situated on the bank of the Hudson opposite Newburgh, and it commands a lovely view up and down the river. Here Mr. Tompkins proved himself a genial host and generous entertainer. He traveled extensively both in this country and in Europe, spending several winters in Paris, Nice, Algiers. Mentone-on-the-Mediterranean, Davos Platz, and other places rich in associations and delightful for situation. Mr. Tompkins had fine taste in art, and enjoyed visiting the celebrated galleries in which the chief works of the gifted artists of the past are preserved on canvas or in chiseled marble. In the prime of his manhood, while the past was a pleasant memory and the future a delightful anticipation, this manly, generous, upright citizen passed from earth, breathing his last at his home on the 9th day of January, 1894. It is by his deeds alone that his merit was manifested, and the simple record of these shows him worthy of honor in every relation in life.

CHARLES E. SEGER, M. D. (deceased). The expulsion of the Huguenots from France, however it may have been regarded by the unhappy exiles at the time, resulted in unmixed good to this country, bringing into its rapidly developing civilization a large body of high-spirited, courageous, intelligent and Godfearing people, whose influence at that critical period of our history can scarcely be estimated. Among these early emigrants were the ancestors of the subject of this biography. They settled near Kingston, Ulster Co., N. Y., about 1640, and some time afterward two brothers

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the name moved to New Salem, Albany Co., N. Y., where the home of this branch of the family has ever since remained. Garret I. Seger, our subject's great-grandfather, was born there January 4, 1753, the son of one of the brothers alluded to. He became a farmer there, married and reared a family of ten children: John, Magdalene, Frederick, Henry, Mary, David G., Frances, Polly, Francis and Michael. They located in various places as they settled in life. Francis was a judge in Lewis county, New York.

David G. Seger, our subject's grandfather, was born January 31, 1794, and remained at the old homestead, farming and conducting a hotel until his death, March 31, 1859. He married Mary Stalker, who died leaving six children, of whom Garret D., our subject's father, was the eldest; John A. is a resident of Schoharie county, N. Y.; Catherine married Andrew Allen, a farmer at New Salem; Margaret, the wife of William McMillen, formerly a farmer, is now living in Albany; Laura married (first) John \'an Der Zee, now deceased, and (second) George Strevell, a carpenter; Lyman, deceased, was a farmer.

Garret D. Seger was born October 31, 1816, and also settled near the old home. He has been engaged in farming and mercantile business, and has taken a leading part in various local movements. In politics he is a Democrat, and he belongs to the Christian Church; but his wife, formerly Miss Mary Shafer, is a Presbyterian. She is a descendant of a German family which has long been prominent in the town of Bern, Albany county. Her father, John Shafer, an agriculturist, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject is the elder of two children. The younger, Florence, married Charles Wolf, of Albany, a bookkeeper for a fire insurance company.

On April 8, 1S42, Dr. Seger entered upon his life's journey. He received his literary education in the district schools at New Salem and at Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, and then began his medical studies in the office of Drs. Fredenburgh & Mosher, "of Coeymans. He remained with them four years, in the meantime attending Albany Medical College, and graduating in the class of 1863. For two years following he was in partnership with his former preceptors; but in 1865 he moved to Stockbridge, where he practiced successfully for nine years. From 1874 to 1885 he continued his professional work in Albany, but

after that time he resided at New Hackensack. His ability and skill were widely recognized, and he had a fine practice.

On January 20, 1864, Dr. Seger was united in matrimony with Miss Agnes Schoonmaker, a native of Bayonne, N. |. Her father, John J. Schoonmaker, a shipping merchant of the firm of Schoonmaker & Johnson, and his wife, Jane Ann Van Buskirk, were both descended from old families of that place. Three children were born of this union: Mary L., Grace A. and Garretta K., who are all at home. The Doctor was identified with many progressive movements in his locality, and was health officer of the town of Wappinger for ten'years. In politics he was a Democrat; he belonged to the F. & A. M., Albany Lodge No. 452. and to the Dutchess Medical Society. A victim of typhoid fever. Dr. Seger passed to his final rest December 10, 1896. Of him the Wappinger Chronicle says: "Dr. Seger was a man of mild and genial demeanor, quiet in manner, always the gentleman, and had a kind word for everybody. He was conscientious and punctilious to every duty, and this, added to his advanced medical experience, made him one, if not the best Health Officer Wappinger town ever had.

" He leaves a widow and three daughters, to whom the sympathy of the community is generally extended."

3 EV. ROBERT FULTON CRARY, D. D. To the American born, the story of Robert Fulton and the steamboat are matters of familiar interest, though it is difficult to realize that he lived but such a short time ago, and we here present a brief review of the life of his grandson. Rev. Robert Fulton Crary, D. D., rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter, Poughkeepsie, New York.

The Crary family have been known in America for over two centuries. Peter (I) Crary was a native of Groton, Conn., and signer of the Patent of New London October 14, 1704. In 1677 he married Christobel Gallup, daughter of Capt. John Gallup, one of tne Crown captains who fell in the Narra-gansett Swamp fight, in 1675. In those days Groton was known as New Lucien. His son, Peter (II), married Anne Culver on January 11,'1709, and his son, Peter (III), had a son, Peter (IV), who married Lucretia Palmer December 8, 1771, and their son, Peter (\'), a

^^-^^^v^ ^^^-.^

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4.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

55

native of New York Citj- and the j^aandfather of our subject, married Elizabeth Denison, a descendant of Maj. George Denison, of Ston-ington, Connecticut.

Edward Charles Crary, the father of our subject, was the only son of Peter (V) Crary, of the well-known firm of Peter & John S. Crary, wholesale dry-goods importers, the largest firm of the kind in New York City at that day. Edward C. was born in New York , City, and spent his early days there, attending school for a time, but completed his education from Columbia College, from which he graduated with the class of 1824. In New York, on June 20, 1831, he was married to Cornelia Livingston Fulton, second daughter of Robert Fulton. After his marriage Edward C. Crary assumed control of the English branch of the house, and he and his bride made their home in Liverpool, where their eldest son, Robert Fulton, oursubject, was born. Their other children were Edward Francis (deceased); Charles Franklin: Ella Cornelia, who married Herman H. Cammann, of New York City, and Lena, who died in infancy. The family, returning to this country about the year 1837, made their home in New York. Cornelia L. (Fulton) Crary was born August 6, 1812, at Rose Hill, which is now about Nineteenth street. New York City, but which then was a suburban place where Robert Fulton was spending the summer and proceeding with his inventions. She died October 6, 1893.

Robert Fulton Crary spent his boyhood in New York City, and in June, 1861, was graduated from the General Theological Seminary. His first charge was as a missionary in Warren county, N. Y., where for six years he labored for the upbuilding of the Church. As lasting monuments to his work for these years are three stone churches, which were erected through his energies. In 1867 he accepted a call to become rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter at Poughkeepsie. This Church was dedicated in i860, and our subject was its second rector. His long term as priest in charge has given him an intimate acquaintance with his parishioners, and he is now baptizing the children of those little ones whom he baptized in the early days of his pastorate.

On September 11. 1862, by the Rev. Dr. Hawkes, Dr. Crarj- was married at Trinity Chapel, New York City, to Agnes Boyd Van-Kleeck, daughter of Rev. Robert B. Van-Kleeck, D. D., and Margaret Schenck (Teller)

.\'an Kleeck. Mrs. Crary now owns the old Teller homestead at Matteawan, Dutchess Co., N. Y., said to be the oldest house in the county, having been erected in 1709 by Lieut. Roger Brett, of the Royal Navy, who married Katharine Rombout, only child and heir of Francis Rombout, a famous and influential citizen of New Amsterdam, who in 1682, with Gulian Ver Planck, was granted, by King James II, the large tract of land on the Hudson river, known as the Rombout Precinct. The union of Dr. and Mrs. Crary has been blessed with six children—five daughters and one son: Amy; Cornelia Fulton; Alice; Ella (deceased); Edith Livingston, who married Charles H. van Braam Roberts, June 3, 1S96; and Fulton.

Believing that before God the souls of men stand stripped of all temporal guises, and whether high or low, rich or poor, each one alike meets that same justice tempered with mercy. Dr. Crary has always had a free church, never having any charge for pew rent. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by St. Stephen's College, Annandale, Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1892. Mrs. Crary is a worthy helpmeet of the Doctor, and nobly typifies "the mission of woman on earth! Born to nurse and to soothe, to solace and to heal the sick world that leans on her." She is a member of the Daughters of the Revolution and of the Colonial Dames.

Of Robert Fulton, the grandfather of Dr. Crary, we will give but few words. His life and works speak so well for themselves, and have been so exhaustively treated by our most able writers, that nothing more remains to be said. He was married in 1806 to Harriet Livingston, daughter of Walter and Cornelia (Schuyler) Livingston, the latter an intimate friend of George Washington. Harriet Livingston Fulton was a niece of Chancellor Livingston, and doubly connected with him by the marriage of her brother to his daughter.

JAMES C. GRIGGS, the popular proprietor of the "Morgan House," Poughkeepsie, was born at Milton, Ulster Co., N. Y., October 10, 1847. and is the son of Lewis and Eliza (Harcourti Griggs. The maternal grandfather, Benjamin Harcourt, was also born at Milton, where his father, who came to this country from England and located in Ulster county, secured a large tract of land. On attaining man's estate Benjamin Harcourt was

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.

united in marriage with Miss Eleanor Wj'gant,. a native of Ulster county, and took his bride to his extensive farm in that county, where their seven children were born : James C., Charles A., Eli, Eliza, Althea, Deborah A. and Sarah. The grandfather was a prominent Democrat of Ulster county, and filled the office of sheriff for some time.

The birth of the father of our subject occurred at Cornwall, Orange Co., N. Y., but he was reared at Milton, Ulster county, where he afterward taught school. He there married Miss Harcourt, and the only child born to them was our subject. Shortly after their marriage they located upon a farm in Orange county, to the cultivation of which the father devoted his time and attention until his death in 1850. He supported the Whig party in politics, and in his religious views was a Presbyterian. His widow later married his brother, Henry Griggs, and they now make their home in Washington-ville. Orange countj-.

Mr. Griggs, the subject proper of this sketch, spent his boyhood upon the farm of his grandfather Harcourt in Ulster county, and attended the district schools of that locality, but completed his education at Newburg, N. Y. At the age of fifteen years he entered the hardware store of J. C. Hardenbergh, of Newburg, N. Y., where he remained as clerk for about four years, and for the following six years was engaged in the crockery business for himself in that city. He then began the manufacture of brick at Fishkill, Dutchess county; but after carrying on that occupation for one year he leased the " Orange Hotel " at Newburg, which he conducted for five years. During the ne.xt year he carried on a summer hotel at Delaware Gap, after which he became the proprietor of the "United States Hotel " at Newburg, where he remained for seven years. In November, 1S83, Mr. Griggs came to Poughkeepsie and purchased the " Morgan House," situated on the corner of Main and Catherine streets, which he has since successfully conducted. There are found all modern improvements, including hot and cold water, electricity, etc.; it is convenient and comfortable, while the cuisine is unexceptionable. The hotel will accommodate one hundred and fifty guests, whose interests and comfort are well looked after by the genial and pleasant landlord.

On the loth of October, 1869, Mr. Griggs was married to Miss Josephine Cammack, a

native of Orange count}', and a daughter of Robert Cammack, who was of Scotch descent, and a leading stove dealer and plumber of Newburg, N. Y. Three children were born of this union: Lilly, who died at the age of eleven years; Harry E., who died at the age of twenty years, and Fred R., who is with his father. Mr. Griggs was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died October 7, 1893. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the principles formulated bythe Republican party, while socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Order of Friends and the Knights of P3'thias. He has taken a prominent part in public affairs, always lending his influence to promote the best interests of the community, and is one of the most highly-esteemed citizens of Poughkeepsie.

CAPTAIN CHARLES W. BRUNDAGE (deceased), late a well-known forwarding and freighting merchant and coal dealer at Fishkill Landing, was born January 16, 1S30. at Gay Head, Dutchess count}'.

Alton Brundage, father of our subject, was a native of East Fishkill, born April 30, 1805, and during his active life was a shoemaker at Stormville, and a steadfast supporter of the Democratic party. He married Lucy Ann Burrus, who was born in 1800, at Hopewell Junction, the daughter of Joseph Burrus, a prosperous merchant of New York City. Of the si.x children of this union, Charles W. was the eldest, the others being: James, Alonzo, Melissa, Catherine and Mary.

Captain Charles W. Brundage attended the district school of Stormville until he was thirteen years old, when he entered the employ of Francis H. Bowne as clerk in his dry-goods and grocery store. Two years later he went to Fishkill Landing to clerk for Charles B. Pugsley in the same business, and remained with him a year. He then became clerk of the " Mansion House " at Fishkill village, conducted by Mr. Lampson; but after a few months he left to take a position as clerk on the steamer "William Young," running between Low Point and New York City. On this boat he spent two years, and one on the steamer " Caledonia " with Captain \\'ardrop, of the firm of Wardrop. Smith & Co., of New-burgh. Afterward he became a clerk for Brett & Cromwell, forwarding and freighting merchants at Long Dock, Fishkill Landing,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHIC'AL RECORD.

and up to the time of his death he had ever since been connected with that business, being at that time the sole proprietor. At Mr. Cromwell's death in 1S69 the firm was changed to Brett & Matthews, and two years later it became Walter Brett & Co., composed of Mr. Brett, John Place (now treasurer of the Mechanics' Savings Bank at Fishkill-on-Hud-sonj and Captain Brundage. In 1874 Mr. Brett withdrew from the firm of Walter Brett & Co., and the firm became Brundage & Place until 1885, when Captain Brundage bought Mr. Place's interest, and up to the time of his death conducted the business alone. In August, 1895, he purchased the coal and merchandise business of Aldridge & Dorland on Main street, which he added to his own extensive coal trade that was established over twenty-five years ago, selling in recent years about ten thousand tons a year. He ran a daily transportation line from Fishkill to New York, transferring all kinds of freight to the Ransdell Transportation Co. Line of Newburgh. Captain Brundage was for many years captain of the " Walter Brett" and the "Independence," both of which ran from Fishkill to New York City.

On August 2, 1853, Captain Brundage was married to Miss Mary Boice, daughter of Henry Boice, a citizen of Williamsburg, N. Y.; she died in 1873, leaving no children. His second wife was formerly Miss Ella E. Murphy, daughter of Prof. John G. Murphy and his wife, Sarah C. Myer. Mrs. Brundage is a lineal descendant of Timothy Murphy, of Revolutionary fame, who participated in the battles of Bunker Hill and Saratoga, and was a noted Indian fighter, the scene of his exploits being largely laid in Schoharie county. Mrs. Brundage has a pleasant home on Ferry street, Fishkill-on-Hudson; she attends the Reformed Church of that place. In politics the Captain was a Republican.

GEORGE ESSELSTYN. a prominent at-^ torney of Rhinebeck, Dutchess count}', is a man who has brought his keen discrimination and thorough wisdom not alone in professional paths, but also for the benefit of the community where he has so long resided, and with whose interests he has been so closely identified. He holds and merits a place among the representative legal practitioners of Dutchess county.

Mr. Esselstyn was born in Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y., on September 27, 1841, and can trace his ancestry back to Martin Esselstyn, who arrived in America about 1640. He had two sons, Jacob and Cornelius, the latter of whom married Cornelia Vreden-burg, of Kingston, N. Y., and among their seven sons were Jacob and Gabriel, who removed to Claverack in 1710. Jacob wedded Magdalen Brodhead, of Ulster county, and to them were born five daughters and two sons, the latter being Richard and Cornelius. Among the children of Cornelius was Richard, who was born in 1731 and died in 1783, the year in which peace with England was declared. He was a patriot and soldier, holding the rank of major in a regiment of militia raised in Claverack to resist the northern encroachments of the British troops. He had two sons—Jacob, born in 1762; and Cornelius, born in 1765, who were the more immediate ancestors of the branch of the family now residing in Rhinebeck township, Duichess county. From Jacob have descended Tobias, who occupies the very soil which has been transmitted down to the sixth generation in the same family; Jacob, a resident of Wisconsin; and John, of Mellenville, Columbia county.

Cornelius Esselstyn, who was also born at Cla\'erack, was the grandfather of our subject. He was a large land owner of that locality, and one of the leading citizens. By his marriage with Clarissa Vonsburgh, he became the father of the following sons: Richard; Jacob, who during his lifetime occupied the place of the former patroon; Charles, a distinguished member of the bar; Isaac; William; Robert, the father of our subject; and Martin; all of whom were well-known citizens, worthy of their ancestry.

The birth of the father also occurred at Claverack, about 1807, and his entire life was devoted to the occupation of farming. He was an intelligent, well-read man, of high social ideas and great natural ability, and was one of the substantial citizens of Columbia county. In early life he supported the Whig party, and was a great admirer of Henry Clay, later joining the Republican party. Deeply interested in educational matters, he served for many years as trustee of the Claverack Academy, filling that position most of his life. He was married to Miss Catherine \'edder, daughter of Rev. Herman \'edder, who made his

COMMEilORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

home near Mt. Ross, in Gallatin, Columbia county, and for sixty years served as minister of the Reformed Dutch Church. After many years of usefulness he died at the ripe old age of ninety-six years. The Vedder family, as well as the Esselstyn, was of Holland-Dutch origin. Two children were born to Robert Esselstyn and his worthy wife: George, subject of this review; and Henry, who died in 1883.

The preparatory education of our subject was received at Claverack Academy, where he took the regularly prescribed course, and at the age of sixteen entered Rutgers College, taking the full classical course there, and graduating in the class of '61. He took up the study of law in the office of Gaul & Esselstyn (the latter being a cousin), and was admitted to practice December 10, 1863, before the supreme court. He remained with his old instructors until March 20. 1865, when he opened an office at Rhinebeck, where he conducted business alone for seven years. In 1872 he formed the partnership with Mr. McCarty, which has continued from that time, and is now the oldest law firm in Dutchess county. He is a man of imposing presence, and is one of the most successful attorneys of the community.

On June 17, 186S, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Esselstyn and Miss Florence Cowles, who belongs to one of the old and prominent families of Rhinebeck, and is a daughter of William S. Cowles, of that village, where for years he has carried on merchandising. Seven children grace this union—two sons and five daughters: Louise, at home; Catherine, wife of Rev. William H. Morrison, an Episcopal clergyman of Stafford Spring, Conn.; Florence E., wife of Charles L. Brooke, son of Charfes W. Brooke, one of the most prominent criminal lawyers of New York City; Henry, of Stafford Spring, Conn.; Clara Perle and Mabel at home; and Robert, who is attending school at Sing Sing, New York.

For thirty-one years Mr. Esselstyn has served as attorney for the First National Bank of Rhinebeck. He is a stanch Republican in politics, working hard for the interests of his party; in 1872 was candidate for the Assembly, and in 1882 candidate for district attorney. For two terms he served as supervisor, being chairman of the board half of the time, and was also president of the village for two terms, while he is one of its oldest directors in point of time. For twenty-five years he has been

one of the trustees of the Starr Institute, of Rhinebeck, and has served as secretary of the board the greater part of that time. He takes a prominent part in the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar, and for several terms has been master of the lodge, and past chancellor commander of the order of K. of T. Religiously, he belongs to the Reformed Dutch Church, but most of his family are Episcopalians.

ENRY H. HUSTIS (deceased), late attorney and counsellor at law, Fishkill-on-Hudson, and one of the oldest and most prominent members of the Dutchess County Bar, was born March 9, 1829, at North Highlands, town of Phillipstown, Putnam county, N. Y., and died at Fishkill-on-Hudson December 14, 1896. His family is of English origin, and the first of the American line came to New England about 1630. He was of the sixth generation from Robert, who came from Fairfield county. Conn., about the year 1664. and settled at Westchester, Westchester county, N. Y., where David Hustis, our subject's great-great-grandfather, was born. He was a captain in the Revolutionary army in Col. Van Rensselaer's regiment, and must have been over sixty years of age at that time. In 1730 he bought from the Indians several hundred acres of land in Putnam county, three miles from the present village of Cold Springs, and this estate has since been owned and occupied continuously by the family, a portion of it, 120 acres, being now owned by our subject. A part of the old house built by Capt. David Hustis is still standing as it was during the Colonial period, additions have been made to it from time to time. The farm adjoining is now owned by Samuel D. Hustis, whose great-grandfather was a brother of our subject's grandfather. The house upon that estate was also built in Colonial times, and Gen. Washington and his staff stopped there on their way to West Point from Connecticut, and were met by a messenger who told them of the treason of Benedict Arnold. Capt. David Hustis had a son Joseph, who married Mary Hunt, and had three sons: Robert, Joseph and David. Robert Hustis married Tamar Budd, and had a son Nicholas, who was born at the old homestead in 1803, and was a farmer there all his life. He married Martha Haight, who was born in 1804, and they reared a familj- of nine children. The

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father died in 1866, and the mother passed away in 1886.

Henry H. Hustis attended the district schools near the old home for some time in boyhood, and later studied for two years in a Quaker school, finishing his academic education at Amenia Seminary. He began the study of law in Newburg with Judge William Fullerton, the great criminal lawyer of New York City, and afterward spent one year in the office of Judge Monell; and one year with Judge George. In September, 1852, he was admitted at Poughkeepsie to the bar of the Supreme Court, and June 3, 1853, he opened his office at Fishkill-on-Hudson, taking the practice of John Owens. For forty-three years he was continuously engaged in professional work, and won a high reputation as a practitioner. He took an active interest in local politics, and was an able worker in the Republican party. In 1866, 1868, 1870 and

1873 he was president of the village, and in

1874 he was elected supervisor of the town, and was chairman of the board of supervisors of Dutchess county in that year. The family have a pleasant home on South avenue. His wife was Miss Elizabeth V. W. Anthony, daughter of Nicholas and Maria (Knapp) Anthony. They had five children.

JOHN P. ATWATER, M. D. This well-known and highly respected citizen of

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of Carlisle, Penn., where he was born March 4, 1813, and where his early life was spent. The rudiments of his education were obtained at Hopkins' Grammar School, in New Haven, Conn., then, in 1830. he entered Yale College, and was graduated with the class of '34, after which he attended the medical college in New Haven, where he secured a practical knowledge of medicine.

In 1836 Dr. Atwater went to Cincinnati and practiced medicine there for a few years, when he retired, and returned to New Haven, where he lived quietly. In 1870 the Doctor moved to Poughkeepsie and took up his residence there. On July 27, 1845, he was married to Miss Lucy J. Phelps, who was from West Townshend, Vt., where she was born January 14, 1828. Her father. Charles Phelps, was a native of Vermont, and a son of Timothy Phelps, whose ancestors were English. To our subject and his wife were

born the following children: Edward S. and Lucy. The Doctor is a Republican and, with his wife, contributes to the support of the F"irst Reformed Church. They have a beautiful home, surrounded by spacious drives and walks, well-kept lawns, cosy nooks within the shadow of stately oak trees, and charming summer houses.

Jeremiah Atwater, father of our subject, was born in New Haven, Conn., October i, 1774, where he grew to manhood, and was graduated from Yale College. He organized Middlebury College, and was selected as its first president; in 1809 he held the same office of Dickenson College, Carlisle, Penn. After moving to New Haven he lived a retired life. He married Miss Clarissa Storrs, a native of Sandisfield, Mass., where she was born January 7, 1776. Her father, Eleazer Storrs, was born in Mansfield, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Atwater had three children: John P., our subject; William, formerly a druggist in Brooklyn, N. Y., who died April 20, 1873: Clarissa, born in 1803, who became the wife of Rev. Oliver Butterfield, and died January 16, 1871; and William, born in 1806.

Jeremiah Atwater, grandfather of our subject, was born in New Haven, Conn. He married Miss Lois Hurd, and they settled in New Haven, where he followed the occupation of a merchant. Their children were as follows: Jeremiah: John, a carriage maker; Charles, who settled in North Branford, Conn. ; Lewis, who was a carpenter and house builder; Fannie, who married Zebul Bradley, a jeweler; Nancy, who died unmarried. Jeremiah died in 1835. His son, Jeremiah, died July 29, 1S58.

Edward Storrs Atwater, a son of our subject, was born April 10, 1853, at Cincinnati. He took a preparatory course at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and was graduated at Yale College, in 1875, from the classical course. After leaving college he studied law in Poughkeepsie with Judge H. M. Taylor, and was admitted to the bar in 1S80. He engaged in the practice of law in office work until 1891, when he was elected president of the Farmers' & Manufacturers' National Bank, of Poughkeepsie, which position he has held ever since. In 1880 he was married to Miss Caroline P. Swift, a daughter of Charles W. Swift, and a graduate of Vassar College in the class of '77. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Atwater: Morton, Lucy, Eliot and Evelyn, all

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

living at home. Mr. Atwater was formerly a Republican, but is now a Democrat, although he does not take an active part in politics. He is a member of the First Reformed Church, and of the Dutchess Club and Amrita Club, of Poughkeepsie. In public matters he is one of the leading men of the city, and* is a director of the Poughkeepsie Iron Co. and of the Forest of Dean Iron Co., and a trustee of the Savings Bank.' [Since the above was written Dr. Atwater died in May, 1897.]

EV. ACMON P. VAN GIESON, D. D., pastor of the First Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie. is now in the thirtieth year of his beneficent service at that charge. He belongs to one of the old Holland-Dutch families, the first ancestor to cross the ocean having been Reynier Bastiansen Van Gieson, who settled in New Amsterdam prior to 1660, and later made his home in New Jersej', where many of the name now live.

A majority of the early members of the familj- were agriculturists, and our subject's grandfather, Reynier \'an Gieson, followed that occupation all his life. He married Sarah Kent, daughter of Jacob Kent, who entered the Colonial armj' as a volunteer at the opening of the Revolutionary war, and served until peace was declared. Ira Van Gieson, the Doctor's father, was reared upon a farm, but engaged in business as a manufacturer, being one of the original members of the Newark (N. J.) Lime & Cement Company. His wife, Sarah Thompson, was a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Thomas J. Thompson. Both parents died at their home in Newark, N.J. Of their five children, the Doctor was the eldest. Another son, Ransford E. Van Gieson, M. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., was a surgeon in the navy during the war of the Rebellion, and has a son, Ira Van Gieson, M. D., who is a member of the staff of instructors in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, and chief of the Commission on Pathology of Insanity for the State of New York.

The subject of our sketch was born January 13, 1830, in West Bloomfield, Essex Co.. N. J., and at four years of age was taken by his parents to Newark, N. J., where he grew to manhood. Love of study was a marked characteristic even in youth, but previous to entering college he taught school and clerked

in a grocery for a time. He took a course in the University of New York, graduating in 1849, and in 1852 he completed his preparation for the (ninistry in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, located in New Brunswick. He took charge of the Reformed Church at Catskill, N. Y., in the same year, and was ordained as its pastor in 1853. In 1855 he accepted a call to the First Reformed Church in Brooklyn, where he remained until 1859. For the si.x years following he was stationed at Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y., and in 1865 a call was accepted from the Church of Greenpoint (Brooklyn), his ministrations there being continued until September, 1867, when he assumed the pastorate of the First Church of Poughkeepsie, one of the principal congregations in the city. This society was organized in 1716, being the oldest in Dutchess county.

Dr. Van Gieson has added to his cares as a pastor much literary work, chiefly on theological lines, and the value of his effort has been recognized without as well as within the Church. In 1872 he received the degree of D. D., from Rutgers College, and in 1873 he was president of the Synod. Among his books are a history of the Poughkeepsie Church, published in 1892, an address on the "Type of Doctrine of the Reformed Church," published in 1876, as one of the Centennial publications, and a history of the Ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the State of New York, published in 1895. He has urged effectively the erection of a monument in Poughkeepsie, to commemorate that important historical event, and this will undoubtedly be done by the Daughters of the Revolution, who have taken the project in hand.

On July 9, 1857, Dr. Van Gieson was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., to his first wife, Miss Anna Skillman, daughter of John Skill-man, a well-known resident of the "City of Churches," and a descendant of the first white child born on Long Island. Of the three children of this union one died in infancy. The others are: Mrs. D. Crosby Foster, of Poughkeepsie; and Mrs. Cecil W. H. Jones, of Bermuda. The mother died February 22, 1865, and December 11, 1878, the Doctor formed a second union, with Miss Maria Swift, who is still living. Hale and hearty in appearance. Dr. \'an Gieson bears his years lightly, his tall form being full of the vigor

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61

which comes from outdoor exercise, while his kindly, pleasant face has a youthful look in contrast with his snow-white hair. As a citizen he has always taken keen interest in public affairs. Early in life he was a pronounced opponent of slavery, and he has been a member of the Republican party since its orc];aniza-tion. In all matters that pertain to the progress of the city where he has made his home, his influence is a recognized power for good.

GGEORGE W. INGRAH.\M, an attorney at r law of Amenia, Dutchess county, is descended from Timothy and Sarah (Cowell) Ingraham, who were residents of Boston, and later lived at Bristol, R. I. John Ingraham, their fourth son, was born December 8, 1701, and was married December 12, 1723, to Miss Mary Fry. Jereiniah Ingraham, their fourth child, was born December 8, 1731, married Rebecca Monroe, a cousin of President James Monroe, and died at an advanced age in the faith of the Episcopal Church. Thomas Ingraham, the third son of Jeremiah, was born November 8, 1773, and in 1792 wedded Margaret Wardwell. They were the parents of our subject. George Ingraham, an uncle, was the first of the family to locate in Dutchess county, coming from Bristol, R. I., to Amenia in 1785.

In 1795 the parents of our subject became residents of Dutchess county, arriving in Amenia on the 3d of July, that year, with their two children. They had made the journey from Bristol by water to Poughkeepsie, then overland to Amenia. Here the father engaged in farming until his death, and was also a stockholder in the woolen-mill at Leeds-ville, Dutchess county, during the war of 1812. He was a Federalist in politics, and a conspicuous character in the Methodist Episcopal Church. For years he held the office of commissioner of highways, and was also overseer of the poor. He died May 12, 1841, and his faithful wife was called to her final rest .April 30, 1855. In their family were eleven children: Mary, Samuel, Nathaniel, Allen, Hannah, Thomas Swan, Abigail, Josiah, John, George W. and Sally Ann, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of our subject, and his brother John, of Poughkeepsie. George Whitfield Ingraham was born November 25, 1811, in the town of Amenia, where his boyhood days were passed. His literary

education was received in the district schools and by one winter's attendance at a select school. At the age of seventeen years he began reading law under the direction of Robert Wilkinson, of Poughkeepsie, but did not apply for a diploma until the close of the Civil war. For twenty years he served as justice of the peace, five terms in succession, and his wise rulings ever showed thought and deliberation. His practice has been mostly confined to real-estate law, and he has also engaged in surveying and engineering, helping to lay out tfie New York & Harlem railfwad. He has ever taken a commendable interest in the cause of education, and has been inspector and commissioner of schools.

On October 22, 1S34, at Sharon, Conn., Mr. Ingraham was united in marriage with Miss Electa Hunt, a daughter of Rev. Aaron Hunt, and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Sarah J., who married Samuel R. Free, of Willimantic, Conn.; Aaron Hunt, who during the dark days of the Rebellion enlisted in the 48th N. Y. S. V., was killed while leading a charge at Cold Harbor, June i, 1864, and his body was there interred; Phebe H. is the next in order of birth; and George Irving (deceased), who had married Fannie B. Payne, and had one daughter, Margery Starr. Mr. Ingraham has been called upon to mourn the loss of his excellent wife, who died October lO, 1889. Our subject cast his first vote in support of the Whig party, and since its dissolution has been an ardent Republican; in religious faith he is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which for the long period of forty years he has served as clerk, and for many j'ears was trustee, steward and class leader. He is the originator of the law in the State of New York which gives a married woman the right to hold real and personal property independent of her husband, which took him eight years to get passed; but he never gave up until his object was accomplished.

At the age of twenty-five years he conceived the idea that the changes of the weather, including sunshine and clouds, winds and storms, could be reduced to a science, and at once began to evolve a theory. After close study for many 3'ears he decided that his theory was correct, and then made known his conclusions to some of his friends and neighbors. One of those men is now living in the City of New York. This company ridiculed his position. Nothing daunted, he put his ideas with his observations

COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPHICAL RECORD.

in a letter and sent the same to Washington, D. C, in charge of the then member of Congress from his district. That formed the nucleus of the present Government weather bureau.

Mr. Ingraham has always made his home upon his farm in the town of Amenia, and is widely and favorably known throughout the community, being held in the highest regard by all with whom he has come in contact.

CHARLES \V. H. ARNOLD. Among the leading lights of the legal fraternity of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is Charles W. H. Arnold, who was born in New York City May 5, 1S60. Though born in the city his boyhood was passed on the farms in the towns of Hyde Park and Milan, in Dutchess county, and here in the district schools he received his common-school education. To an active mind the law furnished many attractions, as it is a study never completed, but whose scope is ever widening and changing. Our subject, when just out of the school room, followed various pursuits, but, when twenty, determined to enter the legal profession, and, accordingly, entered the office of J. S. Van Cleef, as a student, and in December, 1883, was admitted to the bar. He has made a specialty of corporation law, and holds the office of attorney for the Poughkeepsie National Bank (in which he is also one of the directors); is attorney for the Fallkill Knitting Company, of which he is also treasurer and general manager, and attorney for the New Paltz and Wallkill \'alley R. R. In 1894 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention.

On October 11, 1892, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Alice Schoutcn, daughter of Richard A. Schouten, and two interesting children have come to brighten their home, namely: Richard Henry and Alice Margaret. Socially Mr. Arnold is a member of Triune Lodge, Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, and also of the Dutchess Club of Poughkeepsie, and he is at present president of the Staatsburgh Fire Company. Religiously he is an active worker in St. Margaret's Episcopal Church at Staatsburgh, in which he is vestrj'man, and is serving as clerk of the vestr}".

Henry Arnold, father of our subject, was a native of Sa.xony, Germany, and came to this country at the age of fourteen. In Schoharie county, X. Y., he was married to Margaret Hcmstreet, and the following children were

born to them: Elda, who married Q. F. Shaf-ford, of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county; Charles W. H., our subject; Florence, who married Frederick Wheaton, of Yonkers. N. Y.; George and Henry. The father of this family was river superintendent of the National Ice Company.

TT'ALTER D. O. K. STRONG, M. D. Despite the salubrious air and other advantages of this favored region, its inhabitants have occasional need for the care of a physician. Among the ablest of the practitioners who minister to the many ills that flesh is heir to, even under the best conditions, is Dr. Strong, of Fishkill Landing, Dutchess county, whose history is well worthy of a permanent record among those of the leading workers in professional and other lines.

Dr. Strong was born August 10, 1823, at Owasco, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and is remotely of English descent, his ancestors having crossed the Atlantic at a very early date. His greatgrandfather, Asher Strong, had his home in youth in eastern New York, but later settled at Cooperstown, Otsegocounty. Isaac Strong, the grandfather of our subject, moved to Owasco, Cayuga county, about the year 1800, and engaged in farming and the hotel business. He married Miss Elizabeth Waterman, of Cooperstown, and had two daughters and one son : Walter, the youngest of the trio; Nancy, the eldest, married Thaddeus Thompson, a wool dresser and the owner of a mill; Elizabeth married E. Clark, a cabinet maker.

Walter Strong, the father of our subject, was born at Cooperstown, but when one year old was taken by his parents to Cayuga county, where he grew to manhood, and naturally became familiar with the details of hotel management. For a time he followed the lousiness; but, choosing the independence of agricultural life, he located later upon a large farm. In 1833 he traded this for one of 400 acres in Crawford county, Penn., where he spent about fifteen years, and then made an exchange for a hotul and a farm of 100 acres at Jefferson, Ohio. He died in 1862, and his wife, Sarah (De V'oe), passed away in 1878. She was of French descent, and was born in the southeastern part of New York, the daughter of Hon. Elijah De V'oe, who was elected to the Legislature in 1819, and again in 1825. Waiter and Sarah Strong had eight children: Elijah,

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08

the eldest, is a prominent resident of Plymouth, Ohio, and has been mayor of the town, and has also served for years as justice of the peace; Malvina, deceased, was the wife of S. C. Stratton, of Linesville, Penn., a tanner and currier; W. D. O. K. is our subject; Sarah E. married Horatio Shattuck, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and is now deceased; Edwin T. is a farmer at Jefferson, Ohio; Isaac M., who died in 1888, was first a merchant and later a banker at Bancroft, Mich.; Cornelia M., an artist of note and the painter of the " Electrical Commission" (^which was purchased for $7,000, and is now in the Capitol at Washington, D. C), married Samuel Fassett, a photographer, and resides in Washington; Nancy J. married John A. Harvey, of Ashtabula, Ohio.

Dr. Strong's boyhood was spent at his native place, where he received his elementary education from his grandfather, who was a teacher. At nineteen he began a business career as a clerk in a store, but after three years he engaged in teaching, and gave all his spare time to the study of medicine. Desiring further literary education, he attended school at Kingsville, Ohio, taking an academic course, and later studied at Auburn, N. Y. He then taught for a few months, and in 1846 he entered the office of Dr. Benjamin De Voe, an uncle, to prepare for entrance to the medical department of Buffalo University, from which he was graduated April 19, 1849. For one year he practiced with his uncle, and then, in 1850, located at Sennett, Cayuga Co., N. Y., being accompanied to this place by his bride. Miss Maria Rosa, daughter of Jacob Rosa, formerly of Hurley, Ulster Co., N. Y. Five years were spent at Sennett in successful practice. Dr. Strong serving also as superintendent of the local schools for two terms. In 1S56 he returned to his old home at Owasco, and during the winters of 1856 and '57 he attended a course of lectures upon homeopathy in Philadelphia. Resuming his practice at home, he continued until 1870, when he moved to Mil-ford, Del., and followed his profession for ten years. Since 1880 he has been established at F"ishkill Landing, where he enjoys a large and lucrative practice, his abilities, developed by wide experience, gaining the confidence of the community to a marked degree.

The Doctor is a firm adherent of the Republican party, and is interested, as every intelligent citizen should be, in the various progressive movements of the time. His only

son now living, Edwin E., holds a responsible position in the First National Bank of Fishkill Landing, with which he has been connected for thirteen years. An elder son, Jacob R., began practice as a physician in the same town, but his death in 1892 cut short a most promising career.

MOOSEVELT. The first of the name to come to this country was Claas Marten-son Van Roosevelt, who emigrated from Holland to New York in 1647.

The various members of the family held prominent positions in New York, and Isaac Roosevelt was one of the first senators from that city; one of the framers of the first constitution of the State of New York, when the Constitutional Convention sat at Poughkeep-sie; one of the founders and president of the New York Hospital; the bank of New York, and various charitable institutions.

James Roosevelt, son of Isaac Roosevelt, settled at Mount Hope, a country place near Poughkeepsie, and his descendants have had homes in the neighborhood of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park ever since.

The present James Roosevelt of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park, Dutchess county, was born at New York City, and has interested himself in railways, etc; was one of the Government Commissioners for the World's Fair held at Chicago in 1893; is vice president of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Co.; and holds various positions of trust.

HENRY PEARCE, M. D., a leading phy- sician and surgeon of Pawling, Dutchess

county, is one of the best known practitioners of that locality. As a surgeon he has won an enviable reputation, and his practice extends over a wide radius, including the northern portion of Putnam county. His family is one of the oldest in the town of Pawling, his greatgrandfather, Col. William Pearce, of Revolutionary fame, having come from Rhode Island during the Colonial period. He must have been acquainted with Gen. Washington, as the latter had his headquarters for some time at the foot of Quaker Hill. Col. Pearce was a farmer b\' occupation, and owned a tract of land west of the village of Pawling, now occupied by Charles Hoag. This has been in the possession of the family for more than a hundred

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. By his first wife Col. Pearce had four children: Henry, Benoni, Ro.\ana and Mary. Ro.xana married Mr. Hovvland, and went to Canada, and became the mother of Sir William Howland. Mary also married. Col. Pearce had two sons, William and John, by a second marriage.

Henry Pearce, our subject's grandfather, was also a farmer, and lived about three miles north of Pawling. He married Rebecca Bird-sell, and reared a family of five children, of whom our subject's father, Benoni Pearce, was the eldest. (2) Nathaniel spent his life at the old homestead, and his excellent natural abilities made him a leader in the community, where for many years he held the office of assessor. He married Julia Ferris, but had no children. (3) Roxana married Henry Stark, and lived in Penn Yan, N. Y. (4) Amy married Jaleel Billings Stark, a leading merchant of Pawling. (5) Rebecca married Daniel Shove, and lived at Wellsburg, New York.

Benoni Pearce was born in 1808, and followed farming at Pawling until 1851, when he moved to a farm of 200 acres at Penn Yan, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring there in 1895. Although he was never an office holder, he took a keen interest in political questions, being a Whig in early life and afterward a Republican. He was a devout Methodist, and for many years was an official in the Church. His first wife was Mary Ann Stark, a daughter of Benoni Stark, and after her death, in 1853, he married her sister, Rachel. Bj' his first marriage he had seven children, of whom the Doctor is the eldest. The others were Lillius H., wife of A. J. Brown, of Yates county, N. Y. Jeremiah S., sheriff of Dutchess county James S., who lives in Pawling, N. Y. Charles W., who lives in New York City; Edwin M. (deceased); and Elizabeth M., who married John Gelder, a farmer and grape grower of Yates county.

Dr. Pearce was born in Pawling, March i, 1833, and received his academic education there and in the schools of Yates county. In 1853 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1857. He began his professional career at Ulysses, Potter Co., Penn., but after two years there he came to Pawling to practice. In 1862 he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the 150th N. Y. \'. I., with C. M. Campbell. During the

march to Lookout Mountain his horse fell, and the Doctor was so injured that his left leg had to be amputated above the knee; although he was obliged to resign his former position in the regiment, he remained in the department until the close of the war. He spent three years practicing at Carmel, Putnam county, but finally settled at Pawling, where he has now been successfully engaged in practice for nearly thirty years, his business covering a larger territory than that of any other physician in that locality. He is also the senior partner in the firm of Dr. H. Pearce & Co., , the leading druggists of Pawling.

The Doctor has been three times married. His first wife was Sarah Hall, of Pawling. His second wife, Augusta M. (Stark), daughter of J. W. Stark, died in 1878, leaving one son, George Stark Pearce, now a successful physician at Dover Plains; a daughter, Bessie, died at the age of four years. In 18S8 Dr. Pearce married his third wife, Julia (Travis), of Carmel, Putnam county. The Doctor is an ardent Republican, and, like all of his family, is very patriotic and public-spirited. He is a member of C. W. Campbell Post, G. A. R., and also of the medical societies of Putnam and Dutchess counties.

ON. JOHN H. KETCHAM. Dutchess county has possessed and possesses many prominent citizens ; but in all their number can be found no one more truly representative, more widely or actively awake to the interests of the community at large, than the subject of this article.

A native of the county, Mr. Ketchain was born December 21, 1832, in Dover, and is a representative of one of the oldest families in eastern New York, being the second son and child of John M. and Eliza A. Ketcham, of Dover. His education was received in part at Suffield, Conn., in part at Worcester, Mass., where he was graduated in 1851. At the conclusion of his studies, and on his return to his native town, he, in partnership with his older brother, William S., commenced farming, and the conducting of an extensive marble business, which they successfully continued several years. During this period his fellow citizens, justly recognizing his ability, which was developed in an active business life, soon called upon him to represent his township on the board of supervisors, and he served two terms.

J^-T^r^^r^Z^.^

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after which he was then sent to the Assembly for two terms, from which he passed into the State Senate—his entire career in each of these responsibilities proving him to be a man worthy to represent his constituents.

In 1861, at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Ketcham was appointed, by Gov. Morgan, a member of the war committee for Dutchess and Columbia counties, and later was commissioned to raise a regiment, which he did with characteristic zeal and energy, rapidly filling out his quota with picked men of Dutchess county, representing for the most part the best and most intelligent families. His regiment, the i50thN. Y. V. I., proceeded first to Baltimore, afterward participating in the battle of Gettysburg, where it suffered severely. After recruiting his regiment, and filling up its sadly depleted ranks. Col. Ketcham moved his command southwest, joining Sherman, and was with him in the memorable " March to the Sea." While on duty on Ar-gyle Island, near the mouth of the Savannah river, our subject received a wound, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. At Atlanta, for meritorius conduct, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet, afterward to brigadier-general, and subsequently to major-general by brevet. While with his command in Georgia, he was nominated for member of Congress from his District, and was elected by a large majority. He has since served eleven terms in that office, on each occasion being nominated by acclamation, and receiving the support of the people of his District, irrespective of party, his majorities being unprecedented in that county. At the termination of his twelfth term he was tendered a unanimous renomination, but owing to impaired health he respectfully declined further service.

The great secret of Gen. Ketcham's popularity has always been his untiring and unremitting efforts to promote the interests of his constituents, irrespective of party. During the interval of three years when he was not in Congress, the General was appointed, by President Grant, a conmiissioner of the District of Columbia, e.\-Gov. Dennison, of Ohio, and Hon. H. T. Blow, of Missouri Tsince deceased), being his associates, in which incumbencj' he served with his usual energy and fidelity for a period of nearly three years. About the time of his retirement from the office of District Commissioner, in 1877, he received letters 5

from a large number of the leading citizens of the District expressing regret at his resignation, and testifying to the ability, industry aijd thoughtful consideration manifested by him in the faithful discharge of his onerous duties.

On February 4, 1858, Gen. John H. Ketcham was united in marriage with Miss Augusta A. Belden, daughter of William H. and Sarah Belden, of Amenia, Dutchess county, who were among the earliest and representative families of the county. Four children were born of this marriage, of whom, two sons, Henry and Charles, and one daughter, Ethel, are living.

Gen. Ketcham is a man of warm impulses, always ready to help a friend or do a kind act for a fellow being, and is known and recognized as the poor man's friend. His native State honors him, and with good reason, for he is one of her best products—a manly, noble man in all the relations of life, one who in his remarkable public career has maintained himself with dignity, propriety and honor.

COL. JAMES VANDER BURGH. Among _ ' those who left the shores of the Old World for those of the New, and settled very early in the vicinity of Poughkeepsie, was a family of Vander Burghs, directly from Holland, and it is to James Vander Burgh, one of the descendants of these early settlers, that this sketch more especially refers. Not only was he destined to be named among the noted men of Dutchess county, but he proved to be one of the country's most sturdy patriots and defenders. Born in Poughkeepsie, September 4, 1729, we know little or nothing about him until his marriage to Margaret Noxon, in September, 1853, and at this time they lived near the little hamlet of Poughquag. Seven children were born to them, and we read in Vander Burgh's diary, thirteen years later, these words: " 1776, August ye 9 day my wife departed this life. Between the our of 3 and 4 in the morning. Beaing the 8 day from ye time of her beaing taken sick." The following year he married Helena Clark, and of this union eleven children were born, among whom were Federal Vander Burgh, a noted homeopathic physician, who died in Rhinebeck in 1868; Gabriel Ludlow (named after one of the first vestrymen of Trinity Church, New York), who married Margaret Akin, of Quaker Hill;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and a daughter, Paulina, who married Judge Albro Akin, of the same place. The latter had three children: (i) Albert J., born August 14, 1803, still living, aged ninety-three, married Jane Williams, of New York City (no children). (2) Almira Vander Burgh married (first) to Joshua Leavitt Jones, and had two children; married (second) to John Akin Tib-bits (no children). (3) Helen Maria married to John W. Taylor, and has two children.

A brief genealogical record of the branch of the Akin famil}' related to the \'ander Burghs is as follows: (I) John Akin, born in Scotland in 1663, emigrated to America about 1680, and settled in Dartmouth, Mass. There in 1687 he married (first) Mary Briggs, who was born in Portsmouth, R. I., August 9, 1671, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Fisher) I^riggs. Children of this union: (II) David, Judith, Deborah, Timothy, Mary, Hannah, Thomas, Elizabeth and James. The mother of these died, and for his second wife John Akin married Hannah Sherman, who bore him six children. (I) John Akin died June 13, 1746.

(II) David Akin, the eldest son of (I) John Akin, was born September 19, 1689, in Dartmouth, Mass., and was there married in 1711, to Sarah Allen, also a native of that locality, and by her had the following named children: (III) John, Mary, Elisha, Josiah, Abigail, Sarah, Hannah, James, David and Jonathan. In 1741 the father of this family moved to Quaker Hill (formerly called Oblong), where he died in 1779.

(III) John Akin, eldest son of (II) David, was born September 15, 1718, at Portsmouth, R. I., and January 29, 1742, married Margaret Hicks, of Portsmouth, R. I., by which union children as follows were born: Anna, Mary, Abigail and (IV) John. The father of these died April 7, 1779, the mother in October, 1803.

(IV) John, the only son of (HI) John, was born November 11, 1753, at Quaker Hill, and December 27, 1775, was married at Pawling, N. Y., to Molly Ferris, who was born April 20, 1759, a daughter of Reed Ferris, of Pawling. Children as follows were born to them: (V) Albro, Sarah, Margaret. Ann, Daniel and Amanda. Of these (V) Albro married (first) Paulina \'ander Burgh, of Beekman (three children); (second) married Sarah Merritt (no children); and married (third) Jemima Jacacks (se\en children). Their son William H. Akin

married (first) Martha A. Taber (two children); married (second) Sarah Miller (no children). Albro Akin, son of William H. Akin, married Emma Reed (two children), and their son, Albert J. Akin, Jr., was born November 12, 1882.

A brief genealogical record of the branch of the Ferris or Ferriss (anciently svritten Fer-rass) family related, as above, to the Akin famil}', is as follows:

(I) John F'erriss. a native of Leicestershire, England, a holder of land in several counties of England, emigrated with his family to Fairfield, Conn, (there are records showing that the Ferriss family were in America in 1650), and afterward, about 1654, removed to New York State. He is said to have been one of five brothers who emigrated to this country with their families, one of whom, Jeffry, located first, in 1635, in Massachusetts, later, in 1660. settling in Fairfield, Conn. Another brother, Benjamin, settled in Massachusetts in 1640. (I) John Ferriss died in New York State in 1715.

(II) Samuel, son of (I) John, came from Reading, England, about 1658, it is supposed, and was one of the first settlers of Groton, Mass., whence he afterward moved to Charles-town, Mass. He married Jerisha Reed, and had one son, (III) Zachariah.

(III) Zachariah was born, it is supposed, at Pequenock (now Bridgeport), Conn., and was a Freeman in 1676. In September, 1698 or 1699, he was married to Sarah Reed, of Stratford, Conn. About the year 1710 they moved to New Milford, Conn., and their daughter, Sarah, was the first female white child born there. The children born to (III) Zachariah and Sarah (Reed) Ferriss were as follows; David, (IV) Benjamin, Hannah, John, Zachariah, Sarah Ann, Deborah and Joseph. From (III) Zachariah are descended numerous persons i5f that name in different parts of the United States.

(IVi Benjamin Ferriss was born -November 10, 170S; in 1728 married Elizabeth Beecher, and in 1730 they moved to Oblong (now Quaker Hill). Their children were Zeb-ulon, (V) Reed, Susannah, Phebe, Lillias, Benjamin, Gilbert and Edmund.

(V') Reed Ferriss was born August 15, 1730. at New Milford, and died at Pawling, N. Y., in March, 1S04. He married Anne Tripp, and they lived in Pawling. Their house was occupied by Washington when the

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American troops were quartered on a hill near by. The children born to Reed and Anne (Tripp) Ferriss were: Edmund, Benjamin, Lydia, (VI) Molly, James. Warren, Pitt, Morris, Anne and Seneca.

(VI) Molly Ferriss was born April 20, 1759, and married December27, 1775, to John Akin, of Quaker Hill. She died October 30, 185 I, aged ninety-two years. They had children: (VII) Albro, Sarah, Margaret, Ann, Daniel and Amanda.

(\TI) Albro Akin was born March 6, 1778, and was married three times, as above related in the Akin family record.

James \'ander Burgh, the subject proper of this review, is supposed to have been a son of John and Magdalen Vander Burgh, of Pough-keepsie. From a deed in the county clerk's office of said place, he is given land in Dutchess county, in 1752, when his father died. His mother and ten children are also m.entioned in the deed. One of the daughters, Magdalen, named for her mother, married Clear Everitt. He it was, no doubt, who built the historic "Clear Everitt House," still standing on the main street in Poughkeepsie, and now known as "Washington Hotel." This house, evidently an hostelry, was the meeting place of the leading men of the Revolution, Governor Clinton, Lafayette and Washington being among its guests. Everitt was at one time sheriff of the county.

From James Vander Burgh are descended many of that name, as well as others, who are scattered in various parts of the United States. One of his descendants, Edgar H. Vander Burgh, of Lithgow, Dutchess county, recently said in a letter to Dr. David W. Vander Burgh, of Fall River, Mass.: "I had heard much through Judge Coffin of Colonel Vander Burgh, of his residence and of his entertainment of Washington in the time of the Revolution, that he (Washington) frequently stopped there over night on his way from Fishkill to Danbury on horseback. He used to stop by the road side near Colonel Vander Burgh's, and with the bridle reins over his shoulder draw water from a well sweep and drink. I had such a reverence for this history that I went to Beekman with Judge Coffin, and found the very well, and the timbers of the old mansion laid on the wall. We took pieces of it and some nails with which it was made, and have them as sacred relics." Another of his great-grandchildren remembers, when very

young, being taken by an old colored woman, formerly a slave in Colonel Vander Burgh's family, to see the old house in ruins. The woman told her that there was where General Washington used to visit, and that she remembered seeing him. James Vander Burgh was commissioned lieutenant-colonel on October '7' '775' '^nd was made colonel March 10, 1778.

James H. Smith's history of Dutchess county says: "A short distance northeast of the hamlet of Poughquag lived, during the Revolution, Col. James Vander Burgh, an officer of some prominence in that struggle," and from the same source we learn that he was appointed assessor of the town of Beekman in 1772, and, in 1775, supervisor, which office he held until 1779. This history also says: " In the New York Provincial Congress and Convention from 1775 to 1779. inclusive, when a State government was formed, Dutchess was represented by men of mark, and among them is the name of Colonel James Vander Burgh." From Lossing's Field Book of the Revolution we glean this bit of knowledge, which is taken from Washington's diary: "May 18, 1781. Set out this day for an interview at Weathersfield with Count de Ro-chambeau and Admiral Barras. Reached Morgan's tavern, forty-three miles from Fishkill Landing, after dining at Colonel Vander Burgh's." A few days later, during one of Washington's visits, a child was born, and in Vander Burgh's diary it says: "May ye 24. 1781, on Thursday, about eleven o'clock at night, my wife was delivered of her fifth son; we call his name George Washington. God send him his blessing." So the little son was evidently named after their honored guest. Col. Vander Burgh died in Beekman, and was buried there in the sixty-fourth year of his age. One of his descendants. Miss H. Pauline Taylor, of Quaker Hill, has a copy of his epitaph, his will and his diary, all very quaint and interesting.

Of his large family of eighteen children only one died before the parents, and that he was able to support his large family and give each daughter five hundred pounds, and to his sons either money or a prosperous farm, we learn from a copy of his will, so that his life stood out successfully from a financial point of view. But that is not all. Col. Vander Burgh was a man who closely watched and studied public affairs, he was emmentl}' patriotic, and

COMMEMOBATirB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was honored and trusted in civil life as he had been on the field, a Christian patriot and soldier, to duty ever true, to his posterity his memory is a rich inheritance. May they emulate his virtues.

SMITEN (more g;enerally known as S. VIN-_ CENT) TRIPP, one of Dutchess county's most successful business men, was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess Co., N. Y., August 31, 1822, being one of a family of eight children, of whom there is only one surviving member, Mrs. Susan \N'eed, of Clinton Corners.

Smiten Tripp, his father, who was also a native of Dutchess county, during his early years was engaged at the carpenter's trade, and later purchased the farm where he spent the balance of his life. On November 20, 1S06, he married Miss Margaret Wickes, in what is now known as the Cheesman house, which was built by her father, Jacob Wickes, in 1800. Her mother was a Miss Nancy Carle.

S. \'incent Tripp's maternal grandfather, Jacob Wickes, lived during the Revolutionary war on the Creek road. He was surprised one night by the English, and after a severe struggle he assumed insensibility, and was left for dead. One of the bullets fired is still to be seen imbedded in the wall of the room of the conflict. Vincent was the name of our subject's paternal grandmother, she being Miss Hannah \"incent.

In 1848 Mr. Tripp was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Losee, daughter of William Losee, of Dover. She was a woman beloved by all who knew her, always liberal in her chiirities, and it was greatly by her encouragement and good judgment that Mt. Tripp made his business career so successful. Two children were born to them, a daughter, Priscilla, and a son, Alfred Noxon, the former of whom died at four years of age.

In 1854 Mr. Tripp left the homestead, and removed to New York City, where he engaged in the carting business for the firm of Earle & Co. About two years later he located in Cohoes, Albany county, where he entered the grocery and feed business, with David Bedell. The partnership was discontinued after some three years, and Mr. Tripp removed to the city of Rochester, from which time he was always engaged in the grain business. Toward the close of the Civil war the sudden decline

in grain nearly ruined him, he losing over thirty thousand dollars within a few days. Wheat declined one dollar per bushel, corn seventy cents and oats fifty cents. Oats he had been offered one dollar and six cents per bushel he sold for fifty-five cents, and wheat that he had been offered two dollars and sixty cents he sold for one dollar and fifty cents per bushel. Still he did not lose courage, but, backed by his banking house, he looked for his money where he had lost it, and in 1865 returned to New York and engaged in the grain business, until 1867, at Twenty-second street and East river, with A. P. Clark, under the firm name of Tripp & Clark. During 1867 and 1868 he was associated with Jacot) Bogart at Thirty-fifth street and East river. From the fall of 186S until November i, 1875, Mr. Tripp continued in partnership with George E. Ketcham, at Twenty-second street and North river. In the meantime he had built the "Tripp Elevator" at Thirty-fourth street and North river, which he entered November i, 1875, with George Rogers and Alexander Bonnell as partners; on November I, 1879, a new partnership was formed under the firm name of S. V. Tripp & Co., composed of Mr. Tripp, his cousin, Capt. I. C. Wickes, and Alexander Bonnell. Mr. Bonnell retired from the firm November i, 1881, and since that time the grain business at Thirty-fourth street and North river has remained under the firm name of S. V. Tripp & Co., with only Capt. I. C. Wickes as his partner, until Mr. Tripp's death September 22, 1S95. The business continued until May i, 1896, when Capt. Wickes bought Mr. Tripp's interest in the business.

Mr. Tripp was engaged in many other enterprises. He was a director of the Home Bank of New York, and a member of thirty years' "standing of the Produce Exchange. Through all his prosperity and reverses, he never lost courage and energy, but his great success was the Grain-elevator business at Thirty-fourth street and North river, where he made a large fortune; and the business was unequalled by any of the twelve firms engaged in grain business in New York and Brooklyn. In 1886 he removed to Poughkeepsie, and purchased the attractive residence on South Hamilton street.

Mr. Tripp was twice married. His first wife died in 1890, and three years later he married Mrs. Jennie Farrar, daughter of

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Thomas Milligan, a marble dealer of Berkshire county, Mass. Rev. F. B. Wheeler officiated at the funeral services of Mr. Tripp September 25, 1895, which were largely attended. Among those present were the officers of The Pough-keepsie National Bank, of which he was vice-president; four of his business partners; a committee of ten from the Produce E.xchange; and twenty-three employes from The Elevator who had been in the services of the deceased from ten to twenty-seven years. The interment was in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. The following resolutions in handsome binding were presented to Alfred N. Tripp:

W'htjreas the members of the Xew York Produce Exchange have learned with deep sorrow of the death of S. Vincent Tripp, for many years a member of this Exchange,

Resulred, That in the death of Mr. Tripp the Exchange has lost a valued member, who by his long career as an upright and public-spirited merchant has won the respect and esteem of his fellow members and endeared himself to all his associates;

Resolved, That we extend to his family our sincere sympathy in their great loss, and that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to them by the Secretary;

Mesolneil, That as a mark of respect to his memory the President appoint a committee to attend his funeral.

The son, Alfred N. Tripp, after leaving business college was for ten or more years associated with his father in the grain business in the office and as superintendent of the elevating department. He was held in great esteem and affection by the employes, who were visibly affected on learning of his decease. In 1888 he married Miss Carrie Eliza Butler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Egbert C. Butler, of Clinton, Dutchess county. After the family removed to Poughkeepsie he assisted his father in his private business, and was a director of the Poughkeepsie National Bank. He died December 27, 1895, ^"^^ is survived by Mrs. Tripp and a little daughter, Katheiine Grace. The funeral services, conducted b}' Revs. W. Bancroft Hill and Edward G. Rawson, assisted by a quartette rendering " Lead Kindly Light" and "Thy Will Be Done," were most beautiful, while Mr. Tripp, looked as though asleep among the many flowers he so greatly loved. Among those present were the directors of the Poughkeepsie National Bank and a large delegation from The Elevator. The interment was in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. The carriers were the same who bore to their last resting place the father and mother of Mr. Tripp.

ENJAMIN HOPKINS. To have held for XJ forty-two consecutive years the office of justice of the peace among intelligent, discerning and independent people, is of itself convincing evidence of the possession of mental ability of a rare order, combined with the moral qualities which inspire and firmly retain public esteem and confidence. Since 1854 the subject of this sketch has presided over the lower tribunal, aptly termed the "People's Court, "in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, and when one reflects upon the lawless and unsettled conditions which prevailed here in the earlier days, the force of character, the courage—moral and physical—and above all the tact, necessary for the faithful and effective discharge of his duties seems notable indeed.

Justice Hopkins comes of an honored ancestry, the first of the line crossing the ocean from England with the first settlers in Massachusetts. It is supposed that Edward Hopkins came over in the "Mayflower." Stephen Hopkins, one of the patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence, was a brother of Benjamin's great-grandfather. The branch of the family to which our subject belongs settled near White Plains, in the town of North Castle, N. Y., in Colonial times, and his grandfather, Benjamin Hopkins, removed to the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, during the Revolutionary war. He was a native of Rhode Island, and prior to his marriage sailed a vessel along the coast, being engaged in freighting and trading. He married Sarah Palmer, about which time his property was destroyed by the British, and in 1779 became to Dutchess county, as already noted, where he bought a tract of four hundred acres of land, and where he passed the rest of his life.

John Hopkins, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Fishkill September 6, 1779, one of a family of eight children. He early became familiar with agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, and continued to follow that occupation as a lifework. In 1819 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Brill, a daughter of John and Hannah (Cornell) Brill, natives of Dutchess county. Her father was of Holland descent. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Hopkins located upon the farm now owned by our subject, and there reared their four children: Benjamin, our subject; Gilbert P., who was a merchant of Carthage Landing, Dutchess county, and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPhwAL JiEVOlW.

was killed on a boat in 1846; Solomon P., who was a freight agent in early life, and later engaged in the cattle business in Chicago; and Sarah P., married to S. B. Knox, of Carthage Landing. The father belonged to the Society of Friends, while the mother was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and both were earnest, conscientious Christians. In politics he was a Whig, and in his town efficiently served as justice of the peace and overseer of the poor.

Benjamin Hopkins, the subject of this sketch, was born .-^pril 18, 1820, in the house which is still his home, and until he was si.x-teen years of age was never absent from the home farm. His early educational advantages were good, and he took a complete course at the old Dutchess County Academy, Pough-keepsie, which has since been replaced by the Poughkeepsie High School. In i 849 the town of East Fishkill was carved out of the town of Fishkill, and in the following year Mr. Hopkins was elected a member of the board of supervisors, to which office he has been reelected at intervals for ten terms. Since his first election as justice of the peace he has been re-nominated on the Democratic ticket at the expiration of each term, and his re-election has never been seriously opposed. His present term will not expire until 1901. It is a fact of which he may well be proud that he has never had a case reversed in the upper courts, his decisions being based upon that exact and impartial justice which, when once pointed out, commends itself to every honest man as sound law. So popular is he that one year (1859) he was elected supervisor on the Republican ticket by 200 majority, while, as justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket, he won by a majority of sixty. In 1862 he was appointed deputy collector of Internal Revenue for the towns of East Fishkill, Pawling and Dover, and served three years. He has twice been appointed justice of sessions, and since the passage of the first free-school act of 1847 he has been trustee of the Storm-ville school district. In early life he was a Whig, but after the defeat of Gen. Scott in 1852 he became a Democrat, and has supported that party ever since. During the Civil war he was active in raising recruits to suppress the Rebellion.

As a business man he has been successful in various callings—farming, clerking, auctioneering and school teaching. In 1842 he began

merchandising at Low Point, Dutchess county, but the following year returned to the old homestead, purchasing the interests of the other heirs, and has since engaged in its care and cultivation. He has 290 acres of rich and productive land, on which he has mainly carried on general farming.

On December 6, 1844, Mr. Hopkins was married to Eliza Montfort, a native of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Peter and Cornelia (Flagler) Montfort, both of whom belonged to old families of the county. Five children were born of this union: Cornelia, who married John Taber, of Dover, Dutchess county; Phoebe, who died unmarried; Sarah, the wife of William H. Og-den, of Kansas City, Mo.; Lodo V., wife of John Ogden, also of Kansas City; and John G., who is engaged in business at the Exchange Building at Chicago. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in October, 1S59. Mr. Hopkins afterward married his present wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Lasher. She is a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and a daughter of Jacob Lasher. Seven children have been born to this union: Charles, a promising young lawyer, now of Poughkeepsie; and Benjamin, Mary, Harry W., Bertha M., and George and Edith M. (twins), all at home. Mr. Hopkins is one of the most highly respected and prominent men of his community, always faithfully discharging every trust reposed in him, and has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.

STERLING BIRD, M. D., a prominent I, member of the medical profession of Dutchess county, with residence at Hyde Park, was born August 29, 1836, at Winchester,' Conn. He is descended from an old Connecticut family, whos«founder in America, Thomas Bird, a native of England, located at Hartford about 1644, some ten years after its settlement, and became one of the small freeholders in the place. His son James was the father of John Bird, who was born in 1695, and the son of the latter, Ebenezer Bird, was born in 1739. The next in direct line is David Bird, whose birth occurred in Bethlehem, Conn., in 1776. About 1797 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Church, by whom he had the following children: Harmon, Joshua, Susan, David (the father of our subject).

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71

Lucy, Nancy, Anna, John, Sterling, Frederick and Betsy.

David Bird, Jr., was also a native of Betii-lehem. Conn., born March ii, 1S04, and was reared upon his father's farm. On reaching manhood he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods on a small scale, at Winchester, and became one of the successful and prosperous men of his community. He married Eunice Phelps, daughter of Wilcox Phelps, of Norfolk, Conn., and they became the parents of two children: Sarah and J. Sterling (subject of this review). In religious belief the father was a Congregationalist, taking a prominent part in the work of that Church, in which he served as deacon. He was actively interested in political affairs, an unfaltering Abolitionist, and was elected to the State Legislature on the W'hig ticket. His death occurred in 1863, that of his wife in 1882.

J. Sterling Bird was educated at Wilbra-ham, Mass., taking nearly the entire course, and completed his literary training at the age of twenty-two. About i860 he took up the study of medicine, first entering the Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., which he attended for one term, in the following year entering the College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, where he graduated in 1863. He then took some special courses, though it was his intention to engage in general practice. During his four-months' vacation he was at the United States Military Hospital at Newark, N. J. After his graduation he was for a year and a half on the medical staff of the Bellevue Hospital, New York City, and in that way secured much practical knowledge. On April 3, 1865, he arrived in Hyde Park, where he immediately opened an office, and, with the e.xception of four months in his second year, has uninterruptedly been engaged in practice there. The Doctor is now one of the oldest practitioners in the locality, has been remarkably successful in his treatment of cases, and not only does he rank high among his professional brethren, but is one of the leading and substantial citizens of the town.

Dr. Bird was married, in 1871, to Alice E. Jones, of Hyde Park, daughter of Rev. J. W. Jones, a Baptist minister, and to them were born two children: John Sterling, at home; and Alice E., who died when about a year old. Although the Doctor is a stalwart Republican, he has taken no active part in political affairs; but he is a public-spirited citizen, at all times

willing to aid in promoting the welfare of his adopted county. He has served as health officer, and is a prominent member of the Dutchess County Medical Society. An earnest, Christian gentleman, he is connected with the Reformed Dutch Church of Hyde Park, in which he has served as one of the officials. Though of a retiring disposition, the Doctor has gained many warm friends in his locality, and by all he is held in the highest regard.

TTrENRY A. HOLMES, a prominent busi--Fi ness man of Pawling, Dutchess county, is the treasurer of the Pawling Savings Bank, and the sole proprietor of one of the oldest and most substantial business enterprises of that vicinity, the firm having been founded by the well-known pioneer merchant, J. W. Stark.

Mr. Holmes can trace his descent from two patriots of Revolutionary times, one being his great-grandfather, John Holmes. His paternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Westchester county, N. Y., the family homestead being at Pound Ridge, where our subject's grandfather, John Holmes, was born during the Revolutionary war. He followed farming there until he was about fifty years old when he came to the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, accompanied by his son Samuel, our subject's father, who was born at Pound Ridge in 1808, and at the time of the removal was about eighteen years old. Samuel Holmes remained with his father, who was a farmer by occupation, until 1836, when he went to New York City, and was for twelve years engaged in the trunk business, in which he was but moderately successful. He was married in 1834, to Hannah L. Peck, daughter of Henry and Betsey (Dean) Peck, granddaughter in the maternal line of Elijah Dean, an officer in the Revolutionary war. Of their three children, the subject of this sketch was the eldest; Caroline L. married J. C. Merritt, of Putnam county, and died in 1868; and James G. died at the age of twenty-two. The mother died in 1854, and the father, soon afterward, returned to Dutchess county and bought a farm southwest of the village of Pawling. He met with success as a farmer, and was accounted a man of good business judgment. In later years he was extensively engaged in the business of furnishing lumber

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL BECORD.

and ties for the Harlem railroad. Although not a politician he was always a Democrat in principle, and took an interest in all measures for local improvements. He was reared a Presbyterian, and contributed generously to that Church until his death in 1885.

Henry A. Holmes first saw the light at Patterson, Putnam countj', February 13, 1836. His education was obtained in Public School No. 4, Rivington street, New York, and at Mr. Benedict's select school at Patterson, these advantages and his subsequent reading giving him a good store of knowledge. On entering business life he spent one year as a clerk in a retail feed store in New York, and a year and a half in clerking for his uncle, R. J. Dean, of Patterson. He then went home and worked upon the farm for a year, when he formed a partnership with his uncle in the lumber and feed business under the firm name of Dean & Holmes. After three years he sold his interest to Mr. Dean, and February i, 1865, he bought a one-third interest in the general mercantile store of J. W. Stark & Co., the firm consisting of Mr. Stark, William J. Merwin and Mr. Holmes. In 1877, Mr. Stark withdrew and the firm became Merwin & Holmes, and so continued until the death of Mr. Merwin in 1892, when Mr. Holmes purchased his interest. This business, now one of the largest in the southeastern part of the county, had its origin in a small store opened hy Mr. Stark in 1848, near the railroad at Pawling, and with the exception of a few years which Mr. Stark spent in New Milford it has been continued ever since. In addition to this enterprise, Mr. Holmes has given much attention to the affairs of the Pawling Savings Bank, which was organized under the act of May 7, 1870, the charter being accepted September 10, 1890. This is one of the most carefully managed banking institutions in that locality, J. I. \\'anzer being the president. Mr. Holmes is one of the trustees, and succeeded Mr. Merwin as treasurer, the office having been held by him from the first. In all his enterprises, Mr. Holmes has displayed conservative judgment, combined with energetic execution of plans once decided upon, and to these qualities his success may be attributed. In politics he is a Republican, and on all national issues he has voted for the candidates of that party at every election, since his first ballot was given for Abraham Lincoln, but in local affairs he is independent. He has held

the office of commissioner of highways for one term.

In 1867, Mr. Holmes was united in matrimony with Ruth A. Shove, a native of the town of Pawling. Her father, Daniel Shove, a carpenter by trade, was born in Dover, but for many years was a resident of Pawling, and now lives at Wellsboro, Penn. Three sons were born of this marriage, and their education has been carefully conducted at Bisbee's Military School at Riverview. George S. is now assisting his father in the store; Frederick W. has just completed his course at school; and Henry A., Jr., is still a student. The family attend the Methodist Church, and Mr. Holmes is a generous supporter of its work.

3)0BERTK. TUTHILL, M. D., of Pough-keepsie, Dutchess county, is of English

ancestry. His great-grandfather, Samuel Tut-hill, came from England, and settled on Long Island; but after a time removed to Orange county, N. Y., where he remained the rest of his life. Our subject's father, whose name was also Samuel, was likewise a member of the medical profession, and for many j-ears was a leading practitioner in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to which place he came in 184S.

Dr. Robert K. Tuthill was born in New-burgh, N. Y., January 18, 1835. Early in life he showed an inclination to follow in the footsteps of his father, and was thoroughly educated, with the view of making the practice of medicine and surgery his life work, graduating at the New York Medical College in 1859. After receiving his degree, he began his professional career in Poughkeepsie, and was engaged in active practice there, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, in 1861. With characteristic patriotism, he offered his services to his country, and was appointed assistant surgeon of the Twentieth'N. Y. S. M. For faithfulness in the discharge of his duties in this capacity he was in April. 1863, promoted to the position of regimental surgeon of the 145th Infantry, and in June of the same year was made brigade surgeon of the First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Corps. Early in 1864, he was appointed surgeon-in-chief of Division. He had charge of the Fredericksburg hospital in 1862, was in all the chief battles of the '' army of the Potomac," and also did duty in the "army of the Cumberland."

After this service to his country, the Doctor

.^

m

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

again resumed private practice in Poughkeep-sie, and was a member of the Surgical Staff of St. Barnabas Hospital, from tfie time it was organized, in 1870, until it was closed, in 1887. He was then selected by the Foutiders of Vas-sar Brothers' Hospital on its opening, m 1S87, to be one of its surgeons, which position he is still filling. He is considered a skillful surgeon, his experience while serving his country being of great advantage to him. He has served three times as health officer of Pough-keepsie; for two terms in succession was president of the Dutchess County iVledical Society, and has been a permanent member of the New York State Medical Society since 1880. He also belongs to Hamilton Post No. 20, G. A. R., Poughkeepsie, and is a member of the Loyal Legion of America. Dr. Tuthill is also a Knight Templar. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, but has never run for an elective office. In the year 1864 he married a Poughkeepsie lady, and has one daughter.

Constant, untiring work in his profession has made periods of rest and recuperation a necessity to him, and these he has found in quite extensive travel in this and other countries. Twice, accompanied by his family, he has spent several months abroad visiting the principal places and nearly all of the capitals of Great Britain and of the Continent. And while he was there gaining physical strength, he also embraced the opportunity of visiting many of the hospitals and attending clinics in the Old World, thus seeking new methods and better knowledge for his great work at home. His residence is at No. 313 Mill street, where he has a capacious of^ce, an extensive and well-selected medical and general library and a beautiful home. He is a member of the First Reformed Church, and has hosts of friends, who believe in him, because he has proved himself a true and sincere man and a conscientious, faithful and vigilant physician.

EV. FRANCIS BROWN WHEELER, D. D., who has been for more than half a century a minister of the Gospel, and for thirty-six years the honored pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Poughkeepsie, is descended from several families whose names are conspicuous in the early history of this country.

The ancestors of the Wheeler line came from Wales about 1650, and settled at Dun-

barton, N. H. William Wheeler, our subject's great-grandfather, was born in 1728, probably in Salem, N. H., and died March i, 1804. His home was at Dunbarton, where he was a prominent citizen in his day. He served through the French and Indian war, and throughout the Revolutionary war, being mustered into service for the latter struggle by Gen. Washington. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill under Gen. Stark. In the earlier war he was a member of the N. H. Rangers at Fort Ticonderoga, in 1755, commanded by Capt. Robert Rogers, and was captured by the Indians, but escaped by his wit and agility as they were about to tomahawk him. His wife, Sarah , was

born in 1735, and died March 15, 1803. Their son William, Jr., was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, taking part in the battles of Bennington, Vt., and \\'hite Plains, New York.

Their son, Daniel Wheeler, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Salem, N. H., in 1763, and died in Warner, N. H., in 1840. He suffered imprisonment at one time for refusing to pay the ministerial tax at Dun-barton. He married Polly Davis, who was born in Amesbury, Mass., in 1772, and died in Warner, N. H., in 1S62. She was a lineal descendant of Hannah Dustan, of historical fame.

Hosea Wheeler, our subject's father, was born March 8, 1791, at Dunbarton, N. H., and died January 27, 1823, at Eastport, Maine. He was a Baptist minister, and for many years lived at Newburyport, Mass. He married Sarah Wines, born August 12, 1788, the daughter of Rev. Abijah Wines, an eminent clergyman, and the first professor of theology in the Theological Seminary at Bangor, Maine. Her grandfather, Hon. Benjamin Giles, was prominent in our Colonial history, the chairman of the Committee of Safety at Newport, N. H., and a member of the State Provincial Congress. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler the following children were born: Elizabeth, Sarah A., Francis Brown, Sarah and Mary.

Dr. Francis B. Wheeler, whose long service in the Christian ministry has so well sustained the honor of this distinguished ancestry, was born at North Adams, Mass., September 9, 1818, and in 1842 was graduated from the University of Vermont with a number of classmates who have since attained high standing in

COMMEilOllATIVE BIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.

diplomatic and judicial affairs; atnongthem were ex-Vice-President Wheeler, Hon. John Kas-son, Hon. Robert S. Hale and Hon. E. J. Hamilton. His grandfather, father and four uncles had been clergymen, and from boyhood he had been tilled with the desire to follow in their footsteps. After studying at Andover Theological Seminary, and with Rev. J. W. Ward, an eminent theologian of Massachusetts, he was ordained and installed as pastor of the Congregational Church at Jericho Centre, Vt., January 22, 1845. During his five-years' pastorate there he was for two years superintendent of the common schools in Chittenden county, Vt. On May 29, 1850, he became pastor of the Congregational Church at Brandon, Vt., and while there was appointed secretary of the Vermont Sabbath School Union, and also one of the examining committee of the University of Vermont. He left Brandon September 7, 1854, and removed to Saco, Maine, where he assumed charge of the First Congregational Church December 6. 1854. His work there was attended with marvelous success, the great revival of 1857-58 being unprecedented in the history of the State. For three months meetings were held every day, at which the pastor officiated, preaching from house to house, and many prominent professional and business men with their families were brought into the Church. The vigor of the climate there endangered the health of his family, and Dr. Wheeler was compelled to relinquish this beloved charge and accept a call from the First Presbyterian Church at Poughkeepsie, where he was installed May 12, 1859. It is interesting to note that whenever he has left a charge the congregations were reluctant to sever their relations, protesting by unanimous and affectionate remonstrance against his removal. During his pastorate in Poughkeepsie the Church has grown and prospered until it is now one of the largest in the city.

One of the secrets of his success is the absence of cant and stock phrases so often found in pulpit oratory. He is simple and practical in his statements of truth, and bases his appeals to conscience and the sense of duty upon reason, calmly leaving the results to appear in time as convictions gradually dawn upon the hearer. He is faithful, also, in the discharge of the arduous duty of pastoral visitation, which may be another secret of his helpfulness and influence. He belongs to the Calvinistic

school, but his sermons are never dogmatic in tone or controversial in manner, dealing rather with the practical problems of spiritual progress. Many valuable treatises from his pen have appeared in the religious and secular press, and he is the author of several Church hymns. He is an interesting and forcible speaker upon general subjects, and has made special addresses on various occasions. Dr. Wheeler is a member of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and of the New York Society of Colonial Wars. Many honors have been bestowed upon him, his Alma Mater conferrine the degree of A. M. in 1845, and from Hamilton College he received the honorary degree of S. T. D. in 1868. In 18SS the University of Vermont conferred upon him the same degree. In 1878 President Hayes appointed him a member of the Board of Visitors at West Point Military Academy.

Dr. Wheeler has been married three times, first on September 16, 1843. ^t Williston. Vt., to Charlotte A. Parmalee, daughter of Rev. Simeon Parmalee, D. D., for many years a leading clergyman of the Congregational Church in Vermont. She died March i, 1853, leaving no children, and October 26, 1854, Dr. W^heeler was married to Eliza Dana, daughter of Hon. A. G. Dana, M. D., LL. D., of Brandon, Vt. Her mother, Eliza Fuller, was a lineal descendant of Samuel Fuller, who came over in the "Mayflower." She died September i, 1865, leaving three daughters: Winifred Dana (now Mrs. Joseph B. Bisbee), Emma G. and Harriet Wickes. On October 25, 1876, Dr. Wheeler married his present wife, Charlotte P. W^ickes, daughter of Rev. Thomas S. Wickes, and his wife. Julia Penni-man, who is a direct descendant of Gov. Bradford, of "Mayflower" fame. One daughter was born of this union, Julia Wickes Wheeler, born March 27, 1878.

On January 23, 1S95, a notable anniversary was held in Poughkeepsie in honor of Dr. Wheeler's fifty years of ministerial labor. Denominational lines were broken down, and representatives of all creeds joined in honoring a career in which the love for and faith in the Afaster whom all aim to follow has been so abundantly shown. In the afternoon a reception was held in the church, followed by a collation which assumed the aspect of a family Thanksgiving Dinner. Rev. Father Nilan. of ' St. Peter's Catholic Church, was among the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPniCAL RECORD.

(O

after-dinner speakers, and said that in eighteen years of his hfe in Poughkeepsie he has come to look upon Dr. Wheeler as a friend. They had talked together and fought together—not very bitterly to be sure—and it was evidence of progress that one of their discussions had been about doctrines which in former times caused men to burn each other, yet they had not lost their mutual love and respect. Other speakers were Rev. Dr. \'an Gieson, of Poughkeepsie, and Mr. William W. Smith, who spoke for the trustees; there were present also Rev. Dr. D. J. McMillan, secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions; Ixev. Dr. T; Ralston Smith, Stated Clerk of the Synod of New York; Rev. Duncan C. Niven and wife, of Highland; Rev. Edgar Beckwith and wife, of Pleasant Valley; Rev. James Otis Denniston, of Cooperstown; Rev. C. H. Sne-deker; Rev. Wayland Spaulding; Rev. Dr. Strobridge; Rev. Robert Farrier; Rev. Fields Hermance; Rev. William Bancroft Hill; and Mr. Cartland, representing the Society of Friends. In the evening a large public meeting was held, addressed by Dr. McMillan and Dr. Smith, which closed with the singing of an original hymn by Rev. John McNaughton, D. D. Letters were read from friends in all parts of the Union, many testifying gratefully to the worth and effectiveness of Dr. Wheeler's labors, one coming from a successful pastor in Ohio, who had been influenced by him to leave the carpenter's bench for the ministry.

A remarkable fact in Dr. W'heeler's life is that in his half-century of work he has never been kept from ministerial duty by sickness more than nine days. This he attributes to a good constitution, strengthened by the simple healthful life of his earl}' years upon the farm, with plenty of work, relieved by wholesome diversions.

On Sabbath morning, September 22, 1895, owing to the weight of increasing years. Rev. Dr. W'neeler presented his resignation, as pastor of the Church to which he had so faithfully ministered for thirty-six years. He was made Pastor-Emeritus; but as his successor was not chosen, up to the time of his death, but a few months later, Dr. Wheeler remained to the end the pastor of the Church. Very suddenly came the summons for him to enter into life everlasting. "On the 27th of December, 1895, the Angel of Death entered into the household of a beloved disciple, the

Rev. Dr. F. B. Wheeler. Scarcely had the air ceased to vibrate with the joyous Christmas song of the angelic host, when he who has walked in white for thirty-si.x years through the streets of the city of Poughkeepsie, an epistle known and read of all men, passed into his dismantled home with a scholar's love and care for his books, to arrange for their removal to a new habitation. Soon after, the angel, at first unrecognized, touched him; there was a brief season of helplessness, in which it was given his family to gather around him, a quiet child-like sleep, and then the angel took his hand and led him through the group of loving and sorrowing ones, and in a moment his oft-repeated text was verified, and his eyes beheld ' the King in His beauty.'

"A man of wonderful poise, of encompassing catholic spirit, of broad patriotic views, commanding the respect and love of all classes and conditions of men, he so walked with God in the presence of all the people, that those who knew him feel they will never look upon his like again, while all feel the whole city is impoverished because this gentle spirit is not, for his Lord has taken him."

OAQUIM MARILL, M. D., a prominent physician of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess coun-^' ty, was born at Havana, Cuba, December 21, 1841, son of Joaquim Marill and Eugenia Alvarez, the former of whom was a wealthy planter and sugar grower.

Our subject was educated at his native place, graduating from the University of Havana in i860, and then went to Paris in order to study medicine. In July, 1861, he came to Philadelphia, and in October of the same year he joined the 137th Regiment, P. V. I., as surgeon, and was sent to the front. At the second battle of Bull Run he was taken prisoner, and was confined in Libby prison until September 24, 1864, when he was exchanged. On reporting for duty, he was ordered to Sickleboro Hospital, at Alexandria, Va., where he remained until receiving his discharge from the service in July, 1865. Returning to Havana, he in 1866, before the Rebellion, joined the Spanish army as surgeon, remaining until 1870.. In that year, on account of his political views being in sympathy with his countrymen, he came back to the United States, and began the practice of his profession at Highland, Ulster county, in 1874 removing to

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.

Poughkeepsie, where he has practiced ever since, with the exception of eight months he spent in Vera Cruz during the yellow-fever epidetiiic of 1886, during which period he was ! commodore-surgeon of the Alexandria fleet. After his return to Poughkeepsie he resumed his practice, and has met with remarkable success.

In 1874 Mr. Marill was married, at Highland, N. Y., to Miss Amanda \V. Caire, a daughter of Louis Caire, and they have three children: Minnie, Maria and Pilar. The Doctor is an active member of the I\. of P., American Legion of Honor, Knights of Honor, and of the United Friends, while politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.

Our subject's father, who was a wealthy planter and broker, was descended from an old titled family, known until his death as the Marquez and Count of Palestine. Our subject's mother, Eugenia Alvarez, was a close descendant of the house of Alva and Alvarez, one of the older Spanish titles, dating back to the sixteenth century, in the reign of Philip H.

ISAAC PLATT came of pioneer ancestry in Dutchess county, all of the name in this

country tracing their descent from the same source. Eliphalet Piatt, his grandfather, came to Dutchess county at an early date, and settled northeast of the site of Poughkeepsie, where he followed agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in Dutchess county, and his remains were buried at Pleasant Valley. He married Hannah Causten, and reared a family of children, among whom was a son Joseph, our subject's father, who also engaged in farming. He wielded great influence in his locality, in a quiet way, and was a leader in political and religious affairs. He and his wife, Hannah Barnes, had three children: Isaac, Joseph Causten, and Catharine, who died in girlhood.

Isaac Piatt was born in 1803, in Albany county, N. Y., where his parents made their home for a short time, but the greater part of his early life was spent in the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. He attended school there, and as a young man became a member of a debating club which met in a little school house near his home, and had no small influence upon his education and his subsequent career. One of its members, Horatio Potter, afterward became bishop of

New York; another, Alonzo Potter, was bishop of Pennsylvania, and another, John Kennedy, became prominent in the M. E. Church. These young men were then apprentices in the printing office and book store kept by Paraclete Potter, publisher of the Poughkeepsie Journal, and being warm friends of Mr. Piatt, influenced him to enter the same emploj'ment. He served an apprenticeship as a printer, and then began teaching school. About the year 1824 the Democratic party was in need of a new organ in Poughkeepsie, and Isaac Piatt and William Sands were employed to publish it under the firm name of Sands & Piatt. In accordance with this arrangement the Poughkeepsie Telegraph was started, the first issue appearing May 5, 1824. This afterward became the Au-iL's-Tcli-grei/'li, and is still the Democratic organ of the county.

During the political discussions of 1828 all the papers in the city favored Andrew Jackson, leaving the Whigs with no mouthpiece, and to meet this need the Dutchess Intelligencer was started. It failed, however, and was purchased by Isaac Piatt and Frederick Parsons, who continued it; but the returns were so small that Mr. Parsons decided to abandon it. Mr. Piatt wished to keep on, and offered Mr. Parsons $7.00 per week to remain as his assistant. The offer was accepted, Mr. Parsons regarding this munificient sum as better than a share in doubtful profits, and gave up his interest as a partner. In spite of discouragements the paper began to prosper under Mr. Piatt's management. In 1833 itwascon-solidated with the Dutchess Republican, which had been in existence for some time. The new name— The Intelligencer and Republican —was changed during the following year to The Eagle. In 1843 Mr. Piatt bought out his partner, Thomas S. Ranney, who went to India under the auspices of the Baptist Church, and in 1844 the Eagle was united with the Journal, William Schram joining Mr. Piatt in the new firm of Piatt & Schram. The daily issue was started December 4, i860. Mr. Piatt was a fearless champion of the right as he saw it, and the Eagle denounced the fugitive slave law during Fillmore's administration, although Mr. Piatt was holding office at the time as postmaster of Poughkeepsie, having been appointed by President Taylor. He was the chairman of the boundary commission that established the line between New York

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

7?

and Connecticut in i860, and during the Civil war he served as provost marshal of the Congressional district, making the first draft. In local affairs he always took a keen interest; he was a warm friend of the public-school system, and as a member of the board of education helped to introduce many reforms in the city schools. He was a pioneer advocate of a railroad along the river from New York City to Albany, and wrote a series of articles in the interests of that project, which were published in a New York paper, signing himself " Civil Engineer." All phases of progress commanded his sympathy, and he was a leader in social life and in religious work as a member of the Episcopal Church. He died June 5, 1872, leaving a widow, Mrs. Harriet (Bowne) Piatt, and five children: John I., James Bowne, Edmund Pendleton, Henry Barnes (now a resident of New York City) and Harriet Bowne. Mrs. Piatt, to whom he was married in 1836, was born in 1804. and died in 1892, aged eighty-eight years. She was a daughter of Obadiah Bowne, a well-known citizen of Dutchess county.

Hon. John I. Platt, editor of the Pough-keepsie Eagle, is a man whose work in the development of this section has won for him a place among our leading citizens, and the following history, in its brief resume of his useful career, furnishes an example which is well worthy of emulation.

Mr. Platt is a native of Poughkeepsie, born June 29, 1839 (his father, Isaac Platt, being referred to in the preceding sketch). He obtained an education in the schools of his native place, and as a young man learned the printer's trade in his father's office, being advanced later to responsible positions in the office of publication. On April i, 1865, he purchased Mr. Schram's interest, and became a partner in the conduct of the paper with his father, the firm being Isaac Platt & Son. In 1869 James B. Platt, another son, took an interest in the concern, and at the death of Isaac Platt the two brothers continued the business, the firm of Platt & Platt being founded. The Eagle is still published under this firm name, though in 1893 our subject's son, Edmund Platt, became a member of it. The plant was moved to its present quarters in 1867. At the time the Daily Eagle was started. Mr. Platt was telegraph editor, and during the war he held this position, taking charge of what was then the

most important news. In 1865 he became manager, and since 1872 he has been the editor-in-chief.

Political questions interested Mr. Platt from an early age, and as soon as he attained his majority he entered into active work as a supporter of Republican principles, stumping the county for Abraham Lincoln, and makmg eight or ten speeches. He is a talented speaker, and his services have been called into requisition in each succeeding Presidential campaign. In 1865 the city of Poughkeepsie was organized in four independent departments, causing great irregularities in administration, and a new charter being desired a committee of twelve was appointed to secure it. Mr. Platt, as a member of this body, drew up the charter as it was presented to the Legislature and passed. In 1895 he was among the committee chosen to revise the charter; but as the amendments did not pass, it was again remodeled, and in 1896 received legislative sanction. Mr. Platt served three years on the water board, being its president for the year succeeding the completion of the works, and he did much to shape the action of the board on a business basis. In 1886, '87 and '88 he was a member of the State Assembly, but declined to run for another term. He served on the committee on public education, and for two years was chairman thereof. For three years he served on the committee on appropriations, and during his last year he was chairman of the committee on revision, each bill, before its third reading, being sent to this committee for correction. Mr. Platt did much effective work while in the legislature, serving ably and faithfully his constituency and the interests of the State at large. From April, 1891, to April, 1895, he was postmaster of Poughkeepsie, and for eleven years he was one of the board of managers of the Hudson River State Hospital, having been appointed by Gov. Cornell.

Mr. Platt is connected with several business enterprises. He has been a member of T.he Poughkeepsie Board of Trade since its organization, has served three years as president, and is now vice-president. He was one of the incorporators of the Poughkeepsie City Railway Co. (horse-power), and was president for one year. His earnest advocacy of a bridge across the Hudson at Poughkeepsie was a notable service to that section, and the enterprise will always reflect honor upon him as the original projector and active promoter. He

GOMMEMORAriVE BIOOBAPHIVAL llECORD.

assisted H. G. Eastman (then a member of the legislature) and P. P. Dickinson, in securing the charter authorizing its erection, and did much to raise the money needed. Mr. Piatt visited Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities in his effort to interest capitalists and railroad men, and through A. L. Dennis, then a director of the Pennsylvania railroad, secured a large subscription from the directors of that company toward the project. The panic of 1873 interferred with this arrangement, however, and some time elapsed before the matter was revived with a promise of success. The American Bridge Co. undertook it, but failed after the work was begun, and again the enterprise was halted. In 1886 a new construction company, composed mainly of Philadelphia capitalists, took hold of it and carried it to completion. In 1887 Mr. Piatt secured an extension of the charter, after a bitter struggle in the legislature, and then, acting upon the well-proven principle that "if you want a thing done well you should do it yourself," he started the construction of the connecting railroad on the west, making contracts and grading several nnles on his own responsibility, before the work was turned over to the company. Mr. Piatt is president and treasurer of the Chazy (N. Y.) Marble Lime Co., which manufactures about thirty-three tons of lime per day.

The oratorical gifts which have made Mr. Piatt's services sought for in political campaigns are valued in other fields, and he was chosen to deliver an address on July 26, 1888, at the celebration of the centennial of the Ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the State of New York.

On June 3, 1862, Mr. Piatt was united in marriage with Miss Susan ¥. Sherwood, of Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y., daughter of Benjamin C. and Abbie A. (Strong) Sherwood. Seven children have brightened their home, of whom one died in infancy; Edmund is his father's partner; Eliza S. married George L. Hubbell, of Garden City, L. I.; Sarah S. is the wife of G. Arthur Hadsell, of Plainville, Conn.; and Isaac, Francis W. and Edith M. are at home.

Active as Mr. Piatt has been in business and political lines, religious and philanthropic work has found in him a generous helper, while socially he and his family hold a high place. For many vears he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and he was one of the founders of the Y. M. C. A., of Pough-

keepsie, and served as its president for a term. He has been a delegate to numerous State and National conventions of the associations, and was secretary of-the international convention at Washington, D. C. At the State convention held at Lockport, N. Y., he was the president. He was also first chairman of the State Executive Committee, and served in that capacity for several years.

Edmund P. Platt, member "of the well-known leading dry-goods firm of Luckey, Platt & Co., Poughkeepsie, and one of the successful and representative citizens of the county, is a native of Poughkeepsie, born December 2, 1843, to Isaac and Harriet (Bowne) Platt.

Our subject received his education at the Dutchess County Academy, Poughkeepsie. and at the age of sixteen commenced clerking for W. S. & W. H. Crosby, a well-known dry-goods firm of the city, with whom he remained several years, or until they sold out to J. N. & G. W. Candee, Mr. Platt then continuing with the latter, in the same store, until 1869. On March 22, of that year, he formed a partnership with C. P. Luckey, under the firm name of Luckey & Platt, which later was changed to Luckey, Platt & Co., by the association of S. L. De Garmo into the business. In 1896 Mr. Luckey died, and Messrs. Platt and De-Garmo purchased the deceased's interest, still, however, retaining the old firm name The business, which was coiiiparatively small at first, has steadily grown until it is to-day the largest in the county, in the dry-goods line. The premises at first occupied by the store were at No. 328 Main street, whence, in August, 1874, it was removed to the present site No. 332 Main street; since occupying which, the firm have found it necessary to enlarge the store from time to time, as business increased, the last addition being made in 1890, and it now occupies the entire building, Nos. 332, 334 and 336 Main street.

In 1870 Edmund P. Platt was united in marriage with Miss Mary Emily Bartlett, daughter of Charles and Emily (Vedder) Bartlett. of Poughkeepsie. Mr. Bartlett being the founder and owner of the Poughkeepsie Collegiate School on College Hill, which has since been merged into Riverview Academy. To Mr. and Mrs. Platt have been born four children, to wit: Emily, Miriam, Howard and AUetta. Mr. and Mrs. Platt are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Poughkeep-

W^'^-.^z^^^^ C^ .^^Z^^i^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sie, in which he is an elder, and of the Sunday-school of which he has been superintendent for eighteen years; has also held several other offices in connection with the Church and Sunday-school in the count}' and State. In the Young Men's Christian Association he has been very active, holding office as president, treasurer or director for more than twenty )-ears. For the past eighteen years Mr. Piatt has been the chairman of the New York State Executive Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also actively engaged as an officer or director in many missionary and benevolent enterprises both at home and in foreign lands. He is one of the trustees of the new " Rescue Mission" of Poughkeepsie, and chairman of its executive and building committees. In his political preferences he has always been a stanch Republican, and at the same time is an earnest advocate of the Temperance cause.

All in all, Mr. Piatt has proved himself to be one of the most useful men in the community, being assisted in all his works of philanthropy by his amiable wife, who is also very active in works of charity. Personally, Mr. Piatt is a gentleman of sterling integrity, interested in everything that is for the good of the community and the best interests of mankind. His friendships are of that lasting nature which close only with the final summons.

JOHN CALHOUN OTIS, M. D.. is without doubt one of the best known and most successful physicians of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and to any one familiar with the high character of the fraternity in that city this will at once convey an idea of merit far beyond the ordinar}'.

Dr. Otis is a native of Dutchess county, having been bornin the town of Stanford, January 4, 1847. He is descended from an old English family, and from James Otis, of Boston, a noted personage in the early days. The Doctor's grandfather, Henry Otis, was born in Massachusetts, and passed the greater portion of his active business life as a contractor in Boston, where he died in 1812. He had two sons and seven daughters, none of whom are now living.

Hon. John H. Otis, our subject's father, was born in 1809 at New Brunswick. N. J., where the family resided for a short time. He learned the carriage maker's trade, and at eight-

een years of age went to Charleston, S. C, to engage in business in the firm of Otis & Rou-lane. In 1846 he disposed of his interest and came to Dutchess county, where he purchased about 700 acres of land in the town of Stanford, three miles from Bangall. This he sold in 1855, and then moved to Poughkeepsie, where for some tim>e he was interested with E. B. Osborne in the Telegraph, now merged into the NezL's Press. For many years he was a director of the Merchants Bank, and at the time of his death was the oldest member of the board. He was a man of strong character and positive views, an Old-line Democrat m politics, and an active participant in the movements of his time. During the Nullification troubles of 1832 he was a member of a company of "Northern Volunteers " in Charleston, S. C., and he served in Florida during the Seminole war. as a sergeant under Andrew Jackson. When the Civil war broke out, he supported the Union cause, and raised the first company of soldiers sent from Dutchess county—Company E, 30th N. Y. V. I. He had expected to go to the front as their captain, but gave way to Capt Harrison Holliday, who was killed in the service. This regiment saw some hard fighting, and made an honorable record. Later Mr. Otis was offered the colonelcy of the 150th Reg. N. Y. V. I., but declined it; he went to the front, however, in 1863 as captain of Company K, 16th Heavy Artillery, their first engagement being at Yorktown. His health failed after about nine months' service in the field, and he returned home.

As a citizen he possessed great popularit}' and influence. While in the town of Stanford he served seven terms as supervisor, and during the war he once came within seven votes of being elected mayor of Poughkeepsie, then a Republican stronghold. For several years he served on the board of health and the board of education, and in 1852-3 he was elected to the State Senate, but after one term of two years he declined a re-nomination on account of ill health. He was an active member of St. Paul's Church, and for twenty years held the office of vestryman. In 1842, while on a visit to the North for the summer, he met and married Miss Ann B. Buckman, a member of a prominent family of Dutchess county, daughter of Seneca Buckman, and granddaughter of Dr. Amasa Buckman, of the town of Stanford, a graduate of Oxford University, England. She died in Poughkeepsie, in i860, at

j^^

COJtMBJtOXJirirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

■ -seven, from pneumonia, leav-

jn: , i> Man-, wife of Dr. \V.

K. Case, of Pouj;hkeepsie. and {^2) Dr. J. C Otis, of this sketch. T' ' r passed away

in July, 1SS7. aged sevi , : year?.

Dr. John C. Otis was about eight years old when bus parents moved to Poughkeepsie, where, in the Dutchess Academv. and in John R. Leslies^

quired. Ir. ^ - . -

quartemiasters ,nt at Milwaukee, Wis.

For a t •- - -^ ;he University of Ver-

mont. ; be besran his profes-

H,iris • , Dr. Case.

" >. he vvji ,___.:._ from the New York HomeopathJc College, and in June

at

-It tne

- -- - ,-- :-. - ...---V. i ques-

tioa of a location, and after six months at Er{r " - .

etv. and for a number of year&he was surgeon of the old Twentj-first Militia, which was disbanded when the Nineteenth Separate Company was organized. Notwithstanding his activity in professional lines he is connected with several business enterprises, and is the president of the Delamater Carriage Company of Poughkeepsie. a director of the Farmers & ::urers Bank, and a trustee of the , ..epsie Cemetery- .Association. Politically, he is a Democrat: for ten years past he has 5er*"ed as a member of the board of health, and for seven years was vice-president of that body. ~^ . he is connected with the

Amrita :chess Clubs, the K. of P.,

and sev .dcian.-orders. He is a lead-

ing . c Church, in which he

is a - jne of the trustees of

St- Barnabas Fund, disbursing the income of the fund in behalf of the committee.

later Dr. Otises:

CHARLES E. BOW"NE, a leading mer-_ chant of Poughkeepsie, and fonoder of the ■ - - - --— - C. E. Bowne Jc Sod. is a

r ?? the prominent families

i alone et:

- -;a

wben be asked

tars oc--

- . - _-. . .-5cn now ..-

t5~.t he has tnade hK facc3e a:

ing. Long Island.

seei meir lonaces NewYc-> ~ ---'

and hucratire bcsness^ £¥. OtES has a general while G

Marr. t

:;. -^y serzlers at Flosh-His grandfather. Gershom ^ about the : the old he

-.e settling m

. —-: - tester coeat}-.

- the town of Fishkill,

■ Bowne.

dnldrrai:

Gersbom. Samael and James.

— : - r - -; farher.

-.i nassed

^-s *»^i::

iTiIaad. Ha- He -aras a leader in his Iccalitv. hoidine n:anr

irt. m wfecse hoccr Harts \ ulsse was at Bcinj

2=s Co.. X- Y. He Eiar-

Dr. Otis as a asejEber of the

:l; rem

-Id

rei'jotts Co Ene New Yors Scate Medtcai Soo- anc at -r^e i£e ot seTen ccrr

to

(.

#

%

*

i -

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

81

Poughkeepsie to live with his uncle, James Bowne, who was then a member of the firm of Conklin & Bowne, dealers in merchandise. After acquiring a good education in the schools of the city, and in a boarding school at Whites-boro, near Utica, from which he was graduated in 1832, Mr. Bowne entered his uncle's store as a clerk, and there remained sometime after the change in the firm to Bowne & Trowbridge. In order to perfect his knowledge of the business, he went to New York and served two years in the wholesale house of T. B. & J. Odell, No. 207 Pearl street. In 1844, at the strong solicitation of the firm, he returned to Poughkeepsie and became his uncle's partner, Mr. Trowbridge retiring. The partnership then formed under the name of J. Bowne & Co. lasted thirty-five years, when the senior member withdrew, and Mr. Bowne continued the business under his own name. About five years ago the firm became Bowne, Valentine & Bowne, the last named being Frederick Bowne, a son of our subject. Mr. Valentine has since retired from the business, and Mr. Bowne intends to give less of his personal attention to it in the future, as a stroke of paralysis, in the spring of 1895, warned him to release himself from care, although his recovery has been rapid. Fortunately the business is in capable hands, his son being a worthy successor. Mr. Bowne has been in business on Main street for more than fifty years, and has seen many changes, his early associates and competitors there having all passed away, their places being filled by another generation. On December 23, 1846, at Staten Island, Mr. Bowne married Miss Mary Haggerty, and of this union five children were born: Emma, who married J. A. Piatt, of Providence, R. I.; Charles S., a prominent druggist at Poughkeepsie; Henry Haggerty, a leading attorney at Jacksonville, Fla.; Frank, a commercial traveler; and Frederick, junior member of the firm of C. E. Bowne & Son. On February 27, 1896, the mother of this family passed from earth at the age of sixty-six years, after almost half a century of married life.

FREDERICK BOWNE, junior member of JT' the firm of C. E. Bowne & Son, of Poughkeepsie, and one of the most capable and enterprising young business men of Dutchess county, was born in the city of Poughkeepsie, April 14, 1862.

6

He was educated in his native place, and after graduating from the high school he took a responsible position in the office of a large jewelry factory at Providence, R. I., where he remained three years. In 1887 he returned to Poughkeepsie and entered his father's store as clerk, in 1890 becoming a partner. Owing to the ill health of his father, the business has devolved mainly upon him of late, and his prudent and energetic management gives promise of the continued success of this long-established house. It is the only store in the city which is devoted strictly to the carpet business, and the firm is in advance of all competitors in that line, holding the bulk of the trade.

Mr. Bowne is an ardent supporter of the doctrines of the Republican party, and is a leader among the younger men in his locality. In social life he holds a prominent place, is a member of the Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, and was one of the founders of the Poughkeepsie Bicycle Club, of which he is now president.

CVASPER L. ODELL, a prominent attorney Jj of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and a representative of an ancient and honored family, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess Co., N. Y., December i6, 1850.

Mr. Odell's genealogical tree affords an interesting study, the line reaching back to Saluart, father of the first Count of Flanders. The family name is variously spelled in the old records—Odell, Woodhull, Wodhull, etc. His descent may be traced by two lines to Edward II of England, and also reaches back to Alfred the Great, and to Charles the Bold of France, and the family was related by marriage to William the Conquerer, and to Catherine Parr, Queen of Henry VIII. The biography of Joseph E. Odell, a brother of our subject, contains additional information as to the remote history, which, it is alleged, dates back to Priam, King of Troy. The following record, dating back to 795 A. D. is correct beyond question, being founded upon documentary evidence:

Generation I—Saluart, who married Mac-larne Eringarde. II—Prince Dijon, first Count of Flanders. Ill—Lideric Le Buc, founder of the family of Foresters. IV—Ingleram. V—Baldwin I, called Audacer and Bras le Fer,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD

who married Judith, daughter of Charles the Bold, of France. VI—Baldwin II. the Bold, married Aelfthry, daughter of Alfred, King of England. VII—Arnulf, who married Adelia, daughter of the Count of Vermandois. VIII— Baldwin I\'. IX—Baldwin V, Le Debonair. XI—Walter Flandrensis, the last Count and the first Wodhull or Odell. XII—Simon De-Wodhull, who married Sibill. XIII—Walter de Wodhull, who married Koesia. XIV—Walter de Wodhull. XV.—Saher Wodhull, who married Joan or Alice W'helton. XVI—Walter de Wodhull, who married Helewyse Senes-challe. XVII —John de Wodhull, Baron, who married Agnes Pinkeney. XVIII—Thomas de \\'odhull. Baron, who married Hawise de Praers. XIX—John de Wodhull, Baron, who married Isabella . XX—Nicholas Wodhull, Baron, who married Margaret Fo.xcote. XXI—Thomas Wodhull. Baron, who married Elizabeth Chetwood. X.XII—Thomas Wodhull, Baron, who married Isabella Trussell, daughter of Sir William Trussell. XXIII— John Wodhull, Baron, whose wife was Joan, daughter of Henry Eastwell. XXIV—Fulk Wodhull, Baron, who married knn Newen-ham. XXV—Nicholas W^odhull, Baron, sheriff of Northumberland county, who married Elizabeth Parr, daughter of Baron \\'illiam Parr of Horton. XXVI—Fulk Wodhull of Then-ford, whose wife was Alice Colles of Leigh. XXVII—Nicholas W^odhull of Thenford, who married Barbara Hobby of Hales. XXVIII— William Odell, born at Odell, near London, who emigrated to America, and in 1639 was at Concord, Mass. He removed to Fairfield, Conn., about 1644, where his will, disposing of ^^447, was probated June 12, 1676. He had three children: William. John and Rebecca (Mrs. Samuel Moorehouse).

XXIX—William Odell, who was born about 1634, and died about 1700, was one of the first settlers at Rye, N. Y., where he owned a large estate. In 1681 he appears on the Fairfield records as owning 362 acres there, and in 1684 he deeded some land at Rye to a "son Samuel living in the same county." Another deed appears in 1697, ^s resident of Rye, and October 2, 1668, he signed a petition there as William W^oodhull. Savage mentions him as "William, of Greenwich, Conn., in 1681. aged forty-seven." He married a daughter of Richard Voles, of Fairfield, a freeholder and representative in the Colonial government in 1665-68-69. The}" had eight children: John,

Samuel, Isaac, Jonathan, Michael, Hachalia, Stephen and Sarah.

XXX—Isaac, of Eastchester, N. Y.. signed the oath of allegiance to King William at White Plains, in 1699. He married Anne Tompkins, and she joined in a deed of lands at Rye in 1705. They had three children: William, Tompkins and Joshua.

XXXI—Joshua married Sarah Jones, and had three children: Joshua, Joseph and John. XXXII—Joshua married Mary \'incent. and had nine children: John, Joseph, Abraham, Daniel, James, Joshua, Sarah, Abigail and Isaac. XXXIII—John, of Dutchess county, was born January 5, 1762, and died January 26, 1853. He married Esther Crawford, and had eight children: Peter, Daniel, James, Elizabeth, Abigail, Charlotte. William and Ann. XXXIV—Daniel was born in Clinton township. Dutchess county, April 15, 1805, and died October 22, 1875. He was a farmer; he married Malinda LeRoy, and had four children : Eliphalet P., of Rowland; John D., of Salt Point; Joseph E., of Poughkeepsie, and Casper L., our subject.

The thirty-fifth generation of this remarkable family are all worthy representatives, intelligent, progressive and prosperous. Casper L. Odell attended during boyhood the public schools of Hyde Park, where the family moved when he was only five years old. He entered Union College at Schenectady, but while in the sophomore year his father died, and he was obliged to leave his studies and solve in a practical way the problem of self-support. For a year he was a clerk in the law office of Smith and Jackson, at Schenectady, N. Y., and the next year taught school at Scotia. In 1876 he came to Poughkeepsie and studied law with J. S. Van Cleef and William M. Lee, and was admitted in 1879. For some time he continued with Mr. Lee, and then clerked in the county clerk's office under William A. Fanning and Wilson B. Sheldon. He is an influential worker in the Republican party, and has never been defeated at an election. He was chosen supervisor of the Third ward in 18—, serving two terms, justice of the peace in 18S6, and city recorder in November, 1894. In 1885 he opened an office and began the practice of his profession, in which he has been unusually successful.

On December 16, 1879. he was married, at Lawyersville, Schoharie county, to Katharine T. Davis, born December 16, 1854, daugh-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

S3

ter of Rev. William P. Davis. Their children, the thirty-sixth generation of the ancient line, are LeRoy L., born October 6, 1880; Joseph D., May 22, 1882; Lawrence C., January 31, 1885; Ralph M., December 31, 1887; Freeman Dewitt, March 11, 1890; and William D., March 22, 1893.

Mr. Odell is a member of the K. of P., Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 43, and of the F. & A. M., Triune Lodge No. 782, Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M.. King Solomon's Council No. 31, R. & S. M., Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43, K. T., Mecca Temple No. I, A. A. O. N. M. S., and Poughkeepsie Lodge B. P. O. E.

IE LLISON BUTTS, a well-known member .M^L of the Dutchess County Bar, is especially distinguished for his knowledge and skill in real-estate law and the different questions involved in trusts. He is descended from one of the old pioneer families of New England. The first American ancestor, Thomas Butts, came from Norfolk, England, May 18, 1660, and settled at Little Compton, R. I., which was then a part of the Plymouth Colony. He married, and had three sons and one daughter. One of the sons, Moses, who was born July

30, 1673, married, and had seven children, among whom was a son John, born August

31, 1707.

John Butts married Alice Wodell, October 26, 1727, and with his family came to Dutchess county, locating on the " Little Nine Partners Patent," in the town of Washington, where he purchased a farm of 200 acres from Isaac Thorn. The original deed, dated October 4, 1748, is now in the possession of J. De-Witt Butts, of Rochester, N. Y. John Butts died about 1797, leaving a large estate, which was distributed in accordance with his Will, probated in the office of the Surrogate of Dutchess County, July 25, 1797. He had nine children, of whom one, Moses, had died about 1780, leaving two 3'oung children, Daniel and Hannah. Daniel Butts, our subject's greatgrandfather, was born in 1768, and died in 1817. He married Isabella Gardner, and about 179- moved to a farm in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he built a large and substantial mansion, which is still standing. Daniel and Isabella Butts had eleven children, the eldest being Moses (our subject's grandfather), who was born December 16, 1786,

and, like most of this family, passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He was married, March 22. 1806, to Mary Waltermire, of the town of Stanford, and his death occurred in the same township, June 4, 1851. He had eight children: David W., William, Hiram, Angeline, Daniel, Walter, Alfred, and George F., the father of our subject.

The late George F. Butts was born December 13, 1823, in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and had his home throughout his life near Cold Spring, in that town. On December 16, 1851, he married his first wife, Eliza D. Case, by whom he had three sons: Allison, our subject, born October 2, 1852; Charles H., horn February 5, 1855, now married and living on the old homestead; and Elias N., born August 10, 1865, now in the Department of the Interior at Washington, D. C. By a second wife, Cornelia Ailing, there were no children; she is still living at the homestead, where the father died, September 3, 1893.

Allison Butts spent his boyhood upon the farm occupied by his father. He was educated in the common schools and academies of Dutchess county, and at twenty began teaching, but continued for a short time only. On January i, 1874, he came to Poughkeepsie as a clerk for Andrew C. Warren, then county clerk, and soon afterward was appointed deputy county clerk, which office he held through both Republican and Democratic administrations, until January i, 1881, when he resigned. He had in the meantime read law and been admitted to the bar, and the large circle of friends gained during his long term in the county clerk's office made his entrance upon his chosen profession a most promising venture. He immediately began a general practice at Poughkeepsie, and has been intimately associated with the law firm of Hackett & Williams, occupying offices in connection with them. His business is an extensive one, trusts and real-estate practice being now the leading features. He is often appointed by the courts to administer trusts, and has frequently served as executor and attorney for large estates. While he has conducted many important cases, his office practice comprises the larger portion of his work, and in his specialties he is recognized as an authority by his fellow lawyers as well as the laity.

His genial manners make him popular with all classes. In municipal affairs he is active

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPnWAL RECORD.

and influential. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat. He served two terms as police commissioner of the city of Poughkeepsie, and from 1887 to 1890 was a member of the board of education. In Julj% 1S90, he was appointed by the board of managers of the Hudson River State Hospital to the office of treasurer of that institution, which office he now holds, and he has discharged the duties with characteristic fidelity.

Mr. Butts was married Uecember 14, 1876, to his first wife, Miss Phebe D. Mosher, of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. She died December 15, 1882, leaving one son, Ralph F., born April 6, 1878, who is now a student in the Sophomore class at Harvard College. Mr. l:5utts' second wife. Miss Arrie E. Mosher, to whom he was married September 16, 1S85, was cousin to his first. There are three children by this union: Norman C, born August 8, 1888; Allison, Jr., born April 26, 1890, and Wilbur Kingsley, born September 7, 1895. Mr. Butts resides in a handsome home on Academy street, Poughkeepsie, erected in 1895.

JUDGE D. W. GUERNSEY, for twelve years past the judge of the County Court

of Dutchess County, is one of the most distinguished members of the legal fraternity in this locality. He is descended from an old and honored pioneer family, one of the early settlers being John Guernsey, his great-greatgrandfather, who was born in 1709 in Connecticut, either at New Milford or Woodbury. He had a son, John Guernsey (2), born in .\menia in October, 1734, who had a son, Ezekial H. Guernsey, born in the same town .\pril 19, 1775, who had a son, Stephen G. Guernsey, the Judge's father, who was born September 8, 1798, in the town of Stanford.'

Judge D. W. Guernsey entered upon his earthly career March 27, 1834, in the town of Stanford, and his early education was obtained in the district schools of that neighborhood, with one year at Rose Hill Academy at New-burg, under Rev. Baynard R. Hall. On leaving school, at the age of seventeen, he taught for two years in Dutchess county, and then began the study of law with George W. Houghton, of Buffalo, N. Y., who was a judge in the superior court, and a member of the legal firm of Houghton & Clark. The choice of Buffalo as the place for study was influenced by the fact that many relatives lived there,

and a cousin. Guernsey Sackett, was also pursuing a course in law. In March, 1S56, our subject passed his examination, was admitted to the bar, and in 1857 he and his cousin went to Leavenworth, Kans., and engaged in practice. At that time Gen. Sherman and Gen. Ewing were practicing law there. The Kansas-Nebraska bill was an exceedingly live issue, and as the Judge was a Democrat he met with opposition from many people, but, notwithstanding, he had a good business, consisting mainly of cases before the land commissioners, involving questions of title. He argued cases before E. O. Perrin, Shannon and Matthews, of the Interior Department. As the time drew near when the opposing forces of the Union appealed to arms to settle their differences, the place became uncomfortable for a man of the Judge's political views, so in January, 1861, he returned east. During that year he was managing clerk for Ira O. Miller, of New York City, and in the spring of 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company D, 47th N. Y. V. I., which was recruited in Stanford and Pine Plains. The 47th made a part of the loth and later the i8th Corps, and was assigned to the army of the James. The Judge took part in many engagements, and was at the seige of Fort W^agner, at Morris Island under Gilmore, the seige of Petersburg, and the mine explosion. Drurj''s Bluff, Chapin's farm, Chester Station, Cold Harbor, Florida, Fort Fisher, Wilmington, Bentonville, and Raleigh, serving until mustered out "at Washington. At Cold Harbor, his corps, the i8th, lost three thousand men in two hours. The Judge was promoted to the rank of commissary-sergeant. Col. Allen giving him his commission, and later was made second lieutenant, his commission being given by Col. Fenton, then promoted to first liestenant, and finally to captain. Gov. Seymour being the giver of the last commission.

On his return in 1S65, Judge Guernsey began the practice of his profession at Poughkeepsie as a general practitioner, and has continued it successfully ever since. In November, 1893. he was elected judge of the county court for six years, and in 1889 was re-elected for another term. Some time ago he was appointed by the supreme court to act as commissioner for the City of New York, in the matter of the appraisement of the value of lands taken by that city.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

85

The Judge has always maintained his home in the town of Stanford. In June, 1S70, he was married to Miss Emily Millard, daughter of Seneca Millard, a well-known resident of Dutchess county, and they have an interesting family of seven children: Eleanor G., at home; William, a student at Wesleyan University; Lydia, studying at Vassar College; and Daniel W., Millard, H. Newport and Ruth are all at home. In matters of religion the family incline to the Baptist faith.

Judge Guernsey has shown his public spirit in many ways, being always ready to encourage a forward movement. He is a member of the F. & A. M., of Poughkeepsie, and also belongs to the Sons of Temperance, Division No. 9.

T^^FILLIAM A. BLISS, M. D., who was jUmI for many years a leading physician and surgeon in Brooklyn, N. Y., is now living in well-earned leisure at his beautiful country seat on Spy Hill, near Fishkill-on-Hudson, Dutchess county, his residence commanding a charming view of the river with the bay and the city of Newburg.

The Doctor is a descendant of a family which has long been distinguished for nobility of character and devotion to principle, and is of the tenth generation in direct descent from one of the heroic Non-conformists of England who upheld their faith in the face of the fiercest persecution. His genealogy is of great interest, his earliest known ancestor being Thomas Bliss, of Belstone parish, Devonshire, England. It is recorded of him that he was a wealthy land owner, and belonged to the class which was stigmatized as Puritans, on account of the purity and simplicity of their forms of worship. He was persecuted by the civil and religious authorities under the direction of Archbishop Laud, and was maltreated, impoverished, imprisoned, and finally ruined in health (as well as in finances) by the many indignities and hardships forced upon him by the intolerant Church party in power. He was born about 1550 or 1560, and died about 1635 or 1640.

Second Generation: Jonathan Bliss, son of Thomas Bliss, was born at Belstone about 1575 or 1580, and like his father he was doomed to bitter persecution on account of his non-conformity and opposition to the iniquitous practices that had assumed control not only of the government, but also of the con-

sciences of the people; he was subjected to heavy fines, much ill-treatment, and a long imprisonment, during which he contracted a fever from which he never recovered. His death occurred about 1635 or 1636. He married, but his wife's name is not known.

Third Geueralion: Thomas Bliss, of Re-hoboth, Mass., son of Jonathan, was born at Belstone, England, and on the death of his father in 1636, he emigrated to America, landing at Boston, whence he removed to Brain-tree, Mass., thence to Hartford, Conn., and from there back to Weymouth, near Braintree, from which place he removed in 1643 with many others, and commenced a new settlement, which they called Rehoboth. He died there in June, 1649.

Fourth Generation: Jonathan Bliss, son of Thomas and Mistress Ide (or Hyde), was born in England about 1625, was married about 1648 to Miriam Harmon, and died about the beginning of the year 1687. He followed the occupation of a blacksmith at Rehoboth.

Fiftli Generation: Samuel, of Rehoboth, Mass. (son of Jonathan Bliss and Miriam Harmon of Rehoboth), was born at Rehoboth June 24, 1660, and married April 15, 1686, to Mary Kendrick, who died February 8, 1705-6. He died August 28, 1720. They had nine children.

Sixth Generation: Abraham Bliss, son of Samuel and Mary Bliss, was born October 28, 1697, at Rehoboth, and on July 11, 1728, married Sarah Ormsbee, of the same place. He died in 1787. Twelve children-were born of this marriage.

Seventh Generation: Abraham Bliss, Jr., our subject's great-grandfather, was born April 10, 1735, in Rehoboth, Mass., and was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary army. He married Miss Polly Scudder, and had four children: Abraham, John, Samuel, Polly.

Eighth Generation: Samuel Bliss, of Schodack, N. Y., farmer, son of Abraham Bliss, Jr., and Polly Scudder, was born in Schodack, August 19, 1771, and died December 14, 1846. He married Elizabeth Pembroke, who was born in Schodack August'26, 1774, and died there April 16, 1852 or '53. They had ten children: Polly, .Rebecca, Abraham, Betsey and Anna (twins), Sandford, John S., Sally, Clarissa and Christina.

Ni)itli Generation: John S. Bliss, of Sand Lake, Rennselaer Co., N. Y., son of Samuel Bliss and Elizabeth Pembroke, and father of our subject, was born in Schodack,

COMilEMORATrVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

N. Y., May 3, 1809. He was married January II, 1831, to Polly Hunt, born at Sand Lake January 11, 1810; she died at Sand Lake January 8, 1863. He was a farmer at Sand Lake, and died at North Nassau. N. Y., September

'5. "S/S-

In the Tiiitli Generation of this line there were six children: (i) William Anson, born at Schodack March 14, 1833, died May 15, 1835; [2\ Sophronia F., born in Schodack I'eb-ruary 17, 1836, died July 17, 1880; (3) La-rissa C, born in Summit, N. Y., March 26, 1838, was married March 17, 1869, to George G. Merrifield, a farmer at Nassau, N. Y., who died August 24, 1895; (4) William A., our subject, was born at Nassau May 5, 1841; (5) Mary Frances, born at the same town May 21, 1846, died April 20, 1895 (she was married September 14, 1874, to Edward T. Norton, of Greenbush, N. Y., a timekeeper on the B. Jc A. R.). (6) Solon P., born at Sand Lake September 7, 1849, was graduated from Albany Medical College in 1873, and after spending two years at Tung-Chou, near Ghee Foo, China, as a medical missionary, returned to this country, took up his practice at No. 646 Herkimer street, Brooklyn, N. Y., and died here July 24, 1896. He never married.

William A. Bliss was educated at Sand Lake, attending the common schools for some years, and later taking a full course at the Sand Lake .Academy. He then entered Albany Medical College, and while there he had the good fortune to secure a position in the office of Dr. Alden March, in his day the greatest surgeon of northern New York. On graduating, in 1866, the Doctor began his professional career in Brooklyn, and continued for twenty-eight years, building up a large practice, from which he retired in 1892, removing to Matteavvan, and two years later he built his present residence, which can hardly be surpassed for beauty of situation. His wife, to whom he was married March 28, 1866, was formerly Miss Jennie Jaques, of Albany, N. Y. She was born in the village of Nassau, N. Y., June 3, 1848, daughter of Edward and Emily (Lewis) Jaques, and she is now the only surviving member of her immediate family, as are the Doctor and his sister Larissa and her daughter (Frances) the only surviving members of their immediate family. In politics Dr. Bliss is a Republican, but his arduous professional labors have prevented him from taking an active part in public affairs.

Genealog}- of Mrs. Jennie Jaques Bliss, beginning with Henry V2i\\\\x\%{FirstGeneration), said to have been an officer in the British army. He had a grant of five thousand acres of land in Philadelphia, Penn.. from William Penn before he emigrated to America. He was about having a patent of Pawling's purchase, now Staatsburgh, Dutchess Co., N. Y., when he died. This patent was afterward made to his widow and children. He settled in Ulster county, and died in Marbletown about 1692, leaving a widow and seven children living, one other having died. His will dated January 26, 1691 (1692 new style), and proved March 26, 1695. His widow was living as late as 1745. Henry Pawling married, in Kingston, N. Y., Neeltje Roosa, daughter of Albert Heymanse Roosa. Children: |ane, married Jan Con, Kingston; Wyntie, married John Brodhead; John, baptized 1681; James, baptized 1683, died young; Albert, married Catherine Beek-man, widow of John Rutsen, and died in 1745; Anne, baptized 1687, married Tjerck DeWitt, Kingston; Henry, married Jacomyntie Kunst; Mary, baptized 1692. married Thomas \'an-Keuren. Marbletown.

Second Generation: Henry Pawling, Jr., lived in Ulster county, N. Y.. until about 1720. when he removed to Philadelphia, Penn., to lands granted to his late father. His brother John also removed to the same place. Henry Pawling, Jr., married, in Kingston, Jacomyntie, daughter of Cornelius Barents Kunst and Jacomyntie Sleight. They had children baptized in Kingston: Henry, 1714; Sara, 1716; Elizabeth, 1719; and others born in Pennsylvania, as follows: Levi, afterward of Marbletown, colonel in the army of the Revolution; John (Major), afterward of Staatsburgh; and doubtless others.

Third Generation: Major John Pawling married (first") Neeltje Van Keuren (a cousin), daughter of Thonjas \'an I\euren and Mary Pawling. Children: Henry, baptized November 30, 1755; Cornelius, baptized January 27, 1758; John, baptized October 24. 1760; Mary, baptized November 11, 1764. Major Pawling married (second) Maria, daughter of Jacob Van Deusen and .\lida Ostrander. Children: Levi married (first) Gertrude Knickerbocker, (second) Hannah Griffin; Jesse married Leah Radcliff; Jacob married Martha Russell; Eleanor married Peter Brown; Rachel married Christopher Hughes; .Alida married Peter Os-trom; Elizabeth married William Stouten-

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

87

burgh; Jacomyntie married Wait Jaques (grandfather of Mrs. Jennie J. Bliss); Catharine married Jacob ConkHn; and Rebecca married Frederick S. Uhl.

" Major John Pawling was an offtcer in the French and Indian war, also in the Revolutionary war, and was a leading man in his day. His- remains lie in the cemetery of the Reformed Dutch Church in the village of Rhine-beck, N. Y." [From Smith's History.] "In 1761 he built the stone house on the post road, now owned by the heirs of Edwin Berg. It bears the inscription of J. P. N. P. July '4, 1761. He took an active part in the Revolution and was personally acquainted with Washington and many of the prominent men of the time." [From History of Rhinebeck.] This stone house is on the post road between Staats-burgh and Rhinebeck, still standing in nearly its original condition, beautifully located with tine river views. This was Jemima Pawling's (grandmother of Mrs. Jennie J. Bliss) birthplace.

"Levi Pawling, brother of Major John Pawling, was a delegate from Marbletown, Ulster county, to the provincial convention held in the City of New York, April 20, 1775, to elect delegates to the Second Continental Congress of the Colonies, and on October 25, 1/75' was commissioned colonel of the Third Regiment of Ulster county militia, which had an e.xcellent record in the war. His son. Col. Albert Pawling, born in Dutchess county in 1749, was the first mayor of Troy, and first sheriff of Rennselaer county. He died November 10, 1837, and was buried in Mount Ida Cemetery, near the banks of the Poesten-kill." [Here follows the inscription on the monument]:

Albert Pawling joined the Revolutionary army as second lieutenant June, 1775; in 1776 he received the commission of brigade major, and in 1779 that of lieutenant-colonel. He took a conspicuous part in the assault on Quebec, at the taking of St. John's, at the Battle of White Plains and Monmouth. He was the first sheriff of Rensselaer county, and the first mayor of the city of Troy. In 1831 he united himself to the Second Presbyterian Church, laid his honors at the feet of Jesus, gave up his earthly in hope of an heavenly inheritance. Col. Albert Pawlmg died November 10,1837, aged eighty-seven years.

Fourth Generation: Jacomyntie (Jemima) Pawling (grandmother of Mrs. Jennie J. Bliss), daughter of Major John Pawling and Maria Van Deusen Pawling, was born in Staatsburgh, Dutchess Co., N. Y., March 12, 1782, and died at Nassau, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 22, 1867. She married December 18, 1803,

Wait Jaques, a farmer, born at Groton, New London Co., Conn., April 27, 1762, and died at Nassau, November 27, 1857. He was of Huguenot descent. They lived in Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, many years, where four children were born to them: William, born December 4, 1804, died October 26, 1871; Edward, born December 12, 1809, died November 4, 1811; Edward (father of Mrs. Jennie J. Bliss), born June 12, 1813, died February 19, 1886; Janet Montgomery, born November 9, 1817, died February 27, 1839.

Fiftli Genfration: Edward Jaques, son of Wait Jaques and Jacomyntie (Jemima) Pawling, was born in Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, N. Y., June 12, 1813. He was married January 2, 1840, to Emily Lewis, born September 22, 1820, in Schodack, N. Y., daughter of Jacob Lewis (who was of Holland descent) and Abigail Hughson. For some twenty years he was a merchant in Nassau, N. Y., and ten years in Albany, N. Y., passing his later years in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he died February 19, 1886, and his wife on June 21, 1888. They had five children: Janet Montgomery, born October 4, 1840, died October 30, 1861; Edward Pawling, born September 10, 1842, died May 9, 1873; Irving Phillip, born March 6, 1844, died July 2, 1S63; Jennie (wife of Dr. W. A. Bliss), born June 3, 1848; and Willie Wait, born February 8, i860, died January 18, 1869.

Sixth Generation: Edward Pawling Jaques, first lieutenant of Company E, 169th Regiment N. Y. V. I., served through the Rebellion, was wounded and captured May 10, 1864, in the battle at Chester Station, near Richmond, and confined in Libby Prison a short time. After the close of the war he settled in Albany, N. Y., and married, February 28, 1867, Laura D. Bingham, daughter of Anson and Laura McClellan Bingham. She died November 15, 1867, and he died May 9, 1873. Irving Phillip Jaques (brother of Edward) was sergeant-major in the iiith Regiment, N. Y. V. I., and was killed July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg.

URTON GILBERT (deceased) was born

in Warren, Conn., in 1S02, and received

his education there. The Gilberts were of English stock, and Ezra, the grandfather, was one of the earliest settlers of Warren. Capt. Samuel Gilbert, the subject's father, was a manufacturer of iron, but failed in business

GOMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

when his son was a mere boy, leaving him penniless.

Thrown upon the world at the early age of sixteen, with every discouraging influence around him, our subject soon manifested those traits of industry, perseverance, and true Yankee pluck, which attracted the attention of business men, convincing them that he had within him the promise of a future. He made himself wanted, which is the first element of success in a young .man. From the humble position of a boy, hired into a merchant's family to do common chores, he soon found himself behind the counter as clerk; and ere long the height of his ambition was realized, as he often remarked in after life, when he caught the first sight of the sign over the store door of " Hartwell & Gilbert." He continued in the mercantile business almost uninterruptedly to the close of life, carrying to the end that Same energy, industry and decision of character so early manifested in the boy. He died in 1882, aged eighty years. A short sketch, written by a friend shortly after his death, illustrates his life and character:

"The death of Mr. Gilbert removes one of the most familiar landmarks, known to our citizens. For more than half a centur}' he had been engaged in active business, and pursued it with untiring energ}', and with marked success. Few men in business life have apparently loved their vocation more than he, or left a more honorable record of a busy and active career. He was of genial temperament, and always had a pleasant and cordial greeting to extend to all his friends. For these he will long be affectionately remembered in this and other communities. He had a wide circle of acquaintances, extending over western Connecticut, Hartford county, etc. He was also well-known to many merchants in New York, and distinguished for his high commercial standing and credit. He cheerfully bore his share of taxation for civil and religious purposes. He was a member of the Congregational Church of Warren, and was its principal supporter. He was three times married: In 1833 he married Maria Carter, of Warren. Their daughter Maria (now deceased) married Frederick Whittlesey, of New Britain, Conn. His second wife was Maria Stone, of New Preston, Conn. They had four children: Two are now living—Laura, who married George S. Humphrey, of New Preston, Conn., and Lester H. Gilbert, who now lives in Colo-

rado. In 1848 he married Thalia M. Miles, of New Milford, Conn., whose ancestors were prominent among the original settlers of that town. Their daughter Emma married Henry R. Hoyt, of Poughkeepsie, New York.

''This brief sketch of the life of this, in many ways remarkable, man, if more extended, might give many an object lesson for the young men of the present day."

W ARON INNIS. Prominent among the .^L, business men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, stands this gentleman, whose entire life has been closely identified with the history of the city, while his name is inseparably connected with its financial records. For many years he was president of the city railroads, and president of the City Bank of Poughkeepsie for a number of years. He is possessed of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management brought to these concerns a high degree of success.

Mr. Innis comes of a family that has long been prominent in the affairs of the city of Poughkeepsie. The original ancestor, James Innis, a native of Scotland, was brought to America in 1737, by his mother and sisters, who located at Little Britain, Orange Co., N. Y., where he was educated by George and James Clinton. He married Miss Sybil Ross, of Morristown, N. J., and they became residents of Newburg, Orange county, in 1780. Ten children were born to them: James, who during the Revolutionary war participated in the battle of Monmouth, and died unmarried; Jane, who became the wife of William Irwin, and removed to Ohio; Keziah, who married James Owen; Mrs. L3'dia Hanmore; Peter, who died unmarried; Benjamin, who wedded Margaret Denton; Elsie, wife of Thomas Aldrich; Aaron, tlfegrandfather of our subject; Sarah, who became the wife of Anthony Pres-lor; and \^^illiam, who married Eliza Warring. Grandfather Innis was a native of Orange county, where he followed farming, and by his marriage with Martha Smith, he had a large family of children, among whom was Aaron. Aaron Innis, the father of our subject, was born in Ulster county, N. Y., and was united in marriage with Miss Martha Smith, daughter of Eliphalet Smith (who was of English extraction), and a leading farmer of Ulster county. After their marriage this worthy

v7rC\Airw ^^Maaa^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL BECORD.

89

couple located at Poughkeepsie, where Mr. Innis engaged in the freighting business, running at first a sloop from there to New York City, and later a steamboat named "Emerald." He continued this business up to the time of his death in 1838. Politically he cast his ballot in support of the Whig party, and in religious faith both he and his wife were faithful members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Aaron Innis, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Poughkeepsie, January 23, 1834, and he is the youngest in a family of eight children. In the public schools of that city he began his education, and was graduated at College Hill, on the completion of the course. He entered upon his business career as general manager of the firm of Gif-ford, Sherman & Co., owners of a large dye-wood factory, and is still connected with that business, which has proved very profitable.

On May 15, 1856, Mr. Innis was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Reynolds, a sister of William T. Reynolds, of Poughkeepsie, and to them were born four children: William R., connected with Studebaker & Co., of New York City, where he makes his home, and also has an interest in the dye-wood business of Poughkeepsie; Catherine, the wife of John F. O'Rourke, a civil engineer, of New York City; Adele, married to Edmund Piatt, a son of the Hon. John I. Piatt; and Caroline, who died at the age of si.\ years.

The several business concerns which have been under the management of Mr. Innis attest his eminent and pronounced ability as a financier, and he is equally prominent in social life. Whether in public or private life his integrity is above question, and his honor above reproach. Poughkeepsie owes much to him and numbers him among her valued citizens, and he is one of the leading Freemasons in the city. He is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and has been a member of the board of supervisors; for the past nine years he has been a member of the board of health of the city of Poughkeepsie; became the vice-president under the administration of Mas^or Arnold, and reappointed vice-president under Mayor Hull.

QEORGE W. CHASE, the able and popular cashier of the National Bank of Pawling, Dutchess county, has been in continuous service in that institution for thirty-eight years,

a record probably unequalled by any contemporaneous bank officer in the county. His well-proven ability and integrity, and his untiring devotion to any work to which he applies himself, have received the ample recognition of his fellow townsm.en who have many times shown their confidence and esteem by choosing him for some of the most important positions in their gift, both in business and political life.

The Chase family is of English origin, and the founder of the branch of which our subject is an honored member, was Isaac Chase, who settled at Cape Cod at an early period. His son Obadiah had eleven children, who settled chiefly in New York State, where many of their descendants still live. The eldest son, Isaac, lived in Tompkins county; Alvin in Dutchess county; Elmer and Ezra in Tompkins county; John and Jesse in Westchester county; Daniel went to Michigan; Hulday married Edmond Hopkins, and lived in Tompkins county; Lydia married Judah Baker, of the same county; Mary married Absalom Col-well, and settled in Rensselaer county; and Catherine married Absalom Caldwell, also of Rensselaer county.

Alvin Chase, our subject's grandfather, was born in 1778, and by his first wife, Ruth Cole, he had twelve children: Cyrus, a merchant at Croton Falls; Naomi, who married a Mr. Beardsley, of Kent, Conn. ; Darius, our subject's father; Susan, the wife of Joseph Smith, of Carmel, Putnam county; Lyman, who was a farmer in Iowa, where he reared a large family, of whom some were bankers and some ministers, and all held prominent position in the community; Sarah, the wife of Daniel Brown, of Republic, Ohio; Henry, who lived in Erie county, Ohio, near Castalia; Hiram, who settled in Garden Grove, Iowa, and left descendant there; Cynthia, the wife of Gilbert Knapp, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Erie county, Ohio, residing near Castalia; Mary, the wife of Stephen Hawley, of Connecticut; Frank, a farmer of Erie county, Ohio; and John, a farmer of Kent, Conn., where his son is a successful merchant. For his second wife Alvin Chase wedded Martha Dingee. by whom he had three children: Alvin, a hotel keeper of Patterson and Brewster, N. Y.; Hannah, who married Moses Peck, a farmer of Patterson, N. Y.; and Elmer, a farmer of the town of Pawling.

Darius Chase, the father of our subject.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was born November i, 1807, and during his early years was a farmer, first in Putnam county, and later in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, where he settled in 1841. In 1853 he entered the employ of the Harlem Railroad Company, as station agent at Pawling, and held the position some twenty-seven years, when he resigned on account of ill health. He is still living, and in spite of his eighty-nine years is in the full possession of his faculties. He has always been one of the substantial citizens of the town, and a successful business man, being noted for his good judgment. In politics he has been a steadfast Democrat, and he has held the offices of town clerk, collector of taxes, and commissioner of highways. At one time he was a captain in the State militia, and by this well-earned title he is still addressed by his old friends. In early manhood he was married to Miss Phoebe Smith, who after many years of wedded life passed away in 1892, in her eighty-first year. Her father. Judge Edward Smith, was one of the leading citizens of Putnam county in his day, a judge of the county court, and a member of the State Assembly. Our subject is one of seven children: Clara, the eldest; Emily, who married Egbert M. Toffey, of Pawling; Ruth; Susan, the wife of Squire R. Barrett, formerly of Sing Sing, later of New York City; Elizabeth, who married Jerry S. Pearce, sheriff of Dutchess county; and Adelaide, who married James S. Pearce.

George W. Chase was born in the town of Kent, Putnam county, July i, 1840, and received his education in the district schools of Pawling, Dutchess county, these somewhat limited advantages giving him a foundation for his subsequent reading by which he has ac-cjuired for himself a wide range of knowledge. At the age of fifteen he engaged in clerking, and spent about three years in this work with Orwin Theall and J. W. Stark. His promptness and close application to business attracted the attention of J. W. Bowdish, then cashier of the National Bank of Pawling, and he secured him a position in the bank as messenger, office boy and assistant bookkeeper. At this time the institution, which was organized in 1849, was a State bank, with Albert J. Akin as its president. In 1865 it became a National bank, and in the same year Mr. Chase was appointed assistant cashier, his election to the office of cashier following in 1872. He is interested in many other enterprises, being

treasurer of the Eastern Building and Loan Association; treasurer of the Harlem V'alley Agricultural Association; secretary and treasurer of the Pawling Cemetery Association; secretary, treasurer and director of the Mizzentop Hotel Co.; treasurer of the Akin Hall Library Association; vice-president of the Pawling & Beekman Turnpike Co.; one of the original incorporators of the Pawling Savings Bank; and president of the Society for the Detection of Horse Thieves. He has always been a firm Republican, and has taken much interest in town and county politics. In 1882 he was appointed county treasurer by the board of supervisors, in place of Seneca V. Halloway, and in the fall of the same year was elected to the office, receiving all but fifteen votes in his own town. He was the only Republican candidate elected that year, and his popularity was again demonstrated by his re-election in 1885. He is a member of Dover Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Baptist Church, of which he is treasurer. In 1885, he was married to Miss Emma M. Chapman, a daughter of Richard Chapman, a prominent resident of Pawling, and they have had three children: Cornelia T., George W. and Theodore F., the latter of whom died at about the age of seven months.

Jl0k.

LEAN BARRINGER HENDRICKS, the efficient bookkeeper of the First National Bank of Red Hook, Dutchess county, is a descendant of one of the leading families of this region. Lawrence Hendricks, his greatgrandfather, came from Rhinebeck to settle upon a farm in Red Hook, in 1802, bringing with him a family of four children: Samuel H., Jacob L., Johannes and Elizabeth.

Jacob L. Hendricks, our subject's grandfather, was born ,May 13, 1773, and followed farming as an occupation. He married Miss Anna Moore, a native of Red Hook, born May 4, 1770, and reared a family of four children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Lawrence Edmund, July 12, 1809; Magdalene, October 19, 181 i; Jeremiah, November 2, 1813; and Philip, January 29, 1816. The mother of this family died April 17, 1825, the father on May 24, same year.

Jeremiah Hendricks, our subject's father, attended the district schools of his day, and for a time was employed in a store as clerk. In I 83 I he engaged in the manufacture of to-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

91

bacco in partnership with Albert Near, the firm changing later to Hendricks & Wells, then to J. Hendricks & Co., then to J. & P. Hendricks & Co., the members at that time being Jeremiah and Philip Hendricks, and R. L. Massoneau. He was also the owner of a flour-mill at Red Hook, and was interested in various other lines of business. He was married July 18, 1837, to Miss Eliza C. Barringer, of Red Hook, b}' whom he had three children: Allan B., born November 11, i839;Hattie E., August 24, 1841; and Robert J., July 27, 1843. After many years as a successful manufacturer, Jeremiah Hendricks retired to spend his last days in leisure, and died May 30, 1875; his widow is still living.

Allan B. Hendricks availed himself of the educational advantages of his native place, and later attended the Charlotteville Seminary. After leaving school he entered his father's mill as bookkeeper, but left this position in 1861, to engage in the freighting business at Barrytown. Six years later he and his brother Robert took charge of the flouring-mill at Red Hook, the partnership lasting one year, after which he continued in the business alone until 1880. After a short period of leisure Mr. Hendricks was tendered the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank, which he accepted, and has filled same with marked ability, commanding the entire confidence and esteem of the stockholders and the public generally.

On June i, 1864, Mr. Hendricks married Miss Anna Rodgers, of Albany, and has had four children: (i) Louise Rodgers, born July 3, 1865, was married October 8, 1890, to Frank B. Shook, and has one child Eleanor Varnum Shook, born July 21, 1891. (2) Laurence Hutton, born June 8, 1867, was married September 21, 1889, to Miss Jennie H. Wilson, and has two children: Marian Wilson Hendricks, born July 19, 1893, and Laurence Hutton Hendricks, Jr., March 16, 1897. (3j Anna R. and (4) Allan B. (twins), born January 28, 1874, are still at home. Mr. Hendricks has been superintendent of St. Paul's Lutheran Sabbath-school continuously for thirty years.

MEHEMIAH HALSTED (deceased). As a merchant in Clinton Corners and Stanford ville, Dutchess county, during nearly a quarter of a century, the subject of this sketch

became well known and highly esteemed throughout that section, and although his later years were spent in retirement, his death, which occurred March 20, 1873, caused sincere grief and a keen sense of loss among a wide circle of acquaintances.

He was a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and his father, Richard Hal-sted, a member of the Society of Friends, and who was born in Dutchess county, of English ancestry, followed farming in the town of Clinton all his life. He married Hannah Griffin, and reared a family of nine children: Benjamm, Stephen, Richard, Joseph, Jonathan, Nehemiah, Mary, Anna and Hannah.

Mr. Halsted grew to manhood at his father's farm, and in 1836 was united in marriage with Miss Julia Sharpsteen, a native of the town of Washington, and a descendant of an old Dutch family, the name having been originally Von Sharpstein. The early generations of her family were Presbyterians in religion. Her grandfather, Peter Sharpsteen, was a farmer in the town of Washington and was probably born there. Her father, William Sharpsteen, was born, resided and died in that town. He married Sarah Lawrence, a native of Long Island, whose father, an Englishman, was a descendant of Sir Robert Laurens (now spelled Lawrence), of Lancashire, England, who accompanied Richard Cour de Lion in his expedition to Palestine. In the siege of St. Jean d' Acre, in 1191, he was the first to plant the Banner of the Cross on the battlements of the town, for which he received the honor of Knighthood from King Richard; also, at the same time, the coat of arms. In the year 1635 William Lawrence came over in the ship "Planter," under the care of Gov. Clark, appointed, by the Queen, Governor of Long Island. The Lawrences intermarried with the Washingtons, and the coat of arms may be seen at Mount Vernon.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Sharpsteen located in the town of Washington, where he carried on a store for many years; but in later life he retired to a farm in the same town. In politics he was a Republican, for years he was justice of the peace, and town supervisor, and was justly regarded as a representative citizen. He died in 1878, aged ninety-three years. He had six children: Clark Lavv'rence was a member of the firm of Arold & Constable, in New York City, and lived abroad, in Paris; George G. was a dealer

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in trotting horses in the town of Washington; James and William H. were in business in the South; Julia, married Mr. Halsted; and Deborah married Louis Hutchens.

Mr. and Mrs. Halsted began their married life at Clinton Corners, where Mr. Halsted conducted a store for about three years, when he moved to Stanfordville and carried on his business some twenty years. He then retired to a small farm in the town of Washington, to pass his remaining days. His wife and seven children survive him. Virginia married Isaac W. Sherrill, a well-known resident of Poughkeepsie; Ella, Ida and Belle are at home; Irving is a farmer in the town of Clinton; Willis is an express agent in New York City; and Frank conducts the "Dutchess Restaurant" at Poughkeepsie. Mr. Halsted always took an ardent interest in the success of the Republican party, and was ready to encourage any worthy enterprise in his locality. In religious faith he ^vas a Quaker, and his quiet, unassuming manners and upright life gave a consistent and effective illustration of the doctrines which he cherished.

HEZEKIAH ROGERS COFFIN, one of the oldest pioneers of Dutchess county,

was born in Mechanic, town of Washington, April 23, 1807. He remained on his father's farm (with the exception of one year, which he spent with Samuel Thorne) until his marriage March 22, 1832, to Miss Myra Barlow, who was born in the town of Amenia, October 29, 1811.

In 1833 Mr. and Mrs. Coffin moved to a farm situated where the county house now stands, where they remained one year, and then came to their present farm, sixty-four years ago, and where both are still living, sound in mind and body and capable of enjoying life to the fullest extent. The following children were born to them: Robert, who is engaged in business at Brooklyn; Lucy, who became the wife of Newton B. Holbrook, formerly a merchant of the town of Washington, but now deceased; Cora, who married Homer Fitch, a farmer in Washington town; Magdalene, unmarried; Zaide, who died at the age of seventeen, and Lilian, deceased at the age of eight.

Mr. Coffin has a farm of 135 acres, and still does general farming. He has always been a Democrat, voting in 1828 for Jackson,

and ever since regularly supporting the ticket of his party. He takes an active interest in politics, and has been justice of the peace for thirty years, but resigned the office when he reached the age of seventy years. He has been called to sit on the bench at Poughkeepsie many times, and has often been appointed foreman of the grand jury. Although past eighty-eight years he talks, acts and thinks like a patriot, and stands like a sturdy oak in the forest of humanit)'. He well remembers the transportation of the cannon, and the men marching through the town on their way to defend the New York harbor against the British in 1812. The younger generation looks up to him with wonder and admiration. Our subject has contributed to the local paper (Mill-brook A't^;/«</ Table) articles on the reminiscences of early days, which were highly appreciated. His wife has been a faithful, loving helpmate through many years of joys and sorrows.

Robert Coffin, father of our subject, was born at Little Rest, town of Washington, October 2, 1778, and died November 28, 1842. He was apprenticed to James Willitts to learn the tanner's and shoemaker's trade, and after serving his time, he, with his brother-in-law, Peter Kipp, bought out the business, which they continued in partnership for a year, when our subject bought out Peter, and kept at it alone until 1814. He then bought a farm of 180 acres, and lived there until his death. He married Miss Magdaline Bentley. a granddaughter of Col. James Van Deberg, of Beek-man, with whom Washington and LaFayette often stopped. She was born in the town of Beekman December 26, 1782, and died August 30, 1866. Her father was Taber Bentley, a farmer in the town of Beekman. To our subject's parents were born the following children: Jane Ann, who married Caleb Morgan, a merchant of Poughkeepsie; Alexander H. was a farmer and merchant in Union vale; Hezekiah R. is our subject; Charleswas a farmer in Union-vale; Sarah became the wife of Henry M. Swift, also a farmer of Unionvale; Eliza married George B. Caldwell, a merchant; Owen T. was surrogate of Westchester county for many years, and now lives in Peekskill; he is a graduate of Union College; George is in the real-estate business in California; Henry was a farmer and a railroad man, and owned much property (he is deceased); Robert G. is a farmer at South Millbrook. Mr. Coffin was a

Vy^

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Democrat, and represented the county in the Legislature. He was a prominent man, and settled many estates. Religiously, he was of the Quaker faith.

Abishai Coffin, our subject's grandfather, was born in Nantucket, where he grew up, and later went to sea in a whaler, wintering three seasons in Greenland. He married Sarah Long, a native of Nantucket, in 1774, and shortly after came to Dutchess county and settled on a tract of land in the town of Washington. Their children were: Sarah married Peter Kipp, a farmer living near Hudson; Tristram owned a farm of about 300 acres in the town of Washington; Lois died unmarried; Robert was the father of our subject; Jeme-miah married John Rider, a farmer in Ulster county. Mr. Coffin died on his farm in iStg. He was a Hicksite Quaker, and overseer of the poor. His father's name was Tristram. The family is of English extraction.

Thomas Barlow, father of Mrs. Coffin, was born at Cape Cod, and was a son of Afoses Barlow, a native of the same place. Thomas married Miss Lucy Alerton, and the following children were born: Sally married a Mr. Crosby, of Massachusetts, and is deceased; Jenett also became the wife of a Mr. Crosby, and is deceased; Thomas is deceased; Aurelia married Barlow Nye, and is still living; Catherine married Edward Mills, of Connecticut, and is deceased; Mary became the wife of a Mr. Bartow, of Brooklyn, and is living; B. Franklin is a farmer in the town of Amenia. Mr. Barlow died in 1852, and his wife in i860. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and took an active interest in the work.

Elisha Barlow, brother of Thomas, was one of those who helped to frame the constitution of the State.

J JAMES F. GOODELL, M. D. Among J those who devote their time and energies " to the practice of medicine, and have gained a leading place in the ranks of the profession is this gentleman, who is located at Rhinebeck, Dutchess county. He is a native of Rockville, Conn., born May 16, 1849, and traces his ancestry back to Robert Goodell, who was one of the Puritans from the east of England who settled at Salem, Mass., in 1634. From hitn in direct line to the Doctor is Zach-ariah, Thomas (i), Thomas (2), Titus, Thomas

(3) and Francis. After his marriage to Miss Rhoda Grant, Titus Goodell located in New Hampshire, where he owned property; but when the colonies resolved to throw off the yoke of British rule he took up arms, joining the Continental army, and was killed at the battle of Stillwater. He had left his family with his father-in-law in Ellington, Conn., and as he never came back the farm descended to his children. It became the property of Francis Goodell, father of our subject, and has now been in the family since 1776.

The father was a man of unusual natural ability, and possessed a mind stored with results of wide reading and extensive observation of men and affairs. He married Sophia Louisa Burpee, and to them were born the following children: William, who was a member of the Union army during the Civil war, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg; Ellen, wife of Charles Ames; James F., subject of this review; Edwin Burpee, a lawyer of New York City; Thomas Dwight, who studied in Athens and in the East, and is now professor of Greek in Yale University; and Mary Evelyn, wife of W. H. Trippett, of New Jersey. The father passed away September 16, 1896, at a ripe old age, as he was born May 29, 1813; his wife died March 4, 1897. In early life he voted the Whig ticket, while in later years he was a strong Republican; was public-spirited and enterprising, and one of the prominent citizens of his locality. A faithful member of the Congregational Church, he always took an active part in its work, and at the time of his death was serving as deacon.

In the public schools of Rockville and Ellington, Conn., our subject began his literary education, and for one year was a student in Cornell University. When about twenty years of age he began teaching, being principal of the Union School at Unionville, Conn., for two years, and was successful in that line of work. In 1877 he matriculated at the New York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he graduated two years later, but has ever kept up his investigations, and is now one of the most able general practitioners in Dutchess county. Immediately after graduation he began practice in New York City, remaining there until 1881, when he opened an office in Millbrook, Dutchess county. In 1887, he went to Mont Clair, N. J., but in February, 1S89, returned to Dutchess county, this time

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

locatinfi at Rhinebeck, where he has since successfully prosecuted his profession. He has built up a large and lucrative practice, but has that true love for his work, without which there can be no success.

In 1885 Dr. Goodell was married to Miss Fann)' Tripp, of Millbrook, Dutchess county. The Doctor is inclined to be independent in political matters, but usually votes with the Democrac}'. He holds membership with the Episcopal Church, of which he is now serving as warden, and wherever he goes he not only wins friends, but has the happy faculty of being able to retain them.

FRANK ENO, a well-known and successful lawyer of Pine Plains, Dutchess county,

was born in 1845, in that village, in the house he is now occupying. The family is of English origin, and the name is sometimes spelled Enos.

The first of the name to come to this country was James Eno (i), who, in 1648, located in Windsor, Conn., married Hannah Bidwell the same year, and had one son, James (2), who was born in 1651, fought in the King Philip's war, and had his home in Windsor. He married Abigail Bissel in 1678, and died in the "Swamp fight," 1714. Their second son, William (i), wedded Mary North. The next couple in direct descent was William (2) and Lillias (Hicks) Eno, the former of whom was born in Simsbury, Conn., about 1726, and inherited a valuable farm from his father, William ( 1). William (2) and his wife had a son, Stephen, who was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Simsbury, Conn., October 4, 1764, and was the first of the family to come to Dutchess county, locating at Amenia. Later he removed to Pine Plains, there building the office which is now occupied by his grandson, Frank Eno, and which has always been used as a law office. He remained at home until ten years of age, being taught to read by his father, and never attended school more than two months during his entire life. At that time he went to live with an aunt at Egremont, Mass., where he remained for about five years. He had formed a great desire for study, and not having the opportunity to go to school, he taught himself, slowly acquiring a knowledge of arithmetic and writing. For a short time he worked at several places after leaving his aunt's, and then

entered the army at New Haven, Conn. Learning the shoemaker's trade, he worked at that occupation at Salisbury, that State, for six months, and later was employed by a Mr. Sanders until he reached his majority.

At that time Stephen Eno began teaching, while his vacations were spent in study. After following that profession for about six years, he began looking about him for some other employment, and began the study of law in the office of Philip Spencer, Jr., of Amenia, where he had been engaged in teaching. For a while he taught school and practiced law at the same time. After following his profession in the towns of Amenia, Stanford and Northeast, Dutchess county, he purchased a house and lot in Pine Plains for $650, paying two-thirds of the amount down, and the remainder in one year. He was a man of fine attainments, and became one of the most able lawyers of his time in the county. His death occurred in Pine Plains, in 1854, at the advanced age of ninety years. He continued to wear knee trousers and his hair in a queue up to the time of his death. He was twice married, his first union, being with Mary Denton, by whom he had three children: Henry, who went to California, and there became a judge; W'illiam, the father of our subject, and Edward, who became a resident of Springfield, 111. His second wife bore the maiden name of Olive Shores, and to them was born a son, Rufus.

On April 21, 1800, William (3) Eno was born, and, like his father, he was largel)' self-educated. In the office of the latter he studied law, was admitted to practice in 1823, and for forty years he was one of the prominent and leading members of the Dutchess County Bar, having a large and lucrative practice. In 1836 he was elected a member of the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, and for two terms served as district attorney when the office was filled by appointment of the supreme court justices. Soon after the adoption of the constitution of 1848 he was mentioned as judge of the supreme court; but, being fond of agricultural pursuits, he retired, spending the remainder of his life at Pine Plains, within two miles of his landed estate. He was a contemporary of Henry Swift, Charles Johnson, Stephen Cleveland, Seward Barcolo, Morton Swift, Elias Cole. R. D. Davis, John \'. A. Lyle, John Armstrong and D. V. N. Radcliff, and was second to none of them in point of ability and extent of his practice. He was a man of great

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s'O

natural ability, and became exceedingly prominent throughout the county. He always supported the Democratic party, and attended the Presbyterian Church. He died November 17, 1874. He was married to Eliza A. Stewart, daughter of William Stewart, of Pine Plains, and to them were born four children: William Stewart, who was one of the ablest lawyers of Dutchess county, is now president of the Bunnell & Eno Investment Co., of Philadelphia, Penn.; Henry W., who died December 14, 1884; Mary, now the wife of Matthew Ellis, who is also connected with the Bunnell & Eno Investment Co., Philadelphia; and Frank, the subject proper of this review. The mother's death occurred April 10, 1882.

Frank Eno was educated at College Hill, under Mr. Bisbee, where he took the four-years' course. After leaving school he began the study of law in his father's office, and was admitted to the bar May 13, 1868, since which time he has successfully engaged in general practice in the surrogate court, and has had much to do in the settlement of estates. He has one of the finest law libraries in the county, accumulated through three generations, and has ever been a thorough student of his profession, possessing many of the traits that distinguished his father and grandfather as sound advocates and able lawyers. Mr. Eno is also interested in agriculture, having a fine farm of between 500 and 600 acres, whereon he has an excellent herd of Jersey cattle. He had "Signal Queen" at the World's Fair, and took a medal in the grand contest for cheese. On June 15, 1881, Mr. Eno married Miss Rachel Rudd, daughter of Charles Rudd, of Gallatin, Columbia Co., N. Y., and of this union have been born five children: William Rudd, Charles, Fanny, Mary and Rachel.

In political campaigns, Mr. Eno has long been a potent factor in the support of Democratic principles, and during President Cleveland's second term he was appointed postmaster at Pine Plains. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, is president of the Seymour Smith Academy, and established the Pine Plains Free Library. With Stissing Lodge No. 615, F. & A. M., he holds membership, of which for fifteen years he has been master, and also belongs to the Chapter and Commandery in Poughkeepsie. He and his wife attend the Meth:^dist Church. Socially, he is deservedly popular, as he is

affable and courteous in manner, and possesses the essential qualification to success in public life, that of making friends readily and of strengthening the ties of all friendships as time advances.

|#/TLLIAM AUGUSTUS DAVIES (de-Jml ceased) was born in Poughkeepsie, May 10, 1808. His great-great-grandfather, John Davis, of Kington Parish, Hereford, England, was of a distinguished Welsh family deriving an unbroken descent from the famous Cymric Efell, Lord of Elwys Eyie, who lived A. D. 1200, son of Madocap Meredith, Prince of Powys Fadoc, sixth in descent from the heir of Merwyn, King of Powis, third son of Rodic Maur.

John Davies came to America in 1735, and settled in Litchfield county. Conn., where he purchased large tracts of land, and where his name is still held in honored remembrance for his good works, especially fot his generous gifts toward the support of his mother Church of England, then struggling for existence in the Colonies. He was the grandfather of Rev. Thomas Davies, missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, who was ordained to the priesthood by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Seeker, in Lambeth Chapel August 23, 1761. The ministry of Rev. Thomas Davies, though brief, was exceedingly useful. He had charge of several parishes in Connecticut, among them St. Michael's Church, Litchfield, of which his grandfather was the founder. He died in 1766 at the early age of twenty-nine, leaving two children —a son and a daughter, the former being William Davies, who settled in Poughkeepsie early in the present century. William Augustus Davies was the youngest of William DavieS's seven children, and was born in his father's house at the foot of Main street, where he lived (except during the time he was at school and at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.) until 1842. He devoted himself to the management of his property in Dutchess and Ulster counties, of which he and his brother, Thomas L. Davies, inherited several thousand acres from their father; and was one of the original Board of Directors of the Farmers' and Manufacturers' National Bank of Poughkeepsie, remaining on the board till his death, and holding the office of president from 1843 until 1892.

He was a faithful communicant of the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Church of which his grandfather was a priest, and for many \ears represented his parish in the conventions of the Diocese of New York, and was several times a deputy to the general convention as a delegate from that Diocese. His greatest work among his many works for the Church, was the building, entirely at his own expense, of the Church of the Holy Comforter, which stands at the corner of Main street and Davies place, and is one of the younger Upjohn's best designs. In the noble work it has done and is still doing, it is a worthy monument of his generosity and benevolence.

In 1842 he married Miss Sarah Van Wag-enen (daughter of Herbert Van Wagenen), who died in 1858, leaving no children. It was in her memory that the Church of the Holy Comforter was built. In 1861 he married Miss Frances Mary Barritt, daughter of Josiah Barritt. To them were born two sons, William and Augustus, the first of whom died in infancy.

Only those who knew Mr. Davies intimately could fully appreciate the beauty of his character, which was remarkable from his earliest childhood for the same generosity, unselfishness and simplicity which distinguished him through life. It can be said with truth that he never intentionally hurt anybody, either by word or deed, but was ever thoughtful and considerate, courteous and pitiful, honoring all men. He died on the sixth of August, 1896, in the eighty-ninth year of his age.

BARCLAY HAVILAND, a well-known cit- , izen of Millbrook, Dutchess county, was

born in the town of Dover, December 18, 1812. The first of the name to come to this country was either William or Benjamin Haxiland, who emigrated from England and settled on Long Island at an early day in the history of the Colonies. From him in direct descent was his son Benjamin Haviland, who was born on Long Island; his son, Benjamin (2), was born in 1698; his son, Isaac Haviland, was born in August, 1751, in Westchester county, N. Y.; his son, Eleazer, was born May 27, 1777, in New Fairfield, Conn.; his son, Barclay, is the subject of this sketch. Benjamin Haviland, our subject's greatgrandfather, married Charlotte Park, the daughter of a French Huguenot. They settled in Westchester county, where they owned a

farm of 400 acres, and there reared a family of thirteen children.

Isaac Haviland, our subject's grandfather, grew to manhood in his native county, and after his marriage to Anna Howland, removed to Fairfield county. Conn., where he owned and carried on a farm of 800 acres of land, and was well-to-do. Eleazer, the eldest of his five children, was married in 1798 to Abigail Hiller, daughter of Nathan Hiller, a farmer in the town of Dover. Like his ancestors, Eleazar Haviland, was a tiller of the soil, which occupation he followed throughout his life. For many years he was a minister in the Hicksite branch of the Society of Friends, and made frequent journeys to the different States and to Canada in that capacity, which journeys were made either on horseback or in a carriage. He died December 27, 1863; his wife passed away March 4, 1848. Five children were born to this worthy couple, only two of whom lived to maturity: Isaac E., the elder of the two, removed to Long Island in 1828, and became a prominent resident of Queens county, where he died in 1885; our subject is the younger.

Barclay Haviland grew to manhood on his father's farm at Chestnut Ridge, and at Mechanic, town of Washington, where the family moved in 1826. He was educated at the Nine Partners Boarding School at Mechanic, and later at the Jacob Willets private school. On June II, 1S45, he was married to Susan Hart Tredway, daughter of Dr. Alfred Tred-way, of the town of Washington. They made their first home on the farm at Mechanic, remaining in that place until 1855, when they purchased the homestead of Mrs. Haviland's grandfather, Philip Hart, at Hart's Village, where they have since resided. Five children were born to them, three of whom are living: Katharine A. ijiarried Dr. John C. Otis, of Poughkeepsie; Isaac E. is a resident of Toledo, Ohio; and Caroline E. resides with her parents.

Mr. Haviland is a Democrat, and has been justice of the peace two terms. He was present at the meeting which organized the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, \\\ 1841, and of this society he was treasurer for a number of years. Long one of the leading citizens of Dutchess county, his upright life and sterling qualities make him respected and esteemed by all who come in contact with him. He is a prominent member of the Society of

^Cc^ircJxir'u (J^GL v^ la^nAiiy

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97

Friends, and is always ready to assist in works of benevolence.

Elijah Tredway, the grandfather of Mrs. Haviland, was born in Connecticut, and from him the genealogy is traced to Nathaniel Tredway, born in Sudbury, England, in 1637. Dr. Alfred Tredway, his son (and the father of Mrs. Havilandj, in his day a well-known physician, merchant and land owner of the town of Washington, was born in 1782, and died in 1826. He married Catherine Hart, who was born in what is now Millbrook, but at that time was known as Hart's Village, being so named for her father, Philip Hart, who was then the owner of nearly all the land in that locality. Philip Hart was the youngest son of Richard Hart, and was born January 12, 1749, in Little Compton, Rhode Island, and came to Dutchess county in 1767, where on December 18, 1774, he was married to Susanna Akin, daughter of Benjamin Akin. He was a prominent business man in his locality, being engaged in the manufacture of cloth. His death occurred August 31, 1837.

Benjamin Akin came to Dutchess county, between 1762 and 1765, from Rhode Island; the family is of Scotch extraction, and his father, " Squire Benjamin Akin," was born in Scotland m 1663, became a leading citizen and represented his district in public matters. He was appointed chairman of a committee which was formed in 1774 to oppose English taxation.

J JAMES H. DUDLEY (deceased) was a na-I five of Dutchess county, born in the town - of Stanford, July 14, 1817, and was descended from worthy New England ancestry. The founder of the family in America was William Dudley, a native of England, where he was married, August 24, 1636, to Jane Lutman, and on coming to America in the spring of 1639 located at Guilford, Conn., on a tract of 1000 acres of land, which he and his neighbors bought of the Indians, and which was divided among them. They gave the town the name of Guilford, and there Mr. Dudley followed farming. He was one of the prominent men of the community, and died there March 16, 1684. In his family were four children: William, Joseph, Ruth and Deborah. Of these, Joseph Dudley was born in that locality in 1643, and on reaching man's -estate he followed coopering in Guilford, where

he died June 3, 1712. He married Ann Robinson, and the reared a family of nine children, namely: Joseph, Benjamin, Calelf), Joshua, Miles, William, Mary, Mercy and Anna.

Miles Dudley, the ne.\t in a direct line to our subject, was born at Guilford, Conn., December 17, 1676. He married Rachel Strong, by whom he had nine children: Miles, Timothy- (1), Timothy (2), Stephen, Selah, Beriah, Rachel, Mercy and John. The father of this family was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that occupation until his death, August 10, 1753. His son, John Dudley, was born at Guilford, October 16, 1721, and there passed his early life. He was united in marriage with Tryphena Stone, and to them were born eleven children: Timothy (i), William (i), Tryphena (I), Ruth, John, Tryphena (2), William (2), Polly, Lois, James and Timothy (2). With his family the grandfather removed to Berkshire county, Mass., where he purchased a large tract of land on the day the battle of Lexington was fought, and became one of the best farmers and most prominent citizens of the count\^ He died therein 1808.

James Dudley, the father of our subject, was born November 19, 1772, in Guilford, Conn., and was a child of three years when taken by his parents to Massachusetts, where he married Miss Lydia Leete, a descendant of the first governor of Connecticut Colony. Her father was born on Leete's Island, in Connecticut, January 16, 1746, and wedded Lydia Leete, by whom he had eleven children: John, Lydia, Amie, Lois, Eber, Olive, Mina, "Orrit (i), Orrit (2), Harvey and Eli. In April, 1793, he moved to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, purchased a farm, where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1822. His father, Rowland Leete, was born at Guilford, Conn., in 1708. and by his marriage with Mercy Dudley had eleven children: Timothy, Ruth, Anna, Sarah (i), John, Asahel, Hannah, Sarah (3), Abner, Miles and Rachel. William Leefe, the father of Rowland Leete, was born March 24, 1671, and by his marriage with Hannah Stone had seven children: Anna, Elizabeth, Margery, Rowland, William, Jordan and Solomon. He was a son of Andrew Leete, who was born in 1643, and wedded Elizabeth Jordan, by whom he had six children: William, Caleb, Samuel, Dorothy, Abigail and Mercy. The father of Andrew Leete was

COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD

William Leete, who emigrated from England in 1639, or: the vessel on which our subject's paternal ancestors came to these shores. He was joined in wedlock with Anna Rogers, and to them were born nine children: John, Andrew, William, Caleb, Gratiana, Perigrine, Joshua, Anna and Abigail. Both the Leete and the Dudley families were members of the Congregational Church, and leading citizens in the localities where they made their homes.

After their marriage, the parents of our subject remained for some time in Massachusetts, but later became residents of the town of Stanford, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Four chil-<iren were born to them: Chester L., who was born July 4, 1806, and became a farmer of Ulster county, removing to Memphis, Mich., in 1855, where he died June 24, 1879; George A. (i), who died in infancy; George A. (2), who was born in 1810, and became a banker of Ellenville, Ulster Co., N. Y., where he died March 3, 1886; and James H., subject of this sketch. The father's death occurred January 26, 1835, that of the mother on August 22, 1842.

On the farm, in the town of Stanford, James H. Dudley spent his boyhood until fifteen years of age, when he went to Ulster county, and in 1835 he located in Poughkeep-sie, where for three years he worked for others at the carpenter's trade. He then carried on that business for himself until 1853, during which time he erected many houses which are still standing. In that year he began dealing in lumber and coal, continuing the same for sixteen years, at the e.xpiration of which time he bought the Poughkeepsie Foundry, and continued its operation until 18S0, when he laid aside business cares.

On January 4, 1842, he married Miss Charlotte Wiltsie, who was born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. May 29, 1819, and died at Poughkeepsie, September 4, 1895; she was of Holland extraction. Her father, John C. Wiltsie, was a prominent farmer and justice of the peace of that locality. Four children were born of this union, of whom, Guilford, a hardware merchant of Poughkeepsie, is the only one now living; the others were Lavinia, Jeromus W. and Lydia L.

In Mr. Dudley the Republican party found an earnest supporter, and he served his fellow citizens as supervisor for several terms, was alms house commissioner one term, and one of the original trustees of the Old Ladies Home.

For half a century he was a member of the Poughkeepsie Lyceum, was actively identified with the Temperance cause, and was one of the leading and influential men of the city. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Congregational Church, of which he was clerk some forty-four years, and trustee for many years. He was called from earth June 30, 1896.

JOHN H. COTTER, M. D., a prominent physician of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, whose success in general practice has brought him speedy recognition as a professional worker, has given, with his struggle with adverse circumstances in early life, a proof of the truth of the old saying—'' Where there's a will, there's a way."

He is a descendant of an old Irish family, and the ancient freehold known as the "Mt. Katharine" farm, situated in the parish of Water Grass Hill, County Cork, Ireland, has been in the possession of his forefathers continuously for many generations, and is still owned and occupied by a branch of the family. James Cotter, the Doctor's grandfather, passed his life there as a farmer, and was also interested in a weaving-mill. He was a thrifty, prosperous man, of unassuming manners, never taking any part in public affairs, and like his ancestors and descendants was a devout Catholic. He and his wife reared a family of six sons: John, Patrick, James, William, Garrett and Cornelius. James came to America and settled in New Orleans, and served in the Confederate army as a member of the Engineer corps.

John Cotter, our subject's father, was born in the old home in December, 1805, and was married in 1840 to Mary Haggerty, a native of the same county. He was a farmer by occupation, and for a short time was engaged in business as a miller; but in 1850 he left his native land owing to some trouble with the English government over the question of gathering tithes. Naturally he turned to America as a place of refuge, and on coming to this country settled in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, where for many years he worked as a farm laborer; but gradually he accumulated a fund of money which enabled him to purchase, in 1870, a farm in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. His wife died there in 1872, and there his own remaining years were

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

99

spent, his death occurring in 1878. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church of Rhinechff parish. He had received fair educational advantages in youth, and in later years he kept well posted upon the topics of the day, taking especial interest in political questions and in the success of the Democratic party, although he was never an active worker in the organization. The Doctor was the fifth in a family of nine children. Of the others, Hannah (Mrs. Patrick Coffey), died in 1877; James lives at Clinton Corners; Lawrence is a resident of Rock City; Mary married John Flemming; Catherine died in infancy; William lives in Dover, N. J.; Cornelius is a farmer in Schultzville, and Nora Frances married John O'Neil.

Dr. Cotter was born in the town of Fleas-ant Valley, April 6, 1851, and owing to his father's reduced circumstances he was obliged to make his own way from the age of twelve years, when he began working for John Van-Wagenen, of East Park, with whom he remained five years, attending school in the winter and occasionally finding a chance to go during the summer term. He was employed as a farm hand until the age of twenty-three; but his great desire for knowledge, and determination to make the most of every opportunity, never failed him. In 1868 and '69 he attended Dutchess County Academy under Prof. Pel-ham, but was compelled to give up his studies one month before graduation, and return to his labors upon the farm. In 1874 he began his medical studies with Dr. Denny, and later continued them with Dr. Hoyt. After a preliminary course of reading he entered the Albany Medical College, a branch of Union University, and his vacations were also devoted to study in the office of his preceptor. On February 3, 1878, his long toil was rewarded by the bestowal of the degree of M. D., and he immediately began practicing at Mt. Ross, Dutchess county, where he remained until August, 1880, when he moved to Jackson Corners and continued his professional work. In May, 1894, his nephew succeeded him there, and he moved to Poughkeepsie, where he has built up a flourishing practice.

In August, 1880, the Doctor married Miss Mary Smith, of Gallatin, Columbia Co., N. Y., by whom he had two children: John Isaac, born in August, 1881, and William Henry, born in June, 1885, and died in August of the same year. The mother passed away in July,

1885, and in February, 1888, the Doctor formed a second matrimonial union, this time with Miss Mary Frances Calvey, of Gallatin. They have had two children: Lawrence, born in September, 1891, and Mary Alice, born in February, 1893. The Doctor is a well-informed man on general questions as well as on his special line of work, and he is interested in politics as a firm upholder of Democratic principles. He was health officer for Milan and Gallatin for several years, and at present is postmaster at Jackson Corners. He is a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, and of the Catholic Benevolent League; he also belongs to the Order of Elks, and is a member of the Knights of St. George.

C!\^RENUS P. DORLAND, surrogate of _' Dutchess county, and a prominent lawyer of Poughkeepsie, was born February 28, 1848. The first of the Dorland family to locate in Dutchess county was Enoch, of Holland descent, who came from Long Island and bought a farm in the town of Lagrange. He had four children, viz.: Gilbert Dorland, who married Jennie Hegeman, of Lagrange; Dorcas, who married George Congdon; Anna, who married Treadwell Townsend; and Phebe, who married Joseph Irish. Gilbert Dorland, who was the grandfather of our subject, left the following children: Enoch Dorland, who belonged to the Society of Friends, and who for a long time conducted the Nine Partners School at Mechanic, in the town of Washington, in this county; Gilbert, who carried on agricultural pursuits in Dutchess count}'; John, a farmer of Columbia county; Cynthia, who married Nemiah Place, who for many years was postmaster at Fishkill Landing; James, who was a lawyer, and who, during the greater part of his life, lived in the South; Adrian, who in early life followed farming; Dorcas, who married Moses Alley, an agriculturist; Abby. who married John Tripp, a farmer; Peter, the father of our subject, is next in order of birth; Zachariah, who was for many years a school teacher, and is now a commercial traveler; Philip, a Quaker preacher; and Phebe, who married John Nelson, a farmer. The father of this family followed farming exclusively as a life vocation, and in religious faith he was an Orthodox Friend.

Peter Dorland, the father of our subject, was born at Fishkill Plains, in the year 181 5;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Avas reared upon a farm, and in his younger days taught school in his home neighborhood. He married Catherine E. Miller, who was born in the town of Lagrange, March 8, 1821, a a daughter of John and Margaret Miller, farming people of the same town; the former was of Holland lineage, and a native of Westchester county; the latter was a native of Fishkill, Dutchess county. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dorland removed to Matteawan, Dutchess county, and he there taught school for some time. He then moved to Poughkeepsie, where he taught school a short time, also studied law, and then returned to Matteawan, finished his studies and was admitted to the bar. He served several terms as justice of the peace of that town. In the fall of 1859 he was elected, by the Republican party, surrogate of the county, when he again moved back to Poughkeepsie, where he lived until 1890, having been honored by his party with the nomination and election for the third time. He held the office for the long term of fourteen years. He and his wife were earnest workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six children were born to them as follows: Emma, who never married; Lettie M., who is now deceased; John M., an attorney at Poughkeepsie; Cyrenus P., our subject, and Myron and Kate, both of whom are dead.

Cyrenus P., the fourth in order of birth of the family, spent his early life at Fishkill Landing, where he attended the district school. After his parents removed to Poughkeepsie he attended the public school some time, and then entered the Dutchess County Academy, where he pursued his studies for three years. At the age of seventeen he went to New York City, and was employed for some time in the wholesale cloth house of S. Hutchinson & Co.; then returned home and went into an office with his father, who was then surrogate.

Mr. Dorland studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He has always been a leading Republican, and in 1879 was elected by that party a justice of the city, in which capacity he served seven years, having been elected the second time. In 1886 he was nominated and elected recorder of the city, and after serving his term was nominated and ' elected surrogate of the county, serving the term of si.\ years. In 1896 he was again nom-. inated and elected by the same party, by a . very large majority, leading the whole ticket by a very handsome vote, and is at present

holding the office. He has discharged its responsible duties with ability and faithfulness, and to the satisfaction of the people, and has now the reputation of a man of integrity and high principle.

In 1S72 Mr. Dorland was united in marriage with Miss Kate S. Cary, who was born in Poughkeepsie, and whose father, Gilbert Cary, was for many years engaged in the freighting business in that city. Three children were born to them: Leslie C, Clarence (deceased) and Mary W. Mr. Dorland and his family attended the Washington Street Methodist Church. He is a public-spirited man, and is interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare.

CAPT. JAMES E. MUNGER, a leading ^ business man of Fishkiil-on-Hudson, Dutchess county, a wholesale and retail dealer in lumber and building materials, also well known as a contractor and builder, is a native of New York City, born January 29, 1838, the son of James E. and Julia A. (Albee) Munger. The public schools of his native city afforded him excellent opportunities for an education, and at sixteen he began to learn the milling trade, at White Lake, N. Y., with John T. Linson. The business was not congenial, but he completed his apprenticeship of three years, and then learned the carpenter's trade, and engaged in contracting and building on his own account at Fishkill, N. Y. With the exception of three years during the Civil war, he has followed this ever since, in connection with other enterprises. For eight years of the time he owned a schooner, of which he took charge as captain, carrying freight on the Hudson river, and Long Island Sound, and for the last twelve years he has been engaged in tjie lumber trade at Fishkill-on-Hudson, having purchased the business of Andrew Barnes. His office is on Main street, while his yard is on Elm street, in rear of the "Holland House," where he has a large covered yard well stored with all kinds of builders' materials.

Capt. Munger is extremely popular throughout this locality, where his family has long been well and favorably known, his father having been a native of Dutchess county. As a leading worker in the Republican party, the Captain has been tendered nominations for the best offices in the county; but he does not care

/

S^-p^ —

COMMEXOBATITE BIOGRAPHICAL EECORB.

101

to go I'll Ic-rZ-V iiilO pO.iLlCS. nc nSuS. nOW-

ever. serve"" for many years as tmstee of tbe village :: y ^ nrsinceth-e

of 1*9^ hi; :_ :_ -; _:p supyervisor. :

re-elected every year: in 1896 was chosen for a term of t^o years, and is at present chairman of the board. His war record is an honorable one. He enlisted in Angost, 1S62, in the 128th N- Y. V. I., and was promoted to the rank of commissary sergeant, and was also actiDg qnartermaster for eig'r :as in

the absence of 5. H. Mase. A zis po-

sition would have excnsed hir ' active

service on the field, he vo!Gntanl_> ;._i part in every battle in which his regiment engaged. He rose fiom a sick bed tD join in the cght at Port Hudson, was in the engagement at Pearl River, and ser\"ed all through the Red River campaign, while later he was in the battles of Winchester. Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek At the latter, when the enemy had all but stir-roanded the Federal forces. Capt. Munger made a dash to secnre the commissary and quartermaster records: but before he cccld reach the tent a shell exploded, overrrrrirr the tent and scattering its contents directions. While gathering cr ; ~= -.:.t

important papers and placing t: v-

ersack. another shell exp a

piece striking the straps of : ;:r ;.ad

fearing it ont of his hand. Even at that mo^ ment. with the death-dealing shells flying and bnrsting all around him. his sei?se of humor did not desert him, for he : : = com-

rades and exclaimed. wh_i ..^.;.::., up the remnants of the haversack: "Look at that, boys: pretty hot. aint it ?"" He was at all times the life of his regiment, full of fnn and ambition, as well as courage, and with his violin he cheered many a despondent i~- hr^rre-sick comrade. He remained in the ;r: :.;:'. the close of the war. and was mustered out in July. 1S6;. He is a member of several fraternal orders: River\-iew Ledge Xo. 560, I. O. O. F.: MeLringale Lodge No. 504. K. of P.: Beacon Lodge\o. 2S5. F. JcA.M.: How-land Post No. 4S. G. A. R,: and is an bonor-ars" member of the Lewis Tompkins Hose Companv.

any account of hi: come *: '

that hr _„:

enlcsist.

or wc.

them, i

JAMES HERVEY COOK, of Fisbkill-on-the-H'>;dson, Dntchess county, is a prominent member of the legal fraternity. He is one of the basi^t of men. devoted to bis

He thoneht bv such

"js he bad no-t

-- _; -"T!

a tioie a man these arozmd tiiev Ijad been

brocght into personal n-encshics- But he consented to give a little ouiiine, saying Thar as it was the w-ish of the pcblishsrs of this enter? " - . ■ ' - brie?

construed were be to deckne to rebate 5:ine-thing of the way along which be had come. when he had so mach to be thankft:! for.

He told US that be was a r ' z-

sonbcrg. Warren Cc N. J., a : r .as

the birthplace of Benjamin Lnndy. tbe very first of all the great leaders :r : :^atii:g

the slave, of whom Horace G: .ires 3

fnU sketch in the £:-: r.e ci nis nisiory of

the war of the Ret e li is in th-e midst

of a picturesqae region, there being a succession of hills r.:' ' '-' :rd. exiecdiug from the AUaiEEchy ; _ a the east, to the Blue Mountain range, on the w^t, and in inil \-iew some ten miles away, is Delaware Water-Gap, which has been fcr a ione time a fashionable resort, being scr ; and charming scenery. Jc:: - '^ ;: eariy significance, and was known as Log GaoL being the county seat of Sussex .' ": t745-and taking its name fseca the ,: hocse that served jail pnrposes- Snssex w^s a:\~ced in 1S24. and that part became the "dipper portion of Warren county, named in honor of the patriot who fell at Bcnker HiD. and rightly, as the majority in those two counties were active in battling for freedom in the Revolution-Mr ' is of Pilgrim ancesiry. His trreat-s: er, ElishaCooke, migrated from the old to'.vs of Plymocth. in Massachusetts. about the vear 1745. having the dauntless SfHrit of those fathers of New England, locating at Srst at Mendham. near Morxistown. The oldest tombstone in the old Pnesb^-terian churchyard there is that of Dar :e, who was most likely a relative. A ..::.; .iter, in 174S, Eli^a Cooke became one of tbe nrst settlers around Johnsonbnrg. N. J., and purchased some £ve hundred acres of land, which has been largely occupied by his niimerons descendants. He was of sturdy intellect, inflexible in the religions faith of his fathers, and he loved to tell of their virtoes. He was the

COMVEMORATITE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

fourth in direct descent from Francis Cooke. who came with Bradford and Brewster in the "Mayflower," and was one of that historic company who went with them for conscience sake to Holland, where he married a French Protestant, a Walloon, a f)eople that had suffered from so-called religious persecutions. He was one of the most respected members of that heroic band. He felled trees in their first vs^inter alongside of Miles Standish: his house was among the first seven that were built, and was next to that of Edward Winslow. afterward Governor; as a SDr^■eyor of highways he was associated with Winslow and Bradford. It is said that he did much to advance the growth of the colony, and was one of the most thrifty of the settlers. He was on intimate terms with those leading families, his children marrying into them. One son married a daughter of Richard Warren, as did also the father of the famous Capt. Church, and another son, in direct line with our Mr. Cook, married Da-maris Hopkins, whose father was the ancestor of Stephen Hopkins, Governor of Rhode Island. and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A daughter married a Capt. Thomi>son. Grandsons were with Capt. Church in the King Philips war. and their families, being connected, were brought near to him. and were conspicuous when the chieftain fell, one of them ordering the friendly Indian at his side to fire the fatal shot, his own flint missing fire. Mr. Cooks birth was in a farm home, upon one of the estates of his grandfather, James Cooke, the honored head of a large family, with the strict religions views of his New England ancestry, and who had been from the first establishment of the Presbrterian Church a revered elder. His oldest son, Frederick S.. the father of him whom we are sketching, was of an unusually good and clear understanding, intelligent, of the strictest integrity, and could not be otherwise than religious. Li\"ing a quiet life, he was only known fully by those immediately around him. He thought the letter -'e "" in the Cooke name superfluous, and dropped its use, as others of the family have done. Edward Cooke, the great Engird lawyer, was of this family, and struck out one •' o " ) as we by his biographer to

please his secc'_ :_ In the earlier days there was no regularity in spelling, and in that ; way many family names have undergone changes in spelling. Mr. Cooks father died in 1867, much respected by all who knew him.

His grave is in the family burial plot at Succa-sunna. N. J., in the old churchyard of the Presbyterian Church. Among other tombs, there is that of Mahlon Dickerson. who was Governor. United States Senator, and Secre-tar\- of the Navy in Jacksons administration.

Mr. Cook speaks with great affection of his mother, as being a woman of ver}" superior mould, and as directing her children with her wise counsel. She was endowed with the finest qualities of a Christian mind and heart, and was always an inspiration to them. She died a few years ago deeply mourned. Her father was Gershom Bartow, a leading man in northwestern New Jersey, and a lineal descendant of Francois Barteau, a Huguenot, who came with other Huguenots to Long Island. Her mother was an Ogden, a name conspicuous for ability and patriotism in the annals of the State. A noble brother, who did patriotic ser\ice in the Civil war, died in 1894. Two sisters, who have his warm affection, are in the old homestead.

Mr. Cook was taught in his home and in the neighboring schools in early boyhood. He speaks of his first teachers as being good instructors, and says that he had a love for study. His thirst for learning led him to seek it in every way. and the home had often late study hours. During his boyhood his father moved to the site of Ledgewood. a mountain-encircled plain, near Schooleys Mountain, and a few miles to the southwest are the famous Schooleys Mountain Springs. The Morris canal runs along the farm, and near by is one of its locks, and a short distance off are two of the famous inclined planes. About three miles to the northwest is the romantic Lake Hopatcong, visited for its great natural beauty. Upon the farm is a deposit of valuable Infusorial Earth, which has attracted the attention of learned scientists, and is regarded as being in quality equal to the best German beds, in which he is interested.

It was there that Mr. Cook grew to manhood. The public schools were good, and he says that he owes much to one of those teachers who had a large acquaintance with literature, aside from instructing well in mathematics and introducing them to the study of Latin. He was a superior elocutionist, and his pupils became good readers and declaimers, being taught to read eSectively the best literary productions. He took great pains to have them practice in composition and debating.

COMiTEMOBA TIV^ BIOGBAPSICAL BE COB I*.

I'l^

and Mr. Cook says he has never known better readers and declaimers than there were in that countn.' school. Thej" were made familiar with the writing? of the best authors. Not in the neighboring academ3- did he have better teaching. Bnt he tells most prondlj" of his later Principal in the Chester Institute, William Rankin, as being one of the finest scholars he ever knew. Of rich natural endowments, indeed great, he was richer in his scholastic attainments, being a rare linguist, a scientist and a historian, with the Master's degree from Yale. He was a bom teacher, and many went out from his school into advanced college classes. There Mr. Cook read both Latin and Greek, and made himself familiar with the classic authors. He admires Virgil, Horace and Cicero greatly, and frequently p>ores over them, and studies the pages of Homer and Demosthenes. That Principal was his most intimate friend, and gave him ever\- encouragement. Another close friend %vas a teacher in that school, who loved to argae as well as did Goldsmith's schoolmaster, and who became a leading legislator in New Hampshire. With him he had many friendly contentions in debate.

Mr. Cook was early interested in politics, and listened with deep and even passionate interest to political discussions. He would go far and near to listen to eloquent speakers, and heard the foremost orators. In political meetings he would frequently take part in speaking, and would report speeches for his party paper, to which he was an occasional contributor. Those political contests were warm, just preceding the Civil war, and at the Institute, and later, he firmly planted himself on the side of the old ilag. and oSered to give his services in the great struggle. His brother enlisted, and he could not go, but the whole family contributed largely from their means to give aid. .\bout that time he began reading law, under the direction of Jacob Vanatta. a leading lawyer at Morristown, an eloquent advocate, and afterward one of New Jersey's ablest attorney generals. In the fall of 1S65 he entered the Law Department of the University of Alban}-, graduating in November, 1866. Two of those professors were Ira Harris, then United States Senator, and Amasa J. Parker, both distinguished jurists. Judge Parker was a stanch friend. * Among those classmates were a number who have risen to distinction. William McKinlej", now

President, being the most widely known. Mr. ■r: : -'- ?. member of t^~ "'--es. whicii any talented yc ^ ~ and was

caosen xresident of the Saiuiuay Evemng Congress, a society for general debate, numbering the foremost of those ambitious law stndents. although a majority differed from him in pwlitics.

After graduating at the Law School, Mr. Cook was urged to spend the winter of 1S66 and 1S67 at Etover, X. J., to attend to the law practice of a prominent lawyer, who had jast been elected to the Legislature, and who :n-

him as a partner; :e along the Hudson, Mr. Cook sett 1 .y. 1S67, at Fish-kill-on-the-Hudson. where he has since been

sisted on his remaining with but having resolved : ^

actively engaged in widely known in the r -c - tnd advr -- re or les-

all the courts. He is profession. He is both "" - ' ~is had many c. in which he has met with a marked success. He has al-wa3"S been painstaking and laborious in obtaining fully the facts from his clients, and has been untiring in his efforts to look up the law. with a detemiination to state his cases in clear arguments to judge and jur\'.

Mr. Cook has been deeply interested in the duties of a citizen, and is pronounced in his political views, being attached firmly to the principles of the Democratic party, which he has never failed to ur^ in public speech; but he has never allowed political questions to be discussed in his office, believing that those who differ from him politically should not be annoyed by fruitless discussions, when business should have undivided attention; with that reasonable tolerance for the opinions of others they have shown a like generosity and the result has been that he has as many clients in the opposite party as in his own. He has never held public office, feeling it is better for a lawyer to give himself wholly to his professional duties. To gratify a number in his pally, he was a candidate, in 1SS6, for the Legislature, when he made a strong canvass against great odds; but was not elected. At that time he had a warm letter from George William Curtis, approving of his independent coarse. Mr. Curtis mentioned him ver\" honorably afterward in an editorial in •• Harper"s Weekly, " commending him to the whole country-. He has not clung to his party when he has been satisfied that the candidate was unfit for office, and he was a delegate to the famous

tkm

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Syracuse Convention, when independents met ifl opposition to leading men among tiieir for-itter political friends, from whom thej' differed ih regard to political action growing out of the contest which resulted in seating Senator Osborne after the miscount in Dutchess county. Mr. Cook at once disapproved of that course in a public letter, widely published, and also, as to the later candidacy of Maynard for Judge of the Court of Appeals, who became involved ih that controversy, and who was overwhelmingly defeated. In 1896 Mr. Cook was again a candidate for the Assembly, with no hope of success, being among those in his party who would not support the majority in his party, on account of the financial question, and the Un-democratic platform, as he terms it, and independently gave aid to the Republican candidate for President, as Mr. Cook did directly for patriotic motives.

Mr. Cook has always been interested in historical matters, especially those relating to our Colonial and Constitutional history, has dorresponded with leading historical scholars, and given many historical addresses and papers before public assemblies. He is now first vice-President of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highland, is a member (or fellow) of the American Geographical Society, and has been connected with other societies. He has been an occasional contributor t'o the press. In his own town he has never failed to take an active and decided part in public matters. At one time he was a village trustee, and for several years was President of the Board of Education, and sought most Earnestly to have the course of study enlarged, that it might compare favorably with the best public-school instruction in the State, and furnish those children, who could not attend academies and colleges with opportunities to become good scholars, if so inclined. An improvement in that direction is now seen. He is also an officer of the Reformed Church, with which he has long been connected. *

' Mr. Cook was married, soon after coming io Fishkill, to an estimable young lady in New Jersey, whom he had known from boyhood. Her father was a bank president, and his brother, himself and two sons were State Senators. She died some twenty years ago, leaving a son, Pierre Frederic Cook, who graduated at Princeton in 1892. He was afterward a student in the New York Law School, and under his father's direction and advice read law in the

office of the late Governor Bedle of Jersey City. He has been admitted to the bar, and has before him very good professional prospects. •

E>LMER DANIEL GILDERSLEEVE, a ./ leading merchant of Poughkeepsie, was

born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, July II, 1846, son of Smith J. and Rachel (Alger) Gildersleeve, and is of Scottish descent.

Henry Gildersleeve, the grandfather of our subject, was born February 13, 1765, at Hempstead, L. I., and after his marriage with Eunice Smith (who was born April 16, 1766) he settled on a farm in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. In politics he was a Whig, in religious faith a Quaker. His family comprised eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Elizabeth, September 5, 1788; Mary, October 5, 1790; Phcebe, January 28, 1793; Sarah, September 30, 1795.; Henry, October 16, 1797; Ruth, August 27, 1800; Jane, November 29, 1805; and Smith J., August 21, 1809. Of these, Phcebe married a Mr. Gurney, a farmer of Saratoga county, N. Y.; Sarah became the wife of Edward White, a farmer in the town of Chatham, Columbia county; Henry became a farmer in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia county; Ruth married Leonard Sackett, a farmer of Dutchess county; and Jane married and went west, where she died.

Smith J. Gildersleeve, the youngest in the above-named family, and the father of our subject, was born August 21, 1809, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and was reared on his father's farm. He married Miss Rachel Alger, who was born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, daughter of Daniel Alger (born July 26, 1773) and his wife Hannah (born March 5, 17821. Mr. Alger in religious faith was a Universalist, by occupation a hatter. Four children were born to him and his wife, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Ann, April ii, 1804; Stephen, March 5, 1807; Belinda, June 13, 1810; and Rachel, February 16, 1816. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith J. Gildersleeve were born five children, as follows: (i) Belinda, born in 1838, married Robert Halstead, a farmer in the town of Clinton, and died in 1865; (2) Henry C, born in 1840, died in infancy; (3) Henry A., born August i, 1840, resides in New York

L

U^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

105

City, and is a judge of the supreme court, Ijeing the youngest man ever elected to that office in the city [See sketch of him elsewhere]; (4) Frank Van Buren, born in 1842, is a physician in New York City. (These two brothers, Henry A. and Frank Van B., served in the Civil war, and took part in many of the iniportant battles, including that of Gettysburg, Henry returning with the rank of major); and (s) Elmer Daniel, the subject proper of this memoir, born July 11, 1846.

Smith J. Gildersleeve followed farming most of his life. He was a member of the Republican party, but sympathized strongly with the Prohibitionists as he was an ardent advocate of temperance. At one time there was a combined effort of the " Washingtonians" (as the temperance people were called) to put their men into office, and Mr. Gildersleeve being one of the leaders was instrumental in electing their ticket. During the campaign he delivered a number of lectures on the subject of temperance at which he would sing, and his sweet notes were so effective that many signed the pledge under the influence of his music. In matters of religion he was a Quaker by Ipirth, but having married outside the Society he was "disowned," and afterward became a prominent member of the Christian denomination at Stanfordville, during which time he was a member of the building committee of a new church erected at Schultzville, within one mile of his birthplace—the only church in that locality. After coming to Poughkeepsie he joined the M. E. Church; but all along he faithfully held to the faith of his fathers, attending the Friends meetings during the later years of his life. He died in 1881, in Brooklyn, N. Y.; his wife had passed away in 1864.

Elmer D. Gildersleeve, whose name intro-(jiuces this sketch, spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Clinton, where he attended the district school, finishing his education at the Claverack Institute, in Columbia county. In 1866 he came to Poughkeepsie, and was employed as a clerk in the general store of Trowbridge & Co., remaining with them for a year. He was next employed in the shoe store of Charles Eastmead for a year, at the end of which time he went into the shoe business with his father at No. 361 Main street. This they carried on for a year when they sold out to D. L. Heaton, our subject taking the management of the business for him, and remaining in charge of it for twelve years. In 1886, Mr.

Gildersleeve formed a partnership with Benson Van Vliet under the firm name of E. D. Gildersleeve & Co., and they are still carrying on the shoe business at No. 314 Main street, where they have the largest and finest establishment of the kind between New York and Albany.

Mr. Gildersleeve is a prominent member of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, in which he was made a minister June 22, 1879. He has preached many sermons, and is always in request at funeral services, and in many ways takes an active interest in religious matters. He is a member of the Representative Meeting of the New York yearly meeting of Friends, which is the legislative bodj^ of the Church, and one of the oldest members of the Evangelistic Committee, which has charge of the Evangelistic work of the Church. He is also a member of the Y. M. C. A., of Poughkeepsie, of which he was vice-president for four years, and one of the board of directors for twelve years. He has devoted much time and labor to this cause, for which he has a deep affection; and in all good works he can always be relied on for substantial aid and sympathy, devoting as he does a great deal of time to visiting the sick and afflicted, and especially the aged and infirm. In business circles he holds high rank as a man of undoubted integrity, excellent judgment and progressive spirit, and has a large circle of warm personal friends. He is a member of the Board of Trade, also of the Retail Merchants Association, and believes in enterprise and progress. On September i, 1869, Mr. Gildersleeve was married to Miss Phcebe Haviland, who was born at Clinton Corners, Dutchess county, and eight children have been born to them, namely: (i) Frank (deceased); (2) Alexander Haviland, engaged in manufacturing business; (3) William Davenport, an invalid, the result of service in the U. S. Regular Army, being one of the youngest of the United States pensioners (he resides with his parents); (4) Virginia Crocheron, a graduate of the Poughkeepsie High School, class of '95, at present devoting herself to the profession of voice culture (she has a soprano voice of great compass, sweetness and expression, and takes rank as one of the leading vocalists of the county: she is at present serving her second year as soloist of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie); (5) Elmer Daniel, Jr., a young man of much promise, who is now preparing for college in a Friends institute at Westtown,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOEAPIIICAL RECORD.

Penn., near Philadelphia; (6) Henry Alger (deceased); (7) Edith Haviland; and (8) Roger Morton. Mrs. Gildersleeve, one of the most highly educated women of the county, and a great reader, is possessed of superior mental caliber and conversational powers to a marked degree; and withal is a most devoted wife and mother, her first thought being of her children and the welfare of her family. In earlier life she possessed more than ordinary efficiency as an elocutionist, having completed a course in that art at Cook's Institute, Poughkeepsie.

Isaac Haviland, the grandfather of Mrs. Gildersleeve, married Miss Lydia Weaver, and shortly afterward settled on a farm at Quaker Hill, Dutchess county. They had nine children: Joseph, Daniel P., Isaac, Alexander Y., Jacob, Abraham, Charlotte, Sarah and Lydia Ann. The Havilands are of French-Huguenot stock, and possess a family crest; but the family in America are all members of the Society of F"riends. Daniel, the second son of this family, married Lilias Aiken.

Alexander Y. Haviland, father of Mrs. Gildersleeve, was born August 25, 1814, at Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, and was reared to manhood on the home farm, and on August 8, 1S44, he married Judith M. Griffen, who was born January 11, 1814, in Westchester county, N. Y., a daughter of Daniel Griffen (born in 1790, in the same county), and Phoebe Davenport Griffen. They settled on a farm at North Castle, where they reared a family of nine children: MaryD., Judith M. (mother of Mrs. Gildersleeve), Abigail, Esther H., Elihu, William D., Jacob, Catherine E. and Lydia S. About 1824, Daniel Griffen removed to Clinton Corners with his family, and spent the remainder of his life on a farm at that place. He died August 26, 1858, and his wife, on June 11, 1874. The Griffen family is of English and Welsh descent, and the great-great-grandfather, Elihu Griffen, was born in Westchester county, N. Y. After their marriage Alexander Haviland and his wife located on a farm at Clinton Corners, where two children were born to them: Lydia P., who died September 23, i860, at the age of fifteen years; and Phcebe, wife of our subject. Mr. Haviland followed farming until his death, which took place May 29, 1853, after which his wife disposed of the property and removed to Poughkeepsie, where her daughter was educated and subsequently married. The mother is still living at the good old age of eighty-

three years, and she and her brother Jacob, of Clinton Corners, are the only two survivors of this Griffen family.

COL. HENRY ALGER GILDERSLEEVE was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., August I, 1840. His early life was spent on his father's farm and in attendance at the district school. When fifteen years of age he attended boarding school, and from that time up to the breaking out of the Civil war was either at school or engaged in teaching, that he might acquire funds with which to pursue his studies. He recruited for the 150th Regiment, N. Y. S. V. Infantry, and was mustered in as captain of Company C, October 11, 1S62. He served with his regiment in the Middle Department, under Gen. Wool, and subsequently in the Army of the Potomac, in which, with his regiment, he participated in the battle of Gettysburg and in the subsequent campaigns in Maryland and \'irginia.

After several months of special duty, Capt. Gildersleeve, in June, 1864, rejoined his regiment at Kenesaw Mountain, where it was attached to the First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, at that time commanded by Maj.-Gen. Hooker, and forming a part of the command of Gen. Sherman, then engaged in fighting its way to Atlanta. He served in Sherman's army until the close of the war, participating in numerous battles and skirmishes, and making the famous march with Sherman to the sea. He was made provost marshal of the First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps, on the staff of Gen. Williams, of Michigan. His duties as provost marshal were delicate, responsible and arduous. They were discharged, however, in a manner which met the approval of his superior. He was pr^omoted to the rank of major of his regiment, and brevetted lieutenant-colonel U. S. v., by President Lincoln, "for gallant and meritorious service in the campaigns of Georgia and the Carolinas." When mustered out of service, in June, 1865, he chose the law as his profession, and in the autumn of that year entered the Columbia College Law School. Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, then at the head of the Law School, in a letter written to the Army of the Cumberland, referring to Col. Gildersleeve, who had become famous as a rifieman, through the successful achievements in Great Britain and

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Ireland, in 1875, of the American rifle team, of which he was captain, used the following language: " In Col. Gildersleeve I feel an especial interest, as I had the honor of giving him by personal attention his introduction to the science of law, and could have predicted the precision of his ritle from the accuracy and steadiness of his aim while going through his legal drill."

Col. Gildersleeve was admitted to the bar in 1866, and from that time until his elevation to the bench, in 1875, he was a hard-working and successful lawyer in the Citv of New York. The duties of his profession did not wean him entirely from his fondness for military life. In 1870 he was unanimously chosen lieutenant-colonel of the 12th Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., and took a keen interest in his military duties, and in promoting the success of the regiment. He subsequently became assistant adjutant general and chief of staff in the First Division of the National Guard of the State of New York, with the rank of colonel, which position he held for more than twelve years. He was honored with the appointment, by Governor Dix, of General Inspector of Rifle Practice, and was once elected colonel of the Ninth Regiment, both of which high positions he declined in order that he might remain at the head of the staff of the First Division. In civil life he attracted considerable favorable comment as a lecturer and as an agreeable, forcible and interesting speaker. In 1875 he was elected judge of the Court of General Sessions of the City of New York, and for fourteen years sat upon the bench of that court, disposing of an immense number of criminal cases of every kind and description. He always tempered justice with mercy, and his record as a criminal judge is excellent. He is now in his fourth year of service on the civil bench, as judge of the Superior Court of the City of New York, and has upward of eleven years of service still before him. Under the new amendments to the constitution he will become judge of the Supreme Court, January i, 1896.

Judge Gildersleeve is now (November, 1894) in the prime of life, blessed with perfect health and iron constitution. With a past so varied and eventful, he has still many years of usefulness before him. He is a tall, strong and heavily-built man, of dignified and rather reserved bearing, but with manners of unvarying courtesy and kindness. He still finds some time in which to indulge his fondness for out-

door sports, and is frequently seen at athletic games. A tramp over the hills, or through the swamps, wherever game can be found, with dog and gun, is his favorite pastime. While he has no longer the skill with the rifle that he possessed in earlier years, he is still a master with the shotgun. The frequent allusions to the fame which he acquired as a rifleman, to which he is called upon to listen, always afford him much pleasure. It was truly said by a prominent editorial writer that though Judge Gildersleeve might live to write some of the best judicial opinions reported, they would drop into insignificance when compared with his fame as a rifleman. A prominent man, who had been a political opponent of Judge Gildersleeve, once said of him that his principal characteristics were his evenness of temper, his kindness of heart and his fidelity lo his friends. [From Report of the Annual Reunion and Dinner of the Old Guard Association of the Twelfth Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., April 21, 1894.]

LEWIS BAKER (deceased). Perhaps no man was ever known better, or known for a longer term of years in one community than was Lewis Baker, late of the town of Beek-man, Dutchess county. Born in that town June 4, 1792, he grew to manhood there, and at the age of twenty-one years married Sarah Allen, daughter of a farmer of the town of Pawling, and began farming for himself by purchasing forty-eight acres of land, where he and his wife lived, in the same house, for over fifty years.

With a debt of $1,250.00 this energetic young man started, having good health and the aid of a loving wife, to clear himself of this incumbrance through his own hard toil. Always honest, sober, reliable and industrious, and with the success which surely accompanies a disposition like his, he not only paid for his first farm, but eventually purchased adjoining farms until he had a solid body of 400 acres of choice farming land, which was all paid for, well stocked and in good condition. Every acre was paid for without aid from outside source of any nature, but from the fruits of hard, honest labor as a farmer, having never made a dollar from speculation in his life. Although he lived far beyond the allotted limits of man's life, his clear, bright, honest eye was undimmed, and his wonted expression of self-reliance was never lost. At the age of ninety-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

three years he could take his " section " after the reaper, and bind seventy sheaves of rye in one hour—as he did in the season of 1885; or he could walk a distance of five or ten miles as quickly as most men who were but half his age.

Notwithstanding the lack of early educational advantages, he could write a letter which for style and correctness would be envied by rnany who have all the advantages of modern schools, and his sterling worth and good judgment are clearl}' shown by the high esteem in which he was held b}- the neighbors, among whom he had lived all his life, and by the evidence that the people of his town called upon him to serve them as justice of the peace consecutively for over a quarter of a century. He was their steadfast friend, advisor and counsellor in every emergency. As the Farm Journal, in its June issue, 1886, says: "He has a record of which anj- man may be proud, and we are proud to show his likeness to all our one million readers."

He had five sons, one of whom died young, and another, William, who died in 1885 in Illinois, where he had become a prosperous farmer; the other three, Alexander A., Cyrus and Nicholas, are still alive, and for old men are remarkably hale and hearty, which goes to show the healthy methods which our old friend instilled in the minds of his children. Ale.x-ander A. is a resident of Poughkeepsie, and until late years has followed the vocation of farming, and now at over eighty years of age is still vigorous and alert. Nicholas is an attorney located in the state of Connecticut, and Cyrus is a resident of Highland Falls, Orange county, this State.

The death of his loving wife, after fifty-five years of wedded life, made Mr. Baker's home seem desolate, and he subsequently divided his property among his children, and spent the remainder of his life with them alternately.

Mr. Baker's ancestors are said, on good authority, to have come from England in the ," Mayflower," and settled in New England, but his father was a resident of the old town of I3eekman.

Mr. Baker belonged to the sect of Friends, and his Quaker views were exemplified in his daily life. He was a man who never used vile language, was at all times kind and thoughtful for others, always a strong advocate for justice and peace between man and man. Honest in every relation, his word was as good

anywhere as a bond. He was, indeed, a man whose memory should be honored, and this world would be better had it more of a like character. He died at the city of Poughkeepsie January 12, 1894, at the remarkable age of 102 years, and was buried in Rural Cemetery, leaving three of his children, many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren to mourn the loss of a father and good and wise counselor. Among the descendants who mourned his loss is his grandson'and namesake, Lewis Baker, the well-known attorney and counselor of Poughkeepsie.

ILLIAM THACHER REYNOLDS,

senior member of the well-known

firm of Reynolds & Cramer, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a descendant in the ninth generation of one of the earliest settlers of Rhode Island—William Reynolds, who was a signer of the original Providence compact in 1637,-and who there is every reason to think was an offshoot of the manorial family of Reignoldes of Suffolk.

This pioneer had a son, James, who was a resident of Kingston, R. I., where he died in 1700. He and his w^ife, Deborah, had a son, Francis, of Kingston, who was born October 22. 1633, and died in 1722. He married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Anthony) Greene, and granddaughter of John Greene, M. D., of Salisbury, Wiltshire. England, whose father was Richard Greene, Esq., of Bowridge Hall, Gillingham, Dorsetshire, England. They had a son, Peter, a resident of North Kingston, who had a son, John, born in 1721, and died there in October, 1804. He married .Anne, daughter of ^^'illiam and .\nne (Stone) Utter, and widow of Benjamin Greene. Their son, William, of North Kingston, who was born July 19, 1753, died October 4, 1841. He married E*aster Reynolds, his secr ond cousin, through John, James and Francis. He was commissioned ensign of the First company of North Kingston in June, 1775, and performed about two years' active service during the Revolutionary war, for which he was pensioned in 1832. His son, James, our subject's grandfather, born in North Kingston, R. I., April 7, 1777, moved to Poughkeepsie about 1800, and followed the occupation of ship carpenter until he established a store at Upper Landing, which formed the nucleus of the extensive business now conducted bv our

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECOUD.

109

subject. He was a leading citizen of his time, and was instrumental in a great degree in the early development of the city, then a mere village. A Quaker in religious faith, he displayed strong moral qualities joined to perfect liberality as to doctrinal points. His strictly temperate habits have been followed by all his descendants without exception, and the family have been noted for the qualities which constitute good citizenship, although they have never taken any active part in politics. He was married February 22, 1803, to Elizabeth Winans, daughter of James and Joanna (De-Graff) Winans, and granddaughter of James and Sarah Winans, of Pine Plains, and John De Graff, of Poughkeepsie, who was a descendant in the third generation of Jean and Mary (Lawrence) le Comte, of Harlem, 1674, de Graaff being a Dutch corruption of the French le Comte.

Their son, William Winans Reynolds, our subject's father, received his education in Poughkeepsie, and at an early age engaged in his father's business, to which he and his brother James succeeded. A man of well-trained intellect, great energy and sound business judgment, he developed the trade of the house extensively, making it the leading one of its line along the river. From 1840 to 1872 the business was the embodiment of his own ideas and abilities, owing to his brother's ill health and distaste for commercial life. He was an active and prominent member of the Washington Street M. E. Church, serving many years on the board of trustees, to which his brother also belonged. Mr. Reynolds was married September 10, 1833, to Phebe Amanda Thacher (daughter of Rev. William Thacher, who was descended from Colonel and Hon. John Thacher, of Yarmouth, Mass., who served in King Philip's war, and was for many years a member of the Governor's council. Rev. William Thacher's maternal grandfather was Thomas Fitch, Governor and Chief Justice of Connecticut), by whom he had six children: Martha T. (Mrs. William D. Murphy), Catherine R. (Mrs. Aaron Innis), Mary Louisa (the widow of Walter C. Allen), William T. (our subject), Hannah M., and Clarence James (now a partner of the firm of Reynolds & Cramer).

The subject of our sketch was born in Poughkeepsie, December 20, 1838, was educated in the public schools there, and has always been identified with the interests of the

city. At the age of sixteen he began working in his father's wholesale store, taking a place "at the foot of the ladder," and working up by degrees until he had familiarized himself with every branch of the business. He has inherited the excellent qualities which made his father and grandfather useful and honored citizens, and he has well maintained the credit of the Reynolds name in religious, social and commercial life.

On July 6, 1864, William T. Reynolds was married to Miss Louise Smith, and they have two children: Harris Smith Reynolds, born May 19, 1865, also a member of the firm of Reynolds & Cramer, and May Louise Reynolds, born July 5, 1873. Our subject being a conservative Republican, has never taken an active part in politics, but is possessed of strong convictions, and great courage and independence in supporting any cause he believes to be right. He holds many important positions of honor and trust in the community, to wit: President of the board of trustees of the Washington Street M. E. Church; president of the Vassar Brothers Home for Aged Men; trustee of the Old Ladies Home; trustee of the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery; director of the Fallkill National Bank and the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank.

WALTER C. HULL, well-known in Dutchess and surrounding counties as

a prominent and highly popular attorney at law, with offices at No. 52 Market street, Poughkeepsie, is a native of that city, born July 4, 1857.

Mr. Hull was educated in part at private schools in Poughkeepsie, afterward attending McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and Harvard, his law studies being completed in Columbia College Law School, from which latter institution he graduated in 1880. Such a thorough education would naturally combine to accelerate the development of his character, and the furtherance of his future prospects. Since 1880 he has resided and practiced his profession in Poughkeepsie, his specialty being real-estate law and surrogate practice, though he has taken some general practice. During the years 1893-94 he was associated with Ira Shafer, of New York, but with this exception he has had no office partner.

George D. Hull, father of our subject, was born February 6, 1821. In 1850 he married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Miss Mary E. Cluctt, who was connected with the Adams family, of Boston, and children as follows were born to them: Louise M. and Walter C. The father died in i 886, the mother in 1883.

Walter C. Hull was married, in 18S2, to Adele M. Fonda, who died April 5, 1893, leaving two children: Crosby Livingston, and Carlton, born in 1885 and 1890 respectively. Mr. Hull, socially, is a member of the Amrita and Dutchess Clubs, of the Veteran Firemen's Association, Poughkeepsie Gun Club, and of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Republican, and has served on the Civil Service Commission of Poughkeepsie. He is one of the most prosperous attorneys in his native city, and his fame as an erudite and accomplished scholar, a ripe lawyer and a close student of political economv is not confined to Poughkeepsie and Dutchess county, but extends throughout the entire State.

C\HARLES A. HOPKINS, an able young 1 attorney of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., has made unusually rapid advancement in his profession, his success in dilTicult cases having already won for him an enviable standing. He is a native of Dutchess county, and was born in Stormville October 20, 1S64, the son of Benjamin Hopkins, Esq., a well-known and highly-respected citizen of that place, whose biography appears elsewhere.

Our subject attended the common schools of his native town until the age of seventeen, when he entered the employ of Thomas O'Don-nell, a contractor in the construction of the New York & New England railroad, as timekeeper; was with him several months in the summer of 1881, and in the following winter entered the Eastman National Business College at Poughkeepsie, graduating May 2, 1882. On the 31st of the same month he entered the law office of Hackett & \\'illiams, and was a student there until he passed the examination for admission to the bar at the General Term at Brooklyn, in September, 1885, about one month before he became of age. After his admission to the bar he remained with Hackett & Williams as managing clerk under salary until January i, 18S9, when he commenced active practice of law at Poughkeepsie for himself at No. 4 Garden street, corner of Main, and he has continued in practice at that place to date. Mr. Hopkins has a general practice,

and is attorney for several estates. Some time ago he brought an action to compel the Poughkeepsie Bridge Co. to open up the bridge for foot passengers, in compliance with the act creating the company, and defining its powers and duties. This was one of his most notable cases. For five or six years he has been attor-ne)' for the State Game and Fish Protection Commission for the Third District of the State of New York. Mr. Hopkins was elected Justice of the Peace for the City of Poughkeepsie in November, 1890, his term expiring January I, 1895; his decisions in this office were never reversed. Mr. Hopkins is a Democrat in politics, and has always taken quite an active interest in his party. In 1894 he was the candidate for City Recorder, and ran about 300 . ahead of his ticket; but, as it was the year of the Republican tidal wave, he was not elected.

In 1S95 he was candidate for the Assembly in the Second Assembly District of Dutchess county, and again ran ahead of his ticket. Socially, he is a member of the K. of P., Triumph Lodge No. 165, and of the Dutchess Social Club. He was married October 18, 188S, to Mary Eno Stewart, daughter of Walter Stewart, a leading farmer in Clinton, Dutchess county, and by this union there are two sons: Frank Stewart, born August 18, 1889, and Ralph Adriance, born January 31, 1S92.

The Hopkins family is of English origin, and the head of the American branch came over on the "Mayflower." They were Hick-site Quakers in religious faith. Benjamin Hopkins, our subject's great-grandfather, was a native of Rhode Island, and in earl}' life was engaged in the coasting trade; but after his marriage to Sarah Palmer and the destruction of his property by the British, which happened soon afterward, he came to Dutchess county in 1779, and bought 400 acres of land in the town of East Fishkill, where he passed his remaining years as a farmer. He had eight children, among whom was John Hopkins, our subject's grandfather, who was born at the old farm September 6, 1779, and also became a farmer. In 1819 he married Miss Mary Brill, daughter of John and Hannah (Cornell) Brill, both natives of Dutchess county. Four children were born of this union: Benjamin, Gilbert P., Solomon P., and Sarah P. (Mrs. S. B. Knox). John Hopkins was prominent as a Whig, and served the public interests with great credit in several town offices. He was a

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPEICAL RECORD.

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Friend, but his wife was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and both proved the sincerity of their faith by their devoted Christian lives.

Benjamin Hopkins, our subject's father, remained at home until the age of sixteen, when he entered school at Poughkeepsie. After four years of study, he engaged in teaching, and also traveled extensively in the State. In 1842 he went into mercantile business at Low Point, Dutchess county, but in the following year he became the owner of the old homestead, purchasing the interests of the other heirs. He has 290 acres of excellent land, and has been mainly engaged in general farming, but he now makes a specialty of the dairy business. On December 6, 1844, he married Miss Eliza Montfort, a native of Beekman township, Dutchess county, by whom he had five children: Cornelia (Mrs. John Taber), of Dover township, Dutchess county; Phoebe, deceased, who never married; Sarah (Mrs. William H. Ogden), of Kansas Cit}', Mo.; Loda V. (Mrs. John Ogden), of the same city; and John G., a business man of Chicago. The mother of the family died October, 1859, and subsequently Mr. Hopkins married Miss Margaret Lasher, a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and daughter of Jacob Lasher. Seven children were born of this union: Charles A. (our subject), Benjamin, Mary, Harry W., IBertha M., and George and Edith M. (twins). Benjamin Hopkins is a successful auctioneer, and has followed the business for thirty years in addition to his other pursuits. In politics he was a Whig in early years, and later a Democrat, and he has repeatedly held the highest official positions in his township, his faithful discharge of every duty deepening the esteem and confidence of the people.

WILLIAM JAMES CONKLIN, M. D., of Fishkill, Dutchess county, is one of the

most prominent members of the medical fraternity of this section, more than a quarter of a century having been given by him to the successful practice of this noble calling.

The Conklin family has been long known in the vicinity of Cornwall, N. Y., the Doctor's grandfather, David Conklin, having been a leading resident there for many years. Before the days of railroads, David Conklin removed to Elmira, N. Y., where he spent his last days. The late Dr. Peter Elting Conklin,

our subject's father, who was born in 1809, followed his profession at Cornwall for thirty years, and had an extensive practice. He married Miss Sarah M. Slater (whose ancestor in the country was one of the " Mayflower's " passengers), a native of Poughkeep-sie, born in 1808, and had six children, of whom three died in childhood; the eldest, Cornelia P., married Henry B. Breed, of Cornwall; and Sarah Louise resides in New York City. Both parents are deceased, the father dying August 17, 1867, and the mother on April 3, 1886.

Dr. Conklin was born at Cornwall, N. Y., January 28, 1846, and after attending the public schools there for some time spent three years in the Cornwall Collegiate Institute, and two years in Madison (now Colgate) University, at Hamilton, N. Y. He then took a course in the Eastman Business College at Pough-keepsie, and followed mercantile pursuits for a time; but in 1867 he began the study of medicine, and in 1870 was graduated from the medical Department of the University of the City of New York. On March 17, 1870, he opened his office in the village of Fishkill, where he has built up a large practice. For five years he was health officer of the town, and for six years was one of the coroners of the county. His standing among his professional brethren is high; he has been a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society for twenty-five years, and a permanent member of the State Medical Society for ten years.

He is actively interested also in local affairs of a non-professional nature, and at present is a director of the First National Bank of Fishkill Landing, and a trustee of the Fishkill Savings Institute. His sympathies are always on the side of progress, and he is an earnest supporter of the free-school system, is now, and has been for fourteen consecutive years, a member of the board of education of Fishkill, and for a time its president. He is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M., and of Hudson River Lodge No. 57, K. of P. On May 27, 1875, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Barbra E. B. Walcott, daughter of Halsey F. and Jane H. (Bogardus) Walcott, prominent residents of Fishkill, of whom further mention will be made. Three children were born to them, of whom one died in childhood; William E. is now a student in Cornell University, at Ithaca, N. Y.; and Clarence J. is attending school at Cazenovia Seminary, Cazenovia, New York.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGEAPmCAL RECOHA

Halsey F. Walcott is a well-known business man of Fishkill^one of the oldest now actively engaged in commercial life in Dutchess county. His well-preserved energies and ripened judgment make him a valued adviser, and aside from the management of his hardware store he is interested in some of the most important enterprises in his town. He was born May i, 1817, at Cumberland, R. I., the old home of his family. His grandfather, Dr. Jabez Walcott, was a leading physician and surgeon of his day in that locality, and his son, Abijah Walcott (father of Halsey F. Walcott), passed an honored life there, dying at the age of si.xty-seven. He married Miss Sophia Smith, daughter of Rev. Jonathan Smith, a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and a pastor of the Baptist Church, who preached for sixty years, his life being prolonged to the old age of ninety-four years. Halsey F. was the eldest of four children, the others being: Angeline, the wife of Rev. T. W. Clark, a Baptist minister, and a chaplain in the army during the Civil war, now residing in Boston; and \\'illiam and Sophia, both now deceased.

Halsey F. Walcott attended the public schools of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In 1S46 he married Miss Jane Bogardus, whose father, the late Joseph Bogardus, owned and conducted the "Union Hotel" at Fishkill, which was destroyed by fire in 1872, and after his death, which occurred February 3, 1859, Mr. Walcott continued the business until 1863. He then sold the hotel, and after four years of retirement from business life, purchased the hardware store of Charles Owen, which he has ever since conducted. He was a director of the First National Bank of F"ishkill, and trustee of the Savings Bank at Fishkill, and has been a trustee of the Fishkill Cemetery Association for years, and is now its president. As a progressive citizen, he has taken great interest in educational matters, serving as a member of the board of education for a number of years, and for part of the time as its president. In politics he is a Republican; he was town clerk for two years, justice of the peace some twenty years, postmaster for four years, and has held many minor offices, such as town auditor, etc. He is the oldest member of Beacon Lodge, F. & A. M., with which he united forty-one years ago, and he formerly belonged to the I. O. O. F.

Mrs. Walcott's father was a direct descend-

ant of Everardus Bogardus, the first clergyman in the New Netherlands. Her mother, whose maiden name was Barbra Moffat, of Paterson, N. J., was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the granddaughter of Lady Barbra Gil-more. Of the two children that have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walcott, one died in youth, and the other, Barbra Etta, is nbw the'wife of Dr. W. J. Conklin, of Fishkill. ■

r-ALTER FERRIS TABER. the subject of this sketch, is descended from ancestry antedating the settlement of this country as shown by the familj' Coat of Arms, whose motto "Virtue alone ennobles" carried the stamp of character.

The Tabers were among the early settlers in the Massachusetts Colony, and Thomas Ta-ber (great-grandfather of our subject), born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1732, and his wife, Annetheresa, came on horseback from Rhode Island to Dutchess county, in 1760, and located upon a grant of land of 500 acres obtained from King George III, on Quaker Hill in the town of Pawling, a tract known as the "Oblong." They had two sons, William and Jeremiah (and several daughters), the latter son remaining upon the farm during his life. [For a more extended account see sketch of Geo. K. Taber.] He married Delilah Russell, a native of the town of Dover, and had six children: Russell, a farmer in Dover; Thomas, a farmer, first in Dutchess county and later in Broome county; John, who died in childhood; William, our subject's father; Harriet, who married Jonathan Akin, a farmer in Pawling; and Eliza, who married Joseph Carpenter, a farmer in Westchester county.

William Taber, our subject's father, was born at the old homestead December 10, 1796, and always resided there until his death in 1863. He was a Democrat, and a birthright member of the Society of Friends. He married Eliza Sherman, a native of Quaker Hill, born March 19, 1803, and died February 5, 1841, a daughter of Abiel Sherman (one of the stalwart family of nine sons that averaged six feet in height, and were the terror of the Tories in the Revolutionary war), whose ancestry traces back on the same lines with Gen. T. W. Sherman and Senator John Sherman of Ohio. He was a prominent man, and member of the State Legislature. Four children were born of this union: Eliza, who died in infancy;

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113

William H., who now owns and occupies the old farm; Walter F., the subject of this sketch; and George A., who died at the age of six years. The father died in 1863, the mother on February 20, 1840.

Walter F. Taber was born October 29, 1830, and attended the schools of his native town until he was fourteen years of age, after which he attended boarding schools during the winter terms for five successive years in Washington, Dutchess county, and in Sherman and Warren, in Connecticut, afterward teaching, one winter, a public school, and having charge ofthe Willets Boarding School in Washington, Dutchess county, for 'one winter. Having a natural taste for mechanics, while remaining upon his father's farm, he made and repaired many farm implements, and after using one of the f^rst mowing machines that was invented, which was driven by one wheel, he saw the necessity for improvement, and after much study and trial devised the first iiiozuing machine that zuas ever placed upon two driving zvhee/s and having a hinged cutter bar that could be raised or lozoercd by a lever zohile riding the machine. The model of said machine is in the Patent Office at Washington. This was when Mr. Taber was but nineteen years of age. Like many other inventors, he failed to secure the benefits of his invention, but it made him an efficient agent for the well-known Buckeye mower, which he sold for sixteen years after leaving his father's farm, which he did at the age of twenty-four years to engage in mercantile business with his brother, William H. Taber, at Pawling Station, where he resided for about sixteen years.

On February 16, 1859, Walter F. Taber was married to Miss Mary Emma Arnold, daughter of Dr. Benjamin F. Arnold, a prominent physician of Pawling and a descendant of one of the pioneer settlers, the family being, like the Tabers, of English origin. One son was born of this union, Franklin A. Taber, who is engaged with his father in his present business.

Mr. Taber has been a member of the Society of Friends for many years; is treasurer of the Society, and was superintendent of the Sabbath-school for a number of years. Politically he was formerly a Democrat, but for several years past has been an advocate of Prohibition and working with that party, and its candidate for both State and Congressional honors.

On June 27, 1870, Mr. Taber moved from

Pawling to his present residence, which he had previously purchased, one of the old landmarks, formerly known as the Judge Sweet place, now known as " LakeviewFruit Farm," a short distance outside the limits of the city of Poughkeepsie, where he has since resided. For nearly twenty years he has been devoting his attention to the cultivation of all kinds of fruits, making a specialty of small fruits, and sparing no labor or expense in preparing the soil and producing fruits of high quality that should find ready sale in both home and distant markets. He is an authority upon his specialty, and a contributor to the horticultural papers. He has given addresses on fruit culture at many of the State Farmers Institutes, and at the annual meeting of the Western New York Horticultural Society in Rochester in February, 1895, of which Society he is a member. He is also one of the promoters of the Eastern New York Horticultural Society, and its present vice-president. For nine years he has been connected with the Dutchess County Farmers Club, and its president for most of that time. With a desire to contribute something to help mankind, he is ever trying some experiment or making some improvement whereby to arrive at the most successful results and contribute to the general good by freely giving of such knowledge as he may have acquired in his particular line of horticulture.

ISAAC HAVILAND (deceased). The sub-_ ject of this sketch was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, February 28, 1812, and was the son of Isaac and Lydia (Weaver) Haviland. After marrying, Isaac Haviland, Sr., settled on a farm on Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, where he followed farming and reared the following children: Isaac our subject; Joseph, a farmer in Washington town; Daniel, who was a farmer and minister; Jacob, who was a farmer in the town of Poughkeepsie; Abram, who farmed in Pawling; Charlotte, married to Alfred Moore, a farmer and Hicksite (Quaker) minister; Sarah, who died unmarried; Lydia A., who became the wife of John Martin, a farmer, and Alexander, who was a farmer at Clinton Corners. Mr. Haviland was an Orthodox Quaker, and died on Quaker Hill.

Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the district school, later continuing

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his Studies at the Providence school. In 1835 he married Miss Maria Ann Swift, who was born in the town of Washing;ton, June 6, 181 5. Lemuel Swift, her father, was the twin brother of Zebulon Swift, whose sketch appears in that of Isaac Swift. Our subject and wife went to live on the farm where Mr. Davidson now resides, near South Milibrook. It was in an uncultivated state, and during Mr. Havi-land's residence of thirty years he much improved it. He and his wife moved to S. Mill-brook and lived a retired life there for about twenty years and then came to Milibrook, where he died March 31, 1894, aged eighty-two years. No children were born to our subject and his wife. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Orthodo.x Friends Church, was benevolent and greatly respected, and died a Christian, with a prayer on his lips. Mrs. Haviland is still a member of the Friends Church, in which she is an elder.

SMITH L. De GARMO, member of the well-known dry-goods firm of Luckey, Piatt & Co., Poughkeepsie, is worthy of prominent mention in the pages of this volume.

The family is of French origin, and were among the early settlers of the country. The first of whom we have definite mention was Rowland De Garmo (grandfather of our subject), who was born November 29, 1785, and died June 6, 1838. By occupation he was a tanner, carrying on business near New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y. He married Phebe Sutton, born March 12, 1791, and died F"ebruary 24, 1875. Their children were David S., Elias, William Henry, Mary, Eli^a and Daniel.

David S. De Garmo (father of our subject) was born March 6, 1813, and in early life was a tanner. On November i, 1838, he married Phebe H. Lawrence, and turned farmer, purchasing a farm near Highland. In 1851 thej' removed to Hibernia, Dutchess county, remaining there till 1866, when Mr. De Garmo built a new house in Salt Point, where he passed the remainder of his days, d3'ing of paralysis of the throat May 29, 1875. His wife survived him until October, 1894, when she, too, passed away at the age of eighty-two, after five years of much physical suffering, made as comfortable as po ssiblein the care of her only daughter, Mrs. William E. Smith, in one of the most attractive of the beautiful

and far-famed homes of Milibrook, provided by her son, the subject of this sketch.

Capt. Jonathan Lawrence, the maternal great-grandfather, served as a captain in the Revolutionary war, and a monument to his memorj' stands in an old family burying ground at Esopus, Ulster county. Thomas, his son, was a Ouaker preacher.

Smith L. De Garmo was born October 10, 1842, on the farm above mentioned, at Highland, and as will be seen was nine years old when his parents moved to Dutchess county. His education was received in part at the common schools, partly at the New Paltz Academy, and later at a'private school kept by Rev. Sherman Hoyt, a Presbyterian minister. In November, 1868, Mr. De Garmo came to Poughkeepsie as clerk in the furnishing-goods store of Thomas A. Lawrence. In the following spring he entered the service of William H. Broas, and got his first experience in handling dry goods. Here he found a congenial occupation, and his marked ability brought him, in the spring of i S70, to the notice of Messrs. Luckey and Piatt, who were then doing a moderate but successful dry-goods business. It was early manifest to his employers that they had secured a valuable factor, and he was rapidly promoted. He proved a perfect genius in salesmanship, and tireless in his efforts. He enjoyed a very large acquaintance, and by his rare magnetism attracted them as customers. Just before his admission to the firm, Mr. Luckey said to one from whom we get a part of our data for this article: "We have been paying Mr. De Garmo probably the largest salary received by any clerk on the street, and we are satisfied that he fully earns it by the new business alone which he brings to us." Such merit hac^ its natural reward, and February i, 1872, he became a partner in the concern. When the time came for Mr. De Garmo to ^how his capacity as a buyer, he was found equal to the occasion, and became conspicuous in the market as having in a large degree the courage, caution and knowledge of men, methods and conditions necessary to the successful buyer. The business of the firm grew rapidly and steadily, until it became, probably, the largest of its Kind in any place of the size in this country, and in many respects may be considered the model dry-goods concern in this section of the State. The}' were among the first in their line to introduce the profit-sharing plan with employees.

.^^^f^;^-r^^''^^

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In the year 1894 Mr. De Garmo bought the Taggart place, containing the largest and most beautifully appointed grounds in the city, where he has since made his home. Socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 266, in Ppughkeepsie. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN P. ADRIANCE (deceased). Among the men whose enterprise and sound judgment have developed the industries, and e.xtended the commerce, of the city of Pough-keepsie, the subject of this sketch held a prominent place. The family name is derived from the given name of a remote ancestor, Adriaen Reyersz, son of Reyer Elberts, of Utrecht, Holland, whose wife was the mother by a former husband of Goosen Gerritse van Schaick, ancestor of the Albany van Schaicks.

Their son, Adriaen Reyersz came to America in 1646, and settled at Flatbush, L. I. He was married July 29, 1659, to Anna, daughter of Martin Schenck, a name of celebrity in Holland. One of their children, Elbert, born in 1663, settled in Flushing, arid was married in 1689 to Catalina, daughter of Rem. Vanderheeck, the ancestor of the Remsens. They had three children, Rem, Elbert and Anneke, with whom the use of the present surname began. Rem married Sarah, daughter of George Brinckerhoff, and died in 1730 at the age of forty. His sons were Elbert, born in 1715; George, 1716; Abraham, 1720; Isaac, 1722; Jacob, 1727, and Rem, 1729; of whom, George, Abraham and Isaac settled in Dutchess county. Abraham Adriaanse married Femmetje Van Kleef; their son Abraham Adriance, born in 1766, married Anna Storm; their son John Adriance, our subject's father, born in 1795, married Sarah Ely Harris. Their home was in Pough-keepsie, where he was among the leading business men of his day, and one of the first manufacturers of harvesting machinery.

John P. Adriance was born March 4, 1825, and after acquiring such education as the schools of the city afiforded at that time he spent three years and a half as clerk in the hardware store of Storm & Uhl. He then went to New York City, and took a similar position with Walsh & Mallory, remaining until 1845, when the firm placed him in charge of their store in Manchester, N. H. He eventually suceeded to the business there; but in

1852 he returned to New York and went into the wholesale hardware trade with a brother-in-law, Samuel R. Piatt, and Samuel W. Sears, under the firm name of Sears, Adriance & Piatt. About this time he became interested in some experiments which his father was making with the Forbush mower, and seeing the possibilities opening up in this branch of manufacturing he decided to engage in it. In 1854 the firm purchased the patents of the Manny mower for the New England States, and began making the machines at Worcester, Mass., the business there being conducted under the name of Mr. Adriance. The enterprise wasnot wholly successful, but in 1857, at a great field trial of mowers and reapers held at Syracuse, N. Y., under the auspicesof the United States Agricultural Society, Mr. Adriance became impressed with the merits of a mower patented by .Aultman & Miller, of Canton, Ohio, which received the first premium. Notwithstanding the opposition of his partners to further ventures in that line, he succeeded in overcoming their objections, and after acquiring the patent rights, he began the manufacture of a new machine in Worcester, Mass., giving it the name "Buckeye," because of its Ohio origin. In 1859 the factory was transferred to the old " Red Mills " at Poughkeepsie; but the business increased so rapidly as to necessitate the building of more commodious quarters, in 1864, on the banks of the Hudson, extensive additions and improvements having since been made from time to time. In 1863 the firm of Sears, Adriance & Piatt was dissolved, Mr. Sears retaining the hardware business, and a new firm for the manufacture of mowers and reapers was formed, consisting of John P. Adriance, Samuel R. Piatt and Isaac S. Piatt, and known as Adriance, Piatt & Co., under which name it was incorporated in 1882 as a stock company, with the following officers: John P. Adriance, president; S. R. Piatt, vice-president; and I. S. Piatt, treasurer. Mr. Adriance continued his connection with the business until his death, which occurred June 18, 1891.

Although his time and energy were so largely spent in forwarding his business interests, Mr. Adriance was much more than a business man, taking keen interest in all that concerned the welfare of his fellows, and he took a prominent part in the promotion of many worthy enterprises which might have' failed but for his ready and substantial help. He never held any public office except that of

lu;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGIiAPUWAL RECORD.

alderman for one year, but was repeatedly urged to accept the nomination for mayor, his election beinp considered certain if he consented to become a candidate. But, unwilling as he was to hold any public office, he was warmly interested in political affairs, and was a recognized leader in the local Republican organization. Possessing pleasing address, his courtesy readily won friends whom his sterling virtues retained. He was married in 1848. to Mary J. R. Piatt, who died December 24, 1895. One daughter and five sons— three of whom are connected with the corporation of Adriance, Piatt & Co.—survive him.

John Ekskink Adki.^nce, the second son, was born in New York City, December 23, 1853, and received his education at the Pough-keepsie Military Institute, the Churchill School at Sing Sing, and Riverview Military Academy. In 1871 he entered the arena of business, and is now vice-president of the Adriance, Piatt & Co. On April 27. 1882, he was married to Miss Mary Hasbrouck, of Poughkeef>sie, and they have two daughters: Jane Hardenbergh and Marguerite Piatt.

FERDINAND R. BAIN, a prominent real-_ estate dealer, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is among the youngest of the enterprising and successful business men of his city. He was born in Chatham, N. Y., May 3, 1861, the third son of Milton and Charlotte (Nash) Bain, the others being Francis M., proprietor of the "Palatine Hotel " at Newburgh, N. Y., and Horatio N., proprietor of the " Nelson House," Poughkeepsie.

At the age of si.xteen our subject left school to assist his brother Horatio N. in the "Poughkeepsie Hotel," and has ever since been engaged in business, but he has supplemented his early educational acquirements by reading on a wide range of subjects. His first instructor was Miss Wood, a private teacher from the Lebanon Academy, and he later attended the school of George N. Perry, at Dover Plains, also Bishop's select school for boys. No. 50 Academy street, Pougtikeepsie. In 1885, after eight years of hotel work, he embarked in the real-estate and insurance business, and has built up one of the most extensive enterprises of its kind in the city, having platted and opened up several important additions, among them Bain avenue, Tay-

lor avenue, a portion of N. Hamilton street, the Dean property, and Livingston Manor. He has also been influential in securing new pavements in various parts of the city.

Mr. Bain has been largely interested in street railways, and for some time was a member of the syndicate which owned the Poughkeepsie City Street R. R. Selling out his stock, however, he afterward bought a one-half interest, and in 1892 was elected president of the road. Under his management and upon his suggestion, the Vassar College and Driving Park line, and the Wappinger Falls line have been added to the system, and made electric roads. He is vice-president and active manager of the West Coast Steam Line, running from Port Tampa to St. Petersburg. The latter was anything but a paying business when he took charge, but he has placed it on a profitable basis. He is a director of the Farmers' and Manufacturers' Bank, and Poughkeepsie Gas Co., a member of the Board of Trade, and has interested himself in several new manufacturing concerns, to bring them to Poughkeepsie. As secretary of the Dutchess County Agricultural Societ^y, he was successful in raising an incumbrance of $9,500, and he helped to incorporate the organization in 1894; also was instrumental in securing its meeting in Poughkeepsie in 1890. His career has been an honorable one, and his investments have so far invariably proved successful. Some of his enterprises give employment to large numbers of men.

In 1885 Mr. Bain married Hattie I. Ken-worthy, a daughter of Richard Kenvvorthy, who was at one time sheriff of Dutchess county, and treasurer of the Hudson River State Hospital. Three children were born to this union: Ethel M., Mary K. and Kathleen. Mr. Bain and his wife are prominent members of the Second Reformed Church. He takes an active interest in the work of the Republican party, was elected supervisor from the Fourth ward in 1888, and alderman in 1890 and 1891; and at present is city assessor. Socially, he is a member of Triune Lodge, F. cS: A. M.; Knights of Pythias, and of the Amrita, Bicycle, Driving, and Dutchess Clubs.

GAIUS C. BOLIN, a talented and enterprising young lawyer of Poughkeepbie, Dutchess county, was born in that city September 10, 1864.

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Abraham Bolin, his father, is a native of Dutchess county, born at South Dover, February lo, 1830. He lived upon a farm until he was twenty-five years old, having begun to make his way in the world at the early age of seven. In 1S55 he moved to Poughkeepsie, where he married Alice Ann Lawrence, an educated and refined woman of unusual mental ability and foresight. She was also a native of Dutchess county, as were her mother and grandmother before her. Her father having died during her childhood, leaving his widow with a large family of children, some kind friends in New York City took the bright little girl into their home and gave her an e.xcellent education and training.

Abraham Bolin is an intelligent and successful business man, and has conducted at different times a meat market, a grocery store and a produce commission business, and has also engaged in selling live stock. In every enterprise his wife has been an indispensable helper and adviser. They have had thirteen children whose careful and thorough education has been their main object, and their willing self-sacrifice is already receiving a reward in the satisfaction of seeing them fitted for useful and honorable stations in life. The names of their children living are: Mrs. Alvaretta Deyo, George W., Gaius C. (the subject of this sketch), Livingsworth W., Paul C., Rev. Mrs. Blanche Bolin Crooke, and Miss Oscafora Stra-della Bolin; of these Paul C. Bolin is an advanced student of the piano, and an instructor on that instrument at the National Conservatory of Music, New York City." For more than thirty-five years they have lived at their present residence on North Clinton street.

Gaius C. Bolin attended the public schools of Poughkeepsie during his boyhood, and after graduating from the high school in 1883, he took a two-years course at Prof. John R. Leslie's select classical school, then conducted on Academy street, Poughkeepsie. In the fall of 1885 he entered the freshman class of Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., and was graduated from that institution in June, 1889, being the first colored man graduated by this historic old college. For a year after leaving college he assisted his father in the produce commission business, and on September 15, 1890, he entered the law office of Fred. E. Ackerman, Esq., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., as a student. He was admitted to the bar at the General Term of the Supreme Court, held in

Brooklyn, N. Y., and presided over by Hon. Joseph F. Barnard, December 15, 1892, but remained in Mr. Ackerman's employ, extending his knowledge of legal principles and gaining experience in their practical application. On May 23, 1895, he opened an ofiice of his own at Nos. 46-48 Market street. His watchful devotion to the interests of his clients, as well as his upright fair dealing, has won the confidence of the public, and he has enjoyed a greater measure of success than falls to the lot of some practitioners who have no connection with an established business.

A dutiful and affectionate son, he never fails to give credit for his success to the advice, encouragement and Christian example of his father and mother, and the influence of a home where love abounds.

QEORGE B. CHAPMAN, M. D., was born ^ May 20, 1849, in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and received his academic education there and in Phillips Academy at Exeter, N. H. He afterward entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College for two years, then attended the Medical Department of Yale College for one year, graduating from the latter in 1875. He began his professional career in Amenia Union, N. Y., and remained there for thirteen years, building up a large practice. In 1888, on account of the overwork and exposure incident to his profession, his health gave out, and he was obliged to give up active practice, and spend the two following winters in Virginia, and the summers in Minnesota and Dakota. While in the West he became much interested in real-estate investments, was one of the organizers, and the first president of the Webutuck Investment Co. of Duluth, Minn., and a director in the Amenia and Sharon Land Co. of North Dakota.

In 1890 he located at Dover Plains, and became interested in the invention of Charles E. Buckley, since known as the Buckley Watering Device, an automatic arrangement for securing a plentiful supply of fresh water to cattle and horses while confined in the stable, a patent being secured in 1891. The importance of this invention, both from a economic and humanitarian standpoint, was soon appreciated by all intelligent and progressive stock-breeders and dairymen, and the system is now in general use throughout the country. Dr. Chapman has made many improvements

COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPHICAL RECORD.

on the original idea, and is now actively engaged in the manufacture and sale of the Device, having bought out Mr. Buckley's interest in 1892.

Dr. Chapman is actively interested in local affairs, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1874, he married Miss Martha Root (daughter of Oliver and Mary Root, of Kent, Conn.), who died in February, 1876, leaving no children. In September, 1877, he married Sarah Hitchcock, daughter of Homer and Rebecca Hitchcock, belonging to an old and well-known family of Amenia, N. Y. One child blessed this union, Rebecca, born July 3, 1878.

Israel Chapman, our subject's great-grandfather, was born at Bethlehem, Conn., and reared a family of sons, among whom was William Chapman, the grandfather of our subject. He was educated at his native place, and early in life followed the carpenter's trade, but later moved to South Dover, Dutchess county, and conducted a hotel and general store. His wife was Miss Rachel Cherrytree, and their seven children all lived to maturity. They were Israel, who never married; Homer, who married (first) Ann Howard, and (second) Helen Thompson; Reuben Wooster married Marilla Ward; Lyman married Deborah Sherman; Alfred, our subject's father, in 1831 married Adaline Mabbett; Maria became the wife of Charles Thomas; and Betsey became the wife of William Tabor.

Alfred Chapman was born in South Dover, Dutchess county, December 11, 1807, and after receiving a common-school education learned the carpenier's trade, and engaged in the business of contracting and building, in which he was successful, the high order of his work bringing him custom from an extended territory.

Dr. Chapman is the fifth in a family of seven children: (i) Ann E.. born in 1832, was married in 1854 to William Tabor, a farmer. They have had eleven children: John and Louisa are unmarried; Florence married Frank \'an Auken; Jennie married William Sebring; Frank and Harriet are still unmarried; and Mary is the wife of Everett Travis; the other children died in infancy. (2) Benjamin F. was born in 1835, educated at Michigan University and the .-\lbany Law School. On graduating in i860 from the latter institution, he began the practice of law at Dover, but his death in 1870 cut short a

promising career. He married Miss Helen Reed, and left one son, David H. R. Chapman, who graduated from Columbia College, and is now in the coal business in New York City. (3) Mary J. was born in 1836, and in 1865 married Nicholas Ryan, now residing in Brewster, N. Y. She died in 1867, leaving two children: Minnie, living in Petersburg, Va., and George B., now living in Clove Valley, N. Y. (4) Sarah M., born in 1839, married Peter T. Young, a live-stock dealer in Norfolk and Petersburg, \'a. They have two children, Hattie C, born in 1876, and Homer T>, born in 1884. (5) Our subject. (6) William and (7) Walter died in infancy.

JOHN VAN WYCK (deceased). The family name of the subject of this sketch has been held in high esteem, both in Holland, the ancient home of the family, and in this country, where many of its representatives have held positions of usefulness and honor.

Dr. Van Wyck, our subject's grandfather, a native of Dutchess county, owned a large tract of land in the town of Fishkill, which he cultivated, in addition to his extensive labors as a medical practitioner. His son, Gen. John B. Van Wyck, our subject's father, was an officer in the war of 1812. He married Susan Schenk, by whom he had nine children: Alfred, a farmer in Fishkill; John, our subject; Johanna, who married Mr. Holmes, a merchant in New York City; Mary, the wife of Edward Remsen, also a merchant in New York City; Catherine; Susan, who married O. Holmes; Cornelia; Jane, the second wife of Mr. Holmes; and William.

John Van Wyck, our subject, was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, and was educated at the Dutchess County Academy. On leaving school he went to New York City, and engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business. He married Miss Sarah Mesier, a native of New York City, born in 1810. Her father, Peter A. Mesier, was a native of New England, and became a bank stationer in New York City. He was a Whig in politics, and he and his family were members of the Episcopal Church. His wife was Catherine Mesier, a first cousin, and they reared a family of five children: Mary; Sarah (Mrs. \'an Wycki; Peter, a merchant in New York; Jane; and Margaret, who married James Clonny, an artist in New York. The Mesiers are of French Huguenot ancestry, and

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their coat of arms bears the appropriate motto, "Tiens a la Foi,"—Hold to thy faith. The Van ^^'yck family also possesses a coat of arms, the nearest description of which in the absence of any work on heraldry, is as follows: Anns —A cross or, in each quarter two tassels, arg., inverted, crossed; over all an escutcheon charged with a cart-wheel, proper. Crcst —A crown, arg. (in English heraldry this would be a ducal crown). Sicpporters —Two gryphons (or griffins), sal., regardant, each supporting a banner, the de.xter banner charged with a cross, as on the shield; the sinister banner charged with a cart-wheel, as on the escutcheon.

Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Van Wyck settled upon a farm near Manchester, and, in 1835, moved to the present homestead near New Hamburg, a beautiful estate overlooking the Hudson river. Here they built an elegant residence, w^hich has been for si.xty years one of the most charming homes of this vicinity. Eight children were born to them: Kate, Mesier (deceased), Sarah, Henry, John, Mary, William, and Edmund (deceased), who was a physician at Wappingers Falls. Mr. \'an Wyck died September 18, 1878, but his wqdow is still living, blessed with unusual vigor, both physical and mental, and surrounded by her children who are all at home. The family has been identified with the Episcopal Church of Wappingers Falls for more than half a century, and is well-known in the most exclusive circles of Poughkeepsie society.

IrFILLIAM LOUIS De LACY, a well-known attorney of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., is recognized as the leading pension lawyer of that city. He was himself a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting as a boy of sixteen years, August 13, 1861, and serving until mustered out October 11, 1865, and his own experiences on the battle fields and in the prisons of the South have doubtless turned his attention to the disabilities that the hardships of that long struggle have brought upon the brave "boys in blue," and certainly his record as a soldier must have done much to gain for him the confidence of his large circle of clients.

His family is of ancient lineage, and, it is thought, originated in Lassy, Normandy, and was transplanted to England at the time of the Conquest. The progenitor of the American branch, William Lacy, came from the Isle of Wight at an early period, and settled in

Bucks county. Penn., where many of his descendants still live. The family is one of the oldest and most substantial in that region, and its members have usually been engaged in agriculture. The first record concerning the family is that of a marriage which occurred in 1718 in the Quaker Church at Wrightstown, Bucks Co., Penn. Brigadier-General John De Lacy, of Revolutionary fame, was a member of this family. William De Lacy had a son William, who had a son William, who had a son William, our subject's grandfather. There were five brothers of that generation, and while William remained at the old home, one went to Michigan, one to Mississippi, one to Ohio, and the other settled west of the Mississippi. William married Miss Mary Chidester, and had three daughters—Mary, Ann and Jane—and six sons—Israel, the owner of the Trenton Pottery at Trenton, N. J.; Joseph, a confectioner; Lafayette and Napoleon Bonaparte, who were on the police force in Philadelphia; John P., our subject's father; and Aaron, a lumberman of Pike county, Penn. John P. De Lacy was born at the old homestead January 27, 1814, and became a prominent citizen there, noted for his sterling qualities of character. By trade he was a carpenter, and he was active in local politics as a Jacksonian Democrat, although he never sought or held office. He was a birthright Quaker. His wife, Caroline Car-tier, was a native of Bucks county, Penn., and a daughter of Jacob Cartier, who was born in Leipsic, Saxony. Six children were born to them: Hester, who married Richard Parsons, of Bucks county, Penn.; Harriet, deceased; William L., our subject; Jacob Alfred, a resident of Lambertville, N. J.; John Franklin, a mining prospector in the West; and Charles Henry, a seaman. The father died October 8, 1878, but the mother is still living, and at the age of seventy-six has not a gray hair in her head.

Mr. De Lacy was born at New Hope, Penn., July 10. 1S45. His opportunities for an education were meagre, his early years having been spent mainly upon the Lehigh'canal. He worked for one year in the office of the People s Beacon, at Lambertville, N. J., employed by Clark Pierson for a time, and he gained some knowledge of reading, both in script and print, but at the age of sixteen, when he was required to sign the pay roll, on his enlistment, he could only make his mark. He soon learned

COMMEMORA FIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

to write, however, and the next time his signature was wanted he was prepared to write it. He was a member of Company C, 4th N.J. Inf., ist N. J. Brigade, of which Gen. Phil Kearny was the original commander. He took part in many important engagements, being at West Point. Va., May 7, 1862; at White House Landing; at Mechanicsville, twice; and at Gaines' Hill, June 27, 1862, on the second day of the Seven-Days' fight, near Richmond. Here he was wounded and captured with the bulk of his regiment, and, after being confined in I^ibby Prison for some time, was sent to Belle Isle with the first detachment of one hundred prisoners, who were compelled to put up the first tent on the island, intended for prison purposes; he spent about seven weeks there, and on being exchanged, August 12, 1862, rejoined his regiment at Harrison's Landing. Then followed the Second Battle of Bull Run, and the engagements at 'Crampton Gap, or South Mountain. September 14; Antietam, September 17, and Fredericksburg, December 12, 1862. He was detailed for train guard duty after this, and his next battle was at Rappahaimock Station, in October, 1863, followed by that of Mine Run, November 26, after which the regiment went into winter quarters until May, 1864, when Grant took command. In the battle of the Wilderness Mr. De Lacy was seriously wounded, and, as he could not take his place in the field again, he remained in the hospital at Newark, N. J., until he was mustered out, October 11, 1865. On his return to the life of a civilian, he spent eight months in the Pennington Theological Seminary, and this may be said to be the only real schooling that he ever had. He left this institution, reluctantly, to enter business life, taking a place as clerk for James E. Goll, an insurance agent at Newark, N. J.; later he went into a market on Pacific street. In October, 1866, he went to Poughkeepsie with a physician, and, being left penniless, he worked for some time in the offices of the Press and Hoi^ie. On September I, 1873, he bought the Amenia Times, in partnership with William Wiley, the firm being at first De Lacy & Wiley, and afterward De-Lacy cS; Walsh. Mr. De Lacy edited the paper until 1877, when he sold out to Mr. Walsh, and during this time he was twice elected justice of the peace, and once appointed to that office to fill a vacancy. He had also been studying law in private, and after a further

course with Cyrus Swan, of Poughkeepsie, he was admitted to the bar in September, 1879, and has since been in active practice, making a specialty of pension claims.

In politics he has always been a Democrat, and formerly he was quite active in party work. He served two terms as police commissioner under Mayors Rowley and Arnold. Since December, 1872, he has been a member of the I. O. O. F., Fallkill Lodge No. 297, and he belongs to the Order of Chosen Friends, Dutchess Council No. 50; the Queen City Assembly Royal Society of Good Fellows, No. 124, and is an honorary member of Phoenix Hose Company. He is also a member of Hamilton Post No. 20, G. A. R., in which he takes great interest, and has been a delegate to the National Encampments at San Francisco, Denver, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Boston, Washington and Baltimore. In 1892 he was senior vice-commander of the Department of New York.

On March 30, 1868, Mr. De Lacy married Weltha A. Wiley, daughter of Clark Wiley, a prominent resident of Poughkeepsie. They have two sons: George W., an architect and draughtsman, and Charles, who is a clerk in the office with his father.

SHERIDAN SHOOK. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual, and is the means of bringing to man success when he has no advantages of wealth or influence to aid him. It illustrates in no uncertain manner what is possible to accomplish when perseverance and determination form the keynote to a man's life. Depending on his own resources, looking for no outside aid or support, Mr. Shook has secured a handsome property, although he started out in life with naught save a pair of willing hands and a determination to succeed. Our subject is a native of Dutchess county, born February 19, 1828, in the town of Red Hook, and is a son of George Shook. He received his education at Piermont Academy, and at the early age of fourteen years went to New York City, "to make his fortune," in which he certainl}' succeeded. For ten years he clerked for John Boyce, a dealer in butter and cheese, at the expiration of which time he and Henry N. Morgan took charge of the business, Mr. Boyce having retired. .At the opening of the war of the Rebellion, our subject was ap-

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pointed treasurer of the "Relief Fund," which had been raised in the city to meet-the needs of the families of those who had g^one to the front. In 1861 he was appointed by President Lincoln to the position of Internal Revenue Collector, which position he held seven years, and about the same time he was elected to the board of supervisors of New York City. In 1865, at an outlay of $40,000, he fitted up " Gilmores Garden," in New York, which he conducted for two years. In 1871 he built the Union Square Theatre, corner of 14th street and Broadway, and for several years conducted same, under the able management of A. M. Palmer. Mr. Shook was also engaged in the brewery business, at New York, under the firm name of Shook & Everhard, and was also proprietor of the "Morton House," one of the leading hotels of New York, which he carried on until 1895.

Mr. Shook has been twice married, his second union being on December 21, 1881, with Miss Ellen M. Gillespie, a native of Albany county, N. Y., born at Greenbush, in 1846, a daughter of Charles Gillespie, of Albany, N. Y. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Shook in his political preferences is a Republican. He is the father of four children: Louise Week (Mrs. H. A. Hoffman); Sheridan Shook, Jr., of New York; Lillie; and one that died in early youth. He still has business interests in New York and Red Hook, but is not personally engaged therein. He has a fine farm and beautiful residence situated about four miles from his birthplace. No more genial man can be found than Mr. Shook, and he and his estimable wife have many friends to whom their hospitality is ever e.xtended. They hold a high position in social circles, having the esteem and respect of all who know them.

Tr\AVID A. KNAPP, M. D., an eminent jUf^ physician and surgeon of Dutchess county, has for many years successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in the town of Unionvale. In his profession he takes a genuine and devoted interest, making a study of " the ills that flesh is heir to, " and is one of the most capable and conscientious men in his profession.

His father, Isaac Knapp, also a medical practitioner, was a native of Greenwich, Conn., where he obtained his literary education, and

later began the study of medicine, graduating at the New York Medical Institute in 1795. He commenced the practice of his chosen profession in New Fairfield, near Danbury, Conn., and also conducted a select school. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. He married Miss Amy Brush, a daughter of Squire Brush, a prosperous farmer of New Fairfield, and they became the parents of eight children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows:

(1) Theressa Knapp was born in the town of New Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., and secured a common-school education. She married Hubbel Piatt, but had no children.

(2) Isaac Knapp, also a native of New Fairfield town, engaged in teaching after the completion of his own education, and also followed farming. During the old training days he held the commission of captain in the militia. He married Miss Maranda Hall, and they had one son—Smith, now deceased, who was born in Connecticut, and for a time was engaged in the real-estate business. He was twice married, the first time to a Miss Briggs, by whom he had two children, Lula and George F.; later he wedded a Miss Taylor, and they had three children.

(3) Enoch Knapp was born and educated in Connecticut, and also taught school. During the training days he served as major. He married Rachel Barnum, of New Fairfield, Conn., and to them were born seven children: Almira, who married Daniel W'ood, a farmer of Redding Ridge, Fairfield Co., Conn., and has five children; Sarah, who married Waite Brush, a farmer of Rome, N. Y., and has three children; Mary, who died in infancy; Charlotte, an artist by profession, who is now studying in France and other parts of the Old World; Isaac S., an agriculturist, who married Lula Dayton; Mary, who wedded a Mr. Clegett, and has a son, Clifton; and Fred, a farmer, who married a Miss Howe.

(4) Sarah Knapp. who was born in the town of New Fairfield, married Ephraim Leach, a farmer, and they had three sons: David (now deceased), a machinist, who married a Miss Bennett; Isaac, an engineer; and Henry O., who married a Miss Roberts, of Peekskill, N. Y., and has six children: Fannie, Hannah, Mabel, Myra, Clara and Theressa.

(5) Ezra Knapp (deceased) was born in the town of New Fairfield, received a common-school education, and followed the pursuit of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farming. He married Miss Rachel Meade, of Greenwich, Conn.; they had no children.

(6) Dr. David A. Knapp, of this review, is next in order of birth, and like the other members of the family, was born in the town of New Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn. He attended the district schools near his home, and later pursued his studies in a select school of that township, in the Danbury Academy and in the Middletown Academy. For two years he was then a student at Yale College, New Haven, Conn., prior to which he engaged in teaching for a time. At the age of twenty-two years he entered the University of New York, graduating from the medical department in the spring of 1845. He soon after began practice in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where he has since made his home and has met with excellent results along his chosen line of endeavor. He is one of the prominent as well as original members of the Dutchess County Medical Society. In social circle he also holds a leading position, and has been called upon to serve in a number of township offices.

In 1846 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Vincent, who was born in 1827, and is the daughter of Jonathan G. and Loretta (Williams) Vincent, prosperous farming people of the town of Unionvale. Two sons bless their union: (i) David Vincent, born in 1863, was educated at Wilbraham, Mass., and Hackettstown, N. J., and also studied medicine. He married Miss Anna Dean, daughter of Cromaline Dean, of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and they had one child that died in infancy. The wife and mother is also now deceased. (2) Ezra V. M., the Doctor's younger son, was born in the town of Unionvale, February 14, 1875. He also attended school at Wilbraham, Mass., and the High School at Meriden. Conn., later taking a course at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie. He is now carrying on farming with his father. In 1895 he took a trip to the Pacific coast, remaining there six months.

(7) Euphemia Knapp, the youngest child of Isaac and Amy (Brush) Knapp, married Willian; H. Morse, an agriculturist of Massachusetts; they had no children.

Gilbert Vincent, the grandfather of Mrs. Dr. Knapp, was a native of the town of Union-yale, and married Miss Phcebe Vail. In their family were twelve children, namely: Isaac,

who married Martha Duncan; Absalom, who married Hannah Duncan; Jonathan G., the father of Mrs. Knapp; Thomas, who married Eliza Arnold; Richard, who married Helen Fowler; Margaret, who married John T. Potter; Betsy, who married Jonathan Hus-tead; Rebecca and Levina, who never married; Michael, who married a Miss Carey; Phcebe A., who married Morris Germond; and Hepsobeth, who married Edward Wheeler.

Jonathan C. Vincent was born in the town of Unionvale, and was united in marriage with Miss Loretta Williams, daughter of Squire Williams, a surveyor, of the same township. Seven children were born to them, as follows: (i) Elizabeth married Reuben L. Coe, and had six children. (2) Rebecca is the wife of Dr. Knapp, subject of this sketch. (3) John, ex-county clerk, married Rhoda I3utler, and had four children—Ella, who married Obed Vincent; Minnie, who married Charles Andrews; Walter; and Elisha B. (4) Gilbert married Kate Uhl, by whom he had a son, Ralph, who married Hannah T. Underbill; for his second wife Gilbert wedded Eliza Ham, and they have a daughter, Loretta. (5) Lewis never married. (6) Michael married Estella O'Neil. and has five children—Nellie, Minnie, Jonathan, Thomas and Rebecca. (7) Mary A. wedded Orin Able, and has two children—Elanita, who married Oscar Shaffer; and Claude O. L.

TAMES G. PORTEOUS, M. D. (deceased). In the romantic annals of Scottish history, * and made immortal in the romances of Sir Walter Scoti, is the name of Porteous, ever linked in the struggles for freedom, and worthy a place at the side of a Forbes, or a Mar, following under the leadership of the matchless W'allace, or Bruce. In direct line of descent from Capt.Porteous, famous in the "Porteous mob" at Edinburgh, comes Andrew Porteous, a native of that city, born in 181 5 or iS 16, a son of Andrew Porteous, Sr. ; he emigrated to this country in 1S37 or '38, and helped to lay out Jersey City. He later went to Essex county, New York, and worked in the mines as a civil engineer, afterward going to Glens Falls where he engaged in the cement business, and thence to Luzerne where he followed agricultural pursuits. He married Jane Blair, also of an ancient Scotch family, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: James

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123

G., Helen, Marj-, Jane, Charles, Maggie, Annie and Scott, only two of whom—Jane and Scott—are yei living.

James G. Porteous, whose name opens this review, was born at Moriah, Essex Co., N. Y., January 3, 1839. \\'hile in Esse.x county his educational training was under the guidance of a private tutor, and his academic education was received at Glens Falls. In 1861 he entered the medical department of Harvard College, graduating in 1865. During the four 3'ears he was enrolled as a student at Harvard, he was absent two years in the army. Prompted by the same spirit that animated the breasts of his ancestors he offered his services to his country, to do his part that no star might be missed from the field of blue. He enlisted as first assistant surgeon of the 118th N. Y. V. I., and later was promoted to surgeon of the 46th N. Y. V. I., where he served during the balance of the war. After being mustered out he returned to college and passed "perfect" in all of his examinations. In 1865 he began practice at Luzerne, in Warren Co., N. Y., and for fifteen years he successfully followed his chosen calling—to which his large sympathies so well adapted him—there; but May i, 1880, he bought out the practice of Dr. Carter, of Poughkeepsie, and removed to that city, greatly to the regret of his patients at Luzerne. His career as a physician in Poughkeepsie was one of remarkable success, and he remained there until his death, one of the best known physicians in this part of the State.

In 1865 Dr. Porteous was married to Miss Sarah F. Wilbur, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Wilbur, of Boston, Mass., and three children were the result of this union: Effie; Flora, who became the wife of Allen H. Craft, of New York City; and Lizzie, who married Dr. E. E. Hicks, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Socially, the Doctor was a member of the Mystic Shrine, Knights Templar, and of the Loyal Legion and the G. A. R., and was also a member of the Dutchess Club. In religious belief he and his wife were faithful attendants of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor was very strong in his political views, and was an active and influential worker in the ranks of the Republican party. Though for seven years supervisor of Luzerne, and a member of the Assembly in 1873, he could in no way be regarded as an office seeker. His interest was only what every public-spirited and patriotic citizen's should be—"to promote the general

welfare"—and in this our subject did not fail to do his duty, for he was in the fore of any movement that tended toward the advancement of the community. He was one of those typical self-made men, whose struggles with adverse circumstances broadened the mind, and his natural kind-hearted and unselfish nature, together with his sincere regard for his brother man, made him a man among men, a friend to humanity. His heart responded to every call, and he could laugh with them that laughed, and mourn with them that mourned. No appeal to his aid was ever made in vain, and though he ranked among the foremost of his profession in Poughkeepsie, no home was too humble for him to enter if thereby he could relieve the suffering of mind and body of some unfortunate fellow-being. In proof of the high regard in which he was held, his patients have collected quite a sum of money for the purpose of erecting a monument over his grave, that there might be in chiseled marble a fitting testimonial of- the life and character of one of nature's noblemen.

JOHN J. BROOKS (deceased) was born in Haverstraw, N. Y., April i, 1821, and was ^ the son of Capt. William Brooks, a native of Stony Point, New York.

John Brooks was a farmer by occupation, and was a prosperous man. He married a Miss Cooney, and their children were: Oliver, Brewster and Samuel (deceased); Nathaniel, a blacksmith by trade, living at Stony Point, N. Y.; John, William, Lavinia, and Mary, the latter now living in Marlborough.

William, or "Capt. Billy," as he was generally known, by trade a ship builder, spent his entire life in Haverstraw, where he was well-known and highly esteemed. He was a man of unusual ability, and was prominent in all affairs of the county. He was a brave soldier in the war of 1812, and a captain in the State militia, whence he obtained his title. He was a Democrat and a leading man in political circles, as well as in the Methodist Church to which he and his wife belonged. He was married in the summer of 1817 to Miss Nancy De-Groot, whose father was a large land owner at Tompkin's Cove. Eight children were born of this union, as follows: William D. is a prominent citizen of Rochester, now retired from business; John J. comes next; Oliver has resided in Detroit, Mich., for a number of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years; Walter was a sailor, and was lost at sea; Sampson, a builder, lives at Hyde Park; Edward is in the carriage business in Syracuse, N. Y.; Sybil died July 3, 1890, unmarried; and Jane M. married Hewlett Baker, a prominent builder in New York City. The father of this family died at Haverstraw in the summer of 1846; the mother passed away in Pough-keepsie, in November, 1881.

John J. Brooks was reared to manhood in Rockland county, obtaining only a common-school education, but being possessed of much natural ability and a retentive memory he became a well-informed man. He was very fond of reading, and was one of the best mathematicians in his locality. He was a good business man, thorough in everything he undertook, and became a leader in all public enterprises as a Republican.

Mr. Brooks was apprenticed when quite young to learn the carriage-trimming business, and worked for two or three years in Rahway, N. J., and New York City, then when he was nineteen years old he bought his time, and later started a shop of his own on the corner of Broadway and Walker street. New York. After moving to Poughkeepsie he started on the corner of Cranneil and Main streets, soon afterward opening a factory at Nos. 424-426-428, on Main street, which he carried on until about 1870. His first partner in business was Marshall, and, later, Thomas Wyatt. This factory employed from eighteen to twenty men, and was the largest in the county. In 1870, in company with A. T. Kear, Mr. Brooks went into the livery business, which he carried on until 1876, when he retired from active work. In 1880 he was elected chief of police, Poughkeepsie's first chief, which important position he held for nine years. He was also at one time alderman for the Third ward, and again for the Fifth ward, performing the duties connected with this office to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He was supervisor one term, also a member of the excise board, and always held a prominent place among the public-spirited men of the city of Poughkeepsie, being a born leader and full of enterprise. Religiously, he was a member of the Congregational Church, and was ever ready to assist in any good work. In his death, which occurred July 17, 1891, the community lost one of its best citizens, and his family a tender, loving husband and father.

Mr. Brooks was married June 18, 1845, to

Elsie A. Hermance, daughter of John Her-mance, who was a shoemaker by trade and a great temperance advocate. Four children were born of this marriage: Herman and Charlie, both of whom died joung; Norman J.; and Emma C, who married Charles A. Van De-Water, of Poughkeepsie, and their children are Irving B., Elsie May and Lena M.

Norman J. Brooks, only surviving son of our subject, was educated in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, and in Dutchess County Academ}'. When fourteen years of age he left school and went into the dry-goods store of W'illiam Broas, for a time. He then was in his father's office for awhile, after which he learned the wagon-maker's trade, and subsequently engaged in the liver}' business for two years. In 1874 he was employed as clerk in the New York post office, where he remained two and a half years. For several years after this he was in no particular business. In 1877 or 1878 he was appointed, by B. Piatt Carpenter, as a clerk in the Custom House, which position he held for eight years. After this he became salesman in the clothing house of M. Schwartz, where he remained four or five yfears, and then went into the grocery business, the firm name being Brooks & Van De Water. In 1895 he bought out his partner, and at present is conducting the store himself. He has been successful in this enterprise, and is looked upon as an able business man.

Mr. Brooks was married September 25, 1872, to Hilah A. Burger, daughter of W. C. Burger, of Ulster county, and four children have been born to them: Lulu S. (deceased when six months old), Arthur N., Clarence J. and Elmer Frank. Mr. Brooks is a Republican, and has at times taken quite an active part in politics, although he has never been willing to accept office; he attends the services of the Congregational Church. A public-spirited citizen, he is interested in any movement looking to the growth and welfare of his community.

BOBERT G. COFFIN, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Washington, on what is now called the Altamont stock farm. February 12, 1823. His father was Robert Coffin, of whom see a biography in the sketch of Hezekiah R. Coffin.

Our subject spent his boyhood on the farm,

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125

attending the Nine Partners Boarding School, and later the Dutchess County Academy. After finishing his education he resumed his life on the farm of his parents where he resided until 1887, when he sold the place and bought his present property in South Millbrook.

On April 9, 1851, Mr. Coffin was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Sackett, who was born in the town of Washington, a daughter of Artemas E. Sackett, a farmer in that town. The Sackett family was an old one of the town of Stanford, where the father of Artemas E. was born. Nine children were born to our subject and his wife, namely: Kate died young; Ida L. married Dr. J. O. Pingry; Clarence died at an early age; Laura married Beverly W. Howard, a farmer in the town of Washington; Edwin married Miss Elizabeth Tomlinson, and is a farmer in Stanford; Robert married Miss Elnora Lattin, and lives in Ma-maroneck, ' N. Y.; Artemas S. married Julia Lattin, and is a merchant at Oak Summit; Helen M. became the wife of Dr. D. H. Mac-Kenzie, a practicing physician at Mabbetts-ville; John L. married Miss Emily Crossman, and lives in Washington. Mrs. Coffin died November 28, 1894.

Mr. Coffin is a Democrat, and has been quite a prominent man in his community. He was instrumental in building the church in South Millbrook; was also an active promoter of the building of the Newburg, Dutchess & Columbia R. R. He was the first bona fide subscriber to its stock; was one of its first directors, and is still one, having served as such about thirty years. He suggested calling meetings along the entire line, at which he and others addressed the people in favor of its construction, which efforts resulted in an almost unanimous subscription to its stock. After much more hard work the road was completed, and its benefits secured to the people. Millbrook has now a fine church, a railroad, and has developed into a beautiful little village. Mr. Coffin is greatly admired for his public spirit, and possesses the esteem and respect of all who know him.

UY CARLETON BAYLEY, M. D., of

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, second son of Richard and Mary (Dietzi Bay ley, grandson of Dr. Guy Carleton Bayley, and great-grandson of Dr. Richard Bayley, was born at Poughkeepsie, October 16, 1850.

Our subject was educated at the Dutchess County Academy, and in Mr. Churchill's school at Sing Sing, N. Y. In 1867 he entered Dr. Jacob Bockee's office as a student of medicine, and, in 1869, the office of Dr. Henry B. Sands, New York City, by whose advice he took three courses of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the City of New York, where he graduated in 1872. In the same year he commenced the practice of his profession at Poughkeepsie, where he was appointed visiting physician at St. Barnabas Hospital, and physiclan-in-charge of the Orphan Home and Home for the Friendless. In 1884 Dr. Bay-ley accepted an appointment on the visiting surgical staff of the Womans Hospital of the State of New York, New York City, and associated himself in business with Dr. Nathan Bozeman, in that city. In 1887 Dr. Bayley was appointed resident medical officer of, and visiting surgeon to, Vassar Brothers Hospital at Poughkeepsie, and was given charge of the details of the organizing and carrying on the work of the splendidly-equipped and richly-endowed institution. Dr. Bayley is an original member of the New York State Medical Association, of the American Medical Association, and of the New York State Medical Society.

In 1875 the Doctor married Angelica Crosby Wyckoff, who died in 1876; for his second wife he, in 1885, married Ellen Lorraine Bulkeley, of New York City.

LAWRENCE C. RAPALJE, a retired agri- culturist and business man of the town of

East Fishkill, Dutchess county, has been for many years a leading citizen of that locality, his varied interests ideniifying him with many of the most important progressive measures there.

In his veins there fiows the blood of several of the oldest families of the county, members of which have distinguished themselves in the past by their devotion to principle, and by their work in public lines. On the paternal side, the first ancestor came from Holland about 1623, and located near Newtown, Long Island, where some of his descendants still live. Martin Rapalje, our subject's grandfather, was a farmer there throughout his life. He married Miss Mary Lawrence, daughter of Col. William Lawrence, and a member of one of the most prominent families in New York.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

They reared a family of children, among whom was Uaniel L., our subject's father.

Daniel L. Rapaije was born in January, 1800, spent his early years at the old homestead, and then engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business in New York City, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in June, 1850. He was a Democrat in politics. His wife, Phoebe Cortelyou, born in April, 1800, in Long Island, vvas a daughter of Peter Cortelyou, and is also deceased. The Cortelyou family is of French-Huguenot stock, and the first of the American branch came from France during the religious persecutions. He made the first map of New York City.

Lawrence C Rapaije was born in New York City, August 26, 1826, the elder of the two sons of his parents; the younger, Adrian, died at the age of twenty-one. The schools of the city afforded excellent educational advantages, of which Mr. Rapaije availed himself, and at an early age he began to familiarize himself with business methods by clerking in his father's store. In 1843 he went to the town of East Fishkill to reside, and October 10, 1855, he was married there to Miss Anna Horton, a native of the town. Her family is of English extraction, and her father, Maj. Coert Horton, vvas a native of Dutchess county, and a well-known farmer and merchant. Mr. Rapaije settled upon a farm of 250 acres, which he purchased in 1857, and has ever since resided there; it is now within the widening limits of Hopewell Junction. Here four children were born to them: John, who was formerly the superintendent of a railroad in the West, is now a civil engineer in West Virginia, and interested in the development of coal lands; Lawrence, Jr., who is a farmer at the homestead; Adrian, a civil engineer; and Anna, the wife of Charles Underbill, the agent for the railroads running into Hopewell Junction. The mother of this little family passed from life December 30, 1895.

Mr. Rapaije has not only given much attention to agriculture, but he has been a worker in finance as a director and vice-president of the First National Bank of Fishkill (now defunct), and he has also taken an active part in railroading, having been a director and organizer of the Dutchess and Columbia railroad, and a director of the Poughkeepsie Bridge Co. He is now a member of the board of directors of the Dutchess Mutual Life Insurance Co. In local politics he is influential.

and has been a favorite candidate on the Democratic ticket. In 1861 he was elected supervisor, in which office he has served eight years, and was justice of the peace for nearly thirty years. A born leader, he has taken a prominent place among his associates and co-laborers in every line of effort. The Rapaije family adopted the faith of the Reformed Dutch Church at a very early period, and to this Mr. Rapaije also adheres.

LEWIS E. WOOD, of the well-known firm of Wood Brothers, leading nurserymen

and florists in the village of Fishkill, Dutchess count}', N. Y., has shown rare skill and ability in his calling, having been chosen at the age of twenty to superintend the extensive greenhouses of Burrow & Wood (who established the business in 1866), the predecessors of the present firm. Hereditary influences have doubtless played a part in his success, as he may be said to belong to a family of gardeners, his father, uncle and two brothers having engaged in the same business.

Mr. Wood is a great-grandson of Isaac Wood, and a grandson of Joseph W. Wopd, who was married three times, first to Mariam Odel (mother of Joseph J. Wood, our subject's father). Joseph J. Wood was born May 4, 1828, and in early manhood began his work in the nursery business in the employ of John Burrow, with whom he remained about sixteen years. He then married Rebecca J. \'ernol, who was born February 20, 1835, a daughter of Epenetus and Ann (La Due) Vernol, and five children were born of this marriage: Lewis E., Eugene \'., Annie J., Isaac J. and Howard E. The parents are still living at Fishkill. After his marriage the father took charge of the Rapaije estate, where he remained some eighteen years. In 1874 he bought an equal interest in the nursery business of Burrow & Wood, the junior member of the firm being his brother, Isaac C. Wood. On September 6, 1876, the two brothers purchased Mr. Burrow's interest, and continued under the firm name of I. C. Wood & Bro., the partnership lasting until July i, 1889, when our subject and his brothers, Eugene V. and Isaac J., bought the entire property and business. They have about fifty acres of land under cultivation, with some forty greenhouses which they have remodeled from time to time since they took possession.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPSICAL RECORD.

1-21

Lewis E. Wood was born at Fishkill, November 20, 1856, and was educated in the Union Free School. He attended school steadily, winters and summers, until he was eighteen years old, when he entered the employ of Burrow & Wood, and after two years of work in the greenhouses he was placed in charge. This responsible position he held up to the time that he and his brothers bought the business, with the e.xception of two years (1879 and 1880) when he conducted a branch of the business at Newburg.

On October 21, 1877, Mr. Wood married Miss Ada Jackson, daughter of Orry and Cornelia (Pink) Jackson, former residents of Milan, Dutchess county, and has three children: Eugene Wesley, Frederick Morga'n and Florence Emily. Mr. Wood emphatically endorses the principles of the Republican party, but is not an active political worker.

ER PLANCK. The first member of this family, of whom a definite account has been preserved, was Abraham Ver Planck, who often called himself Abraham Isaacse (or IsaacsenJ, meaning thereby that he was the son of Isaac. The exact date of his arrival in America is not known, some authorities claiming that he came previous to his marriage, which took place about 1635, and others indicating that he accompanied Governor Kieft in 1630. His name appears frequently in the records of the early Dutch settlers, notably in connection with the purchase of large tracts of land.

This Abraham \'er Planck married Maria Vinge Ross, and by her had a son, Gulian, born January i, 1637, who married Hendrika Wessels; their son, Samuel, born December 16, 1668, married Ariantje Bayard; their son Gulian, born May 31, 1698, married Mary Crommelin; their son, Samuel, born September 19, 1739, married Judith Crommelin; and their son, Daniel C, born March 19, 1762, married Elizabeth Johnson. These latter were the great-grandparents of Robert Newlin Ver-Planck, the subject proper of this biography.

Gulian Crommelin, son of Daniel C. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Ver Planck, and grandfather of Robert Newlin, was born August 6, 1786, in New York. His mother died when he was three years old, and his father having married again, he was brought up by his grandmother, Judith Crommelin. At the age of

eleven years he entered Columbia College, and graduated in the class of 1801. Not long after he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1807, and at once took up the practice. As his leaning, however, was rather to literature and politics, he devoted himself to them, abandoning the practice of law. In 1811 he married Eliza F"enno, and in 1816 they took a trip to Europe, where, in Paris, Mrs. Ver-Planck died in 1817. He subsequently visited Holland, England, Scotland, etc., returning to New York in 1818. After this he took part in the political life of the day, and contributed several articles to its literature, as well as on various other subjects, all his efforts in that line e.xhibiting considerable ability. He was, also, a lover of art, and made a collection of several good paintings and engravings. In 1825 he was sent to Congress as a representative from New York City, there remaining through four successive terms, and from 1837 to 1841 he sat in the Senate of the State of New York. He then undertook what may be considered the crowning work of his literary efforts—the editing of Shakespere's plays and poems—which occupied him three years. He died March 18, 1870, at his town residence in New York, in his eighty-fourth year, and was buried in the cemeterj' of Trinity Church, Fishkill Village, Dutchess county. His children were William Samuel (mentioned below), and Gulian, born April 29, 1815, died .November 19, 1845.

William Samuel, father of Robert Newlin Ver Planck, was born in New York City, October 15, 1812. After graduating at Columbia College in 1832, he commenced studying law, and in due course was admitted to the bar; but he practiced only a short time attention to agricultural pursuits, and charge first of the Mount Gulian farm, and afterward of his father's farms on the Fishkill Plains. On November 17, 1837, he married Anna Biddle, third daughter of Robert and Mary (Brown) Newlin, and eight children were born to them, as follows: (i) Eliza Fenno, born September 16, 1838, married Benjamin Richards, of New York, where they live; (2) Mary Newlin, born October 18, 1840, married Samuel W. Johnson, who died in 1881 (she is now living in New York); (3) Robert Newlin, a sketch of whom appears presently; (4) Daniel Crommelin, born April 13, 1845, died April 8, 1854; (5) Anna, born November 27, 1846, married Samuel H. Clapp, who died in 1891

turning his taking

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

(she is now living in Albany, N. Y.); (6) Jean-nette, born March 7, 1S49, married Theodore M. Etting, of Philadelphia, where they are now living; (7) Gelyna, born January 23, 1852, married Brig.-Gen. Louis Fitzgerald, of New York, where they are now living; and (8) William Edward, born Aprils, 1856, married Virginia Eliza Darby, and they live at Mount Gu-lian, Fishkill-on-Hudson. The father of this family died December 23, 1885, and is buried by the side of the mother (who died May 31, 1883), in the Rural Cemetery, Fishkill. He inherited his father's love of reading, and had a very retentive memory; was a good farmer and a successful one; a thorough sportsman and an excellent shot. At the time of his death he was president of the Savings Bank, and vice-president of the First National Bank.

Robert Nevvlin Ver Planck was born November 18, 1842, ai the family homestead one and one-half miles north of Fishkill-on-Hudson. This old house was built in 1730 or '40 by Gulian Ver Planck, the grandson of the Gulian Ver Planck, who by royal charter obtained from the Indians one-third of the famous Roinbout Patent, the first tract of land granted within the limits of Dutchess county. It embraced the present towns of Fishkill, East Fishkill, and Wappinger, the western part of Lagrange, and nine thousand acres within the southern limits of the town of Poughkeepsie. February 8, 1682, Gulian Ver Planck and Francis Rombout obtained a license to purchase this tract from the Aborigines, the grant making the issue of a patent conditional upon a prior settlement with them, and the requirements being met the deed was delivered, and on the 14th day of August, 16S3, was recorded among the State papers at Albany. The Ver-Planck homestead was one of the principal landmarks in this section in the early days, and one of the important events which the walls of the historic mansion have witnessed was the organization of the Society of the Cincinnati, May 13, 1783, when Baron Steuben, inspector-general of the Continental army, occupied the house for his headquarters, the army being then at Newburg. [See Irving's "Life of Washington," V'ol. IV, Page 392, ct scq.']

Our subject was prepared for Harvard College by Otis Bisbee, of Poughkeepsie, and was graduated from that institution in 1863, at the age of twenty-one years. He immediately joined the Twenty-second Regiment

N. Y. State Militia, then stationed at Carlisle, Penn., and on the return of the regiment went to Washington. On September 15, 1863, he was made second lieutenant of U. S. Volunteers, by Gen. Silas Casey's examining board. He served as provost marshal of the Third Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, Army of the James, and participated in all the battles that were fought on the north side of the river. In the winter of 1864-65 he was made aid-decamp to Brig.-Gen. Truman Seymour, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and received brevet for gallant and meritorious services on April 2, 1865, when the line was broken in front of Petersburg. He was mustered out as captain June 21, 1865. On his return from the army he engaged in refining petroleum in Jersey City, continuing in this business from September, 1865, till the spring of 1871, when he sold out to the Standard Oil Company, and took charge of his father's lands, comprising seven farms in East Fishkill.

■ On February 24, 1876, Mr. Ver Planck was married to Katharine Brinckerhoff, daughter of Matthew Van Benschoten and Mary (Franklin) Brinckerhoff, and they have five children, viz. : Gulian Cromelin, Judith Crome-lin, Mary Brinckerhoff, William Samuel and Robert St. Clair.

DAVID E. ACKERT, a leading merchant of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, the senior

partner of the well-known firm of Ackert & Son, is a descendant of one of the old Holland-Dutch families of the county, his great-grandfather, George Ackert, having been the owner of a farm three miles south of Rhinebeck. This property has been in the possession of the family from that time to this, and is at present held by George Ackert. George Ackert (2), our subject's grandfather, who was born about 1780, was a farmer also, and his son, William G. Ackert, born about 1809, was engaged in the same occupation early in life. His later years were spent in Rhinebeck in the employ of W. S. Cowles & Co., dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, farm implements and other commodities. He was never active in political or religious movements, and his life passed uneventfully in the careful performance of his duties. He died in 1876, and his wife, Permelia Ackert, daughter of George Ackert, passed away about 1880.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

129

David E. Ackert, their only son, was born September 20, 1832, in the town of Rhinebeck, and received his early education in the public schools of his native place. At the age of fifteen he became an errand boy for W. S. Cowles & Co., and was soon promoted to a clerkship, which he held until his purchase of the business in 1868. For the last twenty-seven years he has successfully conducted this store, one of the largest in the town dealing in dry goods, groceries and crockery. It is seldom that one finds such a record of fifty years of continuous effort in one enterprise. Of late years his son, Ernest Cowles Ackert, has been a partner in the firm.

In September, 1S53, Mr. Ackert married Miss Mary Worden, of Rhinebeck, who died in 1883, leaving two children—the son mentioned above and a daughter, Emma K., the wife of Charles E. Worden, of Saratoga, New York.

Mr. Ackert is a prominent member of the M. E. Church, with which he united thirty years ago, and is a constant and devout student of the Bible. He has been a Church trustee for many years, and has served as president of the board. He upholds the principles of the Republican party, but is not a political worker, although as a good citizen he is always ready to respond to any call to duty, and has been president of the village for four years, and chief of the Fire Department for five years. He is a member of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows.

CHARLES D. SHERWOOD, a leading agriculturist of the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, is one of the younger workers in local affairs—religious, political, and social.

On the paternal side of the house, he is of English descent, his ancestors coming to this country some time during the seventeenth century and locating in Connecticut. He is of the eighth generation in descent from Thomas Sherwood and Alice Seabrook, his wife, whose son, Matthew, married Mary Fitch, and had issue, Samuel, who married Rebecca Burr. Their son Thomas married Anne Burr, and was the father of Joseph, who was born in Greenfield Hill, Conn., January 15, 1754. He served for some time as corporal and was commissioned, by Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, a lieutenant in the Twelfth Company of the Fourth Regiment, of Connecticut Militia, May

20, 1780. As corporal he served during the Revolution in the force detailed to reinforce Gen. Putnam, on the Hudson, during Bur-goyne's expedition, and as lieutenant in the defense of the Connecticut coast. [Evidence found in "Connecticut Men in the Revolution;" pp. 520, 521, 576.] Mrs. John I. Piatt, of Poughkeepsie, has this commission in her possession. He married Sarah Bradley, and died in Chester, N. Y., January 22, 1838. His son Samuel settled in East Fishkill, and married Ruth Du Bois. They had nine children; the youngest, Isaac, born March 25, 1826, married Mary Du Bois, June 24, 1851, and had one son.

The Du Bois family, from whom Mr. Sherwood's mother descended, is of French-Huguenot origin, and one of the oldest in the State. The first of that name who emigrated to the New World was Jacques Du Bois, who was born in Leyden, France, and married Pierromie Bentyn, of the same place. They reared a family of eight children: Marie, Jacques, Marie, Jean, Anne, Jehan, Pierre and Christian.

Pierre Du Bois came with the family to America in 1675, and located at Esopus, Ulster Co., N. Y., but spent most of his early life in Kingston, where he married Jeannetje Burhans, October 12, 1697. In 1707 they came to Dutchess county, locating in the town of Fishkill, about three and one-half miles east of the village of that name. Here he secured a tract of land, and lived with his family. His eldest son was born in Kingston, the other children after he had moved to Dutchess county. They were as follows: Petronella (i), Johannes (i). Jacobus, Chris-tiaan, Jonathan, Peter, Abraham, Johannes (2), Helen, Elizabeth and Petronella (2). The fourth child, Christiaan Du Bois, married Nelltje Van Vliet, and they became the parents of three children: Jannetje, Elizabeth and Christian. The last named was born June 13, 1746, and was married in 1768 to Helena Van Voorhis, by whom he had seven children: Henry, Abraham, Garret, John, Elizabeth, Catherine and Coert.

Garret Du Bois, the fourth son, was the great-grandfather of our subject. He married Hannah Cooper, and located upon a farm near Johnsville (now the town of East Fishkill),. where they reared their family of three children: Maria, who married Peter S. Montfort, father of Peter Y. W. Montfort, of the town

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was twice married, and by his first wife ICii/a-beth, daiiglitcr of Abraiii r>iiiiivcrbi)rf, had live children: Catherine, wiio married Tennis Brinkeriioff; Jeroinns; Abraham Brinkcrhoff; Aletta, who married James Debevoise; Kicli-ard. The sons settiecl at Fishkill, N. Y., wiiere their descendants remain.

Sixth Generation: Richard Rapalje, son of John, was thrice married, anil had eleven children.

Sn-rnth (icitcratioii: Catharine ICli/abelh Rapalje, daughter of Richard, married Isaac E. Cotheal, of New York City,' son of Henry and Phebe (Berrian Warner) Cotheal. They had three chihiren: Elizabeth M., the wife of Dr. Howell White; Anne l\apalje, married to Charles D. Sherwood; and Catharine Elizabeth, unmarried.

On the paternal side Mrs. Sherwood is descended from William Cotheal, whose father was a practicing physician and surgeon. He came from France and located first in Connecticut, afterward going to the City of New York, and from there to the town of Wood-bridge, Middlesex county. New Jersey.

William Cotheal married Charlotte Dove, and they had nine children; the youngest, Isaac, married lilizabeth Evans, and had two sons, Henry and David. Henry married Phebe Berrian Warner, and had six sons and four daughters. The youngest son, Isaac, married Catharine Eli/abeth Rapalje, and had three dauijhters.

DANIEL M. SHEEDY, M. I)., one of the ' successful physicians and surgeons of the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of Norwalk, Conn., where his parents, Michael and Johanna CHanlon) Sheedy, were married. The father, who was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, was a stock farmer by occupation, and he and his wife are both living. In their family were the following children: Daniel (deceased); Mary (deceased wife of Dr. Sweeney, of Newburgh, N. Y.); Mary Catherine, a Sister of Charity; Kate, wife of Lawrence Maguire; Thomas John (deceased), who was a stock farmer; Dr. B. D. Sheedy, of Britigeport, Conn.; Daniel M., subject of this sketch, and Fannie, wife of Dr. Thomas Byrne, of Union Hill, New Jersey.

Our subject attended the public schools of Norwalk, Conn., from which he was graduated in 1885. He then began the study of medicine

with his hrotlu'r. Dr. B. D. Sheedy, at North-ainijton, Mass., after which he entered the New \i)rk University, graduating from the medical department with the cla.ss of i8,SH. He has also taken special courses imder Prof. Loomis, on the heart and lungs; under Prof. Harry P. Loomis, on pathology; under Prof. Whithouse, on chemistry; and under Prof. Wright, on surgery. After his graduation he was admitted to the Massachusetts Mirdical Society, and also holds membershii) with the Dutchess County Medical Society. At the present time (spring of 1897), he is taking special studies at the Post-graduate Hospital, New York City.

On August 6, 1888, Dr. Sheedy arrived in Poughkeepsie, where he established an office at his present place of business, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. He is an extremely l)usy and successful practitioner, and stands high among his professional brethren. In 1890 he made a trip to Europe, which was mostly ff)r pleasure, though he gave some time to study. In his religious views the Doctor is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Mary's Church, Poughkeepsie. On April 28, 1897, he was married to Miss Agnes Kelly, a graduate of Lyndon Hall, 1896, the only daughter of Timothy C. Kelly, a successful businessman of Poughkeepsie, New York.

t NNA C. HOWLAND, M. D., who is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of the Pine Tree State, born in the town of Hallowell, Kennebec county, where she spent her girlhood, and in the public schools and seminaries of that county acquired an excellent education. Her father, Henry Cole, who was born at Vassalboro, was a well-educated man, a county squire and a representative to the State Legislature of Maine. He engaged in teaching many years, then in the manufacture of blocks for stamping oil cloth. He is now deceased, and his widow is making her home with her daughter, our subject. She bore the maiden name of Esther Pope, and is the daughter of Elijah Pope, a native of Portland, Maine, and an architect and ship carpenter by occupation. Our subject is the eldest of three children, and the only survivor, her two sisters, Sarah and Mary, being now deceased.

\\'hile attending the (Quakers' yearly meet-

COiniEMORATH'E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing school at Providence, R. I., Anna Cole met William H. Howland, who was there attending school, and afterward became his wife, their wedding being celebrated at Hallowell, Maine, in 1S55. At that time he was engaged in teaching at Nine Partners Boarding School, near Millbrook, Dutchess Co.. N. Y.. where they removed, and there lived for about si.\ years. Giving up that profession, Mr. How-land began business at Highland. Ulster Co., N. Y.. where they remained for four years, coming, in 1865, to Poughkeepsie. The following year the wife entered the New York Medical College for women, from which she graduated two years later. As Mr. Howland died in 1S69, she at once began practice in order to educate her four children: Edward Cole, who is now the Washington correspondent of the New York Press: Katherine Flint, who makes her home with her mother; Henry Cole, on the editorial stafi of the Mail and ExfTtss: and Anna Inman, wife of William Chaning Russel, Jr., city editor of the Philadelphia RecorJ. whose father was vice-president of Cornell University.

In 1868 Dr. Howland entered upon her career as a physician in Poughkeepsie, where she remained until 1886, when she removed to Philadelphia, Penn., practicing there as an examining physician for five years. In December. 1891, however, she returned to Poughkeepsie, where she has since continued to follow her chosen profession, and has secured a large and lucrative practice. She belongs to the Homeopathic school, and in connection with her extensive office practice conducts a private hospital at her residence. For many years she has been secretar}- of the Dutchess Count}- Homeopathic Medical Society, and is also a prominent member of the Homeopathic State Medical Society. The place she has won in the medical profession is accorded her in recognition of her skill and ability, and the place which she occupies in the social world is due to her many noble traits of character, and the love and confidence which she always inspires. She is a conscientious and earnest Christian, a faithful member of Christ Church.

GEORGE MORG.\N was born July 16. 1S16. at Chatham, Columbia county. N. Y. His father. William Morgan, a farmer and clothier from Hartford, Conn., had re-

' moved, in 1819, to Salisburj-, in the same State, where the early years of George Morgan's life were passed, working on the farm in summer, and improving the few months of schooling during the winter time.

The history of .American manhood points unerringly to the fact that while an education thus obtained is usually meager, it is nevertheless valuable; for while he who obtains it may lack the exquisite polish which much learning is supposed to give, yet he is often better equipped in the true elements of knowledge than are they who enjoy large opportunities, but are devoid of the industry which the absence of wealth enlivens.

At the age of seventeen the subject of this notice, with the money earned by him at hard work under summer sun and wintry blasts, paid his tuition and board for three months' attendance at Wilbraham Academy, Mass.; and at the end of this time, by sawing wood and doing various other odd items of work, he actually paid his way for another term.

What a commentary we find here on the possibilities which surround the young men and women of this, the greatest and grandest government on earth, where it is decreed that individual merit only is the standard of personal distinction. The corner stone of the American Republic is squared and cemented with the declaration that all are equal, and that there is no royal road to learning, honor, or success.

His school days ended. Mr. Morgan came to Pine Plains. Dutchess Co.. N. Y., and entered upon a clerkship in a country store, receiving for his services the munificent sum of ' forty cents per day. But perseverance and economy overcome all obstacles in the road to success, and at the age of thirty years he had accumulated $20,000. He married his first wife at about this time, and engaged in business in New York City, only to realize the loss ot nearly the whole of his fortune. .About the year 1846 he removed to Columbia county, where he purchased a farm and again went to work. In 1S48 he was elected a justice of the peace, holding the office for a term of years. In 1857 he leased the Dakin ore mine, in Dutchess count}-, for which he paid a heavy rent, and afterward bought the property. Soon afterward he sold the mine to C. S. Maltby. of New Haven. Conn., for $100,000.

In November. 1S64, he removed to the city of Poughkeepsie, where he invested $40,000

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COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

13B

in government bonds. Then came the real-estate wave, and he was carried along with it, the prices running high. He purchased the "Morgan House " and the College Hill property, for which latter he paid $33,500. He also bought the Swift farm. In looking over his farm he discovered several natural springs, and concluded by excavating the ground and damming it a lake could be formed, and to-day "Morgan lake," situated in the suburbs furnishes the city with pure spring water ice. It might appropriately be styled a sparkling monument to his memory.

On September 21, 1879, the earthly life of Senator George Morgan was brought to a close. To-day he sleeps among his kindred in the cemetery at Pine Plains, in the county of his adoption, and for whose material interests he had so nobly contended; his memory cherished by a grateful people whose pride is centered in his manliness, honesty, courage and fidelity.

In 1869 Mr. Morgan was chosen by the people as mayor of the city of Poughkeepsie, being the first Democrat ever called to that position; and at the general election in November of that year he was elected a member of the New York State Senate from the Eleventh District, including Dutchess county, defeating his Republican opponent, Jonathan Rider, by a majority of 187. The same district two years before had elected a Republican b}' over 700 majority.

At about this time is to be recorded one of the grandest achievements in the life of George Morgan. The question of locating the Hudson River Hospital for the Insane was to be decided. The representative men of the counties of Orange, Ulster and Columbia were '' leaving no stone unturned " to secure the site for their respective counties. The Dutchess county board of supervisors was in session, and Mayor Morgan was anxious that they should offer inducements for the State officers to locate the building in his county. Pinally a proper sum was agreed upon, but at the evening session it was voted down by one majority. All the next day Senator Morgan and others worked hard to change the vote, and at 6:00 p. M. the question once more came before the board, and was carried by one majority. There was no time to lose. The State connnission-ers were to meet at Newburgh, Orange county, that very night to settle the matter of location. With a party of friends Mr. Morgan

drove through a blinding snow storm, and at 11:45 ''• ^'- they walked into the commissioners' room at "Orange Hotel." The offer of the other counties had already been made, and Mr. Morgan stepped forward and presented Dutchess county's offer, and the location was awarded to Dutchess. I'or the success of the enterprise George Morgan never received the full credit to which he was entitled. But for his prompt and energetic action the splendid building would not to-day grace the eminence on the eastern banks of the Hudson just beyond the northerly boundaries of the City of Poughkeepsie.

CHARLES W. ARRAS (deceased) was ' among the more prominent and enterprising business men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, who were of alien birth. Like others of his countrymen, he brought to the New World the habits of economy and frugality, which are inherent characteristics of his native land, and the exercise of which, accompanied by industry and good management, brought him success in his business.

Mr. Arras was born at Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, November 9, 1841, and was the eldest in the family of nine children of Peter Arras, a linen weaver in the Fatherland, who came to America and located in New York City. In his native land our subject learned the baker's trade, and on coming to the United States when eleven years of age he followed that trade in New York City until about 1866. at which time he located at Poughkeepsie. For about four years he worked for George Goep-fert in a bakery, and then bought out his employer, successfully conducting the business until his death, which occurred November 14, 1885.

On October 7, 1866, Mr. Arras was married to Miss Emma A. Bieber, who was born in New York City, in 1846, and is a daughter of John Bieber, a native of Bavaria, Germany. In his native land her father had learned stone cutting, but after his arrival in New York City he took up the shoemaker's trade, which he followed there until 1851, when he came to Poughkeepsie and carried on the same occupation until he was called from this life, April 29, 1872. He had married Miss Anna Mary Smidt, who was also born in Germany, September 8, i82r, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Emma A. (now Mrs.

COMMEMORATIVE BWaiiAPHIGAL RECORD.

Arras); Barbara, wife of John Haiipt, a baker doing business on Union street, Poughkcepsie; Eliiia, wife of George Bayers, a bookkeeper of the same city; Mary E., wife of John Bayer, a cigar-maker; and Fred S., a saloon-keeper, of Poughkeepsie. Six children were born to our subject and his wife, two of whom died in infancy. Frederick S., William H., Albert C. and Carl W. are still with their mother, who, since her husband's death, has successfully carried on the business, and displays tact and energy in the management of her affairs.

In religious matters Mr. Arras belonged to the German Lutheran Church, and socially he was a leading member of the Germania Society. He was one of the representative business men of the city, wide-awake and energetic, who dealt squarely and liberally with his patrons, and merited the confidence of the community.

ISAAC L. VARIAN, a well-known citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, where he has resided since 1879, is conducting one of the leading meat markets of the city. For a period of about ten years he carried on business at Nos. 9, II and 13 Garden street; for three years afterward he was at No. 299 Main street; thence removing to No 357 on the same street, where he has since been located. He makes weekly trips to New York City in order to take advantage of the markets, and now has one of the largest establishments of the kind in Poughkeepsie, keeping all kinds of meat, as well as fish and game, and he has secured a large and lucrative trade.

Mr. Varian was born in New York, August 14, 1852, of which city his father, James Varian, was also a native. Isaac Varian, his paternal grandfather, was born in Holland, and on coming with his two brothers to the New World, located in New York City, where he was married, and reared his family of children, named respectively: Dorcas, Michael, Hannah, Jane, and James, father of Isaac L. In politics he was an unswerving Democrat, and he was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James Varian was reared and educated in New York City, where he also learned the butchering business, which he followed all his life. He married Angeline Stephenson, a native of Connecticut, and they became the parents of thirteen children, as follows: James; William H., a farmer of Yonkers, N. Y.; Gil-

bert and Jacob (both deceased); Carman, a mason by trade; Harriet, wife of Frederick W. Denton, who is in the United States service; George, a carpenter of Kingsbridge, N. Y.; Francis L., who is also engaged in carpentering there; Huram B., a painter at Woodlawn, N. Y.; Charles A. (deceased); Isaac L., subject of this sketch; Eugene, a carpenter of Kingsbridge; and Angeline, who married Howard Carlough, formerly a grocer of Kings-bridge (both now deceased). The father died in Kingsbridge, July 16, 1867; the widowed mother is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which her husband also belonged, and in politics his support was given the Republican party.

The subject of this narrative remained at home with his parents, who during his boyhood and youth lived most of the time at Kingsbridge, N. Y., where he attended the city schools, completing his education at In-wood, Queens Co., N. Y. When his school days were over he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years, and then took up butchering. Shortly after this he entered into a co-partnership with his brother Charles in the butcher business, a connection that lasted some four years. He then came to Poughkeepsie, where he has since conducted a market with most excellent success, and as a loyal citizen he feels it a duty as well as a privilege to aid in all matters of public interest.

On November 8, 1881, Mr. Varian was married to Miss Clara Marshall, a native of Po"ughkeepsie, and a daughter of DeWitt C. and Harriet G. Marshall. For several years her father was cashier of the Rhinebeck National Bank. Four children grace this union: Bessie E., Eleanor F., Harry B. and Ruth B. Mr. and Mrs. Varian attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in social circles they occupy a prominent position. In politics Mr. V'arian is a firm supporter of the Republican party; he holds membership with the Masonic fraternity and the Royal Arcanum.

JOSEPH H. STORM, a representative and prominent citizen of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, was born March 25, 1842, in the town of East F"ishkill, and sprung from a good old Holland family, which was established on the shores of this country at a very early day in its history. Derick Storm

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135

was the first to set foot on American soil, landing here in 1662 and making a location on Long Island. He wedded Maria Pifters, by whom he had four children: Goris, Peter, David and Maria. The birth of the eldest, Goris Storm, occurred either on Long Island or before the emigration of his parents. He married Engletie Van Lyck, and they located at Brooklyn, where their two sons were born — Derick in 1695, and Thomas in 1697.

Thomas Storm purchased land of Col. Phillips, in the manor of Phillipsburg, Tarry-town, N. Y. He had nine children: Thomas, Jacob, Garret, Goris, Abraham, John, Isaac, Catherine and Engletie. When well advanced in years he came to Dutchess county, where he bought about 406 acres of land on the north side of the Fishkill, 204 acres of which he gave to his son Goris, and the remaining 202 to Abraham. The latter received the land which his father had secured by a second purchase, with the exception of ten acres on the south side of the Fishkill. To Isaac he gave his possessions in Tarrytown, where his birth occurred, but he traded these'with his brother Abraham, and came to Dutchess county, where he was married and reared a family of several children, among whom was Abraham, the grandfather of our subject.

Abraham Storm was born in the town of East Fishkill, in 1771, and he married Sarah Vincent, of the town of Beekman. They located upon the homestead, and there reared their five children: Isaac was an attorney in early life, but later turned his attention to the tobacco business, and retired at the age of fifty with a capital of a million and a half; William was a farmer in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county; John V. is the father of our subject; Charlotte first wedded D. E. Remson, and, after his death, married Joseph Genung, both of whom were farmers; and Elizabeth became the wife of John Humphrey.

John V. Storm was born on the home farm in the town of East Fishkill in 1800, and there passed his boyhood and youth. He married Jeannette E. Woolley, a native of Beekman town, and a daughter of William and Hester (Pell) Woolley, farming people. Her ancestors were English, John Woolley having come from England and located on Long Island. His son Joseph, who was born in 1740, was the grandfather of Mrs. Storm. He engaged in the fur business with the Astors, and at his death left a large estate. After their marriage the parents

of our subject continued to live upon the old Storm homestead, where their seven children were born: Abraham, Joseph, William J., Frances, Elizabeth, Cornelia and Helen. During his active life the father always followed agricultural pursuits, but is at present living retired in the village of Fishkill. His faithful wife passed away June 22, 1886. He is a Democrat in political sentiment, and has been called upon to fill a number of official positions, being supervisor of East Fishkill township several terms, and also justice of the peace. The Storm family have mostly been members of the Reformed Dutch Church, while the Woolleys were Episcopalians.

The early life of Joseph H. Storm, subject of this review, was passed in the usual uneventful manner of most farmer boys, upon the old homestead where his ancestors had long resided, and in the district schools obtained his early education. Later he attended an academy, after which he took a business course in the Eastman Business College, Poughkeep-sie, and then returned to the farm where he remained until his marriage, September 4, 1867, to Miss Sophia D. Sheldon, daughter of Wilson B. Sheldon, a prominent agriculturist of the town of Beekman, and they began their domestic life upon the farm in the same township which is still their home. To them two children have been born: Wilson B., who is engaged in business with W. J. Storm; and Jeannette, wife of Frederick Ryer, Jr., of Mount Vernon, N«w York.

Upon his valuable farm of 120 acres Mr. Storm is engaged in general farming, with good success. Being a popular and influential citizen, he has been called upon to serve in several positions of honor and trust, representing his district in the State Legislature in 18S5 and 1886, and holding the office of supervisor of Beekman town in 1879 and 1880. He is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and by Secretary Rusk was appointed appraiser of the Bureau of Annual Industry, which position he capably filled for two years. He has been vice-president of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society many years; vice-president (and also president pro tciii) of the New York State .Agricultural Society for some time; and at Chicago was elected vice-president of the Farmers National Congress of New York. Socially he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, Mr. Storm holds an enviable posi-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tion in the estimation of his fello\v-citi;rens, no man in Dutchess county being held in higher regard.

DANIEL WASHBURN. In every agricultural community there will fortunatel}- be found men whose progressive management serves to demonstrate the value of the judicious application of modern scientific principles to the ancient business of farming, and to this worthy class belongs the subject of this sketch, who is a successful agriculturist of the town of Pawling. Dutchess county.

Mr. Washburn is a native of the county, born in the town of Beekman, November 29, 1850, and his education was obtained in the common schools near his home. At an early age he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he has followed ever since with unusually satisfactory results. At present he rents the Slocum farm of 286 acres, also rents the William Lud-dington farm of 176 acres, upon which he employs many assistants. He devotes his time to the raising of general crops, but has made a success of tobacco culture, and is an expert in all its branches, as well as in the more common details of farming. His business cares do not prevent him from taking an active interest in public movements, and although until a few years ago he was an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party he is now one of the leading Prohibitionists of his town. He has held the office of excise commissioner; belongs to Patterson Lodge No. 173, I. O. O. F., Pawling, and is a member of Christ Church, Quaker Hill. His first wife, Miss Sarah E. Koe, was a daughter of Daniel and Maria Roe, prominent among the farmers of the town of Dover. The present Mrs. Washburn was formerly Miss Edith Ette, who was born in 1856, in New Milford, Conn., and was educated in New Fairfield, Conn. Of the three children of our subject by his first wife, Ella, born January 9, 1874, married George Ette, a farmer of Patterson, and has had one daughter, Serena; Serena, born February i, 1876, married Charles Lutz, a farmer of the town of Pawling, and has had one child, Ethel; and Fannie B., born May i8, 1879, is at home.

The Washburn family has been prominent in Putnam county, N. Y., from early times, and Samuel Washburn, our subject's grandfather, was born and reared there, becoming a farmer by occupation. He was a soldier in

the Revolutionary war. He and his wife, Phebe (Baker), reared a family of six children: Jonathan, who married Naomi Dykeman; Levi, who remained single; Absolom, who died in boyhood; Zebulum, our subject's father; Eliza, who never married; and Mrs. Hannah Robinson.

Zebulum Washburn was born in Carmel, Putnam county, in 1804, and his education was acquired there in the district schools. He was a well-known farmer, and was prominent in local affairs as a Democrat; but, although he held a number of minor town offices, he never aspired to political distinction. His death occurred in 1862. He married Miss Serena Luddington, daughter of Joseph Lud-dington (a leading blacksmith of Pawling) and his wife, Susan (Ferris). Our subject was the fourth in a family of seven children. Of the others (i) Susan never married. (2) George H. was born in the town of Beekman in 1840, was educated in the schools there, and in i860 enlisted in Company E, 19th N. Y. V. I., being the first man from the town of Beekman to respond to the call for troops. He served three years and then re-enlisted, and, his regiment having moved on, he was transferred to the 128th N. Y. V. I. He met his death at the battle of Shenandoah. (3) Samuel was born and reared in the town of Beekman, and followed farming there. He married (first) Miss Hattie Gregory, and had three children— William, Walter and Louis; for his second wife he married Miss Carrie Mosier, and has had one daughter—Ella. (5) William S. was born at the old homestead in 1853, and after attending the schools of Beekman engaged in business, and is now foreman for William B. Wheeler, taking charge of the Latta estates. He married Miss Lizzie Lutz, daughter of Henry Lutz, a well-known gardener of the town of Pawling, and has had three children— William, Leo and Fredie. (6) Anna A., born in 1856, married Horace Orton, a farmer of the town of Dover, and has had four children— Sarah, Minnie, George and Herbert; of these, Sarah married William White, also a farmer of Dover, and they have one child, Jennie. (7) Jane died in infancyj.

LUDWIG PETiLLON (deceased) was one of the best known citizens of the county, of later years as a wealthy, retired business man residing on a charming estate two miles

yU J^^/(>-i>C^^-l^-L

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137

from the city of Poughkeepsie. He came of German origin, and his grandfather, Isaac Petilion, who was a farmer in Bavaria, was a soldier in the German army during the Napoleonic wars. He reared a family of children, among whom was a son, Jacob, our subject's father, who was born December 23, 1813, in Bavaria, grew to manhood there, and learned the butcher's trade.

At the age of twenty Jacob Petilion sailed for America, landing in New York July 4, 1833. Coming to Poughkeepsie, he found employment at his trade, and with characteristic enterprise and good management he made his way to success, continuing in the same business throughout his life. He was a Republican in politics, and took a keen interest in the questions of the day. He married Catherine Hey, also a native of Bavaria, born March 28, 1811, and had four children: Caroline C., the wife of Charles Ivirchner, a well-known resident of Poughkeepsie; John Jacob, who was born January 16, 1840, and at the time of his death, May 22, 18S4, was a successful business man of Poughkeepsie; John, now a resident of that city; and Ludwig, our subject. The father of this family died July 11, 18G1, the mother surviving him until January 7, 1885. Both were devout members of the German Lutheran Church, to which their children also belonged.

Ludwig Petilion was born in Poughkeepsie, September 20, 1845, and was educated in the public schools of that city. He was only fourteen years old when the death of his father compelled him to become a "bread winner," and he and his brother, John Jacob, conducted their father's business from that time with marked success. At first they had a wholesale trade, but later they engaged in a retail business with Charles Kirchner, continuing until 1889, when Mr. Petilion retired from the active management.

On April 7, 1874, Mr. Petilion was married to Miss Catherine Steitz, a native of Poughkeepsie, and a daughter of Philip and Catherine Steitz, well-known citizens of German birth. They had no children. On his retirement from business Mr. Petilion purchased from W. S. Johnson a beautiful farm of eighty acres near the city on the electric-car line, which he improved with winding paths and drives, and a residence which compares well with those of of the neighboring wealthy New Yorkers. He was an intelligent,

progressive man, highly esteemed among all classes, and was a generous supporter of local improvements. In politics, he was a Republican, and he and his wife were prominent adherents of the Lutheran Church, to which they contribute liberally. Mr. Petilion died February 2 1, 1896.

JOHN HACKETT, of the well and favorably known law firm of Hackett & Williams, of ~ the city of Poughkeepsie, which enjoys an enviable reputation throughout the Valley of the Hudson, for the success each member has met with in the handling of the extensive legal business that for years has been entrusted to their care, is a native of Ireland, born on the farm of his father, near Clonmell, June 8, 1845.

His father, John Hackett, with his famil}', came to America in 1852, and located in Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where John Hackett was reared, and where he was given the benefit of the public schools of the village; he also attended the Eastman Business College, and was graduated therefrom in 1863. Not content with the idea of being an accountant through life, young Hackett determined on a professional career, and began the study of law, pursuing his studies in the office and under the direction of Chester Brundage, at Poughkeepsie. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, and at once settled in the practice of his profession in the city of his adoption, and where he was reared and educated. In 1873 he was made assistant district attorney under James L. Williams, and served as such until the close of Mr. Williams' term of office. In 1S84 he was the Democratic nominee for the same office, and was elected over George Esselstyn, the Republican candidate; on the expiration of his term of office he was again the nominee for district attorney, and was reelected over his competitor, W. R. Wooden, by a large majority. He very ably and successfully performed the duty devolving upon him as a public official, in a position of so much responsibility, and both socially and professionally became widely and favorably known. In 1876 he formed a partnership with James L. Williams (under whom he had served as assistant district attorney), which partnership continues to exist. They have an extensive and lucrative practice, and are men of high standing and position in the community

GOMMEMORA TIVE BIOORAPHIOAL RECORD.

in which they have so long resided. The firm is recognized as one of the strongest in that section of the country.

On April lo, 1880. Mr. Hackett was married to Miss Hattie V. Mulford, daughter of Hon. David H. Mulford, of Hyde Park, who was one of the representatives from Dutchess county in the Legislature in 1870-71, and to their marriage the following children have come: John M. and Henry T., both of whom are now attending the Bisbee Military School, at Poughkeepsie. Mr. Hackett and family reside at Hyde Hark.

JAMES COLLINGWOOD (deceased) was born in Wigan, England, March 19, 1814, and came to America at the time of the first cholera epidemic, being then eighteen years old. He came directly to the city of Newburg, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade for a few years, and then moved to Fish-kill, Dutchess county, where he engaged in the shoe trade, and built several houses. From Fishkiil he went to a farm near West Park, Ulster county, and there engaged in farming.

Mr. Collingvvood came to Poughkeepsie and started in the lumber business, buying a residence on the river a short distance from the city. He was first married at Newburg to Hannah Frost, who died in Poughkeepsie during the second year of the cholera scourge in New York, leaving four children: Jennie S., who married G. W. Millard, and is now deceased; William A. and James H., both also deceased; and Eugenia Elizabeth, who married E. B. Taylor, and is now deceased. After the death of his first wife, our subject married Miss Mary E. Clark, a daughter of George Clark, who was born in Poughkeepsie. Of this marriage five children were born, namely: (ij Sarah, who married Charles A. Brooks; (2) John G., who married Josepha Chichester, and they have two children—John C. and Fannie M.; (3) George married Mary E. Carey; (4) Fannie married G. W. Millard, and is deceased; and (5) Edwin James married Cora L. Schickle, a daughter of John Schickel, of Poughkeepsie.

Our subject's parents were William and Jane Collingvvood, the former of whom started out for himself at the age of eighteen years. He was a self-made man, and became one of the largest coal and lumber dealers along the

Hudson river. He was very highly spoken of in Poughkeepsie, and his career was an example of thrift and energy to others. He built the opera house and the block in front of it, in Poughkeepsie, as a private enterprise. His death occurred May 16, 1874.

E^DWARD CRUMMEY (deceased). To in- ;/ tellectual gifts and training which fitted

the subject of this sketch to take rank among the leaders of the legal profession, there was added the ardent heart of a reformer, and a steadfast faith in human nature that made him an inspiration for good in every life that came in contact with his own. His sympathy and help have lifted more than one degraded drunkard to renewed self-respect and determination, while his influence among his associates brought to the various temperance organizations large numbers of able and cultured workers who in their turn have carried on the noble work.

Mr. Crummey was born in New York City in August, 1827, and after the early death of his parents, James and Sarah Crummey, he was brought at the age of fifteen to live in the family of Smiten Vincent Tripp, near Clinton Corners, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He attended the district school there for some years, and pursued a higher course of study in the school on College Hill, then conducted by Charles Bartlett, Bisbee and Warring. He taught at Stanford and Schultzville, and then went to California in 1849, and engaged in gold mining with the late Hon. A. P. K. Safford, then a prominent resident there, and later on Governor of Arizona. They were successful, and Mr. Crummey returned home with the means to carry out a cherished wish to become a lawyer. He prepared for the bar at Prof. Fowler's Law School, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and at Poland, Ohio, in 1856, was admitted to practice, and he at once opened an office in the city of Poughkeepsie, where for nearly forty years he carried on his professional work. In 1857, when a County Board of E.xcise was appointed under the new law, Mr. Crummey became clerk and attorney for that body, serving with marked ability for several years. At the time that the i 50th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers was raised in Dutchess county, Mr. Crummey opened a recruiting office in Poughkeepsie, and succeeded in raising an entire company; but as he had no liking for military life he

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139

never asked for the commission as captain to which he was entitled, but gave it to the late U. S. Capt. Piatt Thorn.

In 1865 he became interested in the temperance cause, and united with the Sons of Temperance, his zeal and influence bringing large accessions to the organization. He was also instrumental in founding a Father Matthew Society in Poughkeepsie, and in starting a series of public meetings in the court house and in Old Pine Hall, which aroused and maintained for several years wide-spread interest in the total-abstinence movement. To Mr. Crum-mey, more than to any other one person, the success of these several enterprises was due. He was a fine extemporaneous speaker, and an able and dignified presiding officer. In the Sons of Temperance he seven times held the office of Grand Worthy Patriarch of Eastern New York, and later was made Most Worthy Patriarch of the United States and Canada. In the formation of the Prohibition party he gave it his allegiance. He was always a ready friend to any man, no matter how low and degraded, who attempted to reform, and he gave freely of both time and money to secure them employment, and to establish them in an honorable mode of life. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

On November 10, 1857, Mr. Crummey was married in the town of Stanford to Miss Ger-aldine B. Arnold, a descendant of a pioneer family; her great-grandfather, Ahab Arnold, her grandfather, Welcome Arnold, and her father, Archibald H. K. Arnold, were all prominent residents there. Two sons were born of this union, Saffokd Arnold and Edward Daly, both of whom, with their mother, survive the beloved father and husband, who passed beyond the gates that separate the seen from the unseen, July 20, 1894. Surely he " hath done what he could."

GEORGE HUNTINGTON, M. D. The life of a country physician, who labors day and night through all seasons for the alleviation of human suffering, lacks the spectacular features which bring some men, in far less useful callings, into public prominence, but no one will deny or even question the superior value of the work done by the unassuming medical practitioner.

Dr. Huntington is a descendant of an old New England family, and several of his an-

cestors were physicians of note. Simon Huntington, the head of this branch of the family, came from England with three sons soon after the settlement by the Pilgrim Fathers. Our subject's great-grandfather and grandfather were natives of Norwich, Conn., but the latter, Dr. Abel Huntington, moved to East Hampton, L. I., when a young man, and began the practice of medicine. He was a leader among his associates, and served two terms in Congress under Jackson's administration. His wife was Miss Frances Lee, daughter of Col. Lee, of Lyme, Conn., and they had four children: Marrietta, the wife of Dr. David Gardiner; Cornelia, a well-known writer of prose and poetry; Abbie L.; and George Lee Huntington, our subject's father, who also became an able and successful physician. He passed his youth at East Hampton, and studied medicine with his father for some time, continuing his course later with Dr. Valentine Mott, of New York City. He took charge of his father's practice when the latter was elected to Congress, and then for some time followed his profession in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he married Miss Mary Hoogland, a member of an old Knickerbocker family. Soon afterward he resumed his practice at East Hampton, continuing until his death in 1884. Of his four children the eldest, Benjamin H., is president of the Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn. (2) Abel Huntington, M. D., is medical director of the New York Life Insurance Co., of New York City, and Mary E., now a resident of Brooklyn, is the widow of the late Frederick Bridge, who was engaged in trade with China and Japan, and who for several years was a resident in those countries.

George Huntington, the third child of this family, was born in East Hampton, April 9, 1850, and received his literary education mainly at Clinton Academy, at that place, studying the classics under the tuition of John Wallace. In the fall of 1868 he began the study of medicine with his father as preceptor, and later attended three courses of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, graduating in 187 I. In the following year he located in Pomeroy, Ohio, but after a few months returned home and united with his father in practice, remaining there until 1874, when he established himself at Lagrangeville, Dutchess county. There he has met with the appreciation which his thorough mastery of his profession deserves.

COMMEMORATrVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1874 the Doctor married Miss Mary E. Heckard, daughter of Judge Martin Heckard, of Pomcroy, Ohio, a well-known mining engineer, and for some years the judge of the probate court there. Six children were born of this marriage: Katharine, Charles Gardiner, Abel (deceased), lilizabeth, Edwin Horton and Eleanor. The Doctor holds a high place in the esteem of his professional brethren, as well as with the public generally. He is a member of the Medical Society of Dutchess county, and was its president in 1887-88; in April, 1894, he was made an honorary member of the Brooklyn Society for the study of Neurology. He also belongs to the Audubon Society of New York City, and he achieved world-wide recognition as a scientific observer by a paper on "Chorea," read before the Meigs and Mason Academy of Medicine, in 1S72, and published in the '' Medical and Surgical Reporter. " This paper describes a peculiar form of hereditary' chorea existing in Long Island, N. Y., which has since attracted much attention both at home and abroad, and which has been designated "Huntington's Chorea." We quote the following from an article by William Osier, M. D., professor of medicine in John Hopkins University, Baltimore. " Twenty years have passed since Huntington, in a postscript to an everyday sort of article on chorea minor, sketched most graphically, in three or four paragraphs, the characters of a chronic and hereditary form which he, his father and grandfather had observed in Long Island. In the whole range of descriptive nosology there is not, to my knowledge, an instance in which a disease has been so accurately and fully delineated in so few words. No details were given: the original cases were not (nor have they been) described, but to Huntington's account of the symptomatology no essential fact has been added." In I 897 Dr. Huntington was made one of the auxiliary staff of the new General Hospital at Fishkill-on-Hudson.

LEWIS FREDERICK STREIT (deceased), ,' a former well-known carriage manufacturer of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess, county, was born at Cniildirland, Albany Co., N. Y., December 2, 1816. .

Frederick Streit, the great-grandfather of our subject, born in 1709, came from Bavaria, and settled at a place called Keskatomi Nijse, northwest of Catskill, N. Y., owned a farm on

land bought by Henry Beekman of the Indians about 1700; he afterward sold this farm and purchased one at Rhinebeck, N. Y., where he passed the rest of his days, dying February 8,

1781, aged seventy-two years. He married Catharine Mowel (Moult from the west side of the river, who was born in 1702, and died February 23, 1785, at Rhinebeck. They had eight children: Christina, born F"ebruary 27, 1740, married ("aspar Ham; Elizabeth died in 1740; Anna, born May 26, 1734, died May 27, 1740; Mariah, born March 8, 1742; Frederick, born March 8, 1742, died May 21, 1800; Lodowick, born April 12, 1745; Catharine married Frederick Ham; and Anna married John Ackert.

Frederick Streit, the grandfather of Lewis Frederick, was born March 8, 1742, and died May 21, 1800. He settled at Guilderland, N. Y. ; married (first) Catharine Benner. February 7, 1762, daughter of Henrich and Catharine (Boetzer) Benner (they had one daughter, Catharine, born August 9, 1768); and (second) Elizabeth Rauh, and to the latter marriage were born four children: Hannah, born November 14, 1770, died August 23, 1776; Mary, born July 14, 1773, died August 16, 1776; John, born November 2, 1775, died August 21, 1776; and Lodowick, born December 26, 1777, died July 9, 1783. For his third wife Frederick Streit married on February 18,

1782, Catharine Moore, born June 8, 1752, at Red Hook, N. Y., died March 16, 1843, the only daughter of Phillip Hendricksen (born December 28, 1713) and Engel (Dederick) Moore; they had four children: Frederick, born May 2, 1780; Phillip, born September 21, 17S3, died July 4, i Soo, married Elizabeth Cramer; Lodowick, born February 26, 1785, went to Canada; Hannah, born May 14, 1789, died February 3, 1833, married John M. Rowc, November 5, 1809.

Phillip Streit, the father of our subject, born September 21, 1783, died July 4, 1867, at Rhinebeck. N. Y., married November 6, 1803, to Elizabeth Cramer, born August 24, 1784, died November 25, 1861, daughter of John Nicholas and Elizabeth (Tipple) Cramer, the former born January 22, 1743, died October 18, 1S06, and the latter born in 1752. They had five children; Caroline Catharine, born September 9, 1804, at Rhinebeck, married (first) Lemuel Savage, of Granville, N. Y., November 30, 1802, and (second) Seth Morehouse; Anna Maria, born December 20, 1807,

SZe^oJH^ '^^jiJ^M/^

COMMEMORATIVE BlOORAPUICAL RECORD.

141

at Guilderland, married George Lamoree, of Staatsburg, died September 20. 1895; J^ne Elizabeth, born January 3, 181 i, married Seth Morehouse, died January 4, 1862; Lewis Frederick, born December 2, 18 16, died March I, 1891; Margaret Ellen, born November 27, 1821, married David Henry Schryver, of Khinebeck, New York.

There is a legend in the Cramer family that the great-grandfather of Elizabeth Cramer was one of the Princes of a small division of Germany. They lived in a castle supposed to have been at Baden-Baden; her grandfather married a daughter of a family with whom his father was at feuds, and they were consequently disowned by both families. John Nicholas, father of Elizabeth, was one of three sons born in Baden in 1743. It is said the children went to their grandfather's castle gate, and repeated the Lord's Prayer, according to an old German custom for restoring peace, but it was unavailing, so the father, his wife and three sons sailed for America. The passage was very long (three months) and stormy; the father died and was buried in the deep, and the children were sold, according to the prevailing custom of that time, to pay expenses; the wife married again in Virginia. Two sons, John N. and another brother, Jacob or Wendel, settled in Rhinebeck. They brought with them an old German Bible printed in 1585, which is now in the possession of one of the members of the family.

Lewis Frederick Streit received the benefits of a common-school education. In 1830 he came to Poughkeepsie, and engaged in the carriage and sleigh-making business with John P. Myers, afterward carrying it on on his own account until 1853, when he took George Lockwood into partnership with him. The firm prospered, and in 1888 they sold their business and retired. Mr. Streit invested in real estate in Poughkeepsie, which at the present time is very valuable. In politics, he was a Republican, although he never sought public office, was made a member of the board of village trustees of Poughkeepsie, and represented the Fourth ward as alderman in 1854. In early manhood he became connected with the Presbyterian Church, with the interests of which he was associated until his death. He was twice married; by his first wife, Martha Wigg, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (De Groff) Wigg, and born December 23, 181 r, married January 31, 1838, died in October,

1861, two children were born: a son who died in infancy, and a daughter, now Mrs. Elizabeth Raub, of Poughkeepsie. By his second wife, Rebecca Matilda Duncan, he had one child, a son who died in infancy. Mr. Streit died March i, 1891. He will always be remembered as an honorable, upright man, who gained and held the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. He was identified with the industries of the city, and for many years was a director in the Poughkeepsie National Bank. His taste and enterprise, courtesy and probity, were noteworthy, and in no sphere was he more honored than in the Church where his name was recorded nearly all his manhood. His widow is living at the old home, and in 1886 she purchased her own old homestead at Unionvale, near Millbrook, New York.

Elizabeth Streit (the daughter of our subject by his first wife) was born in the city of Poughkeepsie, married James M. Raub, of Raubsville, Penn., who died July 20, 1872; they had two daughters: Alma, now Mrs. Halsey Haines Cheney, and Lena, now Mrs. John Morton Swift.

ROBERT FORSTER (deceased) was born in Canada March 14, 1821, of English

and French ancestry. The father died when Robert was a small boy, and the latter went to New York City, where he received his early education.

Mr. Forster learned the machinist's trade with John Matthews, with whom he lived for several years. While in Mr. Matthews' employ as foreman of the factory, our subject was married June 6, 1843, to Emma Manning. In 1846 he came to Poughkeepsie, and followed his trade, that of a machinist. In 1S47 he built the apparatus for the manufacture of soda water, and engaged in the bottling business, in which he was the pioneer in Poughkeepsie. He first started in the retail business, which soon rapidly increased to wholesale, and he supplied the trade of Poughkeepsie and other cities. He was an active member of the fire department, but would never hold a political office. His business, which is now the largest in the city, is carried on by his widow, she has an adopted son, George, who assists her. He married Miss Emma Louise Hager, and they have three children: Grace T., Emma N. and Robert. Mrs. Forster also has in her employ James Du Bois, who has been with her

cojoiEJiOBArrrs biograpbical record.

since 1S55. and Robert William Polhemus. a nephew, who has been with her since 1873. Mr. Forsier died in Poughkeepsie June 2S, 1863.

Charles Manning. Jr.. the father of Mrs. Forster. was bom at Hyde Park. Dutchess county, in 1795. where he spent his boyhood attending public schools. He was a soldier in the war of 1S12. On Januajy 4. 1817. he was married to ^^iss Maria Tra\-is. who was bom in the town of Pleasant Vallej-. August 16, 1795. and children as follows were bom to them: Elizabeth and Hester ^^both deceased^: Emma: Sarah, who married William S. Polhemus, of Poughkeepsie: James, and Charles.

the latter being deceased.

Mr. Manning was

engaged in farming in Hyde Park until i S26, when he went to New York City and went into business there. Later he returned to Dutchess county, and died January 2. 1S57.

Charles Manning, the grandfather of Mrs. Forster. was a farmer in the town of Hvde

moved to the town of Egremont. Berkshire county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until bis death, which occurred August II, 1870.

Henry E. Codding, bom June i6, 1S26. obtained his elementary education in the common schools of Berkshire county, and completed his literarj- training in the old Lenox .■\cademy. His active business life was all devoted to farming in the town of Egremont, where he died November 24, 1S96. A conscientious, earnest. Christian man. for several years he was deacon in the Baptist Church, and officially served as justice of the peace, being appointed by the governor of Massachusetts. In December, 1S49, he was united in marriage with Miss Emeline. daughter of Stephen Eldgerley. of Glendale. Berkshire Co., Mass.. and thej- became the parents of three children: Marcia R.. who was bom November 9. 1S50. and is now the wife of .\lfred J. Hub^ bard, of LeRov. N. Y.: Clara G., who was

Park, where he was bom July 17, 1771. He bom May 11. 1S32. and died in June. 1S92; married Miss Elizabeth Myer. who was bom April 20. 1772. and they had fourteen children. Charles Manning, the great-grandfather, was one of the early pioneers of the town of Hyde Park. Isaac Travis, the maternal grandfather, was bom in the town of Pleasant Valley. February 10. 1763. and was married to Miss Elizabeth ConkUn, who was bom June 3, 1760. They had nine children, of whom. Maria, the mother of Mrs. Forster, was the fifth.

GEORGE H. CODDING. M. D.. a leading _ ph\'3ician and surgeon of Amenia. Dutchess count\'. was bom at Egremont. Berkshire Co.. Mass.. August i, 1S54, and comes of a family that for several generations have been prominent agriculturists of that county. His great-grandfather. Cobb Codding, whose birth occurred at Taunton. Mass.. in 1774. became a prosperous farmer and lumberman in the town of Washington. Berkshire county.

There. Ephraim Codding, the grandfather.

was bom Febniarj- 20. iSoo. and spent his

da\-s upon his father's farm. .\t

<. Conn., he married Miss Ann Eliza

Remington, who died in 1872. and to them

'.V - - — --'-^ children: Henry E.. the

ect. and Ann ElLza and Sarah

i -ed. After a short resi-

c -?. he in March, 1S45, re-

and George H.. of this re\new. The mother of these children was called to her final rest May 26. i860, and Mr. Codding again married, his second union being with Cornelia Eggles-ton. daughter of David Eggleston. of the town of Northeast. Dutchess Co.. New York.

Dr. Codding was reared upon the home farm in the town of Egremont. Berkshire Co., Mass., and attended the Egremont Academy, after which he taught school for a year and a half, and in 1S7S took up the study of medicine with Dr. Henr\- M. Knight, of Lakeville, Conn. On the death of that gentleman, be continued to pursue his medical studies under the instruction of Dr. John C. Shaw, at that time superintendent of the Kings County Insane Asylum at Flatbush. Long Island, and subsequently graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, in the class of Si.

The Doctor then entered Kings County Hospital at Flatbush. as assistant physician, and later was appointed second assistant at the Kings CountA' Insane Asylum, thus gaining much practical knowledge. On January 9. 1SS2. he arrived in Amenia. where for three years he was in partnership with Dr. Desault Guernsey, but since that time has been alone, and is now at the head of a large practice. He is a member of the Dutchess Countj- Medical Society, and was one of the founders of the New York State Medical .Association.

COMMEMOIiATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

143

On March 28, 1883, Dr. Codding was married to Miss Irene Hinman Warner, daughter of Sherman B. Warner, of Southbury, Conn., and to them were born two children—Joel Hinman, born May 29, 1884; and Desault Guernsey, born September 28, 1886, and died July 23, 1887.

CHARLES BROWN HERRICK(de-_ ceased). Among the prominent citizens of Foughkeepsie, Dutchess county, who have passed to the unseen world in recent years, the late Charles B. Herrick held an honorable place, and the announcement of his death at Haines' Falls, in the Catskills, July 29, 1896, caused sincere and wide-spread grief among all classes in the city where the best of his years had been spent. Although it was well-known that he was stricken with a serious ailment— locomotor ataxia — his unvarying composure under suffering had led many of his friends to hope that the disease would not prove fatal. In the prime of life, having just crossed the half century line (for he was born August 15, 1845), he had scarcely begun to reap the rewards and honors due to his able and conscientious work in the legal profession, while the community which he had faithfully served in the various official capacities has lost an untiring supporter of its best interests.

Like many of the foremost citizens of the country, he was born and reared upon a farm, and his father, William Herrick,. still resides at the old home at Salt Point, Dutchess county. Our subject prepared for college at East Hampton, Mass., and was graduated from Yale College in 1869. His legal studies were prosecuted in the office of Thompson & Weeks, and in 1870 he began to practice, his office being located in the old " Lawyers' Row," on Market street at the site of the present post office. In 1876 he formed a partnership with Col. Henry E. Lose}-, which continued until his death. Mr. Herrick's interest in educational and literary pursuits was shown in many ways; he was a trustee of Vassar Institute, and also served three years as a member of the board of education. In politics he was an active worker, and for a number of years previous to his death he was chairman of the Democratic City Committee. When the water board was organized he was appointed clerk, which office he held for several years.

and his work as city attorney under the administration of Mayor Elsworth and of Mayor Ketcham reflected great credit upon him, and was satisfactory in the highest degree to the people. The Poughkeepsie Courier said at the time of his retirement from office:

During Mr. Herrick's incumbency, suits aggregating between Sl.')0,000 and S200,000, have been brought against the city, and the total recovery has only been S^J.TOO. This is quite a remarkable record, most of the actions for damages resulting from slii)[)ery sidewalks. In addition to defending all suits against the city, Mr. Herrick has been the right hand man and confidential adviser of two mayors, and the official adviser for six years of all the city boards, at the same time has attended to a large private practice. \'ery little business, however, will remain uncompleted at the close of bis term. Only one suit is pending against the city.

In all relations of life, Mr. Herrick was a typical American gentleman. Dignified in appearance, at the same time he was pleasing in manners, and he fully appreciated the value of the friendship and esteem of his associates. Although he was always earnest in the support of any cause which he espoused, he never made use of any methods that were not honorable and straightforward, and neither in public or private life was he ever swerved by criticism, ridicule, or invective from the discharge of his duty as he saw it. His innate kindness and justice were displayed in his characteristic reluctance to express an opinion where character or reputation was involved. His legal brethren held him in the highest esteem, and a meeting of the Bar Association of Dutchess County, held shortly after his death, was largely attended, and eloquent tributes of respect were paid by Messrs. Frank Hasbrouck, ex-Judge Henry M. Taylor, Frank B. Lown, Gifford Wilkinson, J. Hervey Cook, Safford Crummey, Martin Heermance. and others. Resolutions of condolence with the sorrowing relatives were adopted, and the words of praise of the life so prematurely ended voiced the feelings of all present.

Mr. Herrick left a widow, formerly Miss Ada Van Benschoten, daughter of Philip and Jane Ann (O'Dell) Van Benschoten, of the town of Lagrange, and three sisters and a brother also survive him. The funeral services were held at the home of the deceased on Hooker avenue, and his remains were interred in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, a large company of friends gathering to pay the last token of affection. For several years the deceased was a member of the University Club of New York City.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQBAPHICAL RECORD.

145

cratic airs of the other lines, calHng their homesteads after different castles of the local Lord Livingstons in Scotland, to whom, according to the investigation published in the " Curio," Vol. I., 1887-1888, pages 45 and 46, they cannot trace their connection. Burke says as much in his " Lost Peerages." Even E. Brock-hoist Livingston, F. S. A.: Scot., who has written so largely on the subject, admits he cannot supply " the missing link " ("Curio," I., 46). There were almost as many so-styled "Livingston Manor houses" as there were well-to-do heads of families of that name. Nevertheless, there was only one real "manor house," situated on the north shore of the Roe-liff Jansen Kill, near the railroad station, just to the north of its junction with the Hudson river, which was burned down in the preceding century, never rebuilt, and the possession of its site has passed into other hands.

Like the Hapsburg family, who boasted of the growth of their possessions by marrying heiresses, the first Livingston laid the foundation of his fortune in his union with the widow of a Van Renssalaer. Mrs. Martha J. Lamb, in her " History of' the City of New York," Vol. I., pp. 275 and 276, furnishes a pen picture of him, moral and physical, and his descendants have not lost his peculiar characteristics to this day.

The different scions of the Watts family, moved by affectionate recollections of the old home in Scotland—once just without, now within the city limits of Edinburgh—called all their rural residences in the Province and State of New York, "Rose Hill," the title borne by their forefathers' mansion for several hundred years. The simple appellation " Rose Hill " was a common weal. They did not arrogate to their homes the titles of different castles of Earls and Lords in Scotland, scattered throughout the realm, not aggregated, as here, in a small district.

Guisbert, or Gilbert, who married Cornelia Beekman, had Mills near Rock City, in the town of Milan, and they were still in existence and known by his name until recent date, if not still in use. His eldest son, Robert Gilbert Livingston, married Catherine, daughter of a wealthy man, John Mac Pheadris, who was the first to introduce the mining and smelting of iron in Dover Valley in Duchess county. The brother of this John, known as Capt. Mac Pheadris, afterward resided in Portsmouth, N. H., and built—1718 to 1723—a 10

famous mansion, described at length by Brewster in his "Rambles about Portsmouth," ist ed., pp. 138-140 inclusive. It cost i,'6,ooo, equivalent to $30,000 Colonial coinage, possessing at that time a purchasing power equal to $150,000 to-day.

Helen, eldest daughter of Robert Gilbert Livingston and Catherine MacPheadris, married Samuel Hake, a commissary general in the British army, whose only daughter, again Helen, married Frederic de Peyster, grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Catherine, another daughter, married John Reade, of Poughkeepsie, who was the brother of Sarah Reade, daughter of Hon. Joseph Reade, member of the King's Council, etc. This Sarah married James de Peyster, father of the Frederic above mentioned. Samuel, only son of Gen. Hake, having lost all his children, left all his landed property in Duchess county to the sons of his sister, Mrs. de Peyster, whence (through his honored father, Frederic de Peyster) it came into possession of' her grandchild, the General. The Century for December, 1896, in the article " A Group of American Girls," alludes to these ladies.*

Helen Hake had for guardians Nicholas William Stuyvesant and Vice-President Aaron Burr, one of the most malignantly misrepresented of mortals. She was married to Frederic de Peyster, from the house of her great uncle, Gilbert Robert Livingston, at Upper Red Hook Landing, now Tivoli. This gentleman had been an officer in the British service, and this fact saved his mansion, known as " Green Hill," on the high ground overlooking the river, between the Upper and Lower Landings of the two freighting establishments which are now embraced within the village of Tivoli. This title was derived from the residence built by an old French gentleman, M. Delabegarre, and by him styled the " Chateau of Tivoli," of which the part of the original walls of the ''cncicnte" were standing until within the year, and the postern gate still remains. M. Delabegarre was a visionary, and among his other wild plans he laid out, for a grand city, a large portion of the domain, Rose Hill, now belonging to Gen. de Peyster, as well as the " Chateau " at first given to his second son, Frederic. The plotting and plan__ of this city, a perfect " Chateau en Espagne, ". was drawn and engraved by the famous Saint

*I*erhaps the best succinct or properly digested genealogical statement of Gen. de Peyster's family is to be fonnd in Munsell's ■■ American Ancestry," Vol. I., Part 3, 18S8, Pages 83-86.

COyrMKMORATrVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Meniin, the artist who took and engraved so many portraits of distinguished people about 1796, the same time that he laid out the prospective city of Tivoli, in which not a spade has turned a sod for any improvement, or any structure great or small undertaken. On these grounds the first—or at all events one of the first—silk-worm mulberry groves was planted in the United States. By the way, tradition holds that Delabegarre was an Americanism for L'Abbe de Seguard, which, if true, would indicate that he was a waif of the French Ke\olution who, like so many thousands of Others, drifted to the United States.

General de Peyster's residence and associations with Duchess county have been continuous since 1841. He was an early contributor to the Poughkeepsie Edg/c, in the office of which a number of his works were printed that won him high distinction at home and abroad. One, "The Life of Torstenson," received an honorable acknowledgment from His Majesty, Oscar I., the king of Sweden, accompanied by three exquisite silver portrait medals. Several of his subsequent works were reprinted in Europe, and one of them, the "NewAmerican Tactics," was followed by the inauguration of the '' New Method of Fighting Infantry;" just as his "Winter Campaigns," according to the opinion of Gen. Wm. P. Wainwright, was succeeded by activity at a season in which, previously, armies had rested or remained inactive. It is somewhat curious that his want of recognition has been due to his having always been ahead of his times. Just as he was the first to report in favor of the mobilized twelve-pounder, or Napoleon gun, which did so much service during the "Slaveholders' Rebellion," just so his indications were remarkable for their foresight and his predictions for their fulfillment, as in succession he wrote and published on various militarj' subjects. That these claims are not an afterthought or unfounded is susceptible of immediate and the fullest proof, because his opinions and suggestions were all in print or preserved in manuscript written long previous to the events to which they referred. To the case of General de Peyster most appropriately apply the lines:

" The man is thoufjht a knavt or fool Or bigot plotting crimt-, Who for the advancement of his age Is wiser than his time."

In 1844 he was a staff officer in an Infantry

Brigade of the Northern Districts of Duchess county, and next year colonel of the iiith Regiment N. Y. S. Infantry, recruited in the towns of Red Hook, Milan and Rhinebeck. Rendered a Supernuinerary officer by the Act of 1845, although the youngest colonel in the new 22d Regiinental District N. Y. — which comprised the northern towns of Duchess county and those in the southern half of Columbia county, including the City of Hudson — he was assigned, as a necessity for the complete organization of the force, to its command over the heads of a number of officers of his rank holding older commissions. Within one year the adjutant-general of the State complimented him with the decision that Col. Willard, of Troy, an old army officer, and himself, were the only two who had completely enforced the law in their districts, of which the population were considered the most difficult to handle and the most unruly at that date in the whole State. In 1S51, when the militia law was again changed, and anything but for the better. Col. de Peyster was the first officer selected by Gov. Washington Hunt for promotion as brigadier-general, and his was the first such appointment to a rank hitherto elective made by the chief executive, independentl}', in this State.

Just as he had been assigned in 1849 for "meritorious conduct ", he was made brigadier-general for "important service". On 'this occasion Gov. Washington Hunt wrote, in the summer of 1850, to Hon. George Cornell, who ran for lieutenant-governor in 1850 on the same ticket with him, but was defeated, that "if he had an army of 30,000 regulars he knew no officer to whom he would entrust their command with such perfect confidence as he would to his friend General de Peyster; but he was not so sure that he was as fit to command militia and what was then styled volunteers." His meaning was that the General simply understood the application of "must", implying the enforcement of the strictest discipline; whereas militia and volunteers— which latter did not signify at the time — as afterwards — troops subjected to the sternest articles of war—had to be coaxed, which is something that the General could not understand.

Sent out to Europe in 1851 as military agent of the State of New York, confirmed and endorsed in the strongest manner by the general government, the young Brigadier, although a great invalid, made such a thorough exam-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOEAPHWAL RECORD.

147

ination into subjects in which he was expected to take interest, that on his return tie handed in a report which has stood the test of time as to its merits, as will be shown. One of the results of his observation and influence was the establishment of a paid fire department with steam tire engines, and the present municipal police of New York City, to which fact letters or certificates and testimonials exist. For his reports Gov. Hunt presented to him a gold medal with a most flattering inscription, and his officers gave him another gold medal, equally complimentary for his efforts in elevating and disciplining his brigade.

When Myron H. Clark was elected Governor of the State of New York in 1854, he tendered the position of Adjutant-General to General de Peyster in the most flattering terms, irrespective of political opinions; andon various occasions, when the exigencies of the time required, conferred on his Chief of Staff all the powers which the Chief Executive himself possessed, to meet and suppress riot and other breaches of the peace. Although Governor Clark put such implicit confidence in his Adjutant-General, he was surrounded by men who were laboring solely for their own interests, without regard to the interests of the service, and did all they could to neutralize General de Peyster's labors. By the advice of such gentlemen as Ogden Hoffman, Attorney-General, he determined to resign, but the result of his honest labors in office manifested itself, and won for him the most flattering attests from officials most worthy of confidence, and the best military judges. Perhaps the highest compliment to his fidelity and judgment was the privilege of selecting his successor, and he chose Robert H. Pruyn, at one time United States Minister to Japan, as one whose astuteness in politics fitted him to grapple with the noxious elements which environed the Governor. General de Pevster had been selected as an educated soldier, and did not profess to understand the underhand workings of politicians. He would not submit to men who induced the Governor to do many things in his guilelessness which his Adjutant-General could not endorse, and would not enforce, as contrary to right and propriety. On taking leave of him, the Governor gave him the strongest testimonials of his esteem and confidence, and again and again, at a later date, expressed his regret that he had not listened to the advice and warnings of his Chief of Staff.

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, General de Peyster, in spite of the advice of his physicians and medical friends, proceeded to Washington to offer his services as Brigadier-General with three regiments. He had a long and very extraordinary interview with President Lincoln, and it*is greatly to be regretted that all who were cognizant of the facts, as well as Senator Harris, who introduced the General to the President, and was present throughout the interview, are dead. President Lincoln had just called out 75,000 volunteers, and said he did not want anymore troops, but offered to take into consideration the General's offer of his personal services. The only testimony of what followed is the memorandum left by Mr. Halstead, of New Jersey, whose intimate relations with the White House were well known at the time.

According to that President Lincoln intended to take General de Peyster as Chief of his Personal Staff, which he purposed to organize; but he was induced to give up this idea, as it was urged that the influence thus brought immediately to bear upon him might contravene and subvert the plans and interested projects and arrangements of other parties.

Perhaps it is sufficient proof of the confidence placed in General de Peyster's military judgment, that Gen. Kearny wanted his cousin (whose eldest son and namesake was a volunteer and aide-de-camp on his staff), to come on to Washington and draw up a plan for the ensuing campaign. General de Peyster answered that a fixed plan would not be capable of successful execution; because with the number of traitors and spies at headquarters, it would.be betrayed to the enemy, who would be thus enabled to meet, anticipate and defeat it.

Curious to say, it was only while this sketch was being written, that it was discovered that this was exactly the reply of the famous Suworrow to a similar proposition. He said "that the best conceived plans are exposed to the gravest difficulties or disadvantages, because it is impossible to calculate in advance the modifications which the resistance of the enemy or his counter projects, knowing the fixed plan, may bring to bear in opposition; secondly, that plans digested and committed to paper, and thus known to different individuals on whom it was necessary to rely, inevitably would be betrayed to the enemy, who would at once take measures to meet and defeat the movements which had been divulged

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

by some traitor or spy." [See " Thiebault's Memoirs," II., 143 to 177—same idea, " a fixed plan always betrayed."]

After General de Peyster's return from Washington, the haemorrhages from which he had long suffered became so profuse, that he could scarcely make up each day, by the aid of devoted phj'sicians and remedies and food, for the daily loss of blood. This condition lasted for many years, and has not been entirely overcome.

Notwithstanding the miserable condition of his health, Gen. de Peyster returned to Washington late in the fall of 1861, to offer to the Government two regiments, instead of the three at first proposed, which he could still raise in Duchess and Columbia counties, provided he was appointed to command them, with the rank of brigadier-general. He was well-acquainted with Mr. Thomas Scott— afterward president of the Pennsylvania railroad—then assistant secretary of war, who received him very kindly. The General was offered by Senator Harris the command of the First Regiment of cavalry, which bore that gentleman's name, and also a regiment of light infantry by Edwin D. Morgan, the governor of New York, with the rank of colonel; but he told them that he was not in a condition of health to discharge the duties of such a position, recalling the remark of the famous Gen. Wolfe, "that he was grateful for promotion to the rank of major-general* (equivalent to brigadier-general), because it enabled him to command those comforts and resources without which, in his feeble state of health, he could not undergo the hardships of active service, and do his duty thoroughly."

As in his previous interview with President Lmcoln, he was told that the Government did not want any more troops nor general officers. He afterward learned that at this time, the Government, with a want of foresight incomprehensible, were actually disbanding regiments which had cost so much to raise, and could not be replaced without far greater expense and irreparable loss of time when fresh calls were made for troops. He also had an interview with Gen. McClellan, who told him "they had no need of testimonials; that his reputation was sufficient. " On returning to the War Department Gen. de Peyster saw the Secretary, Simon Cameron, who was very po-

*" Thiebault's Memoirs." II. 233. Major-General under Napoleon, equivalent lo General of Brigade.

lite, but assured his visitor that his proposition was altogether inadmissable, because the Government had no need of more troops or officers. This decision was confirmed by Mr. Scott.

It is needless to proceed further with such reminiscences; and refusing to make further visits to officials. General de Peyster returned home, repeating the remarks of Maj.-Gen. Mansfield, U. S. A., that "if such was the course pursued towards men worthy of attentiort, Jefferson Davis would some day be warming President Lincoln's chair."

In 1863 Gen. de Peyster was invited by the Historical Society of \'ermont to deliver a War speech in the State Capitol of Montpelier, the Capital of that State. He chose for his subject, "The Sonderbund; or. Secession War in Switzerland in 1846," a perfect parallel to the American Slaveholders' Rebellion down to the smallest details, its genesis and termination, with this difference: the Swiss loyal States appreciated the incalculable value of time, and the necessity of determined action, which ours did not. They called out the whole available force of the loyal Cantons or States, and overwhelmed the revolution before the neighboring monarchs, anxious to interfere on behalf of the rebels, had time or opportunity to interpose. The whole affair was over in thirtj'-two days, about one-third of the term Secretary Seward erroneously declared from time to time that our rebels would be crushed, whereas, hostilities lasted over four years. The conclusion of Gen. de Peyster's oration was a perfect prophecy, fulfilled to the letter. These are the exact words spoken:

Here we should observe a few facts extremely pertinent to our own situation. Notwithstanding the extreme defensibleness of the mountains of Switzerland—particularly those of the original Forist Cantons, embraced within the limits of the SONDERBL'.ND—as soon as Lucerne (corresponiiint; to the Riehmoud of the United States Rebels) had yielded, the Rebel leaders, at once, acknowledged that the fate of the Swiss secession depended upon the possession of the large fortified towns and upon the maintenance of the masses about them. This should be a consolation to those who fear that a guerilla war in the South can lead to any successful result or defer for more than a short period its entire subjugation. The Sonderbund generals saw at a glance the game was up, after their armies had been dissi])ated and the principal jilaces taken. So it will be with our Southern secession. It will collapse at once when the armies of Lee, Bragg, Beauregard, Johnson and Magruder are destroyed. I Page BS of •• .Secession in .Switzerland and in the L'nited States Compared ;" being the .Annual .Address delivered 20th October, 18H;3, before the Vermont State Historical Society in the Hall of Rejiresentatives, Montpelier, by J. Watts de Peyster. Catskill : Joseph Joesbury, Printer, Journal office, 1864.]

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

149

Nevertheless, General de Peyster was not inactive, and his support of the Government was so influential that his efforts were acknowledged in the most striking manner by the Legislature of his native State, in 1866. Since he could not be brevetted by any existing law, by ''Special Act," or Concurrent Resolution of the New York State Legislature, the brevet of Major-General, after investigation and debate, was conferred upon him. In this, Secretary Folger (afterward U. S. Secretary of the Treasury, and so cruelly slaughtered at the polls when running for Governor of the State of New York against Grover Cleveland in 1881), then a stranger to the recipient of the honor, made an address which was conclusive.

There is no instance in the history of this country of such an honor having been conferred upon any citizen by the Legislature of any State. Only one case resembles it in degree; and that was far less complimentary in the manner, and a general's commission conferred under a totally different condition of circumstances.

The General's gifts and benefactions to public institutions, or to found public institutions, have been a characteristic and notable feature of his life. He has given a number of special libraries to educational institutions or library associations—special libraries e.xhaust-ive of the subjects which they present, and which were gathered together by him in furtherance of the laborious investigation which has always preceded his published works on the various themes which he has elaborated. Following his published studies of the characters of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Earl of Both-well (which studies included a drama inspired by this theme which elicited the highest encomiums, in addition to the five well-known historical analyses of character and of the times), he gave the library which he had collected on this subject to Columbia College. Some of his other gifts to this university have already been mentioned. To the New York Historical Society, in addition to the invaluable "de Peyster family papers," he gave special libraries collected during his studies upon many interesting and little-known phases of Dutch history (of which a partial catalogue, Part i, January, 1868, constitutes a pamphlet of 24 pages), together with a library on Napoleon and the campaign culminating at Waterloo. Of this society his father was long the honored President, as he was also its generous bene-

factor. The special libraries donated to the New York Society Library* and to Franklin and Marshall College have been referred to. Thousands of volumes have also been distributed miscellaneously in various directions, including many valuable books given to the Cazenovia Lyceum and to the Order of the Brothers of Nazareth of Unionvale, Duchess county, which books were destroyed in the conflagration which consumed the original institution, and valuable volumes donated to the College of St. Stephens, also of Duchess county.

General de Peyster has given a number of works of art, of superior excellence and representing the expenditure of large sums of money, to New York City, the City of Hudson, and various public institutions. Several of these are statues of heroic size in com.memoration of historic members of his own family. The most striking object which salutes the eye of the visitor to the famous Trinity Churchj'ard, on lower Broadway, New York City, is the bronze statue, heroic size, of the General's eminent grandfather, Hon. John Watts, Jr. This notable statue has been characterized as one of the most artistic of the monuments which adorn the various parks, squares, and public places in New York. It is the work of George E. Bissell, the well-known sculptor of Pough-keepsie. Duchess county, N. Y. The "Year Book and Register of the Parish of Trinity Church in the City of New York," for 1893, contains the following, as introduction to an

*Xe\v York Historical Societv.

At a Stated Meeting of the Society, held on Tuesday evening May 3. 1892, the President submitted and read a letter from Gen. J, Watts de Peyster, presenting to the Society a collection of Family Papers.

The following Resolutions presented by Mr. Edward F. de Lancey were unanimously adopted :

JitriOhtil: That the thanks of the New York Historical Society be and hereby are given to Gen, John Watts de Peyster for the 'od'pfe and mo.'if rahuthle gift of the ancient historical manuscripts, documents, maps and deeds, so long in the possession of this distinguished New York family, of which he is a well-known representative; a gift which illustrates in the clearest and strongest manner New York as a Dutch Colony, an English Province, an Independent Sovereignty, and the greatest member of the Republic of the United States of North America,

Ji€80lrfd : That this collection be added to that formerly given to this Society by the donor's honored father [Frederic de Peyster], one of its Presidents, and that in honor both of the father and the son. the joint collection be denominated " The de Peyster Papers,"

Extract from the Minutes. [Signed) ANDREW WARNER,

RtcoriHng Strretnry.

Came early, hoping to see you and to thank you in person for your most generous and acceptable gift. It was highly appreciated by the Society. (Card) JOHN A. KING,

[1th May, 1S92,] [Prfsiclenf X. Y. H. S.]

My dear General: 4th May, 189>.

I had hoped to see you this morning.but you were an earlier bird than myself, and were already on the wing. I wanted to tell you how gratified the Society was with your generous and noble gift, and of your still continuing remembrance and friendship, De Lancey wrote the Resolutions at my request, and the Society welcomed the gift with universal applause. Again thanking, and hoping we may always remain fresh in your memory. I am, Verv truly vours, [Signed,] JOHN A. KING,

Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, [Presiddit X. Y. H. S.\

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

account of the family and public career of John Watts. *

Another munificent gift to the city of New York is the bronze statue, also heroic size, of Gen. de Peyster's famous ancestor. Col. Abraham de Peyster, who was one of the most eminent and public-spirited citizens during the Colonial period of the history of the city and State of New York. This gentleman was a friend of William Penn, the most intimate friend and adviser of the Earl of Bellemont, perhaps the best of the Colonial governors, was mayor of New York City from 1691 to 1695; colonel, commanding the city troops in 1700; Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court the same year; president of the Council and acting Governor of the Province of New York in 1701, and was Treasurer of the Provinces of New York and New Jersey from 1706 to 1721, holding this trust until his death. The beautiful statue of this notable benefactor of early New York is likewise the work of Mr. Bissell, and comprises the chief decoration of the famous square on lower Broadway, "Bowling Green." Opposite this square Gen. de Peyster was himself born, in the handsome old residence. No. 3 Broadway, of his grandfather Watts.

To the city of Hudson the General also gave the beautiful bronze statue of " St. Win-efride Evoking the Fountain Which Feeds the

*The Bronze Statue of John Watts. During the past year there has been erected in Trinity C'hurch-yard, by Gen. |onn Watts de Peyster, a statue of bis distini^uished ancestor. John Watts, the last Royal Recorder of tlie City of New York. This tine work of art stands to the south of the churchyard, nearly on a line with the porch toward Broadway. The statue and pedestal are together about fifteen feet high. The inscription on the base runs as follows ;

VIR .EtJL'ANIMIT.XTIS. ,I()HN WATTS.

BuKN IN THK ClTV OF NkW YukK. .\t'(:i'ST 27. 1741) [U. S.) AXI> DlElJ

THKut; Sei'tk.muku :(. l.ssii iN'. s.)

LASTRt>YAI, HECOItDKll OK THE (JiTV OF NEW YoltK. 1774-1777—No UEroHllS JH'lilXti THE KEVOl.t'TlO-V; SfEAKEH OF ASSE.MIII.Y

OF THE State of New Yokk. .lANt'Auv .i. 17111. to

.lA.M'AKY 7. 17114; Me.miikh of (Jo.vghess. 171l;i-17;)3;

KlllST Jt'J>GE OF WesTCHESTEII Co.. IStU*.; I-'ot'N-

DEK AN!) KXIH)WEK t)F LeAKE A.N']> WaTTS

Olil'HAX Hol'SE IN TIIE ClTY l>F NEW

Y^)ItK: ONE OF THE KofNIJEH.S AND

AFTEltWAIlDS i'KESIOENT OF THE

New YoiiK Ui.si'ensary. 1821-

is:«i. &,(■.. Ac.

His Kemaixs lie in His .Vimatent Family Val-lt in this

[TUIXITY I ('lirltCIIYAKO.

EllECTEl) IX (JKATEFI'L liEME.MUItA XCE HY llis OHANDSOX, ONLY

CHILI) OF Ills YofXGE.sT H'illl.I) AX1)J IlAfliHTEH.

.\lAitY .IrsTiXA Watts (de I'eysteh], .loHN Watts de I'eysteh.

Gen. de Feystcr's idea in erecting this statue was, as stated to the writer, that there might still be in this city, as there had been for many years, a visible memorial of liis grandfather. His name has long been connected with the well-known pharity. " The Leake and Watts Orphan House." which was a noble and sulficient monument to him; but when that building, witli the site, was sold to the trustees of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the memorial disappeared through the removal of the institution to Vonkers. Therefore his descendant conceived the idea of erecting a statue of imperishable bronze, and placing it in some position in which it might stand for ages, keepinj^ the name and good deeds of an eminent citizen in view of the public.

Holy Healing Well." This exquisite work of art (the adjective is well-deserved| was originally intended for a site in Duchess county, the " pinetum " surrounding Gen. de Peyster's new Home for Consumptives, in the town of Unionvale. But the methods of those for whom the gift was designed, and who had been the recipients of numerous and extensive benefactions, changed the destination of the donation. It now adorns the beautiful fountain in the city of Hudson which issues out of its rock pedestal. The pedestal itself is a mass of natural, moss-grown rocks taken from Beacraft Mountain, in the Lower Claverack Manor, near the city of Hudson, of which Gen. de Peyster was the last patroon.

Another statue, also of the distinguished mayor of New York (e.xecuted in Paris, and pronounced even finer than that which stands in Bowling Green), has been completed and but awaits the selection of the proper site for its reception. If it can be said, on the one hand, that few Americans can boast an ancestry so illustrious and so upright, concededly, in public estimation, as that of Gen. de Peyster, it is equally certain that no one could be found who more truh' appreciates his ancestral heritage and venerates the memories of those who have preceded him and rendered the family name so notable. The philanthropic spirit of his ancestors he has likewise emulated by linking their names with memorials which are lasting public benefactions.

The Home for Consumptives in Unionvale, before referred to (a donation to the Methodist American University), was conceived as a monument to the virtues and gentleness of those whose memories are dear to the General, as the following tablet for the Home testifies:

Ekected u\ (JEN. JOHN WATTS UE I'EYSTEH.

as a .MEMOItlAl. OF

Thuee Exe.mi'lahy Wo.MEX:

His (iltAXD.MOTHEU.

.Iaxe de Lance^',

WIFE OF

Hon. .Iohx Watts:

His .\fXT.

Eliza iiETH W.\tts,

Mahhieu

Hexky I.aight;

His .Mothek.

Maky .Ii"STix.\ Watts,

Mauhied

Fkedekic de Peysteh.

The General's donation of the extensive lands occupied by the Brothers of Nazareth, of Unionvale, has been already mentioned. More than 130 acres of his ancestral domain, besides an adjoining farm, a purchase, were given for this purpose, while the Training

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL REVORB,

151

School represents a still more generous outlay. This school is one of the landmarks of that section of the county, and is a model, both for architectural beauty and in respect to its arrangements and appointments. The inscription above the exquisite marble mantel in the hall of the Training School is as follows:

This Brii,])iNG,

St. Pai'i/s Tkaixixg School fi)k Hovs.

WAS Erected Hehe ox Prospect Fak.m ok Hu.l. which

HAD BEEX IX HiS FaMILV FOR SkVEX GEXERATIOXS, BV

JOHN WATTS DE PEYSTP:K,

AS A Memohtal ov His Father.

FREDEKIf DE PEYSTEK.

AXD OF His Mateuxal Graxdfatheu.

JOHN WATTS,

ForXDER AXD EXDOWEK OF THE

Leake and Watts Urphax' Hoi'se ix New York. Mr. OX'oxxor. Htdsox. Architect.

It is not generally known that the establishment of the Order and institutions of the Brothers of Nazareth within the borders of Duchess county was entirely due to the generous gift of land by the General, at a time when the thought of location in this county was so far from the mind of the authorities of the Order as even to be deemed at first utterly impracticable, the county being rejected as too remote from New York City.

To Gen. de Peyster, Duchess county, and the Methodist Episcopal denomination in particular, is indebted for the handsome church-building erected in the village of Madalin.^ This gift called forth the following resolutions from the Methodist Conference:

This beautiful edifice the General built as a memorial of his daughters. Upon the outside of the church is a tablet containing the following:

This Methodist Episcopal CnrucH. dedicated to God.

THE Savior. AXD the Holy Spirit, the Comforter,

IS Erected by

JOHX WATTS DE PEYSTER.

AS A Memuki.^l of His Datghters,

EsTELLE Elizabeth Pri'dexce

A X D

Maria Beata.

*The New York Annual Conferenxe of the Methodist Episcopal Church, assembled at Tarryiown. N. Y., April 8. 1893, ordered the following minute to be entered upon its Journal:

W^erfcts, Gen. de Peyster has presented to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Madalin a church editice. as a tribute to the memory ot his daughters, free from debt, beautiful in architectural design and wisely adapted in all its appointments for church work; and,

Whereas, Gen. de Peyster, with a benevolence not prompted by a denominational relation with Methodism, as he is not a member of our Church, has not only presented this well-equipped Christian temple to Methodism, but has also built and paid for, and presented to the Church at Madalin a parsonage: therefore,

Rfsoiffil, That this Conference extends to Gen. de Peyster its sincere gratitude for his large and generous benefactions, and assures him of its earnest prayers that he may share in time and in eternity the blessings of the Christian faith which his dedicated gifts will perpetuate on earth, and that the memory of his beloved daughters may always be associated in his and in our memory with the preaching of that Gospel which comforts the sorrowful and pardons the penitent.

Resolved, That the Secretary of this Conference be instructed to prepare two engrossed copies of this action, signed by the presiding Bishop and the Secretary, one to be presented to Gen. de Peyster. and the other to the Quarterly Conference of the Church at Madalin. [Signed] [Signed]

C. W. Millard, John M. Walden.

Secretary. Presiding Bishop.

Upon a tablet within the church appears the inscription appended:

This Chi'Rch was Desigxed by Johx Watts de Peyster.

Embodyix*; Si'ggestioxs by its Pastor. Rey.

Thomas Elliot. The Plans were drawx

BY HeXRY DrDLEY. ARCH'T.. X. Y. AXD

THE W()RK Carried ott axd Com-

i'LETED IX Acc6KDAXCE WITH SPECIFICATIOXS .\XI> fXDER

the sl'perixtexdexce of Mr. O'C'onxor. Arc't.

This church has been the object of much admiration as one of the most picturesque country church buildings to be found anywhere. Another notable example of important benefactions in Duchess county is the General's gift to the Methodist denomination of the large home for friendless girls, known as the *' \\^atts de Peyster Missionary Home ", with its buildings and extensive grounds at Madalin. This gift inspired the following acknowledgments.^

Important gifts by the General have also been made in other parts of the country, including many States. To the city of Kearney, Neb., he presented a handsome bronze bust of his distinguished cousin, Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny, the typical captain of the Civil war, in memory of whom that municipality was named. In acknowledgment of this gift, the General received a handsonie set of resolutions of thanks from the Mayor and a committee of the Board of Aldermen of the city of Kearney, dated January 27, 1892. The General also donated valuable books to the public librar}* of Kearney. The State of Nebraska was likewise indebted to General de Peyster for a handsome chapel, erected by him at Nebraska City, a gift through the very Rev. Robert W. Oliver, dean

*Watts de Peyster Missionary Home,

Kingston. N. Y., June VZ, 1894. Rec. A. M. Grifffn, Mailalin. N. K., Pastor of de Peyster Memorial Mfithodisi Chnrrh:

Dear Bro.— At the District Convention of the W. H. M. Society, of the Kingston District, recently held in the St. James Church, Kingston, N. Y.. Mrs. Mary Fish Park read a communication from Mrs. Dr. James M. King, stating that Gen. de Peyster had donated a fine property within the bounds of your charge to the W. H. M. Society, of the New York Conference, to be used as an Italian Home. And. on motion, it resolved by a unanimous raising vote that the thanks of the Convention be tendered General de Peyster for his magnificent gift through the Rev. A. M. Griffin, Pastor at Madalin, N. Y.

We shall esteem it a favor it you will kindly inform the General of the action of the Convention. Yours Truly.

Mrs. O. a. Merchant, Mrs. E. S. Oseos,

Recording Secretary. President.

Dear General— I take pleasure in presenting this to yon. which explains itself. Yours, Etc..

Arthur M. Griffin.

I-l-l W. 12-Jd Street, New York, Jane 7. 1894. Gen. de Peyster:

Dear SiR~The ladies of the Committee on Italian Girls Industrial Home, at their monthly meeting, held at the residence of Mrs. King, on Tuesday last, passed a hearty and unanimous vote of thanks to you for your noble and munificent gift to their work, which I was authorized to convey to you by letter.

Trusting that you may be blessed in the gift, and that the Watts de Peyster Home may be the means of lightening the burdens from many lives for years to come, and that our Society may prove wise almoners of your bounty, I am. in behalf of the Committee, Gratefully Yours.

Martha Griffin, Secretary.

COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD.

of Nebraska, and in memor)- of the General's dead soldier sons. This building was afterward taken down, and its materials—at all events, its tablets in memory of his sons—was removed to Kearne}'.

Something of the same kind occurred to a church v;hich the General finished in Altoona, Penn., as a memorial of his youngest daughter, Maria Beata, which church, contrary to original understanding, was torn down and rebuilt. Nevertheless, the Memorial Parish School and Parsonage which he erected were allowed to stand unchanged.

Another gift of note by the General will be the handsome library building which is being erected at Lancaster, Penn., a donation to Franklin and Marshall College.* The commemorative character of this noble benefaction will be made known in the following simple and modest tablet, which has been very much admired:

Tims Luiuahv is Kuected

AS A

Mejiohiai, JOHN WATTS.

" VlU vEgrANIMITATIS." AND OF

l-KKDKKIC De PEYSTER,

" ^'IR ArCTOKITATIS,"

BY A (iUAXDSOX AM) SoX.

Who. Beahixi; ikith Xa.mes. Seeks tu Coxtixte ix theik

HdXCHi, THE (tool) THEV DM) AND TaIGHT Hi.M.

To General de Peyster must likewise be credited the notable gift of the "Annex" to the Leake and Watts Orphan House, of which great charity his grandfather, Hon. John Watts, Jr., was the founder, relinquishing an immense inheritance that it might be devoted to the establishment of this splendid institution. The inscription upon the Annex, built by General de Peyster, is as follows:

•Franklin and Marshall College.

Lancaster, Pa., July 0, 1894, General ./. Wultn tie Peyster:

Dear Sir —I have the honor to inform you that the Board of Trustees at its annual meeting, held on the ITthult.. was officially informed that, during the past year, "General John Watts de Peyster. Litt. D, of Tivoli. Dutchess Co., N. Y.. presented to the library of the College nine hundred and twenty volumes (he had previously presented three hundred and twenty volumes), many of which are quite valuable." [In all some seventy boxes of books have been presented.) The corresponding secretary was. therefore, directed to convey to General de Peyster the hearty thanks of the Board for his great kindness; and it was further ordered that this action bespread upon the minutes.

Permit me to say that it affords me pleasure to be the medium of this coinmunicalion, and to assure you that your generosity is gratefully appreciated by all the friends of the Franklin and Marshall college. Yours very truly,

Jos. H. DuBBS. Corresponding Secretary.

THI.'* AX.N'EV to THE

Leake and Watts Orphax Hoi'se,

ouigixai.i.v fofxded a.vd exdowei) hy

JOHN WATTS.

was Ekected as a Me.muhial of His Yoi'xgest (.'hii.d.

My Mother,

JlSTlX.V Maky,

BoKX 2IjTH October, Isoi; Died 3Sth .Iilv. 1S21.

Wife of Frederic de Peyster.

FOR .iO Years Clerk of the Board of Thistees. L. & W. (). H.,

AXD OF heh Mother.

Jane de Lancey \Vatts.

BoHx .iTH September. 17.5i;: Died 2xd March. ISOS.

"I CALL to KE.MEMBRAXCE THE I'XFEIGXED FaITH WHICH

Dwelt First in thy (iRAXUMOTHER. Lois [Fa.viois Holiness], AND Thy Mother. Eunice [happy victory)." (2 Timothy i. 5.) by John Watts de Peyster.

The following letter from the late Governor Abbott, of New Jersey, explains itself:

: * State of New Jersey.

Great Sea! : Executive Department,

(,(,l,g : Trenton, February 9, 1891.

; General J. Watts de Pevster, : state of New Jersey: 59 East 21st St.

; i Xew York City, X. Y.

Dear Sir: It gives me great pleasure to transmit to you to-day the thanks of the" legislature of New Jersey for your gift to this State of an equestrian portrait of your kinsman, the gallant General Kearny.

In forwarding to you this certified copy of their action, please let me express my thanks officially for this generous act on your part, anti believe me. Yours very truly, (Signed Leon Abbott, Governor.

Commonwealth of New Jersey.

Whereas, Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, of New York City, has presented to this State a large equestrain portrait of the late Major-Gen. Philip Kearny; therefore,

Ri'Kolred (the House of Assembly concurring), That the thanks of the Legislature of this State are hereby given to Gen. de Peyster for his generous gift of the picture of one of New Jersey's most gallant soldiers of the late Civil war.

Rexolrtd, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to Gen. de Peyster.

I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true copy of the original as passed by the Senate, February 2, 1891. John Carpenter, Jr.

Secretary of Senate.

I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true copy of the original as passed by the House of Assembly, February 3, 1891. Thomas F. Noonan, Jr.

Clerk of the House of Assembly.

59 East Twentv-first Street. New York, 11-2-91. Hi:^ Excellency Leon Abbott,

Governor State of New Jersey. Dear Sir: I desire to acknowledge in fitting manner the receipt of the concurrent Resolutions of the Honorable Legislature of the State of New Jersey in regard to my gift of the etiuestrian ])ortrait of Maj-Gen. Philip Kearny, my only male cousin on my mother's side, with whom I was brought up in the house of our dear grandfather, Hon. John Watts, and to whom my eldest son and namesake was Aide-de-Camp, and while doing so I desire to emphasize my appreciation of the handsome manner in which you transmitted to me the resolution. Yours \'ery Truly, [Signed] J. W.\'tts D'e Pevster.

Brev: Maj-Gen., S. N. Y.

Similarly, the following official communi-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

153

cation from the government of the State of Pennsylvania requires no comment ;

IN THE NAME AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.

GREAT SEAL

OK THE

CO^IMONWEALTH

OF PEXNSYLVAXTA.

PENNSYLVANIA.

office of the

Secretary of the Commonwealth,

Harrisburg.

Executive Department, In the Scnnti, March CVIh, 1S91. Whereas, Brevet Maj.-Gen. J. WATTS de PEY-STER, of No. 59 East Twenty-first street, New York City, author, soldier and public-spirited citizen, from his private collection of paintings, has presented to the State of Pennsylvania an Equestrian Portrait of one of Pennsylvania's most gallant sons : i\Iaj.-Gen. SAMUEL PETER HEINTZELMAN, who was born in Manheim, Lancaster county, September 30, 1805, and whose service in the Army from his graduation at West Point Military Academy in 1826, until his death, May 1, 1880, is the special pride of his native State ; therefore, be it

Resii/ved, By the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring). That, as evidence of the appreciation of this generous and valued gift, the thanks of the people of Pennsyleeinia be, and they are hereby extended to Brevet Maj.-Gen. J. WATTS de PEYSTER.

Resolved, That the portrait of General HEINTZELMAN be appropriately marked and placed in the State Library.

E. W. Smilev,

Chief Clerk of the Senate. John W. Morrison, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives. Approved the 7th day of April, Anno Domino one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one.

Robert E. Pattison,

Governor.

GREAT SEAL OF THE

STATE OF

PEXXSYLVANIA.

Pennxi^leiinia, ss:

William F. Harritv, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

59 East Twenty-first Street, New York, April 18th, 1891. His Exeelleney, Robert E. Pattison, Ooeernor of the Com-, monwealtli. of Pen?isi/lvania :

Sir: —Accept this effort inadequately to express mv appreciation of the exquisite manner in which the vote of thanks for the Equestrian Portrait of Major-General HEINTZELMAN has been transmitted to, Very respectfully and gratefully,

J. Watts de Peyster.

The documents subjoined, from Gov.Werts, of New Jersey, and the Clerk of the House ot Assembly of that State, record another handsome gift to that Commonwealth of two paintings of Gen. then Capt. Kearny's famous charge up to the very gate of Mexico, and a bronze medallion of the General.

Executive Department, State of New Jersey.

Trenton, June 9, 1894. Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, Tivoli, N. Y.

Dear Sir: It gives me great pleasure to enclose you a properly authenticated copy of the resolution passed by the legislature of the State of New Jersey at its last session in reference to gifts made by you to this State. \'ery truly yours, George T. Werts, Governor.

The State of New Jersey.

Whereas, Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, of New York City, has presented to this State two beautiful paintings of the charge made by Gen. Philip Kearny, of New Jersey, in the Mexican war, and a bronze medallion of Brevet Maj.-Gen. Robert McAllister, of the New Jersey \'olun-teers; therefore.

Resolved (the Senate concurring). That the thanks of the Legislature of this State are hereby given to Gen. de Peyster for his generous gift of pictures of a spirited charge in battle made by New Jersey's most gallant leader, and the bronze relief of one of her truest heroes in the Civil war.

Resolved, That his excellency, the Governor, be requested to forward a certified copy of this resolution to Gen. de Peyster.

I certify that the above is a true copy of a resolution offered in the House of Assembly of New Jersey by Mr. Olcott, of Essex, on April 17, 1894; duly adopted by said Assembly on said day, and returned by message from the Senate, April 18, 1894, as having been duly concurred in by the Senate. "j. Herbert Potts,

Clerk of the House of Assembly, Session of 1894.

Similarly, by a resolution adopted in the New York Assembly March 20, 1894, and by the Senate March 31, 1894, "Brevet Maj.-Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, a public-spirited citizen of this State," was tendered "the thanks of the people of the State of New York " for the gift of a bronze bas-relief representing a notable Revolutionary scene at West Point. The text of the resolution is as follows:

ASSE.MBLY ChA.MBER, StATE OF NEW YoRK.

By unanimous consent, Mr. Gray offered for the consideration of the House a resolution in the words following.

Whereas, Brevet Major-General J. Watts de Peyster, a public-spirited citizen of this State, has presented to the State a bronze bas-relief representing the " Encampment of the Continental Troops at West Point on the Hudson, during the Revolution;" therefore,

Res<dved (If the* Senate concur). That, as an evidence of the high appreciation of this generous and valued gift, the thanks of the people of the State of New York be, and they are hereby extended to Brevet Major-General J. Watts de Peyster.

Resolved, That the bronze bas-relief, representing the " Encampment of the Continental Troops at West Point on the Hudson, during the Revolution," presented by Major-General J. Watts de Peyster, be appropriately marked and placed in the Capitol by the trustees.

The Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said resolution, and it was determined in the affirmative.

Ordered, That the Clerk deliver said resolution, to the Senate and request their concurrence therein. I certify that the above is a true copy of the resolution offered in the House of Assembly of New York, by Mr. Gray, of Dutchess, on March '2ij, 1894, duly adopted by

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

said Assembly, on said day, and returned by message from the Senate, March 31, 1894, as having been duly concurred in by said Senate.

G. \V. Dl-xn. Clerk of the House of Assembly, Session of 1894.

Gen. de Peyster has been a very prolific writer, and has published avast amount in the daily press, weeklies, monthlies and pamphlets and monographs on the two "Wars for Independence " and the " Slaveholders' Rebellion." The aggregate, if collected in book form, would fill many volumes. A partial list of his volumes, monographs, etc., etc., are appended.

With his military information, derived from distinguished soldiers, and a multitude of the best works on War, those with whom he consulted were of the opinion that no one could write a history of the Rebellion better than himself. He was the intimate friend of a number of our most distinguished generals of the highest rank, also of some of our grandest admirals.

Gen. George H. Thomas, "our greatest and our best,"talked to him with a confidence which, it is said, he seldom showed. Gen. A. A. Humphreys, it is likely our most scientific major-general, was his most intimate friend. To cite all with whom he was in the closest relations would fill pages: McDowell, Heint-zleman, Wright, Rosecrans, Gordon-Granger, Cullum, Vogdes, Butler, Fry, Hancock, Hooker, Warren, and a host of others whose names, after the war, were in everyone's mind and mouth; among the admirals, Farragut, Alden, Nicholson, Baldwin (one of the most lovable and charming of men). Flag, Capt. Percival Drayton, and in Europe the Count of Paris, besides many foreign celebrities.

His works on the war have been constantly and copiously quoted, without giving him the credit to which he is entitled, and often no credit at all for wholesale thefts.

With these opportunities of learning the inner working of operations, his prodigious memory, industry and capability, he has been constantly urged and begged to write and publish, or, at all events, to leave behind him memoranda to enable a future historian to prepare a more authentic story.

On the other hand his most intimate friends have advised him not to reveal facts—precious, indeed, but which might occasion bitter animosities and open wounds which it would be difficult to heal. Perhaps he is the only man

living, at all events one of very few, who are aware of several of the "Little Reasons" which occasioned momentous results — preventing successes and causing disasters — timidities or selfishness, jealousies and rivalries such as influenced Buonaparte's marshals, especially in Spain, which were "the beginning of the end " of the Corsican's e.xtraordinary career.

Disgusted at the reception of his articles, which proved that Truth was the last thing desired, the General refused to have anything more to do with writing upon the war of the Rebellion, and turned to other subjects, in which he would not make enemies among those with whom he was brought into daily contact and forced to associate.

In preparing for the different hiftorical works which General de Peyster wrote as they appear in the list of his publications, in each different case he collected a library of authorities. Those on Holland, of which the names alone fill a pamphlet Part I., of twenty-four pages, besides subsequent additions even more numerous. He gave a most valuable collection of works on the Thirty Years'War, and Secession in Switzerland, to the New York Society Library, to fill an alcove to bear the name of his father (who died while president of that institution) and himself. Disgusted at the manner in which this library, to his mind, was conducted, he ceased donating; and books intended to complete the sets he had given have been transferred to other societies, particularly to Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Penn. He likewise donated a valuable col-lecton of rare old law books which belonged to his grandfather, John Watts, last Royal Recorder of the city of New York, and to his great-grandfather of the same name, who was President of the King's Council prior to the Revolution, to the New York State Library. For this it is doubtful if the donor ever received the slightest acknowledgment from a State always ungrateful to her citizens for generations '' native here and to the manner born." But it must be remembered no State is so thoroughly in the possession of aliens to its blood, religious interests and antecedents as New York.

While producing his six Studies upon Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, and James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, he gathered a large number of works and portraits all across Europe, even to St. Petersburg. This collection, which may'be considered unique, with two marble

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155

busts of Washington, one by Greenough and one by Crawford, both originals, and the first most likely without a duplicate; also a beautiful bust of his grandfather, John Watts, and of his father, Frederic de Peyster; likewise a miniature fac-simile of George A. Bissell's statue of Lincoln, of which the original was erected in Edinburgh, Scotland, and paid for by subscribers in this country, of whom the General was one; and a medallion in bronze of his cousin, Maj.-Gen. Phil Kearny, were presented to Columbia College (now University).

One of the most remarkable publications of General de Peyster was a series of articles on the Medical Organization of the Roman and other Ancient Armies, published in the Army and Nai^y Journal in i 864.

The famous Professor Charles Anthon, of Columbia College, who could not be charged with the crime of being ever complimentary to pretenders, who had styled General de Peyster "the Tyrtieus of the War" on account of some stirring pieces of military poetry he had written, when applied to to assist further investigation on this interesting subject, replied finally that he could not offer the slightest assistance, since the General had exhausted all available authorities.*

General de Peyster has also won reputation as a poet. A number of his published poems are characterized by a deeply poetical spirit, and elicited the admiration and praise of the famous author of " Thanatopsis," William Cullen Bryant, who was also one of the ablest of critics. Bryant declared that the General's poems "had the true ring." His poem on " Oris-kany" was translated into German, while he

*The author notes in corroboration what justifying or justitica-tory vouchers or evidence he has examined :

New York. October 5. 18(j4.

Dear Sir: —The information which you seek is scattered over many ancient writers. I think, however, that one of ihem. Vege-tins, will ans" er your purpose. His work is entitled "Rei Militaris Instituta," and may be found. I suppose, in the Astor Library. If not. my copy is at your service. Vou will find in one part an account of the duties of the Prefect of the camp, among which is the superintendence of the camp •" Medici." physicians who were probably all freedmen. This alone would prove the existence of a Medical Department in the Roman armies. In another part (Book III., chap. 'i). there is a particular chapter entitled " Quemadmoduln San-itas Gubernature E-xercilus," embracing plans of encampment, water, reasons medicinal exercise, etc.

You will find some sood information also in Le Clerc's "His-toire de la Medicine " and " Spraneiell's Histoire de Medicine par Jourdau." There is also a ''Sketch of the History of Medicine," founded originally by Bockbock. of which I have a copy. If I can be of any further aid to yon, vou may command my services without hesitation. Very truly yours. CHARLES AXTHON.

Mr. DK Peyster, Tivoli, N. Y.

New York. October 8. 186'.1.

Dear Sir; —Many thanks for the two articles from tlie Ai'mn and Napy Jonnial, \\\i\c\\\ herewith return. They do you a very great deal of credit. My reference to Vegetius was like carrying coals to Newcastle. The poetry is capital, and I have shown it to several of my friends—one of whom wants to rechristen you "The American Tyrtasus."' I handed the two photographs to my sister, who has placed them, as great prizes, in her album.

Very truly yours. CHARLES ANTHON.

General De Pevster, Tivoli.

himself made a translation of Korner's famous " My Fatherland," which is remarkable for its vigor and fidelity to the original, both in respect to the warrior r3thm and inspiring language of the notable patriot appeal. This stirring battle hymn was one of those trumpet-blasts of patriotic genius which aroused Prussia to arms, and led to the subsequent overthrow of Napoleon.

On a certain occasion in 1864, General de-Peyster paid a visit to the office of the chief editor of the New York Times, who seemed lost in thought. This gentleman had previously observed that he considered his visitor was one of the very few (about a dozen) original thinkers he had ever met. " What are you thinking about so intensely.'" "That the ancients, especially the Romans, should have had no Medical Administration connected with their armies." " Nonsense; they had. Who told

you they did not have.'" "Professor ."

Now Professor was considered a judge of

last appeal on all questions upon which he elected to sit in judgment. " The Professor manifests his ignorance in talking so. What reason does he give for such an opinion.'" '' He says Cwesar makes no mention of tlicm [Medical Men or Medical and Surgical Corps] in his Commentaries." "A very poor argument. Does Caisar mention camp-diseases among his troops.' Do you suppose that his camps were any more free from disease than any camps have ever been? To prove that tlie great authority, Professor , does not know what

he is talking about I will demonstrate the contrary to be the fact."

The result was Gen. de Peyster wrote a series of articles for the Army and Navy Journal, in which he showed that the ancients had far better medical arrangements than medieval troops possessed, and far better than most of the European armies enjoyed down to within one hundred and fifty years.

He was proceeding to produce additional confirmatory testimony when the editor refused to print any more, remarking, " Are you not satisfied.' You have got your opponent down, and I will not let you kick him or grind his face in the dust."

So the balance of the matter remains in manuscript to this day.

A writerhas characterized General de Peyster as "an author of extraordinary fertility and unlimited scope, the omnivorous character of whose studies is displayed on every page of his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

writings; an author whose works comprise scores of volumes, with hundreds of smaller works, treatises and pamphlets, of which the entire amount would be doubled by the addition of innumerable articles and series of papers published in magazines and newspapers, and never yet collected together; the author of poetry and drama of an unusual excellence, and an endless miscellany on almost every conceivable subject, and who yet, in his own peculiarly pre-eminent field as a military biographer, military historian and military critic, has no peer in America."- Some indication (though merely that) of his miscellaneous authorship has been given in the preceding pages. But his special place as a military critic—and it is not an e.xaggeration to say that he "has no peer in America" in this capacity—can be readily shown by the citation of a few characterizations of him by persons competent to pronounce judgment.

The late Lieut. (Brevet Capt.) Frederick Whittaker, author of "Volunteer Cavalry," etc., after asserting that " until the close of the [Civil] war" we Americans "had been accustomed to look to Europe, and especially to France, for our military historians," adds, emphatically: " But we are glad to say that we have changed all that, and now possess in America a military historian of the first rank." It is, of course. General de Peyster whom he thus eulogizes, and whom he describes as the " author of the best military writing our country has yet produced." It was of de Peyster also that Gen. Barnard, brother of the former President of Columbia College, exclaimed: " His judgment of military matters is almost infallible ! " It was, again, de Peyster's exhaustive methods of research and indefatigable energy in collecting authorities to which Gen. Adam Badeau bore witness when he wrote to a friend: "He has accumulated a wonderful amount of original matter, some of which is absolutely invaluable, and I expect to avail myself of it." It was de Peyster, likewise, of whom Gen. W. T. Sherman, in conjunction with Maj.-Gen. H. W. Slocum, wrote: " He is thoroughly conversant with all the military operations of both armies during the late war. He has written considerably on this subject, and his writings have attracted much attention." General de Peyster, also it was, whom Brev. Brig.-Gen. William P. Wain-

•"Gen. J. Watts de Peyster, Author, Soldier, Historian, Military Biographer and Critic." New York. 1894, p. .3.

Wright thus characterized: "His keen eye for topography, his long and still unceasing military education, his uncommon memory, his powers of description, and his opportunities for using his abilities, constitute him the only, as well as the first, military critic in America." When Maj.-Gen. A. Pleasanton penned the words: " His great acquaintance with military matters, his long and faithful research into the militarj- histories of modern nations, his correct comprehension of our own late war, and his intimacy w^th many of our leading generals and statesmen during the period of its continuance, with his tried and devoted loyalty and patriotism,"—it was of General de Peyster of whom he wrote, while Gen. Grant endorsed this characterization in writing. Of de Peyster, also, Maj.-Gen. A. A. Humphreys wrote:

Washington, May :^0, 18T2.

My Dear General: —1 fully appreciatt; your labors, which I am conscious have brought into clear relief what was before obscure and ill-detined. Let me for a moment suppose 1 am writing to a friend, not yourself, for you are one of the few persons to whom one may write, as it were, impersonally, and that implies a very high tribute to your sense of the just.

Your industry in collecting facts upon any subject you treat of, is literally untiring. In a long experience among the working men of the country, 1 have rarely found your equal, never, I think, your superior: and I may pay the same tribute to your conscientious labor, in the task of evolving the truth from the mass of matter collected, much of it contradictory and apparently irreconcilable with any known truths. Possessing a clear appreciation of the great fundamental principles which should govern military operations and battles, you are quick to perceive adherence to, or departure from, them, and as the extended study of the great military writers and historians has imbued your mind with just military views, so has it richly stored your memory with a redundant supply of a[)t illustrative examples for every imiiortant event or incident of our war.

To all these (jualiticatlons as a military critic, you have addeii a ready, rapid, courageous pen, and a power of application, that physical ailments, growing out of a delicate jihysitpie. have not impaired, though they have sorely tried jt * * * Sincerely Yours, (Signed) A. A. Hu.mphreys.

To Maj.-Gen. J. Watts de Peyster.

Washington, Sunday, September 29, 1872. My Dear General (oe Peyster);— I returned to Washington, * * found a letter for me from Gen. Badeau, * * intending to send you extracts from Ba-deau's letter, in which he speaks so highly (and justly) of your labors and pajiers. * * * He says, " you have accumulated a wonderful amount of original matter, some of which is absolutely invaluable, and I expect to avail myself of it. etc., etc." You would not think I had lost interest in the subject of your labors, had you heard me talk to some Philadelphians about the pursuit of Lee. I learnt only this summer of the effect of Stanton's telegram on the (ith or 7th of April, giving the whole credit of overtaking and attacking Lee, on the (>th of April, to Sheridan. "There," they said in Philadelphia, (I am told,)" the generals of the .Army of the Potomac are laggards: it required Sheridan and Grant to overtake and beat Lee." What an outrage on Wright and mvself that

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157

telegram was! We laggardsl The impression thus made on the public in this movement of success, has never been effaced; it remains to this day. To you, I am indebted, my dear general, for the first presentation of the subject to the public, that will tend to efface this impression.

Sincerely Yours, (Signed) A. A. Hu.mphrevs,

Major-General U. S. V.; Cbief of Staff. Army o£ tlie Potomac, lS(;:i-'4; Brijj.-Gen.; Brev. Maj-Gen.; Chief of Engineers. U. S. A.

Still more significant was the testimony of Sir Edward Cust, General, and author of the nine volumes of "Annals of the Wars" and six volumes of "Lives of the Warriors," in dedicating his second series to Gen. de Pey-ster, whom he only knew through the latter's writings. From this dedication of twenty-eight pages the following sentences have been extracted: "I am desirous of marking my deep obligations to you by requesting permission to dedicate my concluding volume to you and to your military brethren. We appear to be men of much the same mind, and of common sympathies, desirous alike of employing our common language for a common object—that of enlightening our comrades of a common profession with the necessity of applying the precepts of military history to the useful comprehension of their callirfg. Both of us agreeing that the best instruction for all officers is to be acquired from the deeds of the old masters in the art of war ^ -^ -s^ The United States were on the eve of a melancholy crisis of international conflict, when you naturally wished and you very reasonably desired to show, by the introduction of a better system of war, how to stay the waste of blood among your countrymen in a strife which made every brother on either side a soldier. ^ '^ ■^ I, on the other hand, had fallen • upon the sere and yellow leaf' * *^ ^ and ^ ^ ^ had " * " as an old stager, become disturbed by the intrusion of a new school at our military colleges, pre-eminently among the instructors of military history, who were seeking to introduce a theory of war, against which I sought to recommend a knowledge of the past, or, as you put it, ' practical strategy-' " ^ " I do not claim the merit of originality. * ^ -f^ }^jy works were written by me for the use of youths who have already entered the service of arms, and whose career has commenced, but whose profession has yet to be learned. * ^ ^ You address the higher ranks of the army, and appear to seek to philosophize the art of war by showing it to be capable, under its most scientific phases, of being less lavish of human

blood. "^ " * To both our grievances the remedy is the same— practical strategy. I readily accept from you this expression. It comprises all that be said or written upon skill in war, and while I agree with you that this is best evinced by sparing the lives of its instruments as much as possible, I hold that this is in fact the whole art of war."

Reference has already been made to a remark of Gen. Adam Badeau, in a letter to a friend, in view of the help he expected to receive from Gen. de Peyster's resources in connection with an important military work on which he was engaged at the time. "He," (de Peyster), wrote Badeau, "has accumulated a wonderful amount of original matter, some of which is absolutely invaluable, and I e.xpect to avail myself of it." Not a few have been under the deepest obligation to Gen. de Peyster in this way, although he has not always received the credit which is, one would think, the very least which a service of this character deserves. The most astonishing case of this kind is to be credited to the late Comte de Paris, who, in spite of the greatest obligation to General de Peyster, made not the slightest acknowledgment in his work on our Civil War. When the Count was preparing the volume of his history, embracing the battle of Gettysburg, he enlisted the assistance of General de Peyster, who himself, or through his friend, Major-General A. A. Humphreys, U. S. A., must have furnished the Count information, including statistics and opinions founded on thorough examination, equivalent to hundreds of pages of paper. The Count acknowledged the correctness of his correspondents' judgment, and his American editor or translator, after applying to the General for the translation of a passage which no one else could explain, wrote that he recognized the influence of the General throughout the Gettysburg pages.

Although the Count remained in the most intimate correspondence with the General—a correspondence which has been preserved— writing continually from whatever spots the General's letters reached him, even from the Escurial in Spain, he did not acknowledge in his introduction to the Gettysburg volume his indebtedness to his American correspondent; most likely because General de Peyster was not a regular army officer; consequently, the General refused to meet him when he came to the United States, although he admitted to a

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

relative how much assistance the General had afforded.

So astounding was the Comte's conduct in this matter that mutual friends in America, cognizant of all the facts, did not scruple to express in writing their disapproval of what he had done. Thus in a letter to General de Peyster, dated at Philadelphia, June 29, 1893, soon after the appearance of the Comte's book, his American editor wrote: "In place of writing letters he (Comte de Paris) had better have done you justice. If ever I have a chance I shall say so to him in pretty strong language."

The same writer, in a letter to General de Peyster dated at Philadelphia June 23, 1S83, says:

It was the Comte's duty, after having used your pamphlets and reviews to the extent that he did, and ax n/iowii Iji/ till text, to have at least expressed his obhga-tion. .And the biographical ])ortion appears in some cases to be a reprint. That is rather strong, but I mean what I write.

It may have been the unusual method of appropriating General de Peyster's materials, alluded to here, which made the Comte so reluctant to give him credit, very prudently deeming it unwise to advertise the source of matter //nts laid hold of. The editor's suggestion that the Comte should have "done justice" in "place of writing letters," is in allusion to the Comte's prolonged correspondence with de Peyster. Indeed, the Comte seemed to overlook the fact that in this correspondence he had left behind him the most indubitable proofs of the obligation which he was so loth to confess. Such "royal" injustice is of curious interest, and some passages from the Comte's letters to General de Peyster will be given here. Lest the charge of a deviation from exact lit-eralness might be made, the precise phraseology and spelling of the Comte will also be preserved. His command of English was wonderfully direct for a foreigner, but not absolutely perfect. In a long letter to the General, dated November 23, 1877, he wrote:

I must apologize for having been so long before returning to you my best thanks for the rabiable information concerning the battle of Gettysburg which you were kind enough to furnish me with, both in your letter and in the notes which you forwarded to me as a kind of appendix to your paniplet on that battle. I was so busy upon all these materials that I had no time to write. I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated the 21st of September, the (ith, loth and 22nd of October, and the first of November. I really feel quite ashamed to have left unanswered until now so many and such interesting letters, but if I did not write to you 1 worked hard on these letters as well as on the notes from your " Decisive Con-

flicts," which go as far as No. 68. I dare say I k note the ir/(ole net Ijji heart. It is full of raried information of views icliich throir a great and often a nete light upon the events and of incidents irhirh the historian carefully picks up to reliere the barrenness of his narratire. * * * Such are the main points upon which I think it necessary to tell you my opinion in answer to the remarks contained in your letters. Whenerer I hare only to nay antin and fully agree irith yo'i, I do not in.iist. I shnllarail myself of yovr kind 2>ermis«iiin to put you frankly any ijuestion irhich my future readings may suggest.

He writes to the same, under date December 18, 1877:

Receive my best thanks for your two letters of November 21st and December 1st, as well as for the notes which you did send me under the same seal as a continuation of those previiiusly received by me. * * * J knew of the existence of the maps which you mention of .■\dams county, Pa., and Frederick county, .Md., but 1 have not yet been able to get a copy of these through the American agency of Stevens in London. Where could I apply to get these?

On January 29, 1878, he writes again (in a letter of very great length i:

I avail myself of the ojiportunity to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of December 19th, 2»th, ;Wth and of January 1st, as well as of Gen. Whipple's report with your post.script. You seem to think that some of your letters addressed to me last summer have been lost. It irould be indeed rery unjortunate and f/iope it it not the case: but in order to ascertain the fact, as 1 keep all those letters together, so as to he able to consult them as often as I icant, as soon as I return home I shall send you a list of every letter received from you last year. You may be assured that J shall carefully ireight the information which you gave me concerning the numbers engaged at Oettysburg. * * * / ijuite agree with yov and my excellent friend. Gen. Ilinnjihreys, when you assert that the Army of the Potomac did not number as many men on the field of battle as would appear from the field returns |)repared some days before. * * * )7(« see by the length of my answer how fully I raluc your letters and my gratitude for the trouble you take in giving me every iuformation within your reach.

On March 6, 1878, he wrote:

1 thank you very much for your letter of January 29ili and February 16th, the last received yesterday, with the photographs which you were kind enough to send me. * * * I shall gratefully accept any papers concerning reliable and unpublished information on the Civil war, posterior to July 4, ISfUl What you tell rhe of Sickles' coolness when wounded is very striking. * * * The jilan and pamphlet on Gettysburg are also received.

Again (March 23, 1878):

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated February 2:ird and March Island 4th, ((«(/ ^//</h* you most heartily for the varied information which these contain. * * ♦ [ received Ditterline's pamphlet, for which 1 thank you very much. * * * If there is anything which seems to me still douhl{u\ I shall not fail to apply to you.

Again, writing of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, he says (April 19, 1S78):

I had not the letters for the 20th of June. I thank you very much for the whole. * * * Thanks for the very full explanation given first by Gen. Humphreys and then by yourself. * * * I thank you for Fitz Lee's answer to Longstreet, which you took the trouble to send

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159

me. * * * I am always g;i"ateful for the smcere ex-jjressiun of your opinion on things and men. * * * As for your judgments on men you may rely on my discretion.

The long letter of May 12, 1878, contained the following acknowledgments:

I have to acknowledge the receijjt of your letter dated April 10th and 20th, as well as of the copy of Gen. Humphreys' letter, his endorsement of a paper from the War Office, your Inaugural Address, as well as the number of the Historical Magazinf containing Maj. Kearny's letter. I thought I had already mentioned to you the latter, as I read these letters with great pleasure. I beg you to believe, my dear General, that I am always ready to revise the conclusions to which I may have .come whenever I get hold of documents or facts which throw a new light upon the questions which I have already studied. * * * I quite agree with you that Meade did not actually fight the whole of his men present for duty. I do not think that he can be blamed for it. In the afternoon of July 2nd he collected on the threatened flank more troops than he could have fought with on that ground. On the 3rd, Lee's attack was so quickly and decisively repulsed that Meade could not before 4 P. M. have engaged more men than he did. A great general would no doubt have seized at once the op|iortunity of Pickett's repulse and taken the offensive. A direct attack on the front of Lee, covered as it was by the artillery, would in all probability have failed; but the counterpart of Longstreet's move the day before ought to have been attempted. Meade ought to have thrown forward from the Round Tops the 5th and the 6th Corps at once, so as to strike the Emmetsburg road south of Peach Orchard. He would no doubt have achieved a great success. Still, there is some e.xcuse for a commander so new for not having adopted this bold design. But wlitre I eiitinly atjTit icitlt you, my dear General, it is in the Judgment i/ou pass on Meade's conduct from, the Ifth to the IJfth of Julji. Even if Lee's army had been as strong as he believed, his conduct would be below criticism; but if he was not aware of its weakness it is his fault, he should have tested it. He positively acted during these ten days as if he had no other object than to facilitate Lee's retreat into \'irginia. I have come to that conclusion by the careful study of Meade's dispatches; but as these papers were given to me, most kindly by his own son, Col. Meade, 1 beg !/iai to keep thtit opinion <juite for yourself; it will he time to utter it token 1 publish my account. My deliberate opinion is that Meade, under the impression of the Confederate repulse at Gettysburg, had made up his mind never to attack, and to let Lee have his own ways, rather than to take the offensive on the field of battle.

On May 22, 1878, he wrote:

I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated May 5th, and to assure you that I received some time ago the Inaugural address mentioned in that letter. I read that address with great profit and pleasure. * * * What you say about Crawford is very striking. It is doubtless that his forward move was made late in the evening. * * * Whenever there is something which seems doubtful to me, I shall take the liberty of asking your advice.

On June 24, 1878, he says:

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated ■27th of Slay and June 3rd, as well as the pamphlets mentioned in these letters. * * * The limits which you give me concerning the real causes of the fadure of Meade's " campaign of manceVres," are very interesting, and that failure cannot be understood otherwise than by a great jealousy between his subordinates.

Under date of August 18, 1878, he writes :

Various occupations have prevented me from acknowledging sooner the receipt of your interesting letters, dated June'^'20th and July 4th and'8th. * * * I quite agree in your judgment upon Rosecrans. He was not a brilliant, perhaps, but certainly a very able leader. He had the qualities most important in an army of volunteers, firmness of purpose and that obstinacy which springs from an indomitable will. \'ery few- generals who have stood as he did at Murfreesboro, very few, indeed, (that) would not have given up the game and thrown victory into their opponent's arms. He snatched victory by his stubbornness. * * * Any new information concerning Chickamauga would at present be very useful to me. * * * I received and read with interest the papers you did send me concerning the American War of Independence. Receive my best thanks for that communication. Your views on the present situation and the prospects of the socialists in America are very striking and valuable.

On September 21, 1878, the Count wrote:

I have to thank you for your letters, dated August 21st and 31st, as well as for the number of the Atlantic Monthly, containing an article by General Lippitt on Pope's campaign in X'irginia. * * * .My subject now is Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. I have not a great deal of information on that subject.

October 13, 1878, he writes:

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your three letters, dated September 15th and 24th, containing the manuscript paper on the campaign of Chickamauga, and the newspaper articles on the yellow fever and the Petersburg crater. I beg you to receive my best thanks as well for the pamphlets mentioned in the first letter, and duly received shortly afterwards. I have found a special interest in the particulars which you give me of your talk with Gen. Humphreys about the operation of Grant in May, 1864, and his supposed plan of turning the left of Lee.

Again he says, October 20, 1878:

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of September 28th and of October'2d, 6th and 7th. I thank you very much for the trouble you take in supplying me with whatever kind of information you think may be useful to me, and still more in gicing me your own cities on the military fjuestions which that information may raise. The papers of Col. Crane, which I duly received, will no doubt be of great value to me. 1 already advised you of the receipt of the Legend of the Army of the Cumberland. The two other papers, viz.. Col. Coburn's report of the fight at Thompson's Station, and the e.xtracts of the Life of Forrest concerning the same fight, reached me at the same time. I have only rapidly perused the documents, but I have seen enough to appreciate their importance. The promised statement of Col. Crane of his treatment as a prisoner will be very interesting. * * * Thank you for the information you give me concerning Col. Goddard.

On November 9, 1878, he writes:

I punctually received your two letters, dated October 9th and '23rd, as well as the book manuscript you mention, viz., the Legend of the .-Xrmy of the Cumberland, and the papers relating to the fight at Thompson's Station, including the statement of Col. Baxter Crane's life after his capture with Coburn's command. These documents are rery useful for the study I am now engaged in. I thank you once more for the valuable assistance irhich you gice me in my arduons task, and I fully appreciate'the pains which you take tn furnish me with the unpublished documents. As for reading bad handwriting I can man-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

age to do it, but 1 hate to work on manuscripts hard to deciper. and therefore am very grateful to your copyist for his clear hand. * * * j thank you for the notice concerning Rosecrans.

Again (December 3, 1S78):

Col. Crane's statement of the battle of Thompson's Hill is so plain, so natural, and-describes so well what one feels and sees in his first fight, that it carries conviction into the reader's mind. It has been of great use to me, as well asColburn's reports. The narrative of his prison life is of the same character. I keep it for the future, as I intend to discuss the whole question of the treatment of the prisoners on both sides quite to the end of my work. I received the pamphlet on that subject mentioned in your letter of the 4th. In that of the 6lh you mention the balance of the Legend of the .Army of the Cumberland, and the copy of the official notice of the commencement and termination of the Slaveholders' Rebellion as being dispatched at the same time; these papers have reached me safely. 1 shall look for Gen. T. Oliver's letter on the sup-ercedure of Rosecrans by Gen, Thomas in the first package sent by you through Humphreys. At the time I received it I picked out only what was for my immediate use, and the remainder was put aside for future examination. * * * \"an Home's book is very useful to me. * * * In answer to your letter of the 11th I shall first thank you for having found out the maps which you had mentioned to me, and could best procure, but 1 am really sorry and ashamed to see what amount of trouble it gave you.

His acknowledgment December 21, 1878, is as follows :

Receive my best thanks for your three letters, dated November l!)th and 23d, and December -ath, which have reached me, as well as the papers mentioned in these letters. I thank you especially for the copy of Gen. Paine's memorandum or private diary. * * * I thank you for the very remarkable articles which you did send me concerning the battle of .Monmouth in 1778, and which 1 read with the greatest pleasure and interest. The report of Gen. Carr, a manuscript, reached me at the same time as your last letter. I have no doubt that will prove very useful to me. As you say, sometimes an incidental remark made without premeditation by an eyewitness may give the long-sought-for solution of some of the most difficult problems of history. I quite agree with you about Warren in regard to his action at Mine Run.

Again (January i, 1879):

I received your slips concerning the death of Reno.

* * * I thank you for sending me the part of the Legend of the Army of the Cumberland, which e.xplains the strange blank in Van Home's returns.

On January 17, 1879, he writes :

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, dated December 21st, 27th and 31st, the two last named ones adorned with the most picturesque engravings. *

* * What you say in your letter irf the 21st concerning the place where the Federal line was broken at Gettysburg, viz., near the Peach Orchard, about Birney's right, is in accordance with all the best accounts of the battle.

* * * I received the installment of Paine's diary mentioned in your letter of the 27th. It will be very useful to me, especially on account of its accuracy about the dates.

* * * I thank you very much for having at last furnished me with the half page which Dr. \'an Home's printer had left in blank.

Again (February 10, 1879):

I received a few days ago a letter frorn Gen. Hum-jihreys informing me that according to your wish he had

sent me a set of maps completed by Gen. Warren, of the country of the Rapidan and Centreville. * * * i thank you very much for mentioning the pamphlet of Col. Brooke Rawle on the operations of the L nited States cavalry on the right flank at Gettysburg. * * * As you say, tfie maps are very valuable. * * * I received to-day the copy of the narrative of the part taken by the 11th N. J. in the Mine Run campaign, by Col. McAllister, and I shall certainly make use of it when 1 review my account already written of that campaign.

On March 30, 1S79, he wrote:

I avail myself of the said leisure I can find between two visits to the sick room, to answer your letters as well as 1 can. * * * Nevertheless, I can assure you that I am most grateful for all the information given in your letters, as Well as for the documents which you take the trouble to furnish me with. All the papers mentioned in your letters as having been sent to me separately have reached me safely. I have in hand the regimental report of the 11th New Jersey, and the narrative of events from November 2f5th to December 3, 1863, which will be very useful for the correction of my narrative of the Mine Run campaign, as well as the " preacher," as you call it, and I quite agree with you in your judgment on Gen. .McAllister. Your conversation with Gen. Palmer, as reported m your letter, is interesting. * * * Your picture of the relations between .Meade and Webb is very striking, and I shall keep it in mind. I knew personally very little of Meade, while Webb was a friend, and still is, and I had the greatest respect for his military character. I received alsoall the papers mentioned in your letter of the .>th of February, viz., the manuscript copied in two different inks, which is very good concerning the fall of 1863 in Virginia, and your account of Gen. John Hartranft. I thank you for both, as well as for the picture you make of Hartranft in that letter. The balance of Gen. Jlc.-XUister's diary which, as you say, will merely be useful to me by its great accuracy, reached me at the same time as your letter, begun on the 8th and closed on the 14th of February. It gives very carefully the state of the weather, which is an important element of military operations very often overlooked in the best narratives. * * * The particulars given in your letters of February 24th and 26th about Thomas at the battle of Chickamauga are very interesting. I received the manuscript of \'an Home's chapter on Chattanooga from his Life of Thomas. It will no doubt prove very valuable, but I cannot use it before I have begun myself the account of that campaign, which implies that I should have ended with Chickamauga. Please therefore tell me whether you wish it to be returned, or whether I may keep it for some time. * * * I thank you very much for remarks on \'an Home's Chat-tanooga,'which will be very useful as soon as I reach that period of the campaign. * * * You are quite right when you say that good and clear maps are sadly wanted for the easy intelligence of Van Home's .Army of the Cumberland. Hissmall map of the battle of Chickamauga is perfectly wretched, and unfortunately I know of no better one.

It would require a volume to record the notable literary and critical achievements, the remarkable forecasts of political and military events, the practical suggestions which have been adopted and found to be of great public utility, and the solution of difficult problems in medical and general science through intuition, close reasoning and the application of extensive reading, of which General de Peyster has been the author. A few e.xamples, which

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

161

readily occur to mind, will be noted miscellaneously, with no attempt to classify them.

Through his wide reading, giving him a knowledge of a similar phenomenon following ancient eruptions of volcanoes, he was one of the first to give an account of the pink sunsets which occurred for several years after the famous eruption of the Javanese Krakatoa, in August, 1883. In the "Bulletin of the American Geographical Society" [Vol. XXI, No. i, March 31, 1889, p. 117, note] he is given credit for calling the attention of geographers to a notable case of the kind. "Gen. J. Watts de Peyster," says the writer, "has found * - -Berthelot's account of the strange skies seen after the eruption of Skaptar jTikull in 1783."

General de Peyster is the author of a remarkable discussion of the question, " Did Our Blessed Saviour Speak Greek.'" This paper enjoyed the distinction of being read before the Society of Literature, Arts and Science of London, England.

For a number of years he was vice-president of the Saratoga Battlefield Monument, in connection with which he did effective work. He resigned when he found his efforts were unavailing to restrain what he considered waste and innocent misapplication of the funds. He donated an historical cannon to the monument.

In addition to his many other services, and proffer of services during the Civil war, it should be noted that the General offered his extensive new buildings near the corner of Broadway and Thirty-sixth street, free of charge, to the city of New York, to the Federal Government, as quarters for recruits in 1861.

Again, General de Peyster was one of the first to recognize the infectious or contagious nature of consumption. His notable gifts of hospitals for the care of consumptives has been already mentioned.

The General defended John Brown, in his assaults on slavery, on the principle that, unjustifiable as he might be in his method of warfare upon slavery, he was surpassed in this respect by the slave-holders in their attacks upon freedom in the North. The General was the first to suggest the employment of negroes as soldiers in the Civil war, and was reviled by his Democratic neighbors on account of his advocacy of views so radical. At the close of the war, however, he protested against the indiscriminate conferring of the electoral franchise upon the negroes of the South. It 11

was not alone the general condition of illiteracy which influenced his judgment, but a clear foresight of the condition of things (which he prophesiedj which resulted; that the proposed measure nmst inevitably defeat the political end for which it was intended, and only give the South increased representation while leaving the power in the hands of the whites as securely as ever, and strengthening their influence materially in national politics.

General de Peyster had a number of unique experiences during his travels in Europe as military agent of the State of New York. He saved the Italian soldier, Siro Pesci, a follower of Mazzini, from condemnation to the salt mines at Sardinia, from which few ever return alive, after long terms of service. He secured passports for the Italian as his servant, and carried him into France (and subsequently into Switzerland), to the chagrin of the Gendarmes, who had an inkling of what was being done, but could not go behind the passports.

When we consider General de Peyster's many works of military criticism on nearly all the famous wars of Europe, together with his contemporaneous interpretation of the European wars in progress during his own lifetime, it is remarkable that he wrote so little on the Crimean war of 1854-5. But this e.xplained by the fact that at the time he was immersed in his historical studies of the Thirty Years' War, resulting in his various works on this theme, and notably his remarkable " Life of Torstenson." But very few men, historians or military critics, have mastered the facts as to this prolonged and general European war, as General de Peyster mastered them. His astonishing grasp of the topography of Europe, and of the military situation of the European States, was demonstrated in connection with the wars of this century in Europe, subsequent to that of the Crimea, he being able to foretell the course of events and the issues of campaigns with an accuracy which astounded the best military critics. With the outbreak of the Franco-Austrian war these remarkable prophecies began, in his contemporaneous contributions to the New York Express, in which he followed and anticipated the military movements with analysis and forecast. It chanced that in 1834 he had witnessed just such a flood in Lombardy as that of 1859, which hindered and thwarted the combatants, and particularly the Austrians. Again, in the case

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

ot the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, he was completely at home, being well-nigh as familiar with the scene of the operations as with his own farm. He foretold the results of this struggle, and put his finger upon the decisive locality. The same thing was true of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1. He prophesied the Prussian movement upon Sedan, and its results, in such detail, it was almost an exact prophecy of the genesis and exodus or result. The contribution of his critical pen toward the success of the Federal cause in our own Civil war is little understood. One can only say that it would be almost impossible to overestimate his services.

It would, indeed, be a " work of supererogation " to add anything to such estimates of General de Peyster's remarkable abilities and phenomenal labors as those which have been quoted, and it certainly will not be attempted here. One might say in passing, however, that if it be true that " a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," in this case, honor and recognition abroad, at least, there a.ssuredly is. Perhaps the best idea of the honors which have been won by the General can be conveyed by subjoining a (partial) list of his many degrees, and memberships. He would be entitled to write after his name several formidable titles.

The reader will find subjoined a partial list of the published works of General de Peyster. It is by no means a complete list, for time and circumstances prevented a perfect presentation, since many of his most interesting articles on subjects of the greatest moment and widest range are scattered in magazines and newspapers. Were these collected and republished (which their merit and interest assuredlj' justifies), they would make many additional volumes. But, although incomplete, the following list will suffice to give some idea of the astonishing versatility of the General's authorship. The immense range of reading, of which these •works show themselves to be the fruit, is also evidenced on every page of the thousands of books to be found in the General's large library, as well as in connection with the libraries given away. There probably has never been a private library of such size brought together, nor 10,000 to i 5,000 volumes given away, which through marks and marginal notes in the available space on nearly every page afford such evidence of close, thorough and critical reading. These notes are so charac-

teristic of the General's entire library that they enhance the value of these volumes for a student to a large degree which none but t/ir student, capable of availing himself of their help, could understand or appreciate. If books are a blessing there is also peri/ connected with their use; but in the marginal notes of these volumes (the rich fruit of the General's enormous research, astonishing memory and critical judgment) the student finds that commentary, or citation of either corroborative or adverse evidence elsewhere, which only the painstaking investigation of innumerable authorities could supply — and some of them so rare that the chances are against the ordinary student's having the knowledge of their existence, much less suspecting that they contain anything bearing upon the subject.

I'.-VRTIAL LIST OK I'IIBLICATI()N,S.

Rki'drts —1st. On thi' Or^anizatiuns of the National Guards and the Municipal Military Institutions of Europe, and the ."Xrtillery and Arms best adapted to the State .Service, 18.52. (Reprinted hy order of the N. V. State Legislature, Senate Documents, No. 74, March 2H. 18.53.) 2d. Organizations of the English and the Swiss Militia, the French, Swiss, and Prussian Fire Departments. Suggestions for the Organization of the N. Y. Militia, &c. 1853.

Life of (the Swedish Field Marshal) Leonard Tors* tenson (rewarded with three splendid Silver Medals, &c., by H. R. M. Oscar I., King of Sweden). 18.55.—Thirty Years War, and Mditary Services of Field-Marshal Generalissimo Leonard Torstenson (Series), N. Y. Weekly Mail, 1873 ; A Hero ,if the .WII Century (Torstenson).— The \'olunteer, Weekly Mag., \'ol. 1., No. 1., 18(ii>.~-The

Career of the celebrated Condottiere Fra Moreale, Weekly

, Mail, 1873.—Eulogy of Torstenson, 4to., 1872.

Mail, 1873.—Frederic the Great. (Series.) Weekly!

The Dutch at the North Pole, and the Dutch in Maine. 18.57.*

Appendix to the Dutch at the North Pole, lN:c. 18.58.*

Ho, for the North Pole! 1860.—" Little's Living Age." -The Dutch Battle of the Baltic, 18.58.

The InvincibleArmada. (Series.) 18()0.—Examples of Intrepidity, as illustrated by the E.xploits and Deaths of the Dutch Admirals. (Series.) 1860-1. Military Gazette.

Gems from Dutch History. (Series.) 1855.—A Tale of l.eipsic, Peabody's Parlor Mag., 1832.

Carausius, the Dutch Augustus, and Emperor of Britain and the Menapii. 18.58.

The Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Netherlanders. 1858.

Address to the officers of the New York State Troops. 1859.

Life of Lieut.-Gen. (famous " Dutch Vauban"—styled the "Prince of Engineers") Menno, Baron Cohorn. (Series.) 18H0.— Military Lessons. (Series.) 1861-3.— Winter Campaigns. 1862.

Practical Strategy, as illustrated by the Life and Achievements of a blaster of the Art, the Austrian Field-Marshal, Traun. 18()3.—Personal and Mditary History i>f Major-General Philip Kearny, .512 p[)., 8vo. 1869.— Secession in Switzerland .ind the United States compared ; being the Annual Address, delivered 20th October, 1863, before the \'ermont State Historical Society, in the Hall of Representatives, Capitol, Montpelier. 1864.*

•Noticed as well as others in Annual Report of tlie American Historical Association, 1895.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

163

Incidents connectt-d with the War in Italy. (Series.) 1859.

Mortality amont( Generals. (Series.) ISIil.—The Battle of King's Mountain. (Series.) 1861-2,1880. Oris-kany, 1878—Monmouth, 1878—Rhode Island, 1878.

Facts or Ideas Indispensible to the Coni]jrehensi()n of War; Notions on Strategy and Tactics. (Series.) 1861-2. Eclaireur, .Military Journal. (Edited.) 1854-S.—In Me-moriam. (Edited.) 1st, 1857 ; 2d, 1862. The Bible in Prison. 1853.—A Discourse on the Tendency of High Church Doctrines. 1855.

A Night withCharlesXII. of Sweden. A Nice Young Man. Parlor Dramas. 1860-1.

Aculco, Oriskany, and Miscellaneous Poems. 1860.

Genealogical References of Old Colonial Families, &c. 1851.

Biographical Notices of the de Peyster Family, in connection with the Colonial History of New York. 1861.—Biographies of the Watts, de Peyster, Reade and Leake Families, in connection with Trinity Churchyard. 1862.— Military (1776-1779) Transactions of Major, afterwards Colonel Sth or King-'s Foot, B. A., Arent Schuyler de Peyster and Narrative of the Maritime Discoveries of his namesake and nephew, Capt. Arent Schuyler de Peyster, N. Y., 1870.—Local Memorials relating to the de Peyster and Watts and affiliated families. 1881. In Memoriam, Frederic de Peyster, Esq., LL.D., Prest. N. Y. Historical Society, St. Nicholas Society, St. Nicholas Club, &c., &c. 1882.

Articlks published in United Serinre Magazine (equal in matter to 12mo. volumes); Torstenson and the Battle of Janikau, July, 1879; Joshua and the Battle of Beth-horon—Did the sun and moon stand still? February, 1880; Hannibal, July, lKSO;Gustavus Adolphus, Sept., 1880; Cavalry, I„ Sei)t., 1880; Cavalry, II., Nov., 1880; Cavalry, III., Dec, 1880; Army Catastrophes—Destruction of Pharaoh and his host; how accomijlished, &c., tkc. February, 1881,—Hannibal's Army of Italy, Mar., 1881; Hannibal's Last Campaign, May, 1881; Infantry, I., June, 1881; Infantry, II., Aug., 1881; Battle of Eutaw Springs, 1781, Sept., 1881; Siege of Yorktown, 1781, Nov., 1881; Infantry, III., April, 1882; Waterloo, July, 1882; Vindication of James Hepburn, Eapl of Bothwell, Sept., 1882, Oct., 1882; From the Rapidan to Appomattox Court House, July, 1883.—Burgoyne's Campaign. July-Oct., 1777, and .-Vppendix, Oct., 1883.—Life and Achievements of Field-Marshal Generalissimo Suworrow, November-December, 1883.—Biographical Sketch of Maj-Gen. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, U. S. A., March, 1884.— Address, Maj.-Gen. A. A. Humphreys, before the Third Army Corps Union, 5th May, 1884. Character and Services of Maj.-Gen. A. A. Humphreys, U. S. A., Manhattan, N. Y., Monthly Magazine, August, 1884.

Suggestions which laid the basis for the present admirable Paid Fire Department in the City of New York, in which, as well as in the Organization of the present Municipal Police of New York City, Gen. de Peyster was a co-laborer with the Hon. Jas. W. Gerard and G. W. Matsell, for which latter Department he caused to be prepared and presented a Fire Escape, a model of simplicity and inestimable utility. Republished in the New York Hittorir.al Magazine. Supplement, Vol. I.X, 1865. John P. Shea, Editor and Proprietor.

The Pearl of Pearls, or the " Wild Brunswicker " and his " Queen of Hearts," a novel, founded on facts, 1865.— Mary Stuart, a Study, 1882; James Hepburn, Earl of Both-well, a Vindication, 1882; Bothwell and Mary Stuart, an Enquiry and a Justification, 1883.—Bothwell, an Historical Drama, 1884.—The Life and Military Services of Sir John Johnson, Bart. 1882.—Notices and Correspondence of Col. A. S. de Peyster and Brig.-Gen. Sir John Johnson, Bart, during and after the American Revolution, 1776, &c. 1884.

State Sovereignty. 1861.—Life and Services of the great Russian Field-Marshal Suworrow. 1882.—La Roy-

ale, the Grand Hunt [or Last Campaign of the Army of the Potomac] Nos. I., II., III., IV., \"., \'I., 1872; \'II. 1873; \TII., 1871.—Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancel-lorsville and Gettysburg in Onward, a monthly. 1869-70. —And Gettysburg and Williamsport, in the ,'io/diers' Friend, a weekly, 1870.—Col. J. Watts de Peyster, Jr., U. S. V. A. Threnody. 1874.—Sir John Johnson, Bart.: An Address delivered before the N. Y. Historical Society, 6th Jan., 1880, with two voluminous Appendices of authorities.—Address before the Historical Society of New Brunswick, 1883.*—Benjamin Fletcher, Colonial Governor of the Province of New York—Address before Oneida (N. Y.) Historical Society.*

Centennial Sketches of the American Revolution, which apfieared in the N. Y. Timex, and especially in the N. Y. Evening Mail and Mail and K-rprexs. 1776-82.—Decisive Conflicts of the late Civil War or " Slaveholders' Rebellion:" I. Shiloh, Antietam, iVc.,1867; II. Murfrees-boro to Chattanooga, &c., 1866; HI. Gettysburg, 1867; •I\'. Nashville, 1876.—Biographical notices of Major-Generals Philip Schuyler—Address delivered before the N. Y. Historical Society, 2d Jan., 1877; Geo. H. Thomas, (likewise two Addresses delivered upon the same subject before the N. Y. Historical Society, 5th Jan., 1875, and Jan., 1876); also of Bancroft, Burnside, Crawford, Heint-zleman. Hooker, Humphreys, McAllister, Mahone, Meade, Edwards Pierrepont, Pleasanton, Sickles, Tre-maine, &c., &c.

The Battles of Monmouth and Capture of Stony Point; a series of voluminous and exhaustive articles published in the Manmouth Enquirer, N. J., 1879.—Eclaireur (The), a Military Journal, Vols. II. and III., edited 1864-5.

History of the Third Corps, Army of the Potomac, 1861-65. This title, though not technically, is virtually correct, for in a series of elaborate articles in dailies, weeklies, monthlies, monographs, addresses, &c., everything relating to this Corps, even to smallest details, from 1861 to 1865, was prepared with care and put in print. These articles ap]5eared in the Citizen, and the Citizen and Rdund Table; in Foley's Volunteer, and Soldiers'' and Sailors' Half-Dime Tales of the late Rebellion; in Mayne Reid's magazine Onward; in Chaplain Bourne's Suldiem' Friend; in " La Roy ale or Orand Hunt [or ihe last campaign] of tJie Army of the Potomae, from Petersburg- to Appomattox Court House, April 2-9, 1865," illustrated with engraved likenesses of several of the prominent Generals belonging to the corps, and careful maps and plans; in the life of Major-General Philip Kearny; in the "Third Corps at Gettysburg; General Sickles vindicated" \'ol. I., Nos. XI., xii,xii. The Volunteer; in a Speech delivered before the Third Army Corps Union, Sth May, 1875, profusely illustrated with portraits of Generals who commanded or belonged to that organization, Sic. These arranged and condensed would constitute a work of five or six volumes 8vo., such as those prepared by Prof. John W. Draper, entitled the "Civil War in America," but were never given as bound volumes to the public, because the expense was so great that the author, who merely writes for credit and amusement, was unwilling to assume the larger outlay, in addition to what he had already expended on the purchase of authorities, clerk-hire, printing, &c., &c.

A complete list, comprising almost as many more titles, not included in the foregoing presentation, was drawn up by the writer, but mislaid, and was omitted for want of time and space.

The General's latest series of works were a succession of monographs on the Wars of-

*Noticed in Annual Report of the American Historical Association, IS'.15,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Buonaparte. One, a translation of the records of Colonel Pion des Loches in 1812, then belonging to the Artillery of the Imperial Guard, which ran through five numbers of The Golden Magazine (January, February, March, April and May, 1895); with copious notes and along commentary upon the whole campaign and upon Buonaparte as a commander by the General himself.

2. Waterloo, "The Campaign and Battle," a bird's-eye view. (1893).

3. Waterloo. (1S94).

4. Prussians in the Campaign of Waterloo; in which it is conclusively shown that, although too much credit cannot be conceded to Wellington and his Anglo-Allied Army for the heroism of the command and the intrepidity of the commander, the rescue of Wellington from defeat, and the annihilating victory over the French, was assuredly due to Blucher and his Prussians. (1895).

5. Authorities treating of the last campaigns of Buonaparte—1S12-13-14-15; being critical reviews of numerous authorities on the Buonaparte wars, especially of 1814 and 1815.

(1894-5)-

6. A translation of Vermeil de Conchard s Life of Blucher, from his correspondence; with niass!7-e notes from the best authorities, in English, German and French, filling double the number of pages occupied by the translation. (1896).

7. The Real Napoleon Buonaparte. (1894-

1895)-

8. Napoleone di Buonaparte. Two series;

a sequel to No. 7, which the noted sportsman, writer, lawyer and railroad man, Charles E. Whitehead, wrote, " read like volleys of musketry," just equivalent in force of expression to Adj.-Gen. Pruyn's letter, "the courage to divide a hornet's nest. "

Fr.^nk Allaben.

JOHN P. RIDER was born in Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, N. Y., January 28, 1S35. His father, Albert .\. Rider, was born in Rhinebeck in 1807, and his mother, Caroline (Jenningsj, was born in the same town in 1808. His paternal grandparents were Philip Rider, born at Dartmouth, Mass., in 1781, and his wife, Catherine (Van Fredenburgh), born at Rhinebeck, N. Y.. in 1786. His maternal grandparents were John Jennings, born

in 1773, at Windham, Conn., and Aurelia (Bard), his wife, born in 177S, at Sharon, Conn. His paternal great-grandparents were Thurston Rider and Hannah (Cummings), both of Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

It will thus be seen that our subject traces his lineage back on one side to genuine Yankee blood, and on the other to the stalwart Dutch of New York. His primary education was received in the district schools of his native town, and later he attended the old Rhinebeck Academy, one of the best schools of that day, where he easily took a leading position among the students from his exceptional abilit}'. His classmates often recalled, in later years, his quiet, unobtrusive ways, his sterling qualities of mind and character, his fine progress in his studies, and his clean, manly record through his school-days. When sixteen years old, he took a clerkship with his uncle, John F. Jennings, at Kingston, N. Y., where he began his successful business career. He remained there two years, and then returned to Rhinebeck to act as deputy to his father, who had been appointed postmaster by President Pierce. In 1855 he accepted a position in a wholesale dry-goods establishment in New York City, and has, therefore, a very vivid recollection of the great financial panic of 1857, for, though but just of age, his employers furnished abundant proof of his ability and trustworthiness by sending him on a collecting tour through the far Western States.

In i860, a few months before the breaking out of the Civil war, he was married to Cornelia A. De Forest, who is a lineal descendant of Col. Johannis Snyder, of the First Regiment of Militia in Ulster county, which was formed at New Paltz on the iQth of January, 1776.

In 1863 he was appointed secretary of the New York Rubber Co., and held that position in New York City until 1883, when the company expressed their further confidence in him by making him vice-president of the company, and putting him in charge of their affairs at j Matteawan, N. Y., where their extensive man-i ufacturing works are situated. He then became a resident of Fishkill-on-Hudson, and has ever since been identified with the best interests of the historic town of Fishkill. In 1886, while absent on a visit to Florida, the people honored him with an election as supervisor for the town, and the following year he was reelected, and was, moreover, chosen chairman

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165

of the board of supervisors of Dutchess county. Here he displa}ed the same marked ability and unswerving integrity in presiding over their deliberations that he had shown in managing the business of the town. He was subsequently elected president of the village of Fishkill Landing, in which capacity he served one term with signal success. He was afterward Democratic candidate for member of the Assembly for the First District of Dutchess County, and although there was a Republican majority of 1,200 in the district, his popularity brought him such a flattering vote that the usual majority was reduced one third. But Mr. Rider is not quite the kind of a man to make an all-round politician. He has too fine a sense of right; too keen an appreciation of his dutj- to the people; too firm a determination to do that duty on all occasions; and too much self-respect to make him a subservient tool of the leaders in practical politics. ■ Whatever political oflices he held came to him unsought, and all their obligations were faithfully fulfilled. His sterling worth, his business integrity, and public confidence in his sound judgment caused him to be elected vice-president of the recently incorporated Matteawan National Bank, to the success of which he has largely contributed.

Mr. Rider is a Free and Accepted Mason of forty years' honorable standing, a member of Palestine Commandery, Knights Templar, of the famous Mecca Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and has attained the e.xalted position of the Thirty-second degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry in the Valley of New York, Northern Jurisdiction of America. These facts serve to emphasize the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens and by the Masonic craft. He is a man of quiet, unobtrusive, retiring manners, yet always a polished gentleman and man of the world, apt at business, cool, calm and reticent, yet endowed with a cultivated insight into men and business which makes him a wise administrator of affairs, public or private, a successful employer of labor, and a valuable citizen. He is a fine specimen of such as carve out their own careers in this free land. Not a college graduate, he is still a well-read man, not only in commercial matters, but also in polite and elegant literature, and in the various departments of science. Genial and entertaining among his friends, endowed with a fund of wit and humor always at his command, he is respected and loved most by those who know him best.

CASSIUS M. C. SMITH, the enterprising _ and popular proprietor of "The Woron-ock," at New Hackensack. Dutchess county, one of the best hotels in this region, is a native of Columbia county, but his family has been identified with Dutchess county for several generations.

David Smith, his grandfather, was born in the town of Clinton, and spent his life there, following agricultural pursuits. He had nine children: Lewis, Thomas, Stephen, Henry, Joseph, Solomon. Sarah, Eliza and Carrie. Lewis Smith, our subject's father, was born March 14, 1818, and passed his early years at the old homestead. He married Elizabeth Hicks, a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the town of Pleasant \'alley, where her great-grandfather, Joseph Hicks, and his wife, formerly Miss Filkins, located in Colonial times, obtaining a grant of land from Queen Anne. Her grandfather, Samuel Hicks, a prominent resident of that locality, married Margaret Doty, and reared a family of three children; Benjamin, Mary (Mrs. Samuel Halstead) and Samuel S., Mrs. Smith's father, who enjoyed fine educational privileges owing to his inability to perform the hard labors of the farm. He became a teacher in Poughkeepsie, but after his marriage to Miss Mary Peters returned to the old home to reside. Mrs. Smith was one of the following children: Margaret, who married Thomas Smith, a farmer of the town of Washington; Hewlett P., a resident of the town of Clinton; Elizabeth (Mrs. Smith); Edward S., a retired farmer of Pleasant \'alley; Elias, a merchant in Rochester, N. Y.; Burtis, a farmer in the town of Clinton; Hannah, the widow of Asa Smith; and Mary (deceased), who married Solomon Merritt, a carpenter at Rochester.

After their marriage our subject's parents lived upon a farm in the town of Clinton for a short time, and then moved to Columbia county, and remained twenty years. On returning they settled at Clinton Corners, where Mr. Smith's father was engaged in the cattle business. In 1S59 he bought a farm in the town of Lagrange, where he died June 12, 1884. He was a Republican politically, and he and his wife, who survived him, adhered to the Quaker faith.

Our subject was born February 6, 1848. He was only seven years old when his parents moved to Clinton Corners, and ten, when they established their home on the farm, where he

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

grew to manhood. At twenty-two he engaged in the butcher's trade, which he followed twenty-three years. In April, [892, he purchased "The Woronock", at New Hackensack, a " landmark " of the place, formerly known as " Yates Tavern ", and moved there November I, following. Under his business-like management steam-heat and other modern improvements have been added, and it is a favorite resort of tourists. It will accommodate about forty guests, and in the summer season it is well filled. One especially pleasing feature is the cuisine, as Mr. Smith keeps a farm of forty acres to supply his table.

On February 26, 1872, he married Carrie A. Dorland, and they have one daughter, Edith C. Mrs. Smith's ancestors were early residents of the town of Lagrange, and her father, Samuel Dorland. was a well-known farmer and blacksmith there. He was a cousin of Peter Dorland, father of Cyrenus Dorland, surrogate of Dutchess county. Mr. Smith is a public-spirited, influential man, his circle of friends extending far beyond local limits. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLIAM R. MOORE. The subject of this personal narrative, now residing

at Upper Red Hook, N. Y., was born at Barrytown, N. Y., in a house standing in Revolutionary times. His present residence commands one of the finest views of the Catskills from any inland point, its surrounding forty acres combining village privileges with space and comfort.

Mr. Moore's family record runs back to the time when New York State was but a Province. The old stone house still standing near Barry-town Corners was in the family for five generations. The tract of land coming into his possession as he reached his majority, and which he sold in later years to John Aspinwall, was originally a portion of the grant of Col. Peter Schuyler, and deeded to Phillipus Hen-drich Mohr, his great-grandfather, in 1771. He died in 1775, before the Declaration of Independence was declared. Puterus Moore, his son, served in the Revolutionary army, and family traditions picture his wife subjected to the depredations of the British soldiery (as they sailed up the Hudson in their sloops), hiding her food and begging them to spare her last horse. The line of descent is as follows: Phillipus Hendrich Mohr, born about 1723,

died in 1775, married Engel Dederick. Pe-terus Moore, their son, born November, 1743, died May, 1833, married Christyna Behner, December, 1770. Garret Moore, their son, born March, 1793, died June, 1826, married Lanah Rowe, January, 1815. William R. Moore, their son, was born August 22, 1826, and was united in marriage with Jane Ann Ten Broeck, who was born on the old Ten Broeck homestead in Germantown, Columbia Co.. N. Y., April 27, 1830, and was educated in Hudson Academy. To this worthy couple have been born five children, namely; .^nna B., William B., Helen R., Hattie E. and Minnie. Hattie E. died when she arrived at maturity. Helen R. is the wife of Rev. John Morrison, of Fishkill-on-Hudson, by whom she has two chiMren: Stewart Ten Broeck and Anna Janette, and the family is now located at Portland, Ore., where Mr. Morrison is pastor of a flourishing Presbyterian Church. The early history of the Ten Broeck family, to which Mrs. Moore belongs, dates bark to 162G, when Wessel Ten Broeck, a merchant from Munster, Westphalia, came over in company with Peter Minuit (^pronounced Menewe), the newly appointed director of New Netherlands. He settled in New Amsterdam as a merchant. He had three sons, Derick Wessel, Hendrick Wessel and Joachim Wessel. Derick Wessel, the eldest, was born in 1639, and known in history as Maj. Wessel. As early as 1662 he was the largest fur-trader at Beaver-Wyck ("now Albany). He was largely engaged in Indian and other public affairs. The historical records of New York show that in 1689 he was employed by Gov. Dongan as ambassador to Canada to settle matters of Provincial difficulty. He was also major of militia, commissary first recorder of Albany in 1686, mayor of AHjany in 1696, and Indian commissioner. He bought of the heirs of Anneke Jans, in 1662, her residence on the east corner of State and James streets, which became his city dwelling, being the same lot now occupied by the Mechanical & Traders Bank and the Evcjiiit}; Journal buildings. He owned much real estate, and Ten Broeck street in Albany was named for him. By deed of date October 26, 1694, Robert Livingston conveyed to him a tract of land on both sides of Roeliff Jansen's Kill, containing about 1,200 acres, also a tract on the Hudson river of 600 acres, situated 200 paces south of the old Livingston Manor House.

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167

In 1663. he married Christyna Van Buren, who died November 23, 1729; his death occurred September iS, 1717. Their eldest son. Wessel. was Indian commissioner, recorder of Albany, and lieutenant of militia. From this line descended Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, of Revolutionary- fame. As president of the committee of safety of Xew York, he carried on an able and patriotic correspondence with Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress. He married Elizabeth, sister of Stephen ^'an-Renssalaer. the fourth Patroon of the Manor of Renssalaerwyck. Their son. Derrick Ten Broeck, a lawyer, was for three sessions the eloquent speaker of the House of the Assembly. New York State. All these facts are proved true in histories and documents in the State Library at Albany. Up to the present date, the tract of land on the Hudson, at German-town, deeded by Robert Livingston to Derrick Wessel Ten Broeck. in 1694. has descended from eldest son to eldest son. so that, most literalh", it maj- be called "old homestead," having been in the familj- over two hundred years. There is preserved the oldest known family Bible in the Ten Broeck line, and also a portrait of an ancestor, Jacob Ten Broeck, born in 1700, son of the above Wessel. This ancestor was married in 1725 to Christyna Van Alen. who died July 28. 175S. His death occurred September 14. 1774.

From the founder in America to the eldest brother of Mrs. Moore, this branch of the Ten Broeck family is traceable through the eldest sons, (i) Derrick Wessel married Christyna Van Buren in 1663. {2) Wessel married Cathryna Loermans in 1684. (3) Jacob married Christyna Van Alen, September 29. 1725. (4) Wessel married Janetje Person. February 4. 1764. (5) Jacob married Christina Schep-mas. (6'^ Jacob ^the father of Mrs. Moore), who married Anna Benner. is the next in direct descent. (7 Jacob Wessel. her brother, married Sarah Ann Evarts. May 24. 1S4S. S) Andrew J., his son, married Julia Winans, October 26, 1SS2'.

Hon. Jacob Ten Broeck. the father of Mrs. Moore, was born on the Ten Broeck homestead at Germantown, Ma\- 13. 1800. In 1S44 he removed to Hudson. lea\nng his son, Jacob Wessel, the old homestead: was made a charter director of the Farmers National Bank, of Hudson, at its organization in 1S39, and he was the oldest officer of that institution at the time of his death in 1S83. During the troub-

lous times of the Civil war he efficiently served as mayor of Hudson, and wast also a member of the Assembly from Columbia county in later years. He married Anna Benner. who \va3 born November 15, 179S. and was a daughter of Hendrick Benner. of the towTi of Red Hook, Dutchess ccunty. She died March 26, 1S79.

MRS. CATHERINE E. TAYLOR, the _ subject of this sketch, spent her earh" life in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, attending the district schools and Miss Booths boarding school, besides a private school at Fishkill. She met Edward Preston Taylor in Poughkeepsie. where they were married. He was born in Orange. N. J., and was a member of the firm of Nelson & Taylor, cabinet makers, with their place of business on the comer of Main and Crannell streets.

After their marriage our subject and her husband conducted the " Forbus House. " which stood where the *• Nelson House "" now is. and was where the old stage house was located, a very historic spot. When Mr. Taylor died. Mrs. Taylor continued to run the • • Forbus House" until 1S75, when she built the new • • Nelson House, "' which was opened April 1. 1S76. The house was named in honor of our subjects brother. Judge Homer A. Nelson. Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor: Ella Kate, and Nelson ^deceasedV Ella married F. J. Jewett, of Albany. N. Y.. and they have two children—Rev. F. G. Jewett. rector of St. Pauls Church at Albany, and Edward Taylor Jewett. of the Albany Engraving Co. The Rev. F. G. Jewett has one daughter. Catherine Pauline, and a son. F. G. Jewett ^^3"'.

Reuben Nelson, the great-grandfather of our subject, was bom in Dutchess county: was drafted for the Revolutionary war. and ser\ed as one of the •• Minute men. " receiving a pension for his services. He married Miss Hannah Morse, a native of Delaware countj'. N. Y. Reuben Nelson. Jr.. grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Lagrange, where he went to school, and later engaged in farming. He married Miss Catherine Garzee. whose birth took place in Newport, R. I. She was a daughter of a French sea captain, who owned a vessel and came to America and joined LaFayeites army in the cause of American Independence. John M. Nelson, the only child of Reuben, was bom on the old homestead in Lagrange, where his earlv education was ob-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

tained, and where he was married to Miss Eliza Smith, who was born in Boston of English parents. Their children were: Catherine Eliza, our subject; Laura, Homer A.. Charles and John, of New York City; and Cora, who married Dr. \'andenser.

JOHN W. SPAIGHT, a prominent resident of Fishkill-on Hudson, Dutchess county,

whose able editorial management of the Standard has made that paper influential throughout the community, is one of the men whose energies and abilities have been constantly and consistently devoted to the best interests of the town.

He is a native of Dutchess county, having first seen the light in Poughkeepsie, May 26, 1833. He attended the common schools of that city until the age of fourteen, and in 1849 entered the office of the Poughkeepsie Tc/c-grapli as an apprentice, remaining five years. On attaining his majority he took charge of the Higliland Eagle at Peekskill, the predecessor of the present Higliland Democrat. The following year he purchased the paper, and carried it on successfully for three years, when he sold it with the intention of going into business elsewhere; but his plans failing he remained in charge of the of^ce for another year. In the spring of 1859 he returned to Poughkeepsie, and formed a partnership with A. S. Pease and J. G. P. Holden for the publication of the Daily Press; but this venture proved a failure, and he lost all that he had made while in Peekskill. After three years in Poughkeepsie he purchased the Fishkill Standard with the assistance of his brother-in-law, James E. Member, and February 10, 1862, he assumed the control of the paper. The office was a very small one and the paper only a seven-colunm folio; but by untiring industrj' and judicious management the enterprise has been made to prosper, and the Standard has been enlarged from time to time until it is now a folio of nine columns.

Mr. Spaight was married January i, 1856, at Peekskill, to Miss Eliza J. Diven, of that village, and they have four children—three sons and one daughter. The sons are all connected with the Standard office in various capacities, and are giving evidence of the same qualities which have marked their father's successful work in the journalistic field. The family are identified with the Methodist

Church, Mr. Spaight and his wife having become members while in Peekskill, and he has been steward, district steward, trustee (for thirty-three years), and president of the board of trustees. In the Sunda\-school he was a leading worker for twent\-five years, having been a teacher, secretary, treasurer, and superintendent. He resides in a beautiful part of the village, on high ground overlooking the river and bay, the view including the mountains and city of Newburgh. His place has been named "The Cedars," from the fact that the hill was formerly covered with a fine growth of cedar trees, only a few of which now remain.

As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Spaight has always been ready to encourage any worthy movement and to assist in local affairs. He was the first treasurer of the village of Fish-kill Landing; holding the office for several years, and a trustee four terms; was a trustee of the public schools for about sixteen years, and is now treasurer of the school district. He has been connected with the Howland Circulating Library, as its secretary, since its organization in 1872; is a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank, for several years has been a member of the funding committee, and is now its second vice-president. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, was secretary of Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M., for some time, and for the last seventeen years has held the office of treasurer.

WILLIAM B. MILLARD, for many years the senior member of the firm of W.

Millard Sons, of New Hamburg, Dutchess county, now the Millard Lumber Co., is a worthy representative of a family which has been distinguished through several generations for business ability, integrity, public-spirit, and all those admirable qualities of character which go to make good citizenship. The head of the American branch of the family came from France at an early date, settling in New England, and John Millard, our subject's greatgrandfather, lived in Cornwall, Conn., where he had a sawmill.

Charles Millard, our subject's grandfather, was born in Cornwall, Conn., in 1763, and belonged to the army of the Revolution in 1780, in his eighteenth year. His first wife was Lydia Pride, a native of Poughkeepsie. He

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169

settled in Marlboro, Ulster county, where he was engaged in the lumber business until 1824, when he moved to New Hamburg and opened a lumber yard. He manufactured his lumber from the raw material and had an extensive trade for that early day, the distance from our own times being more easily realized when the fact is recalled that he witnessed the trial trip of Robert Fulton's steamer on the Hudson in 1807. He was prominent in local affairs and a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. On June 17, 1816, his first wife died, leaving seven children, and October 22, 1818, he married Sarah Miller, by whom he had two children. His own death occurred April 30, 1827. Of the first family the eldest son (i) John was born May 21, 1789; (2) Charles Millard, born September 15, 1792, located in New Orleans, where he acquired a large fortune. He was a man of unusual energy and business ability, and took a prominent part in affairs in his adopted city. (3) James, born August 15,1795, was a wholesale dealer in lumber and coal at Catskill. (4) Cornelia, born June 27, 1797, married Hackaliah Purdy, of Marlboro. (5) William born June 19, 1800, settled in Galena, 111., and became a leading business man there, holding the office of postmaster at one time. His later years were spent in traveling in Europe and the United States, and he died while in Jacksonville, Florida. (6) Walter, our subject's father, is mentioned below. (7) Catherine, born August 21, 1803, married Elem Dunbar, then of Pough-keepsie and later of Cortland county. The children of the second family were Margaret G., born May 24, 1820, and Franklin, born February 26, 1824.

Walter Millard was born in Marlboro, February 27, 1802, and remained there until the removal of the family to New Hamburg. Until 1834 he was engaged in the lumber business exclusively, but at that time he became interested in the freighting business and built the barge " Lexington," which ran between New York and New Hamburg. In 1844 he purchased the steamboat "Splendid," which carried freight from New Hamburg and Marlboro to New York City. About 1855 he disposed of this line of business to give his attention to dealing in lumber and coal, which he continued until his death, August 20, 1880. He was a man of remarkable business acumen and the energy and enterprise to carry his projects to completion. A strict Presbyterian in religious

faith, his life was marked by integrity and fair dealing. In politics he was in early years a Whig and later a Democrat. He was married, November 14, 1834, to Martha Hyer Bull, a native of New York City, who died June 14, 1896. Her father, William Bull, who was of English birth, was a well-known saddle and harness dealer in New York, and was the first to import hame collars from England. He had six sons, viz.: William B., Walter P., Howard C., Charles, I. Edward and Fenweck T., the last two named being now deceased.

William B. Millard was born at New Hamburg, June 10, 1836. When a young man he began clerking in his father's office, and in 1863 became a partner in the business, the firm name being W. Millard & Son. After his father's death he conducted the business under the same name until 1884, when his brothers, Howard C. and Charles, entered the firm, which became known as W. Millard Sons. On November i, 1893, a corporation was formed under the present title of the Millard Lumber Company. They employ about 150 men in the various departments of their work, which includes the manufacture of the finished product from sawed green lumber, their mills and factory being located at Rouse's Point, in the Adirondack region. They do a wholesale business there, while their retail trade is supplied from their yards at New Hamburg and Marlboro.

On February 8, i860, Mr. Millard was married to Miss Cordelia A. Lawson, a lady of Dutch descent, and daughter of William I. and Ann (Smith) Lawson, of New Hamburg. Two children were born of this union: Martha H., the wife of Harris S. Reynolds, of Pough-keepsie, and William I., who is not married. Mr. Millard and wife are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has taken an active interest in many movements tending to promote the public welfare, being especially devoted to the temperance reform and to the improvement of the schools. He has been president of the board of education, and is a member of the National Division of the Sons of Temperance. In politics he is a Democrat, but favors a liberal tariff. He has at times held minor offices, declining, however, further honors, although as one of the leading men in southern Dutchess county, he has more than once been urged to enter the political arena.

COMiTEilORATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

THOMAS McWHINXIE. a well-known _ manufacturer, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in that city. March 20, 1S42. and is the son of James and Euphemia (HallI McWhinnie, both natives of Scotland, the former born at Glasgow in iSo". and the latter at Paisley in 1S19.

Thomas McWhinnie. the grandfather of our subject, was born it is supposed in Edinburgh, as he came from there, and was a weaver by trade. His brother. John, up to his death, was keeper of Edinburgh Castle, where the Scottish regalia are kept. Grandfather Thomas McWhinnie was married in 1S04 to Janet Crawford, who was the mother of all his children. She died in 1S19, and in 1S2S he married Margaret McAllister. In May, 1S29. the famih-sailed from Greenock in the sailing vessel 'Roger Stewart." arriving, on the fourth of July following, in New York City, where they made their first home in the New World on 20th street, between Sth and 9th avenues. Grandfather McWhinnie's second wife did not come to this country with him; but after a year or two's sojourn here he went back to Scotland, and staid there until her death, when he again came to the United States, and died in New York.

Grandfather McWhinnie had six children, namely: i Margaret, married to Alexander Cameron, a machinist; 2) Janet, married at West Farms. Westchester Co., N. Y. (^now a part of New York CityJ. to Robert B. Wilson, who in his younger days was captain of a sloop running on the North, or Hudson, river, the East river and the Bronx, up to West Farms; (31 Elizabeth, who became the wife of James Reed, who was in the Custom House at Glasgow a great many years until pensioned of!; 14) Peter, who was a weaver by trade; (5) John, also a weaver, who died in New York City; and James, the father of Thomas. Our subject's parents came to America before their marriage, and resided in New York City and other places, finally moving to Poughkeepsie. where they were married. Here the father followed his trade as a weaver for about thirty-three years. He then removed to New York City, where he continued to work at weaving until his death July 17, 1866; his wife died September ii, 1851. He was originally a Whig, later a Republican. They had four children: Catherine and James died in infancy; Thomas is the subject of this sketch; and Archibald is a farmer in Wisconsin.

The father was bom in Glasgow. Scotland, in 1S07. and reared there, being twenty-two years old when he came to this country in 1S29.

Thomas McWhinnie attended the public schools in Poughkeepsie until he was twelve years old. when he went to Wappingers Falls, where he worked in the cotton mills for nine months at two dollars a week. He then returned to Poughkeepsie. and worked for two and a half years in a bakery at $25 a year and his board, the first year; at $30 a year and his board, the second year; and at $35 a year and his board the remainder of the time, leaving the bakery in the winter of 1S57. the year of the financial panic. In the spring of 1858 he went to learn the tinner's trade, but left it after serving about one and one-quarter years, and went to work in Chichester & Co. s chair factory, which stood on the site where his own facton." now stands. In 1S63 he was employed for a few months in repairing railroad bridges. afterward going to New York City and working in a chair factor)' for four years, and for about one year more was a partner in a chair factory.

In 1S69 Mr. McWhinnie again returned to Poughkeepsie. and embarked in the business in which he has since been successfully engaged; manufacturing all kinds of wheelbarrows—such as canal, coal, garden, ore. stone, brick and wood barrows; also the celebrated Dutchess Bolted Canal, and Dutchess Bolted Garden wheelbarrows. His first location was at No. 25 N. Water street, but in 1SS3 he erected the large brick factory in which he is now established, at Nos. 39 and 41 South Water street, and 31 and 33 South Front street. His products are shipped to New York City and other points, whence they are sent all over the world. Mr. McWhinnie is a man of progressive ideas, of excellent business ability and great energy, and has worked his way up from a poor boy to his present position. He is popular with his associates, and is a loyal citizen always ready to assist in public enterprises.

Mr. McWhinnie was married June i. 1871, to Miss Fannie Whitwell. who was born in Poughkeepsie. Her father. Thomas Whitwell. and her mother Marj' (Arnold* Whitwell, were natives of Peterborough, England. He followed farming in East Park. Three children were born of this union: Mary E., who was married to Frank Brooks on October 7, 1896; Fannie J. and Roy A.; the last named

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

171

died January 13, 1893. '^^r. McWhinnie is a Republican, and in 1882 he was elected alderman of the Second ward, serving some two and one-half years; in 1896 he was selected by his party to represent them on the board of supervisors, being elected for two years. He is a member of the Congregational Church, and has been a trustee of that body for eight years. Sociall}' he has been a member of the Masonic order since 1864, and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

AMES STUART CHAFFEE. The family to which the subject of this'sketch belongs is of good old Puritan stock, having been founded in the New World in 1635, at Hing-ham, Mass., by Thomas Chaffee, who landed at Boston a year or two previous. He removed to Hull, where he died in 1683. His son, Joseph Chaffee, married Ann Martin, of Swansea, Mass., and died in that town in 1689. His son, John Chaffee, removed to Woodstock, where Joel Chaffee, the son of John, died. Joshua, the youngest son of Joel, was born in Woodstock, Conn., in 1733, and in 1755 moved to Sharon, Conn. On Jul}' 22, 1755, he wedded Mary St. John, and they continued to live at Sharon until 1760, when they removed to Ellsworth, Conn., where his death occurred October 8, 1789, and she passed away August 28, 1824. Their son, Joshua Bignall Chaffee, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Sharon, Conn., March 8, 1781, and became a farmer by occupation. On June 4, 1809, he was united in marriage with Ann Seymour, a daughter of Amos and Sarah (Cook) Seymour, of Plymouth, Conn.; her death occurred June 4, 1819. Later he was united in marriage (December 25. 1820) with Hannah Birdsey, who was born at Cornwall, Conn., September 29, 1791. At the time of his death, the grandfather was most acceptably serving as one of the magistrates of Sharon.

The birth of Jerome Seymour Chaffee, the father of our subject, occurred at Ellsworth, Conn., December 14. 1S14, and he was there educated in the common schools. At Kent, in that State, on October 24, 1839, he was married to Miss Aritta Stuart, daughter of James and Melinda Stuart. She was born December 15, 1812, and was called to her final rest November 24, 1872. Later, the father was married (June 8, 1876), at Sharon, to

Adelia Emma Fuller, who was born March 13, 1841, the daughter of Cyrus Sackett and Harriet Fuller. Until 1855 Jerome S. Chaffee continued to reside at Sharon, at which time he came to the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, where he has since engaged in farming. He is a consistent member of the Congregational Church at Ellsworth, Conn., and politically cast his first vote in support of the Whig party, later becoming an Abolitionist, and since its organization has been a stalwart Republican. By his fellow citizens he has been called upon to serve in the positions of highway commissioner and assessor.

James Stuart Chaffee, whose name introduces this review, was born at Sharon, Conn., October 3, 1846, and was educated at Wes-leyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. He was married at Kent, Conn., on September 17, 1872, to Miss Lydia A. Judd, who was born December 16, 1850, and is a daughter of Edward Matthew and Laura (Cartwright) Judd. Of their union there are five children: Jerome Stuart, born November 11, 1873, is a graduate of the Yale University, and expects to complete the course in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania with the class of '97; Edward Judd, born August 6, 1875, married Celia M. Cline; Aritta L., born August 22, 1877, graduated at Wesleyan Academy in 1896; Everitte St. John, born November 15, 1879; and Rollo N., born February 28, 1S82.

After his marriage Mr. Chaffee removed to his present residence in the town of Amenia, and for about four years was engaged in the flour, feed, grain and lumber business with William H. Tanner, of Wassaic, butwiih that e.xception his entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and with excellent results, showing that he thoroughly understands the occupation which he has chosen. His unwavering support is given the Republican party, and he has served in several positions of honor and trust, such as highway commissioner and justice of the peace and supervisor.

CHARLES F. HASBROOK, a leading business man of New Hamburg, Dutchess county, the senior member of the well-known firm of Capt. Wm. Hasbrook's Sons, forwarding and commission merchants, was born January 2, 1S45, St Cortlandville, in the town of East Fishkill, where his ancestors were among the early settlers. The family originated in

COMSIEMORATTVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Holland, and its representatives in this locality are descended from three brothers who came to this country together, two settling in Ulster county, and one in Dutchess county, at Fish-kill.

Francis Hasbrook, our subject's grandfather, was born there August 5, 1789, and became a merchant at Cortlandville, where he was a prominent citizen, an active supporter of the Whig party and a leading member of the Reformed Church, with which most of his descendants have united. He married Margaret Blatchly, a native of Fishkill, who died July II, 1839, and he survived her until March 8, 1S54. They bad three children, of whom William Hasbrook, our subject's father, was the eldest, the others being: Susan H., born July 25, 1824, married to Albert Emans, a farmer in Fishkill, and Sarah R., born March 20, 1830, married to John P. Storm, a farmer at Stormville.

William Hasbrook was born at Cortlandville November 12, 1822, and grew to manhood there. He was engaged in the mercantile business with his father for some time, and later conducted it alone, but in 1857 he became captain of the steamer "Wyoming," which he ran for twelve years. From 1869 to 1872 he followed the freighting business at New Hamburg, and then for five years was captain of the "Walter Brett," a steamboat running between New Hamburg and New York, and on leaving this he resumed the freighting business and continued it until his death, which occurred December iS, 1S93. He was a Republican in politics, and prominent in local affairs, serving some time as clerk of the town of East Fishkill, and he was the first postmaster of that village. On August 17, 1S43, he married Maria Storm, daughter of Gory and Anna (Boice) Storm. She died June 28, 1874, leaving three children, of whom our subject, Charles F., was the eldest, the others being: Emily, born December 11, 1849, died April 9, 1852, and George A., born Julj'27, 1856, is a member of the firm.

Charles F. Hasbrook was educated in the schools of New Hamburg and Hughsonville. On leaving school he clerked for four years in a grocery in New York City, and then came back to New Hamburg, where he was engaged for a year in the feed business, afterward in a grocery. On March i. 1886, he became interested in his father's business, and since the latter's death the two sons have carried it on

successfully. On January 13, 1869, Mr. Hasbrook married Miss Jennie E. Van Voorhis, who was born September 10, 1S45, ^t Brink-erhoff\ille. Her parents, William H. and Elizabeth iHaightt \'an \'oorhis, were both natives of Dutchess county, the former having been born at Matteawan. May 24, 1809. Three children were the result of this marriage, of whom only one is now living, Edward G., born October 24, 1870.

Mr. Hasbrook, as one of the leading men of southern Dutchess county, has been influential in local affairs, and is prominent in the Republican party, although he has never held office, with the exception of four years as justice of the peace of the town of Wappinger. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Wappingers Falls Lodge No. 671, of Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, and Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43.

ZEBULON RUDD. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Northeast, Dutchess Co., N. Y., September 24, 1823.

The family for a long time had been one of influence in the eastern part of the county, and also in western Connecticut, from which locality Mr. Rudd's great-grandfather came. The following is a brief record of the family:

Lieut. Jonathan Rudd, the founder of the family in America, came to New England about the year 1637. He was a resident of New Haven, Conn., in 1644, when he took the oath of fidelity to the government. He was at Saybrook in 1646. In the winter of 1646-47 he was married. The occasion was a romantic one, and is often referred to in the State disputes concerning boundary lines. The magistrate, who had been engaged to perform the ceremony, was delayed by a great and sudden snowfall, and application was at once made to John Winthrop, then acting as magistrate under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. In order that he might obviate any infringement of the law, the parties agreed to meet at a little stream—to this day known as Bride brook—which served as a boundary between New London and Lynn. There, in the solemn stillness of the forest, Winthrop, standing upon one bank, joined together the man and woman who stood upon the other.

Jonathan Rudd was a settler of Norwich,

^eiLl^c^c/X

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIOAL RECORD

173

Conn., later on, and died in 1668, leaving four children. ' His eldest son, Jonathan,

born about 1650, married Mercy — in

1678, and died in 16S9, leaving a son born in 1684, who afterward became Ensign and Captain Nathaniel Kudd. He moved to Windham, Conn., where he was a highly respected member of society, and died at a ripe old age February 20, 1760. His first wife, the mother of his children, was Rebecca, daughter of John Waldo, of Chelmsford, Mass., and his wife Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Adams, the progenitor of the Adams family of Massachusetts. Nathaniel and Rebecca Rudd had four children, the third of whom was Zebulon, born at Windham, Conn., in 1717. In 1742 he was married to Jerusha Brewster, and about 1750 moved to Dutchess county, N. Y., and resided in the town of Amenia, and also in Northeast. He died in 1802. His family consisted of eight children—si.x daughters and two sons. The eldest child, Nathaniel, born in 1742, married Naomi St. John, in 1768, and died in 1774, leaving a widow and three children. He was the ancestor of the Rudds of St. Lawrepce and Wayne counties, in New York, and of Litchfield county, in Connecticut.

Zebulon's other son, Bezaleel, born in 1751, survived his brother seventy-two years, and died in 1846, aged ninety-five years and one month. During the greater part of his life he resided at Northeast, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He served faithfully during the war of the Revolution. Having signed the pledge with his father, Zebulon, in July, 1775, he served in the Continental arm}' from August, 1775. to February, 1777, when he left the army with the rank of major. That same year he married Ruth Brush, and they had seven children, of whom the second was Reuben Brush Rudd, born in 1780. He lived at the old place at the northern end of Rudd Pond, Northeast, N. Y., but in middle life spent many years at Poughkeepsie. He was president of the village of Poughkeepsie in 1814. He married on February 22, 1813, Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Israel Smith, of Newburg, N. Y., and his wife, Mary, daughter of Col. Jonathan Hasbrouck.

Elizabeth Smith was born September 3, 1783, in the house which is now known as "Washington's Headquarters", Newburg, but then owned by Col. Hasbrouck's son Isaac. Mr. Rudd's family still possess a brocaded satin cloak given by Lady Washington as a baptis-

mal robe for the child which was born a few days after Washington's departure.

Reuben B. Rudd had five children: Mary, born November 25, 1813, married Milton Smith, and died February 14, 1895; Sarah, born October 29, 181 5, and married to Alexander W. Trowbridge, is still living at Ansonia, Conn. John, born December 28, 1817, died at Mobile, Ala., October 9, 1842. Charles, born March 17, 1820, and married to Frances E. Folk, is still living at Pine Plains, N. Y.; and Zebulon, the present representative of the family in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. His early youth was spent upon his father's farm. Financial reverses, however, coming upon the family, the boys were early compelled to seek their own livelihood.

In 1842 Mr. Rudd came to Poughkeepsie to take a position as clerk in the dry-goods store of Joseph Wright. Here he remained two years, and then accepted a clerkship with Bowne & Co., where he remained eight years. He was then appointed teller and bookkeeper in the Fallkill Bank, remaining there six years. Mr. Rudd was next offered the cashiership of the Dover Plains Bank. Six years after bis going to Dover Plains the First National Bank of Poughkeepsie was organized, and the directors tendered the position of cashier to Mr. Rudd. He accepted the offer, and for twenty-five years held the position until his resignation in 1889. Since then he has been engaged in the brokerage and investment business in Poughkeepsie.

Mr. Rudd was married May 23, 1855, to Blandina V. Adriance, second daughter of John Adriance, the founder of the "Buckeye Manufacturing Co." Three children have been born to them: Charles Adriance (now deceased), who married Ella Robinson, of Poughkeepsie; John Adriance, who married Bertha Strawn Morgan, of Trenton, Neb., and is now living in Poughkeepsie; and Arthur Belding, who at the present time is studying in New York City.

B. STOCKHOLM, a prominent resident and leading business man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is engaged in the crockery and glassware business at No. 306 Main street, where he has carried on operations since 1885. He was born in that city January 6, 1849, and is descended from Aaron Stockholm, whose birth occurred on Long Island,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

but who early came to Dutchess county, where he located on a farm in the town of Hopewell, and there married, reared his family and died. His brother located in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., obtaining about one thousand acres of wild land by a grant from King George, and there are now four villages in that county named in honor of him.

The son of this Aaron Stockholm (who also bore the name of Aaron) was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Hopewell, town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, and after his marriage with Miss Painter continued to reside upon the old homestead, where his death occurred. In politics he was a Democrat, and religiously was connected with the Reformed Dutch Church. His family included three sons: Aaron, who was a harness dealer at Peekskill, N. Y.; Richard, who went west to Illinois and became a general merchant, and Abram, the father of our subject.

On April 2, 1819, Abram Stockholm was horn in Hopewell, town of East Fishkill, and upon the old home farm spent his boyhood and youth. He was united in marriage with Miss .\ntoinette Lyon, who was born in Westchester county, N. Y., and was a daughter of Walter S. Lyon, a retired minister, of English descent. In 1840 the young couple located at Poughkeepsie, where the father engaged in the furniture business until his death, which occurred in 1872. He was a firm supporter of the Democratic party, and he and his wife contributed to the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is still living; by her marriage with Mr. Stockholm she became the mother of three children; Maria L., who married John S. Gilbert, a farmer of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county; Helen L., who married W. H. Haight, a brick manufacturer of Poughkeepsie, and A. B., the subject of this review.

When A. B. Stockholm had reached a sufficient age he entered the public schools of his native city, and completed his literary training in the old Dutchess County Academy, in 1865, after which he entered the general store of Trowbridge & Co., remaining with them for eleven years. He then clerked for Robert W. Frost for three years, and in the fall of 1877 began the retail carpet business at No. 150 Main street, as a member of the firm of Marshall & Stockholm, which partnership was continued until March, 1885, when our subject sold out his interest, and has since engaged in his present business.

In 1874 Mr. Stockholm was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Ward, a native of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Daniel I. Ward, a farmer of' that township, whose ancestors came from England. One daughter has been born of this union, named Helen. In politics, Mr. Stockholm affiliates with the Republican party, being an earnest advocate of its principles, and he is prominently identified with the Royal Arcanum, of which for three years he served as regent. He and his wife are consistent members of the Congregational Church, and for eight years he has served as its treasurer. He is a highly respected and esteemed citizen of Poughkeepsie, and as a merchant bears the reputation of an honest, upright and trustworthy man.

M

ARSHALL merchant

HERRICK,

of

Poughkeepsie,

a promment and one of

the most enterprising and prosperous of the business men of that city, is a native of Dutchess county, born at Salt Point, in the town of Pleasant Valley, December 10, 1852, the son of William and Catharine Elizabeth Herrick, whose family are the lineal descendants of Sir Henry Herrick, of England, in the fifteenth century.

Mr. Herrick, after profiting by the somewhat limited course of study offered by the local schools, prepared for college at Amenia Seminary. He entered Cornell University with the class of '74. and for two years pursued an elective course. While there he was a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. At the close of the Sophomore year he returned home, intending to take up scientific farming, but circumstances called him aside, and he settled in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1876. In 1882 he and Elmer Van Vliet purchased the good will and business of Crosby & Spaulding, at No. 391; Main street, Mr. Herrick being the senior member of the new firm. In 1888 he bought Mr. Van Vliet's interest, and since then has carried on the business alone, removing it, in 1890, to Nos. 375 and 377 Main street, its present location. He has from time to time enlarged, and taken in other lines of goods, and now styles himself a general house furnisher, supplying everything needed in fitting up a house. This is the only place of the kind in the city, and the largest in the Hudson River Valley, and has proved a profitable venture.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

175

Mr. Herrick has shown unusual ability as a business man, learning the details of his chosen line of work by practical experience. His judgment has always balanced his spirit of enterprise, and he has now an extensive trade, with a prospect of even greater things in the near future.

In 1876 Mr. Heirick married Miss Julia Allen, a daughter of James M. Allen, a leading citizen of Salt Point, and a descendant of one of the old families of Dutchess county. Their only child now living, Harold Allen Herrick, is at River View Academy preparing for Yale College. Politically, our subject is a Democrat with strong Prohibition tendencies, and of late years has taken an influential part in the local work of the latter organization. He is a man of high moral principle, has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church since he was twelve years of age, and is now a deacon. He has done a large amount of reading for a man absorbed in business cares, his preference being for writers of a substantial nature and especially those on history, political economy and the topics of the day.

WILLIAM J. BROWN, who is well known in connection with the Frank-

lindale Company, and is a prominent citizen of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, was born in the latter place, January 10, 1844.

Samuel Brown, the father of our subject, was a native of County Monaghan, Ireland, and there followed the occupation of folder. He was married in 1831, and that year came to the United States. He found employment in what is known as the Dutchess Print Works, at Wappingers Falls, and followed that vocation until 1848, when he went into the mercantile business, in which he continued until his death, January 22, 1S76. His wife survived him until 1880. Their children were nine in number, as follows: Elizabeth, Joseph, Samuel R., John H., William J., Martha, Henry, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Brown was originally a Whig, but later became a Democrat. He took an active part in politics, and held a number of local offices. He was poor master, justice of the peace and collector for the town of Poughkeepsie; was one of the first board of trustees of Wappingers Falls, and was a trustee of the Savings Bank of that village.

William J. Brown attended the district school of his native village during his boyhood, and in 1861-62 wasa student at Princeton, N. J., afterward attending Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass. Then went to New York City, and for four years was employed as custom-house clerk for the large importing house of Barclay & Livingston, 24 Beaver street. On January 4, 1871, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Esther, daughter of George Warhurst, of Wappingers Falls, and for a short time was a clerk in his father's store. On May I, 1872, he was made bookkeeper in the Franklindale office. In 1881 he was made superintendent of the Franklindale cotton-mill, continuing there until the destruction of the mill by fire in October, 1885. Mr. Brown has since been bookkeeper for the Franklindale Company, and in connection with that position is also superintendent of the outside business of the Clinton company, under William Bogle, agent. He is a man of fine business ability, and has the confidence and esteem of the firm with which he has so long been engaged. He has always taken an active part in public affairs; has been the village treasurer for eighteen years, and is still holding that position. He was collector for the town of Poughkeepsie in 1871, and supervisor for the town of Wappin-ger in 1892. He has been a trustee of the Savings Bank for twenty-two years, since 1874; is treasurer of Zion Episcopal Church, and a trustee of the cemetery association. Socially, he is a Knight Templar, and, politically, he belongs to the Republican party, in whose interests he is an active worker. He is popular with all classes of people, and a good citizen of Wappingers Falls.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have an interesting family of six children, all of whom are at home, namely: Edward McKinlay, Mary Louisa, Edith, Violetta, Alice and Clayton W.

CHARLES I. ROUND, one of the most ' prominent builders and contractors of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born October 28, 1844, in Birmingham, England, where he received his-early education and had his home until he was twenty-two years old.

In his twenty-second year Mr. Round came alone to America, landing at New York, whence he went to California, where he remained a year, and then returned to New York. For

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

three years he worked for Lyons & Bunn, builders, during which time he built the Eastman Terrace High School, an addition to Vassar College, and a gas tank at the gas works. He then returned to California, remaining there for a few months, subsequently coming to Poughkeepsie and rebuilding the rolling mill. In 1877 he went into the fsuild-ing business for himself, and erected the Vassar I?rothers Institute, the Vassar Brothers Hospital, and two sections of the State Asylum, although most of his work has been outside of the city. He built the Thorn Memorial Building at Millbank, a fine building for Archibald Rogers on the Hyde Park road, and at the present time (spring of 1897) has secured the contract for the building of the New Adriance Memorial Library, which is to cost $70,000, and is to be finished in November, 1897. Although starting at the bottom he has worked his way up to the top, and is to-day one of the most successful business men in the county.

Mr. Round was married in New York City June 20, 1S70, to Miss Mary Seckerson, a native of Dudley, England, and five children have been born to them, three of whom are now living: Maud (who married Frank Sco-field). Bertha and Charles. Our subject is a member of Triune Lodge, F. & A. M., Poughkeepsie Chapter R. A. M., and of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 21.

Eli Round, father of our subject, was a builder by trade, which the Round family for four generations have followed. Eli married Miss Mary Ann Staley, who is yet living. They had seventeen children, si.\ of whom are living: Staley, Adelaide and Alfred are in England; Charles I., Eli and Herbert are living in Poughkeepsie. The father died in England in November, 1896, at the advanced age of eighty years.

MELSON LOUIS BOICE, one of the most energetic and industrious men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Water-ford, N. Y., November 2, 1852, and is a son of Benjamin I-5oice, whose birth occurred in 1808, in Poughkeepsie, where he passed his early life, receiving his education in its public schools. For a number of years the father conducted a hotel at Channingville, Dutchess county, and for several years was engaged in the livery business on Catherine street, Pough-

keepsie. His death, however, occurred at Waterford, N. Y. He was twice married, by the first union having one son, William, of Worcester, Mass. At Poughkeepsie he wedded Lettie A. Ostrander, a daugfiter of Peter M. Ostrander, and to them were born three children: Louisa, wife of Franklin S. Haw-ley, of Broadalbin. N. Y.; Carrie, wife of C. B. Olmstead. of the same place; and Nelson Louis.

Our subject was only a year old when his father died, and by his mother he was taken to Fulton county, N. Y., where his boyhood days were spent upon a farm, and in the district schools he obtained his primary education. This he supplemented by a course in the high school at Broadalbin. His mother later became the wife of Giles W^ Churchill, a farmer (now deceased). In August, 1872, Mr. Boice came to Poughkeepsie, where he was first employed by Trowbridge & Co., with whom he remained six years, and for the following two years was with Joseph G. Frost, an undertaker. He then returned to his former employers, for whom he worked two and one-half years, after which he entered the grocery store of James H. Mills, at No. 2S2 Main street. At the end of two years he secured a situation with Willard H. Crosby, an undertaker, by whom he w-as employed for the same length of time, and the following year was passed with Leonard Carpenter. Returning to Mr. Mills, he remained with that gentleman for two years, and then formed a partnership with W. V. Holmes, under the firm name of Holmes & Boice, grocers, at No. 364 Main street. At the end of a year and a half this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Boice became bookkeeper for Hull & Co.", for one j-ear. He then joined Mr. Selfridge, and they conducted the undertaking business for Mrs. W. H. Crosby for a year, when she turned the business over to Mr. and Mrs. Selfridge, with whom our subject remained five years. On March 15, 1897, he started in the undertaking business for himself at No. 395 Main street.

In Poughkeepsie, on October 12, 1881, Mr. Boice was married to Miss Mary W. Brown, a daughter of Thomas S. Brown, superintendent of the Buckeye Works. They are held in high respect by all who know them, and are sincere Christian people, faithful members of the Baptist Church. Socially, Mr. Boice holds membership with the Royal Arcanum Lodge.

"" Pl^at,,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQEAPHICAL RECORD.

177

^lAILLIAM H. BADEAU. The subject of tllL our sketch is a descendant of French Huguenots. A numerous band of these, including the names of Flandreau, Coutant, Ba-deau, and many others, left La Rochelle, France, and founded New Rochelle, a suburb of New York City. Elie Badeau, on his arrival there in 1708, purchased 120 acres of land.

Two generations later, and before Horace Greeley's "Young Man, go West " was given to the world, John Badeau, of New Rochelle (descendant of Elie) went north, acquired a large tract of land, and in 1775 located at Ma-hopac Falls, in Putnam county, N.Y. One of the sons of John Badeau was Isaac Badeau, Sr. His son, Isaac Badeau, Jr.. married Elizabeth Hart, also of Mahopac Falls. Their children were: Gilbert H. (deceased), William H. (our subject), Matilda S., and Joseph N. They also " went North," locating in Dutchess county in 1846.

The restless ambition of W. H. Badeau (second of the foregoing) begat aspirations for something beyond the field of possibilities in sight to him in Fishkill surroundings, and he accepted an appointment in a wholesale fancy dry-goods house in the down-town section of New York City. The proprietor, G. S. Ely, was a brother-in-law of Col. Richard M. and Robert Hoe, the great inventors and builders of lightning printing presses. Mr. Badeau was more fortunate than many young men resorting to great cities, in that he was successful in arranging residence with the proprietor in his own home in Brooklyn. He became at once actively interested in Sunday-school, choir and Church work at the Clinton Street Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn Heights, whose pastor was Rev. Ichabod S. Spencer, D. D., author of "A Pastor's Sketches" and other works. After seven years passed in the business house, and very delightful home of G. S. Ely, Mr. Badeau arranged connection with the renowned firm of E. & H.T. Anthony & Co., No. 591 Broadway, New York, manufacturers, importers, publishers and wholesale dealers in every class of photographic requisites.

Transferring now his residence to the Seventh ward. New York City (at that time a pleasant quarter), and making as his Church home the Allen Street Presbyterian, Rev. W. W. Newell, D. D., pastor, was afterward elected a member of its board of trustees. Mr. Badeau was at this time a member of the Twenty-second Regiment, New York City, which was ordered to temporary service in

Pennsylvania, at the time of the battle of Get-12

tysburg, and at the same time he volunteered to put a man in the army at his own cost of several hundred dollars.

The business of E. & H. T. Anthony & Co. became a rapidl)' increasing one, and had for its field every State in the Union, the Can-adas, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, Australia, Europe, and even China. At this juncture, and as showing the then course of events, we copy from a little historical brochure issued by E. & H. T. Anthony & Co. not long since:

"After a time these gentlemen found it impossible to look after all the interests of the firm, and William H. Badeau, after being associated with the Brothers Anthony for several years, was admitted to the firm, and became the representative of the house in Europe."

Mr. Badeau made many voyages across the water both before and after the formation of the co-partnership. By the way, one crossing was by the monster steamship '' Great Eastern," which was one-eighth of a mile in length. It was a smooth August trip, eighteen hundred merry-making souls being on board.

It soon became necessary that Mr. Badeau should remain permanently abroad, and he accordingly established his residence by turns at the capitals of the Old World—Vienna, Berlin, Paris and London—making occasional tours through Italy, Austria, Germany and France, also through all parts of the United Kingdom; and in midsummer (for recreation) to the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

Whilst residing at the Austrian capital, and during the Vienna Exhibition, Mr. Badeau (his firm co-operating) set his heart upon and addressed himself assiduously to the capturing, in that international contest, of the " Medal of Progress." There was only one prize medal of this rank, and that was to be competed for by the wide world.

After the close of the World's Fair he shipped part of his exhibit from Vienna to London, and entered it at the'annual exhibition of British Photographers. As setting forth the outcome of his efforts to carry off honors at Vienna, we quote froin the "British Journal of Photography" of October 31, 1873, a part of its serial critique upon that autumn exhibition, viz.:

"And first of all let us accord a hearty welcome to a firm as well-nown in this country as it is in .America: we mean that of Messrs. E. & T. H. Anthony & Co., of New York—a firm which, although young so far as mere years are concerned (seeing that it has only recently entered upon its fourth decade), is yet as old as it can possibly he, finding as we do that it dates from the introduc-duction of Photography in 1843. This establishment is so colossal in its extent and ramifications as to occupy 40,000 square feet of floor room: and its industries are so numerous and varied as to necessitate the services of 200 skilled work people and forty warehousemen. Wc are

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

glad to see so eminent a firm contributing to our annual collection of pictures, knowing what personal powerthey possess in securing American representation; for much is gained in many ways by the international advances toward each other of two great nations so intimately connected in lineage and language, thus promoting the mutual interchange of whatever is exceptional and valuable in the pursuit of our art-science as practiced in both the Old and New Worlds. Let us hope that through the friendly agency of this, the largest photographic firm in the World, and through the cordial services of Mr. William H. Badeau, the English resident partner, American photography will henceforth be adequately represented at our annual exhibitions. It is fitting that we should here remind our readers that the senior member of this great firm, Mr. Edward Anthony, has generously offered SoOO in prizes to be contested for in February next ; and as the artistic encounter is an international one, we urge upon the photographers of the United Kingdom to commence the preparation of such works as will enable our trans-Atlantic brethren to see that, although the progressive proclivities of their nation have secured for the firm to which we have referred the only and much valued 'Medal of Progress' awarded at the Vienna Exhibition, yet, that Englishmen will retaliate by wresting from our American friends, if they can, the munificent prizes offered by Mr. Edward Anthony. We should have been pleased to have seen the 'Medal of Progress' sent to England; but as the fates or jurors otherwise decided, it only remains for us to congratulate the fortunate recipients of this coveted award."

During his whole stay abroad, whether in visit or in residence. Mr. Badeau was the foreign contributor to the columns of "Anthony's Photographic Bulletin" over the nom-de-plume "Viator."

Fifteen years with the firm of E. & H. T. Anthony & Co., he, after a much varied and e.xceedingly pleasant experience, and having acquired a competency, retired from the firm (The portrait accompanying this sketch is a copy of the photographic souvenir made on that occasion).

Personally Mr. Badeau is a gentleman of simple habits, culture, well educated, lover of science, research, art. To his tastes the whole co-partnership career was contributive, bringing him into hand and hand intimacy with Art of both worlds.

Relinquishment of the bustling activities found installation of appreciations for the fruitions of Post Commercial Relations. Pleasure travel, the diversified diversions and numerous private affairs have made his life (since retiring) one of busy leisure, he residing by turns in Europe, New York City, State of Iowa, and the counties of Schoharie, Rockland and Dutchess in New York State. Mr. Badeau has many interests in the West. He is a member of the board of directors, and vice-president of the First National Bank of Glidden, Iowa.

BENJAMIN H. BREVOORT. The Bre-

-tJ^ voorts came originally from Holland, the first of this family known in this country being

Hans, who settled in Putnam county, N. Y. Of his history not much is known. Dean, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and at one time was in the employ of Gov. Kemble.

Thomas J. Brevoort, the father of our subject, was born in Putnam county about 1828; was a farmer by occupation, but for many years held the position of superintendent of the Mott Haven Ore Company, of New York City. For seventeen years he was a justice of the peace in his county, and was a leading citizen, a man of good natural ability, and successful in whatever he undertook. He was well acquainted with all the prominent men of the county, and took an active part in politics, being a strong Democrat. He belonged to the Baptist Church, and to the Masonic Order at Cold Spring, and in all the relations of life was well thought of by his associates and a large circle of warm personal friends.

In 1846 Mr. Brevoort was married to Phoebe White, daughter of Joshua ^^'hite, who for many years was a justice of the peace in the town of Pawling. Her mother was a descendant of the Townsend family. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brevoort: Benjamin H. (our subject) and Jennie (who married C. W. Horton, of Stormville). The father died in 1873, and the mother in 1886.

Benjamin H. Brevoort, our subject, was born in the town of East Fishkill, April 23, 1847. He first attended school at the Pough-keepsie Collegiate Institute, College Hill, afterward entering upon his profession at Boyds Corners, in Putnam county, which public works were under the management of Gen. George S. Greene, now the oldest living graduate of West Point. In 1864 Mr. Brevoort was appointed assistant city engineer of St. Paul, Minn., and later received the appointment of civil engineer on the St. Paul & Chicago railroad. He was then recalled to New York and put on the Canal Department at White Hall Harbor, under the supervision of the State. He was assistant engineer in this work, but later was put in charge of the Topographical Department for the enlargeinent of the Cham-plain canal. He was afterward assigned to work on the New Croton aqueduct, where he remained until that great undertaking was completed. In all these responsible positions he showed great ability, and secured the confidence and esteem of all with whom he was associated. He has been in close intercourse with all the leading civil engineers of the State, and has had valuable and extensive experience

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in his line of work. In his various undertakings Mr. Brevoort has been uniformly successful, and is now following his profession in the city of Poughkeepsie. He was also at one time a clerk under William C. Whitney, with whom he studied law, and was admitted to the bar, when the latter was corporation counsel. Mr. Brevoort was first married in 1873, to Miss Fisher, of Danbury, Conn., who died in 1882, leaving two children, Thomas and Eva. The daughter resides in Buffalo. In 1894 our subject married, for his second wife, Miss Kittie Riley, a native of Walden, Orange Co., N. Y. For a number of years Mr. Brevoort was a Democrat, and was a delegate to the convention at Rochester which ruled Boss Tweed out of power. Soon after this he went over to the Republican party, and has been quite active in its interests ever since. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, and in all public matters is a generous and progressive citizen, who is ever ready to do his part.

UFCUT FAMILY. In early times a settlement was made along what is now known as the Ten Miles river, in Dover, in eastern Dutchess county, by immigrants from the upper Rhine (now Alsace) and from Holland. One of these families who came from Ingersheim, in Alsace, was named Hoffgoot.

John Lodwick Hoffgoot is the first of which there is authentic knowledge. He claimed to be a Lutheran minister. Objection was made by Rev. Christian Knoll, the Lutheran minis-ister of the Beekman's Precinct, to his officiating in Dutchess county, and he was ordered by the Consistorj' not to preach. He appealed to the Colonial Governor, George Clinton, of New York, who, after investigating the matter, granted him on the 24th day of February, 1748, a license as a minister to preach the Gospel. He is said to have had a son Nicholas, and that Nicholas was the father of John (born in 1760), who spelled his name Hoofcoot. John could speak both German and English, and his wife, Jane Koens, who was of Holland-Dutch descent, could talk the Dutch language. John and Jane were the parents of George, Nicholas and others. Of these, George, who spelled his name Hoofcut, married Hannah Benson, and their children were: John, Caroline, George, Jane, Henry, Shadrach, William, Betsey, Obed and Perry. All of these married, and left issue, except Jane and Shad-

rach. John Hoofcoot, the father of George, Nicholas and others, died about 184S, and was buried in the cemetery at Dover Plains. He was called "Captain John Hoofcoot " on the tombstone. George, the son of John, was a farmer and lawyer at Dover, and died about 1853, aged seventy-eight.

George, his son, married Sarah A. Dennis. The first of her family was John Dennis, who, in 1647, received a deed of land at Cape May, in Jersey, from an Indian chief named Pank-toe, in behalf of the Indians. While the Revolutionary war in America was in progress Thomas Dennis, then a resident of New Jersey, was captured by the British, carried off a prisoner and died. His two children, Joseph and Sarah Dennis, being left without any one to care for them, a relative from Beekman, Dutchess county, brought them from New Jersey to Beekman, Dutchesscounty, and they were there cared for. This Joseph Dennis, who married Rebecca Tanner, was the father of Sarah Dennis, whom George Hoofcut married. In 1827 this George Hoofcut changed the spelling of his name to Hufcut. He was a farmer and lawyer, owning mills and quarries at Dover Plains, and carried on considerable business there. He served his apprenticeship in one of the small cloth factories which were in almost every town throughout Dutchess county, from 1820 to 1835. They made sattinet (a mi.xture of cotton and wool), and also dressed and colored the homespun woolen cloths made by the farmers' wives; carding machines were also connected with these establishments, to make the rolls of wool which the women spun at their home. He never engaged in the business. All the Hufcuts carried on farming at Dover e.xcept John, who resided in Lewis county, and was a farmer there. George and Sarah Hufcut were the parents of George, Horace D. and Rachel. George Hufcut died in 1881, aged seventy-five; Sarah, his widow, died in 1885, aged seventy-nine. He was admitted as an attorney and counselor in 1848.

Horace D. Hufcut, now residing at Poughkeepsie, was born in Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y., October 12. 1837. He was educated at the schools of Poughkeepsie and at Amenia Seminary, then studied law with George Hufcut, his father, at Dover Plains, and was admitted as an attornej' and counsellor in i860.

In politics Mr. Hufcut is a Democrat, arid as such ran for the office of school commissioner in the first Lincoln campaign, in the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

First Assembly District of Dutchess county. He was elected and served as town clerk and also as supervisor of the town of Dover; in 1866 he was appointed and served as clerk of the board of supervisors. In 1863 he was appointed, by Governor Horatio Seymour, recruiting agent for the First Assembly District of Dutchess county. He enlisted, and had accepted by the United States mustering officer, 150 men. After the war he continued to practice his profession in partnership with his father, under the name of G. & H. D. Hufcut, until January i, 1884, when, having been elected surrogate of Dutchess county, he removed to Poughkeepsie and served in that incumbency until January i, 1890. In 1891 he was elected district attorney of Dutchess county, and served as such for three years. In 1892 he associated with him Everett H. Travis, and since that time has practiced his profession, under the name of Hufcut & Travis, at No. 54 Market street, Poughkeepsie. In the election of 1896 he supported the regular Democratic ticket. He is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hufcut's wife, Alice M. (Glidden), was a daughter of Samuel G. and Martha A. Glidden, and was born at Damariscotta, Maine. They have two children: Florence G. and Horace G.

COL. ROBERT F. WILKINSON, one of _' the most prominent lawyers of Poughkeepsie, and a veteran of the Civil war, is a member of one of the most distinguished families of Dutchess county.

John Wilkinson, his great-grandfather, was a well-known citizen of his day, a farmer by occupation and the father of a large family, among whom were three sons (triplets)—Robert, our subject's grandfather; Gilbert; and Livingston, who died when a young man. They were named for Robert Gilbert Livingston, a prominent resident of Dutchess county. John Wilkinson lost his life by the fall of a bridge over the Housatonic river, across which he was driving on his way to New Haven to place his son Robert in college.

Robert Wilkinson, our subject's grandfather, was born in 1787, and in 1806 was graduated from Yale College as the valedictorian of his class. He married Phoebe Oakley, daughter of Jesse Oakley, who was the head of a large family, .■\nother of his daughters married Judge Abraham Bockee, a member of

the Court of Errors, and for several years a representative of this district in the State Senate and in Congress, while still another daughter married Gilbert Wilkinson, one of the trio above named. Robert Wilkinson moved to Glens Falls in 1812, and was surrogate of Warren county for two years, but returned to Dutchess county to practice law at Dover Plains, where he remained until the election of his brother-in-law. Judge Thomas J. Oakley, to Congress in 1828, when he moved to Poughkeepsie and succeeded to a considerable part of Judge Oakley's practice. He was a scholarly man, eloquent, with many fine natural gifts. Holding strong convictions upon the reform movements of his time, he became widely known as a promoter of religion and of the temperance cause. He was a Whig, and a warm personal friend of Henry Clay, but he never held any official position except that of surrogate of Warren county, as stated, and surrogate of Dutchess county, by appointment just previous to the adoption of the Constitution of 1846. He died in Poughkeepsie in 1849.

His son, William Wilkinson, our subject's father, was born at Poughkeepsie, May 7, 1810, and after receiving a common-school and academic education, he attended the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, at Troy, N. Y., then under the control of the celebrated Prof. Eaton. He then studied law and practiced with his father, and later with the late William I. Street. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and a man of considerable literary attainments, being a frequent writer upon various subjects. In 1842 he married Mary E. Trowbridge, daughter of Stephen B. Trowbridge and his wife, Eliza Conklin, both of whom were members of well-known families in the county. He died December 12, 1864, leaving five children: Robert F., our subject; William; Edward T.; Eliza, who married Augustus E. Bachelder, of Boston, Mass.; and . Catherine, who married Peter French, and died in 1885, leaving two children.

Robert ¥. Wilkinson was born at Poughkeepsie June 10, 1843. He studied at the Dutchess County Academy, and under a private tutor, and then spent one year in the State and National Law School at Poughkeepsie. In 1859 he entered Williams College with the class of 1863, and the next year joined the class of 1861. He left college in 1861 without graduating, but he and other students who.

^x/yi MuC<jL^C^H^

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181

entered the army were given the degree of A. B. by vote of the trustees, and he has since received from Williams College the honorary degree of A. M. Returning home he spent some time as a student in his father's office, and in July, 1862, he became captain of Company I, i2Sth N. Y. \. I., raised in Dutchess and Columbia counties. They went to the front in September, 1S62, and Mr. Wilkinson, after serving with his regiment through the siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, was assigned to duty as judge advocate of the First Division of the Nineteenth Corps, on the staff of Gen. W. H. Emor}-, and served as a staff officer until the end of the war. In 1865 he was promoted to the rank of major, and thereafter received from the U. S. Government a brevet commission as lieutenant-colonel for distinguished gallantry at the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, and later a brevet commission as colonel for distinguished gallantry at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. He received several severe wounds during the latter engagement, and after some weeks spent in the hospital he returned home, where he remained until his recovery. In February, 1865, he rejoined the arm}', and acted as inspector-general and adjutant-general of the post of Savannah. In July, 1865, he was mustered out, having seen service in the departments of the Gulf, in the Shenandoah Valley under Sheridan, and in Georgia.

Returning home to Poughkeepsie at the close of the war, he was admitted to the bar in 1866, and has since that time continued to practice law. He has conducted several of the most important litigations originating in Dutchess county, has a large equity practice, and transacts much railroad and other corporation business. Always a Republican, and formerly active in politics, he nevertheless is independent in his political belief and conduct. He has never held office except the recorder-ship of Poughkeepsie for four years.

In 1867, Col. \\'ilkinson married Julia Gifford, daughter of Elihu Gifford, of Hudson, N. Y., and they have four children: Edith; Gifford, who graduated at Williams College in 1891, and is now a lawyer in Poughkeepsie; Emily C.; and Robert, a graduate of Yale College in the class of '95, and now a member of the Harvard Law School at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Being fond of hunting, fishing, walking, and all out-door exercises, Mr. Wilkinson

spends his vacations in the Adirondacks and the Catskills. He is a member of several noted social organizations—the University, the Century, the City, and the Lawyers Clubs of New York, also the Adirondack League Club and the Sigma Phi (college) Fraternity, and to the Bar Associations of the State and City of New York. He is a warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, of Vhich his family have long been members.

CHARLES W. PILGRIM, M. D., a lead-_, ing physician of Poughkeepsie, and a well-known writer on medical topics, was born in Monroe, Orange Co., N. Y., March 27, 1855, and is a son of Roe C. Pilgrim, a native of the same place.

Morris B., the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Holland. The grandfather, also named Morris B., was born in Orange county. He married Ann Coleman, a native of the same county, and settled down to farming, which occupation was interrupted by service in the war of 1812. They had three children: Aminda, Susan and Roe C.; of these, Aminda married Phineas B. Thompson, of Orange county, and Susan became the wife of John Knight, a farmer and miller of the same county. Roe C, the father of our subject, was reared upon the farm, and married Frances, daughter of George Wilkes, of Orange county. The latter was a prominent man of the county, and for many years a justice of the peace. After their marriage our subject's parents located on the old homestead, where they reared a family of six children, as follows: Augusta A. married Henry Ingram, a merchant in New York City; Morris B. is a business man in Jersey City; Mary died in infancy; Charles W. is our subject; Susan M. died when eighteen years old; Roetta married Charles Sumner, an official of the Erie Railway Company. The father ot this family practiced law in Orange county. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, while his wife was a Presbyterian. He died in October, 1858, and she in September, 1880.

Our subject's early schooling was obtained in Monroe, Orange county, and when ten years of age he went to Jersey City, where he attended the city and private schools. In 1876 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Herman Canfield, who was one of the physicians in the Bellevue Hospital at New York

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

City, and was graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in the class of '80. He then became house physician to the hospital, in which position he remained for a year and a half, when he went to Auburn, N. Y., as assistant phj'sician in the Asylum for Insane Criminals. There he remained about ten months, and then went to Utica, where he was engaged in the State Hospital as fourth assistant, a year later becoming first assistant physician. Dr. John P. Gray was head physician at that time. Dr. Pilgrim remained in this institution about five years, and in the early part of 1S85 entered the University of Vienna, Austria, afterward becoming a volunteer physician in the Woman's Hospital at Munich. In 1886 he returned to Utica, and on June 12, 1889, was married to Miss Florence Middleton. Her father, Robert Middle-ton, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, is president of the Globe Woolen Co., at Utica.

After their marriage Dr. Pilgrim and his wife went abroad, and were absent about five months. On his return the Doctor was offered the superintendency of the Willard State Hospital, and began his duties as such in February, 1S90. In that office he remained about three years, at the end of that time becoming, on May i, 1893. the successor of Dr. Cleveland as superintendent of the Huson River State Hospital at Poughkeepsie, which position he is now occupying. Dr. and Mrs. Pilgrim have one child, Florence M.

Dr. Pilgrim is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the Royal Arcanum. He is also a member of the Physicians' Mutual Benefit Association, the New York State Medical Association, the Bellevue Alumni Society, and the County Medical Society of Dutchess county. From 1882 to 1890 he was associate editor of the "American Journal of Insanity," and, among other valuable contributions to medical science, is the author of the following papers: "Acute Lober Pneumonia with Cardiac Failure" — Indcpcitdcnt Practitioner; " The Advantages and Dangers of Intra-Ute-rine Injections"— idem July, 1882; "A Case of Epileptic Insanity with the Echo Sign Well Marked "— American Journal of Insanity, April, 1884; "A Case of Spontaneous Rupture of the Heart,"— idem, January, 18S5; "Pyro-Mania (so called) with Report of a Case" — idem, 1885; " A Visit to Gheel" — idem; "A Study of Suicide "— Popular Science Monthly; "Genius and Suicide" — idem;

"Schools for the Insane"— idem; "Communicated Insanity"— idem.

Dr. Pilgrim is a man of much intellectual ability and mental culture, a deep student and thoroughly interested in all matters pertaining to his profession, especially in cases involving brain diseases. He is popular, not only with his patients, but with the public at large.

JOHN POWELL WILSON, M. D., a prominent physician of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born January 27, 1845, at Hobart, Delaware County, New York.

Dr. Wilson's family is of Scotch origin. John Wilson went from Scotland to the North of Ireland at the time of the Reformation, and bought two towns of land in Armagh which he entailed to pass to the John Wilsons in a direct line of descent. He was a Covenanter.

John Wilson, our subject's grandfather, sold his birthright in Ireland, and came to America in 1795, locating first in New York City and later in Harpersville, Delaware county. He sailed from Warrenpoint, Ireland, on the ship "American Hero," May 12, 1795. He was a member of the Masonic order, and by occupation was a farmer and mason. He married Ann Tate, and their son, Robert Wilson, our subject's father, was born in Harpersville, Delaware county, in 1818. He was in the iron business, and was a man of prominence in his locality. He married Polly Ann Powell, and had six children, our subject being the eldest. Calista married William S. Bon-ton, of Nebraska; Mary married Charles L. Hicks, of Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y.; Charles lives in-Nebraska; Frank is a successful physician in Brooklyn, N. Y.; and Egbert died at the age of twenty-two years.

His mother's great-grandfather was John McKeel, who was a first lieutenant in Col. Sam Drake's regiment of Westchester militia, which did good service in the war of the Revolution. John McKeel's ancestors sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, April 16, 1663, in a ship known as the "Brindled Cow," otherwise spoken of as the " Spotted Cow." They settled at Fordham, N. Y. Her paternal grandfather, Reuben Powell, lived in Fishkill, and was a soldier of the Revolution.

Dr. Wilson's boyhood was spent at Roxbury, Delaware county, where he attended the public schools. In 1867 he entered the Albany Medical College, and later the College of

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Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, from which he was graduated in 1870. He practiced one year at Stamford, Delaware, county, and then came to Pleasant Valley, where he followed his profession for some years with marked success. In 1879 he moved to Poughkeepsie, and has established a fine practice entirely on his own merits. His abilities have been widely recognized. He has been health officer of the city of Poughkeepsie, and held the same position in Poughkeepsie town for twelve years. He was in the State military service about twenty-one years; in 1871 was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 21st Regiment, and in 1883 of the 19th Separate Company, with the rank of captain.

On August 18, 1885, Dr. Wilson was married to Miss Geraldine Siever, a daughter of George Siever, a well-known citizen of Poughkeepsie, and they have one son, George Robert, born November 28, 1886. Socially, the Doctor and his wife occupy a leading position in the most exclusive circles. He belongs to the order of Elks and to the Masonic fraternity, being past master of Shekomeko Lodge No. 458, F. & A. M. His residence is No. 40 Cannon street, Poughkeepsie, New York.

GEORGE H. WILLIAMS, M. D., M. R. _ C. S., L. R. C. P. But few members of the medical fraternity of this locality have enjoyed the advantage of as thorough preparation for the exacting duties of their calling as has the subject of this sketch, now a successful practitioner at Fishkill. To a course in one of the best of our American medical colleges,he has added prolonged study in foreign institutions, where he has won degrees representing years of research and observation under the guidance of eminent workers in his profession.

Although he has been among us but a few years, the standing which Dr. Williams has already won makes it most appropriate that his biography should be given at some length in this volume. He was born May 30, i860, in Johnstown, Fulton Co., N. Y., and is of English descent in both lines of ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Roger Williams, was a native of the "Merrie Isle," and followed the business of carriage manufacturing there in early manhood, and later in Sing Sing, N. Y., and Bridgeport, Conn., where he and

his wife, Elizabeth Spiller, passed their last days.

Rev. W. H. Williams, our subject's father, was born in Plymouth, England, and was approaching manhood when he came to America. He received an important portion of his education under the able instruction of Rev. Dr. Coit, rector of St. John's Church, Bridgeport, Conn., who prepared him for entrance to Trinity College, Hartford, Ccnn. He completed his theological course at Middletown, Conn., where he was ordained to the ministry in the Episcopal Church. His first charge was at New Canaan, Fairfield Co., Conn., and his second at Johnstown, N. Y.; but some years after locating there the Civil war broke out, and he served until its close as chaplain of the 87th N. Y. V. I. On his return to the North, he became rector of the Episcopal Church at Winsted, Conn., and in 1867 he went to Dixon, Fulton Co., 111., to take charge of the congregation there. In 1871 he accepted a call to the Church at Albany, Ga., and from 1873 to 1876 he served as rector of the Church at Pontiac, near Providence, R. I. He returned to England in 1876; in 1879 he was called as vicar to Christ's Church, Padgate, Warrington, and died there in 1889. He was, we believe, the second American clergyman who held a benefice, or "living," in the Established Church. His wife, Maria (Merritt), to whom he was married in 1848, was a daughter of John B. Merritt, a prominent resident of Bridgeport, Conn. She was born in that town, but her family was of English extraction. Five children were born of this union, of, whom three died in infancy. Of the two survivors the elder. Rev. John W. Williams, is rector of St. Paul's Church (Episcopal) at East Orange, New Jersey

Dr. G. H. Williams, the younger son, passed his youth in various places owing to the changes of location which are so common an incident in a clergyman's life. His elementary education was obtained mainly in the school of the Rev. C. M. Selleck, Norwalk, Conn., and in 1876 he entered Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., where he spent two years. In 1878 he was enrolled as a student in the medical department of Yale College, and the following year he joined his father at Warrington, England, where he pursued his professional studies at Owen's College (Medical), Manchester. Later" he graduated at the College of Physicians at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1883,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

and in January, 1884, he was graduated as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons at London, these honors conferring the right to use the titles commonly abbreviated to L. R. C. P. Edin., and M. R. C. S. Eng. He served one term as house surgeon of the Royal Infirmary in Manchester, and two years as house surgeon of the North Lonsdale Hospital at Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, and in 1887 became assistant surgeon to Dr. J. A. Hall, of Huddersfield, Yorkshire, with whom he remained one year. In 1888 he established an independent practice at Warrington, Lancashire; but returning in 1890 to his native land, he opened an office in New York City, in West Eighty-first street. During his first year there he completed his course at Yale, securing the degree of M. D. from that university. In 1S94 he purchased the practice of Dr. F. T. Hopkins, at Fishkill, and has now become well established among the leadmg physicians of that place.

On January 12, 1S93, Dr. Williams married Miss Sarah \'acher, second daughter of John Van Vorst, a prominent resident of Jersey City, N. J. Three children—Agnes Van-Vorst, Helen Merriit and Sarah Vacher—have blessed this union. The Doctor is a member of the Episcopal Church, and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. While he takes an intelligent interest in all the questions of the day, he is not a partisan in politics.

CHARLES EDWARD LANE, M. D., a prominent and successful physician and surgeon of Poughkeepsie, is descended from one of the old families of Dutchess county, his great-grandfather, Jacob Lane, having resided here before the Revolution. Jacob Lane had two sons, Peter, and John G., our subject's grandfather, who was born May 22, 1776, and passed his life in the town of Beekman (now Unionvale). He married Betsey Emigh, and had twelve children: Thomas, Benson, Marvin, Jackson, William, Reimselaer, Jeremiah, Edward, Betsey, Hannah, Phcebe and Julia, all of whom lived in Dutchess county except Jackson, who moved to Michigan.

Edward Lane, father of our subject, received a limited education in his youth, and at an early age left home to support himself. He embarked upon a whaling voyage, and several years passed before he returned to his native land. Having a bright intellect, he spent his

leisure hours in study, trying to gain as best he could the education denied him in his earlier years. On his return home he served on several boats on the Hudson as pilot and captain, and later became the owner of a schooner, which at that time was the largest that ran to Troy. In 1854 he married Jane A. Hall, a lady of Dutch descent, and daughter of Gilbert and Mary Hall. Three children were born to them, as follows: Charles Edward; Celestia A. died in infancy; and Irvin J. is a prominent physician at Sing Sing, N. Y. In 1863 Edward Lane sold his schooner after a final trip to Providence, R. I., accompanied by his family, and he then bought a farm in Seneca county, N. Y., whereon he lived three years, when he sold it and purchased his present farm in Fish-kill. ■

The subject proper of these lines, wnose name appears at the opening, was born at Clove, Dutchess county, August 16, 1855, and lived with his parents until he was nine years old, when he returned to his place of birth in order to make his home with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Cutler, the latter being his mother's sister, and as they had no children they practically adopted our subject. At sixteen he had obtained such elementary education as was afforded by the district schools of the neighborhood, and was sent to the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Mass.; but before his course there was completed, his uncle's failing health caused him to return and devote his entire attention to the 'sufferer. Upon the latter's death, in 1876, he bequeathed to our subject the old homestead of the Hall family, and associated as it is with memories of mother, grandparents and others. Dr. Lane still retains it as a prized possession. In 1876 our subject took the business course at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie. On March 28, of the following year, he married Hattie A. Yoemans, of Clove, by whom he has had two sons: Theron, born February 27, 1878, who died in infancy; and George Edward, born November 30, 1883, who is at home.

In 1880 Dr. Lane entered the New York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1883, and for five years he successfully practiced his profession at Clove. In 1888 he moved to Poughkeepsie, where his abilities as general practitioner and specialist in orificial surgery won for him speedy recognition from the medical fraternity, as well as

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from the public. From 1889 to 1894 he was secretary of the board of examining surgeons of the U. S. Bureau of Pensions; he is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and of the New York State Homeopathic Medical Society. While taking a prominent part in the social life of the city of Poughkeepsie, he still retains an active interest in local affairs at his home in Clove, and he is a member of the Christian Church there. He affiliates with Triune Lodge No. 7S2, F. & A. M.; Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M.; Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43, K. T.; Mecca Temple of the Mystic Shrine; Poughkeepsie Council No. 391, R. A.; with the I. O. O. F., Fallkill Lodge No. 297; and with the I. O. G. T., Lodge No. 80, and the International Supreme Lodge.

GEORGE MARVIN WELLMAN, A. M., M. D., a prominent physician of Dutchess county, residing at Dover Plains, is a descendant, in the seventh generation, of (I) Thomas W'ellman,' who in 1640 came to America, probably from PoundsfordPark, Somersetshire, England, locating in Lynn, Mass.; and also in the seventh generation, of Thomas Bliss' and his wife Margaret, who likewise came from England and settled in Springfield, Mass., in 1639. Thomas Wellman' (I) died October 10, 1672, leaving no will. His estate was settled by agreement of the heirs, which agreement was accepted by the court, and is on the records of the town of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Thomas Wellman' (I) married Elizabeth —[surname not now known], and by her had si.x children, as follows: "I Abigail"; 'II Abraham,' born about 1643, died in 1717; Mil Isaac,'- the date of whose birth is unknown, but record says that he was living December 17, 1710; and°IV Elizabeth-, ''V Sarah'-, and 'VI Mary-, all three of whom were living and not of age, at the time the agreement was signed, March 22, 1673. Of this family Isaac'-' (4) was the great-great-great-grandfather of Dr. George M. Wellman. A descendant of Abraham Wellman- (3) is Rev. Joshua W. Wellman, D. D., whose home is at No. 117 Summer street. Maiden, Mass., and who was born in Cornish, N. H., November 28, 1821. His grandmother, Althea (Riplej') Wellman, was a descendant, in the seventh generation, of Governor William Bradford, of Plymouth

Colony, Mass. Rev. J. W. Wellman, D. D., is a member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, and has quite full records of the descendants of Thomas Well-man, the immigrant of 1640. To him Dr. Wellman, the subject of this sketch, is indebted for many of the events and dates recorded herein.

Isaac Wellman'- (4) was married March 13, 1679, to Hannah Adams, who, it is thought, in 1723 (being then a widow), moved with her son, Isaac, to Norton, North Precinct. (now Mansfield), Mass., as related farther on. Her children were as follows: " I Isaac,^ born February 7, 1680, died September 19, 1681; '■' II Stephen', born September 6, 1681, died January 21, 1767, aged eighty-five; '"III Isaac (sd),-' date of birth not known, died in 1740, at Mansfield. Of this family Isaac ■' (2d) (10) was the great-great-grandfather of Dr. Wellman.

Isaac Wellman-* (10) married Mary Slafter, who was born in November, 1688, the eldest of ten children of John Slafter, of Lynn, Mass. [See "Slafter Memorial," pp. 4-7]. In 1723 Mr. Wellman and family removed to Norton, North Precinct, Mass., where he purchased 118 acres of land for the sum of 236 pounds sterling, lawful money of the province of Massachusetts Bay, the deed bearing the date of " this twenty-third day of May, Anno Domini, 1723, in the ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George of Great Britain," etc. Mrs. Mary (Slafter) \\'ellman died January 12, 1793, "in the 105th years of her age; a religious woman." At the time of her husband's death (1740) there were five children in the family, the youngest of whom died soon after, and the name of that child is not on record. The others were as follows: "I Isaac,^ baptized June 8, 1718, died in Norton, North Parish, December 30, 1804; 'TI Eb-enezer,* born about' 1720, died February 11, 1776, in the fifty-sixth year of his age; "III Hannah,^ baptized May 27, 1722; and "IV Timothy,^ born about 1724. Of these Isaac* (I I) was the great-grandfather of Dr. Wellman.

Isaac Wellman^ (11) was a resident of Mansfield. He married, August 4, 1748, Hannah Wellman, of Attleboro, Mass., who died November 29, 1794, at Mansfield. Her ancestry is as yet unknown. Their children were: ''I Peter,'' born August 7, 1750, died May 28, 1791; '"II Ebehezer,-^ the grandfather of Dr. Wellman; ''HI Mary,^ born

CO.VME.VORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

May 12, 1756; unmarried; and '*'IV Sarah,^ born September 19, 1758, unmarried.

Ebenezer Wellman^ (16) was born at Mansfield, Mass., September 22, 1752, and died January, 1831. When a young man he removed to Vermont, where he purchased a farm at Grassybrook, since called Brookline, in Windham county.

Ebenezer Wellman' (12) (who was born about 1720), married (first). May 28, 1747, Sarah Payson, of Stoughton, Mass.; (second) March 26, 1761, Priscilla Day, of Stoughton. Children of first marriage: ''' I Joseph,'' born December 28, 1747; '^ II Sarah,' born March 27, 1749; '-'III Samuel,^ born March 13, 1751; "IV Benjamin,'* born March 18, 1753; -*V Mary,'born June 9, 1755; -^ VI Judith,'born February 9, 1757; and *'VII Phebe,' born July 2, 1759. Children of second marriage: '-''VIII Oliver,'' born October 18, 1761; ^ IX Lucy,= born November 30, 1763; -'*X Abigail,'' born July 21, 1767; '-"■'XI Betty,'born March 24, 1769; and ^XII Ebenezer,^ born May 4, 1772. Of these, Joseph^ ( 19) and Oliver' (26) rendered military service in the Continental army, in the Revolutionary war.

Timothy Wellman^ (14) (who was born about 1734) married, August 14. 1755, Rachel New-land, of Norton, Mass. Their children (as far as known) were: "I Timothy,'' born in 1757 in Mansfield, Mass., died in Brookline, Vt., March 8, 1842; ■'"-'11 John,^ [birth and death unknown]; '"III a daughter [birth and death unknown]; ■" IV a daughter [birth and death unknown]; '*V Darius [birth and death unknown]. There is no full record of their children, but it is believed that it was their eldest son, Timothy'131), who married Lucy Skinner, of Princeton, Miss. This son Timothy^ (31) was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was in the fight on Dorchester Heights, Mass. There is evidence that he was "a brave, generous and energetic man, a true Christian and a public benefactor." At the close of the war he removed to Brookline, Vt. There is no record of the date of his marriage, nor of his wife's family.

Peter Wellman'(i 5) married February 5, 1780, Hannah Capron, of Mansfield, Mass. Their children were: *I Solomon,'' born December 21, 1780, died at Lowell, Mass., July 13, 1851; '^11 Hannah'' born January 20, 1783, died September i, 1874, aged ninety-one years; 'Til Deliverance," born February 25, 1785; -'TV Christiana. " born February 26,

1788, died September, 1809;'"V Isaac,'' born June 8, 1790. The widow of Peter* (15) married, for her second husband, Solomon Grov-ener, of Jamaica, \'t., September 15, 1796. They had children, and she died about 1840, in Jamaica, \'ermont.

Ebenezer Wellman'' (16) (grandfather of Dr. Wellman) married in Mansfield, Mass., Miss Sarah Austin [no date of their marriage given, and no record of her parentage or birth]; she died in Brookline, Vt., September 16, 1803. Their children were: "I Sarah,'' born November 8, 1783; ^TI Ebenezer,"^ born November 11, 1787, died March 20, 1852; ^'IIIIsaac,''born May 20, 1790, died November 24, 1866; "IV Abigail Ann,'' born February 25, 1797, died February 28, 1865; '''V Marvin," born at Brookline, Vt., June 6, 1800; died at Dover Plains. N. Y., March 20, 1876.

Timothy Wellman' (31), who married Lucy Skinner, had by her twelve children, as follows: *'I Isaac," born January i, 1784, died January 26, 1848, at Lagrange, Wyoming Co., N. Y.;''II Lucy," [date of birth unknown]; '*III Lucinda," born 1790; 'TV Asa," [birth date unknown] died 1820;'"V William, "[date of birth and death unknown]; *'\T De Louis", born 1796;''-VII Hannah," born 1797;'^'VIII Hiram," born 1799;'''IX Timothy," born 1801; ■"X Daniel," born November 5, 1802;-^'XI Laura, " born 1804, died 1877;'^'XII Elmira", born 1809.

John Wellman '' (32) married at Mansfield, Mass., April 26, 17S4, Cloe Wellman, who was probably youngest daughter of Elkanah Wellman and his wife, Mehitabel Wellman. Cloe Wellman was baptized in Lynnfield, Mass., May 20, 1764. John and Cloe removed to Brookline, Vt., and are reported to have had two sons (58) and (59) [names not known]. The family afterward removed to Amherst, Mass., and conducted a forge, about a mile north of the college buildings.

Solomon Wellman," (36) married Elizabeth Tripp Leeds, daughter of Thomas Leeds, of Dorchester, Mass. [date not known]; she was born September 26, 1791, and died September 4, 1849. Their thirteen children were: '*'I George," born March 16, 1810, in Boston, Mass., died April 4, 1864;'''II Eliza Ann", born March 25, 1811, in Boston, died June 9, 1875; "-'III Caroline Capron,' born August 23, 1812, married Josiah Shaw, of Abington, Mass.;'*'IV Lucinda Boyden," born December 3, 1813, died January 26, 1833;'"'V Mary Eliz-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIGAL RECORD.

187

abeth," born January 21, 1S15, married Martin Bayley Pierce, of Abington, Mass.; '"VI Clarissa Slaria,' born December 9, 1817; "'VII William Lloyd,' born October 23, i8i9;"^VIII Henry Ripley," born March 20, 1821, died May 14, 1848; *IX Charles Payson," born December 13, 1823; "'X Otis,' born January 26, 1827, died in infancy; ""XI Harriet Angeline," born March 25, 1828, married John Adams Floyd, of Abington, Mass.; ''XII Elisha,'born October 21, 1830, went to California; '■^XIII Lucinda Jane,' born January 26, 1833.

Hannah Wellman'' (37) married April 25, 1805, Jesse George, of Wrentham, Mass. He was born October 22, 1783, and died September 5, 1851. Their eight children were: "I Emily,' born October 7, 1S05; '^11 Elizabeth,' born November i, 1807, died July 8, 1834; '■'III Hannah Maria," born April 8, 1811, died January 31, 1816; '"IV John Capron," born November 4, 1813, died November 2, 1882. Resided in Boston; '"V Lyman Augustus,' born March 17, 1817, resides in Boston, Mass.; ™VI Hiram,' born June 23, 1820, resides in Wrentham, Mass.; '''VTI William Emerson," born August II, 1823; *VIII Catharine Augusta," born July 20, 1826, died April 22, 1879.

Deliverance Wellman "(38) married Windsor Wheelock, of Mendon, Mass. Their si.\

children were: "'I Clara Elizabeth," born ,

died September 18, 1857. She married her cousin Hiram George, '(78) who survives and lives

in Wrentham, Mass.; *"TI Charlotte," born ,

married Marvel Marr, and had as children Waldo and Maria, who reside in West Thompson, Conn.; "^'III Nancy" [birth and death dates

unknown]; "IV Mary,' born , married

Philip Taft; had son Philip; *V Sylvia," born

, married Nelson Steere, and had children

Adelbert and Sarah, who reside in Burrillville,

R. I.;*VI Peter," born , married [name

of wife unknown], and had Joseph and Mary, who live in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Christiana Wellman" (39) married Harvey George,and hadMary'(87), who died in infancy.

Isaac Wellman" (40) married (first) Lucinda Boyden; (second), Nancy Boyden, sisters, of Medfield, Mass. He had at least seven children by his first wife [names and births not known.] He removed to Alabama, Genesee Co.. N. Y. After his first wife died he removed to Grattan, Kent Co.. Michigan.

Sarah Wellman" (41) married Zachariah Holden [no dates]. Their children were: *T Elmore" [dates of birth and death unknown].

married and lived in Dansville, N. Y.; -''II Elvira" [no dates given] died young.

Ebenezer" (42) married Susannah Moore [no dates given]. Their ten children were: *I Leavit K.,' born December 25, 1809; "'11 Elvin M.,'born August 10, 1811;''Til Peter Dallas,'born March 9, 1813; ''TV Norman Andrews," born April 15, 181 5; '"V Mary Moore," born June 8, 1817;''''VI Sarah Austin," born September 22, 1819; ''"VII Abigail Marsh," born October 23, 1821 ;'''VIII Marvin,"born November I, 1823, died in Illinois; "^IX Luke,' born January 3 I, 1826;'■''■'X Chelis," born 1829. The first four were born in Brookline, Vt., the next four in Montgomery, Vt., and the other two in Avery's Gore, Vermont.

Isaac Wellman" (43) married July 12, 1812, in Brookline, Vt., Kesiah Robbins, daughter of William and Kesiah (Benson) Robbins. She was born July 6, 1792, and died November 24, 1866. They had only one child,'"" I Everett Perry Wellman," born in Brookline, Vt., January 5, 1813, died in Brookline, Vt., February 22, 1891.

Abigail Ann Wellman'' (44) married June 28, 1814, Allen G. Andrews, of Providence, R. I. They emigrated in 1814, to Hardin county, Ky., and in 1828 removed to Monmouth, Warren county. 111., where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their ten children were: ""I Sarah Elizabeth", born October 10, 18 17, married April i, 1S34, Nathaniel Hopper; '"TI Allen Talbot (ist),' born March 10, 1819, died August 27, 1829; '"-Til Abby Ann,' born November 28, 1821, married March 20, 1845, Norman Buck; '"^IV Roland Green," born March 17, 1823, married November 2, 1848, Ann Carter, and died August 4, 1849; '"■'V Alexine Southgate.'born February 3, 1827, married October 12, 1847, Elvin M. Wellman; '""VI Lydia Beals,' born March 2, 1828, married April 2, 1845. Seth Gates; "^VII Cynthia Jane," born October 13, 1829, died August 13, 1843; '*VIII Elkanah W.,' born August 26, 1831, died March 19, 1834; '"TX Lusannah R.,' born October 17, 1835, married February 25, 1853, William Ward; ""X Allen Talbot (2nd),' born .April 19, 1837, married; lives in Monmouth, Illinois.

Marvin Wellman "(45) (the father of Dr. George M. Wellman), in April, 1822, became a resident of Springfield, Mass., where he spent most of his life, engaged in conducting a store at the corner of Maine and William streets. In 1866 he sold his property in Springfield, and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.

home in Fay-native town), he brought making his On June 8, a daughter

born Mary

Sep-• born 1833;

returned to Vermont, buying a ettevilie (near Brookiine, his where he hved until 1872, when his wife to Dover Plains, N. Y., home with his son. Dr. Wellman. 1826, he married Miss Mary Bliss of Zenas and Mary (Babcock) Bliss, of Springfield. Mass. [See the Bliss genealogy as given farther on]. The children of Marvin'' (45) and Mary Bliss Wellman: ^"I Abigail,' June 21, 1S27, did not marry; "'11 Bliss," born October 11, 1829, married temberg, 1S61; "'III Isaac Austin (first), December 11, 1S31, died February 25, "*IV Isaac Austin (second\" born April 27, 1S34; "'V George Marvin" (thesubject of this sketch I, born February 24, 1837; "''VI Laura Bliss," born August 5, 1S39, did not marrj';"" VII Emma Lucretia," born July iS, 1843, married July 18, 1S88, James Y. Robinson, of Kansas, a veteran Union soldier of the war of the Rebellion. No children. They reside in Ouenemo, Kansas.

Isaac Wellman'' (46), son of Timothy'^ (31) and Lucy Skinner Wellman, of Brookiine, Vt., married April 21, 1808, Sally Bixby, who was born in Brookiine, March 12, 1787. In 1824 they removed to Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y. Thence they removed to Wx'oming county, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were deeply religious people and belonged to the Baptist denomination. Isaac"* (46) was a second cousin of Isaac" (43). There were two branches of \\'ellmans in Brookiine, \'t., Isaac" (46) was a deacon and preacher, and several of his sons were elected deacons. Their children: "*I Chauncev," born July 16, 1810; "»II Nelson H.," born April 21, 181 5, died December 21, i88_ Sarah C," born June 14, 1817, died 1885 IV Alvin," born May 17, 1822; "^'V Miriam Delight," born September 26, 1S24, in Friendship, N. Y.; '-'\'I Harvey," born April 17, 1S27. The first four were born in Brookiine.

Everett Perry Wellman" (^lOO) married Electa Butterfield, daughter of Samuel and Polly (Miller) Butterfield, at Newfane. Vt., August 13, 1840. She was born September 10, 1813, and died June 9, 18S9. Everett Perrj" (100) was a quiet, industrious farmer, universally respected; and honored by his fellow townsmen by a seat in the\'ermont House of Representatives. Their children: ^'M Mary Abby Ann.* born October 20, 1846, at Brook-line, Vt.; '^ II Martha Electa,* born July 9,

1*111

131

IS49, at Brookiine, \'t.; Mary Abby Ann" 1124), married at Brookiine, November 16, 1882, Judge Andrew Asa Wyman, who was born March 12, 1830, and died suddenly November 21, 1894, of heart disease, upon the steps of the capitol at Montpelier, Vt., where he was in attendance as a member of the House of Representatives. They had no children. Martha Electa" (125) married, March 25, 1895, at Athens, \'t.. Rev. George Henry Bolster, who was born in Alstead, N. H., February 26, i860.

Mary Bliss Wellman" 1I12) married September 9, 1861, at Ouincy, 111., John Sprout, a native of Pennsylvania, a substantial farmer and stock breeder. After their marriage they removed to Monmouth, 111., where they have since remained. Their children: '^"''I John Wellman," born September, 1S64; '■'• II Mamie,* born August, 1867.

Isaac Austin Wellman isecond) "(114) married November 5, 1S79, at Solomon Rapids, Kans.. Mrs. Sarah Mitchell, of the same place. Mr. Wellman is a merchant, and resides at Centropolis, Kans. They have had only one child, ^^ I Emma May,"'born July 15, "1882, at Centropolis, Kansas.

Dr. George Marvin Wellman ' (115) married, at Otego, N. Y., on September 8, 1869, Miss Jeannie S. Cole, daughter of James H. and Augusta Cole, substantial farmers of Otego, Otsego Co., N. Y. She was born at Otego, N. Y., July 3, 1849, and died at Dover Plains, N. Y., December 13, 1S86. Children of Dr. George M." (115) and Jeannie S. Cole Wellman: '"'I Marion Augusta,* born November 25. 1870; '* II Fred Browning,* born August 31, 1877, died June 12, 1878; '" III Maude Sherman,' born December 24, 1884. Marion Augusta Wellman* (129; married at Dover Plains, N. Y.. July i, 1896, Rev. Edward Duncan Kelsey ^a sketch of whom follows). They have one child'*-'I Marion Wellman Kelsey.''born at Sharon. Conn., May 17, 1897.

Dr. George M. Wellman, the subject of this sketch passed his early life in Springfield, Mass. In the high school of that city he prepared for college, and in 1857 he entered Amherst College, where, working his own way by teaching school, he completed the classical course, graduating in 1861, receiving the degree of A. B. Five years later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him. In 1861 he entered the government hospital service at Washington, D. C as ward master in Lincoln

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

189

Hospital, serving until 1864, when he obtained an appointment in the Ordnance Office of the War department, where he continued for four years. In the meantime he had taken up the study of medicine in the Georgetown Medical College, Washington, D. C, where he graduated in 1868 with high honors, delivering the valedictory at the commencement exercises in Wall's Opera House in that city. Proceeding to New York City, he then took a one-year's course of study at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

In 1869 Dr. Wellman located at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, where he soon built up a large and lucrative practice. His plain common sense, good judgment, thorough knowledge of medicine and skill in surgery, at once won for him the confidence of the people, and his success was an assured fact. He is one of the prominent members of the Dutchess County ^Iedical Society. As a citizen he stands deservedly high, and has often been urged to accept public office, but cares little for political preferment.

Rev. Ed\v.\rd Duncan KELSEY,who married Miss Marion A. Wellman, is a son of Lysander and Mary (Duncan) Kelsey, the former of whom was born October i, 1817, at Rutland, Vt., the latter on March 4, 1826, in Maysville, Ky. They were married May 30, 1847, and became the parents of the following children: Rev. Francis Duncan, born February 15, 1849, resides at Oberlin, Ohio; Charles Duncan, born August 25, 1850, died August, 1874; Rev. Edward Duncan, born January 16, 1853, at Wheelersburg, Ohio, resides in Sharon, Conn.; Elizabeth Duncan, born March 15, 1855, married to George S. Van Every, of Portland, Oregon, resides at Los Angeles, Cal.; Caroline Duncan, born October 31, i860, married to Charles H. Hauks, of Washington, D. C., resides at Tacoma, W'ash.; George Duncan, born August 28, 1864, has been twice married, resides at Meadville, Penn.; and Frederick Duncan, born June 8, 1866, married and resides at Juneau, Alaska. The father of this family died May 24, 1889, at Portland, Oregon, where the mother is yet residing.

Rev. Edward Duncan Kelsey removed, in 1857, to Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated from the high school; from 1870 to 1874 he attended Marietta (^Ohio) College, graduating in the latter year; in 1875 he entered Andover (Mass.) Theological Seminar}-, where he remained two years. In 1877 he went to Ash-

ville, N. Y., where for two years he was pastor of the Congregational Church; then, in 1879, entered Yale Theological Seminary, New Haven, Conn., graduating there in 1881. From 1882 to 18S4 he was settled as pastor at Almont, Mich.; from 1884 to 1885 was assistant pastor of the Seventh Presbyterian Church, New York City; from 1885 to 1889 he was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Cutchogue, L. I., N. Y.; from 1889 to 1890 was settled at Prospect, Ohio; from 1890 to 1894 was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in South Amenia, N. Y. In 1894 he became principal of the high school at Sharon, Conn., in which position he has since remained. Mr. Kelsey has been twice married, first time on June 29, 1881, to Miss Julia C. Baldwin, of New Haven, Conn. She was born at Milford, Conn., February 23, 1S57, and died February I, 1894, at South Amenia, N. Y. The children of this union were: Frank Childs, born July 19, 1882, died September 3, 1883; Arthur Baldwin, born September 10, 1884; Florence Duncan, born October 13, 1886; and Josephine Dykeman, born July 25, 1893.

The Bliss Gciiralot

-Zenas Bliss was a

descendant of Samuel Bliss, the youngest son of Thomas and Margaret Bliss, who settled in Springfield, Mass., in 1639. Samuel's son, Ebenezer Bliss, married Mary Gaj'lord, of Madison, Conn., January, 1707. Ebenezer's son, Jedediah Bliss, was born February 7, 1708, and married Rachel Sheldon July 2, 1733. and had by her eight children, and nine by his second wife—seventeen in all. They were: Rachel, born July 24, 1734; Moses, born January 16, 1735; Jedediah, Jr., born April 20, 1738; Mary, born December 11, 1739; Lucy, born March 9, 1741; Lucy (second), born November 24, 1742; Aaron, born 1745; Patience, born October 24, 1747.

Jedediah Bliss, Sr., married his second wife, Miriam Hitchcock, August 19, 1748, and had by her nine children, viz : Miriam, born May 17, 1749, married Silas Bliss; Ebenezer, born January 26, 1750, married (first) Miss Nevens, and (second) Sarah Ferry; Reuben, born November 3, 175 I, killed in the war of the Revolution; .Alexander, born October 11, 1753; Zenas (grandfather of Dr. Wellman"), born February 3, 1756, married Mary Babcock; Martha, born December 7, 1757, married a Mr. Gridley; Isaac, born August 10, 1760,' married Welthy Butters; Jacob, born March 12, 1763, married Mary Collins, who was born

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPIIICAL RECORD.

in 1765; Naotni, born October 22, 1766, married a Mr. Kneeland.

Zenas Bliss (grandfather to Dr. Wellman) married Mary Babcock, December, 1784 (she was born August 20, 1758, and died September 25, 1824), and had by her ten children, all born in Spriiif^tield, Mass., at the old homestead, corner of Main and W^illiam streets. They were as follows: Horace, born February 13, 1786, died March 26, 1S44; Elisha, born November 25, 1787, died at Hartford, Conn., January i, 1881, aged ninety-three years; Abigail and Harvey (i) (twins), born November 24, 1789 (Abigail died March 5, 1807, and Harvey (i) died December 3, 1789); Harvey (2), born March 27, 1792, died November 23, 1869; Lucretia, born May 3, 1794, died unmarried February 26, 1844; John B., born February 17, 1797, died February 22, 1884, aged eighty-seven years; Isaac, born September 8, 1798, died ^Iarch 5, 1892, aged ninety-three years; Mary (the mother of Dr. Wellman). born January 8, 1803, married Marvin Wellman, June 8, 1826, died March 10, 1877; Emeline, born February 19, 1805, died February 2, 1806.

Of these children of Zenas and Mary Babcock Bliss: Horace was twice married,, and had by his Hrst wife three children, Eliza, Mary and Emily; and by his second wife, had also three—Horace, Charles and Lucretia. Elisha married Almira Sikes, and by her had eight children—Elisha, Almira, Harriet, Frank, Edward, Richard, Mary, and Elizabeth. Harvey married Abbie Grout, of Putney, Windham Co., \'t., and by her had eight children— Edwin, Marshall, Isaac, Harvey, Emma, Laura, Sylvester and Samuel; of these, Edwin and Isaac were for many years missionaries in Armenia. John B. married Maria Parker, and had six children—Roswell, Charles, Abbie, Hiland, Sarah and Earle. Isaac married Eleanor Titus, and had seven children—Horace C., Isaac K., Elisabeth L., Eleanor M., Samuel B., Ephraim T., and Edgar. Mary married Marvin \\'ellman, and had seven children, as shown in the \\'ellman genealogy.

JOSEPH MARTIN FAMILY. The village of Red Hook, Dutchess county, was in the earliest times a favorite point with the Dutch settlers of this region, and it boasts of one of the oldest houses in the State of New York, built for a residence by Hendrick Martin, who

crossed the ocean in 1727. On his arrival he took a lease from the Beekman patentee, and at once erected this house, which he located about one-eighth of a mile from the old New York and Albany post road, and adjacent to the present village of Red Hook. It has received alterations from time to time, but parts of the original structure still stand. In 1751 he leased other lands adjoining, from the Van-Benthuysen patentee.

When Hendrick Martin's son, Gotlob, was married, the father cut a big stake, and walking across the farm drove it into the ground, remarking to the young bridegroom that it was time for him to ''swarm for himself, " and upon this spot Gotlob built a plain but substantial stone house, which stands to-day. The carpenters were putting up its rafters while the Declaration of Independence was being read in Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. To this house, in 1789, John Martin, son of Gotlob, brought his bride, Isabella Fulton, a relative of the famous Robert Fulton. It had been willed by Gotlob to his grandchildren, but the sons would not take it from their mother, and after her death Edward Martin, a son of John, purchased it for a home for his sister, who, like himself, never married. He was born February 18, 1811, and lived beyond the ordinary limit, dying December 3, 1893. He made a fortune as a civil engineer by taking his pay in land from a railroad company he was employed by, some of which property now lies within the present boundaries of Chicago.

To John and Isabella Martin eleven children were born, viz.: Philip, Michael S., Augustus, Henry G., Robert, Claudius G., James, Edward, Joseph, John and Serena. Joseph Martin was born February 8, 1S14, and was educated in the schools of the neighborhood. At an early age he learned the trade of tanner and currier; afterward studied law and practiced until his death, November 25, 1889. He was identified with the old militia, holding all the offices, from second-lieutenant to colonel, both inclusive, in the iiith Regiment New York Militia, and he served a short time in the war of the I^ebellion. On January 10, 1837, he was married to Miss Margarite S. Bar-ringer, of Red Hook, and had ten children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: (i) Frederick A., December 7, 1837; (2) John D., October 21, 1840; (3) Joseph F., April 15, 1842; (4) Claudius E., March 13, 1844; (5) Augustus, October 3, 1845 (died

C?x

J^^^f'-il^c^c^^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD

191

April 20, 1846); (6) Gertrude A., June 8, 1847; (7) Isabella F., May 15, 1849; (8) Elizabeth B., July 20, 1852; (9) Harriet A., January 7, 1854; (10) Sarah S., August 6, 1857.

All the boys in this family served in the Civil war, and one, John D., corporal of Company B, 7th N. J. V. I., died in the army January 3, 1862. Claudius E., at the outbreak of the Rebellion, offered himself as a recruit for a New Jersey regiment, but was refused on account of his youth, being under sixteen years of age. Returning home, however, he obtained his father's written consent, and went out as one of the original members of the Fifth New York Cavalry. At the organization of this regiment as a veteran regiment, he re-enlisted and served until the close of the war. He had a horse shot under him, and was wounded and captured at Orange Court House, but was re-captured by his own regiment the same day. Returning home at the close of the struggle, he settled upon a farm in Warners, Onondaga county, where he still resides. Joseph F. (or J. Fielding) enlisted at Trenton, N. J., April 20, 1861, in Company C, First N. J. Militia, for three months; re-enlisted at Trenton, August 27, 1861, this time in Company B, 7th N. J. V. I., for three years; again enlisted, this time at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., September 13, 1864, for one year, and October 24, 1864, was commissioned as first lieutenant in the 59th N. Y. S. V. I., and was honorably discharged September 14, 1865. Prior to the war he had finished his studies in Poughkeepsie, and after his return he studied law in the West, then practiced his profession in Illinois, South Dakota and New York State. While in Illinois he was elected justice of the peace in the town of Seward, Kendall county, and was commissioned as such by Gov. Shelby M. Cul-lom April 28, 1881. On November 15, 1884, he was admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor at law in Sully county, Dakota (now South Dakota), of which county he was elected county judge November 3, 1885. On March 3, 1889, he was admitted to practice as attorney and counselor at law in the United States District Court of the Territory of Dakota, at Huron (now South Dakota), and October 8, 1890, was appointed by the board of county commissioners of Sully county. South Dakota, as a member of the board of insanity. On November 16, 1892, he was admitted to practice in the superior court of Dakota, at Pierre; on December 6, 1892, was admitted to

practice in the U. S. District and Circuit Courts of South Dakota, at Sioux Falls; on May I I, 1893, was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York at Poughkeepsie, and October 22, 1894, was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the North Grand Division of Illinois, at Ottawa, Illinois.

Frederick A. Martin entered the service on the organization of the i 15th N. Y. V., in August, 1862; was wounded and captured at the surrender of Harpers Ferrj', September, 1862, and paroled with the surrendered garrison. At Olustee, Florida, February, 1864, he was wounded and left on the field, but escaped with the assistance of mounted officers of his regiment. For a time he was detailed in charge of commissary stores at Hilton Head, S. C and later as inspector of the Port of Beaufort, S. C, thenreturning to his regiment served until the close of the war. In his youth he had learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and on returning home he engaged for five years in car building; then entered the office of the Boston & Albany R. R., remaining some twenty-five years, and he has since carried on a drug store at Ford Edward, N. Y. In October, 1865, he was married to Miss Susan L. Near, of Red Hook, and has one son, Joseph Louis, who is now in partnership with him. He is a member of several Masonic bodies in Albany, N. Y., mcluding Temple Commandery No. 2, K. T., and is commander of the G. A. R. Post No. 491, Fort Edward, N. Y. Joseph Louis, his son, is also a member of various Masonic bodies, including Cyprus Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Albany, N. Y., and is also a graduate of the Albany College of Pharmacy.

Two of the daughters married, Gertrude A. and Isabella F., the former of whom is living in Bayonne, N. J., the latter in Brooklyn, N. Y. The Misses Elizabeth B., Harriet A. and Sarah S. Martin occupy an elegant residence on the site of the old homestead of the Barringer family, to which their mother belonged, and have always held a prominent place in the most refined and exclusive social circles.

r/ ILLIAM BOGLE, president of the _1\L Dutchess Print Works, located • at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, is one of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of the county. This extensive plant

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was established in 1832, and has been engaged in printing and dyeing cotton goods for over sixty years. Some 1,1 50 hands are employed in the works, all of whom reside in or near the village, forming a goodly portion of the population. Mr. Bogle has ^been connected with the establishment for thirty-nine years, fifteen as its president, and it has been re-organized three times during the last twenty years in order to suit the times and the market.

Mr. Bogle was born near Manchester, England, September 7, 1834, a son of John Bogle, who was born in the same locality in 1799, and lived until 1880. He was a color-mixer in a cloth-printing business for sixty-five years. At Middleton parish church, Lancashire, he married Ann Brooks, a native of Ainssvorth, England, and they reared a family of ten children, our subject being seventh in the order of birth. None of the family except William ever came to America. James Bogle, the father of John, was born in Scotland, whence he went to England, and in 1805 established a print works in Lancashire. He was one of the earliest master printers in that country.

Our subject lived in England until he was twenty-three years of age, and there learned the business of color-mixing with his father. On July 22, 1857, he was married to Miss Selina Hoyle, of Manchester, -and on the first of August following sailed for the United States, reaching Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, August 14, 1857. He came to that place under a contract with the Dutchess Print Works, and for nine years was employed by them as a color-mixer. He then became assistant superintendent, holding that position for eleven years, and on .April i, 1876, was made superintendent of the works, which office he now holds. Mr. and Mrs. Bogle have three children: John, born in 1858, has charge of the cambric "department in the print works; Alice, born in i860, is at home with her parents; and Mary, born in 1862, married John Macauley, who is an engraver in the print vvorks. Our subject is a Republican in his political views, and all the family are members of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Bogle, as may be inferred from the foregoing sketch, holds an important place in the community. He stands high with his business associates as a man of ability, strict integrity and of progressive ideas. In all the relations of life he has fulfilled his duties with

fidelity, and his enterprise and industry have brought him financial prosperity as well as the good will of his fellow men. No citizen of Wappingers Falls is more deserving of respect and esteem or more worthy a place in this volume.

NTHONY BRIGGS (deceased) was one

of the leading agriculturists of the town

of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and one of her well-to-do citizens. He was widely known and honored, and in his death Dutchess county, in whose welfare he always took a commendable interest, has lost a valued citizen. His integrity of character, unbounded benevolence, and never failing courtesy, made him beloved by all who had the honor of his acquaintance.

Mr. Briggs was born in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, May 25, 1829, and his father, who was a son of .\nthony Briggs, was also born in that town, March 25, 1800. The family is of English lineage. The father married Clarissa Benham, who was also of English descent, and a native of New Haven, Conn., and they became the parents of three children: Elizabeth, wife of John H. Jewett, who is living retired in Poughkeepsie; Harriet, wife of Benjamin White, a farmer of Wisconsin; and .Anthonj-, subject of this sketch. The parents began house-keeping in the town of Pine Plains, on a farm, but later removed to Washington town, Dutchess county, where they reared their family.

Our subject passed the first three years of his life in his native town, after which he was taken to Washing! m town, where he received a good education, and became a surveyor, which business he followed in early life, being three years thus employed in Wisconsin. On February 24, 1852, Mr. Briggs was united in marriage with Miss Hannah White, who was born in the town of \\'ashington, April 9, 1830, and is a daughter of Ethan White, who was also born there, the date of his birth being October 19, 1802. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Myra Northrope, was born in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, April 9, iSoi, and after her marriage with Mr. White they located on a farm in the town of Washington, where they reared their seven children as follows: Mary, wife of Hiram T. Beecher, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Benjamin, an agriculturist of Wisconsin; Abner (deceased),

*-^^^^^^^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

193

who was a farmer of Washington town, Dutchess county; Seneca, also a deceased farmer of Washington town; Catherine, wife of Edward R. Kinney, of the same town; Hannah, widow of our subject; and Davis, who operates a farm in Washington town. In politics the father was a Republican, and he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Church; he died in 1871, she in 1868. Abner White, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Briggs, was a native of the town of Washington, and a son of Charles White, who was a descendant of Peregrine White, the first white male child born in America. Her maternal grandfather, Benjamin Northrope, a native of Redding, Conn., was the son of Samuel Northrope, who was of English descent, and became one of the leading farmers of the town of .^menia. Both the White and Northrope families were very prominent in this part of the State.

For fifteen years after his marriage, Mr. Briggs engaged in farming in the town of Washington, but in 1869 he removed to the farm now owned by his widow, which comprises 300 acres of good land. There he carried on general farming in connection with surveying, and was very successful in his undertakings. In the family were three children: Davis W., of whom special mention will presently be made; Mary E., who died at the age of three years; and Homer E., a well-known lawyer of Poughkeepsie. Mr. Briggs was a stanch advocate of the policy pursued by the Republican party, held the office of supervisor for two terms, was justice of the peace in the town of Washington, eleven years, and five years in Pleasant Valley, ever discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. While in Wisconsin he was elected superintendent of schools in the town of Empire, and after returning to Washington he taught school several months. The whole community mourns with the bereaved family the taking away of this noble-hearted and generous man, who died February 5, 1895. He was a sincere member of the Methodist Church, to which his widow also belongs.

Davis W. Briggs, the eldest son of this honored couple, was born February 24, 1853, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and received his education in both Washington and Pleasant Valley towns. He is now operating the old farm in Washington, and also the homestead farm in Pleasant Valley. On October 18, 1882, he married Irene Bower,

13

who was born February 20, 1858, in Pleasant Valley, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Kirk) Bovver, and four children have been born to this union: Anthony J., Mary Alida, Harold G and Norton Augustus. In politics he is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church of Pleasant Vallej'.

jpRISTRAM COFFIN is a descendant of JL the Coffyns, of Devonshire, England. The Manor of Alwington in that county was assigned to Sir Richard Coffyn by William the Conqueror in the eleventh century. It has remained in the family ever since, and is now known as Portledge Manor. It is located on the coast near Plymouth, and contains about four thousand acres. The family mansion and one of the churches on the estate are ancient stone buildings. Many of the memorial stones of members of the family are in this old church.

Tristram Coffyn, the first of the race who settled in America, came to Massachusetts in 1642. He lived for a time in Haverhill and Newburyport, and removed to Nantucket in 1660. In company with nine others, he purchased the Island from the Crown and the Indians. He was prominent among the early settlers, and became chief magistrate of the Island. He died there in 1681. His letters to Sir Edmund Andros, the English Colonial Governor of New York, are preserved in the State archives in Albany.

The accurate genealogical records existing in Nantucket, enable members of its old families to trace their lineage back to England in unbroken lines. The names of the successive sires of the nine generations of the Coffin family, ancestors of Tristram Coffin, were as follows: Nicholas, Peter, Tristram (the pioneer), John (who died at Martha's Vineyard in 1711), Peter, Tristram, Abishai (who settled in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, in 1774), Robert and Alexander H. With the exception of the last, these names are inscribed on the family monument in the burial ground of the old Friends' meeting house at Nine Partners (now Millbrook), New York.

Alexander H. Coffin, father of Tristram, died in Poughkeepsie in 1890. His wife, Jane Vincent, also died there, in 1871. They had three children: Owen Vincent Coffin, ex-Governor of Connecticut, who resides in Middle-town, in that State; Tristram; and Harriet .\I. Valentine (deceased). Through his mother,

COyniKMORATIVK BWORAPHWAL RECORD.

Mr. Coffin is related to the Vincent, Fowler and Vail families of Dutchess county. Capt. Israel Vail, of the Revolutionary army, was one of his ancestors. Through his father he is connected with the \'anderburgh and Bentley families. Henry \'anderburgh, his ancestor five generations back, was one of the early settlers in Poughkeepsie. James, son of Henry Vanderburgh, who was Mr. Coffin's direct ancestor four generations removed, lived and died in the town of Beekman. He was a colonel in the Revolutionary war. Washington mentions in his journal having dined at Col. X'anderburgh's on several occasions, while the army was encamped above the Highlands.

Tristram Coffin was born in the town of Unionvale, and attended the district school, and, later, Amenia Seminary. He left home at an early age, and was in business in New York for several years. He made a number of trips through the South and West before the war of the I^ebellion. After the outbreak of the war, he studied law in the office of Joseph W. Gott, of Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y. Leaving Goshen in 1863, he entered the Albany Law School, from which he was graduated in 1864. He then w-ent to Poughkeepsie, where he was a law student in the office of the late Hon. Allard Anthony for one year before commencing practice. In 1870 he was elected district attorney of Dutchess county, and held the office for three years. In 1881 Mr. Coffin delivered the principal oration at the meeting of the representatives of the Coffin family of the United States held at Nantucket. He has been asked to compete for different public positions, and to accept office in monied and other corporations, but has invariably declined. For about twenty years he. devoted himself untiringly to the practice of his profession in Poughkeepsie, in which he was sucess-ful from the outset. While in the midst of a lucrative practice, and in the prime of life, he surprised his clients and friends by refusing to receive any new business. For several years, although he has kept an office for the transaction of his duties as trustee of a number of estates, he has been absent much of the time. He remained a bachelor until 1890, when he married Miss Ida M. Gardner, a native of Michigan, and a descendant, of the eleventh generation, from Sir Thomas Gardner, of Yorkshire, England.

Mr. Coffin is a gentleman of sterling character, refined tastes, an ardent lover of nature

and an enthusiastic traveler. He has seen much of his own country, and has made a number of trips to Europe and the East. He has been a frequent contributor to newspapers and periodicals, and possesses marked literary abilit}'. He is a collector of antiques, rare books and autographs. His collection of manuscripts is especially rich in Colonial and Revolutionary letters and documents.

Mr. Coffin has an attractive country home on the Hudson, at Milton, Ulster county, where he usually spends the summer.—F. C. Valentine.

EDWIN JUCKETT, who was called from : this earth on the 2d of February, 1896.

had spent his entire life in Dutchess county, and for many years was a leading blacksmith and wagon-maker of Stanfordville, where his death occurred. His honorable upright life had secured for him the respect of all.

Mr. Juckett was born in the town of Amenia September 24, 1824, and was one of the three children of Lewis M. and Juliette (Bennett) Juckett, the others being Stephen and Sally, both now deceased. On both the paternal and maternal sides he was of French descent, and his father, who was born in Kent, Conn., became a prominent farmer of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, where Edwin passed his school days. On leaving the parental roof, in 1844, he began working for S. O. Rogers, Sr., in an axle factory at Stanfordville, and five years later bought the Daniel Young place, near that village, where he erected a house and shop, the former of which is still standing. The shop was burned in March, 1873, but he at once rebuilt, and there carried on black-smithing and wagon-making up to the time of his death—a period of almost half a century.

On October 31, 1849, Mr. Juckett was married to Miss Elsie A. Gildersleeve, daughter of Joseph Gildersleeve, a woolen manufacturer of Stanfordville. Her birth occurred April 30, 1824, and she died on March 17, 1874. In their family were five children: (i) Mary B., after graduating from D. G. Wright's private school at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., engaged in teaching until her mother's death, after which she kept house for her father, and still makes her home in Stanfordville. (2) George B., after learning the blacksmith trade with his father, followed the trade at Stanfordville and Wassaic, in the town of Amenia, for

COMME^^ORATIrE BIOORAPEICAL liECORD.

195

several years. He then engaged in the milk business with his uncle in Brooklyn, \. Y., with whom he remained several years. Later • he studied stenography under the tuition (jf Prof. T. J. Ellin wood, for twenty-five years the official reporter of Henry Ward Beecher's sermons. In 1883, after completing his study of stenography, he entered the employ of Col. George Bliss, of New York City, a well-known lawyer and legal author, as his stenographer and private secretary, with whom he remained twelve years. During the year 1895, while Mr. Bliss was traveling in Europe, he was in the employ of the Grant Monument Association, under Gen. Horace Porter, president of the Association, and the present ambassador to France. During this year Gen. Porter dictated to him his '' Campaigning with Grant.'' Upon Col. Bliss' return from Europe he again entered his employ, with whom he still remains. (3) William M., a native of the town of Stanford, attended school there, and began his business career as a clerk in a store at Bangall, X. Y. He then held a similar position in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he became traveling salesman for his uncle, who was connected with the wholesale dr3'-goods house of Tefft, Weller & Co., of New York City. At the end of three 3'ears he left this firm to accept a position as salesman for the wholesale dry-goods house of Butler, Clapp & Co., with whom he remained seven years. He then became connected with the dry-goods house of E. S. Jaffray & Co., remaining with them until their failure. He is now a traveling salesman for Dunham, Buckley & Co., wholesale dry-goods merchants at No. 340 Broadway. New York City. He married Margaret Husted, and they now make their home at Attlebury, N. Y. (4) De\\'itt, after following the blacksmith trade for several years, then became traveling salesman for Joseph Ruppert, a wholesale hardware merchant at No. 212 Duffield street, Brooklyn, N. Y. He married Miss Elma Green, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., by whom he has had three children : Elsie A. and Lizzie B. (both deceased), and William. He resides at No. 313 Glenmore avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. (5) Carrie E., after graduating from the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., entered the employ of Orvis Bros. & Co., bankers and brokers, of No. 44 Broadway, New York City, as stenographer, remaining with them eight years. She is now the wife of George C. Trefry, and two children

bless their union: Edwin J. and George Clifford. They reside at Nc. 36 Morton street. New York Cit}-.

PETER BURHANS (deceased). The sub- ject of this sketch, who was formerly a

well-known wagon manufacturer of Poughkeepsie, was born in Pleasant Yallej-, Dutchess county, January 2, 1812, and was the sen of \\'illiam and Mary (Smith) Burhans. Jacob Burhans arrived in this country prior to December, 1660. Jans, a son, who arrived in April, 1663, married Miss Helena Traphagan, and from them the subject of this memoir is descended through Barent and Johannes and Petrus.

Our subject had no schooling to speak of, but was a man of good mechanical abilit}'. He spent his younger days in Pleasant Valley, coming to Poughkeepsie when about eighteen years old to learn the wagon maker's trade. He worked as a journeyman only a few years, and then started in business for himself in the city, later forming a partnership which proved somewhat disastrous. About the 3'ear 1844 he carried on business at No. 377 inow 3S5) Main street. In 1851 or 1852 he purchased the premises, and continued to carry on business there until the spring of 1877, when he retired on account of ill health, and had the building altered to suit other business. In 1S55 "i^ bought the adjoining lot, and put up a frame building which was used by various parties as a blacksmith shop till the summer of 1877, when it was demolished to give place to a more substantial brick building—Nos. 387^ and 389 Main street. Both buildings are still in the possession of the family. He was a self-made man, very thorough, careful, and painstaking, and his work had the reputation of being the very best.

Mr. Burhans was twice married, his first wife being Miss Johanna B. Smith, a daughter of Uriah Smith, a farmer in the town of Hyde Park (who died a comparatively young man), and niece Smith, of Lithgow. She To Mr. and Mrs. Burhans children: Albert, who died young; Ella, who married Isaac Germond; and Mary, who died in 1875, aged twenty-three years. His second marriage was, in i860, to Miss Eliza Pinckney, daughter of Jacob Pinckney, of Bethel, Sullivan Co., N. Y. Our subject

of Judge Isaac

died in 1859.

were born three

lOfJ

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was a Republican, r.nd took quite an interest in political matters. Although receiving but little schooling, he supplemented it with a great deal of reading, and was well informed on current topics of the day. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and was early in life associated with the sons of temperance, having strong views and ideas regarding total abstinence. He died in 1887, in his seventy-sixth year. Mrs. Germond has one daughter, Clara, now (1897) eight years old.

William Burhans was a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Mary Smith, and they had the following children: Henry, Elmira, Peter, William (2), Edwin S., Charles, John, Willitt (who died in 1894), and George H. (who lives in Pleasant Valley, and is the only survivor). William (Sen.) died about 1S55.

IsA.-\c Gekmond, mentioned above, is a member of one of the very oldest families in the county, who formerly owned a large tract of land surrounding "Germond Hill," near Ver-bank, and one of the descendants, Lewis D. Germond, still occupies a part of the original tract in the town of Washington. George Washington Germond, father of Isaac, died in 1891 in his ninetieth year, leaving five sons and two daughters. The Germonds, Germans and Jarmans are said by some to be all descended from four brothers who came from France about two hundred years ago, one settling on Long Island, one in Harlem, one in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and one in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county.

HON. SAMUEL K. PHILLIPS, county _ judge of Dutchess county, and a lawyer of wide reputation for ability and success in the management of important cases, is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born February 12, 1858, but since the age of four years he has had his home in the village of Matteawan. His father, Edmund S. Phillips, was the first lawyer to locate at Matteawan.

Judge Phillips received his education in the private and public schools of Matteawan, and at an early age began his professional studies in his father's office. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1879, having just attained his majority, and immediately engaged in practice. During the past sixteen years he has made an enviable record, and has been retained as counsel, on one side or the other, in nearly all

the cases of note that have arisen in this locality. He was engaged by the State of New York to take charge of the legal matters in connection with the location of the State Hos-" pital at Matteawan, and later was employed by the State in the important matter of acquiring a right of way for a sewer from that institution to the Hudson river. He is now the attorney for the Mechanics Savings Bank, of Fishkill Landing; for The Matteawan Savings Bank, and for The Matteawan National Bank, and has been the legal advisor of the promoters of many of the leading business enterprises of the town. In some of the most important of these ventures he is personally interested; he is president of The Matteawan. Savings Bank, a director of The Matteawan National Bank, and was one of the projectors, and is still a director and one of the principal stockholders of the electric railway system of the town of Fishkill. He is a trustee and the treasurer of Highland Hospital; a trustee of the Fairview Cemetery Association, chairman of the board of trustees, and for more than twenty years secretary of the Sunday-school of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Matteawan. For the past ten )'ears he has been a member of the board of education, and during the last year of his service therein was its president.

Able and popular, possessing all the qualities which insure success in public lif(?, it is not surprising that he should already have become a leader in political affairs. In November, 1895, he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of county judge. Commenting upon his nomination, the Poughkeep-sie S/ar says: " * * * young in years but old in experience, a good lawyer, a man to be trusted by the people. Although there are many attorneys in the county who feel that this is a good year to be the nominee on the Republican ticket, all were united in endorsing Mr. Phillips as the choice of the party." The Fishkill S/d;n/irn/, the leading Democratic paper of the locality, said: "As a citizen of the town of Fishkill, and as an active professional man, we have only words of commendation for Samuel K. Phillips. Raised in Matteawan, and educated in the public schools there, he has always been before the eyes of the public, and has won his way to distinction and success by many excellent qualities. That he will make a good county judge, if elected, and be a worthy successor of those who have preceded him, issuie."

c/a:.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

197

The Judge is a prominent Free Mason, and at present is master of Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M., a member of Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M., Hud.-^on River Commander}', K. T., and Mecca Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. In October, 1885, he married Miss Henrietta Reid, daughter of Luke and Abigail (Darling) Reid, of Hudson, N. Y. They have one son, Samuel Vincent Phillips.

GUERNSEY FAMILY. (I) John Guernsey, the progenitor of the Guernsey fam-il\' in America, appears in Milford, Conn., about 1634. (II) Joseph Guernsey, son of the above, born in 1639, married Hannah Colej', daughter of Samuel Coley, Sr., April 10, 1663, resided at Milford, and was a " free planter."

(Ill) Joseph Guernsey, son of Joseph, was born at Milford, 1674. Large land owner. He married Hannah Disbrow, daughter of Gen. Disbrow, of Horse Neck, and removed to Woodbury, Conn., where he died September 15, 1754. (I\') John Guernsey, son of above, born April 6, i 709, married '' .•Xnn Peck, daughter of Jeremiah Peck, and granddaughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Peck, well known throughout New England." He removed to Litchfield, Conn., thence to Amenia, N. Y., where he died and was buried, 1783.

(V') John Guernsey, son of John and Ann Guernsey, was born October 28, 1734. He married Azubah Buel; removed to Broome county, N. Y., where he owned 1,000 acres of land; afterward returned to Amenia, where he died in 1799, and was buried near the grave of his father. (VI) Ezekiel Guernsey, M. D., son of the above, was born in 1775, married Lavoisa Bennett, daughter of Col. Peter Bennett, and died at Stanford, Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1856.

(VIIj Stephen Gano Guernsey, son of Ezekiel and Lavoisa Guernsey, was born in the town of Stanford, September 8, 1799, and died in the town of Stanford in 1875; married Lienor Rogers, of Litchfield, Conn., daughter of Dayton Rogers and granddaughter of a Revolutionary soldier.

(\TIIj Stephen Gang Guernsey, son of Stephen Gano and Elenor Guernsey, was born April 22, 1848, in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, N. Y., and in his boyhood winters attended the common schools of the locality, while in the summers he did general work on

the farm. His education he finished at Fort Edward Institute, Glens Fails, New York.

In 1870 Mr. Guernsey moved to Pough-keepsie, where he read law with Judge Charles Wheaton and his brother, D. W. Guernsey, and was admitted to the bar in 1871. In 1874 he was appointed deputy county clerk, which incumbency he held until 1876, when he resigned to commence the practice of law for himself in the office of Jacob Jewett, who died some few months later. Mr. Guernsey continued in the same office, and has since remained in active practice, which is a general one. In his political preferences Mr. Guernsey is a Democrat, and has served as member of the board of education four years—from 1890 to 1894. He was U. S. Loan Commissioner, appointed under Gov. Robinson, and has been re-appointed by each succeeding governor to the present time, although, owing to a change of the State laws, there is little business for the of^ce at present. In 1892 he was elected president of the Poughkeepsie National Bank, and is still serving as such.

In 1877 Mr. Guernsey was married to Miss Marianna Hicks, and children as follows were born to them: Raymond Gano (IX) Homer Wilson, Louis Gildersleeve and Emeline. Our subject is a careful, conservative business man.

ELIZABETH H. GEROW, M. D., a pio- neer woman physician of Poughkeepsie,

Dutchess county, whose success has been a pleasing and convincing test of the abilitj" of her se.x to cope with all the dif^culties of her profession, is a descendant of an old Huguenot family, the name being originally Giraud.

Her ancestors were early settlers in Ulster county, and her great-grandfather, William Gerow, was a resident of Plattekill, where the homestead has ever since been maintained. Her grandfather, Elias Gerow, lived and died there; he married Elizabeth Coutant, and their son, Elias Gerow (2), our subject's father, was also a lifelong resident, following farming as an occupation. He married Sally Ann Baker, a native of Westchester county, who survived him and died at our subject's home in Poughkeepsie. Ten children were born of this union —four daughters and six sons—of the latter only four are now living.

Dr. Elizabeth H. Gerow attended the schools of Plattekill during her childhood, and later studied in the Friends' School at Union

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Springs, N. Y. She taught for some time in Ulster county, and then, desiring to prepare herself for the medical profession, she entered the Woman's Hospital in Boston, Mass. After eight months there she began the course in the Medical Department of Michigan University, from which she was graduated in the spring of 1875. ^he had, in the meantime, continued her studies in the Woman's Hospital during her vacations, spending about three years, in all, in the institution, and gaining an experience which at that time was seldom obtainable by a woman. She became an expert in dealing with the diseases of women and children, and, from the first, has met with unusual success in her practice. On ,\fay i, 1875, she opened her office in Poughkeepsie, and in five years had all the business that she could attend to. For the past ten years she has devoted her entire time to her large office practice.

Dr. Gerow is held in high esteem among her professional associates, as well as with the general public, and was appointed on the first ^fedical Board of the Vassar Hospital in Poughkeepsie, and she is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and a corresponding member of the Boston Gynecological Society.

WILLIAM L. DAVIS (deceased), a well- known farmer and auctioneer of the

town of Washington, was born in Columbia county, February 10, 1835. His father, Henry D., was born in the same county, where he married and settled on a farm. To him and his wife were born these children: Or-ville, who married Miss Maria Emigh, and is now farming in the town of Clinton; he has one son, Henry T.; Esther died unmarried, April 10, 1896; William L. is our subject. Mr. Davis farmed in Columbia county and in Wisconsin, dying in the latter place in 1837. His wife was Miss Jane Ann Lawton, who was born in the town of Washington May i, 1809, the only child of Seth Lawton, who was born June 18, 1782, in Rhode Island, and died in November, 1869, and Esther (Peck) Lawton, who was born near New York City, August 25, 1786, and died December 6, 1851. David Lawton, the father of Seth, was a farmer in Washington town.

^Villiam L., our subject, remained at home in the town of Washington until December 27, 1856, on which date he was married to Miss

Mary L. \\'ilson, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Streight) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Davis secured a farm in this town, and three children were born to them, namely: Thomas L., born March 6, 1859, died October 7, 1862: Seth L., born December 17, 1862, died December 20, 1864; Willard H., born September 15. 1865. Mr. Davis was ;-. Democrat, and he and his wife were both members of the Methodist Church.

W^ILL.\KI)H. manages the farm of 168 acres, on which he raises Jersey cattle, Berkshire hogs, and Thorndale horses. The farm is called " Brookside Stock Farm."

Thomas Wilson, the father of Mrs. Davis, was born and reared in the town of Unionvale; his wife was born in Stanford. They settled on a farm in Unionvale, and reared a family of six children: Eseck, a retired citizen of Poughkeepsie; Maria became the wife of Dr. John Perry, of Amenia, and after his death she married Moses Conger, a lawyer in the town of Clinton; Sally A. married Henry Chamberlin, a tanner and currier (both are deceased); Mary L. is our subject's wife; John died in the Civil war; George, a farmer, died August 21, 1896, in Ashley, Illinois. Thomas Wilson died in 1843, and his wife Jul)- 3, 1879.

Joseph Wilson, Mrs. Davis' grandfather, was born in Ireland, where he followed the occupation of a weaver. Henry Streight was the maternal trrandfather of Mrs. W^ilson.

HLLIAM R. KIMLIN, who was a prom- / inent contractor and builder in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and whose death took place December 8, 1891, was born in that city October 7, 1843. His father, W^ill-iam Kimlin, was born in Ireland in 1800, and came to America in 1839.

\\'illiam Rimlin obtained a good education in the public schools, and also in that connected with Christ Church (Episcopal). He was a man of keen perceptions, and, having always been a great reader, was well informed on all subjects of general interest. After leaving school he learned the trade of a mason, serving an apprenticeship of three years with Mr. Harlow while the latter was engaged in buililing Vassar College. He was a journeyman mason for some time, and was also foreman for Elias Spross for several years. About 1874 he started as a contractor and builder in partnership with James Mathews, the firm

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199

name being Kimlin & Mathews. This connection continued for three or four years, when Mr. Kimlin assumed entire charge of the business for himself. During this time he made contracts for some of the largest buildings in the city, among others the post office, which was begun in the fall of 1884, Mr. Kimlin completing his part of the work in 18S6. He was one of the foremost men in his trade, and, having more than average ability and judgment, was successful in his enterprises. He possessed strong individuality, and made himself felt in any matters in which he was interested.

Mr. Kimlin was married September 17, 1873, to Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas Conn, of New York City. Her father was a butcher, and was of Irish descent, his family coming from County Down. Five children were born of this union: William T. is in the employ of F. J. Nesbitt; Stewart T., Lottie S. and Edith B. are at home with their mother; and one died in infancy. Of these, William T. and Stewart T. have learned the mason trade, and expect in about a year or so to enter in the same business as their father.

Mr. Kimlin was strongly in sympathy with the Republican party, although he never took an active part in politics. He belonged to the E.xempt Firemen, and was a member of Christ Church, Episcopal. He was a loyal' citizen, and always ready to do his share toward promoting the interests of his community.

GEORGE TOFFEY DOUGHTY (de-_ ceased) was throughout life identified with the interests of the town of Beekman, his birth having occurred at Greenhaven, in that township, October 6, 1816. The Doughty family came from England at a very early period in the history of this country, one of the first being Francis Doughty, a clergyman of the Church of England.

Joseph Doughty, the grandfather of our subject, was born on Long Island, and followed farming as a life work. He was a sincere member of the Society of Friends. He married Miss Psyche Wiltsie, and tothern were born twelve children, namely: Thomas, who became a farmer of Beekman town; Joseph, who in early life was a merchant, and later lived in Beekman town; Cornwell, a farmer and merchant of the same township; Nehe-miah, a farmer and miller, also of Beekman

town; William, the father of our subject; Martin, also a farmer of Beekman town; Jacob, a merchant of Greenhaven; Psyche, who married Samuel Vail, a prominent citizen of Albany, N. Y. ; Mary, who wedded Jonathan Hoag, a farmer of Nassau, N. Y.; Jane, who married Philip Flagler, an agriculturist; John and Elizabeth.

William Doughty, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Beekman, and on attaining to man's estate was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Vanderburgh (nee Van Wyck), by whom he had si.\ children: Phebe, John J., Pysche, William, Sarah and George T. All his life .the father carried on farming in the town of Beekman, where he was numbered among the highly-esteemed citizens. He died in 1854 at the age of eighty-four years, the mother in 1865 at the age of ninety-four years.

During his boyhood, George T. Doughty attended the district schools near his home in Beekman town, and for three years resided with his sister at New Lebanon, N. Y. He was also for a time a student in the Nine Partners Boarding School in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He always followed the vocation of farming, and erected all the buildings upon his place with the exception of the residence.

On December 14, 1836, in the town of Beekman, Mr. Doughty married Miss Elizabeth Van Benschoten, of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and to them were born three children: Mary G.; William H., of New York City, who married Mrs. Edith Bryant [uee Chatterton), and to them was born one child —Laura Isabelle; and Edward, deceased The mother of these died May 17, 1S43, and in the same township Mr. Doughty was again married, his second union being with Hester Kelley, by whom were also born three children: James A., of Torrington, Conn., who was married to Miss Alice J. Brooker, of the same place, and to them were born two children— Ella Brooker (deceased) and Marion Seymour; Phebe J.; and Cornell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., married Miss Anna J. Butts, of New York City, and to them was born one child—Isabelle Perry.

For three terms, Mr. Doughty filled the office of supervisor of the town of Beekman, and enjoyed the popularity which comes to those generous spirits who have a hearty shake of the hand for those with whom they come in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPUIC'AL RECORD.

contact from day to day, and who seem to throw around them in consequence so much of the sunshine of life. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and was one of nature's noblemen, the world being better for his having lived. His death, which occurred in the town of Beekman, June 7, 1887, was widely and deeply mourned.

GEORGE E. CRAMER, president of the Board of Trade of Poughkeepsie, and a leading grain dealer and wholesale grocer of that city, was born in Pleasant N'alley, Dutchess county, August 31., 1841.

Our subject's ancestors came originally from Holland, settling in Dutchess county at an early date. His grandfather, Philip Cramer, was born in 1783, near Poughkeepsie, where he was a farmer for some years before his removal to Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, where he died at the age of forty-nine years. He married Susannah Reynolds, and they had three children: Phccbe, who married Jehial Smith; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Burhans, and George B., our subject's father, who was born in Poughkeepsie in 1814. His schooling was limited to a few years' attendance at the public schools of that city, but he was a man of common sense, and acquired a good practical education in the course of his life. He was a carpenter and builder in Pleasant Valley for manj' years, and was quite successful; but failing health compelled him to choose another occupation, and, in 1874, he engaged in the butcher trade at the same place. Politically, he was first a Whig, and later a Republican, but although he was greatly interested in the welfare of his party, he was never an office-seeker. For full half a century he was a devout and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a trustee for many years. He married Miss Mary A. Duncan, a daughter of Joshua Duncan, a well-known manufacturer of cotton goods at Pleasant Valley, in partnership with George P. Far-rington. The Duncans are among the oldest families in that locality. Nine children were born of this marriage, seven of whom are still living, and all residents of Dutchess county. The mother died in 1880, the father surviving her until May, 1893.

The subject of our sketch attended the district schools of Pleasant \'alley, and studied for a time with a private tutor, supplementing

these limited opportunities in his later years by I an extended course of reading. At the age of eleven he began to work for his uncle Duncan in the grocery business in Poughkeepsie, but after two years he returned home and clerked in a country store for about two years. At the age of si.xteen he went to Poughkeepsie as clerk for John Mcl^ean, grocer, remaining four years; then engaged as bookkeeper for John H. Matthews in the freighting business at the Lower Landing, and after five years there he spent two years in the same capacity with Gaylord, Vail& Doty, at the Main Street Dock. In I §71 he entered the employ of W. W. Reynolds & Co., as bookkeeper, and three years later became a member of the firm, then known as I'leynolds & Co., and composed of William T. and John R. Reynolds and George E. Cramer. On January i, 1890, the firm became Rej'nolds & Cramer, and as the senior member is not in good health, the more active management of the business devolves upon Mr. Cramer. This is one of the oldest houses in the cit}', dating back to 1820, and under the able and enterprising direction of Mr. Cramer its already extensive trade has been enlarged to five times its volume at the time of his entrance into the firm, and is now the largest establishment of its kind in the Hudson River Valle}'. He holds high rank in commercial circles, and has been president of the Poughkeepsie Board of Trade for the past four years. In 1892 he was appointed president of College Hill Park Commission, by William W. Smith, who bought this property and donated it to the city as a public park.

In 1866 Mr. Cramer was married to Miss Mary A. Barnes, a daughter of Mrs. Jane A. Barnes, and a descendant of one of the old families of Poughkeepsie. They have one daughter, Ella W. Cramer. Although he is a Republican in principle, and has taken an active interest in the success of his party, Mr. Cramer is not an office seeker, and has refused to accept any nominations for public office. He is ready to assist an\' movement for the welfare of the city, and takes especial interest in the schools, serving for eleven years in the board of education, and for several years its president. He belongs to the Washington Street M. E. Church, of which he is a trustee and the treasurer, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for twenty-five years. At one time he was active in the Masonic fraternity, of which he is still a member, and is

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201

past master of Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, and past eminent commander of Poughkeepsie Commander}' No. 53, Knights Templar.

HOWELL WHITE, M. D., a prominent physician of Fishkill, Dutchess county,

is a descendant of a family which has been notable for generations for its connection with the medical profession. His great-grandfather was a phjsician, and had two brothers in the calling, and the same is true of his grandfather and his father, three brothers in each generation choosing the deep researches and arduous labors of the medical practitioner.

Dr. White was born at Fishkill June 12, 1856, the son of the late Dr. Lewis H. White, whose long and successful career as a physician, and excellent qualities as a citizen, won him a lasting reputation. He was given good educational advantages, and, after leaving the public schools of Fishkill, studied two years at Warring's Military School, in Poughkeepsie, and four years in the private school of Hugh S. Banks, at Newburg, and then entered Wil-liston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass., where he was graduated in 1875. A complete course in Bellevue Medical College, New York City, followed, and on his graduation in 1879 he became an interne in the Presbyterian Hospital in that city, securing invaluable practical work. He began his professional labors in Fishkill in 1S80, and has been constantly in practice ever sir.ce, meeting with marked success. He is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and of the New York State Medical Society. In politics he is a Republican.

On June 9, 1881, the Doctor married a lady of Huguenot descent. Miss Elizabeth M. Cotheal, whose interesting genealogical record is given below. They have four children: Catherine Elizabeth, Lewis Howell, Richard Rapalje and Helena. Both the Doctor and his wife are members of the Reformed Dutch Church of Fishkill, and take a generous interest in all advanced movements.

Doctor White's lineage is a long and honorable one, as he is in the eighth generation in descent from Thomas \^'hite, of Weymouth, Mass., who was Representative in General Court in 1636-37. He died in 1679, leaving (according to Farmer) five children: Joseph, of Mendon; Samuel, born in 1642; Thomas, of Braintree; Hannah, who married John Bar-

ter; and Ebenezer, born in 164S, died August

24, 1703-

Second Generation: Ebenezer, the fifth child of Thomas, of Weymouth, was the father of the Rev. Ebenezer White, who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bridge-hampton. Long Island.

Third Generation: Rev. Ebenezer White, of Bridgehampton, was born in 1673, and died

in 1756. He married Hannah , and they

had children: Elnathan, born 1695, died 1773; James; Rev. Sylvanus, born 1704, died 1782; Silas, born 1710, died 1742.

Fourth Generation: Rev. Sylvanus White, second son of Rev. Ebenezer White, of Bridgehampton, L. I., was born in 1704, and went to Weymouth, Mass., in 1715, to attend a classical school. He entered Harvard College in 1719, graduating in 1723. In 1727 he assumed the pastoral charge of the Church at Southampton, L. I., which he retained for nearly fifty-five years. He died October 22, 1782. He married Phebe Howell, only daughter of Hezekiah Howell, and had nine children, viz.: Sylvanus, Edward, Hezekiah, Daniel, M. D., Silas, Phebe, Ebenezer. M. D., Ebenezer (2), Henry, M. D. Except the first Ebenezer, who died in infancy, they all lived to adult years.

Fifth Generation: Ebenezer, the seventh son of Rev. Sylvanus, after being instructed in the classics by his father, commenced the study- of medicine, as did also his brothers Daniel and Henry, availing himself of all the facilities existing in our country, at that time, for acquiring a thorough knowledge of his chosen profession. In early lite he married Helena, daughter of Theophilus Bartow, of New Rochelle, and granddaughter of Rev. John Bartow, of Westchester, and great-granddaughter of Gen. Bartow, who fled from France to England in 1685 (on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes). This marriage was a union of Puritan with Huguenot. The young couple commenced life together where they ended it, in Yorktown, \^'estchester Co., N. Y. The old homestead is still standing, and is occupied by a grandson, Josephus L. White. The Doctor soon acquired an extensive practice, and engaged in the cultivation of a large farm. Here, on what afterward became the neutral ground at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, found him, and from the first of which struggle to the end he was the zealous, uncompromising advocate of his country's

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cause. Many were the advantages and thrilling incidents he would relate to his listening grandchildren of Tory raids and persecutions, and many of the wounds received in these affrays came under his professional care and treatment. [See Dr. Thatcher's Military Journal—Boston, 1823, page 307; also Bolton, in his history of Westchester Co., Vol. II., page 384, relates one of many incidents in Dr. White's experience during the war.] He was elected to the State Senate, and afterward as Presidential elector. He was born in Southampton in 1746, and died in Yorktown in 1827, after more than half a century's successful practice of his profession. His wife survived him only a few years. Their children were: Catharine, Bartow, Ebenezer, Henry, Lewis, James and Theodosius.

Sixth Giiuration: Ebenezer, the second son of Dr. Ebenezer, of Yorktown, also made choice of the profession of medicine, as did his brothers Bartow and Henry. He was a pupil of his father, and finished his studies by attending medical lectures in the City of New York. He married Amy, daughter of the late Samuel Green, of the town of Somers, Westchester county, and located there in the house now owned and occupied by his son Samuel. After a practice of more than sixty years, he died March 18, 1865, at the advanced age of eighty-five. He was surrogate of Westchester county, and represented Dutchess county in the State Legislature. In politics he was a Republican; in religion a Presbyterian; and in theorj' and practice an ardent temperance man. He had nine children, of whom three sons adorned the profession which their father so long followed.

Scventli Generation: Bartow p., M. D., married Ann Augusta Belcher, of Round Hill, Conn., and located there; Stephen G., a merchant of Somers, died unmarried, aged twenty-three; Helen A., married James Brett, of Fishkill; Lewis H., M. D., married Helena Van-Wyck, of Fishkill; Oliver, M. D., who settled in New York, married Catharine O. Ritter; Phebe married Robert Calhoun; John P., a merchant of New York, married Margaret Bry-son; Euphemia married James W. Bedell, of Somers; Samuel married Emma Jackson, and is now living in the old homestead at Somers, Westchester county.

Dr. Lewis H. White, the father of Howell, was born in Somers, March 17, 1807. He studied at Yale College, New Haven, in after

years receiving an honorary medical degree from the University Medical College of New York. He settled in Johnsville, Dutchess county, and after several years of practice removed to Fishkill, where he resided the resided the remainder of his life. He practiced his profession in Fishkill and Johnsville for fifty-eight years, occupjing a position in his profession equalled by few and excelled by none. He was a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and for eleven years its president; also a member of the New York State Medical Society. On June 7, 1853, he married Helena, daughter of John C. and Delia Van Wyck, of Fishkill. They had three children: Howell, born June 12, 1856; Catharine, born June i, 1859, died July 16, 1862; Kate, born October 3, 1865, married Hasbrouck Bartow, of Hackensack, N. J., and now resides there. It is a noteworthy fact that Dr. Lewis H. White, his father and grandfather each practiced his profession for over half a century. Mrs. \\'hite is a daughter of Isaac E. Cotheal and his wife, Catherine E. (Rapalje), and on the maternal side is a descendant in the eighth generation from Joris Jansen de Rapalje, one of the proscribed Huguenots, from " Rochelle in France," and the common ancestor of all the American families of this name. He came to this country with other colonists in 1623, in the "Unity." a ship of the West India Company, and settled at F"ort Orange (now Albany), where he remained three years. In 1626 he removed to New Amsterdam, and resided there until after the birth of his youngest child. On June 16, 1637, he bought from the Indians a tract of land computed at 335 acres, called Rennegacouck, now included within the city of Brooklyn, and comprehending the lands occupied by the U. S. Marine Hospital. Here Mr. Rapalje finally located, and spent the remainder of his life. He was a leading citizen, acted a prominent part in the colony, and served in the magistracy of Brooklyn. He died soon after the close of the Dutch administration, his widow, Catalyntie, daughter of Joris Trico, surviving him many years. She was born in Paris, and died September 11, 1689, aged eighty-four. The original familj' record, preserved in the library of the New York Historical Society, gives the names and dates of birth of their children, as follows: Sarah, born June 9, 1625, was married (first) to Hans Hausse Bergen, and then to Tennis Gysberts

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203

Bogart; Marritie, born March ii, 1627, married Michael Vandervoort; Jannetie, born August 18, 1629, married Rem Vanderbeeck; Judith, born July 5, 1635, married Pieter Van-Nest; Jan, born August 28, 1637, married, but died in 1662 without issue; Jacob, born May

28, 1639, was killed by Indians; Catalyntie, born March 28, 1641, married Jeremias West-erhout; Jerominus, born June 27, 1643; An-netie, born February 8, 1646, was married (first) to Marten Reverse, and then to Joost Fransz; Elizabeth, born March 28, 164S, married Dirck Hooglandt; Daniel, born December

29, 1650.

Second Generation: Jerominus Rapalje became a man of some prominence, a justice of the peace, and a deacon of the Brooklyn Church. He married Anna, daughter of Tennis Denys, and had nine children born, as follows: Joris, born November 5, 1668, married July 27, 1694, Nellie, daughter of Jan Conwenhoven, died at Cripplebush, in 1697; Tennis, born May 5, 1671; Jan, born December 14, 1673; Femmetie, born October 5, 1676, married Jan Bennet; Jacob, born June 25, i679;Jerominus, born March 31, 1682; Catalina, born March 25, 1685, married Peter DeMond, of Raritan, N. J.; Sarah, born November 4, 1687, married Hans Bergen; and Cornelius, born October 21, 1690.

Tliird Generation: Jan Rapalje, son of Jerominus, married Annettie, daughter of Coert Van Voorhees, and was a farmer on a portion of the family estate in Brooklyn, which at his death in 1733 Fie left to his son George. They had three children: George C, Jeromus, and John, who married Maria Van Dyke, in 1737.

Fourth Generation: Jeromus Rapalje, son of Jan, inherited a farm at Flushing, where he died in 1754. He was twice married, and left six children: John, Richard, Stephen, Ann, Ida and Elizabeth.

Fifth Generation; John Rapalje, son of Jeromus, was born in 1722, and died at Jamaica at the age of about fifty years. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Brinckerhoff, had five children: Catherine, who married Tennis Brinkerhoff; Jeromus; Abraham Brinkerhoff, born 1761, died 1818; Aletta, who married James Debervoise; and Richard. The sons settled at Fishkill, N. V., where some of their descendants remain.

Sixth Generation: Richard Rapalje, son of John, was born on Long Island August 30,

1764, removed to Fishkill during the Revolutionary war, and died September 2, 1825. He was married three times, first on January 31,

1795, to Letty, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth \'an Wyck. She was born November 21, 1775, and died September 11, 1800. They had children: Elizabeth, born March 21,

1796, died September 13, 1796; John Van-Wyck, born August 18, 1798, died September 13, 1798; Eliza Van Wyck, born February 28, 1800, died January 17, 1801. Mr. Rapalje married December 2, 1801, for his second wife, Jane Van Wyck, a sister of his first wife. She was born March 15, 1782, and died November 23, 1806. They also had three children, viz.: William Edward, born October 11. 1802, died and was buried at sea while on his return from Europe June 2, 1833; Isaac Van Wyck, born November 8, 1804, died December 7, 1809; John Augustus, born October 6, i8o6, died same day. On September i, 1810, Mr. Rapalje married Ann, daughter of Archibald and Catharine Currie, of New York (born September 13, 1777, died January 31, i860), and they had children as follows: Jane Ann, born June 18, 1811, died July 4, 1825; Isaac Van Wyck, born March 14, 1813, died August 2, 1824; Richard, born March 16, 181 5, died December 26, 1846; Archibald Currie, born January 16, 1817, died July 28, 1831; Catharine Elizabeth, born July 8, 1819, died January 8, 1864.

Sez'enth Generation: Catharine Rapalje married October 22, 1856, Isaac E. Cotheal, born August 12, 1817, died May 8, 1884, of New York City, son of Henry and Phebe (Ber-rian Warner) Cotheal. They had three children: Elizabeth M., born February 25, 1858, the wife of our subject; Anne Rapalje, born December 13, i860, who married Charles D. Sherwood; and Catharine Elizabeth, unmarried.

The old homestead, known as "Robinia," where Mrs. White was born, contained between 500 and 600 acres, and was originally part of the Madame Brett Patent, transferred at first to the Van Wyck family, from them to the Southards, from them, in the year 1795, to Richard Rapalje (Mrs. White's grandfather), who built the present residence in 1800. At his dekth the estate came to Catharine Cotheal, his daughter; and, at the death of her husband, to Mrs. White. After her marriage to Dr. Howell White they lived there for eight years, when they sold it in 1893 to its present owner, William T. Blodgett.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

MON. AUGUSTUS B. GRAY, the able and popular representative from the Second Dutchess District in the New York Assembly, was born April 2, 1861, in New York Citj-, of New England ancestry, being a descendant of Henry Gray, one of two brothers, John and Henry, who settled at Fairfield, Conn., in 1643. Hiram B. Gray, father of our subject, was born at Fairfield, Conn.. March 22, 1801, and lived when a child at Pawling, Dutchess county, and Paterson, Putnam county. At the age of twenty-one he went to New York City and engaged in mercantile business. On December 20, 1847, he was married in Schuj'-ler county to Miss Nancy Hager, a native of that county, and of their children two are now living: John Hiram, born August 20, 1852, who is engaged in the building and real-estate business in New York City; and Augustus B., our subject. Hiram Gray, who was a strong supporter of Lincoln's administration, was burned out during the draft riot in New York City, in July, 1863, and he then went to Schuyler county, where he bought two farms whereon he remained until 1866, in that year disposing of them. In 1870 he bought the homestead now occupied by our subject on the outskirts of Poughkeepsie; he died in New York City, January 27, 1872; his wife, Nancy (Hager), still survives.

Our subject was born April 2, 1861, and spent his boyhood in New York City, attending the public schools and preparing for college. After his father's death he took up his residence at the homestead which he has managed with great ability, gaining a high reputation among farmers throughout the State.

On June 23, 1882, in Tompkins county, N. Y., he was married to Miss Mary Case, daughter of Homer Case, of Schuyler county, a gallant soldier of the 103rd N. Y. V. I., in the Civil war, who lost his life in 1862 in defense of the Union. Four children were born of this marriage: George W., January 17, 1885; Nancy Isabel, April 9, 1886; Harry Augustus, February 24, 18S8; and Homer B., Julv 10,

1893-

Mr. Gray is a Republican, and devoted to his party. He has taken a deep interest in town politics, and rendered faithful service on the board of supervisors in 1888, 1889 and 1890, his constituents showing their appreciation b}' re-electing him the third time without opposition. He succeeded in bringing in a minority report in regard to keeping the pres-

ent site of the State Armory, and gained the good vvill and support of the militar}' men and taxpayers. In 1893 he was elected to the Assembly by a plurality of 237 votes over J. W. De Peyster Toler, and has been re-elected in the years 1894, 1895 and 1896, having received increased majorities, and in 1896 having received 2,144 plurality.

In 1896 and 1S97 he served as chairman of the Committee on Banks, and has served on the Labor Committee for three years, and his support by the laboring classes shows that he always has the interest of the laborer at heart, and does all in his power to advance their cause. He has served for three years on the Committee on Agriculture, Commerce and Navigation. In fact, his entire record has proved him to be a most efficient supporter of the interests of his district.

He has served on the Republican County Committee for twelve years, and chairman of the Town Committee, and is treasurer of the Dutchess County Agricultural Societj". He is a member of Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M., and Triune Lodge No. 782, F. A. M., and Armor Lodge No. 107, K. of P.

PHILIP CLAYTON ROGERS. Among the leading citizens of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, none hold a higher place in the estimation of the public than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who comes of a long line of distinguished and worthy ancestors.

Moses Rogers (the grandfather of our subject!, born in 1750, died November 30, 1825, was one of the merchant princes of New York City. He was engaged in the West Indies' trade for many years, and was a wealthy man for those early days, being one of the fifteen merchants in the city who could afford to keep horses and carriage. He was one of the founders of Grace ("hurch, and was much devoted to Church work. He was a brother-in-law of Archibald Gracie. who was even more celebrated than himself. He was a man of extreme sagacity, and was very successful in all his enterprises. The family is of English descent, and came, probably, from Yorkshire. They are connected with President Dwight, the first president of Yale College, and by marriage with the Woolseys and Governor Fitch, first Colonial governor of Connecticut; the \'er-plancks, the Winthrops, Van Rennselaers, and

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205

Pendletons of \'irgiiiia. Moses Rogers married Sarah Woolsey, and they had four children: Benjamin Woolsey, Archibald Kogers (our subject's father); Frances married Frank Winthrop; and Julia became the wife of Samuel Hopkins, of Geneva, N. Y. Mr. Rogers died in 1S25, and his wife passed away in 1820. Archibald Ivogers, the father of our subject, was born in 1791 at Shippan Point, Stamford, Conn., where his father had his summer home. He was educated in Yale College, and in about 1816 took a trip abroad at the suggestion of his father, whose favorite son he was, in company with Tom Moore, nephew of Bishop Moore, of Virginia. He spent three years in traveling, and among other places visited the held of Waterloo, where he secured some interesting relics. He was married in 1S21 to Miss Anna Pierce Pendleton, only daughter of Judge Nathaniel Pendleton, of New York City, who was (Ml the bench before Judge Emmott. To this union eight children were born, and the following record of seven is given: (1) Nathaniel Pendleton, who was born .April 29, 1822, was for many years a prominent lawyer in New York, and was associated with Alexander Hamilton, a grandson of the famous Alexander Hamilton of history, and Francis Reeves, son of Francis Reeves, minister to France, the firm name being Hamilton, Rogers & Reeves. In his later years he lived at " Placentia," Hyde Park, until his death, which occurred at his town residence in New York City, April 22, 1892. (2) Julian, born February 12, 1824, died when six months old. (3) Edmond Pendleton, born in 1827, father of Col. Arch'd Rogers, of Gov. Morton's staff, and died at Hyde Park, February 9, 1895, married "Virginia Dummer, of Jersey City, in 1850. (4) Archibald, born August 10, 1825, died March 21, 1831. (5) Philip Clayton, our subject, was born August 13, I 829 (he was named after Major Phil Clayton, of the Catalpas, of whom he was a lineal descendant, who settled in Culpeper county, Va., in 1643). (6) Archibald (2), born November 12, 1832, died in New York City, December 20, 1836. (7) Susan Bard, born November 4, 1834, married Herman T. Livingston, only son of Herman Livingston, of Oake Hill, opposite Catskill, and lives in New York. Anna P. Rogers, their mother, died at Hyde Park, December 26, 1873, in the eighty-seventh year of her age. After his marriage our subject's father passed the remainder of his life in the (juiet pursuits of a country gen-

tleman. He was a great hunter and lisher-man, and enjoyed these sports to their full extent. He was a man of great generosity of character, and was universally esteemed.

The Pendletons, ancestors of our subject's mother, were of an old English family (the name is mentioned in I'ving Edward's time, " Penniltonns"), members of which came to this country and settled in Virginia in 1628. Edmund Pendleton was the first president of the Virginia State Assembly, and was a close friend of General Washington and Patrick Henry. He was one of the most distinguished of the Pendletons. He lived in Culpeper county, Va. Martha Washington was a Dan-dridge, and the Pendletons and Dandridges are closely connected. Judge Nathaniel Pendleton became a soldier in the Revolutionary war when only eighteen years old, and by his bravery rose to the rank of major. He distinguished himself greatly at the battle of Eutaw Springs, serving at that time on the staff of General Nathaniel Greene; the General's pistols are still in the family. After leaving the army he married Susan, a daughter of Dr. John Bard, of I]urlington, N. J. The Bard family is of good old Huguenot stock, and came to this country after the Edict of Nantes. Dr. John Bard was a distinguished physician of Burlington, N. J., son of Gen. Peter Bard, of the Revolutionary army, afterward settling in New York City, where he lived a number of years. He died at Hyde Park, where he resided the latter part of his life. His epitaph reads: " The longer he lived the more he was beloved."

Judge Pendleton was the second to Gen. Hamilton in the latter's famous duel with Aaron Burr at Weehawken, in 1804. He was a noted lawyer of his day in New York City, and at the time of his death was ajudge in the court at Poughkeepsie. He bought a place at Hyde Park which he named "Placentia," meaning " Rest," where he died in i82r, in his sixty-first year. His eldest son, Edmund Henry, who eventually filled his father's place at the bar in Poughkeepsie, and was judge from 1830 to 1840, married Frances Maria Jones, of Jones Wood, N.Y.; he went to Europe in 1836, and spent the balance of his life between Hyde Park and New York City. He died in 1863 without issue, his large property being left to his only sister's eldest son, Nathaniel P. Rogers.

Nathaniel Greene Pendleton went to Cin-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cinnati, when a young man, and practiced law, becoming very successful and being twice sent to Congress. His first wife was Jane Hunt, a daughter of Gov. Hunt, of Ohio, and his second, Miss Anna Bullock, of Kentucky. He left a large family—his most distinguished son being George Pendleton,of Ohio, who wassent twice to Congress, was a U. S. Senator from that State, was minister to Berlin, and was a candidate for Vice-President on the ticket with Gen. George B. McClellan, in 1864. He married Alice Key, daughter of Francis Scott Key, the American poet (who was born in 1780, and died in 1843), author of the "Star Spangled Banner." James M. Pendleton, M. D., married Margaret Jones, a member of one of the prominent families of New York City; he was a distinguished physician, and having a large fortune spent much of his time in practicing among the poor people of the city, never accepting any money for his services.

Philip Clayton Rogers, the subject proper of this review, was educated in his younger days in the celebrated school of Dr. Huddart, in New York City. In 1840 he entered Columbia College, where he remained until 1845, leaving in the junior year to take a position in the counting-room of Robert K.ermit, of the old Red Star Line. In 1853 he was appointed secretary of the Second Avenue Railroad Co., filling that office for three years. At this time a change took place in the management, and Mr. Rogers removed to Hjde Park. In 1859 he took a trip to China, going out as a passenger and coming back "before the mast," having a strong wish to see strange climes and people. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in the famous New York Seventh Regiment (Old 8th Company, Capt. Shumway), and went to Washington, returning in June of that year in company with his brother, Edmund P. Rogers, to whom he was devotedly attached. The following August he was made second lieutenant in the 55th N. Y. \'., and this regiment, ne.xt year after, being consolidated with another, he was made first lieutenant of Company H, 39th Regiment. He was soon promoted to the captaincy, and was appointed aid-de-camp in the First Brigade, First Division, of the Second Army Corps. In the second day's fight at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, he was taken prisoner and carried to Macon, Ga., whence he was sent to the jail at Charleston. On his way

there, he in company with eighty other officers who were prisoners jumped from the cars at Pocataligo Station, and made a bold dash for freedom, but were hunted down by hounds, only one succeeding in escaping. He was afterward e.xchanged by special order of Gen. Foster, and was sent back to New York on board the steamer "Arago," in August, 1864. In October he resumed his duties on the staff of the First Battalion, First Division, Second Corps, remaining at his post until F"ebruar3' 20, 1865, when worn out by the hard life of a soldier he took an honorable discharge. He wears a bronze cross of the 7th Regiment, N. Y. S. \'., which was given him for long and faithful service, and is among his choicest treasures.

In 1865 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Julia Kavanagh, of New Rochelle, a descendant of the Kavanaghs of Ireland, a very old family. To this union four children have been born: Philip Clayton, Jr., Juliana, \'irginia and James M. The latter, who was a favorite child of his father, was killed when seven years old by the discharge of a gun in the hands of a playmate.

Capt. Rogers has seen many stirring events in the course of his long and eventful life, and bore an active part in one of the strangest and bloodiest wars in history, when brother was arrayed against brother and State against State. He lived to see a re-united country, more prosperous and happy than ever before, and with most brilliant prospects for still greater power and glory in che future. He is now passing the evening of his life in peaceful retirement, happy in his family and friends and with the consciousness of having done his part well in whatever he has engaged.

OBEKT KIDER THOMPSON (de-X ceased), at one time a prominent citizen of Smithfield, widely and favorably known, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Stanford, December 14, 1814. His grandfather, Elias Thompson, was also a resident of the county, where the birth of his father, James Thompson, occurred. The latter served his apprenticeship to the hatter's trade, but never followed that business, devoting his time principally to agricultural pursuits in the town of Stanford, where he died at the age of seventy-six years. His political support was given the Democratic party. He was married

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207

to Rebecca Rider, daughter of Robert Rider, and to them were born nine children: Eme-hne, Robert R., Hannah, Jane, David, Mehs-sa, Edwin, EHas M. and Henrj- P., all of whom are deceased except David and Elias M.

After attending the district schools for a time, our subject entered the Nine Partners Boarding School, but finished his education in the Amenia Seminarj', after which he aided in the work of the home farm during the summer season, while the winter months were devoted to school teaching until his marriage. That important event of his life was celebrated in I 841, Catherine Sanford becoming his wife. After a long and happ}' married life of over half a century she was called to her final rest in

1893-

Fourchildren blessed their union, as follows: (i) Ellen C. is the wife of William J. Clanney, of Amenia, by whom she has five children— Grace, George, Robert, William and Clarence. (2) George married Nellie Le Roy; he died in 1895, leaving no children. (3) John R., a leading resident of Amenia, is the superintendent of the water works at that place and at Pine Plains and ^^"assaic. In 1877 he married Mary F. Bertine, and the}' have three children —Kate, John R., Jr., and Anna Frances. (4) Edward B. was born at Smithfield, November 8, 1S62, and there spent his boyhood, later attending the Amenia Seminary. At the early age of ten years he took quite a fancy to ducks, which he engaged in raising for a few years, and then turned his attention to Plymouth Rock chickens, paying $8 for his first setting He then began dealing in fancy fowls and now makes two shipments a

of eggs and eg

week. He has successfully exhibited his fowls in New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia, and has won many premiums. Socially, he is connected with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., of which he has twice served as master, is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Smithfield Presbyterian Church. At New-burg, Orange Co., N. Y., in February, i8qi, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ada Smith, daughter of Rev. W. E. Smith, and has two children—Edward \'alentine, born in 1S92, and Walter Carlyle, born in 1893.

After his marriage, Robert R. Thompson located at Smithfield, where he made his home, and for forty years was successfully engaged in the fire, life and accident insurance business. For twenty-five j-ears he also served as postmaster of Smithfield, and was school inspect-

or. He cast his ballot in support of the principles advocated by the Democratic party, and affiliated with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M. He was a pleasant, genial gentleman, winning man}- friends, and faithfully discharged every duty that devolved upon him. He passed away at his home December 26, 1896, at the ripe age of eighty-two years and ten days, in full possession of his business faculties to the verv last.

ILTON H. ANGELL, M. U., one of the JXJL, leading physicians of Dutchess county, is established in Salt Point, where he follows a career of usefulness, having thoroughly fitted himself for the duties of a most responsible position. He gives his entire attention to his chosen profession, with most satisfactory results to himself and patrons.

Ephraim Angell, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Rhode Island, of English origin, and after his marriage with Mary Thorne he located in Columbia county, N. Y. Their family included nine children, namely: Augustus carried on farming in Columbia county; Joseph died in early manhood; Stephen is the father of our subject; Henry (deceased) was in early life a farmer, but later became a coal dealer in Chicago; William carries on agricultural pursuits in Columbia county; Ephraim is engaged in the same occupation in that county; Sarah is the wife of Elisha Clark, a farmer of Columbia county; Martha first wedded Ashley Niles, a merchant of that county, and after his death became the wife of Nodiah Hill, a very learned man; and Emma (deceased) married Dr. William Vail (now deceased), who was engaged in the practice of medicine in New Hampshire. The father of this family followed farming exclusively in Columbia county until his death.

Stephen T. Angell, the father of our subject, was a native of the village of Spencer-town, Columbia county, where he grew to manhood. He married Hannah E. Ham, who was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and is a daughter of George Ham, an agriculturist. They began their domestic life upon a farm near Salt Point, in Pleasant Valley town, where their five children were born as follows: Evelyn; George H., a merchant of Wappingers Falls, N. Y.; Augustus, a physician and oculist, of Hartford, Conn.; J. Thorne,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

engaged in railroad business in Pine Plains, Dutchess county; and Milton, the subject of this review. Besides general farming the father was successfully engaged in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep. For many years he served as justice of the peace, was ever identified with the Republican party, and a man of most estimable character. His death occurred in October, 1S89, his faithful wife still surviving.

On the family homestead at Salt Point, Milton H. Angell was born October 8, 1856, and under the parental roof spent his boyhood, during which period he attended the district schools. Later he entered the Military Academy at Poughkeepsie, and for three years pursued his studies at De Garmo Institute, Rhine-beck, N. Y., after which he taught school for one year. He then began the study of medicine, taking a course of lectures at the New York Homeopathic Medical College, where he was graduated with the class of '82. Shortly afterward, the Doctor located at Wappingers Falls, where he engaged in practice for a year and a half. Then he removed to Stanfordville, Dutchess county, where he followed his chosen profession for six years, and in 1890 succeeded his brother. Dr. Augustus, at Salt Point, where he enjoys a large and lucrative practice.

On October 13, 1886, Dr. Milton H. Angell was married to Miss Frances McKay, a daughter of Robert McKay, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., who is now living retired; he is of Scotch descent, and a son of Samuel McKay, a prominent hatter and furrier. Two children have been born to the Doctor and his wife: Evelyn and Milton. Dr. Angell stands high in the ranks of the medical fraternity of Dutchess county; politically, he is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party.

WILLIAM HENRY TABER. One of the first grants of land in the far-famed

Oblong Valley, in Dutchess county, was made by King George III. in 1760, conveying the title of 500 acres to Thomas Taber, the greatgrandfather of the subject of this sketch. He came from New Bedford, Mass., where he was born in 1732, and in 1760 made his home upon this estate, which has ever since been in the possession of the family.

His son, Jeremiah Taber, our subject's grandfather, was born there in 1762, and like

his father was a farmer by occupation. He was prominent in local affairs, also in the Society of Friends at Quaker Hill, and being a man of unusual sagacity he was greatly respected throughout the locality. He lived until 1834, and his wife, Dillalah Russell, daughter of Elihu Russell, departed this life in 1852. They had six children: (i) Eliza, who married Joseph Carpenter, a native of Harrison township, Westchester Co., N. Y., a farmer, and they had three children—Harriet A., married to Daniel Griffin; Mary T., wife of Joseph Parks, of the firm of Parks & Tilford (they had two sons—George and Herbert—in business with their father), and Arthur, now deceased. (2) Russell, who succeeded to his mother's homestead, and lived there during his life, married Deborah Hoag, and had four children— Mary H., who married Alfred Wing, brother of Ebby P. Wing; Eliza, who died when young; Ann, unmarried, and John, who wedded Delia Ross. (3) Thomas, a farmer, settled in Broome county, N. Y., where he left descendants; he married Mary (jilbert, and had four children—Amelia, who married Morton Crane, of Putnam county; Gilbert, who first married Amanda Tripp, and had one daughter, Hattie (now Mrs. Birdsell); Delilah, who married \\'arren Merchant, and Jeremiah, who lives in Delaware county. (4) William, our subject's father. (5) Harriet, who married Jonathan Akin, and with her husband was greatly esteemed in the Society of Friends, as well as in the community at large. (6) John, who died at the age of sixteen.

William Taber, who was born December 10, 1796, inherited 260 acres of the old farm, by buying out the other heirs. He was a successful farmer, a Quaker in religion and an exemplary citizen, noted for his unfailing kindness to the unfortunate. Although he never took an active part in politics, he was a stanch Democrat in principle. He married Eliza, daughter of Abial Sherman, a leading resident of the southern part of the town of Pawling. She died February 5, 1841, and he survived her until 1863, when he breathed his last at the old homestead. Of their three children, one died February 4, 1846, at the age of six years. Walter F. Taber, the youngest of the two surviving sons, is a well-known resident of Poughkeepsie.

W'illiam Henry Taber, the eldest son, was born May 4, 1825, and has spent the greater part of his life on the old estate. After finish-

■^fe***

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

209

ing the course of study afforded in the district school of the neighborhood, he attended the Jacob Wiliets select school for some time, and then studied one winter in Poughkeepsie, with Prof. Hyatt. He received a fair education for the times, which his naturally active mind has enabled him to enlarge by reading and observation. He remained at home until his marriage in 1852 to Miss Catherine Flagler, daughter of Benjamin F. Flagler, a prominent citizen of Beekman, when he settled upon a farm belonging to an aunt of his wife, conducting same for two years. In 1854 he bought J. J. \ande-burg's interest in a general store at Pawling, and gave his whole attention to the business. In the following year Mr. Merritt sold his interest in the same store, to Walter F. Taber, and the two brothers continued ;n partnership until 1863, when our subject moved to the old homestead, buying up all other claims upon it. Here he has carried on general farming, and has also engaged in other lines of business, dealing extensively in li\e-stock, in the slaughter of cattle, and in the sale of meat at retail. His purchases of Western cattle to supply the local demand for milk cows have been large and profitable—in fact, his enterprises have been uniformly successful. He was an incorporator and one of the original trustees of the Pawling Savings B.ank, has been for many years its vice-president, and for more than twenty years has been an inspector of the National Bank of Pawling.

Mr. Taber's first wife died on September 26, 1855, leaving two daughters: Eliza, the wife of William H. Osborne, of Pawling; and Amelia, who married Edwin R. Ferris, of Jersey Heights. In 1858, for his second wife, Mr. Taber wedded Elizabeth Thomas, daughter of Charles Thomas, a well-known resident of the town of Dover, and three children were born to them: George A.; Nellie, wife of Stephen Moore; and Charles W., who resides at Gaylords Bridge. The mother of this family died April 6, 1874, and Mr. Taber formed a third matrimonial union January 10, 1888, with Miss Louise Frost, daughter of ,\lva Frost. They have had twosons: William Henry, Jr., and Sherman, both at present attending school.

Mr. Taber is an influential worker in the Democratic party, and served as supervisor and justice of the peace in 1854. He is active in local affairs also, and has been assessor for nineteen years, during which time he has revised the entire assessment list.

14

HENRY D. WHITE. M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Hopewell Junction, Dutchess county, belongs to a family that has had several able representatives in the medical profession. His great-grandfather, Ebenezer \\'hite, was an eminent practitioner of Westchester county, N. Y., where his entire life was passed. The White family is of old English stock, and was founded in this country during the early period of its settlement. In religious belief they have been principally members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

His grandfather. Dr. Bartow F. White, was a native of Westchester county, N. Y., but engaged in the practice of medicine in Connecticut. In politics he was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. He married Ann Augusta Belcher, a native of Round-hill, Conn., and a daughter of Elisha Belcher, M. D., who served with distinction during the Revolutionary war, and whose ring, worn by him at that time, is now on the finger of the Doctor. Four children were born to the grandparents: Stephen; Alethea, who married Dr. Henry A. Weeks, of New York City (and whose son, Bartow F., was assistant district attorney of that city); and William and Elisha, deceased.

Stephen White was born at Roundhill, Conn., was reared to manhood in New York City, and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits e.xclusively, both in that city and in Brooklyn, but is now living retired. He was united in marriage with Caroline Elizabeth De la Pierre, whose birth occurred in New York City. Her father was a native of Holland, but of French-Huguenot parentage. The Doctor is the third in order of birth in a family of three children, his sisters being Alethea A., and Caroline De la Pierre, who died at the age of six years. His parents are highly-esteemed people, members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and his father is an adherent of Democratic principles, always supporting that party.

Dr. White was born at Brooklyn, February 8, 1866, there received his primary education in a private school, and later attended the Polytechnic Institute. After the completion of his literary course he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York City, where he graduated with the class of 1887. after which for one year he was house physician of St. John's Hospital of Brooklyn,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thus gaining much valuable practical experience. He located at Hopewell Junction in 1896, and from the present outlook will soon be at the head of a large and lucrative practice. He has that love for his profession which is sure to win success, and his skill cannot fail to be recognized. Like his ancestors, the Doctor is also an ardent Democrat, and socially holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum, both in New Jersey lodges; also in the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the Revolution. Professionally, he is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society.

DAVID COLE (deceased) was one of the most genial and whole-souled men of Dutchess county. He had accumulated a good property by his own thrift and industry, owning at the time of his death the property in the town of Red Hook, known as the William Waldorf farm, which contains sixty-nine acres of rich and fertile land. His tastes always inclined him to agricultural pursuits, and that industry found in him a most able representative. He was a son of David Cole, a leading farmer of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county.

In 1846 our subject was married to Miss Catherine Lewis, who was born in Woodstock, Ulster Co., N. Y., in 1825, and educated in the common schools of that place. To this worthy couple were born six children, (i) James Lewis was born in the town of Red Hook, and when eighteen years of age enlisted in the Union army at Albany, N. Y., becoming a member of the United States Cavalry. In an engagement he was taken prisoner by the Rebels, and while confined in one of those loathsome Southern prisons contracted the measles, from which he died when in the nineteenth )'ear of his age. (2) Prudence is the next in order of birth. 13I Alida married Alfred Henion, and had four children—Jennie Louise, born March 24, 1872; Philip Hiram, born November 9, 1874; Watson Lewis, born January 9, 1879, and died in infancy; and Ethel Catherine, born August 21, 1888. (4) Luella is the fourth in the family. (51 Elizabeth died in infancy. (6) Philip Henry was also born in the town of Red Hook. He became a student in Union College at Schenectady, N. Y., and also attended the New York College for one year. He then became pro-

fessor in the former institution, which position he held until 1895, at the same time being pastor of the Second Reformed Church at Schenectady. He has been quite an extensive traveler, having visited Europe several times. He married Miss Anna Furbeck, of Schenectady, and they have two children: Edward Martin, born August 30, 1892, and Lewis Furbeck, born June 6, 1893.

Garrett Lewis, the father of Mrs. Cole, was a native of Woodstock. Ulster county, and during his boyhood and youth attended the public schools of the locality. He followed farming as a lifework. He was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Ewyrie, of the same place, and they became the parents of ten children, as follows: Bowen remained single; William H. married Nellie Kipp; John married Eliza Smith: Christopher married Sophia Homer; Marie married .Andrew Wol-vern: Nellie married John Whittaker; Leah married Peter John; Philip died in childhood; Matthew died in infancy; and Catherme (widow of David Cole, of this review) completes the family.

CARPENTER FAMILY. Tradition, Parish and Church records, and other information quite conclusive, tell us that the first of the Carpenters, of whom this sketch relates, was a German of the name of (I) Gotlieb Zimmerman, who about the year i 500 emigrated from Prussia to England, where he angliced his name to Caleb Carpenter. William and

(II) Richard Carpenter are supposed to have been his immediate descendants, and the only children of their parents to attain to man's estate, (II) Richard being the only one of the two who left issue. William was engaged extensively in ship chandlery, and later in the shipping business, chiefly with the West Indies, and when he died in 1700 at the age of ninety-seven years, he left an estate said to have been valued at three million pounds sterling, devised by will (bearing date 1684:1 to his legal heirs, who are supposed to have been his nephews

(III) Ephraim and Timothy Carpenter, then residing in America; and Josiah and Phebe Carpenter (both then residing in Wales), children of (III) Ephraim Carpenter, only son of (II) Richard Carpenter.

(Ill) Ephraim Carpenter had issue: Ephraim, (IV) Timothy, Josiah, and Phebe, who died in Wales; the other three emigrated to

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

211

America about the year 1678; but Josiah returned to Wales a few years afterward, and died there. Ephraim and (I\') Timothy purchased a large tract of land of the Indians on Long Island, in the then Province of New York, embracing a large portion, if not all, of the town of Hempstead, and settled thereon at or near what is now known as Jerusalem.

(I\'i Timothy Carpenter was born in England December 19, 1665. About 1688 he married Mercy Coles, of Oyster Bay, Long Island, and a short time thereafter they moved to Westchester county. Their family consisted of the following children: John, born June 13, 1690; Hulda, August 29, 1692; Jeptha, December 18. 1693; i\') Benjamin. March 25, 1696; and Timothy, Jr., April 1, 1698.

(V) Benjamin Carpenter was born in Westchester county, N. Y., March 25, 1696. and for his first wife married. October 30. 1718.

Dinah . who was born March 19, 1698.

Children as follows were born to them: Eliza, September 12, 1719; Elijah, December 23, 1722; Ezra, May 6, 1726; Luther, August 16, 1730; Sarah, July 11, 1734, and (VI) Caleb, September 25, 1736. After the death of his lirst wife, November 3. 1758, (\') Benjamin

married Lydia . born August 4. 1712.

died November 25. 1778. (V) Benjamin died March 26. 1778 or 1779.

(VI) Caleb Carpenter was born September 25, 1736, in Westchester county, N. Y.

For his first wife he married Amy , who

was born November 25, 1738, and children as follows were born to them; Sebe, born July 4, 1760; Benjamin, April i, 1762; Mary, June 26, 1767; Lydia, August 4, 1769, died August -7. 1796; fVII) John, October 20, i77i;Zeno, December 8, 1773, died February 8, 1795; Ruth, January 24, 1776, and Caleb, October 24, 1778, died December 3, 1814. The mother of these died January 18, 1795, and for his second wife iVI) Caleb married Zip-porah Kip, who died February 12, 1818, aged sixty-nine years. (\T) Caleb died December 20, 1826.

(VIIj John Carpenter was born at White Plains. Westchester county. October 20, 1771. and died October 10. 1828. He was married February 16. 1799, to Amy Green, who was born January 7, 1781, daughter of Isaiah and Elizabeth Green, and children as follows were born to them: Leonard, November 8, 1799; (VIII) Emory, March 5, 1801; William G., October 24, 1802; Jacob, November 24, 1804;

Caleb, February 5, 1807, and John G.. in November. 1812. The father of these followed farming exclusivel}', and he and his wife were members of the Hicksite Quakers Society. He died 10th 9th Mo., 1828, she on 8th 7th Mo., 1851, aged seventy years, six months, one day.

(VIII) Emory Carpenter was born March 5, 1801, in Westchester county, where he lived until he was sixteen years old, and then came to the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, later removmg to Ulster county. In that county, at New Paltz, by Rev. Bogardus, October 22, 1825, he was married to Jane Ann Du Bois, who was born April 15. 1806, in Plattekill, Ulster county, daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Coopen Du Bois. of Ulster county, whose children were: Jane Ann, Hannah, Martha, Rachel, Josiah C. and Elias M. Joseph Du Bois was a lifelong farmer. Peter Du Bois, son of Jacques, who was the Huguenot who emigrated to America in the year 1674, was the great-great-great-grandfather of William J. and J. Du Bois Carpenter, both of Poughkeepsie. His descendant, Elias Du Bois. married Elizabeth Tompkins. Soon after their marriage (VIII) Emory Carpenter and his wife located on a farm near Poughkeepsie, later removing to New York for a time. They had the following children: Edmund, born June 29, 1826, died September 10, 1827; Caleb, August 25, 1827, died August 5, 1828; (IX) William J., December 10, 1828; Amy J., May 8, 1831; (IX) J. Du Bois, March 14, 1833; Harriet N., November 13, 1834; George E., May 13, 1836; Elias Du Bois, December 11, 1837; and Jacob G., August 2, 1843. Of these, William J. lives a retired life in Poughkeepsie; Amy J. married Capt. Smith, who is deceased: Harriet N. became the wife of Nathan Williams, of Ulster county; George E. is a clerk with his brother, J. Du Bois; Elias D. is captain of a steamer on the Hudson; and Jacob G. has been connected with the Brooklyn Kn^o^lf for twenty-three years. After leaving the farm near Poughkeepsie, the parents moved to another in the town of Lagrange, where the father died August 17, 1844; politically, he was a Democrat, in religious faith a Hicksite Ouaker. The mother, for her second husband, married Sel-leck Carpenter, August, 1856. She died June 10, 1891.

(IX) Josiah Du Bois Carpenter, one of the leading and oldest grocers of Poughkeepsie, was born at New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. V..

COHMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBTCAL RECORD.

March 14. 1833. When one year old he was taken to Poughkeepsie, where he attended the district schools until fourteen years of age, and then studied with his uncle. Josiah C. Du Bois, after whom he was named. Mr. Carpenter entered a general store at Highland conducted by his uncle Josiah C. Du Bois, where he stayed for five years; then returned to Poughkeepsie and clerked in a dry-goods store for John W. Miller one year; then clerked for Cornwall & Heath for the same length of time. Subsequently he engaged in the grocery business with his brother. William J., which he continued from 1854 until 1S61, when he left the grocery business for freighting; but in 1863 he resumed the grocery trade. On May 28, 1857, Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Elizabeth K. Southwick, who was born .August 25, 1835, in Napanoch, Ulster Co., N. V.. daughter of .^dna H. Southwick. The following children were the result of this union: Stella B., born April 10, 1858; Alice M.. born December 31, 1863; Mary A., born January 28, 1866; died March 16, 1S66; Lydia S., born October 10, 1867; and Du Bois, born March 22, 1873. Of these. Alice M. was married April 2, 18S6, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to Clinton D. Park-hill, son of Mortimer and Eleanor (Shultz) Parkhill, of Canisteo, N. Y., and children as follows have been born to them: Clinton D., Jr., born August 2, 1887; J. Du Bois, born May 24, 1892, died September 28, 1892; Mortimer" S.. born December 10, 1S94; and Reynolds S., born February 13, 1896, died July 17, 1896.

(IX) Josiah Du Bois Carpenter is a Republican in politics, a member of the Royal Arcanum, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Church. He has always taken an active interest in all public matters pertaining to the welfare of Poughkeepsie; was first president (for two years) of the Merchants .Association, and has served on several committees for the improvement of the city. His place of business is on the corner of Main and Academy streets, opposite the ■• Morgan House."

Gi:ORGE K. TABER. a leading agriculturist of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, and a director of the Pawling National Bank, is a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of that vicinity. His ancestors were originally from England. Thomas Taber, great-grandfather of our

subject, was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1732, came to Dutchess count}' in 1760. and bought a farm at Quaker Hill, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was a Quaker in religion, and most of his descendants adhered to the same faith. His death occurred September 18, 1783, when he was aged fifty years; his wife, Anne Theresa Taber, was born in 1734, and died August 29, 1805, at the age of seventy-one years. They had eleven children, whose names, with dates of birth and death, are as follows: Hannah 1 wife of Edmond Ferris). November 12, 1753 — December 4. 1777; Salome, June 11, 1755 —1766; Nathaniel (son), April 26, 1757; Meribah, March 23. 1759—June 4. 1850; William. November 6. 1760—November 3. 1836: Jeremiah, August 26, 1762—May 8, 1S34; .Anne Therese, April

■1789:

August 29,

2, 1766—1856; Ruth. -April i. 1768 Salome ( wife of Charles Hurd

1771 —1827: Almy. .August 28, 1773; Mary, November 18. 1775—May27, 1852. Of these. William, grandfather of our subject, married Martha Akin, who was born March i, 1761, and children as follows came to this union, names and dates of birth being given: Isaac,October II, 1782; Hannah, November 25, 1783; Thomas, May 19, 1785; George P., June 25, 1787; Phebe, January 13, 1790; Sybilla, June 27, 1791; Abigail, December 21, 1793: Jonathan Akin, March 7, 1797: and .Ann. P'ebruary I 5. '799- Of these, Thomas married. February 2, 1820, Phebe Titus, daughter of Stephen Titus and his wife Elizabeth *"Holmes), and their children were: Stephen, born March 7, 1821, and Samuel Titus. .April 13, 1824, died at Roslyn, Long Island, t'ebruary 4, 1871. The father of these died March 21, 1862, at Roslyn. Long Island, the mother on August 13, 1824, at Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess Co.. New York.

Stephen Taber, son of Thoma.s and Phebe

Titus Taber, married Rosetta M. Townsend May 27, 1845, ^n^ their children were: Samuel T., who was lost at sea in October. 1865: William T., married to Sarah Canton: Adelaide, married to Walter R. Willets (their children— Rosetta. Elsie. Gertrude and Edna ; Gertrude, married to Benjamin Kirk: and Thomas T.. married to Katharine Brooks (have one son—William T.). The father of these died in New York City April 23. 1886. the mother on March 4, 1883.

Samuel Titus Taber married Katherine C. Hiller, September 2. 1845, and they moved

...."***

^^ '^J^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

213

from Dutchess county to Long Island, in 1856. Their children are two in number: (i) Martha Elizabeth, born July 2, 1846, married William H. Willets, September 12, i<S67 (their daughter, Katherine Taber Willets, born October 10, 1868, married Alfred A. Gardner, August 22, 1892; they have one son, born November S, 1896); and (2) Sarah Phebe, born November 4, 1847, married William Willets in 1869 (their children are: Samuel Taber Willets, born October 15, 1872; Stephen Taber Willets, born August i, 1878; and Robert Henry Willets, born June 24, 1881).

William Taber, grandfather of our subject, became a man of distinction and note. He was a Democrat in politics, was one of the judges of sessions in Dutchess county, and in 1790 was a member of the State Assembly, his strong, upright character and aggressive disposition giving him great influence with all classes. He was an extensive land holder, owning about one thousand acres which he divided among his sons. He married Martha Akin (daughter of Jonathan and Lillias (Ferris) Akin), who died January 3, 1847, in her eighty-si.xth year. Of their nine children, the eldest, Hannah, married (first) Mr. Pierson, and (second) Daniel I^umsey; she left a son, William T., who married (in 1842) Caroline Field, and settled at Fairfax Court House, Va., where he and his family still live. (2) Thomas married Phcebe Titus, of Hempstead, L. I., and they lived at Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess county, until, about 1856, the family moved to I'ioslyn, L. I. They had two sons: Stephen (who went to Congress from there, serving two terms—1864 and 1866) and Samuel T. Thomas lived at Chestnut Ridge, and took a prominent part in the political movements of his time, serving as a member of the Twentieth Congress. (3) George P. married Helen Akin, and had three children: William (who died F"ebruary 16, 1859), Oliver (who died September 17, 1878), and Philip (the only one now (1897) living). George P. died in February, 1870, in his eighty-third year, and of his three children, above named, William married Helen Kirby. Oliver married Eliza Irwin, of East Albany, and Philip is a bachelor residing on the homestead; William and Oliver both died without issue. (4) Sybil married John Pierce, and had one son— George T. Pierce. (5) Abigail married Cyrus Tweedy. (6) Phiebe married Thomas Sweet.

(7) Ann married Chesterfield King, and had two children—William T. and Helen.

Jonathan Aiken Taber, our subject's father, was born in 1797, ^nd with his two brothers inherited the homestead, his share being 260 acres, to which he afterward added until he owned more than 600 acres. His life was passed in agricultural pursuits, and he did not take a prominent part in politics; but he was always interested in public questions, and took a decided stand against slavery, becoming a Republican in his later years. He was one of the most substantial and public-spirited men of his town, and he and his cousin, Jonathan Akin, were among the prime movers in the construction of the Harlem railroad, to which he gave much time and energy. Like his father and a majority of the family, he was a lifelong supporter of the Society of P"riends. His first wife, Hannah Kirby, daughter of George Kirby, died December 25, 1832, leaving two children, of whom our subject is the elder. The other, Martha Ann, married William H. Akin, and had two children: Albro and Amy. His second wife was Abigail Ayers, by whom he had five children: Hannah, who married Edward Wanzer, and has one daughter, Margaret; William T., who married Emma L. Crawford, and has one child, Frederick C, who has been bookkeeper in the National Bank of Pawling some twenty years; James Ayers, who married Virginia Houghton, and has three children—William, James Akin and Gertrude; Mary, who died at sixteen years of age; Abbie, who died in 1880, aged thirty-two years. The father of this family died in 1868, and his second wife survived him until 1889.

George K. Taber, the subject proper of this sketch, was born P''ebruary 5, 1822, at the old homestead about two miles below the village of Pawling. He received a common-school education, which was supplemented with a three-seasons' course at Dutchess County Academy, Poughkeepsie, where he graduated when about twenty-one years old. He has been engaged in farming all his life, and for twenty-four years lived on the Ravincwood farm, about three miles southeast of the village. In 1869 he bought his present property, and built the house in which he now resides. As a business man he is successful, and he is one of the most influential men of the locality. In October, 1845, he married Charlotte l^~ield, who was born January 16, 1826, in the town of Pawling, only child of Comfort Field, and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

granddaughter of Gilbert Field. The family is one of the oldest in this region, and her ancestors were early settlers at North Salem, Westchester county, where the old homestead is still in the possession of lineal descendants. Of the five children of this union, two are living : Gilbert Field, the eldest child and only son, born September, 1846, died August, 1889. He married Mary B. Allen, and had three daughters—Hattie A., Hannah and Mary, all yet living; he was a farmer and cattle raiser, importing the first Red-Polled cattle ever brought to this country. Hannah K. died at the age of twenty. Martha A. and Alicia are at home. Lottie died in 1880, at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Taber are Baptists in faith, and have always taken great interest in the work of the Church, and in all measures for the public welfare. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but of late years he has affiliated with the Prohibition party, taking a strong stand in the cause of temperance. His father was one of the first to prohibit the use of stimulants in the harvest field and on other occasions, as the custom then was.

E^UGENE S. CRAFT, one of the most 4 straightforward and energetic business

men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, spent the first ten years of his life in Port Chester, Westchester Co., N. Y., where his birth took place February 14, 1867. He is a son of John W. and Phcebe 1 Merritt) Craft, who were married in that city; but when he was only three years of age his mother died, leaving eight children, namely: Graham, Earls, Phttbe, John, Manford, Eouis, Eugene Sloat and Washington. The father, who was a native of Putnam county, X. \'., became a highly-educated man, and for seven years followed the profession of teaching. By trade he was a stone mason, and while following contracting in that line was employed as overseer on the masonry of the West Shore railroad passing through Newburgh, N. Y., where he is now engaged in the grocery business. For his second wife he married Eliza Terwilliger. In the public schools Eugene S. Craft obtained his education, and was ten years of age on going to Newburgh, where he remained eight years. On the expiration of that time he came to Poughkeepsie, first being in the employ of Mr. Griggs, at the "Morgan House,"

where he remained some three years. He next entered his father's grocery store as clerk, and two years later the business was sold to S. J. Kelder, for whom he also worked two years. In 1892 he entered into partnership with J. G. Bloomer, under the firm name of E. S. Craft, but at the end of six months he purchased his partner's interest. In January, 1894, he bought his present store at No. 466 Main street, from Mr. Bloomer, and admitted that gentleman to a partnership in the store at No. 521. Nine months later he sold his interest in the latter establishment to his partner, retaining the store at No. 466, of which he is sole proprietor. He has been quite successful in his business ventures, and now receives a liberal patronage.

While a resident of Newburgh. Mr. Craft held membership with Trinity Church, and now belongs to Washington Street Methodist Episcopal Church, while he is also assistant superintendent of the Cherry Street Chapel. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and in politics is an earnest and strong advocate of the principles of the Prohibition party. He is a conscientious. Christian gentleman, an active worker for the temperance cause, and upright and honorable in all the walks of life.

MAJ. WILLIAM HAUBENNESTEL, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, senior member of the well-known firm of Hauben-nestel cS; Son, dealers in boots and shoes, is one of the representative men of that place. He has been identified with the city since his childhood, for, although he is a native of New York City, born in 1843, he was taken to Poughkeepsie six years later by his parents.

After leaving school he learned the shoe-making trade, and in 1867 started for himself in the shoe business, which he has conducted ever since. Mr. Haubennestel is a stanch Republican, and has served his party faithfully on many occasions. He was assessor in 1872-74-76, and was elected supervisor of the Second ward in Poughkeepsie in 1S87. In that body he did valiant service, and it was through his instrumentality that the matter of caring for the insane was amicably arranged, saving the city thousands of dollars. In 1894 he was elected treasurer of Dutches:; county with a majority of 2,290.

In military circles Mr. Haubennestel is

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

215

known throughout the entire State. On May 2, i860, he joined Company D, 21st Regiment, N. Y. V. I. (now the Nineteenth Separate Company), as a private, and received rapid promotion as loilows: July 2, 1861, second sergeant; July 3, 1862, first sergeant; November 3, 1862, second lieutenant; April 6, 1866, first lieutenant; November 12, 1866, captain; and on January 2, 1876, by virtue of long service, he was promoted to the rank of brevet-major. During all these years he had served his country faithfully without a furlough or even a leave of absence. At the front his record is bright. In June, 1863, when the National Capital and the whole North was threatened by the victorious army of Gen. Lee, the command left Poughkeepsie, reported to Maj. Gen. Schenck at I->altimore, and was assigned quarters at Belgier's barracks. It was at this critical juncture that the history of Company D and Maj. \V. Haubennestel became closely linked. He was then a lad of only eighteen years, and was with them in all the exciting times until mustered out of service in August, 1863. He was repeatedly offered the position of post adjutant, but his age prevented his acceptance. On February 20, 1897, he was appointed battalion commander of the Eleventh Battalion, embracing the territories of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia counties.

To this gentleman the city of Poughkeepsie is indebted for the beautiful armory on Market street; for almost alone, for seven long years, he fought for its erection, making at least three hundred trips to Albany before he secured his purpose. In May, 1891, on Decoration Day, the corner stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, and now the grand structure is a monument to his energy and perseverance.

Our subject was married October 10, 1867, to Alice Buys, and two children have been born to them: Ella L. and Louis P.

Major Haubennestel's friends are legion, and he is active in fraternal society work. In 1866 he joined the I. O. O. F., at Poughkeepsie, Lodge No. 21, in which he has passed all the chairs, and he has been a representative to the Grand Lodge several times. He is also an old member of Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, F. & A. M., having joined same in 1868. In 1880 he united with Hamilton Post, G. A. K., and he is a member of the \'eteran Fireman .Association. The Nineteenth Separate Company Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps, the crack

drum corps of the State of New York, was organized in the fall of 1888 by Mr. Haubennestel, assisted by his son Louis P. Haubennestel, who is leader of the corps, and was the promoter of the organization.

Louis P. Haubennestel, the junior member of the firm of Haubennestel & Son. was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.. August 16, 1870, and his education was completed at Riverview Academy, where he held the position of drum major. He was the commanding officer of St. Paul's Co., Knights of Temperance, in 1890, when they won the prize banner for drill, in New York City. On April 11, 1894, he was married to Minnie Avis Barton, daughter of Edward and MinafFe^^n) Barton, of Salisbury, Conn., where she was born. Her grandfather, who was a prominent Democrat, in 1842 delivered a political address in Poughkeepsie, and in 1852 he carried the official vote of the State of Connecticut to Washington. From 1852 to iS56hewas a member of the Assembly, and in 1873 was State senator. He is still living at Salisbury, Conn. Mrs. L. P. Haubennestel's father is also prominent in Democratic circles and has held several positions of trust.

JOSE MANUEL GODINEZ, of the firm of C. H. Gallup & Co., is as his name would indicate, of Cuban origin, born August i, 1853, on the island of Cuba, where his father, Francisco J. Godinez, was the owner of a large sugar plantation.

Jose .Manuel Godinez passed his boyhood in his native land, and received his education in the lower schools, from which he took the degree A. B., and in the University of Havana. When yet quite young he was made one of the guards of the Captain-General of Cuba, and stationed at Havana. He served three years, receiving the rank of lieutenant, and then obtaining a furlough, came to the United States, and at once declared his intention of becoming a citizen; he remained here until after his final papers were signed, and then went home on a visit. In 1876 he entered the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, and took a full business course. During all this time he made frequent visits home to see his parents. Even now, while Poughkeepsie is his home, he still retains a large plantation of several thousand acres in Cuba, though this has been laid waste and the buildings all burned in the progress of the present Cuban war. In 1890 he

C'OMMEMORA TIVE ntOURAl'llirAL RKCOHD.

entered partnership with Mr. Tialhip in the photograph business.

In 1877, in Poiighi<eepsie, Mr. Godinez was married to Miss Eihi (ialiup, daughter of Charles H. Gallup, and sister of his present partner in business. To this union one child has been born, Francisco Laurent, now attending Rivervievv Military College. Mr. God-inez is a member of the Masonic fraternity— Ancient Scottish Kite—which he joined in Cuba. He is alscj a member of the Pough-keepsie Gun Club.

ISAAC \V. SHEI^IilLL, who has twice served as county treasurer, and who is one

of the most prominent citizens of Poughkeep-sie, was born in New Lebanon, Columbia Co., X. v.. May 16, 1849. a son of \\'alter and Amy (FowlerI Sherrill.

The Sherrill family is of English ancestry, and the first of the name in this country settled on Long Island, whence some of them came to Dutchess county. Isaac Sherrill, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he carried on farming. On June 18, 1809, he married Betsy Jackson, and they had five children, of whom the following record is given: Jeremiah is a farmer in the town of Washington, Dutchess county; Walter is the father of our subject; Hunting is a farmer in Columbia county, N. Y.; Eliza M. married Lewis Adsit, also a farmer, and now deceased; and Margaret married George Fowler, now deceased.

Walter Sherrill was born in the town of Stanford, and was reared on the home farm. He married Amy E., daughter of Israel Fowler, who was born at Unionvale, Dutchess county, and they settled on a farm in Columbia county, where the father died in 1852, and the mother in 1854. They were consistent members of the Christian Church, and in his political belief the father was a Whig. They had two children: Isaac W. ami Henrietta, the latter being now deceased.

Isaac W. Sherrill was a child of three years when his father died, and his mother's death following two years later, he was taken by his uncle, Jeremiah Sherrill, with whom he lived in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia county, until twelve years of age. His uncle at that time removed to the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and there our subject attended the district school, later taking a course at

the Dutchess County .Academy. His education was completed at Gary's Institute, Pough-keepsie, and when twenty-one years of age he returned to that city and entered the hardware ' store of Uhl & Husted, as clerk. With this house he remained two years, and then went into the general store of Budd & Trowbridge. A year later he bought the interest of Mr. Budd, and the firm became Trowbridge & Sherrill. In the following year Peter Adriance was admitted to the partnership, and the name was changed to Trowbridge, Sherrill & Adriance. This connection continued for three years, when Mr. Sherrill sold out his interests, and for a short time was engaged in the manufacture of shoes with Bayly & Halsted.

In 1878, Mr. Sherrill was elected alderman of the Third ward, on the Republican ticket, and was re-elected in 1S80, serving two terms. He was afterward appointed city chamberlain, by Mayor Ezra White, which ofifice he held four years. In 1886 Mr. Sherrill started as a dealer in investment securities, a business he is yet carrying on, at No. 19 Market street. In 1888 he was elected county treasurer, and at the expiration of his term was re-elected, serving in this capacity until January i, 1895. In April, 1897, Governor Black appointed him one of the Board of Trustees of the New York State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, located at Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., which is an institution of about fifteen hundred inmates. In June of the same year he resigned from that position, and the Governor appointed him to the honorary position of one of the Board of Managers of the Hudson River State Hospital, located at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which is considered a position of prominence in the State.

On October i, 1873, our subject was united in marriage with Miss N'irginia Halstead, a native of the town of Stanfonl, Dutchess county. The Halsteads are of English descent, and her father, Nehemiah Halstead. was for a time a merchant at Bangall, Dutchess county, afterward following farming. Four children have been born to our subject and his wife: Wilfred H., Harold W., Virgil C. and Arthur L. Mr. and Mrs. Sherrill attend the Congregational Ch\irch. Mr. Sherrill is a Re|)ublican in politics, and has always taken a lively interest in public matters, lending his inlluence to all projects for the growth and welfare of his conununity. His ability as a business man is well-known, and he stands high in the estimation of his associates.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

217

JAMES HARVEY SWIFT (deceased) was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 23, 1825, and was a brother of George H. Swift, a leading citizen of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. His boyhood days were passed in his native city, attending the Dutchess County Academy and College Hill Academy. For two years later he was a student at Yale College, after which he entered Rutgers College at New Brunswick, N. J., taking the classical course and graduating with the class of '44. He then came to the town of Amenia, where, for a year, he lived upon a farm with his brother John, and subsequently purchased the Burton farm, where he lived until his marriage.

On February 4, 1847, Mr. Swift was married in New York City to Miss Frances Augusta Swift, daughter of Thomas Swift, and they became the parents of seven children, namely: Alida Warner, born November 9, 1847, died December 12, 1S92; Henry, born December 31, 1849, died January 15, 1865; Frances Augusta, born December 12, 1851, died March 15, 1852; Thomas James, born March 6, 1853; Charles Rowland, born January 28, 1858, died April 30, i860; Freeborn Jewett, born February 11, 1862, died December 15, 1864; and John Morton, born October 6, 1865.

In 1857 Mr. Swift purchased the Philo Reed farm, which continued to be his home until his death, on September 27, 1889. During his active business life he carried on farming in the town of Amenia, with the exception of when, in connection with his brother, George H., he was executor of his brother Charles' estate, at which time he resided in Poughkeepsie.

Mr. Swift was a most earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at South Amenia, in which he served as elder from 1864, and politically was a Republican. His record was an honorable one, and his memory will be long cherished by the many who had the pleasure of his acqaintance, for his sturdy worth and for his countless acts of benevolence and kindness, of which often only the recipient and himself knew. He was an influential man, and contributed liberally to all good enterprises.

Mrs. Swift was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, July 35, 1828, and before her marriage was a distant relative of her husband, both tracing their ancestry back to Judah Swift, their paternal great-grandfather.

14 A

The founder of the family in America was William Swift, and from him in direct line to Judah are William, Ephraim and Samuel. Judah Swift, by his marriage with Elizabeth Morton, had eight children: Lois; Samuel; Nathaniel; Moses; Rebecca; Seth, the grandfather of Mr. Swift, of this review; Elizabeth; and Moses, the grandfather of Mrs. Swift. Seth wedded Mary Wells, and they had six children: Henry, Moses, E. Morton, Ann W., Maria and Thomas W. Henry, the eldest, married Rebecca Warner, and to them were born six children: Charles Wells, Maria, John Morton, George Henry, Frances, and James Harvey, whose name introduces this sketch.

Moses Swift, the grandfather of Mrs. Swift, spent his entire life in the town of Amenia. He married Hannah Hurd, of the town of Dover, on June 9, 1785, and one of their children was Thomas Swift, the father Mrs. James H. Swift. He was born in Amenia, January 24, 1789, and was three times married, his first wife being Maria Barlow, and his second Mary L. Grant. After the death of the latter he married Asenath Cline, the mother of Mrs. Swift. She was born October 6, 1793, and died April i, 1891. The father was principally engaged in hotel keeping throughout life, conducting the "Forbes House" at Poughkeepsie; the "Atlantic Hotel" at Hoboken, N. J.; and the "Bull's Head" in New York Citv. His death occurred January 25, 1872.

E

MERY WING (deceased) was born at

^ Wing's Station, on the Harlem railroad,

in the town of Dover, Dutchess county. May 20, 1825. There he remained during his youth, attending the public schools.

At the age of twenty-two he went to Albany, and clerked in the wholesale grocery store of Cook & Wing; stayed there three years, and then for one year traveled with the circus and menagerie of G. C. Quick & Co; next clerked in the "Northern Hotel," at the corner of Mill and Washington streets, for four years. Mr. Wing was married in the town of Washington to Ann Maria Vail, and then engaged in the fancy dry-goods and millinery business at No. 304 Main street, later buying the store at No. 306 Main street, and building the place now occupied by A. B. Stockholm. ' He remained in business from 1855 to 1877, and in 1872 bought his late residence on South

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.

avenue, where he passed the rest of his days. His first wife died November 9, 1875, -^^^ September 17, 1876, he married Miss Mary Eliza \'an Kleeck, a daughter of Levi \'an-Kleeck. Of this union there were two children: Irene K., born October 7, 1877, died August 2, 1878, and Emery, jr., born March 14, 1880. Mr. Wing had a large orchard, and was a very successful fruit grower, and for the past twenty years of his life he lived retired on South avenue, dying May 9, 1896.

Elijah Wing, father of our subject, was born at Wing's Station, where he spent his youth. He married Lucy, daughter of Bradford Holmes, M. D., and children as follows were born to them: (i) John, deceased; (2) Maria H., married (first) to Erastus Burch, and they had one child—Mary E.—and (second) wedded Edward M. Buckley, by whom there were three children—Charles, Arthur and Emery W. (3) Emery,our subject. (4) Walter F., who was on the whaling vessel, "Yonkers." (5) Hiram. Mr. Wing was a farmer, and gave all his time and attention to that occupation.

Thurston \N'ing, the grandfather, was born in Rhode Island, and came to the town of Dover when a boy. He married Mary Younger, and they had the following children: Archibald (deceased), Rhodie (deceased) married Zebulon Ross, Mary Ann became the wife of Theodorus Sheldon, and Elijah and Thurston (both deceased). Mr. Wing died in 1844, an adherent of the Quaker faith.

Thomas Wing, the great-grandfather, was born in England, and came to America,, locating first in Rhode Island, and later in Dutchess county. He was the earliest ancestor of the Wing family in this country.

CORNELIUS LAMOREAUX CANNON, the well-known contractor and builder of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born February i, 1850, at the old homestead of the family on South Hamilton street, Poughkeepsie.

His early education was acquired at the public schools of his native place, at the Dutchess County Academy, and at the Eastman Business College, from which he was graduated in 1867. His father, the late Arnout Cannon, was prominent in the building trade, and our subject learned the business thoroughly under his instruction, serving a three-

years' apprenticeship. He was then made foreman of his father's shop, and held that position until 1S73. when he and his brother Arnout, an architect, went into business under the firm name of A. Cannon's Sons. This arrangement lasted until 1881, when they separated, our subject continuing his work as builder, and his brother following architecture exclusively. Mr. Cannon is a leader in his line, and employs about twelve men the year round.

On April 28, 1873, Mr. Cannon was married in Poughkeepsie to Miss Julia E. Schon, a native of St. Croi.x, Danish \\'est Indies. Her father, J.ames N. Schon, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 181 5, and went to St. Croi.x when a young man as superintendent of a large hospital. He was married there to Miss Maria Schuster, a native of the place, who had been educated at New Haven, Conn. They had two children, Julia E. and Charles E. After twenty-two years at St. Croix, Mr. Schon came to the United States, spending one year in New York City before making his home in Poughkeepsie. He was for a short time employed as bookkeeper for the iron works of Edward Beck, and then became private secretary to the late Matthew Vassar. On the foundation of Vassar College he became registrar and assistant treasurer, and held those offices until his death, which occurred March 26, 1875.

Mr. and Mrs. Cannon have had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Frederick, March 17, 1874; Nellie, October 7, 1876; James Schon, October 25, 1878; Clara Louise, November 22. 1880; Ernest Alton, March 19, 1883; Wallace Cornelius, July II, 1885; Francis Jones, April 3, 1887; and Julia Gardner, November 10, 1889. Politically Mr. Cannon is a Republican, but while he is a stanch and influential supporter of the doctrines of his party he is not an office-seeker. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 297, and of the Royal Arcanum.

CAPTAIN LUTHER ELTING, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born August 2, 181 5, at Highland, Ulster county, then known as New Paltz Landing.

His ancestors were earl}' settlers in that locality, and his grandfather, Noah Elting, was born there, and became one of the prominent

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219

business men of his daj', being extensively engaged in the freighting business and in sloop building; he was also the originator of the ferry line between Highland and Poughkeepsie. He married Hannah Deyo, of Ulster county, and had the following named children: Deyo, Henry D., Philip, David, Abram, Mrs. David Fowler, Mrs. Clinton Woolsey, Mrs. Bradner Woolsey and Joseph.

Abram Elting, our subject's father, was born at New Paltz Landing in 17S5, and after acquiring an education in the Dutch schools of New Paltz he engaged in freighting and sloop building, later conducting also a store and a farm, in all of which lines of effort he met with success. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and stood high in the esteem of the community. He married Miss Betsey Ransom, of Highland, and had seven children: Noah, who died at eighteen years; Milton, who died at three; Phcebe Ann (deceased) ; Luther, our subject; Albert (deceased); Mary Ellen, who married Ezekiel Elting, of Highland; and John J. (deceased). The mother of this family died in 1851, and the father in 1859.

Capt. Elting's school days were spent in the district school at Highland, and at fourteen and one-half years of age he began the freighting business with his father. After twelve years on the sloop "Intelligence," he ran a barge for another twelve years. In 1854 he moved to Poughkeepsie, where he had bought his present residence a short time before, and he has since lived a retired life so far as business is concerned, with the exception of four years—1860-64—when he was in the ice business under the name of Rockland Lake Ice Co., now the Knickerbocker Ice Co.

On January 26, 1853, at Middletown, Orange county, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Watkins, a lady of Welsh descent, and a daughter of Hezekiah Watkins. Of their three children, only one, Irving (the second child 1, is now living. Theodore Hezekiah died in infancy, and Eugene at the age of two and one-half years.

Irving Elting, born May i, 1856, is a prominent attorney of Poughkeepsie. After graduating from Harvard University, in 1878, he studied law at the Harvard Law School, and then in his native city. In 1882 he opened an office there, and has met with great success in cases involving patent rights and copyrights, of which he makes a specialty. On November

5, 1885, he married Miss Susan D. Green, a daughter of Jacob Green, a well-known resident of the town of Poughkeepsie, and to their union has been born one child—Elisabeth.

[\ IKEN T. BRILL, a well-known residetn of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, is one of the leading workers in his chosen occupation of farming and gardening. An apprenticeship of six years with J. B. Dutcher gave him unusual opportunities for perfecting himself in the details of the latter business, and his work as gardener for Miss M. B. Monahan, of Quaker Hill, does credit to both his training and native ability.

Egbert Brill, father of our subject, was one of the patriots who served his country during the Civil war, being a member of Company F, 128th N. Y. V. I. He participated in many engagements, among which were the battles of Bull Run, Port Hudson and Gettysburg. He was finally discharged on account of disability.

Aiken T. Brill is a native of the town of Pawling, and grew to manhood there, acquiring his education in the public schools. He married Miss Georgiana Squires, who was born in the same town, August 6, 1867. In her childhood her parents moved to the old homestead at Roxbury, Conn., and she there attended the schools and grew to womanhood; and there also she and our subject were rnar-ried. Mr. and Mrs. Brill have four children : Clifton, Mabel, John C., and one whose name is not given.

Mrs. Brill's ancestry deserves especial note because of the patriotic services rendered during the Revolutionary war by the representatives of the family in that day. Her great-great-grandfather, Gideon Squires, was born and educated in Roxbury, Conn., and was captain of a company in the Colonial forces. He lost his life in the struggle for freedom while crossing Lake George. Having raised up in the boat to see where they were, he was shot by an Indian who was on the watch for a chance to take aim at the voyagers. He married Miss Martha Warner, a sister of Col. Seth Warner, who was second in command at the battle of Bennington. Four children were born to them: Abjathy, Eben, Martha and Margaret. Abyathy Squires, Mrs. Brill's great--grandfather, was born at Roxbury, Conn., and made his home there, follosving farming during

COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPIIWAL RECORD.

his manhood. He served throughout the Revolutionary war, as sergeant, and drew a pension of $20 per month until his death at the age of eighty-nine years. He and his wife, Rachel Atwell, reared a family of four children, of whom Mrs. Brill's grandfather,Cyrus Squires, was the youngest. Of the others Levi died at the age of ten years; Moses married Clarissa Curtis; and John married Miss Eunice Hunt.

Cyrus Squires was born at the old home in Roxbury, June 24, 1804, and after completing his studies in the common schools there he engaged in farming. He married Miss Sarah Wilcox, daughter of Elisha Wilcox, a leading farmer of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and his wife, Elizabeth Bircham. Of their two children, the elder, Moses, died at the age of seven years. The younger, George M., the father of Mrs. Brill, was born at the old homestead, September 13, 1839. He attended the common schools there in his youth, and learned the hatter's trade when it came time to prepare for taking a place in the business world; but after following the trade fifteen years he gave it up to engage in agriculture. He served in the governor's guards in the State of Connecticut, and was drafted during the Civil war. He died May 9, 1897, when he was aged fifty-seven years. His wife was Miss Emily Amelia Woodin, daughter of Henry L. and Laura (Chaplin) Woodin, of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, her father being a well-known farmer. Mrs. Brill was the elder of two children. Her brother, Origen G. Squires, an adopted child, was born in New Milford, Conn., April 4, 1876, and died at fifteen years of age. He was taken by Mr. and Mrs. Brill when only eight days old and adopted as their own child.

J WILSON POUCHER, M. D., a prominent physician of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess

county, and a representative of one of the oldest families of this State, was born July 24, 1859, at Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y. His family originated in France, but his ancestors fled to Holland at the time of the "Massacre of St. Bartholomew", later coming to the New World.

Simon Poucher (or l^oucher, as the name was then given) was born in France, came to America in 1658, and settled upon the \'an-Rensselaer estates which included several counties, the site of the present city of Albany

being a portion thereof. He was a millwright by trade, and was employed on the manor by Patroon Van Rensselaer, his home being in the vicinity of Claverack, where his descendants have since resided, many of them attaining to positions of great prominence. His son, Pierre Boucher, was born about 1675, ^^^ A\ed February 19, 1739. One of his sons, Jacob (born January 13, 171 5, died in 1786), had a son Antoine (born .\pril 30, 1775. died 1856) who had a son Johannes, our subject's grandfather (born October 11, 18061, who had a son, Peter, our subject's father (born May 5, 1835). With the exception of the last-named these all followed the millers' trade in the vicinity of Claverack. Peter departed from the rule, engaging in agriculture exclusively, and being industrious, temperate and thrifty has made a success of a business which is not always profitable in these days. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics is a I3emocrat, taking no part, however, in the active work of the organization. He married Miss Mary Cummings, daughter of Jacob Cum-mings, a native of New England, and a prominent resident of Claverack. She died in 1870, and of their five children only three are now living, our subject being the eldest.

Dr. Poucher received his primary education at the public schools of Claverack, later attending Claverack College, from which institution he was graduated in 1879, in the classical course. For one year he taught in the public schools, and then entered Union College, graduating in 1883 from the medical department. Locating at Modena, Ulster county, he established a general practice; but wishing to pursue his studies further, he disposed of his business in 1885 and went to Europe for two years, spending the first year in Berlin, then dividing the second between Vienna and Paris, making a specialty of surgery and gynecology. On his return, in 1887, he opened an office in Poughkeepsie, and has since built up a large general practice. Although a general practitioner, he makes a specialty of surgery, in which respect he is widely known throughout this section of the State, and takes rank among the foremost of his profession. He is a surgeon on the staff of Vassar Brothers' Hospital, a member of the State and County Medical Societies, and a liberal contributor of articles to meetings of these societies. He has lately been appointed to the board of Pension Examining Surgeons.

'^^

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221

In 1892 Dr. PoLichcr inanieil Miss Catherine D. Le Fever, daughter of Hon. Jacob Le Fever, member of Congress, and one child, a daughter, has been born to them. Both the Doctor and his wife are prominent in the social life of the city, and are leading members of the Washington Street M. E. Church, of which he is a trustee. He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, and Mrs. Poucher's ancestry entitles her to a place in the society of the Daughters of the American Kevolution. Dr. Poucher is a member of the Holland Society, the Society of Colonial Wars, and the Society of Old Guard. He is interested also in athletics, and belongs to the Tennis, Golf, and Boat Clubs, and to the Amrita Club. Of all movements for local improvement he is a prompt and hearty supporter, and in political affairs his influence is given to the Republican party. He has served as alderman of the Fifth ward, and at the present time is one of the commissioners of the board of public works, the first member elected to that board, previous ones having been appointed. Socially he affiliates with the F. & A. M., Triune Lodge; Poughkeepsie Chapter and Commandery; the Mystic Shrine of New York City; and he is a life member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of New York, which gives him the 32nd degree.

CLARK KIRBY. For over a century the Kirby family has been identified with the interests of Quaker Hill, town of Pawling, Dutchess county, New York.

In 1757, in the village of New Bedford, R. I., was born George Kirby, of English descent. In 1780, he came to Quaker Hill and settled just across the road from where the new school house now stands. He possessed about one hundred acres of land at this place, and here made his home for some time, later buying what was then known as the old Reed Ferris farm, but subsequently called the "old Kirby House." Some time afterward he bought the farm consisting of about three hundred acres, and on this he passed his remaining days. He married (probably after his coming to Dutchess county) .Anna Stocum, and by this marriage had seven children- -five sons and two daughters: Clark, of whom special mention is made below; Gideon, who was associated with his brother Clark, and died on

the homestead; Uriah, who lived in Amenia; William, who lived near Poughkeepsie; Humphrey, deceased while young; Hannah, who married Akin Taber; and Amy, who died unmarried. With the exception of the son Humphrey, the entire family lived to advanced ages. The father died in the year 183 i, beloved and respected by his fellowmen. He was one of the leading men in the community, and in his religious faith was a Quaker, practicing in his daily life the simple tenets of that sect, and in his kindly, courteous manner, announcing his unfaltering belief in the Brotherhood of Man. His wife died February 18, 1894.

Clark Kirby, the eldest son of George Kirby, was born on Quaker Hill, February 16, 1794, and made his home there until the removal of his parents to the Kirby farm below the Hill. Here he and his brother Gideon owned a large tract of land, some eight or nine hundred acres, and followed farming as an occupation all their lives. In this they had more than ordinary success, and were ranked among the leading men of the place.

Clark Kirby had acquired an education such as was obtained by very few men in these times, and was especially fond of mathematics. He was a natural student, and his leisure time was spent in reading, which covered a wide range, and he became a well-informed man on general topics of interest—ancient and modern.

On November 28, 1833, he was married to Charlotte Hungerford, of New Milford, Conn., and they became the parents of three daughters, as follows: Caroline, who married George Miller, of New York City; Helen, who married William Akin Taber, of Pawling, Dutchess Co., N. Y.; and Frances. Mr. Kirby was one of the original board of directors of the Pawling National Bank, and held this position for over twenty years. In politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and as a private citizen was much interested in public affairs, though he had no desire to pose before the world in the fierce light that beats on public officials. In his quiet, unassuming way he served the public only by his conscientious performance of every duty, a worthy example for emulation. Like his father before him, he was a believer in the religion that sprung from the teaching of George Fox. In 1881 this gentle spirit was gathered to his fathers, and 1894 his wife, too, entered upon the unseen life.

GOMMEMORATrVE BIOORAPEWAL RECORD.

F

RANK L. R. TETAMORE, M. D. Al-

W^ though but a recent acquisition to the medical fraternity of this section. Dr. Teta-inorc, of Matteawan. has a reputation, gained in other fields of practice, which has at once placed him in the front rank of the profession here. In 1882 he began his active practice in Brooklyn, N. Y., and continued there until September, 1896, when he opened his present offices in Matteawan, and also established a sanitarium for the accommodation of his numerous patients, who will find here pure air, quiet, and the soothing influences of charming natural scenery. Dr. Tetamore has attained prominence as a surgeon, and, to quote from the Brooklyn Rnoic/, is a "specialist" in those delicate operations which relate to the restoration of the face by transplanting tissue. He successfully demonstrated that the bones of animals could not be utilized in restoring injured portions of the face, but by the transplanting of tissue he succeeded in constructing an artificial face for a lady from Scranton, I'enn., who was fearfully disfigured in an accident on the Reading railroad. " Many natural deformities have been successfully operated upon by him—crooked limbs, backs and necks straightened under his methods."

A brief outline of Dr. Tetamore's history will be of interest to the readers of this volume. His family originated in Holland, the first of his ancestors to cross the ocean being his great-great-grandfather Tetamore, who served in the Revolutionary war. He married an Indian squaw, and their son, our subject's great-grandfather, who was born in the northern part of this State, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. William Tetamore, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1806, in the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and throughout his mature years made his home in the village of Red Hook, where he died in 1895. For seventy years he was a member of the old Dutch Church of Rhine-beck; his talents were of an unusual order, and he invented the old hay press, which has been in common use for many years, and has not yet been superseded. He married Hannah Amie, of the town of Milan, Dutchess county, and has three children: John W.; Anna, who married C. C. Coons, an extensive horticulturist of Gcrmantown, Columbia county; and Mary E., the wife of V. O. Ricker, a house-finisher at 116th street. New York City.

John W. Tetamore, the Doctor's father.

was a native of Red Hook, where he first saw the light in 1830; he lived in Dutchess county until he was twenty-one, when he went to New York City. He married Elizabeth Martin, a daughter of Robert and Maria (Done) Martin; the fortner, a well-known merchant and tinsmith of Hudson, N. Y., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and the grandfather, Robert Martin, a native of the North of Ireland, served in the Revolutionary war; Mrs. Maria Martin was a daughter of Ezra Done, of Columbia county.

After their marriage the Doctor's parents settled for a time in Hudson, but at present they reside in Brooklyn. They are both members of the Baptist Church, although the Tetamore family have always been Lutherans. In politics, however, J. W. Tetamore agrees with the other members of his family, and is a stanch Republican. The Doctor is the eldest of si.\ children, the others being: Lelia married Geo. W. Granger, of Brooklyn; Jane T. B. is the wife of E. A. Anderson, an assistant superintendent of the New York Life Insurance Co.; Henry M., who died at the age of twenty-eight, was a dentist in Brooklyn; Lewis J., a printer in New York City, is married to Miss Ada Pouch, of Brooklyn; and William, who is now twent3'-one years old, resides in New York City.

Dr. Tetamore's earthl}- career began August 28, 185 r, at Hudson, but until he was eleven years of age his time was chiefly spent in Red Hook. He then returned to his native place, and attended the public schools for about two years. At thirteen he went to Albany as clerk in the drug store of Collins & Kirk, and after two years there he went to Staten Island in a similar capacit\'. Later he returned to Albany and entered the employ of H. B. Clement & Co., druggists, for a time, and then he took charge of the drug store of Dr. William H. Peer, of Brooklyn, remaining a year and a half. While there he attended the New York Dental College, and although he did not graduate, he began to practice at Brooklyn, and at the same time began to read medicine with Dr. George K. Fowler, surgeon of the Second Brigade, N. Y. N. G. Continuing his medical course, he was graduated in 1882 from the Long Island Ho.spital College, and after spending a short time as Curator of the college, he established an office at Brooklyn, and began his work as a practitioner.

His abilities have received

from

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223

many sources. He was appointed hospital steward of the Fourteenth Regiment, N. Y. N. G., in 1879, assistant surgeon in 1885, surgeon in 1890, and State medical inspector of U. S. Camp at Peekskill, N. Y., in 1896. As has been noted, he went to Matteawan in the fall of 1896, and has leased the residence of the late Dr. J. P. Schenk, where he has an office on Leonard street, near Fountain Square. On No\-ember 25, 1873, Dr. Tetaniore married Miss Mary E. Davison, daughter of William Davison, of Brooklyn. Three children have blessed this union: Walter D., born in 1874; Florence M., born in 1876; and Clarence, born in 187S. Politically the Doctor is a Republican. In religious faith he is a Baptist, and while living in Brooklyn he served as superintendent of a Sunday-school, which increased under his care from fifty pupils to 1,200. Re belongs to the I. O. O. F., also the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and is a prominent member of the N. Y. County Medical Association. Altogether it will be seen that Matteawan has reason to congratulate herself upon Dr. Tetamore's choice of a home.

GEORGE NORTON MILLER, M. D., a _, prominent citizen of the town of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, resides upon a beautiful estate two miles from the village of Rhinebeck. It was there that he first saw the light September 27, 1857, and in his mature years he finds it the pleasantest spot in which to pass the leisure which culture and refinement can so well emplo}' in congenial tasks." He attended school in his boyhood in New York City, and later entered Harvard College, and was graduated from the literary department with the degree of A. B., in 1879, and from the medical department, in i 882. A trip to Europe followed, with two years of study at Vienna and Heidelberg, and he then returned to his native land. April 18, 1886. he was married to Miss Martha LeRoy Glover, who was born in New York City in 1864, and received there a liberal education. Ever since their marriage the Doctor and his wife have resided at the old home. They have three children: George Norton, born January 6, 1888, the third of the name in direct line of descent; Helen LeRoy, born July 8, 1889, and Catherine Caroline, born March 7, 1890.

The Miller family is of English origin, and

the Doctor is of the si.xth generation from William Miller who settled in 1648 at Ipswich, Mass., where he became a freeholder and was one of the heaviest tax payers. He and his wife Patience had a son Abram, who was born January 20, 1671, at Northampton, Mass. He married Harriet Clapp, and had a son Jonathan, who was born in 1703, and died in 1787. He was married January 2, 1723, to Sarah Allen, and had a son Elisha, our subject's greatgrandfather, who was born in Connecticut in 1730, and died in 1807. October 18, 1764, he married Sarah Fowler, whose death occurred in 1772. Their son William, our subject's grandfather, who was born in Connecticut in 1768, became a well-known minister of the Congregational Church. He died in 1818; but his wife, Anna Starr, who was born in 1772, lived nearly a century, passing away in 1865.

George Norton Miller, our subject's father, was born in Hartford, Conn., July 27, 1805, and for many years was a prominent business man in Charleston, S. C. In October, 1855, he married Miss Caroline Tucker Chace. She passed to her eternal rest September 19, 1872; but his life was prolonged until March 10, 1892. Of their four children all but one, a daughter, survive, viz.: William Starr, H. Ray, and the subject of our sketch.

JiOSEPH FIELD (deceased) was born in • the city of New York, January 7, 1829, and was a son of Joseph and Hannah (Dusen-berry) Field, the former a native of Westchester county, N. Y. In that city he was reared and educated in its public schools. After learning the wagon-maker's trade, in 1851 he went to Kings Bridge, N. Y., where he engaged in that business, tt was there that he met Temperance R. Darke, to whom he was married, December 8, 1853; in the following spring, on account of ill-health, he gave up wagon-making.

About 1S65 Mr. Field removed to a farm near Sharon, Conn., which he operated until 1868, when he came to the village of Amenia, where he conducted a market up to the time of his death, January 27, 1892. He was made a Mason in Shekomeko Lodge at Washington Hollow, Dutchess county, and later affiliated with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., while politically he was an ardent Republican, but would never accept official positions. He was faithful in the discharge of every duty, was

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPUWAL RECORD.

a man of excellent principles and a blameless life, and thoroughly enjoyed the esteem and respect of every community in which he resided, and died, mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Mrs. Field, a most estimable lady, was born June 24, 1832, and is the daughter of Charles and Temperance R. (Hayden) Darke. By her marriage she became the mother of three daughters: Ella, born February 12, 1855, married Charles Jenkins, by whom she has three children — Maria Louise, Harry and John Roy; Maria, born May 26, i860, died March 21, 1864; and Gertrude, born June 14, 1872, completes the family.

Charles Darke, the father of Mrs. Field, was a native of Bloomingdale, N. Y., and most of his life was engaged in the market business at Kings Bridge. However, he spent his last years in Ameiiia, where both himself and wife died and were buried. They had four children: Temperance; Charles H., of Poughkeep-sie, N. Y.; Isaac D., of Springfield. Mass.; and Emma, wife of George T. Willson.

HEERMANCE FAMILY, THE, now represented in Dutchess county by Martin and Dewitt Heermance, is descended from Jan Heermance, who came to America from Holland in 1659. His will, written in Dutch, is on record in the surrogate's office in New York City. His descendants settled, at an early date, in Dutchess county. One of them, Hendricus Heermance, married a daughter of Gerrit Artsen, one of the partners to the first purchase of land from the Indians, at Rhinebeck (the Kipsbergerj in 1686, subsequently confirmed by royal patent in 1688. In 1716 Hendricus Heermange bought, of his father-in-law, property now known as Ellers-lie, the present home of Governor Morton. Catharine Heermance, a granddaughter of Jan Heermance, married John The Baptist Kip, a grandson of Jacob Kip, one of the original grantees under the royal patent of 1688.

Jacob Heermance, a grandson of Jan, and brother of Catharine, married Catharine Vos-burgh, a daughter of Jan Vosburgh and Cornelia Knickerbocker. They had eight chil-(Jren—four sons and four daughters—Jacob, John, Andrew, Martin, Cornelia, Anna, Dorothea and Eleanor. Cornelia Heermance married Gen. David Van Ness; Eleanor married Peter Cantine; Dorothea married Henry De-

Witt, and Anna married Isaac Stoutenburgh. Martin Heermance married a daughter of Dr. Hans Kiersted, a direct descendant of the Dr. Hans Kiersted who in 1642 married Sarah Roeloffe Jans, daughter of Anneke Jans, from whom came the millions now possessed by the Trinity Church Corporation of New York City. Martin was the only son of Jacob Heermance, who left sons. F"or many years he was a leading citizen of the county, and was commissioned brigadier-general in the war of 1812. One of his daughters married Archibald Smith, a prominent lawyer of Saratoga county, while another daughter married Dr. Henry Van-Hoevenberg, at one time health officer of the Port of New York. Andrew J. Heermance, one of his sons, bought the property on which stands the house built by the Kips in the year 1700, and which was subsequently owned by the Beekman and Livingston families. It is still in a good state of preservation. He was a public-spirited, progressive man, and an honored citizen, and for several terms represented the town of Rhinebeck in the board of supervisors of Dutchess county.

Rev. Harrison Heermance, another son of Gen. Martin Heermance, was a minister of the Reformed (Dutch) Church. At the breaking out of the Civil war he was settled in Lenawee county, Mich.; but he resigned his charge and entered the army with the 4th Mich. Cav., and subsequently served as chaplain of the 128th N. Y. \'. His son, Isaac Henry Heermance, then under sixteen years of age, enlisted at the same time, in the same regiment, and died in the service before he was eighteen. At the close of the war Rev. Harrison Heermance resumed his residence at Rhinebeck, his native town, and died there in 1883. His wife was Rebecca A. Van Denbergh, of Lan-singburg, N. Y. Their two surviving sons, Martin and DeW'itt Heermance, were born in Michigan, but frnm their early childhood have lived at Rhinebeck, and were educated in the De Garmo Classical Institute, then located in that town. They have since taken up their residence in Poughkeepsie. In 1881 M.\ktin Hekum.xnce was elected supervisor of the town of Rhinebeck, and was re-elected in 1882. In 1883 he was admitted to the bar, and entered upon the practice of his profession in Poughkeepsie. In 1888 he was elected district attorney of Dutchess county, and his brother DeWitt, who had graduated at the .Mbany Law School several years be-

yMoMxA^j'

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225

fore, and was then in partnership with him in the practice of law, was assistant district attorney. In 1896 Martin Heermance was appointed one of the three State assessors of New York, by Gov. Morton, and was made chairman of the board. Both Martin and De-Witt Heermance are members of the Holland Society. Martin is a member of the Masonic order, and while residing at Rhinebeck was twice elected master of Rhinebeck Lodge. In 1881 he married Nina Radcliffe, daughter of the late David Van Ness Radcliffe, of Albany, N. Y., and they have one child, Radcliffe Heermance. In 1892 DeWitt Heermance married May Hallenbeck, daughter of the late John J. Hallenbeck, of Montclair, N. J., and they have one son, Andrew Hallenbeck Heermance. Jacob Heermance, the great-grandfather of Martin and DeWitt, had a brother Nicholas, who left descendants, none of whom are known to be residents of Dutchess county. The late Rev. Henry Heermance, of Kinder-hook, and Col. William L. Heermance, now residing at Yonkers, are descended from this branch of the family.

HENRY L. YOUNG, a prominent resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, now

living retired from active business, was born in New York City, August 28, 1818, the son of Henry L. and Mary L. (Hyde) Young.

The Young family i^f English extraction, and Quakers in religious belief. Alexander Young, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer at Sing Sing, N. Y. He married Miss Ann Slausson, and they reared a family of five children, namely: Jacob, who became captain of a Hudson-river vessel. Hiram, who was a sailor; Nathaniel, who was a farmer in Westchester county, N. Y.; Charlotte, married to William H. Smith, a merchant of New York, and Henry, father of our subject.

Henry Young was born in [792 at Sing Sing, N. Y. His wife, Mary L. (Hyde), was born at Norwich, Conn., and her family was also of English descent. After their marriage they lived in New York City, where Mr. Young carried on a large hardware business. They had four children, namely: Henry L., our subject; Mary, who married a Mr. Barnes, a merchant in New York City (now deceased); James, who lives in New York City, and is retired from business, and Martha, married to Henry S. Leavitt, a merchant of New York

15

City. The father served in the war of 1812, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Henry L. Young, the subject proper of this review, spent his boyhood days in New York City, where he attended the private schools, and on completing his education clerked in his father's store for four years. He then went to Avon Springs and settled on a large farm, where he remained for eleven years. On June 23, 1842, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of Henry Dwight, of Utica, N. Y., and who was of English descent. Five children have been born to them: Edmund, who resides in Poughkeepsie; James H., residing in Brooklyn; Mary D., at home with her parents; William H., an attorney in New York City, and Henry D., who died while a student at college.

In the fall of 1853 Mr. Young removed to Poughkeepsie, which has since been his home. He has a beautiful residence at No. 98 South Hamilton street, with fine grounds filled with flowers, and every comfort and luxury attainable. Here, with no cares of business to annoy him, he is passing the evening of his life in peace and happiness, his only sorrow being the loss of his beloved wife, who passed from earth January 9, 1890. She was a member of the Reformed Church (as is also Mr. Young), and was a most estimable woman.

Mr. Young held various positions of honor and trust, having been a trustee of \'assar College forten years; vice-president and director of the Farmers' and Manufacturers' Bank for several years; trustee of the Savings Bank; president of the cemetery board; and president of the board of water works for three years. He was one of the committee who drafted a new charter for the city of Poughkeepsie, and has always taken an active interest in its growth and prosperity. He is a man of sterling integrity, and has frequently been made executor of large estates. In every relation of life Mr. Young has borne an unblemished reputation, and his worth as a man and a citizen is well known and thoroughly appreciated, not only by the public generally, but by a host of warm personal friends.

REUBEN WILEY (deceased). During the __ Civil war, the subject of this sketch, then in the prime of his manhood, offered himself to the Union cause. Enlisting in the Eighth

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

N. Y. H. A., he served with the quiet heroism of the true soldier until death came to him in the midst of the hard-fought struggle before Petersburg, June i6, 1864.

Mr. Wile_v was of Scotch descent, his great-grandfather, Hugh Wylie, being the first ancestor to come to America. .Arriving in early manhood, he located in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where he became the owner of a farm of 300 acres near Clinton Hollow. He married Mary Hall, and had two children: Reuben and Mary. Reuben Wiley's son, John Wiley, our subject's father, was born and educated there, and also engaged in fanning in mature years. He married Sarah Allen, and eight children were born of this union: Ensign (deceased), Allen, Reuben (our subject), Mary Jane, Hannah M., Martin (who served as a soldier in the 150th N. Y. V. I.), and William and Adeline (both deceased).

Reuben Wiley was born at the old homestead July 17, 1827, and received his early education in the neighboring schools. At the age of seventeen he went to Saratoga and engaged in a general mercantile business, later moving to New York City, where he went into the commission business on Washington street. W'hile there he married Miss Mary T. Adee, a native of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county. Of this marriage two children were born: Samuel, now a resident of Fairbury, Neb., and S.Mv.^H -A., who was married October 13, 1875, in the town of Clinton, to John W. Dutcher, a son of Lotan Dutcher and Eliza (Doughty) Dutcher, of Lagrange. He was educated at Clinton Hollow and Pleasant Plains, later engaging in farming, and is now one of the agriculturists of his vicinity. After their marriage they lived in the town of Clinton for two years, when they moved to the town of Washington, remaining there twelve years. In 1889 they returned to Clinton Hollow, where they have since resided. They have two children: Reuben W. and Lotan IL In politics Mr. Dutcher is a Republican.

RTHUR FRANCIS HOAG, M. D., a prominent physician of Millerton, is a native of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, born November 11, 1856. His family is of English origin.

William P. Hoag, our subject's father, was born in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, in 1819, and received a good literary

education. He was of a scientific turn of mind, and while he was always an interested reader on general subjects, he made a special study of geology. Until 1873 he was a farmer in the town of Northeast, whence he removed to Wabasha, Minn., where for some years he conducted a storage elevator for grain, later going to Cass county. North Dakota, and engaging in farming. He married Mar}' Jane Simmons, daughter of John Simmons, a wealthy farmer of near Chatham, Columbia county, N. Y., and had four sons: William Edward, born May 4, 1852, now a traveling salesman; Arthur Francis, our subject; Robert Henry, born November 22, 1858, a commission merchant of Minneapolis; and Charles Simmons, born November 25, i860, a farmer at Nor-cross, Minn. On his removal to the West, Mr. Hoag was accompanied by all of his family except our subject, and since 1890 has made his home with his son in Minneapolis. He has always been a Republican, but has never sought or held office. In religious belief he is a Quaker, and has by his upright and consistent life commanded the esteem of his associates.

Dr. Hoag received an excellent education in his youth, studying the English branches, and also the classics with Rev. A. H. Seeley, of Smithfield, Dutchess county. At the age of seventeen he entered the office of Dr. Sidney Stillman, of Millerton, as a medical student, where he remained three years, making a specialty of surgery. In 1876 he entered the medical department of Columbia College, and was graduated in 1879, having taken special work in anatomy and surgery in addition to the prescribed course. He took clinics with Dr. Sands, and did a great deal of hospital work. On August 16, 1876, he returned to Millerton and formed a partnership with Dr. Stillman, which continued three years, since which time he has practiced alone. His preparation for his work has been most thorough, and he is no less painstaking in his practice, and as a result he has a large business extending throughout the northeastern part of the county. He holds in a high degree the confidence of the community, and has been health officer of the town of Northeast and the village of Millerton for about ten years, being elected on the Republican ticket. He is also medical examiner for eight life insurance companies; he is a member of the State Medical Society and the County Medical Society. The Doctor is a liberal-minded

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227

man, and holds to the simple and tolerant Quaker faith in which he was reared. Socially, he is a member of Webatuck Lodge No. 4S0, F. & A. M., in which he has held various offices. He takes an active interest in local affairs, and is now a member of the board of education.

In 1881 Dr. Hoag was married to Miss Jessie L. Wheeler, daughter of the late Norman Wheeler, of the town of Northeast, and they have two sons: Arthur Edmond and William Harvey.

GEORGE W. CONKLIN (deceased). A life so strongly marked by worthy ambition and well-directed energy as that of the subject of this brief memoir, cannot fail to con\'ey to every reader a practical lesson which they would do well to heed. Although of good family, Mr. Conklin's chief inheritance consisted of the vigorous mentality and upright character upon which his success was based. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Putnam Valley, Putnam county, and his parents, William and Phcebe (Sirrine) Conklin, resided upon the old Conklin homestead north of Oscawana Lake, where on January 3, 1828, our subject was born.

Mr. Conklin was educated in the schools near his home, and had no other advantages; but, being fond of books, he supplemented his common-school education by extensive reading, and became a man of broad information. As a student of human nature, he enjoyed fiction, and Dickens' works were his especial favorites. He was phenomenally successful in business. When seventeen years of age he went to Maryland to get out ship timber, and immediately after arriving there he was recognized as a young man of good ability, and was put in charge of a gang of men who were engaged in that work. He remained there until 1850, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Jenkins, of Phillipstown, Putnam county. He then gave his attention to building bridges on the Hudson River railroad, having charge of a gang of men on the extension from Poughkeep-sie north, and was in the employ of the road until the last year of the Civil war. He went to Port Royal in March, 1865, returning in July of that year, and then entered the em-ply of the government in the navy yards at Brooklyn. He laid tracks, and was the general overseer during his stay of four years.

There he became acquainted with R. G. Packard, and later he formed a partnership with him in the dredging business. This was an extensive enterprise, and he was quite successful, continuing for twenty-six years at least. After leaving the navy yard Mr. Packard and Mr. Conklin went with Morris & Cumings; but after a while Mr. Packard went into business for himself, and Mr. Conklin accompanied him, and continued in the business until within three years of his death, which occurred May 8, 1893. He helped in the making of dredging machinery, and in all the different branches of the business, having a natural talent for mechanics. By nature he was energetic and forceful, and would have been successful in anything.

In his political faith Mr. Conklin was a strong Republican, but he was not especiallj' active in party work. For some time he was a member of the fire department at Pough-keepsie, Cataract Company No. 4, and became an exempt fireman. In religion he was was a Methodist.

Mr. Conklin had a pleasant home and a charming family. His wife was a daughter of David and Ann (Stevens) Jenkins, of Phillips-town, Putnam county. Six children blessed their union: (11 George L., born November 14, 1852, is a machinist, and has been in the dredging business. He married Miss May Pickert, and has three children: May Elizabeth, George Wesley and L. Clyde. {2) Lillie J. is married to William Saltford, an Englishman, and a florist by occupation. They have two sons: W. Arthur and George C. (3) Minnie C. married William Seeholzer, of Mid-dletown. N. Y., proprietor of the R. R. restaurant, and has one daughter, Helen C. (4) Lizzie M. is at home. (5) Josephine and (6) Carrie died in infancy.

Mrs. Conklin is the granddaughter of Joel Jenkins, a native of Maine, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He and two brothers were among the first to enlist in that struggle, and the three were engaged in the first battles. One brother was shot in one of the earl}' engagements, but Joel Jenkins and other brother served throughout the war, and after its close he settled south of the Croft's church, in the town of Phillipstown. The Jenkins fann'ly of that place are descended from him. He married Elizabeth Garrison, and had the following children: David, Mrs. Conklin's father; Polly, who married Daniel Bishop; Sarah

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(Mrs. Masters); Isaac, who lived at Garrison; Abram, the fifth in order of birth; Hannah ("Mrs. Curry); Susan, wife of James Croft; James; and Ann, who married Mr. Jennings.

HENRY E. ALLISON. M. D., medical superintendent of the Matteawan State

Hospital, at Matteawan, was born December I, 185 I, at Concord, N. H., a son of William H. and Catherine (Anderson) Allison.

He received his preliminary education at the public schools of his native city, later attending Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, N. H., where he graduated in 1871. In the fall of the same year he entered the classical department of Dartmouth College. He was elected president of the class in his Senior year, and graduated with honors in 1875. Among his classmates was Gov. Frank S. Black, of New York. After graduation, in the fall, he taught the high school of Hillsborough Bridge, N. H., and during the following year attended the full course of Tectures and instruction at Dartmouth Medical College. In June, 1878, he received the degree of M. D. at Dartmouth, and in August commenced the practice of his profession in the capacity of an assistant physician at the Wil-lard Asylum, in the town of Ovid, N. Y., an institution then containing some twelve hundred patients. Here he remained in charge of various medical departments of the service until March, 1883, when he resigned, although strong inducements were offered him to remain. After pursuing a post-graduate course at the New York Polyclinic, he commenced the general practice of medicine at ^^'aterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., where he remained some fourteen months, meeting with excellent success. During this time (1883-84) he served as town physician. At the urgent request of the board of trustees of the Wiliard Asylum, he returned in 1884 to that institution as first assistant physician, passing the State Civil Service examinationfor that position held in New York City. On July 1, 1889, he was appointed medical superintendent of the State Asylum for Insane Criminals at Auburn, Cayuga Co., N. Y., an institution at that time containing two hundred and nineteen patients. By virtue of this office he also became, by statute, a member of the commission created by the Legislature to erect a new asylum for insane criminals which was founded at .Mat-

teawan, Dutchess county, and to which, upon its completion, the inmates of the old Auburn asylum were transferred April 25, 1S92. This new institution is now known as the Matteawan State Hospital, of which Dr. Allison is the medical superintendent and treasurer. The total cost of the buildings and grounds was in the neighborhood of $900,000; the hospital has accommodations for five hundred and fifty patients.

Dr. Allison became a member of the Seneca County Medical Society in 1879, and was elected president of the society in 1S86; was also president of the Seneca County Medical Association. He is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, the Newburgh Bay Medical Society, and of the American Medico-Psychological Association, and an honorary member of La Soci^te de Medecine Mentale, of Belgium.

Dr. Allison has published the following papers and monographs: "A Case of Multiple Tubercular Tumor of the Brain " [New York Medical Record, August, 1882]; "Cerebral Lesions in the Chronic Insane" [Alienist and Neurologist, July, 1885]; "Moral and Industrial Management of the Insane " [Alienist and Neurologist, April, 18S6]; "Mental Changes Resulting from the Separate Fracture of Both Thighs" [American Journal of Insanity, July, 1886]; "Notes in a Case of Chronic Insanity" [American Journal of Insanity, April, 1887]; "An Historical Sketch of Seneca County Medical Society" [Press of Brandow & Speed, Albany. 1887]; "On a General System of Reporting Autopsies in American Asylums for the Insane" [Read before the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane, Newport, R. I., June, 1SS9; American Journal of Insanit}', October, 1889]; a short contribution to " De La Responsibilite Attenuee." by Henry Thierry, Paris, 1891; "On Motives Which Govern the Criminal Acts of the Insane" [Read before the Association of Medical Superintendents of .American Institutions for the Insane, Washington, D. C, May, 1892; American Journal of Insanity, October, 1892]; ■ ■ The Insane Criminal " [The Summary, December, 1S92]; " Insanity Among Criminals" [Read before the American Medico-Psychological Association, Philadelphia, Penn., May, 1894; American Journal of Insanity, July, 1894; Criminal Law Magazine and Reporter, Vol. 16, 1894]; "On the Care of the Criminal Insane in the State of New York " [Read at the annual meeting of the Trustees and Su-

Lx^^--cr*-^ ^

COMMEMOBATIVE BIOGBAJ'SICAZ RECORD.

-OOQ

perintendents of the State Hospitals of New York, Matteawan. October, 1S94: Conglomerate, October, 1894]; ••Some Relations of Crime to Insanity and States of Mental En-feeblement" [Read at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association, Atlanta. Ga., May, 1896: Journal of the American Medical Association, September, 1896]; ••Simple Melancholia and its Treatment" [Read at Newburgh Bay Medical Society: Medical Record, January, 1897]; four annual reports of the "State Asylum for Insane Criminals," 1889. '90, "91, '92; four annual reports of the "Matteawan State Hospital,■■ 1893, '94, '95, '96. In addition, although not seeking the work, he has been frequently called upon to testify as an expert medical witness in various important trials before the courts.

On Octobers. 1884, Dr. Allison was married to Miss .\nna M. De Puy, daughter of Lewis and Sabina E. (Schoonmaker) De Puy. of Kingston, N. Y., and four children, as follows, have come to brighten their home: Catherine De Puy, Elizabeth Shand. William Henry and Anna. On February 24. 1889, at Ovid. N. Y., he united with the Presbyterian Church, and is now a member and an elder of the First Reformed Dutch Church at Fishkill Landing, N. Y.; socially, he is a member of Union Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M.; of Dartmouth College Association of New York, and of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College.

the courts of the State where the plea of insanity' arises as a defense for crime. Such persons are committed to its custody <iuring the continuance of their mental disease. The population again rapidly increased at Matteawan. until, within four years from its opening on the new site, the hospital was filled to more than its utmost capacity. The desirability of separating the convicted from the unconvicted inmates had long been recognized, and it was recommended that this end should be accomplished by providing a hospital in connection with one of the State Prisons, to be built by 1, convict labor, and for the purpose of caring onlv for the convict insane. Gov. Morton in his annual message approved the project, and an appropriation for this purpose was made at the legislative session of 1896. Complete plans for the new Institution, designed when finished to accommodate six hundred inmates, were prepared by Dr. Allison, and the buildings are now under construction. The change will relieve the Matteawan State Hospital of an undesirable class of patients, and enable the hospital to expand along lines more favorable to its proper development and growth.

T/ic Matteaivan State Hospital was originally established at Auburn, in 1855, and opened for the reception of patients in February, 1859. Next to Utica it is the oldest of the State hospitals for the insane. Designed at first for the care of insane convicts, its scope has been gradually enlarged until it now provides for all classes of insane criminals, and occupies a position of highest iiiiportance among the hospitals of the State. Its growth at .\uburn was not rapid, but the buildings became overcrowded in the course of years, finally rendering it necessary to erect a new institution upon a larger scale and a more convenient site; and Matteawan, in the Hudson River \'alley, was selected. Modern buildings, complete in every detail, were erected there, and the new asylum opened in April, 1S92. Its name was subsequently changed from the State Asylum lor Insane Criminals to the Matteawan State Hospital. It receives patients not only from penal institutions, but also all cases from

I

CORNELL, M. D., a prominent X phvsician of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, was born in Defreestville, Rensselear Co.. N. Y.. April 26. 1851, the son of Rev. William A. and Helen M. (Wyckoffl Cornell.

Peter Cornell, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born April i, 1756, and married Maria Meserole, who was born October 22, 1758. and their family comprised nine children as follows: Cornelius, born in 1781, was a farmer in Lagrange; Isaac (i) died in infancy; Isaac (2) was the grandfather of our subject; Sarah married a Mr. Van Valen; Jane married Matthew Luyster; Margaret died unmarried: Maria and Cornelius died in infancy; Elizabeth, born in 1790, married Oliver Todd. Peter Cornell and his wife were members of the Reformed Dutch Church. Of this family, Isaac married Miss Hoffman, a native of Dutchess county, and they settled on a farm in Lagrange, where they reared their seven children, to wit: Peter M.. a farmer in the town of Lagrange; William .\., father of our subject; Frederick, a farmer in Kansas; Margaret married to Darius Howland; and Mary, Elizabeth and Isabella.

William .\. Cornell, father of Isaac M.,

OOMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

grew to manhood on his father's farm, and after completing a common-school education entered Rutgers College, at New Brunswick, N. J., where he prepared himself for the ministry. During the better part of his life he was a preacher in the Reformed Church, but his health becoming impaired he returned to the farm at Lagrange, where he died August i8, J876. During his ministry he was pastor of the churches at Athens and Blooming Grove, N. Y., or Defreestville, as it is now called. About 1853 he gave up regular work, but preached occasionally until the time of his death. On April 12, 1843, he married Miss. Helen M., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Wyckoff, the former of whom was a native of New Brunswick, N. J.; the family was of old Holland stock. Of this union six children were born: Elizabeth W., who married Thomas B. Burnett, of Orange, N. J.; Helen, who died in infancy; Sarah I^., who married James Y. Luyster, of New Hackensack, N. Y.; Isaac M., our subject; William A., who married Bertha Schultz, and lives at Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; and Jacob W., assistant treasurer of the Wappingers Savings Bank, who married Emma Stockholm, and resides in Wappingers Falls.

The subject of this sketch was brought up on his father's farm in Lagrange, and attended the district school until he was fifteen years of age. Subsecjuently he became a student in the Carey and Pelham Institute, Poughkeep-sie, N. Y., and then began the study of medicine with Dr. S. S. Greene, of Lagrangeville. In 1873 he entered the Medical Department of the University of New York, and graduated therefrom m the class of 'yj. After his graduation Dr. Cornell went to Buffalo, N. Y., and for some time practiced with his old preceptor; then resided at New Hamburg, N. Y., and in the spring of 1878 settled at Wappingers Falls, where he has since made his home. The Doctor stands high with his professional brethren, and has been very successful in his calling. He has secured the confidence of the public, and has made many friends by his genial manners and kindly disposition. His practice is one of the largest in the vicinity.

On October 30, 1878, Dr. Cornell was married to Miss Kate E. Dorland, a sister of C. P. Dorland, the county surrogate. She died July 29, 18S0, and June 6, -1883, the Doctor was married to Elizabeth W., a

daughter of Joseph D. Harcourt. a sketch of whom will be found on anotfier page. Mar-tense H., born December 26, 1884, is the only child of this union. In his political views, the Doctor is a Republican. From 1883 to 1886 he was health officer of the town of Wappinger, and in 1878 was appointed to the same office for the town of Poughkeepsie. He has been a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society since 1878; is a trustee of the Wappingers Savings Bank; belongs to Wappingers Lodge No. 671, F. & A. M., at Wappingers Falls, to Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M., and PougkheepsieCommandery No. 43, K. T. In all respects he is one of the leading citizens of W'appingers Falls.

WILLIAM MORGAN LEE, one of the prominent attorneys of Poughkeepsie,

Dutchess county, is a member of a family which has long held a leading position in this locality.

Darius Lee, his father, was born July 28, 1794, in East Fishkill, and in early manhood moved to Poughkeepsie, where he became identified with several important business enterprises, a general store, a carriage factory, and a hotel at Arlington. He was one of the founders of Heading M. E. Church, was for many years a class leader and local preacher, and he held for a long time the office of justice of the peace in the town of Poughkeepsie. He married for his second wife Naomi Odell, who was born July 28, 1812, a native of Putnam county, and they had seven children, of whom our subject is the eldest; the others were: Kate, a successful teacher in the public schools of Poughkeepsie; F"rank K., a physician; Edward, who resides at Mt. Vernon, S. Dak.; David (deceased); Sarah; and Henry G. (deceased). The father died in 1858, and the mother on February 26, 1883.

William Morgan Lee was born May 18, 1838, in Poughkeepsie. His literary and scientific studies were pursued in the public schools of that city, and with private tutors. When twenty years old he taught a school at Pleasant Valley, and in the same year he began the study of law in the office of Wilbur & Van-Cleef, with whom he remained one year. He then taught for a few months at Schultzville, and in 1862 entered the office of the provost tnarshall at Poughkeepsie, where he was employed for two years and a half. Resuming

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281

his legal studies in the office of Judge Charles Wheaton, he prepared for his examination, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. For some time he practiced with Judge Wheaton, and later with Judge Allard Anthony. He is an able and influential worker in the Republican party, and in 1869 was appointed city chamberlain, serving five years; in 1873 he was elected supervisor of the Sixth ward, and city attorney in 1877, which latter incumbency he held for nine years. In i S83 he was nominated for surrogate on the Republican ticket against H. D. Hufcut. but, like the other candidates of his party at that election, he was defeated. From 1889 to 1893 he was deputy collector of Internal Revenue for the Fourteenth District. His well-proven abilities have given him a high standing in business circles, and from 1893 to to February, 1895, he was auditor and general passenger agent for the P. & E. R. R. Through all the varied and exacting duties of these different positions he has carried on his regular professional work, and enjoys an extensive and profitable practice.

On June 23, 1870, in Poughkeepsie, Mr. Lee was married to Miss Mary Worrall, a native of Pittsburg, and the daughter of John Worrall. Her grandfather, William Worrall, was an early settler in Poughkeepsie, and at one time owned most of the land upon which the eastern part of the city now stands. Two children were born of this union: Maud and Frederick William. Mr. Lee and his wife are leading members of the Episcopal Church, and he has been a vestryman for thirteen years, clerk of the vestry for four years, and is also the treasurer of the Archdeaconry of Dutchess county.

He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and he was received into Poughkeepsie Lodge in March, 1869; Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, Royal Arch Masons, in September, 1869; Poughkeepsie Commandery, Knights Templar, in October, 1870; and was elected High Priest of the Chapter in December, 1872, and re-elected four successive terms. In May, 1876, he was chosen Commander of Poughkeepsie Commandery, and held the office six years. He was a charter member and first Master of Triune Lodge No. 782, organized in 1879, and became a member of King Solomon Council, Royal and Select Masters, in 1880, serving as Master of the Council for two years. In 1883 he served on the staff of J. Edward Simmons, and in 1884

with William Brodie as Deputy Grand Master. In 1887 he was Grand Principal Sojourner of the State, and he has been Grand Steward in the Grand Council, and is now the Representative of the State of Wisconsin near the Grand Council of the State of New York. In 1889 he became a member of Mecca Temple of the Mystic Shrine in New York City.

ICHARD A. VARICK, M. D. (deceased), t^ was born in the City of New York, April

24, 1806. His ancestors were Holland-Dutch, and the name was originally spelled Van Vaarick.

Dr. Varick spent his early days on his father's farm, after which he took a course of lectures in a Medical College in New York, from which he was graduated with the class of 1827. After completing his course in medicine he came to Poughkeepsie, and practiced with Dr. John Barnes, with whom he remained until the latter's death, after which our subject practiced alone. He married Miss Eliza Harris, of Poughkeepsie, and two children—one son and one daughter—were born to them: John B. is a wholesale hardware merchant in New Hampshire; and Elizabeth Harris married William R. Pell, of New York. Mrs. Varick died in 1837, and Dr. Varick subsequently married Miss Isabel Shepherd, who was born in ^Albany June 27, 1809. By this union there were children as follows, five in number: (i) Robert S. was in the hardware business in New York City, and died when a young man. (2) Remsen was in the Civil war, and was on the first boat that went to Richmond, Va.; after the war he returned to Poughkeepsie and entered the drug business; he died in 1883. (3) Richard A., Jr., died while attending college. (4) Ellen S. married Edward Barnes, a druggist of Poughkeepsie. (5) William was a merchant of Boston, and died in 1878. In politics. Dr. Varick was originally a Whig, later a Republican. He was a prominent citizen, and stood high in the esteem of his fellow men. He and his wife were liberal contributors of the Reformed Church. He was a member of the Society of Cincinnati, as eldest son, in nearest male line, inheriting it through Col. Richard Varick, of the Revolutionary army, and being succeeded at his death by his eldest son, John B. Varick. Dr. Richard A. Varick died August 10, 1871.

John V. B. Varick, father of our subject,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

married Miss Dorothy Remsen in New York City, shortly after which he located on a farm in the town of Poughkeepsie, where he followed agricultural pursuits a few years. Returning to New York, he there remained until his death. To him and his wife the following children were born: Richard A.; Henry, who was an attorney in Poughkeepsie, and died there; James L., a merchant in New York; John was a farmer on the homestead, where he died; Abram was a resident of Poughkeepsie; Jane married Richard \'. Gilbert, a resident of Bridgeport, Conn., and Poughkeepsie (both are now deceased); Antoinette married William Pell, a sea captain; and Kate became the wife of Abram \'an Santvoord, a resident of New York City. By his second wife, who was a Miss Romeyn, John V. B. Varick had two children: Susan, who married Cornelius Van Santvoord, a prominent lawyer of New York; and Theodore R., who was surgeon general of New Jersey till his death.

HENRY DU BOIS VAN WYCK, proprietor of Knickerbocker Lodge, Van W3'ck Lake, near Fishkill \'illage, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and also the owner of extensive property interests at Norfolk, Va., is one of our most talented and successful men of affairs, ha\'ing given to various financial enterprises throughout his life the generalship, the energy, the insight, and the indomitable will which mark the highest type of business man.

He is a native of Fishkill, born October 27, 1823, at the old Van Wyck homestead, on the Hudson, a place which has been in the possession of his family for one hundred years. The mansion is of the Colonial type, and is famous as the house in which the proceedings of the first legislature of the State of New York were printed, and it is now occupied by the Misses Vandervort, Mr. \'an Wyck's nieces, the estate having been sold to them by him for one-tenth of its value. His father, John C. Van Wyck, was the owner of large tracts of land in that vicinity, and for many years followed mercantile pursuits in New York City. He married Delia Griffin, and reared a family of seven children: Letitia, Catherine, Jacob, Helena, Henry Du Bois, Mary Ida and Adelia.

Mr. \'an Wyck was educated in the district schools near his home, also at College Hill, Poughkeepsie, and on leaving school he went to New York City and clerked in a large

wholesale tobacco house for three years. He then spent two years in the oil busmess; went to Kalamazoo, Mich., with a large drove of sheep, and located there upon a large farm which he devoted to sheep raising and wheat growing, his first crop of wheat from 600 acres of land being the first large crop harvested in the United States. In 1849 he went to San Francisco, Cal., meeting there William Annin, of Fishkill Landing, and bought the barque "Galindo," in which Mr. \'an Wyck made an exploring trip to the North along the coast of California and Oregon. Mr. Van Wyck was captain, with James Riddell as sailing master, and they carried sixty passengers, who were in search of a river which was laid down on one of Van Couver's charts as flowing into Trinidad bay. They found the bay, but no stream large enough to be called a river. One whale boat was sent north from this point and one south, with five men in each, but they returned on the fifth day, having lost four men while entering the mouth of Humboldt bay. There was a mutiny on board of the barque, which lasted several days, the passengers being of a very rough class. The party found a tribe of Indians at Trinidad bay, who treated them with great kindness, as did another large band at Klamath river under Chief Cawtapish, numbering about 1,800 warriors. Mr. \'an-Wyck's party were the first whites they had ever seen, as the generation which had greeted Van Couver's men had gone to the happy hunting grounds.

James Johnson and Mr. \'an Wyck were the discoverers of the great Gold Bluff claims, eight miles south of the Klamath river, which are still being worked. In 1850 Mr. \'an-Wyck sold his interest to A. J. Butler, brother of Gen. Benjamin F-. Butler, and then having procured thirty mules from San Francisco, he started on an exploring expedition through the Indian country, following the Klamath river, and at the end of forty-four days they struck the rich camp known as Yreka Mining camp, near the foot of Mt. Shasta. They had passed through several different large tribes of Indians, viz.: The "Chora," "Mad Rivers," "Klamaths," " Smith Rivers, ' " Rogue Rivers," "Scott Rivers," "Shastas," "Mo-docs," and others, always being treated well, although the Indians had never seen a white person before, and Mr. \'an Wyck thinks there never would have been any trouble with the Indians if the white men had used them justly.

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233

Many noted chiefs were amono; these tribes, and Mr. Van Wyck says, '• he never saw more beautiful women than were many of these Indian maidens," particularly on the coast. The Modoc Indian Jim, afterward known as " Shack Nasty Jim," rode for one year the bell animal, leader of a train of mules, that Mr. Van Wyck was running from Yreka to Portland, Oregon, and also to Marysville, Cal., and other towns, where goods could be procured. Mr. Van Wyck gave him a furlough that he might visit his people, who were supposed to be camping at the Lava Beds, sixty miles from Yrel^. When he reached the Lava Beds, he found they had gone to Pitt river, fishing for salmon, and he came back after three or four days in a very filthy condition, having laid on the earth after heating it, so as to keep warm, during the cold nights. He had lived for two days on shack berries (a very nutritious fruit), and when he appeared before Mr. \'an Wyck, the latter said to him, "Jim, you look so filthy, and having lived on shack berries, I think your name ought to be changed, so I will give you a new one, that of ' Shack Nasty Jim;' " and this nickname clung to him until his death.

The Modocs were alwaj's very kind to the whites, until the whites by misusing them caused them to be enemies instead of friends. As an instance: In 1853, during the immense immigration across the plains (all the men and women being sick, and the catfle exhausted, on account of the shortness of supplies), a party of 300 emigrants went into camp near the Modoc country, and one of the Modocs volunteered to carry word of their sad plight to "Yreka." On his arrival the message was delivered to Mr. Van Wyck at his store, as he was the largest dealer in that country. He immediately called a meeting of the citizens, and, as gold dust was as plenty as dirt, quickly raised enough to purchase cattle, provisions, medi^'nes and everything needed to bring them through. An expedition was sent out under the charge of a supposed merciful man, who distributed the supplies among the suffering emigrants. Having one fat ox left, he killed it, barbecued a quarter of it, and invited the leading men of the Modoc tribe to partake of the feast. It was said at the time that strychnine had been put on this quarter, which he had taken out to kill wolves in order to get their pelts. At any rate, the party returned to Yreka with eleven Indian scalps, and said that

they had had a terrible fight with the Modocs, and the scalps were the trophies of their victory. Yreka people learned afterward that there had been no fight, but that the Indians had been poisoned. This accounts for the manner in which Capt. Jack of the Modocs treacherously killed Gen. Canby, of the U. S. Army, as he always said he would get even by killing some "big Boston fighting man." Mr. Van Wyck remained at Yreka until i860, when he went to Portland, Oregon, and remained there six months, forming another expedition which started for Idaho Territory, passing through the Dallas, Umpqua, Umatilla, and the place where the city of Walla Walla now stands, on through Grand Ronde valley, and over the Blue mountains, to the site of Boise City, then a wilderness; from there they went north and camped on a small stream sixty miles from Boise City, and finding placer gold in abundance, they started Idaho City, and in nine months 18,000 miners were there at work washing out the precious metal in enormous quantities. On this trip the party passed through the " Nez Perces" Umatillas, Grande Ronde, Boise Rivers, Bannocks, and other tribes of Indians without losing a man or even having any trouble, being treated well all the time. The Yreka camp and the Idaho City camp were two of the richest mining places ever discovered in the United States, and Mr. Van Wyck was the leader of the party who discovered both camps. In attempting to cross Boise river with their mules they were detained over twelve hours to allow a school of salmon to pass up the stream, as the mules could not be persuaded to go into the water until the fish had passed. At this early period these rivers were literally filled with salmon, and other fish. Mr. Van Wyck ran stages from Yreka to Red Bluff, Cal. (160 miles), for several years, carrying Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express daily, and having at times from 500 to 1,000 pounds of gold dust to be minted at San Francisco and carried back as coin. He never lost one dollar by the "road agents," and it was said that he was " in with the ' road agents,' " as, know-" ing them all, and being very kind to them, loaning them money whenever they needed it, they had promised him that his stage coaches should never be attacked, while the robberies of other coaches were constant. Both Idaho and Yreka Camp were filled with the roughest elements in the world in those days, and murders were of daily occurrence, as from one to

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

seven men were found murdered every morning in the streets. Mr. \'an Wyck ran the Bonaparte Gold & Silver (in which he was a quarter-owner) for five years, doing his own amalgamating, retorting and assaying, having received a perfect knowledge of this science as a student of the celebrated Joseph Oesstricher, the gold and silver assayer of Idaho City.

Mr. Van Wyck was at one time given a pass-word by Caw-Ta-Pish, chief of the Klamath's tribe (whose life he had saved on one occasion), which was often of great service to him among the tribes who understood the jargon language. The pass-word was this^ Cho, Ko, Nez, Wa, Gee, which expresses that Mr. Van Wyck had been a great friend of the Indians. Mr. Van Wyck at this point again asserts his belief that there never would have been bad Indians if it had not been for the bad whites, some of whom would shoot a poor Indian for their own amusement.

George P. Gordon, the inventor of the Gordon printing press, with whom Mr. Van-Wyck had been acquainted since 183Q, induced him to sell his interests in Idaho and join him in Southern speculating, and in 1869 Mr. Van-Wyck went to Norfolk, Va., to look after property to purchase. Being pleased with the outlook and location, he wrote for Mr. Gordon to come down immediately, and their first purchase was the Mallory plantation, for which they paid $51,000 cash, at the same time buying four other estates adjoining at a cost of $21,000 more, making three thousand acres in all of the most beautiful trucking land in \'ir-ginia. Mr. Gordon died in 1879, and three years later Mr. Van Wyck married his widow, who died in California in 1890 of pneumonia. Mr. Van Wyck was the pioneer in the garden truck business in Virginia, working 180 negroes, and eighty mules, and six horses daily, and he still has an interest in the plantations which will soon be sold to close up the estate of the late Mrs. Van Wyck. He also owns many buildings in Norfolk, Va., including Van Wyck's Academy of Music on Main street, which was built twelve years ago at a cost of nearly $171,-000, and is a temple of the dramatic and lyric arts, of which Norfolk is justly proud. It is four stories high, 200x150 feet ground plan, and has an auditorium seating 1,600 people, at the same time affording standing room for some seven or eight hundred more. Its stage is 45 X 60 feet, with a height of twenty feet to the grooves, and a height in the clear of sixty-

five feet. The proscenium arch is thirty-two feet wide by forty feet high. These dimensions, the general design of the house and its handsome decorations and finish, have earned for it the reputation of being the finest theatre south of Washington. The best talent on the American stage is engaged for this house. The present manager, who has had charge for the past five years, is A. B. Duesberry, a Richmond man of considerable experience in theatrical matters. The treasurer, C. M. Mayes, has been with the house, in various capacities, for the last seven years.

In 1890 Mr. Van W'yck •purchased the property known as the Ross farm, at Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and constructed the lake and buildings known as Knickerbocker Lodge, Van Wyck Lake, improving and beautifying the place at a cost of $51,000. The spring of water located there has no equal in the world for the cure of diabetes, and the charming scenery and other advantages make it a delightful summer resort.

E\DMUND L. HENDRICKS ^deceased). 'I The family name of Hendricks has long

been prominent in business circles in this region, and the subject of this sketch sustained well the reputation for enterprise, good judgment and public-spirit which was his birthright. His grandfather, Lawrence Hendricks, was a well-kn'own resident of Red Hook. He had a son, Jacob L. Hendricks, our subject's father, who married Anna Moore, and reared a family of children whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Edmund L., July 12, 1809; Magdalene, October 19, 1811; Jeremiah, November 2, 1813; and Philip, January 29, 1816.

Edmund L. Hendricks received the name of Lawrence Edmund at his baptism, but in later years he transposed it to Edmund Lawrence. He was educated at the Upper Red Hook Academy; then learned harness making, and afterward engaged in the manufacture of harness at Red Hook. He retired in September, 1863. On September 25, 1832, he was married to Miss Barbara Ann Davis, of Red Hook, and six children were born of this union: Francis Theo, Mary Elizabeth, Cornelia A., Ediiumd D., William E. and Magdalene A. Of this family all are now deceased except Mary E. and Magdalene A. Their home was characterized by refinement and quiet devotion to

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Christian principles. After fifteen years of wedded life, the mother died August 19, 1847, the father surviving until November 27, 1883. The Misses Hendricks still occupy the residence built by their father in 1842. They were educated in Red Hook, and have taken a leading position in social, religious and philanthropic enterprises, and both are regarded as most ready, active and generous supporters of any measure tending to promote the welfare of their community, or of that wide circle which includes all humanity as one family.

m BRAM WRIGHT, one of the most prom-Jb^ inent business men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born Novembers, 1812, in the town of East Fishkill, and now carries the burden of his eighty-five years with a sprightliness and vigor which many men younger than he might envy.

Isaac Wright, his father, was born in 1764 in Westchester county, N. Y., where he grew to manhood and married Miss Mary Hamilton, who was born in 1763, a native of the same county. Her father was born in the North of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage. Thirteen children came of this union, of whom our subject is the youngest and now the only survivor. Isaac Wright engaged in farming at his native place after his marriage, and a few years later moved to East Fishkill, being one of the earliest settlers there. He was a man of very strong constitution, and never knew what illness was until his last years. He died in 1839, his wife surviving him nine years. They were members of the M. E. Church, and so hospitable were they to ministers and other travelers in those days that their home was known far and near as the " Methodist Tavern."

Abram \N'right passed his boyhood on the farm where he was born, his educational opportunities being limited to the neighboring district school. His first money-making employment was in a country store at Coldspring, Putnam county, at $4 per month and board. Later, while visiting a brother at New Orleans, he was persuaded by him to go into the cotton commission business at Manchester (now Yazoo City), Miss. There he remained six years, when he was burned out, sustaining a loss of $50,000. Gathering up what he could, he again embarked in business, locating at Vicks-burg, where for eight years he dealt extensively in plantation supplies. He then returned to

New Orleans, holding an interest with his brother Hamilton for two years, but sold out and came back to his early home. After a few years passed at Coldspring he moved to Poughkeepsie, Where in 1857 he bought his present place. He is a man of great energy and business acumen, and has engaged in various profitable enterprises. He was a stockholder in the company which built the Poughkeepsie bridge, a director in the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, and is now one of the trustees of the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank. He has also speculated in real estate to some extent, and has built five stores on Main street between Academy street and Eighme place. Business cares have not, however, engrossed his thoughts to the exclusion of matters of public moment, for he has always been ready to forward any movement for the welfare of the city; he has held office on the board of education, and on the alms house commission; has been alderman from the Sixth ward, and has served several times on the waterworks board, having been a member of that board at its organization. Politically, he has always been a stanch Democrat.

Mr. Wright was married, in 1837, to Mary Warren, a daughter of Judge Warren, of Cold-spring, and has had seven children: Eliza, Charlotte, Webster, Sarah (Mrs. Leonard Carpenter), Cornelia, Ida and William, of whom only two are now living: Webster, a resident of Plainfield, N. J., and William, who lives in Poughkeepsie.

CHARLES DAVIS, whose death occurred ' in 1895, was one of the leading and influential agriculturists of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. Timothy Davis, his grandfather, was a native of Delaware county, N. Y., and was also a farmer. He wedded Miss Mary Wilbur, by whom he had five children: Zilla, Wilbur, Silas, Ruth and Sarah.

Wilbur Davis, the father of our subject, was born and educated in Delaware county, N. Y., and followed the occupation to which he was reared. He married Miss Ethel Manchester, and seven children came to bless their union, as follows: (i) William, who was born and educated in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, there engaged in farming, and married Miss Janet Clark. To them were born six children—Walter and Chester, who died in infancy; Mary, who wedded James Wood;

COVMEMORATITE BIOGRAPHICAL BECOED.

George, who married Eniil\- Tripp: Mina, who married Lewis Waldron: and Harry, who died in infancy. (2i Betsy married William Smith, a farmer of Dover Plains. Dutchess county, and they had two children—Frances, who married Charles Cooper: and Jane, who married James Deacon. (3) Charles, subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth. (4) Silas, a hat manufacturer, enlisted in a Connecticut regiment, and served all through the war of the Rebellion. He married Miss Margaret Abbott, but no children were born to them. (5) Sarah was never married. (6 Theron was engaged in the foundry business. and married Miss Anna Hart, by whom he had three children—Mary. John and Albert. (7) Henr}- carried on farming in the West. He married Miss Margaret O'Conners. but they had no children. All of the above-named family were born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and were there educated.

The subject proper of this sketch was born in the town of Dover. Dutchess county, in 1824. and like the other members of the family attended the common schools near his home. He earh- became familiar with the work that falls to the lot of the agriculturist, and made farming his life work. He was a highly-respected citizen, having the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. and man\" friends mourned his death.

Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Benson, a daughter of Jefferson and Fannie (Glenn) Benson, of Amenia. Dutchess county, and they became the parents of eight children, namely: George, bom in 1S49. has for several j-ears been a conductor on the Harlem railroad: he married Ellen Duncan, and has one child—Ed J.: John. born in 1851. was for years conductor on the Harlem railroad, and had his arm crushed in 1891: William, bom in 1853. was on the same road for years, and is now on the Brooklyn bridge: he married Eliza Benson, and has eight children—Charles. Albert, Nellie. Anna, Emma. Sophia. Arthur and Lula. Edward, born in 1855. died at the age of nineteen years. Frank, born in 1857. was a conductor on the Staten Island road, and was killed in a collision in 1893: he married Katie E. Spencer. Walter, born in 1859, is a fireman on the Harlem road: he married Jennie Proper, and has two children—Ida and Ethel. Jefferson, bom in i860, is an engineer on the Brooklyn bridge: he married Emilv Duncan, and has

three children—Edith. Harry and Mabel. Arthur, born in 1862. was a policeman at the time of his death in 1888: he married Georgia Schamerhorn, and had one child—Katie E.. who died in infancv.

BENJAMIN N. BAKER. M. D., one of the ablest and most successful medical practitioners of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was bom October 2. 1833. in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

His family is of English origin, and has long been established in Nottingham, England., where his grandfather. John Baker, was a well-known resident in his day. Rev. John J. Baker, our subjects father, was the first of the family to come to America, and fifty years of his life were spent as a devoted minister of the Baptist Church in Philadelphia and in different towns in New Jersey. He married Miss Elizabeth Nicholson, daughter of Benjamin Nicholson, a Revolutionan,' soldier, who was at one time imprisoned in a man-of-war in New York harbor. Thirteen children were bom of this union, of whom the following seven lived to adult age: Benjamin N.. William. Lansing B.. John J., Catherine. Margaret and Allie. The father died in 1890. and the mother in 1S91.

Dr. Baker received a good education in his youth, graduating in 184S from the Central High School in Philadelphia, to attend which he walked three miles each day. Soon after leaving school he engaged in the drug business in the same city, and later took the general course in medicine in the Pennsylvania Medical College, and was graduated in 1S57. He then began the practice of his profession at Lawrenceville. N. J., and remained there twelve years, with the exception of one year in the army, in 1862-63. He entered as second assistant surgeon of the ist N. J. C and later became first assistant of the 28th N. J. I., and then first surgeon of the Third Division, Second Corps. Hospital in the field, and was mustered out while holding this rank. He returned to LawTenceville. but in 1S68 moved to Rhine-beck, and has been in general practice there ever since, winning an enviable reputation throughout the surrounding countr\' for the successful and scientific treatment of difficult cases. In his professional work he is naturally a diligent reader, and he keeps well informed also on the topics of the day. Political work he has left entirely alone. He votes the Dem-

<^

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237

ocratic ticket, though formerly a Rcpubhcan, and he is interested in all movements for the public benefit, and has been health officer for several years.

On April 7, 1858, he was married to Miss Sarah S. Exton, daughter of Thomas Exton, a well-known citizen of Clinton, N. J., and granddaughter of Hugh Exton, who came from England at an early date and purchased one thousand acres of land, now known as Union farms. T-hey have had eight children, four of whom are now living: Lizzie, who married Edward Holley, of Hudson, N. Y.; Ella, the wife of R. R. Jarvis, of Arlington, N. J.; Harriet, the wife of Thomas J. Sinclair, of Philadelphia; and Mae, who is at home. The Doctor united with the Presbyterian Church in his youth, but he and his wife are now active members of the Reformed Dutch Church. The Doctor takes great interest in the G. A. R., being a member of Armstrong Post, and he also belongs to the Masonic order.

THOMAS W. EMBLEY, M. D., of Fish-kill, Dutchess county. Among the talented young physicians of this region, we should name the subject of this sketch as having demonstrated in an unusually short time the possession of native ability for his profession, as well as the thorough training which, however necessary to a successful practitioner, is useful only where the other exists to be developed.

Dr. Embley is a native of Fishkill-on-Hud-son, where he was born July 22, 1874. His family originated in England, and for 300 years there has been a Thomas Embley in the direct line of descent. The Doctor's great-grandfather, Thomas Embley, lived in Lancashire, England, and was a mason by trade. He was accidentally killed by the falling of a scaffold, and left a small family, among whom was a son, Thomas, our subject's grandfather, who was born at Clitheroe, in northern Lancashire. He became a carder of cotton goods in his youth, and later followed teaming, but finally engaged in the grocery business. He died in 1857, aged seventy-five \'ears, and his wife, Ann (Tiplady), followed him a year later, aged fifty-eight. Her father, John Tiplady, was a lead miner of Yorkshire, England. Thomas and Ann Embley were devout members of the Church of England. Of their three children,

the youngest, Thomas, our subject's father, is now the only survivor. Mary A. married William Fitton, now deceased, and Alice was the wife of the late John Seddon.

Thomas Embley, the Doctor's father, was born at Hyde, Cheshire, England, August 6, 1839, and was the only one of the family to cross the ocean. The first eleven years of his life were spent at his native place, and he then became a switch-tender in a railroad j'ard at Gorton. At fourteen he went to Manchester to learn the art of decorating interiors, and for several years he was successfully engaged in painting and paper-hanging. In 1873 he came to America, and visited Fishkill and neighboring towns in his search for a suitable location. The prospects there being favorable he began working at his trade, but in 1876 he established a saloon business at Fishkill Landing, and has met with marked success. In 1889 he built the brick block at the corner of Walnut and Main streets, where he has since conducted his business, and until taking possession of that place he was also engaged to some extent at his old trade of decorator. At present he is treasurer of the Liquor and Beer Dealers' Association of Fishkill.

In his political views Mr. Embley is independent, voting for the best men and measures without regard to party. He inclines toward the Episcopal Church, having been a member of the Established Church before coming to the United States. While living in Godley, England, he was active in Church work, and was a teacher in the Sunday-school. He also joined the I. O. O. F. in his native land. He was married in the old country, August 6, i S69, to Miss Lucy J. Fisher, daughter of William Fisher, of Leiston, Suffolk, England. Only one child, our subject, lived to adult age, and to him we will now return.

Dr. Embley was educated in Fishkill, and on completing his course in the local schools he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. G. Dawson, of Matteawan. After eighteen months of preparatory reading he was enrolled in October, 1893, as a student at Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn. He was graduated in 1896, and in July of that year opened his office at Fishkill village, where he is making his way by his own merits. He has already had some difficult cases, and was associated with Dr. Dawson, his former preceptor, in a very important operation requiring intelligence and skill, by which they saved a leg for

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a man who had been run over by the cars. So far the Doctor has not donned the Hymeneal yoke.

> EV. JAMES NILAN. D. D., pastor of

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church,

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of Ireland, born in County Galway, in 1836. At the age of seventeen he came to this country, and was educated at St. John's College, Ford-ham, N. Y., from which he graduated with the first gold medal conferred by Archbishop Hughes. Subsequently he pursued his theological studies at Rome, where, in 1S63, he was ordained to the priesthood, at St. John Lateran.

On his return to this country he was assigned to missionary service at the Church of the Holy Cross, New York, and in 186S he was sent by Cardinal McCloskey to the charge of the Catholic Church at Port Jervis, N. Y. Here, during his pastorate, he succeeded in securing the erection of one of the finest church buildings in that diocese. In November, 1877, on the appointment of Dr. Patrick McSweeney to St. Bridget's Church, New York, Dr. Nilan was transferred to the pastorate of St. Peter's Church, Poughkeepsie.

During the pastorate (1S44-187OJ of Rev. M. Rlordan, the present St. Peter's church building was begun and completed, two large school buildings and a rectory being also erected. In 1872, during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. McSweeney, the rectory was enlarged, and arrangements were made whereby the parochial school buildings were placed under the control of the city board of education. The parish of St. Mary's was established in the upper part of the city. During Father Nilan's pastorate the church building has been enlarged, and provided with stained-glass windows at a cost of $10,000. Its Sabbath-school numbers nearly seven hundred. It has five sodalities for the young members of the congregation; a young people's literary society, with a good library; a boys' temperance society of over 300 members; and a total abstinence and benefit society of several hundred men and women. The average income of the church is $8,000, nearly $5,000 of which is from pew rent.

Few churches present a more complete array of parish organizations, in successful operation to-day, than does the Church of St.

Peter's. Dr. Nilan's pronounced temperance principles, his warm sympathies with the humblest of his flock, and his frank acceptance of all the responsibilities of citizenship, have combined to give him an enviable position, not only with the members of his parish, but in the community at large. In the general benevolent, temperance and literary movements of the city. Dr. Nilan has always taken a prominent part, and he possesses in a marked degree the esteem of all classes of the people.

MT. PULTZ, M. D., a prominent physi-_ cian of Stanfordville, Dutchess county,

is a great-grandson of one of the pioneer agriculturists of the town of Khinebeck, David Pultz, who came from Germany at an early day to make a home in this country. His son, Michael D. Pultz, our subject's grandfather, was reared to the occupation of farming, and also worked at the carpenter's trade. He was a member of the old militia, and took an active part in the local affairs of his day. He and his family belonged to the Lutheran Church, attending at Wurtemburg. By his first wife, who was a Miss Cookingham, he bad six children: Julia, Reuben, Mary, Martin, Griffin and Lavina, of whom Mary is now the only survivor.

Martin Pultz, our subject's father, always resided at the old homestead, receiving his education in youth in the neighboring schools. In politics he was a Whig, and in movements of his time and locality he was influential, being especially interested in the early agitation of the temperance question, and an active worker in the Sons of Temperance. He married Catherine Traver, a daughter of Phillip I. Traver, of Milan. His death occurred in 1850; his widow makes her home with our subject.

Monroe Traver Pultz, the only child of this union, was born at the old home farm July 17, 1843. After making the most of the somewhat limited facilities afforded by the local schools, he studied for some time at Rhinebeck Academy, then one year at Wilbra-ham Academy in Massachusetts, and a year at Fort Edwards, N. Y. He then for a time pursued the scientific course in Union College with the class of '6"/, and later began the study of medicine with Dr. I. F. \'an Miet, at Rhinebeck, after which he took a three-years' course in the College of Physicians and Sur-

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239

geons. New York City, graduating in 1868. In June of the same year he located at Stan-fordville, where he has since practiced with great success, his native abilities and fine scholarship giving him high rank in his profession. He has been twice married, first to Miss Emma Amelia Bailey, a daughter of Richard Bailey, a well-known resident of Rhinebeck. She died in 1877, leaving two sons, Fred A. and Lee, the latter a graduate of the Albany Medical College in the class of '95. In 187S Dr. Pultz was married, the second time, in the town of Stanford, to Miss Alice Clark, daughter of Almon Clark.

In politics the Doctor is a Democrat, but he takes no share in party work, although he is a supporter of all measures tending to the public welfare, and has served as health officer of the town of Stanford. He is a member of the Christian Church, and of the F. & A. M., Rhinebeck Lodge; he holds a prominent place in the Dutchess County Medical Association, in the New York State Medical Association, and in the American Medical Association.

E\DWIN R. PEASE. Among the old resi- : dents of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county,

probably none were better known that the late Edwin R. Pease. Mr. Pease was born June 22, 1820, and died March 16, 1885. He was a son of Dudley S. Pease, an early settler in the village, who came from the East.

In early life Mr. Pease learned the shoe-making industry, and at the age of twenty-two years he established business for himself, manufacturing shoes and running a retail store. He started in business on the north side of Main street, near Bayeau street, where he remained for about a year, when he moved to No. 309 Main street, and there continued the business up to the time of his death. He was one of the most prominent merchants of the city, always identified with all matters of public interest. Although one of the most substantial and respected residents, and owner of much real estate, he never aspired to official honors. He was a Democrat, but never held any political office, except that of police commissioner, which incumbency he was hol^ding at the time of his death. For many years he was a trustee of the old Cannon Street M. E. Church, to which he was a liberal contributor.

Mr. Pease married January 11, 1844, Cor-

nelia Stanton, a daughter of Morris and Eliza Stanton. Morris Stanton, the father of Mrs. Pease, was born in Ulster county, and followed the cooper's trade. Eliza Stanton, the mother of Mrs. Pease (more familiarly known as Eliza Bates, which name she inherited by marriage to her second husband, Joseph I. Bates, in June, 18351, was born November 10, 1798, in a house on Academy street, standing where George W. Scott's livery stable is now located. She built the handsome building now occupied by the Dutchess Restaurant and the Dutchess Club, at No. 309 Main street, where she lived for many years, and died February 25, 1888, honored as the oldest Methodist in Poughkeepsie. She was a member of the first Methodist Sunday-school in Poughkeepsie, holding their meetings in the old church on Jefferson street. She was a daughter of Til-man Seabury, a sergeant in the Revolutionary army, who married Cornelia Kip, a direct descendant of Anneka Jans, of Trinity-Church fame.

Tradition affirms that while the Revolutionary soldiers were stationed at Poughkeepsie, Tilman Seabury, wishing to make the acquaintance of Cornelia Kip, whom he had seen, purchased some handkerchiefs, and asked her to hem them for the soldiers, as the "girls" were all anxious to do work for the soldiers. She accepted, and an acquaintance was then formed which resulted in courtship, and the records of the old Dutch Church at New Hackensack show that on February 27, 1778, Tilman Seabury and Cornelia Kip were married by the Rev. Isaac Rysdyke.

Mrs. Stanton (Mrs. Bates) was a grand-niece of Bishop Seabury, the first Episcopal bishop in America. Mrs. Stanton (Mrs. Bates) was also a direct descendant, through Samuel Seabury, of John Alden and Priscilla Mullens, who came to this country in the " Mayflower." Mrs. Stanton, by her marriage to Morris Stanton, had three children : Sarah, who died August 14, 1873, unmarried; Cornelia (Pease), who lives at No. 117 Academy street, and Mary, who married the Rev. B. D. Palmer, now living at Paterson, New Jersey.

Dudley S. Pease, the father of Edwin R. Pease, came from Connecticut to Poughkeepsie, where he engaged in the shoe business.

He also kept a grocery store. He was. 785, and died March 17,

March

born

1855. On November 14, 1805, he married

Lewrelly Loomis, bj- whom he had two chil-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dren, Charles and Sylvia L. For his second wife he married, June 14, 1810, Maria Seares, by whom he had two children, Maria L. and Albert. For his third wife he married, December I, 1814, Sarah, daughter of Samuel (and Margaret) Killey, a descendant of Seth Killey, of Yarmouth, by whom he had six sons and two daughters: Richard P., Margaret, Edwin R., Catherine J., Franklin, Albert S., Walter S. and Egbert K., all of whom are now dead except Albert S., who lives at Saratoga, N. Y. Edwin R. and Cornelia Pease had four children—two sons and two daughters —all of whom are now living.

ROBERT SANFORD, a prominent citizen and a lawyer of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess

county, who has been a resident of that city for the past forty years, was born in Albany, N. Y., December 10, 1831.

When he was three years of age, his parents, Nathan and Mary (Buchanan) Sanford, removed from Albany to Flushing, L. I., where they resided four years, or until the death of the father in October, 1838. During the following two years, Mr. Sanford traveled with his widowed mother, and at the age of ten years entered schools at Hartford, Conn., where he remained for five years, then becoming a pupil in the school of the celebrated instructor, Dr. Muhlenberg, at College Point, L. I., where he remained four years. During the next two years he was under private tutors, one of them being Rev. Dr. George H. Houghton, rector of the historical "little church around the corner " on 28th street, just east of Fifth avenue, New York City, who coached him in Greek, and said to him: "Bob, you are the most stupid jackass lever saw!" After that mental castigation, "Bob" respected his tutor, and improved in that ancient language so much as to write a letter in Greek, into which the asinine still existed, according to the worthy Doctor. For one year after this he was a student at the Kinsley Military Institute, West Point, N. Y., and the next two years were passed by him at Schenectady, N. Y. He then traveled in Europe for a couple of years with his mother.

In 1857 Mr. Sanford located at Poughkeepsie, and began the study of law at the New York State and National Law School, graduating with the class of '58. For two years he was in the law office of Joseph H. Jackson, and during the following two years practiced

law for himself. In i860 he set out on another extended European trip, which occupied two years, during which he attended a course of lectures at the Sorbonne, in Paris, and was presented at the Court of Napoleon III. Returning to the United States, he practiced law in Poughkeepsie for three years, or until 1865, at which time he commenced his third trip across the Atlantic, the winter being spent at Ventnor, Isle of Wight, hunting, and the summer in London, where he was presented at Court by his cousin, Charles Francis Adams, then minister of the Court of St. James. At the end of about two years he returned to the United States, and to Poughkeepsie.

On May 23, 1867, Mr. Sanford was united in marriage with Miss Mary Helen Hooker Stuyvesant, eldest daughter of John R. Stuyvesant, a resident of Edgewood, Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and a great-granddaughter of Petrus Stuyvesant, Colonial Governor of the State of New York. Five children have been born of this union: Mary Buchanan, Henry Gausevoort, Helen Stuyvesant and Desire McKean. Of these, Stuyvesant died August 13, 1890; the others are at home with their parents.

Mr. Sanford in his political predilections is a Republican, but no partisan, and while a loyal citizen has always declined office. Socially, he is a member of the Sigma Phi Fraternity, the Aztec Society (a Mexican war society); the Amrita Club, of Poughkeepsie; the Dutchess Hunt Club; the Union League Club, of New York City; the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in which society he has always taken great interest; the American Geographical Society; the Church Club of New York, besides many others. He is a trustee of the Church of the Holy Comforter, at Poughkeepsie; and was a member of the board of education from 1862 to 1866, having to resign on account of his going to Europe.

Physically, Mr. Sanford, who is now (1897) sixty-six years of age, is of about medium height, and of the blonde type; is possessed of a well-knit frame, having from his youth kept up his out-door exercise—skating, riding, walking, etc., as well as fencing—in fact, he is a moderate ^11-round athlete, without ever excelling in any one exercise. Ventilation, sewerage, and sanitary matters in general, and, above all, pure air, have been his "hobbies," so much so that he has sometimes been called

VOMMEMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

241

a " crank " on these subjects; indeed, he claims that the foul air of the court rooms finally drove him away from active practice in them.

Mr. Sanford has a delightfully picturesque home in Poughkeepsie, beautified with wide lawns, winding walks, and a romantic little brook; while the house is commodious, and elegantly designed and furnished. Everywhere are seen evidences of cultivated taste and refined associations, while souvenirs of his travels in foreign countries recall to him many pleasant memories of years of sight-seeing. No family stands higher than that of Robert Sanford, and the hospitable home is always open to a large circle of warm friends.

Sanford F.^mily. The ancient family of Sontford, Sonforde, or Sanford of Sandford, came to England with William the Conqueror, and the name of its founder occurs in every known copy of the " Battle Abbey Roll." [See Burke's " Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland."]

Thomas Sanford, the grandfather of Robert Sanford, was born in Connecticut, married Phcebe Baker and settled on Long Island, at Bridgehampton, where he practiced medicine, and also followed farming, and where he died. He had two children, Nathan, our subject's father, and Phebe, who married Dr. Rufus Rose, a physician.

Nathan Sanford, father of our subject, was born at Bridgehampton, L. I., November 5, 1777, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. He received an elementary education at Clinton Academy, Easthampton, L. I., and in 1793 entered Yale College, but did not graduate. In 1797 he studied law with Samuel Jones, Sr., and was admitted to the bar in 1799. In 1800 he was one of the United States Commissioners of Bankruptcy, and in 1803 was made United States District Attorney for the Southern District of New York, which position he held twelve years. In iSi i he was chosen speaker of the State Assembly, being the last speaker to preside in a cocked hat. The following year he was elected to the State Senate, and his portrait, ordered by the State, is now in the Capitol at Albany.

In 1815 Mr. Sanford was elected to the United States Senate, and soon after relinquished the practice of his profession, devoting himself in his legislative capacity to the interests of his country. In 1831, after the e.xpi-ration of his term of office, he was chosen a member of the convention for framing a new

16

constitution for the State of New York. In 1823 he was appointed to succeed the Hon. James Kent as chancellor of the State, which position he filled with honor until 1825, when he was again elected to the U. S. Senate, in place of Dr. Rufus King, by a unanimous vote of both branches of the Legislature. He was chairman of the committee on Foreign Affairs, the most prominent of all Senate Committees. In the Presidential election of 1824 Senator Sanford was one of the candidates for the vice-Presidency of the United States. .^.t that period candidates were not formally nominated by their parties as at the present day. In this election there were four candidates for that office: William H. Crawford, nominated by the Democratic members of Congress; Andrew Jackson, nominated chiefly by numerous conventions; the candidate of the people, John Quincy Adams, nominated by the Legislatures of most of the Eastern States; and Henry Clay, nominated by his friends in various States. Mr. Sanford was put on the ticket with Clay, and the other candidates for the Vice-Presidency were: Calhoun, Macon, Van-Buren, Jackson and Clay. Neither candidates received a majority of votes, but Adams was elected when the vote was thrown into the House of Representatives. Calhoun received a large majority for Vice-President.

Among the many eminent men of New York, no one served in more important positions in the same length of time than did Nathan Sanford. He was an educated man, and master of many languages. At the expiration of his senatorial term, he retired to his estate at Flushing, L. I., where he resided until his death, which occurred October 17, 1838. He was married three times, his third wife being Mary Buchanan, who was born in Baltimore, November i, 1800, a daughter of Andrew and Anne (McKean) Buchanan, the former of whom was a merchant in that city. Mrs. Sanford was the second in a family of four children, the others being Susan, Thomas and Ann.

Dr. George Buchanan, the maternal great-great-grandfather of Robert Sanford, our subject, was born in Scotland in 1698, and emigrated to Maryland in 1723. His son George, also a physician, was born in Baltimore, September 19, 1763, and married Laetia McKean, by whom he had eleven children, Andrew, the grandfather of Robert Sanford, our subject, being the fifth in order of birth. Laetia Mc-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOaRAPHICAL RECORD.

Kean was the daughter of Thomas McKean, one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and at one time governor of Pennsylvania and Delaware. The McKeans were of Irish extraction.

The marriage of Nathan Sanford and Mary Buchanan took place in the White House at Washington. President John Ouincy Adams, Miss Buchanan's nearest relative, giving away the bride. But one child, Robert, was born of this union. Nathan Sanford died October 17, 1S38, and his wife on April 23, 1879, at Poughkeepsie. [The above historical facts in relation to the Hon. Nathan Sanford are taken from Appleton's Encyclopedia of American Biography, Vol. \\ p. 391.]

JOHN F. MARQUET (deceased), who in his lifetime was a prominent agriculturist of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was a descendant of one of the pioneer settlers in that vicinity, and was born July 13, 1828, upon the farm he lately occupied.

His great-grandfather, George Marquet, emigrated from Holland, and at an early date settled upon a tract of land near the present site of Wurtemburg, and it has ever since been the'home of his family. George Marcpiet, our subject's grandfather, passed his life there; he

married Anna , and reared a family

of children: John G. and William H., both farmers in Rhinebeck; David; and Margaret, who married Philip Pultz, a farmer of the same locality.

David Marquet, our subject's father, was born November 8, 1794, and was married November 5, 1815, to Savina Cookingham, born November 13, 1794. a daughter of Frederick Cookingham, of Rhinebeck. They also settled at the old farm where four children born to them, as follows: AnnaE., March 30, 1817; Matilda, June 2, 1820; Margaret, April 8, 1824; and John F., our subject. The father of this family died at the old home April 3, 1838, the mother on July 28, 1889.

The youth of John F. Marquet was passed much the same as that of any other healthy country boy, and as he grew to manhood h^ too, determined to become a general fanner. He was married October 2, 1851, to Emily Cookingham, whose ancestors came from Holland in the early days, and settled in the town of Rhinebeck, where her grandfather, George Cookingham, was a leading farmer of his time.

Her father, David I. Cookingham, also a farmer there, married Mary Schryver, a lady of German descent, and daughter of John Schryver, of Rhinebeck. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Marquet lived for fifteen years upon a farm near the church, a part of which they then sold for the beautiful Wurtemburg Cemetery. In 1866 they moved to the 118-acre farm at the old homestead. Two daughters blessed their home only to be taken away in early womanhood: Ida, born January 31, 1853, died June 20, 1877; and Mary, born May 19, 1857, died May 10, 1884. The parents are both also now deceased, the father passing away February 15, 1896, and the mother on February 19, 1896. This family was always connected with the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Marquet and his wife were leading members of the congregation at Wurtemburg. In politics he was a Republican, but he never was in any sense a politician, and sought no office.

JOHN ^^LLARD (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Poughkeepsie,

Dutchess county. May 21, 1789, and was the son of Charles and Lydia (Pride) Millard, the former of whom was born in Cornwall, Conn., February 19, 1763.

Our subject lived but a short time in Poughkeepsie, moving in early life to Marlborough. Ulster county. He married Miss Sarah Purdy, a daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Jennings) Purdy, who was born in White Plains, Westchester county, in 1793, where she lived until fourteen years old. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Millard located in New York and subsequently in Brooklyn, where our subject carried on a wholesale and retail grocery business. The following children were born to them: Lydia resides in Poughkeepsie; Elizabeth; Hester lives in Poughkeepsie; Sarah; Charles; Martha J.; John P. is a resident of Poughkeepsie; Samuel N. is a retired citizen of Marlborough, Ulster county; James. Our subject, with his wife, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and he took an active interest in all public matters. His death took place April 28, 1871, and that of his wife October 6, 1881.

Charles Millard was in the army at New-burgh, N. Y., under Washington, when Arnold, the traitor, fled from West Point. In 1800 Mj.. Millard was living in Marlborough,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

243

Ulster county, and was engaged in the lumber business. He was married to Miss Lydia Pride, of Poughkeepsie, a daughter of John and Magdaline Pride. The latter couple were proprietors of the half-waj- house between Albany and New York, on the old post-road north of the City of Poughkeepsie. To Mr. and Mrs. Millard were born the following children: John, our subject; James, who was a lumber merchant at Catskill, N. Y. ; Charles, who was a merchant of New Orleans; William, who was a man of means and traveled extensively; Walter, who was engaged with his father in the lumber business; Cornelia, married to Hackaliah Purdy, a farmer of Ulster county; Catherine, who became the wife of Elam Dunbar, a farmer of Connecticut, who previously had conducted a hat factory in Poughkeepsie; Caroline, who died unmarried; and by a second marriage, Margaret and Franklin. Mr. Millard moved his lumber business to New Hamburg, in 1S24, and died there in 1827. John Millard, the grandfather, was born January i 5, 1736, in Massachusetts, and died November

22, 181

J-

He married Miss Christiana Rust,

who was born November 21, 1742, and died June 17, 1831. Theirchildren were: Charles; Rufus; Philo, who was a musician; Ira, who was a manufacturer at \\'appingers Falls, Dutchess county; Russell, who was a resident of Connecticut. Robert Millard, the greatgrandfather, was a native of Massachusetts. His ancestors were of French-Huguenot stock. John S. Purdy. the father of Mrs. Millard, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., July II, 1763, and died September 23, 1856. He was a patriot, and when a mere boy served in the Revolutionary war. He married Miss Elizabeth Jennings, a daughter of Peter Jennings, who was born May 12, 1765, and died in 1S42. They were married March 21, 1786, and had the following children: Hester, born June 17, I J'ij, married Dennis H. Doyle, who, in the year 1807, with Robert Fulton, took the first trip up the Hudson, on the "Clermont"; Peter, born January 19, 1789; Elisha, born May 3,1791; Sarah, born April 17, 1793; Lydia, born December 15, 1795, married William Smith, who was in the war of 1812; Hackaliah, born November 22, 1797; Eliza, born July i, 1799; Martha, born April 3, 1801; Maria, born March 5, 1803; Dennis, born December 4, 1805; William J., born October 16, 1809. Dennis is the only one living now (1897), at the age of ninety-one. Elisha Purdy, father of John S.,

was born at White Plains, Westchester county. He married Mehitable Smith, a daughter "of Rev. John Smith, I). 1)., and they reared these children: John S., Thomas, James, Hetta, Challie, Elizabeth, Winfred, Nancy, and Ainee. Elisha was a farmer in Westchester and Ulster counties. Nathaniel Purdy, father of Elisha, was a native of Westchester county, and was an Episcopal minister. His father was John Purdy, a son of Joseph, a son of Francis, who came from Yorkshire, England, in 1658, and settled in Fairfield, Conn. The Purdys were originally from Wales, and settled in England. Two sons of Francis Purdy, Joseph and Francis, were commissioned surveyors by the Crown, and sent to America.

I^ev. John Smith, D. D., above referred to, was born in England in 1702. He was educated at Oxford, and for thirty years, until his death in 1771, served as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Rye. Westchester Co., N. Y. He married Mehitable Hooker, a great-granddaughter of Rev. Thomas Hooker, the founder of Hartford, Conn., in 1636.

P)ETER B. HAYT, of the firm of Peter B. Hayt & Co., was born in Poughkeepsie October 8, 1835. In the spring of 1836 his parents moved to a farm in New Hackensack, Dutchess county, where he was reared, early in life attending a private school and later a district school, and finishing his education at Amenia Seminary.

In 1854 Mr. Hayt went to Newburgh and clerked for Stephen Hayt & Co., dry-goods merchants, where he remained until 1862, when he came to Poughkeepsie and entered in the merchant-tailoring business under the firm name of Seward, Vail & Hayt. The firm was subsequently changed to Seward & Hayt, Seward, Hayt lS: Co., Seward & Hayt, Peter B. Hayt & Co., Hayt & Alley, Hayt cS: Lindley, and, in 1892, to Peter B. Hayt & Co. The business at present is located corner of Main and Garden streets.

Mr. Hayt is a Republican, but has never held a political of^ce; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a director and vice-president of the Poughkeepsie Electric Light & Power Co. He is a member of Davj- Crockett-Hook and Ladder Co., which organization he joined in 1862, and has been treasurer of the company since 1873.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

WILSON B. SHELDON. Among the citizens of mark of Dutchess county no

one is more worthy of consideration than this gentleman. Although now well advanced in years, he is still one of the most energetic and wide-awake citizens in the town of Beek-man. A native of Dutchess county, he was born in the town of Dover, August 3, 1810, and is of English e.xtraction.

Caleb Sheldon, his grandfather, was also born in the town of Dover, and there he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in early life, later, however, turning his attention to farming. He married a Miss Waldo, by whom he had four children—two sons (Agrippa, a cattle dealer; and Luther, father of our subject) and two daughters, all born in Dover township.

Luther Sheldon grew to manhood upon a farm, and was married to Miss Mary Butts, who was also born and reared upon a farm in the town of Dover. Their entire lives were there passed in rural pursuits, the father dying in 1863, and the mother in 1865. They were earnest Christian people, devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. Eleven children were born to this honored couple, as follows: Phcebe, Anor, Delilah, Theodorus and Electa (twins), Ophelia, Albro, Wilson B., Jeremiah, Harrison and Almira, all of whom married and had children, but all are now deceased, except Wilson B.

Our subject received a somewhat limited education, and his boyhood time was much occupied in the arduous work of the farm, so much so that his schooling was limited to about two months during the winter seasons. Later, however, he was a student at the Nine Partners School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and on leaving school he returned to the old farm, where he remained until attaining his majority. In starting out in life for himself, he commenced as a drover, his first experience in that line being in the year 1831, when he loaded one hundred sheep into a boat, to be taken to New York City. Near Tarrytown, the boat sank, but his sheep were taken ashore, and he drove then; to the city, which he reached after thirty-six hours. Having sold them for a high price, he was-so encouraged that he decided to remain in the stock business, which he continued to follow with good success for twenty-five years, dur-

ing which time he did an extensive business. In 1842 he purchased his present farm in the town of Beekman, to which he removed four years later, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits.

On April i, 1840, Mr. Sheldon was married to Miss Hannah Maria Doughty, who was born upon their present farm, a daughter of Joseph Doughty, whose ancestors came from Holland. Seven children were born to this worthy couple, three of whom died in infancy, and William H. at the age of twelve years and six months. Sophia is the wife of Joseph H. Storm, a leading farmer of the town of Beekman; she has two children—Wilson B. and Jeannette, the former of whom married Mary T. Berry (he is in the coal and lumber business at Storm Lake), the latter being the wife of Frederick Ryer, and living at Mount \'ernon, N. Y. Ida tirst married William A. Storm, a farmer in the town of Lagrange, and her second husband was Augustus A. Brush, warden in the prison at Sing Sing, who is now deceased (she had one child by her tirst husband, named Susie Sheldon Storm). Allie is the wife of Frank St. John, a farmer of the town of Beekman. and has two children—Sheldon and Ida.

Mr. Sheldon has an excellent farm of 500 acres, all under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He has made a specialty of cattle raising, sometimes fattening as high as eighty head in a season, but now devotes his time to the dairy business. For over fifty-six years he and his wife have traveled life's journey together, and to-day seem as happy and almost as young as when starting out. In their hospitable home they have entertained both friends and strangers in a most praiseworthy manner, and many are the kind deeds which have not only brightened their own pathway, but have contributed to the comfort and happiness of those about them. Although now eighty-six years of age, Mr. Sheldon does not look over sixty, as he has not a gray hair, and is quite active.

In 1831 he cast his first vote for John Q. Adams, and has always taken a prominent part in political affairs, now supporting the Republican party. For four terms he served as supervisor of his township; was elected county clerk in 1858, which position he filled for six consecutive years; in 1867 was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention held in Albany; and in 1880 was again elected county clerk, being at that time seventy years of age.

r

^Cy

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

245

Socially he is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 166, Poughkeepsie. He has ever been true to the duties devolving upon him, both in public and private life, and is one of the most public-spirited citizens of Dutchess county.

Joseph Doughty, father of Mrs. Wilson B. Sheldon, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and was there married to Elizabeth Brill, by whom he had four children, viz.: Hannah Maria (Mrs. Sheldon); Sophia, who married a brother of our subject; Phcebe Jane, wife of James S. Hopkins; and Thomas J. (deceased), who married Mary Tompkins, and had one daughter. The father of this famil}-, who was a lifelong farmer, died in 1833, the mother in 1859.

S\AMUEL H. BROWN, M. D., an eminent .^ physician of Dutchess county, is successfully engaged in practice at Madalin. He was born August 4, i860, in New York City, and he belongs to a family of French Huguenots, who early came to this country to escape religious persecution. His grandfather, Samuel Brown, was born in New Canaan, Conn., in 1786, and was the son of Abram Brown, a native of the same place. On reaching man's estate the former was united in marriage with Abigail Young, also of French origin, and a descendant of one of the Revolutionary heroes. Five children were born to this worthy couple, namely: William, Charles, Jeannette, Samuel H. and Sylvester. All his life the grandfather engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he passed away in October, 1867.

Samuel H. Brown, Sr., the father of our subject, was born at Greenwich, Conn., June 24, 1824, and when a young man began the study of medicine in the University of Harvard, where he was graduated with the class of 1850. He immediately began the practice of his profession in New York City, but on the breaking out of the Civil war was commissioned surgeon of the 174th Metropolitan Regiment, and became one of Gen. Banks' staff officers. While at the siege of Port Hudson, he contracted typhoid fever, which terminated his life, August I, 1863, he thus laying down his life on the altar of his country. His first vote was cast for the Whig party, but on its organization he joined the Republican ranks, and ever afterward fought under its banner. He had married Miss Sarah Tripp, a native of

Westchester county, N. Y., and a daughter of Benjamin Tripp, who was of Holland descent and a farmer by occupation. Her death occurred August 13, 1891.

Our subject spent his boyhood days in New York City until thirteen years of age, when he entered Oakhill Seminary, where he pursued his studies for four years, after which he became a student in St. Stephens College, Ann-andale, Dutchess county, and graduated with the class of 1881, receiving the degree of A. B. He ne.xt took a two-years'course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City. On May 9, 1883, the Doctor was united in marriage with Catherine Tanner, a daughter of Henry and Almena (Staats) Tanner, farming people of the town of Red Hook, where her birth occurred. Her paternal grandfather. Job Tanner, was a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and probably of German descent, while her maternal grandfather, Henry Staats, who was of Holland extraction, was born in the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, and in religious belief his family were Lutherans. On May 17, 1883, only a few days after their marriage. Dr. Brown sailed with his bride for Europe, where he took a two-years' course at Wurzburg, Bavaria, receiving the degree of M. D. on the i ith of June, 1885. Returning to America, he located at Madalin, Dutchess county, where he has since engaged in practice. His thorough knowledge of medicine and skill in surgery have won him the confidence of the people to such an extent that he has secured a large and lucrative patronage. He is a prominent citizen, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Democrat.

Mrs. Brown is an only child. Her father, Henry Tanner, was born in the town of Gallatin, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1821, and for some time was a leading merchant of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county. He was called from this life March 8, 1872, but his wife is still living.

OMER WALLER (deceased) was one 'X of the representative agriculturists of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He was a man of excellent Christian character and of a blameless life, and thoroughlj' enjoj'ed the esteem and respect of the community in which he resided. He was a native of Connecticut, born at Gaylordsville, in the town of New Milford, Litchfield county, in 1823, and there

COJtfyfEMORATrFE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

attended the public schools, finishing his education at the Amenia Seminary. His training in farm work was under the instruction of his father upon the old homestead. In later life he devoted his time and attention to that occupation. He always took quite an active interest in politics, and held a number of minor township offices, including that of justice of the peace, in which capacity he ser^■ed for some time.

On the paternal side Mr. Waller traced his lineage in an unbroken line to Samuel Waller, who was born in England in 1702, and was a member of a large family, all of whom were educated and reared in the northern part of that country. Three of these children, of whom Samuel was one. emigrated to America after they had reached their majority. He located in the town of Kent. Conn., which at that time was one of the colonies of England, and from King George HI obtained a grant of land three miles long at Kent, running from Warren Pond to Spectacle Pond. There he founded the present Waller family in America, and died at that place in 1797. He married a Miss Ransom, and to them was born a large family of children.

One of these. Peter Waller, grandfather of Homer Waller. Jr.. was bom at Kent Hollow, in the town of Kent. Litchfield Co., Conn., and received his education in that locality. He followed the occupation of farming, operating the original tract belonging to his father, which descended to him. Most of his life was passed upon that place, he d\ing at Gaylords-ville, at the age of eighty-four years. He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Baldwin, of Gaylordsville, Conn., and to them were born ten children, namely: Pinina ,11 died in infancy; Pininat^^i married John Elliott; Samuel married Sally Taylor; Homer was the father of our subject; Rebecca remained single; Almeda became the wife of Solomon Brown; Love died in infancy; Celestia wedded Theodore Buck; Betsy married David Sterling, and Electa died while young.

The birth of Homer Waller, Sr., occurred on the 29th of March, 17S1, at the old homestead in Kent Hollow, and he attended the schools of the neighborhood. He succeeded to the home farm, which he conducted many years; was prosperous as a farmer, and a devout member of the Methodist Church. In iSi 1 he married Miss Martha Merwin, and the wedding of this couple was one of the great

society events of the time, especially in the town of New Milford, Conn., where it was celebrated. All the traveling in those days was by carriage or horseback, and most of the guests came the latter way. with their wives or intended wives back of them. The trousseau, which was considered quite exp>ensive for those days, was purchased in New York, and sent to New Milford by saddle-bags. The wedding journe)- was made on horseback, from New Milford to Kent, the bride riding behind her husband on what was called a pillion. Forty couples accompanied the pair to their destination. This saddle and wedding outfit are still in the possession of the family, together with a great many other relics of Colonial days. Upon the old homestead at Kent two children were born to this worthy couple: Merwin and Elizabeth M. The former was born January-15. 1S13. Thej-removed in 1S19 to Gaylordsville. town of New Milford. Litchfield Co.. and Homer was born there. Merwin was educated in the public schools at home, and at the "Friends Boarding School" in the town of Washington, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Smith M., his youngest son, now owns and occupies the handsome old Waller home, he being of the fourth generation. He was married April 8, 1896, to Miss Julia S. Coleman, of Dover, N. Y. The Waller family, from the time their ancestor settled in Kent unto the present, have been a respected and prominent family. The old homestead at Kent Hollow is still owned by members of the family, their title still being from the King of England.

Merwin Waller was a prominent farmer of New Milford township, Litchfield Co.. Conn. On October 15, 1S45, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Ann Mitchell, by whom he had one son. Edwin M.. bom July 24. 1S48. After the death of his first wife Merwin Waller was married, December 31, 1S50. to Miss Julia Morehouse, land they had one son. Smith M., bora April 6, 1S53. Elizabeth M. Waller, the sister of our subject, was born July 24, 1S16, and on January 2, 1S56, she became the wife of John Fry, son of William Fry. After his death she married Cornwall Hoag, of Dover, Dutchess county. She had no children.

On January 31, 1S50, Homer Waller married Miss Elizabeth Fry, and they became the parents of three children: George S., born May 4. 1S51; Martha D., born March 25. 1853, and died December 9. 1875; and William H., born July 21, iS-;5. The elder son, George

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S. Waller, was married in 1879 to Miss Mary A. Beeman, daughter of Edwin Beeman, of New Preston, Conn., and three children bless their union: Maitha U., born in 18S1; Homer, born in 1884: and Everett, born in 1891. With his family George S. Waller resides in Minneapolis, Minn., where he is engaged in the commission business.

Christopher Fry, the grandfather of Mrs. Homer Waller, was a native of New Bedford, Mass., where he obtained his education, and was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. For his services in that struggle he ever afterward received a pension. He married Miss Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had three children: John, Millicent and William, the last named being the father of Mrs. Waller. He was born in Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 14, 1800, and with his father he learned the trade of a tanner, after which he conducted a plant in his native town for a number of years. He married Miss Deborah Hoag, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Hoag, of Quaker Hill, Dutchess county. Her father lived to the extreme old age of one hundred years, and was ever a very prominent member of the Society of Friends. To William Fry and his wife were born seven children: Harriet and Mar}', who never married; John, who wedded Elizabeth M. Waller; Cordelia, who remained single; James, who married Elizabeth Dutcher; Elizabeth, the widow of our subject; and Albert, who first married Sarah Edmonds, and after her death wedded Julia Thompson.

JOSHUA BENSON (deceased), who was so well known throughout Dutchess county, was numbered among the leading and representative agriculturists of the town of Ame-nia. His father, John Benson, was born in Rhode Island, and there attended the common schools during his boyhood and youth. When quite a young man he accompanied his brother to Dutchess county, N. Y., and they took up land in the town of Amenia, where they successfully engaged in farming. That property is still in the possession of the famih'. The father of our subject took an active interest in the affairs of his country, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Miss Rachel Darling, of Rhode Island, and to them were born seven children: Samuel, Joshua, Peltiah, John, Polly, Philadelphia and Abigail. Upon the old homestead in the town of

Amenia our subject was born in 1786. When he had reached a sufficient age he entered the public schools of the locality, and there acquired a practical education. He earlj- became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist, and continued to operate the old home farm throughout life. The place was one of the most noticeable in the township for the air of thrift and comfort that surrounded it, and the evidence of enterprise, taste and skill. Mr. Benson married Miss Amanda Hopkins, daughter of Prince and Jemima Hopkins, of Warren, Litchfield Co., Conn., where her father followed merchandising. Fourteen children were born of this union, as follovvs: Lodema married Milton Pray; Henry married Annis Ferris; George died in childhood; Vanness married Frances Tompkins; Amanda married Charles Darling; Jeannette married William Dutcher; Zadie is ne.xt in order of birth; Dewitt married Susan Bartlett; Rachel died unmarried; Edwin married Emily Ensign; Sarah married Henry Walker; ^laria married Henry Morgan; Theresa married Robert Ryan; and Egbert married Sarah Hopkins.

Mr. Benson always took a deep interest in political affairs, and steadfastly adhered to the principles formulated by the Whig party, although not a seeker after official position. He was one of the leaders of his party in the community where he so long made his home, and his opinions were invariably held in respect. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years, and when called to the rest and reward of the higher world his best monument was found in the love and esteem of the community in which he had lived for so many years.

DR. FRANCIS M. ROBINSON, a leadmg dentist of Pawling, N. Y., is one of Dutchess county's most enterprising sons. Borri in Matteawan, October 9, 1857, he was educated in the schools near his home, and his success reflects credit upon the section which afforded him his opportunities, as well as upon himself.

His family is of English and French descent, and his great-grandfather was one of the early settlers of the town of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y. His grandfather, Adonigee Robinson, a man of fine native abilities, was born there and became one of the prominent men of his locality. He was a colonel in the State

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Militia wiien they used to train at Boyd's Corners, and his business interests were varied and extensive, as in his earl}' years he carried on a foundry, store and mill at Farmers Mills or Milltovvn, and later was engaged in business at Matteawan. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith he was an active and influential member of the Baptist Church. His death occurred in 1892, but his wife, whose maiden name was Sophia Russell, is still living in her eighty-seventh year. They had ten children—Keziah, Jane, Peter A., Julia, Levi, Hattie, Coleman, Nathan, Ophelia and Emma, of whom all but two are living.

Peter A. Robinson, our subject's father, was born at the old home in Putnam county, in 1834, and in early manhood engaged in business at Wappingers Falls, and later was interested in broom-making for a short time. He became blind when about twenty-four years old, and, as a consequence of this sad hardship, his life has been somewhat secluded. Although he has been totally blind for nearly forty years, he goes about freely, his memory and sense of touch having become marvelously developed. He married Miss Matilda Badeau, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Badeau, who were natives of Putnam county, but have resided in Matteawan since 1845. The Badeau family is noted for energy and mental ability, and has held a high position in this section. General Adam Badeau, well-known as a writer, as well as in military affairs, especially in connection with Grant's Memoirs, is a near relative of Mrs. Robinson. The Doctor was second in a family of five children. Of the others William Badeau is a dentist in Middletown, N. Y.; Lenora died at the age of two years; Lizzie Badeau is at home; and Charles Coleman is a recent graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Robinson finished his academic course in the schools of Fishkill Landing at about sixteen years of age, and then clerked for a year with C. F. Brett, and for three years with S. G. & J. F. Smith. In 1876 he spent a short time in a dry-goods house in Fulton street, Brooklyn, N. Y., and then began the study of dentistry with Dr. Barlow, of Fishkill Landing, now of Poughkeepsie. After one year with him, and one year with Dr. Cornell in Brooklyn, he began the practice of his profession at Patterson, N. Y., where he remained seven years. During this time a law was passed requiring all practicing dentists to regis-

ter before the county clerk. In 1885 he removed to Pawling, and has since been actively engaged there in his chosen calling. He has an office in Amenia also, where he spends Monday and Thursday of each week to accommodate his numerous patrons in that vicinity. In 1876 the Doctor married Miss Henrietta Dodge, daughter of Thomas Dodge, a well-known citizen of East Fishkill. Three children were born of this union: Edwin Dodge, Harry Sanford and Francis Adams. Although a Republican in principle, the Doctor is not active in politics. He is interested in local improvements, and is always ready to take part in any movement tending to progress. Like many professional men, he finds recreation in different forms of work, and for ten years has given much attention to the breeding of Black Langshans. His strain have become famous throughout the United States, England and Canada. The Doctor exhibits his birds annually at the Madison Square Garden, New York City, where they have made a worldwide reputation, winning the grand special prize for best and finest display three years in succession.

JEREMIAH SHELDON (deceased) was a leading agriculturist of the town of Beek-man, and as a valued citizen, a kind father, and an affectionate husband, his memory should be cherished and perpetuated by all. He was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, December 29, 1812, and was a son of Luther and Mary (Butts) Sheldon. In his native township he spent his boyhood days, and attended the district schools. While yet a young man he became a cattle dealer, driving his stock to New York City, and later followed that business there. In 1849 he returned to Dutchess county, purchasing the farm now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. A. B. Anhkews, and there continued to make his home up to his death, which occurred May 1^9, 1882.

On January 11, 1843, in the town of Beek-man, Mr. Sheldon married Miss Sophia M. Doughty, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Doughty, and of their union were born three children: Amelia B., wife of Kromaline Andrews; Mary J.; and William H., who was engaged in the coal and lumber business at Poughkeepsie, but is now deceased. The mother was called to her final rest February i, 1886. Mr. Sheldon took an active interest in

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all affairs tending to the improvement of his town and county, and for several terms he served as supervisor of the town of Beekman. In early life his political support was given to the Whig party, and, on its dissolution, he became a Republican.

Kromaline Andrews is a native of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and is the son of Philip Schuyler Andrews, who is now living at Shaffers Mills, town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. The son attended the district schools near his home in Unionvale, and later was a student in Carey's school in Pough-keepsie, after which he clerked in the dry-goods store of George Van Kleeck in that cit}' for awhile. Returning to the town of Unionvale he operated his father's farm, and while thus engaged was married October 22, 1879, to Miss Amelia B. Sheldon. After the death of her father, they removed to the old Sheldon farm, where they have since resided and are numbered among the highly respected people of the community. In politics Mr. Andrews is a Republican. Mary J. Sheldon, a single lady, and sister of Mrs. A. B. Andrews, makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.

CHARLES H. GALLUP, of the firm of C. H. Gallup & Co., which is in the front rank along with the leading art firms of the State, and which in the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is not excelled in the class of work executed, has descended from one of the intelligent and educated families of New York State.

The first representative of the family in America was John Gallup, who came in 1630 from England in the pilgrim ship "Mary and John, " and located near Stonington, Conn. One of his sons founded Gallupsville, Schoharie Co., N. Y. Samuel Gallup was the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and the latter's grandfather was Nathan Gallup, a millwright by trade, who resided in Schoharie county. Of Nathan's children, Henrv Gallup, A. M., the father of Charles H., of whom we especially write, was born in 1811. He was educated at Williams College, from which he was graduated and received the degree of A. M. Subsequently he spent three years at Berlin University, Berlin, and traveled through Europe, crossing the Alps on foot with a friend, and in so doing acquired the language of that section of tfie continent.

For years Prof. Gallup was principal of the Academy at Monticello, N. Y., as well as of a number of other institutions of learning, and later was principal of New Paltz Academy in Dutchess county for three years. In 1866, retiring from active business, he came to Poughkeepsie, where he died in 1887. In 1849 he had married Julia Stone, who is now living with her daughter in Poughkeepsie. Their children are: Charles H., Ella (Mrs. ]. M. Godinezj and Albert C.

Charles H. Gallup was born in the Academy at Monticello, N. Y., on November 17, 1852. He was educated in the schools of which his father was principal, then served an apprenticeship in a machine shop at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which occupation he followed some ten or more years. In 1879 he went to Cuba, where for five years he was in charge of a large sugar plantation near the center of the island. In 1884 he returned to Poughkeepsie to visit his parents, and was persuaded by his mother to remain. In the following year he purchased the Seeley photograph gal-ler}', which business was established in 1857, and carried on by S. L. Walker, one of the pioneers in the art of photography. Mr. Walker had been a pupil of and was aided by Prof. S. F. B. Morse, who had brought with him from France the ideas of Daguerre, and imparted them to Walker, who introduced the daguerrotype process in the city of Poughkeepsie. Our subject seemed well adapted to the business which he entered upon with his intelligence and his usual energy and snap, and the result is the building up of a first-class art gallery complete in all appointments, where a successful business is being carried on. He and his partner are progressive men, affable and courteous, and have kept abreast of the times. At their art emporium is displayed good work; they employ a number of specialists, and all the work there executed is of the highest order, first-class in every respect. A man of tact, Mr. Gallup has seen what the people want, and has met that want. He has spared no pains in the use of printers' ink, but advertised extensively, and is meeting the popular demand of a good quality of work at a low price. His ten-dollar life-size crayon work, and three-dollar cabinet pictures received the highest medal awarded at the Dutchess County F^ir, for superior work. His motto is "Superior Work at Reasonable Prices." It remained for our subject to intro-

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duce the process of instantaneous photography into Poughkeepsie.

On September 20, 1893, Mr. Gallup was married to Edna M., a daughter of O. ^^^ Eggleston, assistant general roadmaster of the N. Y. C. & H. R. railroad, now a resident of White Plains, N. Y. Mr. Gallup erected in 1895 one of the most tasty and convenient, as well as attractive, homes in the city, located on Balding avenue. He designed his own plans, and the building was erected entirely under his own super\ision.

Many of Mr. Gallup's ancestors fought in the Indian wars, in the war of the Revolution, and in that of 1812, three bearing the rank of captain and two that of colonel. In the history of the family are given the, names of over sixty Gallups who fought in the Revolution and in the war of 18 12, besides of those who participated in the Indian wars of the colonies. They were rewarded with many grants of land for bravery, etc. Capt. John Gallup, in 1637, off Block Island, had an encounter with a band of Indians who had captured a sloop from Capt. John Oldham, which was the first naval engagement fought in this country. Capt. Gallup captured the Indians, and took them prisoners to Boston. They were of the Pecjuot tribe, and this was the opening of the celebrated bloody Pequot war of American history.

JOHN TROWBRIDGE. No family in the city of Poughkecpsie is better known than

that of which our subject is a member, and which has held a prominent place in the business community for over half a century, during that time establishing in financial circles an enviable reputation for judicious management, integrity and ability.

John Trowbridge was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, July 20, 1829, and traces his paternal ancestry to Thomas, of the sixth generation, who was born in Somersetshire, England, and was the first of the name to settle in America. From him the order of descent was as follows: William, born about 1634, in Connecticut; Samuel, born October 7, 1670; Samuel, born August 26, 1700; Stephen, born in Connecticut January 30, 1726; Stephen, born in Danbury, Conn., January iS, 1756; Stephen B., father of our subject, born in the town of Northeast, Dutchess Co., N. Y., March 19, 1799. The grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revolution-

ary war. [For a history of our subject's father see following sketch of N. C. Trowbridge.]

The subject of our sketch was six years of age when his parents removed from their farm in the town of Washington to Poughkeepsie, in which latter place he attended both the academy and the Poughkeepsie Collegiate School on College Hill. He was married on January 18, 1853, to Miss Eliza Robinson, who was born in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, the daughter fif Duncan and Mary Robinson, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation. Three children were born of this union, viz.: (i) Mary R., married to John W. Pelton, now a resident of Poughkeepsie, formerly a member of the well-known firm of C. M. & G. P. Pelton, for fifty years manufacturers of carpets in Poughkeepsie. (2) Ella, the wife of S. C. Nightingale, a son of Rev. Crawford Nightingale, of the well-known family of that name in Providence, R. I.; he is head of the firm of S. C. Nightingale & Childs, of Boston, Mass., dealers in railroad and mill supplies. (3) George S., who died when two years of age. When a young man Mr. Trowbridge began in the mercantile business, having a general store on Main street, and for nearly forty years was engaged in that line, handling during that time nearly all kinds of mercantile goods. His establishment became one of the largest and most important in the county, and his reputation as a merchant was of the best. The business in which the Trowbridge family was prominent was founded and conducted as follows: (i i Nathan Conklin, Jr., & Co.; (2) Conklin, Bowne & Co.; (3) Bowne & Trowbridge; 14) Bowne, Trowbridge & Co.; (5) by retirement of Mr. Bowne the firm became Trowbridge & \\'ilkinson, which continued till 1861, when it became Trowbridge & Co., consisting of the brothers, N. Conklin and John Trowbridge. In 1887 John retired, and in 1888 N. Conklin also retired, and in his elegant home, having amassed a comfortable fortune, our subject is now living a quiet life, in the enjoyment of the results of his early labors.

Until the formation of the Republican party Mr. Trowbridge was a Wnig, but since that time has been in sympathy with the latter party, although he has never taken an active part in politics, and has never consented to hold public office. He has, however, always been a loyal citizen, and a generous contributor to all enterprises having for their ob-

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ject the welfare of the city and county. Since 1853 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has held several of the higher offices. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and are prominent members of society.

NCONKLIN TROWBRIDGE, who was one of the oldest and most prominent

citizens of Poughkeepsie. and a brother of John Trowbridge (a sketch of whom appears above), was born in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, July 20, 1821.

Stephen B.. Trowbridge, the father of our subject, was also a native of Northeast, and was born March 19, 1799. He married Miss Eliza Conklin, whose birth took place August 29, 1802, in the same town in which her husband was born. She was a daughter of Nathan Conklin, who was a descendant of the East Hampton, L. I., family of that name, formerly spelled Conkling, which came at an early day to Northeast, Dutchess county. After their marriage our subject's parents located on the old farm in Northeast, living there, however, but a short time, when they moved to the town of Washington. Of their eight children the following record is given: N. Conklin is the subject of this sketch; Mary E. married William Wilkinson, a lawyer in Poughkeepsie; Nathan was druggist in Poughkeepsie, and died in early manhood; John is living at Poughkeepsie, retired from business; Phcebe E. married fohn G. Boyd, a business man of Poughkeepsie; Cornelia B. married Henry Seymour, of New York City; and Julia and Eliza reside at the old home in Poughkeepsie. The parents of our subject remained upon the farm in the town of Washington until 1834, when they removed to Poughkeepsie, Mr. Trowbridge becoming one of the firm of Conklin, Bowne & Co., with whom he continued in business for many years. He died March 25, 1S84. Nathan and Mulford Conklin, of the above-mentioned firm, were two brothers who came from the town of Northeast in 1810, and established themselves in business in 1814, the firm name at first being Nathan Conklin, Jr., & Co. In 1835 they built their brick store house, which is still standing, and is one of the old landmarks of the city. They were very prominent men in their day, and Conklin street was nam.ed for them. They were the maternal uncles of our subject.

Stephen Trowbridge, grandfather of our subject, was born in Danbury, Conn., and became a farmer. He married Elizabeth Bar-num, who was a connection of the well-known Barnum family of Connecticut, and six children were born to them. He enlisted May 12, 1775, as a private in Company 6, of the Artesian Corps, which was recruited mainly in Fairfield county, and took part in the battles of Hubbardston, Bennington, Saratoga and Fort George. While in the army he learned the saddle-making trade, and mended Gen. Washington's saddle.

N. Conklin Trowbridge, the subject of this sketch, was seven years old when his parents moved from the town of Northeast to a farm in the town of Washington, where he spent the following seven years. In 1835, at the age of fourteen years, he went to Poughkeepsie, where he attended school at College Hill for two years, after which he entered the general store of Nathan Conklin, Jr., & Co., as clerk. He steadily advanced in this business, finally becoming the proprietor and carrying on the establishment until 1888, or more than half a.^ •centurj', when he retired from the firm. Mr. Trowbridge died April 19, 1897.

JAMES LYNCH is one of the reliable and progressive young business men of Pough-^ keepsie, Dutchess county, where his birth occurred November 20, 1869.

His father, James Lynch, Sr., was a native of Ireland, and on coming to the United States when a small boy located at Poughkeepsie, there being employed by a Mr. Bis-sell, a sculptor, until 1878. Mr. Lynch then, in that year, established himself in the marble business, which he conducted with success up to his death, which occurred on August 25, 1891. He was a very quiet, conservative rnan, giving the strictest attention to his business, and well deserved the success which came to him. At Newark, N. J., he had married Miss Maria O'Mera, and they became the parents of five children: Catherine, Annie, James, Mary and Ellen.

Since the death of his father our subject has had complete charge of the business, and has displayed e.xcellent ability in its management. He takes quite an active interest in civic societies in Poughkeepsie, belonging to the Knights of Pythias, the Order of Good Fellows, and to the Fire Department. He

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enjoys the esteem and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, and no doubt a brill'ant future awaits him.

GEORGE W. LUMB. senior member of the firm of George W. Lumb & Son, proprietors of one of the most important industries of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess count}-, was born in Yorkshire, England, September 16, 1837, and when about two years of age was brought to Poughkeepsie by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Beaumont) Lumb, natives of the same country. He is the eldest in their family of three children, the others being Levi and Elizabeth, the latter of whom died in infancy. On his arrival in Poughkeepsie in 1839, the father secured employment in the carpet factory of C. M. & G. P. Pelton, but later opened a grocery store, which he conducted until about two years 'before his death. He held membership with the Congregational Church, and in politics was first a Whig, later a Republican.

Our subject spent his boyhood dajs in Poughkeepsie, attending Mrs. \Vheeler's school and the grammar schools, after which he worked in the factory where his father was employed. Later he entered the sash and blind factory of William E. Beardsley, where he learned his trade, and there remained eleven years. For three years thereafter he was employed as foreman in the John E. Price Sash and Blind Factory, after which he entered the service of the New York Central Railroad Co., as fireman on an engine, first running between Poughkeepsie and Albany, afterward between Albany and New York. In 1863 he entered the United States navy, was stationed on the Grand Gulf, making three trips to Aspinwall, and was in the blockading squadron at Galveston. The vessel later acted as flag ship at New Orleans, in which city our subject received an honorable discharge.

On his return north, Mr. Lumb again entered the employ of the Railroad Co., but at the end of a year he and his brother Levi started a sash and blind factory in Poughkeepsie, at the corner of Dutchess avenue and Water street, which for two years was operated by horse power. They then removed to the present factory of our subject, and admitted William T. Swart as a member of the firm, it being known as Swart, Lumb &

Brother. This partnership was continued until 1885, Mr. Lumb in that year buying out his brother's interest, and his son Charles L. becoming a member of the firm, which assumed the name of Swart, Lumb & Son. Two years later, however, Mr. Ssvart sold out, and the name was changed to George W. Lumb & Son. They do an e.\tensi\e business, and well deserve the liberal patronage which is accorded them. In i8g2 Mr. Lumb purchased the old Vassar House property, where he erected a four-story brick building for Mrs. Brazier's knitting mill, which was then conducted by himself, his son, C. W. H. Arnold and Miles Hughes. Mr. Lumb is not now connected with this industry, and has rented the building. Our subject is connected with several of the leading indu.stries of the city, being a stockholder in the new piano factory and the electric-light plant, and also owns about fifty-three houses and forty vacant lots in the city.

In Poughkeepsie George W. Lumb and Sarah W. Dean, a native of Taunton, Mass., were united in marriage, and to them have been born four children, namely: Charles L.; Jessie B., for whom her father has named a boat; George J., a graduate of 'ooth the high school and Eastman Business College; and Maud D. In his political principles Mr. Lumb is an unswerving Republican, devoted to the best interests of his party, yet has never soughi or desired political preferment, having only served on the water board for one term, Socially he is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 266, and in religious faith he is a Congre-gationalist. The family now live at No. 16 Davis place, which residence our subject purchased of Mayor Harloe.

Charles L. Lumb, the eldest son of our subject, is a native of Poughkeepsie, where he secured his education, being a graduate of the high school, and in 1880 he received a diploma from Eastman Business College. After working in the factory of his father for five jears he was admitted to partnership, and is now general manager of the business, doing all of the office work. He is also secretary of the Fallkill Knitting Co., and is a director of the Reimer Piano F'actory. On October 2, 1S89, in Poughkeepsie, he was united in marriage with Minnie E. Lovejoy, daughter of J. Fred LoN'ejoy, and a daughter graces their union, Ethel Dean, born July 11, 1893. Mr. Lumb is a stockholder in the Electric Light Co., in the Masonic Temple and other enterprises. In

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religious belief he is an Episcopalian, holding membership with Holy Comforter Church; socially he af^liates with the F. & A. M., Triune Lodge No. 782, with Poughkeepsie Chapter, Commandery and Council, the Mystic Shrine, and the Royal Arcanum, and is a prominent member of the Lincoln League Club. He is secretary and treasurer of the Poughkeepsie Branch of the New York Mutual Savings & Loan Association, also of the Mason Mutual Benefit Association, of Massachusetts, and is now president of the Poughkeepsie Horse Owners Association. A gentleman of fine address and thorough culture, he occupies a first place in society as well as in the commercial circles of Poughkeepsie. Since January, 1895, he has served as president of the water board, and since 1891 has been notary public.

JILLIAM ADRLANCE, for over thirty L years one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and a member of an old and much esteemed family of that locality, was born December 12, 1814, in what was then the village of Poughkeepsie.

Theodorus Adriance, his grandfather, was probably a native of Dutchess county, and was a successful farmer, owning a large tract of land near Stormville. He was one of the early members of the Hopewell Reformed Dutch Church, and was a leader in the various local movements of his day. He married Miss Hacheliah Swartout, and had si.x children, of whom we have mention of : Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Doughty; Caroline, who married a Mr. Wilson; Theodorus, Jr.; and Charles Piatt, our subject's father.

Charles Piatt Adriance was born in Hopewell October 12, 1790, and received his first instruction in the district schools there. When he was ten years old he went to Poughkeepsie, to the home of his sister, Mrs. Abram Storm, and he and John Adriance were apprentices together in the shop of Abram G. Storm, a silversmith, learning the mysteries of jewelry making, watch repairing, and all other branches of the trade. On beginning business for himself, he followed the trade for a short time in Poughkeepsie, but in 1816 he went to Richmond, Va., where he found a more profitable field for his efforts in that line. There he remained until August, 1832, when he returned to Poughkeepsie and bought a farm on what is

now known as College Hill, comprising eighty acres of land, where he followed agriculture for more than thirty years. Although he never took an active part in politics, he was an interested observer of current events, and in early life was in principle a Henry Clay Whig, later a Republican. In all local movements he was a leading worker, especially in religious movements. He was a member of the First and Second Reformed Dutch Churches when formed, and was one of the organizers of the latter, and an elder until the time of his death. In 1864 he removed to the corner of Mill and Garden streets, Poughkeepsie, where he died November 25, 1874. On June 13, 1813, he was married to Miss Sarah Camp, a daughter of Aaron Camp, a well-known resident of Rhinebeck. Together they spent over sixty years of wedded life, and she survived him but a short time, dying August 22, 1877. Six children were born to them, as follows: William is our subject; Thomas Edward died February 18, 1832; Mary Frances (Mrs. John R. Weeks, of Newark, N. J.j died April 2, 1880; Elizabeth (Mrs. John B. Pudney, of Passaic, N. J.); Harriet Newell, born January II, 1830, died February 20, 1832; and John Rice, born February 11, 1833, died December 30, 1843. Of these, Mrs. Elizabeth Pudney is now the only survivor.

William Adriance, our subject, received a good education in youth, attending the subscription schools of Richmond, Va., and later studying for some time at Amherst, Mass. He has been a great reader, and has kept well abreast of the times. On leaving school he became a clerk in his father's store, and after a time went to New York City, where he remained two years. In November 1835, he engaged in the jewelry business in Natchez, Miss., carrying same on successfully for seven years. In May, 1843, he went to St. Louis, and opened a dry-goods store, making a success of the venture. In 1864 he disposed of it, and in May of that year moved to Poughkeepsie. where he has since lived a retired life. On July 26, 1837, Mr. Adriance was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Harrington, whose father was a prominent resident of New York. Nine children were born of this union, as follows: Cornelia Hyde, born May 30, 1838, died December . 14, 1847; James Edward, born June I, 1840, died January 6, 1849; Charles Henry, born October 8, 1S42, died in March, 1S69; and William Nevins, born July 26, 184S, died

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July 19, 1849. Of the others, Edward Cornelius, born June 23, 1850, is a dry-goods merchant in Brooklyn; Samuel Winchester, January 9, 1853, is a Congregational minister at Winchester. Mass.; Mary Elizabeth, born December 2, 1855, married Elias G. Minard; and the youngest, John Rice, born February 13, 1858, died March 6. 1858. The mother of this family died August 2, i860, and September 17, 1862, Mr. .\driance married Miss Abbie Lovell Bond, of Norwich, Conn., daughter of Rev. Ur. Alvan Bond. Mr. .^driance died of heart disease January 2, 1897, after three days' illness.

Politically, our subject was in early years an Old-line W'hig, but in 1856 he espoused the principles of the Republican party, to which he afterward adhered. He was no political " wire-puller," but always gave his influence to secure the election of good men for positions of trust. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church of Poughkeepsie (Rev. Dr. Wheeler, pastor), and was a strong supporter of many important movements for the benefit of the community.

JAMES M. HADDEN, president of the Poughkeepsie Gas Company, and one of

the leading citizens of that enterprising city, to which he came twenty years ago as an assistant engineer, is descended from a sturdy, industrious, intelligent ancestry to which his own career does credit.

The" first of the family in this country, of whom there is any knowledge, was Ephraim Hadden, who died at Woodbridge, N. J., Jan-uar}- 15, 1725. One of his children, and the one from whom James H. descended, was Thomas Hadden (i) a carpenter and farmer by occupation. He was appointed many times to attend and represent Woodbridge at the Ouar-terly Meetings of the Quakers held at Shrewsbury; also as a member of various boards, being the medium by which all disputes were settled. His second wife was an Episcopalian, and for this marriage he was disowned by the Quakers. When the Episcopal Church of Woodbridge received its charter from George HI in 1769, Thomas Hadden was named as one of the vestrymen. He served as overseer of the poor, 1733-36; as a surveyor of highways, 1736-39; again as overseer of the poor in 1742-1755, and 1770. He was married three times, having issue only by the first mar-

riage to Margaret Fitz-Randolph in 1727, one of whom, Thomas (2), was the great-grandfather of James M. He was born at the old homestead in Woodbridge in 1736, of which upon reaching his majority he became the possessor; married in 1758 Annabel Crowell. He was by occupation a carpenter, farmer and millwright. In 1755 he was captain of the first regiment of Middlesex county militia under Col. Nathaniel Heard; became first major of the regiment, and in 1778 lieutenant-colonel. The militia of New Jersey performed good service at Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Monmouth, in all of which it is probable the men of Monmouth took part. Thomas Hadden

(2) died in 1788 while in commission, and his wife in 1821. Of their children, Nathaniel Hadden, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Woodbridge, N. J., January 8, 1765, and became a prominent ship-builder and lumber dealer. He was a quiet man, of upright life and strong religious convictions, and for many years was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, his honorable and consistent life winning for him the esteem of the entire community. He was three times married: first time, in 1788, to Mahala Martin, to which union three children were born: (i) Annabel, born October 9, 1789, died August 5, 1872, was married three times, first to John Hampton, second to William Ford, and last to Abram Webb; (2) Nancy, born August 15, 1798, died January 10, 1878, married Smith Martin; and

(3) Ephraim, born September 28, 1806, died January 12, 1842. The mother of this family, born May 20, 1767, died Nov. 19, 1807, and for his second wife, .August 13, 1808, he wedded Sarah Marsh Brown, born March 6, 1776; of this union came Samuel Brown, our subject's father, born June 29, 1809. Sarah Marsh Brown Hadden died on November 23, 1814, and on July 13, 1819, Mr. Hadden was married to .Mary Halsey Marsh, born March 26, 1769, and died December 6, 1828.

Samuel Brown Hadden remained at his birthplace, Rahway, N. J., until 1845, and during this time was engaged in ship building with his father. He purchased a farm of 100 acres in the outskirts of Elizabeth, N. J., where the suburban town of Linden now stands, and by subsetiuent additions became the owner of 200 acres there. He was a practical, thoroughgoing farmer, unusually successful in business, and one of the leading citizens of the locality. Although his manner was quiet and retiring,

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he possessed a strong character, ;ind was a man of firm purpose. On May, 12, 1833, he was married to ^Iiss Phcebe Woodruff W'inans, born February 20, 1814, and of their nine children seven lived to maturity, of whom James M. Hadden is the youngest. The mother of the latter died February 16, 1882, and the father on May 28, 1892.

James M. Hadden, the subject proper of this review, received his early education at Elizabeth, X. J., where he attended a private school conducted by |ohn Young. At the age of seventeen he left school, but he has ever taken a deep interest in literature and science, and by reading has acquired a fund of information. His first employment was as a clerk for Jeremiah Lambert in the Greenwich block. New York City; but at the end of two years he returned home on account of ill health. After a short vacation he became bookkeeper for the Seymour Manufacturing Company, at Elizabeth, X. J., remaining with them seven years. On April 13, 1875, he went to Pough-keepsie as assistant engineer for George W. Harris (a relative by marriage) in the Citizens Gas Company, and worked in that capacity for two years, when he became chief engineer. On the consolidation of the business with that of the Poughkeepsie Gas Company in December, 18S7, he was made superintendent of the works, and in i8gi was elected president of the company, a position which he has filled with distinguished ability.

On April 30, 1879, Mr. Hadden was married to Miss Mary McAdam Hay, who was born July 8, 1852, in Ayrshire, Scotland — about nine miles from the home of Robert Burns. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (McKinley) Hay, and granddaughter of Mary (Anderson) McKinley, who was an acquaintance of the poet and familiar with many of the circumstances which inspired his writings. .A great-uncle of Mrs. Hadden was the subject of one poem. A great-great-uncle was the inventor of the MacAdam pavement, for which valuable service he was titled by the English government. Mrs. Hadden is. through her mother, a niece of William McKinley, of Elizabeth, X. J., and a distant relative of President McKinley. Two daughters and one son gladden the home of our subject: Elizabeth G., Helen S. and William McKinley Hay.

Mr. Hadden and his wife are members of the First Reformed Church, in which he is a leadinsr official. He is a Mason, a member of

Triune Lodge Xo. 782. In local matters he lends his assistance to all worthy measures and movements. He is not a politician in the strict sense, but he is a strong supporter of the Republican part}'.

FRANK LATSON, D. D. S., a leading _ dentist of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born in that township, August 26, 1853, his family having been residents of that locality for four generations.

Dr. Latson's ancestors were French Huguenots, who were among the early settlers of this region, and his grandfather, Peter Latson, a native of Rhinebeck, was a prosperous carpenter there. He married Betsey Hannaburgh, and had nine children: Henry; William, a dentist in New York; James, a carpenter; Regina, who married Stephen H. Powers, of Brooklyn; Margaret, the wife of Philip Van-Steenburgh, of Red Hook; Rachel; Amanda; Maria; and Matilda.

Henr)' Latson, our subject's father, was born in the town of Rhinebeck in 1814, and, after learning the carpenter's trade, engaged in the business of contracting and building, which he carried on successfully for about fifty years. He was a self-educated man, possessed great natural ability, at the same time displaying marked originality of thought and keen analytical powers. He was his own architect, and the many structures designed and erected by him give evidence of fine artistic taste. His business was extensive, four-fifths of the buildings constructed in Rhinebeck and vicinity, during his active life, being his work. The beautiful interior of the M. E. church was designed by him, and was but one proof of his devotion to the welfare of that society, of which he was a member and an official for many 3-ears. He was not active in politics, although he was an ardent Republican in principle, and fre-quentlj' served as trustee of the village. He married Maria Teal, daughter of Peter W. Teal, a well-known resident of the town of Stanford, and had three children, of whom our subject was the youngest. John is a physician, and Norman L. died at the age of twenty-nine years. The father died May 19, 1885; the mother, now at the age of seventy-eight, resides with our subject.

Dr. Latson was educated at De Garmo Classical Institute, and later took a course in the New York College of Pharmacy. In 1878

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he entered the New York College of Dentistry, from which he was graduated in 1880. He located in his native place, where he has built up an extensive practice, and ranks among the most successful men of the town. He was married in 1886 to Miss Bertha Bradley, of New York City, daughter of Perry Bradley, and a descendant of one of the old families of Kinderhook. They have two children: Lillian Kirkland and Frank Waldo. Politically, the Doctor is a Republican, but he is not a party worker. He is, however, greatly interested in local improvements, and is a member of the village board of trustees and the local fire department.

BENJAMIN MALTBY FOWLER, a promi- nent attorney of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess

county, was born at Durham, Conn., April 27, 1854. He comes of pure New England stock.

William Fowler, of whom he is a direct lineal descendant, arrived at Boston from England in 1637, with Rev. John Davenport. He was one of the prominent founders and officials of the New Haven Colony, which was afterward anne.xed to and became a part of Connecticut. Many of the early ancestors of Mr. Fowler (the subject of this sketch), took an important and conspicuous part in public affairs in the early days of the colonies; one of the most prominent among them being John Read, who was Oueen's attorney for the Colony of Connecticut in 1712, and later attorney-general of Massachusetts for several years, and also a member of the Governor and Council. Robert Treat Paine, one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, was a member of the family from which he also traces descent.

Jonathan C. Fowler, his grandfather, was a highly-respected resident of Northford, Conn. He married Eliza Maltby, a descendant of a large and iniluential family of that name in Connecticut.

Dr. Benjamin M. Fowler, our subject's father, was born at Northford, Conn., in 1821. After practicing his profession for awhile at Durham, Conn., he in 1856 moved to Poughkeepsie, where he died two years later (September 8, 185S) full of promise and greatly beloved and respected by a large circle of acquaintances, which he had formed in the short time that he resided there. On Sep-

tember II, 1850, he married Mary Payne, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of America. Three children came of this marriage : William S., born May 31, 1852, died February 7, 1871; Benjamin M., our subject; and Harriet J., born March 16, 1856, married Julius Maltby, of Waterbury, Conn. Thomas Payne, the father of Mary Payne, was a leading resident of Amenia. Dr. John C. Payne, her brother, has been for many years a leading physician in Poughkeepsie. Although the Paynes early settled in Amenia, Dutchess county, yet they also came from New England. Thomas Payne (or Paine, as the name was then spelled), the first one of that branch of the family to arrive in America, landed at Plymouth in 1621, having emigrated from the County of Kent, England. Most of his descendants settled in Connecticut.

Thomas Payne, grandfather of our subject, married Sarah Bartlett. The Bartletts were a distinguished family of Redding, Conn., but many members of which settled in Amenia. Daniel C. Bartlett, the father of Sarah Bartlett, was a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war; her grandfather. Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, second pastorof theCongregational Church in Redding, Conn., served as such for fifty-seven years—the longest pastorate, it is said, known to the New England Churches. He was an ardent supporter of the Revolutionary cause, as appears from the local histories of Redding, Conn.

Benjamin M. Fowler has lived in Poughkeepsie since boyhood. After graduating at the high school there, he took a special course at Riverview Military Academy, and shortly afterward began the study of law with Thompson & Weeks, with which firm, and its successor, Thompson, Weeks & Lown, he spent most of his clerkship, although for a time he was with Anthony & Losey and Robert E. Taylor. He was admitted to the bar May 13, 1875. While stutlying law Mr. Fowler also took up the study of shorthand. As he was the pioneer stenographer in Dutchess county, his services were in constant demand in the various courts in that locality, and he was frequently called upon to report speeches and lectures of various sorts, as well. He was official stenographer of the Dutchess County Court, Surrogate's Court and State Board of .Assessors, for a number of years. Many important cases were reported by him during this time. His experience in the surrogate's court and his

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connection with Thompson & Weeks, who were largely employed in the settlement of estates, gave him unusual opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the procedure in that line of legal business.

In 1889 he gave up the practice of stenography to give attention to the settlement of the late John Guy Vassar's estate; he having been appointed by Mr. Vassar an executor of his will. As the estate was an unusually large one, and was the subject of considerable litigation, it attracted much public attention. Notwithstanding the litigation was carried through the various courts, including the court of appeals, the estate was finally settled and distributed within three years, a remarkable record, which reflected great credit on Mr. Fowler and his associates. In 1891 he was appointed one of the administrators of the estate of the late Hon. Homer A. Nelson, and since 1888 he has been secretary and assistant treasurer of Vassar Brothers' Hospital. While he has never sought or held public office, the fact that these and other large interests have been committed to his care, indicates the esteem and confidence which his energetic and conscientious discharge of duty has won for him.

On December 15, 18S1, at Jersey City, N. J., Mr. Fowler married Miss Ada M. Douglas, daughter of the late M. S. Douglas, a New York merchant. Of this union three children were born: Douglas P., August 11, 1S83; Maltby S., July 18, 1886; and Benjamin M., Jr., September i, 1890.

DR. W. E. ACKERT, a well-known veter- ' inary surgeon in the town of Rhinebeck,

Dutchess county, and an agriculturist of prominence, was born in that town October 5, 1840.

Like so many of the substantial and prosperous citizens of this country, his family was of German origin, the first of the American line coming from the Fatherland at an early date. The grandfather of our subject, John M. Ackert, born about 1784, in the town of Rhinebeck, was a leading farmer in his day; his son William, our subject's father, also a native of Rhinebeck, was born in 1809, and married Maria Pultz, of the same town, born in 18 12, a descendant of an old Holland family. In politics Mr. Ackert was a Republican; and in- religious faith was a devout and consist-

17

ent adherent of the Lutheran Church, as is also his wife. They were the parents of four children: John H., a farmer of Rhinebeck, now deceased; Virgil .A.., a farmer near the old home; Sarah A., who married Egbert G. Tra-ver, also a farmer of that vicinity; and W. E., the subject of this review. The mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Traver.

Reared as a farmer's boy, the Doctor enjoyed the educational opportunities afforded by the public schools, and his natural abilities have enabled him to improve upon them by private reading, until he is an unusually well-informed man. In his specialty, the treatment of that noble animal—the horse—he has made thorough study of all the related branches, and stands at the front of his profession. He owns a farm of fifty acres, of which his sons assume the active work, while he devotes his time to his extensive practice.

On November 24, 1864, Dr. Ackert was married to Miss Sarah Hanaburgh, a daughter of Peter H. and Eliza Ann (Montfort) Hanaburgh, of Rhinebeck, the former born in 1812, in the town of Rhinebeck, of German descent, and the latter born October 2, 1S49. Four children have been born to the Doctor and his wife, as follows: Edward E., who died March 5, 1891; David H., Jennie and Raymond P., who are all at home. Mrs. Ackert has in her possession a quilt made from the dress of an old slave—Aunt Betta—in the Montfort family. " Aunt Betta " was at least one hundred years old at the time of her death, and had worked in the Montfort family when Mrs. Ackert's mother was a child. In politics the Doctor is a Republican, and takes an active interest in all movements of the day.

>iEV. DOCTOR CORNELIUS VINCENT iri MAHONY, pastor of the Catholic Church at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, is a native of New York City, where his birth took place December i, 1851, and he is a son of Cornelius and Anna O'Connell Mahony, both natives of County Cork, Ireland, the former born on January 18, 1818. After their marriage they emigrated to the New World, and in New York City the father engaged in mercantile pursuits for about thirty years. He then lived retired until his death in 1893. His wife had long preceded him to the other world, dying in 1869. In their family were two children:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Michael Joseph, who was born in 1849, and Cornelius \incent, subject of this sketch.

Doctor Mahony spent his boyhood days in New York City, attending the public schools until eleven years of age, when he entered the Jesuit College, where he remained for seven years. After graduating there he became a student in the Troy Seminar)-, completing the theological course there at the age of twenty-one; but being too young for ordination he went to Rome, where he took the entire theological course, receiving the degree of D. D. He then traveled through Europe with Dr. McGlynn for three months, after which he returned to America, and was located for one year at St. Stephens, in New York City. During the following five years he was professor of menta' philosophy and ethics in the Troy Sem-inar\-, which position he then resigned, and in 1884 came to Wappingers Falls, where he has since been located.

His force of character, talent and ability are phenomenal, and he possesses great power for good among his people. Father Mahony is himself a ver>- intelligent and cultured man, and has done much toward instilling into the minds of his parish children a taste for literature.

EGBERT VAN WAGNER (deceased). The subject of this sketch was bom July

21, 1821, in Pleasant Valley. Dutchess county, where he passed his youth, following farming. On May 31. 184S. he was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia B. Pulver. who was born in the town of Pine Plains August 3. 1826. a daughter of Andrus Pulver. a native of the same place. He married Miss Margaret Thomas, and the following children were born to them: Mar)-, who became the wife of Lewis D. Hedges, a merchant of Pine Plains Cnow deceased); Frances, who married Henry Myers, a farmer and speculator i now deceased i; Cornelia B., our subject's widow; Elizabeth, and Nicholas, who died in infancy. Andrus Pulver was a farmer and hotel keeper. Both he and his wife are deceased.

Our subject and his wife, after their marriage, lived a few years on the farm m Pleasant \'alley, and five years in Pine Plains. They then moved to Poughkeepsie, in 1856. and bought the farm on which Mrs. Van Wagner now resides. The following children were born to them: Henrv. a farmer here, married

to Miss Ruth Brown; Margaret, married to Eley R. Deyo, a merchant, who died August 4, 1S87; Albertson, who died October 19, 1S55. at the age of twelve years; Walter, who died March 7, 18S0; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of John J. C. Howe, a farmer. Mr. Van Wagner was a Democrat, and held the office of commissioner of highways for several terms. He took an active part in politics. He was public-spirited, and took a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the town and its aSairs. He donated the site of the present depot, and was postmaster of the \'an Wagner station for about twenty years. His wife was a member of the Presb\terian Church.

John Van Wagner, the father of our subject, was a native of Pleasant Valley, where he was reared, and where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Albertson, born in Pleasant \'alley. These children were born to them: Sarah, who became the wife of David Doty, a farmer of Pleasant Valley; Isaac, married to Sally Ann Vincent; Hiram, a farmer, who married Mar)- Badgley; Elsie, who became the wife of Tunis Conklin. a farmer; Mary .\.. who died unmarried; Willett. married to Catherine Sill (he was a farmer and merchant^; Egbert, our subject; Susan, who died unmarried; and Eli, who died in infancy.

Nicholas Van Wagner, the grandfather, came from Long Island and settled on the farm in Pleasant Valley, where he reared the following children: John, our subject's father; Jacob, a farmer in Pleasant Valley, where he lived and died; Evert, who farmed for a while in Clinton, and then went to the western part of the State, where he died; Solomon, who farmed in Schoharie county; and Esther, married to John \'an Wagner, a farmer in the town of Poughkeepsie. The Van Wagners were in the war of 1776.

GEORGE W. CANNON, a prominent resi-_ dent of Poughkeepsie. Dutchess county, was born July 31, 1834. in New York City, which had been the home of his ancestors for many years.

His grandfather Cannon was a man of note in his day, a soldier in the war of 1S12, and at one time the sherifi of New York City. The late Arnout Cannon, our subject's father, was a prominent contractor and builder in Poughkeepsie. He was born July 13. 1S05,

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in New York City, and there learned the trade of a mechanic, in 1S36 coming to Poughkeep-sie and engaging in the building business, in which he continued until his death, September 12. 18S2. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge No. 266, Poughkeepsie, and held a leading place in many of the progressive movements of the day in his locality. He was married in New York Citj- to Miss Naomi Chilson, a native of Orange county, N. Y., born June 11, 1812. and eight children came to this union: Hester (deceased); George \V., our subject; Charles H., a well-known carpenter of Poughkeepsie; Arnout, Jr., a prominent architect there; William H., a resident of Chicago; Maria, widow of James Gifford; Cornelius L., a leading contractor and builder of Poughkeepsie; and Emma Kate, the wife of Charles E. Schon. The mother of this family is still living in Poughkeepsie.

George W. Cannon, the subject of this review, attended the public schools of Poughkeepsie until he was twelve years old, and then entered the Dutchess County Academy on South Hamilton street. After completing his course there he learned the carpenter's trade in his father's shop, serving an apprenticeship of seven years. His first independent business venture was the establishment of an art store with a photograph gallery attached, which he conducted successfully for six years in the building now occupied by W. H. \'an Keuren. He sold this, giving up the artistic surroundings of oil paintings, and bronze and marble statuarj- for the prosaic business of a coal dealer, which he followed for three years on Hooker avenue. In this as in all his projects he displayed great enterprise, and he bought and operated the first wood-splitting machine ever seen in the city. After disposing of this business Mr. Cannon traveled through the West for twenty years, and then returned to Poughkeepsie to reside. In 1890 he purchased the old Hicks place, with a mansion now known as River Villa, the building of which cost over $35.cx30. Here he entertains his friends with lavish yet elegant hospitality. During the triangular boat race on the Hudson in June, 1895, between Cornell, Pennsylvania and Columbia, the Cornell crew made their home there; also in 1896. Mr. Cannon has been married three times, first time, in the city of Poughkeepsie, to Miss Harriet Hall, who died leaving three children: Irene, now Mrs. Charles Wells, of Indianapo-

lis; Julia, who resides in Indianapolis; and Arnetta, a trained nurse in New York City. Mr. Cannon's second wife was Miss Elizabeth Wyley. of Detroit, Mich., who lived less than a \ear after their marriage. At Detroit he subsequently married Mrs. Emma Rich, a native of Deep River, Conn., but at that time a resident of Bay City; she has one daughter, Mary B. Rich, a graduate of the School of Music of Vassar College, and now the wife of David Gibson, of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Cannon has a high standing in financial circles, his business abilities being widely recognized. He owns the patents for the New York Safety Dumb Waiter, also for the Diamond Point Nail Set, and derives a large royalty from each.

Charles H. Cannon, a younger brother of our subject, was born in Poughkeepsie November 6, 1826, and was educated in the city public schools and the famous old Dutchess County Academy. He learned the trade of sash and blind making with Harry Seaman and Joseph Irish, and after an apprenticeship of two and one-half years he opened a shop of his own on South Hamilton street, where he did well for a few years. But the breaking out of the war bringing "hard times" to his line of work, he gave it up and became foreman of a large carpenter shop at Providence, R. I., having charge of over forty workmen. After three years there he went to Detroit and spent five years, when he returned to Poughkeepsie and embarked in the saloon business on Main street, but was burned out in 18" i, since which time he has been engaged in the carpenter's trade.

On June 24, 1855, at Buffalo, N. Y., Mr. Cannon was married to Miss Margaret O'Connor, and in i860 he built his residence on Hooker avenue, Poughkeepsie. where the family still resides. Of his ten children five are living: Ettie^Mrs. Albert Jenksy; Fannie, wife of William Brown, of New York City; Emma Kate (Mrs. Fred Rogers); William, a resident of Pittsfield, Mass.; and Minnie, who married Clarence Martens, of Mt. \'ernon.

BURTON A. SNYDERfdeceased) was born _ in 1867, in the town of Gallatin. Columbia Co., N. Y., and died on Easter eve, April 18, 1897.

Henry Snyder, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Livingston, Columbia Co., N. Y., received a common-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

school education, and at an early ag;e began farming, which occupation he continued to follow throughout life. When quite a young man he married Miss Eliza Robison, who was the daughter of a farmer of the town of Livingston. To this worthy couple were born five children: Celia, who married Charles Moore; Mary, who became the wife of William Finger; Catherine, who wedded Theodore Hapeman; Annie; and Charles. The last-named, who was the father of our subject, was born in the town of Livingston, Columbia county, and after completing his literary training in the public schools he took up farming as a life work. He married Miss Mary Warehouse, daughter of John Warehouse, a farmer of the same township, and one child graced this union. Burton A., our subject.

Burton A. Snyder, like his ancestors, received only a common-school education. At the early age of twelve years he began farming with his uncle, and afterward followed that occupation. In i8Sg he married Miss Gertrude Snyder, a daughter of Albert Snyder, a farmer of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county. The farm, which belongs to Mrs. Snyder, has been in the possession of her family for many years. It contains 225 acres of as fine farming land as is to be found anywhere in the locality, and is supplied with all the accessories and conveniences to be found upon a model farm of the nineteenth century.

William Z. Snyder, the grandfather of Mrs. Snyder, was a native of the town of Khine-beck, Dutchess county, where he acquired his education in the district schools, and he also followed farming as a life work. He wedded Miss Margaret Traver, of the same township, and to them were born two children: Albert; and .Anna, who became the wife of Edgar L. Traver. The former was also born, reared and educated in the town of Rhinebeck, but he later purchased the farm ui the town of Red Hook, which his daughter now occupies. He was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude M. Burger, of Rhinebeck town, and their only child is Mrs. Gertrude M. Snyder.

WARREN P. LASHER was one of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men who ever lived in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, where he departed this life in March, 1890. In his death the community was deprived of one of its best.

most useful and public-spirited citizens, and rich and poor alike mourned his departure from their midst, for he was beloved by men in every walk of life.

Mr. Lasher was born at Tivoli, Dutchess county, April 8, 1841, and was the only son of Philip and Catherine (Millham) Lasher, though he had one sister, Carrie C., now the wife of R. C. Brewster, who resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. His father was a merchant of Tivoli, and quite a prominent man in the localitj-, who served as brigadier-general in the State Militia in the old training days, as postmaster of Tivoli. and as a member of the General Assembly in 1858. He was twice married, his second wife being the mother of our subject.

The education of Warren P. Lasher was obtained in the schools of Tivoli and Claverack, N. Y.. and when only sixteen years old he served as Assemblyman's Clerk, while his father was a member of the Legislature. Three years later he became a clerk in the general store of Faulkner Brothers, at Wappingers Falls, where he remained until he was twenty-three years of age, when he came to Poughkeepsie and secured a position in the dry-goods store of Cornwell & Elting. He was afterward with Spring & Thalheimer, whom Saunders & Lasher bought out in 1871, and the firm later became Lasher, Haight & Kelley. They also began the manufacturing business, making ladies' skirts; and after selling out the retail dry-goods business, the firm was changed, Mr. Lasher associating with Luckey & Piatt, while still later it became Forbey & Lasher. In the manufacture of skirts and overalls they ran forty machines by water power. The new firm had been in existence about a year when Mr. Forbey, the silent partner, died, and his interest was purchased by Frank Hull, the name being then changed to Lasher & Hull. At the end of eight years our subject sold out his interest to Mr. Hull, and formed a company composed of Lasher, Eastmead & Osborne, for the manufacture of overalls. Mr. Lasher was also a member of the firm of Hcrmance & Hance, manufacturers of shirts, but later Messrs. Eastmead & Osborne purchased Mr. Hermance's interest, and the name was changed to Hance & C(x On account of failing health, in 1889, Mr. Lasher disposed of his share in in the company of Lasher, Eastmead & Osborne, but retained his interest in Hance & Co. up to the time of his death.

While clerking at Wappingers Falls .Mr.

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Lasher met Miss Altnira J. Hermance, who was visiting a cousin there, and on January 19, 1870, they \vere united in marriage. They began their domestic hfe in Poiighkeepsie, where were born to them two sons: Claude, a member of the firm of Lansing & Lasher, real estate and insurance; and Frank H. Mr. Lasher was a conscientious, earnest Christian, a trustee of the Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, and an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association. His benevolence was unostentatious and genuine, and there is nothing in the story of his life to show that he ever, for a moment, sought to compass a given end for the purpose of e.xalting himself, as he was a man of retiring disposition and averse to making any show. He was a member of the Amrita Club, and as a man held the honor and esteem of all classes of people.

Richard M. Hermance, the father of Mrs. Lasher, was born at Clifton Park, Saratoga Co., X. v., June 3, 1817, and was the son of Cornelius and Anna (Westfall) Hermance, the former a native of Red Hook, Dutchess county, and the latter of Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y. For many years her father carried on farming in Saratoga county, and, on disposing of his land, went into the foundry business, manufacturing stoves and plows at Stillwater, Saratoga county; he patented many articles, among which was the low reservoir used on cooking stoves. He wedded Emeline Du Bois, daughter of Ivichard Du Bois of Round Lake, Saratoga count}-, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Almira J.; Theodore; Albert; George C.; Mary; and Emma J., wife of Henry Richmond. The mother of this family died in 1886.

OBED W. VINCENT (deceased). The \'incent family, which is one of the oldest and most prominent in Dutchess county, is of English origin, the ancestors of the subject of this sketch having come to America at a very earlj' date, settling as pioneer farmers in the town of Unionvale.

Isaac \'incent, our subject's grandfather, was a farmer and merchant in Unionvale, and his son, David D. Vincent, the father of our subject, followed the same pursuits, in which he proved an unusually successful business man. He was always a Republican, and took great interest in local politics, holding various offices, including that of supervisor. He mar-

ried Phcebe Preston, whose ancestors were leading farmers in the town of Dover, where he died in 188S. He and his wife had three children: Isaac, who was a farmer and storekeeper at the Clove, and died in 1S89; Martha (deceased), who married Stephen Moore; and Obed W., who died July 14, 1892.

Our subject was reared by an aunt on a farm at Chestnut Ridge, and was married April 15, t88o, to Miss Mary Ella Vincent, a granddaughter of Jonathan Vincent. Her father, John W. Vincent, was born in the town of Unionvale, and w^as a school teacher in early life, later removing to Poughkeepsie and becoming an influential politician. He was county clerk and justice of the peace for a number of years, and was otherwise prominent in political affairs; he died in 1881. He attended the M. E. Church, and was interested in various progressive movements. He married Rhoda Butler, who was born at Chestnut Ridge, and is still living. This family is of English descent. Her father, Peter L. Butler, was a well-known farmer in the town of Dover. Of the four children born to John and Rhoda Vincent our subject's w-ife was the eldest; Minnie married Charles Andrews, of Lagrange-ville; Walter, who married Julia O'Brien, is in business at the stock yards in Chicago; and' George E. resides with Mrs. Vincent.

After their marriage Obed Vincent and his wife lived at Chestnut Ridge with his aunt, where their only child. Hazel Blanche, was born. Mr. Vincent was a man of influence in his locality, a Republican in politics, and ably sustained the high reputation which was his birthright. Since his death Mrs. \'incent has managed the large fortune with great abilitj'. In May, 1895, she bought a beautiful residence at Manchester Bridge, three miles from Poughkeepsie, where she now resides, her home being the center of a refined and gracious hospitality.

WILLIAM THOMSON, a wealthy retired merchant of New York City, now residing upon a fine estate near Rhinebeck, was born at No. 92 Watt street. New York, September 11, 1836. His family had long been prominent in that city, and his father, \\'illiam A. Thomson, was born there on Cedar street, May 29, 180S. He served during his life as president of the Mercantile Fire Insurance Co., also serving for many years as president of the

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falo. This was in 1849. during the great epidemic of Asiatic cholera that swept over almost the entire country. Buffalo was suffering from this dread disease, and while on the canal Mr. Howell was stricken with the scourge, and was laid out on the bank to die, whence he was taken to the hospital. Hundreds died of the disease; but Mr. Howell, after a long illness, finally recovered, and on gaining his strength started for New York; he. however, engaged again on the canal for a few months.

After some years he became interested in horses, and was superintendent of the Samuel Townsend stock farm in Niagara county, where he continued for nine years. In 1871 he came to Dutchess county, and for twenty years managed the large stock farm of Edwin Thorne, well known as Thorndale Stock Farm, located near .Milibrook, Dutchess county. The horse department here has from 100 to 150 horses all the time. Since 1891 he has engaged in the hotel business, first at Hopewell Junction, and later in Arlington, at the edge of Pough-keepsie. Mr. Howell married Miss Sophia Barton, and they have become the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom are living.

Frank Howell came with his parents to Dutchess county, where, surrounded by fast horses, he developed a taste for handling and breaking them, assisting his father in his work until he gradually learned by actual practice all the work of a practical trainer. He developed unusual skill in his undertaking, and Mr. Thorne selected him as his trainer. Then, assisted by his former employer, he started out for himself, working his horses on the Pough-keepsie track. Mr. Thorne at one time owned the Poughkeepsie Driving Park, which Mr. Howell superintended until it was sold, in 1888, to the present owner, Jacob Ruppert. His training stables are finely equipped and conveniently located near the tracks. Among the horses he has driven or owned may be mentioned: Kate C record 2:15!; Elber, 2:i5i; Mithra, 2:17; Prince, 2:2o|; Niel Whitbeck, 2:2i|^; Carlton Chief, 2-.211; Marksman Maid, 2:21 J; Kentucky Blanch, 2:26; Edwin Thorne, 2:\(y\; Daisy Dale, 2:19^; 0.\ford Chief, 2:22|, and Miss Murray, 2:28.

On June 24, 1882, Mr. Howell was married to Miss Julia Webb, daughter of Edward and Lucy (Clarke) Webb, of English origin. Mr. Webb was a skilled florist and landscape gardener by occupation, and after selling out his business in England, came to America with

his family in 186^. ^ home in Dutchess

county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He expired suddenly from heart disease, December 5, 1892, but his wife still survives. In their family of children were: Jonathan Edward; Julia E.; Marie C, and Louise A. To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Howell have been bom the following children : Lucy Clarke; Julia Webb; Nellie Viall and Louise Webb. Mr. Howell is a very public-spirited man. and takes an active interest in all movements for the advancement of the community.

JOHN HA LPT, the proprietor of a well-known bakery situated at the corner of

Church and Gate streets, Poughkeepsie, is one of the thrifty German-born citizens of the county. His present success is emphatically due to hard work and economy, and reflects great credit upon him.

Mr. Haupt was born August 24, 1845, at Grcss-hen Zog, um Hessen, a son of Jacob Haupt, also a nativeof Germany, born in 1801. The father was the owner of a stone quarry, and was engaged all his life in the business of taking out rough building stone. He and his wife, Magdalena fUhinkj, both died about the year 1887. Of their ten children, nine grew to adult age: Barbara (the eldesti; Mattice, now living in Germany; Agnes, who lives in New York City; Jacob, in Germany: Lizzie, in East New York; Mary, in Germany; Sybilla, in Brooklyn; Frank, whose whereabouts are not known; and John, our subject.

John Haupt came alone to America when a boy of thirteen years. He made his home with a sister in New York City for a short time in 1857, while looking for employment, and as he had alreadj' acquired a common-school education, he devoted his thoughts from that time to making his way in the business world, a sufficiently difficult task as it proved. He has always been engaged in the baker's trade, his first work being with a baker in Williamsburg at $3 per month, with whom he remained six months, and from that time was employed by various parties at increasing wages, working one year at one place for $5 per month, and si.x months at another for $7. He became third helper in a large establishment at $3 per week, and then going to New York secured a place as second hand at $4 a week, remaining during one winter. His next employer, Mr.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.

Feltz. gave him $9 a week, and after seven months he entered the service of Mr. Kein-hardt at the corner of iith avenue and 45th street, for $12 a week. Here he injured his eyes so that he gave up the position in four months, and went to work in 9th avenue for $9 a week. In December, 1865. he came to Poughkeepsie as head baker for Mr. Bice, at $12 a week and his board, and in July, 1866, he began to work for P. S. Rowland as a cake maker. With him he remained fourteen months, and then returned to New York as foreman for Mr. Doring at the corner of 3rd avenue and 46th street, at $15 a week and board; after three months, however, he went back to Poughkeepsie and worked for Charles Arras a little over a year. In 1869 he spent five months in Hoboken. N. J., as foreman for Mr. Weidner on First street, and then engaged in business for himself in East New York; but the venture proved unprofitable, and after five months he returned to Poughkeepsie and again worked for Charles Arras for six j'ears. In August, 1876, he bought his present establishment of George Mallmann, and has successfully conducted same for over twenty years, building up a large and profitable trade. On June 9, 1867. Mr. Haupt was married to Miss Barbara Bieber, daughter of John and Mary Bieber, highly respected residents of Poughkeepsie. Four children were born of this union: John, born September 26, 1868. is a clerk in his father's establishment; Rai-mund, born January 25, 1871, assists as a cake baker; Alfred E., born December 2, 1872, died at the age of sixteen; and George W., born July 26, 1S79. is in school. The family attend the Lutheran Church, but Mrs. Haupt is an Episcopalian. Mr. Haupt has won the respect of the people wherever he is known, and is prominent among the self-made men of his locality. He has taken an active interest in politics, voting the Republican ticket as a rule, and in 1895 ^^'^s elected supervisor of the Second ward. Sociallv, he is a member of the I. O. O. F.

GEORGE H. BONTECOU. The first ancestor of the Bontecou family, of whom we have a definite account, was William Is-brand Bontekoe, who lived in the early part of the seventeenth century. In 1618 he was captain of the " Nouvelle Hoorn." a ship of 1,110 tons burden, and a crew of 206 men, which in

that year set sail for the East Indies. He had touched at the uninhabited island of Mas-caruque and at Madagascar, and was nearing Batavia when a fire broke out in the vessel, and while making efforts to extinguish it he was deserted by sixty-six of his men, who escaped in a shallop and a small skiff. He was unable to subdue the flames, and when they reached the magazine the ship was thrown into the air and totally destro\ed, but Bontekiie in falling had the good fortune to grasp a spar, which supported him until he was picked up by the shallop. At another time, while in command of a ship of thirty-two guns, Bontekiie took part in the expedition in which Cornelius, with eight vessels, ravaged the coast of China.

Bonteki.e wrote an account of his voyages, and the incidents referred to have been utilized by Alexander Dumas in a story entitled " Bontekr)e," the first in his volume—" Les Drames de la Mer. " Unfortunately no known record exists relating to this man's ancestors or descendants, but his family was doubtless of Dutch or Flemish origin, and it is probable that one of his sons crossed the line and settled in France, where we next hear of the name in connection with the events attending the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, October 18, 1685, by which Louis XI\' put an end to the exercise of Protestant forms of worship in France, and compelled all who would not adopt the Catholic faith to leave his realm. Among the refugees who lied to England at this time were Pierre Bontecou and his wife, Marguerite Collinot, and five children: Marguerite, Peter, Sara, Daniel and Susanne. According to the '' .Archives Nationales, " at Paris, they left the Isle of Re in 1684 for " La Caroline " [a general term used to designate the continent of North America]. Their residence had previously been in the city of La Rochelle, a place of great commercial importance and a stronghold of Protestantism. It is certain that one of the children, Daniel, was born there in 1681, and doubtless the others were natives of that place. Pierre Bontecou and his little family found refuge in England for a few years, but in 1689 they came to America and settled in New York City, where three children were born, Marie and Rachel (twins), July 21, 1690, and Timothy, June 17, 1693.

Timothy Bontecou, our subject's great-great-grandfather, no doubt spent his boyhood in New York, but in early manhood went to France to learn the silversmith's trade, and

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265

remained, it is supposed, about twenty years. \\'e have no history of him during this period; but he was probably married in France, as his wife, Mary, died in New Haven, Conn., November 5, 1735, at the age of thirty-three years, according to the inscription on her monument in the old cemetery in that city. On September 29, 1736, he married his second wife, Mary Goodrich, daughter of David and Prudence (Churchill) Goodrich, of Wethers-field, Conn. His death occurred in New Haven, February 14, 1784, at the age of ninety. By his first marriage he had one son, Timothy, born in 1723, probably in France. There were five children by the second marriage: Peter, who was born in New Haven, 1738; Daniel, born 1739, died 1778; David, born 1742, died 1766; James, born 1743, died 1760; and a daughter. Mrs. Lathrop, of whom all trace is lost.

Peter Bontecou, the great-grandfather of our subject, was married November 14, 1762, by Rev. Chauncey Whittlesey, to Susanna Thomas, daughter of Jehiel and Mary Thomas, of New Haven. Thej- had nine children, whose names, with dates of birth and death, are here given: Polly Augusta, August 13, 1763, died March 28, 1849; James, August 6, 1766, died July 12, 1806; David (i), August 23, 1767, died in 1767; David (2), September 9, 1768, died January 26, 1769; Susannah (i), 1769, died in infancy; Susannah (2), 1770, died December 25, 1777; Peter, 1770, died June 12, 1794; Sarah, July 30, 1775, died January 9, 1861; and David (3), March 17, 1777, died May 5, 1854.

David Bontecou, the grandfather of our subject, was married October i, 1769, to Polly Claik, daughter of Samuel and Anna (Haw-ley j Clark, and reared a family of eight children, of whom the first four were born at the old home of the family in New Haven, and the remaining four in Coeymans, N. Y. Their names with dates of birth are as follows: Peter, January 26, 1797; Elizabeth, October 14, 1798; Susannah, July 25, 1801; James Clark, July 11, 1803; Sarah, May 19, 1805; David, October 25, 1807; Samuel Stover, January 23, 1810, died July 11, 1812; and George, our subject's father.

George Bontecou was born June 23, 1812. He was married September 6, 1838, to Lydia Ann Whipple, who was born May 28, 1818, the daughter of William and Hannah (Adams) Whipple, of Troy, N. Y. She died in Troy,

February 20, 1S64, and July i, 1S69, Mr. Bontecou married Margaret Dustin, daughter of Ananis and Margaret (Hunter) Dustin, of \\'aterford, Erie Co., Penn. The family moved from Troy, N. Y. to Vineland, N. J., in 1866, and he died there August 7, 1893. There were ten children b\' his first marriage, their names with dates of birth being as follows: Mary Hannah, August 19, 1839; William Whipple, August 17, 1841, died October 14, 1842; Susan, May 29, 1843; William Wright Whipple, June 19, 1845; Elijah Whipple, June 27, 1847; George Henry, May 17, 1849; Philip Dorlon, January 23, 1853; Abby Whipple, April 12, 1856; and Reed and Francis (twins), December 26, 1858 (of whom the latter died July 24, 1859). By the second marriage there were two children: Lydia Ann, born April 5, 1870; and John, born February 20, 1876, and died April 4, 1879.

As will be seen by the above record, George Henry Bontecou, the subject proper of this sketch, is of the sixth generation in direct descent from the brave Huguenot pioneer, Pierre Bontecou. A native of Troy, N. Y., he was educated in the common schools there, and at the age of thirteen entered the employ of the New York Central & Hudson River railroad. In 1867 he went to Minnesota as an employe of the Southern Minnesota Railroad Co., and remained until 1872, when he became station agent at Dutchess Junction for the N. Y. C. R. R. and the N. D. & C. R. R. This position he has held ever since, his able management giving entire satisfaction to the companies which he represents, and to the traveling public. For the last five years he has also been engaged in the manufacturing of common building brick for .the New York market, his yards being located at Dutchess Junction. His excellent judgment in business affairs has made him a valued worker in different enterprises, among them the Matteawan Savings Bank, of which he is a trustee. His counsel is sought in political matters also, and he is secretary of the Republican committee of the town of Fish-kill, and was a delegate to the Republican State Convention at Saratoga in 1895. He is foreman of the Willar H. Mase Hook and Ladder Co., of Matteawan, also a member of the State Firemen's Association, and he is also secretary of the Matteawan Club. In the Masonic fraternity he is an active worker, belonging to Beacon Lodge No. 283, Highland Chapter of Newburg, Hudson Commandery,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOUAPUIVAL BEVORD.

K. T. of Newburg, and Mecca Temple of New York City.

He has a pleasant home at Matteawan, and he and his wife (formerly Miss Emma Masej are leading members of the M. E. Church, in which he holds the office of secretary of the board of trustees. They have had four children: George died at the age of fifteen; Howell is a student in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania; Edna and Pierre are at home. Mrs, Bontecou is a daughter of Sylvester H. and Almira (Cornwell) Mase, and a descendant of a family which has been distinguished in several generations for patriotism, her great-grandfather, Peter Mase, having been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, while her grandfather, Peter Mase, served in the war of 1812. Her father was second lieutenant in the 128th N. Y. V. I. during the Civil war. He was one of the most prominent men of Matteawan, engaging in hat manufacturing, in the dry-goods business, also in the wholesale and retail leather business, and he held the office of sheriff of Dutchess county for two terms.

CHARLES G. BAUMANN, a prominent saloon keeper of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in that city November 23, 1863.

The home of his ancestors was in Waldurn Baden, Germany, where his father, John Bau-mann, was born March 16, 1812. The latter attended the school of his birthplace during boyhood, and later learned the shoemaker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years. He afterward traveled through Switzerland as a journeyman cobbler, and in 1853 came to America, where he followed his trade in Cincinnati, but shortly afterward returned to Poughkeepsie and engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigars in a wholesale way. He was cautious and conservative, and made a success of the enterprise, accumulating a fine property. An independent voter, he thought more of securing good men for office than of party ties, and he never sought political preferment for himself. He was a prominent member of the Church of the Nativity (Roman Catholic), and was a leader among the German-born population. In 1842 he was married in Germany to Eva Catharine Spieler, who died July 16, 1889. In the following year he disposed of his business, and on May I, 1891, he, too, departed this

life. Of the nine children of this union five lived to adult age and four are still living: August; Josephine, the wife of Adam Messer-schmidt, of New York; Mary Louisa, the widow of Robert Farley; and Charles G., our subject.

Charles G. Baumann was educated in the German Catholic school at St. Michael, and attended the public schools for one year. He became familiar with both English and German, and has been quite a reader of current literature. After leaving school he tended bar for three years for Albert Von Der Linden, on Market street, and then took a similar position with Charles Matheis, at No. 116 Slain street. On his employer's death si.\ years later, Mr. Baumann continued the business for the widow for one jear, and then on .May 1, 1885, bought the business and the building. He has been the agent for Jacob Ruppert's beer for twelve years. As a business man he has been remarkably successful, and he takes a prominent part in various local movements, being a member of the Germania Singing Society, the Phtenix Hose Co., the Young American Hose Co. No. 6, the Veteran Fire Association, the Dutchess Social Club, and he is an honorary member of the Knights of St. George, and a charter member of the Elks. In religion he follows the faith of his father, and adheres to the Roman Catholic Church.

On October 8, 1889, Mr. Baumann married Miss Anna M. Haidlauf, the only child of Dr. John and Rosalie Marie Elizabeth Haidlauf, the former of whom (now deceased) was one of the leading German physicians of Poughkeepsie. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baumann two children have come: Rosa Helena and Katie Josephine, the latter being now deceased.

L

EWIS PINCKNEY, an industrious and progressive agriculturist of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, was born January I. 1851, in the town of Carmel, Putnam Co., N. Y., where his forefathers were among the most prominent of the early settlers. His grandfather. Gen. Stephen Pinckney, was a native of that place, and passed his life there in agricultural pursuits, to which, in later years, he added mercantile business. He held the rank of general in the militia of his day, and was a leader in many important local movements. His first wife. Miss Hill, died not long after their marriage, and he formed

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another matrimonial union, this time with Miss Ann Hager. Eight children were born to them: William; Ira, who never married; Mrs. Arabella Pircle; Mrs. Nancy Smith; Perry; Michael; Alva and Stephen. Most of the members of this family settled near the old home, and the others located at Norwalk, Connecticut.

Perry Pinckney, our subject's father, was a carpenter by trade, but was also engaged at times in farming. He was an energetic man, successful in business, especially in early manhood; a member of the Baptist Church and a leading supporter of the Democratic party. A large portion of his life was passed near Lake Mahopac and in his native town, but his last years were passed in Luddingtonville, where he died November 25, 1879. His wife, Eleanor Lockwood, daughter of Daniel Lock-wood, departed this life January i, 1868. Of their seven children, si.x lived to maturity, namely: Sarah, who married Robert Lee; Lewis, our subject; Sophia, the wife of Walter Tompkins; James S., who resides west of Pawling; Lorainy, who is not married; and Carrie, the wife of John Pattison, of White Plains, New York.

The subject of our sketch received his education mainly in the district schools of the town of East Fishkill, and after his mother's death began working by the month for farmers in the locality during the summer season and attended school during the winter at Peekskill, Pawling and other places, obtaining as good schooling as the locality afforded notwithstanding many discouragements. He was employed at farm work until he was thirty-eight years old, working at Hurd's Corners for many years, with one winter in Scrub Oak Plains, one year in East Fishkill, one year with Jeremiah Mead, eight months with Albert Corbin, eight with Arnold Brothers, below Pawling, and then after a winter in Mr. Allen's school in that village he worked for Allen Light for a few months and for his father-in-law at Cold Spring for two years, returning again to Mr. Light's for a short time. His next employer was Theodore Wheeler, of Dover, with whom he stayed nine years and eight months, and he then went West, spending some months in Kansas and Iowa. On his return in the following spring he again engaged in farm work, spending one year each with Mr. Ferguson, J. B. Dutcher, John Arnold and John L. Haynes. In 1890, after twenty-two years in all

at this work, he rented his present farm of 664 acres near Pawling from Hooker & Ham-merlies. He has thirty-seven cows and is largely interested in dairying.

His sterling qualities of character and the indomitable perseverance that has enabled him to make his way without the aid which helps so many men to a prosperous career, have won for Mr. Pinckney the respect of all who know him. He has so far passed his life in single blessedness. He is a member of the Methodist Church in Pawling, and supports the principles ot the Democratic party without taking an active share, however, in political work.

F,ETER MILLER. This gentleman worthi- ly illustrates the commonly-accepted view

of the character of the enterprising German citizen, who has made his own way in this country, and is now at the head of a good retail boot and shoe business. A native of Westphalia, he was born September 28, 1848, and is the son of John J. Miller, who was also born in the same place, in 181 5, and by trade was a shoemaker, which occupation was followed by his father and grandfather.

In his native land John J. Miller was united in marriage with Misc Anna C. Heller, also a native of Westphalia, and to them were born five children, namely: John, a shoemaker of Germany; Peter, of this sketch: Regina, wife of Mathew Zeigen, of Poughkeepsie; Catherine, who died in infancy; and Carl, a shoemaker, of Germany. The father never left the Fatherland, where he continued to follow his trade until he was called from this earth in 1861. His wife had passed away in 1850. They were devout members of the German Catholic Church.

Mr. Miller, of this sketch, was an enterprising, ambitious boy, and after working at the shoemaker's trade in Germany until he had reached his majority, he determined to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Accordingly he set sail in 1871, and has since been one of the worthy citizens of Poughkeepsie, where he was first employed at shoemaking, and also as a clerk in the store of Frank Marks for about a year and a half. After filling a similar position with Michael Tiinmins fornine years, he in 1883 started in the shoe business on his own responsibility at No. 123 Main street, where he carried on operations for five

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years, and then purchased his present store at No. 131 on the same street.

In January, 1S76, Mr. .Miller led to the marriage altar .Mrs. Mary C. Muckenhoupt, a widow lady who had nine children by her first union, and they became the parents of one son—Charley T. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. He is a progressive, wide-awake business man, enjoj'ing a liberal patronage and is held in high esteem in both business and social circles.

SIMON J. KELDER, one of the leading young merchants of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and a most respected and useful citizen of that city, is a native of the town of Rochester, Ulster Co., N. Y. His great-grandfather was a resident of Marbletown, Ulster county, he being one of the leading farmers of his day. His grandfather was a resident of the same place, he also being a farmer, and he held several public ofifices. To him and his wife, Susan Christian, were born seven children, one of whom, George Kelder, was the father of Simon J., the subject of our sketch.

George Kelder was born in the town of Rochester, Ulster Co., N. Y., January 15, 1840. On October 9, 1861, he was married to Miss Martha A., daughter of Jacob and Nancy Roosa, of the town of Rochester, Ulster county, and they had one child, Simon J. The father was a bright and capable young man, with a promising future, but whose life was taken at the early age of twenty-four years—when but at the threshold of his active career—he dying from brain fever in 1864. His widow subsequently married Edward L. Rymph, of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, this State, of which place she is still a resident.

Simon J. Kelder passed his earl}' boyhood in Ulster county, and at the age of five years, on his mother's re-marriage, went with her to Hyde Park and there lived, making his home with his parents until seventeen or eighteen years of age, working on a farm; in the meantime he attended the common schools, and for a period the seminary at New Paltz. He then went to Poughkeepsie and engaged in the hat and cap business, being located at No. 283 Main street, which business he continued to follow some six years, when he disposed of it and purchased the grocery business of J. Craft,

at No 521 Main street, in the same city. In 1894 he removed to No. 396, on the same street, from which house his retail business is done, and the wholesale department is at No. 391. Mr. Kelder began his business life at an earl}' age. and with small means, but from an humble beginning and in a limited way he has steadily forged ahead until to-day he stands among the foremost young business men of Poughkeepsie. He is one of the self-made men of our times, and by close application to business, coupled with wise judgment and business tact, he, though yet a young man, has made for himself a position m business circles of which he may well be proud. In politics Mr. Kelder is a Republican, and has served in several official relations. He is now one of the aldermen of Poughkeepsie, serving from the Sixth ward, to which office he was elected in 1897. He takes an active interest in all movements looking to the advancement of morals and religion in the community; is a member of Trinity M. E. Church, of Poughkeepsie; also is identified with the K. of P.

On November 19, 1884, Mr. Kelder was married to Miss Jennie S. Sutton, a daughter of Henry and Louisa Sutton, of Newburg, N. Y., and to the union were born: Florence; George T., who died in the eighth year of his age; Louisa; and Stanley M.. who died in his infancy. Their home, one of the comfortable ones of Poughkeepsie, is located on Hooker avenue, designated as No. 5.

NICHOLAS HOFFMAN. Amongthe many worthy citizens of German birth

who have made their fortunes in this State, I and who ha\e been residents of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, stood prominent the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, and who left many friends to cherish kindly remembrances of him when death called him hence.

Paul Hoffman, the father of our subject, was a native of Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, and was a shoemaker by occupation. He married, and had the following named children: Nicholas, our subject; Frank. li\ing in St. Helena, Cal.; \'alentine, who died in Poughkeepsie; Philip, who died in Norfolk, Va.; and Margarett and Caroline, who still live in their native town in Germany.

Nicholas Hoffman was born at Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany, February 28, 1832. He received a limited education in his native

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land, and served a three-years' apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. In 185 i, when nineteen years of age, he came to this country, landing at New York City, where he worked as a journeyman for a year, and then set up a shop of his own, in a room in the tenement house where he lived, on Third street, near Avenue A. After a year and a half spent in this way he left New York for Whiteport, Ulster county, where he followed his trade for the succeeding two years. He then purchased a team, and was engaged in teaming some ten years, at the end of which time he purchased a canal boat and went to canaling for himself on the D. &H. canal, continuing several years.

In 1866 he sold his canal boat and moved to Kingston, and entered into partnership with a Mr. Sturgis in the brewing business, but soon afterward, owing to his illness, he sold his interest to his partner, and in 1868 came to Poughkeepsie, where he purchased a saloon at No. 403 Main street, remaining there until 1872, when he purchased the building on the corner of Main and Hamilton streets, built by Philip Goldstein, and moved his saloon to a part thereof in 1875. From 1875 until his death Mr. Hoffman was proprietor of the " Hoffman House," which is one of the finest buildings of its kind in Poughkeepsie, and which, under his judicious management, became a very popular hotel. In 1878 he opened, in connection with his other business, a shoe store, which was conducted by his two sons, Henry and Nicholas, until 1886, when he sold the shoe business and opened his saloon in the room where it had been, named it the " Hoffman House," by which name it is at present known.

Mr. Hoffman was a man of considerable business ability, possessed of excellent judgment and great perseverance and enterprise. He landed in this country among strangers, an unsophisticated lad, with only ten cents in his pocket, and totally unacquainted with the language. He taught himself to speak, read and write English, and became a generally well-informed man in English literature, not only became prosperous financially, but succeeded in making friends among the best class of citizens who appreciated his generous, whole-souled nature, and admired his sterling qualities. Among his business associates he had the reputation of being careful, thrifty and thoroughly honest, and in public matters he was liberal and always ready to assist in any

way desired. A Democrat in politics, he was not a partisan, and in local affairs was willing to see the best men put in office regardless of their party affiliations. In religious faith he was a member of the German Catholic Church, and prominent in its councils. His death occurred August 28, 1877.

In 1851, in New York City, Mr. Hoffman was married to Elizabeth Kunney, daughter of xAndrew and Margaretta Kunney, and who had come to America on the same ship with him, and seven children blessed their union, namely: Frank and Katherine died in early childhood; Caroline, at home; Henry and Nicholas (both deceased); Katherine and Frank, both living at home. The family are highly esteemed and respected by all who know them.

MULFORD WHEELER, one of the act- ive, prominent and enterprising agriculturists of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, was born April 27, 1840, in the town of Amenia, that county, a son of B. Hampton Wheeler, who was born in the town of Northeast, in 181 3. Eben Wheeler, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in 1750, also in the town of Northeast, where he continued to follow farming up to the time of his death, which occurred about i860. The family was first founded, however, in Connecticut by English emigrants, and the grandfather aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence. He wedded a Miss Conklin, and they became the parents of ten children, namely: B. Hampton, Albert, Edmond E., Emeline, Harriet, Betsy Ann, Julia, Cornelia, Mariette (Mrs. Story) and Alma, wife of Robert Rowe.

The father of our subject was an e.xtensive farmer and one of the leading citizens of the town of Amenia, his place being located about one mile south of the village of Amenia. He was a strong man, of more than ordinary ability, possessed excellent business judgment and great energy, and accumulated a handsome property, having at one time three large farms inthe town of Amenia, all the result of his own enterprise and diligence. He took quite an active part in political affairs, voting the Democratic ticket and held several offices in the locality, including that of assessor, which he filled for several \'ears. He was prominently connected with the Amenia Fair Association, being its president for several years, and was identified with everything that would promote

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the welfare of his town or county. He married Emeline Clark, daughter of Dugass Clark, of the town of North»ast, and they became the parents of five children: Mulford; Mrs. Sarah Bartholomew; Elizabeth; Clark D. (of the town of Northeast) and Collin, who died at the age of ten years.

Mulford Wheeler acquired an excellent education in the Amenia Seminary, which at that time was one of the first schools of the county, and in later years he supplemented the knowledge there acquired by extensive reading. After the age of twelve he was able to attend school only in the winter season, as his services were needed upon the home farm, where he remained until 1865. After operating one of his father's farms in the town of Amenia for some time, in March, 1871, he removed to his present place in the town of Pine Plains, having purchased it of the Eli Collin estate. It comprises 309 acres of rich and arable land, which he has converted into one of the best farms of the township.

In January, 1867, Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Sarah F. Collin, who was born June 24, 1847, ^ daughter of Eli Collin, who was born February 23, 1805. Her great-greatgrandfather, John Collin, was born in France in 1706, and on coming to the New World located at Milford, New Haven Co., Conn., where his son, Daniel Collin, was born February 19, 1734. The latter became the father of James Collin, the grandfather of Mrs. Wheeler, who was born April 15, 1777. He was a large land owner of Dutchess county, having at one time about 1,000 acres, and the family was one of the most prominent in the county. Eli Collin was born in the town of Northeast, where he continued to make his home until 1828, when he removed to the farm now owned by our subject, and was one of the most successful agriculturists of the locality. On February 20, 1830, he married Betsy Finch, and they had nine children: Almira, Julia, James and William, all now deceased; Henry, living in the town of Northeast; Lydia and Myra, both now deceased; Sarah, wife of our subject; and Bryan, lixing in New York City. Mr. Collin was originally a Whig in politics, later becoming a Republican. He died in 1861, his wife eight years later.

Mr. Wheeler has always been an ardent Democrat in political sentiment, taking an active part in local political matters, and was elected to office before he had reached his

majority. He served as assessor for three years, and was commissioner of highways in the town of Amenia. Always public-spirited, every worthy enterprise for the benefit of the community receives his support, and he and his wife attend and contribute liberally to the Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. Wheeler is a member.

JAMES E. WAIl E, a well-known conductor on the New York Central & Hudson

River railroad, and one of the most trusted employes of the company, was born July 6, 1843, in 'he town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where his father, Joseph Waite, and his grandfather, Joseph Waite, were also born. The latter engaged in farming there, and married a Miss Draper, by whom he had seven children: Joseph, George, Patience, Mary, Sarah, Katie .\. and \'alley.

Joseph Waite, the father of James E., was a prominent citizen in his day. He acquired a good practical education in the schools of his native town, and then put his fine talent and skill in mechanical work to good use as a carpenter anil builder. In this business he was regarded as an expert, and his work is to be seen in many of the best houses of that region. He built many of the substantial residences of Dover Plains, including the one now occupied by our subject. He was held in high esteem by all classes and took great interest in town afTairs, but he never aspired to political distinction and many times refused to become a candidate for public office, although strongly urged to do so. In earlv manhood he married Miss Amelia Applebee, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and they had ten children, of whom the followii>g five are now recalled: John, who married Catherine \'an-Wagenen; William, who married Louisa Ro-zell; Charles, who married Susan J. Bortem; Nehemiah (deceased); and James E.

The subject of our sketch availed himself of the educational advantages to be found in his native place, and then learned the carpenter's trade with his father, for whom he worked for some time. Finding the business uncongenial, he engaged in farming, but soon afterward began driving a stage, and continued this business for sixteen years, when he entered service on the Harlem railroad as a brakeman. After eleven years he was promoted to conductor, which position he has now held for

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271

twelve years to the entire satisfaction of his employers and the public. He is an active worker in the Masonic fraternity, a member of the Mutual Benefit Association, and of Lodge No. 666, of Dover Plains, in which he has held most of the offices. He has twice served as junior warden, and is master at the present time. He married Miss Carrie Rozell, who was also a native of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where she received an excellent education. Two children were born to them, neither of whom is now living: (i) Clarence J. Waite was born in Unionvale, in 1863, and after acquiring a good education there engaged in mercantile business at Pawling, Dutchess county. Later he entered the service of the Harlem Railroad Co., and remained until his death, which occurred December 30', 1890. In 1887 he was married to Miss Kittie Brusie, daughter of Wesley Brusie, a leading farmer of the town of Northeast, and his wife Helen. One child blessed this union, Clarice J. Waite, born March 14, 1891. (2) Irving Waite, the second son of our subject, was born in Unionvale in 1865, and attended the district schools of that vicinity till death terminated his bright and promising life at the age of twelve years.

The Rozell family has been prominent in Unionvale for many years. Albert Rozell, Mrs. Waite's grandfather, was born and educated there and later became a leading farmer of the town. He married Miss Betsy Horton, of the same place, and had twelve children, of whom only five are now known: Beekman, Albro, James, Mary and Albert (Mrs. Waite's father). Albert, like his father, was educated in the common schools of the town, and then engaged in farming. As a politician he wielded great influence m town and county affairs, and he held the office of sheriff for many years, as well as various positions in his township. He and his wife, Tamar Orton, reared a family of eight children, all but one of whom married. The names, with dates of birth and their respective partners in matrimony, are as follows: Emma, 1837—John Schafer; Henry, 1838—Lizzie \'an Black; James, 1841—Annie Green; Carrie, 1843—James Waite; Rhoda, 1845—Rennselaer Lane; George, 1852, is not married; Celia, 1854—Elias Fleet; and Alice, 1856—Benjamin Squires. The younger children of our subject's grandfather Waite all married and settled in Dutchess county.

George Waite was born in Unionvale,

Dutchess county, in 1789, and received a common-school education there. He then learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for some thirty years, when he engaged in farming. He was a Democrat in politics, and held numerous town offices, serving as justice of the peace for a number of terms. He married Miss Lucinda Bently, daughter of William Bently, a farmer of Beekman, and his wife, Susanna Spencer. Eight children were born to George and Lucinda Waite: (i) Joseph died in infancy. (2) George W. Waite was born in 1812, in the town of Beekman. After his school days were ended he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked all his life. He married Almira Van Wike, daughter of Theo. \'an Wike, a farmer of Unionvale, and had four children: Frank Waite married Mary Hayte; Fred O. married Annie Frier; Cornelius married Ida Waite; and K-ate married William Voce. (3) Neilson was born in the town of Beekman in 1816. and engaged in farming, teaching and merchandising. He married Miss Annie White and had two children: Dwight and Emma J. (4) Cornwell Waite was born in the town of Beekman in 1818, and was educated in the common schools of Unionvale. Early in life he engaged in farming in that town, and continued until he was thirty-five or forty years old, when he moved to South Dover, purchasing the Harrison Sheldon farm, containing 160 acres of land, where he has now resided for a number of years. His first wife was Miss Silby Corn-well, daughter of James and Cloey (Sherman) Cornwell, farmers of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. By this marriage he had one child, Harriet A., who married Mr. Ald-ridge, of Pawling, and had three children: Allie and Cornelia (who are not married), and Morton (the latter dying in infancy). The mother of this family died in 1850. Mr. Waite afterward married Mrs. Hannah t Ward) Sheldon, widow of Harrison Sheldon, of Dover. They have had four children: Minnie Waite, who was educated in the Poughkeepsie Normal School, is not married. Henry C. Waite, who was born in Dover town, and was educated at Mt. Union (Ohio) College and at Wilberham, Mass., graduating at the latter place. He taught school for a few years, and is now connected with the Erie railroad, in the mail department, in New York City. He married Addie Kingsbury, but has no children. Irving P. was educated at Prangs, Dover

COyfMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Plains, and De Garmo Institute, at Rhinebeck. He has always been engaged in farming, and is not married. William A. was educated at W'ilberham. Mass.. and at Mt. Union fOhio) College. He taught school for a number of years, and then took a clerical position at New York with the Erie railroad; he is now engaged in the express business in New York City. He married Anna Davis, and has two children: Stewart D. and Eleanor. (51 Helen is not married. 6/ Harriet married Moses VVaite, a carpenter of Dover, and had one child, George S. White. (7) Catharine remained unmarried. ('8) Sarah was born in the town of Unionvale, and married Isaac D. Tripp, a farmer and miller of that town. They had no children.

Patience Waite, the third child of Joseph Waite, Sr., was born in the town of Union-vale, and married Richard Cornwell, a farmer of the town of Beekman. They had one son, Joseph Cornwall, who died at an early age.

Mary Waite, also a native of the town of Unionvale, married Baria Austin, a farmer of that town. They had three children: Aaron B., who married Julia Lane; Sarah, Mrs. David Amie, and Jane, Mrs. William W. Abel.

Sarah Waite married John Hall, a farmer of Unionvale. and had thirteen children: Piatt, De Peyster, Jay, Katie fwho married David Hawerj. Polly, Phrebe Twho married Henry P. Amie», Ellen, Jane, Mary, and four others, whose names are not known.

Katie A. married William McDowel, a farmer of the town of Warrington, Dutchess county, and had two children: Joseph ''who married Miss Van Wageneu; and Katie Ann.

V'alley Waite married William Hall, a farmer. He was a cripple, but filled a prominent place in the community, and during the greater part of his life was collector of the town of Unionvale. They had two children, Joseph and George.

UNDI-IRHII^L BUDD, the subject of our sketch, one of the most progressive and intelligent agriculturists of the town of Wap-pinger. Dutchess county, is a descendant of one of the oldest Colonial families in this country. He is the seventh son of Elijah Budd. a prominent farmer of Dutchess county in his day. Elijah fiudd was born in the year 1781, on the same day that Lord Cornwallis surrendered his army to Gen. Washington at York-

town, at the close of the Revolution. Elijah's father, Gilbert, came from Westchester county, and settled in the Highlands, north of Cold Spring. From there he came to Fishkill, and purchased a farm just west of the village on the old post road, known as the Old Budd homestead, and owned at the present time by Frederick Haight. Here Elijah was born. After the death of his father, Elijah came into possession of the farm. In 1S06 Elijah married Abigail Sebring, daughter of Isaac Sebring, an e.xtensive and prosperous farmer of Dutchess county. Isaac Sebring married, December 31, 1776, Catherine Van Benschoten, a daughter of Tunis Van Benschoten, of New Hackensack, Dutchess county. Isaac Sebring died in his seventy-eighth year, his wife, Catherine ("Van-Benschoten) in her seventy-seventh year. Tunis Van Benschoten died in his eighty-first year, his wife, Annie (Sleightj, in her ninety-first year. Elijah Budd sold the old homestead, and bought a farm of John Brincker-hodd. on the Hudson, now Low Point, and moved there in the year 1822.

On this farm Underbill Budd was born August 3. 1823. On October 12, 1852. Mr. Budd married a daughter of Matthew I. Snook, whose ancestors emigrated from Holland in the early part of the seventeenth century. His father was in the American army through the Revolutionary war. .A.fter his marriage Mr. Budd went west to the State of Illinois, to look after the estate of a deceased brother who left a large landed estate, and lived there three years. Mr. Budd became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of sixteen years, and while in Illinois he received a license as a local preacher, and was associated with a regular Conference preacher, on the Sabbath preaching sometimes twice, and riding from ten to twenty miles. He has sustained his relations to the Church for forty years, and has been a member thereof some fifty-six years. During that period he has filled almost every position of trust in the Church, and has never received or solicited any compensation for his labor whatever, giving his time and labor freely for the cause of Christianity, and also paying liberally toward the support of the Church. At the end of three years he returned to Dutchess county, and took charge of his father's farm. His elder brothers having all left home, he felt it his duty to look after them during the period of fifteen years in the faithful discharge of his duty. His mother

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273

died in the year 1866 at the age of eighty-one years. His father lived until 1S69, and died in the eighty-ninth year of his age. Mr. Budd stayed on the farm until the estate was sold and settled up, and then, in 1875, moved to the farm of his father-in-law, who died in that same year in the eightieth year of his age. On this farm Mr. Budd still lives, and although in his seventy-fourth year he is active, both physically and mentally. Mr. Budd lays his activity to the fact that he has always abstained from the use of tobacco and spirituous liquors in any form. Mr. and Mrs. Budd have two sons: Prof. I. S., a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music at Boston, and is now residing in the city of Newburgh, engaged in the profession of music; and Matthew V. B. Budd, who owns a farm adjoining his father, and is living at home at the present time.

Sketch of English History of Budd Family. —Baron Gene Budd, a great soldier and commanding officer under Charles the Great, who established the great empire. Charles gave him a large body of land on the coast of what is called Normandy. Here he ruled like a freeman, and he and his descendants were in many battles. They were called French when the Normans invaded that part of France, and they fought till they were overcome and slain, only a few men left, and their land taken by the conquerors. Some scattered; but William Budd remained and worked on the seashore, at a place called Rye. His sons and grandsons were in time allowed their land, and they became soldiers. Here William the Great came when his barons wished to slay him; but Richard Budd gathered his men and protected him till the Duke, through his assistance, was able to check the insurgents and bring them to a better understanding. During the Norman Conquest three sons of William Budd crossed over to England, and are supposed to have named the town of Rye, County of Sussex, England, leaving men there for certain occasions. The father of Richard settled back in Normandy, and inherited his father's feudal rights.

The Duke rewarded Richard Budd by giving him greater possessions. His son John inherited them, and when Edward of England died he was the first to muster his knights and soldiers and land at Rye, England, to defend the claim of William of Normandy to the throne of England, and in the great battle

18

which took place it is claimed by our ancestors that his valor turned the tide of battle, in which the Saxons were defeated. After this battle William the Great was made king of England. John Budd married a sister of William the Great, and was made Earl of Sussex. John Budd and his descendants built up Rye, but the town and all the records were burnt in the wars which followed. They held positions of soldiers and knights. They married in the Nevils, Brownes, and Montagues, and during the war of the Red a^d White Roses many of them were slain with the brave Earl and Lord Montague, their cousins, who fell at Barnet with axe and sword in hand after piling heaps of slain around them. Edward the Fourth having secured the crown, the descendants of the Nevils, Budds and Brownes found no favor with him or his reigning heirs, and many of their large estates were confiscated.

John Budd resolved to find freedom in America, and made the first settlement in Rye, Westchester county. It was on the past renowned history of the Budd family in France that Joseph Bonaparte, Count Survillers, ex-King of Spain, while visiting Col. John Budd, at Budds Lake, Morris Co., N. J., claimed the aged sire to be of high French blood, and everything went along smooth enough with them until Joseph's daughter happened to find a picture of Napoleon on horseback, being led by the Russian bear, which had been placed in some room unknowingly to the Colonel. The Countess brought the picture to her father, in tears, and Joseph, finding the Colonel in the dining-room, threw the picture at his head, and soon the blood was high on both sides, Bonaparte claiming the Colonel a traitor to his great French ancestors, and the Colonel claiming Joseph to be a coward by deserting his brother Napoleon in his great trial; and that he knew nothing of the picture, it having been placed in the room by some summer visitor who had recently left. The hot blood did not abate in the quarrel, and the Colonel ordered Joseph Bonaparte to leave the house and premises without delay, which he did and returned to Bordentown, never to visit the lake again.

Prominent Members of the Budd Family IN the early History of the Country. Thomas Budd was blown up in the "Randolph," while engaging a British frigate during the Revolutionary war. John Budd, the first son of Daniel Budd, was born April 5, 1762, in

COMMEMOSA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the town of Chester, and at the age of sixteen years entered the Continental service under George Washington. He had charge of a battery when the British were advancing on Springfield, and kept the enemy in check until the militia gathered in force, which was about the time the " Red Coats" (ashe called them) made a charge on his guns. Seeing that he could not save them, he ordered his horses to be cut loose, and under their fire and shouts of Yankee curses to halt, made good his retreat. The militia having gathered, the British got the worst of it, and the guns were recovered. At the battle of Monmouth he took part on that hot day, and was made colonel. Joseph Budd was a captain in the war of 1812, commanding his company at Sandy Hook, N. J., and other places of defense. Daniel Budd, born July 27, 1722, was assessor of the township of Roxiticus, N. J., and a captain in the reserves of the Revolutionary war. James Budd resided in Burlington, and was a member of the Colonial Assembly in 1668. He was drowned in the Delaware at Burlington, N. J., in 1692. Gilbert Budd was a surgeon in the British navy for thirty years. He returned to this country after the Revolutionary war, and lived with his cousin. Col. Gilbert Budd, of Mamaro-neck, N. Y., till his death, which occurred in 1805, when he was aged eighty-five years.

American History of Budd Family From 1632.—John and Joseph Budd came to this country in the year 1632. They arrived in New Haven in 1639 as one of the first planters of that place [New Haven Col. Rec., Vol. 1-7-425.] He removed to Southhold, L. I., from thereto Rye, Westchester Co., N. V., in 1661. In 1663 John Budd was deputy from Rye to the General Court of Connecticut. He was the first proprietor of Apawquamus, or Budd's Neck, purchased of the natives Sachem, Shamrocke and other Indians. The original conveyance is on the records of Westchester county, dated November 8, 1661, and was so large a grant of land that the other proprietors of Rye were jealous, and thej- petitioned the General Court assembled at Hartford (now Connecticut) not to confirm; but John Budd's influence was such that he retained his purchase. He left sons, John and Joseph, and his will dated October 13, 1669, bequeathed to his 5on John all his portion of the mills on Blind brook, and to Joseph all of Budd's Neck. Joseph Budd's influence with the Crown obtained a patent dated the 20th of February,

1695; but, owing to deficiencies in the boundary line between New York and Connecticut, the Courts refused to act on this patent, and it was not until 1720 that it was confirmed under the great seal of the Province of New York. The patentees then yielded yearly to the Governor, on the fast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the annual rent of one pound and nineteen shillings. This was under George I.

Lieut. John Budd married Catherine Browne, a descending relative of Sir Anthony Browne, the founder of the Montague family and Henry \' of England. Lieut. John Budd left two sons, John and Joseph, and two daughters, Judith and Jane. Lieut. John Budd died 1670. [M. 3 Hartford, Vol. 1-425 contains his will.]

Joseph Budd, the second son of John Budd (i). was known as Capt. Budd in 1700. He was a prominent officer in 1701, and justice of the peace from 1710 to 1716 and from 1720 to I 722. In 1720 he obtained a patent for the tract purchased by his father known as Budd's Neck. He died in 1722, and left children: John, Joseph, Elisha, Underbill.

John Budd, son of Joseph, is mentioned in the records of Rye, from 1720 to 1745. He inherited the estate on Budd's Neck, which he sold in 1745, mostly to Peter Jay. Gilbert Budd, born in Westchester county, in 1736, grandfather of Underbill Budd (subject of our sketch), married Deborah Searls, born June 14, 1738; children: Underbill, Seeley, Elijah (i), Mary P., William, Gilbert (i), John, Gilbert (2) and Elijah (2). Elijah Budd, father of Underbill, married Abigail Sebring; children: Isaac S. (died in his seventy-fourth year). Van Benschoten (died in his eighty-fourth year), John J., Jacob (died in his eighty-fifth year), Tunis G., Matthew, Margaret (died in her seventy-eighth year), Maria M. (died in her seventy-sixth year). Underbill, Amelia A. and Edward. The father, Elijah Budd, died in his eighty-ninth year; the mother, Abigail (Sebring), died in her eighty-first year.

Prominent Members of the Family of To-day. —James H. Budd, who was congressman, and is now Governor of California; Joseph Budd, judge of Superior Court, Stockton, Cal.; Oliver H. Budd, who is now serving his second term in the Legislature; Jtranes Bgdd; J'' president of the Agricultural College of Iowa; W. H. Budd, lawyer, New York City; Will-

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275

iam Budd, lawyer and senator, Mt. Holly, N. J.; Joseph K. Budd, banker, St. Louis; Dr. Henry Budd, Geneva, N. Y., and others.

HENRY B. BEVIER. The Bevier family has been so long and so prominently

identified with the leading interests of this region that to be ignorant of its history "argues one's self unknown." From the days of the Huguenot pioneer, Louis Bevier, one of that little company of exiles who came to America in 1660, lo the present time, the bearers of this name have been distinguished for the possession of those qualities which constitute good citizenship, and many have held positions of honor in the public service.

Henry B. Bevier, our subject, is a well-known druggist and apothecary of Matteawan, Dutchess county, born August 31, 1857, at Napanoch, N. Y., the son of Dr. Benjamin R. Bevier and his wife, Ellen M. Bange. His education was obtained at his native place, in the public schools, and at the Van Vleck Seminary. At an early age he entered the employ of Alexander A. Taylor, a druggist at Summit, N. J., and while there he passed the examination before the State Board of Pharmacy, obtaining a license to follow his chosen calling. Later he was employed as a clerk in Newark, N. J., and other places; but in 1877 he went to Matteawan, where he purchased the drug store of Daniel Y. Bayley, which he has since conducted. His business is now very extensive, and he is the proprietor of Bevier's Expectorant and Bevier's Malaria Pills, remedies whose effectiveness has given them an immense sale, especially in the eastern and middle States.

Like all of his family, he is public-spirited and takes great interest in local progress. He was elected coroner on the Republican ticket in November, 1894, for a term of three years, having a majority over his competitor of more than 2,000 votes. As a member of the board of education he has done much to maintain the efficiency of the Matteawan schools. He is a trustee of the Matteawan Savings Bank, and a member of various social and fraternal societies—the Matteawan Club, the F. &A. M., Beacon Lodge No. 2S3, Newburg Chapter, and of the order of Foresters, " Court Oueen," of Hudson.

On September 14, 1887, he was married to Miss Kate Brown, a member of a leading fam-

ily of Matteawan, and daughter of the late Monroe Brown and his wife, Mary Jones Brown. They reside on the corner of Schenk avenue and Ackerman street, and their pleasant home is gladdened by two sons, Benjamin, born in 1888, and Monroe, born in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Bevier attended the Presbyterian Church, and are prompt to lend their sympathy to any worthy cause.

Mr. Bevier is of the tenth generation in direct descent from the Huguenot exile, and Conrad Bevier, his great-grandfather, who/was an officer in the Revolutionary army. ' Dr. Benjamin R. Bevier, his grandfather, ohe of the most prominent physicians of his day, was born September 10, 1782, and died at Napanoch, New York, June 17, 1866. As a practitioner, he was distinguished for the rapidity and accuracy of his diagnoses in diffiqult cases, his fidelity to his patients, and his genial manner. The latter excellent quality both his son, Dr. Benj. R. Bevier, Jr., and his grandson, Henry B., inherit to a remarkable degree. He traveled mostly on horseback, and may be said to have lived nearly forty years in the saddle. In a civil capacity, his life was full of labors, and honors. He had a remarkably sound judgment, abundant executive resources, unflinching integrity, and correct and systematic business habits. When only thirty years of age. Gov. D. D. Tompkins signalized his respect and esteem for him by making 'nim one of the judges of the Ulster county court, which office he soon resigned, as it interfered too much with his professional work. He was twice a candidate for Congress in his district at times when the Old "Whig party, with which he was connected, was some 3,000 in the minority, and was defeated in one instance by only one hundred and fifty, and in the other by only six votes. He subsequently served the county several terms in the State Legislature, and was also supervisor of his town.

On February 5. 1807, he married Catharine E. Ten Eyck, and reared a family, among whom was Dr. Benjamin R. Bevier, Jr., our subject's father, who was born January 21, 1828, at Napanoch, and after completing his literary studies at New Paltz Academy and the Dutchess County Academy, studied medicine in Poughkeepsie with Drs. Cooper and Hugh-son, and later at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, graduating in 1849. He has ever since followed his profession in his native town, and is still in active

CO.VMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

practice. He is a leading member of the Ulster County Medical Society, and takes a prominent share in local progress, having represented his town in the board of supervisors, and served two terms as county coroner. On June 12, 1850, he was married to Miss Ellen M. Bange. and has had si.x children, of whom two died in infancy. The surviving four are: Mary B., the wife of Prof. Brainard G. Smith, of Hamilton College; Henry B., the subject of this sketch; Conrad B., a licensed pharmacist, now in his brother's employ; and Irene, who is at home.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, the late Frederick Bange, was born in Holland in 1801, and came to this country when he was ten years old. Immediately after his arrival he was apprenticed to Squire White, of Hartford, Conn. He was afterward a clerk for Mr. Solomon Porter, and while in his employ accumulated $1,000, with which he engaged in the crockery business, importing his goods from England. In time, he made a large fortune, and then began a shipping business between New London, Conn., and the West Indies, sending out horses and mules, exchanging them for sugar and molasses. While in this business, he became involved through the failure of those whom he had assisted, and with that strict integrity that had always characterized him, he paid every cent of his indebtedness, and began a new financial life as a poor man. In striving to obtain what was due him from a sea captain who had defrauded him, he was obliged to go to Mexico, and while there formed the plan of engaging in the hide and wool trade. Assisted by friends in New York, he fitted out a vessel, and later several vessels, of which he became the owner. Thus began a trade which has made many fortunes. Mr. Bange regained his lost competence in this trade, and then retired, buying a country seat on the Passaic river at Newark, N. J., where he resided for several years. He was induced to buy the tannery at Lackawack, Ulster county, N. Y., and this was conducted several years by his son Henry. Then he purchased real estate and water power at Napanoch, N. Y., upon portions of which Forges were built, where railroad axles and bar-iron were manufactured. He made the iron for the Niagara and Ohio suspension bridge. In 1852 he built the Napanoch Blast Furnace, and opened the iron-mine, which he operated for four or five years, but the iron

trade becoming much depressed he was obliged to make an assignment for the benefit of his creditors. The entire property was sold, and he was left in his old age, after a life of unremitting toil, with very little means. He was one of the kindest, best and most unselfish of men, always considerate in regard to the welfare and happiness of his family and friends. He was honest and upright in all his transactions, and set an example in his life which all would do well to imitate.

JOHN SCUTT, a prominent business man and manufacturer of Millerton, Dutchess " county, is a native of the county, born at Pine Plains, February 21, 1821. His ancestors on the paternal side came from Germany in the early p-rt of the last century, settling in Columbia county, N. Y., where his grandfather, John Scutt, and his father, William Scutt, were born, the latter in the year 1777.

William Scutt, our subject's father, was a farm laborer by occupation, and the greater part of his life was spent in the towns of Pine Plains, Northeast and Amenia, Dutchess county. Always industrious, thrifty and steady in his habits, he was held in great esteem by all who knew him, and without being a member of any Church he gave evidence in his daily life of high morality. Politically he was a Democrat. He married Hannah Strever, a descendant of an old Holland-Dutch family, of Columbia county. Fourteen children were born to this union. The father died in 18S7, in his ninety-first year, and the mother in April, 1840.

The subject of our sketch attended the schools of Amenia during boyhood, acquiring a good education for the time, and he devoted to his studies the same energy which has made his business career such a notable success, while his subsequent reading has kept him well informed on current topics. At the age of nineteen he left school and began work on a farm; but after four years of this, having decided to learn the blacksmith's trade, he went to Chenango county to work with John Tryon, to whom he hired for one year at $4 per month. In the following year, 1844, they formed a partnership which lasted one year, when Mr. Tryon moved to the West. A new firm was then organized under the name of Moon, Dodge & Scutt, Mr. Scutt paying fifty dollars and becoming an cc]ual partner. .-Mter three years

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211

with this firm he moved to Chenanj^o Forks, and formed an equal partnership with Myron HoUister, remaining one year. In 1849 he opened a shop of his own at Gallatinville, and in the spring of 1854 moved to Northeast Center, where he engaged in the same business for two years. In September, 1856, he purchased his present shop at Millerton, from Paine & Fuller, and began the business of wagon-making and blacksmithing, employing three wagon-makers and five blacksmiths. In 1861 he built a furnace for the manufacture of plows and castings, and for general custom work, and as this was the only furnace in the vicinity he speedily secured a large trade. He bought the patterns of the Eddy plow, of the " Rough and Ready," in Washington county, and has since manufactured and sold several in all parts of the county. Success has attended all his enterprises, and he has won a high standing in business circles.

In 1843, Mr. Scutt married Miss Julia Ann Eddy, of the town of Pine Plains, and has had six children: Charles, a prosperous young painter of Millerton; Jane, who married Edgar Drum; and four who have died—Melinda, John R., Adelbert and William—the latter passing away in infancy. The mother died April 8, 1890, and is buried at Pine Plains. Mr. Scutt is one of the pioneer members of the Republican party, voting that ticket in 1856, and has been an influential worker in local affairs. He held the office of supervisor in 1886, 1887 and 1890, has been justice of the peace for thirty-two years, and has lately been re-elected for another term. He became a Freemason in 1858, and has taken great interest in the work of the order, having held every office in Webatuck Lodge, No. 480.

CHARLES S. VAN KLEECK. The Van-_ Kleeck family originated in Holland, and the first of the name to emigrate to this country was Baltus (the great-great-great-grandfather of our subject), who came to New York City in the seventeenth century, locating on the land whereon Trinity Church now stands. It is not known in what year he came to Pough-keepsie, but he built the first house in 1702, and was the largest landholder in the country. He represented the county in the i6th and 17th Colonial Assembly, and died in the spring of 1717. He had si.\ children: Barent;

Johannis, born in 1680; Lawrence, who died in 1769; Peter, Sarah and Elizabeth.

Col. Barent Van Kleeck (who was a colonel in the French and Indian wars) married Antoinette Palmatier, and six children were born to them: Baltus (born in 1707), Michael, Ahazuerus, Peter, Catherine and Sarah. Peter married Antoinette Frear, the daughter of a French Huguenot, and their family comprised eleven children: Barent, Simon, Antoinette, Levi, Jeremiah, Henry, Peter P., Deborah, Mary, Trientje and David. Three sons were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, two of them being killed in the battle and buried in unknown graves. Barent, the father of these, bought 1,640 acres of land in the town of Lagrange.

Peter P. Van Kleeck, youngest child of this branch of the family, was the grandfather of our subject, and was born in the town of Lagrange August 21, 1757. He was the youngest son, and when the other boys enlisted in the army he remained at home to work the farm and care for his aged parents. At that time many farmers in the town were called on to carry provisions to the troops, and he among the rest was engaged in that occupation. On one occasion he was sent with his load to Washington's headquarters at Newburg, and it being a severely cold day Gen. Washington came out and invited him to go into the house and get warm. He did so, and the General gave him a glass of wine, after which they spent nearly two hours together in conversation. He afterward fought in the battle of White Plains in the Revolution.

Peter P. Van Kleeck was married three times. His first wife was Miss Meddaugh, who bore him two children: Deborah and Sarah; Sarah died. His second wife was Emily Sabin, whose children were: John, Simon and Syrena; for his third wife he married Charlotte Sickles, of Albany, whose father, John Sickles, was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Of this union four children were born: Catherine, Levi, George and Andrew J.

Andrew Jackson Van Kleeck, the father of our subject, was born May 22, 1829, on the old homestead in the town of Lagrange, which had been the birthplace of his father and grandfather before him. When he was four years old his parents removed to Poughkeepsie. Here he lived until thirteen years of age when he commenced sailing on the ocean. At the age of eighteen he was fireman on the " Christian City," and when twenty-eight he became

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

engineer on the " Empire," a vessel plying between New York City and Albany. This occupation he followed until he was thirty years of age, when he returned to Poughkeepsie and worked at the mason's trade for ten years. He then bought the homestead farm in Lagrange town, and there remained the rest of his life. When a boy he attended the old Dutchess County Academy at Poughkeepsie, and vvas a man of much intelligence, well posted in current events. For nine years he was a member of the volunteer fire department at Poughkeepsie, and he was a member of the Mason's Union. The old homestead farm was surveyed in July, 1768, and the father of Andrew helped to drive the stakes. This property, which originally contained 1,640 acres, was later divided up into four farms.

Andrew J. Van Kleek was married November 6, 1851, when he was twenty-two years old, to Abigail A. Alverson, and the following children were born to them: Susie E., Edgar (who died January 14, 1857), John P., Mary, Gaius Andrew, Minnie (who died December 15, 1866), Charles Swift, and Katherine Ethel (who died August 15, 1875). Of these, Susie E. is the wife of Fred Mulcox; John P. married Florence Teats, and they have three children—Raymond, Clifton and Leola, only one of whom is living.

MJ. LYNCH, florist, Poughkeepsie, Dutch- ess county, is a native of Ireland, born

June 8, 1846, in county Limerick, and is a son of Matthew and Margaret (Fitzgerald) Lynch. They had a family of five children: John, Patrick, Thomas, Bridget and M. J., all now deceased e.xcept the last named. The father, who was a gardener by occupation, died when our subject was but six months old.

In 1847 or '48 the widowed mother came to America, bringing her infant boy (M. J.) with her; but two years later they returned to Ireland, where he remained until he was eighteen years old, attending school up to the age of eleven. At that early time of life he took an engagement with the liarl of Clare, whose estate lay on the river Shannon, to work on the farm and in the garden, at fivepence a day. During his service of seven years on this estate his wages were increased from time to time, and when he left he was in the enjoyment of a pretty fair income for a boy. In 1864, in company with his mother and brother, Thomas,

he set sail for America, his brother Patrick having preceded him in 1862 (the other brother, John, and sister, Bridget, had both died). On arriving in New York our subject soon became impatient to find work, and it so chanced that one day he met a lady on the street with whom he engaged to go to Staten Island to take charge of her greenhouse.

Without waiting to apprise his mother of his intentions, the lad set out at once and landed on the island with just twenty-five cents in his pocket, which he invested in peaches. His pay to commence with was to be $8 per month, and at the end of a fortnight he asked for a part of his wages, but did not get it then, nor since. However, he succeeded in borrowing enough material to enable him to write to his mother to let her know of his whereabouts. He now threw up his somewhat unprofitable situation and engaged with a C. G. Genoux at $14 per month, at Clifton. Staten Island; but a year and a half later we find him in the employ of Timothy Ryan, florist, at Yonkers, N. Y., at $18 per month. Receiving, however, an offer of $20 a month as assistant gardener under William Chalmers, Mr. Lilenthal's gardener, Mr. Lynch soon made a change, and with this gentleman remained one year. The next engagement was with W. H. Aspinwall, of Tarrytown, N. Y. (now the Rockefeller place), as foreman of the greenhouse department; but after twelve months he went to Col. Babbit, of Newton, N. J., laid out his grounds and built extensive greenhouses for him. In 1868 he again made a change, this time accepting the position of head gardener to William B. Dinsmore, of "The Locusts", on the Hudson, having charge of the greenhouses and ornamental grounds, and here he remained two years. At the expiry of that time he went to Belleville to lay out J. B. Harvey's grounds and one year later came to Poughkeepsie, where he commenced his present business as florist at the corner of Academy street and South avenue, which property he had previously purchased. He began in a small way, having at first only one greenhouse, 12x50 feet in dimensions, a modest nucleus to his present mammoth establishment comprising ten greenhouses, ranging from 100 to 160.feet, employment being given to five men all the year 'round. In addition to this he owns valuable property at No. 256 Main street, where he has his seed and flower store. All seeds sent out by him are tested before shipment.

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279

and parties desiring plants, bulbs, shrubs or seeds may order as safely by mail as though they were on the grounds to make their own selection.

In 1870 Mr. Lynch was married to Catherine, daughter of John and Mary (Murphy) Powers, of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and natives of County Wexford, Ireland, but both now deceased, as is also Mr. Lynch's mother. The children of John and Mary Powers were: Patrick and James, both liverymen of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Edward, of Chicago; Thomas, who was a veterinary surgeon, and is now deceased; John, who was a liquor dealer, and is now deceased; and Catherine. The children born to our subject and wife are: Thomas and John, associated with their father in business; Mary; Maggie, a bright, happy girl, who died at the age of sixteen; James and Kate. All the family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Poughkeepsie, and in politics Mr. Lynch is neutral.

,^^ UGUST KOCH. The subject of this

sketch is a well-known merchant tailor

of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was born at Leut-nitz, Fuerstenthum Schwarzburgh-Rudolstadt, Germany, March 2, 1834, and is the youngest of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of Nicolaus. Casper Koch and his wife, Anna Barbara, a Miss Fridrich, also of said place, now both deceased.

The early life of A. Koch was spent in his native town. At the age of six years he commenced his schooling, and was a regular scholar up to the age of fourteen, when he received as good an education as the average children at that time.

At the age of fifteen he left his home, going to Stadt Remda, Sachs Weimer, to learn his trade with Ernest Heinze, one of the best, if not the best, master tailors in that city. At the age of nineteen Mr. Koch came to America, landing in New York May 21, 1853, where he remained, working at his trade, until July, 1854. He then went to Albany, still working at his trade in that city. In November, 1855, he came to Poughkeepsie, and was engaged as cutter by the late Jacob Bahret, then a well-known merchant tailor and clothier.

In 1856 Mr. Koch married his estimable wife. Miss Julia Caroline Bahret, a daughter of his employer; their married life has been a very pleasant one. Four children were born

to them, three sons and one daughter, as follows: Charles Henry, William Edward, Julia and Augustus Wesley. The eldest died when an infant. William is a plumber and tinsmith by trade; he married Miss Sadie S. Karcher, three children being born to them—Ernest Harrison, Ethel J. and Florence C.

In 1866 Mr. Koch formed a co-partnership in the merchant-tailoring business with J. J. Bahret, a brother of his wife, and took full charge of the cutting department. This partnership continued up to 1883, when poor health made it necessary for him to retire from the business, selling his interest to his partner. No sooner had he gained his health and strength than he again took up the business he always liked so well, and started in merchant tailoring at No. 146 Main street, where he still handles his tape, square and shears. His son Augustus assists him in the business.

Mr. Koch has been an active member of the German M. E. Church since 1854, and has been a hard worker in the Sunday-school for nearly forty years. He is a self-made man, starting in life with no capital, and what he has accumulated has been through his individual efforts, energy and perseverance.

STEPHEN SCOFIELD, one of Pough-_; keepsie's most prominent, industrious and progressive citizens, who for the past thirty-seven years has been engaged in the business of stair-building, is a native of Wayne county, N. Y., born April 13, 1828.

Lebbens E. Scofield, father of our subject, was born in Dutchess county, in 1801, a son of Ephraim S. Scofield, who in an early day moved from Connecticut to New York State. Lebbens during his lifetime was a resident of three different counties in the Empire State— Dutchess, Wayne and Tompkins—and a portion of his earlier manhood was passed in the town of Fishkili, near the village of Glenham. His first occupation was that of a farmer, he afterward serving as a watchman in factories, etc., this change being occasioned by an accident, whereby he lost the fingers of one hand, thus incapacitating him for manual labor. He married Susan Van de Water, who was born, in 1797, in the town of Fishkili, Dutchess county, of Holland-Dutch ancestry, and eight children bless this union, viz.: Abbie, married to Walter C. De Golyier, and living in Danbury, Conn.; Julia, wife of John Spald-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing, a florist of New London, Conn.; Stephen, our subject; Edmund, accidentally drowned in a pond at Glenham; Hannah (widow of Horace Crocker), living at Payne. Ohio; Phcebe, deceased wife of Daniel Smith, of W'appingers Falls; Susan, single, a dressmaker, comfortably situated at 103 Pine street, Poughkeepsie; and Harmon C. who died in infancy. The father of this family was called from earth in 1S48, and the mother in 1886.

Stephen Scofield, the subject of these lines, received a liberal education for the times, first attending the common schools of Tompkins county, later, when a young man, receiving instruction in a night school in W'appingers Falls, while he worked in a cotton factory. He has alwajs been a great reader, especially of ancient history and mechanics, becoming on most topics a well-informed man. His first occupation in life was farming, and in 1S41 he removed with his parentsfromTompkins county to Dutchess county, where, in the village of Glenham, he secured work in a cotton factor}-. After three years engaged in that line, he went to W'appingers Falls, and there worked in a cotton factory until 1847, in which year he commenced learning the trade of carpenter with Stephen Armstrong, in Poughkeepsie. Returning to W'appingers Falls, he continued in that line of work as journeyman until 1859, when he took up the specialty of stair-building—his present business^in Poughkeepsie, where he has since resided, meeting with unqualified success in his occupation, which is a branch of carpentry requiring the highest grade of skill. For many years he was the only e.xclusive stair-builderln Poughkeepsie—in fact in his section of the country—and his services in buildings have extended from fifty to one hundred miles in all directions. He has done work in Great Barrington, Mass., also in Staten Island, X. Y., in Providence, R. I., and in New York City.

In 1850 Mr. Scofield was united in marriage with Miss Letitia Mott, daughter of Abram and Margaret Mott, of Bangall, Dutchess county, and two children have been born to them: Isabella, married to J. Frank Clark, of Norwich, Conn., who has charge of Osgood's drug business in that city; and Frank L., a musician, leader of an orchestra and band, who married Miss Florence Eastmead (daughter of Charles and Janet Eastmead), by whom he has four children. Mrs. Florence Scofield died in 1890, and for his second wife Frank L.

married Maud Rounds, daughter of Charles F. Rounds.

Mr. Scofield in his political preferences has been a Republican ever since the formation of that party, prior to which he was a Whig, and has always been most pronounced in his views, as well as an active worker in the party. In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is a charter member of the K. of P., Armor Lodge No. 107, Poughkeepsie; and of the I. O. O. F., Fallkill Lodge, No. 297, Siloam Encampment No. 36, and Excelsior Rebekah Degree Lodge No. 7, all of Poughkeepsie. He has always taken a zealous interest in fraternal work, and in the K. of P. he is past chancellor, while in the I. O. O. F. he has passed all the chairs and been a delegate to the Grand Encampment.

One act in Mr. Scofield's life, for the betterment of his fellowmen, is his determined and uncompromising fight against the use of tobacco in any form, contending that it is an incentive to the worse habit of drinking. He, himself, is strictly temperate, a man of bright understanding, and an excellent conversationalist. A firm and enduring friend, it may also be said of him that he has never been a bitter or vindictive enemy, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.

GEORGE W'. KIDDER is a successful coal and lumber dealer of Staatsburg, Dutchess county. From researches that have been made it has been ascertained that the Kidder family is one of the ancient families of England. Some account relating to a transfer of land there dated as early as 1370, in which the name of Kydder is a party, is said to be still extant. Tradition says that they are of the stock of ancient Britons, and existed as a family previous to the incursions of the Saxons, Danes, or Romans, and were not disturbed at the Conquest.

Nelson Kidder, the father of our subject, was born at East Alstead, N. H., August 22, 1803, was a man of more than ordinary ability, well-informed, and highly successful in his chosen occupation—that of farming. On December 22, 1829, he married Sophia George, daughter of Ezra George, of Acworth, N. H., where she was born July 22, 1803, and they became the parents of five children: Clarissa,

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281

deceased wife of Mr. Roys, of Alstead, N. H.; Miranda (Mrs. Sawyer), deceased; ErastusE., engaged in tfie lumber business at Alstead; Va-laria, the wife of Andrew Morrison, a large farmer of Alstead; and George Wilder, the subject of this sketch. The father was a strong Democrat, but did not take an active part in political matters, though he was naturally one of the leading men of the community. He was a great Church worker, belonging to the Methodist denomination, and was one of twelve who built the Brook church at East Alstead, where his death occurred December 21, 1871. There his estimable wife also died. May 26, 1883.

At East Alstead, Cheshire Co., N. H., George W. Kidder was born April 10, 1845, and in the common schools of the place acquired a good English education. He remained upon the home farm until he had reached his majority, when he purchased a half-interest in a machine shop at Alstead, being a member of the firm of Roob & Kidder for two years, selling out in the fall of 1869, and coming to Staatsburg, Dutchess county. Until the following spring he worked as a carpenter for William Densmore, and then began dealing in lumber and building material, as a member of the firm of Herrick & Kidder, which connection was continued for five years, or until after the fire in April, 1875, when the partnership was dissolved. Going to New York City, he was for ten years employed by the Mutual Benefit Ice Co., being weighmaster in the summer and superintendent on the river during the winter season. In 1887 he bought out the coal business of James Roach, at Staatsburg, to which he immediately added a stock of lumber and building material, since when he has carried on business very successfully, having a large and paying trade.

In December, 1874, Mr. Kidder was married to Miss Julia Rersley, daughter of William H. Rersley, of Staatsburg, and to them have been born one son and one daughter: Bertha M. and George Nelson. Mr. and Mrs. Kidder attend the Methodist Church, and in social circles hold an enviable position. Mr. Kidder's sterling integrity and general urbanity of manner have won him a large number of friends in his community. In politics he is a stanch and true Democrat, at National or State elections, but on local matters he votes independently. Socially, he is connected with Rhinebeck Lodge No. 432, F. & A. M.

^ YRON SMITH, a well-known citizen of Millbrook, town of Washington, Dutchess county, and who at this writing is holding the office of superintendent of the poor, was born in Amenia, Dutchess county. May 12, 1851, a son of John H, and Maria (Reed) Smith. His early days were spent in the district school, which he attended until fifteen years of age, and in assisting his father at

wagon-making.

His schooling he finished in a

private school at Dover, and for the following three years he clerked in stores at Dover and Wassaic. He then was employed as bookkeeper for the New York Condensed Milk Co., at Wassaic, for three years.

On February 18, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Henry and Mary H. (Arnold) Tripp. Mrs. Smith's father was a farmer in the town of Washington, but she was born in Amenia April 5, 1854. Of this marriage three children have been born, as follows: Howard, deceased; Edna L. and Frank. After his marriage Mr. Smith located on a farm in Washington town, which he carried on until January i, 1889, at which time he was made superintendent of the poor of Dutchess county, and has held that position ever since. In this responsible office he has given general satisfaction by his excellent management, and has shown himself to be a man of good business ability, integrity and kindly disposition.

Mr. Smith has always been a stanch Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant. He takes a leading part in political affairs in his locality, and has served as assessor of the township for two terms, and has also been inspector of elections. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the K. of P., and is a prominent member of the Mill-brook Club, at Millbrook, where his social qualities are highly appreciated. In public matters he has always been on the side of progress, ready to assist in all worthy enterprises, and commands the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

The Smith famil_\- of which our subject is a member is said to have descended from the Rt. Rev. Dr. Smith, who was born in the parish of Prescott, Lancashire, England, about 1460. He was Bishop of Lincoln and Litchfield, and with Sir Richard Sutton, was the founder of Brazenose College. Oxford University. Nehe-miah Smith and his brother John came to America about 1638, and located at what is

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

now New London. Conn. Fourteen years later he obtained a grant of land for a homestead on the other side of the river, at what is now known as Poquonock, in the town of Groton. The first house on the land was built by Neheiniah Smith about 1652, on the east side of the road, and was burned down during the Revolutionary war. The second house , was built by Nathan Smith, the grandfather of our subject. From Nehemiah Smith the line of descent is as follows: Nehemiah (2); Isaac, born December 29, 1707, married Esther Den-ison; William, born October 26, 1749, was married, in 1772, to Sarah Smith; Nathan, born at North Lyme, Conn., November 12, 178S, married Nancy Waterman, of Salem, in 1810. To this last named couple five children were born, namely: Sarah M., Gilbert B., Nathan W., Nancy L. and John H.

John H. Smith, father of our subject, was born near New London, Conn., June i, 1821. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and when fifteen years of age left home to learn the wagonmaker's trade. He was married on June I, 1847, to Maria Reed, a daughter of Myron Reed, of Amenia, N. Y. For some time after his marriage Mr. Smith lived at Amenia; but subsequently removed to Wassaic, where he followed his trade until his death, which occurred in October, 1892. The father was a Republican, and a prominent man in his locality, holding various town offices, such as justice of the peace, etc. He and his wife were consistent members of the Baptist Church and were estimable people. Their children were seven in number, of whom the following record is given: Nathan is a merchant in Amenia Union; Sarah M. married Charles M. Hoyt, a hatter in Danbury, Conn.; Myron is the subject of this sketch; Belinda is a school teacher and has never married; Esther M. married William S. Tripp, a butcher in Millbrook, and is deceased; Edwin U. is a farmer in Pough-keepsie town; and John H. is a wagon maker in Wassaic.

The following short history of the family of our subject's mother will prove of interest. "The Reeds of Amenia were from Norwalk, Conn. In 1759 James Reed was one of a company of Connecticut troops who passed through Amenia on their way to Canada to the aid of Gen. Wolfe in the siege of Quebec. While on their way the company received news of the capture of Quebec, and were ordered to return. Mr. Reed was so pleased with the Oblong Val-

ley through which he leisurely returned, that he induced his father, Daniel Reed, of Norwalk, to purchase for him some land, fifty-three acres in all. The brothers of James Reed, who removed here a few years later were: Ezra, Elijah and Eliakim. The emigrant ancestor of this family was John Reed, who came from England in 1660. He had been an officer in the army of the Commonwealth, and came away at the time of the Restoration. He died in Norwalk in 1730, aged ninety-seven years. He was a good specimen of a Puritan soldier, who held his ' sword in one hand, and his Bible in the other.' "

ERNEST HOCHSTADTER, one of the : most prominent contractors in eastern

New York, is a notable instance of success in life attained solely by diligence, thrift and judicious management, having risen from a humble position, where hard toil was repaid with but meager wages, to a high rank in the business world.

Mr. Hochstadter was born in Lauenburg, Prussia, Germany, April 11, 1838, the son of Henry Hochstadter, a native of Hohenhorn, born in 1801, and a successful teacher who occupied a responsible position in the public schools for many years previous to his death in 1839. He married Wilhelmina Turnow. a native of Hagenow, Mechlenburg-Schwerin, and had three sons, of whom our subject was the youngest; August, who was'for some time in business with the latter, died in Poughkeep-sie in 1873, and Henry is a prominent grocer in Brooklyn. The mother came to America in 1865, and in 1882 passed away at the home of her son in Poughkeepsie.

Ernest Hochstadter received an excellent education in the schools of his native village, and being also fond of reading has become unusually well-informed. He was only one year old when his father died, and as he grew older was obliged to make his own living at such employment as could be obtained, being an errand boy at Lauenburg and in Hamburg for about two years and a half. He then secured a clerkship in Hamburg, where he remained until 1862, at which time he came to this country. Locating in Brooklyn, he bought a horse and cart and engaged in trucking, and in 1867 he obtained a contract from the city for grading and paving a part of Si.xth avenue, quite an achievement, all things considered.

COMMEMORATIVE BWOItAPniCAL RECORD.

283

He then began the business of constructing sewers in partnership with his brother August, and did $200,000 worth of work in Brooklyn alone. In 1871 they came to Poughkeepsie to take contracts on sewerage, and built all thesew-ers in the city except the one in Main street and a few collateral lines. They employed from four hundred to five hundred men for two years, and on the completion of the work in 1873 they went to Hudson and laid all the pipes for the water works there. Returning to Poughkeepsie, they laid all the pipes for the new Gas Company, and then transferred their base of operations to Sandusky, Ohio, where they laid twenty-two miles of water pipe in rock, and constructed three miles of sewer. Other important works were the construction of the Phcenica & Hunter railroad in the Catskill Mountains; the work in the Wallkill Valley with a steam shovel, and the work on the West Shore east of Rondout creek, about one and one-half miles; in addition, the building of the tunnel at Rosendale. They also performed part of the work on the Poughkeepsie Bridge. Mr. Hochstadter is very systematic in all that he does, and doubtless his success is due largely to his careful attention to detail. In 1863 Mr. Hochstadter was married to Miss Margaret Grimm, a native of Barmbeck, Germany, and has had five children, all of whom died in infancy. In politics he was a Republican until the attempt to nominate Gen. U. S. Grant for a third term, since which time he has been a Democrat. He was street supervisor under Mayor Ellsworth for two years; but has been usually too busy with his own affairs to take an active share in party work, although his influence has often been e.xerted in a quiet way to further beneficial movements. Among the German-born citizens he is regarded with pride as a worthy representative of their race. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

SAMUEL SLEE was born in Poughkeepsie, _) N. Y., in 1854. His father, Robert Slee, was born in Poughkeepsie in 1818, educated at Willets' Academy, at the old Nine Partners, and soon after coinpleting his studies became a successful merchant, retiring from business in 1866 to become vice-president, and, shortly after, president of the First National Bank of Poughkeepsie, of which he had been an incorporator, remaining president until his death in 1893.

Robert Slee was interested in many public enterprises and in all movements for the advancement of his native place, and was largely instrumental in securing the location in Poughkeepsie of the Hudson River State Hospital for the Insane, the construction of railways and the Hudson River bridge. He was of studious disposition, and read largely, keeping in touch with the progressive thought of the time and cultivating the friendship of men of like spirit; he passed the greater part of his time in the enjoyment of his home and the entertainment of his intimate friends, among whom were many prominent in the professions, especially the ministry. Mr. Slee's paternal grandfather, from whom he was named, was born in Gloucester, England, in 1771; came to America in 1792, bringing his bride, Esther, and household goods. Esther died in 1804, and was buried in Christ churchyard.

The elder Samuel Slee was admitted to citizenship in 1802. During the State administrations of George Clinton and Daniel D. Thompkins the elder Mr. Slee held successively appointments of coroner, sheriff and judge. He was also trustee of the village of Poughkeepsie, and acted as its president. He engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, importing machinery and workmen from England, encouraged by the policy then in force of protection to home productions. Upon the conclusion of the war of 1812, and before the news of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent arrived in this country, English ships loaded with woolens entered our harbors, and the rising industry, left without protection to compete with foreign makes, was swamped, and Mr. Slee became financially involved and forced into litigation which only found its end in the Supreme Court of the United States, where the principles for which he contended became the law of the land. He subsequently engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and accumulated a fortune the second time after he was forty years of age. Mr. Slee was universally known as "Major" Slee, and was in actual service six months in the war of 1812, stationed at Plattsburg. His military career commenced in 1804 when he was appointed first lieutenant (Capt. Nathan Myers) of a company of artillery attached to the brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Theo-dorus Bailey, by Gov. George Clinton; in 1806 Gov. Morgan Lewis appointed him captain of the same company, in 1808 he became second

COMHIEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

major of the 3rd Regiment of artillery on appointment of Gov. D. D. Thompkins, by whom he was in 1809 promoted to be first major. In 181 5 Major Slee received his commission of lieutenant-colonel commandant of 4th Artillery.

Major Slee died November9, 1852,3 much honored and respected citizen. He had married the present Mr. Slee's grandmother, Isabella Newby, in July, 1812. She was also born in England, in Westmoreland, in 1788, coming to America in 1797 with her father, Robert Newby, and his family. She was unusually beautiful intellectually, and was the " Queen" to seven sons and many of their intimate friends. She died July 4, 1869. Mr. Slee's mother was Enieline Gregory, born at Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1820. She was one of nine children, each one of whom was either a preacher or an instructor, several of whom have become eminent in letters. Her father, Joseph Gregory, was born at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, in 1787. He served two terms in the State Assemby. During this time he was engaged in an agitation for the amelioration of the law of land tenure which was known as the anti-rent war, and largely through his efforts and the expenditure of his private fortune a reform was effected which removed this question from the politics of the State. In 1816 Gov. D. D. Thompkins appointed Joseph Gregory lieutenant of a company of light infantry in the 43d Regiment, and Gov. DeWitt Clinton, in 1818, promoted him to be captain of the same company. He came of sturdy English stock, as did his wife, Rachel Bullock, one of the early American women noted for her mental gifts, of whom one said: " She was the first citizen of Rensselaer county."

Our subject was admitted to the bar in 1877, practicing law in Poughkeepsie and New York City until 1888, when with his family he settled at \\'ashington Hollow, Dutchess county, and engaged in farming. In 1892 he removed to Poughkeepsie and resumed the practice of his profession. He takes an active interest in politics and agriculture, and finds his greatest pleasure in his home and family. Like his father, he is an extensive reader, and is fond of out-of-door life. In 1S78 he married Marie Louise, daughter of the late William Tryon, of Katonah, N. Y., and has two sons: Ralph Burton (1885) and Robert Donald (^1892;. Mr. Slee's only brother, John

Gre£

Slee,

.gory blee, is a D. X. S., practicing at Boston, Mass. Their sister, Emeline Gregory Slee, is a graduate of \''assar, and now residing with her brother, Samuel Slee.

WILLIAM BEDELL ranks among the progressive and enterprising farmers of

the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. His residence is pleasantly situated near Clinton Corners, where he is engaged principally in general farming.

Jeremiah Bedell, grandfather of our subject, was born P^ebruarj' 22, 1751, and for some time lived in Dutchess county, previous to his removal to Greene county, N. Y. He wedded Marian Gildersleeve, who was born in Dutchess county, January 13, 1756, and their union was blessed with twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, all of whom but two lived to advanced ages, and were respected and upright citizens. One son held the office of supervisor over twentj" successive years, in Greene county, N. Y. The father of these died August 12, 181 5, the mother on October

3. iSo7- '

Jacob, the father of our subject, was born March 16, 1801, and died February 25, 1865. He, the youngest in the above family, was a native of Greene county, N. Y., where he spent his boyhood days, and after completing his education he taught school there. He was married in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, February 21, 1821, to Hannah H. Cornell, who was born in that town September 22. 1802, daughter of Matthew and Sarah (Halsted) Cornell, and died January 15, 1877. Three children graced their union: David, who was born January 22, 1822, was married to Elizabeth D. Wing, January 26, 1843, and died June 25, 1877; William, the subject of this review; and Mary, who was born March 5, 1838, and is now the widow of George P. Smith. After his marriage the father located on a farm two miles west of Clinton Corners, where he operated his land until the spring of 1855, at which time he laid aside business cares, living retired up to the time of his death. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and was widely- and favorably known throughout the county.

William Bedell, our subject, was born Aprils, 1S33, in Dutchess county, and his boyhood days were passed in the manner of most farmer lads in those davs—between school-

%

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPEWAL RECORD.

285

ing and working on the home farm. Besides attending the district school, he also received a part of his education in the Jacob Willets school, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. On September 13, 1854, Mr. Bedell was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Doty, daughter of Thomas Sands and Maria fWing) Doty, and a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. By this union there are two sons: George Doty, who was born April 27, 1868, married Etta Hicks, a daughter of Walter D. Hicks, and Jay Sands, born August 16. 1870. The mother of these died April 10, 1890, and at Yorktown, Westchester Co., N. Y., May 17, 1892, our subject was again married, this time to Henrietta (Hallock) Irish.

Upon the old home farm, Mr. Bedell remained until 1866, when he removed to Pough-keepsie, N. Y., where the following three years were passed, and then for eight \'ears he lived near Morgan Lake, N. Y. He has been engaged in the crockery, gas and steam-fitting businesses, and for a few years was interested with A. M. Doty in a drug store; but in the spring of 1S77 he purchased his present farm near Clinton Corners, and has since made that place his home. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Poughkeep-sie, and has been e.xecutor of many important estates. He takes quite an active interest in the welfare of his town and county, but has always refused to accept public office, as his time has been fully occupied by his own business affairs.

JAMES DENN BURGESS, a prominent contractor and builder of Poughkeepsie, was ' born September 27, 1843, at Kingston, Canada, the son of James and Elizabeth (Denn) Burgess.

John Burgess, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Somersetshire, England, born in the town of Shepton Mallet, where he spent his entire life. He was a carpenter by trade, and had a family of four children : John, Michael, James and Sarah; the latter married a Mr. Brown, of England.

James Burgess, the father of our subject, was born in Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire, in 181 5, and obtained a good common-school education. He was a great reader all his life and became a well-informed man. In 1830, when a lad of fifteen, he came to America with his brother Jojin, and settled in Kingston, Canada, where he spent the remainder of his

life. He learned the trade of carpenter, serving an apprenticeship of five years, and for some years after worked as a journeyman. He then became a contractor and builder, and for twenty years prior to his death was foreman of the government works at Kingston. He was an able man, and one of the foremost in his vocation. He was very successful in his business affairs, and his prosperity was due entirely to his own exertions, as he began life dependent on his own resources.

James Burgess married Elizabeth Denn, daughter of William Denn, of Kingston. Her father came from England about 1813 in connection with the Dock Yard and Naval Store Department, established in Kingston. He was a prominent citizen, both in Church and business matters. Three children were born of this union : William, who died in infancy; James Denn, the subject of this sketch; and Sarah Ann, who died when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Burgess were members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, in whose work they took an active interest. In politics Mr. Burgess was a Conservative, and a stanch follower of Sir John A. MacDonald. He never aspired to office, but held a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He died in Kingston, Canada, on April 4, 1887, his wife surviving him until 1889.

James D. Burgess attended a private school in Kingston, Canada, until about si.xteen years of age, when he learned the trade of a machinist, at which he worked two years. Being compelled on account of ill health to give up this occupation, he took up carpentering with his father, and after working one year as a journeyman he went into business for himself. Four years later he married Annie M. Foote, the daughter of a confectioner in Kingston, and removed to Napanee (Canada), where he established himself in the bakery and confec-tioner3' business, and carried that on for seven years. His wife died about this time, January 29, 1872, and he returned to his old trade of carpenter, in which he was engaged for the following six \'ears.

At the end of this time Mr. Burgess removed to Deseronto, Hastings Co., Ont., Canada, and became connected with the Rath-burn Company, a large corporation, and was given charge of all their building operations, a very responsible position. In 1885 he went to Hyde Park to take charge of the erection of the Archibald Rogers buildings, and remained

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with Mr. Rogers for two years. He then went to Poughkeepsie as superintendent for Powers & O'Keilley in the erection of the second lot of buildings for the Hudson River Hospital. Some years later he had the contract for the building of the third set of cottages for the hospital. For the past eight years Mr. Burgess has been carrying on business on his own account, and is considered one of the leading contractors and builders in the city. Among other large structures which have been built by him are Trinity church and a large addition to the Gallandet House for Deaf Mutes.

Mr. Burgess, for his second wife, married Miss Southwood, of Belleville, Canada, and for his third wife wedded Mrs. Dowling, whose maiden name was Ellen Bogert. She died in Deseronto, in 1883. In 1884 Mr. Burgess was united in marriage with Miss Eva Chambers, a daughter of Charles Chambers, a native of Yorkshire, England, and a retired farmer of Deseronto. who has been one of the leading men of the count)".

The children of our subject are: Harr)', who is a bookkeeper for the Rathbun Co., Oswego, N. Y.; Laura, who married Rev. Robert Knapp. of Walton, N. Y.; Ada. who married Rev. Merrick E. Ketcham, of Cincinnati, Ohio; William, who graduated from the Syracuse University in June, 1895, and now practicing law in Buffalo, N. Y.; and Lillian, Charles and Denn Maltby, at home.

Mr. Burgess is a self-made man, one who has achieved his success by his own industry and enterprise. He has always been a reader, and is well-posted on all topics of the day. He is a Republican in his political views, although he sympathizes with the Prohibitionists on the temperance question. He is quite a worker for his party, but has never been an office-seeker. As a citizen he is public-spirited, and is always at the front in matters relating to the welfare of his community. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes an active interest in Church work; is one of the trustees, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for live years.

SAMUEL CARPENTER BARIGHT, one ./ of the substantial farmers of Dutchess

county, is a native of the same, having been born in the town of Pleasant Valley, July 5, 1826. There are several branches of the family in this country, one in Columbia county, N.

Y., one in Lockport, N. Y., and one in Canada. The Columbia county and Canada branches spell the name " Boright.," The Barights were of the Quaker faith, though some were Presbyterians.

The old Baright homestead was in the family for several generations, and was sold by Elijah Baright to A. R. Bartholomew, who is its present owner. Our subject's greatgrandfather settled on the tract of land which he received as a grant from the English crown, when it was all wilderness. There his son John (born October, 1763, died January, 1813) grew up. and married Miss Eleanor Drake, and they continued their married life on the old farm, where they reared the following family: Sarah married Jacob Stringham, and went to Michigan, where he farmed, and where the}' both died. Augustin was a farmer in Pleasant Valley, where he embarked in the mercantile business; he died at Batavia, N. Y. Susanna died unmarried. Elizabeth became the wife of Daniel Stringham. a farmer in the town of Lagrange. John died young. Elijah, who was the father of our subject, married Amy Doty Carpenter, daughter of Samuel Carpenter, of the town of Clinton, born 1763, died 1844. His pedigree dates back to Timothy Carpenter, born in Wales, 1698, subsequently settled on Long Island, X. Y.. and his descendants are supposed heirs to a large estate, held by the Bank of England.

Our subject grew up on the farm in Pleasant Valley, and November 12, 1850, was united in marriage with Miss Frances Dean, who was born in New York City, February 18, 1827, and in 1853 they came to their present home, where they have since resided. The following children have been born to them: Arthur Garwood is a horticulturist in the town of Poughkeepsie. Anna founded the School of E.xpression in Boston, Mass.; she subsequently married S. S. Curry, Ph. D., of Boston, where they are engaged in teaching the Art of E.xpression. Helen Dean, specialist in the Art of Expression, married Charles D. Craigie, of Boston, Mass., who is engaged in the mercantile and publishing business. Genevieve is an artist and specialist. Elijah Kirk is a salesman in one of the houses of the Armour Packing Co., Poughkeepsie. Mary Louise is professor of the Art of Expression and Literature, in the University of Oregon, at Eugene, Ore. Mr. Baright has a farm of 120 acres one mile north of the city of Pough-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

287

keepsie, where lie does general farming. Politically he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of the party; in religious faith he is a member of the Society of Friends.

Joseph C. Dean, the grandfather of Mrs. Frances Dean Baright, was a member of the Society of Friends of the town of Pleasant Valley, and was a land owner and merchant. His mother's father was Joseph Castin, one of the " Nine Partners " of a portion of Dutchess county. Joseph C. Dean married Sarah Mabbett of the town of Washington, and several children were born to them: Jonathan, their eldest son, and the father of Mrs. Baright, married Helen, the daughter of Gen. S. A. Barker, of the town of Lagrange; Edwin, the second son, was engaged in the theatrical profession (he married Julia Drake, of Louisville, Ky., and Julia Dean, the celebrated actress, was their daughter).

Mrs. Frances Dean Baright's grandfather on her mother's side was Samuel A. Barker, who was a general in the war of 1812, and a private in Capt. Brinkerhoff's regiment, of the Dutchess count}' militia in the Revolutionary war. He owned an estate in the town of Lagrange, and held slaves; was active in public affairs, and was an assemblyman at Albany. His second wife was Meriby Collins, and they had several children, one of whom, Helen Barker Dean, was the mother of Frances Dean Baright.

CORNELIA VAN KLEECK was born in Poughkeepsie, and has resided there ever since.

The Van Kleeck family came originally from Holland, and settled in Dutchess county at a very early day. Baltus Van Kleeck, grandfather of our subject, w'as born in Dutchess county, N. Y. He left two children: Margaret, who married John G. Vassar (a brother of Matthew \'assar, the founder of the college of that name, and who was in the brewing business with him); and Leonard, the father of our subject.

Leonard B. Van Kleeck was born in Poughkeepsie, April 18, 1785, and there married Elizabeth Phillips, who was born in the same city, in 1791. Her father, James Phillips, was also a native of Poughkeepsie, and was a farmer. He was of English descent. He married Cornelia Van Vlack, and to their union were born children as follows: John was a grocer in

Poughkeepsie, and died in the West; Abram was a hotel-keeper in Poughkeepsie; Mary married John Wyley, a farmer in Dutchess county; Catherine married Robert Green, and lived in New York City; Jane married Jacob Harris, a farmer in Dutchess county; Sarah married Isaac GrifSn, a butcher; Barbara married Isaac Cubney, a farmer and blacksmith in Poughkeepsie; and Elizabeth became Mrs. Van-Kleeck. The parents both died at Poughkeepsie.

After his marriage Leonard Van Kleeck took charge of a hotel in Poughkeepsie, and at one time owned a large amount of city property. Six children were born to him and his wife, namely: Margaret, who died in infancy; Henry, who was a clerk for his father, and died in 1850; James was city librarian, and died in 1894; Alfred was a merchant in Mobile, Ala., and died in 1849; Cornelia is the only surviving member of the family; Edgar A. became a Baptist minister, and died in 1S89. Leonard Van Kleeck died in 1854, and his wife in 182S. They were members of the Baptist Church, and iijost estimable people. Mr. Van Kleeck was a strong Republican, and prominent both in his party and in all public affairs.

Cornelia Van Kleeck, our subject, is a devoted member of the Mill Street Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, to which church in the last seven years she has contributed large sums of money. She is very generous and charitable to all in distress, and is always ready to assist every philanthropic or religious enterprise.

P)HEBE THORNE WILLIAMSON, M. D. Among those who devote their time and

energies to the practice of medicine, and have gained a leading place in the ranks of the profession, is the lady whose name introduces this sketch. She makes her home in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, having an office at No. 13 Liberty street, but also spends a part of each week in New York City, where she has an office at No. 1244 Broadway, and in both cities she has secured a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Williamson is a native of Dutchess county, born at Millbrook. where her earl}' life was passed, and attended the old Nine Partners Boarding School, there acquiring her literary education. Judge Stephen Thorne. her paternal grandfather, practiced law in Poughkeepsie, and also made his home in Milan,

CO.VME.VORATrVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Dutchess county. In his family were five children, all of whom died within six years of each other, namely: Benjamin, a physician of Milan; Herrick, who was given the maiden name of his mother; Stephen; Cynthia; and John S.

The last named was the father of our subject. He was born at Milan in 1823, and was there reared and educated, .\fter studying medicine with his brother for some time he entered the medical college at Castleton, Vt., and later graduated from the medical department of the New York University, after which he engaged in practice at Bangall, Stanford town, Dutchess county. There he was united in marriage with Frances C. Barlow, daughter of Cyrus Barlow, and to them were born two daughters—Georgie, wife of James T. Haight, of Stanfordville, Dutchess county; and Phebe Anna. .After following his profession in that village for several years, he removed to Mill-brook, where he was engaged in practice for thirty years, and was very successful in his chosen calling. He was a very influential man, and for many years served as county physician. He belonged tp the Knights of Pythias lodge of Poughkeepsie, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Masonic fraternity of Washington Hollow, Dutchess county. Though not a member of any religious denomination, he gave liberally to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was called from life in 18S0, and his death was widely and deeply mourned.

Phebe Thorne began the study of medicine with her father, whom she assisted in his practice, and after attending a four-years' course of study in the Woman's Medical College and Infirmary of New York, she was graduated in 1878. The year previous she had married Albert Williamson, and they have a daughter who was born in 1882. After her father's death our subject was county physician at Millbrook for a year and a half, and in 1882 removed to Brooklyn, where she was engaged in practice for three years, during which time she was the first woman appointed on the Brooklyn Eastern District Hospital staff. She was compelled to leave that city on account of ill health, and came to Poughkeepsie, where she confines her practice to the diseases of women, and obstetrics. She stands high among the members of the medical fraternity, is a close student, and, being thoroughly in love with her profession, her success is assured. Dr. Williamson purchased the "Windsor Ho-

tel," on Hooker avenue, which she converted into a sanitarium and summer hotel; but as it was so difficult to secure competent help, and so much responsibility rested upon her, that she gave up the sanitarium and now rents the place to Vassar College for an extra dormitory and class rooms. She holds membership with the Dutchess County Medical Society and the Kings County Medical Society. The Doctor not only holds a leading place in the medical profession, but is also a valued and prominent member of society, being held in the highest regard by all who know her.

JAMES EDWARD DEAN,of Fishkill,Dutchess county, treasurer of the Fishkill Savings Institute, and for many years its president; proprietor of Monumental Works, and one of the founders of the Fishkill fFivX'/j' Tiiius, is among the prominent citizens of that village.

He is the son of William George and Phebe Ann (Van Nostrand) Dean, and his ancestry is a notable one, his paternal grandfather, Ephraim Dean, and great-grandfather, \^'ill-iam Dean, having been soldiers in the Revolutionary army, enlisting in Westchester county in 1775, and serving until the close of the war. During the winter of 1776-77, they were both with the troops that were encamped at Fishkill. On the maternal side his great-grandfather Alexander Mead, and great-grandfather Michael Rogers, were also participants in the struggle for independence; while another ancestor, Aaron Van Nostrand, was granted a service of plate by the Colonial Assembly for bravery in the French and Indian war; and still another, Jacobus Swartwout (father of Gen. Jacobus Swartwout), served in one of the Colonial wars. The elder Swartwout was the first judge of the court of common pleas of Dutchess county, and at the time of his death was the first supervisor of Rombout Precinct. Mr. Dean's mother died April 14, 1896, aged ninety-five years, four months and fifteen days, having seen eight generations of her family, including two of her great-grandfathers, who lived until she was seventeen years old, and her own great-great-grandchildren. Of her seven children, all lived to maturity, the first to pass away being Helena Du-Bois Dean, who died March 19, 1896, at the age of sixtv-one.

cc^.

^ cu^i-t^

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289

James Edward Dean was born in Fishkill, May lo, 1830, the third child and eldest son of his parents, and his education was obtained in the public schools of the village, later in the academy which was then conducted by the Rev. Dr. Pinsjry. In the spring of 1848 he went to Rochester, N. Y., to learn the marble-worker's trade, but was called home in August, 1850, by the death of his father, and for several years he worked as a journeyman for Roswell Lamson, of Fishkill. On May 10, 1854, he married Miss Jerusha Powell Hil-liker, daughter of Samson and Mary (Gilder-sleeve) Hilliker, and soon afterward moved to Glens Falls, N. Y., where he and his brother engaged in the marble business under the firm name of J. E. & G. W. Dean. Returning to Fishkill in the spring of 1S55, he purchased the yards of Roswell Lamson, and has carried on the business ever since, the making of monuments, headstones, vaults, enclosures, and and everything pertaining to that line of work. In 1870 he was elected president of the Fishkill Savings Institute, and held the office twenty-one years, when he resigned and was chosen treasurer. In 1862, Mr. Dean, in company with Milton A. Fowler, now of Pough-keepsie, purchased the Fishkill Journal, which they sold in 1866 to George W. Owen, who removed it from Fishkill to Matteawan in 1882. Not long after this, Mr. Dean and several other gentlemen established the Fishkill Weekly Times, still conducted by Mr. Dean and his son Herman.

The Deans were prominent adherents of the Democratic party for generations previous to the Civil war, and Mr. Dean's first vote was cast for Franklin Pierce in 1852; but in 1855 he joined the Republican party at its organization, and has held to it ever since. In 1B59 he was elected town clerk, and the following year justice of the peace, holding each office one term, and declined a renomination. For twelve years he was postmaster at Fishkill, previous to November, 1885, his commission, which was signed by President Grant, bearing date of June 16, 1873. Since 1863 he has shown his interest in educational advancement by continuous service as a trustee of Union Free School, District No. 6, town of Fishkill.

Mr. Dean was one of the earliest promoters in the organization of the Fishkill Rural Cemetery, of which he was made trustee and treasurer, and held both positions for thirty years, but declined re-election as treasurer in

19

1895. His father held the positions of justice, postmaster and school trustee in the same village for many years before him, and his son, Herman, is now the successor of both, as justice. Mr. and Mrs. Dean have four children: William Edward is a well-known lawyer in Fishkill; Anna is at home; Herman is justice of the peace, and the editor of the Fishkill Weekly Times; and Robert Edo is in the monument business with his father. Mr. Dean's ancestors h;'.ve been identified with the Reformed and Episcopal Churches for generations, and most of the family are now members or regular attendants of Trinity Episcopal Church, Fishkill. By virtue of his ancestry Mr. Dean is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, New York branch, and is also eligible to membership in several other similar societies. Mrs. Dean's grandfather served in the same regiment (the 3d Westchester) that Mr. Dean's ancestors did in the Revolution, and from both sourcees his daughter derives her claim to membership in the Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.

ILLIAM BOSTWICK, one of the busi-l^lt est, most energetic, and most enterprising men of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, is now the president of the Stissing National Bank, the history of which is here given:

A meeting was held at the home of Henry C. Myers, in the village of Pine Plains, February 15, 18;i9, at which Aaron E. VVinchell was chosen chairman, and F. I. Cur-tiss, secretary, for the purpose of forming a bank under the general banking law passed April 18, 1838. At this meeting Aaron K. VVinchell, R. W. Bostwick, Backus Culver, Justus Booth and Cornelius Husted were appointed a committee to report a board of directors, which was as follows: Aaron E. VVinchell, R. VV. Bostwick, Walter Reynolds, Justus Booth, Backus Culver, Cornelius Ilusted, Frederick I. Curtiss, George VV'. Barton, Henry Hoffman, John P'erris, William W. Pulver, Abram Dibble, William VVinchell, .Samuel Deuel, Xiles Hart-well, William Eno, and Leonard Rowe. At a meeting of the directors held jMarch IB, 18:i9, Reuben W. Bostwick was elected jiresident; William Eno, vice-president; and Walter Reynolds, attorney for said bank; and .-Xpril 15, following, Frederick VV. Davis was called as cashier. The bank was located in the Dilible store March 23, 1839. At a meeting held August 2li, 1847, F. W. Davis resigned, and John F. Hull was appointed. The latter resigned at the meeting of May 4, 1852, and Reuben Bostwick was appointed cashier. This organization was known as the " Pine Plains Bank."

At a meeting appointed for the organization of a bank held May 2!>, 1858, the' subscribers to the stock thereof voted tile name should be ".Stissing Bank," and Justus Booth was made president, with Reuben Bo-stwick as cashier. The lot was purchased June 19, 1858, and contract for building the banking house was made July 10, following. Justus Booth declining re-election for an-

COMifEiTOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

other year, William S. Eno was elected president May 14, 1864. At a meeting held March 4, IStw, the name (it the bank was changed to " Stissing National Bank." Reuben Bustwick contiifued as cashier until July 11, 1870, when, at a special meeting, Kred Hostwick, his oldest son, was elected cashier, and William Bostvvick was chosen clerk. This continued until the resignation of Fred Bostwick was accepted May il, ISS.'i, and William Bostwick was apjjointed cashier by the board and officers. On May 16, 188."), William M. Sayre was apjfointeil assistant cashier, and, after his death, J. H. Bostwick was elected asst. cashier May 21, 1887. On Jan. 14, 1896, William Bostwick was elected president in the place of William S. Eno, who retired, and J. H. Bostwick was appointed cashier. The bank is now in a flourishing condition, for which great credit is ilue its efficient officers.

The Bostwick family was founded in America by English immigrants. Reuben Bostwick, the father of our subject, was a native of Dutchess county, born in 1821, and was the son of Reuben W. Bostwick, who for many years was a general merchant of Pine Plains. The son was reared in that village, and there spent his entire life, being associated with his father in the store until he was elected cashier of the bank, in 1852, which position he continued to fill until 1870. He was an able business man, possessed of more than ordinary ability. He was married to Elizabeth Hunting, daughter of John Hunting, of the town of Pine Plains, and their family included seven children: Fred, of Pine Plains; William, subject of this review; Ida; Hattie; \\'alter and Walker, both of whom died when young; and J. Hunting. The father did not take an active part in political affairs, but voted the Republican ticket, which is also supported by his sons, and in religious belief the family are Presbyterians.

On December 28, 1851, William Bostwick was born in the town of Pine Plains, where his primary education was received. Later he was a student at College Hill Military Academy, and also at Riverview Academy. At the age of fifteen years he left the school room, and soon afterward obtained a position in the bank, where he served as clerk until 1S84, and was then cashier until elected president, in 1896. The banking interests of Pine Plains have for many years been well represented by members of the Bostwick family, and our subject has been one of the most discreet and able officers of the Stissing National Bank. He has a remarkable faculty for the conducting and dispatching of business, and his ability to fill the important position which he now occupies has been well proven bj' his faithful service as cashier.

Mr. Bostwick has been twice married, his

first union being with Miss Belle Eno, who died in 1883. The lady who now shares his name and fortunes was in her maidenhood Miss Eugenia Covey, daughter of Lyman Covey, and to them have been born three sons: Walker, Harry C. and l^alph. Although only interested in politics as a citizen an.\ious to have good government, Mr. Bostwick has made a careful study of political matters, and casts his ballot in support of the I^epublican party. Socially, he is identified with the I-ioyal Arcanum. Courteous, genial, well informed, alert and enterprising, he stands to-day one of the leading representative men of his county — a man who is a power in his community.

TENRY A. ALDEN (deceased). The his-^Ji tory of the privations, an.xieties and struggles of the Pilgrim Fathers after the landing at Plymouth Rock is brightened bj' one beautiful strain of romance, the story of John and Priscilla Alden, who were the direct ancestors of the subject of this sketch. John Alden was one of those (the seventh) who signed the compact in the cabin of the " Mayflower" in 1620, and was the last male survivor of the devoted band of voyagers. He was not of the Leyden Church, but. as I^rad-ford in his " History of the Plymouth Plantation " informs us (the spelling in the original being preserved), " was hired for a cooper at Southampton, where the ship victuled; and being a hopful yong man was much desired, but left to his own liking to go or stay when he came here; but he stayed and marj'ed here." He was distinguished for his practical wisdom, integrity and decision, and early acquired and retained during his long life a commanding influence over his associates. He was much employed in public business; was an assistant to the Governor for many years, and in every position he fulfilled his duties promptly and to the satisfaction of his employers. His ancestors in England have not been traced, so far as is known. He was born in i 599, and died at Duxbury, Mass., September 12, 1687. His marriage took place probably in 1621. Priscilla was the daughter of William Molines (or Mullins), who with his wife came also with the " Mayflower," and both died in February succeeding their landing. Tradition represents Priscilla as being very beautiful in her youth, and John also was a comely person, and considering his other accomplishments it

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291

is not surprising that when he was sent by Capt. Standish. after the death of his wife, to solicit her hand for the Captain in marriage, she preferred the messenger to the message. "As he warmed and glowed, in his simple and eloquent language, quite forgetful of self and full of praise of his rival, archly the maiden smiled, and, with eyes overrunning with laughter, said, in a tremulous voice, ' Why don't you speak for yourself, John?' " Their residence after a few years was in Duxbury on the north side of the village, on a farm still in the possession of their descendants of the seventh generation, having never been alienated. He made no will, having distributed the greater part of his estate among his children during his lifetime.

Jonathan, his third son, with whom he resided on the old homestead, administered on his estate and made a final settlement with the heirs, June 13, 1688. The settlement is as follows: '■ We, whose names are subscribed, personally interested in the estate of John Alden, Sr., of Duxbury, Esquire, lately deceased, do hereby acknowledge ourselves to have received, each of us, our full personal proportion thereof from Jonathan Alden, Administrator thereof, do by these presents for ourselves, our heirs, and executors, acquit, discharge fully, the said Jonathan Alden, his heirs, forever of and from all right, dues, demands, whatsoever relating to the aforesaid estate. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed and sealed this 13th day of June, Anno Domini 1688."—John Alden {seal), Joseph Alden (seal), David Alden {seal)', Priscilla Alden {seal), William Paybody {seal), Alexander Standish ( seal) in the right of Sarah, my wife, deceased, John Bass {seal) in the right of my wife Ruth, deceased, Mary Alden {seal), Thomas Dilauno [seal). As only eight children are named in this instrument it was • supposed, until recently, that he had no more. Bradford, however, states in his history, that, at the time of his writing, John Alden and his wife Priscilla were both living and had eleven children, and that their eldest daughter was living and had five children. In the document copied above her name is written Priscilla. According to this account the children were: John, born about 1622; Joseph, 1624; Elizabeth, 1625; Jonathan, Sarah, Ruth, Mary, David, the names of the other three being unknown.

Seeoiul Generation: Joseph Alden, of

Bridgewater, farmer, son of John (i), was born 1624, died February 8, 1697. He married Mary, daughter of Moses Simmons, Jr., and had five children, viz.: Isaac, Joseph (born 1667), John. Elizabeth and Mary.

Third Generation: Deacon Joseph Alden, Bridgewater, farmer, son of Joseph, was born in 1667. He married Hannah, daughter of Daniel Dunham, of Plymouth, who died June 13, 1748. Their children were, viz.: Daniel, born January 29, 1691; Joseph, August 26, 1693, died December 9, 1695; Eleazer, September 27, 1694; Hannah, in February, 1696; Mary, April 10, 1699; Joseph, September 5, 1700, died October 5, 1700; Jonathan, December 3, 1703, died November 10, 1704; Samuel, August 20, 1705; Mehitabel, October 18, 1707; and Seth, July 6, 1710.

Foni-th Generation: Samuel Alden, of Titicut, son of Deacon Joseph, was born August 20, 1705, and died in 17S5. He was married in 1728 to his first wife, Abiah, daughter of Capt. Joseph Edson, and had nine children, viz.: Abiah, born 1729; Mehitabel, i 732; Sarah, 1734; Samuel, 1736; Josiah, 1738; Simeon, 1740; Silas died aged twenty-one years; Mary; Hosea, killed by the kick of a horse. Samuel Alden married, in 1752, his second wife, who was a daughter of Josiah Washburn.

Fifth Generation: Josiah Alden was a. farmer at Ludlow, Mass. He was married, in 1761, to Bathsheba Jones, of Raynham, and had nine children: Elijah, Azel, Abiah, Bathsheba, Charity, Josiah, Lucy, Rebecca and Benjamin.

Sixth Generation: Josiah Alden, of Ludlow, a farmer, was born September 3, 1773, and died in 1833. He married Olive Brown, and had ten children, viz.: Azel, Justin, Charity, Zenas, \^'ashington Brown, Charles, John, Alary, Oram us, Eunice.

Seventh Generation: Zenas Alden, of Ludlow and Springfield, Mass., was born November I, 1795, and died in January, 1840; he married Betsey Taylor, of Hartford, Conn., and had six children, viz.: George Washington, who died at Springfield in 1863 or 1864; Henry A., our subject; Charles, a resident of Hartford, Conn.; Jane; Caroline married a Mr. Taylor, of Hartford, Conn.; and William.

The late Henry A. Alden was born March 10, 1S23, at Springfield, Mass., where his father was engaged in manufacturing rifles for the U. S. Government. During his boyhood

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he attended the public schools of his native place, and at eighteen he became associated with Charles and Henry Goodj'ear, the well-known inventors, in the manufacture of India-rubber goods. After several years with them, he opened a factory on Staten Island in 1S47, under the name of the New York Rubber Co. In 1S57 the works were removed to Fishkill-on-Hudson. and, as Mr. Alden had become familiar with the rubber-goods trade in all its branches, he was made superintendent. Having become a leading stockholder in the company, he was elected president, and held this position until his death, which occurred December 6, 1882. His business cares prevented him from taking an active part in public affairs, but he was a stanch Republican in politics, and was always ready to encourage any measure for local improvement.

On July 16, 1S47, he was married to Miss Mary M. Bishop, of Woodbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., and two sons were born of this union. The elder, Henrj- Bishop Alden, was born at Newtown, Conn., February 17, 1850. and died September 30, 1875. He was married June 20, 1872, to Miss Susie B. \'an Liew, daughter of Henry and Mary (Fitzgerald) \'an-Liew, of Sing Sing, N. Y. They had one daughter (posthumous:, Mary, born February 3, 1S76, at Sing Sing. The youngest son, George Fuller Alden, was born March 10, 1853, at Newtown, Conn., and died March 7, 1886. He was married June 14. 1877, to Miss Cornelia DuBois, daughter of Henry and Adelia (Van Voorhis) DuBois, of Fishkill, N. Y. She survives him with one daughter, Edith, who was born at Fishkill, December 15, 1881.

Mrs. Henry A. Alden was the second in a family of four daughters, the others being Fannie, Emily M., and Elsie M., who is the wife of George C. Smith, of Fishkill. The father. Miles Bishop, \vas a soldier in the war of 1S12, and his regiment was stationed at London, Conn., to guard Fort Griswold, when Roger Griswold was governor of Connecticut. Mrs. -Alden's paternal great-grandfather was -Miles Bishop, and her grandparents were Luther and Sybil (Long) Bishop, who had nine children: Charles, Salmon, Julia, Raney, Thyrza. Seth, Sallie, Garwood and Miles. Her maternal great-grandparents were Aner Ives, who was born January 13, 1740, and his wife Rachel, born June 11, 1744. Their son A^ael, Mrs. Alden's grandfather, born June 25,

1764, married Elsie Foote. who was born October 19, 1756. They had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Amasa, October 15, 1784; Asael \\'., August 31, 1787; Fannie, February 16, 1790; Garrett, March 19, 1792; Cynthia, January 23. 1795; Harmon, March 31, 1797; Nancy, January 17, i8cx) (died in infancy); and Nancy (21, April 16, 1804.

Elsie Foote Ives, Mrs. Alden's grandmother, was a daughter of Abraham and Lucy AVilmot) Foote; her father was a captain in the Revolutionary army, and also served in the French and Indian war.

GEORGE W. OWEN, the well-known editor of the Fishkill Journal, which has been for many years a powerful aid to the best interests of the community, is one of the most prominent citizens of Matteawan, Dutchess county.

On the paternal side Mr. Owen is descended from a family which has long been held in esteem in Putnam and Westchester counties, his ancestors having been among the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Peekskill. He first saw the light in Orange county, N. Y.. near the southwestern border of the town of New Windsor, and his youth was spent upon a farm. Possessing an active and inquiring mind, he devoted his evenings and the few moments of leisure that he could hnd, amid the exacting duties of farm life, to reading and study, thus supplementing the limited educational advan-tstges afforded by the brief winter terms of the country schools. In this manner he mastered not only the ordinary branches but the higher mathematics and the natural sciences, and made a thorough study of the English language and literature, giving also some attention to Latin, on account of the assistance which it would give in the analysis of English. Saving something from his earnings, he managed to take a course in a large academical institution, where his time was chiefly spent in reviewing the studies that he had pursued in private. He had feared that some erroneous conclusions might have been made by him. but it is hardly necessarj- to state that he found that his thorough work in the seclusion of the farm enabled him to take a high rank among the pupils to whom "Dame Fortune" had apparently shown more favor.

The employment which first became avail-

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able was that of teaching school, and this he followed for about eight years. In 1865 he purchased the Fishkill Journal, then a small weekly published in Fishkill \'illage. It was printed upon an old-fashioned hand press, as were most of the similar papers of that time; but after working for a year with this antiquated plant, he procured a cylinder press and new type, and brought out the foiir-nal in a new dress. He also enlarged it, and, as he was a Republican, he could not refrain from making the paper, which had previously been neutral, reflect his own views upon the stirring issues of the Reconstruction period. Andrew Johnson, raised to the Presidency through the death of Abraham Lincoln, was then setting himself at variance with the party that elected him, and the Fishkill Journal, with its earnest discussions of the problems of the hour, became a power in Dutchess county politics. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Owen purchased a job-printing office in Matteawan, and for several years conducted this, as well as the Journal office in Fishkill Village. In August, 18S2, he removed the Journal plant to Matteawan, and combined the two establishments. On September 14, 1885, hestarted the Fishkill Daily Journal, which he conducts in connection with the weekly edition.

In his journalistic work Mr. Owen has been identified with all that is enterprising and uplifting to the community, encouraging philanthropic movements and endorsing every effort for advancement in whatever line. Some substantial advantages gained of later years could no doubt be traced to his influence exerted either personally or through the columns of his paper, and his power for good has been none the less real for being quietly used. Mr. Owen has also devoted some time to literary work, and is the author of two works of fiction of a somewhat practical nature, which were well received by the public, and had a large sale.

Although Mr. Owen has never sought public office, he was for several years a member of the Matteawan board of education, and his fine abilities make him a valued adviser in various enterprises, notably the Matteawan Savings Bank, of which he is a trustee. He has been for many years a member of the F. & A. M., Beacon Lodge No. 283.

During his journalistic career, Mr. Owen's recreations have consisted chiefly in making tours through various parts of the United States. Having a passion for natural scenery,

he has most frequently visited the regions whose features were picturesque, grand or beautiful. The wilderness of the Adirondacks; the grand cataract of Niagara; the picturesque St. Lawrence river, with its Thousand Islands, its rushing rapids,where the steamboat, with its human freight, plunges down between the rocks as if to certain destruction, the quaint old city of Quebec; also the rugged White mountains of New England, with their snowcapped Mount Washington; the orange groves of Florida; the far West; the grand Sierra Nevadas; California, with all its marvelous beauties and resources—these have all been scenes of his travels and themes for his pen, wherein he entertained his readers with many a well-written article. Thus he combined business with pleasure and profit to his readers. The most important of these travels was an extended tour across the continent, when the Pacific railroad had been completed but a comparatively short time, and the country opened up by this great thoroughfare was still in almost its native wildness. Going by rail, he took plenty of time, stopping at various points of interest along the way, writing, graphically, descriptive articles for his paper. The unique features of the desert plains, then roamed over by the buffalo, the antelope, the lively coyote, and other wild animals in their native freedom, were set forth in entertaining articles. He visited Salt Lake City, when Brigham Young was living and reigning in all his glory, and had an interview with the great Mormon. Continuing his journey by rail to California, he passed over the Sierra Nevadas in the month of June, when the snow in huge banks still lay in the gorges, and the scene was one of wild and rugged grandeur. Arriving in San Francisco, he remained in that city for a considerable time, and then started out in excursions through various parts of that remarkable country. Railroads were not as numerous there then as now, and a large part of the travel was done in stages over thoroughfares which could only be termed roads by courtesy; and on horseback through trackless forests. He reached the famous Yosemite Valley in this manner, part of the way by stage, and when a point was reached where no trace of a road existed, the remainder of the journey was performed on the back of a mustang, the only paths being simply trails where previous traveling parties had left footprints. Here, also, he visited the famous Mariposa

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

grove of big trees, the greatest known giants of the forest, and performed the oft repeated feat of riding on horsebaci< through a hollow log which lay prostrate on the ground.

After establishing himself for a time in the Yosemite \'alley, and familiarizing himself with its grand and wonderful features, he made frequent excursions on horseback among the lofty mountains of the Sierra range in the vicinity, among snow banks in summer, the intrepid mustang climbing cliffs where a man alone would find it difficult to keep his footing.

Mr. Owen's articles on the Yosemite Valley and the big trees were pronounced to be fine literary productions, highly entertaining to his readers; and after his return he embodied some of these in a lecture, which he delivered free on several occasions. These articles are preserved now only in the old files of the Jouriia/.

HENRY TIEDJE, a leading confectioner of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born August 27, 1858, in the village of Ring-stead, Province of Hanover. Germany, the son of Henry and Bertha Tiedje.

Our subject was educated in the schools of his native place, and at the age of seventeen started out to make his way in the world, with with no capital but his own abilities. He bame to America to find a better field for his energies than the Fatherland afforded, and located first in New York City, where a brother secured him employment in a small confectionery store. In New York he remained seven years, engaged in various occupations, and then went to Poughkeepsie to work as a candy-maker for Charles H. Gerdes. On May 24, 1883, Mr. Tiedje bought the business of his employer, and has continued it since at the old stand, No. 358 Main street, with the exception of three years at No. 366 Main street. In 1893 Mr. Tiedje bought the building in which his store is located. His success has been remarkable, and is based solely upon industry, economy and good business management. He manufactures his own plain candies, soda water and ices, in which he has an extensive trade.

On October 23, 1889, he was married, by Rev. F. B. Wheeler, to Miss Mary E. Warren, daughter of Albert Warren, a well-known citizen of Poughkeepsie. They have one child, Estelle E., born September 20, 1S90. Mrs.

Tiedje is a true helpmeet for her husband, and her energy and business ability have been important factors in her husband's advancement, and he takes manly pride in acknowledging the fact. Mr. Tiedje is a naturalized citizen of the United States, but he does not take any active part in politics, his attention being given to his business interests.

BENJAMIN A. SLEIGHT (deceased), formerly a prominent business man and agriculturist of the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county, was a member of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed families of that vicinity, and as a substantial citizen of his own day he sustained well the reputation won by his forefathers. He was born in 1786, in the ' town of Poughkeepsie, and his active life covered a period of great importance in the development of that region.

Abraham Sleight, father of Benjamin A., and a native of Kingston, Ulster county, was a prominent citizen of the town of Fishkill during the latter part of the eighteenth century, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, a grateful country awarding him a pension in his later years. He followed farming all his life, settling in Fishkill shortly, after his marriage with Miss Ruth Roe. a native of Dutchess county. Both became active supporters of the Reformed Dutch Church in Fishkill. They had eight children: Sarah, who married James M. Jones, of Dutchess county; Abraham, a farmer, who died in early manhood; Benjamin A., our subject; Ann, Ruth. John (an invalid), and Nellie (none of whom ever married), and Sophie E. (Mrs. R. D. E. Stoutenburgh). Among other representatives of the Sleight family in that locality was Peter R. Sleight, a cousin of our subject, and the father of Alexander Sleight, of Lagrange.

Benjamin A. Sleight was reared upon the farm, and attended the schools of Kingston, where he acquired a good academic education. After leaving school he engaged in mercantile business in the town of Poughkeepsie. He married Miss Caroline Ackerman, daughter of James Ackerman, a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, and a leading farmer of the town of Lagrange, where she was born. Her grandfather. Gurioyn Ackerman. was a leading resident of the town of Poughkeepsie in his time, and her ancestors were among the most highly esteemed of the Holland-Dutch settlers

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295

of Dutchess county. Not long after his marriage Mr. Sleight settled in the town of Fish-kill, where his well-known integrity of character and judicial mind caused him to be elected to the office of justice of the peace, and his faithful discharge of the duties in that position occupied most of his time for many years; but later he devoted himself to the management of his farm. In politics he was a Democrat, and like his parents he adhered to the old Reformed Church. His wife died in 1854, and four years thereafter he, too, passed away.

Eight children were born to their union: Edgar, who died in 1892, was a farmer in the town of Wappinger; Louise is at home; Frank, a hardware merchant in Poughkeepsie, died in 1S77; Amelia was married to Francis B. Pye, the famous inventor; Anna married M. V. B. Schryver, of Rhinebeck, and died in 1894; Eliza is at home; John is a resident of Green-bush, N. Y.; and Sidney died therein 1873.

The late Francis B. Pye, whose name is known in all parts of fhe civilized world as the inventor of the time lock, was a native of Newark, N. J., and a descendant of an old English family. His grandfather, Thomas Pye, was the pioneer lock manufacturer of America, while he (Francis B.) was the first to manufacture cast-iron locks in this country, and was the head of the Trenton Lock Co., one of the most important firms engaged in that line of business. Since his death, which occurred in January, 1877, Mrs. Pye has lived at the old homestead near Fishkill Plains, a fine estate with a tasteful and commodious brick residence. She possesses unusual executive ability, and manages the farm of 167 acres with great skill. Her specialty is horticulture, and she has 1,200 apple trees in her orchards, which are among the most e.xtensive in the locality.

THOMAS I. STORM (deceased), who in in his lifetime was a wealthy and influential citizen of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, residing near Stormville, was one of the leading agriculturists there, as were several generations of his ancestors.

John Storm, his great-grandfather, was one of three brothers who came from Holland at an early period and settled upon a large tract of land in the wilderness—Goris in Westchester county, N. Y.; Isaac in York county, Penn., and John at our subject's present farm in East Fishkill.

Thomas I. Storm, our subject's grandfather, was born and reared there, and after his marriage to Dianah Adriance, November 9, 1788, made it his permanent home. Seven children were born to him: Isaac, a wholesale merchant in New York City; Thomas, a speculator in New York City, and the owner of a farm in Orange county; Charles, a tobacco merchant in New York City; Gallette, who married Gilbert Wilkinson, of Poughkeepsie, a boatman by occupation; Catherine, the wife of Henry Teller, a farmer in Orange county; Theodorus, our subject's father; and Emeline, who married George Doughty, a farmer.

Theodorus Storm settled upon the old farm, and married Susan Storm, a native of Fishkill, and the daughter of Col. John Storm, a descendant of one of the three brothers above mentioned. Seven children were born of this union: Susan, who married John T. Storm, now living in retirement in Beekman; Maria L., the wife of William Humphrey, a farmer in Pleasant Valley; Catherine (deceased); Theodore, who is blind; Cornelia, who married Henry Wooley, a farmer in Beekman (both now deceased); Thomas I., our subject; ^nd one child that died in infancy. The father of this family died August 10, 1865. He was a Democrat in principle, though not especially active in political affairs, and he and his wife were both prominent members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Thomas I. Storm was born April 14, 1827, and passed his entire life upon the old estate to which the residence of so many of his family have lent pleasant associations. On June 10, 1857, he was united in wedlock with Susan Maria Arthur, a lady of Irish descent, and a native of Dutchess county. Her father, John Arthur, a well-known agriculturist, was a cousin to ex-President Chester A. Arthur; her mother was a daughter of Major Abram Adriance, of East Fishkill. Of the four children by this marriage, all are residents of the town of East Fishkill. Arthur is a horticulturist; Walter follows agriculture; Adriana married Eugene Storm, formerly a merchant of New York, who died January 9, 1890, leaving a widow and one child, William T. Storm, born September 2, 1885; and Doretha, married to Benjamin D. Haxtun, a farmer, and has two children: Maria Arthur Haxtun, born October 22, 1894, and Adriana Storm Haxtun, boTn February 22, 1897.

Thomas I. Storm died very suddenly June

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

17, 1896. He took an active part in the local Democratic organization, and ser%'ed as town assessor. He was a leading adherent of the Reformed Dutch Church, of Hopewell, as is also his widow.

JOHN G. DUNCAN (deceased; was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess Co., N. Y., in the year 1793. He received a good common-school education, and while yet a young man entered the general store of Jacob Fowler as clerk. By strict attention to business he rose rapidly, and soon became owner of the store at Hoxie Corners. By degrees he acquired several farms in the vicinity, among them being the Oakley and the Stryker places. His health failing, he retired, when about thirty-four years of age, to his farm at Verbank, where he passed his declining years, dj'ing December 19, 1857. Shortly after his death his widow removed to Poughkeepsie, and died there January' 4, 1875.

Mr. Duncan in his political preferences was first a Whig, afterward a Republican, and served as justice of the peace for many years. He was fond of reading, and for a long time was custodian of the circulating library known as the Franklin Library, and he was also in charge of the District School Library.

He was progressive, being quick to appreciate and advance whatever pertained to the welfare of the community, and his sterling qualities earned for him the respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. In his domestic relations he was a kind husband and father, always preferring the quiet seclusion of home to the more bustling activities of his business life. He suffered not a little from rheumatism, and was also quite deaf, which latter infirmity accounted for his absence from many public assemblages.

The old house on the \'erbank farm (which is still in the possession of the family) was considered unusually handsome in its day, its architectural features being admired by many from a distance. The walls, which were hard finished, are still well preserved, a;id the past se\'enty years have made little impression on the solid timbers. The land now covered by the Verbank station, as well as a good portion of the Verbank Rural Cemetery, originall}- belonged to "Ingleside," the farm owned by the subject of our sketch.

The Duncan famil)', of which John C.

Duncan was a member, originally came from Scotland, first locating in Canada, thence moving to Boston, and from there to Dutchess county. William Duncan married Mary Wooley, their son George marrying Lucy Reynolds, leaving a son John G.

In 1814 Mr. Duncan married Mary \'ail, second daughter of Piatt Vail. To Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were born seven children as follows:

(i) Maria Jane was born in Unionvale in 1816. She attended Miss Proctor's school at Poughkeepsie. She was married to Leonard B. Sherman, of the town of Washington, and died in 1847, leaving two daughters, (a) Mary and fbj Matilda. (a) Mary married Lewis Germond; (b) Matilda married Chauncey Colwell.

(2) Ovid was born December i, 1819, in the town of Unionvale. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending school at Amenia Seminary in Dutchess county. He early became associated with his father in mercantile pursuits, and later purchased the Alonzo Haight farm. For many j-ears he was widely known as a dealer in cattle. He married Ann Davis, leaving two daughters, Caroline (now deceased) and Annie Kate; also four sons—John, Jesse (deceased), Everett and Theron. All those who are living reside in Dutchess county.

(3) Antoinette died in infancy.

(4) George Piatt was born June 23, 1825. His school days were passed at Amenia Seminary. On the death of his father, the homestead came into his possession. In 1864 he married Anna Brown Downing, of Lagrange, and took up his residence in this town, dying there March 23, 1874. He was honorable in his business affairs, faithful in his friendships and respected by all. He left two sons, Charles Henry (born July 11, 1866) and George Richard (born February 14, 1868), both of whom attended private schools in Poughkeepsie, and later St. Stephens College, Dutchess county. The former was graduated from St: Stephens in the class of '87, and from Gen. Theological Seminary in 1S90. His first charge was in Geneva, N. Y., from which place he was called, in 1891, to St. James Church, Watkins, N. Y. After spending five years there he was elected to the rectorship of Grace Church, Millbrook, N. Y. As the tastes of the latter inclined toward business, he left school at an early age to take up newspaper

f^ «?---^^

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297

work, which he followed with success until his health became affected. He now resides in North Granbj', Massachusetts.

(5) Catherine Amelia was born at the homestead, Unionvale, June i, 1827. She joined the Methodist Church at an early age, attending school at Nine Partners and Anienia Seminary. In company with her mother and sisters she removed to Poughkeepsie in 1 S64, becoming a communicant of St. Paul's Church in 1877, where she continued a devoted member up to her death, which occurred March 26, 1897. She was unmarried.

(6) Rebecca Matilda was born at the homestead, town of Unionvale. She attended Nine Partners School and Amenia Seminary, and was a member of the M. E. Church in her youth. Removed to Poughkeepsie and was married June 22, 1864, to Lewis F. Streit, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which Church she subsequently became a member.

(7) Frances Emma, the youngest child, was born at the homestead in Verbank, town of Unionvale. She was a member of the Methodist Church at that place. Attended school at Tookers Female Academy, Poughkeepsie. In 1864 she came to Poughkeepsie to reside, and in 1877 she was confirmed in St. Paul's Church, Poughkeepsie. She is living at her home in the above-named place, and is unmarried.

The father of Mary (Vail) Duncan was Piatt Vail (born 1769, died 1822), who was married to Catherine Reynolds (born 1767, died 1852). His father was Capt. Israel Vail, of Beekman Precinct, who served with distinction in the war of the Revolution, and whose record appears as follows, according to the secretary of the New York Society, '' Sons of the Revolution:" "Captain Israel Vail, 5th Regt., Dutchess Co., N. Y., Militia. (Col. James Vanderburg) March loth, 1778."

GEORGE SCHLEGEL. There is no element which enters into our composite national fabric which has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Germany, and in the progress of our Union this element has played an important part. The subject of this review, who comes from stanch German stock, was born at Carls-ruhe, Grand Duchy of Baden, April 20, 1823.

There he was educated, and learned the shoemaker's trade.

Hoping to benefit his financial condition, Mr. Schlegel, in 1844, sailed for America, and on landing at New York secured work there at his trade for five years, at the end of which time he came to Poughkeepsie. Here he opened a retail shoe store, and also engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, conducting his business on Main street, near River street, until 1870, when he disposed of his stock. He then came to his present location at Nos. 544 and 544,, Main street, where he has since successfully carried on a variety store, and has built up an extensive trade.

In 1846 Mr. Schlegel was united in marriage with Johanna Reinhard, a lady of German birth, who died in Poughkeepsie in 1867. Four years later he was again married, his second union being with Emma Meyerhuber, a native of Carlsruhe, Germany, and to them have been born two children, George C, born August 23, 1873, a druggist of Poughkeepsie; and Emma, born June 5, 1876. Mrs. Schlegel is the proud possessor of a medal and cross given her by King William I, of Germany, for the services she rendered during the war of 1870, while in the hospital taking care of the sick and wounded. In religious belief both she and her husband are Protestants, and they have made many warm friends in their adopted country. Politically, Mr. Schlegel uses his right of franchise in support of Democratic principles, and has maintained a lively interest in the advancement of the industrial and popular interests of the city of his adoption. He is a man of genial, social nature, a member of the Germania Society, and is a representative German-American citizen.

PETER ADRIANCE, senior member of the firm of Peter Adriance & Son, plumbers, tinners, steam, hot water and gas fitters, whose place of business is No. 393 Main street, Poughkeepsie, was born in the town of East Fish-kill, Dutchess county, April 19, 1843, on the farm where his great-grandfather. Ram I. Adriance, located, the first of the family to come to Dutchess county.

There also was born, in 1787, Peter Adriance, the grandfather of our subject, and there his entire life was devoted to agriculture. He married Catherine Storm, and they reared a family of three children: Thomas, the fa-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ther of our subject; Mary A., who wedded James Wilkinson, of Dutchess county; and Amelia, who married Willett Culver, a farmer of Dutchess county. The parents of these were both faithful members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Upon the old homestead Thomas Adriance (father of our subject) was born in 1811. He married Catherine Culver, a native of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and a (lauf^hter of a farmer of that locality. Her people were members of the Society of Friends. Five children were born to this union: Peter; Edgar, who deals in fancy goods in Pough-keepsie; Amelia, wife of S. A. Walker, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Robert, a merchant of Fish-kill, Dutchess county; and Mary A., who died in infancy. The father followed farming exclusively through life; in his political sentiment he was an ardent Democrat. He died in 1861, his wife in 1885.

Like most farmer boys Peter Adriance passed his early life, and the education he acquired in the old district school of the neighborhood was supplemented by a course in the Dutchess Academy, and at the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, N. Y., after which he returned to the home farm, where he continued to work until twenty-five years of age. In 1861 he married Miss Alice Adriance, who was born in the town of Fishkill, a daughter of John V. Adriance, an agriculturist. One child was born to them, Eugene, who is now in business with his father. After living upon the farm for about four years, Mr. Adriance entered the grocery store of Dart & Co., at Glenham, Dutchess county, as clerk, but soon after came to Poughkeepsie, where he was similarly employed by D. O. Smith for about a year. For two years he then clerked in the hardware store of Budd & Trowbridge, and then for the same length of time was with L. T. Mosher, in the pork-packing industry, after which he returned to the hardware store, which was then owned by Trowbridge & Sherrill. He soon secured a third interest in the firm, the name being changed lo Trowbridge, Sherrill & Adriance; but at the end of three years Mr. Sherrill sold out. The firm of Trowbridge & Adriance did business until 1893, when our subject purchased his partner's interest, and his son was given a share in the business, which has now grown to extensive proportions. The liberal patronage which they receive is well deserved, as

they strive to please their customers, and their work is all first-class in every particular.

Mr. Adriance is public-spirited in an eminent degree, and has done much in behalf of the general welfare of the community. He is popular, and is the center of a large circle of friends and acquaintances who honor and esteem him for his many virtues and genuine worth. He is largely interested in the Cooperative Savings and Loan Association, and prominently identified with the Masonic Order and the Royal Arcanum. He and his estimable wife contribute to the Reformed Church, which they attend. The line of descent of which our subject is a member, is as follows: (i) Adrian Reyersz, emigrated from Holland, 1646; (2) Abram Adriance, born 1680, settled in Flatbush, N. Y.; (3) Ram L Adriance, born 1753, was the first to come to Dutchess county; (4) Peter Adriance, born 1787, in Dutchess county; (5) Thomas Adriance, born in 1811, in Dutchess county; (6; Peter Adriance, our subject.

GEORGE SCHLUDE. A brilliant example _^ of a self-made American citizen, and a grand exemplification of the progress that an ambitious foreigner can make in this country of unbounded opportunities, is shown in the case of our subject, one of the leading German-American residents of Poughkeepsie. His singular success is due to his own energy and the high ideal which his lofty and laudable ambition placed before him. Success m any walk of life is an indication of earnest endeavor and persevering effort—characteristics that Mr. Schlude possesses in an eminent degree.

Our subject was born in Hochberg, Hohen-zollern, Sigmeringen, Prussia, Geri7iany, February 2, 1832, and is the elder of the two children of Boletus and Elizabeth (Grazer)Schlude, both natives of the same locality as is George, where the father died in 1834. The younger child, Josephine, wedded John Rumsburger, a merchant of Germany, but both are now deceased.

In the Fatherland George Schlude grew to manhood, securing the usual education afforded by the public schools of that country, and there learned cabinet-making. Hearing much of the splendid opportunities afforded young men in the New World, he at the age of eighteen years sailed for the United States, and in New York City and Philadelphia worked at his

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299

trade for about two years, when he returned to Germany, and there spent a similar period. However, in 1854, we again find him in America, and this time he located at Poughkeepsie, where he was employed at his trade until 1S72. He then began the furniture business, which he has since continued, at the present time located at Nos. 150 and 152 Main street, the firm being now George Schlude & Sons. For the past- five years he has occupied his present store, where he carries a full line of furniture and pictures, and in connection conducts an undertaking department.

In 1855 Mr. Schlude married Miss Caroline Hummel, a native of Baden, Germany, and eight children bless their union: Caroline, Charles, Emma, Frederick, Ida. George, Lil-lie and Leonard. Charles, Frederick and George are in business with their father. As a Democrat in politics, Mr. Schlude takes great interest in all political questions, although not an aspirant for political preferment. He has done much for the upbuilding of Poughkeepsie, and in his varied relations in business affairs, and in social life, has impressed all with his sincere and manly purpose to do by others as he would have others do by him.

ABRAM STORM HUMPHREY, a mem-_ ber of the well-known wholesale and retail drug firm of Doty & Humphrey, Poughkeepsie, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, October 12, 1848.

Thomas Humphrey, his great-grandfather, was a farmer in Dutchess county, and members of the family served in the Revolutionary war. Abram Humphrey, grandfather of our subject, was born in Beekman, July i, 1785, and followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, which occurred February 9, 1821, in Dutchess county. He married Miss Letitia Adriance, also a native of the county, and their three children were as follows: Catherine, who married Ale.xander Hasbrouck, a farmer of East Fishkill; Sarah, who married Jacob Pudney, a farmer in Dutchess county; and John (our subject's father).

John Humphrey, father of our subject, was born in Beekman, Dutchess county, June 12, 1818. He was reared upon a farm, and married Miss Catherine E. Storm, who was born in East Fishkill, June 25, 1814. Her father, Abram Storm, who was a native of the same place and a farmer, was the son of Isaac

and Elizabeth Storm, the former of whom was born in Tarrytown, N. Y., October i, 1772, and with four brothers—Jacob, John, Abram and Thomas—came in an early day, to Dutchess county. They took up a very large tract of land, some of which is still in possession of the family. The Storm family lived on Long Island in 1620, or thereabouts, and their coat of arms has been handed down to the present generation.

Our subject's parents after their marriage located on the old farm in Beekman, where they reared a family of si.x children, two of whom died in infancy. The others were Helen; Letitia, who married William Uuin-tard, of the firm of Ouintard Brothers, jewelers, of Poughkeepsie, and died July 18, 1887; John V., a wholesale and retail druggist of Poughkeepsie; and Abram S., our subject. The father of this family died October 20, 1853, the mother on August 24, 1885. He was a Democrat in his political views, and both were members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Our subject spent his younger days, after 1856, in Poughkeepsie, where he attended the Dutchess County Academy, and at the age of si.xteen he entered the drug store of Elias Trivett as clerk. There he remained for about four 3'ears, then went to Kingston, N. Y., and clerked for Van Dusen Brothers for some five years. His ne.xt location was Providence, R. I., where he engaged in the drug business for himself for one year, after which he returned to Poughkeepsie, and a year later formed a partnership under the firm name of Humphrey & Bowne. This continued two and one-half years, when Mr. Bowne sold out his interest to John V. Humphrey, and the business was then conducted under the name of Humphrey Brothers. Eight years later Abram S. sold out his interest, and became secretary and treasurer of the Storm Spring Company, holding these offices for eight years. In 1890 he became a member of the present firm of Doty & Humphrey, which does a large wholesale and retail drug business.

On October 8, 1873, Mr. Humphrey was united in marriage with Miss Mar}- Vignes, who was born in Kingston, May 20, 1850, a daughter of John Vignes, of that city, who was of French descent. Mr. Humphrey is a stanch Republican, and takes an active interest in all matters relative to the welfare of his community. In 1884 he was elected alder-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

man for the Sixth ward, and served two terms; also two terms on the water board, and at the present time represents his ward in the board of supervisors. Socially, he belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and both he and his wife are members of the Reformed Dutch Church, of which he is also a member of the Consistory.

ISAAC VINCENT, Sr., father of Mrs. Phcebe _ A. Wing, was born January 26, 1781, in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess Co., N. Y., son of Gilbert and Phcebe (\'ail) \'incent, both also natives of Dutchess county, and highly respectable farming people. In religious faith they were members of the Society of Friends. They had a familj' of thirteen children, named respectively: Isaac, Absalom, Rebecca, La-vina, Jonathan, Leonard, Thomas, Margaret and Elizabeth (twins), Richard, Michael, Phebe Ann, and Hepsibeth. Of these, Margaret married John Potter, and had two children—Jane, who married Theron Thompson, and Thomas, who was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and died of wounds received at the battle of Antietam. Elizabeth married Jonathan Huestis, and had two children—Egbert, married to Mariette Williams ithey had three children, and both are now deceased), and Jane, married to Isaac Mabbett (they have no children; Mr. Mabbett is deceased, and his widow resides in Chicago).

Isaac Vincent, the eldest in the above mentioned family of thirteen children, in 1S07 married Martha Duncan, who was born at Dover, Dutchess county, in 1788, and died October 30, 1873. Isaac was a merchant, and opened the first store at Chestnut Ridge; he was also a farmer, and accumulated a considerable amount of property. Altogether he was a man of no small influence in his day, too busy to accept office, though a strong Whig and Republican. He was the first postmaster at Chestnut Ridge, and when advanced years came upon him he handed the office over to his son Edgar, at whose death Mrs. Phoebe A. Wing took charge thereof; it has been in the family the long period of eight}' years in all. The record of the children born to Isaac and Martha (Duncan) Vincent is as follows:

(i) Horatio N. was born September 16, 1808, and died unmarried, May 27, 1862.

(2) David was born March 10, 1810, and died February 5, 1887. He married Phcebe Preston, who was born November3, 1817, and

died September 20, 1856; they had three children—Isaac, born May 16, 1847, died January 25, 1889; Martha, born July 13, 1849, died July 16, 1874; and Obed, born in 1855, died Jul}' 13, 1892 (he married Ella \'incent, and hacl one daughter, Hazelj. Obed was a Republican in politics. Isaac, Jr., son of David, married Mary E. Albro, and had three children —Phcebe Ann, David D., and Martha A. (now Mrs. John A. Gaffney). Martha, daughter of David, married Stephen Moore, and had one son—David, a merchant and farmer at Cloe \'alley; he married Minnie \"incent, and they have two children—Edna M. and \'incent.

(3) Gilbert, born March 14, 1812, married Mary Van W\ck, October 2, 1856, and they had two children—Horatio N., born January I. 1859, died March 14, 1S60; and Phcebe A., born May i, 1S61 (she married John L. Beld-ing, and had two children—Vincent, born August 26, 1879, died June 26, 1880, and John L., born April 16, 1882; their mother, Phcebe, died August 26, 1884). Gilbert Vincent died September 23, 1875.

(4) Edgar, born December i, 1813, received a liberal common-school education, and became a leading business man, was a Republican in politics, and a leader in his party. In 18—he was elected to the State Assembly; was also county clerk six years, and, as already stated, was postmaster at Chestnut Ridge, in addition to which he tilled many minor offices, all with the same degree of ability and integrity characteristic of him. No man had a wider acquaintance than Edgar X'incent, and none was more deserving of the high esteem in which he was held by all classes in the community. He died unmarried, May 14, 1874, deeply regretted by all who knew him.

(5) Phcebe A., the youngest daughter and child of Isaac and Martha (Duncan) Vincent, was born at Dover, Dutchess county, November 4, 1818. She was married in 1840 to Obed Wing, who was born August 2, i8i7,and died January 17, 1882. They had no family, but reared from childhood Martha Pray, a daughter of George and Nancy (Baker) Pray, who, at their death, gave Martha to Mr. and Mrs. Wing, and she became as dear to them, as if she was their own daughter. She has three brothers: Elias N., George and Seward, and one sister, Ida (now Mrs. Charles Duncan). Mrs. Phckhe A. Wing is in many ways a remarkable woman, there being few of her age who can boast of her wonderful vitality and

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

801

brightness. To-day, with the assistance of Miss Pray, she is conducting a large farm with all the ability and acumen of many a man of half her years, and ever since her brother Edgar's death, up to September, 1S95, she was the efficient and courteous postmistress at Chestnut Ridge. Far and wide she is known and respected, and the wish of all is that she may be spared many years of usefulness and beneficence.

JEDEDIAH I. WANZER. The Wanzer family, which has held an influential position in this region for many generations, is of old pioneer stock, and the hardy virtues of their ancestry are well e.xemplified in their numerous descendants.

The first of the line was Abraham Wanzer (i), who lived at Horse Neck, on Long Island Sound, in the town of Greenwich, Conn., about 1700. He was married first to Abigail Husted, of that place, who died several years before him. He afterward married Deborah Classon, who survived him several years. He had two children by his first wife, Anthony and Moses (i), and by his second wife, one child, Deborah. Later in life he moved with his family to the town of Sherman, Fairfield Co., Connecticut.

Moses Wanzer (I ) was born at Horse Neck, about the year 1722. He married Elizabeth (Benedict) Knapp, of Danbury, Conn., and lived and died on the farm in Sherman owned, in 1870, by Abram Wanzer, their grandson. They had eight children: <L Abram (2), (H) Nicholas, (III) Moses i'2). (IVi Ebenezer, (V) Abigail, (VI) Husted, (VH) Elizabeth, and (VIII) John.

(li Abram Wanzer (21 lived in New Mil-ford, Conn., and had a large family. His eldest son, Zebulon, married Sybil Wing, whose father was killed at a raising of a sawmill at Oblong. They lived on a farm near New Mil-ford, Conn., and had four children, as follows: (i) Michael went to Iowa when a young man, married and had two children, who, being orphaned at an early age, were taken in charge by their uncle Elihu, living at Macedon, N. Y., but later returned to the West. (2) Elihu, son of Zebulon, married Tammy Eddy at Quaker Hill, and removed to Macedon, N. Y., where they resided in 1873. They fiave no issue. (3) Elizabeth married Ward Bryant, and lived in Amenia, Dutchess county. They

had eleven children: Laura, Calvin, Elihu, James, Amos, Sarah, Jane, Ezra, Phebe, Reuben, and Coralie. (4) Jane married Luther Bencroft, and lived near Macedon Locks, New York.

Moses Wanzer, the son of Abram (2), married Sally Akin, daughter of Benjamin Akin, of Pawling, Dutchess Co., N. Y., they lived in Sherman, Conn., and had fifteen children— Nicholas Akin, Phebe, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Martha, Jane, Anna, Sarah, Lydia, Moses, Margaret, Edward, Mary, Harriet, Martha— of whom, Sarah Wanzer married Mr. Congdon, and lived inBeekman; her son James attended Cornell University, and died about the year 1872. Lydia married James Haight, lived at Chappaqua, N. Y., and had two daughters. Margaret married Dr. Holcomb, of New York City, where they were living in 1873; Moses, Jr., a farmer, married the daughter of Ezra Haight, of Chappaqua, N. Y.; Edward A. married a daughter of Akin Taber, a farmer of Pawling; Harriet lived to maturity; (the others died young).

(II)—Nicholas Wanzer, son of Moses, Sr., married Phebe Miller, and lived in the town of New Milford, Conn. He had no children.

(Ill)—Moses, son of Moses, Sr., married Sarah Hill, and moved to Vermont. They had seven children: Hill, Nicholas, Moses, John, Amy, Betsey and Sarah. Of these, Moses lived at Bath, Long Island, and later moved to Illinois, where he died about 1879. He was engaged in the clothing business in New York City. He had several children, among whom was a son named Moses, who, when a young man, went to Illinois, married and had several children. He lived in or near McHenry county.

(IV)—Ebenezer, son of Moses, Sr., married Betsey Hendrick, and lived in or near Brookfield, Conn. He had seven children: David, Phebe, Anna (3), Ebenezer, Ira, Hiram and William. Of these, David never married, and lived and died in the old homestead. Phebe married Lewis, son of Thomas Havi-land, and lived in the town of New Milford, Conn.; they had two children: Ebenezer Wanzer Haviland and Betsey P. Ebenezer married Betsey S. Wheeler, and a daughter of theirs, Betsey P. Haviland, married Robert Post, of Long Island, and settled at Quaker Hill, in Pawling, N. Y., where they now live. They have three children—Edmond Phebe and Isaac. Anna (3) married David

COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPHWAL RECORD.

Merritt. and lived on Quaker Hill, N. Y.; she died young; they had two children, who died in infancy. Ebenezer married Lucy, daughter of William Leach, settled near Brookfield, Conn., and had three children—William L., Phebe L. and Betsey. Ira married Laura Hayes, of New Fairfield; he was the author of an arithmetic, which was esteemed as a valuable work; they had five children—David, Levi, Mary, Flora and Betsey. Hiram died young. William married Hannah, daughter of Zachariah Ferris, of Jerusalem, Conn., and lived in or near New Milford, Conn.; they had four children—Charles, Hannah, Ellen and Anna; of these, Charles married Carrie Tread-well, and had three children--William D., Minnie and Alice.

(V'l)—Husted Wanzer, son of Moses, Sr., born March 3, 1762, for his first wife married Lucy I^each, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Marsh) Leach, of Sherman, Conn. She died 25th of 12th month, 1797, and for his second wife he married Mary, daughter of Stephen Osborn, of New Milford, Conn., who did not live long. He then married, for his third wife, Florilla Pepper, daughter of Dan and Sarah Pepper, of Sherman, Conn. Husted Wanzer had five children—three by the first marriage, (i) Daniel, (2) Elizabeth, (3) Ebenezer, one by the second marriage, (41 Nicholas, and one by the third marriage, (5) George, (i) Daniel married Hannah, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Haviland, of Oblong, or Haviland Hollow, and they had seven children—Husted, Haviland, John, Richard, Henry, Isaac and Ann. 12) Elizabeth Wanzer was born 12th of 5th month, 1793, married Henry, son of Edward Briggs, of Quaker Hill, and had four children—Annan, who married Polly Akin; Edward, who died single; Husted, who married Elizabeth Wanzer, and Henry, who married Almira Haws. (3) Ebenezer, born December 20, 1795, married Sarah, daughter of Amos and Esther Irish, of Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, in 2d month, 1820. She died on the 20th of December, 1823, and in 6th month, 1825, he married Esther Irish, sister of his tirst wife. She died on 3d of loth month, 1838; and on 20th of 8th month, 1842, he married Eliza Boughton, daughter of Thad-deus and Lucy Boughton, of Victory, Cayuga county. He had nine children, of whom, two were by the first marriage: Lucy, born 15th of 8th month, 1821, died 22d of 2d month, 1842; and Elias, born T2th of 12th month, 1823,

died in September, 1896 (he married Hannah Haight. and had two sons). The children by the second marriage were: Sarah, born 7th of 6th month, 1826; Charles J., born 26th of 2d month, 1828; James M., born 9th of 9th month, 1829; Elizabeth B., born 12th of 7th month, 1831; Caroline, born 29th of 4th month, 1835; Daniel H.. born 3d of I2th month. 1837; and Mary, who only lived to be some thirteen years of age. (4) Nicholas, born January 8, 1804, and died 27th of loth month, i875;mar-ried Almira, daughter of Jedediah and Lydia Irish, of Quaker Hill, N. Y., and settled in New Fairfield, Conn. They had the following children: Jedediah I., our subject; Ebenezer H., born December 24, 1831, and died unmarried October 31, 1855; Mary Jane, born June 21, 1834, married Harvey H. Barnum, February 6, 1854; Gilbert, born April 27, 1836, died October 11, 1861, unmarried; Henry B., born July 9, 1839, first married April 3, 1861, Sylvia D. Sheldon, who died August 21, 1863, and he married for his second wife Phoebe J. Haynes; John L., born August 8, 1843, died January 13, 1844; and Elizabeth B., who was born October 11, 1847, and died December 6, 1S79, married Perley M. Cummings, and had three children, one of whom died in infancy; Cora Emily, born June 13, 1876; and Ralph H., born October 4, 1877. (5) George Husted Wanzer, born February 8, 1820, was the only child of the third marriage of Husted Wanzer, and lives on the homestead at Sherman, Connecticut.

(VH) Elizabeth, the seventh child of Moses, Sr., married Thomas Haviland, a resident of Leach Hollow. They had eight children— Horace, Willis, John, Jane, Elizabeth, Phebe, Nanc}' and Sophia. Of these, Horace married Eunice, daughter of Ichabod Leach, of Leach Hollow, and settled in that place, where he followed the blacksmith's trade; he had one son, Israel, who married Abby, daughter of Zachariah Ferris. Willis Haviland, for his first wife, married Phebe Searing, and settled at Hartsville, Dutchess county, where her death occurred; they had three daughters, Sarah Eliza (married to Philip (son of Isaac) Merritt, of Millbrook, N. Y.); Mary, who never married, and Harriet. Willis Haviland, for his second wife, married Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Hart. John Haviland married Mary Ann Ferris, daughter of Zachariah Ferris, and lived near New Milford, Conn.; they had one child—Jane Ann, who married Gersham Gid-

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303

dings, but nothing is l<nown of their issue. Jane Haviland married Simeon Hinmon, of New Milford, Conn. ; nothing is known of their issue; she died and he afterward moved to Seneca county,N. Y. Eliza Haviland married Ira Leach, son of William Leach, and lived and died at Leach Hollow, Conn.; they had two children, whose names are not known. Phebe Haviland remained single.

(\'ni) John Wanzer, youngest son of Moses and Elizabeth (Knapp) Wanzer, lived in New Fairfield, Conn. He married Grace Swords, and their children were: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ithamar, Abigail, Amittai, Elizabeth, John Jay, Francis D. S., Abbie Jane, and Willis H. Of these, Abraham married (first) Anna Leach, and (second) Phebe (Haviland) Hathaway. Isaac Wanzer married (first) Eliza Treadwell, and (second) Cornelia Tread-well; children by first marriage: Jabez, Grace, Jane Ann, John, Lucy Eliza, and Andrew; children by second marriage: Elizabeth, Mar-garetta, George Munson, Sarah C. and Grace. Jacob Wanzer married Phebe Leach, and had children: Lucy Ann, Mary, Abigail, Merritt L., Jane and Julia. John Jay Wanzer married Ann Eliza Dennison. Francis D. S. Wanzer married Lucia S. Osborn, and had children: Harriet A., Sarah, Mary E., Abbie Jane, Richard D., Franklin, Thalia Grace, George and Lottie E. Willis H. Wanzer lived on his father's homestead in New Fairfield, Conn.; he married (first) Lydia Ann Leach, and (second) Sarah Ann Kellogg, and had children: Henry J., Hanford Kellogg, Willis H.,Jr., Lydia Ann and Rachel Sophia. (Willis Wanzer represented New Fairfield in General Assembly of Connecticut in 1855, 1S58 and 1873). Amittai Wanzer married Homer J. Leach.and had children: Daniel Francis and Abbie Jane. Elizabeth Wanzer married Andrew A. Skid-more, and had children: Elizabeth, Jane S., Andrew A. and James W.

Amos Irish, the maternal great-grandfather of our subject, was a son of Joseph, who was a son of Jedediah, of one of the early families of Rhode Island. Amos was born in Pawling, May 20, 1757, was educated there and engaged in farming. He was a birthright Friend. He married Esther Irish, a cousin, who was born May 2, 1757, and they had ten children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Jedediah, 31st of 8th month, 1780; Ruth, 4th of 7th month, 17S2; Rachel, 27th of 5th month, 1784; Joseph, 22d of 3d month.

1786; Charles, 14th of 4th month, 1788; Cynthia, 20th of 5th month, 1790; David, 20th of 6th month, 1792; Jonathan, 23d of 8th month, 1794; Esther, 22d of 2d month, 1797; and Sarah, 13th of 9th month, 1799. Of these children all lived to a good old age, excepting Cynthia, who died young. They married as follows: Jedediah—Lydia Hoag; Ruth—Abram Wing; Rachel—Warren Giles; Joseph married (first) Miss Dorland, and (secondj Jane Stevenson; Charles—Rhoda Ketcham; David—Martha Titus; Jonathan married (first) Ruth Chase, and (second) Hannah Tallman; Esther—Ebenezer Wanzer; and Sarah—Ebenezer Wanzer.

Jedediah Irish, grandfather of our subject on the maternal side, was born in or near the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, and spent his lifetime there, dying September 4, 1818. He was educated in the common schools of that town, and taught school for many years. He married Lydia Hoag, who was born September 20, 1792, and they had seven children, who married as follows: Amos—Matilda Giles; Cynthia—Nathan O'Banks; Almira—Nicholas Wanzer; Martin—Mary A. Haviland; Rebecca —Gilbert Jennings; Jane—John Lawrence; and Willis—Phcebe Haviland.

Almira Irish, mother of our subject, was born January 13, 1807, in the town of Sherman, Conn., educated there, and married Nicholas Wanzer, of Pawling. She died September 21, 1861.

David Irish, father of our subject's present wife, was born in the town of Pawling, and educated in the common schools. He was always engaged in farming, and also followed surveying. He was a Friend, and a minister in the Friends Society. He married Martha Titus, daughter of William and Mary (Cock) Titus, farmers of Orange county, N. Y. He died October 2, 1894, at the age of ninety-two, and his wife passed away February 22, 1873, aged eighty-four. They had three children: (i) William Irish, born in Pawling, April 16, 1820, engaged in farming. He married Miss Annie Ouimby, who was born on the istof 2d month, 1825, daughter of Aaron and Phebe Ouimby, and had one son—David A. Irish, born 3d of 8th month, 1850, in Pawling, where he engaged in farming. He married first Miss Phebe M. Hallock, by whom he had no issue. For his second wife he married Miss Henriette Hallock, a sister, and by her he had one child, who died in infancy. (2) Mary Irish was

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

born in Pawling', June 7, 1824, and married David I. Wing, a farmer in that town. They had four children: Elizabeth, born 12th of 5th month, 1S48; Martha T., 3d of 2d month, 1850; Phebe P., 27th of 7th month, 1853; Caroline, 25th of 7th month, i860; Elizabeth married Edward Ryder; Martha remained single; Phebe married Edward Wilcox; Caroline remained single. (3) Phebe T. Irish (present wife of our subject) was born in Pawling, September i, 1S28, and educated there. She married (first) Joseph Pierce, Jr., a farmer of Westchester county, N. Y., by whom she had four children: (1) William, born June 12, 1S53, died in infancy. (2) Annie S. married Charles Irish, and they have two children— Mary S. and Frederick. (3) Joseph D., born June 27, 1857, died March 6, 1893; became a farmer; he married Jennie L. Jones, daughter of Edward and Caroline Jones, and they had one child—Edward H. Pierce. (4) Henry, born in Pawling, June 7, 1S59. was educated there, graduated at Cornell College, and became a civil engineer; he is now in the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Co.; he married Miss Mary L. Hyatt, of Ithaca, and they have no issue. The father of this family, Joseph Pierce, Jr., died in November, 1858, and his widow, seven years later, married our subject.

Jedediah I. Wanzer, the subject proper of this sketch, is a native of New Fairfield, Conn., born May 13, 1829. He grew up on a farm, and had such schooling as fell to the lot of the average farmers' sons of that day. At the age of twenty-one he joined a surveying party as chain-bearer in making the survey for the Danbury & Norwalk railroad. In this capacity he worked for two years, and in that period prepared himself for the position of a civil engineer, which for ten years he followed as an occupation. In the spring of 1852 he went west and engaged in surveying in Illinois and Iowa, through the spring and summer, and that fall he had charge of and completed a division of the C. B. & O. R. R., west of Aurora, III., the work requiring one 3^ear; was ne.xt engaged in similar work on the C. N. W. R. R., west of Dixon, III. In 1856 he returned to Western, N. Y., and, as assistant engineer, superintended the widening of the Erie canal, west of Albion, N. Y. On the completion of this work in 1859, he again went west, purchased a farm in Clinton county, Iowa, on which he settled. In the winter

of 1864-65 he sold the farm and returned east (to Knowlesville, N. Y.). Later he went to Danbury. where he again engaged in surveying, and in 1867 purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and which comprises 300 acres of valuable land.

On May 6, 1858, Mr. Wanzer was married to Miss Frances Arabella Sawyer, daughter of John F. and Mary J. (Gilbert) Sawyer, both natives of Vermont, the former born June 2, 1S02, and the latter on March 25, 1823. John F. Sawyer had five brothers, who were Baptist ministers. The Sawyers trace their ancestry back to one Thomas Sawyer, who was born in England in 1615, and in 1639 came to America, settling in Lancaster, Mass., in 1647, in which \ear he married Mary Houghton. His death occurred September 12, 1706. To our subject and wife were born: Henry S. (at Lyons, Iowa), May 28, 1859, who married Lillie Jones (they have two children—Helen, born April iS, 1883, and Harry Jay, born February 28, 1889); and Helen A. born (at Lyons, Iowa) August 29, i860, died June 16, 1885; she married Frank E. Cole, May 25, 18S2. (They have two children: Emery, born April 30, 18S3, and Esther W., born December 30, 1884). On February 2,

1865, Mrs. Wanzer died, and on May 14,

1866, Mr. Wanzer married (for his second wife) Phcebe T. (Irish) Pierce, the widow of Joseph Pierce, Jr.

Our subject is one of the substantial men of the community; is the possessor of a fine tract of land above referred to, and has a fine home. In 1870. on the organization of the Savings Bank at Pawling, he was one of the original members, was made secretary of the same, and served as such until 1888, when he was made president, which position he now sustains with the bank. In politics he was a Republican through the Civil war; in 1872, he voted for Horace Greeley, and has since affiliated with the Democratic party.

NF,WTON HEHARD, cashier of the First National Bank of Amenia, has for many

years been connected with the financial interests of that place. He is a native of Dutchess county, born at Poughkeepsie, October 14, 1837, and is descended from Capt. Robert Hebard, who was born in England in 1737, at an early date becoming a resident of Dutchess county, where he died May 17, 1798. He

jN^^Y^arJ^^—.

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305

married Miss Lydia , wlio was born in

1737, and died August 21, 1S19. They became the parents of seven children: Reuben; Benjamin, who was born April i, 1765, and died April 24, 1837; Daniel, the grandfather of the subject of this review; Robert, who died May 24, 1S55, at the age of eighty years, ten months and four days; Ruth, who died January 28, 1S08; Sarah; and Lydia, who died January 6, 1788, at the age of eighteen years.

The birth of Daniel Hebard occurred June I, 1766, and on reaching manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Colbe Chamberlain. She was born June 25, 1769, and died August 27, 1796. They had three children: Salina, who was born April i, 1790, and died May 22, 1847; Aurelia, who was born August 17, 1792, and died June 27, 1858; and John J., the father of our subject. After the death of his first wife, Daniel Hebard married her sister, Letitia Chamberlain, and they became the parents of eight children: Frederick, born January 20, 1798, died February 13, 1799; Henry, born October 16, iSoo, died October 20, 1885; Edward, born November 22, 1807, died September 28, 1880; Susan, born May 14, 1809, died died January 10, 1810; Charles, born October 17, 1810, died December 15, 1845; Elias Nixon, born January 14, 1814, died August 17 of the same year; Frederick, born September 5, 1820, died May 21, 1896; and Susan, born February 17, 1824, is the widow of Col. Henry Rundall (deceased). The father of this family died January 6, 1841.

John J. Hebard, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Amenia, April 27, 1794, and during his boyhood days attended school at Sharon, Conn. On November i, 1818, he was married to Miss Harriet E. Delano, who was born March 19, 1795, and died September 5, 1857. Their family consisted of si.x children, namely: Elizabeth, born July 23, 1820, died July 17, 1869; Jethro Delano, born May 7, 1822, died February 21, 1864; George, born May 8, 1824, died December 29, 1847; John, born July 14, 1827, died Februar.y 28, 1849; Harriet Salina, born January 21, 1831, died April 29, 1881; and Newton, subject of this sketch, the only one now living. By trade the father was a silversmith and clockmaker, and was thus employed at Amenia Union at the time of his marriage. Removing to Poughkeepsie, he engaged in the same business there for a time, later engaging in the 20

manufacture of soap, and then conducted a store at that place. In 1862 he returned to the town of Amenia, where his death occurred in 1874, when he was aged eighty years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Capt. Judson, New York State Militia.

The early school days of Newton Hebard were passed at Williamsburg, N. Y., and after graduating from the academy in that city, he clerked there in a store for four years. He was engaged in farming near Newburgh, N. Y., for the same length of time, after which he went to Brooklyn, and clerked in a hat store for two years, and then for two years and a half he was in the real-estate office with G. W. Kelsey. Coming to the village of Amenia in 1862, he was employed in the store of C. M. Benjamin until 1865, when he started a private bank under the firm name of N. Hebard & Co. In February, 1867, the bank was blown open and robbed; but his good friends put him on his feet again, and in the following fall the First National Bank was purchased by the people of Amenia. Mr. Hebard then closed out his business to become clerk in that institution, and four years later he was made cashier, which important position he is still filling to the satisfaction of all concerned.

In Amenia, on October 5, 1864, Mr. Hebard was married to Miss Harriet E. Per Lee, daughter of Walter P. Per Lee. In 1858 our subject was initiated into the mysteries of the Masonic Order, and now holds membership with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M.; in religious faith he is a membes of the Baptist Church; politically he has always been an uncompromising Republican on National issues, although at local elections he votes for the one he regards as best qualified for the office to be filled. Personally he has no ambition for political preferment. He is vigorous and well-preserved, with a remarkable faculty for the conduct and dispatch of business, and in social as well as in business life stands deservedly high.

OLIVER WELDON BARNES, civil engi-_ neer, is a well-known resident of the village of Fishkill, Dutchess county, having settled there in 1867 while he was engaged in the construction of the Dutchess and Columbia railroad, of which he was the chief engineer.. His ancestors came from England in the seventeenth century, settling in Boston, and later

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUIUAL RECORD.

generations resided in Marlboro, Mass., where his father, Henry Barnes, was born in 1790. His mother, Marilla (Weldon), was a native of Connecticut, born in Hartford count}-in 1796. In 1825 they moved to Philadelphia.

Our subject was born in the town of Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn., May 15, 1823. and his education was begun there in early life. At sixteen years of age he was sent to Burlington College. Burlington, N. J.,and he subsequently went to Europe to complete his engineering studies. On his return, in April, 1847, he was appointed an assistant engineer in the first corps sent out from Philadelphia to survey the western division of the Pennsylvania railroad, extending from the summit of the Alleghany Mountains to Pittsburg. He became the principal assistant engineer in charge of the field parties, and made the final location on the bold lines that distinguished that division as the first engineering work on this continent at that time, and remained in charge of his division until its construction was completed in 1854. He was then appointed chief engineer of the Pittsburg & Connellsville railroad, extending from Pittsburg to Cumberland, now the Pittsburg division of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and remained on that work until 1857, when he took charge of the construction of the last eighty-four miles of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad, and completed it to Chicago in December, 1858. He then returned to Philadelphia, and built some branch lines for the Pennsylvania railroad. In 1866 he came to Dutchess county, surveyed, located and constructed the Dutchess & Columbia railroad, from Dutchess Junction to Afillerton, fifty-eight miles in length, and subsequently was chief engineer on the surveys for the extension of the Boston, Hartford & Erie railroad, from Waterbury, Conn., to Fish-kill-on-Hudson, superintending the construction of the work near the River Terminal until the suspension of operations consequent upon the financial difficulties of that company in 1869. Leaving the service of the Boston, Hartford cS: Erie Railroad Co., in 1S70, he became the promoter and chief engineer of the Connecticut Western Railroad Co., the surveys and location of that line from Hartford to the State Line of New York, near ^fillerton, being made under his personal supervision,and the work was subsequently constructed under his charge in 1870 and 1871.

He then became the president and chief

engineer of the New York City Central Underground Railroad Co., which was authorized by a special charter to construct a line of underground railwaj' for rapid transit through the city of New York from City Hall Park to the Harlem river. He prepared the surveys and plans for the construction of the line; but the political obstructions of the Tweed combination rendered it impossible to secure the capital for its construction at that time. In 1872 the control of the company was transferred to influential capitalists interested in the proposed New York & Montreal Railroad Co., who were intending to use its corporate rights for an entrance into the heart of the city, but were compelled by the financial panic of 1873 to abandon the scheme; the enterprise remained dormant until the Rapid Transit Commission was appointed in 1891, when the plans of the New York City Central Underground Railroad Co. were presented to the commission by Oliver W. Barnes, who had again been appointed the chief engineer of the com-pan\'. These plans were favorably considered by the commissioners, but they finally adopted a more elaborate and enormously expensive four-track system, so costly, in fact, that the Supreme Court in May, 1896; refused to sanction its construction, and declared it contrary to public policy for the City of New York to undertake it. In 1882 Mr. Barnes was appointed chief engineer for the proposed South Pennsylvania railroad, which William H. Vanderbilt and his associates undertook to construct as an extension of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad system, from Harrisburg to Pittsburg—a distance of 218 miles, through the southern tier of counties. The line was located on a bold direct route, which required the construction of seven tunnels, each a mile or more in length, and a large amount of other heavy work; construction was commenced, and the tunnels well advanced, when the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. persuaded Mr. Vanderbilt to abandon the completion of the line, and sell the financial control of the enterprise to that company. Litigation and opposition by the people of the State of Pennsylvania prevented the transfer of the property to the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. for several years; but it is now fully under its control and ownership, to be completed when the policy of that company requires it as a part of its system.

In 1884 Mr. Barnes was appointed the chief engineer of the New York, Lake Erie &

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307

Western Railroad and Coal Co., and built a line of railroad from the Erie railroad to the company's coal lands in Elk and Jefferson counties, Penn. It was a work of great engineering difficulty for the most part in the Alleghany Mountain range; on it was constructed the celebrated Kinzua Viaduct, a steel structure 2,240 feet in length and 301 feet high. It has been a very successful line, and now carries a very large tonnage from the company's mines to its main line. On completion of this work Mr. Barnes became the chief engineer of several other lines in Maryland and Virginia, which were prepared for future construction; in 1885 he was appointed a commissioner of the New Croton Aqueduct and chairman of the Construction Committee. This position he held until 1887, when political changes caused a reorganisation of the commission, and new men were appointed by the mayor of the city of New York.

Mr. Barnes was chosen, in the same year, as Chief Engineer of the New York & Long Island Railroad Co., a corporation chartered by the State with authority to construct a double-track tunnel and railway from the west side of the City of New York at the Hudson river, eastwardly along Forty-second street at a depth of one hundred feet under the surface, to and under the East river to Long Island City, and thence to Brooklyn. The line has been surveyed, located and construction commenced, and financial arrangements are now in progress for the active construction of the work. He is also chief engineer of the New York Connecting Railroad Co. (which will be a continuation of the New York & Long Island railroad), from Long Island City to the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, and other lines in and near Port Morris in the Twenty-third ward of New York City. . This line is now nearly ready for construction, and will be consolidated with other lines so as to connect all the trunk lines which now terminate in Jersey City with the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad on a terminal property near East Bay. at the Bronx river. Mr. Barnes is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Union League Club of New York, the New England Society, also the Engineers Club of Philadelphia, and his distinguished abilities and high character as a man have won for him an enviable standing wherever he is known.

Mr. Barnes was married, while he was Res-

ident Engineer on the western division of the Pennsylvania railroad, to Miss Elizabeth Denny Harding, of Pittsburg, the ceremony being performed January 7. 1851. at Allegheny Arsenal, where her father, Major Edward Harding, of the United States Army, was in command as ordnance officer. Her mother's maiden name was Nancy Denny, and her family was one of the oldest in Pennsylvania; her father, Ebenezer Denny, when a young man, went from Carlisle m Cumberland county to reside in Pittsburg, prior to the Revolution. He was an aid on the staff of Gen. Arthur St. Clair during the whole period of the Revolutionary war, and frequently met Gen. Washington. When the city of Pittsburg was incorporated in 1816, he was chosen as mayor of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have two daughters, and one son, Edward Harding Barnes, a civil engineer, in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co., near Pittsburg.

ELI H. COLLIN, a prominent merchant : of Red Hook, Dutchess county, was born

January 22, i860, in the village of Pine Plains, which had been for several generations the home of his family.

His grandfather, Eli Collin, was born there> and, with a brother, once owned and cultivated about 1.000 acres of valuable farm land in the vicinity. He married Miss Betsy Finch, of Pine Plains, and reared a family of eight children: James. William. Henry. Bryant, Lydia, Myra, Sarah and Julia. William Collin, our subject's father, was reared upon his father's farm and educated in the neighboring schools, and in later life followed, like his ancestors, the calling of agriculture. He married Miss Carh-

arine Conklin, a daughter of • Conklin, a

leading citizen of Mt. Ross.

The subject of this sketch was the only child of this union, and at two years of age was taken by his parents to the town of North Easton, where he received his elementary education. Later he attended the Amenia Seminary at Amenia. and after graduating he managed his father's farm, relieving his later years of care. After his father's death he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, first in Hudson, where he remained two years, and later in Red Hook, where he established a millinery and fancy-goods store, of which he has made a success, ranking among the substantial business men of that locality. He was

,^f)S

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married, September 21, 1887, to Miss Marian Rider, a daughter of Oliver D. Rider, a wealthy mason of Red Hook, and has two sons—William O., born in July, 1889, and Henry B., born in June, 1893.

Mr. Collin is an active member of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows, and is now past grand of Christian Lodge No. 379, of Red Hook, and financial scribe of Shiloh Encampment No. 68.

W NDREAS VALETTE HAIGHT, a lead-£^^ ing printer and publisher of Poughkeep-sie, whose original and artistic work in color printing has won recognition among his craft both in Europe and America, is a native of Ellenville, Ulster Co., N. Y., born February 4, 1842.

Eburn Haight, from whom our subject's branch of the family comes in direct line, was a descendant of one Jonathan Haight, who was born 1670-1684, and lived at Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y. He was a man of prominence in his day, and served as high sheriff of Westchester county. One of his descendants, David, born in 1701, also lived at Rye, and died about 1798. Eburn Haight, above mentioned, was born some time prior to 1754, and was a resident, like his immediate forefathers, of Westchester county, N. Y. His son, also named Eburn, was born about 1744 in that county, and married Joanna Fowler, of Ellenville, Ulster Co., N. Y. Of their eight children David was the father of the subject of these lines.

David Haight was born March 31, 1801, in Plattekill, Ulster Co., N. Y., and on February 20, 1831, married Anna Barbara Valette, daughter of John J. Valette, of Plattekill, Ulster county. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Caroline Adelia, married to George Warren, and living at Ellenville; Susan Van Wyck, wife of William H. Deyo, of Ellenville; Ruth, who died young; Phoebe Jane, married to William Warren, and also living in Ellenville; Andreas \'alette, our subject; and Eburn Fowler and George Emory, both residents of New York City.

After completing his education in the schools of his native town, our subject began to learn the printer's art in the office of the Ellenville Journal, going thence to Rondout, and from that place to New York City, where he found employment, which, however, he

gave up to enter the army. He enlisted in the Ninth Regiment, N. Y. S. M., and soon afterward was transferred to the 20th Regiment, N. Y. S. M., and on finishing his three-months' term of service he re-enlisted in the Fourth N. Y. Cavalry, from which he received an honorable discharge in 1863. On his return from the field he went to California, where for some time he worked in the office of the San Francisco Call, and later had charge of the job-printing department of the State printing works at Sacramento. In 1868 he returned to the East, and became a partner in the publication of the Ellenville (Ulster county) Journal, and began to make a reputation as a typographic artist. Of the quality of his work the "American Art Printer" says: " He (Mr. Haight) was the first of our more modern printers to depart from the sometimes over-delicate tint work of pioneers like William J. Kelly (exquisite though the latter's was), and combine therewith more daring tones and even full brilliant dashes of rich coloring, that shot his work straight into admiring notice." In an article by John Bassctt in an English journal, his work, in general, is highly praised, and made the te.xt of a brief exhortation to the English artists in this line: "To wake from their period of Rip Van Winkleism, and put into their pages a little 'go,' which should stimulate the coming generation of English Caxtons to emulate their cousin across the pond." He mentions especially Mr. Haight's new designs for type faces, several being among the most popular productions of the type foundries.

In 1874 Mr. Haight became superintendent of the Rondout Frcentait, and later was promoted to its entire control, becoming a shareholder in the company and holding the offices of secretary and treasurer. In 1878 he resigned his position on the Freeman, and opened an office in Poughkeepsie, where he has developed an extensive business. He was a large exhibitor of specimens of printing at the Cax-ton Celebration in 1877, and also in the first two Printing Trades Exhibitions held in London, England. His " Specimens of Printing," published yearly, has won the praise of experts in his line, and reflects great credit upon the capabilities of his workmen as well as upon the designer. In 18S6 the Public Printer at Washington officially invited Mr. Haight to give.expert opinion on matters in connection with the government printing office. At the time of the opening of the new bridge at Poughkeepsie the

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Eag/f of that city published a souvenir edition consisting of forty-four pages, concerning which the proprietors gave notice that they intended to ecUpse all previous efforts of the kind. The work occupied some months, and was executed in the Eagle office under the direct supervision of Mr. Haight. The frontispiece covered a superficial area of 216 inches, and was the largest which has ever appeared in a paper, and the entire paper, which contains many portraits, one of Mr. Haight being among them, was an artistic success. As a contributor to various trade papers Mr. Haight has furnished many practical and original ideas to his brethren of the craft. Among other articles may be noted the following in the " Inland Printer:" "Does Good Printing Pay.'" "About Job Composition," and a series on "Colors and Color Printing."

Notwithstanding his activity in business, Mr. Haight finds time to take part in the social and political life of his city, and has served two terms as alderman and three as supervisor, displaying his characteristic energy and ability in his public duties. He is a member of the G. A. R., D. B. Sleight Post, of which he is past commander, and also belongs to the Masonic order, being a past master of Triune Lodge, F. & A. M.; past high priest (two terms) of Poughkeepsie Chapter, R. A. M.; deputy master of King Solomon Council R. & S. M.; eminent commander for five consecutive terms of Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43, K. T., and a member of Mecca Temple, Mystic Shrine, in New York City.

«\ M. DOTY, of the well-known drug firm IL of Doty & Humphrey, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Clinton, near Clinton Corners, Dutchess county, February 5, 1850. Until about sixteen years old he lived upon the old farm, attending the district school, at which time, his parents moving to Poughkeepsie, he there finished his education, at the Riverview Military Academy.

On September 17, 1869, Mr. Doty entered the drug store of Varick & Gerard, Poughkeepsie, where he remained less than one year, and then accepted a position with Van Vaik-enburgh & Brown, who were also in the drug business in that city. Here he worked for six months, and then took charge of a branch store at the corner of Main and Bridge streets.

which he conducted for some time, purchasing a one-third interest in the business on November I, 1872. On November 25, 1873, with William Bedell, Mr. Doty bought out the firm of Van Valkenburgh & Vreeland, at the old main store, taking Mr. Brown in as a partner, under the firm name of Brown, Doty & Co. This partnership lasted about two years, at the end of which time Mr. Bedell sold his interest, and the firm name became Brown & Doty, which lasted until 1881, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Doty continued the business in both the main and branch stores for several years. During the time he purchased the drug store of L. P. Hatch, of Mil-lerton, N. Y., which was run by him successfully in connection with the above. When the firm name was Brown, Doty & Co., they bought out Peter M. Howard, at No. 265 Main street, and moved their stock from No. 249 Main street. In 1889 Mr. Doty took in his present partner, A. S. Humphrey, and in 1890 they moved from No. 265 Main street to the corner of Main and Crannell streets, which is much larger and better adapted to their rapidly-increasing business. The store is handsomely fitted up, and the firm deals wholesale as well as retail in drugs, medicines, sundries, paints, oils, glass, seeds, etc.

On September 8, 1880, Mr. Doty was united in marriage with the onlv daughter of R. W. Wing, of New York City. While on the streets of Poughkeepsie, viewing a firemen's parade, September 22, 1890, Mr. Doty was struck by a stray bullet fired from a revolver in the hands of some unknown drunken Eastman student. Mr. Doty was carried to his j'oung wife unconscious, and remained in bed several weeks, having had a marvelous escape from instant death. One child, Herbert A., born January 7, 1884, has blessed the union. Mr. Doty is an independent Democrat, and a public-spirited citizen. He has served as trustee of the Baptist Church at Poughkeepsie over fourteen years, and Mrs. Doty is a member of that organization. He has repeatedly refused many offers of public trust.

Thomas S. Doty, father of our subject, was born in 1810, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where he married Miss Maria Wing, also a native of Clinton, born in 1815. a daughter of George and Mary Wing, who were also born in Dutchess county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Doty settled on the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

old homestead (arm, he following farming and stock raising until seven years before his death, when he lived a retired life in the city of Poughkeepsie, and died January i8, 1873. To him and his wife were born the following children; Uavid, who is in the hotel business at Mound City, Kans.; Mary E., married to William Bedell, a farmer in the town of Clinton, once our subject's partner in the drug business at Poughkeepsie, she died in 1893; George, a farmer and stock dealer in Dutchess county; Carrie, wife of Frank E. Whipple, cashier of the First National Bank of Poughkeepsie; Amelia Uevine, residing in Poughkeepsie; Alexander, who died in May, 1870; Agrippa Martin, our subject; Maria, the wife of Frank Palmer, of Princeton, Kans.; Lavinia, wife of James Cookingham, the leading grocer of Clyde, N. Y.; and Thomas S., in the agricultural-implement business in Manchester, Iowa. In politics, Mr. Doty was a Democrat, and in religious faith he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1873; his widow is still living in Poughkeepsie.

David Doty, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Clinton, May 13, 1787. He married Miss Elizabeth Sands, who was born May 31, 1785, and they settled on the old homestead, where he followed farming up to his death, January 29, 1828; his wife passed away November 26, 1826. They were members of the Society of Friends, and he was an enthusiastic Democrat. The following children were born to them: Hannah, who became the wife of Alexander W'ing, a farmer of Dutchess county; Mary, who became the wife of Moses Sands, at one time sheriff of Dutchess county, but now deceased (her present husband is George Howell, who is in the real-estate business in Jersey City); Esther, married to Jacob Smith, formerly a farmer, later a liveryman in Poughkeepsie, and now deceased; David A., our subject's father; and one that died in infancy. The Dotys are of Scotch descent, and the first of the family in this country came over in the " Mayflower."

JOHN CORCORAN, a prominent business man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, a leading retail grocer and an active member of the Board of Trade, is a native of that city, born January 13, 1842.

He is of Irish parentage, and was named

for his grandfather, a lifelong resident of the Emerald Isle. His father, William Corcoran, was born there about 181 5, and in early manhood came to America with his wife, Ellen (Ryan), locating at Poughkeepsie, where he became a prosperous gardener and florist. He died in 1853, and his wife survived him until 1875.

John Corcoran, our subject, attended the public schools of his native place until he was thirteen years old, and, with the exception of one winter in a night school at Norwalk, Conn., his education was mainly self-acquired. His habits of reading and close observation have enabled him, however, to secure a range of practical information which some men of wider opportunities might well envy. At thirteen he began working in a brass foundry, and later followed the trade of florist for twelve years. He spent three years in that business in Norwalk, Conn., but since 1S68 he has been engaged in the grocer)" business in Poughkeepsie, first at th e corner of Mansion and Bridge streets, and for eighteen years past at the corner of Mill and Bridge streets. His success is substantial, and, as he believes in making the most of life and its good gifts, he has invested some of his gains in a pleasant home for his family, his residence on Bain avenue being one of the finest in the city.

He has been twice married, first, in 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Delaney, who died, leaving three children: William, Catherine and Ellen. Mr. Corcoran's present wife was Miss Mary Oldfieid, a daughter of Michael and Ellen Old-field. Eight children were born of this marriage: John (deceased), Clarice, Frances, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, James L. and Edward. The family are leading members of St. Peter's Catholic Church, and Mr. Corcoran is prominent in the work of the Catholic Benevolent Society. In fact, he has taken an active part in many enterprises — civil, religious and political, as well as those which have pertained to finance alone. He has been president of the Retail Merchants Association for two terms; vice-president of the Board of Trade for two terms, and a member of that body for many years. While he is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, he does not seek political office. About 1886 he was appointed alderman from the First ward, and was elected to the position about 1887, but resigned before the expiration of his term. About 1890 he was appointed member of the

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board of water commissioners, by Mayor Ellsworth, and he has given to the discharge of the duties of each place the ability and energy and fidelity which have distinguished his business career.

FREDERICK WORMSLEY, a successful __ and enterprising grocer of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Prussia, Germany, November 30, 1842, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Otto) Wormsley, the former of whom held the office of tax collector under the German government. Both the parents died in Germany.

Our subject spent his early days in Prussia, and at the age of fourteen came to Poughkeepsie with his sister, making his home first at East Poughkeepsie. He worked for his board, taking care of fourteen horses, milking five cows, and going to school in the winter. Later he clerked for Mr. Baker in a grocery store, on Main street, and then for James Husted, on Market street, for several years. In 1869 he started a grocery store where Wallman's bakery now is, and then conducted a store where Mr. Bloomer's place now stands. This he ran from 1S82 to 1S87, when he sold out and lived a retired life until September 21, 1S95, when he again went into business on Main street.

Mr. Wormsley was married May 10, 1868, to Annie, a daughter of John Munsell. She was born in Germany, but has been a resident of Poughkeepsie since she was six months old. They have no children. Our subject was confirmed in the Lutheran Church before leaving Germany. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men; a Veteran Fireman, life member of Steamer Company No. 2; and a member of Freigangrath Lodge No. 549, D. O. Haragari. He has been a lifelong Democrat, but has never sought public office. He began life as a poor boy, and has succeeded in accumulating a comfortable property. Mr. Wormsley is a straightforward business man, and is highly respected by his neighbors and associates.

EDWARD HUNTTING BEDFORD (de- 1 ceased). The Bedford family has been

prominent in the vicinity of Glenham, Dutchess county, for many years, and by intermarriage it is related to several other distinguished

families of this section. The subject of this brief memoir was a worthy descendant of such an ancestry, and although his life was passed in the quiet calling of agriculture he displayed, on all occasions, characteristics which would have adorned any sphere of life.

He was born at Glenham, July 14, 1835, the son of John and Sarah H. (Waldroni Bedford, and grandson of John Bedford, a jeweler and watchmaker at Fishkill. His father was born May 16, 1791, and died February 24, 1845, after spending his later years as a farmer at Glenham. His wife, whom he married February 20, 1828, was born April 28, 1800, survived.him many years, dying January 15, 1882. She was a daughter of Peter Waldron (who was born April 23, 1754, and died May 10, 1827) and his wife, Edea Swartwout iborn October 9, 1764, died January i, 1847). Their marriage took place February 21, 1796.

Edward H. Bedford was one of two sons, his brother Andrew, who was born March 15, 1830, being the elder. Our subject attended the district schools at Glenham, and the academy at Fishkill, then conducted by Rev. Dr. Pingree, and later entered Yale College, but was obliged to leave on account of ill health before his course was finished. Returning home, he assumed the management of the farm, which he continued until his death, which occurred January 20, 1872. He was prominent in the varied activities of his locality, being one of the leading officials of the Fishkill Savings Bank, and an earnest supporter of the Republican party. In the Reformed Dutch Church at Glenham he was an active worker, holding the offices of deacon, treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday-school.

On October 13, 1859, he was married to Miss Anna Bevier, daughter of Rev. John H. and Margaret (Van Wyck) Bevier. Her father was at that time the pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Glenham, and he performed the ceremony in the parsonage there. On the maternal side her grandparents were Cornelius C. and Lctitia (Adriancei Van Wyck, of Fishkill. To Mr. and Mrs. Bedford eight children were born, as follows: Edward Huntting, Jr., December 25, i860, died August 11, 1864; John Bevier, February 27, 1862 (of whom further mention is made); Andrew Wortman, August II, 1863, died December 30, 1882; Wilhelmus, January 24, 1865, died January .3, 1894; Sarah Van Wyck, May 21, 1866; Anna Huntting, July 12,1868, was married at'' Glen-

COMilEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

villa," Glenham, May 23, 1894, to the Rev. Peter Stryker Beekman, by the Rev. Benjamin E. Uickhant; Charles \'an Wyck, March 14, 1871, is a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church; and Edwin Rapelje, August 19, 1872, is a physician at Brooklyn, New York.

John Bevier Bedfokd was educated in the public schools of Glenham and Matteawaii, also in a private school at Fishkill Landing and a boarding school at Poughkeepsie. After leaving school he settled on the old homestead, where he has ever since resided. In 1888 and '89 he passed a year in the West and Southwest, spending part of the time at Omaha, Neb., and Wichita, Kans. After his return home he was appointed postmaster at Glenham, beginning with the administration of President Benjamin Harrison, and which position he held for five consecutive years. He is now clerk of the school board, having held the office for nearly three years. In politics he is a Republican.

Genealogy of the Bevier Family— First Generation: Louis Bevier and Maria Lablane emigrated from France between the years 1672 and 1675. Children of Scco/id Generation: Maria, born July 9, 1674; John, January 2, 1676; Abram, January 20, 1678; Samuel, January 21, 1680; Andries, July 12, 1682; Louis, November 6, 1684; Ester, 1686; Solomon, July 12, 1689. Third Generation: Abram Bevier was married to Rachel \'ernooy, 1707. Their son Samuel was baptized in 171 5, and they had nine other children beside him. Fourth Generation: Samuel Bevier, Jr., was married to Sarah Le Fever. They had three sons and four daughters; Andries, their eldest son, was born April 4, 1742. Fifth Generation: Andries Bevier married Jecomyntie Du Bois, June 2, 1764. She was the daughter of Cornelius Du Bois and Margaret Hough-taling. They had the following children; Sarah, born August 18, 1765; Samuel, October 25, 1766; Cornelius, April 27, 1769; Wilhel-mus. May 10, 1771; Lewis, born December 5, 1773; Abraham, July 28, 1776; Janatie, November 30, 1781, died in infancy; Margaret, baptized May 30, 1779; Josiah, baptized February 7, 1783; Rachel, baptized March 13, 1791. Sixth Generation: Wilhelmus Bevier was married January 11, jSoi, to Anna Hoorn-beek, born May 29, 1771. and died June 3, 1850. They had the following children: (i) Jemimah, born November 24, iSoi, died October 19, 1885; (2) Catherine, born Sep-

tember 14, 1803, died March 8, iS64;(3j John H., born July 21, 1805, died August 14, 1880; (4j Maria, born August 29, i8b7, died June i, 1885; (5) \\'illiam, born August 29, 1809, died June 14, 1834; (6) Benjamin H., born March i, 1812, died September 7, 1S80; (7) Sarah, born June 24, 1814, died March 20, 1863. John H. Bevier married Margaret Van-Wyck and had the following children: Cornelius Van Wyck, born April 19, 1833, died September 28, 1889; Anna, born March 24, 1835 (widow of Edward H. Bedford), resides at "Glenvilla," Glenham; Wilhelmus. born April 23, 1840, died January 26, 1844; and Laetitia Van Wyck, born April 19, 1842, resides at " Glenvilla."

Genealogy of the \'an \\'yck Family: Cornelius C. Van Wyck, born April 25, 1763, died December 9. 1832. Letitia Adriance, hrs wife, born February 5, 1766, died May 22, 1858. They were rnarried May 3, 1786. To them were born the following children: Isaac, born January 31, 1787. died April 16, 1858; Letty, born October 26, 178S, died June 9, 1835; Peter Schenck, born January 19, 1790, died September 28, 1875; Susan, born July 30, 1791, died July 2, 1878: John C, born March 24, 1793, died June 2, 1867; Sally, born February 5, 1795, died February 18, i860; Maria, born December 15. 1796, died March 18, 1879; Ida Eliza, born May 16, 1799, died September 2, 1800; Charles, born April 7, iSoi, died March 28, 1880; Albert, born February 25, 1803, died November 23, 1806; Caroline, born January 22, 1805, died August 16, 1875; Margaret, born July 3, 1810, died November 20, 1868 (she was the wife of the Rev. John H. Bevier).

JOHN SUTCLIFFE, one of the best known and most successful business men of Pough-^ keepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Stain-land, near Halifax, Yorkshire, England, July 29, 1837, a son of Eli and Mary (Lumb) Sut-cliffe. His grandfather John, and great-grandfather Eli Sutcliffe, were natives of the same locality, the former of whom carried on a woolen business, the latter conducting a paper-mill.

Eli Sutcliffe, the father of our subject, was born April 7, 1815, also in Stainland, near Halifax, England, grew to manhood in his native country, and there married Miss Mary Lumb, who was born in Barkisland, near Hali-

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313

fax, England, September 23, 1815. Her father, John Lunib, a weaver of woolen goods, was also born in that part of the country. About four years after their marriage the young couple came to the United States, and in 1840 settled in Poughkeepsie, where Mr. Sutcliffe at first worked in a woolen-factory, afterward engaging in teaming. In 1851 he opened a grocery store at the corner of Union and Clover streets, which he carried on some eighteen years. In 1855, in partnership with David Scott, he went into the manufacture of soap and candles, later, however, disposing of this business, also, in 1867, of his interest in the grocery store to his son William H., after which he retired from active business. In politics he was originally a Whig, and for many years since has been an active member of the Republican party; he has served as assessor for the city of Poughkeepsie. In religious faith he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife, who departed this life September 10, 1894. Five children were born to this worthy couple, as follows: John, the subject of this sketch; Sarah E., who married Benjamin F. Brinker-hoff; William H., a grocer in Poughkeepsie; Eli D., an Episcopalian minister in Oregon; and George T., who died in infancy.

John Sutcliffe, our subject, was three years old when his parents came to this country, and was reared in Poughkeepsie, where he attended the public schools, and also the Dutchess County Academy. His business career he began as clerk in his father's store, and in 1861 went to Peekskill, where he became assistant manager of the Peeksville Blast Furnace, a position he filled for two years. He then drew the plans for a new furnace to be established at Coldspring, Putnam Co., N. Y., known as the Phillips Iron Works, and which he also built and started. After getting this well under way, owing to some disagreement with the management, he resigned his position and went to England in order to post himself more thoroughly in the details of the iron business. In the fall of 1864 he returned to the United States, and began the building of new iron works at Verplanck's Point, N. Y.; but owing to the financial panic in 1865 they were not completed. In the latter year he erected the building on the corner of Union and Clover streets, Poughkeepsie, for his father, and became interested in a woolen business with an uncle. In the following spring he went to Hyde-

ville. \'t., to take charge of the works of the Eagle Slate Co., and remained with that company for four years, managing the business with great success, and making many improvements in the establishment. In 1868 he went to Wales and England, where he made a study of the manufacture of slate, and on his return built the machinery for working up refuse stock into billiard tables, mantels and other slate work. He also built the mill which he successfully operated until 1870, when he left the company on account of a difference of opinion. In the summer of 1870 he remodeled a slate mill at the Chapman slate quarries in Pennsylvania, and in the winter of 1870-71 returned to Poughkeepsie to build the filter beds, docks, etc., for the city water works, and spent the year 1871 in constructing the same. The filter beds were the only successful ones of the kind in the United States at that time, and are still in operation.

Mr. Sutcliffe spent a portion of the following year traveling through the South and West, studying and looking up the large iron fields, etc. In the fall of 1872 he again returned to Poughkeepsie and built the Hudson River Iron Works, and the docks now known as the Phceni.x Horse Shoe Works. In 1873 he took contracts to build sewers and lay water pipes in the city of Poughkeepsie; but before the contracts were finished, owing to the stringency in the money market, in the fall of 1873, the city could not raise sufficient money to meet its obligations, and requested Mr. Sutcliffe to suspend work. However, he obtained the necessary funds from private sources, and finished the work. He also managed the Franklin Iron Works near Utica, N. Y., which had two blast furnaces, and in addition to his other enterprises built a row of brick buildings in Poughkeepsie.

In the spring of 1874 he was called to Pennsylvania to settle up the business of the Pond-Eddy Blue Stone Company, which was located on the Erie railroad, in Pike county, in which affair he displayed much ability, and matters were satisfactorily arranged. He was next employed by the Vallecillo Silver Mining Co., to look up their mines in Mexico, and if he thought they could be run with profit, to take the management of them, and if not, to return and receive one j-ear's pay for his services. His investigation proved so satisfactory that he took charge of the mines and operated them for ten years, during which time he succeeded

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in placing them on a good paying basis without any cost to the company. In the fall of 1884 he returned home and took a year's rest after his arduous labors, at the end of which time he was engaged by the receiver of the Steel Company of Canada, Nova Scotia, to take charge of its affairs as general manager, and owing to the success attending his management a new company was organized under the title of the Londonderry Iron Company, Limited, in which he took an interest, and of which he became general manager. In the fall of 1889 he resigned his position as manager, consenting, however, to act as consulting engineer, with his residence at Poughkeepsie instead of Nova Scotia. Since that time he has made his home in Poughkeepsie, and has been engaged in various contracts, and acting as consulting engineer.

On July 26, 1876, Mr. Sutcliffe was married to Miss Sarah E. Swart. Her father, William Beekman Swart, was of Dutch descent, a descendant of Anneke Jans, and an old settler of Dutchess county, whose father, Maj. Thomas Swart, served in the Revolutionary war, and was an officer in the war of 1S12. Three children have been born of this union, Paul, Allen and John \V.

Mr. Sutcliffe is a strong Republican, and served as police commissioner for two terms. In religious matters he is not a sectarian, but has a kindly feeling for all denominations. He was formerly an Odd Fellow, and is now a member of the Masonic fraternity; is a member of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Institute of Mining Engineers, also of the Engineers Club of New York City. In the various responsible positions that he has filled he has earned the reputation of a man of integritj', good judgment and keen business ability, and is everywhere respected and esteemed for his many sterling qualities.

law in the law office of Tristram Coffin, with whom he remained two years, and then entered the Albany Law School, graduating with the class of '76. Returning to the old homestead, he has here been engaged in farming ever since.

On January 14, 1885, Mr. \'ail was married to Miss Gertrude B. Flagler, who was born at Overlook in the town of Lagrange, a daughter of Philip D. Flagler, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Vail have two children: Elias C. and Lavina C. In 1895 our subject purchased a house on the corner of South Hamilton and Barclay streets, Poughkeepsie, which is one of the finest residences in Poughkeepsie. He is a Republican, and one of the foremost citizens of the place.

Elias D. Vail, the father of our subject, was also born at Verbank, as was also Isaac, the grandfather, and Elias, the great-grandfather of our subject. Isaac, the grandfather, was the father of thirteen children, of whom Elias D. was the youngest. The latter grew to manhood on the farm, and married Miss Lavina Cornell, who was born in the town of Beekman, a daughter of George Cornell, a farmer. The Cornell family was also of Holland stock. To Elias D. and his wife children as follows were born: Willard C.; George E. and Edwin G. (twins), the former of whom died at the age of sixteen years, while the latter is a farmer on the old homestead. The mother died October 22, 1861; the father lives on the old homestead; he is a Republican in his political preferences.

WILLARD C. VAIL, of Poughkeepsie, was born in Verbank, Dutchess county. May 17, 1856, and is a descendant of Holland ancestors. He spent his boyhood on the old farm, and attended the district schools, from which he went to the Oswego Institute, and spent one year at the Poughkeepsie Military Institute. Later he entered the hardware store of X'alentine & Coleman, in Poughkeepsie, holding the position of clerk and bookkeeper. Next he commenced the study of

JOHN VINCENT HUMPHREY. Among the prominent business men of Poughkeepsie few names are better known than that of the subject of this sketch, who, since 1874, has successfully conducted a drug business there. He is a native of Dutchess county, born in the village of Beekman, October 20, 1853, and is a son of John Humphrey, whose birth also occurred at that place, in 1818. There the father engaged in farming until he was called from this earth, when our subject was only a few days old. At Stormville he was united in marriage with Catherine E. Storm, a daughter of Abram Storm, and to them were born four children: Helen R.; Latitia C, deceased wife of William M. Ouin-tard; Abram and John V. The paternal grandfather, who bore the name of Abram Hum-

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315

phrey, also engaged in agricultural pursuits at Beekman.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed in Poughkeepsie, where he attended, and completed his literary education in, the Dutchess County Academy. He began his business career as a partner in the drug store of his brother, Abram S. Humphrey, who was then conducting the drug business, and in 1882 purchased his brother's interest, since which time he has been connected with the drug trade in Poughkeepsie. His first place of business was at No. 3S4 Main street, where he remained two years, and then removed to No. 386, there carrying on operations for five years. He then purchased his present store at No. 388 Main street, where he carries a full and complete line of drugs, patent medicines, etc. As a business man he is enterprising, energetic, always abreast with the times, and has been rewarded with a well-deserved success.

Mr. Humphrey was married at Poughkeepsie, October 3, 1877, to Miss Sarah Millard, daughter of John P. Millard, and four children grace their union: John Huson Millard, born November 29, 187S; Abram Storm, born April 16, 1880; Ogden Hoffman, born July 16, 1883, and Olive, born January 28, 1897. Mr. Humphrey is a man of generous impulses, giving liberally of his time and money to all worthy causes, and in everything he does he tries to make the world brighter and better. He holds membership with the Second Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie.

JAMES EDGAR SADLIER, M. D. Among the young followers of .Esculapius who have " won their way unaided and attained prominence in their profession, is James Edgar Sad-lier, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. He was born at Walden, Orange Co., N. Y., March 28, 1S65, of French ancestry.

James Sadlier, Jr., the father of our subject, was a native of France, the son of James Sadlier, Sr., also a native of France, who, at the time of his son's birth, was visiting with other members of his family in England. When James Sadlier, Jr., was five years old, his parents removed to the United States, and located in New York. His education was received at the public schools of that city, and on leaving school he at once entered the business world. He established himself in the tobacco business at the corner of Broadway and

Maiden Lane, where he remained until 1873. In Orange county, N. Y., he was married to Miss Ann Jeannette Woodruff, daughter of Richard and Charlotte Woodruff, prominent residents of that county. Si.x children were the result of this union, three of whom died in infancy; the others are: Charles Whittemore, secretary and treasurer of the Walden Savings Bank, and teller of the Walden National Bank; James Edgar; and Augustus, who is at the old home in Walden, N. Y. The father of this family passed to his final rest January 4, 1876, at the age of fifty-one years. He was a man highly esteemed for his many sterling qualities, and well liked by all who knew him for his genial nature, a characteristic of the French nation.

James Edgar Sadlier, the subject proper of this review, received an unusually good education, first attending the public schools of his native town, later attending an academy at Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y., and also one at New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y. He decided to enter the medical profession, and accordingly went to Pine Bush, Orange county, and began the study of medicine under the careful tuition of his uncle. Dr. William H. Woodruff; after studying with him for sometime our subject, in 1S84. was enrolled as a student in the Medical Department of Union College at Albany, N. Y., completing his course in 1887. His advantages had well disciplined his mind, and his careful attention to detail had given him a reputation before leaving the class room that years of practice often fail to acquire. On leaving school he was appointed on the staff of the Albany City Hospital for the period from October, 1887, to April i, 1889. After his term at the hospital had expired he came to Poughkeepsie, and began the regular practice of his profession. His untiring and unceasing labor, coupled with his skill. Foon won recognition, and he, by his own exertions, had, in a short time, built up a large and lucrative practice. In July, 1891, he was appointed one of the attending physicians of Vassar Brothers Hospital, which position he is still holding. He is also physician for the pension department of this district.

On June 18, 1891, Dr. Sadlier was united in marriage with Miss Hattie C. Millspaugh, daughter of Theron L. Millspaugh, of W'alden, N. Y. No children have been born to them; Socially the Doctor is a member of Armor Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and in the social

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life of the city he and his charming wife are \vell-i<nown and important factors. He served as secretary of the Dutchess County Medical Societ}- from January, 1891, to January, 1897, when the society elected him delegate to the New York State Medical Society for the ensuing three years, which necessitated his resignation as secretary.

SHERMAN NICHOLAS HAIGHT. The subject of this sketch is a representative of tlie ninth generation of the Haight family in America. Simon Haight, the founder of the family on this side of the Atlantic, came from England to Massachusetts in 1628. His son Nicholas (i) married Susanna Joyce, and had a son, Samuel, whose son Nicholas {2) married Patience Titus, and, purchasing land from the Nine l^artners, came to Dutchess Co. from Long Island. Jacob 11), son of Nicholas (2), was born on Long Island and married Sarah Hicks; they came from Poughkeepsie in an ox-cart, and settled on the farm where Clement Haight now lives. The place was then a wilderness, and wolves were numerous; they built a log cabin, the door of which was bark. To this pioneer couple were born the following children: Elizabeth, John, Stephen, Nicholas (3), Jacob (2), Patience, Sarah, Samuel |2J, and Phcebe. Nicholas (3) married Miss Margaret Vincent, and in their family of several children was Nicholas (4), who married Ph(ebe Skidmore, and followed the occupation of a farmer e.xclusively. Both he and his wife were Quakers, and they reared the following: Andrew, the father of our subject; Sally, who died unmarried; Elias, who married Lavina Vail, and was a farmer in the town of Washington; James, who married Eliza Smith, and was a farmer on Chestnnt Ridge; and Louisa, who died unmarried.

Andrew Haieht, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Washington, May 16, 1805. He married Sarah Ann Sherman, a daughter of Jedediah and Catherine (Gage) Sherman, born October 17, 1803, either in Dutchess or Saratoga county. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Haight settled on a farm, and two children were born to them: Nicholas, who died in infancj', and Sherman, our subject. The father died September 10, 1877, and the mother on April 8, 1869. In politics he was a Republican, and, religiously.

both he and his wife were followers of the Quaker faith.

Jedediah Sherman, the maternal grandfather of Sherman Haight, was a prosperous farmer in the town of Washington, born February 26, 1781. His first wife (whose name is not now known) was born June 8, 1780. ]iy her he had five children, of whom the following is the record: (i i Mosher B., a miller at Little Rest, first married Miss Barton, by whom he had two children—Kate and Isaac—and for his second wife wedded Miss Phcebe Conklin, a sister of Isaac Conklin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. (2) Howland R., a dyer, who married Caroline Innis, by whom he had one child—Kate. (3) Jeremiah D., a merchant at Mabbettsville and later a farmer, who married Hannah Tabor, and they had children as follows—Elizabeth, Sarah, Caroline, Philip J., Martha, George, and Kate. (4) Leonard, who first married a Miss Duncan, b\' whom he had two children—Mary and Matilda; after the death of his wife he again married, and three children were born of this union—Jane, Henrietta, and Charles. (51 The mother of our subject.

Sherman Haight, the subject proper of this sketch, was born in the town of Washington, May 27, 1841. He spent his boyhood on the home farm, and on December 7, 1869, was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Sisson, a native of Washington town, and a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Bryan) Sisson. After their marriage our subject and his wife located on their present large dairy farm, which is one of the finest in Dutchess county. The following children have graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Haight: Sarah Eliza, Anna Sisson, Andrew Henry, Sherman David, and Samuel Moore, all of whom are living and unmarried. Politically, our subject is a Republican, and he and his wife are prominent in social circles.

Henry Sisson, the father of Mrs. Haight, was born in Washington township, April 10, 1S07, a son of Lemuel, Jr., and Sarah (Sutherland) Sisson, the former of whom was a native of Rhode Island, a son of Lemuel, Sr., who in turn was a direct descendant of old Huguenot stock. The other children in the family of Lemuel Sisson, Jr., were: Jacob, Job, William, Anna, Richard, Lydia, Phoebe, Sally, Isaac and Marah Deborah. On reaching manhood, Henry Sisson was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Bryan, who was born March 16, 1810, in the town of Northeast, a daughter ot Amos

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and Elizabeth (Flint) Bryan, and to them were born four children, namely: Emily, who married Waltei? F. Conklin, a merchant and musician; James B., a farmer and auctioneer, who married Miss Helen Titus; Anna, who became the wife of Samuel H. Moore, for many years associated with Adriance Piatt & Co., manufacturers of harvesting machinery; and Sarah E. (Mrs. Haight).

Amos Bryan, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Haight, settled on the Bryan homestead farm, in Northeast town, after his marriage with Elizabeth Flint. They had a family of nine children: David, Isaac, Ward, Ezra, James, Laura, Mary, Sarah E. and Eliza. William Cullen Bryant was related to this family.

CHARLES IvIRCHNER, the well-known _' proprietor of a large meat market at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and one of the most extensive real-estate holders of that city, is a native of Germany, born May 31, 1835, in Otterberg, Rhenish Bavaria.

His ancestors were prominent residents of that place for many generations, and William Kirchner, his great-grandfather, was Dominie in the Erst Reformed Church there. Frantz Ivirchner, our subject's grandfather, a butcher by trade, had six children: Catherine Good-hart; William and Henry, who came to Philadelphia at an early date; Jacob, who was an unusually fine specimen of physical manhood, being over six feet in height, and was a member of Napoleon's famous body-guard of three hundred men in the ill-starred Russian campaign, from which he never returned.

Conrad Kirchner, our subjects' father, born in 1800, succeeded to his father's business, and remained at the old home, where he died in 1877. In I 82 5 he married Elizabeth Godel, who was born in Otterberg in 1800, and died in 18S0. They had ten children: Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Nunce, of Newark, N. J.; William, who inherited his father's house and business, and died in 1892; Caroline, who remained in Germany and married John Hubing there; Jacob (deceased), formerly a butcher at Otterberg; Charles, our subject; Conrad, who was a butcher in Otterberg for many years, and died in Poughkeepsie in 1892; Wilhelmina, who married (tirstj Christian Strause, and (second) Baron Von Gutterman, both prominent men in Germany; Louis, a butcher in

Poughkeepsie; and Philip and Henry, both in the butcher business at Newark, N. J. The brothers have all been successful in business. The parents came to America in 1869 to visit their sons, and the father, who was a man of 'fine presence and genial nature, made many friends among the leading people of Poughkeepsie. In the summer of 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Kirchner celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Otterberg, Germany, for which occasion eleven members of the Kirchner family in America proceeded to Germany to be present at the event; there were eighty members present.

Charles Kirchner, the subject proper of this review, attended the schools of his native town until he was fifteen years old. He made good use of these opportunities, and has since kept well informed on the topics which interest all intelligent people. At the age of eighteen he began to assist his father in business; but soon after, in May, 1854, he came to America, being the first of the sons to leave the old country. After a short stay in Newark, N. J., he went to Poughkeepsie, arriving there on July 5, same year. He secured a position as clerk with Jacob Petillon, remaining six months, when he returned to Newark and clerked in a butcher shop for a year and a half. During this time he learned the trade, also familiarized himself with the English language, and in August, 1856, he engaged in business for himself in Newark, continuing it successfully until October, 1862, when he removed to Poughkeepsie and opened his market at No. 156 Main street, which he has now conducted for more than thirty-four years. His success in this line has been marked, and he has also made some judicious investments in real estate, which have proven profitable. At one time he owned the Poughkeepsie Driving Park, which he sold to Edwin Thorn, and at present he pays the largest taxes on real estate of anyone in the city. In 1872 he built " Kirchner's Hall " for a State Armory, which is allowed to be one of the best buildings in the city, and in 1891 he converted it into a public hall, for which purpose it is one of the finest in the State. His rare judgment and business skill have been widely recognized in financial circles, and he is often consulted in important enterprises.

In 1867 Mr. Kirchner married Miss Caroline C. Petillon, daughter of Jacob Petillon,his first employer in this country. They have no

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

children. Mr. Kirchner has thirty-five nephews and nieces in German)' and America, to whom he is most generous and affectionate, being especially interested in their education. One he has sent to the Bishop School; one to the Bisbee Military School: one to the Theological Seminary, at Rochester, while a niece graduated from V'assar in 1893. He is always ready to risk something to help another, has been bondsman for many city officers and bank officials, and has never lost a dollar. As a lover of horses, he delights in owning and driving a fine team.

Mr. Kirchner has made four visits to the Fatherland, one for four months, in 1861, while he was in business in Newark; one of seven months in 1874, and one in 1S80 at the time of his mother's death, when he re-interred his father's remains by her side in a new burial plot, and erected a handsome monument. His last visit was in 1890, when his wife accompanied him, and they traveled some eight months, visiting many points of interest. He and his wife are leading members of the I-ie-formed Dutch Church, and in local affairs, he is regarded as a friend of every progressive movement. He is an intiuential worker in the Republican party, and has been urged to become a candidate for the office of mayor, but he has never permitted his name to be used in such connection.

Y.\N W'VCKS. The ancestor of the \'an-Wycks in Dutchess county was Cornelius Barents \'an Wyck, who, in 1650, came to New Netherlands from the town of Wyck, Holland, and in 1660 married, at Flatbush, Kings Co., N. Y., Ann, daughter of Rev. Johannis Theodorus Polhemus, the first Reformed Dutch minister in that county.

The Van Wycks, of Holland, are an aristocratic family, and continue to use the same coat of arms as those brought here by the American Van Wycks upward of two and one-half centuries ago. From the beginning of the history of Dutchess county the Van-Wycks have been prominent in the professions, and in the public service, as judges, legislators, congressmen, senators, and soldiers of all the wars of our country, including that for American independence.

Theodorus Van Wyck, son of Cornelius Barents \'an Wyck and Ann Polhemus, was

born in Flatbush in 1667. He rnarried Margaret Brinckerhof; took oath of allegiance at New Amsterdam in 1687.

Theodorus Van Wyck, son of Theodorus Van Wyck and Margaret Brinckerhof, was the surveyor and original purchaser of a tract of 900 acres of land in the town of East Fishkill. He was a very prominent man of his time. Together with Col. John Brinckerhof, he was appointed one of the first judges of the Court of Common Pleas, on the 24th of February, 1752, by George Clinton, Captain General Governor, and Chief of the Province of New York, and the territories thereon depending in America, under King George H. [This old document is now in the Armory Museum at Poughkeepsie.] He married Elizabeth Creed.

Theodorus Van Wyck, son of Theodorus \'an ^^^yck and Elizabeth Creed, was born in 1730, and died in 1797. He married Altje, daughter of Col. John Brinckerhof and his wife, Janetje Van Voorhees. He was a physician, and the earliest in the county; he was among the first to renounce his allegiance to King George, and because of his outspoken sentiments was compelled by his Tory neighbors, in 1775, to leave Fishkill. He removed to New York City, and was elected a delegate to the Second Provincial Congress in that year. The patriots becoming more bold and outspoken throughout the county, he returned to his farm in the early part of 1776, and was again elected to Congress in that year from Dutchess county. During the Revolution he was an active patriot. His family have from time to time held many offices of trust. The sons of Dr. Theodorus \'an Wyck and Altje Brinckerhof, his wife, were Abraham \'an-Wyck, John Brinckerhof \'an Wyck, and William \'an Wyck.

Abraham Van Wyck held the commission of major-general in the war of 1812; he was a large landowner in Fishkill. W'illiam Van-Wyck was elected to Congress from Dutchess in the early part of the century. John Brinckerhof Van Wyck married (first) Gertrude Brinckerhof, and (second) Susan Scheiick; his sons by his second wife" were: Alfred, John, William and Edmund. He was a large landowner in Fishkill, and was a general in the State militia. He was elected to the Assembly of this State in 1812 and 1816; was a successful breeder of Merino sheep, and made a fortune in wool and land. Old documents in possession of the family show that he held

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319

several civil appointments from Governors John Jay and Dewitt Clinton.

Alfred Van Wyck, eldest son of John B. Van Wyck and Susan Schenck, was a farmer in the town of Fishkill, occupying the old homestead. In i860 he moved to Illinois, buying a tract of land that afterward became a part of the town of Clifton. He died in 1894, aged ninety-two years. He married Miss Charlotte \'iets, by whom he had one son, John B., and two daughters, Mary and Charlotte.

John Van Wyck, second son, had an inclination toward a mercantile life; he became a partner in a large dry-goods house in New York City, and remained there for some years. He afterward retired from business, and, returning to Dutchess county, purchased a handsome place at New Hamburg, where he died in 1878. He married Miss Sarah Mesier;their family were ten in number: four daughters—Kate, Cornelia, Sarah and Mary; and six sons—Mesier, Abraham, Henry, Edmund, John and William.

William Van Wyck, third son, studied law and was admitted to the bar. He died from an accident in 1854. He married Miss Augusta Forman; they had no family.

Edmund Van Wyck, fourth son, was born January 31, 18 18; he was a farmer, and always lived in Dutchess county. After attending private schools in Poughkeepsie and New York City he traveled to some e.xtent through the West. He married, January 9, 1845, Miss Josephine Barnes, a daughter of the late David Barnes, and the following children were born to them: William (died in 1870 unmarried), David Barnes, Stephen, Paul Schenck, Joseph, and Alex. W. Mr. Van Wyck lived upon a farm in the to\vn of Poughkeepsie. In 1852 he moved to the town of Lagrange, where he resided until his death, September 10, 1888. Mrs. Van Wyck died in 1861.

David Barnes, second son, a physician of Lagrange, was born in that town April 24, 1852. His early education was received at the little " Red School House " near Manchester Bridge, and later he attended the Cary Institute, a Quaker school in Poughkeepsie. Upon leaving school he entered the drug store of Van Valkenburg & Brown, where he remained se\-eral years. He was also with Hopkins & Arnold, Chas. S. Bowne, and Webb & Sherwood. He next went to Kansas, remaining there nine years; studied medicine in the

Omaha Medical College, and then went to the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, from which he was graduated in 1889. He is a member of Stissing Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M.; also of the Dutchess County Medical Society.

Stephen, third son, was born June 28, 1854; his education was obtained at Pelham Institute and at Manchester. He lived at home until 1881, when he removed to Kansas to enter the sheep business with his brothers, David and Paul. He gave this up after a few years to enter upon the study of law, and was admitted to the Bar in the State of Kansas. In 1886 he was elected Probate Judge, and reelected in 1888. On December 25, 1890, he married Miss Helen Dicken, and they have three children: Edmund, William and Harlan.

Paul Schenck, fourth son, was born May 19, 1856. He was educated at the district school and Pelham Institute. In 1880 he went to Kansas, where he began sheep breeding. He returned to Dutchess county in 1886, and here remained until 1895, when he entered into business in the city of Buffalo.

Joseph, fifth son, was born October 8, 1858; was educated at the same institution as was Paul; and has always resided upon the old homestead in Lagrange. On January i, 1S80, he married Miss Charlotte Bartlett, and they have the following children: Jennie L., Josephine, Edmund, and Paul Schenck. Mr. Van Wyck is a Republican, and in 1896 he was elected supervisor of the town of Lagrange for two years; he has always followed the occupation of farming.

Alex. W., si.xth son, was born March 5, 1861; was educated with his brothers, and in 1881 went to Nebraska, where he remained a year. He then went to Washington Territory (now State), settling at New Whatcom, and was elected city treasurer. On July 21, 1888, he married Miss Annie Kalloch, daughter of the late Hon. I. S. Kalloch, mayor of San Francisco, Cal. In 1896 he was elected county auditor after one of the hottest political battles in the record of the county. He is a Republican. He and his wife have two children: Phillip and Catherine.

Other well-known members of the family, descendants in the same line, and residents of Dutchess county, are: S. Miller Van Wyck, lawyer, residing at Fishkill-on-Hudson; B. W. Van Wyck, of Poughkeepsie; Abraham \'an-Wyck and James \'an Wyck, of East Fishkill.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

An examination of the family coat of arms shows that an ancestor was in the Crusades, which commenced about the year 1096 under Pope Urban II.

IfSAAC HAIGHT, Jr. (deceased). For sev-_[ eral generations the family name of the subject of this sketch has been a familiar one in this locality. The first of the family in direct line to emigrate to America was Simon Haight, who arrived in the New World in 1628. Originally the Haights lived in Wales. Simon Haight was the father of Nicholas (i) Haight, who in turn had a son Samuel. Samuel Haight resided on Long Island, and there his son Nicholas (2), the great-greatgrandfather of our subject, was born.

Nicholas (2) became the father of Jacob Haight, who was born on Long Island in 1705. Jacob, the great-grandfather of our subject, was united in marriage wiih Miss Sarah Hicks, and to them the following children were born: Elizabeth, born in 1734; John, 1736; Stephen, 1738; Nicholas, 1740; Jacob (2) 1742; Patience, 1744; Sarah, 1746; Samuel, 1748; and Phoebe, 1750.

Jacob (2) was married to Miss Phcebe Haviland, who was born in 1745, and they reared the following children: Charity, born in 1769; Patience, born in 1771; James, deceased in infancy; Sarah, born in 1775; John, the father of our subject, born in 1777; Elizabeth, born in 1779; Jacob, born in 1782, and Isaac, born in 1784.

John Haight was born in Hart's Village, where he married Miss Elsie Thorne and settled on a farm on which a part of Millbrook now stands. Four children were born to him and his wife, namely: William, who was a farmer on the old homestead; Isaac, our subject; Jacob, who died in 1S45; and Anna, who married Jacob H. Allen, a farmer at Skaneat-eles, Onondaga Co., N. Y. The father was a farmer; in religious faith he and his wife were Quakers. He died April 26, 1836.

Isaac Haight, the subject proper of this sketch, was born June 26. 1807, in what was then called Hart's Village, town of Washington. After passing his youth on his father's farm, he clerked in a store in Poughkeepsie, and also at Hart's Village.

In 1835 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah L. Wintringham, who was born in New York City in 1812, a daughter of Thomas

and Ruth (Lawton) Wintringham. After their marriage our subject and his wife located on a farm on the present site of Millbrook. Four children were born to them: William Ed., who died in the Civil war; Sidney \\'., who died in 1882; Frances; and Emily R. Mr. Haight was a Democrat, and held the office of supervisor of his town; he was a substantial and progressive citizen, a leader among men, and is well remembered as a kind and generous citizen. His death occurred November 15, 1864; his wife survived until February 15, 1893.

Thomas Wintringham, the father of Mrs. Haight, was born in Holmpton, Yorkshire, England, in 1775. He came to America and located in New York City, where he was a vintner. He married Miss Ruth Lawton, and they became the parents of the following children: David L.; Hannah W'., wife of our subject; Sidney, deceased in infancy; Sidney (2); Jeremiah; and Ruth. Of these, David was a retired citizen of Jersey City; Sidney lived in Brooklyn, retired; Jeremiah was also a retired citizen of Brooklyn; Ruth married Henry Clement, a merchant of Flushing, L. I. Mrs. Wintringham came from Rhode Island, where her family were Quakers.

CHARLES A. STORM (deceased) was a man of the strictest integrity, whose honorable, upright life won the commendation of all. His birth took place in the town of East Fishkill, September 16, 1846, and he belonged to a family which had for many years been prominently identified with the history of Dutchess county. His grandfather was Col. John G. Storm, a native of Dutchess county, and the son of Charles G. Storm.

Charles G. Storm, the father of our subject, was also born in Dutchess county, and here devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He wedded Mary Adriance, a daughter of Isaac Adriance, and after their marriage they located upon a farm in the town of East Fishkill, where they reared their family of five children: Susan M., the widow of William P. Storm, who %vas a merchant of New York City, but in later life engaged in farming; John, a resident of White Plains, N. Y., who married Henrietta Albro, a native of New York City; Margaret, who died unmarried; George, who married Emma Haight, ? native of White Plains; and Charles A., of this re-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

821

view. The father always turned his attention to farming, was an unfaltering Republican in politics, and with his family held to the belief of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Like most farmer boys, our subject passed his childhood, in assisting his father in the work of the home farm, and in attending the district school; later he was a student in the Bisbee school at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After finishing his education he returned to the farm, and January 24, 1872, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth B. Storm, a daughter of John V. Storm, and a sisterof Abram J. Storm, Joseph H. Storm and W. J. Storm. They began housekeeping upon his father's place, which he operated for five years, and the following two years were spent upon her father's farm. In 1879, he purchased the farm on which Mrs. Storm now resides, and where Mr. Storm's death occurred June 22, 1892. His attention was devoted exclusively to his farming interests, and his political support was ever given the Republican party, which had in him a most earnest advocate. No man in the town of East Fishkill gained and retained more friends, or was held in higher esteem by his fellow citizens than Charles A. Storm.

CHARLES DOUGHTY (deceased) was one _ of the representative and honored citizens of the town of Beekman, where his birth occurred, April I, 1841. He was a descendant of Rev. Francis Doughty, who about the year 1633 emigrated from England and located at Taunton, Mass., which places him among the earliest of the Puritan fathers following in the footsteps of the " Mayt^ower " pioneers. The Doughty family in England is of ancient origin, dating back before the Norman conquest. The name was originally spelled Doghtig, and the family motto was " Palina non sine pul-vcrc.

Joseph Doughty, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Long Island, and was the first of the family to come to Dutchess county, locating upon the farm in the town of Beekman, between Greenhaven and Pough-quag, now occupied by John Brill. Upon that place he erected a log house, and spent the remainder of his life. He was united in marriage with Miss Psyche Wiltsie, who was born September 16, 1736, and they became the parents of twelve children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Mary, March

21

-l< '754; John, June 8, 1757; Thomas, April 27. 1759; Jane, July 4, 1761; Joseph, October 14, 1763; Psyche, March 6, 1766; Martin, March 14, 1768; William, November 5, 1770; Jacob, October 20, 1772; Elizabeth. October 18, 1774; Cornwell, October 28, 1776; and Ne-hemiah, October 14, 1780.

William Doughty, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Beekman, and there carried on farming throughout his life. He married Mrs. Sarah (Van Wyck) Vanderburg, and in their family were six children: Phebe, born August 18, 1805; John J., April 12, 1807; Psyche, July 9, 1809; William, June 7. 1811; Sarah, June 22, 1813; and George T., October 26, 1815. The father of these died in 1854, at the age of eighty-four years; the mother died in 1865, at the age of ninety-four years.

William Doughty, Jr., the father of our subject, spent his entire life in the town of Beekman, and after reaching years of maturity-devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage with Jane F. Brock, also a native of the town of Beekman, and to them three sons were born: Charles, subject of this review; Walter, who was born in 1844, and is now secretary and treasurer of a company at the Union Stock Yards at Chicago, 111.; and Edgar, who died in 1865. The mother's death occurred in December, 1874, that of the father on June i, 1893. In religious belief he was a member of the Society of Friends.

In the district schools near his home Charles Doughty secured his education, and he always remained upon the homestead farm in the town of Beekman, dying there November 13, 1884. He took a lively interest in political affairs, being one of the most earnest supporters of the Republican party, and after the civil war served as revenue collector of Dutchess county. He also held the office of justice of the peace of Beekman township, and discharged his duties, whether public or private, with promptness and fidelity which won him the commendation of all. Socially' he affiliated with Hopewell Lodge, F. & A. M. He was universally respected, and his word was considered as good as his bond. By his death the county lost one of its most honored and and useful citizens.

On May 23, 1865, Mr. Doughty was mar-' ried to Miss Mary E. Brown, a lady who is greatly respected in the community. Two

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPnWAL RECORD.

children blessed this union: Morton B. and Christopher Brown. The former was born January lo, 1868, was educated in the district schools, also in the Pingry school, at Elizabeth, N. J., and was reared on a farm. On August 14, 1895, he married Miss Lillian Tormoehlan, daughter of W'illiam and Louise (Sherbourne) Tormoehlan, the former of whom was born in Germany, the latter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother died December 9, 1882, the father on June 5, 1892. The family reside in Chicago, where Mrs. Morton Doughty was born. Christopher Brown, the second son of Charles and Mary E. Doughty, was born June 30, 1871, and at the present time is steward of the "Garden City Hotel," New York City.

Christopher Brown, the father of Mrs. Doughty, was a native of Germany, where he learned the trade of a miller, and in early manhood he came to America, locating in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, where he made his home for forty-five years, during which time he followed milling at Greenhaven. At Fishkill, Dutchess county, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Griffen, and they had two daughters: Mary E. and Phebe, the latter of whom married Homer Chapman. The parents were both widely and favorably known, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all. The father died March 5, 1883, the mother on I'ebruary 18, 1896.

ALBERT J. AKIN, of Pawling, Dutchess _ county, one of the ablest financiers which this section has produced, has rendered important service to his community by promoting various enterprises which have developed its commercial relations, and led the way to the expansion of its business interests.

He is descended from a long line of Quaker ancestry, the head of the American branch of the family being John Akin, who was born in Scotland in 1663, and about the ye.ir 1680, or earlier, on account of religious persecutions, emigrated to America. He located in Dartmouth, Mass., when about seventeen years of age. He married Mary Briggs, who was born August 9, 1671, the daughter of Thomas Briggs, and they had eight sons and seven daughters. Their eldest son, David Akin, born September 19, 1689, was the next ancestor in direct line of descent, and the first of

the name to settle at Quaker Hill, where he probably occupied the property now owned by the family of Mr. Gould. He had a record for good service during the Revolutionary war, and his death occurred in 1779. In 1711 he married Sarah Allen, of Portsmouth. R. I., and removed to Quaker Hill (formerly called the Oblong), in 1741. Si.\ sons and four daughters were born to them, and their son, John Akin, born September 15, 1718, became the next in line of descent. He married Margaret Hicks, who was born in Portsmouth, R. I., January 12, 1713, and they had three daughters and one son, as follows: Anna, Mary, Abigail and John.

John Akin was born November 11, 1753, and December 27, 1775, married Molly Ferris, who was born April 20, 1759, daughter of Reed Ferris. They had two sons and four daughters: Albro (our subject's father), Sarah, Margaret, Ann, Daniel and Amanda.

Albro Akin was born March 6, 1778, at Quaker Hill, and became one of the most influential and distinguished citizens of his day in this section, a contemporary of Taber, Rirby and others of note. He was a successful merchant and agriculturist. On March 24, 1815, he was appointed judge of the court of common pleas of Dutchess county by Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins. On the organization of the Poughkeepsie National Bank, he became a member of its first board of directors. He was married three times, first in 1801, to Pauline N'ander Burgh, who was born in 1783, and they had three children: Albert John, born August 14, 1803, married Jane Williams; Almira, born February 3, 1806, married Joshua L. Jones; and Helen M., born July 4, 1810, married John W. Taylor. The mother of this family died in 1810, and Mr. Akin married Sarah Merritt, who died leaving no children. On December 4, 181S, Mr. Akin married a third wife. Miss Jemima Jacacks, and their pleasant home at Quaker Hill was brightened by seven children, as follows: Mary J.; William Henry; Cornelia; Gulielma Maria; Amanda, who married Dr. C. W. Stearns; Annie E., who married W. H. Ogden; and Caroline, who married Adolph Wilm-Beets.

Albert John Akin left home when nineteen years of age, going to New York City, where he served a clerkship of two years with William and Charles Underbill, and then commenced business on his own account under the firm name of Seaman & Akin. After contin-

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uing successfully for several years he was compelled, on account of ill health, to retire to the country under advice of his phjsician. With health restored, he re-entered business life, at the age of thirty, engaging in farming upon 200 acres of land which his father had given him, continuing in this calling exclusively until about 1849, when he began to give his attention to railroading. The Harlem railroad was projected at that time, and Mr. Akin helped to secure the right of way, and was one of the committee appointed to raise $100,000 for the road, John Ketcham being also a member. Later Mr. Akin was appointed to pay out the installments of money received, and his own high reputation did much to assist the credit of the road. Two years were occupied in this work, and, no one being willing to furnish ties or timber for the road, Mr. Akin advanced money for the same. It was also through his influence that the present refreshment house was located at Pawling, which contributed much indirectly to the growth and prosperity of the town. After the road was finished, December 30, 1849, there being no depot building, Mr. Akin put up the first one, and also, in company with other business men, furnished money for a small hotel. In 1849 he organized the Pawling National Bank, and was elected president of the institution, which prospered under his management. This position he held until January, 1895, when he resigned on account of his advanced age. Business has been a pleasure to him. He has been a director of the Harlem railroad for fifteen years, when Commodore Vanderbilt was connected with it, and has also been a stockholder in the Utica & Schenectady railroad, and in the New York Central. His enterprise and foresight have done much for Pawling and Quaker Hill, and he owns 500 acres of land at the latter place. He built Akin Hall, and endowed the Akin Hall Association with $150,-000, and erected the " Mizzentop Hotel," which helped to develop the place as a summer resort, also erected four or five cottages for renting purposes.

In religion Mr. Akin is non-sectarian, with strong inclination toward the faith of his forefathers. Politically he is an Independent, has eschewed partisan work, but served as a Presidential elector in the electoral college which placed the lamented Garfield in the White House. On December 21, 1835, he married Jane Williams, who was born in New York

City. They have no children. For the last thirty years his winter residence has been in New York Citv.

CORYDON WHEELER. Among the self-,J made men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, who have attained a high rank in their various callings by their own unaided e.xertions, may be found this gentleman, who has become widely known as an architect of ability. He was born December 21, 1837, '" the town of Boonville, Oneida Co.. N. Y., and is the son of Albert and Mary (Hitchcock) Wheeler, the former of English descent.

Albert Wheeler, our subject's father, was born in New Hampshire, in 1803, and was reared upon a farm. Removing to Oneida county, he there carried on farming during his entire life, becoming one of the thrifty and well-to-do men of that locality, and highly respected in his community. He was possessed of literary tastes, and was well informed on all current topics. In politics he was an Old-line Whig. He married Miss Mary Hitchcock (daughter of Pownell Hitchcock), who was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1812. Five children were born of this union, as follows: Almarine, who became the wife of Nathan W. Jones; Mary Ann, married to Austin Walcott; Corydon; Elbridge, who died when nineteen years old; and Caroline, married to Francis M. Reed, of Boonville. Oneida Co., N. Y. The father died in 1859. and the mother in

1873-

Corydon Wheeler had but limited opportunities for an education in his early days, his only schooling being obtained in the common schools of his locality, which he attended until fourteen years of age. He was, however, very fond of reading, and when a young man began collecting a library, at present owning a fine assortment of books. He has improved every opportunity of acquiring an education, and is to-day one of the well-informed men in the county. On leaving school he worked on his father's farm until eighteen years of age; but his tastes inclining to mechanical pursuits he took up the carpenter's trade, and later became a contractor and builder, erecting some of the large stores and residences in Poughkeepsie. During this time he had been studying the profession of an architect, and since 1884 has devoted himself to that line of business. He has made the plans for some large

S24

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

buildings in various places, among these being a large structure in Chicago, an extensive hotel in Sheffield, Ala., and Trinity Methodist Church in Poughkeepsie. In all his work he shows intelligence, artistic taste and careful attention to the purposes for which the buildings are to be used, making his work satisfactory, both ornamentally and practically—^consequently he has been successful in his enterprises, and is among the foremost in his profession.

On October 8, i860, Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Celia A. Kellogg, of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y., and four children have been born to them, two of whom survive: Jessie L., the wife of William P. McNeil, of Poughkeepsie; and Winthrop Iv., a carpenter, residing in Poughkeepsie. Chester A. died when a little over two years old, and Lauretta at the age of seven months. Mr. Wheeler was for some years a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but in 1874 joined the Prohibition party, his sympathies being with the advocates of total abstinence. He is a man of strong convictions, and is governed by principle in all his actions. He is a member of the Trinity M. E. Church, and one of its official board. He has also been a member of the Church choir for many years, and is always ready to assist in Church work. In public matters he is a worthy citizen, and may be counted on to do his share in whatever is proposed for the welfare and progress of the community.

REV. TERENCE F. KELLY. The powers of a consecrated life extend far

beyond the reach of the spoken word, setting at naught all differences of creed, and Rev. Father Kelly, of St. Joachim's Church, Mattea-wan, while working quietly in his appointed sphere, has gained the esteem and regard of all classes in the community. The history of this devoted worker will be read with interest, and will convey its own lesson.

Father Kelly was born in New York City, December 26, 1855, the son of William and Ann (Dowling) Kelly, who were natives of Dublin, Ireland. The father was a carpenter by trade, following that occupation in the old country, and, for a short time, in New York City, but later, on moving to Montreal, Canada, he engaged in mercantile business, in which he was very successful, owning several

stores. His last days were spent in New York City, to which place he and his wife returned when the subject of this sketch was about eleven years old. They reared a family of children, among whom was a son, Michael, who was a mechanical genius, and was famous throughout the United States for his work in that line, being employed by the Goulds and others. He died February i, 1893, at his residence in Charleston, South Carolina.

Until the age of fourteen Father Kelly attended the public schools of his native city, and he then entered St. Francis College, in Brooklyn. A first cousin, Bishop Phelan, of Kingston, Canada, first awakened in the young lad's mind the consciousness of his vocation, and the long course of preparation was pursued by Father Kelly with the same ardor which has since characterized his pastoral work. At nineteen he became a student at St. Lawrence College, Montreal, Canada, and on May 30, 1878, he was ordained to the priesthood. Since that time his lot has been cast in this section, his first appointment being at Matteawan as assistant pastor to Father Henry. He had been there about two years when the Dominican Fathers resigned the charge of the New York Catholic Protectory, and Father Ouinn, the Vicar General, appointed Father Kelly to the post, with an assistant. About a year later came an appointment to a charge which included Staatsburg, Hyde Park, and Clinton Corners, and while there Feather Kelly built churches at Staatsburg and Clinton Corners, and enlarged and improved the parsonage at Hyde Park. Six years after his transfer to this post Archbishop Corrigan added the care of the parish of Rhine-cliff, which had become financiallyembarrassed, and gave Father Kelly two assistants, Fathers White and Fagan. His present appointment dates from December i, 1890, when he succeeded Father McSwyggan, and during that time he has done much to build up and strengthen his congregation in both numbers and intluence. In the refurnishing and decoration of the church edifice, and in various improvements in the other property of the parish one may see the results of his wise management; but to rightly judge of his work one must visit the schools where the Sisters of Charity and the Franciscan Brothers train the children of the parish, and must view the unceasing labors in the pastorate through which the spiritual life of the people is quickened and

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325

developed. Modest and unassuming in manner, and ever ready to give to his efficient assistants the credit for the work which is being done, Father Kelly's personality reveals the quiet strength which unobtrusively yet effectively inspires, directs, and molds the lives of all whom his influence touches. By his people he is greatly beloved, and on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of his ordination they presented him with a handsome purse, in token of their affectionate appreciation.

Outside of his own fold Father Kelly is known and honored in a remarkable degree, and he numbers among his friends Gov. Ntor-ton of this State. During his stay at Rhine-cliff he was elected trustee of the local schools, a fact which speaks more loudly than words could do of the impression which his worth makes upon all who know him, and since going to Matteawan he has been appointed a director of the village hospital. In his clerical work Father Kelly is efficiently assisted by Rev. James A. White and Rev. P. C. Gary.

AMASA DAKIN COLEMAN (deceased), after whom Goleman Station was named,

and who for a number of years was a leading agriculturist of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, was a descendant of one of the oldest families in this country, the record reaching back to the year 1635. In Hinman's Catalogue of Early Settlers of Connecticut we find the following: " Thomas Goleman, of Marlborough, England, farmer, embarked at Hampton in the 'James,' of Lundon, about April. 1635. Thomas Coleman died at Had-ley, Mass., in 1674. The births of children are not recorded at Westfield, but Noah and John are his sons. Noah died at Hadley in 1676." John had sons, Noah and Ebenezer, who removed to Colchester, Conn., about the year 1700. Ebenezer married Ruth Niles, of Colchester, in 1705, and they had a son, Niles, who had a son, Josiah, born at Hebron, Conn., April 4, 1733, who married Elizabeth Root, of Hebron, November 6, 1755, and removed to Sharon, Conn., about 1771, and represented that town in the Legislatures in 1783, 1784 and 1788. He was a farmer by occupation. On November 6, 1755, he married Elizabeth Root, of Hebron, and had five sons: Josiah, who served in the Revolutionary war, died in Milford, Conn., in 1777; Aaron, a physician at

Warren, Conn.; Elihu; Jesse: and Amasa, our subject's father. The latter was born in Sharon, Conn., March 21, 1772. He was a farmer at the old homestead there until his death, which occurred March 23, 1805, when he was but thirty-two years old, before his fine capabilities had an opportunity for full development. He was married December 25, 1799, to Achsa Dakin, who survived him many years, dying December 2, 1846. She was a daughter of Caleb Dakin, and a granddaughter of Simon Dakin, a pioneer settler of Northeast, N. Y., who had much to do with the early history of the town. Of the two children of this marriage, our subject was the vounger. Myra C, born October 16, 1800, married Gerard Pitcher, of Northeast, New York.

Amasa D. Goleman was born June 28. 1S04, at Sharon, but owing to his father's death, his home from the age of nine months was with his grandfather, Caleb Dakin. Here he received a fair education for those times, in the district schools, and as he possessed good mental ability and was fond of reading, he in later years acquired a large fund of information. He came into the possession of the Dakin homestead before the death of his Another, buying out the other heirs, and continued to cultivate it until his death. This tract consists of more than 150 acres of land, and is one of the best in the town. As a farmer he was very successful, securing his estate largely through his own efforts. In all movements for local improvements he was among the leading supporters, and he was always greatly interested in the success of the Republican party, which he joined in the first years of its existence, having previously been an ardent Abolitionist. His interest in politics was wholly unselfish, as he never sought official preferment. His family had been adherents of the Congregational Church, although few were Methodists, and it is probable that his father belonged to that body; but Mr. Coleman united with the Presbyterian Church at Amenia. and remained throughout life an active and consistent member.

On September 28, 1843, Mr. Goleman married Miss Elizabeth Rugg, daughter of Seth Rugg, a prominent resident of New Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Mass. They had two children, of whom the elder, Josiah, born July 23; 1848, died July 31, 1872. Elizabeth, born June 19, 1850, married a Mr. Welsh, October 8, 1896. Mr. Coleman's death oc-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL JiECORD.

curred October 7, 1876, and brought a serious loss to the community, his excellent judgment, public spirit and manly character having gained the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His widow passed away May 12. 1896.

C'APTAIN ISAAC H. WOOD, the well-Ji known steamboat agent at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and the proprietor of the "Exchange Hotel" of that city, enjoys in a remarkable degree the esteem and affection of all classes of people, his heroism as a life-saver gaining friends for him far and near. He and his four sons have saved 123 persons from death by drowning in the Hudson river, and in recognition of their courage and unselfish devotion the citizens of Poughkeepsie presented each of them with a diamond medal a few years ago, the tokens being of great value and beauty.

The family originated in Holland, but Stephen Wood, our subject's grandfather, was probably born in Dutchess county. He was for many years a resident of Poughkeepsie, where he reared a family of five children, of whom our subject's father, Stephen Wood (2/, was the only son. He grew to manhood in Poughkeepsie, and after establishing himself in business as a shoemaker married Eliza Dis-brow, a native of New York City, and the daughter of a leading detective there. This family is also of old Holland-Dutch stock. On the breaking out of the Mexican war Stephen Wood enlisted, and he met his death in the battle of Buena Vista. His widow survived him until 1878. Of their three children the youngest died in infancy, and the eldest, Mary J., married the late George Valentine, of Poughkeepsie.

Capt. Wood, the second member of this family, was born in Poughkeepsie, October 23, 1822, and after passing his boyhood there went to New York City and lived with an uncle for some time, and later spent four years in Yonkers, N. Y. In 1840 he returned to his native city to make his permanent home. He started the (irst express business in the place, known as Wood's Original Express, and then entered the employ of the American Express Co. for a time. About 1856 he engaged in the steamboat business, and is now the agent for the daily lines of boats. For many years he has been the proprietor of the "Exchange

Hotel" also, and he has won a high reputation for business ability.

In 1S54 the Captain formed a matrimonial union with Miss Maria Rodman, daughter of William Rodman, a prominent boat builder and leading Democrat of New York City. The Rodmans were among the early settlers of Dutchess county, and were probably of Holland-Dutch descent. Six children were born of this marriage, and the four sons are all in business in Poughkeepsie, where they are held in great esteem as worthy descendants of their honored father, as well as for their individual excellence. Edward A. is a machinist by trade; Rodman H. is in the express business; George is a commission merchant, and Amarr is a barber. Of the two daughters, Eliza married Hiram Wood, a commission merchant of New York City, and Ida M. (deceased) was formerly the wife of John Westfall, of Syracuse, New York.

Capt. Wood is an active worker in the Democratic party; was alderman for one year, and supervisor of the First ward for three terms. He has been a leader in the fire department for many years, serving as chief engineer for four years and assistant for three years. He was vice-president of the Veteran's Dept., for some time, and is now the president of the \'eteran Fire Association, an insurance order. In fraternal societj' work he has also taken an interest at times, and he belongs to the. Knights of Pythias, as well as to other orders of less note.

MORGAN L. MOTT (deceased). "No man in an unofficial position was more widely known in this city or county or by the past and passing generation in the metropolitan portion of the State. No man was more deeply respected w-herever known for his admirable simplicity of character and sterling honesty. He was the very embodiment of integrity. His habits were those of a thoroughly self-respecting man, and in speech and action he was irreproachable." These words of well-deserved praise appeared in a leading journal of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., concerning the subject of this memoir at his death, w'hich occurred April 24, 1891, and to those who knew him they convey but a faint impression of the qualities of mind and heart which bound them to him in the ties of friendship and esteem. Mr. Mott was of English descent, his an-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGMAPHIC'AL RECORD.

827

cestors being among the followers of the Quaker faith who found freedom of conscience in this country at an early period. His father, William B. Mott, was a native of Long Island, but his life was spent mainly in New York City, where he engaged in mercantile business. He married Miss Mary Milton, who was born in that city January 14, 1790, and died at New Hackensack, the home of her son, Morgan, November 26, 1894, at the age of 105 years. Her father, a Hollander by descent, was a man of great importance and influence during the rule of Petrus Stuyvesant. Her mother was a member of the famous Co.x family of Long Island. Shortly after their marriage, our subject's parents came to Dutchess county, and located, in 1813, on a farm in the town of Hyde Park, where their five children were born. After a few years they returned to New York to reside. Their children all settled there. Jehu was a butcher by occupation; Mary, the only surviving member of the family, married (first) Robert Wilson, a merchant in New York, and (second) John Francis; John was a wheelwright; and William B. was a painter.

Morgan L. Mott, the fourth in order of birth, was born April 14, 1818, and was only a few years old when his parents moved to New York. On leaving school he engaged in the grocery business, and before many years became prominent in the Democratic party there. He was warden at Blackwell's Island for several years. In 1849 he went to California with a party, among whom was Senator Broderick, of New York, who was afterward assassinated. Mr. Mott was in business in San Francisco until 1853, during which time he was active in promoting order, being one of the first aldermen, and serving for several months as president of the board and as acting mayor of the city. He also made a trip to San Diego, and brought back nearly 2,000 horses and cattle. On his return to New York he conducted a hotel there until 1863, when he moved to a farm at New Hackensack, where he spent his remaining years.

Mr. Mott married Miss Jane Mcintosh, a native of New York City, whose father was a Scotchman. Of their several children, two died in childhood; William B., a farmer, died at the age of forty-five; Morcan L. , Jr., is a farmer at the old homestead; Edmond died at fifteen; Robert lives at home, and with his brother manages the farm; Mary Elizabeth, a

lovely girl of beautiful character, died when just budding into womanhood. The home farm is a fine estate of about 200 acres of level land, beautified by trees, and the buildings and other improvements speak well for the enterprise and good taste of its owners.

LOUIS C. FEIERABEND. Among the prosperous and popular citizens of foreign

birth who made their homes in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, will be found the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who was born at Wimpfen-on-the-Neckar, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, July 13, 1849.

Jacob Feierabend, grandfather of our subject, was born at Wimpfen, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, July 4, 1780, and died September 20, 1846; was a farmer by occupation; he married Johanna Bramminger, who was born June I, 1786. and died March 20, 1847.

Fredrick Feierabend, father of our subject, was born April 16, 1811, also at Wimpfen, and learned the business of comb-making, which he followed all his life. On September 6, 1838, he married Miss Eva Christina Hess, who was born June 20, 1818, at Biebrach O. A. Heilbrom, Wurttemberg, Germany, and children, as follows, were born to them: (i) Christoph F., born February 19, 1840, married Miss Louisa C. Weying, of Wimpfen, December 18, 1866. (2) Christina Johanna, born February 14, 1841, married Carl Speer, a locksmith, of Wimpfen, March 14, 1S65. (3) Christoff Ludwig, born June 6, 1842, died July 17, 1842. (4) Christina Louise, born September 10, 1844. (5) Elizabeth Louise, born October 31, 1846, came to America, October 15, 1872, and married William Kraft, of Laufen O. A. Heilbrom, W^urttemberg. Germany, April 20, 1874; and (6) Louis Christian, our subject. The father of this family died November 19, 1892; the mother is still living.

Louis Feierabend, the subject proper of this review, learned the comb-making business with his father, but afterward took up butchering as an occupation, following same for two years in Germany. On September i, 1868, he came to the United States and located in Poughkeepsie, where he had an aunt living. Here he worked for various persons in the butchering business until May i, 1874, when he started a meat market of his own, on the corner of Jefferson and Church streets. As a partner in the concern he received William

COMMEMORATTVE BIOORAPEWAL RECORD.

Kraft, which connection lasted until 1877, when Mr. Feierabend took entire charge. In 1881 he formed a partnership with Charles Haberman, which continued for four years. His present partner is William Knauss, and the firm is well known as an enterprising and reliable one. They do a large retail business in meats of all kind, also some wholesaling.

On May 6, 1874, Mr. Feierabend was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Miller, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., daughter of Valentine Miller, and four children blessed their union: Peter C, born August 29, 1875, died July 8, 1896; Louis Frederick, born July 22, 1877; William Henry, born June 11, 1882; and Louisa Elizabeth, born March 29, 1885. Mr. Feierabend has been very successful, financially, and owes his prosperity solely to his own hard work and good management. He came here a poor young man, working at first for eight dollars a month; to-day he is the owner of a good business, and much valuable property, comprising his brick business block and handsome brick residence, two stores adjoining his meat market; and two tenement houses on Jefferson street. He stands high in business circles, and is popular with all classes of people. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, and in religious faith is a member of the German Lutheran Church, in which he has been a trustee for ten years. As a loyal citizen he takes an active interest in all matters of public improvements, and whatever is projected, tending to the welfare of the city and county, receives his ready support.

REV. EDWARD J. CONROY, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born July 10, 1853, in New York City. , His primary studies were made in St. Bridget's Parochial school, and his grammar course in the old school on West 24th street, and in the new school house on West 20th street. In 1866 he entered St. Francis Xaviers College, West 15th street, and after a full collegiate course graduated in 1873.

On October 4, 1873, our subject sailed for Europe on the Cunarder "Batavia," and November 5th entered the American College, at Rome, Italy, where, after attending the lectures in the Propaganda four years, he was raised to the priesthood May 26, 1877. After several months " doing" Europe, he returned

to America on the then crack Cunarder, " Russia. "

Rev. Father Conroy's first missionary work was in the Cathedral on Mott street. New York (now St. Patrick's Church), and after filling, temporarily, a few missions was assigned permanently to St. Michael's Church, West 32nd street, under the charge of Rev. Arthur J. Donnelly, afterward the vicar-general. After three years' duty in St. Michael's, Father Con-roy was assigned to St. Monica's, East 79th street, at that time a new parish under the charge of Rev. James J. Dougherty. LL. D. Almost ten years were spent by him in this new field of labor, when he was assigned to the rectorship of the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Mt. Kisco, N. Y. After the completion of the church building, which was effected in five months, he was transferred to the charge of St. Joseph's Church, Kingston, N. Y. Three years were spent b}' him in the spiritual and temporal labor of that parish, about the end of which time he received word to take up his present charge, and finish the new church building that had been commenced under the administration of Father Earley.

The congregation of St. Mary's was organized in 1873, when the edifice on Cannon street, for many years occupied by the Univer-salists, was purchased. This building, now-torn down, was erected by the Presbyterians in 1826. The building was purchased for the Catholics by the Rev. Patrick F. McSweeny, D. D., then pastor of St. Peter's Church, of this city, now pastor of St. Brigid's Church, New York City.

The first pastor of St. Mary's was the Rev. Edward McSweeny, D. D., now of Mount St. Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Maryland. The old building was dedicated by His Grace Archbishop I afterward Cardinal) McCloskey. The clergymen who assisted the Archbishop were Rev. John M. Farley, his secretary, now assistant Bishop and Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of New York; Rev. Edward McGlynn, D. D., then of St. Stephen's Church, New York; Rev. R. L. Burtsell, D. D., now of Rondout; Rev. P. F. McSweeny, D. D.; Rev. Edward McSweeny, D. D.; Rev. J. C. McSweeny; Rev. Patrick Rigney; and Rev. Fathers Shee-han and Briody.

In 1879, all the church property belonging to St. Mary's was transferred by the Archbishop to a corporation, consisting of the Archbishop, his Vicar General, the pastor, and two laymen.

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329

In iSSo, the pastor, Rev. Edward McSweeny, being absent in Europe, the Rev. Michael Mc-Swiggan, then acting pastor of St. Marj-'s, superintended the erection of a new parochial school, on South Hamilton street, which was opened in September of that year, with one hundred pupils. Up to the year iS8i, the pastor had no regular assistant. In that year, the Rev. John B. Creeden, now pastor at Sing Sing, began his mission in the priesthood as the first assistant pastor of St. Mary's. In 1883, the Decennial was celebrated, and it was then, after ten years of steady growth, and prosperity, that the nucleus for a new edifice was commenced. In 1885, the Rev. Edward McSween}" resigned from parish work to accept a professorship in Mt. St. Mary's College, Em-mittsburg. where he has since been, with the e.xception of a short time spent in St. Paul, Minnesota. Then came the Rev. Cornelius Donovan (since deceased), who acted as pastor for a short time. On May 13, 1887, the third pastor of St. Mary's was appointed, the Rev. Terence J. Earley. It was under the administration of Father Earley that the present new edifice was begun. He labored for four years with incessant industry, and was then promoted to the charge of the parish of St. Peter's, at New Brighton, Staten Island.

The present pastor, the Rev. Edward J. Conroy, whose portrait appears here, was appointed pastor of St. Mary's, on April 23, 1891, and under his management the work of completing the new church edifice has been brought to its present satisfactory state. Thus, after a quarter of a century, the congregation of St. Mary's takes possession of one of the handsomest church edifices in the city.

The general design of the building is of the Gothic order, of the simple rather than the ornate style. The principal facade is faced with Indiana limestone, treated in the rock-faced order, with just sufificient dressed stone trimming to relieve the monotony of the general rough stone. The front has been e.xtended to embrace porch and tower entrances, and from the tower access to the organ and choir gallery is had by means of a solid ash staircase, trimmed in cherry. On the choir level, or second floor of porch, is a choir meeting room, lighted by a system of small Gothic windows which extend continuously across the entire front. The ceilings of the porches, tower, and under side of organ gallery have been finished in the old English style of exposed rafter and deep panel-

work. The main church ceiling has been treated in the open-work type of truss, the surfaces between trusses laid off in deep panels, diagonally sheathed and heavily molded. Each truss is finished with cherry-molded tracery work, and bracketed cornice. The aisle ceilings are treated to match main roof, but of a more simple style. The entire body of the church has been wainscoted nearly six feet high with Gothic panel work, in combination of cherry and white wood, with neat molded capping and base. The columns are wainscoted to match the walls, as also the face of the gallery. The entire floor surface of the church has been laid, first with one and one-eighth-inch white pine flooring, and on top of this a two-inch thick floor of the best clear long-leaf, comb-grain Georgia pine.

The plaster work of the church is one of its principal merits. It is done in a pearl gray tint stucco plaster, tracery moldings over all windows and other openings, as well as over the interior arches. The iron columns were first encased in fire-proof clay tile, and the finished plaster work then applied. Each column is surmounted by an ornate Corinthian capital, from which the clere-story arches spring in succession. Owing to the large number and size of the windows, it was deemed advisable not to assume the expense at this time of ornamental figured windows in leaded glass work, and for this economic reason the windows have been temporarily glazed with plain amber-tinted glass of several shades, the foliated tracery work of the upper parts being treated in brighter color effects. The building is heated by steam by means of handsome radiators. The gas fixtures, of polished brass, are very handsome, and the gas is lighted from an electric battery placed under the gallery. Any required number of the fixtures may be lighted, one, a dozen, or the entire complement, as may be desired—by a simple turn of the battery crank. There are over three hundred lights in the church. Taken in its entirety, the Church of St. Mary's, so near to completion, is a grand tribute to the untiring zeal and ability of its pastor. Rev. Edward J. Conroy.

STEPHEN A. PERKINS, a well-known _ merchant, holds a leading place among the enterprising and prominent men of Poughkeep-sie, where his birth occurred May i, 1846, having always identified himself with its inter-

COMMEWORATfVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ests. He belongs to a family of English origin, whose members mostly belonged to the Reformed Dutch Church. His paternal grandfather, Warren Perkins, was a farmer of the town of New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y., and his family included two sons: Alexander VV., the father of our subject; and Stephen, a carriage maker, of Washington. Pennsylvania.

The former was born March i, 1818, upon a farm in the town of New Paltz, Ulster county, where the first seventeen or eighteen years of his life were passed. He then came to the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and entered into agricultural pursuits, which he has followed, with very few years exception, his entire life; he has held several town offices. He enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of his neighbors; his vote always being cast with the Democratic party. He was twice married, his first wife, the mother of Stephen A. Perkins, was in her maidenhood Miss Rebecca M. Ackerley, a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, where her father, Lemuel Ackerley, engaged in farming. She was of English lineage, and was called to her reward in 1856. By her marriage she became the mother of six children: Jacob A., a business man of Poughkeepsie, who is interested with our subject in the ice business; Sylvester, who was a carpenter, of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, and died in November, 1S93; Stephen A., of this sketch; Jane A., who became the wife of J. L. Donaldson, of Ulster county, who died in March, 1894; Elizabeth H., who died unmarried; and William J., a resident of Poughkeepsie, who is interested with our subject in the coal business.

Upon a farm about three miles outside the city limits of Poughkeepsie, Stephen A. Perkins grew to manhood, attending the district schools of the neighborhood, and finished his education at the Dutchess County Academy. P'or one year he was then employed as teacher of a district school, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, following that occupation for about five years. He next became connected with the Poughkeepsie & Eastern railroad, serving in a number of different capacities for about eighteen years. In 1888, in connection with his brother Jacob A., he entered into the ice business, leasing the Morgan Lake. He conducted this business very successfully and made many friends for himself and brother. In May, 1894, he formed a co-partnership with his brother, William J.

Perkins, and Herman King in the coal trade, under the firm name of Perkins, King & Co. They now do a flourishing business, their courteous treatment of customers, and upright, honorable dealings, having won them a liberal patronage.

In 1875 ^Ir. Perkins was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Charlotte Holmes, who was born in the town of Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county, and is a daughter of George Holmes, also a native of that county, and a farmer and merchant by occupation. He died about 1886. One child blesses the union of our subject and his wife: Bertram R., who is now a dentist by profession. They are members and contribute to the support of the Presbyterian Church, while socially, Mr. Perkins is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, and politically votes the Democratic ticket.

SAMUEL HILTON AMBLER, who is now _ practically living retired in the village of Stissing, Dutchess county, was for a quarter of a century a prominent merchant of the place. The Ambler family, of which he is a worthy representative, was founded in America during its early history. The first to locate in New England was Richard Ambler, who was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1609, and was one of twenty-four men who organized the town of Watertown, Conn., taking deed for the same from the Indians, and he became a leading resident of that town. He was twice married, and became the father of three children: Sarah, Abram and Abraham. His death occurred in 1699. Of his family, Abraham, who was a Baptist minister in Bedford. Conn., was born in 1642, and he was also twice married, his union with Mary Bates being celebrated in 1662; they made their home in Stamford, Conn. Their son John was born in 1668, and in his family were three children: John, Stephen and Martha. The birth of John Ambler, of this family, occurred at Stamford, Conn., in 1695, and he became a resident of Danbury, in the same State, where he died. By his will he bequeathed his gun and sword to his only son, John. He was the father of seven children: John, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Martha, Anna and Rachel. The only son was born in 1733, and died October 21, 1814. By his marriage with Huldah Fairchild he had eight children: Peter, Squire, Stephen, Gilead, Diodote, Silas, Huldah and Deborah. The

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

b31

father of tliese was sergeant of a company of lOO men raised in Danbury, May 17, 1775, which joined the 6th regiment, commanded by Col. David Waterbury.

Peter Ambler, of the above family, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Danbury, Conn., September 20, 1759, and there continued to engage in farming throughout life, owning the land on which the Danbury fair is now held. During the Revolutionary war he served as artificer in the Colonial army, and later took a prominent part in public affairs, being a member of the State Legislature for one term. He held membership with the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon, and died in that faith March 7, 1836. On October 21, 1784, he had married Miss Hannah Shove, who was born October 27, 1761, and was the daughter of Deacon Benjamin and Sarah Shove, and their family included the following children: Fairchild, Benjamin. David, Thomas, Joseph, Silas, Sarah, Rachel and Hannah. The mother of these died April 22, 1S43.

Rev. Silas Ambler, Baptist minister, father of our subject, was born at Danbury, Conn., March 12, 1798. He was married August 29, 1822, to Miss Eunice D. Olmstead, who was born October 28, 1800, at Wilton, Conn., and died October 3. 1892, at Stanford, N. Y. They had a family of seven children: Samuel H., our subject; Mary E., who makes her home in Greene county, N. Y., is the widow of Ezekial Griffin; Augustus, born April 19, 1829, died April 22, 1852; Catherine, born May 23, 1831, is the widow of Levi Boyce, of Greeneville, N. Y.; Sarah, born January 31, 1835, is the wife of Henry Ivnickerbocker, of Bangall, N. Y.; Emeline. who was born April 6, 1837, and died April 3, 1869, was the wife of Charles Sheldon, now deceased; and John P., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. The father was for a time a minister in the Baptist Church, having charge of congregations at Cornwall and Norfolk, Conn., but in 1840, on account of ill health, he gave up preaching and located upon a farm in the town of Stanford. Dutchess Co., X. Y., near Stissing, which is now owned by our subject. He there spent his remaining days, dying November 22, 1857, honored and respected by all.

The birth of Mr. Ambler, the subject of this review, occurred at Danbury, Fairfield Co., Conn., June 3. 1824, but most of his early life was passed at Norfolk, in the same State,

where he attended school and remained a member of the parental household until his marriage, March 20, 1851, in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, to Miss Olive Boyce, a daughter of Jacob and Olive fMorse) Boyce. To our subject and wife have come the following children: Franklin A., born December 31, 1856, died at San Jose, Cal., June II, 1884; he had married Hattie Vassar (daughter of John E. Vassarj, by whom he had two children—Alice May and Edward Vassar. Emma D. was born May 20, 1858. Asa T., born March i, i860, wedded Mary Deuell, and they have two children—Chester Franklin and Olive Martha. Charles, born February 2, 1S64, married Elizabeth \'ande-water. Alfred Silas, born November 25,1867, is now the medical superintendent of the Kingston Avenue Hospital, at Brooklvn. New York.

For twenty years after his marriage. Mr. Ambler engaged in agricultural pursuits, but in 1870 he sold his farm, as he had been appointed agent on the N. D. & C. R. R.. and erected a store building at Stissing. where he was engaged in general merchandising for twenty-five years, which store is now ducted b}' his sons. Charles and Asa T. was made postmaster of the village, and served as agent for the P. & E. R. R. politics, Mr. Ambler casts his ballot is support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and has held the office of e.xcise commissioner. For forty years he has been a member of the Baptist Church, at Bangall, and his genial, social nature makes him a popular citizen.

con-He also In

LFRED ALLENDORF (deceasedj was .^^ born September 17, 1829, a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Stickle) Allendorf, prosperous farming people of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county.

After completing his literary education Mr. Allendorf began his mercantile career as a clerk, and gradually worked his way upward. At the close of a few years of preparatory labor in this line, he left the firm by whom he was employed, and established a general merchandise store at Upper Red Hook, which they conducted some three years, then coming to Red Hook, they opened a store under the firm name of Conkling & Allendorf, which venture proved highly successful. Through hon-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

orable and upright dealing they soon gained the confidence of the public, which they succeeded in holding for over twenty years, at the end of which time the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Ailendorf taking the store and Mr. Conkling the lumber and coal business.

On October ii. 1854, our subject was married to Miss Catherine A. Shook, \\\\o was born July 6, 1830, at the old homestead of the Shook family, where her father was engaged in farming. Two daughters blessed this union: (i) Nellie S., born at Red Hook, February 28, 1856, who became the wife of Silas S. Schoon-maker, October 30, 1878, and they now reside at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; they have one child—A. Ailendorf, born January 14, 1880. (2) Fannie L., born at Red Hook, April 27, i860, married Charles B. Hoffman, and they have two children—Bessie C, born November II, 1881; and£. Marjorie, born May 15, 1885. Mrs. Schoonmaker and Mrs. Hoffman received their primary educations at the schools of Red Hook, completing their studies at the De-Garmo Institute, Rhinebeck.

John Shook, the father of Mrs. Ailendorf, was also a native of the town of Red Hook, where his entire life, was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He wedded Miss Nellie Shoemaker, daughter of George Shoemaker, of Red Hook, and they became the parents of the following children: George Adam, born May

3, 1803, was educated for the ministry of the Reformed Dutch Church, at Carlisle, but owing to ill-health was prevented from accepting a call, and died in 1836; Anna Maria, born March 18, 1805, became the wife of Moses Ring; Cornelia, born June 22, 1807, married Lewis Elseffer; Helen, born September 20, 1809, wedded Everet Traver; Aaron, born September 6, 181 I, married Catharine Cramer; Gertrude C, born December 21, 1813, remained single; Walter, born April 4, 1816, married Eliza A. Allenford; Alonzo, born May

4, 1818, died in infanc}-; Archibald, born Julv 24, 1820, wedded Elizabeth Lamoree; Ale.\-ander, born October 6, 1822, married Clarissa Squires; John A., born July 3. 1825, married Frances Lathrop; and Catherine A. (wile of our subject) completed the family.

The integrity of Mr. Ailendorf stands as an unquestioned fact in his history—endowed by nature with a sound judgment and an accurate, discriminating mind, he did not fear the labprious attention to business so necessary to achieve success. This essential quality was

ever guided by a sense of right which would tolerate the employment only of the means that would bear the most rigid examination, by a fairness of intention that neither sought nor required disguise. He was a thorough Christian, a devout member of the Lutheran Church, and was prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being at the time of his death one of the members of Christian Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Red Hook.

OX. EDWARD HARRIS THOMPSON. JJA The family of which the subject of this sketch is a distinguished representative originated in England, where it has held an honored position from an early period, its coat of arms bearing the motto, "In liniiinc luce", being an interesting reminder of the olden time. The head of the American branch. Anthony Thompson, came to this country with his wife, two children and two brothers, John and William, in the company of Governor Eaton, Rev. Mr. Davenport and others of Coventry, England, arriving at Boston, June 26, 1637, according to Winthrop's Journal, or July 23, 1637, as stated by Cotton Mather. Like many other dissenters from the Church of England at that day, they sought in the New World freedom to worship in accordance with their own faith, and relief from the persecutions and burdensome ta.xation which were their lot in their native land. The party led by Messrs. Da\enporl and Eaton had a larger proportion of wealthy and energetic men than any other which had arrived up to that time, and several towns made tempting offers to the emigrants, but it was Quinipiac, or New Haven, that was finally decided upon as a location. Anthony Thompson signed the Colony Constitution June 4, 1639, and all ihe brothers soon secured farms in the vicinity. John's estate at New Haven, where he died December II, 1674, is said to be still in the possession of some of his numerous descendants. Anthony and William resided at New Haven. Anthony died March 23, 1647, and left a large estate, which was divided under his will between his six children and his second wife. His original purchase and the house thereon was given to his son John, and the lands afterward acquired, to Anthony, Jr., while with the exception of a certain sum to his daughter Bridget, a child of his first wife, on condition

C^c

C<A^'-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPEICAL RECORD.

33S

that she would marry in accordance with the wishes of the deacons of the Church, the remainder was left to his wife, Catherine, and her three daughters. The wife's share was conditional upon her widowhood, and as she married Nicholas Camp, July 14, 1652, it probably reverted to this family. Anthony, Jr., made his will December 26, 1682, while on a visit in Milford, and died three days later. The greater part of his property was left to his brother, John. William Thompson was probably a bachelor as at his death in 1682 his will, which was made Ocfober 6th of the same year, distributed his property among his relatives, particular mention being made of his nephew John.

John Thompson seems to have been a sea captain. He died June 2, 1707, and an inventory of his estate is on record. Three children are named in the registry of the town, viz.: Mary, born September 9, 1667; Samuel, born May 12, 1669; and Sarah, born January 16, 1671, but he probably had two or three previously. Samuel was married, November 14, 1695, to Rebecca Bishop, daughter of the Lieutenant Governor, and lived at the Beaver Pond, now Westville, about two miles from New Haven. He was captain of the military company in New Haven, and must have been a man of great physical vigor, as in his eighty-second year he rode from New Haven to Goshen, about fifty miles, on horseback, this trip being among the reminiscences of his grandson Hezekiah, who rode behind him. <»amuel died at Goshen. His children's names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Samuel, December 2, 1696; James, June 5, 1699; Amos, March 3, 1702; Gideon, December 25, 1704; Rebecca, February 23, 1*708; Judah, June 10, 1710 (died August 5, 1712); Judah (2d), October 5, 1713; and Enos, August 18, 1717. Most of this family lived to an advanced age, and some settled in what is now the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, others in Connecticut. Samuel located on the east line of the town of Stanford, near Federal store, and in 1785 he, or Ezra [Enos.'], built a brick house, which has been occupied by the family ever since. In 17S3 his son Caleb built a brick house in the same locality. James Thompson died in 1737. as a result of a fall from a cherry tree, and his son, Hezekiah, then two years old, was placed under the guardianship of his uncle Enos, who bound him out at the age of fourteen to learn the

saddler's trade. The boy had higher ambitions, however, and, as soon as he could, began the study of law at Woodbury, where he rose to prominence in the profession and built himself a stately residence. He died in March, 1803, leaving two sons: W^illiam, who lived in Sullivan county, N. Y., was the first judge of that county, and died December 9, 1847; and John, an Episcopal clergyman at New Durham, Greene Co.. N. Y., and died August 4, 1864.

Amos Thompson settled near Thompson's Pond, now Hunn's Lake, in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, about 1746. He and his wife Sarah (Allen), whom he wedded in 1726, had seven children: Allen, born in 1727; Rebecca, in 1729; Amos, in 1731: Ezra, in 1734; Sarah, Eunice and Mary. .Allen died soon after the removal to Dutchess county. Amos was educated at a college in New Jersey, and became a Presbyterian minister, locating first at North Canaan, Conn., and later in Loudoun county, Va., where he died in 1804. He married Miss Jane Evans, of Maryland.

Gideon Thompson lived at Goshen, Conn. Rebecca married Mr. Austin, of New Haven, and had a son. Deacon Austin, who became a citizen of that place. Judah (2d i probably lived and died in New Haven. Enos had a son. Smith Thompson, who became a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, and later was secretary of the navy. Enos Thompson Throop, a grandson of Enos, was governor of New York State and charge d'affairs at Naples. '' ■ Arrros Thompson, born in 1731, married Mary Smith, of Suffield, Conn. Asa Allen John, their son, born January 12, 1760, married Mary Knap, January 19, 1783, and died May 28, 1813. Their son, Allen Thompson, our subject's grandfather, was born August 10, 1783, on the old homestead at Thompson's Pond, now known as Hunn's Lake, in the town of Stanford, and passed a considerable portion of his life there, following his chosen work of farming, in which he was unusually successful. In later life (in 1825) he moved to a farm in the town of Pine Plains, now occupied by C. C. More, where he died May 20, 1849. His wife, Eliza (Pugsley). to whom he was married March 18, 1806, died December 29, 1S61. They had five children, whose names, with dates of birth, are here given: Edward P., born February 6, 1807; John Allen, November' 6, 1808; Cornelius Allerton, December 20, 1810 (died November 15, 1832); and Corne-

;i34

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

lius, March lo, 1824. John Allen Thompson, our subject's father, was born at Thompson's Pond, but his life was spent mainly in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, where he owned a farm of 120 acres southwest of the village of Pine Plains. From a business standpoint, he was very successful, accumulating a fine property, and he was also prominent and influential in local affairs. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, holding office for many years; but he never sought or held political place, although he supported stanchly the principles of the Whig party in early life, and later espoused with equal earnestness the Republican faith. An earnest student of his times, he was well-informed on all the topics of general interest. On May 9, 1855, he was married to Lucy Ann \'iele, a member of one of the most prominent families of Washington county, N. Y., and her father, Stephen L. Viele, was a member of the State Assembly in 1S36.

The subject of the sketch, the only son of this marriage, was born at Pine Plains, September 25, 1856, and was educated at the Hudson Academy. In 1882 he entered the Millerton National Hank as bookkeeper, George S. Frink being president, and William M. Dales, cashier. On the death of the latter in 1883, Mr. Thompson was elected to the vacant position, and in 1886 he was chosen president, which office he held until 1895. On June 9, 1886, he married Rachel Irene Carpenter, daughter of Hon. Edmund T. Carpenter, who was mayor of Hudson City, N. J. They have had three children: Harry Scott, Lucy Irene, and John Allen.

Mr. Thompson is a man of fine physique and great industry. His energy and ability have not been confined to business life, his success there, combined with his high reputation for integrity, winning him the confidence of the people, and leading to his election on the Republican ticket to various positions of public trust and responsibility. His interest in local movements has always been recognised as a strong influence for progress, and E. H. Thompson Hose Co. was named in his honor. He was a trustee of the village for five years, and was its president at the time for the build-i, ing of the water works of which he was one of the chief promoters. In 1892 he was elected supervisor of the town without opposition, and in the same year he was chosen to represent the first district of Dutchess county in the As-

sembly by 419 plurality over James H. Russell, Democrat, and Tiel, Prohibitionist. In 1893 Mr. Thompson submitted to the Assembly a bill amending the charter of the city of Poughkeepsie, and one relating to the Mattea-wan State Hospital for Insane Criminals. On returning to the Assembly in 1894, having been re-elected in 1893, bj-a plurality of 843 over Oakly I. Xorris, Democrat, and \'. M. Buck, Prohibitionist, he was appointed chairman of the committee on Banks and a member of the committee on Railroads, and the committee on Charitable and Religious Societies. That year he introduced a bill amending the banking law, and one incorporating the Poughkeepsie and Wappinger Falls Electric Railway Co. He was again re-elected in 1894, receiving 4,692 votes against 3,418 cast for S. M. Davidson, Democrat, and 210 for C. N. Nichols, Prohibitionist. In 1895 he was chairman of the committee on Commerce and Navigation, and a member of three important committees— on Ways and Means, on Banks and on Military Affairs. In 1895 Mr. Thompson introduced a bill largely increasing the scope of investments of savings banks of the State. The banks had for years endeavored to secure such legislation, but failed. By his untiring efforts the bill became a law, and is known as the "Thompson Law," and is highly regarded by the banks. On May i, 1896, Hon. F. D. Kilburn, superintendent of banks of the State of New York, appointed Mr. Thompson a bank examiner, located in the City of New York.

HARVEY BRETT, a venerable and highly respected resident of Matteawan, is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Dutchess county, being a direct descendant of Madame Brett, whose ability and forceful character, no less than her extensive landed possessions, made her a leading figure among the early settlers of this section. She was the only daughter and heir of Francis Rombout, the patentee of the Rombout tract, which patent was granted to him October 17, 1685, and from whom the first titles to lands in Fishkill were derived by the settlers. He was a native of Holland, and was sent as supercargo to New Amsterdam (New York) by the Dutch East India Compan)'. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he engaged in business in that city with Gulian \"erplanck, forming a copartnership which lasted several years. He

COMMEMORAriVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

335

was for several years alderman of New York, and mayor of that city in 1679. In September, 1683, he married Mrs. Helena Van Bal-leu (lu'c Teller), whose first husband was named Bogardus. Only one child graced this union: Catharyna, who was born in New York, and at the age of sixteen married Roger Brett, an Englishman, and a merchant of New York City. A few years later she and her husband took up their residence in Fishkill, on lands which, after the death of her father m 1691, became her heritage. The precise year of their settlement here is not known; but January 10, 1709, they gave a joint bond (they previously partitioned the tract between themselves so as to hold it in severalty) to Capt. Gylob Shelly, of New York City, to secure payment of ^'399, 6s, with which it is believed they built a dwelling house and a gristmill the following year. The house, built in 1709, is still standing in Matteawan, in good preservation, and is known as the "Teller Mansion." The gristmill was located at the mouth of the Fishkill, on its north bank. It was the first of its kind in the town or county, and e.xerted an immense and beneficial influence on the settlements in the locality. Madame Brett died in 1764. She had three sons—Francis, Robert and Rivery—and one daughter, married to Jacobus Depuyster. Of the sons, Francis married Margaret \'an-Wyck, and had two daughters—Hannah (married to Henry Schenck), and Margaret (the youngest; married to Peter A. Schenck)—and two sons—Theodorus and George. Rivery (the youngest son of Mrs. Brett) died at the age of seventeen.

George Brett, our subject's grandfather, was born in the town of Fishkill, and passed his life there engaged in agriculture. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Marie Cooper, were devout members of the Reformed Dutch Church, although George had in his youth been identified with the English Church. Their children were: Deborah and Margaret (deceased), who never married; Francis G., the father of our subject, and Sally, who married a Mr. Willett, a cabinetmaker.

Francis G. Brett was tjorn in the town of Fishkill, in 1775, and for many years operated the mill at Matteawan, belonging to the Brett estate. He was a Whig in politics, and was influential in local affairs. His wife, Margaret Campbell, who was born in 1777, probably in

Dutchess county, died April 9, 1835, ^"d Mr. Brett's death occurred August 14, 1835. They were highly esteemed among their associates, and while not members they inclined toward the Reformed Church. They reared a family of eight children: William, a machinist of Matteawan, died in Brooklyn, N. Y.; James, also a machinist (now deceased), was a resident of Matteawan; Alfred, a silk dyer, of Matteawan, passed away in early manhood; Harriet and Jane Ann (deceased) did not marry; Harvey, our subject, is mentioned more fully below; Edgar, who died in Albany, was prominent in religious work as a member of the M. E. Church, and in later life was a local preacher; Charles is a pattern maker in Newark, New Jersey.

Harvey Brett was born January 15, 1813, and throughout his eighty-four years he has had his home in the beautiful little city of Matteawan. At an early age he displayed mechanical ability of a high order, and in 1830 he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until June 28, 1873. He then retired from business, but his active mind and still vigorous physique have occasionally found congenial e.xercise in the creation of some article of use or ornament. He works in all kinds of metals, also in wood, some beautiful pieces of furniture in his home giving evidence of his skill in that line. Among the choice specimens of his works in metals is an elegant jewel case of copper. Mr. Brett has always taken an intelligent interest in public questions, and in politics is a Republican. For many years he has been a member of the M. E. Church. On October 10, 1837, he married Miss Susan Colman, a native of Orange county, N. Y., a daughter of Abram Colman, a well-known resident of Orange county. She passed away in 1880, the mother of four children: Charles is a merchant at Matteawan; Abram died in 1893; Wesley is employed with his brother Charles; Emily died at the age of six years.

IBefore closing this sketch we give the copies of two original letters from Lord Corn-bury, governor of New York, in possession of Miss Hannah Teller, and dated "New York, lOver 4, 1709," the other in the possession of Mrs. Hannah Wiltse, Fishkill Landing, and dated December 15, 1709.

Sir: —The nurse telling me a boat was going up to you, I was not willing to omit the opportunity of writing to you, though we have no news here, only of a great battle in Flanders, where my Lord Marlborough has obtained

COMMEMORATIVE BlOGliAl'UlCAL RECORD.

a great victory. I expfct to hear every day of the arrival of the X'irginia Fleet, by which 1 hope to have news from England. In the meantime, I wish you and Mrs. Brett all the health, happiness and satisfaction of a merry Christmas and happy New Year and am, sir,

^'our most humble servant.

CORNBURY. My service to Mrs. Brett.

Sir: —Yours of the 9th of the last came safely to my hands, for which 1 return you thanks. I would have sent an answer sooner, but I can't find one master of a sloop that will undertake to deliver a letter. There is no news of the fleet, and by what I hear from other parts, I believe we shall see no fleet this year; nor do I yet know what our peo|)le here will resolve upon. I have not yet heard one tine from England, since my Lord Lovelace arrived. I hope my daughter is arrived there safe before this time. I am glad she did not go with the last fleet, for Capt. Riddle, who commanded the Falmouth, in which she must have gone, was attacked by a French man-of-war of twenty guns, who boarded him, but Riddle got clear of him and got safe into Plimouth with all his fleet. We have no news to entertain you with; as soon as I have any you shall have it. I am sorry to hear Mrs. Brett has not been well. I hoi>e before this time you are all well.

I was in hope before this time I should have seen you or Mrs. Brett here, where, with my short commons, you will always find a most hearty welcome. I entreat you to give my humble service to Mrs. Brett, and do me the justice to believe that I am, sir,

• Your humble servant,

CORNBURV.

EDWARD W. SIM.MONS, of Millerton, one of the most prominent citizens of Dutchess county, is distinguished for his ability in educational work, and in public affairs, and as a lawyer, his labors in these widely different lines being equally able and effective.

His ancestors for three generations have been farmers of that locality, his great-grandfather, Peter Simmons, having come from Holland in the eighteenth century, and settled in the northern part of Dutchess county, or possibly in the adjoining portion of Columbia county. Nicholas Simmons, our subject's grandfather, was born in Dutchess county, and although he learned the shoemaker's trade his attention was mainly devoted to agriculture. He married Christina Snyder, and they had eight children. He and his wife both died in 1840, and their remains were buried in Broome county. New York.

William Simmons was born in Pine Plains, in 1787, and grew to manhood there. He engaged in farming in the town of Northeast for a time, until, in 1818, he moved to Ancram, Columbia county, and purchased a farm where he lived for five years. He then returned to Northeast, and in 1824 settled on the old Roe homestead, remaining there until 1831, when he rented a farm of the Winchell heirs, where

Millerton now stands, subsequently purchasing the Thomas Paine farm, which he sold in 1837. In thafyear he moved to Broome count}', and there lived until 1S64, when he returned to Millerton to end his days. He was a successful farmer, and ranked among the leaders in local affairs, holding various official positions. He entered the war of 1812 as a private, and became a non-commissioned officer. His wife, Clarissa Roe, a lady of Scotch and Irish blood, whose parents, Silas and Mercy {Harvey) Roe, reared a family of ten children: Uziel, Amos, Alva, Harvey, Jeduthan, Lyman, Anna, Laura, Clarissa and Amanda. Mrs. Simmons was killed September 13, 1827, by a fall from a wagon; her husband died February 14, 1868. They had five children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Harvey Roe, September 29, 1814; Edward W., April 14, 1816; Julia (Mrs. Lewis Barnes, of Broome county), February 5, 1819; Amanda (Mrs. Henry Wheeler, formerly of Amenia, now of Morris, 111.), October 19, 1822; and James, April 17, 1827, who is now a leading minister of the I3aptist Church. Owingto his mother's premature death he was placed in the care of his brother Edward at an early age, and was prepared for college by him. He was graduated from Brown University, also from the Newton Theological Seminary, at Rochester, and has since been given the honorary degree of D. D., by Brown University. His first pastorate was in Providence, R. I., and later he was in charge of Churches in Indianapolis, Philadelphia and New York. In 1866, he went to New York City as secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, and a few years afterward was called to Trinity Baptist Church, on Fifty-fifth street. He has since entered the service of the Baptist Publication Society of Philadelphia, and has charge of their interests in New York and other States. He has been a devoted worker in the cause of Home Missions, and in the building of schools in the Southern States, the institution at Abilene, Texas, known as Simmons College, having been established through his efforts.

Edward W. Simmons was born on the old farm, about one mile from the village of Millerton, and with the exception of a few months at the academy at Hudson, his schooling was limited to the district schools of the neighborhood. He made the best of his opportunities, ! however, and also studied diligently in private.

/-/M^-^/K^tC^

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mi

and in the winter of 1S32-33 began teaching at Lime Rock, Conn. From that time until 1S4S he followed this occupation with marked success, his thorough mastery of the studies through which he had plodded without assistance enabling him to understand and relieve the difficulties of his pupils. In 1838-39 he taught a school of high grade at Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., and from there went to Great Barrington, Mass., and conducted a large and prosperous school for two years. He then spent two years at Sheffield, Mass., teaching Latin and Greek in addition to the higher English branches. His health failing, he returned to Millerton in 1843, and opened a private school with an able assistant, the late Alexander Winchell, who afterward became eminent as a geologist, and was lor many years a professor in the University of Michigan. Mr. Simmons spent the most of his time for the next two years in Broome county, and in 1S51, his health being restored, he built the store now occupied by James Finch, which was the first building erected in Millerton. He opened a general store there, which he conducted for twenty-five years, when he transferred the business to Mr. Finch, who had been his clerk for fifteen years.

Mr. Simmons gained a practical knowledge of surveying in his youth, and did a great deal of work in that line at different times, and as his wide range of studies had already included some reading on legal subjects, he was often employed in conveyancing. The confidence which his clear judgment and accurate information inspired caused him to be consulted more and more frequently upon general legal points, and upon the suggestion of Judge Hogeboom, he engaged in the practice of law, being admitted to the bar in 1867, while still in mercantile business. He has been very successful, has a large number of substantial clients, and has taken a notable share in public affairs. He was financial secretary of the New York State Constitutional Convention, in 1867, of which William A. Wheeler was president, and Samuel J. Tilden, Horace Greeley and other well-known men were members. In local affairs it would be difficult to enumerate his varied services. He was supervisor for five terms, being chairman of the board during the first year, and he was one of the committee to go before the State board of assessors to secure a reduction in the assessment of Dutchess county, their action resulting in a saving to the county 22

of $200,000 in three years. He has been an unwearied advocate of good schools, and every measure for local improvement has found in him a champion. He was a Free-soil Democrat in early years, but voted for Fremont in 1856, and since that time has been a Republican.

On April 23, 1839, Mr. Simmons was married to Harriet N. Winchell, daughter of John Winchell, and had two sons: Alfred, who was born November 8, 1842, and died August 6, 1864; and James, born in 1851, and died in 1853. Mrs. Simmons died December 29, 1S68, and June 16, 1869, Mr. Simmons married Mrs. Sarah E. Trowbridge, nci- Mead, a daughter of Deacon John K. Mead, of Amenia. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for sixty-three years; belongs to Webatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M., in which he has held the office of senior deacon, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Although now eighty-one years old, Mr. Simmons enjoys comparatively good health, and attends daily to his profession.

AMES B. SIMMONS, D. D. The subject of this article is a native of Dutchess county, and the youngest brother of Edward W. Simmons. Exiled from home in his early boyhood, Edward took him into his own family to live, and into his academy to fit him for college. Not only so, but he admonished him as a father, helped him when in trouble, guided him in counsel, and, above all else, led him savingly to Christ. The two have been greatly attached all their lives, and for the best of reasons.

The only account we have been able to secure of James is the following by a Confederate soldier now residing in one of the Gulf States. The author of this sketch is an eminent Doctor of Divinity, widely known not only throughout the United States, but in other lands also. Speaking of Dr. Simmons as "A Foundation Builder," he says:

"When a small edifice or a temporary structure is to be erected, one man frequently plans, erects, completes, and uses the building. But when the great cathedral at Cologne was finished, the man who had conceived the plan, and laid the foundation, had lain in his grave over five centuries. The glory of the cathcr dral, however, is a sufficient monument to his memory. For a large structure, there must

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

be breadth of thought and work in the foundation. Dr. Simmons is peculiarly gifted in the ability to plan wisely, and lay such broad foundations that future generations may successfully build thereon.

"This is illustrated in his work in behalf of Christian education. He does not believe in working for one race, or one caste, or one section, but has distributed his labors to different races and different sections, and made them so broad that the capstone must of necessity be laid long after the founder has ceased to live on the earth.

" Under his wise administration, as Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, locations were secured for seven Christian schools for the negroes of the South; one each in Washington, Richmond, Columbia, Raleigh, Augusta, Nashville and New Orleans. These are well chosen, strategic points, every one of them. Six of these institutions, on the very localities purchased by Dr. Simmons, have had marvelous growth. The properties, to-day, are vastly more valuable than when he acquired them. For the thirty acres of the Roger William Uni-versit}- at Nashville which he purchased for $30,000, the Home Mission Society, as I am told, could since have taken $200,000, had they been willing to sell.

" It was deemed advisable to remove the school located at Augusta to Atlanta, and it is doing a magnificent work there. Dr. A. E. Dickinson, editor of the ' Religious Herald of Virginia,' has well said: ' Those seven institutions of learning for the colored people of the South, which Dr. J. 13. Simmons was instrumental in establishing, will be a better monument to his memory, than seven towering shafts of granite.'

" Seven streams of light and knowledge for over a quarter of a century have been flooding the South with blessings from these young Colleges. And these streams have been broadening and deepening as the years roll on, and will doubtless continue to bless generations yet unborn. These schools were not founded for a day, a year, or a generation, but for all time.

'' Here we have the example of a man, who was the grandson of a New York slaveholder,* devoting seven years of the most intense toil,

*Silas Roe is here referred to. lie was the maternal grandfather of James B. Siniiuons, and owned five hundred acres about one mile southwest of where Millcrton now stands. When the Act of Emancipation for the State of New York went into effect, on July 4. 1827, Silas Roe was the owner of two negro slaves, whose names were Simon West and Samuel Bowen.

anxiet}', and labor to the Christian education of those who had been slaves, and succeeding in establishing seven institutions of learning, and raising money to secure properties ample for their use in the long )-ears to come. The foundations were well laid, not on the sands of popular enthusiasm or partisan prejudice, but on the firm rock of Christian duty, in loyalty to Jesus Christ.

"Rev. H. M. Tupper, D.D., president of Shaw University at Raleigh, N. C, used to say that Dr. Simmons had the best conception of any man he knew, as to the sort of schools needed for the education of the Freed-men. And it is not too much to add that the seven original Freedmen Colleges, which were fashioned under his molding hand, became in no small degree the models for those that have been added since. At the same time he praises in most emphatic terms the good men who have preceded him, as well as the good men who have followed him in the work.

"When Dr. Simmons retired from his office as Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Societj', that organization, in annual meeting assembled, adopted the following minute:

' The present condition of our educational work in the Southern States bears a most impressive testimony to the wisdom, the energy and the consecration exhibited by Rev. James B. .Simmons, ]J.D., in the location and conduct of the Freedmen's Schools, and in the develo])ment of Christian enterprise and liberality in their behalf. He has written his name upon the religious history of an emancijiated race. The future will be his monument.'

"But Dr. Simmons was too broad a man to confine his work to one race. He saw the need of the colored people, and gave his heartthrobs, tears and prayers, accompanied in every instance by his monied contributions, to help them. Many years before this, however, he had laid his vigorous hand to the work of helping the cause of education among the white race. As early as 1859, nearly a decade before he was called to be Secretary of Home Missions, and when he was not worth as much as fifteen hundred dollars all told—he pledged one thousand dollars of that amount to assist in founding an institution for the higher education of young ladies in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was then settled as pastor. And he paid every cent of that money. The coming on of the war, and other causes, led to the discontinuance of the school, and this thousand dollars, with other property of the Institute, was afterward turned over to the Divinity

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339

School at Morgan Park, which is now a part of the great Chicago University, and is still doing good in the cause of Christian education there.

"In 1874, when there was a crisis in the financial affairs of Columbian University, located at the national capital, he threw himself in the breach, at the call of his brethren, and raised, in six months, sixty-four thousand dollars, to complete the required conditions for an endowment of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000), thus establishing the permanency of that institution for Christian education in the heart of the nation.

"In 1891 the writer of this, from his official position, chanced to know that Dr. Simmons was not content with what he had done for the cause of Christian education, but was looking around for further opportunity to do good. About this time I received a letter from Rev. G. W. Smith, of Abilene, Texas, asking if I knew of any source from which help could be obtained in founding a much-needed institution of learning in that rapidly-growing section of central Texas. I gave him the address of Dr. Simmons, and correspondence was begun between them. Dr. Simmons and his son visited the field, and the result was that, through the benefactions of himself and family, Simmons College, at Abilene, Texas, has begun its career of blessing in the great Southwest. Located in a fertile country, with a field to draw from as large as the entire State of New York, and which is rapidly filling up with a superior population, it is difficult to estimate the future possibilities of Simmons College. As to a name forthis new school. Dr. Simmons chose ' Christlieb College,' which means ' College of Christ's Love.' But his family, and the vote of the College Trustees, overruled him.

•■A Northern man, a strong opponent of slavery, and one who had given so much of his time to aid the negroes in education. Dr. Simmons now gave his means to found a college for white people in one of the old Slave States. He has helped fen colleges all told. With him the question was not whether a man is a white man, a negro, an Indian, an Armenian, or a Chinaman; not whether he is a Northern man, a Southern man or a Western man, but was he a man, and was help needed, and could it be given.' The foundations he has endeavored to la}' are as broad as the needs of humanity, without reference to race or conditions. Strong in his convictions and out-

spoken in the e.xpression of them when necessity requires he is the soul of courtesy to all, and charitable toward the opinion of others. He always leans toward mercy's side.

" The following incident beautifully illustrates this characteristic. Rev. John S. Ezell, a Baptist minister of South Carolina, was confined in the militar}- prison at Albany, New York, having been convicted of complicity with Ku-Kluxism in his native State. Southern papers were denouncing his incarceration. But Dr. Simmons, instead of stopping to talk, went straight to Albany, visited the imprisoned minister, encouraged him to tell his story, went to Washington and personall}' laid the matter before Gen. Grant, then President of the United States, and obtained his release. He then took Bro. Ezell to his home, which at that time was in Brooklyn, and treated him with Christian hospitality, and sent him on his way rejoicing. Dr. Simmons did not sympathize in the least with the spirit of Ku-Kluxism, or any other lawlessness, but he delighted to assist a Christian gentleman in distress. No wonder that Bro. Ezell has often written him with gratitude, saying: ' I was in prison and you visited me.'

"Rev. J. "^L. Reynolds, D. D., of South Carolina, referring to Dr. Simmons having secured from President Grant a pardon for Ezell, says: 'This was well and nobly done. Such a deed appeals to the South, and will do more toward bringing about the era of good feeling, than all the resolutions that could be written, or harangues that could be spoken. We thank Bro. Simmons.'

" I have spent months in Dr. Simmons' company. We differed widely upon many questions, and discussed them freel}' without the slightest acrimony or ill feeling. Tenacious of his own opinions, and firm in his convictions, he is yet so broad and full of Christian love and courtesy, that he is the finest example I ever knew of the "fortitcr in ri\ ct sitavitcr in viocio ' —(Vigor in execution, accompanied by gentleness of manner).

" We may learn three lessons from his life:

"I. A poor boy, thrown upon his own resources at fifteen years of age, he has attained great distinction as a man of learning, and wide influence. Let no boy despair of making a full-grown man because he is poor.

"2. He has often told me that he never could have accomplished a tithe of what he has but

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

for the educational training which he received. He spent three years in the preparatory school, four years in college, graduating at Brown University, and three years in his theological course, graduating at Newton—ten years in all. Let no man rush into his life-work without thorough preparation. Rather than work with dull tools, make any sacrifice to sharpen them.

'•3. Dr. Simmons has a loving place in the hearts of the people of all sections, and of the different races of the country, because he loved them all. Let no man despair of being esteemed and loved just as broadly as he esteems and loves others. I am proud to number Dr. James B. Simmons among my warmest friends, on account of his great learning, his true heart and his broad Christian Charity."

E

BBE P. WING, one of the honored and

respected citizens of the town of Dover,

Dutchess county, is still residing on the old homestead farm, where his birth occurred in 1806, and although he has reached the age of ninety years, he is yet an active, well-preserved man. On completing his education in the common schools near his home, he turned his attention to farming, and at the age of twenty-four years purchased a farm near Poughkeepsie, which he operated some three years. He then returned to the old homestead, where he has since remained.

Thomas Wing, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Massachusetts, born near Cape Cod, where he was educated, and when still a boy he learned scythe making in Boston. Coming to Webatuck, town of Dover, Dutchess county, he there engaged in that business for himself. Previously to his removal he had married Miss Hannah White, and in Rhode Island one child was born to them, but the births of the nine others occurred in Dover town; they were Thurston, George, Jackson, Benjamin, Rhoda, Mary, Katie, Annie and Deborah. The eldest son, Thurston, was two years of age when brought to Dover town, where he attended the common schools and engaged in farming as a life work. By his marriage with Miss Mary Young he has seven children: Archibald, Elijah, Thurston, Pheebe, Rhoda, Sallie and Mary Ann. George, the second son, was also educated and engaged in farm-

ing in Dover, his native township, wedded Miss Martin, and to them were born eight children: Theodorus. John, Martin, Shed-rick, Thomas and Agrippa (twins), Hiram and Maria.

Jackson Wing, the third son, and the father of our subject, was born on Christmas Day, 1771, received a common-school education, and from the age of seventeen carried on farming in connection with his father until his marriage, at the age of twenty-eight. He wedded Miss Hannah Preston, daughter of Ebenezer and Pheebe (Odel) Preston, who had six children: John, Abijah, Smith, Ebenezer, Hannah and Mary. Her grandparents were Ebenezer and Hannah (Smith) Preston. After his marriage the father of our subject engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account, which proved very successful, and also conducted a mill which came into his possession through his wife. The large brick house which still belongs to the family was built by him in 1806. Later in life he conducted the tavern at South Dover known as the '' Moose Head," for fifty years. He was a man of remarkable memory and of good business ability. In politics he was a Democrat, and was once elected poor master.

Our subject is the third in order of birth in the family of seven children, of whom John and Daniel died in infancy. Pheebe, born in 1808, became the wife of Egbert Sheldon, by whom she had two children, William and Or-ville. Alfred, born in 1811, wedded Miss Mary Tabor, daughter of Russell Tabor, a farmer of Dover town, and they had one child, Hannah, who died at the age of twenty years. Preston, born in 1813, never married. Obed, born in 1817, married Miss Ann Vincent, of Dover Plains.

Like his father, Mr. Wing, the subject proper of this review, always votes the Democratic ticket, and is one of the prominent and representative citizens of the township. On reaching man's estate he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Sheldon, and they became the parents of three children: Hannah was born in the town of Dover, in 1831, married Theodore Preston, by whom she had two children—John, who died in infancy, and Mary, who died at the age of twenty years; Sheldon, a well-known farmer of Dover town; and Edgar, born in 1841, died at the age of twenty-four years.

Agrippa Sheldon, the father of Mrs. Wing,

LU^

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341

was also a native of Dover town, where on reaching manhood he engaged in cattle droving and as a general farmer. He married Polly Palmer, and to them were born eight children: Egbert, Levina, Hebern, Abbie, Maria, Palmer, Emeline and Ann.

Jackson S. Wing, grandson of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born May 23, 1858, reared on the farm, and educated at the common schools, also at Ame-nia seminary. At the age of sixteen he commenced working in a store at Wings Station, where his present place of business is, and for five years clerked there, during the winters attending school. In 1880 he took an interest in the mercantile firm of Chapman & Wing, which continued three years, at the end of which time Mr. Wing sold out his interest, and then clerked a short time in Poughkeepsie; but owing to impaired health he had to abandon work for a time. On February 15, 1882, .he married Miss Mary O. Straight, who was born in the town of Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn., and was educated in Amenia Seminary, and in 1893 one daughter, Winifred Straight, was born to them. In 1887 he was appointed mail agent on the run between New York and Chatham, in which capacity he remained some eighteen months, in 1890 establishing his present extensive mercantile business at Wings Station. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but for some years back he has voted the Prohibition ticket; he is at present serving his second term as postmaster at Wings Station, and was town clerk one term. In religious faith he is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wing has traveled throughout the United States considerably, and is a man of good solid information.

Henry Straight, the great-grandfather of Mrs. J. S. Wing, went from Rhode Island to Litchfield county, Conn., locating first in the town of New Milford, and later in the town of Kent, where he followed his occupation of farming! He was three times married, his first union being with Miss Peet, and to them were born four children: Catharine, Polly, Sarah and Hannah. He next wedded Mrs. Terrel, a widow lady who had two daughters. and to them was born a son, Augustus. After the death of the second wife he married Mrs. Martha Hendricks.

Henry Augustus Straight, the grandfather, was born in the town of New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., was there educated in the

common schools, and engaged in farming. He was a prominent member of the Friends Church, as was also his wife, taking an active part in their services at the old Branch meeting house at South Dover, Dutchess county. He married Miss Abigail Sherwood, of New Milford, Conn., by whom he had four children.

(1) Marshall Straight, who was born in 1816, in Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn., followed farming, and for his first wife wedded Mary Buckingham, by whom he has four children: Carl, who was killed in the army; Alice, who became the wife of Theodore Wickwire; and Fred and Orin, the former of whom married Emma Beech. After the death of the mother of these children, Marshall Straight married Miss Asenith Wilbur, and after the latter passed away he married her sister. Miss Hannah Wilbur. His fourth wife bore the maiden name of Sophia Terrel, and after her death he married Miss Josephine Wakeman.

(2) Olive Straight, who was born in Kent, Conn., in 1819, became the wife of William D. Hoag, a farmer of Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, and they had three children: Mary E., who remained single; Ira, who married Sarah Hoag, and Aurelia, who married Edmund Post.

(3) Henry Straight was born in Kent, July 4, 1825, was educated in the common schools, and also followed farming. He married Miss Roccelanie Peet, daughter of Riley and Sarah Peet, agriculturists of the town of New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn. Three daughters were born of this union: Helen S., who remained single; Augusta, who married Seymour Woolsey; and Abbie, who married Chester Wittlesey.

(4) John Straight, the father of Mrs. J. S. Wing, was born in the town of Kent, Litchfield county, in October, 1831, and like the rest of the family received a common-school education, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. By birthright he was a member of the Society of Friends, was a Republican in politics, and held a number of township offices. He married Miss Rachel A. Peet, a daughter of Riley and Sarah Peet, of New Milford, Conn., and to them were born three children: Flora A., who was born in Kent town, in 1856, and married John R. Judd, a farmer of that township; Mary O., who was born in i860, and is now the wife of. Jackson S. Wing; and and Walter A., an agriculturist, who was born

COMMEytORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in 1S65, in Kent town, and married Miss Minnie Sheldon, daughter of William and Frances (^Ward) Sheldon, farming people of South Dover, Dutchess county. Walter Straight and his wife have two children: Walter A., born in 1SS6, and Mae B., born in 1S8S.

On the maternal side, Nfrs. Jackson S. Wing traces her ancestry back to three brothers who came to this country from England— Samuel, John and William Peet. The first named was her ancestor. Her great-grandfather, who bore the same name, was born and educated in Connecticut, where he engaged in farming, and married Miss Luc\' Bostwick. by whom he had six children: Ebenezer, who married a Miss Beacher; Samuel: Luna, who married Anson Sperry; Elijah, who remained single; Ryley: and Carlos, who died when young.

Ryley Peet, the grandfather, was born at New ^filford, Conn., in 1787, was there educated-, and also followed farming as a lifework. A strong Democrat, he served in the Legislature of his native State for one term. He married ifiss Sarah Terrill, daughter of James and Sarah Terrill, agriculturists of New Mil-ford, and to them were born eight children: (i) Luna ^^., who married Abel Bristol, has two children—Andrew, who married Hannah Camp; and Eleanor P., who first became the wife of ^^r. Woodhull, and after his death married Rufus Leavitt. (2) Sarah F. is the wife of Horace Merwin, and had five children —Carlos F.. who married .Alice Monroe; Garwood, who died in the army; Sarah, wife of Daniel Nfarsh; Orange, who married Mary Beach; and Florence C, wife of Henrj-Lemon. (3) Lucy A. married Anan Marsh, and has one child—Alice G., who married Walter B. Bostwick. (4y Roccelanie, as before stated, married Henry Straight. (5) Samuel R. married Laura Tompkins, and has four children—Edgar A., who wedded Hattie Squires; Don C., who married Urania Buckingham; Adelaide, who never married; and Sarah, who married Charles Tabor. (6) Rachel A. married John Straight, and is the mother of Mrs. J.S. Wing. (7) ilary A. wedded Benone Camp, and has one daughter—Nfary, who became the wife of Franklin Gibson. (8) Lehman H. married Justina Howland, and had four children—^^er-ritt, who married Cadelia Lake; Garwood, who married Maude Bixbee; Hattie, who married Walter Hatch; and Ralph, who wedded Mary Newton.

ENOS J. CHASE (deceased). Among the influential citizens in his day. in the town

of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, and one of its most prosperous and successful business men was this gentleman. He was entirely a self-ade man in the truest sense of the word, having been the architect of his own fortune, and for thirty-three years he was at the head of a large general mercantile store in Pine Plains, which grew from a very humble origin.

Mr. Chase was born at Hibernij, Dutchess county. May 22, 1840, and was of German descent. His father. Edward Chase, was a miller by occupation, and at one time was quite prosperous, but later in life lost all. He married Sarah Ann Carhart, and to them were born three children: Enos J.; Thomas H., of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county: and Sarah, wife of Isaac Butler, who is from Moravia. The father's death occurred at Bangall, Dutchess county, in July, 1874. Our subject received excellent educational advantages for those early days, having attended the public schools at Bangall, also the Nine Partners school near Hibernia, and became a well-informed man. On starting out in life for himself he commenced as clerk for Elias August, with whom he remained for one year, and in 1863 began business for himself in the store which he occupied some thirty-three years. At first, as his capital was quite limited, he carried a small stock of drugs and groceries; but he kept adding thereto until he became the proprietor of a large general mercantile establishment. For about three years, during the early seventies, he had a partner; but with that exception he carried on business alone for thirty-thfee years with most gratifying results. He was a man of even temperament and excellent judgjnent, and these, together with indomitable energy and laudable ambition, brought him success. As he had concentrated his whole attention upon his business, he had little time to devote to politics, aside from casting his ballot in support of the Democratic party, and he always refused to accept public office. He was reared amid the Society of Friends, and grew up to be a man of high moral standard. For several j-ears he served as treasurer of the Presbyterian Church at Pine Plains.

In 1866, Mr. Chase was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Ham, daughter of Frederick T. Ham, and to them were born three children: Frederick H., who is in charge of

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343

the store; Jennie; and Frank Edward, also in the store. Mr. Chase died February 22, 1893.

The Ham family was one of the oldest in Pine Plains. Peter F. Ham, the grandfather of Mrs. Chase, was a large land owner in the western part of the township. He married Catherine Trumpour, who died October 8, 1S48, and his death occurred in 1865. Their only child, Frederick T. Ham, was a farmer in his earlier days, about 1846 removing to Pittsfield, Mass., where he engaged in merchandising tor two years. Until 1867 he carried on farming, but in that year went to Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, where he was indirectly interested in business for a short time. Going south in 1S71, he located upon a large plantation in Georgia, and was there engaged in cotton raising until his death in 1879. He had married Susannah Fulton, daughter of Ephraim Fulton, and their family consisted of four children: Fulton P., who died in 1874; Sarah A., wife of W. B. Vibbert, of Pine Plains; Augusta, Mrs. Chase; and Newton, who is living upon the plantation in Georgia. The mother's death occurred in 1881.

JONATHAN M. GARRATT (or Jonathan Miller Garrett) is a native of Albany county,

N. Y.,born at ^^'esterlo, January 21, 1821, and is a son of Levi Garratt, whose birth occurred in the town of New Baltimore, Greene Co., N. Y. His great-grandfather was a farmer of Saratoga county, N. Y., and by his marriage with a Miss Potter, of Bristol, R. I., had a family of sixteen children—ten sons and six daughters. Two of the sons located in Prince Edward county, Canada, two in Maryland and Virginia, two in Saratoga county, N. Y., two in Greene county, N. Y., and one in Maine, while one died in youth. The sisters married and settled in Greene, Albany and Columbia counties.

Simeon Garratt, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Saratoga county, where he was reared, and married Lois Curtis, but later became a resident of Greene county, there following farming until his death, which occurred when he was ninety-four years old. His family included six children, as follows: Levi fthe father of our subject). Potter, Fetter, Samuel and Elim, all agriculturists, and Zada, who married Daniel Gregory, a blacksmith.

Levi Garratt married Lydia Miller, also a native of Greene county, daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (McCabe) Miller. Her father was born in Putnam county, N. Y., of English descent, where he learned the tanner's trade; but after his marriage he drove with a double team from his native count}' to Greene county, becoming one of its pioneer settlers, and in the midst of the wilderness took up 600 acres of land, where he ever afterward made his home, dying at the age of seventy-five, his wife when ninety-six years old. He was the father of eight children: Mathew, a farmer of Saratoga county; Jonathan, Jesse and Sherod, agriculturists of Greene county (the last mentioned married a Miss Garratt, and had two children); Hannah, wife of Ephraim Garratt, a farmer of Albany county; Sarah, who married a Mr. Greene, of Greene county; Lydia, the mother of our subject, and Rhoda, wife of Rev. Levi Hathaway, a minister of the Christian Church, and a man of great power and energj'.

Shortly after their marriage the parents of our subject removed to Albany count}-, N. Y., where they located on a farm. Eleven children were born to them: Elmina. the eldest, married Ab. Seaman, a farmer of Albany county; the twin of Elmina died in infancy; Roxey Ann married Thomas C. Seaman, a stone dealer; Edward W. married Miss Bedell, and was a farmer of Greene county; Jonathan M. is the next child; Simeon C. married Miss Fish, and is a farmer of Ulster county, N. Y.; Rhoda wedded George Lee Shear, a farmer of Albany county; Caroline became the wife of Albert Bedell, also a farmer of Greene county; Lydia M. married Smith Powell, a farmer of Greene county; Alzada married Albert Holen-beck, a carpenter and builder of Coxsackie, Greene Co., N. Y.; and one child died in infancy. The parents were conscientious, earnest Christians, and in politics the father was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1885, when he was aged about ninety-eight years; the mother died October 2, 1866, aged seventy-five years.

On the home farm in Albany county Mr. Garratt, the subject proper of this review, passed his early life, and he followed teaching in the winter seasons for ten years, his summer months being devoted to agriculture. During the following seven years he was engaged in the cultivation of a farm of 200 acres; but in the spring of 1867 he came to Poughkeepsie, and formed a partnership with Thomas C.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Seaman, his brother-in-law, in the stone business, which connection lasted about fifteen 3'ears.

On September 3, 1873, Mr. Garratt married Mrs. Lydia G. Doty {lu'e Smith), of Poughkeepsie, a widow lady, and is a native of Dutchess county. Mr. Garratt is identified with the Democratic party, and, though past his three-score years and ten (seventy-six), is still well-preserved, both mentally and physically. He is an intelligent, well-informed man, possessed of sound common sense, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. Mr. Garratt, after losing his wife, who died February 22, 1896, bought a farm in the town of Lloyd, Ulster Co., N. Y., to assist his brother and sister (Simeon and Lydia) in their financial difficulty, with whom he is making his home, post office address: Highland, Ulster Co., N. Y. The family naine was originally Garratt, but is now usually spelled Garrett.

SHELDON \\'ING, a prominent and pro-,_ gressive agriculturist and stock dealer of Dutchess county, and the only living son of Ebbe P. Wing, of the town of Dover, was born December 10, 1833, in Manchester, a village of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county.

Mr. Wing received a liberal education at the district schools of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, subsequently taking two terms at a Quaker boarding school. After he was fourteen years of age he worked on a farm during the summer, and when he was twenty-one he commenced for his own account on his present farm, which at that time comprised 270 acres, and so continued eight years. In 1855 he paid a four-months' visit to Ohio and Iowa, and in February, 1861, he gave up farming, and proceeding once more to the latter State embarked in the stock business, buying cattle and hogs and shipping same to Chicago and New York. This line of trade he prosecuted with great success some four years, or until 1S65, when, owing to the sickness of his brother Edgar, he returned to the town of Dover, and was induced by his father to remain, although he was strongly inclined to go back to Iowa. He has since conducted the old homestead, which now comprises about 600 acres of prime land, whereon he keeps 110 cows, shipping the milk to New York, besides engaging in general farming, and he has also done a considerable amount of commis-

sion business in that city—buying and shipping all kinds of produce; and during the thirty years has paid several more business visits to the West. Of the many well-to-do-farmers of Dutchess count}-, he is among the most prosperous and influential, active and enterprising, and highl}- respected for his straightforward dealings and uniform integrity. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been urged many times by his friends to stand for office, but on account of his business interests has invariably declined; he was nominated for sheriff in the fall of 1894, refusing to run, however, and he has served as supervisor of the town of Dover two terms. Socially, he is a member of the F. & A. M., No. 666, Dover Plains.

On October 21, 1856, Mr. Wing was married to Miss Jane L. Chapman, who was born in 1837 at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, the only daughter of Reuben W. and Murilla (Ward) Chapman, by which union there were two children: Jackson S. (mention of whom is made in the sketch of Ebbe P. Wing), and Anna F. (who resides at home).

Reuben W. Chapman, father of Mrs. Wing, and a farmer and carpenter by occupation, was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, December 28, 1798, a son of William and Rachel Chapman. On September 28, 1S26, Reuben W. married Murilla Ward, and they had four children—three sons and one daughter: (i)Higham W., a merchant, born January 9, 1829, married Cordelia Sheldon January 9, 1851, and died January 16,1882; he had three children—George T., William T., and Allie, who married William Arnold. (2) George W., born May 9, 1833, married Sabina Haff, February 7, 1866, of which union there are two daughters living—Ella L. and Adelaide; the father died July 15, 1885, and the mother is also deceased. (3) Mrs. Wing comes next. (4) Homer W., born November 23, 1843, married Phcebe Brown on October 13, 1869, and they have two children—Cora (now Mrs. Richard Brill) and Edna (at home). Reuben W. Chapman died July 27, 1859: his wife, Murilla, born July 4, 1S07, died December 30, 1873.

GEORGE STORM (deceased). As an extensive land owner and successful agriculturist, the subject of this memoir held a prominent place among the business men of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess countv. But

j0^u!.^^ji/.£/^ yy^cMo

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

345

in the estimate of his character, his abihty in financial affairs counts far less than the qualities which as an upright and public-spirited citizen identified him with the high interests of the community.

The Storm family is widely dispersed, yet the different branches can all trace connection. Mr. Storm's parents, Charles and Mary (Adri-ance) Storm, were both natives of the town of East Fishkill, and his mother was born in the house which is now occupied by the family. They had children as follows: Susan, the widow of William P. Storm, formerly a tea merchant in New York City; John, a farmer in East Fishkill, Dutchess county; George, our subject; Charles (deceased;, formerly a farmer in East Fishkill.

George Storm was born August 11, 1839, at the present homestead, and passed his entire life there. On September 23, 1868, he married, for his first wife, Miss Emma Haight, of Westchester county, who bore him four children: Mary (i), Henrietta, Maria H., and Mary (2); of whom, Maria H., now at home, is the only survivor, the others dying in early youth. The mother passed away March 11, 1880, and on October 10, 1883, Mr. Storm married her sister, Carrie Haight, a native of Westchester county. She is the daughter of the late Epenetus Haight, a well-known farmer, and granddaughter of Daniel Haight. Her mother, whose maiden name was Maria Hunt, was a daughter of William Hunt, and a descendant of an old English family. No children were born of the second marriage.

Mr. Storm owned about 430 acres of land, from which he raised a variety of crops. The home is a beautiful one, and the estate very valuable. Politically, he was a Republican, and, while he was not a politician, he took great interest in all public questions. He was actively helpful in religious and philanthropic movements, and he and his wife were leading members of the Reformed Church. His death occurred November 4, 1893, and in his taking away a loss was felt throughout a wide circle of friends, to whom his quiet but steadfast Christian character had endeared him.

'ILLIAM J. MERWIN (deceased) was descended from an old Connecticut family. His grandfather, Capt. John Merwin, was born and reared in that State, and became a prominent agriculturist at New Milford (now

1816. Capt.

his first mar-

Bridgewater). His first wife, Mercy, was born in 1706, and died November 7, 1776. On December 31, 1777, he married Mrs. Ruth Welsh, a widow, who was a member of the well-known Gaylord family, of Gaylord's Bridge. She died March 16, Merwin had seven children by riage, and si.x by his second.

Daniel Merwin, our subject's father, was born March 28, 1788, at the old home at Bridgewater, and was educated in the local schools. He followed agricultural pursuits there throughout his active business life. On November 22, 1815, he married Miss Amy Peck, who was born in 1799, the daughter of Andrew Peck, of Newton, Conn., and they had eight children, as follows: (i) Ruth, born April 7, 1S17, was married four times. (2) John H., born September 7, 1S21, married (first) Miss Julia Buckley, and (second) Mrs. Elizabeth Starr, but had no children. (3) Sarah, born June 3, 1823, married (first) Oliver Smith, and had children—Fred, Ella, Josephine, Almon (who married Delia Rug-gles), Cornelius, William and Ida; she married (second) Clover Sanford, a man of wealth and prominence, of Bridgeport, Conn., a manufacturer of hats. (4) Daniel G., born November 28, 1825, married Miss Susan Atwood, and they had three daughters—Emma, Alma and Nellie. (5) George A., born May 20, 1828, married Miss Charlotte Tompkins, and had three children—Homer, Florence and Frank. (6) Frederick S., born October 2, 1830, married Miss Lucy J. Carter, and is proprietor of a hardware establishment in Pawling. (7) William J., our subject, conies next in order of birth, and will be more fully spoken of presently. (8) Harriet O., born November 12, 1834, married Charles S. Trowbridge, a paper-box manufacturer of South Norwalk, Conn.; they have three children—George, Flora and Nellie.

William J. Merwin was born in ISridge-water, Conn., November 3, 1833, and attended the schools of his native town until he was about sixteen years old. He possessed good literary taste, and was always fond of substantial reading, history being his favorite study. Soon after leaving school he went to Savannah, Ga., and engaged in mercantile business for for some years, later removing to Barcelona, Spain, for his health, where he spent one yeaf. After his return to Connecticut, he again went to Savannah, as clerk in a large dry-goods

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

house; but the outbreak of the Civil war caused him to come north again, his sympathies being with the Union cause. In i860 he located at Pawling, purchasing an interest in the firm of J. W. Stark & Co., dealers in dry goods and groceries, Mr. Merwin and Mr. Wilde being the junior members. Later, Mr. Holmes bought Mr. Wilde's interest, and on the disposal of the Stark interest some time afterward, the firm became Merwin & Holmes. This was one of the largest establishments of the kind in that part of the county, and its success was due in a large measure to Mr. Merwin's efforts. His genial nature, even temper and gentle-manl\- manner, made for him many friends, and he held a gift for dealing with the public which served him well on many occasions. He was much interested in thesuccess of Republican principles, and took an active part in local politics. Previous to 1884 he held the office of postmaster at Pawling for a number of years, and wassupervisor-of the town also, for several terms. As treasurer of the Pawling Savings Bank from its organization, in 1871, until his death, 1892, he was the responsible official of the institution, and it was largely through his instrumentality that it gained its present high reputation. In early years he was an Episcopalian, but there being no Church of that denomination in Pawling, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in later life. Socially he was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. A self-made man, his experiences have served to broaden his natural sympathy for the unfortunate, and by his counsel and assistance helped many a deserving person to prosperity. Mr. Merwin married Miss Elizabeth Mitchell Campbell Van De liurgh, daughter of Hexton Van De Burgh, and had one son, William J., who is now a student in ^^'esleyan University.

Hkxtox V.an De Bukgh, born in 1815, was a merchant in Pawling and Beekman, later a farmer, and was always interested in public affairs. He was a son of Gen. George Van De Burgh, who was an officer in the war of 1812, and was one of the prominent men of the county. He was a brother of Dr. Van De Burgh, of Rhinebeck, a noted homeopathic physician. Hexton Van De Burgh married Catharine R. Campbell, daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Campbell, and granddaughter of Archibald Campbell, the first of that family to come to America. He came over here as an officer in the English army.

and was killed at the skirmish of White Plains on the night before the battle. He lived here as an officer, and was granted a large tract of land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, N. Y. Col. Archibald Campbell married Jane Monroe, and had three children: Archibald; Duncan, born in 1767, who was a surgeon in the English army in the West Indies; and Mary, who was born in 1776, and never married. Archibald Campbell was born in the year 1769, near the depot in what is now the town of Pawling, and as a son of an officer in the English army he was taken to England to be educated; but after a few years, becoming tired of that country, he returned to America with a cargo of merchandise. About 1791 he engaged in mercantile business at what is now Pawling, and was thus employed for some years. He then bought the home on which Irving Hurd, his grandson, now lives, and kept adding to his landed possessions until he had about one thousand acres. He was a man of strong character, great executive ability and fine mental gifts, and was much consulted as an arbitrator. He was one of the foremost men of the M. E. Church. As a Jacksonian Democrat, he was somewhat prominent in local politics, and, taken all in all, he was a unique character. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, daughter of Thomas Mitchell, and had children as follows: Archibald, born in '793; Jsn6 married Rev. Cyrus Foss, and had three sons who were ministers, one being Bishop Foss, of Philadelphia: Eliza married Daniel Calhoun, a merchant; Mary married Benjamin Hurd; Stacia married Cushion Green; Duncan C. was the father of Henry Campbell; Sarah married Samuel Merrick; Harriet married (first) Dr. Fowler, and (second) Rev. John Pierpont, of Boston, the well-known poet and preacher, and grandfather of J. Pierpont Morgan; Thomas C, a lavvj'er in New York, married Cordelia Noxon, of Beekman. Archibald Campbell died in 1847, his widow on January 27, 1858.

JOHN H. VAN KLEECK, one of the leading insurance men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was there born December 27, 1837, and is a son of George M. and Eliza (Wilson) Van Kleeck, the former also a native of Poughkeepsie, and the latter of England. The Van Kleeck family was founded in this country by Holland emigrants who located in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIOAL RECORD.

347

the Empire State, and in Poughkeepsie John M. Van Kleeck, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared. As a life work he followed freighting on the Hudson. In his family were the following children: Robert M., who was a farmer iu the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county; George M., the father of our subject; Edgar M., a dry-goods merchant of Poughkeepsie, who early went to California, but returned to that city, where he died; and Hester F., who died unmarried.

The entire life of the father was spent in Poughkeepsie, where for many years he engaged in the dry-goods business. Our subject is the eldest in his family of four children, the others being: Robert (now deceased), who was teller in the Savings Bank of Poughkeepsie; Richard, who is now a resident of California; and Hester M., the wife of Jacob V. Overock-er, who carried on farming near Poughkeepsie. The parents were both communicants of the Episcopal Church, and in politics the father was first a Whig and later a Republican. He departed this life in 1884, his wife in 1892, respected and esteemed by all who knew them.

The boyhood days of John H. Van Kleeck were spent in Poughkeepsie, where he attended private schools, and after finishing his education he entered his father's dry-goods store as a clerk. He there remained from the age of fifteen until forty-five, being for some time a partner; but in 1879 they disposed of their stock, and entered into the fire-insurance business under the name of George M. Van Kleeck & Son, which they carried on until the death of Geo. M. Van Kleeck, since which our subject has continued it. Their first office was on Market street, whence they removed to the Savings Bank building, and later to the present place on Garden street.

In politics, Mr. Van Kleeck is a Republican, supporting the men and measures of that party, and religiously is connected with the Episcopal Church. He leads a moral, honest and upright life, and as a result has won the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives.

:ON. JAMES ADDIS SEWARD (de-1 ceased). Few among the able sons of Dutchess county have displayed the versatile talents and business acumen which characterized the subject of this memohr. In politics and finance he was a leader, and his influence in social, religious and educational affairs was

no less pronounced. His family was among the oldest of New England, the head of this branch having come from England in 1638. His grandfather, William Seward, was born in Guilford, Conn., but settled in Dutchess county, town of Fishkill (now Wappingeri, where his son. Philander, our subject's father, was born. Philander Seward was a prominent farmer and mill owner at New Hackensack, where he died in 1853. He married Susan Montfort, by whom he had si.\ children: William H. was drowned in Te.xas in early manhood; P. George, an enterprising young business man, who conducted grist and saw mills in his native town, died at an early age; Maurice Dwight will be fully spoken of presently; Caroline A. died at fourteen; James A. is our subject; Ogden T. was a banker at Elgin, 111., and died at the age of thirty-four.

Maurice Dwight Seward was born October lO, 1830, at New Hackensack, N. Y., where, in June, 1854, he married Mary Marvin, and in September of that year he moved to Elgin, 111., where he engaged in the agricultural-implement business. His health failing, he, in 1857, removed to Rosemond, 111., where he lived on a fruit farm until the latter part of 1865. In the spring of 1866 he removed to Normal, that State, where he engaged (first) in a general merchandise business, and (afterward) in a loan and real-estate business. In 1871 he was one of the originators and organizers of the company known as the Blooming-ton Stove Co., Bloomington, 111., in which business he remained until his death, October 27, 1876. In his position as superintendent of sales of the company, and also as inventor of a number of stoves and furnaces, he placed the company in the fore ranks with their competitors. During all his life he was interested in Church work, being an organizer of several of the Churches of which he was a member, and latterly was quite prominent in the Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, 111. He was held in high regard by his business associates, and by those with whom he had business dealings, for his strict integrity and business qualities. His home life was an unusually happy one; he was of gentle manners, and his thoughtfulness for others made him greatly looked up to and revered, not only by his family, but by all with whom he came in contact.

James A. Seward, the subject proper of this memoir, was born in New Hackensack,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

January 3, 1836, and acquired his education in part at the neighboring district schools, in part at those of the viihige of Fishkill. At seventeen he went to New York City and spent two years as clerk in a cloth-importing house. He then visited Illinois, and was engaged in photography at Elgin, but after a short time returned east. On October 12, 1858, he married Miss Mary B. Piatt, a native of the town of Wappinger. Three brothers by the name of Piatt came to this State from Connecticut at an early period, of whom one settled at Plattsburg, and one, Zephania Piatt (Mrs. Seward's grandfather), located in Dutchess county, in the town of Wappinger, where her father, Hervey D. Piatt, was born. He was a \\'hig in politics, and a member of the Reformed Dutch Church. He married Miss Phctbe F. Cary, a member of one of the oldest families in the town of Beekman, and made his home upon a farm in his native town, where he died in 1877, and his wife in 1862. Mrs. Seward was the eldest of three children. The others, Ebenezer C. and Elizabeth R., are both deceased. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Seward lived for two years on a farm at East Mills, Dutchess county, and then moved to Poughkeepsie, where Mr. Seward was interested in various business enterprises. He was also for a time engaged in the manufacture of carriages in Baltimore, Md. Later was in the furniture business at Poughkeepsie and New York City; but he finally returned to his native town, where his death occurred Mav I, 1892. A man of great public spirit and wide sympathies, he entered heartily into all movements in which he saw good. He and his wife contributed liberall)' to the Reformed Dutch Church, and his interest in religious work, as well as in educational movements, was shown in many ways. He was active in the Masonic fraternity, and in the Republican party, holding several prominent offices at various times, including two terms as Assemblyman from the First District of Dutchess county. He was also the first supervisor of the town of Wappinger, serving in that capacity for two consecutive terms.

Mr. and Mrs. Seward had three children: Irving P. died at the age of eight years; Carrie A. married John C. Kingman, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and died at the age of twenty-nine, leaving one child, Arthur S. Kingman; and Sarah S., the wife of Robert Johnston. The family has always occupied a high position

socially, and their home at New Hackensack is one in which cultured tastes and wealth combine to make it charming.

COL. SAMUEL LEITH. To a patriotic _ American there can be no badge of honor equal in merit to a title won by gallant service in the field of battle for the cause of freedom and union. The subject of this sketch, now a prominent resident of Matteawan, Dutchess county, enjoys this distinction, and though of foreign birth has demonstrated his devotion to his adopted country in bloody combat, in toilsome marches, in the camp, and in the loathsome prisons of the South, in which so inanj' brave souls found death a welcome relief from intolerable suffering.

The many friends of Col. Leith will be glad to find a permanent record made of a life so well worthy of emulation. He was born August 22, 1839, in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, but his family has long been identified with Leith, one of the oldest cities in Scotland, his ancestry being traced back lo about 1200 A. D. His grandfather, Andrew Leith, was a butcher by trade, and in fact that occupation seems to have been hereditary in the family. Andrew Leith married a ^Iiss MacGregor, and had seven children; James, David, Andrew, John, Samuel, Walter and Margaret, none of whom came to America. David Leith, our subject's father, was born in Leith, Scotland, and during his active business career was a butcher and drover, his trade in the latter line extending into England and Ireland, where much of his buying was done. He was killed by accident, in 1840, while traveling on a mail coach. His wife, Margaret (McMaster), who like himself was a devout Presbyterian, had passed away the previous year. Six children were born to them, of w^hom our subject was the only one to settle in America: David died in Scotland; Andrew, a retired butcher and drover, is living in the old country; John died there; Margaret married James McKnight, a celebrated artist in Edinburgh, Scotland, but neither is now living; Elizabeth (deceased) never married.

Col. Leith's boyhood was spent in his native land until the age of eleven years. He was trained to habits of industry, and while attending school would spend some time before and after the daily sessions in driving a butcher's cart. In 1850 he started from Liverpool

!-£>

^-^/O

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

349

on the saiiinf( vessel, " William Nelson," for the New World, and on landing in New York worked at such emploj-ment as he could find. He drove a butcher's wagon for a time, and then, after a short service in a tin shop, was employed by Julius Closs in the wholesale butchering business until 1858, when he located at Fishkill Landing, and established a butcher shop. The breaking out of the Civil war found him eager to defend the Union, and at Fish-kill he recruited Company C, i8th N. Y. V. I., becoming lieutenant April 23, 1861. There being no time to wait for " red tape " in those perilous days, he paid the railroad fare of his company to Albany in order to get them to the front at once. For this generous expenditure he was re-imbursed seventeen years later, through the efforts of Hon. James Mackin. From Albany they went to Virginia, via Washington, and they took part in the battle of Manassas Junction. The regiment then returned to Alexandria for drill, and in the spring of 1862 participated in the seven-days' fight on the peninsula near Richmond. About this time Col. Leith, on account of not receiving the promotion he felt he was entitled to, resigned his position, and returning to the North helped to raise a new company in New York and Brooklyn, known as Company H, I32d N. Y. V. I. On this he held the rank of first sergeant, and after passing an officer's examination he was made orderly sergeant. This regiment took part in the battle of An-tietam, and our subject's gallantry won him a promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. After the battle of Blackwater, Va., he was made first lieutenant, and soon after his regiment was ordered to rejoin the army of the Potomac for the campaign through Pennsylvania and Maryland. He was in the battle of Gettysburg during the first three days of July, 1863, and was wounded there. On being granted a thirty-days' furlough he came home, and on his return to his regiment was promoted to captain. Not having fully recovered from his injuries, he could not safely resume active work in the field, and he served six weeks as provost marshal of Newbern, N. C., before taking charge of his company, which was then in that State. From there he was ordered to Washington for an examination, which he passed with honors, and he was then commissioned colonel of the 49th U. S. Colored Troops; but preferring to remain with his old comrades, he did not take the position. After his return

to his regiment he saw much active service in the battles of Kington, Woodbury, Whitehall and Goldsboro, and in the running fight known as the Tarboro and Newbern raid, his conduct on the field winning him new honors, he being promoted to the rank of major. At the battle of Bachelor's Creek, February i, 1864, he was wounded and captured, and then began what was for him the hardest experiences of his long service. He was incarcerated in Libby Prison until Grant had fought the battle of the Wilderness, when Major Leith was transferred, with other prisoners, to Danville, Va., and later to Greensboro, N. C, and Macon, Ga., where they were kept in a stockade. While there a money broker from the South bought from Mr. Leith a note on the Newburg (N. Y.) Bank for $100 in gold, paying him $10,000 in Confederate money, with which he bought provisions and shared them with his comrades. A little later he gave another note of like value and obtained $50,000 in Confederate money for same, with which he again fed his starving friends. By his generosity he must have saved hundreds of lives. After Sherman captured Atlanta another transfer took the prisoners to the jail at Charleston, S. C., where they remained for a short time before removal to Annapolis, Md. Afterward they were taken to Wilmington, N. C, and here Major Leith was finally liberated; but he was so weakened by sufferings that he was obliged to spend two weeks in hospital at Annapolis before he could return home, where he arrived in March, 1865. On April 5, he reported for duty at Annapolis; but fortunately the long struggle was nearing its end, and on June 29, 1865, he was mustered out of the U. S. service at Raleigh, N. C, and later was discharged from the State service at Harts Island, N. Y. At that time he held the rank of brevet colonel, and his popularity with his old company is shown by a gift from them of a gold watch as a token of their affection and their admiration of his bravery. A beautiful silk flag had been presented to the company through Col. Leith by ladies of Fish-kill, including Mrs. Samuel Ver Planck, Mrs. Charles M. Wolcott, Mrs. Walter Brett. Mrs. James Mackin and Mrs. John G. Monell. After entering active service Col. Leith found the caring for the flag too much of a responsibility; so, when he was at Alexandria, \'a., he sent it by express, addressed to Hon. James Mackin, of Fishkill Landing. On his rifcturn home he found, however, that the flag had never reached

comrEyroEATiTE btogeapstcal record.

its destination, and no trace of it has ever been discovered. Our subject holds a commission as colonel of the 49th Reg. U. S. Colored Troops, signed by President Lincoln.

After his return to the paths of peace Col. Leith carried on the butcher business at Fish-kill Landing until 1873. when he was employed as watchman of the Glenham Carpet Mills. This position he has now held for nearly a quarter of a century, his fidelity making him invaluable to his employers. His services have also been in demand by the people for various public offices, and he is at present the collector of taxes for the village of Matteawan.

On January i, 1861, Col. Leith was married to Elizabeth Miller, of Fishkill. She died July 16, 1889, leaving five children: Emma, Samuel. Jr., David, William and Walter. Of these all are single except William, who married Catherine Ward; he resides at Matteawan.

Col. Leith is a steadfast Republican, and has never wavered in his allegiance to that party. His sterling qualities of character command the esteem of all who know him, and his influence is felt for good in local affairs. Fraternally he is a Freemason, having joined the order nearly thirty years ago, and for twenty-eight years he has been a member of the G. A. R., Holland Post No. 48, in which he has held the office of commander, and various other offices. At present he is inspector of the G. A. R. for Dutchess and Putnam counties.

CHARLES H. ROBERTS, United States appraiser of cigars and tobacco at the Port of New York, is a prominent resident of Pawling, Dutchess county, and has done much to advance the educational interests of that town, and to encourage progress in other lines. Mr. Roberts is a native of Utica, Oneida Co., N. Y., bom in 1856, and was educated in New York City, attending the public schools for some years, later taking a collegiate course. ^' 'ing business life he first secured em-

p .: with the Weed Ore Mines, later

with J. M. Childs Sc Co., of Utica, and afterward spent some time as bookkeeper for a large paper factory. In 1883 he was appointed to his present position, in which he is regarded as an expert. In political faith he is a Republican, but he has never taken an active share in party work or aspired to a place on

the ticket. His hearty assistance is given to any effort for the benefit of Pawhng, and he was one of the first school trustees under the union free school movement, and aided in bringing the schools under the control of the regents. He is a Master Mason, a member of White Plains Lodge, and of Lodge No. 330, K. T., of New York. On February 22. 1882, he was married to Miss Margaret A. Bangs, and they have had five children: Arthur B., bom February 14. 1886: Lucy K., May 11, 1889; Deane J., June 15. 1891; Donald, April 23. 1894; and Helen M., January 2, 1896.

Mr. Roberts is a son of Thomas David Roberts, a well-known mechanical engineer of New York City, and his wife, Catherine Matilda '^Danai, a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of this country. The first of the line, Richard Dana, settled at Cambridge, Mass., in 1640, and his son, Jedediah, was one of the pioneers of Ashford, Conn. Jedediah Dana and his wife Elizabeth had a son James, our subject's great-great-grandfather, who won high honors by his gallantry as a soldier in the Revolutionary army. He was bom at Ashford, Conn., October 10, 1732, and appears to have commenced his military career among the Provincial troops under Sir William Johnson. He assisted in building the fort at Lake George, and was at the battle of Lake Champ-lain when the fortification there was attacked by the French, and Gen. Johnson was wounded. At the beginning of the Revolution he was captain in Col. Storr's regiment. Gen. Putnam's brigade of Connecticut Militia. He arrived at the American camp in Cambridge immediately after the battle of Lexington, joining the forces under Gen. Ward, and was among the troops who were detailed to throw up breast-works on Bunker Hill, where during the night a fortification of earth was hastily constructed. Col. Prescott was the engineer, and he requested Capt. Dana's orderly sergeant to assist in laying out the redoubt. The British forces crossed the river at Urummesset Ferry, and when the second division of 500 men landed they marched up Maiden river to gain the rear of the fortifications. This movement was first perceived by Capt. Dana, who informed Gen. Putnam. By his order 500 of the Continental troops marched to meet the Bntish, and took up their position in two lines behind a fence. Capt. (afterward Col.; Knowlton was in charge of the detachment, with Capt. Dana second in

COMMEHOHATITS biograpbical becosl.

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commaxid. Gen. Pntnam in giving his direc-tioDs to these officers, asked : •• Do yon remember my orders at Ticonderoga?" ■• Yes," was the reply. ' • j^ou told us not to nre until we could see the whites of the enemy's eyes."" ••Well." said Gen. Putnam. "I give the same order now." The British advanced ■«ith muffled drums and soft fifes. and soon passed over the fence south of the one where the Americans were drawn up. Capl. Dana was directly in the line of the British forces, and the men awaited their coming in f)erfect qaiet. word having been grren that it would be death to any man to ure before Capt. Dana. When the column was eight rods distant the Captain ordered the rear rank to lie down dat. and at this word the British oflncers faced about and ordered their rrer. tc deploy from the center. On the ins: :

Dana. Lieut. Grosver - ■ " Ord-Serj. ^

fired, and the British nder, suppc<sed to

be Maj. Pitcaim, fel^ n;orti...y v« The

British troops broke and retreate rmed

and advanced again, the movement occupying perhaps twenty — - -— When they reached the fence they . Lieut. Grosvenor was

wounde.: .d a bullet ••

passed :.:;_ _^.: _ :_.. ..dged ui>cr ,- r_„: flattened and harmless. He bound up his band and retired from the fie:' ~ :"' ton's musket \%"as broken by ,_ within five minutes after Lieut. Grosvenor was injured a cannon ball struck a rail which hit Capt. Dana in the breast and knocked him down, 'breathless. He recover and remained until the line was but after his arri\-al at the quarters be was confined to his r\?om for several da\^ Thi> first countersign given by Gen. Washinsto aXter the battle of Bua'scer Hill was "r\ and the first parole was Dana. In j same year an oration was delivered by Dr. Leonard. Gen. Washington's chaplain. .=. ' declaration read, and at the co

ever, with Gen. PatBsin. «iio. :-

way. dapped Cap*. T"> --: on ihs i^ -; ^.^ i

sajd witi: an i/Jd-fashicoed oath: ■ • E^ana. v;.-

look like a white ~\'^ ' " " ■ - i

cl^iT away;'aud the =rn:_ _ -:

right aud left to make a passafc ioi Gecc-Washington a~sd "": " ~ rers. Tb= nex: day.

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playicg the Sag.

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promotiDu in the anav be imifornnjv oecitiaed-

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a£^e Ci sfteen uiHJer CaDt. Daiia's care. At : ~ " irc Da i

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oocujaed a small 1<^ cabin, bsii 2-tw:tt!5t£r><i-

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exercises an aid of Gen. Was

from headquarters bearing t":;. .,... c

ard with an order from Washington to Capl.

Dana to carr\- it three times .xv

and interior circle of the army, w;

tion that he must not let the color? tail, as it

would be considered a bad omen for the .\mer-

ican cause. The Captain declined, doubting

his ability to pertorm the duty in :'

manner, and the aid returned to he.-.

with his apolog>\ He soon came Kvck, how-

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placed Qpon a bier, and a heavy paU thrcwu

over all. with newer? and evergreens in pri>-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

353

an eminence overlooking the limpid waters of the picturesque Cross river, and, while there has been no pretense at architectural grandeur, it stands to-day, in its simplicity, one more evidence of man's desire to glorify the Omnipresent and Omnipotent God. On October 14, 1890, it was solemnly dedicated to Almighty God under the title of St. Mary, by His Grace Michael Augustine Corrigan, Archbishop of New York. Father McGrath's administration of parish affairs was characterized by good judgment and financial ability, and, therefore, he was promoted to a larger and more prominent parish at Fishkill Landing, N. Y. On December 4, 1890, he was installed as pastor in present congregation at Fishkill, and the work of improvement was at once begun there, a beautiful new church being erected in the following year. Later the rectory and school were built, making a notable record of practical work. But while these results may attract the attention of the casual observer to the exclusion of all others, it is in the unification and inspiration of his people that Father McGrath finds his best reward for the past labors, and a hope for the future widening and deepening of the spiritual influences which promote true prosperity.

THOMAS HENRY NELSON (deceased), who in his lifetime was a prominent representative of the farming interests of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he possessed one of its model homesteads, embracing 210 acres of rich and fertile land, was born October 21, 1822, and died November 30, 1S96.

The homestead is supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories, the fields are well tilled, the buildings are of a substantial character, and the whole place denotes the late owner to have been a man of progressive spirit, energetic and industrious, and a capable manager. This pleasant home is presided over by his sister. Miss Sarah C. Nelson. Our subject was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Poughkeepsie, and had been familiar with the various employments of farm life since a boy, having been reared in the agricultural districts of Dutchess county, mostly in the town of Red Hook, where he.acquired his education in the academy of that place. The ancestry of our subject is traced back

23

to Polycarpus Nelson, who came from England about 1725 or 1730, and purchased a tract of land in the town of Clinton (now Hyde Park), Dutchess county. In 1736 he deeded this to his son, Francis Nelson. The latter wedded Miss Mary Skinner, of Mamaroneck^ Westchester Co., N. Y., and to them were born fourteen children—seven sons and seven daughters: Reuben, Samuel, Mephobosheth, Mary Ann, Catherine, Anna, Lucretia, John,. Theophilus, Joshua, Justus, Frances, Christi-anna and Charity. Of this family, John Nelson in 1743 married Elizabeth Davenport, of Cold Spring, Dutchess county, and to them were born two children: Thomas, the grandfather of our subject; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Abner Armstrong, and eleven children grace their union. For his second wife John Nelson, in 1748, wedded Rebecca Scott, of Kinderhook, Columbia Co.. N. Y., and they became the parents of four children: Anna, born in 1750, married Thomas Barker in 1771; William married Nancy Emory, the daughter of a major in the British army; Francis married Miss Wright in 1775, and John married Sarah Reed.

Thomas Nelson, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, March 17, 1744, and was united in marriage April 11, 1769, with Miss Sarah Wright, daughter of Jacob Wright, who came to Dutchess county from Long Island prior to the Revolutionary war. He married Elizabeth Haight, daughter of John Haight, of Stephentown, N. Y., and to them were born seven children: Jacob, who was killed during the. Revolution; Nathan, who wedded Mary Vail; Joseph, who was killed while aiding the Colonies in their struggle for independence; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Seth Whitney; and Sarah, the wife of Thomas Nelson. Thirteen children were born to the grandparents of our subject, several of whom died in infancy. The following grew to maturity: Wright was born February 2, 1770; John, born July 3 i, 1771, married Celia Pells September 18, 1794, and they had four children; Elizabeth, born May II, 1773, became the wife of George Parker, of Lancashire, England, December 22, 1798, and they had six children; Jacob, born May 8, 1779, is known to have left several children, although there is no authentic knowledge concerning him; William, born June 29, 1784, who became a lawyer of prominence, and served two years in Congress, left

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

a large family, several of whom are still living; Joseph, born April i, 1786, left a number of children, none of whom now survive, but there are several of his grandchildren living; Sarah married John Nalross;and Samuel, the youngest, was the father of our subject.

Of this family Samuel was born in the town of Clinton, February 14, 1/9.^, and November 15, 1820, he was married to Miss Christina Banner, who was born May 11, 1799, a daughter of Hendrick Benner. The following children blessed their union: Thomas Henry, whose name introduces this sketch; Sarah C, born December 10, 1824; Theodore Ten Broeck, March 22, 1827; Arthur, June 15. 1S29: Christina J., January 27, 1832; and Elizabeth, .^pril 4, 1835.

JOHN T. SMITH has been identified with the business interests, progress and growth of Fishkill, Dutchess county, for a period covering nearly forty years. His ancestors on the father's side were originally from England and Holland, but have been natives to the soil for five generations. During the war of the Revolution they shared the privations and hardships of the Continental soldiers. Thomas Smith was born on a farm in the town of Kent, Putnam county, in 1782: his father, Philip, and his grandfather, Edward, were farmers, and he followed in their footsteps. His father left an estate of considerable value, but it was largely spent in litigation. He was married in 1802 to Heiliche, the daughter of John and Rachel i Danielsj Smith; the family came originally from Holland.

Thomas and Heiliche Smith had two sons: Philip T. and Silas G. The latter was born in the town of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y., in 1816, and his early life was spent on the farm. In 1835 the family removed to Matteawan, and he became a clerk in the Matteavjan Company's store, then under the management of David Davis. In 1839 he was married to Jane A. .Alexander, daughter of John and Margaret (McDowell) Alexander, of the town of Butternuts, Otsego Co.. N. Y.; the family emigrated from the North of Ireland. Thomas Smith purchased a farm in Steuben county, and removed there in 1838. He died at the home of his son Silas, in 1852, his wife, Heiliche, djed also at the home of Silas in 1866.

Silas G. Smith removed to Pulteney, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1840, and was engaged in selling merchandise 'and buying grain for the New York market until 1853, when at the request of Mr. David Davis, his former employer, he returned to Matteawan, and formed a co-partnership with him in the store formerly owned by the Matteawan Company. For three years they conducted a successful business, but the company operating the mills became financially embarrassed, and Mr. Smith disposed oi his interest in the business to Mr. Davis, and purchased the property at Fishkill-on-Hudson since occupied by the firm of S. G. &J. T. Smith. When the village of Fish-kill Landing was incorporated, he served as a a member of the first board of trustees, and was re-elected several times, but was always averse to accepting public office. He was president of the Mechanics Savings Bank for ten years previous to his death. In politics he was a \\'\\\g in early years, and became a Republican on the organization of the partj'. He was a man of a high sense of honor and of the strictest integrity, and was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He died F'eb-ruary 9, 1883, leaving a reputation without blot, or blemish.

John T. Smith was born in Matteawan July 15, 1840, in the house opposite the " Beacon Hose Co. House," at the corner of Fountain and Liberty streets. While still an infant his parents removed to Pulteney, Steuben Co., N. Y., and from the time he was old enough he attended the public schools in Pulteney until the family returned to Matteawan, in 1853. In 1854 he attended a private school in Matteawan kept by Mr. Oliver, and in 1855 and 1856 the private school of G. H. Caswell. After his father conmienced business at Fishkill Landing, in the fall of 1857, his time was entirely devoted to business, and in 1861 the firm of S. G. & J. T. Smith was formed. The business was successful from the first, being conducted on such lines that it won the confidence and support of the community, and it was gradually extended until at the present time it occupies the building 25 X 2CX) feet fronting on Main street and running through to Spring street, and also an annex on the east side of 45 feet, used as a shoe department, and the second story of the Savings Bank building, used as a carpet department. In 1873 a branch store was opened on Fountain Square, Matteawan; in 1878 it

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

355

was removed to the corner of Main and North streets, and now occupies the double store at this location.

Mr. Smith was married at Northfield, Vermont. September 5, i 866, to Carrie A., daughter of Rev. John B. and Mary A. (Cady) Pitman. They have had five children, one of whom died in infancy, the others are: Bertram L., who graduated from Williams College in 1894, and Arthur Raymond, who was educated at Mount Beacon Academy, both of whom are associated with their father in business; Clarence A. is a student at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and Elsie A. is attending De Garmo Institute.

The family attend the Reformed Church. Mr. Smith has been, since early life, a member of Beacon Lodge, F. & A. M. He has served several years as trustee of the public schools, and a number of terms as trustee of the village, of which he was president from 1877 to 1882. He was elected supervisor of the town in 1882, and was re-elected the three succeeding years, serving as chairman of the board in 1883 and 1885.

To mention the business operations in which Mr. Smith has been engaged, would be to make a list of the most important undertakings in his locality since he entered business life. He was largely instrumental in securing the location of the Dutchess Hat Works in the \-illage. In 1879 he joined with several gentlemen of the town in organising the Fishkill Telephone Co., and was the active manager until the company was merged in the Hudson River Telephone Co. Lines were built in the principle streets of Fishkill Landing and Mat-teawan, and extended to Fishkill Village, Wap-pingers Falls, New Hamburgh, and Newburg, a cable being laid across the river at the latter place. The company had a larger number of subscribers, and a generally more satisfactory service than has been had since. The Fishkill Boot and Shoe Company is another enterprise with which he was associated; but this proved an unfortunate venture. He was one of the organizers and a trustee of the Mount Beacon Academy Association. On the organization of the Mechanics Savings Bank, in 1866, he was elected secretary, and served in that capacity until the death of his father in 1883, when he was elected president, which position he has occupied since; he is the only charter member now in the board. He succeeded James Macken as president of the First National Bank, in

1886, and still holds the position. The banks have always retained the full confidence of the public, and never during time of the most serious financial panic and disaster has there been a run or any indication of want of faith in their stability. The National Bank has recently erected one of the finest and strongest Safe Deposit Vaults between New York and Albany. The average line of deposits in the National Bank is about $300,000, and it has a surplus of about $80,000. The Savings Bank has one million, four hundred thousand dollars on deposit, with a surplus of one hundred and eighty thousand.

Up to 1892 the local transportation between the villages of Fishkill Landing, Mattea-wan and Glenham, and the depots and ferry, was by hack, stage or omnibus. Mr. Smith and some of his friends, believing that the interests of the town required a more expeditious and convenient mode of transit, undertook to supply the deficiency by an electric street railway, and accordingly the Citizens Street Railway Company was organized, with Mr. Smith as president and general manager. Work was commenced May 27, 1892, and the first car ran over the line August 27, 1892, the success of the enterprise justifying fully the judgment of those who planned and built it. In 1895 the Fishkill Electric Railway Co. was organized, and Mr. Smith was elected president. A road four and one quarter miles long joining the Citizens at the Fountain Street crossing, Matteawan, and running to Fishkill village, was laid out and completed June 13, 1895. This road was leased to the Citizens Company, and the two are now operated under one management. Notwithstanding the great depression in business for the last three years, the roads have proved a success, and have earned a reputation for enterprising management and prompt and efficient service second to none of the roads in the smaller cities of the countrj'. As may be inferred, Mr. Smith is devoted to business and is an indefatigable worker, mastering all the details of every duty he assumes. Systematic and thorough in all his undertakings, his knowledge of affairs and close observation allows little to escape his notice, and keeps him closely in touch with the numerous duties that demand his attention. He is particularly fortunate in his family relations. His home erected in 1871 comprises about five acres of lawn and garden, commanding a magnificent view of mountain and river, and is

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

presided over by a lady whose kindliness, culture, refinement and devotion to her family makes an ideal home.

CHARLES SHERMAN (deceased) was a na-_ tive of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, born October 24, 1826, and belonged to a family that for several generations has been prominently identified with the interests of Dutchess county. Benjamin Sherman, his great-grandfather, was born February 3, 1736, and died in 1805, while his grandfather, Uriah Sherman, was born in 1765, and died February 26, 1822. The latter married Paulina Hurd.

The father of our subject, who also bore the name of Benjamin Sherman, was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, December 29. 179S, but passed most of his life in the town of Beekman, dying there November 10, 1862. He married Miss Hannah Brill, and they became the parents of seven children: John B., who is engaged in business at the stock-yards in Chicago; Charles amd Alexander, both deceased; Maria, wife of James Ashly, of Chicago; I. N. Walter, of Chicago; Phebe E., wife of George Brill, of Chicago; and William W., of the same city. By trade the father was a blacksmith.

The subject of this sketch received a good district-school education in the town of Beekman, where his early life was passed, and when a young man he went to Chicago, 111., becoming connected with the stock-yards, in fact helping to found the stock-yards at what was then the foot of Madison street and the southwestern plank road (now Ogden avenue). He was engaged in that business for many years, and in 1865 returned to the town of Beekman, where he carried on farming during the remainder of his life.

In the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county. Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Mary A. Rogers, and to them were born a daughter, Caroline Adriance, and a son, George Benjamin, born April 28, 1867, died April 22, 1876. Stephen Rogers, the father of Mrs. Sherman, was a native of the town of Beekman, as was also his father, John Rogers. The former was a farmer by occupation, and was killed by a runaway before his daughter was born. Her mother bore the maiden name of Caroline Adriance. There were only two children in the family, the brother of Mrs. Sherman being Jacob A. Rogers (now deceased).

In politics Mr. Sherman first affiliated with the \\'hig party, later becoming an ardent Republican, while socially he was a member of Hopewell Lodge, F. & A. M. Throughout his career his duties were performed with the greatest care, and his personal honor and integrity were without blemish. His memory will be a sacred inheritance to his relatives, and will be cherished by a multitude of friends. As a husband and father he was a model worthy of all imitation, unassuming in his manner, sincere in his friendships, steadfast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. He died October i 5, 1882.

GEORGE LOCKWOOD, a retired carriage manufacturer and well-known citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Yorkshire, England, near Huddersfield, July 17, 1823, and was a si.x-year-old boy when brought to this country by his parents.

Our subject spent his boyhood in the city of Poughkeepsie, and in 1842 was apprenticed to Lewis F. Streit for two years, after which he went into partnership with Mr. Streit in the manufacture of carriages, remaining with him until the business was discontinued in 1888. Since then Mr. Lockwood has led a retired life. He was married in Poughkeepsie November i, 1853, to Miss Alvira Mason Jenks, by whom he had three children: Alma Kate, who married William Oscar Poole; Ella Pauline; Edgar Streit, who married Miss May E. Howard, and they have one child—George Howard, born March 14, 1887. Mr. Lock-wood is a member of the Veteran Firemen's Association, and of Niagara Steamer Co. No. 2, of which latter he has been a member since 1843. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1863 was elected alderman from the Sixth ward; he also served as Alms House commissioner.

William Lockwood, the father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England, where he received his early education, and later was engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth. He was married in Yorkshire to Miss Hannah Hurst, and they had the following children: Rachel, married to Joseph Eastmead; Sarah, married to William Kin'ght; George; John, married to Margaret Wigg; Henry; Margaret, married to Theron Shaw; Jane, married to J. H. Dakin; and Mary, married to Henry Godfrey (now deceased). They are all now deceased except George, Jane and Mar\'. In 1829, the

y^/^^-^;^ ^OOyC-'U^T/Tn<^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

357

father came to this country, and to Poughkeep-sie, where he worked in the Williams factory for several years, and then went to Titusville, in the town of Lagrange, where he lived for a time. From there he set out by boat for Michigan, with the intention of buying a farm in that State; but while sailing up the lake he was drowned near Detfoit. This was in 1850. His wife died in Titusville, N. Y., in 1876.

George Jenks, the father of Mrs. George Lockwood, was born in the town of Amenia, Dutchess Co. ,N. Y., June 24, 1795. He married Miss Catherine Knickerbocker, who was born in Amenia October 8, 1803. and to them came four children, namely: Alvira Mason, Sarah Ann, Andrew M., and Lucy Maria, the latter of whom is now deceased, ^^r. Jenks, who was a blacksmith by trade, died August 19, 1832; his wife departed this life in November 30, 1881.

William Jenks, the grandfather of Mrs. Lockwood, was one of the early settlers of Amenia. He married ^fiss Sarah Mygatt, and they followed the occupation of farmers. Both were natives of Rhode Island.

OSEPH G. FROST, a leading undertaker of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is also one of the most popular officials of that city, having the distinction of being the only Republican candidate to be elected at one of the elections on the city ticket. His family is of English origin, and he is a descendant of one of three brothers of that name who came from England in early times, one settling in Massa-chusets, one on Long Island, and one, his ancestor, near Rensselaerville. Albany Co., N.Y., where many descendants now live.

George Frost, our subject's grandfather, a farmer by occupation, was a life-long resident there, and three of his six sons settled in the neighborhood. Of the others one located near Madison, Wis., and two in Poughkeepsie, one engaging in the confectionery business. The other, William Frost, our subject's father, born in 1799, was nineteen years old when he went to Poughkeepsie and found employment as a clerk with his cousin, Solomon B. Frost. He was admitted to partnership after a few years, but later formed the firm of Frost & Van Wyck, and was in the dry-goods business at No. 316 Main street at the time of the great fire. He rebuilt the store, which is now occupied by Ouintard Bros., and continued his

business there until 1849, when he disposed of it and went to Washington, then called Nine Partners, the location of the well-known boarding school, and conducted a store there for two years. In 1851 he returned to Poughkeepsie and resumed his business there, but after the death of his brother, Stephen, in 1854, he sold out and took his brother's store, which he sold four years later to Mr. Atkins and his son Robert. He then purchased the business of R. D. C. Stoughtenburgh, on the corner of Main and Garden streets, continuing it at the corner of Main and Crandall streets, occupying three stores. This was one of the largest stores in the city at the tmie of his death, January 13, 1878. He was a Hicksite Quaker, and his upright character made a friend of every acquaintance. In early life he was an Old-line Whig, but the introduction of the slavery question into politics made him an earnest supporter of the Republican party from its very beginning. He married Sarah H. Woolley, daughter of Joseph P. Woolley, a prominent resident of Dutchess county, and they had three children, of whom our subject was the youngest. Robert W. was a well-known business man of Poughkeepsie, who died in 1892. Mary E. is now the wife of George G. Berry, of Brooklyn. New York.

Joseph G. Frost was born February 6, 1839, in Poughkeepsie, at No. 302 Mill street. in the house now owned by Mr. Pelton. He received a good education for the time, attending the Dutchess County Academy under Prof. P. S. Burchan and Prof. McGeorge. In 1854 he began the study of dentistry with Dr. Charles H. Roberts and remained with him until the spring of 1859, when he opened an office for himself at No. 292 Main street. In 1862 he was obliged to abandon all work on account of ill health, and after two years of rest he engaged in clerical labor in the office of Provost Marshal W. S. Johnson, where he remained until his appointment in 1865 to the office of city chamberlain. In 1866 he was reappointed to the common council, and in 1867 and 1868 was elected city collector on the Republican ticket. In 1868 he formed a partnership with Robert H. Woolley, under the firm name of Woolley & Frost, and purchased the harness business of James Bogardus, which he continued until 1874, the firm name being changed several tmies, however, first to Frost & Parrish, then to Frost & Davis, and finally to J. G. Frost. On disposing of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGUAPUIVAL RECORD.

this enterprise to Overocker Bros, in 1874, Mr. Frost engaged in the undertaking business with Mallory & Doughty, and later with Nelson & Seward, and in US76 he established a business in his own name at the corner of Main and Academy streets, which he has since continued successfully, removing five years ago to his present location. No. 319 Main street. In 1881 he was elected coroner for three years, and has held the office for five consecutive terms. His last election falling at a time when the Republicans encountered reverses everywhere, he was the only one on the ticket to win the day. He has held the office of supervisor of the Third ward for two years, 1877 and 1878. He was one of the founders of the Hudson River Driving Park Association and its secretary for several years, and has taken an influential part in man}- local movements.

In 1S65 Mr. Frost married Miss Rebecca C. North, daughter of Reuben North, who was for many years the cashier of the Poughkeepsie National Bank. They have six children: Helen North, Mina Louise, Raymond Mott, Allen, Marion North and Louis North. Mr. and Mrs. Frost are members of Christ Church (Protestant Episcopal), and he is an active supporter of its various lines of effort. In his younger days he was much interested in the fire department, and he is now a member of the Veteran Firemen's Association. He also belongs to the F. & A. M. and the K. of P.

rRS. MARYAIELVILLE WATKINS. As '4!, a substantial citizen of Pawling, Dutchess county, the late Ale.xander Watkins was widely known, and his high character as a man drew to him the friendship and warm esteem of those whom business relations had brought into acquaintance. For many years he had been engaged in business as a blacksmith, winning a reputation as a leading worker in his line, and his death from pneumonia, in 1891, caused sincere grief among the people who had known him as neighbor and friend, as well as among the closer circles of the home, where the loss fell heaviest. He left a widow, Mrs. Mary Melville Watkins, and si.\ children by his first wife. Miss Ella Dougherty, also survive ■him, namely: Harry, Charles, William, Agnes, Ale.xander and George.

Mrs. Watkins is a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., and her education was acquired in the schools

of that city. Her family is of Irish origin, the home of her ancestors being at Dublin, where her grandfather, John Melville, was born, lived and died. He was educated in the schools there, and became a carpenter by occupation. He and his wife, Madge Farrell, reared a family of children, among whom was John Melville, Mrs. Watkin's father, who was born in Dubliin, but was brought to .America at a verj' earh' age. His education, which had already been begun in the schools of his native place, was completed here, and he then engaged in business as a ship carpenter, and was employed in that capacity for about thirty years in the navy yard at Brooklyn, N. Y., where his death occurred in 1863. He married Miss Mary Howard, and of their four children Mrs. ^^■atkins is the only survivor, the others—James, John and Bessie—having died in childhood.

y ICHARD TITUS (deceased) was born in t the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, February 4, 1838, and was a well-known citizen of that locality. [A history of his ancestry will be found in the sketch of his brother Robert.] His boyhood days were spent in Titus-ville, where he attended the district school, and he later became a student at the private school of E. R. Roe, in Cornwall.

Mr. Titus learned the business of paper manufacturing in Columbia county, N. Y., but for many years was a member of the firm of E. Titus & Sons, manufacturers of woolen goods. Wnen the Civil war broke out he responded to the call for volunteers, and in October, 1862, enlisted in the 150th Regiment, N. Y. W I., which was assigned to the .Army of the Potomac. He served until the close of the war, and his record as a brave soldier is a truly precious legacy to his family. He entered the army as first lieutenant, was promoted to captain, and for gallant conduct was breveted major. The war ended he returned to Lagrange, and resumed his business, which he carried on until his death, March 19, 1882. He was a quiet, unostentatious man, fond of his home and famih', and universally liked and respected by his associates. He was married in the town of Lagrange September 5, 1865, to Miss Harriet Hopkins, whose birth took place in that township May 18, 1841, and of this union six children were born, namely: Elias, Elizabeth, Florence, Alida, Marion and Richard ^^'illiam.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

859

Dr. William H. Hopkins, the father of Mrs. Titus, was born in Carmel, Putnam Co., N. Y., February 3, 1813. He was graduated from the Medical Department of Yale University in 1837, and in the following year passed as physician and surgeon of the State prison at Sing Sing. In 1838 he located at Sprout Creek, in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, taking the practice of Dr. Sleight. On February 5, 1840, he was united in marriage with Jemima, daughter of Elias T. Van-Benschoten, and the following children blessed their union: Harriet, born May 18, 1841; Elias T., September 3, 1843; John, July 8, 1845; Elizabeth, May 10, 184S; and William G., February 28, 1850.

Dr. Hopkins remamed at Sprout Creek until 1868, then went to Providence for a year. In 1870 he removed to Hyde Park, where in connection with his practice he carried on a drug store until his death, which took place in 1890. Dr. Hopkins' ancestors came over in the "Mayflower" and he inherited the best characteristics of his Puritan forefathers. He was a man of much ability, and held an honored place in his profession. In politics he was a Republican; socially a member of the Masonic order: in Church connection, a vestryman and treasurer of St. James Episcopal Church at Hyde Park.

OSEPH D. HARCOURT (deceased). In ,j 1866 J. W. Harcourt, of Albany, N. Y., obtained the escutcheon and genealogical chart of the Harcourts, which traces that family back to the remote period of A. D. 87^, and shows it to have l)een one of the most ancient, honorable and wealthy in England. Further research having been made, it has developed that Richard Harcourt ( i) was the son of a sister of Francis Weston, and settled in Warwick, R. I., about 1650. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Potter, who was an ancestor of Bishop Potter. Richard Harcourt (i) removed with the Townsends to Long Island about 1656, and afterward became one of the first settlers of Oyster Bay. He was twice a member of the Court of Commissioners, and at Oyster Bay was constable, justice of the peace and surveyor, appointed to confer with the governor, which offices in those days were among the very highest. His children were Daniel, Benjamin, Isabel, Elizabeth, Mary Dorothy, Sarah, Mercy and Meribah.

Of Daniel nothing is known except that his wife's name was Sarah, and that he moved to New Jersey. Benjamin married Hannah Dickenson, and had two sons, Nathaniel and Robert. In his will Nathaniel speaks of his "mother Esther," probably Esther Townsend, of Oyster Bay, as she was married to a Harcourt. The residence of Richard Harcourt (i) was situated about 200 yards from the present steamboat landing at Oyster Bay, a beautiful spot. The family gra\-eyard has been ploughed up, and all traces of the headstones lost. The Harcourt family has always been prominent in the history of Wappingers Falls, and its member are worthy of place in the records of Dutchess county.

Richard Harcourt {2), father of Joseph D., was born September 27, 1779, in Alilton, Ulster Co., N. Y., a son, it is supposed, of Nathaniel Harcourt, above mentioned. He married Elizabeth Merrit, who was born December 26, 1788, in the town of Marlboro, Ulster count}', and eight children were born to them, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Jane, 1805; Nelly M., 1807; John W., 1809; Caroline, i8ii; Elizabeth, 1815; Mercy, 1819; Joseph D., 1822, and Sarah A., 1824. The father of these, who had been a farmer all his life, died July 12, 1827, the mother on January 13, i860.

Joseph D. Harcourt, the subject of this memoir, was born in Milton, Ulster Co., N. Y., January 6, 1822, and received his education there. His first employment was as a clerk in a store at Clintondale, from which place he went to Albany, N. Y., where, for about five years, he was superintendent of a steamboat house, which ran a steamboat over the People's Line on the Hudson river. His next location was at Wappingers Falls, whither he removed after his marriage, and with whose interests he was identified for over half a century. He engaged in the mercantile business, which he carried on until his death, October 13, 1882. He was married, March 4, 1S44, to Miss Mary E. Woolsey, who was born in the town of Lloyd, Ulster county, September 4, 1823. Her father, Daniel Woolsey, was from the same township as was his father, Moses Woolsey. The latter married Miss Kilsey, and had several children. Daniel married Miss Elizabeth Deyo, the daughter of Noah Deyo, of one of the old families of Ulster county. Of this union seven children were born, as follows: Abby, who married Monroe Deyo;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

Phebe, who became the wife of James Elting; Mary E., who became the wife of our subject; Warner, married to Sarah Allen; Roenna, who married Orlando Elting; Anthony, married to Phebe Curtis; and Charles, married to Hattie Carmon.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt settled in VVappingers Falls, where Mrs. Harcourt still makes her home. Here the following children were born to them: Jay D., who is interested in the machine and foundry business in Poughkeepsie; Mary E., married to Denis Van Wyck, a native of Hopewell Junction, Dutchess county (Mr. \'an Wyck died August 4, 1880, leaving one child, Nellie) Emma W. and Carrie, who died in infancy Elizabeth W., married to Dr. I. M. Cornell Israel T. N.. a merchant at Wappingers Falls.

During his active life Joseph D. Harcourt was one of the leading citizens of his village, and took part in all matters of public in.terest, such as schools, churches, etc., and was president of the Wappinger Savings Bank. He was a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises, and did much to promote the growth of the town. He was a kind husband and tender father, and had many warm personal friends who deeply mourned him. His widow is a most estimable woman, and his children rank among the best people of the village where their parents spent so many years.

THOMAS REED, one of the oldest mem- bers of the New York Stock E.xchange,

and a well-known business man, now residing at Rhinebeck, was born in that village, September 14, 1822.

For many generations his ancestors resided in Cumberland, England, and his grandparents, Thomas and Anna (Hall) Reed, reared there a family of three children: Stephen, Mary and John. Stephen Reed died in 1785. His son, John, our subject's father, was born in 1777, and received his education in his native place. In 1811, inspired with a desire to try his fortunes in the New World, he came to America, and locating at Rhinebeck, engaged in farming. He was a Baptist in religious faith, and ever active in furthering the cause of religion. He married Elizabeth Scott, a daughter of Robert Scott, one of the pioneers of Rhinebeck, who came to the county in 1795 from Lincolnshire, England. Robert Scott was a man of fine talents, and his excellent education

enabled him to become a very successful teacher; in 1796 he opened a school at Rhinebeck, and enrolled the children of some of the best families in New York City, many of the pupils becoming men of note. Before coming to this country, Robert Scott, though of a family belonging to the Established Church, had become a Weslej'an, and traveled about his native country preaching as a minister of that denomination. He later became a Baptist, and then followed his trade, that of cabinet-making, until his coming to this country, and also for a few weeks after he reached New York. He became the founder of the Baptist Church at Rhinebeck, and was the first pastor. He died September 24, 1834, and his wife, Elizabeth Kitching, survived him twenty years, dying at the age of ninety-four. Of their four children, Mrs. I^eed was the eldest; Ellen married O'Hara D. T. Fox, of Ulster county; Ann married Charles Logan, of Rhinebeck, and died at the age of eighty-nine years; Mary married William Hughan, and died at Rhinebeck in I 831; and Jane married Jacob Dedrick, and died at Saugerties. John Reed died in 1857, and his wife in 1852. Of their two children, Thomas, our subject, is the elder, and Mary is now the wife of Cornelius A. Rynders, of Rhinebeck.

Thomas Reed received a good education for his time in the schools of his native town, and his later reading has made him unusually well informed upon current topics. His first employment was in the dry-goods store of William B. Piatt, as a clerk and later as a partner, in all covering a period from 1837 to 1850; he then clerked in New York in the wholesale dry-goods store of L. & \'. Ivirby for two years, thence going to Saugerties, where under the firm name of Wilbur, Reed & Russell he was engaged in the wholesale Blue-stone and general merchandise businesses until 1864, since which time he has been connected with the New York Stock Exchange. His first partner as a stock broker was C. N. Jordan (the firm being Reed & Jordan), the present sub-treasurer of New York.

On June 7, 1851, Mr. Reed was united in marriage with Julia A. Van Keuren, a daughter of Garrett Van Keuren, and a granddaughter of Abram Van Keuren, an early settler at Rhinebeck, and a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Abram Van Keuren bought the estate now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Reed, in 1782, and built the house in which they now

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD

361

live, and in which his death occurred in 1817. To our subject and his wife have been born six children, namely: Cora married Rev. Lewis A. Mitchell, of Niagara Falls; Anna Hall is at home; Thomas Reed, Jr., an attorney and counselor at law, is a member of the New York Stock Exchange; Sarah married Frank Herrick, of Rhinebeck; Henry, Helen (a member of the class of '86 of Vassar College) and Julia are at home. Mr. Reed is now located on his charming estate at Rhinebeck, and there, with his wife and family, is now enjoying the fruits of his past labors. He is a man of much public spirit, a Republican in politics; and he and his family are members of the Baptist Church, taking a generous interest in its various lines of work. Mr. Reed is also a member of the New York Historical Society.

G^\EORGE T. BELDING, who passed from _r earth December 19, 1888, at the age of fifty-eight years, was one of the prominent citizens of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, where, as a leader among men, his name is held in reverence and honor. He was born January 28, 1830, the son of Dr. Silas T. Belding, of Dover Plains, who was quite a literary man in his day. Previous to the outbreak of the Civil war our subject had established a clothing store in Chicago, 111., but after the close of that struggle he returned to Dover Plains, and purchased the William H. Belding farm in the town of Dover, which he conducted for some time. He afterward erected a three-story building in the village, where he carried on merchandising up to the time of his death.

During his residence here, Mr. Belding was very influential in public affairs, as by his strong force of character and undoubted integrity, he gained the confidence of the people, who saw in him a man whom they could trust as a guide, and well fitted to hold public office. He filled many positions of honor and trust, including that of supervisor, which he held for several terms. His death left a vacancy hard to be filled, and was considered a severe blow to the material interests of the town.

Mr. Belding was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Adriance, who was the only one of the three children born to John and Eliza (Storm) Adriance that lived to adult age. Both parents had been previously married. To our subject and his estimable wife were

born five children: Elias S., who was born in Chicago, and is now the wife of Henry Has-brouck, superintendent of the Ralston Brick Company; Walter A., who married Caroline Lawrence, by whom he has two children— George T. and Chester L.; Fred K., who is an employe of the Harlem road; and Mary B. and Harriet C, who died in infancy.

The Adriance family are of Dutch descent and were among the early Holland people who came to America. Mrs. Belding has the coat of arms that was worn by Heinrich von Adriance, who was bourghermeister of Frei-burgh in 1549, and who is described in the records as Friheir or Baron. The arms are a cross upon a rock between two grape vines supporting two wolves.

Abraham Adriance, the grandfather of Mrs. Belding, was a native of Hopewell, Dutchess count}', born April 6, 1766, and after completing his education in the common schools always devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. On July 13, 1788, he married Miss Anna Storm, whose birth occurred in 1760, and five children were born to them: John, the father of Mrs. Belding; Edwin, who married Eliza O'Connor; Albert; Eliza, who became the wife of Richard Parmalee; and Catherine, who wedded Charles Carmen.

John Adriance was also born at Hopewell, his birth occurring January 10, 1795, where he graduated from the public schools, and after learning the trade of silversmith established himself in that business at Poughkeepsie. He was associated with a Mr. Hayes, under the name of Hayes & Adriance, and this firm did a successful business. As the firm was one of the best and most reliable, much of the solid silverware in use in this part of the country was stamped with their name. Mr. Adriance was always of an inventive turn of mind, and it was through his efforts that the famous Buckeye Mower was placed upon the market. He established the first plant for manufacturing that machine at Poughkeepsie, where he also made plows and other agricultural implements, but made a specialty of the mower and he always conducted that business alone. As previously stated, he was twice married, his first union being with Miss Sarah Harris, a daughter of Capt. Joseph Harris, of Poughkeepsie, and to them were born five children: George H., Walter, John P., Anna E. and Blandena.

(i) George H. Adriance, deceased, the first

COMMEMUBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

son of John Adriance, Sr., was born in Pough-keepsie and was educated there and at Dover Plains. He married Miss Matilda Ross and they had three children: George, Anna and Nellie. In religious belief Mr. Adriance was a devout Methodist.

(2) Walter Adriance, the second son, was born and reared at Poughkeepsie, there obtaining his education, and on reaching manhood was united in marriage with Miss Cordelia Brinckerhoff, a daughter of Derrick Brinckerhoff, who was an agriculturist, and belonged to one of the oldest families of Dutchess county. Four children were born of this union, as follows: William died in infancy; Sarah B. married Stanley Kipp, by whom she has three children; Anna, who wedded Henry Raynor, also has two children; and Nellie died in infancy. Both daughters now make their home in Rutherford. New Jersey.

John P. .\driance, the third son, was also born in Poughkeepsie, where he attended school, and was later a student in the Dover Plains Academy, from which he graduated. Goijjg to New Preston, Conn., at an early age, he there engaged in merchandising for sometime and was very successful. On selling out that business he went to New York City, where he conducted a hardware establishment, associating with him Mr. Piatt, the firm being known as Adriance & Piatt, who were located at 165 Cortland street. Previous to his removal to that city, however, he had conducted a similar business in New Hampshire. The firm of Adriance & Piatt became, in a short time, one of the leading business houses of the city, and always held a high reputation. Owing to pressing business in Poughkeepsie, at the Buckeye Mower plant, which was conducted by his father, Mr. Adriance removed to that city, though he still kept his interest in the New York firm. Being a man of superior business ability and good management, he assumed control of the works. Many of his relatives find employment in different ways with the firm. He always took a deep interest in political affairs, but could never be prevailed upon to accept public positions. He took great pleasure in fast horses, and owned some fine stock. An active Church worker, all worthy projects and deserving people always found in fiim a willing and ready helper, but his charities were always performed in a quiet way.

On June 22, 1S91, John P. Adriance was called from this life, and the following sermon, which was preached at his funeral, plainly indicates the character of the man:

Tin-greatness of sewing—Mark .\:4;:i-44. Whosoever will be great among you, shall he your minister; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

Throughout the preaching of this sermon, I am sure there has been in your mind, even as there was in mine tliroughout the preijaration of it, the thought of one, who with abundant and most sincere sorrow- was laid to rest, only six days ago. Our loss is so fresh and deep that it will force itself upon our attention at every turn, and to take no notice of it this morning here in this church which he loved so well, and helped so richly, were well nigh imjjossible. Words of praise concerning him it is needless for me to speak.

The silent sorrow permeating the whole city is eloquent; and the spontaneous expression of esteem uttered by all who w-ere accjuainted with him; the lamentations of those who had been privileged to share his friendship; and above all the tender benedictions of the many to whom he had been a generous benefactor are his best eulogy. Nor would words of public jiraise be titting. He never sought them, nay, he rather shunned them. On these days when ostentation and flourish of trumpets are found so often, even in philanthropic and religious activity, it w-as delightful to meet one who was wholly free from them—one who obeyed so constantly the divine injunction : "When thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." And to jiroclaim his good deeds openly now, pleasant as the task would be, were a violation of the modest secrecy with which he covered them. But the lesson of his life is plainly before us and may be spoken of, though very briefly, from this pulpit to-day.

John P. Adriance was un(iuestionably one of the chiefest among our citizens. Public opinion, with no dissenting voice, declares that no man held a higher place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-s, no man had a wider influence, or will be more sorely missed. The secret of his supremacy is the same which our text has brought before us. There have been among us other men more wealthy than he, just as wise and able in business matters, equally blessed with the graces which make a charming social life. But his endowments, to a most unusual degree, he constantly employed in the service of others. Wealth to him was a sacred trust, and in public gifts, and still more in private charities, know^n only to the recipients and to Heaven, he made his money of service to all. Because he thus used it he found the true power which lies in large possessions; and the envy and the bitterness which riches often beget were felt by none toward him. The poor rejoiced in his prosperity, becau.se they felt it in a certain sense to be their own. In like manner his practical wi.sdom and business ability were at the service of all who needed it. The man who was in perplexity and needed safe counsel came confidently to him; he gave it—not as men often give, carelessly and impulsively—but with the same due consideration and deep thought, as if the matter were his own. The man who found himself amid the breakers of financial disaster, lost unless .some stronger arm and cooler head should take the helm, found such in him. There are business men to-day, in this city and elsewhere, to whom in an hour of greatest danger he cameas an angel of salvation.

.Vnd the joys of private life w-ere of little value to him, save as he could share them with others. His house was like a home to the many to whom he gave a father's thoughtfulness, a brother's love. His acts of gracious service to those who were in sorrow,or trial, or loneliness, or need of any kind, were numberless. To a remarkable degree he put himself in your place, and acted according

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

'im

to the revelation thus given. He was a great man; great because he rendered great service. Up from the whole city, from the hearts of poor and rich ahke, from ail sorts and conditions of men, comes the common testimony— " He ministered to me." Is not this true greatness ? Can any other compare with it ? The secret of such a life of all lives which humble themselves to help others, lies in Christianity. It is possible only to one who walks humbly as the servant of God, who loves Christ, and seeks to be like Him, and who looks upon all men as suffering, needy, helpless brethren of the dear Lord and Master of us all. May each of us learn the lesson which lies in the beautiful years of him we mourn to-day; and may a double portion of his spirit rest upon all who take \\\i the service from which he has been called to receive reward. While in New York City, John P. Adriance was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ruth-ven Piatt, daughter of Isaac Piatt, a wealthy and retired merchant of that city. To them were born the following children: Isaac R., who married Ada Campbell; John E., who wedded Mary Hasbrouck; Harris E., who wedded Sarah Holmes and is a minister in the German Reformed Church; William A., who married Minnie Horton; James Ruthven, who died at the age of twenty-one; Francis, who married Mary Hampton; and Marion R., who

became the wife of Silas Woode children were college graduates.

James R. Adriance was the above family to pass away. He New York, June 8, 1856, but years of age was taken by

All of these

first of the

was born in

when only two

his parents to

Poughkeepsie, and in that beautiful city on the banks of the Hudson, his childhood and youth were passed. He was fitted for college under the care of Otis Bisbee, Esq., at Riverview Academy, and in the summer of 1871, with an older brother and another young man, sailed for Europe in charge of Rev. Alfred E. Myers. They spent a year in foreign travel, extending their tour as far east as Athens, Constantinople and Smyrna, returning the following summer. He completed his preparatory studies and entered the freshman class of Williams College in September, 1S74. In the early spring of 1876, during his sophomore year, he entered upon a Christian life, connecting himself at a later period with the Second Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie. He graduated with honor in July, 1878, and was elected by his class, one of the two marshals. He again sailed for Europe toward the close of the summer, and during the remainder of the Paris Exposition took charge of business connected with his father's firm. Being particularly fond of the study of languages, he at once entered upon a course of instruction, with the view of perfecting himself in the French language.

He remained in Paris through the winter for that purpose, and in February joined a party of friends who ft'ere visiting the south of France and Italy, spending a few days in Rome at the time of the Carnival. He there contracted the fatal fever, which developed itself soon after his return. He spent a short time in Paris, and ten days in England, sailing for home Monday, April 7. After a disagreeable voyage they arrived on the following Monday. After reaching home he was stricken down, and, notwithstanding the best of care, he died on April 21. 1879:

(4) Anna E. Adriance, the oldest daughter, married Dr. F. H. Simpson, who was a prominent dentist of Poughkeepsie, and was also quite a musician, being a member of the Mendelssohn Musical Society of that place. They removed to the far West. In their family were five children: Annie, who died in infancy; Albert A.; Sarah E., who married William Egbert; Louis, who died in infancy; and Harry Adriance. The second child, Albert, is now emplox-ed in the Buckeye Works of Poughkeepsie. He married Miss Lizzie Campbell, and they have a son, Albert Simpson.

(5) Blandena Adriance married Zebulon Rudd, teller of the Fallkill bank of Poughkeepsie. He was made cashier of the Dover Plains National Bank at the time of its organization, was later cashier of the First National Bank of Poughkeepsie, and afterward engaged in the brokerage business for himself. Three children were born to him: Charles A., w'ho married Miss Ella Robinson, died in 1894; John A. has been quite a traveler, and at one time was engaged in the lumber business at Seattle, Wash., but now makes his home in Poughkeepsie (he married Miss Bertha Morgan, of Nebraska, and they have one daughter— Helen M.); Arthur B. attended Williams College, and is now a theological student in New York City, preparing for the Episcopal ministry.

Mrs. Sarah (Harris) Adriance died June 3, 1838, and for his second wife Mr. Adriance was married to Mrs. Eliza (Storm) Orton, whose birth occurred in 1804, a daughter of Abram G. and Mary (Adriance) Storm, and who by a former marriage had one son, who died February 5, 1828. To the second marriage of Mr. Adriance were born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., the following: Sarah E., September 27, 1842; and Susan and Mary, twins, who died in infancy. The mother of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

these children died in 1845 and the father April 19, 1873.

PHILIP HOAG is a worthy representative of a family lonj:; identified with the history

of Dutchess county. His grandfather, Benjamin Hoag, a farmer bj" occupation, was a native of Dutchess county, born at Pawling, and was a son of John Hoag. Being a member of the Society of Friends, he could not take up arms during the Revolutionarj- war, but was ever a patriotic man. He married Miss Abigail Wing, of Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, and to them were born seven sons: (i) Elihu, the father of our subject, who will be spoken of presently. (2) Philip married Barbara Lys-ter, and had two children—Peter and Abby Jane (of these, Peter married Hannah Tompkins, and had five children: Sarah Elizabeth, Mahala Allen, Philip Henry, Jane and Mary Frances, the sons being in Ohio, the daughters in Missouri. Abby Jane married Alfred Haight, and had two children: Amanda and Cornelius, the latter of whom lives in Michican, and has two children—Alfred and Edith; Amanda married Joseph Van Voorhes, and had five children—Mariam, Alfred, Court, Emily and Willis). (3) Eliab died in infancy. (4) Sanford married Mahala Allen, and had one son— Charles, now deceased. (5) Matthew married Sallie Spalding, and has two children—George and Phcebe, both deceased. (6) Willet married Jane Shears, and has one son—Benjamin, living in Palmyra, Neb., of which city he has been mayor. (7) Abraham married Phcebe Ferris, and had two children—Edith and Sanford. The last named (Sanford Hoag; married Lydia Benson, and three children graced their union: Edith, Elihu and Charles; Elihu married Ida Benton, and they have four daughters —Gertrude, Eda, Ida, and Annie.

Elihu Hoag (the father of our subject), who was always known as " Squire Hoag," was a native of the town of Pawling, followed the vocation of farming, and for a number of years served as justice of the peace. He wedded Arabella Marsh, daughter of Joseph Marsh, of Connecticut, and five children graced their union: Philip, the subject of this review; Lang-don (deceased), who married Mary Dorland; Hannah and Arabelle, both single, who reside at the old home in South Dover; and Nora A., deceased in infancy. Langdon, the second son, was born and educated in Dover

town, where he carried on farming for some time, but the latter part of his life was passed in Poughkeepsie.

In the town of Dover, Dutchess county, Philip Hoag, our subject, was born June 23, 1818. He attended the common schools, later a select school at Warren, Conn., where he paid $3.00 a term for tuition, and $1.25 for board, with flour at $11.00 per barrel. After leaving school he assisted his father upon the farm till the latter's death, after which event he and his sisters remained on the homestead by their father's desire, and he has ever since followed agricultural pursuits, to which he was reared. He has held numerous town offices with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In politics he is an Old-line Democrat, and from boyhood has been possessed of strong Prohibition tendencies. Always a great reader, he is well-informed on the general questions of the day, as well as histor}-. He has been e.xecutor for many estates, both among his neighbors and at a distance from home.

Mr. Hoag has been twice married, first time to Miss Mary A. Ward, by whom he had three children: (i) Nora, born in Dover, married Gilbert Taber, a farmer, and has four children—George (married to May Stevens), William, W'right (married to Ida Hufcut), and Mary (married to G. A. Stripling). (2) Martha, who was born in Dover town, married Rozell Meade, a farmer of that town, and they have children—S. Jennie, Nora B., Mary L.. Morris P. and Jerry L. (3) Frank, also born in Dover town, is there engaged in farming; by his marriage with Miss Elizabeth R. Stark, a daughter of Cyrus Stark, of Do\er, he has two children—Mary E. and Frank P. After the death of his first wife, our subject married her sister. Miss Sarah A. Ward.

Mrs. Hoag traces her ancestrj' back to Peltiah Ward, who was born in England, and who was one of five brothers—Ichabod, Peltiah, Ebenezer, John and Nathan—who in an early day sailed from Ireland to America, Peltiah locating in Massachusetts, where he died. He was born December 21, 1689, and was married December 20, 1725, at Killing-worth, R. I., to Jerusha Kelsey. A son, Ichabod, later moved to Killingworth, R. I., and thence to New York State, locating in Dutchess county. He was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Ichabod, the son of Peltiah, and a farmer by occupation, was the great-grand-

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PHILIP HOAG.

ELIHU HOAG.

FRANK P. HOAG.

FRAHK HOAG.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

365

father of Mrs. Hoag. He was born in 1743, in Kiliingvvorth, R. I., and died December 30, 1S22, in Dutchess county. He married Me-hetable Marcy, and to them were born nine children: (i) Griffin married and had four children—John, who wedded Miss Carhart, daughter of Jacob Carhart; Spencer, who married Miss Pattie Soule; Annie, who became the wife of a Mr. Traver; and Mehitabel, who married WiUiam Lee. (2) Peltiah (the grandfather of Mrs. Hoag) was born in 1770, and educated in the town of Dover, and was a farmer and cattle drover; he was married February 27, 1791, to Miss Anna Soule, who was born September 24, 1774, a daughter of Ichabod Soule, and to them were born five children-—Henry, who married Almeda Beardsley; Ira; Edward P. (father of Mrs. Hoag); Griffin; and Sarah, who married Miron Preston. Peltiah Ward, the father of these, died November 2, 1830, his wife on July 20, 1840. Henry Ward and wife have four children, namely: George, born December 18, 1S14, married Elizabeth Somers, and they had a daughter, Frances, who married William Sheldon; Jane, born November 17, 1819, never married; Peltiah, born December 31, 1821, married Jane Hermance, of Poughkeepsie, and to them were born si.\ children. He was first an attorney and later a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at the breaking out of the Civil war was the presiding elder of the Ellenville district, N. Y. He immediately recruited a company, of which he became captain, went to the front, and was killed at the battle of Bull Run, Virginia, falling with the tiag of the regiment, which he was carrying at the time. Martha, the fourth child of Henry Ward, was born March 27, 1826, and married Jackson Bow-dish, by whom she has one child, a daughter, Cornelia, who married A. W'ing. The latter was cashier of the Pawling Bank for thirty years. His death occurred at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. (3) Ichabod, an agriculturist, married Rachel Hurd, and they have one child, Myron. (4) Joseph, also a farmer, wedded Eliza Newton, and they had seven children: Phcebe; Marilla, who married Reuben Chapman; Newton and Alfred (twins); Mrs. Eliza Flower; Mrs. Sallie Sweet; and Mrs. Hetty Pool. (5) Ebenezer, an agriculturist, married Miss Abba Sheldon, daughter of Agrippa Sheldon, by whom he had seven children: Waldo, Amanda, Lodesca, Ebenezer, Polly, Henry and Oneida. (6) John, an agriculturist, married

Miss Cynthia Cyher, daughter of Peter Cyher, and they had one son. Griffin. (7) Jerusha became the wife of Reuben Wooster, by whom she has five children: Peter, Ichabod, William, Oliver and Hannah. (8) Mehitabel married Edmond Varney, a farmer, and they had seven children: Alfred; John, who married Alma Stone; Milton; Ann; Mrs. Almeda Still-well; Clarinda, who married Dr. D. T. Marshall; and Frances. (9) Polly married Daniel Cutler, a farmer, and they had seven children: John, Fannie, Elma, Mrs. Jane Dru-fee, George, Ward and Amor.

Edward P. Ward, the father of Mrs. Hoag, was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, November 10, 1796, was there educated, and was employed as a carpenter and millwright. In February, 1817, he married Miss Amy Pray, who was born March 3, 1796, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Duncan) Pray, and they became the parents of ten children: (i) Andrew, who lives in Eden, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., was born December 20, 1817, married Miss Almere Sheldon, daughter of Luther and Mary Sheldon, by whom he had four children—Annie, Mary, Delilah and Sarah L.; after the death of his first wife, he wedded her sister, Miss Amanda Sheldon, and they had two children—George and Hasley. (2) Mary A., born January 20, 1820, was the first wife of our subject. (3) Hannah, born March 17, 1S22, married Harrison Sheldon, and they had two children— Marion, who became the wife of William D. Williams; and Emily, who married George Preston (after the death of her first husband Mrs. Sheldon married Cornell Waite, and they had four children—Mary A., unmarried; Henry, who married Adda Kingsbury, from Alliance, Ohio; William, who married Annie Davis; and Irving, unmarried; Mr. and Mrs. Waite live in Dutchess county). (4) Thad-deus, born February 4, 1824, married Lois Dean, daughter of Zenus Dean, of Deposit, Broome Co., N. Y., and they had one son— George, who married Ella Rosencroft, of Ithaca, N. Y.; Thaddeus is deceased, and his family reside at Deposit, Broome Co., N. Y. (5) Francis M., born March 27, 1826, married Charlotte Northrup, and they had four children —Josephine (who married Charles Lawrence), John, Jesse and Bennie; Francis M. resides at Newton, Sussex Co., N. J., and has been rn the Legislature three years, both as assemblyman and senator. {6) Louisa M., born F"eb-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

ruary 20, 1829, died unmarried. (7) Sarah A., born September 17, 1831, is the wife of our subject. (8) Henry, born September 11, 1835, married Bathsheba Barnes, and had six children—Amy, single; Sarah E., wife of Wallace Freeman, of Norfolk, \'a.; Henry B., single; Mary L., wife of Albert H. Prentice; Edna G.; and Edward P. Henry, the father of these, has for the past twenty-eight years been a Presbyterian minister in Buffalo, where he has built a fine church, and has a congregation numbering over 1,200. (9) Martha, born November 4, 1837, died in infancy. (10) Edward, born January 14, 1840, wedded Mary Mygatt (whose parents were from Amenia, Dutchess county), and had three children— Charles and Clinton, both unmarried; and a daughter who died in infancy; Edward lives at Deposit, Broome Co., N. Y. Edward P. Ward, the father of this numerous family, died August 15, 1855, and his wife on April 17, 1869.

Mrs. Philip Hoag has been a member of the W. C. T. U. of Dutchess county for the past twenty years; is serving her fifth year as vice-president of same; has been a delegate to the National Convention of that society, three times, and to the State Convention nearly every year.

EDWAI^D BUCHANAN MANNING, the : superintendent of the extensive works of

C. S. Maltby at Millerton, Dutchess count}', was born November i, 1847, on the Shenandoah river in Jefferson county, W. Va., than a part of the Old Dominion. The family is of English origin, the first of the name settling in Virginia about the year 1774. Nathaniel Manning, our subject's great-grandfather, was born in New Jersey in 1738, was graduated from Princeton College in 1762, and became a physician and surgeon. Later he went to England and was ordained as a minister by the Bishop of London, and on his return to the colony settled in Hampshire county, Va., where he was in charge of a parish until his death in 1776.

Jacob Manning, our subject's grandfather, was born in New Jersey, and became a successful farmer. He married Miss Mary Rutherford, lu'c Darke, a widow, the daughter of Gen. William Darke, an officer of the Revolutionary army, and a representative of one of the wealthiest and most aristocratic families in

the State. He was a large landholder, and his daughter inherited from him an immense estate. He took a proniinent part in public affairs and in militarj' operations at various times, and he and a son were with St. Clair at the time of his defeat in 1791, when the son was killed and the General wounded. Darke county, Ohio, is named in his honor. The following extract from a biographical sketch of Gen. William Darke appears in Vol. X\'II of Harper's Magazine: "Hi-; name belongs to the Biography of American Heroes; nor is it unknown in the early statesmanship of Virginia. Gen. Darke was in the State Convention of 17S8, and voted for the Federal Constitution. He was badly wounded at St. Clair's defeat and his son, Capt. Joseph Darke, was slain. He served previously in the Revolution and suffered long as a prisoner. He was one of the Rangers of 1755 (then nineteen years old), serving under Washington in Brad-dock's ill-managed march toward Fort Du-quesne. He was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Virginia in 1741, when six years old. The splendid estate, where he reared his family, was on Elk Branch, Duffield's Depot being included in it." This sketch also states that Darke was one of the few officers who served uninterruptedly throughout the Revolutionary war and the subsequent struggle with the Indians in the Northwestern Territory—a fact which is shown by the large grant of land in this county (Jefferson) made to him by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Jacob Manning was not active in public affairs, but was probably a Whig in politics. He died about 1824 and his wife in 1842. They had four children: Jacob, Mary, Nathaniel W. and Monroe.

Nathaniel William Manning, our subject's father, was born in 1814, in the Shenandoah Valley, and followed the occupation of farming, in which he was fairly successful. He was a man of fine intelligence and studious habits, and at one time studied medicine with Dr. Briscoe, a brother-in-law, although he never practiced. In the political affairs of his locality he was a leader, holding various offices, including that of sheriff of Jefferson county. He married Martha Craighill, daughter of Price and Eliza (Little) Craighill. This family was of Scotch descent and among the most prominent of that region. The eldest son, William Nathaniel Craighill, was the father of William Price Craighill. who is chief of engineers in the United States arniv with the rank

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHIQAL RECORD.

367

of brigadier-general. He was second in his class at West Point and was a professor there for a number of years. The other children were Addison, Martha (Mrs. Manning), John Little, Samuel and Fenton. Mrs. Manning died in 1S76, and her husband survived her onlj' two years. Six children were born to Nathaniel William and ^fartha Manning: Fannie, Mary, William, Edward B., Addison and Lucy, all of whom are living.

Edward B. Manning was unfortunate in his early educational opportunities, as the war interfered with the schools of his neighborhood during the years when he might have found them most helpful. He had no schooling after the age of thirteen, but his naturally quick and , intelligent mind has enabled him to remedy the deficiency to a great extent and gain a good, practical education. Among his recollections of the exciting scenes of his boyhood, the trial and execution of John Brown are prominent and he also visited him in his prison cell. At the age of twent}' he left home and secured employment as a fireman on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, in the west division, and a year later he went to Jefferson county and for five years ran a steam sawmill in the Shenandoah Valley, in which he had an intereft. In the spring of 1873 he began to work for C. S. Maltby, as engineer at his iron furnace in Knoxville, Md., and in the fall of the same year he came to Millerton as assistant engineer. He soon became first engineer, and also founder in charge of the furnace. In 1884 he was appointed superintendent of the entire plant, and this responsible position he still holds with satisfaction to his employers and great credit to himself. The furnace is now closed and Mr. Manning takes charge of the mine. He is actively interested in public affairs and has a wide acquaintance with the leading men of his native State, ex-Postmaster General Wilson being one. Although he is known as a Democrat, he is inclined to be independent, being an advocate of protection and sound money. He was elected highway commissioner in 1889, 1890 and 1891, and later was appointed to fill a vacancy, and he is now the nominee of his party for the office of supervisor. He belongs to the Masonic Order, W^ebatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M., of Millerton, of which he has been master for three years, and also to the Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 72.

In 1880 Mr. Manning married Miss Jose-

phine Traver, who was born in Frederick county, Md., and is the daughter of Freeman Traver, a well-known citizen of Columbia county. Mr. and Mrs. Manning have seven children: William, Lucy, Perry, Nathaniel, Virginia, Elizabeth and Freeman.

^\||//ILLIAM B. PLATT (deceased). The subject of this memoir, who was for many years a prominent merchant of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, and later was president of the First National Bank of that place, was a native of Poughkeepsie, born February I, 1799. His family originated in England, and his father, John Piatt, who served in the Revolutionary war, and was a farmer by occupation, was an early settler in Dutchess county, coming from Long Island, where a branch of the family had located some time before. He married Catherine Barnes, by whom he had three children, our subject being the second. Isaac, the youngest son, was a resident of Poughkeepsie, while Eliphalet became a prominent physician at Rhinebeck and w^is noted for his varied talents as well as for his skill in his profession. There was also a half brother, Henry.

William B. Piatt engaged in mercantile business in Hyde Park at an early age and in 1830 removed Rhinebeck and opened a general store at the northwest corner of Montgomery and W. Market streets. After conducting it alone for several years he formed a partnership with Christian Schell. which lasted for a number of years, when Mr. Piatt retired. He then became interested in the First National Bank as director, and was soon after chosen president, which position he held with marked ability until his death. He was never active in politics, although, first as a Whig and later as a Republican, he took keen interest in the questions of his time. In various religious and philanthropic movements he was a helpful factor, and he was for many years a leading official in the Reformed Church.

On December 6, 1826, Mr. Piatt was married to Miss Sarah C. Stoutenburgh, born in 1807, the daughter of John I. and Sally (Griffin) Stoutenburgh, of Hyde Park. Two children blessed this union: John H. (deceased), born in 1827, was a well-known lawyer of New York; and Elizabeth, born in 1830, marrie-d Charles H. Adams, a prominent manufacturer of knitted goods at Cohoes, N. Y. They had

COMME.VORATTrE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two children — a daughter, Mary Egberts Adams, now the widow of Robert Johnston, who was interested in the Harmony Mills at Cohoes (she has one son, Robert, born in 18S2), and a son, William Piatt Adams, formerly in the knitting business, but now retired.

The subject of our sketch departed this life in 1879, his death bringing a sense of loss to all who had ever come within his influence. Nine years later his wife followed him, and the remains of both now rest in the cemetery at Rhinebeck. Thoroughly progressive, and ever loyal to the interest of his town, Mr. Piatt was a leading citizen of his day, and was esteemed and loved by everyone for his mental ability and moral worth. His personal appearance was most prepossessing, his manners genial, courtly and refined, and his kind heart and well-stored mind made him a valued friend and companion.

JOHN G. WAIT, a prominent dairyman and agriculturist residing near Dover Plains. Dutchess county, was born July 8, 1829, in the town of Unionvale, where his family has been well known for many years. He was educated there, and in early manhood engaged in his present business, which he has conducted twenty-eight years, keeping as many as fifty cows. In local affairs he has taken an influential part, holding various township offices at times, and supporting the principles of the Republican party. He married Miss Catherine Van Wagoner, a descendant of one of the old families of Clinton, Dutchess county, and has had si.\ children : Hattie, the wife of Arthur Benham; Sophia and Joseph, who are not married; Franklin, who married Sarah Schermerhorn, and they have one child—Eva; Minnie, who is at home; and Isaac P. (deceased).

The ancestors of the Wait family were early settlers of Rhode Island, where Joseph Wait, our subject's grandfather, was born and educated. He settled in Unionvale, town of Dover, and he and his wife, Sarah (Draper), reared a family of eight children, of whom, Joseph Wait, our subject's father, was the eldest. Of the others, George married Lucinda Beatty; Patience married Robert Cornwall; Catherine married William McDowell; Mahalie never married; Helen was the wife of Beria Suthern; Mary married a Mr. Hall; and Sarah was the wife of Braria Austin.

Joseph Wait was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, in 1797, and after acquiring the education afforded by the time and locality he learned the carpenter's trade, and engaged in house building. He was the leading builder of the day there, having erected most of the houses in the township, besides the churches in Dover and the residence now occupied by our subject. He married Miss Amelia Applebee, by whom he had ten children : Helen, Catherine, Edgar, Mary, Oliver and Nannie, all six now deceased; the others are: Charles, who married (first) Susan Bertram, (second) Anna Kelley. and (third) Sarah Porter; John G., our subject; William M., who married Louisa Russell, and James E., who married Carrie Rozell.

Mrs. Waite's ancestors have been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clinton for several generations, and her grandfather. Solomon Van Wagoner, was born there. He married Hannah Ham, and had eight children, of whom two died in infancy; the six who lived to maturity were: Perlee, our subject's father; Alonzo, who married Mary Dart; Lewis, who married Polly Finks; Margaret, the wife of Stephen Harris; Mary, who never married; and Julia A., the wife of Stephen Hoag. Perlee Van Wagoner was also a lifelong resident of Clinton, where he was well known and highlj' respected. He and his wife, Hattie (Traven, had four children, Mrs. Wait being the eldest; Mary J. married Chancey Isabell; Theron is not married; and Cornelia is the widow of Dyer Holdridge.

Our subject owns a fine farm of 219 acres of land at Lithgow, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, which he farms in connection with the place of 365 acres, on which he has resided some twenty-one years. He has a beautiful home, and he can look upon his possessions with pride, as he came by them through his own efforts.

FRANKLIN LENT HAIGHT, a well-known teacher of this section, is at present the superintendent for eastern New York and northern New Jersey of the business of the Central School Supply House, of Chicago, 111., the largest dealers in school specialties in the United States. In this occupation, as well as in his previous career as a teacher, Mr. Haight has been eminently successful, his work in establishing agencies, meeting school boards and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

369

superintendents, and others interested in the purchase of suppUes, being performed with tact and ability, and the introduction of many new and valuable methods and appliances into the schools of this section may be attributed largely to his judicious exposition of their worth. Apparatus for teaching physiology, and a new series of relief forms showing the topographical features of the earth's surface, are the main specialties.

The Haight family appears to have descended from Baron Johanus Von Height, who went from Normandy to Britain during the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries. The immediate ancestors of the American branch were among the earliest settlers of Massachusetts, Simon Haight (or Height, as it appears on different records), with his wife and three or four children arriving from England on the ship "Abigail," in 1628 or '29, and settling at Salem, Mass., under Endicott. The descendants are now very numerous, and are located in various parts of the country, many of them, in past, as well as present times, occupying places of trust and honor.

Mr. Haight was born at Fishkill, Dutchess county, November 7, 1853, the son of Sylva-nus Haight, a well-known agriculturist. He was a native of Putnam county, N. Y., born March 20, 1823, and his wife, Margaret Lent, was born in Westchester county, September 17, 1825. Both are living, as are seven of their eight children, viz: Anna A., Mary Z., Eugene H., Frederick C., Franklin L., Sherman and Howard. Katie, the sixth child, died at the age of six years. After attending the Fishkill schools for a time Mr. Haight, in 1874, entered the State Normal School at Albany, and was graduated in 1876. He then taught successfully in the public schools of southern Dutchess county for nearly fifteen years, and in 1S93 he accepted the position which he now tills so abl}'. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Haight has a charming home, known as " Sylvan Place," an estate of about twenty acres, located on Hopewell avenue, three-fourths of a mile east of Fishkill \'illage. The house is spacious, and the grounds in front of it, 125x225 in extent, are beautified by large maples and other shade trees. There are two orchards on the propert}-, containing a variety of fruit, including seventy apple trees and five hundred peach trees, with some pear trees. Mr. Haight married Miss Anna Snook, daughter of Gilbert Snook, a life-long resident of

24

Fishkill, and his wife, Antoinette (Young), formerly of Westchester county. Two children were born of this union: May Elizabeth, in 1883, and Clifford Lent, in 1884. Both Mr. and Mrs. Haight are active members of the M. E. Church at Fishkill, with which he has been connected as trustee and steward for several years.

J CORNELIUS HAIGHT. The Haight family, which has been prominent for many years in this section, both numerically and by virtue of their ability and energy in various lines of effort, is of Puritan ancestry, and the subject of this sketch, a well-known retired business man of Fishkill-on-Hudson, is of the eighth generation in direct descent from Simon Hait, or Hoyt, or Hoit, who was born in 1595, in Dorsetshire, England, and died September i, 1657, at Stamford, Conn. He was one of the Puritans who left their native land for America on October 6, 1628, in the vessel "Abigail," with Col. John Endicott, who was afterward appointed Governor of the colony.

Second Gaicmtion: John Hoyt, the eldest son of Simon, was born in Dorsetshire, England, in 1614, and died September i, 1684, at Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y. He was fourteen years old when he landed in this country, and lived for some years in Massachusetts, later at Fairfield, Conn., and in 1665 moved to Westchester county, N. Y., being one of the grantees who purchased land of the patent of Thomas Pell. He married Mary Budd, and had five children: Samuel, Mary, Rachel, John and Simon.

Third Generation: John, the fourth child of John and Mary Hoit, was born at East Chester in 1665. On June 26, 1696, he was chosen town clerk of Rye, Westchester county ; as constable in 1702 ; as supervisor in 1711; served as a representative or member of the Assembly from 1712-13-14-15- I" '716 he was justice of the peace, and was honored with the distinctive title of "Mr." John Haight. He was again chosen supervisor in 1717-19-20. He was chosen churchwarden of Grace Church, at Rye, in 1719. He had been a vestryman in 1712. On February 11, 1715, he was one of a committee appointed to lay out the tract of land purchased from the. Indians, and on March 13, 1721, he obtained, from King George II,- Royal letters of Patent

coM^n:?.roRATiVE biographical record.

to the Charter of White Plains. His father, in company with Joseph Budd and Daniel Purdy, had also received letters of patent from the crowned King George I, to a large tract in Westchester county, containing about 1,560 acres. Mr. John Hoit married Elizabeth Purdy, daughter of Daniel Purdy, and had eight children, as follows: John, Samuel, Jonathan, Joseph, Daniel, Elizabeth, Eunice and Mary.

I'otn-tli Gcncratioi: Daniel, fifth child of John and Elizabeth Haight, was born about 1688, died at Yorktowii, Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1772, a prominent Episcopalian. He married in 1718 Elizabeth Norton, daughter of Joseph Norton, and had nine children: Joseph, James, William, Daniel, Jonathan, Rachel, Jemimah, Elizabeth and Charity.

Fifth Generation: Joseph, born at York-town, Westchester Co., 1719, died in Phillips-town, July 30, 1776; married Hannah Wright, daughter of John Wright, of Yorktown, Westchester Co., N. Y. They both died of smallpox on the same day, only an hour and forty-eight minutes apart. Their twelve children were: Mary (or Polly), John, Joseph, Sylvanus, Stephen, William, Daniel, Beverlj-, Hannah, Phebe and Esther (twins), and Martha. Phebe married Col. Zebulon Butler, of the Revolutionary army. Daniel, the father of Joseph, purchased a tract of land on the water lot of the Phillips patent, called Phillips Precinct, old Dutchess (now Putnam) county, in 1748, containing 640 acres. Joseph (h'ls father having given him a deed in 1750) moved from Rye, Westchester county, to Phillipstown in 1751, and erected a log house by the old Indian path on the west side of Clove creek. In 1765 he built the first frame house on the east side of Clove creek, all the material for it being made on the farm, which at that time contained a sawmill, blacksmith shop and carpenter shop. Joseph and two of his sons were carpenters.

Sixth Generation: Capt. John Haight, son of Joseph and Hannah (Wright) Haight, was born at Rye, August 18, 1743, and on March 20, 1770, in the old Col. Beverly Robinson house, in Putnam county (from this house the traitor Arnold made his flight), was married to Merriam Swim, who was born December 25, 1749, at Highland Falls, daughter-of Cornelius Swim, of Highland l*"alls. Orange county. Mr. Haight was a prominent man, a captain in the Revolutionary army in the Sev-

enth Regiment, otherwise called Col. Henry Luddington Regiment (John Haight, captain, date of appointment May 28, 1778), and served throughout the war. In 1807 and 180S, he was a member of the Assembly from Old Dutchess county (comprising both Dutchess and Putnam). In 1813 he was associate justice of Putnam county, and in 1820 served as judge of the Putnam Court of Common Pleas. In religious affiliation he was a member of the old Presbyterian Church of Brinckerhoff, and held the office of ruling elder for forty years, which incumbency he tilled with satisfaction to his constituents. His death occurred July 15, 1836, in the old Haight homestead at Phillips-town, Putnam county. To* Mr. Haight and his wife were born the following children: James, Joseph I., Cornelius I., Sylvanus, Henry (deceased in infancy) John, Henry, Mary, Stephen, Jacob I., Hannah, and Miriam, widow of Capt. John Haight, March, 1842. Beverly Haight, son of Joseph and Hannah (Wright) Haight, and brother of Capt. John Haight, was born in 1763, and married Charity, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Larrabee) Hustis. They had eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, Joseph, Joshua, Mary, David, Esther, Beverly, and John.

Seventh Generation: Beverly Haight, son of Beverly and Charity (Hustis) Haight, and father of our subject, was born at the old homestead in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, March 30, 1801, and passed his life there, being actively engaged in farming until his sixty-fifth year, when he retired. He served as assessor of the town of Fishkill, 1859-60. He was twice married, his first wife being Eleanor Burroughs Haight, who was the daughter of Cornelius I. and Hannah (Burroughs) Haight, granddaughter of Capt. John Haight. She was born February 10, 1800, in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, and died January 24, 1866, in Phillipstown, Putnam county. They were the parents of our subject. For his second wife Beverly Haight was married, November 16, 1S68, to his second cousin, Susan A. Mead, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Purdy) Mead, of Newburg, Orange county. She died in Newburg October 2, 1882, leaving no issue.

Eighth Generation: J. Cornelius Haight, our subject, was born at the old farm July 16, 1835, and was the only child of his parents. His early education was acquired in the joint district schools of Fishkill and Phillipstown, in

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871

the academ}- at Fishkill Village, and in the English Classical school kept by the Rev. Dr. Pingree, at Roseville, N. J. On completing his course of study, he returned home and worked for his father during the following season. The next two winters were spent in teaching at Davenport's Corners, Putnam county, and then, after a few months as clerk in the store of Daniel J. Haight, of Peekskill, N.' Y., he went hom£ for a time. He has been twice married: In the winter of 1858 he wedded Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Henry Warren and Jane (Mekeel) Haight, and a lineal descendant of Uriah Mekeel, one of the earliest settlers near Cold Spring, Putnam Co., N. Y. In the spring of 1859 Mr. Haight was employed in a store at Union Corners, near Hyde Park, but after a few months he moved to Matteawan and entered the service of the Seamless Manufacturing Co., of which D. W. Gitchell was manager. He remained there two years, when the attractions of the old home and the free life of a farmer led him to return to the homestead. His first wife, Sarah Jane, died December 4, 1873, and September 5, 1877, he married Julia Matilda Raynor, who was born in New York City September 9, 1842, daughter of John and Mary A. (Bijatall) Raynor, of the same city. One child, Willie Raynor, was born to this union, August 18, 1S78, but died in infancy.

Until 1880 Mr. Haight assisted his father, and then bought a farm in the town of Wappmg-er, for four years enaging in horticulture there. Selling out in 1884 he moved to Fishkill Plains for one j^ear, and then to Arthursburg, where for a \-ear he was in the dairy business, and for the year following was engaged in gardening, and in carrying the mails from Arthursburg to the station. In 1S86 he went to Fishkill village, spending a year with a son-in-law, John R. Phillips, then removed to Phillipstow'n, and lived at the homestead of his mother's famil}'until May, 1895, when having purchased a tract of land in Fishkill-on-Hudson from Mrs. Sophia Grohl, and built a residetice thereon, he removed to that place. He now owns ten building lots there.

As an ardent Republican Mr. Haight takes an active share in party work, and has been a delegate to se\'eral county conventions. Since 1856 he has been a member of the M. E. Church, of which he has now been a steward for eight 3'ears and trustee for six years. He and his wife are both helpful in Church work.

and are teachers in the Sunday-school. He is also a member of the Sons of the Revolution. Of his nine children by his first wife five died in infancy, and a brief record of the others is as follows: Eleanor A., the eldest survivor, married John R. Phillips, of Fishkill, and died March 20, 1886, leaving one son, Charles H. Edgar Holden resides at the Beverly Haight homestead. Beverly W. is in the grocery business at Newark, N. J. Grace A. married Charles D. Rogers, a farmer and dairyman near Fishkill village. Mr. Haight has been engaged for several years past in the compilation of a genealogy of the Haight Family with the expectation of publishing it in book form.

born August Briggs.

KIN FAMILY, whose name both in past ^ and present times has been closely associated with the most important events in the history of this section, is of Scotch origin.

John Akin, the first ancestor of whom there is a definite account, was born in Scotland in 1663, and when about seventeen years of age he came to America and located at Dartmouth, Mass. He married Mary Briggs, who was 9, 1671, a daughter of Thomas Of their ten children, the eldest son, David, born September 19, 1689, at New Bedford, Mass., engaged in farming, and after his marriage to Sarah Allen came to Dutchess county and made his home at Quaker Hill. Two children were born to him, John and Jonathan. John Akin, the great-grandfather of Miss Mary J. Akin, of Pawling, married Margaret Hicks, by whom he had one son, John; that son, John, married Mollie Ferris, and had the following children: Albro, Sarah, Margaret, Ann, Daniel and Amanda. John Akin also had three daughters: Ann, Mary and Abagail.

Albro Akin, our subject's father, was born at Quaker Hill, March 6, 1778, and in his day was one of the leading citizens of Dutchess county. On March 24, 181 5, Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins appointed him to the office of judge of the court of common pleas for life, as was the custom in those days. When he was sixty years old he resigned, having been judge for twenty-three years. This position he filled with distinguished ability. His first wife, Paulina Vanderburgh, who was born December 15, 1783, died in 1810, leaving three children: Albert John, who married Jane Will-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

iams; Almira V., the wife of Joshua L. Jojies; and Helena Maria, who married John W. Taylor. Mr. Akin's second wife, Sarah (Merritt), died without issue, and he married a third wife, Jemima Thorne Jacacks, daughter of David and Mary (Thorne) Jacacks. Se%'en children were born of this union: (i) Mary J., who has always been a leader in the social life of the locality, filling every duty with grace and dignity. Among other events in which she took part was the ceremony attending the opening of the Harlem railroad, where she was chosen to hand the shovel to the one who broke the first sod for that undertaking. (2) William Henry, who married (first) Martha Taber, and (second) Sarah Miller, and had two children: Albro, who married Emma Read, and has two children—Albert and Helen; and Amy, who married Benjamin Aymer Sands, and has one daughter—Mary E. (3) Cornelius is still single. (41 Gulielma Maria Springet Penn was named after William Penn's wife, whose name was Gulielma Maria Springet Penn. (5) Amanda, who married Dr. Charles W. Stearns. (6) Annie, who married William Hamilton Ogden, and has one daughter— Harriet Hamilton. (7) Caroline, who married Adolph Wilm-Beets, from Hamburg, Germany.

LEACH FAMILY, THE, which has long held a prominent position in the town of

Pawling, Dutchess count}', is one of Colonial stock, and by intermarriage it is related to others of our leading pioneer families, notably the Akin and Ferris lines, so well known in the history of this region. The genealogical records of these families give interesting data of the early times.

Amos Leach (I), the head of the Leach family, came from Wales to America with two brothers, and landed in Massachusetts. After living there for some time he moved to Connecticut and settled in Leach Hollow, town of Sherman. He married Mercy Martin, of Dover, Dutchess county, and to their union were born seven sons and five daughters, as follows: (i) Amos Leach (II) married Deborah Wan-zer, November 25, 1752. (2) John Leach married (first) Martha Wanzer, April 2, 1760, and (second! Hannah Page, July 9, 1772; he removed in 1785 to New Fairfield, Vt., with his large family of children, where many of his later descendants are still living; he was

the executor of his father's will, which is now on file at Danbury, Conn. (3) Simeon Leach married Elizabeth Prindle, January 22, 1766. (4) Ephraim Leach married Dorothy Bennett, F"ebruary 8, 1762. (5) Ebenezer Leach is more fully spoken of farther on. (6) James never married. (7) Ichabod Leach married Ruth Marsh. January i, 1776. (8) Mercy Leach married Ebenezer Wright, (g) Sarah Leach married Silas Hall, January 4, 1757. (10) Jemima Leach married David Prindle, January 19, 1763. (11) Miriam Leach married Samuel Marsh, November 13, 1771. (12) Johannah Leach married Thomas Northup, August 25, 1757.

Ebenezer Leach, fifth son of Amos Leach (1), married Mary Marsh, daughter of Elihu and Mary Marsh, whose children were: Elihu, Joseph, Samuel, John, Daniel, Amos, Sophia, Eunice, Lydia, Mary and Ruth. Ebenezer Leach and his wife Mary (Marsh) had three children: Lucy, who married Husted Wan-

mentioned below; Gilbert Lane, and

and had

zer; William, who is Susanna, who married eleven children.

William Leach (I), second child of Ebenezer Leach, was married 25th of the loth month, 1792, to Charlotte Stedwell, who was born 19th of 5th month, 1772, daughter of Gilbert and Mary Stedwell. To William Leach and his wife were born the following children: (i)Anna Leach, born 27th of 9th month, 1793. married Abraham Wanzer (no issue). (2) Mary Leach, born iith of lOth month, 1795, died November 30, 1875, aged eighty years; she married Philo Woodin, of Columbia, N. Y., February 26, 1822, and had three children. (3) Moses W. is more fully spoken of below. (4) Lucy Leach, born 4th of 7th month, 1800, died May 28, 1885, aged eighty-five years lacking five weeks, married Ebenezer Wanzer, October 26th, 1820, and had three children. (5) Susan Leach, born 2ist of 1st month, 1803, died February 27, 1885, married George Mooney, November 17, 1825, and had five children. (6) Phebe Leach, born 13th of 6th month, 1805, died January 16, 1867, married Jacob Wanzer, October 26, 1826, and had six children. (71 Ira Leach, born 4th of loth month, 1807, died May 7, 1857, married Elizabeth Haviland, November 12, 1830, and had three children. (8) Merritt H. Leach, born 11th of 12th month, 1809, died October 13, 1850, aged forty-one years, ten months; he married (first) Phebe Dorland

MARTIN LEACH.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

373

Purdy, and (second) Susan W. Marriot, October lO, 1838, by whom he had three children. (9) Paulina Leach, born 26th of 12th month, 1811, died July 14, 1882, in the seventy-first year of her age; she married Dr. David Sands, of New York City, June 16, 1834, and had eleven children, (ro) William Leach (II), born 4th of 6th month, 1S15, died October 19, 1874, aged fifty-nine years, four months and thirteen days, married Catherine Peck, of Brookfield, Conn., and had three children. (11) Jane Charlotte Leach, born 31st of ist month, i8i8,died March 9, 1852, aged thirty-four years, one month, married David Sanford Dunscomb, of Reading, Conn., and had three children. The father of this family died November 20, i860, aged eighty-nine years and thirteen days. The mother passed to her final rest in September, 1846, aged seventj'-four years and four months.

Moses W. Leach, third child of William Leach (I), was born i8th of 3rd month, 1798, died October 18, 1S4S, aged fifty years and seven months. He married Phebe Akin, September 26, 1821, and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: (i) Peter A., born January 16, 1824, died March 29, 1888, aged sixty-four years, two months and sixteen days. (2) Anna A., born October 19, 1825, died August 31, i860. (3) LiLLius Cornelia, born August 22, 1829, is the one who furnished the data for this memoir. (4) Isaac A., born November 20, 1833, died July 22, 1855. (5 & 6) Elizabeth F. and Abigail (twins), born April 9, 1837; the former died May 17, 1856, aged nineteen years, one month and four days, the latter died August 8, 1837, aged four months. (7) Martin, whose portrait here appears, was born September 6, 1839, at Kinderhook, Columbia Co., N. Y., and is the only male descendant living of this Leach family. He had a high-school education, is a farmer by occupation; he is living at the old Akin homestead, as is also his sister, Lillius C. In religion and politics, father and son represent the same.

Moses W. Leach, the father of this interesting family, was of an ingenious turn of mind, and invented the first mowing machine. He had a good education for his day, and was well-informed on all questions of the times in which he lived. In religious faith he was a member of the Friends Society, and in politics he was a stanch Democrat, but no office-seeker.

Jonathan Akin (I), son of David and Sarah

Akin, of Quaker Hill, the great-grandfather of L. C. Leach and her brothers and sisters, was represented in the government; also his grandson, Jonathan Akin (II), the son of Isaac A. and Anna Wing Akin, of Pawling. The forefathers were people of large estates, and agriculturists by profession. The Akin family were people of high standing, and were well known at home and abroad.

Genealogy of the Akin Family, of Dartmouth. —John Akin, of Scotland, emigrated to America about 1680, and settled at Dartmouth, Bristol Co., Mass. He died June 13, 1744, aged eighty-three years. He was twice married, first to Hannah Hriggs, and (second) to Miss Sherman. He had fifteen children, namely: (i) David, born September

19, 1689, married Sarah .Allen, and they settled on Quaker Hill. (2) Thomas, born March

20, 1702, married Abigail Allen, of Dartmouth, in 1727. (3) James, born August i, 1706, married, November 14, 1728, Anne Fish; his second wife was Ruth Sandford. (4) Benjamin married Eunice Taber, September 13, 1739; second wife, Lydia Almy; third wife, widow Barker, from whom he separated in about one year; he died in 1800, aged eighty-seven years. (5) Ebenezer, who was a militia captain, died November 16, 1770. (6) Timothy, born June 6, 1695, died a bachelor. (7) Elihu, born August 6, 1720, married Ruth Penny, in 1744; for his second wife he married Miss Wilcox, when he was seventy years old. (8) Joseph was lost at sea. (9) Deborah, born December 30, 1692. (10) Mary, born January 23, 1697, married a Mr. Aldin, and died aged over ninety years, (ii) Hannah, born March 12, 1699. (12) Judith, born January i, 1691, married John Getchel, April 10, 1727; she died aged ninety-three years. (13) Elizabeth, born May 20, 1704. (14) Susanna, born September 27, 1718, married Hicks, of Fall River. (15) Abigail.

David Akin, eldest son of John Akin, came to Quaker Hill and there settled. He and his wife Sarah (Allen) reared a family of ten ch-1-dren, as follows: (i) John Akin married Margaret Hicks, of Portsmouth, R. I., January 29, 1742, she died October 8, 1803, and he passed away April 7, 1779. (2) Mary Akin married Abraham Thomas, at Dartmouth, July 24, 1740. (3) Elisha Akin married Elizabeth Tripp, July 5, 1734. (4) Josiah Akin married Judith Hurdleston, of Dartmouth, in 1746. (5) Abigail Akin married Murry Lester. (6) Sarah

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Akin died young. (7) Hannah Akin married James Birdsall. (8) James Akin married Patience Howard. (9) David Akin (II) married Deborah Gray. (10) Jonathan Akin (born July 26, 1737) married Lillius Ferris, daughter of Benjamin (I) and Phebe (Beecher) Ferris. They had eight children, whose names and dates of birth and their matrimonial partners are here given: Elizabeth, April 3, 1758, married Peleg Howland, son of Nathaniel Howland. (2) Isaac, August 27, 1759, married Anna Wing (daughter of Jersham Wing and Rebecca, his wife), moved to Canada, and their two children were—Martha, who married Daniel Merritt, and Jonathan Akin (II), who married Harriet Taber. (31 Martha, March i, 1761, married William Taber, son of Thomas Taber. (4) Benjamin, October 26, 1762, married Martha Palmer, daughter of John and Hope Palmer; moved to Green-blish; Benjamin Akin was drowned in the Hudson river. (5) Abigail, March 9, 1764, married Mathew Pendergast, and had two children —William and Lillius. (6) Sybil, November 26, 1767. married William Field. (7) William, June 13, 1769, married Matilda Gary, daughter of the eldest Dr. Ebenezer Gary (lived in Greenbush). (8) Peter is more fully referred to below.

Peter Akin, of Pawling, Dutchess count}', was the youngest child of Jonathan and Lillius (Ferris) Akin, grandson of David and Sarah (.Allen) Akin, of Quaker Hill, and great-grandson of John Akin, of Scotland, who came to America about 1680, and settled at Dartmouth, Bristol Go., Mass. He was born January 8, 1771, and married Abigail Ferris, only child of Mathew and Sarah (Kelly) Ferris. They became the parents of the following children: (i) Sarah Akin married Jesse Skid-more, and had four children, viz.: Peter A., who married Ruth Moore; Andrew J., who married Fannie Wing; and Elizabeth and Abigail (^both deceased). (2) Mathew F. Akin. (3) Phebe Akin, born September i, 1803, married Moses W. Leach, died February 21, 1858, aged fifty-four years [record of children, etc., given in Leach genealogy]. (4) Lillius Akin married Daniel P. Haviland, and had nine children, as follows: Elizabeth F. married Thomas Wetherald; William T. married Elizabeth D. Hoag; Abigail A. married Philip H. Haviland; Isaac H. died August 15, 1858, aged eighteen years; Jonathan A. married Angeline Hungerford; Daniel J. was drowned;

Lydia W. married Merritt Haviland; Lillie A. married Samuel R. Neave; and Joseph H. married Ella Patchen. (5) William P. Akin, born July 23, 1810, died August 16, 1882, aged seventy-two years and twenty-three days; he married Lydia Moore, October 23. 1833, and to their union came the following children: Ruth M. Akin married Franklin Haight (deceased); Abigail F. .Akin married Charles Wild; Jonathan Akin married Anna Tweedy (both now deceased); Lydia Akin married Cyrus Hiliker (deceased); Anna M. Akin married Daniel Edward Wanzer (both now deceased). (6) Isaac Akin (2) died February 17, 1S63, aged forty-nine years. (7) John Akin died March 28, 1829. (8) Peer Akin died in October, 1805. (9) Infant son, died 1797. (10) Infant daughter, died 1799. The father. Peter Akin, died December 2, i860, aged eighty-nine years, ten months and twenty-five days. The mother, Abigail, passed away July 16, 1844, aged seventy years.

Gene.alogv of the Ferris F.amilv. — Samuel Ferris and Jerusha Reed, Presbyterian or Puritans, came from Reading, England, probably about the year 1678. There are records in Stratford showing that the Ferris family were in America in 1650.

Zachariah Ferris, son of Samuel Ferris, married Sarah Noble in 1698, and had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: (i) Deborah, June, 1700; ^2) Joseph Ferris, September 27, 1703, married Hannah Weltch, November 11, 1725; (3) David Ferris, May 10, 1707; (4) Benjamin P^erris, November 10, 1708; (5) Sarah Ferris, November 10, 1710 (the first white child born in New Milford. Conn.); (6) Hannah Ferris, August 6, 1712; (7) John Ferris, February 6, 1714, more fully spoken of below; (8) Zachariah, September 30, 1717. Five children of this family, viz.: David, Benjamin, Hannah, John and Zachariah became eminent and valuable Quaker preachers. Their lovely mother also became a Friend or Quaker in the early days of that society.

Benjamin Ferris, fourth chiUl of Zachariah Ferris, married Phebe Beecher, of Litchfield, Conn. They had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are here given: Zebulon, born March 19, 1729; Reed, born August 16, 1730, married Anna Tripp; Susannah, born September 8, 1731, married Elijah Doty; Lillius, born July 9, 1736, married Jonathan Akin, son of David Akin; Benjamin, born Sep-

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375

teniber 25, 1738; Gilbert, born March 15, 1740; Phebe, born and died 1734; and Ed-mond, born July 4, 1748.

Benjamin (III) Ferris, son of Benjamin (II), married Mar}' Howland, and seven children were born to them, as follows: Walter, January I, 1768; Lilliiis, September 25, 1769; Wayman, September, 1771; Edwin, February 20, 1778: Peleg, January 21, 1781; Ebor, May 26, 1784; Phebe, January 28, 1788.

John Ferris, seventh child of Zachariah (I), and grandson of Samuel Ferris, was tortured and killed by the Indians betwen 1740 and 1750. He married, and had two children— Zachariah and Huldah (the last named married a Mr. Beardsley:. Zachariah married Huldah Adams, granddaughter of John Adams, from Wales, who lived to the age of i 10 }ears. To their union were born the following children: (i) Mary, who married Seth Whittock, and had one daughter—Nannie, who married Philo-men Prindle, and had eleven children; (2) Betse}', who married Ebor Ferr'is, son of Benjamin Ferris, of Quaker Hill, thus bringing together the two branches of the family. They had twelve children, of whom three died in childhood, and one, Zachariah, in 1825, at the age of seventeen. (31 Julia Ann, married Calvin Hyde, and had nine children.

LEWTS D. HEDGES (deceased) was for several \-ears one of the leading merchants

of Pine Plains, Dutchess county. He is a native of that section, born at Jackson Corners, town of Milan, Dutchess county, in 1812, and on both the paternal and maternal sides was descended from old English families, who located on Long Island at a very early day in the history of this country. His grandfather, John Hedges, was there born, and his farm on Long Island is now owned by one of his grandsons. He there married Jerusha Hunting, daughter of Rev. Hunting, the first Presbyterian minister on that island, who had seven daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Hed.ges were born seven children: Mrs. Jerusha Huldred; Mrs. Lucinda Hedges; Mrs. Harriet Hand; Stephen; John; Josiah; and Harriet, who died unmarried.

Prior to 1812, Josiah Hedges, the father of our subject, removed to Dutchess county, locating in the town of Milan, w-here he engaged in farming, and was one of the prominent and representative men of the community. He was

united in marriage with Elizabeth Dibble, daughter of Christopher and Eliza Dibble, and to them were born two children: Mary, wife of Isaac Smith, whose descendants now live at Millbrook, Dutchess county; and Lewis D. The father was called from this life in 1844, and his wife died in 1851.

In the district schools of the town of Milan, Lewis D. Hedges secured his elementary education, and being a great reader he became a well-informed man. In 1840 he began general merchandising in Pine Plains, and later formed a partnership with William Davis, which connection was continued for about a j'ear. He carried on mercantile pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred on January 4, 1859, and met with a well-deserved success. His first location was where the opera house now stands, but he later removed to the store which is now owned by W. S. Eno. He was one of the foremost merchants of the place, and was highly respected by all with whom he came in contact.

On August I, 1844, Mr. Hedges led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Pulver, daughter of Andrus and Margaret (Thomas) Pulver, who were of English descent. Her paternal grandfather, Nicholas N. Pulver, resided on a farm east of the village of Pine Plains, and by his marriage with Polly Parks had children: Andrus, Nicholas, Filer, Mary, Sutherland, Matilda, Lewis and Julia. His death occurred in 1850, and his wife died in December, 1856. The father of Mrs. Hedges was born in 1800, and in later life purchased of Dr. Reynolds what is now known as the " Stissing Hotel." but was then called the •• Pulver's Hotel, " which he conducted for many years. He stood very high in the estimation of his fellow-men, and'had the confidence of all who knew him. In his family were three children who grew to years of maturity: Mary; Frances Thomas, wife of Henry Myers; and Cornelia B., wife of Egbert Van Wagner. The mother of Mrs. Pulver bore the maiden name of Denton, and her mother was a Peck. Mrs. Pulver for her second husband married Henry C. Myers. Two daughters blessed that union: Elizabeth, wife of B. C. Rizedorf, and Margaret, who married (first) Eben Husted, and (second) William Juckett.

Three children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hedges: Lewis M., of Chicago, who married Catharine O. Crononin; Henry C, who is at the head of the advertising agency of

COMMEAfORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Barnum's circus; and Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Rollins, of the town of Milan, by whom she has two children—Mary H. and Lewis H. H. In politics, Mr. Hedges affiliated with the Whig party, was very positive in his views, and was greatly interested in all local political affairs. He was public-spirited and progress-sive, giving his support to all measures for the benefit of the community, and was an important factor in the upbuilding of the locality. He was one of the reliable members of the Presbyterian Church, and was a conscientious Christian gentleman.

J WATSON VAIL, a prominent citizen and leading photographer of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, whose gallery is located at Nos. 254 and 256 Main street, is a native of Dutchess county, born May 18, 1849, on a farm in the town of Unionvale, where the family have lived for several generations. They were of English origin, and the greatgrandfather of our subject, who served as a captain during the Revolutionary war, was born probably on the old family homestead in Unionvale.

There the birth of Israel \'ail occurred, and on attaining adult age he was united in marriage with a Miss Hall, also a native of Dutchess county, by whom he had nine children: Hiram, who became a builder and, later, a banker of Amenia, Dutchess county; Jarvis, a farmer of Dutchess count)-; Isaac, who was also an agriculturist; Edmond, the father of our subject; Hubbard, a mason by trade; Alan-son, who carried on farming; Mary, wife of Alfred Van Black, a miller of Unionvale; Rebecca, who never married; and PhcEbe, wife of James Losee, a farmer. On the old homstead the father of this family departed this life.

Edmond Vail, the father of our subject, was born and reared there, and educated in the district schools of the neighborhood. He wedded Martha Husted, who was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess count}', and was a daughter of Lewis Husted, a farmer b\' occupation and a native of Dutchess county, his birth having occurred in the same house where his father was born. The parents of our subject began their domestic life upon a farm in the town of Unionvale, but later removed to Poughkeepsie, where the father was engaged in the insurance business until his death in 1884. In politics he was an ardent Repub-

lican. The parental household included five children, namely: Lewis H., who is president of the Dutchess County Insurance Co.; Herbert, now engaged in clerking; J. Watson, the subject of this sketch; Alonzo H., who is in partnership with our subject, and is also in the insurance business; and Dr. Edwin S., a specialist, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Enfield, Connecticut.

Until he was seventeen years of age J. Watson \'ail, whose name introduces this record, remained upon the home farm, assisting in its cultivation and attending the common schools of the locality. His first independent effort in life was as an employe in a carriage factor}- which he entered in 1865, and there remained for about a year and a half. He then took instructions in photography under Isaac N. \'an \\^agner for about fifteen months, after which he went to Fishkill, N. Y., where he opened a small gallery; but at the end of five months he returned to Poughkeepsie. On May*20, 1868, he opened his present gallery, where he has since successfully engaged in business.

On April 5, 1876, Mr. Vail was united in marriage with Miss Flora H. Sterling, of Poughkeepsie, a daughter of Junius Sterling, a dry-goods merchant of that place. Her father was born in Salisbury, Conn., and was the son of William C. Sterling, who owned large iron interests in that State, but later in life came to Poughkeepsie, and was president of the Fallkill National Bank. The political support of Mr. Vail is given the Republican party, in the success of which he takes a deep interest. In manner he is pleasant and genial, in disposition kindly, and is universally held in the highest regard.

ASA B. CORBIN. The Corbin family is well known in the town of Pawling,

Dutchess county, and its members in every generation have given evidence of the qualities which constitute good citizenship.

John Corbin, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of that town and passed his life there, acquiring his education in its public schools, and engaging in agricultural pursuits on arriving at manhood's estate. He was a devout Methodist, working actively to advance the cause of religion, and was beloved throughout the community. He married Sophia Burdick, and had three children, of whom

ASA B. CORBIH.

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Asa B. was the second. The eldest. John Corbin, Jr., was born in the town of PawHng, and his education was obtained in the pubHc schools. He was engaged in business as a carpenter and wagon maker during the greater portion of his life. He and his wife Matilda (Ferris), had one daughter, Alice, who was born in Pawling, is now the wife of Mr. Garner, a farmer in Connecticut, and they have one child. The youngest of the three children of John Corbin, Sr., Betsy, born 1813, married Horace Haviland, and died March 28, 1894.

Our subject was born December 16, 1814, was educated at the common schools, reared on a farm, and learned the trade of a carpenter, later also that of wagon maker. Some forty years ago he established that business, in connection with undertaking, in Pawling, and continued same up to his death which occurred-February 28, 1887. He was a man of good executive ability, and accumulated a fine property. On December 16, 1859, he married Mary L. Allen, and they had one daughter, Grace A., born September 22, 1866, now the wife of Alonzo M. Leach. The mother died June 16, 1889; she was born April 25, 1835, ^ daughter of Horatio and Hannah (Pendley) Allen, farming people of the town of Pawling, who had a family of four children: Susan, Ruth, Gideon and Mary L. Asa B. Corbin was a progressive man, originally a Whig, and later a Republican in politics, finally joining the Prohibition party on its formation, and in i860 he served as supervisor of his county. In temperance work he was extremely active, giving freely to the cause of his time and mone}', and he was a zealous member of the M. E. Church.

Alonzo M. Leach was born January 18, 1855, in Sherman, Conn., a son of David W. and Samantha M. (Hawes) Leach, who were the parents of three children, Alonzo M. being the youngest. Florence, the eldest, married Edward P. Briggs, a merchant of Sherman, Conn., and they have one child, Belle. Charles L, the second in David W. Leach's family, married Ida H. Wanzer, and they have had two children, Ray, and one that died in infancy. They live on the old farm in Leach Hollow, Conn. The Leach family are of Scotch extraction, and trace their pedigree back to Ichabod Leach, who was one of three brothers (sons of Moses Leach) who came from Scotland. David W. Leach, the father

of Alonzo M., was born in 1822, a son of David Leach. He was a Democrat, served as a captain in the old State militia, and was a member of the State Legislature, besides holding other minor offices at various times. Samantha M. (Hawes) Leach (the mother of Alonzo M.) was the third in the family of thirteen children born to David Hawes and his wife. She died in 1877.

Alonzo M. Leach received his primary education at the common schools of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, afterward attending the Golden Hill Institute, Bridgeport, Conn., where he was graduated in 1874. He then worked on a farm until 1882, in which year he came to Pawling, where he entered the employ of Merwin & Holmes, general merchants, with whom he has remained ever since, with the exception of one year he spent in Bridgeport. On October 19, 1892, he and Miss Grace A. Corbin were united in marriage. They have one child, Helen M., born December 31, 1894. In his political preferences Mr. Leach is a Republican.

C<\OURT B. CUNLEY, the well-known to-J bacconist of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born near Hillsdale, Mich., November 13, 1838, a son of Daniel and Sarah Ann (Van-Voorhees) Cunley.

Our subject spent his boyhood at Fishkill, attending the public schools. He learned the tobacco trade of the John Jay Cox Co., at Fishkill, and then went to New York City, where he finished his trade. Returning to Fishkill he again worked for the John Jay Cox Co., subsequently going to Red Hook and again to New York City. In 1867 he came to Poughkeepsie, and started business at the old stand established by Rudolph Griner in 1835. Mr. Cunley began the manufacture of cigars in 1879, and in 1882 moved into the store he now occupies.

Our subject was married at Fishkill, June II, 1858, to Sarah J., a daughter of Morgan Owen, and their children were: Frank G., Minnie V. and Fred. Mr. Cunley is a member of Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, F. & A. M.; Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M.; Commandery No. 43, Knights Templar; King Solomon's Council of Royal and Select Masters; member of the N. Y. Mystic Shrine of Mecca Temple; thirty-second Degree of Aurora Grata Consistory of the Valley of Brooklyn,

COif-VEMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

X. Y.; past exalted ruler of the Elks; member of the K. of P. No. 43; and of Fallkill Lodge No. 297,1. O. O. F. He attends the services of the Hedding Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics our subject is a Republican, and for six years represented the Third ward in the city council. He was on the water board for three years, and for the same length of time on the Alms House board. He was a promoter of the Electric Light & Power Co., in Poughkeepsie, and was chairman of the lighting committee in the council. As it was through his zeal that the plant was put in, he was called the "electric light alderman.' He has always taken a great interest in politics. Since living in Marshall street he has built three houses, and he also owns property on College avenue and Grand avenue.

Daniel Cunley, the father of our subject, was born June 12, 1801, in Stuttgart, Germany, where he received his schooling. He was in the German arm\- for five years. In 1822 he came to Fishkill and worked in a woolen-mill as dyer, and was married in that town to Miss Sarah Ann \'an V'oorhees, who was born in Fishkill, October 20, 1S09. They went to Hillsdale, Mich., soon after their marriage, making the journey by packet on the canal and across Lake Erie. In Hillsdale he bought a farm of about 352 acres, but, becoming afflicted with the. ague, he sold out and moved to Allegany county, N. Y., and farmed there; but on account of the fever and ague he again sold out and returned to Fishkill, where he remained until his death. September 25, 1S85. Mrs. Cunley died February 29, 1884. They had the following children: Court B., our subject; William H.. born in [840; George A., born in 1843: and Mary, John Wesley and Fletcher, who are deceased.

The following is the pedigree of the Van-Voorhees family, taking only our subject's branch. The full record of this family makes a volume of over 700 pages. The English meaning of the Holland name of Van Voor-hees is " from before Hees, " Van meaning ••from" and Voor meaning •'before." Hees being a small village about a quarter of a mile south of the town of Ruinen, in the province of Drenthe. Holland, which, in 1660, contained nine houses and about fifty inhabitants. The earliest of the family of whom we have any definite information is Coert Alberts of Voorhees, the father of the emigrant ancestor, Steven Coerte Van Voorhees, and from the

fact of his second name being Albert, with the terminal ''s," we know that his father's first name must have been Albert.

I. Coert .\lberts Van N'oorhees had seven children, of whom Steven Coerte Van Voorhees was the eldest.

II. Steven Coerte Van Voorhees was bom, in 1600, at Hees, Holland, and died February 16, 1684, at Flatlands. Long Island. He married (i) in Holland (wife's name not knosvnj; i2j prior to 1677 on Long Island, Willempie Roelofse Senbering, born in 1619, died in 1690. He emigrated from Hees. April. 1660, in the ship •• Bontekoe "(•• Spotted Cow "j, November 29, 1660. He purchased from Cor-nelis Dircksen Hoogland nine morgens of corn land, seven morgens of woodland, ten morgens of plain land, and five morgens of salt meadow in Flatlands, Long Island, for 3,000 guilders. He also bought the brewery. He and his wife were members of the Dutch Church of Flat-lands.

III. Coert Stevense V'an Voorhees third child of No. II), born 1637, died 1702, married 1664 to Marretje Gerritse Van Comoen-hoven, born April 10, 1644, died 1709. He was a representative of Flatlands in the General Assembly at New Amsterdam city hall April 10, 1664. and delegate to the convention of March 26, 1674, at New Orange, to confer with Governor Colve. He was deacon of Dutch Church, magistrate 1664 to 1673. and captain of militia in 1689. He had nine children, of whom Johannes Coerte Van Voorhees was the youngest.

IV. Johannes Coerte Van \'oorhees, born April 20, 1683, married (i) November 19, 1703, Barbara Van Dyck, (2) May 2, 1744, Sarah Van \liet, died October 10. 1757. After his first marriage he left Flatlands and settled at Freehold, N. J., on a farm of 200 acres. From there he moved to Rombout precinct, now Fishkill, Dutchess county, buying 2,790 acres of land of Philip Verplanck, of the manor of Courtlandt. He was one of the organizers and many years elder of the Dutch Church at Fishkill village. The tombstone in the Dutch church-yard bears this inscription: '• Here lyes the body of John \'an Voorhis, aged seventy-five years. Deceased October 10, .\nno

173/-

V. Coert Van Voorhees (second child of No. IV) was born April 5, 1706, married June 16, 1727, Catherine Filkin, died March 19, 1785. He lived at Fishkill.

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VI. Zachariah \'an Voorhees (tenth child of No. V) was born March 25, 1748. Married (i) February I3, 1772, Anna Lawrence, born .\ugust 27, 175 i, died December 10, 1781; (2) November 25, 1786, to Nancy Springsteen, who was born May 15, 1763, and died February 9, 1851. He died July 3, 1811. He resided at Fishkill.

VH. Coert Van Voorhees (third child of No. VIj was born July 15, 1777, married May 8, 1803, to Elizabeth Palmer, born 1787, died December 17, 1869. He died in 1818.

VIII. Sally Ann Van Voorhees (third child of No. VII) was born October 20, 1809. She married Daniel Cunley, and died February 29, 1884.

IX. Court B. Cunley (eldest child of No. VIII) was born November 13. 1838.

SAMUEL VAN COTT (deceased). Among the sturdy, energetic and successful farmers of Dutchess county, who thoroughly understand the vocation they follow, and consequently are enabled to carry on their calling with profit to themselves, 'was the subject of this sketch, who was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Lagrange, some 'fourteen years.

Our subject was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, February 8, 1826, and came of Holland lineage. His grandfather, John Van Cott, who was born in Long Island, N. Y., married a Miss Titus, and in their family was Stephen Van Cott, the father of our subject, who was also born on Long Island, and engaged in farming, in the town of ^oth Dover and Washington, Dutchess county. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Doty, and to them were born the following children: Nelson (deceased), Martha, Jane, George Samuel, and Caroline and Oliver (both deceased).

Samuel Van Cott was reared amid the hills of the town of Washington, and there breathed the spirit of freedom and independence which was so largely characteristic of him. He secured his education in the common schools, and early in life received a home training upon the farm, which well fitted him for the calling he so long followed. He was born in the town of Dover, but most of his boyhood days were spent in the town of \\'ashington, where he remained until nineteen years of age, when he went to Onondaga county, N. Y., there

conducting a store for a short time. For five years he was engaged in farming in Broome county, N. Y., after which he went to California, where he remained in the mining districts some three years. Returning to New York State, he again located in Broome county, where for some time he followed agricultural pursuits, and was also engaged in the same occupation in Herkimer county several years. Later, for seventeen years, he conducted a farm in Onondaga county, but in 1882 he returned to Dutchess count}', and made his home in the town of Lagrange until his death, which occurred February 6, 1896.

On Long Island in i860, Mr. Van Cott married Miss Elizabeth R. Velsor, daughter of John Velsor, and the following named five children blessed their union: John, Valentine, Henry R., George S. and Charles P. A stanch adherent to the Republican party, Mr. Van Cott took an active interest in politics.

ENRY JOSEPH TAYLOR, a highly-re-JfJi spected citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of New York, born at Highland Falls, December 4, 1862. Manj' of the ancestors of our subject were natives of Dover, Dutchess count}', where his paternal grandfather's birth occurred; but most of his life was passed in Danbury, Conn., at which place he was employed as a hatter.

The father, Ezra Ta\lor, was also born at Dover, where his early education was received, and for ten years he there worked as a mechanic, after which he removed to Spuyten Duyvel, N. Y., where he worked at his trade for several years. He then went to West Point, N. Y., where he was employed by the government until 1885, and during the Civil war enlisted there in the Union service, but did not leave that post. For over twenty years he made his home at Highland Falls, N. Y., where he was highly respected by his fellow citizens. He was a man of excellent education, with scarcely an enemy in the world, of a retiring disposition, and. though often tendered public office, would never accept. At Dover, Dutchess county, Ezra Taylor married Deborah Lee. daughter of Thomas Lee, but she died in April, 1892, leaving five children: Royal E., a carpenter of Peekskill, N. Y. ; Martha A., wife of Capt. H. H. Meeks, of Yonkers, N. Y.; Warren Madison, who is connected with the Ansonia Clock Company, of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

South Brooklyn, N. Y.; Henry J., subject of th-s review; and William E., head salesman for C. Crum, furniture dealer, at Newburg, New York.

The boj'hood days of Henry J. Taylor were spent at Highland Fails, where he attended school until sixteen years of age, when he came to Poughkeepsie and for three years worked for his uncle, William Taylor, in the grocery business. He then went to New York City, where he remained five years, being employed by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Steamboat Company, and on his return to Poughkeepsie was in the grocery store of R. B. Cary for one year. The following fi\e years he worked for Holmes & Boice, after which he went to Arlington, where he and his uncle, William Taylor, engaged in the grocery trade, under the firm name of Taylor & Taylor, for a couple of years. On selling out his interest to his uncle, our subject entered the employ of E. S. Craft, with whom he has remained since July, 1894.

On October 24, 1888, at Highland Falls, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Olive T. Faurot, daughter of Capt. Theodore Faurot, and their union has been blessed with two children: Lee Faurot, born in July, 1889, and Henry Earle, born in October, 1892. Mr. Taylor has made many friends since coming to Poughkeepsie, and by all who know him he is held in the highest esteem.

I

DC. TRIPP, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon of the town of Beekman, was born July 6, 1848, at Ithaca, N. Y., the only child of F. W. and Rebecca (Taber) Tripp, the former of whom was a native of Pawtucket, R. I., the latter of New York. The father owned and operated a machine-shop at Ithaca, where the iron work for canal boats, etc., was turned out.

Our subject, after completing his education at the schools of his native town, entered the office of Ur. S. P. Sackett, where he commenced the study of medicine. "Subsequently he attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, where he was graduated in 1875. For a time he practiced on Twenty-fourth street, that city, while taking a postgraduate course, but being persuaded by his relatives to return to Ithaca, he did so, and for the following seven years was in active practice there.

While attending medical college in New York, the Doctor met Miss Sarah Elizabeth Sands, daughter of Dr. Samuel Sands, of Darien, Conn., to whom he was married June 5, 1878. On April 3, 1885. he became a resident of the town of Beekman, Dutchess coun-t}', having bought the practice of Dr. Clark A. Nicholson, who soon afterward died. He was the leading physician of the locality, and Dr. Tripp has proven himself a worthy successor. Successful from the start, he has a large and growing practice, not only in the town of Beekman, but in the towns adjacent on the west. He stands high among the medical fraternity of the county, and is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society.

JUDGE ANDREW COLE (deceased). A man's reputation is the property of the world. The laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling infiuence of others, or as a master spirit wields a power either for good or for evil on the masses of mankind. There can be no improprietj" in justly scanning the acts of an}' man as thej- affect his public and business relations. If he is honest and eminent in his chosen field of labor, investigation will brighten his fame, and point the path that others may follow with like success. From among the ranks of quiet, persevering, yet prominent citizens there is no one more deserving of mention in a \olume of thfs character than Andrew Cole, who departed this life at his late residence in Pleasant \'alley, December 3, 1896.

Judge Cole was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Unionvale, July 31, 1825, and was the son of William Cowles (as the name was spelled by his ancestors). The father was also born in the town of Unionvale, the date of his birth being October 14, 1790, and was the only child of John M. Cowles, who was of Holland descent, and a prominent farmer of Unionvale town, where both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. They were earnest members of the Society of Friends. William Cowles was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Lake, who was born September 30, 1792, in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, where her father, James Lake, was a lifelong agriculturist. The young couple began housekeeping upon a farm in Lagrange town, and later became residents of the town

^^C q7-^:.^M.^

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381

of Unionvale, and upon the old homestead there the father died February 20, 1845; his wife passed away February 23, 1871. They, too, were members of the Society of Friends, as were also the maternal grandparents of our subject, and in politics the father was a Democrat.

Andrew Cole, whose name opens this sketch, was the fifth in order of birth in the family of seven children, the others being Milton, who engaged in farming in the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, where his death occurred; James, who followed the same pursuit in Lagrange town, where he died; Parleman, a conductor, who died in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Jar-vis Emigh, a miller and the postmaster at Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and now makes her home in Poughkeepsie; Mitchell, who is engaged in wagon making; and William H., who at one time followed carpentering in Dutchess county, later in Brooklyn, where he died.

In the usual manner of farmers' boys our subject spent his boyhood and youth, receiving his literary education in the old district school, and at the Nine Partners School, in which he taught for a time. He then entered the law office of Varick&Eldridge, Poughkeepsie, where he remained some time, from there proceeding to LaCrosse, Wis., where he was admitted to the bar, and tried his first suit in that now thriving city. It was then a mere hamlet, the houses being all made of logs, and he built the first frame house on what is now Second street. He was also one of the first lawyers of Winona, Minn.; here he was appointed district attorney, and afterward elected probate judge of Winona county, there remaining until 1857, when on account of ill health he returned to Pleasant Valley, where he passed his declining days. While a resident of Winona he was one of its most active and influential citizens, and served as attorney for the owners of the city.

In 1852 Judge Cole was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Mastin, a native of New York City, and a daughter of James B. Mastin, who finally became a resident of Pleasant Valley, where his death occurred. The ancestors of the Mastin family were from England. By the union of our subject and wife were born three children; Lilly N., Zoda A. and Wilhelmina, all of whom died in childhood.

Although Judge Cole was not engaged in

active practice of law after his return to Dutchess county, his services were, nevertheless, frequently sought in legal matters, and he took a lively interest in everything pertaining to the legal fraternity. He was prominently identified with the Democratic party, but was never prevailed upon to accept office, though often urged to do so. His estimable wife holds membership with the Presbyterian Church, but he always adheres to the faith of his ancestors, being a Friend to the day of his death. In the taking away of Judge Cole, the Dutchess county Bar has lost one of its most able members; Pleasant Valley, one of its most prominent and most highly esteemed citizens; and those of his own household, a genial companion and sympathetic adviser.

JOHN C. SICKLEY, the city librarian of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native - of Springfield, N. J., born August 29, 1855, and is descended from John Sickley, Sr., a sea captain, of Holland birth. John, Sr., was married in Holland; his wife was drowned at sea. Their only child, John Sickley, Jr., was born at Schooley's Mountain, N. J., and in that State engaged in agricultural pursuits. By his marriage with Sarah Allen he became the fatherof nine children: Margaret: James; John, who was shot during the Revolutionary war, at Millstonebridge, N. J.; Archibald, the grandfather of our subject; William; Catherine; Obediah; Eliza and Robert.

By occupation the grandfather was a farmer and successfully followed that pursuit in New Jersey, his native State, but his death occurred in California. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Hazen. of the same State, and they became the parents of six children: John C, the father of our subject; Ziba H., who was a merchant of Springfield, N. J.; Jane, who married Theodore Pearsoi;, a farmer, millwright and county judge of Union county, N. J.; Clarissa, who wedded Halsey Burnett, a boot and shoe merchant; James, a farmer of New Jersey: and Andrew J., a farmer of the Empire State.

The father of our subject was born in Springfield, N. J., and was reared on a farm in that State. On reaching manhood he there kept a country hotel for some time. The lady who became his wife bore the maiden name of Mary. C. Bradbury, and she was also a native of Springfield. Her father. Samuel Bradbury,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHWAL RECORD.

was a paper manufacturer of that place, and was the son of John Bradbury, who was born in England and sent out by that country to travel through America and report on the condition of the country. He published a work on his travels, entitled, " Bradbury's Travels in America in 1809-10-11." After their marriage the parents of our subject located on a farm in Springfield, where six children were born to them, namely: Ellen and Clarissa, both of whom died in childhood; John C, subject of this review; George, who died while young; and James and Mary, who are living with their mother upon the old homestead. The father, whose life was passed in farming and hotel keeping, died in August, 1865. In politics he was an unswerving Democrat, and held several important offices in his locality.

Our subject spent his early daj's upon the home farm, aiding in its operation, and attending the district schools of the neighborhood; his education, however, was completed in the schools of Poughkeepsie, where his mother removed with her family in 1870. He began the study of law with Judge Nelson, and later was with Mr. Crummey. On being admitted to the bar in 1877, he began the practice of his chosen profession, which he continued for some time; but in 1883 was appointed city librarian, and is still serving in that capacity to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Sickley married Miss Olivia M. Town-ley, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Albert Townley, a farmer by occupation, who is of English lineage. One child blesses this union, Katherine O. The parents attend the Episcopal (Church, and are widely and favorably known.

COI^INELIUS R. VAN WYCK (deceased) was one of the iniiuential and highly respected citizens of the town of East Fishkill, where almost his entire life was passed. There his birth occurred, March 28. 1814, and there his great-grandfather, Richard Van Wyck, a native of Long Island, located at an early day, the grandfather of our subject, Cornelius R. Van Wyck, being born there January 26, 1753. C. R. \'an Wyck was a lineal descendant of Cornelius Baruse Van Wyck, who emigrated from Holland in 1650, and settled in New Amsterdam.

Col. Richard C. Van Wyck, the father of our subject, was also a native of the town of

East Fishkill, born June 11. 1783, and throughout life engaged in milling, farming and merchandising, in Dutchess county. He married Elizabeth Thorn, and to them were born the following children: Rynier, a farmer of Fishkill, who married Elizabeth \'an Wyck; Cornelius R., subject of this review; Jane E., who became the wife of John Adriance, a farmer; Anna, who married Jacob Horton, a farmer of East Fishkill; Phcj.be, who married Cornelius S. Van Wyck, also an agriculturist; Henrietta, who married James Du Bois, a farmer of Hudson, N. Y.; and Mary, who wedded Robert McMurry, a merchant of New York City.

Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, but for a short time during early life he was engaged in merchandising in Poughkeepsie, after which he again turned his attention to farming. He continued to operate his farm in the town of East Fishkill with the exception of seven years, when he carried on the same occupation in Culpeper county, Va., and was quite successful in his undertakings.

On January 11, 1843, Mr. Van Wyck was united in marriage with Miss Phcebe C. Wort-man, who was also born in the town of East Fishkill, and is the daughter of Denis and Elizabeth (Rapalje) Wortman, the former a native of Westchester county, N. Y., and the latter of East Fishkill town, this county. Her mother was the daughter of Jeromus and Elizabeth (Bedell) Rapa'ije, the former born on Long Island, while her paternal grandfather, James Wortman, was a native of Westchester county, and a farmer and architect by occupation. James Wortman, father of Dr. Denis Wortman, was a descendant of Dirck Jansen Wortman, who emigrated from Holland in 1646 and settled in Brooklyn, and was of Huguenot descent. After their marriage her parents located at East Fishkill, N. Y., where her father engaged in the practice of medicine for the long period of forty-seven years, and was a most successful physician. He died greatly lamented May 2, 1864, surviving his wife only a few months, her death having occurred January 14, 1864. They were earnest members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and reared a family of four children: Elizabeth, who married John P. Flagler; Phcebe, widow of our subject; Denis, a prominent Reformed Dutch minister of Saugerties, N. Y.; and Ann Aletta.

Mr. and Mrs. Van Wyck commenced their married life at P'ishkill Plains, N. J., afterward moving to the home in Hopewell, N. Y., for-

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383

merly the home of Dr. \^'ortman and wife (the father and mother of Mrs. \'an Wyck). Ten'children were born to them: Richard C, a prominent and beloved physician, who married Charlotte Underbill, and died January 28, 1896; Denis W., a merchant of Wappingers Falls, N. Y., who married Mary E. Harcourt, and they had one child, Phebe Ellen (he died August 4, 1S80); Eliza, who died at the age of f]ve years; Anna; Eliza Janette; Mary, who died August 18, 1873; Phoebe Jane; Margaret W.; James C, a merchant of Matteawan,- N. Y.; and Henrietta Du Bois.

Richard C. Van Wyck, M. D., eldest son of Cornelius R. and Phcebe C. Van Wyck, was a prominent and beloved physician. He was graduated in medicine from the College of Ph\'sicians and Surgeons in New York City, March 12, 1867, after which he served two years in Bellevue Hospital on the Surgical Staff. He then went to Europe for the purpose of perfecting himself in his chosen profession. Returning, he practiced awhile in Denr ver, Col., and afterward in Virginia (where he went on account of his health). Recovering his health, he settled in Hopewell, and continued in active practice until his death. He was thrown from his carriage, his horse taking fright at a railroad crossing, and fatally injured January 25, 1896. and died January 28, 1896. There are few physicians who possess more completely the confidence of their patients than he did, and few have been more widel}' missed or so sincerely mourned. Denis W'ortman \'an W}ck, second son, was greatly beloved and respected, and was a merchant at Wappingers Falls.

The parents were both devout members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and in political sentiment Mr. Van Wyck was an ardent Democrat. His death occurred June 14, 1S79, and was mourned by many warm friends. He was an active, public-spirited citizen, who had the respect of all who knew him, and took a prominent part in those matters relating to the best interests of the communitj".

WILLIAM PLATTO. Among those who followed the old flag on Southern battlefields is this gentleman, now one of the leading business men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, where he is conducting a successful carriage manufactory. He was born in that

city, December 23. 1S45, and is the son of Thomas Platto, a native of Schenectady, N. Y. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Platto, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in the Mohawk Valley, and became the father of five children. It is a family tradition that great-great-grandfather Thomas Platto was killed by Indians at Tribes Hill in the Mohawk Valley."

In Schenectady, Thomas Platto, Jr., passed his boyhood days midst play and work, and learned the carriage maker's trade. When about twenty years of age he came to Poughkeepsie, where he met and married Mary Proper, who was born in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, and was the daughter of Isaac and Mary Proper, agriculturists of that locality. The young couple began their domestic life in Poughkeepsie, where the father engaged in the manufacture of carriages during the remainder of his active career. He died there in 1872, and his wife in 189K He was first a Whig in politics, and later cast his ballot with the Republican party; both he and his wife were devout members of the Baptist Church. The family of this worthy couple consisted of five children. (i) James H., who was engaged as a bookkeeper in Chicago, 111., died in iS8i; he belonged to the Knights of Pythias frater-nit}', and was also a member of the Masonic order. (2) Charles V. L. is an assistant editor of some newspaper and a resident of Hoos-ick Falls, N. Y. (3) William is next in order of birth. (4) Sarah married Frank Kennedy, of Syracuse, N. Y.; (5) Catherine G. is the wife of Charles H. Baker, of the same city.

William Platto, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood days in Poughkeepsie, receiving his education at the Dutchess County Academy, but when a youth of only seventeen summers, the Civil war having broken out, he enlisted in July, 1862, in Company D. 128th N. Y. V. I. After participating in many hotly-contested engagements, and making for himself an honorable war record, he was discharged and returned to his home in Poughkeepsie. In 1866 he took charge of his father's carriage business, and was very successful in its operation. The plant was located at Nos. 7, 9 and 11 South Hamilton street, and our subject still owns that block, which has been in the hands of the family for about sixty years.

Mr. Platto is an unswerving Republican, taking an active part in political affairs, and in January, 1895, was appointed chief of the po-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lice department of Poughkeepsie, in which office he is still sen'ing with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is an active worker in the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Hamilton Post, of which for three terms he served as commander, and is numbered among the valued citizens of Poughkeepsie who have been devoted to the public welfare. He has manifested the same loyalty in days of peace as in days of war, and all who know him have for him the highest regard.

WILLIAM H. SHELDON, in whose death Poughkeepsie lost one of her

brightest, most progressive and useful young business men, was born October 29, 1859, in Beekman, Dutchess county. New York.

Jeremiah Sheldon, father of our subject, was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, of English ancestry, and was a farmer by occupation. A stanch Whig and Republican, he took an active part in political matters. He married Miss Sophia M. Doughty, also born in Dutchess county, daughter of Joseph Doughty, and their children are as follows: Amelia B., married to Kromaline Andrews fthey make their home on the old farm); Mary J., unmarried; and William H., the subject of these lines. The father died May 19, 1882, the mother on February i, 1886.

William H. Sheldon passed his early days on his father's farm, attending the district school, and, later, the academy at Moores Mill. Subsequently he entered Claverack (Columbia county) College, and completed his education at Wilbraham I'Mass. 1 Academy; then returned to the farm, where he remained until his uncle, Wilson B. Sheldon, was elected county clerk, when he became his assistant in the office, there remaining some time. Our subject then formed a partnership with R. D. Cornell in the hay, straw and feed commission business; but after a short time this partnership was dissolved, and in the fall of 1881 Mr. Sheldon embarked in the coal business. He began in a very small way, but was so successful, and his trade grew so rapidly, that he began wholesaling, supplying coal for the Harlem Railroad Company. At the time of his death he was the largest wholesale and retail dealer in the vicinity, and had a prosperous future before him, his well-known integrity and fair dealing making him popular throughout the

county, and bringing him customers from all parts. Besides attending to his regular business he acted as general manager of the Poughkeepsie & Eastern railroad, which was purchased some j-ears ago by Russell Sage, who appointed Mr. Sheldon general manager of that road. So faithfully and thoroughly did our subject do his work, that his employer took him into his confidence, and was influenced by him in his business probably more than by any other man. Too close applica-tiorr to business, however, and his earnest devotion to the many societies, etc., of which he was an active member, began ultimately to make inroads upon his health, and for sometime prior to his death evidences of a breaking up of his constitution became apparent to his friends, and even to himself. The close of the year 1894 found him engaged in a more than usual amount of work, preparing for the ensuing year, thereby necessitating additional exertion from his already impaired sjstem; nevertheless, unflinchingly he worked early and late, carrying all his duties to a successful termination. The strain, however, was more than exhausted nature could stand, and one evening, while at the home of a neighbor, his tired brain refused longer to work. Kind hands guided Mr. Sheldon to his home, where the best of care was given him for a time, but his frenzies became so wild and uncontrollable that, for the better protection, he was taken to the State Hospital for the Insane, where, in spite of all that science and medical skill could accomplish, he grew weaker every day, till January 19, 1895, death relieved him from his sufferings.

The earthly career of William H. Sheldon' was cut short just when most promising, and when he had made the reputation of being one of the ablest and most enterprising business men in Poughkeepsie. In his home circle and among his personal friends his untimeh' departure from their midst was most deeply felt. Full of life and energy, buoyant in spirits, and of a loving, generous disposition, he was missed as few men are, and his place will be hard to fill. He was a member of nearly all the fraternities in the county, and also of the New Manhattan Athletic Club of New York City; was a Thirty-second degree Mason in high standing, and also a member of the Methodist Church. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and he served as alderman of the Fifth ward of Poughkeepsie. No better citizen, or

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385

one more highly esteemed, has left his impress upon the community.

On December 26, 1883, Mr. Sheldon was married to Miss Augusta Baright, who was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., January 27, 1S63. Her father, Daniel S. Baright, who was a native of the same township, born March 25, 1838, married Mary Wing, who was born in the town of Clinton, June 15, 1840, and their children were: Augusta, William M., Irving G. and Frederick. Mr. Baright is a farmer, and also deals in agricultural implements. His grandfather was a native of Holland, and his father, Elijah Baright, born in the town of Pleasant Valley, N. Y., was a wealthy farmer. He married Amy, daughter of Samuel Carpenter, and a relative of J. Du-Bois Carpenter, elsewhere represented in this volume. In religious faith the Barights were all Hicksite Quakers, and in politics were Whigs or Republicans. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Sheldon, Alexander Wing, a quiet, unassuming man, spent his entire life on a farm in Clinton; he was a Democrat in politics, and attended the Christian Church. One child. George B., born December 3, 1891, is ail the family born to our subject and his wife, whose all too short happy married life was brought to so sad a close.

CHARLES EDGAR FOWLER, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Carmel, Putnam Co., N. Y., April 6, 1841. He is a son of Ammon Merrick Fowler, who was a son of James H. Fowler, of Carmel, and a grandson of Ammon Fowler, of Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y., and a great-grandson of Joseph Fowler, of West Patent. Ammon Fowler (the father of Charles) lived near Lake Mahopac, in the town of Carmel, Putnam county. He was an upright, unassuming man, of noble. Christian character, and for many years was an elder in the Gilead Presbyterian Church of Carmel. His wife (the mother of Charles) was a woman of clear intelligent Christian faith, and a worthy member of the same Church as her husband. She was Charlotte Louisa Crane, daughter of Nathaniel Crane, of the town of Carmel, and granddaughter of John Crane, of the same town. John Crane held a captain's commission under the Provincial Congress of the Province of New York, and after the Declaration of Independence received a captain's

25

commission from George Clinton, then Governor of New York, and held it through the war. John Crane's grandfather was Joseph Crane, and Joseph Crane's grandfather was John Crane, from England.

Charles E. Fowler received a common-school education, and from 1857 to 1861 worked at wagon-making; from 1861 to 1869 at mill construction and repairs, and the development of water powers. During this latter period he pursued the study of mechanical^ hydraulic and civil engineering. In 1869 he married Louisa Maria Richards, daughter of David Belden Richards, of the town of Southeast, Putnam Co., N. Y., a man of marked integrity of character. D. Belden Richards" wife, mother of Louisa, was Delia Foster. daughter of Thomas Foster, of the town above mentioned. She was a most worthy woman, and a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Thomas Foster, father of Delia, was the son of James Foster, grandson of Thomas Foster, and great-grandson of Chil-lingworth Foster. Chillingworth was the son of John Foster, and grandson of Thomas Foster, who came from England in 1634.

In 1869 Charles E. Fowler entered the employ of the Peekskill Manufacturing Co., of Peekskill, N. Y., as draughtsman and mechanical engineer. In 1871 he began the practice of land surveying and civil engineering, in connection with the work of the Manufacturing Co. In 1872 he opened an independent office, but continued the work for the Manufacturing Co. This practice continued until 1881. During this period he, as chief engineer, designed and supervised the construction of the public water works of the village of Peekskill, also a system of water works for the village of Tarrytown, N. Y. He was also corporation surveyor for the village of Peekskill during several years of this period. In January, 1881, he was appointed superintendent of the water works and sewers of the city of Poughkeepsie, which office he held until May, 1896, when the water works and sewers, under a revised charter, became a part of the public works of the city, and he was appointed superintendent of public works, which office he now holds.

In 1857 he united with the Presbyterian Church of Carmel, and in 1870 with the First Presbyterian Church of Peekskill. He was an elder in the latter Church from 1874 till his removal to Poughkeepsie in 1S81. In 18S1

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

he united with the First Presbyterian Church of Poughkeepsie, was chosen an elder in that Church in 1S91, and still retains that office.

The water and sewer systems of the city of Poughkeepsie, with which Mr. Fowler has so long been identified, are worthy of note for the fact that they were constructed by the same commission, at the same time, were designed to work in harmony and have continued under the control of one department of the city government, thereby securing the best attainable sanitary results. The water system is further notable for being the first in this country to adopt artificial purification by means of sand filtration on the European method. The Hudson river is the source of supply, the water being pumped from the river to the sand filters, and thence to a reservoir on College Hill, at an elevation of 280 feet above mean high water in the river. The works were built in 1869-1872, and originally comprised about seventeen miles of water mains and about thirteen miles of sewers. Seven miles of water mains and three and one-quarter miles of sewers have been added during Mr. Fowler's term of service. The original water commissioners, in 1869, were Stephen M. Buckingham, Edward Storm, Edward L. Beadle, Edgar M. VanKIeeck, James H. Weeks and Abram Wright.

The water commissioners held their final meeting on May 2, 1896; the last commissioners being Charles L. Lumb, Edmund Piatt, Howard W. Welles, Abraham S. Humphrey and Charles H. Shurter. The numerous commissioners holding office between the years 1869 and 1896 comprised some of the most esteemed citizens and business men of Poughkeepsie. The Board of Public Works, having charge of the water works, sewers, streets, bridges and parks, was organized ^fay 2, 1896. The commissioners were James E. Dutcher, James B. Piatt and Walter R. Case.

CHARLES M. WOLCOTT(deceased). The Wolcott family have held a distinguished place in the history of this country from the earliest times, Colonial records showing various members to have occupied high positions, and one of the name is enrolled among the immortal signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The first of the family to leave the ances-

tral home in Somersetshire, England, was the Puritan Henry Wolcott, who crossed the ocean with his son Simon in 1630, and settled in Windsor, Conn. The town of Wolcottville (now Torrington) was named in honor of the family. These early pioneers were men of independent means, and Henry and Simon were active in the administration of the public business of the colony. Simon's son, Roger Wolcott, who was born in Connecticut, was elected Governor in 1750, and served for four years. Oliver Wolcott, a son of Roger, and the grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, was one of the representatives of the Colony of Connecticut, whose names are affixed to the Declaration of Independence, and during the Revolutionary war he held the rank of brigadier-general in the patriot forces. His part in the struggle was a notable one, and the histories of that time make frequent mention of him. An incident in his life was interesting. A leaden equestrian statue of George III stood in the Bowling Green, in the city of New York. At the breaking out of the war this was overthrown, and, lead being highly valuable, it was sent to Gen. Wolcott's at Litchfield, Conn., for safe keeping, where, in process of time, it was cut up and run into bullets by hif children and their friends. Oliver Wolcott was elected Lieutenant-Governor in 1786, and Governor in 1796, which office he held until his death, December r, 1797.

Judge Frederick Wolcott, the father of our subject, preferred the practice of law to public life, and on two occasions declined a nomination as a gubernatorial candidate. His brother Oliver, however, did not share this disinclination for official duties, and not only served as Governor of Connecticut but was Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington. Judge Frederick Wolcott was a graduate of Yale College, and prepared for the bar in early manhood; later he engaged actively in professional work, and served as judge for uiany years. He was one of the leaders in the Whig party of his day, and despite his reluctance to enter political life was elected to various positions, which he filled ably, including the post of representative in the State Legislature. He married (first) a Miss Huntington, daughter of Joshua Huntington, a well-known citizen of Connecticut, and (second) Mrs. Amos Cook, daughter of Samuel Goodrich, of Berlin, Conn., a member of another old and influential family which has been prominently represented

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387

in political, social and business life, and has produced a nuinber of eminent clergymen.

Charles M. NN'olcott was one of a family of twelve children, his birth occurring in Litchfield, Conn., November 20, 1816. On completing his education he left home to engage in commercial life, entering the commission business in Philadelphia. After a time he transferred his offices to New York City, forming a partnership with his brother Henry, who went to China in the interests of the firm. On November 26, 1849, he married Catharine A. Rankin, daughter of Henry Rankin, Esq., a prominent merchant of New York City, who was a native of Scotland, and for forty years was an elder in the Scotch Presbyterian Church, under the pastoral care of the celebrated divine, Dr. John Mason. After his marriage Mr. Wolcott settled at Fishkill-on-Hudson, upon an estate known as " Rose-neath," where his wife had previously resided. From that time his attention was chiefly occupied with the m'.nagement of his extensive landed interests, and he was identified with all the progressive movements of the locality, whether in agriculture and manufacturing or in the no less important fields of art and Htera-ture. In politics he was an Independent. His wife passed away June 24, 1889, and he survived her but a short time, breathing his last on November 20, of the same year.

Three children were born to this union: Henry Goodrich, a well-known attorney at Fishkill; Katharine Rankin, wife of Samuel Verplanck; and Annette Rankin, who is not married. Mrs. Verplanck still resides at the family homestead " Roseneath," which is a charming place overlooking the Hudson, the elegant residence and extensive grounds displaying in their appointments a refined and cultured taste.

A

BRAHAM W. IRISH. The early ancestors of our subject were French, were military men, and served in the first and second Crusades; the name was originally "D'Irey." The family moved to Germany, where the D' was dropped, and the name became Irey. In the wars between Germany and England the Ireys espoused the cause of the English. They were successful as generals, and one of them was knighted on the field of Flodden.

When the family went to England the

name was changed to Irish, and one of the members became sheriff of London, holding the office for nine years. Another, member of the family came to this country as a common soldier under Miles Standish, and it is from this ancestor that the family in America are descended.

Abraham W. Irish was born in the town of Pleasant Valley March 31, 1825, and after his mother's death was taken by his uncle, Abraham Wing, and his wife, by whom he was brought up and educated, and who were the only parents our subject ever lived with. Mr. and Mrs. Wing were Quakers. Abraham lived with them until he was of age, when he went to New York City and secured a situation in a store in Bleecker street, remaining there during the summer of 1844. In the summer of 1845 he went to Matteawan, and taught school there for six years. In 1851 he was married in that city to Miss. Caroline West, and began farming. His health failing him from overwork, he bought a store on his grandfather's place in the town of Lagrange. This he sold in 1863 and moved to Poughkeepsie, where he took a position as cashier for Smith Brothers. In politics Mr. Irish is a Republican. He was in the county clerk's office for nine years, and in the surrogate's cffice for eight years. He is now clerk of the surrogate's court, which position he has held for six years, during which time he has not missed a day at the office on account of sickness. When he was out of office Mr. Irish was in the millinery and fancy-goods business, and at one time was with a Mr. Sisson, dealer in secondhand furniture. Mrs. Irish died in 1887, and our subject subsequently married Mrs. Rachel Le Roy.

Amos Irish (grandfather of our subject), a farmer by occupation, was a Quaker, and was greatly persecuted during the Revolutionary war. His children were as follows: Jedediah, Charles, Joseph. Asa, Ruth, Rachel, Esther, Jonathan and David, all of whom are now deceased.

Joseph Irish (our subject's father) was born in Pawling, where he spent his youth. He was married, in the town of Beekman, to Miss Phcebe Dorland, a daughter of Enoch Dor-land, and they had the following children: Edmund, Catherine, Jane, all now deceased, and Abraham W. (there were also half brothers, Charles, and William and Henry, twins). Our subject's mother died when he was two

COSfMEMOBATIVE BIOGHAPUIVAL liECOlil).

weeks old. Joseph moved to Pleasant Valley after his first marriage, and engaged in farming. After the death of his wife he moved to New York City and worked at trucking. He was matried there to Miss Jane Stephenson, who was born at Gaylords Bridge, Conn. None of their children are living. Mr. Irish died in Pawling at the age of eighty-six years.

FRANK B. VAN DYNE, one of the prominent business men and leading undertakers of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Milton, Ulster Co.. N. Y., October lo, 1857, but belongs to a family of Holland origin that has been connected with the history of Dutchess county for several generations. Here his grandfather, Oliver Van Dyne, was born, reared and engaged in farming throughout life. He wedded Susan Smith, by whom he had two sons: James A., a carpenter by trade; and William H., the father of our subject.

The birth of the latter occurred in Dutchess county, December 18, 1832, and he early became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist, as his boyhood days were passed upon his father's farm. He married Miss Anna C. Brevoort (a lady of Holland descent), who was born in Fishkill, N. Y., where her father, Benjamin Brevoort, was employed at shoemaking. Five children were born to this union, namely: James H., a sign painter of Poughkeepsie; Frank B., subject of this sketch; Susan, wife of Arthur Kockwell, a silk manufacturer of Matteawan, N. Y.; Minnie, who died in infancy; and Edward, a resident of New York City. Shortly after his marriage the father went to Milton, Ulster county, where he formed a co-partnership with his brother in a general store. He next removed to Hackensack, N. Y., but at the end of two years came to Poughkeepsie, where he has since resided. He is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party, and holds to the faith of the Reformed Dutch Church, in which he was reared. His faithful wife departed this life July 3, 1893.

Frank B. Van Dyne was two years old when he left his native village, and in 1864 he came to Poughkeepsie, where he attended the public schools. On the completion of his education, he was employed in various ways until 1875, when he began working for different un-

dertakers. In 1888 he formed a partnership with John Mellady, at No. 391 Main street, under the firm name of Van Dyne & Mellady. which connection lasted until May, 1893, when it was dissolved, and our subject removed to No. 406 Main street, where he has since been alone in business. He is exclusively engaged in undertaking, and thoroughly understands his business in its various departments.

On June 30, 1891, Mr. \'an Dyne was united in marriage with Miss Minnie C. Cox, daughter of William A. Cox, of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where he was born. One child blessed their union, Ruth, born October 23, 1892; but March 11, 1893, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, leaving many friends as well as relatives to mourn her death. Mr. Van Dyne is a representative business man, enterprising and industrious, and holds a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens. He is prominently identified with several clubs and social orders, among which are the F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Royal Arcanum, while his political connection is with the Democratic party, whose principles he earnestly advocates.

CHARLES M. COLWELL, a well-known business man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is noted for his accurate and practical judgment of values, his high reputation in this regard making him an acknowledged expert in the appraisal of property and the adjustment of insurance claims.

The Colwell family is of Scotch origin, and four geneiations have been residents of Dutchess county. Samuel Colwell, our subject's great-grandfather, was a native of the town of W^ashington; his son, Archibald Colwell, was born in 1794, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and in early life was engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, being employed as foreman in the factories at Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley, Hart's \'illage and Verbank. In his later years he followed agriculture. He was an old-fashioned Methodist, and often served as an unlicensed preacher. His wife, Abigail Hall, was a native of Connecticut and a relative of the Hubbards of that State. He died in januar}", 1877, and his wife in August, 1866. They had eight children: Hubbard; Louisa (Mrs. Nathan Beach); Archibald L.; Julia (Mrs. John Burnett): Sam-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPEICAL RECORD.

389

uel; Edwin; Mary (Mrs. William Ackeniian); and Sarah (Mrs. Henry H. SeanianJ.

Archibald L. Colwell, our subject's father, was born March 22, 1819, in the town of Washington. His early life was passed in Poughkeepsie, but for the last fifty-five years he has lived at \'erbank, following the occupation of shoemaker and dealer. He has always been quiet in his tastes, but is a man of good natural powers, and has been successful in business. Before the war he was a Whig, and later a Republican, and he has served one term as justice of the peace and two terms as postmaster at Verbank. Like the majority of his family, he is a Methodist. In 1841 he married Sarah Seaman, daughter of Samuel Seaman, a well-known resident of the town of Washington. Her family is of English descent, and one of the oldest in the county. Mrs. Colwell died in August, 1S93, but her husband still survives. They had five children, to whom they gave'excellent educations, (i) Seaman A. was graduated from the Albany Normal School in 1862, and for some time was a teacher and county superintendent of schools in Pulaski county, 111.; he is now a successful farmer and horticulturist there. (2) Charles M. is our subject. (3) Mary M., who is a graduate of Claverack College, Columbia county, N. Y., married Dr. A. G. Paine, of Chicago, 111. (4) Armeda J., who was graduated from Amenia Seminary, married Charles T. Bird, of Wilkesbarre, Penn.; both have been dead for a number of years. (5) Phcebe married B. F. Conkright, a leading real-estate dealer of Chicago, Illinois.

Charles M. Colwell, the second in order of birth, was born January 4, 1847, in the town of Unionvale. He accjuired the rudiments of knowledge in the district schools at Owego village, which were unusually good, and afterward studied at Claverack College one year. At eighteen he left school and went to Poughkeepsie to learn the carpenter's trade with Nelson Seaman. He followed this occupation for twenty years, and that of contractor and builder for about twelve years. He was superintendent of construction of the U. S. Government Building at Poughkeepsie under appointment of Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. About 1887 he became engaged in the insurance business as appraiser of damaged buildings, and his services have been called into requisition in different parts of the State. He has done a great deal of work be-

fore the State Board of Assessors, and in condemnation proceedings in railroads acquiring real estate.

A strong Republican in principle, he has been active in political work. In 1873 he was elected assessor, and served for nine consecutive years; in 188S he was elected supervisor of the Fifth ward, and held that office one term. At the beginning of President Harrison's administration he was appointed clerk in the Revenue office of the Fourteenth District, and held this throughout Harrison's term. When a successor was appointed he became deputy revenue collector for the counties of Dutchess and Columbia for six months. In 1894, three days before the expiration of his term, he was elected clerk of the board of supervisors of Poughkeepsie, which office he yet holds, and January i, 1895, he was appointed president of the board of civil service for the city. He has always taken an interest in affairs of a non-political nature, and was in the National Guard for eight years, serving as first lieutenant of Company A, 21st Regiment.

On March 22, 1S68, Mr. Colwell married Miss Mary F. Hayman, daughter of Richard R. Hayman, a prominent resident of Poughkeepsie, and they have three children: Grace F., the wife of Charles J. Knapp, of Poughkeepsie; and May M. and Richard H. at home. The family attend Trinity M. E. Church.

FRANK VAN KLEECK, a well-known merchant of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess

county, was born in that city June 25, 1857. Here also his paternal ancestors for six generations back lived.

Baltus Barentszen Van Kleeck, who was the first of the name to emigrate from Holland to this country, bought a farm, in 1697, where the city of Poughkeepsie now stands, and later built the first stone house in the place, which was situated on Mill street, nearVassar. This was in 1702, at which time the present fine city consisted of only a few huts, no houses. He was a member of the Colonial Assembly, and was succeeded by his son Johannes. Six children constituted his family, namely: Barent. Johannes, Lawrence, Peter, great-great-great-grandfather of our subject; Sarah and Elizabeth. Of these Peter became the father of Baltus, and he the father of Peter B., the great-grandfather of our subject. His

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

son, Tunis Van Kleeck, the grandfather of our subject, was born June 14, 1773, in Pough-keepsie, where he was reared to manhood and learned the trade of a hatter, establishing himself in business there in 1799, his first store being situated opposite Crannell street. His second location was where Joseph's clothing store now stands, while the third was on the site of the present store, which was occupied in 1854. On January 15, 1792, he married Irene Bacon, and nine children were born to them, of whom the following record is given: Sally A. married B. Davis Noxon, a lawyer of Syracuse, N. Y.; Cornelia married George W. Somarindyck, of Poughkeepsie; Eliza became the wife of Rufus Cossit, a lawyer of Syracuse; George married Mary E. Tallmadge, a merchant in Poughkeepsie; Edgar who was a merchant in New York City, and married Nancy Graham (he died in Orange county); Albert was our subject's father; Mary became the wife of Willett Raynor, of Syracuse; Louisa married Edward Beach, a merchant in Poughkeepsie; William H., who was a wholesale grocer in New York City, married for his first wife a Miss Mary Haight, and for his second wedded Miss Margaret Hardenburg. On the death of the father of this family, which took place September i, 1S31, the business was continued by his son Albert, and has been in the family ever since. In politics he was a Whig.

Albert \an Kleeck, father of our subject, was born December 27, 1807, in Poughkeepsie, where (as has been stated) he carried on his father's business as a hatter until his own death, November 7, 1866, and he was succeeded by his son Edward, who, on February i, 1890, took his brother Frank in as a partner. Edward died November 13, 1890, and his widow and Frank continued the management of the establishment until February, 1894, since which time the latter has assumed full control. On September 25, 1833, Albert Van Kleeck was married to Miss Eliza Green, a native of England, and of this union ten children were born, as follows: Davis, Edward, Harriet, Elizabeth, Julia, Cornelia, Albert, Augustus, Irene and Frank. The mother of these died in 1863. Mr. Van Kleeck was a prominent man in his community. In 1857 he was elected treasurer of Dutchess county, and was appointed postmaster under Lincoln. He was reappointed under Johnson, and died during that administration. In politics he was originally

a Whig, becoming a Republican on the formation of that party.

Frank V'an Kleeck was married September 24, 1891, to Miss Sarah P. Sleight, who was born in Dutchess county, a daughter of Henry A. Sleight. Mr. Van Kleeck is a Republican, a member of the F. & A. M., of the Holland Society, and of the Amrita Club, a social organization, of which he has been president.

ON. AUGUSTUS MARTIN (deceased). IfA Among the able men who hc'.ve represented Dutchess county in the State Assembly the late Hon. Augustus Martin will always hold a notable place in the history of the locality; his integrity and high sense of honor, no less than his practical sagacity in public affairs, winning and retaining for him the esteem of all classes of people.

His family has had in (he past many members whose lives have been conspicuous for the same admirable qualities, and his direct ancestors were among the pioneer settlers in this section. Hendrick Martin, who came to America in 173^ built at the village of Red Hook, Dutchess county, a residence which is one of the oldest houses in the State; occasional repairs and alterations have still left intact a large portion of the original structure. It is located about one-eighth of a mile from the old New York & Albany post road, upon land leased from the Beekman patentee. In 1751 Hendrick Martin leased some adjoining lands from the Van Benthuysen patentee. It is related that when his son Gotlob married, the father took a large stake, and walking to a suitable spot drove it into the ground, remarking to the son that it was time for him to "swarm for himself." Here Gotlob built, in 1776, a stone house of the substantial Colonial type, which is still standing. At the moment when the Declaration of Independence was being read in Philadelphia, the rafters of this historic mansion were being put in place by the workmen. Gotlob's son John married, in 1789, Isabella Fulton, a relative of Robert Fulton, the inventor, and had ten children: Philip, Michael S., Augustus, Robert, Claudius G., James, Edward, Joseph, John and Serena. Their grandfather willed the estate to them, but they were not willing to take it from their mother, and after her death it was purchased by Edward as a hotne for his sister, who, like himself, never married. Edward Martin, who

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391

was born February iS, 1811, and died December 3, 1893, made a large fortune as a civil engineer, some real estate, which he took in payment from a railroad for his services, proving very valuable, a portion of it lying within the present limits of Chicago.

The late Augustus Martin was born in Red Hook, December 13, 1808, and although his early educational opportunities were limited to the common schools of that town, his fine mental endowment enabled him to acquire a wide and liberal education through the channels of observation and private reading. While a .young man he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the State Assembly, and was a member of that body for two years (1852-53) under Gov. Seymour. In local affairs he held a prominent place, and was chosen to many positions of trust, including that of supervisor, and his interest in educational affairs, and desire that children of all classes should have ready access to the paths of ■ knowledge, led to years of faithful service as a school trustee. He was an active helper in religious movements, and was a trustee of the Lutheran Church, at Red Hook, of which he was a member. His wife, Lydia Maria (Benner), was born in Red Hook, December 28, 1811, the daughter of Judge Jacob Benner, a leading member of the legal fraternity. She died February 23, 1864, and Mr. Martin followed her January 14, 1875. Of their six children the first two—Margaret M. and Marian M., died in infancy; the others are: Cora A. (Mrs. John B. Scott); Ella A.; Isabella (now Mrs. Luther L. Stillman); and Serena.

rrRS. JANE M. CHAPMAN. The late Frank Chapman, whose sudden death in 1893, from heart disease, cut short a life which had been filled with quiet but effective endeavor, was a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, where he received his education. As a young man he engaged in mercantile business in Pawling, Dutchess county; but after some years he went to New York City, as bookkeeper for J. B. Dutcher, and held that responsible position until his death. His widow, formerly Miss Jane M. Bishop, was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, in 1831, and was educated in the town of Amenia. Their marriage took place in 1861, but no children were born of the union. Mrs. Chapman now resides in Pawling.

The Bishop family was known in New England at an early day, and Abiah Bishop, Mrs. Chapman's grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was born and educated in Rhode Island, and in early manhood learned the cooper's trade. His wife, Ruth (Wilbur), was a native of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and a descendant of a prominent Quaker family. Two sons were born of their union; Archibald, who married Angeline ; and George (Mrs. Chapman's father), who was born in the town of Washington, in 1809, and after availing himself of the advantages afforded in the common schools learned the trade of wagon making. He followed this for some time, later becoming station agent at Wassaic, Dutchess county, in which position he continued until his death, in 1874. He married Miss Desire Northrop, whose father, Samuel Northrop, was a prominent farmer of the town of Washington. Her mother's maiden name was Mary Benham.

Mrs. Chapman was the eldest in a family of eight children; the others were born and educated in the town of Amenia. (2) Seneca S. followed the sea from early manhood, and since sailing for the West Indies has never been heard from; it is not known whether he married or not. (3) Mary A. married (first) John Clark, and had two children who died, and after his death she wedded Joseph Hobbs, by whom she had one son, Amos A. (4) George W. was a machinist by trade, and became master mechanic of the New York & New Haven railroad; he married Miss Isabella Mc-Connell, and had six children: George, Jennie, Isabella, Hattie, Minnie and .Ida F. (5) Charles W. was engaged in business in New York City at the beginning of the Civil war; he enlisted in the 6ist N. Y. V. I., and lost his life in the seven-days' struggle at Bull Run.

(6) Catherine M. married Edward Brown, an engineer of Amenia; they have no children.

(7) William G. was connected with the condensed milk factory at Wassaic; he married Miss Josephine Nichols, and had one son, Harry, who died in infancy. (8) Noah L. was superintendent of the Gail Borderi Condensed Milk factory at Wassaic; he married (first") Miss Hattie Noyce, and after her death he wedded Miss Jennie Jones; by his first marriage he had one son, Frank, who died in infancy, and by the second there were three children: Lena, the wife of Dr. Fred Brace; Cora L., who is at home; and one who died in infancy.

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J

AMES \'AN WVCK. The \'an Wyck family is prominent in this region not only by reason of the number of its members, but for the ability and public spirit shown by many of them in past and present times. The first of this branch of the family to locate in Dutchess county was Theodorus Van Wyck, our subject's great-grandfather, who was born at Hempstead, Long Island. He purchased 900 acres of land of the Madame I^rett patent in the town of Fishkill (now East Fishkill), Dutchess county, and in 1740 built the house which is still occupied by his descendants.

Although this old homestead has rarely appeared in print, there are few of our old places more permanently associated with the pleasant social life of the early settlers, and with the personal presence of the prominent actors in the Revolutionarj' period. Dr. Dorus \'an W'jck, on his marriage, abandoned the homestead to a tenant farmer, and took up his residence on the north side of the Fishkill creek, near Gen. Swartwout's. At this time the Jay family, including the distinguished patriot. Governor and Chief Justice John Jay, moved north, seeking refuge from the threats and depredations of the Tories and "cowboys" who infested the lower counties, under the protection of the British at New York. The Van Wyck homestead being vacant, it was hospitably offered them by its owner, and it was occupied by Gov. Jay for about two years. It was during his residence here (the family fortunately being absent), that a band of " cowboys " crossed the mountains one night and robbed them of a quantity of silver plate. A "spontoon," or rude lance, dropped by the robbers, is now preserved at Washington's headquarters, at Newburg. It was from this house that John Jay set off on his mission to France, to aid in negotiating a treaty of peace with England.

Theodorus Van Wyck was a man of marked ability, a farmer and surveyor, and was so greatly interested in the development of the locality that with his negroes (slaves) he opened up highways through the forests in many directions. His maps of Poughkeepsie and the Nine Partners tracts are still in existence. He was an active worker in the Presbyterian Church. In 1752 he was appointed judge of the court of common pleas of Dutchess county, by George Clinton, then governor of the Province of New York. His death occurred in 1755. His wife was born on Long Island, of English descent, and they

reared a large famih', consisting of two sons and a " noble group of girls," whose married names were Piatt, Hoffman. Graham, Bailey and Adriance, respectively. The daughter of one of these became the wife of Chancellor Kent. Of the sons, the elder, William, was a farmer in East Fishkill. while the other, Dorus, our subject's grandfather, became a leading ph3sician in the same locality. He married Diana, a daughter of Col. John Brinckerhoff, and made his residence at the old Brinckerhoff estate. They had several daughters, and three sons—John B.. Abraham, and William —who settled upon farms in East Fishkill.

Gen. Abraham \'an Wyck, our subject's father, married Miss Susan Haight, the daughter of a prominent farmer of Westchester county, N. Y., and reared a family of five children: Henry, a farmer in Hughsonville, who married Miss Ann Lee, of Yorktown; James, our subject; Ann, who married Ralph Mead, a merchant in New York City; Louisa, the wife of the Rev. Samuel Van Vechten; and Susan, who married Robert Lane, a merchant in New York City.

James \'an Wyck was born September 4, 1810, at the residence built by his father. Gen. Abraham Van Wyck, higher up on the ridge, and now in the possession of the family of his grandson, the late Richard T. V^an \\'yck. On his marriage in 1834 James \'an Wyck remodeled the old mansion for his own abode, which was again enlarged and renovated a few years since, and here he has happily resided for more than three score years.

On arriving at man's estate our subject engaged in farming, succeeding to 414 acres which belonged to his father. He has been largely interested in raising stock and grain, although not giving e.xclusive attention to them. He has been twice married: First, on November 12, 1834, to Miss Cornelia Ann \'an-Wyck, daughter of Richard T. Van Wyck, a leading resident of Fishkill. To this union were born two sons: Abraham J., who was a Methodist minister at Casenovia, Mich., and died January 9, 1887; and Richard T., who-was a farmer in his native township, and died January 2, 1892, leaving a widow, two sons and a daughter. On October 3, 1849, Mr. Van Wyck, for his second wife, married Miss Elizabeth M. Van Brunt, of Brooklyn, a descendant of one of the old Dutch families of Long Island; her father, Nicholas \an Brunt, was a well-known merchant of New York. In

,f^^^^-^^<:^t-J^

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393

politics Mr. Van Wyck is a Republican, and in religious faith he adheres to the Reformed Dutch Church, he and his wife attending services at Hopewell Junction. Both as a substantial business man and a progressive citizen, he commands the esteem of the people of the vicinity.

T^HOMAS H. SEAMAN. As an enterpris- ing and wide-awake business man of

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and one who, through his own efforts, has established himself among the prominent men of the city, we take pleasure in giving a brief biography of this gentleman. He is engaged in the stone business, taking contracts for street work and building purposes.

Mr. Seaman was born at Syracuse, N. Y., June 13, 1849, and is of Holland extraction. His father, Thomas C. Seaman, was a native of Albany county, N. Y., and was a son of a farmer of that locality. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in teaching, and on leaving his native county went to Syracuse, where for a short time he followed farming. He then located at Coeymans, N. Y., engaging in the stone business at that place until his removal to Wilbur, where he was similarly employed. In 1861 he established himself in that line of trade in Poughkeepsie, which he continued to follow until his death in November, 1888. His political support was given the Republican party. He had married Miss Roxey A. Garratt, a native of Greene county, N. Y., and a daughter of LeviG. Garratt, an agriculturist. Five children were born of this union: Lydia M., who married George Stoddard, a truckman, of Poughkeepsie; Annie E., who died unmarried; Alvena H., wife of Daniel White, a moulder of Poughkeepsie; Ursula, who wedded Henry Warner, an engineer; and Thomas H., of this review.

The childhood days of our subject were mostly spent in W^ilbur, N. Y., where he was educated, and early began to learn the stone business with his father, with whom he continued operations until the latter's death. He still continues to deal in stone at Poughkeepsie, and has built up a large and lucrative business.

Mr. Seaman was united in marriage with Miss Catherine DuBois, a native of Dutchess county, where her father, James DuBois, followed the occupation of farming. One child has been born to them: Mary N., now the

wife of William L. Dobbs, of Poughkeepsie. The parents are earnest Christian people, faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and take an active interest in everything intended to promote the moral or material advancement of the community. Politically, Mr. Seaman votes the Prohibition ticket, as the platform of that party embodies his principles on the temperance question.

MARTIN FENDEL, the well-known and _ popular proprietor of the "Old German

Tavern", No. 229 Union street, Poughkeepsie. Dutchess county, was born at Bingen-on-the-Rhine, Germany, March 7, 1864. He spent his boyhood in Germany, attending school in the town of his birth, and was then in the coal business with his father for two years.

In 1885 Mr. Fendel came to America on a visit, and traveled throughout the United States selling wines to wholesale dealers, and he traveled back and forth between the two countries thirteen times. He was married in New York City, in 1889, to Miss Messerschmidt, a native of that place. Of this union the following children were born: Freddie, born in Bingen; Josephine and Kate, born in New York City; and Gertie, born in Poughkeepsie. There was also an adopted child, Joseph, who died when three months old. After his marriage our subject spent one year in Germany, and two and a half years in New York City, engaged in selling wines to the wholesale trade. In March, 1894, he came to Poughkeepsie and opened the "Old German Tavern," a typical German inn.

Mr. Fendel is a member of Concordia Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor, and attends the Catholic Church. He is a naturalized citizen, but takes little interest in politics.

CHARLES H. BUCKINGHAM, a promi-_ nent resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess count)', whose extensive travels have made him at home in nearly every country on the globe, is in direct descent of the eighth generation from one of the earliest settlers of Connecticut.

The name Buckingham is derived from "Bucan," "Becen," or "Beechen"—beech trees—and "ham"—a village—as a famUy name it doubtless has its origin in the county of Buckingham, England, whose shire town is

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

also Buckingham. Many members of the American branch of the family have filled positions of honor and importance in various fields of effort. Thomas Buckingham, the Puritan ancestor of this line, was one of the company to which Eaton and Hopkins, two London merchants, and two ministers, Davenport and Prudden, belonged. They arrived at Boston June 26, 1637, in the ship "Hector," and on March 30, 1638, sailed for Ouinnipack (now New Haven), where such records as this are found on the old town books: "Mr. Wilke is ordered to pay Thomas Buckingham five bushels and a half of Indian Corn destroyed by Mr. Wilkes hogs."

In 1839 Thomas Buckingham settled in Milford, Conn., where his name stands fifth on the list of Free Planters, and he was one of the " seven pillars of the church " there. He

was married twice, first to Hannah ,

by whom he had five children: Hannah, Daniel, Samuel, Mary and Thomas. For his

second wife he married Ann . His

youngest son. Rev. Thomas Buckingham, was born November 8, 1646, and began preaching in Wethersfield when only eighteen years old. In 1665 he preached in Saybrook. He was one of the founders of Yale College, and a Fellow of that institution. Among the clergymen of his time he held a high rank, leading in all the efforts for the prosperity of the Church, and he was one of the Moderators of the famous Synod of 170S, which convened at Saybrook, and formed the platform for the Churches. On September 20, 1666, he married his first wife, Hester Hosmer, by whom he had nine children: Hester, Thomas, Daniel, Stephen, Samuel (i), Samuel (2), He^ekiah, Temperance and Anne. His second wife, whom he married August 10, 1703, was Mary Hooker. He died April i, 1709.

Thomas Buckingham (3) was born September 29, 1670, and lived to be nearly one hundred years old, dying September 12, 1769. He was a landholder in Lebanon, Conn., and a prominent man in town affairs, being appointed to many offices of trust, and was also a leading member of the Church. On December 16, 1691, he married Margaret Griswold, and had eight children : Thomas, Samuel, Jedediah, Margaret, Mary (i). Mary (21, Joseph and Sarah.

Thomas Buckingham (4), the great-greatgrandfather of our subject, was born January 24, 1703, and became a seafaring man. On

April 5, 1722, he married Mary Parker, by whom he had four children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Jedediah, January 20, 1727; Stephen, September 20, 1729; Mary, July 27, 1732; and Sarah, 1734. He died December 13, 1760, and his wife survived him at least eleven years.

Jedediah Buckingham, our subject's greatgrandfather, was born at Saybrook, Conn., married Martha Clark, of Lebanon, and settled in Columbia, Conn., where he died July 9, 1809, his wife surviving him until May 20, 1821. They had children: Sarah, Thomas, Joseph and Mary (twins), Jedediah P., Sarah, Stephen, Esther, Martha and Nancy Ann.

Stephen Buckingham, our subject's grandfather, born May 12, 1763, was a farmer and large land owner at Columbia, Conn. He served three years in the Revolutionary war, was sent to France to effect an exchange of prisoners, and was absent about a year, being shipwrecked in the Bay of Biscay. On January 2, 1798, he was married to his first wife, Polly Dorrance, of Lebanon, who died January 26, 1799, and on June 30, 1807, he married, for his second wife, Polly Brewster, of Exeter Society, Lebanon, a descendant in the sixth generation from Elder William Brewster, of Plymouth, Mass., and daughter of I.shabod and Lucy Brewster. She was born August 12, 1777, and in 1869 was living in Poughkeepsie in her ninety-second year, in good health, able to walk about the house without assistance. Stephen Buckingham died February 26, 1814, leaving four children whose names with dates of birth are here given: Mary Dorrance, January 26. 1799; Stephen M., July 12, 1808; Charles J., July 7, 1810, and Ichabod B., August 3, 1S13, who died November 8, 1819.

Charles J. Buckingham, the father of our subject, passed his childhood at the old home in Columbia, Conn., and prepared for college at Boston Academy, Colchester, Conn. He entered Trinity College in 1829, with a view to the ministry of the Episcopal Church; but, his health failing, his studies were remitted for a time. On resuming them, he again found it necessary to desist. After a long voyage in the Mediterranean he made a third attempt; but was finally compelled to relinquish his literary pursuits. He made another voyage to Europe, and on regaining his health engaged in the mercantile business there and in New York City, where he resided until his removal to Poughkeepsie in 1849. During the later

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395

years of his life he devoted much of his time to the pubhc schools of the latter city, and to other educational interests.

On October i6, 1839, he was married, at Poughkeepsie, to Emily Williams, a native of New York City, born January 21, 1818, the daughter of Josiah and Martha (Loomis) Williams. She died in Poughkeepsie, January 26, 184S, and he survived her until October 2, 1889. They had four children: Emily Adelia, who was born November 7, 1840, and died December 30, 1840; Charles Henry, our subject, born September 13, 1S42; Richard Cook, born January 11, 1844, who died July 20, 1845, and Martha Williams, born September 26, 1845, who was married December 27, 1871, to George W. Wood.

Charles H. Buckingham, our subject, was born at Bowling Green, New York City. His boyhood was mainly spent in Poughkeepsie, where he attended the College Hill School. At the age of twenty he went to New York and engaged in the dry-goods commission business with Hunt, Tillinghast & Co., with whom he remained eight years. He was also interested in mining in Colorado and ranching in Nebraska. Since 1870 he has spent most of his time traveling, and has circumnavigated the earth once, and been partly around it several times. He was on the first merchant steamer that entered the harbor of Osaki, Japan, and was one of the first Americans to visit the city of Pekin, after it was taken by the English and French in i860. Some years were spent in visiting points in France, South America, Me.xico, Java, the island of Juan Fernandez, and other places of interest, and he has been in nearly everj' country on the globe. On March 22, 1888, in Poughkeepsie, he was married to Elizabeth Van Loan, daughter of Benjamin \"an Loan, a well-known resident of Catskill Village. His wife has accompanied him on many long journeys, but they are now enjoying the comforts of their elegant home in Poughkeepsie.

LEWIS CARMAN (deceased), who in his lifetime was a well-known business man

of Bangall, Dutchess county, a dealer in coal and farm produce, and the ef^cient agent of the N. D. & C. R. R., was born in the town of Stanford February i, i860.

The family name was originally Preston, and his paternal grandfather, Martin Preston,

was a native of the town of Milan, Dutchess county, where, in his later years, he followed farming. He was a Quaker in religious faith; married and had three children: Ada M., who died in 1886: Leonard L., our subject's father, and Nathan C, who was in the United States naval service for many years, including the stirring times of the Civil war. He died in 1886.'

Leonard L. (Preston) Carman, our subject's father, lived in New York City until the age of seven, later moving to Stanfordville, where he spent some years, meanwhile attending the schools of that village; for two winters he studied at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington. At the age of nineteen he was adopted by an uncle, Leonard L. Carman, of the town of Stanford, his name being changed by act of Legislature from Preston to Carman. At the age of twenty-one he took charge of the farm, on " Bangall Lane,'' relieving his adopted parents of care during.their later years, and on their death, in i860, he succeeded to the estate, where he continued to reside until his death, October 30, 1892. He was a member of the Baptist Society. In his earlier years he was a Whig, later becoming a Republican. He was twice married, first to a Miss Sackett, who died leaving no children. His second wife was Miss Emma J. Preston, a daughter of Ebenezer Preston, a leading resident of the town of Stanford. Two children were born of this union: Lewis, our subject, and Ada M., who married Joshua R. Traver (deceased).

Lewis Carman, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of the town of Sanford during early boyhood, and later studied at a private school in the same locality. After he had learned all that they were prepared to offer, he studied for some time at the Pe'ham Institute, Poughkeepsie. Returning home, he assisted upon the farm until 1884, when, having learned telegraphy at home, he accepted the position of agent of the N. D. & C. R. R. at Bangall. He also dealt extensively in coal and farm produce. Politically he was a Republican and was one of the leaders among the younger members of the party in his vicinity. For several terms he served as town clerk, and April i, 1889, he was appointed by President Harrison postmaster at Bangall, retiring August I, 1893. He was married .'\pril 12, 1887, to Miss S. Jeannette Crampton, a daughter of H. E. Crampton, M. D., of New

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

York Citj", and four children were born to them: Lewis C, Jeannette, Leonard and Ward. Mr. Carman was a leading member of the Baptist Church, and he belonged to the K. of P. Lodge No. 43, at Poughkeepsie. He died September 27, 1896, of typhoid fever, after an illness of only two weeks.

JULIUS BENEDICT, a prominent resident of the town of Northeast, and proprietor of an extensive iron foundry in New York City, is a direct descendant in the eighth generation from Thomas Benedict, who was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1617, and came to America in 163S, settling on Long Island.

His son Samuel, from whom this branch of the family traces their descent, was one of the early settlers of Danbury, Conn. Samuel's son, Nathaniel, born March 27, 1679, had a ' son Nathaniel, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He had a son Nathaniel, whose son, Nathaniel, our subject's grandfather, was born January i, 1768, and became a farmer at Salisbury, Conn., where he died January 23, 1835. He was married (first") August 24, 1787, to Jerusha Terry, who died at Sharon, Conn., October 10, 1822, and he married (second) Rebecca Darrow. By his first wife he had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Ethel, November 15, 1788; Abel, November 3, 1789; Delia, November 23, 1791, married January 30, 18 17, to Nathaniel Cady; Benjamin, March 7. '793. moved to the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, where he became a well-to-do miller, owning the stone mill now belonging to Martin Paine; Nathaniel, who married Polly Fuller, and lived in Connecticut and later in Yellow Springs, Ohio, was an iron founder, and a man of political and military prominence, being a member of the Connecticut Legislature in 1833, '34. '38 and '5 i; a justice of the peace at Salisbury, Conn., in 1830, '43 and '49; assessor in 1850; captain of the Connecticut Militia in 1820, major in 1828, and lieutenant-colonel in 1835; Asahel. also an iron founder, married Betsey, daughter of Charles Belden, of Canaan, Conn., and died in May. 1839; Olive, April 6, 1803, was married (first) on April 24, 1825, to Horace Wheeler, and (second) to Ammon Williams; James, May, 1805, was married April 11, 183 I, to Maria, daughter of Richard and Eliza-

beth Kellogg, of Sharon. Conn., and resided at Wellington. Ohio, where he died.

Abel Benedict, our subject's father, was a native of Bethel. Conn., but spent most of his life at Sharon, where he and his brother Nathaniel owned an iron foundry. He was of an inventi\e turn of mind, and was the main factor in the success of the enterprise. In later years he engaged in farming at Sharon. He was never active in politics, but was much interested in local improvements and in religious movements. He married Wealthj-Wheeler, daughter of Amos Wheeler, and had S!X children, as follows: Angeline married Francis Rogers, of Parma, Mich.; Caroline married Charles Lamb; Julius, born November 3, 1818; Horace; Lucy A. married Edwin Hartwell, of Sharon; Mary married Lee Can-field, Jr.; and Matilda M. married Charles Lamb, of Sharon.

Julius Benedict was born at Sharon, Conn., and during his early years he attended the public schools there. He also studied for a short time at Salisbury, and acquired a fair English education, which he has supplemented by a generous course of reading on current topics. He remained with his father until he was about twenty-four 3-ears of age, learning the details of work in the foundry, and in 1845 he established a foundr}' at F'alls Village on his own account. This he carried on successfully until 1854, when he removed to Iron-dale, Dutchess county, and built a blast fur-nance, w^hich emploj-ed eight or ten inside workmen and se\eral colliers. In i860, he disposed of this, and then conducted a small foundr\' at the same place for two years, manufacturing shot and shell for Mr. Hotchkiss, the inventor. The exigencies of the war creating a large demand for these articles, the business was transferred to New York, and conducted on a larger scale, and Mr. Benedict leased the foundry on East Seventeenth street, where he remained three years, removing afterward to West Forty-sixth street. In 1878 he bought the property at No. 548 West Fifty-fifth street, where his foundry now stands. Since 1867 he has been engaged principally' in manufacturing sash weights, and grate bars for steam boilers, and for some years he has made the patent grate bar of W. W. Tupper & Co. He employs a force of about thirty-five men usually, and enjoys an extensive and profitable trade.

On January 5. 1846. Mr. Benedict was

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

397

married to Maria, daughter of Lee Canfield, of Falls Village, Conn., and made his permanent home on the old Wheeler homestead, near Coleman Station, a fine farm of 140 acres, which he purchased in 1887. His wife died June 9, 1885, leaving one son, \\'illiam B., who was born April 13, 1848, was a banker in New York City, but died in Denver, Colo., in Februarj', 1886; there was also a daughter, Clara Maria, born February 2, 1855, and died in February, 1872. Mr. Benedict's close attention to business has prevented him from taking an active part in political life, but he is a generous sympathizer in all movements for the public welfare. In early life he was a Whig, voting for Gen. Harrison in 1840, and and he became a Republican on the formation of that party.

JOHN J. BAHRET, a well-known business man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is - a native of that thriving city, born May 15, 1S40.

Jacob Bahret, father of our subject, was born in 1809 in W^urtemberg, Germany, was educated in the schools of Burgstal, and learned the tailor's trade. In 1835 he came to America, locating first in New York City, where he remained three years. He then moved to Poughkeepsie and engaged in merchant tailoring at the head of Jay street, near Market, but after a time he entered the employ of Smith & Fineley at No. 280 Main street, and in 1844 he bought their business, which he carried on until his death, in 1865. He was a man of sterling qualities, fully identifying himself with the best interests of his adopted country, and during the Civil war he was an active member of the Union League. He was married in New York City in 1836 to Miss Dorothea Furch, a native of Germany, by whom he had six children: Julia Caroline, the wife of August Koch; John J., our subject; Phcebe R. (now living), who married C. Buechler (now deceased); Mary C. and August P. (twins both deceased); and George, a resident of St. Louis, Mo. The mother of these died in 1849 and the father subsequently married Miss Fred-erica Dietz. Seven children were born of this union, of whom only three are now living : Louisa Nesbit, Charles H. and Frederick, all residents of Poughkeepsie.

John J. Bahret received his early education in the public schools of his native city, also at

the Lancaster school. At the age of thirteen he became a salesman for his father, as time passed learning the trade, and after the death of his father he took charge of the business in partnership with August Koch, at Nos. 276 and 262 Main street. In 1882 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Bahret continued the business at No. 262 until 1894, when he moved to No. 174 Main street, where his sons, A. H. and P. E. Bahret, now conduct it. For over thirty years Mr. Bahret held a prominent place in business circles, and was for some time a director in the Farmers' & Manufacturers' National Bank of Poughkeepsie. He was twice married, first on September 6, 1863, to Miss Mary Griffin, of West Redding, Conn., who died in October, 1869. Two children were born to them, Willie G. and Dora, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Bahret was married the second time September 5, 1870, in Saugurties, Ulster county, to Miss Sarah T. Allard, and their children are Adella, James L., Arthur H., Percy E. and Ruth E. He and his wife are leading members of Trinity M. E. Church, of Poughkeepsie, and the family have taken an influential part in many philanthropic movements within and without the Church.

t BRAM B. CRAPSER, the well-known _ engineer of the steamer "Hasbrouck," was born November 21, 1832, in Pleasant Plains, town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and is of German origin. His great-grandfather was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and on coming to America his passage was paid by his mother. On his arrival he bound himself out to a man living in Wurtemburg, town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, which village was named for his birthplace. At that time he had some money, and as his employer was in need of financial assistance, he aided him. Later he became a large property owner in Clinton town, Dutchess county. He was married at Wurtemburg, N. Y., and became the father of four sons, one of whom was John Crapser (the grandfather of our subject), who was born May 20, 1750.

On February 19, 1778, John Crapser was married to Charity Ostrum, who was born March 12, \y6o, and fourteen children were the result of this union, their names and dates of birth, etc., being as follows: John J.. July 5, 1780, died September 12, i860; Anna, Oc-

COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tober 27, i/Si.d. December 7, 1S59; Albertus, January 14, 1784, d. September 4, 1S80; Frederick, September 20, 1785, d. March i, 1S61; Cornelius, August 30, 1787; Catherine, August 23. 1789, d. May 8, 1832; Elizabeth, September 25. 1791, d. August 21, 1854; Margaret, January 24, 1794; Mary, June i, 1796, d. January 12, 1823; Levi, July 14, 1798, d. May 21, 1855; Gertrude, August 25, 1800, d. January 5, 1852; Philip, June 3, 1803, d. September 19, 1872; Sarah Ann, March 27, 1S05, d. July 3, i860; and Elias. June 21, 1807, d. February 7, 1786. The father of this family was a member of the Lutheran Church, and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits in the town of Clinton until his death, which occurred February 24, 1824. His wife was called from earth December 28, 1851.

Elias Crapser, thej'oungest in their family, and the father of our subject, was born in the town of Clinton, where his early life was passed in rural pursuits. In 1830 he went upon the river, at first as the owner of a sailing vessel, and afterward, for half a century, as pilot and captain on steamboats, for many years being with the Commercial Transportation Co. From 1850 up to the time of his death he made his home at Poughkeepsie, passing the last four years with his son, Abram B. Crapser. He was married January 14, 1830, to Rebecca C. Nickel, of the town of Rhinebeck, and they became the parents of the following children: Anna M., born September 22, 1830, became the wife of Abram Wallace, December 2, 1847; Abram H., whose name introduces this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Emeline G., born November I 5, 1835, married Ransom La Paugh, January 6, 1855 (he died May 16, 1896); Catherine E., born April 5, 1838, wedded George Clarke, February 12, 1S61; Levi, born April 8, 1841, married Mary J. Ackert, June 29, 1864; William H., born November 3, 1843, married Catherine \Miitner, of Brooklyn, August 15, 1868; Henrietta was born September 22, 1846; Rebecca, born December 7, 1849, died July 23, 1851; Nelson, born March 15, 1852, married Julia Fraleigh, October i, 1873; and Charles, born November 4, 1854, wedded Rose Golden, January 5, 1882. The mother of these died April 18, 1879.

Our subject spent his boyhood in New York City, where he was educated, and at the early age of ten years began boating with his father during the warmer months, while in the

winter he attended school. At the age of sixteen he secured a position as deck hand on a steamer, where he remained for nearly one year, and then was made assistant engineer on the "Cygnet," being thus employed by the Commercial Transportation Co. of the Philadelphia and .Albany line for four years. At the age of twenty he was made chief engineer, filling that position on the "Swan," " Pa-troon," "Commerce," "Tempest," "Constitution," "Commodore Foote," "Commodore Du Pont," "William H. Aspinwall," "Columbus," "Francis King" and "Reliance." During the Civil war he was chief engineer on the '' Vidette," in the Burnside expedition, and for three years was in the government service. Since the close of the struggle he has been chief engineer of the steamer "John L. Hasbrouck," all of which will indicate his faithful discharge of duty, and the high regard in which he is held by his employers. He is the pioneer engineer of the Crapser family, and he now has four brothers, a nephew, son-in-law and two sons, who are also engineers, raised by him to the trade, besides a brother-in-law (now deceased.)

On December 13, 1855, Mr. Crapser was married, to Adaline Ackert, who was born in Pleasant Plains, town of Clinton, September i, 1833, and seven children blessed their union, namely: Lester A., born February 22, 1858, and married Carrie Falk June 5, 1882; Ethel-ward v., born December 12, 1859, married Mary Tracy, ^L^rch 18, 1885; Ida M., born February 12, 1S62, became the wife of W'alter L. Simmons July i, 1883; Ella R., born April 25, 1865, died February 19, 1868; Ira E., born October 18, 1868, died February 2, 1869; Lil-lie Belle, born .August 26, 1872, married Samuel H. Miller November 14, 1894; and Freddie B., born June 3, 1874, died on the 26th of July following. The children that married all have families.

Mr. Crapser is one of the oldest members of Lodge No. 266, F. & A. M., of Poughkeepsie, which he joined February 21, 1859, and also belongs to and is one of the charter members of the Masonic Mutual Benefit -Association, and a member of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association. His courteous, genial manner has gained him a large circle of warm personal friends, and he justly deserves the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact either in a business or social way.

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399

JOHN P. AMBLER, wholesale and retail dealer in books, stationery and fancy goods,

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess count}', was born June 25, 1841, in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and is the son of Rev. Silas and Eunice D. (Olmstead) Ambler.

The Ambler family, of which our subject is a worthy representative, was founded in America during its early history. The first tc locate in New England was Richard Ambler, who was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1609, and was one of twenty-four men who organized the town of Watertown, Conn., taking deed from the Indians, and he became a leading resident of that town. He was twice married and became the father of three children: Sarah, Abram and Abraham. His death occurred in 1699. Of his family, Abraham, who was a Baptist minister in Bradford, Conn., was born in 1642, and he was also twice married, his union with Mary Bates being celebrated in 1662; they made their home in Stamford, Conn. Their son John was born in 1668, and in his family were three children: John, Stephen and Martha. The birth of John Ambler, of this family, occurred at Stamford, Conn., in 1695, and he became a resident of Danbury, in the same State, where he died. By his will he bequeathed his gun and sword to his only son, John. He was the father of seven children—John, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Martha, Anna and Rachel. The only son was born in 1733, and died October 2 i, 18 14. By his marriage with Huldah Fairchild he had eight children: Peter, Squire, Stephen, Gilead, Diodote, Silas, Huldah and Deborah. The father of these was a sergeant of a company of 100 men raised in Danbury May 17, 1775, which joined the 6th Regiment, commanded by Col. David Waterbury.

Peter Ambler, of the above family, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Danbury, Conn., September 20, 1759, and there continued to engage in farming throughout life, owning the land on which the Danbury Fair is now held. During the Revolutionary war, he served as artificer in the Colonial army, and later took a prominent part in public affairs, being a member of the State Legislature for one term. He held membership with the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon, and died in that faith March 7, 1836. On October 21, 1784, he had married Miss Hannah Shove, who was born October 27, 1761, and was the daughter of Deacon

Benjamin and Sarah Shove, and their family included the following children: Fairchild, Benjamin, David, Thomas, Joseph, Silas, Sarah, Rachel and Hannah. The mother of these died April 22, 1843.

Rev. Silas Ambler, Baptist minister, father of our subject, was born at Danbury, Conn., March 12, 1798. He was married August 29, 1822, to Miss Eunice D. Olmstead, who was born October 28, 1800, at Wilton, Conn., and died October 3, 1892, at Stanford, N. Y. They had a family of seven children: Samuel H., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere; Mary E., who makes her home in Greene county, N. Y., is the widow of Ezekial Griffin; Augustus, born April 19, 1829, died April 22, 1852; Catherine, born May 23, 1831, is the widow of Levi Boyce, of Greenville, N. Y.; Sarah, born January 31, 1835, is the wife of Henry Knickerbocker, of Bangall, N. Y.; Emeline, who was born April 6, 1837, and died April 3, 1869, was the wife of Charles Sheldon, now deceased; and John P., born June 25, 1841, is the proprietor of a book store at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. The father was for a time a minister in the Baptist Church, having charge of congregations at Cornwall and Norfolk, Conn., but in 1840 on account of ill health he gave up preaching, and located upon a farm in the town of Stanford, Dutchess Co., N. Y., near Stissing, which is now owned by our subject. He there spent his remaining days, dying November 22, 1857, honored and respected by all.

John P. Ambler spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in the town of Stanford, and when fifteen years of age entered Greenville Academy, where he spent two years. He then taught school in Stanford for one year, and the following year drove a market wagon. During the winter of 1860-61 he attended Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, and in 1861 entered the bookstore of J. H. Hickok, in Poughkeepsie, as clerk, remaining there some si.x years. He was next employed in a similar business with H. A. Reed, and on July 12, 1869, he purchased a small news business on Market street. From this modest beginning he has built up an extensive and prosperous trade, and now owns a large building facing on both Market and Main streets. Here he has a fine assortment of fancy goods, a complete line of stationery; his establishment is the headquarters for all the latest publications. His industry, enterprise and undoubted integrity, as well as his courteous manners, have

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

made him popular with all classes of people and have brought him well-deserved success, and a host of warm friends.

On November t6, 1870, Mr. Ambler was married to Miss Mary A. Tracy, a native of Shelburne, \'t., and daughter of Hon. Guy Tracy, a farmer of that place. They have one child, Donna Louise. Mr. Ambler is a Democrat and in 1884 was a candidate on that ticket for county treasurer, being defeated by only fifteen votes. He has been a member of the board of health for two terms. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum, and of the Reform Club, of New York City, while in religious faith he and his wife are members of the First Reformed Church.

JOHN U. ABEL (deceased) was numbered among the prosperous and skillful farmers of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county. Here his grandfather, Daniel Abel, reared his family of seven children: Jacob, John, Lawrence, William, Peter, Mary 1 who became the wife of Daniel Uhl) and Gideon. Jacob Abel, the father of our subject, spent his entire life in Unionvale, devoted to agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Margaret Uhl, and in their family were three children: (i) William W., who married Helen Cornell, and had two children—Mary Elizabeth, deceased; and Evaline, who married Henry Brill, by whom she has two children—Theodore R. and Helen.

(2) Our subject is the next in order of birth.

(3) Mary wedded Luman B. Odell, who was killed by accident, and they had three children —Daniel, Wright and Flora.

In the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, John U. Abel was born October 11, 1821, and he acquired such an education as the common schools of the locality afforded, and for one year attended school at Quaker Hill. For some time he followed the profession of teaching; but his time was mainl)- devoted to his farming interests, which were quite extensive, and at his death, which occurred November 6, 1893, he left a large estate. He was a popular and influential citizen, one who easily gained the friendship of those with whom he met either in a business or social way, was charitable and benevolent, and took a commendable interest in the welfare and prosperity of those around him. For a number of years he served as supervisor of his township, was president of the Agricultural Society, and

held several other positions of honor and trust. He was prominently identified with the Masonic order, in which he took an active interest. On June 4, 1846, he was united in marriage with Miss Esther Odell, who was born in the town of Unionvale, March 9, 1829, and was educated there and in Amenia. She still survives her husband, and like him is held in the highest respect.

Uriah Odell, the grandfather of Mrs. Abel, was a native of Pawling town, Dutchess county, and followed the vocation of a farmer. He married Miss Esther Sheldon, and to them were born the following children: John, Daniel, Benjamin, Isaac, Abijah (who married Ann Hubbard I, Ann, Latnira (who married Davis Hubbard), Sallie, and Polly (who married Daniel Butler).

Daniel Odell, the father of Mrs. Abel, was born in Pawling town in 1781, attended the common schools of Delaware county, N. Y., and later carried on farming in Unionvale town. In the old training days he served as captain of a company of militia, and took a prominent part in public affairs. For his first wife he married Miss Esther Stevens, daughter of Archibald Stevens, of Dover town, Dutchess county, and to them were born two children: (i) Samuel, born December 3, 1809, married Hannah Hunt, and had three children—Duane, Sheldon and Adeline. (2) Eb-enezer, born August 23, 1812, married Sallie A. Baker, and had two children—Ann E., who married Duane Odell; and Levina. who died unmarried.

On June 20, 1817, his first wife died, and November 17, 1S17, Daniel Odell married Miss Esther Cole, a daughter of Royal and Hannah Cole. During the Revolutionary war her father aided the Colonies in securing their independence, and lived to be over ninety years of age, dying on the Fourth of Julj'. Seven children graced the second marriage, namely: (i) Olive A., born June 2, 1818, married Henry W. Uhl, a farmer of Unionvale, by whom she had a son, Daniel H., who died when young; her death occurred in 1847. (2) Daniel W., born April 28, 1821, was a farmer by occupation, and married Hannah Devine, daughter of Abel Devine, by whom he had a daughter, Mary E., who died at the age of seventeen years. F"or his second wife, Daniel wedded Elizabeth Giddley, of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and they had two children: Ardell E., who married Robert Mo-

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401

rey, and later became the wife of Zachariah Dorland; and Willis B., who married Annie Baker. (3) Newton B., born January 18, 1823, married Christina Baker, and they had one child: Ida, who married Frank Akerley. After the death of his first wife he wedded Annie Morey, and to them was also born a daughter: Levina M. (4) Luman B., born February 23, 1S26, wedded Mary Abel, and had three children: Daniel J., who married Hat-tie Coe; Wright, who married Inez A. Brill; and Flora M., who married Charles Brill, Jr.

(5) Mrs. Esther Abel is next in order of birth.

(6) Alexander J., born April 17, 1832, wedded Mary L. Taber, of W^ashington town. (7) Hannah L., born March 6, 1840, married Rev. S. W. Butler, a minister of Fall River, N. Y., who is now living in Nebraska. They had two children: Weight A.; and Odell C, who was born at Fall River, February 22, 1874, was educated in the De Garmo Institute, of Fishkill-on-Hudson, and is now engaged in farming.

I BIAH W. PALMER, who was called from

yr^ this life in January, 1882, was widely known throughout Dutchess county, having spent most of his life in Amenia, and by all was held in the highest regard. He was born January 25, 1835, at Amenia, on the old homestead which was deeded to his father by the Nine Partners, the son of Abiah Palmer, Sr., who removed from the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, to Amenia, in 1789, and immediately took an active part in public business, being a successful farmer and mine owner. He died before his son was born, and the mother of our subject passed away when he was only nine years old. He then made his home with two half brothers and two half sisters.

Mr. Palmer pursued his academical course at the Amenia Seminary, later was a student in the Cazenovia Seminary, and at the age of twenty years entered Union College, which he attended for two years. On account of ill health he was not permitted to graduate, being compelled to relinquish his studies in 1856, and soon afterward he started for Europe, where the following two years were passed in travel. On his return home he was not strong or thoroughly well, but greatly improved in health. Being nominated by the Republican party in 1859, he was elected to represent his

" 26

district in the General Asseinbl\-, over seven hundred majority, and at once took high rank in that body. In the following year he was unanimously renominated, an honor he was compelled to decline; but later he was in the Senate for two consecutive terms, taking there, also, a prominent and active part, and serving on several important committees.

Among the valuable property owned by Mr. Palmer was the iron mine at Amenia, which he sold just before the Civil war broke out. For years he served as president of the First National Bank of Amenia, and was reelected to that position the day after his death, as the news of that sad event had not reached the village. He was always a strong Republican in politics, socially was connected with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A.M., and was a man of deep religious convictions, but not a member of any Church. Public-spirited and progressive, he was one of the most popular citizens of the community, and no words are needed to assert his high and delicate sense of honor—his blameless integrity, both in public and private life. In 1860 he received the nomination for comptroller of New York State, but was defeated. At Westfield, Mass., in 1872, he was married to Miss Jeanette Yeamans, a daughter of Roland Yeamans, and two children were born to them: Roland Swift and Katharine.

Mr. Palmer was a man of great influence, his advice being often sought and deferred to by far older men, and no one's opinion in the community on any subject of business action, or social expediency, carried greater weight than his. He had a marvelous faculty of seeing, in any emergency, the precise thing that should be done. His sympathetic, genial nature put him often in confidential relations with all, and no person was so unpopular or so obscure as to forfeit his kind attention. For a number of years prior to his death he was in very poor health, and often made trips to the South and to Colorado. A year before his death he located permanently at Manitou Park, Colo., hoping that the high latitude and pure air would give him, at least, a partial restoration of health. But it was decreed otherwise, and he would have been glad to have returned to Amenia; but the condition of his health rendered it imposible. He breathed his last at Manitou Park, and his remains were ' brought back to Amenia and interred. We cannot better close this brief record of his life

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thai) by quoting a letter written by Bishop H. N. Powers in tribute to him:

" I wish that I might stand up among those who gather at Mr. Palmer's grave, and pay a tribute to his youth. I knew him from his early childhood to the years when he bore great public trusts with distinction and honor, and my recollection of him is singularly delightful. All through his boyhood and youth I can recall nothing about him but what is suggestive of rare qualities and a noble nature. His inclinations from the first were good. With his unfolding intelligence he seemed instinctively drawn to what was morally wholesome, refining, uplifting.

"From his incipient boyhood he showed those traits and that disposition which are prophetic of an honorable and useful manhood. As time went on he developed into the thoughtful, gentle, ingenuous, studious youth of high aims and most attractive presence. His natural talents were remarkable. His sympathies led him into the best associations. His spirit was lovely. There is no face, among those of my early acquaintances, more clearly stamped upon my memory than his, and every lineament of it indicated sincerity, sensibility, a keen, bright intelligence. His deep, soft, luminous eyes, so trustful and searching, seem looking upon me now, with meanings that go to my heart.

" I thank God that it has been my privilege to see and live in contact with a young life so fair and lovely as his. The very thought of it is refreshing, and I shall carry its sweetness with me while I live."

'ENDEL STROBEL (deceased). Many

of the best class of citizens of Dutchess

county have come from over the sea, particularly from the empire of Germany. They have transported to this country the industry, thrift and economy of their native land, and have been important factors in the upbuilding and advancement of the land of their adoption. Of this class of honest, alien-born citizens, none have occupied a more prominent place than Mr. Strobel and his family. He was born, reared and educated in Germany, and was one of the twelve children of Peter Strobel and wife, who were also natives of the Fatherland.

In the year 1S26, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, Mr. Strobe! was married to Miss

Christina Kuth, who had received an excellent education in her girlhood. Three children were born to them, the birth of the eldest occurring before they left their native land. They are as follows: Peter, who served as a soldier in the German army; Mary; and William, who married a young lady of Barrytovvn, Dutchess Co., N. Y., by whom he has four children. In 1846, with his family, Mr. Strobel left Germany for America, and in Barrytovvn made his home until called from this life about four years ago. He enjoyed the esteem and regard of the entire community, and at his death was deeply mourned.

Henry Hirtsel, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Strobel, was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and there married Barbara Metz. of the same place. They had both received a common-school education in their native land, and in the same province where their births occurred were born their two children: Peter, who married Eliza Stormf; and Susan; the latter was given excellent educational advantages in the Fatherland, and there she married Valentine Ruth. They always made their home in Germany, where were born to them five children, as follows: Mary, who remained single; Catherine, who married Anthony Han-sey; Christina, widow of our subject; Elizabeth, who died at the age of fifteen years; and Valentine, who was also married. Mrs. Strobel and the other children were all born and married in Germany.

CHARLES L. FLETCHER, M. D. The first of the Fletcher family to come to the New World was Cotton Fletcher, a Congregational minister, who was born in England. He reached the shore of this country in 1630, landing at Plymouth, Mass., with which colony was his mission, and from him sprang the present family of Fletcher, of which our subject is a worthy representative.

Calvin Fletcher, the grandfather of the Doctor, was born at Poultney, \'t., in 1738, but in childhood removed with his parents to Grand Isle county, of the same State. He re- ' ceived a common-school education, and became a very successful farmer. He took a prominent part in political affairs, and was called upon to serve in numerous town offices. By his marriage with Miss Eunice Davidson, of Vermont, he had nine children: Asenith, who married Benager Phelps; Olive, who married

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403

Fisher Ames; William, who married Mary Landon; Thomas, who married a Miss Phelps; Cotton, who married Ann Landon; Edward, the father of our subject; Ruth, who married Benjamin Boardman; Lydia, who married Calvin Robison; and Eunice, who married G. H. Rice.

Edward Fletcher, the father, was born in Grand Isle county, Vt., in 1819, and after the completion of his education turned his attention to mercantile pursuits for a number of years. He then engaged in farming for a time, but afterward returned to merchandising. He was one of the active and leading members of the Republican party in the comijiunity where he made his home, and at different times filled all the town offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Edward Fletcher was married to Miss Eliza M. Landon, a daughter of Baldwin and Minerva (Phelps) Landon, agriculturists of Vermont. Ten children were born to this worthy couple, as follows: (i) Arelia E. married Edwin Phelps. (2) Henry C. engaged in the ranch business in Montana, and was there married. (3) Edward C. died at the age of fifteen years. (4) Charles L. is the ne.xt in order of birth. (5) Edgar E., who was born in Vermont in 1853, was educated in the same academy and university as our subject, and is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Boulder, Mont. He married Miss Emma Robinson, and they have three children. (6) Fred F. is now engaged in civil engineering, and owns a foundry at Bozeman, Mont. (7) Frank E. studied law, but never engaged in its practice; for some time he followed farming, but was later connected with the Eagle Condensed Milk factory at Wassaic, N. Y.; he married Miss Carrie Rozwell, and has four cliildren— Barbara, Leon, Edna and Francis. (8) Elmer is now engaged in the mercantile business at New Bedford, Mass. (9) Kate M. is the wife of Hegiston Hoag, a prosperous farmer, and they have three children. (10) Ernest, the youngest of the family, is now engaged in the ranch business at Boulder, Montana.

The birth of our subject occurred in the town of Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., while his primary education was obtained in the public schools, and he supplemented the knowledge there acquired by a course in the academy at South Hero, Vt., from which he graduated. He then entered the medical department of the \'ermont University, graduating with the class

of '73. at the age of twenty-two. The following year he commenced the practice of his chosen profession in the town of George, Franklin Co., Vt., but in the fall of 1881 located at South Dover, Dutchess county, and has since been one of the most successful physicians of the community. In 1892 the Doctor purchased a fine farm of 335 acres on what is called Chestnut Ridge, which is well stocked and highly improved. Before coming to this county he held a number of town offices in his native State. As a Master Mason, he is connected with Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M. He stands deservedly high as a member of the medical fraternity, and as a private citizen also holds an enviable position in the estimation of his fellowmen.

Dr. Fletcher was married to Miss Helen Corwin, and to them were born four children: Helena and Edward, who died in infancy; C. Harold, who was born in 1880, and is now preparing for college; and Alice C, who died at the age of nine years.

T^HOMAS K. CRUSE, A. M., M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Wap-pingers Falls, Dutchess county, was born in Baltimore, Md., March 3, 1849, and is a son of Isaac Cruse, whose birth occurred in Alexandria, Va., in 1806. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Cruse, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, by occupation a linen merchant, and he there married a Miss Hamilton, of the same city. About 1798, a contmuance of residence in Dublin having become impossible by reason of his affiliation with the fomenters of Emmet's rebellion, Thomas Cruse and family emigrated to Virginia, and there he started a successful business in the importation of Irish linens. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian, and m politics a Federalist. His family comprised four children, namely: Mary, who became the wife of a Mr. Power, of Carlisle, Penn.; Eliza, who married James Creigh-ton, of Philadelphia; Franklin, who died in infancy; and Isaac, the father of the subject of this sketch.

On reaching manhood Isaac Cruse left the Old Dominion for Baltimore, Md., where he engaged in merchandising. He there wedded Mary W. Kelso, a native of Pittsburg, Penn. She was a daughter of Dr. Joseph Kelso, sur-' geon to the Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, he being of Scotch descent through the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPET/CAL RECORD.

Galbraiths of Revolutionary fame. Six children were born to Isaac and Mary W. Cruse: Anna E., who married Uavid H. Paige (vice-presidentTexas iS; Houston Central railway), of New York City; Bertha, wife of Charles H. Currier, of the same city; Mary VV., married to Edward J. Peters, also of New York City; X'irj^inia, wife of Eugene \V. Watson, captain United States navy; Emmeline H., widow of Graham Blandy, long a member of the New York Stock Exchange, and Thomas K., subject of this sketch. On leaving Baltimore, Isaac Cruse removed to New York City, where for twenty-five years he was an active member of the Produce Exchange, and at one time its president. Throughout life he was a stanch Democrat, and a pillar of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church, now under Dr. Park-hurst's charge.

When a child, Thomas K. Cruse accompanied his parents to New York City, where through five years he attended old ward school No. 45. in Twenty-fourth street. Leaving school, he was successful in gaining entrance to the College of the City of New York, from which institution he took his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1868. Having thus completed a sound literary and scientific education, he began the attendance of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he graduated as Doctor of Medicine in 1870, when barely twenty-one years of age. Immediately after graduation, and after a hard competitive examination, he was appointed resident surgeon to Bellevue Hospital, subsequently, also, receiving the appointment of surgeon to the Bellevue Hospital Bureau of Relief for Ouf-Door Poor. These positions kept the Doctor hard at work during most of the first four years of his professional life, although for a few months of that period he served also as surgeon to the White Star line of transatlantic steamers.

After a term of hospital attendance in London, England. Dr. Cruse started private practice in New York City, later at Tarrj'town, N. Y., and in 1876 took up his residence at Wappingers Falls, N.Y., where he has made his permanent home, although for a year he was absent in England and France, and later in Florida, traveling. For a time also he held the post of professor of genito-urinary diseases in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, III., and in 1886, after competitive civil-service examination, was appointed Med-

ical Examiner at Washington, D. C, in the Pension Office. After serving for awhile in Washington, he resigned his position, and has since given all his energies to his Dutchess county practice.

On November 3, 1883, Dr. Cruse was married to Florence S. Warhurst. of Brooklyn, N. Y., she being a daughter of Thomas Warhurst, the veteran dramatic agent. They have had two children, boys, one, Thomas Gal-braith, born in 1893, died in 1895; the other, Creighton, born in 1896, survives.

The Doctor is an independent in politics, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Foresters of A/nerica, of various professional organizations, of the Dutchess Club, of Pough-keepsie, of the Chi Psi Alunmi Association of New York City, and of the Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital Internes. He is surgeon to the F"oresters, to the Hudson River Stone Supply Co., and from 1885 to 1893 served the village as health officer, during which time he was zealous and impartial in his efforts to enforce strict isolation of persons suffering from contagious diseases. At one time Dr. Cruse gave a bigslice"of his time to writing papers for medical journals and others—original papers and criticisms. Two of his productions have been honored with prizes. One. on "Rupture of the Bladder," took the one-hundred-dollar prize of the Alumni Association of Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and was published in the Medical Record in 1871; the second, on " Injuries which happen to the Wrist Joint," especially dislocations and fractures, received the one-hundred-dollar prize of the New York State Medical Society for 1874, and was published in the volume of transactions of the Society for that year.

Dr. Cruse, although not in the metropolis, has won an enviable reputation as an up-to-date operative surgeon, and the great esteem in which his abilities are held by his professional brethren is the best testimony to his worth.

Mli.LlCK BROTHERS is the name of a well-known firm of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, dealers in marble and granite, whose place of business is located at Nos. 100 and 102 Market street. In 1894 Philip and Valentine M. Miller formed a partnership, since which time they have conducted their present business with reuiarkable success, combining

.X

M

i

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

405

the virtues of energy and perseverance with excellent judgment and industrious habits.

Valentine Miller, father of our subject, was born in Germany in 1825, and was there reared to habits of thrift and economy, which principles characterized his whole life. Hoping to better his financial condition, he, in 1S55, emigrated to the New World, locating finally at Poughkeepsie, where he first worked with Peter Joy in the bluestone business. Not long afterward he became a member of tbe firm of Nellson & Miller, in the marble business, which connection continued until the death of Mr. Nellson, when Mr. Haxby was received as a partner. On the latter's death, the firm became Miller & Van Wyck, which so continued until Mr. Miller was called from earth, in August, 1877.

Valentine Miller married Elizabeth Dilge, also a native of the Fatherland, and a family of eight children were born to them: Feier-abend and Peter, residents of Poughkeepsie, where the former is in the butchering business; Phillipina, deceased; Philip and Valentine M. (who comprise the firm of Miller Brothers), and Maggie (wife of John Hall, a coal dealer), Kate, (wife of \'alentine Hall), and Jacob (a printer), all of Poughkeepsie. The mother of these died in August, 1S93; the father was a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, thoroughly identified with its interests, and in politics he affiliated with the Republican party. Both he and his wife were highly respected and esteemed as valuable members of the community.

Philip Miller, the senior member of the firm of Miller Bros., was born at Poughkeepsie January 17, 1861, and in the city schools acquired his education, subsequently learning the marble business with his father. In 1891 he went to Jersey City, where he was employed in that line until 1894, when he returned to Poughkeepsie and formed the partnership with his brother, \'alentine M., in the marble and granite business at their present location' on Market street, since which time they have done an extensive business.

Philip Miller was married to Miss Mamie Kuhner, a member of the Zither Club.

V.\LENTiNE M. Miller, the junior member of the firm of Miller Bros., was born April 18, 1864, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.. where he received his education. He wedded Miss Catherine Laufersweiler, and one daughter, \'iola May, has been born to them. \'alentine M.

Miller is a member of the order of Chosen Friends and of Fallkill Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Although still young men, the Miller Brothers are very liberal and public-spirited men, taking a foremost position in every movement or enterprise promising to accrue to the benefit of the people in general. In politics they follow in the footsteps of their father, and hold an equally high position in the regard of their fellow citizens.

I.ICHARD BRIMSON CARY (deceased).

Few among the business men of Dutchess

county, past or present, have devoted to commercial life as many years as did the subject of this biography. Born November 26, 1814, in East Fishkill, he began his mercantile career at the age of twenty-one, and not until the early part of 1896 did he lay aside his active responsibilities.

His ancestry is an honorable one. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Car}', was a soldier in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary war, and enjoyed the unique distinction of having first seen the light February 22. 1732— the day and year of Gen. Washington's birth. The parents of our subject, Isaac and Nancy (Burrow) Cary, were highly respected residents of East Fishkill, and he and a younger brother, Uriah, constituted the family.

Richard B. Gary's early education was such as the district schools of the locality afforded in his day, and although they do not compare favorably with those of to-day, yet he managed to secure a good foundation for later progress through reading and observation. His first business venture was in a general merchandise store at Johnsville, N. Y., in partnership with William Pierce, and on the dissolution of the firm seven or eight years afterward Mr. Cary went to Glenham, N. Y., the manufacturing village between Fishkill village and Matteawan, and carried on a similar business for three years, with Thomas Burroughs as a partner. Mr. Cary then moved to Fishkill village, where he and Jacob G. \'an Wyck opened a general store, and after a time Mr. Cary purchased Mr. \'an Wyck's interest, and for many years continued the business alone. During the past twenty-five years he was a commercial traveler, representing a firm of paper manufacturers; but failing health com-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPfflCAL RECORD.

pelled him to retire, and he died a few months after, August 25, 1896.

Mr. Cary was married October 22, 1844, to Miss M. Garetta Washburn, daughter of Jarvis and Hettie (Fuller) Washburn. Mrs. Cary passed away December 26, 1891, in her si.xty-fifth year, mourned as a loving wife and mother, and by many as a cherished friend. They had five children: Jarvis, Edgar, Mary, Frank and Arthur, of whom all are living except Frank, who died in infancy, and Edgar, who died at the age of thirty-six years leavmg a widow and two daughters. Politically Mr. Cary was a Republican, but he did not take an active share in party affairs.

EDWARD BR AM AN, of Hyde Park, ,' Dutchess county, is the representative of

a well-known family there, connected with the Sextons, Van Vliets, and others, whose genealogies are of unusual interest.

The name of Braman first appears in New England in 1653, at Taunton, Mass., where the first settlers were mostly from Somersetshire and Devonshire. The name belonged to Plymouth, in Devonshire, in that day, but there were also Bramans in London and Chichester, then and later. Thomas Braman. of Taunton, 1653, is believed to be the ancestor of all bearing the name in this country.

The immediate ancestor of the family, who came to live in Dutchess county, was James Braman, of North Kingston, R. I. He also owned lands in \'oluntown and Preston, near Norwich, Conn., and about 1733 he took up his residence in Voluntown, where he died about January i, 1741, leaving, by his wife Elizabeth, seven children: Elizabeth, b. March 2, 1730; John, b. April 12, 1731; James, b. October 13, 1732 (ancestor of the Bramans of Richfield. N. Y.); Anna, b. August 28, 1734; Thomas, b. May 25, 1736; Benjamin, b. June 6, 1738, unmarried; and Esther, b. February I, 1741. Of these, John and Thomas died in Dutchess county. Thomas, after serving in the "old P'rench war" (he was at Fort Edward in August, 1756), bought land near Old .\ttlebury, in Stanford, in 1761 and 1765. His wife, Anna, born December 21, 1735,

died February 9. 1799. He died 26,

1808 (tombstone injured), and they were buried in the ground he gave for a church long since extinct. He left no children, but made his nephew, Braman Barlow, his principal heir.

John Braman, eldest son of James and Elizabeth, was born in North Kingston, R. I., April 12 (O. S.), 1731, and died at Hyde Park September 6, 1810. He married, February 5, 1763, Eunice, eldest daughterof Benjamin Adams, of Lexington, Mass., baptized June 3, 1731. died August 15, 1774. They had five children: Anna, b. December 6, 1763, d. 1846, second wife of the Hon. Benjamin Fitch, of Pawlet, Vt.; Cyrus, b. November 28, 1766 [See below]; Lucy, b. June 14, 1768, d. August 20, 1796, first wife of Benjamin Fitch, above mentioned; Eunice, b. September 15, 1770, d. November 21, 1836, m. Samuel Palmer, of Preston; and Mary, b. May 18, 1772, d. 1809, m. Job Wickes, of Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y. John Braman settled in the East, or "Long Society," of Norwich fwhich was set off to the adjoining town of Preston in 1786), near the junction of the Quinebaug and Shetucket rivers. After a residence of forty years in a very pleasant locality, all his children being married, he sold his property there, in order to make his home with his only son, with whom he removed to Clinton, now Hyde Park, in April, 1800.

Cyrus Braman, born at Norwich, November 28, 1766, died at Hyde Park, October 10, 1850. He first married, on December 26, '793. Elizabeth Dunbar, only child of Capt. Joseph Teel and Elizabeth Searle, born at Charlestown, Mass., July 9, 1775, died at Hyde Park December 4, 1801. Her mother was of the family of the Rev. John Searle, of Stoneham; and her father was descended from one of the oldest families of Maiden, Mass. Capt. Teel fought at Bunker Hill, and was in the Massa- ' chusetts Line in the succeeding war, was present at White Plains and at Burgoyne's surrender, etc. At one time he was a paymaster. He died at his son-in-law's house, at Hyde Park, February 14, 1843, aged ninety-eight years. He was long an elder in the Reformed Dutch Church. Cyrus Braman married, second, on April 11, 1802. Mary, born February 27, 1772, died October 26, 1S49, only surviving daughter of Samuel Hitt and Ruth, his wife, daughter of W'illiam and Magdalena (W^oolsey) Dusenbury, of Harrison's Purchase. Westchester county. The Dusenbury homestead was in the family nearly a century and a half. It was later owned by Benjamin Halli-day and, since, by the Hon. Whitelaw Reid. Samuel Hilt was the only child of Samuel Hitt, of Harrison (then a part of Rye), who

VOMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

407

died in 1742, when the son was only a year old. He received a classical education, and inherited a considerable estate, which was much diminished by the vicissitudes of the Revolutionary days, as he lived "between the lines" and suffered from both sides. His daughter was old enough to remember some of the events of those troublous times.

After the war he removed to Dutchess county, and for some years lived on the place, late of Elias Butler, then the property of Judge David Johnston, of Lithgow. Here his wife died, March 20, 1807, aged sixty-one; he died August 3, 1810, aged sixty-nine. By his first wife Cyrus Braman had four children: Joseph Teel, b. January 29, 1796, d. August i, 1869, unmarried. Elizabeth Dunbar Teel, b. June 22, 1797, d. January 16, 1875; m. m 1S16 John Church, of Yates county, N. Y. John Adams, b. January 18, 1799, d. September 13, 1886, unmarried; some time a merchant in New York and Syracuse. Cassandana, b. October 24. 1800, d. December 12, 1801. By his second wife he had seven children: Ruth Hitt, b. January 8, 1803, d. in New-York Decembers, 1846; m. in 1821 William Elsworth, of New York, afterward of Hyde Park, and had four children. Mary Smith, b. March 8, 1805, d. May 12, 1881, unmarried. Samuel Hitt, b. January 20, 1807, of whom mention will presently be made. Catharine, b. February 12, 1809, d. in Poughkeepsie, January 30, 1890; became the second wife of William Elsworth; no children. Cyrus, b. March 17, 1811, d. June i, i8i2- Phebe Stevenson, b. May 23, 1813, d. August 15, 1861, unmarried. William Henry, b. December 27, 1815, d. in New York February 24, 1876; he was a merchant in New York; he married Sarah, daughter of John W. Elsworth, and sister of William Elsworth, and by her (who is living, 1897) had one child, Adelaide, who married Dr. William Brinck, now of New-burg. Cyrus Braman was educated at a high school at Norwich. After his first marriage he lived in Norwich for several years, but in 1796 Joseph Teel bought property in Rhinebeck (afterward owned by Freeborn Garrettson, Jr., and since by the Astors), and this led to the removal of the Braman family to Hyde Park. In November, 1799, Cyrus Braman bought of Phinehas Eames "Lot No. 2," of the Hyde Park Patent. This had belonged to Anna Magdalen Valleau, wife of Lucas Lesier fcom-monly called " Madame Lesier "), sister to the

wife of Dr. John Bard; and thus an heir of Peter Fauconnier's estate. She built the stone house, part of which stood until 1894. At an early date this place was named " Belgrove ", perhaps by Madame Lesier. In 1800 Mr. Braman bought the adjoining farm, "Lot No. 3," of Capt. Samuel Cook, both purchases comprising together 212 acres, with a frontage of about half a mile on the river. This was his home for fifty years. In 1824 he built barns, still standing, considered a marvel of convenience in their day; and in 1832 he built a new residence, having a fine river and mountain view. He was a Federalist, and later a Whig, but was averse to taking any part in political affairs. He died at the age of eighty-four, and his portrait shows him a man of venerable and dignified appearance. In 1853 his executors sold the estate to his son-in-law, William Elsworth, who died here in 1870, aged seventy-four, leaving three sons, Cyrus B., William H. and Eugene. His executors sold, in 1873, to Nathaniel P. Rogers.

Samuel H. Braman was born at Belgrove, January 20, 1807, and died there June 16, 1846. He married. May 16, 1832, Helen, daughter of Cornelius Van Vliet, Jr., of Staats-burg, and Mary Russell, born at Staatsburg, June 22, 1807, and died there October i, 1857. They had six children: (i) Edward (now of Hyde Park), b. December 13, 1833. (2) Caroline, b. May 20, 1836, m. Samuel J. M. Sexton. (3) Hiram Van Vliet (of Poughkeepsie. and No. 321 Clinton avenue, Brooklyn, late importer, of New York), b. June 12, 1838, m. Irene Barlow, daughter of Charles Thomas Newcomb, of Pleasant Valley,' and Elizabeth A. T. Sexton, and has had seven children—Helen Elizabeth (died in infancy), Mary Newcomb (m., June 11, 1896, to Francis L. Noble, counselor at law, of New York), Charles Francis (died aged fourteen years), Irene Moir, William Reginald (died aged three years), Hiram Van Vliet, Jr. (d. April 8, 1896, aged eighteen years), and Emily Louise. (4) Emily Bailey (living at Hyde Park), b. September 22, 1840. (5) Samuel H., Jr., b. April 13, 1842, d. February 14. 1869. (6) Helen, b. November 13, 1845, d. May 27, 1864. Samuel H. Braman took some interest in military affairs. He was a captain, major and finally colonel of the Eighty-fourth Regiment of Militia. His sons all went early to New York, and (later with their sisters) made their home there many years.

COMMEMORA TIVE BTOOIiAPIIIC'AL RECORD.

The ancestry of the Sexton Family* is fully set forth in Stiles' "Ancient Windsor." The first of the name who came to live in Dutchess county was the late Samuel J. M. Sexton, of Hyde Park. His line of descent from the first George Sexton, of Windsor, Conn., and Catharine, is: Capt. Joseph (1666-1742) and Hannah Wright; Joseph, Jr. (1694-17—), and Sarah Parsons; Deacon Joseph (1726-1819) and Rebecca Chapin; Joseph (1753-1823) and Hannah Cadwell, of Wilbra-ham and Monsoon. Mass., whose eldest son was Francis Sexton, born at Wilbraham, November 22, 1779; a merchant in New York, where he died August 7, 1839; he lived riiany years at No. 28 Dey street, where all his children were born. He married, December 14,

1809. Sarah-Mills, born March 10, 1792, died September 21, 1862, daughter of William Koss and Johanna, his wife, daughter of Capt. Alexander Leslie (who was lost at sea) and Sarah Tufts (who married, second, John Mills, of New York). Mrs. Leslie-Mills came of a distinguished ancestrj'. She was a daughter of the Rev. Joshua Tufts and Abigail Ellery (cousin of William Ellery, signer of the Declaration of Independence), both of whom died at Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1766. Her grandfather, the Rev. John Tufts, of Newbury, Mass., was the first to publish a collection of psalm tunes in New England, thereby greatly improving the singing in Churches. He was son of Capt. Peter Tufts, of Medford, and Mercy, daughter of the Rev. Seaborn Cotton, of Hampton (son of the Rev. John Cotton, of Boston), b}' Dorothy, daughter of Gov. Simon Bradstreet. and Anne, his wife (the poetess), daughter of Gov. Thomas Dudlej'. Mrs. Mills (Sarah Tufts) was born November 24, 1744, and died in New York, September 19,

1810. She lived in New York during the British occupation, being then a widow, and w'ith her bounty relieved the wants of many unhappy prisoners of vyar confined there. She and her husband were prominent members of the Brick Church, and she was very active in benevolent and charitable works, and a coworker with the celebrated Mrs. Isabella Graham. Mr. Mills died in 1815.

Francis and Sarah M. Sexton had sixteen

•The arms of Sexton, called "of London," by Burke, .ire: " Argent, tliree chaplets in bend gules, between two bendlets of the last; Crest, out of a ducal cort>net or, a dexter arm in armour em-bowed proper, Karnished of the (irst. holding in the gauntlet an anchor sable, fluke and cable or." An ancient seal engraved with the above crest has come down, as an heirloom, to the present S. B. Sexton, of " Torhain;" and it furnished an appropriate design for his private yacht signal.

children, eight of whom died young. Those who survived were: (i) Sarah Mills, b. December 30, 1810, d. at Hyde Park November 23, 1872; m. John H. Newcomb, of Pleasant Valley, and late in life of Hyde Park, and left two surviving children, Thomas, and Johanna, now widow of Walter Allen Seymour. The first of this family in the county was Thomas Newcomb, who bought "the greater part" of Lot No. 8, Great Nine Partners. His son, Zaccheus, built the well-known "Brick House," and Thomas, son of the latter, was father of John H. and Charles T. Newcomb [See Newcomb Genealogy, by J. B. Newcomb]. (2) Francis William, b. i8i2,d. 1849, unmarried. (3) Elmira, b. 181 5, d. 1865; m. John Mills Tufts, of Woodbridge, N. J., and left no surviving children. (4) Johanna, b. r8i8, d. 1883, unmarried. (5) Elizabeth Ann Tufts, b. October 17, 1819, d. January 20, 1889; m. (first) Charles Thomas Newcomb, of Pleasant Valley, and (second) Col. Charles Stiles Phelps, of Brooklyn [See Stiles' "Ancient Windsor"]. By her first husband she had Irene B., m. H. V. V. Braman, and Mary E., who died unmarried. (6) Mary Jane, b. 1823, d. 1885; m. Charles Morgan, of New York. (7) Emily H., m. William Moir, of New York. (8) Samuel John Mills, b. August 11. 1832, d. at Hyde Park May 3, 1873. Samuel J. M. Sexton married. May 30, i856, Caroline, daughter of Samuel H. Braman, of Hyde Park, and had one child: Samuel Braman Sexton, now of "Torham," Hyde Park, born July 19. 1869; married at Grace Church, New York, November 2, 1S93, Jean Hunter Denning, daughter of the late Edwin James Denning, of New York.

The name of V.-^n Vliet can be traced very far back in the annals of the Netherlands. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and later, several of the name achieved distinction in the fields of literature and art, and in military and civil life, the relation of which is not here necessary. That branch of the family which settled in this country came from the diocese or Province of Utrecht. Their armorial bearings, as given by Reitstap, are "D'or, a trois losanges de gules: Casque couronne: Crest, une tf-te et col du chein braque de gules." In the Documentary History of New York [Vol. II, Colonial Documents] is an account of the powder used by the authorities in New Amsterdam, giving some interesting glimpses of passing events.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPEICAL RECORD.

409

On July i8, 1661, Governor Winthrop arrived in New Amsterdam, to proceed to " Fatherland," in the "Trouw"; July 21 the ships "Arent," "Hope "and " Trouw" sailed hence for Fatherland, and eighteen pounds of powder were fired. The "Trouw" sailed again, on her return to New Amsterdam, March 21, 1662, under the command of Capt. Jan Jansen Bestevan, and arrived on June 13, following, when six pounds of powder were fired. Among the passengers on this voyage were Adrian Gerritsen, agriculturist, from the Province of Utrecht, with his wife and five children, aged thirteen, twelve, eleven, eight and seven years. That he was the Adrian Gerritsen, or Adrian Gerritsen Van Vliet, who shortly after appears at "the Esopus" (Kingston), there can be no doubt. At marriage some of his children are recorded as '' geboren in 't Stigt Van Uytrecht " (born in the Diocese of Utrecht). In the Indian attack of June, 1663, a daughter of Adrian was one of the prisoners taken, but was soon recovered with the rest. On April 28, 1667, Adrian signed, with others, reasons for being in arms. By grant and purchase Adrian became the owner of several parcels of land in Kingston and the adjacent parts of Ulster county [See Doc. Hist, of N. Y.; Sylvester's Hist. of. Ulster County; Schoonmaker's Hist, of Kingston; N. Y. G. & B. Record, 1871, p. 145, &c.]. On September i, 1689, at Kingston, " Gerritt Van ffliett" and "John Van-ffliett" (sons of Adrian) took the oath of allegiance; but it is recorded that " Arre Gerritt Van ffliett" and " I3errick Van Vliet" (his other son) did not appear. [Doc. Hist, of N. Y., Vol. I., p. 173]. The wife of Adrian was Agatha Jans Spruyt, doubtless a descendant of the ancient family of Spruyt, of Kriek-enbeck and Utrecht. She was frequently a witness at baptisms in Kingston. Their five children were: (i) Gerrit, or Gerard, ancestor of the Fishkill branch. (2) Jan (or John) married Judith, daughter of Frederick Hussey, an English settler and large landholder at Kingston; most of this branch remained in Ulster county, but one son, Frederick, settled, in 1725, in Somerset county, N. J., where his descendants write the name "Van Fleet." Vice-Chancellor Abraham Van Fleet, recently deceased, was a descendant of Thomas, son of this Frederick Van Vliet. (3) Dirck [See farther on, " line of Dirck \^an Vliet "]. (4) Geertruyd married Gysbert Crom, of Marble-town, the owner of a large estate there, and a

brother of Floris Willemse Crom, of Flatbush, Long Island, patentee of the " Crom Patent ", at Haverstraw. (5) Machteld married (first) Barent Van Borsum, son of Egbert \'an Bor-sum, of New York [See N. Y. Gen. & Biog. Record, 1895-96], and (second) Jan Jacobsen Stol, son of Jacob Jansen Stol, one of the earliest magistrates at the Esopus. [The wife of Jacob was Geertruyd Andriese Van Does-burg. She married (second) Aert Martensen Van Doom; then she died, and he married Aeltie Lansing, widow of Gerard Slegtenhorst, and mother of Elizabeth Slegtenhorst, wife of Nicholas William, son of Governor Stuyves-ant.]

Line of Gerrit Van ]'lict —Gerrit Van-Vliet, probably the eldest son of Adrian and Agatha, married Pieternelle, daughter of Tennis Cornelissen Swart, of Albany, etc., and Elizabeth Van der Linde. Their children were: Cornelia, bapt. August 28, 1681; m. Andries Davidsen. Agatha, born about 1683; m. Marcus Van Bommel, of Poughkeepsie. Tennis, bapt. July 19, 1685, died young. Elizabeth, bapt. October 2, 1687; m. Nathaniel Davenport, of Kingston. Jannetje, bapt. October 30, 1692; m. Lewis DuBois, of Poughkeepsie. Geertje, bapt. November 11, 1694; m. Christoffel Van Bommel, of Poughkeepsie, one of the judges of the " Inferior Court of the County of Dutchess." Neeltje, bapt. February 21, 1697; m. Johannes Ter Bos, of Fish-kill. Arie Gerritse, bapt. March 26, 1699 [See next family]. Teunis. bapt. June 14, 1702; m. Sara, daughter of Evert Van Wag-enen and Hillegond Van Heyningen. [For his family see N. Y. G. & B. Record, 1891, p. 154]. Nelly (also Neeltje, perhaps originally Pieternelle), presumed to be a daughter, m. Christian DuBois, of Fishkill.

Gerrit Van Vliet was one of the petitioners for a minister at Kingston, 1676. He settled first at Marbletown, but removed to Fishkill, probably about 1709. His name appears in the first census of Dutchess county, in 1714, with a family of eight persons. At that time there were only sixty-seven heads of families in the county. His sons, Arie and Teunis, subscribed toward calling a minister for Poughkeepsie and Fishkill in 1745. [Hist, of the Reformed Church, Poughkeepsie.]

Adrian Van Vliet (" Arie Gerritse "), bapt. March 26, 1699, m. Janneke, daughter of Frederick Cloet, of Alban)' and Kingston, and Francina Du Mont. Children: Nelly (Pieter-

COilMEyiOEAnVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

nelle) m. Isaac Van Bunschoten; Francina in. Petrus Low, of Poughkeepsie, and was dead in 1769; Garret, living 1792 (Dutchess county deeds): Petrus, bapt. January i, 1737 [See next family]; Tennis, bapt. October 7, 1740, m. Lam.uetje Romeyn, 1762; Frederick, living 1792, m. Catharina Van de Water, I779-

Catharine Brett, of Fishkill, widow, sold, 31 August. 1726, to Adrian Van Vliet, of the same place, yeoman, for ^'98, New York money, a piece of land at a place called the "Steen Vlackte. or Stony Plain," lying upon Wappingers creek, "containing 80 acres and noe more." It is found that, later, he owned other lands adjoining this purchase. His will, dated 27 September, 1769, was proved 3 July, 1778. and recorded in New York. He gives all his estate, real and personal, to his wife "Janakye," for life; then to be sold; and to eldest son Garret ■•^25 and'my gun;" to daughter Nelly, wife of Isaac Van Bunschoten, ;^30; to the three children of deceased daughter I Francina). wife of Petrus Low, ^30; and all the remainder among his four sons, equally: Garret, Petrus, Teunis and Frederick, the first three executors. Garret, Peter and Frederick Van Vliet, and Peter Low. signed the " Revolutionary Pledge" in 1775. in Poughkeepsie Precinct. Garret and Petrus Van Vliet were deacons in the Reformed Dutch Church, in Poughkeepsie, and both first elected in 1778. [Hist, of Ref. Church, Poughkeepsie.]

Petrus Van Vliet, son of Adrian and Jan-neke, bapt. January i, 1737. m. Johanna, daughter of Johannes Van Wormer,* of Albany, and Engeltje, his wife, daughter of John Concklin, of Poughkeepsie. Her tombstone, at Fishkill Landing, says •• Hannah Van Vliet, died March 4. 1S34, aged eighty-four years." Children: Engeltje (Angelica), afterward called "Anne." bapt. April 6. 1766, d. May 18. 1851; m. first John Cromwell, second Peter Bogar-dus. Jane. b. July 26. 1768. m. Jeremiah Myers, of Fishkill. Johannes Van Wormer (known as John), b. September 25, 1770 [See next family]. Arie. b. July 20, 1773, m. a Miss Borgardus, removed to Western New York. Petrus, b. October 31, 1775. of Charlotte. Vt. [See farther on]. Garret, b. December 23, 1777. of Fishkill. d. December 27, 1843, unmarried. Alida, b. February 25,

•The will of Johannes Van Wormer. of .Albany. 23 October. ITSi. proved 16 Ociober. 1T33. Dames wife Eneellje and three daughters. Hannah. Alida and Marj. Executor?, his - beloved father" (inlaw), John Concklin. and ■ beloved brother "■ (in lawi. Henry G.Livingston. The latter married Susanna Concklin: the Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston was their son.

1780. m. William Higbee, removed to Vermont. Francina (later Cynthia i, b. August i, 1782, m. Jacob Bartley, removed to Vermont. Teunis removed to Vermont, then to Canada, and finally to the West. Frederick removed to Vermont, and later to Westfield, N. Y. Christian, b. January 2i, 1790, m. (first) Rachel Hough, of Ferrisburg. Vt.. and (second) Maria Cromwell, of Fishkill. He lived several years in \'ermont. but returned to Fishkill. Gen. Stewart \"an Vliet, U. S. A. (grad. West Point in 1840), is a son by his first wife [See Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography]; and a son by his second wife was the late Lieut. Frederick VanVliet, U. S. A.

John \'an Vliet, son of Petrus and Johanna (or Hannah), b. September 25, 1770, d. in Fishkill October 25, 1S47. He married Elizabeth Cromwell, b. February 25, 1769, d. May 17. 1837. Children: Rachel, b. November 27. 1793, d. January 11, 1874; m. Peter Brett, of Fishkill. Peter, b. July 20, 1795, d. March

20. 1846; m. Phebe Rickey; line extinct. Joseph Cromwell, b. April 24, 1797, d. May 27, 1803. Hannah, b. June 5, 1799, d. June 2, 1879, at Galesburg. IlL.m. Benjamin C. Weeks. Cornelia, born June 19, 1801, d. October 6, 1886. at Matteawan: m. William Brett. John, b. April 7, 1S03, of Fishkill, living, 1897: m. (first) Hannah, daughter of Isaac Bogardus, and (second) Henrietta Wiltsie; by his first wife he had: Adelaide, d. young; Jacob Sebring, d. young; Granville, of Low Point, m. Mary C. Lounsbury. and has children; Amelia, d. March

21, 1877; Theodore, of Matteawan, m. Caroline Allen, and has children; Charles B. R.. d. young; and Sarah Sebring. Benjamin Cromwell, b. August 14, 1805, d. February 25, 1851, of Poughkeepsie; m. first. Sarah A. Da-kin, and, second. Persis Balding [See Russell Genealogy]. Phebe Ann, b. September 7, 1807, d. ^Iarch 16, 1836; m. Dr. Roderick Royce, of Monticello; no surviving issue. Syl-vanus, b. March 5, 1810, d. April 8, 1889. of Fishkill Landing; not married. William Henry, b. February 18, 1S13, living 1897. at Fishkill; m. Sarah A. Cromwell, and has children. Cornelius Westbrook. b. October i. 1815, d. April 10. 1889: of Birmingham. Conn.;m. Eveline Hurst, and left children.

Peter Van Vliet. son of Petrus and Johanna, born October 31, 1775, went to Vermont when he became of age and settled at Charlotte, near Burlington, where he died. September 18. 1853. He married Sarah Hough, and had

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

411

fifteen children, some still living. None of these are connected with Dutchess county except his son Aaron (Arie), b. December lO, 1804, who returned to Fishkill, where he settled, and died March 4, 1839. He married (first) Anne Catharine, daughter of Peter Bo-gardus and Anne Van 'Vliel (no surviving issue), and (second) Matilda, daughter of Peter Brett and Rachel Van Vliet, by whom he had one son, Benson Van Vliet, of Poughkeepsie. Benson Van Vliet, born at Fishkill Landing, August 22, 1837; m. October 12, i860, Katharine B. Saxton. Children: Bertha, Annie, Helena and Florence. He is business manager of Vassar College.

Line of Dirck Van Vliet —Dirck Van Vliet, son of the first Adrian and Agatha, died in Kingston in 1702. He married, April 23, 1685, Anna, only surviving child of Andries Barent-sen and Hilletje Hendricks, from Meppel, in Drenthe, who arrived in the " Trouw," in December, 1659. Andries was wounded in the Indian attack on "Wiltwyck," in June, 1663, and, dying soon after, his widow married Albert Jansen Van Steenwyck. Anna was baptized in Kingston, September 10, 1662. She long survived her husband, and her Bible, printed in 1629, is now in the possession of Henry R. Van Vliet, of Clinton. Children: Arie (Adrian), b. June 10, 1686. Hilletje, bapt. January I, 1688; m. Gysbert Peele, son of Paulus Peele. Andries, bapt. November 5, 1691, d. unmarried after 1722. Agatha, b. 1693; m. Teunis, son of Adam Swart. Cornelia, bapt. June 7, 1695; m. Matthew Edward Thompson; he was still living when Kingston was burned in 1777; his house, corner of John and East Front streets, shared the common fate; he rebuilt the house with the same walls, and it stood until recently. Gerrit, bapt. July 4, 1697; d. young. Rachel, bapt. May 7, 1699; m. Teunis, son of Cornelius Swart, cousin of Agatha's husband; both nephews of the wife of Gerrit Van Vliet. Dirck, bapt. January i, I70i;m. Marritje Crispel; left one daughter. Catharina, b. November 12, 1702, "between 11 and 12 o'clock."

Arie, or Adrian, Van Vliet was born in Kingston, June 10, 1686, and was the ov\y son of the first Dirck who left sons to carry the name. He married, February 26, 1711, Gerritje, daughter of Cornelius Masten and Elizabeth Van Wagenen. Cornelius was son of John Marston (as he wrote his name), an Englishman (of New York, and afterward one

of the patentees of Flushing), and Dievertje Jans Van Langendyck, from St. Martins, in North Holland. He was probably named for Cornelius Wynkoop, who married his mother's sister, Marritje, and settled in Kingston, where Cornelius Masten also came to live. Adrian and Gerritje had nine children: Anna Catharina. b. June 30, 1712, d. young. Elizabeth, b. August 8, 1713; m. Gerrit Freer, of Ulster county. Catharina, b. August i, 1715, m. William Wood, of Ulster county. Cornelius, b. October 13, 1716, d. unmarried in 1764. Marritje, b. February 17, 1718; m. her cousin, Arthur Masten. Dirck, b. November 26, 1721, of Clinton, Dutchess county [See farther on]. Johannes (twin), b. November 26, 1721, m., first, his cousin, Cornelia, daughter of Teunis Swart and Agatha Van Vliet, and. second, Seletje, daughter of Juriaan Snyder, and sister of Col. Johannes Snyder, of the Revolutionary army. Benjamin, b. May 20, 1723; m. Mach-teld, daughter of John Ostrom. Anna. b. April 5, 1726; m. John Ostrom, son of Roelof Ostrom. Adrian Van Vliet, about 1740 to 1750, bought several parcels of land in Dutchess county, mostly in the Nine Partners Patent, on which he settled his four sons. From their new homes they could still see the Cats-kill mountains, on which four generations of the family had now looked. Cornelius and Dirck remained where they settled, near Pleasant Plains; but John soon returned to Ulster county, where he settled on other lands of his father, near the present Eddyville; while Benjamin, about 1772. removed to the Mohawk Valley, near Schenectady. Cornelius, in his will, i June, 1763, proved 20 June, 1764, styles himself " of Charlotte Precinct, in Dutchess County, gentleman," and besides other bequests gives two nephews named for him, each ^200.

Dirck Van Vliet, born November 26, 1721, settled in the present town of Clinton (then Crumelbow, and afterward Charlotte Precinct), where his great-grandson, Lewis Van \'liet, now lives, and died there September 26. 1800. He was buried in the Reformed Churchyard, at Rhinebeck, of which Church he had been a deacon. [Historical Address, by Rev. Dr. Drury,] He married (first) December 21, 1741, Rachel, daughter of Tjerck Van Keuren and Marytjerl Ten Eyck, and great-granddaughter of Tjerck Claessen DeWitt, bapt. February 18, 1722; by her he had one child, Marytjen, bapt. August 8, 1742, who d. young.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He married (second) February i, 1754, Helena, daughter of Johannes Weaver and Catharina Elizabeth Denmarken (of Palatine families), born July 24, 1733, and died in Clinton July 27, 1805; buried at Rhinebeck. Children: Catharine, b. September 15, 1755. d. September 29, 1804; m. Col. John DeWitt, son of Capt. Petrus DeWitt, of Wittmount and Rocksdale, in Staatsburg, and Rachel Rad-cliff. Gerritje, b. April 15, 1757; m. Abraham Freligh, and removed, after the Revolution, to Frelighsburg, Lower Canada. Anna, b. February 10, 1759; m. (first) Denis Relyea, Jr. (of Huguenot descent), and (second) William Brink, and removed to Broome county. Cornelius, b. December 21, 1760, of Clinton [See farther on]. Elizabeth, b. October 20, 1762; m., first, Benjamin, brother of Denis Relyea, and, second, Conrad Sharpe, and removed to Chenango county. Helena, b. August 19. 1764; m. Ebenezer Babcock, of Poughkeepsie. John, b. July 2, 17C6, d. at Odelltown, Lower Canada. September, 1851; m. Helena, daughter of Charles Traver and Jemima Garrison. Richard (Dirck), b. June 23, 1768, d. at Schodack December 9, 1841; m. Sarah Masten. Lydia, b. March 18, 1770, d. July 3, 1828; m. Jacob Sleight, of Clinton. Mary, b. September 17, 1773. d. April 13, 1839; m. Henry Sleight, of Clinton. Henry, b. July 9, 1775; m. Mary Seaman; removed to .Aurora, Erie county.

When the Revolution came, and every man was expected to choose one side or the other, many respectable, law-abiding men were not ready for extreme measures. The list of those classed as " Loyalists " shows the names of some members of most of the best families in all the Colonies, and the greater number of these were men who, honestly differing in opinion, took no active part, and wished as well for their country as did the other party. Yet they suffered banishment or confiscation, or both, rather than do what they considered wrong. One of this class was Dirck Van-Vliet. He had held an office, and had taken the oath of allegiance to "the Crown." Now when asked to take the oath of allegiance to tne newly-constituted government, he said "he could not break his oath." Then he was required to retire within the I^ritish lines, and did so. He remained in banishment on Long Island five years, "without seeing one of his family," as a grandson, in Canada, records. Sabine, in his "American Loyalists," states that he was permitted to return "on the peti-

tion of Whigs," in 17S4. The names of some of these are known. They believed his banishment as needless as it was cruel. He escaped confiscation, and so fared better than many others. While some of his descendants may wish his record had been different at this time, they may feel somesatisfaction in contemplating his character, as a man who was willing to suffer rather than do what he thought was wrong.

Cornelius Van Vliet, son of Dirck and Helena, born in Clinton. December 21, 1760, died there February 7, 1848. He settled near his father, just east of Pleasant Plains Church. He married (first) Helena, daughter of Jost Garrison and Magdalena Van Dyck, born March 12, 1757, died June 10, 1801. Among her ancestors are the names of De Groot, Montross, Van Dyck. of New York, and Van Egmont, of Albany. He married (second) Susanna, daughter of Epenetus Piatt, of New Milford. and Susanna Mervyn, born August 25, 1762, died January 23. 1852. He had nine children by his first wife, and one by his second, viz.: Cornelius, b. February 10, 1783; of Staatsburg [See next family]. Levi, b. Januarj' 6, 1786; of Clinton [See farther on]. Rachel, b. April 30. 1788, d. March 15, 1810, unmarried. John, b. December 3, 1789 [See farther on]. Elizabeth, b. December 15, 1791. d. July 13. 1795. William Benthouse, b. September 27, '793' <^'- J^''y 28. 1811 (he was thrown from a horse). Clarissa Maria (twin), b. September 27. 1793. d. January 26, 1871: m. John Caswell, of Poughkeepsie. Henry Hiram, b. August 19, 1796, d. June 15, 1855; merchant in New York. m. Jane, daughter of Capt. Joseph Harris, of Poughkeepsie, d. December 31^ 1855, aged fifty-two; they had seven daughters •—Cornelia (m. William H. Nevins, of New York), Jane (m. Henley W. Chapman, of Green Bay. Wis.). Josephine (m. Van Buren Bromley, of Green Bay), and four who died young. Richard Garrison, b. June 10. 1801. d. December 5, 1801. Piatt Garrison (by second wife), b. May 15, 1807 [See below].

Cornelius Van Vliet, Jr., of Staatsburg, son of Cornelius and Helena, was born I'ebruary 10, 1783, and died April 22, 1863. He married Mary, daughter of Capt. Isaac Russell and Hannah Fairbanks, who was born at Sherburne, Mass., April 15, 1783, and died April i, 1849. Isaac Russell fought at Bunker Hill, and was in the succeeding war. He was a son of Thomas and Hannah (Coolidge) Russell

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

418

[For his ancestry see "Descendants of John Russell, Sr. fof Woburn i," by John R. Bart-lett]. Children: Helen, b. June 22, 1807, d. October i, 1857; m. Samuel H. Braman. Hannah, b. March 16, 1809, d. December 21, 1892, unmarried. Hiram, b. January- 27, 1811, d. August 26, 1837, unmarried. Clarissa Maria, b. April 9, 1813, d. February 20, 1881, unmarried. William, b. June i, 1815, d. in New York, February 25, 1872; m. Caroline, daughter of David ^lulford, and'had, Jane Augusta, m. John C. Shaw, counselor at law, of New York, James Mulford, d. young, and Frederick, d. unmarried. Susan, b. October 7, 1817, d. July 21, 1891; m. the Rev. William Barham Heath, and had one child, Cornelius V. V. Heath. James Russell, b. April 4, 1820, d. April 28, 1893, of Staatsburg; unmarried. Isaac Fiske, M. D., b. June 11, 1822, d. February 23, 1876; of Rhinebeck [See below]. Mary Asenath, b. April 13, 1827, d. February 13, 1892, unmarried. Mr. Van Vliet and his brother John bought the Rocksdale estate, about 500 acres, formerly the property of Capt. Petrus De Witt, and divided it between them, John taking the westerly portion (now Mr. Alfred De Witt's), and Cornelius the easterly, with the old mansion; and this remained the home of the family until 1866.

Dr. Isaac F. Van \'liet settled at Rhine-beck. He married, in 1847, Susan, daughter of David C. Benjamin, of Fishkill, who died in Poughkeepsie February 10, 1893, and had four children: Ella, m. the Rev. Henry L. Ziegenfuss, D. D., Archdeacon of Dutchess. She died in Poughkeepsie, January 23, 1894, and he died February 8, following. William B., now of Johnstown, N. Y., m. Frances S., daughter of Judge Fowler, of Milford, Conn.; no children. Edward B., d. Februar}- 19, 1875, aged nineteen. Frank B., d. in Honduras, December 6, 1S93, aged twenty-seven; unmarried.

Levi \'an Vliet, son of Cornelius and Helena, was born January 6, 1786, and died August 25. i860. He married Mary, daughter of Capt. Frederick Uhl and Huldah Mulford, born February 10, 1792, died January 27, 1869. Children: George, b. July 21, 1816, d. July 12, 1845; of Poughkeepsie, civil engineer; ni. Helen, daughter of John Bard and Eliza Helen Russell, and granddaughter of Anthon}' Bard, of Rhinebeck; no children. Lewis, b. March 18, 1827; late justice of the

county court; m. (first) Jane A., daughter of William I. Brown, and (second) Mary J., daughter of John Caswell; no children. Henry Richard, b. December 8, 1833; m. Hannah, daughter of John Le Roy, Jr., and has one son, George S., who m., in 1894, Mercedes, daughter of Jacob L. Tremper, of Rhinebeck. Levi Van Vliet became the owner of the homestead of his grandfather, and later that of his father. The former he left to Lewis, and the latter to Henry. In 1847 he built a new house on the site of the one built by his grandfather, Dirck, in 1753. The old house was of stone, similar to many yet remaining in Kingston.

Col. John \'an \'liet, son of Cornelius and Helena, born December 3, 1789, died at El-bridge, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1874. He married (first) Maria E., daughter of John Beadle, of Pleasant Valley, and sister of Dr. Edward L. Beadle, who died March 8, 1827; and (^second) Ann, daughter of Thomas Thurston, of Lagrange, and widow of Baltus Over-ocker. By his first wife he had: Ann Maria, m. Edward Y. Barnes, and d. August 3, 1886, aged sixty-six. John Beadle, merchant in New York; m. Abbie J., daughter of Alexander Purdy, of Macedon, and had, Purdy, of New York; counselor at law, and William, d. young. Henry Edgar, of Elbridge, N. Y., d. September 27, 1873, aged forty-nine; m. Mary, daughter of James Gillies, and had, John and Mary. Erastus Lockwood, accidentally killed, while hunting, near Fremont, Kans., September 28, i860, aged thirty-four, unmarried. In 1836 John Van Vliet sold his property at Staatsburg, and removed to Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y.; but late in life he resided at Elbridge, to be near his son; and there he and his second wife died.

Piatt G. Van V'liet, son of Cornelius and Susanna, born May 15, 1807, died December I, 1873; married Nancy, daughter of Timothy Lamoree, of Pleasant Valley, who died April 11, 1891, aged eighty-two. Children (only one of whom survived the parents): Catharine E., d. July i, 1854, aged nineteen years. Susan E., d. October 13, 1851, aged fifteen years. De Witt,' d. October i, 1872, aged thirty-four; m. Elrna Marshall, and left two children, George Piatt, who m., in 1894, Florence Aldrich, of Whitfield, N. J., and Caroline, d. 1889, aged nineteen. George L. d. Sep.-tember 30, 1871, aged thirty-one: m. Emily C. Dale; no children. Elmer Piatt (of Hud-

COJtXEJfORATTTE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

son . b. January 26. 1S43; ni. Grsti Hannah E. Doty, and isecondi Mary E AHen, and has, b

neiios. J _ _ : .:

aged tea nxMiths. Tbeodoce. d. Febmaiy 11. 1857. ■ -? Alice, d. December

70. ! > - •?5r= After he father's

rchased by ^^■. - _.. ...... .._.. ^. . __ . ..ci renxived

to Salt Point, where he had porchased a far ere be

rci

Tc a '

^IxTILLIAM E. BADGLEY. a well-known

Dutchess : :ae

oldest and most highly esteer. .les o£

.-_ - - -.. - _ 4 . -■_ -jij he : rd the

" ard te . 31am-

". as a

.:_:--•-. : - ;..;..-- -:tizen.

He is a native of Datch^s coontv. bom in the

; ' 3i6. His

•". ofme in

ere his son

^-.._.. ._:;..--.;_: :.... vasbornin

1752.

Ge married Elizabeth Moss, a

native - connty. and porchase>d a

farm in Pleasant Valley, where they passed the remainder c- -'- - -ves. He died September 10. 1825. on Anffost 28. 182S. They had twelve tied Mr. Peters, a Josbaa. a farmer of the same locality; John.

rho was slsTj a

:>i

arried.

: Peter rr near

„- .._ „_: Mary. v_ ; :;.:i: Anthony, a merchant in Pleasant Valley: Jona-

:'Clinton: Stephen, :y: .Ann. who mar-ned j -ner in Delaware coun-

ty: Gc_;.. _-. ----.- ■-■-^r: and Joseph and E'Lsha. neither of

The fs: mar)- 8. i'

old farm in Pleasant \'alley. Emma Seelye. ■ - zs bom f -- ~ 179.1. and was -:of the

Dr. L -

WajTIr

wife. Desire .Mott. Of the others, ir

never married: Pollr was the wife ot

He

Feb-

it the

married

Vf

3f

' • r in Wayne county: Milton was

New York: and L.ewis was a Df Rochester, and repre-;-_:-- --- _.--;.-. :n Congress. (He was a blacksmith by trade). After their marriage ocr sabject's parents s ron a farm in

the town of Clinton. " rv Tide their

ent home. Thr trians

-_ :..- = - = '-h. and ;. .: . ..: ...iigley

was a I He died November 3, 1881.

'iv 5. 1S7S. Of their 6ve : is the eldest. The others were Geo^:e i_. who died in infancy: Mary E.; Ge-'-^ ~ a farmer in the town of Pleasant Vs. Emma C.. who married J. G. Pe* m: Vailey.

.. _ attended the district .:ty for some years, and ri~ Cocnrv .Academv. His

scr

la:.

- vr35 3s a clerk in New" York.

On November 27. 1839. be n: a

~" ■ ^ ■ -■ " . •,'■-.: was

:•? Samoel Tn -Val-

ley. ^.. -^^ ^.^. ^ ^-:.-. .:. ^.._ .^:^ cot many of the towns of his vicinity and some of rets of Pooghkeepsie; he was-_ - a

^. affairs, being elected t? - i:e

Legislature in 1823. In : . : 1840

Mr. and Mrs. Badgley rm of

ir; acres bve miles fr t. ad-

.cucrAi iofukiijE. 1 en

:hem: Catherine died

in infanc)-; Mary E. married Edward Van-Wagner, of Newboig; George manages two l3.r?e f^rTTS. and is pr opr ietor of a ■• Temper---shingtc - ■' v: Calvert .^...in, res:__., ...^ Poagh-et. a farmer, is living on the ^:;^^. itber;

. E. is i .3ton:

Flora and Minerva womanhood:

Charles is a grc--- . r^. Emma J. lives

at home. Mrs -v died December 11.

ding with their children and grandchiidreo No-- — ■--- 2- •--" There are four goiera-tior. :rre being a great-grandson.

Wm. E. Vi ewborg.

In all : ities of his com-

T unity Mr. Badgley has always been a pcomi-- -- 'rror: he is i —-—--- -- --; Presbv-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAFUICAL RECORD.

415

terian Church, and an ardent worker in the temperance cause, in later years votinj^ the Prohibition ticket.

If: DRIAX M. CORNELL. The Cornell -trjL^ family is of French ancestry. The members went to Holland on account of religious persecution, and from there came to America in the seventeenth century. They were origi-nall}' Huguenots.

Adrian Martense Cornell, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of LaGrange, Dutchess county, April i, 1818. His early life was spent there on the home farm and in attending school. At the age of twenty-five years he left home and bought a farm in the town of Clinton, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1841 he was married to Miss Melissa Diamond, who was born in Lagrange, and who was a daughter of Henry Diamond. Of this marriage two children were born: Margaret Jane, who married George K. Brand, and Henry, an insurance agent in New York City.

In the spring of 1864 Mr. Cornell gave up farming, after an experience of twenty-three years, as his health began to fail, and came to Poughkeepsie, where, in 1873, he engaged in the dry-grocery business, carrying a stock of tea, coffee, spices, etc., in which he has continued for twenty-two years. For twenty-one of these he has been located at 227^ Main street. He is an enterprising citizen, a conscientious business man, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Cornell departed this life in 1871.

Cornelius Cornell, the father of our subject, was born on Long Island, and his parents moved to Lagrange when he was seven years old. He married Miss Deborah' Van Kleeck, a native of Lagrange, and a daughter of Peter Van Kleeck. Her father died forty years ago, and her mother twenty-five years ago. Mr. Cornell spent his life in farming, and was said to have been the best farmer and to have had the best farm in the town of Lagrange.

Peter Cornell, grandfather of our subject, was born on Long Island He married Miss Mar\- Mesoole, and six children were born to them: Cornelius. Isaac, Jane, Eliza, Sarah and Margaret. Mr. Cornell was in the grocery business at Flat Bush, L. I., where they were kept prisoners at the time of the Revolu-tionar}' war. After the war was over he moved with his family to Lagrange, and

bought a farm of 400 acres, on which he lived the rest of his life. He owned a number of slaves, which he freed after going to Lagrange. He was an elder in the old Dutch Church, and was much respected in the community.

Gideon Cornell, the great-grandfather, who was born in France, eicigrated to America, residing in Long Island until the opening of the Revolutionary war, when he moved to Bucks county, Penn., where he died. He came to America in the year 1736.

ILLIAM C. ALBRO. The Albro family, of which this well-known resident of Pokeepsie is a worthy representative in this generation, has a notable history, as will be seen by the following chronological record: (I) John Albro, born in England in 1617, died December 14, 1712, at Portsmouth, R. I.; married Mrs. Dorothy Potter, widow of Nathaniel Potter.

lf)34. Embarked on ship " Francis " from Ipswich, England, under care of WiUiam Freeborn, landing at Boston.

1688. Went with Freeborn to the Colony of Rhode Island.

1644. Served as corporal in the Colonial militia, rising successively to lieutenant, captain and major.

1649. Was chosen to view cattle; was clerk of weights and measures, and member of the town council.

1660. Was commissioner and member of the committee to receive contributions for agents in England.

1666. Appointed with two others, to take areas of highways and driftways not set off.

1670. W'ith three others, loaned the Colony seven pounds on account of town of Portsmouth.

1671. Elected assistant in some public office.

1676. With three others, was the committee for the care and disposal of a barrel of powder for the supply of Portsmouth: also with others, was a commissioner to order watch and ward of the Island during King Philip's war; also a member of a court martial at Newport to try certain Indians.

1677. Committee with others in the matter of injurious and illegal acts of Connecticut.

1679. One of a committee to draw up a letter to the King, giving account of the Territory of Mount Hope, and of the late war with the Indians; also a])i)ointed with one other to lay out the western line of the Colony.

1685. ' Major John Albro, assistant and coroner, summoned a jury in the case of an Indian found dead in Clay Pit Lands, the verdict being "That said Indian, being much distempered with drink, was bewildered, and by the extremity of cold lost his life."

1686. Member of Sir Edmund Andros' council, and present at its first meeting in Boston, December ;30, 1686.

1697. Allowed twenty shillings for going to Boston.

1710. By his will, dated December '28, proved 171:3, he divided a considerable amount of real and personal property among his sons and daughters, and their children. He was buried in his own orchard. His children were: Samuel. Elizabeth, Mary, John and Susannah.

(II)—John Albro, born 16—, died December 4, 1724. He married Mary Stokes in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1693. 1677—He was among those who were granted 5,000 acres of land, to be called East Greenwich. 1687—He was fined 6s. 8d. for refusing to take oath as a grand juror. 1720 — His will proved, December 14, 1724, left a good estate, both real and personal. His children were: John, Mary, Sarah and Samuel.

(HI)—John Albro, born August 23, 1694, died 17—. He married Abigail Ballou in 1713. In 1717 became a Freeman. In 1739, moved from Portsmouth to New Kingston. Some of his children subsequently going to Exeter. His children were: John, Samuel, Mary, Maturin, Sarah and Peter.

(IV)—Samuel Albro, born October 10,

1716, died in 1767. He married Alice .

He went from N. Kingston to Exeter, where he passed the rest of his days. His widow died in 1787. He was an elder in the Baptist Church at Exeter. His children were: Alice, Thomas, Samuel, Martin and Waite.

(V)—Samuel Albro, born October 12, 1749, died in 1816. He married Patience Bull. He migrated from Exeter to the Clove Valley, about eighteen miles east from Pokeepsie, N. Y. He returned to Rhode Island for a wife, who was a descendant of Henry Bull, Colonial Governor of Rhode Island in 1685-1686. He introduced an apple called the Rhode Island Greening into Duchess county, where it thrived and became very popular, and is still a marketable winter apple. His children were: Thomas, Samuel, Waite, Alice and Hannah.

^VI)—Thomas Albro, born May 9, died September 24, 1852. He married Tice. He lived a very uneventful life moving from the farming section in which he was born. Was elected a constable at one time, which seems to have satisfied his political ambition. His children were: Joseph, Samuel, John, Louisa, Catherine, William, and Philo and Zeno (twins).

(VII) —Zeno Albro, born June 10, 1809, died November 25, 1883. He married Mary A. Clark in 1847. He lived in many different places in New York and Pennsylvania; he was a man of thorough integrity, and much trusted by other men. He did not seem to inherit a taste for farming, but cast about for opportunities to buy and sell horses, cattle, carriages, merchandise and real estate, in most of which transactions he showed shrewdess and good judgment. At one time he owned a farm upon which the present City of Scranton, Pennsyl-

1779. Ever never

vania, is in part built. His children were: WiLLL\M C, Louise (deceased), John P., Mary E., and Merlin.

(VIIIj—William Clark Albro, born August 16, 1848, married Theodora Rogers, November 3, 1875. He attended W'esleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Mass., and Cornell University and Columbia College Law School, then under the management of Theodore W. Dwight, receiving at the latter institution the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1874, and has since resided at Pokeepsie engaged in the practice of his profession. He enjoys a general practice, and has been executor or administrator of several important estates. Since 1891 he has been a member of the Pokeepsie board of education, and is deeply interested in the public schools. His children were: Florence, who died in infancy, and Edna Clark, who, after completing a course at Lyndon Hall School at Pokeepsie. entered Vassar College in 1895.

KEY. JOHN B. WESTON. D. I)., Presi- dent of the Christian Biblical Institute at

Stanfordville, Dutchess Co., N. Y., was born in Somerset county, Maine, July 6, 1821, the son of Stephen and Rebecca Weston.

His grandparents, Stephen and Martha Weston, were among the earliest members of the Christian Church in that part of Maine, and his parents belonged to the same denomination, his grandfather and father both being deacons. In his fourteenth year the subject of our sketch was converted, and baptized, and united with the same Church. Reared upon a farm, his earlier years were spent in hard work, to which he is indebted, however, for tlfe habits of industry which have made his life fruitful. His opportunities for schooling were meagre, but he learned easily, and by faithful use of such advantages as he had, and improving his leisure moments at home, he made unusual progress in study, standing high in ordinary branches, and gaining a thorough knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, surve\ing and navigation by private stud}-, with his father's aid. At seventeen he began teaching school in winters; and from eighteen to twenty-two, at other seasons of the year, he attended the Academy at Bloomfield, Maine, when he could be spared from the farm work, making the equivalent about four terms in all.

' ^^.^-i^^^^i.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

417

In this time he prepared for college in Latin and Greek, and gained proficiency in French and other advanced branches of a college course; but his means would not permit him to go to college at that time. He attended the first Sunday-school organized in his native place, and at sixteen years of age he became a teacher of a class. At about the same age he assisted in organizing the Young People's Total Abstinence Society, the first society pledged to total abstinence that he had ever known, and was one of its first officers. He has from that time taken an active interest in Temperance work. From the time of his conversion, and especially from his seventeenth year, he was interested in all religious work, and had a strong impression that it was his duty to enter the ministry, though his natural timidity made him shrink from the work. This conviction became so urgent that in 1843, before he was twenty-two, he united with the Maine Central Christian Conference, and was approved as a licentiate. In August of that year he accepted a call to a small church in West Newbury, Mass. In 1844 he was ordained, and continued to minister to his first charge until 1846, spending some time in Boston, however, in the study of Hebrew with Dr. Eli Noyes, and of elocution with James E. Murdoch, the tragedian. In 1846 he was called to be office editor and publishing agent of the "Herald of Gospel Liberty," then published at Exeter, N. H. After seven months there he moved with it to Newburyport, Mass., and in the following year he accepted a call to the Christian Church at Skowhegan, Maine, where he preached three years. He was married in 1849 to his first wife, Miss Nancy McDonald, who proved to him a true helper.

In 1850 he was a delegate to, and one of the vice-presidents of, the Christian Convention, held at Marion, N. Y., where the denomination determined to establish Antioch College. Early in 1852, he became pastor of the Christian Church in Portland, Me., and remained until October, 1853, when, to fulfill his long-delayed wish for a collegiate education, he entered the first class in Antioch College, of Yellow Springs, Ohio, of which Hon. Horace Mann was president, graduating in 1857. At the end of his third year he was invited by President Mann to take the position of Principal of the Preparatory Department; but he declined, accepting the appointment, however, after his graduation, when it was again ten-

27

dered. During the war the entire responsibility of the College was on his shoulders. At the close he became professor of Greek, remaining until 1881, making twenty-eight years at Antioch. In October, 1881, he was elected President of the Christian Biblical Institute, as successor to Dr. Austin Craig, and assumed the position January i, 1882. During the fifteen years in which he has held this position the Institute has had a steady growth and improvement. The endowment funds have been more than quadrupled; two resident professors and one non-resident professor have been added to the Faculty; the courses of study have been reorganized, and the standard of requirements raised. Students have gone out every year from the school, who are doing valuable service and holding important positions as ministers of the Gospel. Besides being the President of the school and giving daily lectures, he has done other professorial work usually devolving upon several Chairs. Since 1891 he has also been the Treasurer of the Institute, and the oversight of the property and the management of its funds have been in his hands, and important improvements have been made in the buildings and grounds. Both these positions he still holds, and now (1897) at the age of seventy-six, he is in vigorous health, and actively discharging the multiplied duties of his positions. Dr. Weston's first wife died in May, 1858, and in June, i860, he married a classmate, Miss Achsah E. Waite, of Chicago, who has been his assistant at Stanfordville, as she was at Antioch. He has never been athletic, but has always enjoyed good health, and had great capacity for endurance. During his forty-three years of school work he has never once missed meeting his classes on account of his own health, and never has called in a physician to see him, except on the occasion of a single accident. Possessing rare intellectual ability, united with practical judgment and force of character, he could have made his way in any sphere of life; and his unswerving devotion to the interests of the Christian Church, local and general, has made him a helpful influence in many of her most important enterprises.

STEPHEN HOLMES IRELAND (de-' ceased) was one of the leading and progressive agriculturists of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where his entire life was passed, his birth occurring there October 7,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

February 3, 1781; Elizabeth, October 4, 1782; Jeremiah, June i, 1784; Thomas, December 15, 1783; Milton (2), September 7, 1787; Deborah, November 15, 17S9; Rachel, April 23, 1791; and Catherine, July 31, 1793. Of this family Elizabeth Gushing was a native of Dutchess county, and on June 5, 1803, she became the wife of Ebenezer Stevens, who was born in Dutchess county, April 4, 1776, and died in 1843; her death occurred December 22, 1840. In their family were six children, namely: Maria T., born October 30, 1804, married Benjamin K. Delevan; Herman, born May 12, 1806, married Miss Lucy Beid-ing; Elizabeth A., born October 16, 1808, was the mother of our subject; Catherine, born June 26, 1810, was married October 11, 1831, to John R. Preston; William, born August 26, 1821, was married in June, 1842, to Miss .Mary E. Ross; and Ebenezer, born July 27, 1824, was married in 1845 to Miss Sarah K. Beldon.

To John M. Ketcham and his estimable wife were born nine children, as follows: (i) William S. was born, reared and educated at Dover Plains, and on reaching manhood he married Miss Emily Titus, daughter of Judge Titus, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county; he always took an active part in poli-■ tics, as a stanch Democrat, and held several local offices, among them that of supervisor of the town of Dover. (2j John H. was also born in Dover Plains. (3) Maria L. married William R. Butts. (4) George W. is next in order in birth. (5) James C. and (6) Ebenezer both died at the age of six years. (7) Elizabeth C. married Romine Waterbury. (8) James C. married Miss Alice F. Meeker. (9) Morris married Miss Rosie H. Lowery, of Washington, D. C. The father of this family died June 17, 1853, the mother on December 21, 1888.

George W. Ketcham, whose name introduces this memoir, was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 183S, and received an excellent education at Brown University, Providence, R. I., where he graduated in i860. He then engaged in the marble business at Dover Plains, and also conducted a large farm near the village ; but most of his attention was devoted to the former. Like his brothers, he has always taken a deep interest in political affairs, and has served as supervisor of his native town. Through his business he has not only promoted his own in-

terests, but has aided in the advancement and welfare of his town and county. He stands high in financial circles, and is exceedingly popular with all classes of citizens. Generous and strictly conscientious and upright in all his dealings, his career is one that he can look back upon with just and pardonable pride.

On February 20, 1867, George W. Ketcham married Miss Elizabeth A. Schofield, of Brock-ville, Canada, in which city her father, Augustus Schofield, was engaged in merchandising. Her grandfather. Dr. Peter Schofield, was a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., where he married Miss Deborah Gushing ; but a few years after the birth of their first child they removed to Canada, where he followed his profession. Four children were born to them : Augustus, Milton, Elizabeth and Herman. Augustus Schofield was born at Pawling, Dutchess county, and was four years old when taken by his parents to Canada, where he was educated in the public schools. After laying aside his text books he commenced merchandising in Brock-ville, and successfully conducted his store for a number of years ; he was also United States consul at Brockville some twelve years. He married Miss Electa Breckenridge, daughter of David Breckenridge, an officer in the British army, who for his services had been granted considerable valuable farming land in Canada. Three children were born of this union : William H. (deceased); Elizabeth, who died at the age of seven years, and Elizabeth A., the wife of our subject.

WILLLAM D. BUDD, a prominent manufacturer and speculator of Dutchess Junction, Dutchess county, has been for many years a leading worker in the development of that locality, having participated in some of the most important constructions and enterprises undertaken there. He is a native of Phillipstown, Putnam county, the youngest son of William and Elizabeth Haight Budd, the other children being Martha, Hannah, Jane, Mary, John and Underbill.

During his childhood his parents removed to Matteawan, and his education was acquired in the public schools of that town. He began to display his business ability at an early age by speculating in real estate, improved and unimproved, and also engaged in the wood business. In 1848 and 1849 he assisted in the construction of the Hudson River railroad^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

421

and was one of the first men to ride on cars from Fishkill to New Hamburg, or "Old Troy," as it was then called. This was the season of the great cholera epidemic, and was marked also by the loss of the steamer " Empire," and the drowning of many of her passengers and crew. The coroner, who was called to hold an inquest on the bodies, died of cholera before he had completed the task. In 1868, the same year in which ground was broken for the construction of the N. D. & C. R. R., Mr. Budd began the manufacture of brick, in partnership with Charles Griggs, whose interest he purchased four years later for $12,000. He continued the business alone for some time, and then sold a share in it to the Terry Brothers, the partnership then formed lasting six years, when the business was put up for sale at auction. Mr. Budd bought in the plant, and for the last eighteen years has carried on the business alone. The yards are located upon a tract of twenty-six acres of land originally bought from the railroad, and have recently been enlarged and much improved. He has always continued his real-estate speculations more or less, and is still interested in some important transactions in that line. He has taken part at times in various other business enterprises, and was for many years a trustee of the Fishkill Landing Savings Bank.

Mr. Budd married Miss Ann Rogers, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Scottj Rogers, and they have two children, Lizzie Kate, and Ella. The family attend the Methodist Church, and Mr. and Mrs. Budd have always shown an active interest in whatever concerned the welfare and advancement of the town. They have a pleasant home at Dutchess Junction. In early manhood Mr. Budd was a Democrat in politics, later becoming a Whig, and in 1860 he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln, since which time he hasgivenhis support to the Republican party. He held the office of collector for his town for three years—1858, 1859, and about 1877—and has been trustee of the schools of Matteawan, his interest in improved educational advantages being shown by his able discharge of the duties of that position.

CHARLES F. SEGELKEN, the efficient manager of the Western Union Telegraph office at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is one of the leading residents of that town. He is a

native of Germany, and was born in 1835, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, where his family had been prominent for many generations. His grandfather, Herman Segelken, was a highly educated man, and held the position of captain of a vessel. He married, and reared a family of four children: Mary; Ann; Theresa; and Herman, our subject's father. Herman Segelken, too, was born in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, and after receiving a liberal education became a grain merchant and hotel keeper. His wife was Catherine S. Luhrs, also a native of Germany, and our subject was the eldest of their three children; Heinrich died in infancy; and Herman was the third.

Our subject enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his youth, and in 1854, at the age of eighteen, he came to the United States to seek his fortune. His first employment was in New York City, where he remained five years, and he then entered the service of the old American Telegraph Company, first as battery-man and then as lineman. In 1861 he was sent to Dover Plains as a line repairer and in 1864, having learned the art of telegraphy, he was appointed operator, and assistant agent of the Harlem road. In the following year he was appointed agent by J. C. Buckhouse, superintendent, and later was made the manager of the western office at that place, under Geo. B. Prescott, superintendent. He takes an active part in local affairs, and is well liked wherever he is known. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and he has served as health officer of the town. He is prominent in Masonic circles, and is a charter member of Dover Lodge No. 666, which was organized in 1867, and he has held the office of secretary for twenty-six years.

In 1866, Mr. Segelken married Missjean-nette L. Talladay, a descendant of one of the old families of the town of Dover, and four children have blessed their union: Herman, born December 15, 1866: Charles F., Jr., August 19, 1S79; George W., September 16, 1882; and Harrison, June 13, 1884. All are living except George W., who died in 1883.

Isaac Talladay, the grandfather of Mrs. Segelken, was born and educated in the town of Dover, where he engaged in agriculture. He married Miss Martha Griffin, and had eight children: Isaac; Jacob, who died in childhood; Seneca; John; Neilson, father of Mrs. Segelken; Alex; and Martha. Neilson Talladay

COMJfEJfORATIVE -BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was also a native of Dover, where he carried on carpentering. He married Miss Elizabeth Colby, the daughter of a prominent farmer of the same town, and had five children: Phcebe; Jeannette L. 'Mrs. Segelken); Mary; Elizabeth; and Frank, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere.

REV. JOSHU.\ COLLINS, a well-known retired minister of the Presbyterian Church, has been for nearly twenty years a resident of Wappingers Falls, where his quiet but earnest and effective work in various movements tending to moral and intellectual progress is a recognized influence for good.

He was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, July lo, 1814, and his ancestry on both sides was of English origin. His paternal grandfather, Joshua Collins ffor whom he was named;, was a native of Rhode island, but settled in Dutchess county in early manhood. He married Mary White, who was also of English descent, and reared a family of six children: Martin \V., our subject's father; Oliver, a leading resident of Pleasant Valley, a school teacher by occupation, and for many years a Justice of the Peace; Joshua, a farmer in Illinois; Gideon, a farmer in Franklin county, N. Y.; Martha, who married Mr. Viele, a farmer in the town of Lagrange, and Susan, the wife of Caleb Angeline, a business man of Poughkeepsie.

Martin \V. Collins was born at the old homestead in the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and lived there until his marriage to Anna Foreman, a daughter of Isaac Foreman, a prominent agriculturist of Pleasant Valley. The early ancestors of this family also came from England. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Collins settled upon a farm in Pleasant Valley, and he became one of the leading men of that locality, taking great interest in the work of the Democratic party, and other public movements, holding the office of Alms House Keeper, and Justice of the Peace for many years. He and his wife were Presbyterians in faith. He died in 1876, and Mrs. Collins survived him ten years. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of their four children; Isaac is a well-kmown resident of Poughkeepsie, where his son, Martin Collins, is also attaining to a prominent place; Mary Ann married William Gurney, a business man of New York City, but both are now deceased, and Rhoda lives at Wappingers Falls.

Rev. Mr. Collins spent his youth upon the farm; but his abilities and inclinations fitted him for a wider sphere of action, and at the age of twenty-three he entered Yale College; but his eyes failed him, and after one year there he was compelled to give up his intention of graduating. From 1842 to 1847 he was in charge of the Mathematical and Classical departments of West Point College; but he then retired to the old homestead in Pleasant Valley. In 1877 he moved to \\'appingers Falls, and in 1880 he was united in matrimony with Miss Isabella Johnston, a lady of Scotch descent. Although unfortunately deterred from carrying out his plans in early life, Mr. Collins has been a thorough student, following many branches of learning as opportunity afforded, and his years have been faithful in good works. He was ordained a clergv'man of the Congregational Church in 1859, at Arlington, Vt.. and two years later was taken into the North River Presbytery, and he has preached effectively in several places. He takes an active and intelligent interest in public affairs, is a Democrat in politics, and has been for many years a leading worker in temperance reform.

DR. ISAAC NEWTON MEAD. Many of the most prominent citizens of Dutchess county served their country during the dark dajs of the Rebellion, making a record honorable and glorious. Among these brave boys who "wore the blue" is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is now an honored resident of Amenia, where for many years he has been successfully engaged in business.

The Doctor is a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Ame.nia, September 13, 1840, and traces his ancestry back to Nathan Mead, who died February 24, 1777, at the age of eighty-six years. Job Mead, the son of the latter, came to Dutchess county from Horse Neck, Long Island, at an early date, and bought a farm from the Nine Partners in the town of Amenia, where, during the remainder of his life, he carried on agricultural pursuits. When the colonies resolved to throw off the British yoke, he joined the Continental army, and served through the war of the Revolution as captain. He married Miss Mercy King, and to them were born five

COMMEyrORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

423

children: Job, Jr., the grandfather of the Doctor; Nathan; Joshua; Mercy and AHce. The mother of these children died August 28, 1812, and the father passed away April 23, 1819, at the age of eighty-four years.

Job Mead, Jr., spent his boyhood days on the home farm in the town of Amenia, and, like his father, he also took up arms against Great Britain, serving in the war of 1812. He was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Hebard, who died January 29, 1808, at the age of forty-six years, and they had six children: Nancy, Sarah, Mary, Henry, John K. and Barak. The grandfather's death occurred Januar}' 12, 1838, when he was aged seventy-seven years.

John K. Mead, the father of our subject, was born September 6, 1799, on the homestead farm in the town of Amenia, where his early life was passed in aiding in the work of the fields, and in attending the district schools of the neighborhood. All of his active business life was devoted to the improvement and cultivation of the home farm. On February 28, 1827, he married Miss Jane A. Sutherland, who was born November 17, 1807, and died April 20, 1885. Six children blessed their union: Sarah Esther, born September II, 1829, married E. W. Simmons; Mary Jane, born July 3, 1832, married Rev. E. W. Clark, a missionary to India; John F., born March 16, 1834, died September 29, 1888; Isaac N. is next in order of birth; Henry Sutherland, born May 25, 1842, is living in Millerton, N. Y.; Ruth Alida, born June 11, 1853, married Charles Benham, of Amenia. Religiously, the father was a Baptist, taking an active part in the work of his Church, in which he served as deacon for many years, and was also quite prominent in public affairs, being a member of the New York Assembly in 1844, and serving as supervisor of Amenia and justice of the peace. His first vote was cast in support of the Whig party, and on its dissolution he became a stalwart Republican. He died March 27, 1873, passing away at the end of a long and well-spent life.

The boyhood and youth of Dr. Mead were passed upon the old home farm, and he obtained his literary instructions in the district schools and the Amenia Seminary. In 1857 he entered astore in Smithfield, town of Amenia, where he clerked for one year, and then was similarly employed by Oliver Chamberlain at Amenia. In the spring of 1859 he began the

study of medicine at Millerton, Dutchess county, with Dr. Lucius P. Woods, and the following fall took a partial course in the Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield. Mass. In 1859— 60 he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York City, after which he returned to study at Millerton.

In response to the call of the general government for volunteers to defend our national life, Dr. Mead enlisted in the fall of 1862 as a private in Company A, 150th N. Y. V. I.; on the following Christmas Day was transferred from this regiment to the 5th N. Y. C. as hospital steward, and in the fall of 1864 was promoted to assistant-surgeon. He remained in active service with that command until August, 1865, when he was mustered out at Harts Island. He escaped uninjured, but had two horses shot under him—one at Hanover, Penn., June 30, 1863, and the other at Winchester, Va. He was always found at his post of duty, gallantly defending the old flag, and saw much hard service, participating in the following battles: Upperville and Aldie, \'a.; Hanover, Penn.; Gettysburg; Barnesboro; Hagerstown, Md.; Falling Waters; Culpeper; Brandy Station; Wilderness; Spottsylvania; North and South Anna River; Cold Harbor; Petersburg; raid to Richmond; Winchester; Cedar Creek; Fisher's Hill; Waynesboro; Charlotteville; Ap-pomatox; and Five Forks. The 5th N. Y. C. served under Gens. Sheridan, Kilpatrick and Custer. When hostilities had ceased. Dr. Mead returned to New York, and again entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated in the spring of 1866. For one year he then engaged in practice in Amenia, then in 1868 removed to Millerton, where he practiced for the same length of time, when he again came to Amenia.

On January 13, 1869, the Doctor was married to Miss Julia Mygatt, daughter of Abram P. Mygatt, and they now have one child, Alice. Since his marriage the Doctor has successfully followed his chosen profession in Amenia. In 1873 he became a member of the firm of Bart-lett & Mead, handling drugs, groceries, hardware, agricultural implements, grass seeds, etc., which connection continued until 1889, when Horace B. Murdock bought out the interest of Mr. Bartlett.

Socially, Dr. Mead holds membership with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., in which he served as first master; with John M. Gregory Post, G. A. R., Department of Connecticut,

COMMEMORA TTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

No. 59; and Cavalry Society of the Army of the United States. In politics the Doctor afifiliates with the Democratic party, although his first vote for President was cast for the martyred Abraham Lincoln. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the Church of that denomination in Anienia. He has won his way to the regard of the people with whom he comes in contact in his daily rounds by his read}' tact and kindly sympathy, and is as faithful to his country in days of peace as in the dark days of the Rebellion.

E

DGAR iM. VANDERBURGH, a farmer and stock raiser, was born in the town of Canaan, Columbia county, August 26, 1820, and is the son of Martin and Mary (Halsteadj Vaxiderburgh. ^..^

(Col. James Vanderburghy'gFeafcgrahdfather of eur subject,\was a farmer in the town of Beekman. Hts father was of Dutch descent, and was probably born in Holland. Col. \'an-derburgh served all through the Revolutionary war, and Washington and La Fayette made his home their stopping place. The \'ander-burgh mansion, which was built some time prior to the Revolution, was the first substantial house in Beekman. It stood about one-quarter of a mile northeast of the village of Poughquag, and was torn down in i860. It was built of wood and stone, and a broad, covered veranda e.xtended across the front of it. The slaves had quarters in the basement. In this house Col. James \'anderburgh had eighteen children born to him, all of whom reached maturity, and whose descendants are reckoned among the solid and substantial residents of Dutchess county to-day. It is said that a "Tory" plot was once hatched to kill him in his own house, but was frustrated by his wife, who barricaded the mansion so effectually that the "Tories " despaired of their purpose and ran away. It was after that event that Col. Vanderburgh entertained Gen. Washington at his hospitable table. Many traditions clustered around this old house, and it is a pity such a historic spot should have been blotted out.

Col. Vanderburgh was born September 4, 1729, and died April 4, 1794. He was married to Miss Margaret Noxon on September 29, 1753, and to them the following children were born : Elizabeth, Henry, Bartholomew, James, Magdalen, Peter and Stephen. Mrs. \'ander-

burgh died August 9, 1766. On October 25, 1767, Col. Vanderburgh married Miss Helen Clark, and these children were born : William, Margaret, Richard, Gabriel L., Egbert B., Clarissa, George W., Paulina, Almira, Federal and Caroline. In "The Surrogate", a magazine published in New York, March, 1891, appears the following: "Col. James \'ander-burgh was one of the most influential citizens of Beekman, Dutchess county, and was descended from Holland ancestors, who settled at an early day in that region. He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1776, and during the Revolutionary war was a zealous friend of the patriot cause, and while Gens. Washington and La Fayette were in his vicinity he entertained them and their staffs at his home." In later life he followed farming in Beekman, where he diedTj

Henry \'anderburgh, grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Beekman. He married and located in the town of Hyde Park, where he reared the following family of children: Lewis, Margaret, Martin, Fannie, John, Richard, Lucinda, Eliza, Maria and Katherine. The grandfather died in Hyde Park in May, 1841; his wife had passed away several years previous. Henry \'anderburgh was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill.

Martin \'anderburgh attained his majority in Hyde Park, and was a merchant and school teacfier. He married Miss Mary Halstead, who was born in the town of Clinton. Her father, Richard Halstead, was a native of Westchester county; he married a Miss Griffin, and they had a large family of children. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vanderburgh moved to Canaan, Columbia county, locating on a farm; they became the parents of nine children, namely: Emeline, Susan, Oscar, Edgar M., John, Richard, Annie E., Maria, and Lucinda. Of these, Emeline died unmarried; Susan married V. J. Wilcox, a farmer in Columbia count)'; Oscar is a retired farmer in the town of Chatham, Columbia county; John (deceased; was a farmer and merchant; Richard was also a farmer and merchant, and is now deceased; Annie E became the wife of S\-lvester S. Kady, a merchant of Jamestown; Maria married Rev. C. W. Havens, and is now deceased; Lucinda became the wife of E. W. Levensworth, a farmer and landlord in Columbia county. The parents of this family went to Columbia county in 1820, where the

g; /7/. e^r^/la^^J^^ Uy^^

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425

father died in 1864, and the mother in 1866; in politics, Mr. Vanderburgh was a Whig, and in religious failh both he and his wife adhered to the Society of Friends.

Edgar M. Vanderburgh, the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days on the farm in Columbia county, and attended the district school until fourteen years of age, when he went to Canaan Center Academy. He was obliged to earn his own living, so taught school in winters and attended them in summers; but failing health prevented him from completing the classical course. He married Miss Hannah Sutherland in 1844, and they had three children: Anna, who married Philip J. Sherman, a farmer and school teacher; Amelia married Rev. U. Symonds, and died in 1882; Henry is at home. In 1845 our subject moved to the town of Stanford, where he farmed, and where his wife died in 1853. In 1870 he married Mrs. Kate (Sackett) Lockwood, the widow of John F. Lockwood, and moved to his present place at Lithgow. His wife is a descendant of one of the old families. Mr. Vanderburgh was originally a Whig, voting first for Henry Clay, and since the organization of the Republican party he has supported it at every National election, including that of 1896. He was elected superintendent of common schools in 1849, and again in 1S50, '51, '52, and '53; in 1857-58, he was elected supervisor of the town of Stanford; in 1864 he was elected superintendent of the county poor, being the iirst incumbent to that office in the county, and he held it for six consecutive years.

Mr. Vanderburgh is a firm believer in the Christian religion; that Christian unity should embrace the faithful of all denominations; that Christ is more than creed; that Christianity is more than sect; and that Christian character should be the test of Christian fellowship. The following lines represent some of his ruling maxims:

What conscience dictates to be done,

Or warns me not to do, This teach me more than hell to shun,

That more than heav'n pursue.

Teach me to feel another's woe,

To hide the faults I see; That mercy I to others show.

That mercy show to me.

If I am right, Thy grace impart!

Still in the right to stay; If I am wrong, oh! teach my heart

To find that better way.

MRS. MATILDA VAIL NOXON. Among the well-known pioneer families of the

town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, the Vails have always held an honored place. Each generation has been engaged mainly in tilling the soil, and industry, frugality, and progressive spirit of the typical American farmer have been marked characteristics.

Moses Vail, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born and educated in the town of Unionvale, and established his home there upon a farm. He and his wife, Phcebe Losee, had eleven children: (i) James, a farmer, married Anna Montfort, and had six children, of whom, Stephen M., a clergyman, married Louise Cushman; Isaac M. married Mary Wheeler; Susan L. married Rev. James Runyon; Phcebe A. married Henry Segine; Cordelia E. married John Segine; and James W. died in young manhood. (2) Isaac married Rebecca Vail, and had one child— George W. (now deceasedj. (3) Stephen died at an early age. (4) Thomas married Susan A. Barlow, and had five children—Elisha B., who is single; Phoebe (Mrs. Charles Elmore); Maria J., the wife of Mr. Pultz; Caroline (Mrs. Presten); and Louisa, unmarried. (5) John is mentioned below. (6) Lavina married Tunis Van Benschoten, and had seven children— Phcebe Ann (Mrs. James Thurston); Mary (Mrs. Elisha Frenchj; Sarah (Mrs. Jones); Elizabeth (Mrs. Bronson); Jennie; Catherine White; and Phcebe (Mrs. Philo Vincent). (7) Mary married Levi Vincent, and had eleven children—Phebe (Mrs. J. Velie); Isaac (deceased); Deborah (deceased); Gideon; Piatt; Thomas (deceased); Lavina (Mrs. Brown); Edwin; Chester (deceased); Albert (deceased); and Mary Ida (Mrs. Phelps). (8) Elias married Jane A. Cook. (9) Simon inarried Mary Potter, and had six children—Henrietta (Mrs. Helms); Fredrick; Edwin (deceased);Clarence, who married Maria Bartlett; Alice (deceased); and Evelenia (unmarried). (10) Moses married Hester Bussing, and had no children; he was well educated, and practiced law in New York City, but died at Saratoga, N. Y., in 1888. (11) Piatt married Amelia A. Davis, and had five children—James D., who married Phoebe Vincent; Julia and Lavina, who are not married; Jesse, who died in the army in 1864; and Moses (deceased).

John Vail, our subject's father, was born at Verbank, Dutchess county, in November, 1800, and was educated in the schools of the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

town. His main occupation was farming, but he was also engaged in mercantile business, and conducted a woolen-mill at \'erbank for some time. He married Elizabeth Vincent, and had ten children: (i) Sarah, born February 8, 1828, married Jacob Baker, a blacksmith of Freedom Plains, and is now deceased. (2) Matilda is mentioned below. (3) Loretta, born April 4, 1831, remained single all her life. (4) Samuel, born July 4, 1832, was a carpenter by trade, and had four children—Libbie fwife of Leonard Secord); Charles (who married Carrie Cass), William and Abbie (both deceased). (5) Mary, born October 13, 1834, married Simon Losee, and has two children— Lizzie and \\'esley. (6) Martha,born January 14, 1836, was educated in Amenia Seminary, became a successful teacher, and is now deceased. (7) Rebecca (deceased), born October I, 1837, married Richard Hall, a farmer of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and had four children—Everett; Libbie (deceased); Herbert and Minnie. (8) Stephen, born February 23, 1839, is a carpenter by occupation. (9) James (deceased), born February 22, 1841, was a blacksmith by trade, and he and his wife had one daughter, Sarah (now Mrs. Richard Case). (10) George, born May 23, 1843, is a well-known dairyman of Union-vale; he married Miss Phcebe Noxon, and has three children—Henry, Hettie and John.

Matilda Vail first saw the light September 14, 1S29, at the old home in Verbank. She was educated there, and later became the wife of Dewitt C. No.\on, son of Abram Noxon, a well-to-do farmer. Mr. Noxon followed mercantile pursuits in early life, and then for a time engaged in farming, but he spent his later years in New York City on the police force. He bravely served his country in the Civil war as a member of Company I, 128th N. Y. V. I., but was discharged on account of ill health. He died in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Noxon had two children: Emma and Ada, of whom the latter died at an early age; Emma (now also deceased) married John G. Duncan, and had two children—J. Davis and Emma.

CLEVELAND H. TITUS, general mer-_' chant, and the popular postmaster of Webatuck, town of Dover, Dutchess county, was born on January 29, 1843, in New York City. There the birth of his grandfather, Richard Titus, occurred, and as an occupation

he followed trucking in that city. In his family were five children : Joseph R. and Benjamin J. (twins j, Richard, Alonzo and Sarah.

Joseph R. Titus, father of our subject, was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, in 1809, but received his education in New York City, and,, like his father, engaged in trucking. He spent two years in the West, where he followed farming; but owing to ill health returned to New York. He married Miss Ruth Amelia Titus, daughter of Samuel J. Titus, a farmer of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county.

The parental household included fourteen children, (i) Adaline C., born November 3, 1841, died in 1851. (2) Cleveland H. is next in order of birth. (3) Stanley, December 23, 1844, died July 27, 1861. (4) Agnes I., born August 24, 1846, died July 22, 1847. (5) Eugene, born June 29, 1848, died November 27, 1849. (6) Albert, born June 15, 1850, died March 9, 1853. (7) Louisa J., born August 13, 1852, died October 20, 1857. (8) Mary A., born April 3, 1854, in New York City, was there educated, and married Ferdinand Blackenhorn, of Poughkeepsie, who served as cashier of the Third National Bank of New York City, but is now deceased — dying in 1893. Six children were born of their union — Barbara, Amie, Jacob F., Ethel, Eugene and Ruth. (9) Ida, born April 15, 1856, died April i, 1862. (10) Stephen, born April 17, 185S, in New York City, where he was educated, married Miss Agnes O'Neill, of that place, and they have three children—Ruth, Albert and Cornelius B. (11) Frank L., born December 5, 1859, m New York, married Miss Ellen Diamond, of that city, and they are now located at Palouse, Wash., where he is engaged in merchandising. They have three children — Joseph, Stanley and Margaret. (12) Mellie S., born July 7, 1861, in New York City, completed her literary education in the New York Normal College, and after studying law in the office of Mr. Hildreth, of New York, was admitted to the bar in 1894 to practice in the Supreme Court. However, she is now engaged in teaching in the Eighty-sixth street grammar school. (13) Eliza I., born May 13, 1864, was also a school teacher, and died April 15, 1896. (14) George 1., born November 14, 1865, in New York City, is now employed as ticket agent on the Second Avenue Elevated road.

Our subject pursued his studies in the common schools of the town of Dover, and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

427

was employed in merchandising for his uncle for some time. After the latter's death, he turned his attention to farming until about eight 3'ears ago, since which time he has conducted a general store in Webatuck, where he also served as postmaster. He carries a full and complete stock, and secures a liberal share of the public patronage. Socially, he is a charter member of Dover Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., of Dover Plains.

On May 17. 1868, Mr. Titus was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Allis, daughter of Huram and Mary J. (Hoag) Allis, of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and they now have two sons: (i) Joseph A., born April 17, 1869, in Dover, received a common-school education, and followed the mercantile business with his father until his marriage in 1892, to Miss Matie Orton, daughter of Judson and Susan (Wheeler) Orton. agriculturists of Dover Plains (he is now engaged in carrying the mail). (2) Stanley H., born July 23, 1879, in the town of Dover, was there educated, and is now in the store with his father at Webatuck.

David Allis, the grandfather of Mrs. Titus, was also a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and after leaving school always engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Sarah Burton,and they had three children, of whom Huram was the eldest. Alva, the second son, removed to Pennsylvania, where he followed farming, but previously he had married Miss Mariette Briggs, of Amenia, Dutchess county, by whom he had two children—Sarah J., and one who died in infancy. Phcebe, the only daughter, was born and educated in the town of Dover. She became the wife of a Mr. Sherman, a farmer of that town, and they had one son, Ebenezer.

Huram Allis, the father of Mrs. Titus, was born in the town of Dover, April 8, 1802, and as a life-work also followed farming. Religiously, he was a member of the Society of Friends. He wedded Miss Mary G. Hoag, daughter of Joel and Hannah Hoag, the former a farmer and blacksmith of Dover. Three children graced their union: Phcebe, born February 20, 1840, married Elias H. Deuel, by whom she had one daughter, Nellie L., wife of Egbert Slocum, and the mother of one son, Homer; Martin A., born December 23, 1842, died at the age of three years; Sarah E., born April 24, 1849, is the honored wife of our subject.

Cleveland H. Titus and his wife are the

possessors of some 165 acres of land, which is rented for farming purposes. In politics, Mr. Titus is a Democrat.

WILLIAM A. BREWSTER. Esteemed and respected by all, there is no man

in the business circles of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess count}', who occupies a more prominent position than this gentleman, not alone on account of the success he has achieved, but also on account of his honorable and straightforward dealings. He was born September 17, 1S54, in Hughsonville, town of Wappin-ger, this county, and has always made his home in that locality.

Mr. Brewster's paternal grandfather was William Brewster, of Bloomingburg, Sullivan Co., N. Y., whose son, William H. Brewster (the father of the subject of this sketch), was born in that village in 1S12. When a young man he came to Hughsonville, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he engaged in his occupation as carpenter and contractor, afterward accepting the position as foreman of the carpenter department of Garner & Co.'s print works at Wappingers Falls, N. Y., which position he held for about thirty years. He was married September 18, 1852, to Mary Eliza Hoyt, daughter of William and Maria (Roe) Hoyt, and is still living at a ripe old age; but his wife died July i, 1863.

Our subject's maternal grandfather was William Hoyt, whose parents came from Sau-gerties, Ulster Co., N. Y.; he married Maria Roe, daughter of Joseph C. Roe, who was a tanner and currier, and owned and conducted that business at Gayhead, Dutchess Co., N. Y. William Hoyt died August 3, 1885; his wife still survives him, at the age of eighty-five.

W'. A. Brewster, the subject proper of this review, is the only child of this union. His boyhood days were spent at Hughsonville, where he began his education, which was completed at Poughkeepsie. On laying aside his te.xt books, he was employed in the print works at \\^appingers Falls, at the carpenter's trade, for about two j'ears. On January i, 1875, he became bookkeeper in the Bank of Wappingers Falls, a deposit bank, where he remained until he became cashier of a private bank of the same place, although at that time he was only twenty-six years old. After filling that position for a short time he was, on

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

April 15, 1881, elected treasurer of the Wappin-gers Savings Bank, and November j, 1884, was elected trustee of the same institution. He is also a local fire insurance agent, representing ten of the largest American and foreign companies.

Mr. Brewster was married October 19, 1881, to Miss Sarah S. Siddle, who was born in Clinton, Iowa, and is a daughter of Abram Siddle, a paper manufacturer of that place. The Siddle family is of English origin. A daughter, Helen, graces the union of our subject and his wife. As a Democrat in politics, Mr. Brewster takes great interest in political questions, and has served as trustee of the Hughsonville school district, was town clerk of Wappinger, and also represented his town on the board of supervisors. He is an honored and valued member of Wappinger Lodge No. 671, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; of Evening Star Lodge No. 98, K. of P.; and of Lafajette Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F. He stands high in social as well as commercial circles, and his career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of all.

STEPHEN T. DEUEL. Prominent among the leading and influential farmers and stock raisers of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, is the gentleman of whom this sketch is written. He has one of the finest farms in the township, comprising 250 acres of valuable and productive land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and made thereon many substantial and useful improvements. The passerby is at once attracted by its neat and thrifty appearance, and knows the owner to be a man of industry and of progressive methods.

Mr. Deuel was born in the town of Washington, May 27, 1833, and can trace his ancestry back to William Deuel, who emigrated to this country August 3, 1640. The family is of French origin, the name being originally spelled Davol, and later assuming the present mode. Jonathan Deuel, the son of William, was born at Dartmouth, Mass., and died in 1709. His son, Jeremiah Deuel, was .also born at Dartmouth, and died November 29, 1753. In direct line to our subject, he was followed by Timothy, who was born at Bristol, R. I., January i, 1714, and married Lydia Mosher, by whom he had eight children, namely: Lydia, Philip, Hannah, Rhoda,

Juele, Silas, John and Benjamin. For many years he engaged in farming in Rhode Island, and about 1750 came to Dutchess county, locating on a tract of land near Millbrook.

The seventh in that family, Silas Deuel, was born at Bristol, R. I., July 13, 1748, and by his marriage with Hannah White became the father of eleven children: Eunice, Sarah, John, Ruth, Lydia, Silas S., Hannah, Phcebe, Benjamin, Isaac and Malessa. The father, who was an agriculturist, lived to quite an advanced age, dying January 9, 1825. His tenth child, Isaac Deuel, who was born in Washington township, Dutchess countj', November 25, 1798, became the father of our subject. He was united in marriage with Cynthia Thorne, and five children blessed their union: William, Josephine and Henry, deceased; Thorne, a farmer in Washington town; and Stephen T., whose name introduces this sketch. The father followed the various pursuits of farmer, miller and merchant, and died in 1854.

Our subject was reared upon his father's farm, and educated in the district schools of the neighborhood. .After attaining his majority he commenced farming for himself, which occupation he made his life work. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Louise M. Allen, a native of Washington town, born August 6, 1840, and their marriage was celebrated in that town, Februarj' i, 1859. She was the daughter of Norton Allen, a native of Connecticut, who became a merchant of Hart's \'illage. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Deuel located on a farm near Mill-brook, where they resided about five years, and where she died January 24, 1864. One child blessed their union, Isaac N., who married Miss Katie F. Maroney, who was born in \\'ashington town, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Whalen) Maroney. To Isaac N. Deuel and his wife have been born three children: Stephen T., Isaac M., and Olive C. For his second wife Stephen T. Deuel married Miss Kate Maroney, a lady of Irish descent, and a native of Washington township.

In 1866 Mr. Deuel removed from Mill-brook, and settled at Little Rest, where he purchased the homestead and an adjoining farm, where he now lives. On his land is an old mill, which was once a school building and used for that purpose 125 years ago, and %vas at that time an old building. He also has a deed for the first land owned by the Deuels in Dutchess county, the date whereof is 1759,

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429

and the signature that of Daniel Wood. Mr. Deuel is entirely independent of party lines in politics, considering, in the exercise of his elective franchise, rather the fitness of the man for the office than the party who placed him in nomination. Public-spirited to a high degree, he takes great interest in every measure calculated to benefit the community.

WILLIAM RECORD, a prominent mer- chant of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, and one of the most public-spirited citizens of that town, is related by descent or marriage with several of the oldest families of the locality. On the paternal side of his grandfather was John Record, a native of South Mountain, Dutchess county, where he passed his entire life, receiving his education in the common schools of the town of Dover, and later engaging in the manufacture of chairs, in which business he won a notable success. The name of his wife is not known, and of their children three only are now remembered: George W.; Mary, who married Fred Shafer; and Amanda, who married Mr. King. George W. Record, our subject's father, was reared in his native village of South Mountain, attending the public schools and learning the blacksmith's trade. For a number of years he conducted a shop on Chestnut Ridge, and then he moved to the village of Dover, where he became a leading worker in that line of business. He always took great interest in religious matters, and was an active member of the Baptist Church of Dover Plains. He married Miss Susan Burlingame, daughter of John and Phcebe Burlingame, well-known residents of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, who reared a family of children as follows: Susan, born March 28, 1816; Salina, January 11, 1818; Jiles and Miles, twins. May 11, 1821; Harriet, May 13, 1823; John, April 3, 1825; Mary, November 7, 1827; and Philip, May 10, 1830; the youngest child, Phcebe, was born in 1831. George W. Record and his wife had five children: Mary (Mrs. Samuel Hobson); Amanda (Mrs. William G. Evans); William, our subject; Charles, who died in the army; and Emma, who died at the age of twenty-six years. The subject of our sketch was born June i, 1845, ^t the old homestead in Dover Plains, and received a good education in the public schools there. His first experience in business was gained as a clerk in a general store, which

he entered at the age of fifteen. After a few years in this employment he engaged in farming, continuing with marked success until 1872, when he returned to mercantile pursuits, establishing a flour, feed, coal and lumber business. This is one of the principal enterprises in the place, his trade having increased at a gratifying rate as time has passed. Mr. Record is progressive in ideas, and has the advancement of the town at heart. He has always been identified with the Republican party, and has held a number of town offices, including those of supervisor, collector and commissioner, having been elected to the last-named position several times. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, No. 666, of Dover Plains. In 1871 he was united in matrimony with Miss Adelia Lee, and they have four children: (i) George, born in 1871, is now his father's partner in business, and one of the leading young men of the town. On June 20, 1894, he was married to Miss Martha Moore, daughter of the late Henry Moore, once a professor of penmanship in the Eastman Business College at Pough-keepsie, and later a well-known farmer of the town of Dover. He died at the age of thirty-four years, and his wife. Amy, at the age of thirty-six. (2) William Record, Jr., born in 1873, married Anna Weaver. (3) Theo, born in 1876, is at home. (4) Obed, born in 1878, died in infancy.

Mrs. Record was born, in 1849, in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and was educated there. Her grandfather, William Lee, was a native of Gaylords Bridge, Conn., where he was engaged in farming for some years. He married Miss Mehitabel Ward, by whom he had six children: Jane (Mrs. Edward Ferris); Louisa (Mrs. Oliver Warner); Ward (Mrs. Record's father); Egbert, who married Abbie J. Carey; Emily, who married (first) George Travers, and (second) Ira Bowlby; and Emiline, the wife of George Wickham. Ward Lee was also born at Gaylords Bridge, but he was educated in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, his parents removing to that locality when he was a child. He learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it all his life with the exception of ten years which he spent in farming, and many houses in the town of Dover were built by him. In politics he was a Democrat; was road commissioner for a number of years,' and held other offices at various times. In 1846 he was married to Miss Mary Cutler, and had four children: Adelia (Mrs. Record);

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

Emily (Mrs. Alvin Marcy); William, who died in infancy; and Angelina (Mrs. Darwin Warner). Mr. Lee died August 12, 1886, in the si.xty-eighth year of his age, and while his death was keenly felt among a large circle of friends it left the deepest sorrow within the home where his qualities of mind and heart were best known. Mrs. Record's mother, Mary Cutler Lee, was born in 1828, in South Dover, Dutchess county, where her ancestors were early settlers. Her grandfather, William Cutler, was a native of that place, and passed his life there as a well-to-do farmer. He married Miss Elizabeth Hiller, and had eight children: (i) Rhoda (Mrs. Isaac Xorth-rupj; (2) Abigail (Mrs. Thomas Tompkins); (3) Mahala, who never married; (4) Thursie, who died; (5) Bigelow and (6) Thomas, the names of whose wives are unknown; (7) William, who married Irene Brush; and (8) Calvin, the father of Mrs. Lee. He was born in South Dover in 1799, and after obtaining an education in the schools of that place engaged in agriculture. His wife was Miss Keziah Varney, daughter of John and Mary (Rodgers) Varney, prosperous farmers in Connecticut. Eight children were born to this marriage: John and Jerome, who died in infancy; Elihu, who married Lydia Wilcox; Elezer, who married Maranthy Eggleston; Francis, who married Elizabeth Carey; Priscilla (Mrs. William Hall); Mary (Mrs. Ward Lee); and Sarah (Mrs. William Hooker).

WILLIAM S. TRIPP. As an enterpris- ing and wide-awake citizen of Mill-brook, Dutchess county, engaged in the butchering business, we take pleasure in giving this brief biography of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Washington, near Millbrook, on June 24, 1856, and is a son of Daniel Tripp, who was born at the same place in 1833. On that farm his greatgrandfather, Samuel Tripp, had located after his marriage with Miss Mary Howard, and there reared their family of eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Phabe, January 29, 1779; John, November 27, 1780; Hannah, March i, 1782; Susanna, January 31, 1784; George, November 16, 1785; Howard, December 5, 1787; Patience, October 20, 1789; Mary, November 21, 1791; Samuel, April 6, 1794; Wasson,

July 8, 1796, and Isaac, October 7, 1798. The father of this family was born November 15, 1751, and his wife on Novembers, 1757. In religious belief the family were Friends.

Wasson Tripp, the grandfather of our subject, was born on the old homestead, where he was reared, and which he continued to cultivate after reaching man"s estate. In 1818 he was united in marriage with Sally Buckbee, by whom he had two children : Edward B., who was born October 7, 1819, and followed farming as a means of livelihood, and Maivina, who was born August 17, 1821, and became the wife of Henry C. Haight, also an agriculturist. Both are now deceased. For his second wife Wasson Tripp chose Hannah Tompkins, and their wedding was celebrated May 18, 1825. Seven children blessed their union, namely : Howard, born June 26, 1826, became a merchant and, later, station agent at Millbrook ; Charles, born July 27, 1828, was for a time a merchant in New York City, but now makes his home in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Sarah, born August 8, 1S30, married Edwin Curtis, a merchant, but both have passed away ; Daniel, born October 28, 1833, is the father of our subject ; Maria, born May 7, 1836, is the wife of William Rust, a contractor of Poughkeepsie; George, born February 23, 1839, is a cigar merchant of Poughkeepsie, and Mary E., born January 3, 1842.

After reaching manhood, Daniel Tripp was married to Miss Mary E. Seeley, a native of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and a daughter of William Seeley, who in early life followed farming, but his later years were passed in retirement at Poughkeepsie. After their marriage they located upon the old family homestead, where they reared their famih-of nine children: Wasson, who died in March, 1865; \\'illiam S., of this review; E. Bennett, who makes his home in Poughkeepsie; Hiram, a resident of Millbrook; Gertrude, wife of Clark Barmore; Edward and Daniel, who live in Moores Mill; Kate, wife of Frank Taylor, of the same place; and Elizabeth, at home. The father still carries on farming at Moores Mill, and in politics is an ardent Democrat, by which party he has been elected to several positions of honor and trust.

The boyhood days of \\'illiam S. Tripp were spent upon the home farm until sixteen years of age, when he started out to fight life's battle, being employed as a farm hand until he was twenty-two. He then came to Mill-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

431

brook, and for a year and a half worked at the butchering business for Hiram Warner. He has since made that business his life work, and has met with a fair degree of success, establishing his present shop in September, 1881. He is numbered among the promment business men of Millbrook, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

On January 18, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Tripp and Esther M. Smith, and one daughter was born to them—Esther; but the mother was called from this life April 18, 1884. For his second wife our subject wedded Frances La Due, a native of the town of Pleasant \'alley, and a daughter of Alexander La Due, who is of French descent and a farmer by occupation. The lady is a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while in political sentiment Mr. Tripp is a Democrat.

MRS. ANN A. HAYES. It is not alone by eloquence of speech and force of argument that the modern advancement in the status of women—which means the advancement of the human race—has been brought about. The changes in public sentiment which have made it possible for the women of to-day to extend their activities to every line of effort have found their most potent justification and cause in the lives of thousands who have quietly taken their places in public life, and proved the wisdom of their course by an unmistakable success. The subject of this sketch, a descendant of two of the oldest and most highly esteemed families in the county, has spent more than forty years in the service of the government as assistant postmaster at Quaker Hill, Dutchess county; a fact which in itself speaks volumes for her abilit}-, energy and independence of character, for in the beginning of this long term the employment of women in such positions was by no means common. It is well for the present aspirants to official places that the pioneers labored so successfully as to disarm the objections of the most conservative.

Mrs. Ann Akin Hayes was born at Quaker Hill, where her grandfather, John Toffey, settled prior to the Revolutionary war. He was a native of England, born June —, 1748, and in early years was a hatter by trade, but later a farmer, his estate at Quaker Hill being the same that is now occupied by Mrs. Hayes.

He was married January i, 1776, to Abigail Akin, daughter of John Akin, of the well-known Quaker family, whose various members have held conspicuous posts of honor and usefulness. Mrs. Toffey was a member of the Society of Friends, to which her husband inclined. He was a man of strong character, and was prominent in the locality. His death occurred in 1825; that of his wife in 1829, when she was in her eighty-first year. They have five sons, who in manhood had not a pound of difference in their weight. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Hewlett, December 5, 1776, who married Miss Scofield, and settled in Canada; Akin, June 28, 1781, who lived at Quaker Hill; George, June 15, 1783, a resident of the town of Beekman; John, January 21, 1786, Mrs. Hayes' father; and Daniel, May i, 1788, who settled at Quaker Hill.

John Toffey inherited the homestead, and for many years carried on a general mercantile business in a store adjoining his farm, erecting a new building in 1823. He was a thrifty man, successful both as a farmer and as a merchant, and was also prominent in local politics, holding the office of postmaster for manj- years. His honesty and generosity were noticeable traits, and he was highly respected by the people of his locality. Although he was a Friend in principle, he never united with the Society. He was married September 18, 1814, to Esther H. Akin, daughter of James Akin, of Quaker Hill, and had three children. Polly, born April 4, 1815, married DeWitt C. Thomas, and settled near Delhi, Delaware county, N. Y.; John James, born March 3, 1819, died January 12, 1838; Ann Akin, our subject, was born March 12, 1821. The father died March 15, 1867, in his eighty-second year; his wife passed away July 12, 1879, in her eighth-third year. In 1847 the subject of our sketch was united in matrimony with John P. Hayes, who took charge of the store and continued the business successfully for man\-years. They have no children.

MATTHEW V. B. SCHRYVER, a lead-_ __ ing citizen of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and president of the board of trustees of that village, is a member of one of the oldest' and most influential families of that locality.

John T. Schry ver, his grandfather, was born about 1788, in Dutchess county, and was one

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the principal workers in securing the incorporation of the village, and was the first to hold the office of president, which his grandson now fills so ably. John T. Schryver, who was of German descent, married Miss Helen Conklin, a native of Fishkill, Dutchess county, born about 1780, and a descendant of a well-known Holland-Dutch family. Their son, George W. Schryver, our subject's father, was born in Rhinebeck, in 1810, and spent the greater portion of his life there. His wife, Maria E. Fellows, was born in 1819. They had six children, of whom two died in infancy. Matthew was the youngest of the four who lived to maturity, the others being : Helen, Mrs. E. Marshall Pavey, of New York (deceased); Kate, Mrs. Edward D. Cowman, of New York fdeceased); and Georgia, now Mrs. D'Linton W. Greenfield, of Rome, New York. Matthew V. B. Schryver began his mortal career January 12, 1859, in Rhinebeck. He was carefully educated, and completed his literary studies at De Garmo Institute, graduating in 1875. He prepared for the legal profession, receiving the degree of LL. B. in 1880, from the law department of Columbia College, and was admitted to the bar immediately after graduation. He began to practice in New York City, and after two years went to Stevens Point, Wis., where he spent one year in professional work. In comparison with other places the old home acquired new attractions, and he returned to Rhinebeck, where he is now engaged in insurance business in connection with certain lines of legal work. For nine years past he has served as justice of the peace -—his logical, well-trained mind making him a most valuable official. He is identified with the progressive movements of the locality and is especially prominent in municipal affairs, as is attested by his successful administration of his office as president.

RUFUS S. CRAIG, engineer and engine dispatcher on the Harlem railroad, with

residence at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is descended from a worthy Scotch family. Alexander Craig, his grandfather, was born in Scotland, and, having joined the British army as a commissioned officer, came to the United States with Gen. Burgoyne, at the age of nineteen years, being with that commander at the time of his surrender to Gen. Gates. He served as lieutenant, and participated in seven

battles in this country. He wedded Miss Mary Newton, of Groton, Mass.. and to them were born eight children: Thomas, who married Sarah Ailard; Carrie and George, who were also married; Silas, the father of our subject; Aaron, who married Olive Allen; Rebecca, married to Devilla Lawrence; Mary, who married Chester Cooley; and Elizabeth, married to Isaiah Lawrence.

Silas Craig was born at Westfield. Mass., August 29, 1792, and was educated in the common schools. By occupation he was a farmer, and in politics was an unswerving Republican, but cared nothing for public office. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wood, a daughter of Hezekiah and Mary (Savage) Wood, farming people of Vermont, in whose family were eight children: Joel; Peter, who married Laura Hitchcock; Thomas, who married Mary Cooley; John, married to Betsey Clark; Betsey, who married Dudley Hayes; Mary, the mother of our subject; Harriet, who married William Clark; and Levina, who married John Livingston. Eight children were born to the parents of our subject, as follows:

(i) Obediah, born at Highgate, Franklin county, Vt., in 1824, worked at the carpenter's trade and at bridge building there throughout life. He married Miss Arvilla Fuller, daughter of Rodnay Fuller, a farmer, and they had two children—Frank and Flora. Of these, Frank was born at Dorchester, Mass., in 1858, and was educated in the schools of Lowell, that State. He entered the railroad service with the Vermont Central at Lowell, and from there went to Santa Fe, N. M., being an engineer on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, on which road he was killed in 1894. He was a charter member of Fort Madison Lodge of the Masonic fraternity, and served as master of a lodge in Iowa. In that State he also held membership with the Order of Red Men, and was grand high sagamore. He was one of the leading railroad men of the West, and served as chief engineer of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He married and had two children — Ida, who died at the age of nine years ; and Frank B. Flora, the daughter of Obediah Craig, was also born at Dorchester, Mass., and married Charles Shearer, a railroad employee, formerly of New Hampshire, and they have three children.

(2) Eunice, a sister of our subject, was born at Highgate, Vt., and married Josiah

c^^^-^^^-^-^-^^o f-^ ^yi-/\^-<^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

433

Clark, a farmer of that State. They have no children hving.

(3) Richard Baxter, also a native of the Green Mountain State, was there educated and followed farming and milling. He married Miss Agnes Daniels, daughter of Joseph and Agnes Daniels, in whose family were five children: Ezra, Margaret, Ira, Agnes and Joseph. Richard Ba.xter Craig and his wife had three children: Sewell, born in 1862; and Darwin and Baxter (twins), born in 1868.

(4) Abraham was born in Vermont, and there engaged in farming. He married Miss Laura Allen, and had five children: Rufus S., Joshua C, Emma, Annie and Ellen.

(5) Rufus S., the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth. (6) Harlo, a native of Vermont, who is engaged in farming in Canada, married Miss Marion Davis, and has two children: Warren and Ida. (7) Myron enlisted in the Second Vermont Cavalry, becoming a member of Company M, during the Civil war; was also in the navy for three years, and now draws a pension for both army and navy service. He was also married. (8) Flora married John Whiting, an agriculturist, of Highgate, \'t., and they have four children.

Rufus S. Craig, the subject proper of this sketch, was born at Highgate, Franklin Co.,Vt., January 10, 1834, and there secured his education. At the age of sixteen years he started out in life for himself, going to Michigan, where for one year he was fireman on the Michigan Southern railroad. He then went to Lake Erie, as assistant engineer on the old " United States," where he remained for two years. At Boston, Mass., he next secured a position on the Boston & Providence railroad, being with that road for two years as fireman and engineer. On March 6, 1865, he came to Dover, Dutchess county, and has since been with the Harlem railroad as engineer and engine dispatcher. His long continued service well indicates his faithful discharge of duty, and he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. On June 13, 1866, he joined King David Lodge, F. cS: A. M., of Taunton, Mass., whose charter dates back to 1798, being one of the oldest lodges in the country, and assisted in the establishment of Dover Plains Lodge No. 666. He is also a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Mr. Craig was united in marriage with Miss Harriet M. Thornton, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Thornton. Her father, who was a

28

native of Nantucket, Mass., was a mason by-trade, but became a prosperous farmer of Ded-ham, that State. She was the third in order of birth in a family of five children, the others being Susan, who married James Kinney ; Louisa, who married John Johnson ; Mary J., who married George Varney; and Mrs. Lu-cretia Taylor. Mr. Craig has been called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful wife, who died July 16, 1886, and was laid to rest in Brook-vale cemetery, Dedham, Massachusetts.

Sewell Craig, a nephew of our subject, was born in Franklin county, Vt., in 1862, and is the son of Richard Baxter and Agnes ( Daniels) Craig. After finishing his education in the public schools of that State, he became connected with a brass foundrj', but later entered the employ of the Harlem railroad in the round house. He was promoted to engineer on that road, a position he now fills, and is one of their most trusted and careful men, as his long service of fifteen years indicates. He holds membership with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and also with Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., while politically he is a Republican.

In 1886 Sewell Craig was married to Miss Alice Dennis, who was born in England, and in 1881 came to the United States. They have two children : Richard B., born August 25, 18S7; and Cora E., born October 11, 1888. Thomas Dennis, the grandfather of Mrs. Craig, was born, reared and educated in England, where he also learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed throughout his life. He married Miss Emma Godfrey, and they always made their home in England. Their only child was Benjamin (the father of Mrs. Craig), also a carpenter by trade ; he married Miss Sarah E. Dennis, a distant relative, and they had two daughters: Alice (Mrs. Craig) and Maude, who was also born and educated in England. She married a Mr. Beardwell, of that country, where they still reside, and have one child, Charlotte Rose.

EOAH L. BISHOP, a worthy citizen of Wassaic, Dutchess county, was there

born June 20, 1848, his father, George Bishop, being depot agent, and a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church at that time. George Bishop was twice married, having by' the first union two daughters and three sons, namely: Jennie, wife of Francis Chapman,

COinfEyrORATTTE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

deceased, of Pawling, Dutchess county: Mary A., wife of Joseph S. Hobbs, of Centralia, 111.; Seneca Smith, who was a sailor and is supposed to have died at sea; George W., a mechanic, who died and was buried at sea while on his way to Japan, where he was going to superintend the erection of some buildings (he left a wife and four children at New Haven, Conn.); and Charles Wesley, formerly a business man in New York Citj-, who died in the army. After the death of his first wife George Bishop wedded ^^is5 Louisa Butts, and to them were born three children: William G., now deceased; Catherine M., wife of Edward Brown; and Noah Lent.

The education of our subject was such as the district schools near his home afforded: but at the early age of ten years he laid aside his text books and began work for Gail Borden as an errand boy in the condensed milk factory, where he has since remained, serving as superintendent since 1S70. His promotion was gradual: after serving as errand boy for a time he worked at filling cans by hand in the forenoon, putting up all the milk there made: next heated up the milk in the wells as received, and was then engaged in sealing the milk. In the tin shop he was next employed at general work: later fired the boilers, then became operator at the vacuum pans, and subsequently ser\-ed as milk inspector until appointed to his present responsible position in 1S70. His long-continued ser\ice well indicates his faithful discharge of duty, the confidence and trust reposed in him, and the capable and efficient manner in which he conducts the business.

At Wassaic Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Jennie A. Jones, daughter of Jar\i5 Jones, and they now have two children: Lena M., wife of Dr. F. Bruce, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; and Cora J. Mr. Bishop takes quite an active interest in civic societies, being a member of Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and the Royal Arcanum at Wassaic, while politically he uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party.

GEORGE T. WILLSON, senior member of the well-known firm of Willson & Eaton, wholesale grain dealers of Amenia, Dutchess county, belongs to that class of reliable and trustworthy citizens to whom may be attributed the stable welfare and prosperity of a community. .\ native of Dutchess countj-, he

was bom February- 3, 1S37, in the town of Northeast. His paternal great-grandfather, Robert Willson, a native of Scotland, was one of the early settlers of that town, securing his land from the Indians.

The grandfather, who also bore the name of Robert Willson, was born, reared and educated in the town of Northeast, and on reaching manhood there followed farming. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, and was a Presbyterian in religious belief, serving as deacon in his Church. He married Miss Sarah Thompson, and to them were bom nine children, namely: John. Hiram, Theron. Samuel, Edmund, Henry, Barak, Sarah and Rebecca.

Theron Willson, the father of our subject, was also bom in the town of Northeast, and spent his boyhood days upon the home farm. By occupation he was also a farmer, and was a strong temperance man. He married Miss Eliza Collins, daughter of Capt. James Collins, of Northeast, and they became the parents of five children: Collins, who lives at Pine Plains. Dutchess county; Eli, of Northeast: Sarah, wife of Joseph Belding, of Amenia; George T., of this review: and Lydia, wife of Samuel Guernsey, of Northeast. The mother was called to her final rest in 1856. and the father died in January", 1S62.

George T. Willson was reared on the home farm, and acquired his education in the district schools. On the breaking out of the Civil war, he joined his country's service, enlisting in Company A, 150th N. Y. V. I.; this regiment was assigned to the Eastern army until after the battle of Gettysburg, when it was transferred to Gen. Sherman's command. Our subject continued with his regiment all through the war without receiving a furlough. At the battle of Gettysburg he was wounded in the head, and taken up for dead: on ascertaining that life was not extinct, he was taken to the hospital, and a few days later was able to rejoin his command, with which he served until mustered out at Poughkeepsie. He participated also in the battles of Nashville, Chattanooga. Resaca, and in the Atlanta campaign.

Retuming to the town of Northeast, he resumed work upon the home farm, where he remained for three years, and then removed to the village of Amenia to engage in the horse and cattle trade. In March, 1878, he assumed control of the feed and grain business heretofore run by B. Willson & Co., taking as his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

485

partner Lewis F. Eaton, and the firm has since been Willson & Eaton. They were the first to sell hominy chop in the locality, and they are now at the head of an extensive and constantly increasing business, their wholesale trade extending throughout several counties in New York, while they carry on a retail trade at Amenia, Wassaic and Shekomeko.

In the town of Amenia, in May, 1876, Mr. Willson was married to Mrs. Emma (Darke) Reed, daughter of Charles Darke, and they now have four children: Charles T., Bessie, Georgia and Lee. Mr. Willson is public-spirited and progressive, and faithfully discharges every duty of citizenship with the same fidehty that he displayed on Southern battlefields, when he followed the stars and stripes to victory, and thus aided in the perpetuation of our glorious republic. In political sentiment he is a Republican.

JOHN J. HUMESTON, who is practically living retired in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, is one of the most prominent citizens of the community. He was born in that town on July 5, 1835, ^^d is a son of James E. Humeston, whose birth occurred in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, December I, 1795, while his grandfather, Eli Humes-ton, and his great-grandfather, Joyton Humes-ton, were both natives of East Haven, Conn. After his marriage, the grandfather, who was a wagon-maker, removed to the town of Dover, where he reared his family of five children, of which the father of our subject was the eldest. He was followed by Hannah, who married Joseph Palmer, a farmer of Dover; Edwin and Joseph, both wagon-makers of Dover; and Hariett, wife of George Bassett, a railroad man of Chicago, 111. The family belonged to the Society of Friends.

James E. Humeston grew to manhood in the town of Dover, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade, and there married Elizabeth Perry, by whom he had two children: Thomas P. (deceased July 22, 1885); and Catherine E. (deceased October 19, 1895), who became the wife of George T. Underbill, a farmer of the town of Washington. Mrs. Humeston died June 12, 1831, and for his second wife Mr. Humeston wedded Lydia V. Underbill, the ceremony taking place February 5, 1832. She was born in the town of Washington, September 24, 1804, and was a daughter

of Nathaniel Underbill, a native of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and of English descent. After his marriage Mr. Humeston located upon a small farm near Hibernia Mills, where our subject, the only child by the second union, was born. In politics, the father was a Whig and for several years served as justice of the peace. His death occurred in the town of Washington, July 31, 1872, and his wife departed this life October 4, 1881.

The earliest years of John J. Humeston were spent near Hibernia in the uneventful manner of most farmer boys, and in early life he learned the carpenter's trade. On February

20, 1861, Mr. Humeston was married to Miss Lydia A. Deuel, a native of the town of Dover and a daughter of Jacob and Charity (Gould) Deuel, the former of whom was born January

21. 1797, on the same farm where his daughter's birth occurred, and the latter May 24, 1804, in Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Deuel were farming people, and the parents of eight children, namely: Anna M., who died November 10, 1876; Lydia A., honored wife of our subject; Phcebe G., who wedded Jonathan Benham, a farmer living near Lithgow, Dutchess county; Mary G. (twin sister of Phcebe), who died May 11, 1856; Elias H., a farmer and landlord at South Dover, Dutchess Co.; Myra J., who died March 10, 1854; Emily H., wife of E. W. Benson, a farmer of South Dover; and Obed J., also a farmer of that locality, who married Charlotte Horton, has always remained on the homestead. The father, who supported the Democracy, was elected road commissioner and town assessor, and in religious belief both he and his wife were Quakers. He was called to his final rest October 27, 1879, and his wife died June 2, 1895. He was a son of Joshua Deuel (a farmer of the town of Dover), whose father and grandfather both bore the name of Benjamin. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Humeston was Joel Gould (a son of Adam Gould), who was born in the town of Washington, where on reaching manhood he engaged in farming.

After his marriage, Mr. Humeston took his bride to Amenia, Dutchess county, where he followed his trade for two years, and then went to Dover, where he engaged in the same occupation for some thirteen years, after which he came to the town of W'ashington. For the past three years he has resided upon his present farm, where to a limited extent he engaged

COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in agricaltural pursuits, but is practically living retired. He has a beautiful home, and is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In the family are two children—Mar\- C. and Phebe A.—and they bold a high position in the social circles of the community, where true worth and ability are received as the passports into good society. In politics, Mr. Humeston is entirely independent of party lines, preferring to vote for the man who, he thinks, will best fill the position.

ARTHUR V. ROCKWELL, -silkthrow- ster ' of one of the leading manufactories

of Matteawan, was born February- 14, 1S66, at Millbrook, Dutchess county, the only son of the late Ralph Rockwell and his first wife, Elizabeth Broadhurst.

It seems quite in the natural order of things that Mr. Rockwell should be engaged in the silk business, his father having been prominent in that line of work, while his ancestors on the mothers side were even more closely identified with that industr}-, being among its earliest promoters in this country. John Broadhurst, Mrs. Rock\veir5 father, wove the first piece of broad silk goods ever made in America, and her brothers were masters of ever}-detail of the art of silk manufacturing as it was carried on in their day, having perfected their knowledge in the great silk mills of Macclesfield, England. But, if these pioneers should to-day visit the extensive warp spinning works at Matteawan, they would find much to interest them while examining its highly improved machiner}- so delicately adjusted that the breaking of a single fibre of silk stops the " take up." Formerly both warp and filling were spun at this establishment, but now its 16,000 spindles are devoted exclusively to the making of warp, and turn out about 33,600,-000 yards per day.

.Arthur V. Rockwell, the presiding genius of this busy place, a courteous yet businesslike young man, was educated at Poughkeep-sie, graduating from the high school in 1S84. and from the Eastman Business College a year later. He then engaged in the silk-throwing business with his father, who was a partner in the firm of J. Silbermann & Co., at Pough-keepsie. and in 1890, when the father moved to Matteawan and established the present plant, in partnership with John Cummings,

our subject took charge of his interests in Poughkeepsie. In 1892 he also moved to Matteawan, took Mr. Cummings' interest in the firm, and has since remained there, carrying on the business for the estate since his father's death, December 27, 1894. He married Miss Susie ^'an Dyne, daughter of William H. and Anna C. Brevoort; \'an Dyne, of Poughkeepsie. They are members of the First M. E. Church of Matteawan, and are prominent in social life. Mr. Rockwell is a Republican in politics, and he belongs to the Matteawan Club, the Hudson River Lodge No. 57, K. of P., and is president of the Beacon Engine Co., of Matteawan.

The late Ralph Rockwell was born September 27, 1837, in the town of South Windsor, Conn., and at an early age engaged in the woolen business at South Manchester, Conn., remaining three years. He then began his long experience as a silk manufacturer, entering the factor}- of Cheney Bros., well-known pioneers in this business, where he spent seven years learning the trade in all its branches. On leaving them he went to Yonkers as superintendent of G. B. Skinner's mills, and after six years there he moved to Paterson, N. J., the "Lyons of America, ' and, with William S. Archer as a partner, purchased the factory known as the Benson Mills, now one of the old landmarks of this business. He sold his interest in this plant in the following year, and for some time occupied the famous old •' Red Mill' at Poughkeepsie; but the failure of the water power there led to his removal to Hart's Village, in i860, where he took the factory owned bj' Abraham Swift at the Upper Pond. The death of his first wife occurred Feb. 19, 1866, and shortly afterward Mr. Rockwell returned to Yonkers and embarked in business there, remaining about six years. While there he married Miss Clara J. Du Bois. who survives him. On leaving Yonkers he resumed business at Paterson. and after four years returned to New York City, and established for J. Silbermann a factor}- for "silk throwing" on Tenth avenue, which was transferred to Poughkeepsie four years later. The partnership with Mr. Cummings, referred to above, was succeeded by the firm of Rockwell & Son, which continued until the death of the senior member; but for some years previous the active management of the works devolved upon our subject, his father retiring to an estate at Mill-brook, where he died of heart disease Thurs-

c^^'

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.

437

day afternoon, December 27, 1894, at the age of fifty-seven years.

Tfiough not lacking in public spirit, Mr. Kockwell never sought public office, and was best pleased when he could remain quietly at home. His business associates speak highly of his fairness and liberality, and say that he took more pleasure in paying them than in collecting debts. His circle of acquaintances in this vicinity was not large, but those who knew him best speak most highly of his excellent qualities of head and heart. As a friend, neighbor and citizen, his death was deeply mourned, He was a Master Mason, a charter member of Manchester Lodge, at South Manchester, Conn., and was one of the oldest members of the fraternity in the State of Connecticut. His remains now rest in the cemetery at Wapping, Conn., his birthplace.

Russell Rockwell, our subject's grandfather, was a prominent resident of Windsor, Conn., the owner of a sawmill, and a pioneer in the cultivation of tobacco in that section. At one time he had the option of purchasing, for $300, the entire site of the present village of Rock-ville. Conn. ,■ including the remarkable water power at that point, a property now worth millions of dollars.

[ciiTriLLIAM K. ROY, the popular post-

jLiL master of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, and one of the most prominent citizens of that village, was born there December

31. 1853-

James Roy, the father of our subject, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1816, learned the business of calico printing, and became foreman of his father's works, when only a boy. When eighteen years old he came to America, and for a short time lived at Stockport, N. Y., being foreman engraver in the print works at that place. In 1837, he removed to Wappingers Falls, and took a position in the print works there, retaining same for nearly ten years. In 1848 he opened a drugstore, which he carried on until his death, which occurred in 1868. James Roy was married May 25, 1843, to Susanna Darling, who was born at Cumberland Hill, Mendon, Mass., in 1818. She was the daughter of Seth Darling, a native of Cumberland, Mass., and Susanna Clark, who was also born in Massachusetts, on both sides the families were of English descent.

The Clarks came to America at a very early period and settled in Rhode Island, where our subject's mother spent a part of her childhood on the old homestead. When she was eight years old her parents removed to Fall River, Mass., where she grew to womanhood.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roy came to Dutchess county, and settled at ^^^ap-pingers Falls, where they reared a family of eight children, of these, James S. married Carrie A. Orr, and has two children; Emma Darling married Edward Griffith, of Newport, R. I.; WilliamK., the subject of this sketch; Albert M., who is in the drug business with his brother in Wappingers Falls (he graduated with honors in the class of 1885 from the College of Pharmacy, New York City, taking two prizes); Elizabeth Clark married George H. Kelley, of Newport, R. I., a descendant of one of the old and leading families of that State. Three other children died in infancy. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Roy has conducted the drug business in which he was engaged, and has made a great success of it. She is thoroughly conversant with all its details, and so high does she stand in the estimation of medical men, that when the State Board of Pharmacy was organized, she was sent a certificate authorizing her to practice pharmacy without taking an examination. She is one of the best known business woman in Dutchess county, and possesses unusual ability in that direction, besides being a lady of refinement and culture.

Mr. Roy took an active part in all matters of public interest, especially in the cause of education. He was instrumental in building up the present excellent school system in the county, and was one of the principal promoters in the establishment of the high school; he was one of the small number who secured the ground and laid out the beautiful cemetery at Wappingers Falls, and was the secretary and treasurer of the association up to the time of his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and in all the relations of life proved himself a most loyal and honorable man, whose influence will be felt many years to come.

William K. Roy was graduated from the Union Free School No. i, Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, in 1870, and in 1872 entered Cornell University, taking two courses, those of civil engineering and chemistrj-, and was graduated with high honors in the class of '76. During the Centennial at Philadelphia, in 1876, he was in charge of some of the chemical ex-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

hibits. Of late years he has been connected with his brothers in the drug business. Mr. Roy is a Democrat in his political belief, and has held a number of responsible offices. He was town clerk for two terms in the town of Poughkeepsie; was supervisor for one term in 18S7; was clerk of the village board two years; and was made postmaster at Wappingers Falls in May, 1887. This position he held until July, 1892, when he resigned to become Index Clerk of the State Assembly at Albany, serving in that capacity for two years. On January 30, 1896, he was again appointed postmaster, and is now tilling that office to the satisfaction of the public and with honor to himself; he has made many improvements in the arrangements and handling of the mails.

Mr. Roy has always taken much interest in everything pertaining to the growth and welfare of his community. He was one of those instrumental in building the bridge across the river at Wappingers Falls; was influential in getting the electric road built, and is a director in the company. He is also secretary of the board of park commissioners, and was a prominent factor in having the park legally located in the village. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the Democratic County Committee, and for ten years was one of the executive board, at present its secretary. He is one of the directors and a member of the executive committee of the Wappingers Falls Savings Bank, and is trustee and secretary of the board of the Grinnell Library in that village. No man is more closely identified with the best interests of the place, and none is held in higher esteem than Mr. Roy.

James S. Roy, the eldest brother of our subject, has efficiently managed the drug business since the death of his father, in 1867, and has been prominent in the public affairs of Wappingers Falls. He was secretary of the board of health, and chairman of the board of highway commissioners. Mr. Roy, after serving several terms as village trustee, was elected president of the village, and is now serving his seventh consecutive term as village president. The good roads of the town are a monument to his zeal in this direction; the purchase and embellishment of the beautiful village park was mainly effected through his efforts; he has also been treasurer of the village; is a trustee and first vice-president of the Wappingers Falls Savings Bank, and a member of its funding committee, and has held other minor offices.

These sons of a worthy father have followed in his footsteps, and none are more deserving of a place in this record of the county.

WILLARD W. HICKS. On the nth of November, 1621, the ship "Fortune" arrived at Plymouth, Mass., from London. She followed the " Mayflower," bringing over the parts of families left behind by those who came in that famous vessel the year before. In the "Fortune" with this second body of Puritans came Robert Hicks, the ancestor of the family in America. He was a leather-dresser from Bermondsey street, South-wark, London. His father, James Hicks, was lineally descended from Elias Hicks, who was knighted by Edward the Black Prince on the battlefield of Poictiers, September 9, 1356, for bravery in capturing a set of colors from the French.

Margaret, the wife of Robert Hicks, and her children, came over in the ship "Ann," which arrived at Plymouth during the latter part of June, 1622. This family settled in Duxbury, Mass.; but two of the sons, John and Stephen, subsequently (about 1642) came to Long Island. In October, 1645, Gov. Kieft granted a patent to Thomas Farrington, John Hicks and others for the township of Flushing, Long Island. John Hicks seems to have taken a leading part in the affairs of the settlement, and was appointed at various times to fill the most important offices. His name, also that of his son Thomas, appears in connection with almost every public measure for many years.

Robert Hicks married (first) Elizabeth Morgan, and had the following children: Elizabeth, Thomas, John, Stephen. For his second wife he married Margaret Winslow, and had children, viz: Samuel, Ephraim, Lydia, Phcebe. His son, John Hicks, and the third child of his first marriage, married Rachel Starr, and had three children: Thomas, Hannah and Elizabeth. Their son, Thomas Hicks, married May Washburn,and had two children: Thomas and Jacob. He married, for his second wife, Mary Doughty, and had the following children: Isaac, William, Stephen, John, Charles, Benjamin,' Phcbe, Charity, Mary and Elizabeth.

Jacob Hicks, the second child of the first union, married Hannah Morgan, and had the following children: Samuel, Stephen, Thomas,

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439

Joseph, Jacob, Benjamin,- Elizabeth, John, Sarah and Hannah. Their son, Joseph Hicks, married (first) Elizabeth Desler, and had the following children: Mordecai, Thomas, Bernard, Elizabeth. For his second wife he married Catharine Filkins, and has the following children: Isaac, Benjamin,•' Catharine, John, Joseph, Abraham, Sarah, Samuel and Stephen. —Benjamin Hicks'' married Deborah Doty, and had the following children: Elias, Joseph, Benjamin,^ David, Amy, Elizabeth, Sarah, Deborah, and Annie.—Benjamin Hicks^ married Hannah Couse, and had the following children: Samuel, Ury, George, Annie, Edward, Asa, Zadieann, Perry, Elizabeth, Catharine, and Benjamin.''—Samuel Hicks married Eliza Ann Link, and had the following children: Emily, Willard W. (our subject), Esther, Jasper, Irving, and Samuel E.—Willard W. Hicks married Fannie H. Smith, daughter of Egbert Smith, a well-known citizen of Pine Plains, and has had two children: Iduma E. and Emma Z.

Our subject is one of the leading residents of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, and was born May i8, 1844, in the town of Milan, near Fayetteville. Until the age of eighteen he attended the district schools of that neighborhood, and then spent one term at the little Nine Partners School at Millbrook. At nineteen he taught a term of four months in the Bartlett district, town of Milan, also a winter term in his home district, and the following year he spent nearly two terms as a student at Charlotteville, Schoharie county, to further prepare himself for the work of teaching. In this calling he was very successful, having natural talent and inclination for it, and he became known as one of the leading educators of the locality. He taught three successive terms at home, several years in the Germain district, two terms in the Carroll district, in the town of Stanford, and one in Mt. Ross district, but he has also given his attention toother pursuits. In the summers of 1865 and 1866 he was engaged in carpentering, and he has followed this trade intermittingly since that time. Since 1873, the year of his marriage, he has owned and cultivated a farm of 153 acres in the western part of the town of Pine Plains, to which he added ninety-six acres more in 1883. He is quite extensively engaged as a dealer in sheep and cattle, Michigan sheep being his preference on account of their thrift, hardiness, quiet and orderly inclinations. From

that State he has brought many car-loads to his locality, where at all times he finds a ready market. He is also engaged somewhat as an auctioneer, and has the credit of succeeding in securing first-class prices for goods which he sells. He says his motto is "Better wear out than rust out," and that he has no affinity with idleness or inactivity—"God helps him who helps himself."

Mr. Hicks is a director in the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, of Milan, Pine Plains and Stanford townships. As a well-read man, versed in legal forms, he is often engaged by his neighbors to draw up contracts, leases, deeds, mortgages, wills, and other papers, and, as may well be supposed, he is a very busy man. Enterprising in private business he is no less so in public affairs; and, having in mind the difficulties with which he contended in gaining his education, he has been especially active in the interests of the local schools, serving as trustee for a number of years. On national questions he has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, but in local matters he votes independently, choosing the best man. He has been town assessor for five years. He and his wife are leading members of the Christian Church of West Pine Plains, in which Mr. Hicks holds the office of deacon.

MRS. MARY J. (VELIE) TRAVER. The __ name of Velie is a reminder of the early days to any one familiar with the history of the development of Dutchess county, the ancestors of this respected Holland-Dutch family having been pioneer settlers in the town of Lagrange. Minard B. Velie, the grandfather of the lady whose name appears at the opening of this sketch, was born and educated in that town, and at an early age engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he continued throughout his life. He married Miss Mary Baldwin, and had seven children: Isaac, who married Pam-alie Wheeler; Baltus, who remained single; Mary A., who never married; Richard, our subject's father; Susan (Mrs. Elias Tompkins); Carrie, the wife of Peter Pells; and Phoebe (Mrs. John Losee).

Richard Velie was born in the town of Lagrange, and after receiving an education in the common schools of that town, he engaged in farming, as had his father before him. His wife, Rebecca Traver, was a daughter of David and Catherine (Pells) Traver, who were

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

prominent among the agricultural residents of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county. Of their two children, our subject was the elder. The younger, Phoebe R., was born and educated in the town of Unionvale, and has never married.

Mrs. Mar}' J. Traver was also a native of the town of Unionvale, and her education was obtained in the common schools of that locality. She married (first) Albert Ingraham, a farmer of the same locality. They had no children. By a second marriage, to Herbert L. Traver, also a farmer and well-known citizen of Unionvale. she has one son, Arthur E.

Another branch of the Velie family in this section traces its descent from William Velie, who lived and died in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, where his son, Baltus, was born February 19, 17S5. The latter also passed his life in that town and died there May 25, 1871. His early years were spent upon his father's farm with the common-school advantages of that time, and later he learned the details of tanning and shoemaking at Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county, but his main business throughout his active career was agriculture. He owned an excellent farm, upon which he built a comfortable residence and other buildings. He was a self-made man and a good citizen, taking a hearty interest in public questions; the Whig party received his support until the Republican organization was formed, when he became one of its steadfast adherents. He was married at Pleasant \'alley to Miss Nancy Losee, a lady of French descent, who was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. Ten of the fourteen children of this union have joined the silent majority, and their names with dates of birth and death are as follows: Simon, July 12, 1808 — November 4, 1876; Hepsibeth, April 5, 1807—March

14, 1867; Egbert, December 12, 1809, died in childhood; Zacheus, March 12, 1811—June 29, 1885; Eliza Ann, March 21, 1813—-July

15, 1849, (married John Pells); Catherine, June 4, 1815—November 16, 1851. (married Jacob Baker); Jacob O., February 26, 1817 —1829; Mary Rebecca, August 26, 1819— August 2, 1869; Alonzo B., July 8, 1822— February 26, 1896; Isaac, January 5, 1825— October 16, 1829. Four of the family are still living: William Morris, December 31, 1826, resides on Main street, Poughkeepsie; William J., May 17, 1829; Susan Jeannette, March 29, 1831, is mentioned below, and

George Edward, September 28, 1833, lives at Poughkeepsie.

Susan J. Velie was married January 28, 1857, to John Henry Brinkerhoff, who was born in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, in September, 1835, son of John H. Brinkerhoff, a prominent agriculturist residing in Dow Point. Mr. Brinkerhoff's boyhood was spent in his native town, and on learning the carpenter's trade he settled in business there, remaining until 1869, when he moved with his family to Lagrange, where they lived for several years. The only son, Clarence \., was educated at Leslie's private school at Poughkeepsie, and became a pharmacist in that city, first with Strickler (SiSwartz, and later with A. M. Doty. On January 28, 1891, he wedded Miss Stella ^'an ^^■yck, daughter of Abram C. Van Wyck, and granddaughter of James Van-Wyck, of Unionvale. Two children were born of this union: George, March 11, 1892; and Frank Raymond, January 14, 1894.

JOHN REDMAN, an enterprising and prosperous business man of Fishkill-on-Hud-son, is one of the leading plumbers of the county, and a member of the New York State Master Plumbers' Association, also of the National Plumbers' Association. His extensive establishment at Fishkill contains a show room fitted up with all the latest appliances for gas, steam, and hot water plumbing, and for arrangement and workmanship it will compare favorably with any in the United States.

Robert Redman, our subject's father, was a native of Bradford, Yorkshire, England, and followed the occupation of a plumber. He married Rhoda Jennings, who was a descendant on the maternal side of an old and well-known family, the Ogdens. To their union were born two children: Susanna, who married John Horrocks, and resided in Fishkill, where she died in November, 1S95; and John, our subject. The father died in 1842.

John Redman, our subject, was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, in 1839, and was baptized in Haworth Church by Charlotte Bronte's father. He was left fatherless at the age of three years, and received but little schooling, his attendance being limited to half-days from his ninth to his twelfth year, the other half of his time being spent in working in a factory. From twelve to fifteen he was employed full time in a woolen-factory,

\

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

441

and then he began to learn the plumbing business, receiving seventy-five cents per week during his apprenticeship. He worked at his trade in different shops until 1870, when he came to America, and, in 1871, he opened a shop in Fishkill, which he carried on with gratifying success. In 1895 he built his present show room, with a workshop adjoining show room, that are considered models in construction, fitting and arrangement.

In 1864 Mr. Redman married Miss Susan Taylor, daughter of John and Jemima Taylor. Their only daughter, Rhoda, married Dr. James Richard English, of Matteawan. The family are all members of the Episcopal Church, and take a leading part in the social life of the locality. Mr. Redman votes the Republican ticket, but is not an active political worker. He is interested in fraternal society work, and is a member of the K. of P. Our subject is the only Redman of his branch of the family living. In 1880 he made an extended tour throughout England, visiting among other places the scenes of his childhood. In 1881 his wife and daughter (the latter being but eight years of age) made a similar tour.

Dr. James Richard English, our subject's son-in-law, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Fishkill, was born August 27, 1865, at Constableville, Lewis Co., N. Y., the son of Dr. R. S. English and his wife Margaret (Gormully). He was the youngest of four children, the others being John Bernard, Gus-tavus Pierce, and Alice E. His academic education was obtained in the public schools of his native town, and after graduating from the high school he began the study of medicine at the Long Island College and Hospital, in Brofjklyn, N. Y., from which hewasgradu-ated in 1892. He began the practice of his profession at Fishkill-on-Hudson, and has already established a large and lucrative business. In politics he is neutral. Socially he and his wife are prominent, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., theR. A., and I. O. F., of the home lodge of which latter organization he is a ph sician.

GEORGE HUFCUT has been a leading and prominent citizen of Dover Plains, Dutchess county. His father, who was a lawyer and surrogate, practiced his profession in Dover Plains for many years; was also a

politician of abilitj', and a leader in his party. He was honored with a number of town offices, and was a prominent worker in Masonic circles, taking a great interest in that order.

Our subject was born at Dover Plains, and in early life entered upon a mercantile career, engaging in that business for some years. Later he conducted the mill of his father in the town of Dover, but at the latter's death the plant was sold to a Mr. Reiner. He has been called upon to serve in several local offices, including that of assessor of his township. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is affable and pleasant in manner, winning friends wherever he goes. The house in which the family lived for years was burned to the ground in March, 1897.

Mr. Hufcut was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Flinn, who was born and educated in New York City, and they have become the parents of two children: William M., and Sara B. Her father, John Flinn, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and belonged to the nobility of that country, his father being a titled gentleman and one of the large land owners there. The son was highly educated in his native city, and had in his own right a large income after he had reached man's estate. Owing to his love of adventure, he with his valet and fortune, embarked for the United States without the knowledge of his family. He located in New York City, where he established himself in the crockery and glassware business on an extensive scale. This venture proved very successful, and after conducting the business for a number of years, he laid aside business cares, and lived a retired life. Mr. Flinn married Miss Sarah Powell, daughter of William Powell, a prominent and wealthy lawyer of England, and to them were born six children: Morris R., Charles B. and John I., all of whom died in infancy; Mary T., who became the wife of George Terry, of Boston, Mass.; Sarah, who died in infancy; and Jennie A., the estimable wife of our subject.

PETER V. ^^■. MONTFORT, a leading agriculturist of the town of Wappinger,

Dutchess county, is the owner of one of the choicest farms in that vicinity, a tract of 450 acres, which has been in the possession of his family for more than a century. He is a descendant of two of the oldest and most distinguished families in the county. On the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL HE CORD.

paternal side, his great-great-grandfather, Peter Montfort, was a native of Holland, coming to America in Colonial times with three sons, one of whom located on Long Island, and the other in New Jersey. Our subject's greatgrandfather, Peter ^Iontfort, who about 1735 settled in Fishkiii, Dutchess county, upon land of which the present homestead is a part (it being then known as the Verplank Patent), was born in 1711 and died in 1791. The farm consisted of 370 acres, and he built and occupied the stone house still standing. He had five children: Mary, who married Albert Montfort, from Long Island; Peter, who will presently be spoken of; Magdalene, who married Cornelius \'an Wyck; Jacobus, married to Ruth \'an \'oorhis; and Jeanette, wife of Major Fort.

Peter Montfort, grandfather of our subject, was born December 14, 1760, on the homestead just referred to, and passed his entire business life as a farmer. At the age of sixteen he served in the Revolutionary war,and our subject has the musket which he carried at that time, and a fowling piece which in those days cost a hundred bushels of wheat, rated at $3 per bushel. For a short time after the close of that struggle grandfather Montfort lived near Harlem, where he married Susan Waldron. Returning home after his father's death to his half of the farm, he there built a residence on the site of the one now occupied by our subject, and which was burned in 1860, and he also added ninety acres to the farm. He died in 1824. His brother Jacobus lived in the original stone house until 1825; he had five sons: Cornelius, Elias, Peter J., James and Abraham.

Peter P. Montfort, our subject's father, was the only son of his parents, and was born at the old homestead November 10, 1795. After the death of Jacobus Montfort, his uncle, he bought the stone-house part of the farm. Agriculture was his principal occupation throughout his life; but he was also engaged for some time in boating and in mercantile business. He was- a man of great force of character, active in local affairs as a member of the Whig party, and at his death, February 26, 1854, he was a member of the State Legislature. His wife, Maria Du Bois, to whom he was married November 26, 1817, was a native of Fishkiii, born April 22, 1798. She was a daughter of Garret Du Bois, and a granddaughter of Christian Du Bois, both in

their time leading residents of Fishkiii, the family being descended from the old Huguenot stock which has been represented by so many able and prosperous citizens in Dutchess and Ulster counties. She died October 13, 1836, and of the family of four children our subject is the only survivor. Susan, born July i, 1819, married George Brinkerhoff, and both died at an early age; Garret, the twin brother of our subject, died at the age of thirteen; and Hannah, born May 13, 1825, died in September, 1855.

The subject of our sketch, the second child of this union, was born January 19, 1821, and has always lived at the old farm. On December 27. 1843, he was united in marriage to Julia A. Stockholm, daughter of John C. Stockholm, a native of Dutchess county, and a prominent farmer of the town of Fishkiii, and his wife, Eliza Underbill, who was from Eastchester, Westchester county. Mrs. Montfort died November 5, 1871, leaving seven children, all of whom are still living: John P. is a traveling man, and resides in New Paltz, Ulster county; Charles D. B. is a farmer in the town of Wappinger; Maria L. is at home; Eliza is the wife of Jeremiah Fowler, of Providence, R. I.; Meta married George White, of the town of Wappinger; Julia A. married Milo J. White, a lawyer, of Mt. Vernon, and Eugene is a farmer in the town of Wappinger.

Mr. Montfort's time has been mainly employed in the supervision of his farm, upon which he raises a variety of crops. He has always been prominent in local affairs, and although he has never sought political office is an influential member of the Republican party. The Montforts have always been zealous supporters of the Reformed Dutch Church, and their influence has been a helpful factor in every line of progress.

MRS. MARY LEE is the widow of Ward Lee, who, prior to his death at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, a few years ago, was one of the well-esteemed and earnest-hearted men of that village whose influence always count for social well-being and advancement in the community in which they live. He was unassuming in manner, but was called by his fellow-citizens to serve in various local offices, among which were those of commissioner of

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443

highways for three terms and collector for two terms.

Mr. Lee was a native of Connecticut, where he was born in 1820. His parents were William and Mahetable (Ward) Lee, who were descendants of New England people. Ward Lee was a boy, in his early " 'teens," when he left his native State and settled in the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He was the eldest of six children, as follows : Ward, Egbert, Jane, Louise, Emily and Emiline (twins). He was married at South Dover, November 7, 1848, to Miss Mary Cutter, who was born at Dover Furnace, and is the daughter of Calvin and Kesiah (Varney) Cutter, of American ancestry for generations. Four children were born to Ward and Mary (Cutter) Lee, namely : Adelia Ann. born July 14, 1849 ; Emily S., who was born July i, 1850, married Alvin Maray, and has since died, her husband surviving ; William, born November 17, 185 i (now deceased); and Angeline I\., born January 26, 1853. By trade Mr. Lee was a carpenter, and he followed this calling through life. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party. He died August 12, 1888, aged sixty-eight years, and was buried at South Dover. Mrs. Mary Lee, his widow, survives him, and is now living at Dover Plains in a pleasant home which is her own property, and among friends whom she has known almost from her childhood.

MRS. MARY FLAGLER FOOTE, now a __ __ resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, spends a portion of the season at her residence at Green Haven, town of Beekman. The propert}' owned by her is a portion of the large tract of land owned by her great-greatgrandfather, Joshua Carman, who came from Long Island and settled here, being a large land owner and prominent in the early history of Dutchess county.

Her great-grandfather, Capt. Cornelius \'an Wyck, married Sarah Carman, and lived at Hopewell, Dutchess county. He served with distinction in the Revolutionary war, and was killed in the battle of White Plains. October 31, 1776. Her other great-grandfather, Joseph Doughty, was born in England in 1744. He came to this country when a boy with his mother (then a widow), and settled on Long Island. His mother, for her second husband, married John Carman, and moved to Green

Haven, town of Beekman. Joseph Doughty, married Psyche Wiltsie, of Fishkill, and paid ;^ioo for the right to settle on a tract of land adjoining the Carman estate. He had the honor of entertaining Gen. La Fayette when on his travels through Beekman about the year 1824. Her grandfather, William Doughty, married a widow, Sarah Van W'yck Vanderburgh, and was a highly respected citizen of his time. The above are ancestors on her mother's side.

On her father's side, her grandfather,Zach-ariah Flagler, was born in the town of Beekman. His first wife was a Miss Wilkinson, by w-hom he had one daughter, Mary. His second wife, Catherine Collins, was a native of the town of Unionvale, and to them were born ten children: Collins, John, Zachariah, David, Franklin, Enoch, Philip, Shadrach, and George and Gilbert (twins). Religiously the family were members of the Society of Friends.

Gilbert Flagler, the father of Mrs. Foote, was also a native of the town of Beekman. He married Psyche Doughty, daughter of William Doughty, and after his marriage located on a farm near Green Haven. To them were born five children: Mary, Martha R., who is the widow of John Peters, and resides in Fish-kill village, Dutchess county; Theodore \'. W. (now deceased) married Helen Jones; Henry died unmarried; and Sarah died in infancy. Mr. Flagler was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, dying in that faith in 1873. His widow passed away in 1894 at the ripe old age of eight-six years. They had many warm friends, and were held in high esteem in the locality which was so long their home.

Mary Flagler was married September 10, 185 I, from her home in the town of Beekman, to George Benton Foote, pf New Haven, Conn. Mr. Foote was a merchant in New York City for a number of years, engaged in the importing of fine cloth. The latter part of his life was passed in the town of Beekman, where he died December 11, 1871. Two sons were born to them: Gilbert F. and George B., Jr.

Gilbert Flagler Foote married Clara Williams, of Poughkeepsie, December 5, 1S93, and to them two children were born: Andrew Giraud, February 2, 1895; and Gilbert Flagler, Jr., September i, 1896.

George Benton Foote, Jr., married Ida Williams, of Poughkeepsie, June 14, 1894, a sister of Clara Williams, and daughter of Orren

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

A. and Josephine Giraud Williams, both families being prominently known in Pough-keepsie society.

All of Mary Flagler Foote's ancestral families have been prominent in the history of Beekman and Dutchess county. Mrs. Foote merits and receives the esteem of all who know her, and is beloved by all with whom she comes in contact for her noble traits of character.

RS. MARY H. ROSS, like many of the J^^ prominent and highly respected citizens of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, comes of an honored family that was early established in Connecticut. There her paternal grandfather, Josiah Hungerford, was born, on September 15, 1774, in the town of New Milford, Litchfield county. On the completion of his literary studies he began harness and saddle making, which he continued to follow through life. He married Miss Hannah Miles, who was born November 18, 1779, and to them was born a son, Abner G., the father of Mrs. Ross. The wife and mother died September 12, 1805, and Mr. Hungerford was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Miles, a sister of his first wife; she was born August 19, 17S6. His death occurred December 25, 1S52, and that of his wife, Mary Miles Hungerford, March 5, 1829. They had two sons: (i) Averil, born February 14, 1808, in the town of New Milford, Litchfield county, married and had one child that died in infancy; his second wife bore the maiden name of Cornelia Demorest; his death occurred December 28, 1878, and that of his second wife, December 27, 1879. (2) P'red G., born October iS, 1812, married Miss-Mary M. Freer, and they had one daughter, Mary Frances, who married George Neilson, a prominent lawyer of New York City, and died one year later; Fred G. died February 26, 1881.

Abner G. Hungerford, the father of Mrs. Ross, was also born in the town of New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., February 21, 1805, and in the district school near his home acquired his education. Learning the harness maker's trade, he followed that occupation during early life, but later turned his attention to farming. As early as 1830 he removed from (Juaker Hill, Dutchess county, to a farm which he had purchased in the town of Dover. On May 7, 1828, he was joined in marriage

with Miss Maria Sabin, born June 10, 1803, daughter of Jeptha and Anna Sabin. Her father was a harness maker of Brookfield, Conn. Jeptha Sabin was born January 5, 1770, and on March 17, 1794, married Anna Starr, who was born April 23, 1773; his death occurred June 26, 1838, and that of his wife January 24, i860. The death of Abner G. Hungerford occurred October 4, 1892, and that of his wife, December 9, -1888.

Mrs. Ross, the onl}' child of her parents, was born in the town of Dover, July 20, 1833. During her girlhood she attended the public schools of the locality, where she acquired a good education. She was united in marriage with Duncan Ross, whose birth occurred in the same township, March 8, 1827. In his native county he alwaj's followed farming and butchering, but at one time, for seven j'ears, had charge of stables at the Union Stock yards, at Chicago. He departed this life September 23, 1883. In politics he was a Republican.

ALFRED E. HALL, one of the most _ valued and reliable citizens of the town of Anienia, Dutchess county, purchased the Jacob Rundall farm, between Amenia and Was-saic, in 1889, a most beautiful place, where he has since resided, and during the summer months he keeps boarders, easily accommodating twenty. Mr. Hall was born in Berkshire county, Mass., near Monterey, November 21, 1854, and for several generations the family have made their homes in that State. Luke Hall, his great-grandfather, emigrated from England to New London, Conn.. but later became a resident of Marlboro, Mass. The grandfather, George Hall, was born at New Marlboro, and for a companion and helpmeet on life's journey chose Miss Cynthia Fargo.

Their third son, William A. Hall, is the father of our subject, and is still living at Monterey, Mass. His educational privileges were such as the common schools afforded, and as a young man he worked at the carpenter's trade. However, he later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and also speculated in timber. He is a devoted member of the Congregational Church, and in politics is a stalwart Republican, always supporting the candidates offered by that party. He was united in marriage with Miss Fannie E. Clark, of Sheffield, Mass., and they became the par-

DUNCAK ROSS.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

445

ents of three sons—Alfred E., William B. and Frank—and one daughter—Georgia A.

Until eighteen years of age Alfred E. Hall remained at home, attending the common schools of Monterey, and then became a student in the Connecticut Literary Institute, at Suffield, Conn., taking a three-years' course. The following two years he passed at home, and was then for the same length of time foreman of a farm at Great Barrington, Mass. Subsequently he worked on a farm on shares at Kent, Conn., for two years, whence he came to Dutchess county, and operated the farm of George W. Ketcham, at Dover Plains, for six years, since which time he has resided on his present place. In connection with the cultivation and improvement of his land, he also handles agricultural implements for D. M. Osborne & Co., in which he has built up a good trade.

At Monterey, in 1881, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Minnie V. Langdon, daughter of Chauncey D. Langdon, and they now have four children: Mary, Laura, Chauncey and William. On April 15, 1895, Mr. Hall received the appointment of county deputy of the Patrons of Husbandry, and during the winter of 1895-6 he organized five granges in the county. Although his residence here is of comparatively short duration, he takes an active interest in the public affairs of the locality, and to all improvements of a substantial nature he gives a generous aid. Like his father, he also supports the Republican party, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian, holding membership in the Church at Amenia, of which he is an elder, and one of the trustees.

JN. BULLIS. No country has afforded greater opportunities for the poor man than

our own; it is, indeed, the poor man's country. Here, an industrious, frugal man has a chance to accumulate wealth. Many fail to do so, but the best of our population lay by some of their earnings, and soon find themselves in the possession of a handsome property; among them is the gentleman whose name introduces this article. He is a native of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and now makes his home at Bangall.

His father, David Bullis, was the only child of Thomas Bullis, and always resided in the town of Stanford, where he engaged in farming. There his death occurred in 1845, at

the age of fifty years. Politically he was identified with the Whig party. By his marriage with Deborah Keed he became the father of the following children: Thomas has now passed away; Jane, deceased, was the wife of Robert Hoffman; Peter, deceased, married Permelia Carroll; Julia is the wife of Edward Walters, of Mclntyre, Dutchess county; John N. is ne.xt in order of birth; and George W., deceased, married Emma Den-ozell.

During his boyhood John N. Bullis attended the district schools of the town of Stanford, and as his parents both died when he was quite small, he was early thrown upon his own resources, being compelled to seek his own livelihood while still quite young. He worked by the month for various farmers, his first employer being Stephen G. Guernsey, Sr., and was thus engaged until seventeen years of age, when he began clerking in the store of Moses Denney, at Hull's Mills. At the end of eight months, however, he went to Stissing, where he conducted a store on shares for two years, and for the following seven years clerked for N. Halsted and G. G. Sharpenstein, at Bangall. Going to Poughkeepsie, he was there engaged in the spring-bed business with E. L. Bushnell for two years, and for the same length of time he was in the employ of Arnold Constable & Co., of New York City. Purchasing a store at Bangall, he conducted the same for seven years with good success, but at the end of that time sold out the stock and has since rented the building. He also purchased his present residence there.

On December 6, 1S58, Mr. Bullis was married to Mary Husted, daughter of Henry D. Husted, of Washington Hollow, Dutchess county. Three children were born to them: Henry D., who died at the age of nine and a half years; May, who died at the age of four months; and John N. Mr. Bullis has now retired from the active labors of life, and is spending his later days in the ease and comfort to which he is ju.stly entitled. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

LBERT L. RIDER, the efficient and popular postmaster at Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and one of the most prominent citizens of that locality, was born July 11, 1842, at Westkill, Greene county.

The American branch of this family origi-

COMMEMORATIVE IJIOQBAPUICAL RECORD.

nated with three brothers who came from Holland and located in Connecticut, from whence some of their descendants came to New York State. Our subject's father, Lewis Rider, was a native of Schoharie county, born March i6, 1808. He married Celia La Ment, a lady of French descent, but a native of Westkill, where Mr. Rider engaged in the tanning business. In 1844 he moved to Poland, Herkimer county, and a few years later went to Florence, Oneida county, continuing the same business, which he followed in all forty-five years. In 1871 he and his wife came to Rhinebeck, and for some years he was engaged in contracting in partnership with a son-in-law, John O'Brien, and contracted the R. & C. R. R., and many miles of the D. & H. canal, but he afterward retired from active business and died November 15, 1896, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. He held a prominent place in every community in which he was known, and represented the town of Florence in the board of supervisors of Oneida county for many years, and in 1851 he was elected from Florence (Third Assembly District), to the Assembly on the Democratic ticket. Of si.\ children only two are now living. George has been for some years employed in developing his father's mining interests in California, but is now at home; Adelbert died at the age of four years; Albert L. is the subject of our sketch; Sarah married John O'Brien, mentioned above, and died in 1886; John, Lucy and Elijah died in infancy.

Albert L. Rider received his early education in the academy at Me.xico, Otsego county, and the Walworth Commercial College, at Rome, N. Y., and then entered the tanning business with his father, carrying it on until 1875; in 1867-1868 was supervisor from Florence, Oneida county, when he came to Rhine-beck. After a short time he went to Kingston as agent of the American Express Co.; but he soon became interested in organizing a company to build the " Grand Hotel " in the Cats-kill Mountains, and was engaged for two years in its construction. He then began to contract for different important enterprises, among which may be noted especially the Catskill to Burden Iron Mine railroad, Utica & Bing-hampton and several others; the dredging of a part of the D. & H. canal, the building of one and one-half miles of aqueduct at Yonkers, and the Sodam dam at Brewsters, which was the largest of its kind in the country at the time.

In 1895 he returned to Rhinebeck to reside, and he has since identified himself with the best interests of the town. He was married February y, 1864, to Cynthia Comstock, a daughter of Abner Comstock, a leading farmer of Williamstown, Oswego county. Her family is of English origin, the first of the American line settling in Connecticut, and among their descendants are some of the most prominent residents of New York City. Two children were born of this union: Sarah Mosella and Celia Alberta, both at home.

Mr. Rider is an inlluential counsellor in the Democratic party in his vicinity, and is active in all local affairs lending his aid to any beneficial measure. In 1867-68 he was supervisor from Florence, Oneida county. On May i, 1894, he was installed as postmaster of his town, and has since discharged the duties of the office with signal success.

CHARLES C. GARDNER, now one of the most progressive, energetic and successful farmers of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, is a native of Connecticut, where the family was founded at an early day. Thomas Gardner, his grandfather, was born in New Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., and after finishing his literary course in the common schools of that locality, he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed throughout life. He married Miss Johanna Pepper, and to them were born eight children: Seth, who married Polly Bullard; Michael, who married Anna Davis; Humphrey, who marriedKuth Morris; Thomas, who married Jane Morris; Lois, who married Allen Joyce; Zuba, who married Francis Sturges; Ann, who married Benjamin Well-man; and Hannah, who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, Thomas Gardner wedded Hannah Chase, daughter of Gideon Chase, and they had three children: Gideon, who died when young; Franklin, who married Christina Eggleston; and Mary, who married Milan Steddel.

Michael Gardner (the father of our subject), who passed away May 16, 1884, at the age of seventy years, was born in the town of New P""airiield, Fairfield Co., Conn., where he attended the common schools and was reared to farm life. The first land which he owned was in the town of Sherman, that county, where he made his home for twenty-five years, and

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447

then purchased a farm in South Dover, Dutchess county. During the old training days he served as a drummer in the militia.

On October 15, 1837, he married Miss Anna Davis, whose grandfather, Stephen Davis, was a native of England, whence at an early day he came to New Fairfield, Conn., where he engaged in farming. He married Miss Hannah Leach, and to them were born eight children: William, who married Sallie Quimby; Daniel, the father of Mrs. Gardner; Paul, who married Miss Morehouse; Lucy, who married Holman Marsh; Rilla, who married Eli Brush; and three who died when young. Daniel Davis was born May 6, 1797, in New Fairfield, was there educated and engaged in farming. His death occurred February 5, 1S35. He had married Miss Mermelia Hodge, who was born January 16, 1797, and died October 23, 1887, when over ninety years of age. To them were born four children, Mrs. Gardner being the eldest. The others are as follows: Miner, who was born in Connecticut, engaged in farming, and married Miss Mary Osborn, by whom he had three sons —Stephen, who died at the age of fourteen years; Charles and Marshall. Julia, also born in Connecticut, married Daniel Whaley, and had three children—Daniel and Leander, who died in infancy; and Gertrude, who married Theodore Carter. Flora, born in Connecticut, married George Abbot, and had six children— Permelia, who died in infancy; Emeline, who married Thomas Hoyt; Henry, who married Laura De Camp; Julia, who married John Gallop; Hannah, who married Myron Knapp; and Stephen, who married Cora Roberts.

To the parents of our subject were born five children: (i) Edward D., born in 1842, was educated in the public schools, and learned the trade of tinsmith, at which he worked during the greater part of his life. Socially, he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married Miss Electa Brewer, and, as they had no children of their own, adopted two sons, Howard and Taylor Gardner. He died very suddenly on the 21 St of November, 1893. (2) George K. was born in 1845, at Sherman, Conn., where he acquired his education, and is now following farming in the West. He wedded Miss Mary Wilbur, of Schenectady, N. Y., and they had two children—Eliza, who was born May I, 1S79, and died at the age of five years; and Nellie C., born November 14, 1885. (3)

Charles C, subject of this review, is ne.\t in order of birth. (4) Martha, born at Sherman, Conn., in 1840, married William F. Wildman, a farmer of Brookfield, Conn., and had two children—Carrie Bell, who was born June 8, 1868, and married Charles Jackson, but died at the age of twenty years; and Ray Clifford, born March^23, 1882. (5) Lydia, born in 1843, married Stephen A. Barnum, a carriage trimmer of New Fairfield, Conn., and they had eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows—Effie Arminta, March 4, 1862; Charles E., November 21, 1863; Anna E., November 14, 1865; Emma P., April i, 1868; Mary J., February 5, 1870; Julia G., March 5, 1872; Lottie M., May 17, 1874; Hattie E., February 5, 1876; Stephen D., September 18, 1879; Grace L., May i, 1S82; and Kittle M., September 21, 1S83.

Charles C. Gardner was born in the town of Sherman, Fairfield Co., Conn., in 1847, and during his boyhood and youth he pursued his studies in the common schools of his native place. As a life work he chose the occupation of farming, which he has always followed very successfully. He has served as collector of the town and on the board of excise of the town of Dover, and has held other minor offices. His political support is always given the Republican party, and, socially, he holds membership with Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M. He has made many friends since coming to the county, and has the highest regard of all who know him. He was united in marriage with Miss Kate Dennis, and they have one son, Chester C., born September 3, 1883.

Robert Dennis, the grandfather of Mrs. Gardner, was a native of the town of Union Vale, Dutchess county, where on reaching maturity he followed farming and married a Miss Rozell. Mrs. Gardner's father, Lewis Dennis, was born in the same township, in 1837, was there educated and also engaged in farming. He wedded Miss Mary Stillwell, of Union Vale, and they became the parents of five children: George married Ida Sweet, by whom he has two children—Mary and Sarah; Royal married Kate Oliver; Phct-be married Isaac \'ermilyea, by whom she has three children—Irving, Grace and Arthur; Nathaniel married Angeline Van Scay, by whom he has five children—George, Mary, Emma, Lewis ' and Edna; and Kate, the wife of our subject, completes the family.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

MISS MARGARET B. MONAHAX. It is _ said that in the Hebrew language there is no word which corresponds to our word "charity", but that a term is used instead which signifies Justice. In this distinction, with its deep lessons, the philosopher may see one reason, if not the reason, for the close union and general prosperity of that wonderful race. With such an idea of helpfulness, a Hebrew who sees another in need says to himself, "There is something wrong that this my brother, my sister, should be in want in this beautiful world. It is my duty to right this injustice as far as I can, and so help to establish that order jof things which will make such a deplorable evil no longer possible." And so he does not carelessly deal out a few dimes or dollars in self-righteous satisfaction, and dismiss the matter from his mind; but he interests himself in the case as if it were his own, devoting his wisdom, his experience, and influence to the task, and gives that friendly, practical assistance which he would wish for were he in the same plight.

What a different world this would be if such a conception of our duties to each other were to prevail! Here and there we see instances of it, and their quiet but effective work contrasts nobly with that of some of our loudly-advertised charities although their beneficent influences may attract little or no attention.

Miss Margaret B. Monahan, whose mind, prompted by the kindly impulses of her charitable nature, originated the plan of giving a cultured rest to the weary working-girl, was born in New York City, the daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Beers) Monahan, both of whom were natives of the same city. She was educated at a private school.

John Monahan, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Banbridge, in the linen district of Ireland, and was there married to Miss Mary Campbell, also a native of that place, and they early came to this country. He had received a good education in the "Emerald Isle," and on arriving in New York taught school for a time. Several years later he moved to English Neighborhood, N. J., now called Fairview, where he engaged in farming, and where, also, his death occurred. To him and his wife were born the following children: Arthur, Hugh, Thomas, all three deceased; William (retired), now living in Brooklyn; Catherine, deceased, unmarried; and John, a retired merchant of New York, never married.

Thomas Monahan was born in New York City August 27, 1813. When he was fifteen years of age he began to fight the battle of life alone, by entering the employ of Cyreneus Beers, a commission merchant of New York City. In this place he remained ten years, or until 1838, when he started out in the same business for himself. On March 15, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Beers, one of the thirteen children of his former employer. On her mother's side she was a descendant of an old Dutch family. Van Antwerp, well known in the early days of the Dutch colonies. Her father was a native of Newtown, Conn., coming to New York when quite young, and by industry laying the foundation of the fortune that made him one of the foremost business men of his day in New York.

Thomas Monahan continued in the commission business until 1S58, when his natural abilities as a financier were publicly recognized by his election to the presidency of the Fulton National Bank, New York City, which position he held until his death. May 13, 1886, followed November 28, 1890, by his faithful and devoted wife. The union of this worthy couple was graced by two children—one of whom died in infancy, and Margaret B. Mr. Monahan was the architect of his own fortune, accumulating his property by slow and conservative methods rather than by speculation. He was a man of quiet, retiring disposition, but ever ready to aid in anything for the general good of the community. In early days he was a member of the old Volunteer Fire Department, of New York, and was one of those who fought the great fire of 1835. He united with no Church, but his wife belonged to the Duane Street Presbyterian Church, now Dr. John Hall's.

After Mr. Monahan's death, his wife and daughter continued to be residents of New York City until 1S90. At that time they purchased a farm at Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, intending to make it their summer home, but after Mrs. Monahan's death, in the following November, her daughter decided to live there permanently.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Monahan were much interested in the life of working girls in New York, and were in cordial sympathy with their daughter's work among them ; so, when, in June, 1893, Miss Monahan rented a quaint, little, century-old cottage near her own place,

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449

Broadfields, and opened it to a small party of working girls from New York, it was but the carrying out of long-talked-of, and much-cherished, plans. The invigorating air, the charming views of hill and valley and open skies, the drives and picnics, the refinements of that delightful home, and, above all, the cordial friendship of their hostess, were a revelation to these over-worked and under-paid girls whose lives were clouded by the experiences of the dreary tenement houses and noisy workshop. Heroic in spirit these girls are, working uncomplainingly year in and year out, many of them supporting some helpless relative, and who can estimate the benefit that this bright e.xperience gave them ? The good work thus begun could not be abandoned by one who had the heart to begin it at all. The house rented was the summer residence of Mrs. E. M. Scott, a well-known New York artist, who was then abroad ; but, as she intended to occupy it on her return, other quarters had to be provided. A house was, therefore, built for the e.xclusive use of the girls; and every summer "Hill Hope ", as it is called, holds group after group who come to stay two weeks or more and then return to their weary routine. The invitations have thus far been extended through the New York City Mission ; but all the expenses connected with the outing are met by the hostess, except the railroad fares, which are paid by the Tribune Fresh Air Fund at the City Mission. The guests at Hill Hope write their names in a visitors' book, with their occupations—a strange and motley list, including the making of fishing tackle, hat frames, rubber coats, perfumes, casket lining, dresses and underwear, and embroidery, polishing jewelry, filling salt bags, washing (by a girl of fourteen), barring button-holes, ten thousand a day. One girl stirs, constantly, a steaming cauldron at a wholesale chemist's, watching lest it boil up and explode. "It did twice last year," said the girl, " and hurt a lot of people, but that," she added, " was before I came."

There is no matron at Hill Hope; the "house mother," as the girls love to call her, is an experienced trained nurse, and associated with her is some younger lady, who, being free from household responsibilities, has leisure to devote herself to the girls, and her constant though unobtrusive presence among them does away with the most objectionable feature of the ordinary vacation home. The King's Daughters, of Quaker Hill, are more than

29 "

kind to their sisters, taking them into their hearts as well as their Circle.

About eighty girls are usually entertained, in all, and many more such homes could be filled with those who are equally needy. Miss Monahan has plans, or rather hopes, for the enlargement of the work, in time, to include industrial training. Perhaps abetter idea cannot be given of the present scope of the enterprise than by some extracts from a report made in 1893:

Beautiful for situation is Hill Hope. Eight hundred feet above the Harlem \'alley, and 1,.500 feet above sea level, it stands facing the sunset, with the beauty of the Shawangunk Mountains before it and the lovely fertile valley at its feet. A good garden su[)plies fresh vegetables and berries, while the Jersey milk, eggs, butler and home-cured hams come from Broadfields, the farm of which Hill Hope is an offshoot.

Over the ninety acres of this farm, including a bit of woodland divided by a [lebbly brook, the girls have free range to come and go as they please. During haying season the fields are alive with girls; they run after the mower, toss the hay, ride the ropes, and come home on the loads of fragrant hay, driving the horses and chatter-mg to "Chris" in his native German.

The daily routine at Hill Hope is very simple. An hour each morning is devoted to care of rooms and other housework, and arranging flowers for the table; half an hour at noon, the same at night. Every Saturday a thorough cleansing of rooms takes place, in anticipation of the incoming party of girls in the afternoon; this completes the work required. Family worship morning and evening; and who among the girls but will recall the pleasant little talks and the prayers offered at this time? For evenings and rainy days there are books and music, games, quiet and noisy, without end, with croquet, bean-bags, etc., and hammocks and lounging chairs for the long summer evenings. They enjoy even the chill rainy days, because they offer an excuse for a wood fire in the fireplace in the dining room. An occasional candy-pull, also, enlivens the wet days. Many of these girls have never been in the country before; very many see cows milked and horses groomed for the first time; and the hay-scented barn, at milking time, with the long rows of soft-eyed Jersey cattle, and the farmer and his assistants answering questions, is an inexhaustible fund of amusement. Each set walks to the old Quaker Meeting House, a relic of ante-Revolutionary days, and listens to the thrilling stories of events which happened "on the spot;" and they often walk to the post office, where a gentle Quaker lady and her daughter entertain them, bringing out Quaker bonnets many years old, and relating their history.

Then there are picnic days, when " Chris " and the horses arrive early, and all are off for a drive through shady woods to the lake, a long day of boating, fishing and lunching in the woods, and at sunset a drive home " over the hills." Through the kindness of a gentleman, whose lovely home crowns the hill, the freedom of the lake was one year extended to Hill Hope; boats, fishing tackle, bathing suits, ice, lemonade, etc., being freely tendered to the girls at any time. Through the kindness of another gentleman from a distance, an outing fund was provided, so the girls might have driving when the home teams were not available. A lady has devoted many afternoons and evenings to our girls, reading and walking . with them, taking tea in the woods, and making barn picnics for them. Many of the summer residents have shown thoughtful kindness by sending in quantities of fresh vegetables; and, once, the girls were invited to one of the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

finest gardens in the place to pull all the flowers they wished. Said one pallid, sickly-looking girl: "1 never saw a sweet pea growing before." She and her companions gathered almost a bushel that morning, and in the afternoon assisted the King's Daughters Circle to arrange them to send to the New York Flower Mission.

Another set were invited by the manager of the " Dutcher House," in Pawling, to hear the band play. After a drive of six miles and an hour spent m rambling through the hotel grounds, they were served with ices in the music room.

One lovely September afternoon another set was asked by a lady, owner of a beautiful summer residence, to take tea at her home, and there charmingly entertained for two hours; after which they went, also by invitation, to walk through the garden and grounds of the gentleman who gave them the use of the lake, and whose wife has taught the successive parties of girls faithfully in the Sunday-school all summer, winning the heart of everyone of them by her sweet graciousness of manner and her earnest teachings. Who can estimate the influence of this simple, kindly hospitality and friendliness upon the toilful, cramped lives of our poor girls, except, indeed. He who spoke the "Inasmuch"?

GEORGE H. CRAMER, the proprietor of a well-known meat market at Red Hook, Dutchess county, is a representative of several of the oldest families of the vicinity. His ancestors on the paternal side settled here at an early date and bought land which succeeding generations cultivated. His grandfather, George Cramer, married Miss Allendorf, of Red Hook, and had seven children : Frederick, George, Henry A., Gettie, Lydia, Caroline and Bailey.

Henry A. Cramer, our subject's father, was born in 1804, was educated in the schools of Red Hook, and, like his forefathers, became a farmer. He married Miss Catherine W'al-dorph, and to their union were born the following children : Balinda A., in 1827; John V. R., in 1830; George H., in 1834 ; James A., in 1836 ; and William C., in 1845. The mother died in 1895, at the age of eighty-three years ; the father in 1880. Our subject's mother was a descendant of another pioneer family which has taken a prominent part in the history of that locality. The old house, which has been the home of the family for generations, is still standing, a landmark which is looked upon with interest at this day. Mrs. Cramer's father, John Waldorph, was an influential man of his time. He succeeded to the fertile acres which composed the family estate, and early in life married Miss Regina Benner, a daughter of Peter Benner, a leading farmer of Red Hook. Seven children were born of this union: William, John, Christopher, David, Maria, Catherine and Elizabeth.

George H. Cramer, our subject, attended the schools of his native place during his youth, and assisted his father upon the farm. He was'married in October, 1862, to Miss Sarah C. Allendorf, a daughter of Philip Allendorf, a well-known resident of Red Hook, and one child blessed this union: Emma A., born October 30, 1866, who married Dr. \\'illiam E. Traver, a promising young dentist of Red Hook. In 1876 Mr. Cramer gave up agricultural pursuits to engage in the meat trade in partnership with Philip Stickel. A year later, a brother-in-law, P. \. Allendorf, succeeded Mr. Stickel, but three years afterward he died and Clarence Shook took his interest, continuing for ten years, when C. N. Hicks, then an employe of the firm, purchased his share. Two years afterward Mr. Cramer bought out Mr. Hicks, and has since conducted the business in his own name, his energj- and fine business ability assuring his continued success.

WILLIAM A. SHOOK, of " Ardmore " farm, the well-known horticulturist

and dairyman, whose large and admirably-conducted farm near Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, is considered a model of its kind, is one of the most progressive citizens of the county.

His family has been prominent in the vicinity of Red Hook. Dutchess county, for several generations, and many of the name still reside there, among them being Sheridan Shook, a second cousin of our subject.

John Shook, our subject's grandfather, a native of Red Hook, was a leading agriculturist in his day, and an influential Democrat. He married Miss Nellie Shoemaker, and they reared a family of ten children, as follows: Christina, Maria, Helen, Cornelia, Aaron, Archibald, John, Walter, Alexander and Catherine. The parents were both members of the Lutheran Church. Aaron Shook, the father of our subject, grew to manhood at the old homestead, and married Miss Catherine Cramer, a descendant of an old Holland family, a daughter of Frederick Cramer, a leading carpenter of Red Hook. They settled on a farm there, and seven children were born to them: Lucetta, now the widow of Sylvester Teator, a farmer; Cornelia, the wife of Charles Schryver, a harness maker by trade; Helen, who married Robert W. Lewis, a farmer; William A., our subject; Gordon L., a farmer

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451

by occupation (now deceased); Lydia E., who is at home; and Frederick, a resident of Rhine-beck. Aaron Shook died at the old home in 1884, his wife some five years later. He was an active worker in local affairs, and in the Democratic party, and held the offices of collector and poor master. '

William A. Shook, our subject, was born April 24, 1S37, and spent his early years at the old homestead. In 1862 he married Miss Sarah D. Stickle, a daughter of Stephen P. Stickle, and granddaughter of Halley Stickle, both of whom were natives of Columbia county, N. Y. Her mother, Elizabeth fCouse) Stickle, was also born in that county, and both families traced their lineage to early Holland-Dutch settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Shook made their first home upon a farm in Red Hook, but in 1S89 they moved to their present home, "Ardmore " farm, a fine estate of 400 acres. Since that time Mr. Shook has made majiy improvements. His specialties are fruit, bottled milk and cream, and garden produce, and he has about fifty cows, mostly Jerseys, besides other cattle. Among his extensive orchards there are 4,000 peach trees.

Mr. and Mrs. Shook have three sons: Frank B., manager of " Ardmore " farm, who married Miss Louise R. Hendricks; Edgar A., who married Miss Mary Scofield, and lives in the village of Fishkill; and Alfred E., at home.

ROBERT M. GREENE, a prominent hor- ticulturist of the town of Rhinebeck,

Dutchess count}-, was born December 23, 1827, in the town of Milan. His family is of English extraction, and the first to come to America were Quakers in religious faith, and settled at an early period in Rhode Island— that refuge of the persecuted for conscience sake. His grandfather, Tobias Greene, was a native of that State, and passed his life there. John R. Greene, our subject's father, was born near Providence, R. I., April 16, 1788, in early manhood came to Dutchess county, where he married Sabrina Martin, a lady of English descent, born April 8, 1793, a daughter of George Martin, a leading farmer of the town of Milan. After his marriage he settled upon a farm in the same town, where he remained a number of years, removing later to a farm in the town of Rhinebeck. He was a Democrat of the old-fashioned sort, and he

and his wife belonged to the Christian Church, and were among the leaders in their vicinity in many of the progressive movements of their time. They had thirteen children: Mahala, who married (first) Mr. Hicks, and (second) Mr. Piatt; Sarah J., the wife of Peter Welch, a farmer; Emeline, who married William C. Rikert, a butcher; Margaret A., the wife of Edward Knickerbocker, of Albany, who was, in early life, a teacher, but later on was a lumberman; Martin T., a retired merchant, of Kane county, Ilf.; George N., who died in childhood; John, who was a farmer in the town of Clinton; Elizabeth, who married Andrew J. Fish, a retired mechanic, in Iowa; Robert M., our subject; Theron, who died in infancy; Martha, who married (first) Mr. H. Gray, and (later) Mr. Foster, of Hiawatha, Kans.; Walter N. (deceased), a lumber merchant at Burlington, Vt.; and Edmund, a wagon maker in the State of Washington. The father of this family died in 1867, his wife July 2, 1882.

The subject of our sketch was seven years of age when he came with his parents to his present home, where he has now lived for sixty-two years. He was married November 5, 185 I, to Ann Eliza Vail, a native of the town of Stanford, born April 10, 1829, and a daughter of Aaron Vail, a leading farmer there. They have had seven children: Evelyn, the wife of H. J. Lown, a farmer of Rhinebeck; Alice; Bertha; Hubert, a resident of the same township, and married to Miss Susie Harris; Delbert, who married Bertha V. L'Homme-dieu; Fanny; and Anabel, who married Reuben F. L'Hommedieu November 25, 1896.

Mr. Greene's farm comprises 138 acres devoted to fruit raising, in which he has made a marked success. In politics he is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, but he takes no active share in political work.

BENJAMIN H. FRY, a wide-awake, energetic and progressive business man of Amenia, Dutchess county, was born in that village April 2, 1851. His father, Simeon Fry, was a native of Winchendon, Mass., born in 1817, and on reaching manhood was married to Miss Phebe Harris, of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, whose death occurred in 1852. In 1846 the father established the tin and stove business in Amenia, which he successfully conducted until 1870, when the management was turned over to our subject, who ten years

COintEMORATnrE BrOORAPBICAL RECOBD.

later : his father, assumed full

contr.. .. :... .-;...ess. Politically, he was first a Whig, and later sapported the Repnb-lican party, while socially he was identified with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. Jc A. M.

Mr. Fry, of this sketch, was an only child. and his boyhood and youth were spent in attendance at the district schools and the Amenia Seniinary. where he completed his literary coarse. At the age of seventeen he left the schoolroom to leam the tinner's trade with his father. In Febmafy. 1876. he was married in the town of Washington. Datchess county, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida B. Warner, daughter of Frederick Warner, and to them have been bom four children: Clara. Louie. Helen, and Florence.

The Amenia Foundry was established by Mr. Fry in 1890 for the manufacture of general castings, making a specialty of sash weights, since which time the foundry has been in continuous operation, producing 1.500 tons of castings per year. As a manufactory of sash weights it ranks as one of the best in the country.

In connection with the foundry. Mr. Fry also has the largest and best-equipped tin and stove store on the line of the Harlem railroad. There a specialty is made of the manufacture of copper wash boilers, making 7,000 a year, for which he has a large wholesale trade throughout the Elastem States as far north as Portland, Maine. He employs iorcy men and eight teams, with a pay-roll of $1,500 per month. Although one of the infant industries of the county, it seeks not the protection of a high protective tariS, but owes its success to the untiring perseverance and able management of Mr. Fry. The Amenia Foundry is one of the few enterprises which furnish the life and prosperity of the village of Amenia. In 1895 ooi" subject established a simDar foundry at Waterbury. Conn.. in connection with Julias Benedict, one of the oldest manufacturers of sash weights in this countrj-. and thej' there employ from twenty to thirty men.

The different industries with which Mr. Frj-has been connected have been crowned with success. Many of the men employed in the foundry- when started are there at the present time, some of them hanng been with Mr. Fry for a quarter of a century, which fact speaks well for the judgment of the employer and the capabilities of the employes. From the time of the establishment of the business, in 1846.

up tc the present time, a period of fifty years, a Saturday pay-day has never been missed, at which time the men find the cashier as free to give as they to receive. The fact that Mr. ¥i\ is at the head is a guarantee for the prosperity and success of any enterprise, and we take pleasure in expressing our admiration for his remarkable business ability.

Socially. Mr. ¥t\ affiliates with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. ic .\. M., of which he has been master, and is also coimected with Pough-keepsie Chapter, Cotmcil and Commandery, and Mecca Temple of Mystic Shrine in New York Citj-. He is president of the .Amenia Water Company, of which he is one-third owner.

ALBERT W. CORBIN (deceased.. On ihe 4th of August, 1S93, there passed

away at his home, in the town of Pawling, Dutchess countj-. the subject of this sketch, whose life of quiet and consistent usefulness had endeared him to a large circle of friends. .Although by choice he followed the peaceful life of agriculture, he took a helpful part in the various local enterprises which marked the social, religious and educational advance of the community, and his sympathies were always given to the side of progress.

Bom in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y.. Mr. Corbin was reared in Dutchess coimty. and as he reached manhood's estate he identified himself completely with the interests of this localitj-. His family was already well-known here, his grandfather, Jabez Corbin, ha\-ing come to the town of Pawling in the latter part of the last century, from Long Island, where the first ancestor of the American branch had settled at an early period on his arrival from England. Jabez Corbin probably located at Quaker Hill. He married Lucy Cheeseman, and reared a family of eight children—Isaac, our subject's father; William, a blacksmith at Johnsville; George, a carpenter at Sherman. Conn.; Thomas, who lived near Fishkill: Benjamin, a farmer in Pennsylvania: Tallman, who also went to Pennsylvania: Lawrence, a resident of Putnam county: and Sarah, who married Hany Case, of Matteawan.

Isaac Corbin was bom at Quaker Hill. November lo. 1790. and in early manhood lived for a time at Patterson, but in 1823 he returned to his native county and established

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.

453

his home in the village of Pawling, in the house occupied later by James Ferris. He was a blacksmith by trade, his shop being located just south of the Baptist church, and his industry and successful management gained for him a fine competence. At one time he owned all that portion of the village site which lies west of the railroad. He wielded great influence in local affairs, and was a strong supporter of the Democratic party. His wife, Martha (Haynes), was born January 8, 1796, a daughter of Archibald Haynes, a well-known resident of Patterson. They had four children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Jane, February 17, 1817, married John Ferris; Emeline, October 8, 1819, married Sheldon Haynes; Albert W., August 27, 1821; and Helen M., December 11, 1S25, married Henry W. Wright, of Beekman, and is now the only surviving member of the family. The father died February 10, 1878, the mother on October 28, 1882.

Albert W. Corbin attended the district schools of the town of Pawling, and a select school at Quaker Hill conducted by Serenus Jones; but although his advantages were the best which the time and the locality afforded, he was in a large degree self-educated, his reading in later years being unusually broad in its scope, history being his favorite study. ,He learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, but did not follow it, preferring agriculture. He began by working a farm east of the village, on shares, and gradually acquired large tracts of farming land, among them the Howland farm, upon which he made his home, the Stockholm farm, the Cook farm, and the one whereon Mrs. Corbin now resides, making him one of the most extensive real-estate holders in the town. He also at one time owned the ore bed at the top of the mountain, and was a stockholder in the lower ore bed, of which he was superintendent for some years. He was an e.xcellent business man, cautious, yet enterprising, and of unquestioned integrity, and his advice was asked and followed in many important enterprises. He was one of the original incorporators of the Savings Bank at Pawling, of which institution he held the office of trustee until the time of his death; and he was often called upon to assist in the settlement of estates. Possessing much public spirit, he took a generous interest in local affairs, and was a leader in the Republican organization of his town, serving for several terms as assessor,

and for five terms in succession as township supervisor.

In 1842 Mr. Corbin married Miss Julia A. Beardsley, a lady of English descent, and the daughter of Lewis Beardsley, a prominent resident of New Fairfield, Conn. Two children came of this union, viz.: Isaac L., born October 5, 1849; and Anna E., born January 12, 1851, now the wife of Edwin B. Dodge, a leading citizen of Pawling. Lewis Beardsley, father of Mrs. Corbin, was born January 17, 1798, in New Fairfield, Conn., and November 10, 1817, married Paulina Barnum, by whom he had five children: (i) Eliza married William H. Wright, and had nine children: William H., John L., Thomas E., George W., Harriet E., Paulina, Albert W., Daniel B., and Albert D.; (2) Julia A. (Mrs. Corbin) comes next; (3) Daniel H. married Mary Lind-ley, and had three children: Huldah A., Alice and Lewis D.; (4) Huldah deceased when eighteen; (5) Paulina married Orris Haynes, and had two children: Lew^is I., and Mary (deceased.) The mother of this family died October 7, 1832, and February 17, 1833, Mr. Beardsley wedded Miss Harriet Barnum (a sister of his first wife), and one child was born to them, named Hannah; her mother died in 1886. Mr. Beardsley passed from earth April 24, 1843, a member of the Presbyterian Church. By occupation Mr. Beardsley in his younger days was a farmer, later a speculator and merchant for some ten years, also bought and sold cattle.

Edwin B. Dodge, son-in-law of Mrs. Corbin, was born August 18, 1851, in the town of Pawling .Dutchess county, a son of John B. and Julia (Allen) Dodge, farming people, the other children in the family being Charles S., Priscilla F. and Ida A. The father of these died in 1861; the mother is yet living. Edwin was married February 12, 1874, and they had two children: Essie A., born September 2, 1876, died September 24, 1877; and Albert E., born November 11, 1878, at present holding a lucrative position in the general passenger agent's office New York Central & Hud-River R. R., city.

Edwin B. Dodge has served as collector of taxes, commissioner of public works, elected twice supervisor from Pawling, was nominated for member of Assembly in the First district of Dutchess county, but declined the nomination-is also a composer of religious, comic, and sentimental music.

COMMEMORATIVE JlIOQIiAI'UICAL RECOHD.

Isaac L. Corbin, eldest child of Albert W. and Julia A. Corbin, married Jennie Sherman, June 14, 1871, and three children came of this union: Albert I., born November 6, 1872; Annie Maud, February 12, 1875, ^'^d April 23, 1875; Charles L., born March 3, 1876. The mother of these children died May 2, 1882, and Isaac L., in June, 1883, married for his second wife Mary F. Allison, of Canada. The children by this marriage are six in number: Willie A., born April 4, 1884; Frank B., born September 11, 1885; Cecil I., born June 12, 1887; Ethel B., born May II, 1889; Lewis D., born April 21, 1891; Clement W., born April 27, 1896.

I. L. Corbin has large farming interests in Pawling, has always confined himself to agricultural pursuits, and is a conceded authority on up-to-date farming.

CHARLES H. SLOCUM, a traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery house of Wright, Depew & Co., Nos. 103-105 Murray street, New York City, was born in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, in 1S60, and is about eight generations removed from Roscom Slocum, the founder of the family in the New World. He was a wealthy planter,and his wife, a Miss Fitzgerald, belonged to a prominent and well-to-do Irish family; she ran away from home, and her future husband paid her passage in cattle.

Hiram Slocum, the father of our subject, was born in 1S34, in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, where the birth of his father. Pardon Slocum, also occurred, and there the latter devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. Hiram Slocum's mother died when he was an infant, and he was reared by an uncle living near Cornwall Bridge, Litchfield Co., Conn., where he received only a limited district-school education. At the age of nineteen years he started out in life for himself, coming to Dover, where he engaged in shoemaking for a time. There he wedded Mary Olivett, by whom he has five sons: William E., of Poughquag; Hiram, a builder of the same place; Charles H., of this sketch; and Henry D. and Fred, also of Poughquag. After his marriage the father turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in the town of Dover, where he remained until 1867, when he removed to his present farm in the town of Beekman. He is a self-made man, his possessions being the result of

his diligence, enterprise and perseverance, and he well deserves the success that has come to him. In politics he is a Democrat, and religiously his wife is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In the town of Beekman, Charles H. Slocum attended the district schools, and after completing his education clerked in the store of H. Colwell for two years. At the age of nineteen years he bought out his employer, and conducted the business from March, 1880, until November 10, 1894, when his property was destroyed by fire, but he rebuilt the store, which he now rents to S. L. Davis & Dibble. Since June, 1895, he has been on the road in the wholesale grocery business as the outside financial agent for the firm. He was at one time treasurer and manager of the American Electric Light Company. As a business man he is winning success, and his unabating energy and diligence are important factors in his prosperity.

At South Amenia Mr. Slocum was married to Miss Ella M. Odell, daughter of George W. Odell, and to them have been born two children: Blanche and Russell. Like his father, our subject also supports the Democratic party; was supervisor of the town of Beekman in 1885, being the youngest member of the board; and in the fall of 18S6 was nominated as a member of the General Assembly, but declined the honor. Since 1884 he served as postmaster of Poughquag except when Benjamin Harrison was filling the Presidential chair, and in both public and private life he has ever discharged his duties in a prompt and efficient manner. Socially he is connected with Hopewell Lodge No. 596, F. & A. M., and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Poughquag. Although he sustained a heavy loss at the time he was burned out, he was able to pay all his creditors one hundred cents on the dollar. All who know him esteem him for his sterling worth, his unimpeachable integrity and his upright life.

CHARLES B. MORGAN, one of the highly respected citizens and leading business men of Amenia, was born at his present residence in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, June 28, 1852, and is a son of George Morgan, whose birth also occurred on the old homestead, June 14, 1S23. There William Morgan,

A^'^ P^cn^^-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

455

the grandfather, had located on coming from Redding, Conn., in 1806. On June 3, 1S05, he married Miss Polly Wood, who was bom September 8, 1786, and died October 2, 1876. In their family were eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Nelson, September i, 1806 ; Caroline, September 20, 1808 ; Evaline, October 10, 1810; an infant son, October 8, 1812 ; Russell, December 8, 1813 ; Amanda, July 18, 1816 ; Minerva, November 18, 1818 ; Benson W., March 25, 1821; George, June 14, 1823 ; Mariette, September 15, 1826 ; and Andrew J., December 12, 1827; all are now deceased except Amanda and Mariette.

The grandfather, who was of Welsh descent, was born November 26, 1782, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. He and his wife migrated on horseback to Dutchess county in 1806, having scarcely enough money at that time to pay for the one acre of ground which he purchased in the town of Amenia. Here he established the manufacture of grain cradles, which is now carried on by our subject, and also engaged in the manufacture of coffins. He was entirely a self-made man and became quite well-to-do, leaving a good property at his death, which occurred January 21, 1S59.

George Morgan, the father, spent his boyhood days in Amenia, .attending the district schools, and with his father learned cradle-making, which he continued to follow throughout life, having a good trade in the Hudson Valley and in western Connecticut. A capable business man, he deserved the success which rewarded his efforts ; in politics was a Democrat, and was a member of the old militia. At Hudson, N. Y., he was married November 18, 1848, to Laura B. Hood, a daughter of Samuel Hood, and to them were born two sons : Charles B., of this sketch ; and William, who was born June 27, 1850, and died March 30, 1852. The death of the mother occurred May 5, 1891, and the father passed away October 9, 1894.

.•\fter attending the public schools, our subject entered the Amenia Seminary, where he completed his literary education. He then learned the trade of cradle-making, which his grandfather and father followed, and since 1889 has had complete charge of the business, which he is now successfully conducting. In the year 1896 he also manufactured cider from 12,000 bushels of apples, and also evaporated

over 5,000 bushels, thus using over 17,000 bushels, and is engaged in farming to a small extent. Politically, he follows in the footsteps of his father, supporting the Democratic party, and is now serving as school trustee in his district.

At Smithfield, in the town of Amenia, October 9, 1874, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Cora Van Hovenburg, daughter of John Van Hovenburg, and they have two children: Clara Belle and Harry B. The family holds an enviable position in social circles, and has many friends throughout the community.

The

Flint

CHARLES A. FLINT. ihe name was given to a minor Saxon god represented by a great flint stone. It appears in old Colonial records asFflint, Fflynt, Flinte and Flynt, and the latter form should have been retained by the family. The first to come to America were Thomas and William Flint, who became early settlers of Salem, Mass., probably locating there before 1638. The former, from whom our subject is descended, purchased 150 acres of meadow and pasture land from John Pickering, in 1654, and in 1662 bought fifr.y acres from Robert Goodall. That farm is still in the possession of his descendants. By his marriage with Anne Sutherick he had six children —Thomas; Elizabeth, born in 1650; George, who was born in 1652, and died in 1720; John; Anna, who was born in 1657, and died in 1663; and Joseph, born in 1662. The father died April 15, 1663, and the mother on March 20,

1673-

John Flint, the fourth in order of birth,

was born in 1655, was made a freeman of Salem

in 1690, and died in 1730. He took up arms

in defense of the colonists during King Phillip's

war. His wife was Elizabeth Putnam, and to

them nine children were born: Samuel, John,

Hannah,Stephen, Joshua, Joseph, Lydia, Sarah

and Elizabeth.

Joshua Flint, the fifth child of John, was born October 28, 1689, and in 1716 removed to Windham, Conn. He lost his life at sea. Twelve children were born of his marriage with Miss Deborah Ingalls: Sarah, Mary, Joshua, James, Asher, Bartholomew, Huldah, Elizabeth, Abner, Eliphalet, Aikelas and Theodora.

Asher Flint, of this family, was born at Windham, Conn., June 6, 1724, and the year 1771 witnessed his removal to Willington, that State. On August 20, 1752, he was married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUWAL RECORD.

to Sarah Bingham, who died in 1754, at the age of twenty-two years. Later he married Lucy Kimball, whose death occurred October 20, 1800, and he passed away in January, 1803. In his family were the follcwing children:Jabez, Lucy, Aaron, Sarah, Elisha, Enoch and Asher.

Jabez Flint, the eldest, was born May 2, 1756, at Windham, and when the colonists took up arms against the mother country he joined their forces, faithfully serving in the Revolutionary war. He was the grandfather of our subject, and was the first of the family to migrate to Dutchess count}', locating in the town of Amenia about 1782, and erecting the present residence of Charles A. Flint in the summer of 1815. There his death occurred March 28, 1844. He was married May 16, 1782, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Elizabeth Merritt Willson, who died August 28, 1790, and on May 10, 1792, he was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Paine. He was an Old-line Whig in politics, and ably served as justice of the peace from 1797 until 1812. His family included nine children, namely: Merritt P., Maurice Kimball, Alfred, Philip, Eliza M., Mary Paine, Edward, Augustus and Jane Maria.

Augustus Flint, the father of our subject, was born March 28, 1807, and acquired his education in the district schools of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. After he had attained two years of maturity he served as colonel in the State militia, and was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, dying in that faith October 29, i 88 i. He first wedded Catherine J. Bockee, who was born in 1811, and died April 9, 1843, leaving three children: George Peters, who was born August 29, 1836, and died at Camp Douglas, Chicago, October 27, 1862; Jacob Bockee, who was born December 12, 1838, and died in 1844; and Martha B., born August 8, 1841. For his second wife, Augustus Flint chose Julia Lord, their wedding being celebrated March 4, 1847. Her birth occurred April 10, 1814, and she survived her husband until November 16, 1895.

Charles Augustus Flint, of this review, was the only child born of the second union, his birth taking place at his present residence, December 20, 1847. He spent his early life in much the usual manner of farmer boys, acquiring his primary education in the schools near his home, was later a student in the Amenia Seminary, and completed his literary

training by a course at Fort Edward Collegiate Institute in Washington county, N. Y. On laying aside his text books he returned to the old homestead, where his entire life has been passed.

On October 6, 1880, Mr. Flint was married to Matilda P. Hall, who was born November 20, 1848, and they have four children: Gilbert A., born March 27, 1883; Julia Minerva, born February 5, 1885; Charles Hall, born March 8, 1887; and Dorothy Lord, born November 4, 1893. Mr. Flint is an advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and displays his allegiance thereto by casting his ballot for its nominees, while religiously he is an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church at Smithfield. He is public-spirited and progressive, devoted to the welfare of the community, and his standing among his fellowmen is high.

WILLIAM J. STORM, of Stormville, Dutchess county, is the senior member

of the firm of W^ J. and W. B. Storm, dealers in Hour, feed, coal, lumber, builders' materials, and other commodities. In addition to the management of his extensive trade, he owns and conducts a farm of 330 acres in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, the old homestead of his family.

The family, of which he is a member, in this country dates back to Derrick Storm, who came to America in 1662 from the Mayorality of Borch, Holland, and, being both intelligent and well-educated, speedily arose to prominence, being secretary of Brooklyn in 1670, town clerk of Flatbush, and clerk of sessions in Orange county, from 1691 to 1703. He also tilled the important office of school master in different places. He owned land and paid taxes when Peter Stuyvesant was Governor of New Amsterdam. He and his wife, Maria Pieters, reared a family of four children: Goris, Peter, David and Maria. Goris married An-geltey Van Lyck, daughter of Thomas Van-Lyck, of New Utrecht, and had two sons— Derick, born in 1695, and Thomas T., our subject's great-great-grandfather, who was born in 1697. He purchased a large tract of land from Col. Phillips, of the Manor of Phil-lipsburg, in Westchester county, N. Y., and settled at Tarrytown, where many of the descendants now live, and where he was buried. His wife's name was Annie , and their

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

457

nine children were Thomas, Jacob, Garrett, Goris, Abraham, John, Isaac, Catherine and Angeltey. Two of the sons died in early manhood, leaving children. In a will dated June 17. 1763. now on record in the surrogate's office in New York City, he makes division of a large amount of property. The will was made and executed in Dutchess county, where he was probably visiting his children, and it was probated before Bartholomew Cronnett, in Dutchess county, January 15, 1770. To his grandson, Abraham, son of Isaac, he gave one hundred pounds, and to his granddaughters, Christina and Anna, forty pounds. To his sons, Garrett and Goris, he gave the lands which he had purchased from Madame Brett, in Romhout Precinct, lying on the north side of the Fishkill, and containing 406 acres, of which Garrett received 204 acres and Goris 202. This was known as the " first purchase." To his son Abraham he gave, with the exception often acres, the lands of his "second purchase, " lying south of the Fishkill, and to Isaac he gave his improved estate at Phillips Manor. Later these two exchanged possessions, and Isaac came to Fishkill. The fact is especially worthy of note that now, after a period of more than one hundred and fifty years, these lands still remain almost intact, in the hands of the descendants.

Isaac Storm, great-grandfather of William J., married Elizabeth Locy, and their son Abraham ( grandfather of William J.), who was born October i, 1772, married Sarah ^'in-cent, daughter of Philip and Catherine (Haleck) \'incent, and had five children : Isaac, William, John v., Charlotte and Elizabeth.

John V. Storm (father of William J.), now the only survivor of this family, was born November 24, 1800, and was educated in the district schools of Stormville. His manhood has been passed mainly in the management of the ancestral estate, which is beautifully situated, surrounded by primeval forests, and commanding a view of Nicopee and the Beacon Heights, of the Highlands, in the distance. Under his hands the property has assumed new beauty and fertility until even the passing stranger is attracted by its appearance. His stables have always held some of the best horses in the country, and his fields have been covered with waving crops of the finest grain ever grown in the rich and productive valley of the Fishkill. He has held, too, various positions of trust and responsibility ; for many years he

was a civil magistrate, and also supervisor of the town, and at the organization of the Fishkill Savings Bank he was chosen a director and the first president of that institution.

On December 4, 1839, John V. Storm was united in wedlock with Miss Jeannette E. Wooley, a lady of English descent, and daughter of W^illiam Wooley, a leading farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county. She died in June, 1886, leaving three sons and four daughters. The eldest, Abraham J., a civil engineer and extensive land-holder, besides being largely interested in the cattle business in Texas, was married October 29, 1878, to Miss Kate Fowler. Joseph H., the owner of a fine farm at Green Haven, Dutchess county, was married September 4, 1867, to Miss Sophia Sheldon, and has two children — Wilson and Jeannette. William J. is the subject proper of this sketch. Of the four daughters the eldest, Sarah Frances, was married June 7, 1876, to Sylvester Southard, of Fishkill, and has one daughter — Jane Wooley Southard. Elizabeth B. was married January 24, 1873, to Charles A. Storm, of Hopewell. Helen and Cornelia Storm (twins) are at home.

The reminiscences of Mr. Storm, the patriarch, would make an interesting book. He takes an especial delight in talking over the incidents of the more primitive conditions in which his youth was spent. When he was about eighteen 3'ears old he and his father drove to Kingston to get a load of shingles, crossing the ice at Rhinecliff, and by starting at 2 A. M., they made the entire distance, eighty miles, in one day, arriving home before midnight. Fortunately his advancing years have not brought with them the usual tokens of old age, and with the exception of impaired eyesight his health is excellent and his faculties undimmed. His mind is clear, and his memories of the past make his conversation most interesting to his hearers of later generations. He is an honored resident of Fishkill village, Dutchess county.

William J. Storm, the subject proper of these lines, was born July 9, 1845, and received his first instruction in the school of District No. 5; later he attended Dutchess Academy and the Albany High School, and at nineteen returned home to engage in farming. In 1872 he married Miss Isabel Harpel, a. native of New York City, and a daughter of George M. Harpel. Shortly after his marriage he settled at the old homestead, and in 1873

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.

he purchased the estate from his father. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Storm: G. Harpei, who was with G. A. Benedict, in New Yori< City, and Ethel M., William R. and Isabel M., all three at home.

Mr. Storm does not make a specialty of any particular branch of agriculture, raising a variety of crops and stock. On his farm is a beautiful lake of about twenty-five acres in extent, that is fed by bubbling springs, but has no visible outlet. On the banks of this lake is situated a creamery from which is sent forth 115 cans of milk daily. In 1885 he carried on lumber and coal business on commission for another party, and in 1895 he formed a partnership with W. B. Storm. The firm has a fine office and well-managed yards, and does an extensive and lucrative business. A Democrat in principle, Mr. Storm gives his influence to his party in a quiet way, and has never sought office. His parents were adherents of the Reformed Church, and he and his wife are now among the leading members of that denomination in their vicinity.

JSACKETT ALLING is a prominent and influential agriculturist of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. Asa -Ailing, his grandfather, came to Dutchess county from New Haven, Conn., at an early date, and located near Hunns Lake, in the town of Stanford, where he was engaged in farming during the remainder of his life. He married Jemima Purdy, by whom he had five children: Stephen, Sally, Anna, Rhoda and Asa, the last named being the father of our subject.

Upon the homestead in the town of Stanford Asa Ailing was born in 1789, and there he spent his entire life. In 1812 he was united in marriage with Cornelia Sackett, the eldest daughter of Jehiel Sackett, of the town of Stanford, and to them were born four children: Emily ^deceased) was the wife of Jordan Phillips, of Hudson, N. Y.; Samantha E. was the wife of Jeremiah W. Payne, of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county ; J. Sackett is the next in order of birth; and Laura H. is the widow of William D. Humphrey, of Jackson Corners. After the death of his first wife Mr. Ailing wedded Mary Thompson, daughter of Asa A. Thompson, and to them were born two children: John T., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and Cornelia S., widow of G. F. Butts, formerly of Stanford. The latter gave his alle-

giance to the Democratic party, and served as supervisor and justice of the peace, while, religiously, he held membership with the Baptist Church.

J. Sackett Ailing, the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, attending the district schools of the neighborhood, and later was a student in Amenia Seminary and the Jacob Willets Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He was born May 17, 1822, and remained a member of the parental household until twenty years of age, working on the farm during the summer months, while during the winter season he taught school. In 1845 he went to New York City, where he was engaged in the carpet business some twenty years, when he returned to the old homestead, of which he purchased 170 acres, and has since lived upon that place.

In 1855, in New York City, Mr. Ailing married Miss Ann Eliza Bertine, who was born in 1835 in that city, of Huguenot ancestry. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children: Charles Sumner, who died at Seward, Neb., in 1S93; Frank P., of Bangall,. Dutchess county; Robert B., a lawyer of New York City; Samuel D. (deceased); Jehiel S., of Great Falls, Mont.; Newton D., who is connected with the Nassau Bank, New York City; Asa A., of the legal firm of Hennessey, Grain & Ailing, corner of South William and Beaver streets, New York City; Lewis W., bookkeeper for the above firm; and Mary, who died in childhood. Although Mr. Ailing has reached the age of seventy-five years, he is still well-preserved and quite active. He has always been successful in his business undertakings, and by his fair and honorable dealings has won the esteem and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. Politically, he is a member of the Democratic party, and he adheres closely to the lines drawn by that organization.

CHARLES C. ANDREWS. The subject of this narrative is one of the leading agriculturists of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and has contributed his quota toward advancing the interests of the locality. His grandfather, Thomas Andrews, also engaged in farming in the same town, and at an early day carried the mail through this section of the county. He married a Miss Cline.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

459

Philip S. Andrews, a native of the town of Unionvale, was the father of our subject. There he secured his education, and early began to assist in the labors of the farm. As a life work he has since followed that occupation, and has served his fellow citizens as overseer of the town. He married Miss Cornelia I\rom, daughter of Lucas Krom, of Ulster county, N. Y., and by their marriage they had six children: Charles C, of this sketch; Mary E.; Kroma-line, who married Amelia Sheldon; Anna M., wife of Eliphus Delamiter; James Emmet, who married Josephine Woodward; and Isaac, who inarrieJ Carrie \'anBlack.

Charles C. Andrews was born in the town of Unionvale, in 1850, and, after there completing his elementary education, took a course of study at Poughkeepsie. After completing his education, he went to California, where he remained for five years greatly enjoying the delightful climate. On April 4, 1S78, he married Miss Minnie M. Vincent, daughter of John W. Vincent, and they have four children— Bessie M., Gordon Schuyler, Mabel R. and Norman C. Since his marriage he has followed agricultural pursuits exclusively with most gratifying results. Their pleasant home is the center of attraction to a large circle of friends and acquaintances, whose esteem and confidence they have won by their cordial manners, kind acts and hearty sympathy with all.

Jonathan J. \'incent, the grandfather of Mrs. Andrews, spent his entire life in the town of Unionvale, and married Miss Loretta Williams, daughter of Squire Williams, a surveyor of that town, and they became the parents of seven children—Elizabeth, who married Reuben L. Cole; Rebecca, who married Dr. David Knapp; John, who married Rhoda Butler, and they became the parents of Mrs. Andrews; Gilbert, who married Kate Ule, and after her death wedded Eliza Ham; Lewis; Michael,who married Estella O'Neil; and Mary A., who married Orin Able.

FREDERICK J. CORNWELL, of Rhine- cliff, Dutchess county, is a self-made

man. one who, without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both character and suc-

cess in business. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward, and is now at the head of the largest general store in his village.

Mr. Cornwell is a native of Dutchess county, born October 5, 1852, at Rock City, in the town of Milan, and is the son of James B. Cornwell, who was born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, in 1820. The family is of English descent, being founded on this side of the Atlantic by three brothers who located on Nantucket Island, and on separating took the names of Conell, Cornwall and Cornwell. William Cornwell, the grandfather of our subject, was a son of the latter. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived for many years in the town of Milan, Dutchess county. He was married to a Miss Bernard, and to them were born four children: Reuben, James B., Eliza (wife of \N"alter Crandallj, and Amy.

When a young man the father of our subject learned the wagonmaker's trade in La-Fayetteville, Dutchess county, and for many years followed that occupation at Rock City. He was an expert workman, and had the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. He married Helen Emeline Cramer, daughter of Frederick Cramer, and they became the parents of five children: Frances, wife of Henry D. Ostrom, a merchant of Rock City; Julius W., of Wurtemburg, N. Y.; Frederick James, subject of this sketch; Charles Bernard, of Fonda, N. Y., where he is engaged in bookkeeping; and Byron H., a painter and paper hanger, of Troy, N. Y. Members of the family belong to the Friends and New Light Churches. The father was called from this earth in 1872, but his wife still survives him.

Although Frederick J. Cornwell received but a limited education in the common schools of Rock City, which he was compelled to leave at the age of fourteen years, he has become a well-informed man by reading in subsequent years. On leaving the school room he entered the employ of his brother-in-law, H. D. Ostrom, with whom he remained eight years, and August 23, 1875, he came to Rhine-cliff, where he established a general store, in partnership with Mr. Ostrom. At the end of a year and a half he removed his stock to another store building, where he remained for four and one-half years, and in April, 1S82, came to his present site. He is a careful, conservative business man, and well deserves the

COMJIEMOBATIVE BIOGBAPBICAL RECORD.

success which has come to him. as he gives the closest attention to his affairs. ,

On August 17. 1S75. Mr. Comwell was t married to Miss Cora Fero. daughter of Eli Fero, of Rock City, and to them has been bom a daughter, Edna B. They also have an adopted son. Fred R.. a son of Mrs. Cornwell's brother. Our subject casts his ballot with the Republican party, but takes I no active part in political affairs as his business occupies his entire time. He has served as postmaster of Rhinecliff. for three and one-half years under President Harrison, and four jears under President Cleveland, and is still serving as postmaster under President ^^cKinley. For two terms he was one of the assessors of his township. He is an active member of the Methodist Church, of Rhine-cliff, of which he has served as trustee and

steward for manv years. i

I

JOHN H. DRAPER, a worth}-representative of the commercial interests of Poughquag.

Dutchess county, where he has engaged in merchandising for twenty-three jears, belongs to that class of American citizens who take j advantage of surrounding opportunities, and working their way upward have attained a competence. In the spring of 1873 he arrived in Poughquag. where he purchased the store of Daniel F. Brill, which he has since conducted with good success, and in the spring of 1889 ; erected his present building. I

George W. Draper, his father, was born about 1816, in the town of Dover, where he acquired his education in the district schools, and was bound out to Ephraim Cronkright, a farmer of that township; but he bought his time and began work for Elihu Hoag. Having secured a little money he entered Jacob Wil-lefs boarding school, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county: and after completing his education he engaged in teaching in the town of Unionvale. Dutchess county, and continued for twenty-four consecutive years, becoming one of the most able instructors in the county. He also served as school commissioner for three terms. In Unionvale he was united in marriage with Ruth E. Hall, who died in April. 1867, and his death occurred twenty years later. In their family were three children: Maria C, wife of Gilbert H. Purdy, of Pough-keepsie; Angeline, who died in infancy: and John H. The father belonged to Shekomeko

Lodge. F. & A. M.. of Washington Hollow, and in politics was a Democrat until the war of the Rebellion, when he joined the Republican party.

John H. Draper, our subject, was bom in the town of Unionvale Januar}- 4, 1849, and his literary education was obtained under the able instruction of his father. For one term, in 1865-66. he attended Brjant & Stratton Business College, at Poughkeepsie. He began his business career as a clerk in the store of David D. Vincent, of Unionvale. where he remained during 1S64 and 1865, and in the summer of 1866 was employed in the driig store of Wood <Sl Tittamer, of Poughkeepsie. while in the following fall he was engaged in teaching in the town of Unionvale. He ne.xt operated the home farm in that town until 1873, during which time he served as school trustee, and was elected justice of the peace in 1S72. Since leaving the farm he has carried on his present business, and he well deserves the liberal patronage accorded him. Besides his store, in which he carries a stock of $10,000, he does an extensive business.

In 1S70. in the town of Beekman. Mr. Draper was married to Miss Jane Noxon. daughter of Alfred and Deborah iGanung) Noxon. farming people of Delaware county, who had a family of three children: Elizabeth, William and Jane 1 Mrs. Draper). The mother of this family died in 1878. the father is yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Draper have two children: Fred and Elizabeth, both at home. Politically, Mr. Draper is an ardent Republican, and is a public-spirited, progressive citizen, deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare and advancement of the town and county with which he is identified. In 1877 and 1S78 he served as supervisor, and at the present time is the efficient town clerk, having been elected in 1S94 and again in 1S96. For the past four years he has been a member of the county committee. During Harrison's administration he ser\ed as postmaster.

MILES BUCKLEY. The Buckley family, of Wassaic. Dutchess county, is a remarkable one, whose histor}' is as honorable as it is unique. Joseph Buckley, the grand-

father, was bom

m

England

m 1792,

and

when only ten years of age was brought to America bv his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs.

^t^' i^-^Jryz^cii

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

461

Hinchcliff. In the district schools of Amenia, Dutchess county, he acquired his education, and during his youth learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked for many 3ears. His death occurred in 1864. He was united in marriage with Miss Julia Chapman, daughter of Robert Chapman, of Sharon, Conn., and to them were born eight children: Henry, Benjamin, Betsy, Robert, Joseph, Sarah, Seymour and Miles, all now deceased with the exception of Betsy, who is the wife of Charles Hall, of Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut.

Benjamin Buckley was born in the town of Amenia, November 20, 1S12, and was there reared, attending the district schools of the neighborhood. When a young man he went to Ohio, where he lived for three years, and on his return east located in New York City, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for some time at Sharon, Conn. There, at the age of twenty years, he was married to Miss Sally Ingraham, by whom he had one daughter, Julia, who was born May 13, 1834, and is now the wife of Gilbert Lake, of Sharon. After a six-years' residence at that place the father removed to Amenia, Dutchess county, where the death of his first wife occurred. At Pleasant Vallej', Dutchess Co., N. Y., June 24, 1840, by Rev. B. F. Wiles, Benjamin Buckley was married to Harriet Lewis, daughter of Hezekiah Lewis, of Amenia. Twelve children—ten sons and two daughters—blessed this union, namely: Seymour, born March 24, 1841. lives at Amenia; Albert P., born June 15, 1842, resides at Dundee, III.; Louisa L., born February 8, 1844, is the wife of George Berch, of Wassaic; Lewis, born March 29, 1845, ^'^o lives in Wassaic; Henry, born January 10, 1847, is a carpenter of South Dover, Dutchess county; Elijah S., born June 13, 1848, makes his home at New Berlin, N. Y.; Benjamin Franklin, born September 17, 1849, resides in Elgin, 111.; Charles, born February 27, 1851, is a resident of Wassaic; Miles, born December 16, 1852, also lives in Wassaic, N. Y.; Edward, born June 4, 1S54, also lives in Wassaic; Catharine, born September 10, 1855, died May 26, 1865; and Norman R., born September 5, 1856, is living in Dundee, 111. The children were all born within the space of fifteen years, and received honest, sensible names. Elijah, Charles, Edward, Lewis, Albert and Norman are all in the employ of the New York Condensed Milk Co. All are now married, and are thrifty, enter-

prising citizens, owning comfortable homes of their own.

For three years after his second marriage, Benjamin Buckleycontinued to make his home at Amenia, and then removed to Ellsworth, Conn., where he lived for eight years, at the end of which time he located in the village of Amenia, there passing the following four years. After six months then passed at Sharon, Conn., he removed to Wassaic, where most of the family have since resided. His death occurred March 6, 1893, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. He was a Republican in politics, and an honored veteran of the Civil war. The war record of the family is one of which they may be justly proud, four of its members entering the Union army to defend the country in its hour of peril. Although over fifty years of age, the father enlisted in Company A, 150th N. Y. V. I., in which he faithfully served until the close of the war; while of his sons, Seymour was a member of the 13th Connecticut; Albert, of the 48th New York, and Lewis of the 2nd Massachusetts regiment.

The mother died June 13, 1896, at the age of eighty years, while she looked to be not over sixty. She was the daughter of Hezekiah and Lydia (Perry) Lewis (the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Amenia, Dutchess county), and was the third in a family of six children, all now deceased. They were Sarah, wife of John Church; Louisa, wife of Calvin Day; Abigail, wife of Norman Bates; Lydia Ann (unmarried); and Catherine, wife of William McArthur. Her father, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, always lived in the town of Amenia, where he followed the trade of a carpenter. Her grandfather, Joseph Lewis, was a resident of Great Barrington, Mass., and a Revolutionary soldier, faithfully serving throughout the entire struggle for independence.

IRGIL G. WINANS. one of the most __ energetic and enterprising agriculturists of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he operates a good farm, is a native of the county, born in Pine Plains, Februar}' 15, 1S67, the only son of Seymour and Caroline A. (Guernsey) Winans. He obtained his early education in the district schools near his home, later attending the Seymour Smith Institute, in the village of Pine Plains.

Mr. Winans began life for himself, in 1888,

COMMEMORATIVE BJOORAPEWAL RECORD.

on the Desault Guernsey farm, where he has since resided, and has placed the land under a high state of cultivation. On June 7, 1893, he was united in marriage with Miss Susie Conklin, a daughter of Isaac P. Conklin, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county. Mr. Winans is a prominent member of Stanford Grange. Although yet a young man, he is rapidly growing into the esteem and respect of his neighbors, and bids fair, in the near future, to assume a prominent and influential position in the community.

Calvin P. Guernsey, his maternal grandfather, was born in the town of Stanford, November I, iSii, and was a son of E/;ekiel Guernsey. His boyhood days were spent upon the home farm, near Hunns Lake, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he secured his education. He studied medicine with Dr. Haight, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and also with Dr. Peter Guernsey, of New York City. After practicing for some time at Clinton Corners he removed to Schultz-ville, Dutchess count}', but finally returned to the town of Clinton, where he continued in successful practice up to his death, which occurred December 3, 1855.

On October 30, 1839, in the town of Clinton, Dr. Guernsey was married to Miss Louisa A. Arnold, who was born May 5, 1822, and died December 4, 1853. They became the parents of two children, namely: Welcome A., who was born March 4, 1841, married Laura Morris, of New York City, and died January 22, 1867; and Caroline A. (mother of our subject), who was born June 29, 1846, and, December 7, 1864, became the wife of Seymour Winans. Since i860 she has been a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and is a most estimable lady. Her mother was the daughter of Welcome Arnold, who was born September 11, 1783, and died October 2, 1881. He wedded Mary Rowe, by whom he had three children (all now deceased), namely: Archibald H. K., Melinda, and I^ouise. The mother was born November 27, 1788, and departed this life March 24, 1876.

GEORGE HENRY SWIET, one of the representative and highly respected business inen and farmers of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, is descended from William Swift, who came from England in the great Boston immigration of 1630-1631. He

was born in the county of Esse.x, England, and on his arrival in Massachusetts located at Watertown. In 1637, however, he sold his possessions there, and removed to Sandwich, Mass., on the cape, where he purchased the largest farm in the locality, which is to-day still owned and occupied by his lineal descendants. In his family were three children: William, Hannah and Esther.

William Swift, the son, was born in England, and accompanied his father to America.

He married Miss Ruth , by whom he had

eleven children: Hannah, William, Jireh, Josiah, Temperance, Esther, Dinah, Ephraim, Samuel, Ruth and Mary. Ephraim Swift was born at Sandwich, June 6, 1656, and died in January, 1742. By occupation he was a carpenter and cooper. He married Miss Sarah

-, who died in August, 1734, and to them

were born seven children: Elizabeth, Johann, Samuel, Ephraim, Sarah, Hannah and Moses. Samuel Swift, the third son, was born at Sandwich, Mass., April 9, 1686, and by trade became a carpenter and blacksmith, which pursuits he followed up to his death in December, 1757. At Falmouth, Mass., December 24, 1712, he had married Miss Ruth Hatch, and they became the parents of nine children: Ephraim, Manasseh, Judah. Reuben, Moses, Mary, Joanna, Joan and Lydia.

Judah Swift, the third child of the above family, was born at Sandwich, September 3, 1716, and December 14, 1738, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Morton, of Falmouth, Mass., where they continued to reside until 1769. In that year the}' became residents of Dutchess county, traveling the entire distance to Amenia with an ox-team. Mr. Swift there purchased what is now known as the Barlow farm; but desiring a larger tract, he e.xchanged it for the farm now owned by Nathan W. Smith. He became one of the most extensive land owners of the county, owning at the time of his death (January 17, 1807) 1,800 acres of valuable land. Politically he was a Torj'. In his family were eight children: Lois, Samuel, Nathaniel, Moses, Rebecca, Seth, Elizabeth and Moses.

Seth Swift, the sixth of the family, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Falmouth, Mass., March 16, 1757, and died November 12, 1823. He erected a house upon a portion of his father's vast estate, and there continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until his death. In 1782 he wedded Mary Wells,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

463

by whom he had six children: Henry, Moses, E. Morton, Ann W., Maria and Thomas.

Henry Swift, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Amenia February 5, 17S4, and, after attending the district school near his home, entered Yale College, where he graduated in 1804. He then studied law with Van Ness & Livingston, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was admitted to the bar in 1807. He began the practice of his chosen profession at Washington Four Corners, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he remained until December, 1816, at which time he removed his office to the three-story brick building opposite the Farmers' and Manufacturers' Bank, Poughkeepsie, there successfully engaging in practice until his death, November 5, 1866. From 1841 until called from this life he resided inthe house now occupied by Dr. A. P. Van Gieson, on Cannon street. Socially, he was identified with the Masonic fraternity, and held a high position in the regard of his fellow citizens. At Poughkeepsie, July 23, 1807, he married Rebecca Warner, who was born there June 26, 1785, a daughter of Thomas and Alida ^^'arner, and died October 7, 1855. In their family were the following children : Charles Wells, born June 27, 1812, died November 19, 1877; Maria, born September 22, 1814, died June 2, 1841; John Morton, born September 18, 1816, died April 3, 1887; George Henry, of this sketch, is next in order of birth; Frances, born November 29, 1821, died November 13, 1887, and James Harvey, born April 23, 1825, died September 27, 1889.

George Henry Swift, the only one of his father's family now living, was born at the famih' residence on Market street in Poughkeepsie, February 8, 1820, and acquired his early education at the Dutchess County Academy, and at Judge Hall's private school, Ellington, Conn., while he completed his literary course at Yale College, entering in 1837 and graduating in 1840. Returning to Poughkeepsie, he began the study of law in the office of his father, and was admitted to the bar at Utica, N. Y., in 1843. He at once began the practice of his profession at Poughkeepsie in connection with his father and brother, Charles W., and there remained until the spring of 1846, when he sold out to them and came to the town of Amenia, for one year making his home with his brother John. He then purchased the farm on which he has since lived, devoting his attention mainly to agricultural

pursuits, though he still engages in the practice of law to a limited extent. He is now president of and attorney for the First National Bank of Amenia. A conscientious, earnest Christian gentleman, he has for many years served as local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Amenia Union, and in all the relations of life he has faithfully discharged his duties to himself, his neighbor and his country.

On January 28, 1844, at Poughkeepsie, Mr. Swift married Emily Eddy Babcock, daughter of Elder Rufus Babcock, pastor of Lafayette Place Baptist Church, and they had one son, Rufus Eddy, who was born October 25, 1844, and died July 3, 1870. The wife and mother departed this life November 5, 1844. At Amenia, March 17, 1847, Mr. Swift was again married, his second union being with Pamela Forrest Paine, daughter of Harvey and Hannah Paine, of that place. Six children graced this union: Emily Eddy, born January 21, 1848, died June 20, 1855; Elizabeth R., born July 23, 1849, is the wife of Samuel L. Brengle, of New York City, a major in the Salvation Army, and they have two children—George S. and Elizabeth S.; George P., born March 26, 1851, died November 19, 1864; Harvey W., born July 23, 1855, died December 10, 1864; Maria R., born May 12, i860, died November 29, 1864, and Susan F., born July 10, 1862, graduated at Vassar in 1883, and is now a brigadier in the Salvation Army, and stationed at National headquarters. New York City. The mother of this family passed away June 20, 1896.

Politically, Mr. Swift is a Republican, and in 1854, at Washington Hollow, he took a prominent part in the mass meeting that organized the Republican party in Dutchess county, and he has ever been one of its active supporters. He has efficiently served as supervisor and clerk, but has never been an office-seeker.

ATHAN SMITH, a reliable and energetic business man of Dutchess county, is now successfully conducting a general store at Amenia Union, where since 1891 he has efficiently served as postmaster. A native of the county, he was born in the town of Amenia, April 21, 1848, and is a son of John H. and Maria (Reed) Smith. His father, who was a well-known wagon maker of Amenia, traces his

COHMEMOEATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ancestn' back to Nehemiah Smith, who came to this counin" from England some time before 1637. He married Annie Bourne, and their onlv son, who also bore the name of Nehemiah, married Lydia Winchester. Their son Nehemiah married Dorothy Wheeler, by whom he had twelve children, the seventh being Isaac, who wedded Esther Denison. Of their family of eleven children. William was the ninth in order of birth. He married Sarah Smith, and to them were bom eleven children, Nathan Smith, the seventh, being the grandfather of our subject. By his marriage with Nancy Waterman, he had five children, of whom John H. was the youngest.

At the public schools of Wassaic. our subject acquired his education, and at the age of eighteen jxars he began working on the farm of Homer Hitchcock. The following winter he passed at Schenectady, N. Y., after which he returned to Dutchess county and was employed on the farm of his uncle, Nathan W. Smith, for a year. Subsequently he clerked for two and a half years for Oliver Chamberlain, and was again with his uncle Nathan for three years. Four years later he spent in farming at Cornwall Bridge. Conn. In 1S72 he married Miss Josephine L. Hufcut. a daughter of William Hufcut. of the town of Dover. Dutchess county, and by her had one daughter. Josephine. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1875, and in the spring of 1S77 Mr. Smith was married at Amenia to Miss Sarah Barrett, and they have one son, Nathan Collins.

After his second marriage, Mr. Smith went to Poughkeepsie township, Dutchess county, where for two years he operated the farm of Lawyer Weeks, and on his return to Amenia town he conducted his uncle's farm for two years. He was next superintendent of D. H. Sherman's farm for a year, and the following four years he rented land of W. A. Sherman. On leaving that place he purchased the Jacob Rundall farm, between Amenia and Wassaic, where he made his home for three years, and at the end of that time sold out to A. E. Hall. In the spring of 1SS9. he purchased of A. D. Buckley the old Lambert store at Amenia Union, and has since engaged in general merchandising at that place, carr^nng a large and well-selected stock. His courteous treatment of his customers, and his systematic methods of doing business, have won for himself a liberal patronage, so that he now enjoys a lucrative

trade. Politically, he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and is prominently connected with Webatuck Grange, while in religious belief he is a Baptist, being a leading member of the Church of that denomination at Amenia.

WRIGHT DEVINE, the efficient post- master of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess

county, who, in relation to the village, has largely promoted its interests and supported all measures calculated to prove of public benefit, was bom December 13, 1S38, in that locality.

In the early Colonial days there came from Holland to .\merica the founder of the family in the New World. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, and his son, the grandfather. Abram Devine. was bom in New Jersey. The latter married Ann Devine, and located on a farm in the town of Pleasant Valley, where he reared a family of seven children, as follows: Daniel, a farmer of Pleasant Valley; Abel, who carried on agricultural pursuits in the town of Washington; Jonathan, father of our subject; Joshua, also a farmer of Washington; Phctbe, who married Abram Van-Vlack, a farmer of Dutchess county; Nancy, who married William Welling, of Dutchess county; Joel, a physician of Poughkeepsie. Grandfather Devine made farming his lifework and died on the old homestead in 1850, a lifelong Democrat, his wife passing away some years previous.

Jonathan Devine, the father of our subject, was bom and reared on the old home place, and became a shoemaker by trade. In 1827 he married Catherine Van Mack, a native of Dutchess county, and a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth \'an Vlack, the former of whom was also descended from Holland ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Devine took up their residence upon a farm in the town of Pleasant Valley, and reared a family of ten children: Abram and Albert, who follow farming in Pleasant Valley; Marj- E.. deceased; Sarah J.: Bartlett, who operates the old homestead: Reuben C, a farmer of Lagrange township; Erastus and Theodore, both deceased: Anna E.. wife of E. C Drake, a merchant of Pleasant Valley; and Wright. The father died October 3, 1881. at the age of eighty-four, the mother on October 29, 1890. aged eighty-one years. He was a Democrat in politics, and for thirty years

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

465

served acceptably as justice of the peace, discharging his duties in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner.

Throughout his life Wright Devine, our subject, has lived in Pleasant Valley. Farm work and study in the public schools occupied most of his time during childhood, and after leaving the district school he engaged in teaching in the town of Lagrange for one year. He afterward continued his education in the Nine Partners School, and later resumed teaching, after which he was employed as a salesman in a general mercantile store at Four Corners. His ne.xt service was in the employ of a fire insurance company, which he represented in Ulster county. He is now serving as postmaster of Pleasant Valley, to which position he was appointed by President Cleveland, and his administration of the affairs of the office commends him to the respect and confidence of all. He has been justice of the peace some twelve years, and town clerk for several years. Mr. Devine was married September lo, 1866, to Miss Julia M. Way, daughter of James Way, a carpenter, and they have two children: Grace E. and Seward W. The mother died in 1893, a devout member of St. Paul's Church.

In the spring of i S67 Mr. Devine, in connection with his brother Albert, purchased his present store, and after a partnership of two years became sole proprietor. He is an enterprising, progressive merchant, and his large and carefully selected stock receives the patronage of the public in a liberal degree. Mr. Devine is never too busy to devote a portion of his time to the public welfare. He was largely instrumental in building the sidewalks in Pleasant Valley village, and is interested in all that pertains to the upbuilding of the community. In religious faith he attends St. Paul's Church, of which he is vestryman and treasurer. Socially, he is a member of the order of F. & A. M., and for two years was master of Shekomeko Lodge No. 458, and he is now treasurer of that lodge. His innate nobility of character, and his devotion to every manly principle, have made him one of the most highly esteemed residents of Pleasant Valley.

EDWIN BROWN, a well-known artist, re- : siding near Rhinebeck, Dutchess county,

finds much of the inspiration for his beautiful landscapes in the picturesque scenery which

30

surrounds his home. His farm had been in the possession of his family for several generations.

Bastian Brown, great-grandfather of our subject, and who was one of three brothers who came from Holland about 1730, leased a large tract of land from Col. Beekman soon after his arrival, and a portion of it comprises Mr. Brown's present estate. Bastian Brown married Margaret Schultz, and had three children: Peter (our subject's grandfather), Eleanor, and John. Peter Brown married Eleanor Paulding, and settled at the old homestead. Si.x children were born of this union: Sebastian (our subject's father), John (who died in childhood), Margaret (Mrs. Camp, of Newark, N. J.), William and Edwin (who never married), and Abigail (who married James Clear-man, of New York).

Sebastian Brown was born at the old farm in 1795. He married Eliza Bard, a daughter of Anthony Bard, a prominent butcher of Rhinebeck. He was a native of Germany, and the name of the family was originally Barth. For some years after their marriage our subject's parents lived upon a farm in Hyde Park, but in 1844 they returned to the old homestead, where they spent their remaining years. They had eight children: Peter, a painter in Rhinebeck; Helen (deceased), formerly the wife of Harry Wheeler, a carpenter; Emily, who married Levi Baker, a merchant; Eliza (deceased); Lewis, a carpenter (now deceased); Edwin, our subject; John C, a resident of Rhinebeck; and Henry H., who lives in Philadelphia. The mother of our subject died September i, 1850, the father on October 21, 1883. He had been a Whig in his younger days, later becoming an adherent of the Republican party, and still later voting the Prohibition ticket.

The subject of this sketch was born December 21, 1833, in the town of Hyde Park, and he was eleven years old when his parents moved to the homestead, where he has since resided. He was married, July 7, 1863, to Miss Geraldine F. Pultz, a daughter of the late Philip Pultz, a prosperous butcher of the town of Rhinebeck. They have had five children: Nettie married David L. Parliman; Emily is at home; Charles H. married Augusta Pless, and lives in New York; Robert B. is at home; and Mabel died in childhood. The-early generations of his family adhered to the Reformed Dutch Church, but our subject and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his wife are members of the Metfiodist Church. In every movement for the educational or social improvement of the community they take deep interest, and they are prominent supporters of the temperance cause, Mr. Brown giving his vote of late years to the Prohibition party.

TOHN L. HAMMOND, an honored and I worthy representative of one of the pioneer

families of Dutchess county, is a true type of the energetic and progressive farmers of the present day. He is a native of the county, his birth having taken place in the town of Northeast, August 7, 1850, and he is a son of James Hammond, who was born in the town of Washington, January 31, 1810.

Benjamin Hammond, paternal grandfather of our subject, was of English lineage, and became a leading farmer of the town of Washington. By his marriage with Anna Fitch, he had si.\ children, namely: Cyrus, a farmer of Washington town; John, who also engaged in farming in that township, but died in Niagara county, N. Y.; Isaac, who was a harness maker of this locality, and died unmarried; James, the father of our subject; Andrew B., also an agriculturist of Washington town; and Lydia, wife of Nathaniel Lockwood, a farmer of the same township.

After reaching man's estate James Hammond married Lucinda B. Washburn, a native of Erie county, N. Y., and a daughter of Solomon Washburn, who was of English descent, and a blacksmith by trade. They began their domestic life upon a farm in the town of Northeast, where they reared their four children, who in order of birth are as follows: Anna M. is the wife of Calvin Bryan, a farmer of the town of Northeast; Henry C. died unmarried in 1872; James E. spent his life on Wall street, New York, and died in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county; and John L. is the subject of this review. Throughout his entire life the father carried on the occupation of farming, and was quite prominent in political circles, being a leader in the Republican party in his communitj'. In 1847-48 he was a member of the General Assembly of New York, and he held many minor offices, being sheriff of Dutchess county in 1859-60-61. Religiously he was a member of the Friends Church, to which his widow also belongs. His death occurred in 1867.

Our subject received the benefits of a good common-school education, and was otherwise fitted for the battle of life. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof, going to Buffalo, N. Y., where for two years he was employed by R. L. Howard in the Howard Iron Works; in 1872, however, he returned to tHe farm in the town of Northeast, where he remained until 1883, when he removed to his present farm. It comprises 170 acres of rich and arable land, and besides general farming he is also extensively engaged in the dairy business, which proves to him a profitable source of income.

Mr. Hammond was married, in 1877, to Miss Josephine M. Bertine, who was born in New York City, a daughter of Robert and Mary Bertine. The family is of French origin. Two sons have been born of this union: James E. and Robert B. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are members in good standing of the Reformed Church, and number their friends by the score in that locality. He uniform!}' votes the Republican ticket, and has materially assisted in the progress and development of the country around him.

CHARLES J. VAN WYCK, a leading undertaker of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, is a worthy representative of a family that has long been identified with the interests of the county. He is descended from Cornelius Van Wyck, who was born and educated in the town of Beekman, and when the Revolution broke out he entered the Continental army and was made captain of his company. At the time of his enlistment, in 1776, he was living at Green Haven, Dutchess county. He proved a brave and fearless officer, and was killed at the battle of White Plains. As an occupation he followed farming and milling throughout life. In his family were two children: Theodorus, the greatgrandfather of our subject; and Sarah, who married William Doughty.

Theodorus Van Wyck was also a native of the town of Beekman, in early life followed farming, but later turned his attention to hotel keeping and milling. He married Miss Clarissa

Vanderburgh, daughter of George and

(Clarke) Vanderburgh, of the town of Beekman, and to them were born eight children: Robert, the grandfather of our subject; James, who married Ann Cline; Cornelius; George, who

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

467

married Jane A. Scriber; Gilbert, who married Rebecca White; Almira, who became the wife oi G. Washington Waite; Caroline, who wedded Robert Miller; and Clarissa, who married William Miller.

Robert Van Wyck was born in the town of Beekman in 1800, was there educated and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until 1S28. when he took up the occupation of farming. He became a Republican in politics, and was called upon to fill some minor offices in his locality. He married Miss Caroline Van Sicklin, daughter of Court and Sarah (Van Wyck) Van Sicklin, and they became the parents of seven children: John S., the father of our subject; Sarah A., who married Joseph Vincent; William, who married Catharine Lawrence; Mary, who first married Gilbert J. \'incent, and after his death wedded Benjamin Shelley; Caroline, who married Charles White; Clarissa, who married Oliver Lawrence; and Phoebe, who married John L. Wright.

The birth of John S. \'an Wyck took place on Pearl street, in New York City, in 1827, but he was educated in Dutchess county, and on starting out in life he engaged in the butchering business. Later he has been employed at milling, hotel keeping and farming. He has taken a prominent part in public affairs, always supporting the Republican party bj' his ballot, and has efficiently served as supervisor, town clerk, assessor, poor master, and in many other town offices, but is now living retired. Socially, he is connected with the Hopewell Lodge No. 596, F. & A. M. In 1848 he married Miss Mary E. Brill, daughter of Cornell Brill, and to them vv^ere born three children: Cornell B. married Lottie Morris, and had si.x children—Sarah, Eddie, Georgiana, Edith, Herbert and Ida; Sarah A. married James Adriance, and has two children—Frank and Elizabeth; and Frank Van Wyck died when young. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Van Wyck wedded Miss Mary A. Duncan, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Gardner) Duncan, and five children graced their union: Carrie, who died in childhood; DeWitt C, who married Alice Vincent, and has two children—Ida and Annie M.; Charles J., subject of this review; John G.; and Ida, now the wife of William A. Ross, by whom she has two children—Viola and Inez.

Charles J. Van Wyck was born in the town of Beekman, and acquired a good education in

the schools of Beekman, and at Poughkeepsie. He began his business career as a farmer, later was for three years in the employ of Mr. Os-trander, an undertaker of Poughkeepsie, and since that time has engaged in the undertaking business on his own account in the town of Uniondale. He is a popular and highly respected citizen, one who easily makes friends, and has the happy faculty of retaining them. He married Miss Lillie E. Knapp, daughter of George J. Knapp, a farmer and miller of the town of Beekman, and to them has been born a son, Charles G.

John Knapp, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Van Wyck, was a native of England, where he was reared and educated, and on coming tothe United States located in Putnam county, N. Y., there carrying on the occupation of farming. By his marriage with Nancy Shaw he had eight children: John, Isaac, Israel, Michael, William, Enoch, Lizzie and Denia.

William Knapp, the grandfather, was born in Putnam county, and there followed farming throughout life. He married Statia Jewell, and nine children were born to them, namely: Clarissa A., who married John R. Knapp; Phcebe, who married a Mr. Belknapp; Hannah, who married Charles Van Dine; William, who died in infancy; Nancy, who married William Ellis; George J., the father of Mrs. Van-Wyck; Catherine, who first married a Mr. Stricklin, and after his death wedded Henry Bush; Emma, who married Oscar Budd; and Robert D., who remained single.

In Putnam county, N. Y., George J. Knapp was born in 1842, and received his education at Cortlandville, N. Y. The principal part of his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, but he is now engaged in milling. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Warner, and their only child is now Mrs. Lillie E. Van Wyck, who was born in 1869. The mother was born in New Milford, Conn., and the parents now make their home in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county.

Thomas Simpson, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Van Wyck, of the maternal side, was a native of Dutchess county, and in early life learned the shoemaker's trade, which he continued to follow. He also was a Revolutionary soldier. He married Miss Sarah Whaley, and to them were born the following children: Isaac; Brunson, who married Clarissa Pendly; Peter; George, who married Catharine Seymour; William H., who married Mary Pattie;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Neilson; John; Abel, who married Rachel Clarkson; Hannah; and Cornelia, who died in infancy. Of this family Hatmah Simpson was born and educated in Dutchess county, and on reaching womanhood married Rozell Warner, a miller of Dutchess county, by whom she had six children—Harriet; Isaac S., who married Sarah Lee; John S. (deceased); Thomas S., who married Lillie Blithman; Armette A., who became the wife of Henry Canaday, and Sarah E., the mother of Mrs. Van Wyck.

MRS. RUHAMER W. PULVER BIRD, _ _ who is prominently identified with the best social circles of the town of Stanford, where she resides on a fine estate near Shekomeko, is a member of a family which has long been held in high esteem in this locality.

Her grandfather, William W. Pulver, a German by birth, was a leading agriculturist of his day in the town of Pine Plains, Pulver's Corners being named in his honor. He was married there to Christina Millais, by whom he had eleven children: John, William, Henry, Levi, Peter, Jacob, Catherine, Mary, Herman, Anthony and Esther. Henry Pulver, Mrs. Bird's father, was born January 13, 1806, and passed his early life at Pulver's Corners, where he attended the district schools, and later pursued more advanced studies under tutors at home. He was married June 7, 1829, to Jane Eliza Cook, a descendant of one of the old families of Amenia, born November 23, 1808, daughter of Lewis Cook, and granddaughter of Col. Cook, who once kept the "Pratt House" at that place. Six children were born of this union, whose names with dates of birth are as follows; Ruhamer W. (Mrs. Bird), February 28, 1830; Frances S.. April 10, 1831, the wife of Orrin Wakeman, of Millerton; Mary J., December 20, 1832, who married Myron H. Sherman, of Beekman, N. Y., and died November 17, 1882; Henrietta P., March 26, 1834, the wife of L. L. Barton, of Coleman Station; E. Maria, November 28, 1839, who married Collins Sheldon, of Millerton, and Del-lie A., June 3, 1S45, who died May 24, 1S79. Soon after his marriage Mr. Pulver settled upon a farm at Livingston Manor, Columbia county, where he remained until 1839, when he came back to his native county and located permanently upon the homestead now occupied by Mrs. Bird, her present beautiful residence being erected by him. He was promi-

nent in local affairs, and, although never an office-seeker, he took great interest in political questions, first as a Whig and then as a Republican, and he was a member of the M. E. Church at Bangall, the family, of the Presbyterian Church at Smithfield. His wife passed from earth August 21, 1880, and he survived her until July 19, 1894.

On February 17, 1858, the subject of our sketch was married to the late Virgil Bird, a member of an old New England family, whose interesting genealogical record is given below. He was born at Salisbury, Conn., May 31, 1815, but was educated at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. . He became a carpenter and joiner, and followed that trade until 1849, when he went to California and spent three years in mining. Returning to Dutchess county, he engaegd in the cattle business at Amenia; but after his marriage he moved to Binghamp-ton, where he resided until 1866. The following fifteen years were passed at Salisbury, Conn., and in 1881 he came back to this county, and spent his remaining days in the town of Stanford, where he died March 27, 1895. He was a man of many admirable qualities of character, and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. In politics he was a Democrat; but he made no effort to secure personal advancement in public life. Of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Bird, all but two survive: Cora C. married Myron E. Gillette, of Ansonia, Conn.; Henry P. married Daisy Wedge, of Naugetuck, Conn.; James E. married Grace Scott, of Danbury, Conn.; Jennie P. is at home; Virgil B. lives at Ansonia, Conn.; Ruey W. died July 4, 1892, aged twenty-two years; Isaac B. is at home; and Salome T. died in infancy.

The subjoined sketch of the Bird family was written by Rev. Isaac Bird, in 1855, and was intended to show mainly the male descendants of the original ancestor of the Ame^icar^ line, omitting, especially in the early generations, the names of the daughters and such of the sons as left no issue that has survived to the present day. The records cover eleven generations, as follows: (I)—Thomas Bird, first known at Hartford 1644, died about 1660, leaving legacies to two sons— Joseph and James Bird—and two daughters —Mrs. North and Mrs. Scott.

(II)—Joseph and James Bird are found among the first settlers and proprietors of

i^tcf<^iy

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

469

Farmington, about 1660, and both, with their wives, were members of the Church. Joseph had eight children—five sons and three daughters—and died in 1695. James married Lydia Steele, and died in 1708, leaving one son and six daughters, all married.

(Ill)—Joseph, son of Joseph, married Mary Steele, had three sons and two daughters, and died in 1729. Thomas, son of James, lived in that part of Farmington afterward called Northington (now Avon), of "Shady Side" memory. He united with the Church in 1691, married Mary Woodford, July 3, 1693, had three sons and five daughters, and died 1725.

(IV)—Samuel, son of Joseph, son of Joseph (2), married Eunice Wadsworth, February 13, 1730, had three sons and four daughters. John, Joseph and Jonathan, sons of Thomas, of Avon. The two former were among the first settlers and proprietors of Litchfield, and Joseph, of Salisbury, also—John was born

1695, married his second wife, Mary Atwood, June 20, 1728, by whom he had six sons and two daughters. He died about 1750. His wife lived till 1794, and died at Bethlehem, aged ninety-two. Joseph was born December 27,

1696, went to Litchfield in 1718 or 1719, married (1721) Dorcas N orto n, daughter of John Norton, Jr., and of Ruth Moore, his wife (who was a daughter of Deacon Isaac Moore), all of Farmington; removed to Salisbury, 1748, lost his wife, Dorcas, in 1750-51, married widow Eldredge, 1752, by whom he had one daughter. He died 1754. He had seven sons and three daughters— Jonathan was born December 28, 1699, married Hannah Thomson 1732, had three sons and four daughters, died in Kensington, 1748, worth 1,600 pounds.

(V)—Joseph, son of Samuel, was born 1736, had three wives and many children. Sons of John, Joseph and Jonathan: (i) Of John—Seth, Ebenezer, Atwood and Jonathan. Seth was born January 4, 1733, married second wife, Hannah Sheldon, February 8, 1768, one surviving son; died 1805 at Litchfield, South Farms. He was a physician of considerable eminence. Ebenezer was born 1739, married about 1773, died Bethlehem 1789. Left four sons—Amos, David, Ebenezer and Daniel. Atwood, born about 1741, was married twice, died Verona, N. Y.—a man remarkable for his integrity. He had one son by first wife; had eight children by his second. One by the name of Chauncey was supposed,

in 1855, to be still living. Jonathan, born 1743,married Amy Humphrey about 1777; had two sons and four daughters; died 1786, in Simsbury, Conn., aged forty-three. Was a physician. The daughter left children by the names of Bodwell, Everett and Goodwin. (2) Sons of Joseph (V)—James (VI), Joseph and Amos. James (VI) was born in Litchfield, 1722; married Abigail Gridley, of Kensington, 1750; had two sons and three daughters; died in Salisbury, September 28, 1794, aged seventy-two; his wife died 1815, aged eighty-four. Of his three daughters, Dorcas married Col. Noah Lee, of Castleton, Vt.; Abigail married D. Mcintosh; and Eunice, (first) J. Lord, fsecond) William Mather, a physician of Torringford, Conn. All have numerous de-scendents. Joseph, born in Litchfield, June 18, 1733; married Huldah Sprague; had six sons and six daughters intermarried respectively with Messrs. Garfield, Herrick, Chapin, Fowler and Curtis. Amos was born in Litchfield, May 13, 1741; married Hannah Swift, of Salisbury; died greatly respected, in Castleton, Vt., 1773, leaving a young daughter, Dorcas, who married William Holabird, of Canaan, Conn. (3) Son of Jonathan—Jonathan born Avon, 1747; graduated Yale college, 1768;

married Hogeboom; lost son and wife

early; died 1813 in Hebron, Conn., was a preacher and physician.

(VI)—Benjamin (son of Joseph, of Samuel) was born October 23, 1780; married Deborah Carrington, 1801; had two sons and three daughters. The daughters married, respectively, Messrs. Cloyes, Hammond and Lewis. Benjamin still lives. His residence is in Plain-ville, Conn. (II) Grandsons of John, of Litchfield—(I) John of Seth; born Litchfield, 1769; graduated Yale College, 1786; married (first) Eunice, daughter of Col. J'oshua Porter, of Salisbury, (second) Sally Buell, of Litchfield; had two sons; died Troy, N. Y., 1806, aged thirty-seven. He was a lawyer and politician. (2) Sons of Ebenezer, of John, viz.: Amos, David, Ebenezer and Daniel. Amos was born Bethlehem, June 13, 1774; married Miss Cook, of Wallingford, 1797; now (1855) living in New Haven, Vt.; has had three sons and six daughters; one son living; the daughters married into the names of Ballou, Washburn and Hinman. David born in Bethlehem 1776^ married Elizabeth Church about 1797; both died in 1849, aged seventy-three. They had ten children: Three of the daughters took the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

names of Gaylord, Thompson and Loomis. Ebenezer was bom June 6, 1778, married Lois Barber, 1S06; had five sons, among whom were Daniel, Ebenezer M. and Newton, and six daughters. Four of the latter married Thompson. Eddy, Gregory and Crowley, Ebenezer lives in Victory, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Daniel, supposed in 1855 to be still living near his children at Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., has two sons and three daughters. One of the daughters married \V. B. Austin, of New York. 131 Son of Atwood, viz.: Chauncey married in Farmington, resided a while in Litchfield: afterward removed his family to some part of Onondaga county, N. Y., and in 1838 to Michigan. (Another son of Atwood married in Farmington, and lived in Cincinnati, where he died. He was wealthy, and left a son supposed to be living in 1855 in New York City.) (41 Son of Jonathan, of John, viz.: Jonathan, born Simsbury, 1775; married Betsey Grinnell, of Greenfield. Mass.; had three sons and one daughter; died Greenfield, Mass., 1813, aged thirty-seven.

The grandsons of Joseph (V) of Litchfield and Salisbury, (i) The two sons of James (VI), viz.: Thomas and Isaac i VII1.—Thomas, son of James, was born Salisbury, April 22, 1754; married Betsey Chamberlin, 1777, of South Canaan, Conn.; had five sons and three daughters. The daughters married Messrs. Dibble, Rockwell and Collamer, of Sandy Hill, N. Y. Isaac, brother of Thomas; born May 5, 1757; married Rhoda Selleck, of Salisbury, February 28, 1780; had four sons and three daughters. He died Salisbury, January 16, 1829. His daughters married Messrs. Covey, of Penfield, N. Y., Wheeler, of Salisbury, Conn., and Reed, of Bethany, Penn.. respectively.

(2) Three sons of Joseph, of Tyringham, Mass.—(i) Moore was born October 22, 1756: married Delavergne, of Amenia, N. Y.; had four sons and two daughters; died in Amenia. His daughter, Julia, married Hiram Brown. (2) Joseph was born August 8, 1759; married Cynthia Binney: had five sons and four daughters. He is still living in Bristol, Vt. His daughters married into the names of Keeler, Foote and Eastman. (3) Nathaniel was born in Salisbury. 1761; married Hannah Ballard; lived in North Marlboro; removed to Westfield, N. Y., 1816; had five sons and six or seven

daughters.

He died at his daughter Foster's

house, near Buffalo, while on a visit. His

daughters married into families named—Ma-comber, Foster, Sessions and Heminway, respectively.

(\\\) —(i) Son of Benjamin—George, bcrn March 10, 1802; married first Elizabeth Stanley, of Plainville, second Miranda Munson, of Plymouth; resides New Haven, Conn., has daughter, Sarah Ely, and a son, Norton Stanley. (2) Great-grandsons of John of Litchfield.—(I) Sons of John, of Troy, son of Dr. Seth, of Litchfield, viz: John Herman, born 1790; was killed on board the frigate "President" by a ball from the "Belvidere," June 23, 1812. William A., born 1797; has two sons and two daughters; resides at Black Rock, near Buffalo, N. Y. (2) Sons of Amos, David, Ebenezer and Daniel of Generation VI.— Canfield, son of Amos, of New Haven, Vt.; born February, 1803; married Elizabeth Washburn, of Leominster, N. H., December 30, 1S28; has three sons and four daughters; resides in New Haven, Vt.—Harmon, son of David, of Bethlehem, Conn.; born August, 1798; married November, 1823; one son, James.—Joshua, of David; born May 21, 1800; married Carol Jackson September 5, 1822; children—five sons and three daughters: reside in Bethlehem, Conn.—David, of David, born March 11, 1804; married Miss Phelps about 1835; one son and one daughter; resides in Winchester, Conn.—Daniel, son of Ebenezer, of Victory; born March 20, 1819; married Mary Thompson, .August, 1840. — Ebenezer M., do.; born October 25, 1821: married Eliza Barney, 1846.—Newton L., do.: born December 4, 1826; married Mary Ann Martin, .August, 1845.—Sons of Daniel, of Michigan; two in number: names unknown; reside in Prairie Ronde, in Michigan. (3) Sons of Chauncey, unknown. 141 Sons of Jonathan, son of Dr. Jonathan, of Simsbury; these are George, Jonathan and Edward, residing in Belleville, New Jersey.

The great-grandsons of Joseph, of Litchfield and Salisbury: (i) Son of Thomas, son of James, of Salisbury; Orren, born in 1794, died 1S24, Sandy Hill, left one son. (2) Sons of Isaac (VIII of James: James i VIII;, born Janu-arj- 27, 1785; married Susan Dauchy; five sons and five daughters; died in Kirkwood, N. Y., January 25, 1865. His daughters are all married. Isaac, born June 19. 1793. graduated Yale College, 1816; a minister; married -Ann Parker, of New Hampshire, November, 1822; ten children—six living, two sons and four

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

471

daughters; resides in Hartford, Conn.; died Great Barrington. Mass., May or June, 1876, at the Sedgewick Institute, of which he and his son, James Bird, A. M., were successful | principals many j'ears previous to, and at the j time of, his dearh.

(3) Sons of Moore, of Amenia, N. Y.: Augustus, removed to West Michigan, near Kalamazoo; died leaving a family; Henry resides in Amenia with a family; has two sons married. (4) Sons of Joseph, of New Haven, Vt.: H Thomas had two sons and four daughters; died Canton, N. Y.—Gustavus A., born about 1791; graduated Middleton College, 1812; had one son and two daughters; died in Missouri. One daughter, Jane, married Lorenzo D., son of Nath. Bird, of Westfield. Frederic A. had eight sons and one daughter. The daughter married H. Dorrance, Rutland, Vt. The surviving sons are Roderick D., Myron L., Charles L., Edwin, Riley and Dr. Amos, supposed without family. Anson is in New Haven, Vt.; has two sons, James and Joseph.

(5) Sons of Nathaniel, of Joseph, of Tyring-ham, Mass.: Amos, went from N. Marboro to Westfield, N. Y., 1812; married Mary Griffith, 1814; died 1823. Surviving children— two sons and one daughter. Frederick married Lovisa Warren about 1823; died 1844; left seven children; two sons in California; a married daughter and the remaining children with their mother at Warrenville. Ira R. was married, 1834, to Caroline Beecher, niece of Dr. Lyman Beecher; died 1841; two surviving children—Lorenzo D., born 1813; graduated Yale College, 1839; went to Missouri, 1842; married Jane, daughter of Gustavus Bird, of St. Genevieve, Mo., practicing law in Weston, a town 400 miles up the Missouri river. Charles Lee, born 1816; married Ellen Kent; has one son; has lately gone to California with his family.

fVIII)—fi) Children of George, of New Haven, Conn.: Susan E., Norton S., and perhaps others. Two children of William A., of Black Rock: John H., a physician in Chicago; another son educated at Union College. Two other children, daughters. (3) Children of Canfield, of Vermont: Julia, born in New Haven, July 6, 1S30; Amos Cook, born October 14, 1832; Ellen Sophia, born December

II, 1834; James , born in Richland,

Mich., February 16, 1837; Elijah Washburn, born in New Haven, September 30, 1840; Emma Melinda, June 26, 1845; Mary Eliza-

beth, November 16, 184S. (4) Son of Harmon, of Bethlehem: James. (5) Children of Joshua, of Bethlehem: Andrew Jackson, born November 28, 1823, died in 1824; Theodore, June 8, 1825, married Eliza, daughter of Rev. F. Harrison, October 9, 1849; Elizabeth Mary, born October 9, 1826; Samuel Jackson, born August 7, 1828; David, died young; Stanton, born July 3, 1833; Caroline Martha, born October 19, 1837; Sarah Imogene, born June 26, 1840.—Son of David, of Winchester, Sterling.

(6) Grandchildren of Daniel, of Michigan.

(7) Grandchildren of Chauncey, who moved from Litchfield to Onondaga and to Michigan.

(8) Son of Orren, of Sandy Hill. (9) Henry, of Isaac, of Salisbury, has a widow remaining, and a daughter married E. N. Hart, of Stillwater, N. Y. (10) Children of Agustus and Henry, sons of Moore, of Amenia, N. Y.; the former are in Michigan, the latter in Amenia. (11) Children of Thomas, son of Joseph, of IBristol, Vt.: One son, Joseph, and four daughters, now living near Canton, N. Y. (12) Children of Gustavus A., of St. Genevieve: One son and two daughters; one of these daughters married Lorenzo D. Bird, son of Nathaniel. (13) Children of Frederick A.: Eight sons and one daughter, viz.: Rhoderick D., of Waynesburg, Greene Co., Penn. ^who has a son and daughter), Myron L., Charles L., and as before mentioned M. L. and C. L., have gone to California. (14) Children of Anson, viz.: James, and Joseph, New Haven, Vt. (151 Children of Amos, of Nathaniel, of Westfield, viz.: Philander, merchant, Roscoe, III.; Nelson, of Chautauqua county, a farmer.

His daughter married Boilvin, of Peoria.

(16) Children of Frederick: Byron B., and Edwin, in California; Ellen D., married to a physician—with Henry and three daughters all in Warrenville, 111. (171 Children of Ira R.: Two only survive, viz.: Franklin (a printer 1, western Missouri, and William w-ent to California and China.

(IX)—Children of James, son of Isaac, of Salisbury: Ripley, Virgil, Henrietta married B. Cook, Annis married Eliza Leach, Isaac, Celestia married John Leach, James, Sarah married J. Woodruff, Marion married M. Langdon, George, all born in Salisbury. The family homestead is now in Conklin, near Binghamton, N. Y. (10) Children of Isaac, son of Isaac, viz.: William, born on the island of Malta, August, 1823; graduated Dartmouth College, 1844, married Sarah F. Gordon, of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBICAL BECORB.

Exeter, N. H., February, 1853, resides near Beirut, Sj'ria; Emily Ann, born Beirut, 1825; married Rev. H. J. \'an Lennep, of Constantinople. Turkey, April, 1850; James, born Beirut, 1826; Martha Jane, born Malta; Mary E., born Beirut; Caroline, born in Smyrna. (IX) It will be seen from the foregoing that a few representatives of the ninth generation had begun to appear at the time of the preparation of the record, among them Virgil Bird, the second son of James, of Salisbury. (X) The children of Virgil and Ruhamer Bird. (XI) The children of Cora C. and Myron E. Gillette: Eva May, December 20, 1883. (2) Children of Henry P. and Daisy Bird (none). <3) Children of James E. and Grace Bird: Isaac Knox, born July 20, 1896.

Of the other branches of the family the record, rapidly widening, is not yet written. Of the early ancestors, a few incidents of more than ordinary importance should be noted here. The name of Thomas Bird appears in different records of Massachusetts, and some have isuggested that Thomas B., of Scituate, and of Dorchester, Mass., of 1642, might be the same man with our ancestor of Hartford. But the Dorchester Birds seem to have been of a separate origin. Of that family are many of the Birds in Boston and New York, and of the same was the Rev. Samuel Bird, a pastor of one of the New Haven churches, just before the Revolution, and who, though he did not graduate, was educated at Cambridge, in the class of 1744, leaving college a little before the commencement that year. Thomas Bird came to Hartford some ten years after its first settlement, and was proprietor only of a small homestead south of the city limits, and of a parcel of land of about fourteen acres, constituting, as the records say, " an island in the great river over against the Landing." Whether he removed with his sons to Farmington, or remained and died in Hartford, is unknown. It is remarkable how the male descendants of Joseph, son of Thomas, have been, in the providence of God, removed. He appears to have but three of these representatives remaining now alive, one in the VI Generation, one in the VII, and one in the VIII.

Thomas (Generation III) was the only male heir of his father, and was possessed of an estate valued at 550 pounds, a sum which constituted riches in those days. As Noah occupied the place of the second great head of the Human family, so this second Thomas

Bird stands as the great second head of nearly

all the families of Birds.

John and Joseph (Generation IV), sons of Thomas, seem to have been men of unusual enterprise. They were pioneers in the settlement of Litchfield, and were among the chief town officers. The two home lots of land, that fell to them in the town, are still pointed out S. S. E. of the present village, they being designated on a map published within a few jears, with a pamphlet, by G. C. Woodruff, Esq.. of Litchfield. John went on in speculation in lands farther west. He was one of the company known by the name of The Little Nine Partners, who purchased lands extending from the Connecticut line to the North river. This company became involved, and unable to meet the demands of their creditors, and John, overcome by his disappointments, died, it is said, in a state of mental derangement. He built a stone house in Dover on land, probably, which he owned as one of the company, which house is supposed to be still standing. Joseph must have obtained some addition to his means by his marriage. Deacon Isaac Moore, one of the wealthiest farmers in Farmington, had four children, all daughters. Ruth was married to John Norton, Jr., son of a very respectable settler, lately come from Branford. Dorcas, the youngest daughter of this connection, became the wife of Joseph Bird. She was sister of Thomas, father of Lot Norton, the elder, of Salisbury. Joseph, in ten years, while in Litchfield, was chosen nine times to the General Court or State Legislature, and was at his death a justice of the Quorum. His grave in Salisbury is marked by a tombstone of Italian marble, lately erected by the children of his grandson Isaac.

Dr. Seth Bird (of the V Generation) was one of the most skillful physicians of his time. It is said of him that he lived on very intimate and friendly terms with one of the neighboring physicians, so that they were in the habit of generously recommending to each other, their own patients, whenever one thought the other to be more skillful in the cure of any particular complaint. He has a marble monument in the cemetery of Litchfield, S. Farms, erected to his memory by his son John.

Jonathan Bird, of Simsbury, brother of Seth, was a physician, and, as it appears, a Freemason. There is said to be extant a eulogy on his character, prepared after his death, and on his tombstone is this inscription:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

473

In memory of Dr. Jonathan Bird, who (after exhibiting a striking example of Philosophic Patience and Fortitude through a distressing illness) departed this life on the i/th of December, A. D., 1786, in the forty-third year of his age.

FAITH. HOPE. CHARITY.

Stop, brother, and impart a generous sigh, 0\r one in prime called to resign his breath ;

Since all your social band this scene must try. Square all your work before the hour of death.

Jonathan, son of Jonathan, son of Thomas, was educated at Yale College, graduated 1768; he studied for the ministry, and became a preacher about 1773, though he never was ordained, and of course is never called by the name of "Reverend." His brethren in the ministry called him a good preacher, and it is related of him, that, happening late in life to be in Boston, Dr. Grififin took him and would have him preach to his people. He addressed them a number of times in the course of a week, and they were so well pleased and so much profited that they presented him with a new suit of clothes. He was a sound theologian, but not an awakening, animated speaker. He was embarrassed by deafness, so that, after preaching a while, he betook himself to the practice of medicine. Near the close of his life he prepared a few of his sermons for the press, which, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Bassett, of Hebron, appeared, in a small volume, after his decease. He had had two or three occasional sermons published previously, and was the author of an article in the Boston Panoplist, on Infidelity, it being the substance of a letter actually written and sent to one of his nieces in Hartford in 1811. [See Panoplist, February, 1873.] His place of residence, at the time he died, was Conway, Mass., but his death occurred in the family of his friend. Rev. Dr. Bassett, at whose house he happened to be on a visit when he was overtaken by his last illness. He had lost both his brothers and his only son, and with him expired his father's male branch of the family.

It seems a matter of some doubt whether there was not another son of John Bird belonging to this IV Generation, whose name is doubtful, and does not appear in this sketch. The following are the words of William A.

Bird, Esq., of Black Rock, son of John and grandson of Dr. Seth, of Litchfield: "In relation to the brother of my grandfather, who went to Philadelphia, my mother knew very well that such a brother resided there. William, I think his name was. Dr. Seth, she told me, once went to see him, and my father once met a son of his in New York, when he was in the Legislature in New York, say in 1796." May not this be the same case as that mentioned by Gen. David B., of Bethlehem, who says that Atwood B. had a son (name unknown), who went to Cincinnati [Philadelphia.'], became rich and died, and has a son now living in New York.' Of the Generation just spoken of was Amos, son of Joseph, whose short life may merit a few special remarks. He is spoken of as a man of great enterprise, and was the leader in commencing the settlement of the town of Castleton, in Vermont, near which a prominent mountain still bears and perpetuates his name. The settlement was yet in its infancy when it pleased the Lord to remove him, and the first products of the first sawmill, which he had erected there, were made use of for his coffin. On a new monument, lately placed over his remains, were the following inscriptions:

(In front.)

Erected October ip, i8.f.2, to the memory of

Col. A mos Bird,

By citizens of Castleton, and friends, as a

tribute of respect to a ivorthy man.

Born at Litchfield, Conn.,

and died September 16, 1772, aged ^^o years.

(On one side.)

Col. Birdzvas the first white man who asserted dominion in Castleton, zvhere he arrived in January, 1766. He was the first possessor of the soil for civilisation, and the first called to resign it, leaving the fruits of his bold enterprise to others.

(On the east side.)

Tlie mortal remains of Col. Bird were first interred by his direction, near his dwelling in the valley of Bird Creek, and after seventy years disinterred and here entombed to zuait the summons that azcakes the dead.

It may be added here that the settlement of the town was continued by Noah (after-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.

ward Col. i Lee, who married Bird's niece, a daughter of James, and who had accompanied him in his enterprise. Lee entered into the war of the Revolution, which broke out about this time, and there continued to its close. At his own expense he raised a company of "Green Mountain I^oys," and acted for a time in concert with Ethan Allen. He was afterward at the battles of Trenton, Princeton and Germantown, and witnessed the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. He died at Castleton, 1840, aged ninety-si.x years, leaving a large number of descendants.

John B., of the Si.xth Generation, son of Dr. Seth, was the second of the descendants of Thomas, of Hartford, who was educated at college. He read law, it is believed, in Salisbury, Conn., where he had relatives. After this he resided in Litchfield for a time, and then removed to Troy, where he was chosen repeatedly to the State Legislature, and afterward to Congress. He died suddenly at the early age of thirty-seven. He is universally spoken of, by those who knew him, as a man of extraordinary powers of mind.

Chauncey, son of Atwood, had the reputation among his Litchfield neighbors of possessing very eminent natural gifts, not falling, if any, in this respect, much behind his cousin John. But Chauncey had not the advantages of education enjoyed by John, and his line of life was not such as to bring him before the public. Of his later history we have very little information. He is supposed to be still alive, and somewhere in the State of Michigan.

Isaac, son of James, enlisted about the age of eighteen under Col. Burrall, of Canaan, in the Revolutionary army of the North against the Canadas. The smallpox having broken out in the army, he was among the number that had to be inoculated. In connection with this disease he was seized with remarkable swellings, which greatly debilitated him, and in this condition, by a reverse in the fortunes of the army, he was left, with many other sick men, to shift for himself, and he resolved to attempt finding his way to his sister's (Mrs. Noah Lee's) in Castleton. This he succeeded in accomplishing, and after begging his bread through many weary days and nights of travel, he at length presented himself at the door of the log cabin, in the complete habit and condition of a common mendicant. Here, however, he had all the aid which a sister's care, in a new settlement, could offer; but his re-

covery was too slow and too imperfect to enable him to return to the army. Joseph, son of Joseph, of Tyringham, witfi one exception was, in 1855, the only living representative of the Generation to which he belonged. He was one of those men to whom we owe so much for having, at the expense of great suffering, and hazard of life, defended our liberties and achieved our national independence. He enlisted in the army in 1776 and spent the summer at Ticonderoga, and in autumn, in company with others, was discharged. He soon after enlisted for three years, or during the war, and went during the campaign of 1777 as an attendant of Dr. Binney, of Tyringham, whose daughter he afterward married. He was in the field at the various battles with Burgoyne. When Gen. Frazier was killed, and Maj. Ackland wounded and taken prisoner, the latter was brought to Joseph Bird's tent, and there it was that Lady Harriet, of whose character Burgoyne himself has given so affecting a description, came and nursed him. After the surrender of Burgoyne, the soldiers of the Northern army were sent to unite with forces of Washington at Valley Forge, and Bird went with them. When Gen. Clinton commenced his march from Philadelphia toward New York, the Americans moved also to attack him in the rear. The account that follows is in the language of Roderick D. Bird, of Waynesburg, Penn., grandson of Joseph. "My grandfather," he says, "was sent with a detachment of 2,000 men on the east road, and another detachment of 2,000 men was sent on the west road to harass the enemy until the main army arrived. On Saturday, June 27, Gen. Lee joined us at Monmouth with 2,000 men, and orders to attack Clinton's army. At that point, our army retreated. The British followed until Washington came up and commanded to file to the right and left. My grandfather was with the left wing. At this period the cannon began to boom on both sides, which lasted from one and a half to two hours. Grandfather says he caught a number of cannon balls in his camp-kettle as they rolled upon the ground. The first that he saw coming in that way a young soldier put out his foot to stop, which dislocated his ankle. About I o'clock the British right wing undertook to tlank our left. Col. Selby called for volunteers to turn it. Grandfather went with others and turned it, and charged and drove them back. In this charge he received a wound. The

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

475

contending parties were not more than one or two rods apart. He was shot through the left arm, the ball breaking the bone and leaving a detached fragment of about one inch in length. The ball then penetrated his left side, and remains there to this day. He says he well remembers his sensations when the ball hit him. It beat his breath from him, and he staggered a while and fell. When he came to he was lying with his face upward exposed to the rays of the burning sun; he supposed he had simply been asleep, but soon found that he was wounded. That night he was taken with others to Monmouth church, where his wound was dressed. He was then carried to Eliza-bethtown, where he was left, through a dreary night, in a barn, having for his companions the wounded and dying. He suffered most for want of water, and they had no light. The next day they were taken in wagons to Princeton College, where he remained, having the best of treatment." He was considered unfit to resume the duties of the army until October, '79, when he rejoined his regiment at West Point, and was subsequently employed, without any very important military occurrence, in protecting the inhabitants of the Mohawk Valley from the incursions of the British and Indians.

Benjamin Bird, of Connecticut, and Joseph Bird, of Vermont, are now the only living members of the Generation VI; the one descended from the elder of the two sons of Thomas, of Hartford, the other from the younger.

It is worthy of remark, that while the living male members of the family, who stand as guardians of the name, scarcely exceed, if they even reach, the number of fifty; the descendants of the female lines probably far exceed a thousand. As we look back upon these several past generations that have risen and fallen in quick succession, we are forcibly reminded of the rapid flight of time and the shortness of life. " We have here no continuing city." The generations of men have been aptly compared with the waves of the sea. They rise and roll on, each urging his predecessor forward, till, one after another, they dash upon the shore and disappear. We ourselves are pressed on by the resistless tide behind, and there is no escape for us more than for others. But there is a sea, and there is a shore, where no surging and dashing and disappearing exist—where generations of all ages mingle in harmony and

rest, and if our days are but spent in '' Wisdom's ways,"

They'll waft us safely o'er

Tfiis life's tempestuous sea. And soon we'll reach the peaceful shore

Of blest eternity.

PATRICK ROGERS is numbered among the stalwart and substantial citizens of

the town of Dover, Dutchess county, who are of alien birth. He is a native of County Ca-van, Ireland, where he secured his education, and there followed farming until emigrating to the United States in 1846. He is the son of Peter Rogers, whose birth also occurred on the Emerald Isle, and his mother bore the maiden name of Miss Mary Riley. In their family were six children: John; Hugh and Peter, who never married; Patrick; Mary, who became the wife of James McCarty; and Ann, who married John Clark.

On reaching the New World, our subject located in New York City, where he married Miss Margaret Rogers, also of Ireland, who came to America in 1863. From that city they removed to their farm in the town of Dover, where they now reside. They have been blessed with seven children: John, born October 9, 1864, married Kate Sheehan; Patrick, born July 4, 1S67, married Mattie Kin-nie, by whom he has one son. Hall; Peter, born April i, 1869, wedded Mary Hacy; Mary, born April 6, 1871, is the wife of John Bridge-ford, by whom she has one child, Leo; Margaret, born May 15, 1874, Catharine, born September 12, 1878, and Thomas, born January 10, 1883, are all at home.

Charles Rogers, the grandfather of the wife of our subject, was born, reared and educated in Ireland, where he followed weaving in connection with agricultural pursuits. In his family were five children: Philip, who married Catharine Lynch; Lawrence, who married Margaret McCall; Thomas, who married Mary Lynch; John, the father of Mrs. Patrick Rogers; and Patrick, who married Elizabeth Riley.

John Rogers, like his ancestors, was born and educated on the Emerald Isle, where, during manhood, he carried on the pursuit of farming. He married Miss Ann Martin, daughter of Patrick and Ann Martin, of the same country, and seven children were born to them: Patrick, who married Catharine McBrean; Thomas, who also married a Catharine Mc-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Brean, no relative, however, of his brother's wife; Mary, who remained single; Catharine, who married Philip McBrean; Ann, who married Patrick Boyle; Margaret, who married Patrick Rogers, subject of this sketch; and John, who married Mary Coonie.

CHARLES H. SHURTER, a public-spirited and enterprising citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, whose place of business is located at No. 368 Main street, is engaged in plumbing and gas fitting, and also deals in hardware and house-furnishing goods. He is carrying on a successful and well-established business, occupying an important place among the various industries of that thriving cit}', and conducted on strictly honest principles. He is looked up to as a useful and honorable citizen, one who takes a commendable interest in the welfare and progress of his city and county.

Mr. Shurter was born March 28, 1836, in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and is a son of Isaac H. Shurter, whose birth occurred in Fishkill, Dutchess county. His great-grandfather came to the New World from Holland, and located upon a farm in Ulster county, N. Y., where Frederick Shurter, the grandfather of our subject, was born. After his marriage the latter located in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, where he followed farming, and reared his five children.

In early life Isaac H. Shurter learned the shoemaker's trade, and in the town of Fishkill was united in marriage with Miss Clorinda Wheeler, a native of that township, born of French descent. The young couple removed to Poughkeepsie in 1832, where for about five years the father engaged in the grocery business, and then began boot making, in which line he continued for a number of years. He was called from life in 1875, his wife in 1872. They were conscientious, earnest Christians, and for about thirty-five years had been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During his later years the father was an ardent Republican.

Charles H. Shurter attended the first free school ever held in Poughkeepsie, and after finishing his education, about the year 1850, began to learn the tinsmith's trade, which occupation he followed until 1876. At that time he formed a partnership with George H. Briggs in the hardware trade, being located at No. 368 Main street, where he still carries on busi-

ness. In 1868 he married Miss Mary Kidney, a native of Poughkeepsie, and a daughter of Charles and Maria Kidney, the former of whom was a leading liveryman of Poughkeepsie, and belonged to a family that was early established in Dutchess count}-. In January, 1892, our subject was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, a most estimable lady.

Politically, Mr. Shurter votes the straight Democratic ticket, and he is now a member of the water board of Poughkeepsie. He was one of the seven men who organized the O. H. Booth Fire Company, in 1853, since which kime he has been actively connected with it, and has held all the positions in the same, being foreman eight jears, chief of the fire department three years, and twenty years a representative of the company, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Order of American Firemen, was the first president of the local organization, and is now past president. For twenty-nine years he has been trustee of the local lodge of the I. O. O. F., is a member of the Encampment, and also belongs to the Sons of Temperance. To Trinity Church he and his faithful wife were liberal contributors.

CHAPPELL ROBINSON, a well-known agriculturist of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, started in life with nothing save his own indomitable energy, and his accumulation of this world's goods is attributable to his good judgment, perseverance and industry. His word in business transactions is considered as good as his bond, and he is justly recognized as one of the energetic and representative citizens of Stanford.

In the town of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y., our subject was born November 23, 1816. There his grandfather, Chappell Robinson, with two brothers, had located at an early day, and he continued to make the town of Kent his home until late in life, when he removed to Tompkins county, where his death occurred. By occupation he was a farmer. He wedded Miss Mary Sprague, by whom he had five children: Stephen, Sabins, Squire, Mary and Eli.

Stephen Robinson, the father of our subject, was also a native of the town of Kent, Putnam county, where his education was acquired in the common schools, and he there married Martha Kelly, daughter of Seth Kelly.

{/,^:fjpLJ^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

477

To them were born thirteen children, namely: Chappell, Seth Kelly, Osborn, Enos, Emily, Zillah, Jarvis, Ada, Nathaniel, Priscilla, Robert, Catherine and William. The father engaged in farming in his native township until 1836, when he removed to the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he followed the same pursuit for several years. The following twelve years were passed at Lithgow, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, after which he returned to Stanford town, where he died in February, 1876, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He had served as a soldier in the war of i8i2, and was a faithful Republican in politics.

The early life of our subject was passed upon the home farm in the town of Kent, where he attended the district schools, and he remained a member of his father's household until he attained his majority, when he started out for himself as a farm hand, working in that way some three years. On December 13, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bunnel, a daughter of Levi and Lois (Mosherl Bunnel, the former of whom was a native of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and was descended from Connecticut Yankees. To our subject and his wife were born four children, namely: Charles H. and Enos, who died in infancy; Henrietta, who became the wife of Seth K. Winans; and Ida, who married Almon Harrison. Mr. Robinson began his domestic life upon a farm near Stanford-ville, where he lived until March, 1880, since which time he has resided upon his present farm. His time and attention have always been devoted to general farming, and he has met with a well-deserved success in his undertakings. During the three years he was employed by others, when a young man, he never lost but seven days time, six being spent in training (or he would have been fined) and the other in attending a political celebration at Poughkeepsie. His political allegiance is always unfalteringly given the Republican party, and he has been called upon to serve as assessor of the town of Stanford. As a citizen of the community in which he has so long made his home, Mr. Robinson is highly respected, enjoying the confidence of his neighbors and a wide circle of friends. Since 1840 he has been an active member of the Baptist Church at Bangall, in which he has served as trustee and deacon, and has also been superintendent of the Sunday-school.

GEORGE E. PARKS, owner and proprietor of a general mercantile store at Hibernia, in the town of Clinton, is one of the promising young business men of Dutchess county, where his entire life has been passed. His father, Richard J. Parks, was born in London, England, June 22, 1833, and is the eldest in a family of eight children born to Richard and Hannah Parks, also natives of that wonderful city. By trade the grandfather was a shoemaker, and when his eldest son was eighteen years of age he emigrated with his family to America, making his first home at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He later became a resident of Highland, where his wife died, and he passed away while in Poughkeepsie. After coming to the New World he continued to follow his trade of shoemaking.

In the schools of London the father of our subject obtained his literary education, and on coming to Dutchess county began working on a farm in the town of Washington. Later he purchased land in the town of Stanford, which he operated for twenty years, on the expiration of which he sold out and returned to the town of Washington. For thirteen years he was engaged in farming there, and he is now living in the town of Millbrook, Dutchess county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is highly respected by all who know him. In Washington town he was united in marriage with Hannah Smith, and to them were born four children : George E., Charles (who died at the age of ten years), Sarah and Robert.

The birth of George E. Parks occurred June 20, i860, in the town of Stanford, where his early life was passed in an uneventful manner, the greater part of the time being spent in the school room or in aiding his father in the work of the farm. He remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for twelve years, his first school being near Bangall; was then employed at Stanfordville, Hibernia, Pleasant Valley,Salt Point and Clinton Hollow. In December, 1894, he started in his present business, in which he is meeting with well-deserved success, having secured a large and lucrative trade. He is also serving as deputy postmaster of Hibernia.

In the town of Stanford, December 24, 1884, Mr. Parks was joined in wedlock with-Miss Carrie E. Vail, a daughter of George Vail, and two children bless their union : Charles

COMMEMORATrVE BIOGIiAPHICAL RECORD.

E.. born April 19, 1886; and Roy I., born July 17, 1887. Socially, Mr. Parks holds membership with the Knights of Pythias lodge No. 143, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He has made a very successful start in life, and by his systematic methods of conducting his business, his strict attention to it in all its details, and his thorough, upright dealings, have already made him an honorable record in the business world.

ALFRED VAN WEY, one of the enter- prising and wide-awake citizens of Barry-town, Dutchess county, has held his present position in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company for thirteen years. He is descended from one of the early families of Ulster county, N. Y., where his paternal grandparents, Henry and Cornelia Van Wey, were both born. In their family of five children were Mary, Cornelia and DeWitt. The maternal grandparents, Zacharia and Gertrude (Near) Cole, were natives of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and in their family were thirteen children, namely: Jacob married Catherine Hapeman; Frederick married Sarah Aldridge; Edward L. married Eliza Traver; Simon married Julia Broadhead; George \V. married Catherine Straut; Eliza married John McCurdy; Catherine married Charles Riggins; Susan married Henry Batcher; Lydia married Alfred Plass; Sarah married John Van Etten; Lucy remained single; Delia was the mother of our subject; and Margaret married F"rank Stickle.

De Witt \'an Wey, the father of Alfred, was born in the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and by trade was a wagonmaker, which occupation he followed throughout most of his life. He died in 1890. He had married Delia Cole, who was also a native of the town of Rhinebeck, and was there educated. Two children were born to them: Alfred, the subject of this review; and Charles, who wedded Hattie Traver, by whom he has four children—Ralph, Charles, Marion and Minnie.

Alfred Van Wey was united in marriage with Anna Albers, who was born in New York City in 1857, and in its public schools acquired a fair education. Two children haye come to bless their union: Mildred, born in 1884; and Clara, born in 18S5. Mrs. Van Wey is the daughter of Christian Albers, who was born in Germany. He was an engineer, and on emi-

grating to the United States first located in New York City, where he married Maria Wul-pin, also a native of the Fatherland, who had come to this country for that purpose. They became the parents of five children: Anna, wife of our subject; John; Mary, who became the wife of Thomas Quillen; Lewis, who married Emma Daily; and Herman, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. \'an Wey are pleasant, intelligent people, and well deserve the esteem and respect of those among whom they make their home. Socially, he is prominently identified with Christian Lodge, L O. O. F., of Red Hook, and is also a member of Shiloh Encampment of the same place. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, taking a commendable interest in the advancement and upbuilding of his town and county.

LOUIS SCHAFER, a well-known business man of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, where he has been for many years engaged in the shoe trade, was born February i, 1844, in Brunswick, Germany, which has been the home of his ancestors for many generations.

William Schafer, father of our subject, was born there, and received a good education in the public schools, and after learning the shoemaker's trade engaged in business there. He married Fraulein Sophia Schrieber, and had six children: William, who married Sophia

; Henry, who died in the U. S. army;

Louis, our subject; Charlotte, who married; Anna, who died in infancy; and Sophia, who died at the age of twenty-three.

Our subject's early educational opportunities were excellent, and he improved them well during boyhood. He learned the shoemaker's trade with his father, but his business career was interrupted by a compulsory service of three years in the German army. At the end of his term he obtained a pass and came to the United States, locating in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he followed his trade for three years. In 1872 he moved to Dover Plains, and established his present prosperous business. He has always been a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to office, and he is a prominent member of the Baptist Church at Dover Plains. In 1872 he was married to Miss Catherine Miller, and has two children: Albert, born November 10, 1875, and Lizzie, born December 16, 1879.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

479

Antonie Miller, Mrs. Schafer's father, is a native of Reichshoffen, Alsace-Lorraine (then a part of France), and was educated there. He was for some time engaged in farming, later becoming a tavern-keeper there. His wife was Catherine Bruner, daughter of Michael and Barbara Bruner, well-to-do farmers of Reichshoffen, and they had four children: Catherine (Mrs. Schafer); Philomane, who married George Durrenburger; Louis, who died at the age of twenty-three years; and Annie, the wife of Mr. Mower.

MENRY J. YEOMANS is a wide-awake and progressive citizen of the town of

Unionvale, where he is successfully engaged in the operation of his farm. He is a native of Greene county, N. Y., born in Cairo township, August 22, 1847, and is a son of William Ira Yeomans, whose birth occurred in the same place in 1817. There the father attended the common schools, and after reaching years of maturity turned his attention to farming. On November 25, 1846, he married Miss Mary Haight, daughter of John and Sarah Haight, farming people of Dutchess county. Four children were born of thi's union, but with the exception of our subject all died when young. They were John H., born August 31, 1849; Charles W., born May 7, 1852; and Sarah Lucinda, born December 30, 1854. The wife and mother died in June, 1863, and later the father married Mrs. Harriet M. Green.

William Yeomans, the grandfather of our subject, was also a native of Greene county, received a district-school education and from early life engaged in farming. He married Miss Lucinda Blackmer, and they had nine children: Leonard; Elisha; George, who married Eliza Haight; Henry, who died unmarried; William I.; Hannah, who married Isaac Place; Annis, who married Cornell White: Catharine, who married John Hill; and Almira, who married Emmer Haight.

The advantages of our subject for securing an education were such as the public schools of his native county afforded, and on starting out in life for himself he engaged in mercantile business. Later he purchased the farm of ninety-four acres, of Mary Taber, on which he has since resided, and now has the place under a high state of cultivation and well-improved with all modern conveniences. He is a man of good financial ability and excellent judg-

ment, and since becoming a resident of Union-vale has won the respect and confidence of the community, and occupies a leading position among its influential citizens.

Mr. Yeomans was united in marriage November 4, 1868, with Miss Mary Jane Wilber, who was born in 1849, at Duanesburgh, Schenectady county, N. Y. Eleven children blessed their union, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: William H., March 31, 1872; George D., October 23, 1873; Sarah Eliza, October 14, 1875; Charles E., July 20, 1877; Bradford W., May 14, 1879; Edwin J., January 16, 1881; Ester D., April 4, 1883; Theron J., September 21, 1885; Lizzie \'., February 28, 1888; Lena M., November 21, 1891; and Florence, June 4, 1893. All are still living with the exception of Charles E. William H., the eldest son, was born in the town of \\'ash-ington, Dutchess county, was educated in the district schools, and is now carrying on farming. On November 28, 1893, he married Miss LaNeta Colwell.

Benjamin Wilber, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Yeomans, was a native of Dartmouth, R. I., but became a resident of Schoharie county, this State, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he made his life work. In 1799 he married Miss Mary Wilber, of Dutchess county, who though of the same name was no relative. They became the parents of seven children: Nathaniel (the grandfather of Mrs. Yeomans), Alanson, Briggs, Benjamin, Joseph, Rachel and Rhoda.

The birth of Nathaniel Wilber occurred in Schoharie county, June i, 1800, and there he received his education. In earl}' life he engaged in farming, but later carried on the meat business. In 1818 he wedded Rachel Bradford, who was born in Stanford in 1797, and by her he had six children: David, Bradford, Benjamin, Julius, Nathaniel and Sarah A.

David Wilber, the father of Mrs. Yeomans, was born in Schoharie county, in 1823, and after finishing his education learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed throughout the principal part of his life. For his first wife he married Miss Eliza N. Hoag, a daughter of Enoch and Mary (Norton) Hoag, farming people of Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, and the only child born of this union was Marj-Jane, the wife of our subject. The wife and mother died in 1850, and later Mr. Wilber-married Miss Monemia Levey, daughter of Philip and Monemia Levey.

COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

Of the nine children by the second marriage of Mr. Wilber, Rosa, born in 1871, died in infancy, and another died in infancy unnamed. The others are as follows: (i) Charles E., born March 30, 1853, in Duanesburgh township, Schenectady county, is a carpenter and wagon maker by trade; on November 4, 1882, he married Sliss Sarah J. Van Pelt, daughter of Ale.xander Van Pelt, and they had five children—Mary, Avan (deceased). Pearl, Roscoe (deceased) and Rosie. (2) Julius R., born in Schoharie county, June 22, 1856, is a conductor in the employ of the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad Company; he was married February 22, 1883, to Jennie Donahue, and they have three children—Nina, Ivy and Raymond. (3) William J., born January I, 1858, died at the age of twenty-one years. (4) Bradford B., born in Schoharie county, August 11, 1859, married Minnie Van Steenburgh, of Dutchess county, by whom he has a daughter. Hazel; he is engaged in merchandising. (51 Edwin P., born in Schenectady county, September 22, 1861, is on a ranch in Meeker, Colo.; he married Mollie Watson, and has three children—Frank (deceased), Ella, and one whose name is not given. (6) Agnes, born in Schenectady county, November 7, 1863, is the wife of William Showers, who is at the head of the electric works at Schenectady, and they have two children—Flossie and Edna. (7) Ella M., born in Schoharie county, November 24, 1865, is the wife of Frank Watson, a carpenter of Meeker, Colo., and they have one child— Everett.

rYMAN B. ROSA. The well-known firm of H. B. Rosa & Son, of Fishkill and Matteawan, undertakers and dealers in furniture, is one of the oldest business concerns of that locality, having been founded in 1827 by the father of the subject of our sketch, John H. Ivosa, who was a prominent citizen of Fish-kill during the early part of this century. The home of the family had previously been at Hurley, Ulster county, where our subject's grandfather, Hyman Rosa, a son of Jacob Rosa, was a leading resident of his day. He and his>wife, Rebecca Sleight, reared there a family of six children: Jacob, Jane, Maria, John H., Caleb Merritt and Newkirk. John H. Rosa married Margaret Crispell, and settled in Fish-kill, where he at once engaged in business.

They had a family of seven children: Abram Gaasbeck, Hyman B., Jane Ann, Sarah C, Theodore A., John C. and Mary D.

Hyman B. Rosa was born in Fishkill village, January 26, 1829, and after attending the public schools of that place until the age of fifteen, he began to help his father in the store, acquiring there a complete knowledge of the business. In 1857 he was taken into partnership, and at the death of his father, in i860, he became sole proprietor, and continued alone until his son, Frederic L., was ready to take a place in the firm. Since that time the business has been greatly enlarged, a branch at Matteawan having been established under the charge of his junior partner.

Mr. Rosa married Miss Sarah B. Southard, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Southard, and their union was blessed with four children: Margaret C, Frank (who died at the age of eight years), Laura and Frederic L. The family are leading members of the Reformed Dutch Church, at Fishkill Village, and Mr. Rosa has taken an influential part in many local movements, giving his support to the Republican party on all political issues.

Frederic L. Rosa, who has already given evidence in his business career of the possession of that inherited ability, foresight, and energy which has built up in past years the success of the firm of H. B. Rosa & Son, was born in Fishkill Village, March 15, 1867, and received his education in the public schools there. At the age of sixteen he entered the store as a clerk, and in 1888 became a partner. The wide acquaintance and high reputation which his firm has enjoyed for more than half a century justified the establishment of the branch store at Matteawan, which was opened in October, 1S94, and has since been carried on under his supervision. He also has full charge of their large undertaking business in Matteawan and Fishkill Landing, and has the finest hearses andother paraphernalia to be found in the county.

In June, 1893, F. L. Rosa married Miss Effie B. Coldwell, daughter of Samuel A. and Rebecca (Tompkins) Coldwell, and they reside at Fishkill Landing, in a pleasant home at the corner of Church street and Cottage place. They are prominent in the Reformed Dutch Church of that locality. Mr. Rosa is an active member of the K. of P., holding, at the present time, the office of prelate in Melzingah Lodge No. 304; also a member of Evergreen

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

481

Lodge No. 131, I. O. O. F., and of the Lewis Tompkins Hose Company. In politics he adheres to the Republican party.

GEORGE FEROE. Few men are more ^ prominent in the enterprising village of Tivoli than this gentleman. He has been an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energy and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited, and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.

Mr. Feroe was born in the town of Red Hook, October 14, 1825, and is a son of Henry Feroe, also a native of that town. The birth of the paternal grandfather occurred in France, and on emigrating to this country he located in the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he engaged in farming and reared his two children: Henry; and Betsy, who became the wife of Jacob Van Steenburgh, a farmer of the same township. The grandfather was a faithful member of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Although reared to agricultural pursuits, Henry Feroe learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed exclusively through life. He was united in marriage with Maria Lasher, a native of the town of Red Hook, and of Holland descent. Her father, Sebastian Lasher, followed the occupation of farming. After their marriage the young couple located upon a farm in their native township, where they reared their family of eleven children: John is a retired carpenter of Tivoli; William (deceased) was a shoemaker by trade; Peter is also a carpenter of Tivoli; Betsie (deceased) was the wife of John Huffman, a shoemaker; Edward is a carpenter of Fishkill, N. Y.; Eugene and Robert died unmarried; Margaret wedded Stephen Clum, a carpenter; Matilda is the widow of Mr. Leason, an undertaker; Cornelia, who married Eli Best, a farmer, now makes her home in Tivoli; and George, of this review, is the eighth in order of birth. The parents, who were consistent members of the Reformed Dutch Church, have both departed this life.

Our subject remained upon the home farm until reaching his majority when he went to Tivoli, where he worked by the day. In 1843

he married Miss Sarah J. Simonson, a native of Red Hook town, and a daughter of James and Julia Simonson, the former a merchant. The following year Mr. Feroe started westward, going by steamboat to Albany, thence up the Erie canal to Buffalo, from there to Toledo, Ohio, and then up the Maumee river to Logansport, Ind., but did not long remain there, returning to Red Hook in the fall. After working at the carpenter's trade for some time he went to New Jersey, where he engaged in farming for four years, and for two years followed the same occupation in Michigan. Returning to New Jersey, he was there employed at painting and carpentering for some time, and in the city of Newark for four years followed gardening. His ne.xt home was near I^oria, 111., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits some four years, after which he followed the same occupation in Michigan for thirteen years. In 1863, however, he returned to Tivoli, purchasing his present place, and has here since made his home. In connection with landscape gardening he is also engaged in the cooperage business, and in 1893 made 60,-000 fruit barrels, one-half of the whole amount manufactured in Dutchess county.

Five children were born to our subject and his wife, two of whom died in infancy, and Adda passing away in 1893. Those living are Clarence, a resident of Tivoli; and Emma, wife of Montgomery Queen, who also lives in Tivoli. The mother's death occurred May 18, 1876. The present wife of our subject was Mary L. Moore, of Dutchess county, whom he married in 1876. They contribute liberally to the support of St. Paul's Church, and hold a high position in the social circles of the community. Although not very active in politics, Mr. Feroe keeps himself well informed on current events, and uniformly votes the Republican ticket.

31

GBERT WOODIN, who is pleasantly lo-

cated in the town of Beekman, Dutchess

county, is operating successfully as a farmer, and, although now over eighty-one years of age, is still numbered among the industrious and enterprising men of the county. He is a native son of Dutchess county, born in the town of Pawling, July 24, 1815, and here his entire life has been passed, his boyhood being spent in the place of his birth, but for thirty-five years he has resided upon his present farm

COMMEMOSATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in the town of Beekman. Active and energetic, he has not laid aside his business cares; in the spring of 1896 he planted a large field of corn.

Solomon Woodin, his father, was also born in the town of Pawling, and was the eldest in the family of seven children belonging to Amos and Lucretia (Millard) Woodin, residents of that township. There the father was reared, and was married to Miss Annie Franklin. In 1845 they removed to Beekman town, where he carried on farming and where their deaths occurred. Thirteen children were born to them: Ransom, Esther, Ira. Milton, Sarah, Amos, Federal, Lucretia, Egbert, Henry, Benjamin, Ruth and Chauncey. All are now deceased with the exception of Sarah, Federal, Egbert, Henry and Ruth.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed in the town of Pawling, but he was married in the town of Beekman, in 1833, to Miss Mary Millard, and they have three children: Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. John H. Doughty, of Matteawan, Dutchess county; Matilda, widow of W. H. Wright, and Robert, of Ann Arbor, Mich. Since 1838 Mr. Woodin has been a resident of the town of Beekman, and has been prominently identified with its affairs. He was first a Whig in politics, and now votes the Republican ticket; he has most acceptably tilled the offices of collector and overseer of the poor. For over forty years he has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Poughquag, in which he is now serving as steward, and is a most consistent and earnest Christian.

JACKSON HUSTED, who occupies a fine and well-improved farm in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, is numbered among its prominent farmers, who from a small beginning has built up one of the best homesteads within its borders. The residence and its surroundings are highly creditable to the proprietor, and indicate him to be a man of industry and energy, one who has kept his eyes open on what is going on in the world around him, and availed himself of the most approved methods of carrying on agriculture. Mr. Husted was born in October, 1828, in Saratoga county, N. Y., where his grandfather had made a settlement at an early day. The latter was a native of England, and on coming to the United States made his first home in

Maine, whence he removed to Saratoga county. There the father of our subject, Louis Husted, was also born and reared, and on reaching man's estate wedded Phtebe Jackson, by whom he had four children: Walter W. (deceased); Jackson, subject of this review; Mary Ann, widow of John Robinson; and Phcjebe Jane, wife of John H. Miller. The father continued to carry on agricultural pursuits in his native county until 1831. when he brought his family to Dutchess county, locating upon a farm in the town of Stanford, where his death occurred about 1855, and his wife survived him but a few years. He was a sincere Christian, and a member of the Baptist Church.

Being only three years of age at the time of his arrival in Dutchess county, Jackson Husted was here reared, attending the common schools of the town of Stanford during the winter terms, and assisting his father on the farm during the seasons of sowing and reaping. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in farming in the town of Stanford, but later removed to Washington town, where he farmed for sixteen years, and the following two years were passed in Pleasant Valley town, Dutchess county. In 1881 he located upon his present farm in the town of Clinton, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his attention.

In Stanford town Mr. Husted was united in marriage with Marj- Elizabeth Haight, daughter of George Haight, and to them have been born three children: Sarah H. is the wife of Jordan Cornelius, of LaFayetteville, town of Milan. Dutchess county; George L. was married in the town of Washington, September 9, 1879, to Annie M. Sissons, and they now make their home in Clinton town; and Judson is a resident of Stanford town. Mr. Husted, politically, votes with the Republican party, and he is a man worthy of the regard in which he is held by all.

LEONARD L. MOREY has for the last thirty-two years been successfully operating on a fine farm in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, with most excellent results. The place, with its tasteful and substantial buildings, and its general air of thrift and comfort, forms one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of the township. As a citizen and business man, Mr. Morey stands high in the esteem of his neighbors. He is a native

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

483

of Dutchess county, born in the town of Washington January 17, 1825.

John Morey, grandfather of Leonard L., was born about 1767, in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, where throughout life he carried on agricultural pursuits. He was a conscientious. Christian man, and a faithful member of the Reformed Church. He married Catherine Dean, who was born about 1770, and to them were born four children: Elizabeth, Isaac, Margaret and John.

Isaac Morey, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Lagrange March 4, 1798, and there spent his early days. On reaching manhood he was married in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, to Miss Maria Pells, daughter of Evert and Deborah (Lewis) Pells, and they became the parents of five children : Evert P., Leonard Lewis, Deborah, Mary and John. Leonard Lewis, grandfather of Mrs. Isaac Morey, was the first judge of Dutchess county. For about five years after his marriage Isaac Morey engaged in the cultivation of land in the town of Washington, at the end of which time he came to Stanford town, where he followed farming during the remainder of his life. In political sentiment he was first a Whig and later a Republican, while in matters of religion he held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bangall, N. Y. He lived to an advanced age, dying in March, 1887; his wife passed away December 20, 1876, at the age of eighty-one jears.

The early life of our subject was spent after the manner of most farmers' sons, his education being carried on in the district schools of the town of Stanford. He continued to assist in the care and cultivation of the home farm for five years after his marriage, October 17, 1850, in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, to Miss Elizabeth L. Hicks. This estimable lady, who was the daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Couse) Hicks, was born June II, 1830, and died December 20, 1887, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her death. One child came of this union: Ida J., born October 26, 1854, married January 6, 1874, to Philip Dorland, by whom she has two children: Anita, now the wife of Emmer Haight. and has one child —Ruth A., born November 29, 1895: and Eula. The entire life of Mr. Morey has been devoted to farming in the town of Stanford, and there are few men in the community more widely or favorably known, or who have a

larger list of warm friends

In politics he is identified with the Republican party, and is a strong believer in its principles.

JOHN HOPKINS, one of the enterprising, energetic and industrious citizens of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, conducts a drug store there, and has done much toward promoting the welfare of the place. By close application to his business and good management he has built up an excellent trade.

Mr. Hopkins is a native of Dutchess county, his birth having occurred in the town of Lagrange, July 8, 1845, and he is a son of William H. Hopkins, who was born in Putnam county, N. Y. His paternal grandfather, William G. Hopkins, was also a native of Putnam county, and was one of the leading physicians of Peekskill, N. Y. He married Elizabeth Frost, of Croton Landing, N. Y., and to them were born two sons and two daughters, namely: William H.; Calista, who became the wife of Reuben Baldwin, of Mahopac, Putnam county; Phcebe Jane; and Alonzo (deceased), who was a farmer in Illinois. The grandfather died in 1870.

The father of our subject was educated at Yale College, and began the study of medicine with his father, afterward graduating from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York City. About 1838 he began practice for himself at Sprout Creek, N. Y.. traveling round to see his patients on horseback, with his saddle bags. In 1868 he removed to Providence, R. I., where he also followed his profession, to some extent, until coming to Hyde Park, two years later. Prior to 1S85 he engaged in general practice, but from that time until his death. May 23, 1890, he did mostly an office practice, and was one of the leading allopathic physicians of the community, receiving a liberal patronage from all the surrounding country. As a private citizen he took quite an active interest in politics, voting with the Republican party, and for a number of years served as postmaster at Hyde Park. He held membership with St. James Episcopal Church, of which he was a vestryman, and was serving as treasurer of same at the time of his death, while early in life he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He was an intelligent, cultured gentleman, thoroughly conversant with his profession, and kept well-informed on matters of general interest. Dr. Hopkins

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married Jemima Van Benschoten, daughter of Elias Van Benschoten, of Lagrange town, and they became the parents of five children: Harriet (now deceased I; Ehas, freight agent for the West Shore railroad at Brooklyn, N. Y.; John, subject of this review; William G., who is engaged in the manufacture of jewelry at Providence, R. I.; and Elizabeth, who died at the age of twelve years.

John Hopkins, the subject proper of these lines, attended the Poughkeepsie Academy, finishing his literary training at the age of sixteen, and in 1861 entered the drug store of Wood & Tittamer, where he remained some eight years, during which time he thoroughh' learned the trade. Going to Providence, R. I., in 1869, he there engaged in the drug business for two years, after which, for one year, he was a member of the firm of Hopkins & Arnold, conducting their store where Charles E. Bowne is now located. Selling out to Charles Mitchell, he entered the drug store of his father, at Hyde Park, and in 1S93 purchased the establishment, which is one of the oldest stores of the kind in the village. Politically, Mr. Hopkins is a stalwart Republican, strongly endorsing the course of that party, and takes quite an active interest in public affairs, being treasurer of his School and Fire districts.

TIMOTHY HERRICK is a prominent and well-known agriculturist of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and the capable superintendent of the e.xtensive farm of the late William B. Dinsmore, known as "The Locusts." He traces his ancestry in this country back to Henric Herrick, who was born in England in 1604, and became one of the three original ancestors of the Herrick family in America. He was the fifth son of Sir William Herrick, who was born in 1557, and lived at Beau Manor, in Leicestershire, England. His father was John Eyrick (or Heyrick), who was born in 15 13, in the same county, and was a son of Thomas Eyrick, of Houghton. The latter's father, Robert Eyrick, was born at Houghton about 1450, and was a lineal descendant of Erick the Forester, who was a Danish chief, and one of the invaders of England during the reign of Alfred, the Saxon King of Britain, by whom he was overcome and compelled to settle in East Anglia, in which is that part of England now

called Leicestershire, and where his descendants still reside in great affluence.

Joseph Herrick. of Cherry Hill, Mass., was the son of Henric Herrick, the founder of the family in the New World, and was born at Salem, in 1645. Of him Upham's "Salem Witchcraft " says: " He was a man of great firmness and dignity of character, and, in addition to the care and management of his large farm, was engaged in foreign commerce. As he bore the title of Governor, he had probably been at one time in command of a military post or district, or perhaps at the West India Colony. He was the acting constable of Salem, and as such concerned in the early proceedings connected with the witchcraft prosecutions. For a while he was under the delusion; but his strong and enlightened mind soon led him out of it. He was one of the petitioners in behalf of an accused person, when intercession by any for any was highly dangerous; and he was a leader in the party that rose against the fanaticism, and vindicated the character of its victims." His son John was born January 25, 1670, and was the father of Josiah, born February 6, 1704. The next in direct line also bore the name of Josiah Herrick. He was born November 10, 1733, and became the father of Joseph Herrick, of Beverly, Mass., who was born November 3, 1775- The father of our subject, Nathaniel. Brown Herrick, was the latter's son, born at Beverly, Mass., April 23, 1813, and removed to Antrim, N. H., at the age of six years, with his parents.

Timothy Herrick, the subject of this review, was born at Antrim, N. H., October 19, 1836, and during his boyhood he supplemented the knowledge acquired in the common schools by a two-terms' attendance at an academy at P'rancistown, N. H., securing an excellent education for those times. He has always been much of a student, and has made a special study of agriculture in all departments. At the age of seventeen years he completed his literary education, but continued working upon his father's farm under that gentleman's most able instructions, who instilled into his son thorough-going business principles. In the winter of 1856-57 he was employed by Esquire Dodge (of Bennington, N. H.), an uncle of William B. Dinsmore, and upon the former's recommendation he became superintendent of "The Locusts" for Mr. Dinsmore. The farm then consisted of only 100 acres, and he had but

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

485

two men under him; but it has gradually grown until it now comprises over 1,000 acres, and it is now necessary to employ forty men in its cultivation and improvement. For the last forty years Mr. Herrick has had entire control of the place, conducting it exactly as if it were his own, and its interests have ever been forwarded in his hands. He possesses great executive ability, and is the peer of any in his life endeavor. The place well indicates his able management, industry and progressive spirit.

In 1858, Mr. Herrick wedded Elizabeth Muldoon, daughter of John Muldoon, of New York City, and they have become the parents of five children: (i) George A., born July 20, 1859, is an engineer on ihe Hudson River railroad, with residence at Croton, N. Y. (2) Mary Elizabeth, born July 16, 1861, married Eugene \'. Daly; after graduating at a female medical college, she practiced her profession in New York City for twelve years, during which time she became well known; she is quite talented, and is very popular among her acquaintances. (3) Luella J., born August 26, 1864, is the wife of Dr. Barker, of Woodside, Long Island. (4) John]., born April 5, 1866, is a graduate of Cornell University, and is now superintendent of the Department of Docks in New York City. (5) Albert E., born January 19, 1869, is connected with the National Ice Co., of New York City.

In politics, Mr. Herrick is a strong adherent of the doctrines of the Democratic party, and takes considerable interest in local affairs. In 1871-72, and again in 1884-85, he served as supervisor of the town of Hyde Park, and has frequently been urged to accept other offices in the county. He is prominently connected with the Masonic order, belonging to Rhinebeck Lodge No. 432, F. & A. M., at Rhinebeck; the Royal Arch Chapter No. 45, at Kingston, N. Y., and of the Knights Templar, at Poughkeepsie.

ENRY S. MARSHALL, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, is of pioneer stock, his ancestors in more than one line of descent having been early residents of the county.

His grandfather, Henry S. Marshall, was born in Pleasant \'alle3', and married Sarah Gifford, a native of Stanford, by whom he had six children: Susan, Ann, John Gifford, Theo-

dore, Caroline and Edward H., none of whom are now living, except Edward H. Marshall, of Millbrook. He is a leading farmer of the town of Hyde Park, and a well-known auctioneer; he is a Hicksite Quaker in religious faith, and in politics a Democrat.

John Gifford Marshall, our subject's father, was born in the town of Hyde Park, July 16, 1824, and died there March 8, 1892, having always lived at the old homestead, following agriculture as an occupation. His education was carefully supervised at home in early boyhood, and later he entered Jacob Willett's Boarding School in the town of Washington. Like his ancestors, he was a member of the Society of Friends. He was married in Hyde Park to Phcebe Jane Marshall, daughter of Henry B. Marshall, a prominent resident of that town. Of the three children of this union our subject was the youngest; the others are: (i) Leonora married Oliver H. Drew; (2) Theodore, deceased, married Anna Foreman.

Henry S. Marshall was born April 6, 1861, in the town of Hyde Park, and was reared at the old homestead. He attended the public schools there for some time, and was then sent to Gideon Frost's school on Long Island, and De Garmo Institute at Rhinebeck. He married Miss Vernie Smith, daughter of George P. Smith, a leading citizen of Clinton Corners, and has three children: Atherton G., Gifford H. and George S. Mr. Marshall has been engaged in farming in Hyde Park and the town of Washington since he first began in business for himself. He is active and influential in local affairs, and at present holds the office of school director at Clinton Corners.

JOHN H. ENSIGN, a well-known resident of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is one of the most valued employes of the Harlem Railroad Company, having been in their service for a quarter of a century. He was born in Dover Plains in 1845, and after attending the schools of that place during boyhood entered the employ of the railroad company as brake-man, and his faithful discharge of his duties soon led to his promotion to the position of conductor. He is actively interested in local affairs, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge No. 666, of Dover. In 1882 he married Miss Ida \'incent, of Dover, and thej' have one son, John O. Ensign, born in 1885. The Ensign family is of New England

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

origin, and our subject's grandfather, Asa Ensign, was born and educated in Massachusetts. He was a blacksmith by trade, and came in early manhood to Dutchess county, locating in the town of Dover, where he and his wife, Catherine, reared a family of six children: John, our subject's father; Samuel, who married (first) Julia Orton, and (second) Adelia Hubbel; Stillman, who married Amy Sherman; Eliza and Maria, who never married; and Sarah, the wife of Harrison Sherman.

John Ensign was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, in 1800, and on leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade. He then engaged in contracting and building, and followed this business throughout his life. He married Miss Almira Manchester, daughter of Stephen Manchester (a well-known blacksmith of Dover) and his wife Elizabeth. Five children were born of this union: Eliza, who is not married; Emily, the wife of John E. Benson; Mary, who died at twenty-six years of age; John H., our subject; and Catherine, who died in infancy.

Mrs. Ensign is a descendant of one of the old families of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, her grandfather, Jonathan Vincent, having been a native of that locality. He married Miss Martha Duncan, and settled upon a farm there, where their eight children were born and reared. William married Ann Eggleston; Allen, Mrs. Ensign's father, is mentioned below; Isaac married (first) Jane A. Beers, and (second) Imogene Butts; George married Amanda Coolie; Leonard and Edgar are not married; E. Ann married William Colby; and Amanda was the wife of Oscar Wilcox. Allen Vincent grew to manhood in the town of Dover, and engaged in agriculture. His wife was Miss Mary Stage, daughter of David and Mary Stage, prominent residents of Dover Plains. Mrs. Ensign was the eldest of six children. Of the others, Addie married George Vincent; Mary—Martin Wilcox; Martha—William Brown; Augusta—Fred Wilcox; Daisy is not married.

JOHN A. FRALEIGH. The name of this gentleman is well and favorably known throughout the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he is prosperously engaged in farming. The family have long been residents of that locality, of which Peter Fraleigh (2), (a son of Peter Fraleigh (i)), the grand-

father of our subject, was a native (born February 25, 1772, died October 8, 1853), and there he followed agricultural pursuits throughout life. He was twice married, his first union being with a Miss Teator, by whom he had two children, both now deceased; Katie, who became the wife of William Feller; and Peter, who married Lany Link. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Fraleigh wedded Mrs. Catherine (Coon) Cooper, a widow.

The only child born of the latter union was George W. Fraleigh, the father of our subject, whose birth occurred in the town of Red Hook, June 6, 1S16. After completing his education he took up farming, and made that occupation his life work. In the old training days he was a member of a company of cavalry; in early life held a number of township offices, and he was a stalwart Republican in politics. He was united in marriage November 28, 1838, with Miss Regina Waldorf (who was born April 23, 1820), a daughter of Capt. William Waldorf, and five children were born to them: Peter W., who married Helen Crandall, and is now deceased; John A., subject of this sketch; Monroe, who married Gertrude Martin; Rosalie; and Philip E., who wedded Phoebe K. Conklin. The father of these died July 15, 1866, the mother on December 28, 1870, and they are both buried in the M. E. cemetery at Red Hook.

Our subject was born in the town where he still makes his home, and was there educated. Reared beneath the parental roof-tree, he remained with his father and mother, assisting in the manual labor incident to the life of an agriculturist, until 1S69, when he secured a position in the New York post ofBce under Postmaster James, being appointed by Governor Fenton. After leaving that employ, he returned to the town of Red Hook and assumed the management of his father's farm, which he purchased after the latter's death in 1871. He has since conducted the farm with remarkable success, and is one of the reliable and most esteemed membersof the community. He makes a specialty of dairy and fruit farming, and by the exercise of industry and excellent management his efforts have been rewarded with a well-merited success. In 1871, Mr. Fraleigh was united in marriage with Miss Irene Curtis, daughter of John Curtis, of Red Hook, and three children now grace their union: Curtis, born June 24, 1872; Rosalie M., born May 5, 1875; ^"d Herbert E., born De-

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cember 27, 1877. Of these, Curtis is a clerk in the hardware store of P. E. Fraleigh, at Red Hook; Rosalie M. is receiving her education at Dr. Clark's, Tivoli, and at Mrs. Currie's, Albany; and Herbert E. is attending Moody's school at Mt. Hermon, preparing himself for the study of civil engineering. Mrs. Fraleigh was born September 2, 1845, in the town of Red Hook, and received her education at the Stocking Academy (afterward known as the De Garmo Classical Institute), Rhinebeck. Her father, John Curtis, was a native of Rhinebeck, born February 17, 1818, married Jane B. Beaumont, a native of Yorkshire, England, and to them were born eight children, to wit: LeGrand, in the Hudson River Hospital; Edwin S., a captain in the U. S. regular army, having joined in 1861; Irene (Mrs. John A. Fraleigh); Florence, Grace and Willis (all three deceased); Herbert J., of Red Hook; and J. Canfield (deceased). Mrs. Fraleigh's grandfather, LeGrand Curtis, was a native of Trumbull, Conn., and was a son of Capt. John Curtis, who was a captain in the Light Horse during the Revolutionary war, and is interred at Barrytown, in Dutchess county.

E

'\ LATHROP BARRETT, one of the most

El/ i progressive and enterprising agriculturists of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, and the owner of a fine farm near Coleman Station, was born in that vicinity August 30, 1858. His grandfather, the late E. Lathrop Barrett, a native of Norwich, Conn., came to Dutchess county in early manhood, locating first at Pine Plains, and later in the town of Northeast. He was a carpenter by trade, but after purchasing a tract of 120 acres of land in Northeast, he devoted his time to its cultivation, and became noted for his successful management. He married Rhoda Dakin, daughter of Caleb Dakin, and a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of the town. He died in 1857, and his wife in i860. They had five children: Sarah Louise, Dakin, Edward L., Myron, and Oliver, our subject's father.

During his boyhood the subject of this sketch attended the district schools near his home, and a private school in Sharon, Conn., later studying for one year in Cazenovia Seminary, a Methodist institution at Cazenovia, N. Y., receiving a good English education. As he has always been a reader, he has ac-

quired a large fund of information on subjects of general interest. At nineteen years of age he returned home, where he remained for some time, but on June 16, 1881, he entered the service of the Harlem Railroad Co., as agent at Coleman Station, having the entire charge of their interests there. He remained twelve years without interruption, with the exception of a six-months' leave of absence.

He married Miss Alice N. Clark, a member of one of the oldest families of Northeast, and a daughter of Philo W. Clark, a well-known farmer there. They have one son, Raymond Lathrop, born June 21, 1894, and one daughter, Louisa Alice, born April 16, 1896. In 1892 Mr. Barrett purchased Mr. Clark's farm of 215 acres, and January 16, 1893, he resigned his position with the railroad company to engage in agriculture. He gives especial attention to horticulture, and has a fine orchard upon the estate. As a careful yet progressive manager he has been successful in his enterprise. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never done any political work, although in local affairs, which do not involve any partisan issues, he has at times been a prominent helper. He and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Webatuck Lodge, of Millerton, in which he has held all the offices, Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, and Commandery No. 43.

ISAAC CORBIN. Among the pleasant rural _ homes of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, is that of Mr. Corbin, a prosperous agriculturist and one of the leading citizens of the town. His present wife, whose maiden name was Mary F. Allison, was born in Hastings county, Canada, Aug. 29, i860, and received her education in the common schools of her native country. Their marriage took place in 1883. By his first marriage, to Miss Jennie Sherman, Mr. Corbin had three children: Albert J., born November 6, 1872; Anna M., February 12, 1875; and Charles L., March 3, 1876; and there are six children of the second union: William, born April 4, 1884; B. Frank, September 11, 1885; I. Cecil, June 12, 18S7; Ethel B., May 11, 1889; D. Lewis, April 21, 1891; and Clement, April 27, 1896. The Allison family has been identified with Prince Edward county, Canada, from a very early period. Mrs. Corbin's grandfather, John

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Allison, was born in New Jersey and educated there, and served in the British army in the Revolutionary war. On his return home he purchased land there and followed farming and weaving throughout the remaining years of his life. He married Miss Ann Sprague, and had eight children, of whom Benjamin I., Mrs. Corbin's father, was the first. Of the others, Henry B. married Delanie Schamerhorn; David wedded Jane Smith; Joseph—Catherine Wood; Phoebe—Griffin Howell; Betsy—Myron Wood; Catherine died in infancy; and Sophia married Samuel Parks.

Benjamin I. Allison was born at the old home in Canada in 1817, and after availing himself of the educational privileges afforded in the common schools of his native place, became a farmer there. He was a great sportsman, and was much interested in political questions, espousing the liberal side, but he never aspired to public office. He married Miss Eliza H. Greeie\', daughter of Jonathan and Harriet (Roblin) Greeley, the former of whom was a well-known surveyor and farmer. Twelve children were born of this union, all of whom were educated in the schools of Hastings county: (i) Absalom G. has been a train dispatcher on the Grand Trunk railroad in Canada for over thirty years. He married Miss Nancy Simpkins, and has had five children: Maude, who married Ned Dickson, and has two daughters—Florence and Nettie; Florence, who married Kep C. Lyons, and has one daughter—Grace; Arthur; Claude; and Emma.

(2) John S., a farmer in Pennsylvania, married Miss Mary Wilson, and has had four children: Benjamin, William, Fred and Maggie.

(3) Jonathan, a farmer in Canada, married Miss Sarah Prentice, and has had five children: May, Olive, Flossie, Pearl and Lena. (4) Harriet married William Toppings, and has had four children: James, Jonathan, Eva and Laura. (5) William H. has been train dispatcher on the Credit Valley & Canadian Pacific railroad for eighteen years. He married Miss Georgiana Cole, and has one son, Cecil. (6) Benjamin R., a speculator in Canada, married Miss Kate Hazzel, and has one daughter, Gertrude. (7) Phcebe E. married James Ferris, and has had three children: Allison, Bessie and Greeley. (8) Sarah C. married Charles Baker, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and and has seven children: Dufferin, Horace, Robert, Elma, Victoria, Ruth and Florence. (9) Eva H. married John Noble, of St. Paul,

Minn., and has had five children: Frank. Clara, Benjamin, Mabel and Marion. (10) Mary F. is the wife of Isaac Corbin. (11) Martha N. married Benjamin Frank Burr. (12) Joseph C. died in infancy.

JOHN OSBORNE WHITEHOUSE (deceased) was born July 19, 1817, at Gonic,

a village near Rochester, N. H., and was of French and English descent. His father, who was a farmer, gave his son the best education which the neighborhood afforded, but the j'oung man developed an early desire for a wider field, and when scarcely more than si.xteen years old went to New York, which has been so aptly termed the " City of Opportunity," and few ever made better use of the city's opportunity. Entering a jobbing house in boots and shoes, utterly without e.xperience, he in a very few years thoroughly mastered the business, outstripping many older employes. He went to live in Brooklyn, and in 1838, when but twenty-one, married Fanny Smith, later buying a house and establishing his home in Clinton avenue. In the meantime he started in the boot-and-shoe business in Brooklyn for himself, as head of the firm of Whitehouse & Co. His success was marked, and his advancement rapid. Among other remunerative contracts which he had during the ne.xt few years was one on Randall's Island.

In 1863, having sold his Brooklyn business, Mr. Whitehouse removed to Poughkeepsie and built an immense shoe factory, which he conducted with increasing success until his death, often employing as high as five hundred operatives. His close attention to business, indomitable energy, skill in adapting himself to the needs of the times, prudence and upright character brought their logical rewards, and he amassed a large fortune. Interests outside of his business attracted his serious attention but once. In 1S72 he consented to become a candidate for Congress on the Democratic ticket, in the district comprising the counties of Dutchess, Putnam and Columbia, a district supposed to be hopelessly Republican. Into this campaign Mr. Whitehouse brought the same energy and sagacity which had marked his business career, and though skilled and experienced politicians were pitted against him, he was elected by nearly a thousand majority, defeating John H. Ketcham. The campaign was an exciting and memorable one, and is

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Still spoken of as a remarkable instance of what a trained business man may accomplish in politics when so disposed. Two years later he was re-elected, but declined a third nomination. His terms in Congress were marked by hard and honest work, and were satisfactory to his constituents.

On moving to Poughkeepsie Mr. White-house bought a large estate on the edge of town and established a country home, the beautifying and enlarging of which became his pride. This estate adjoined " Springside," the home of Matthew Vassar. In 1868 ' 'Spring-side " was annexed and incorporated with the Whitehouse property. Mr. Whitehouse was a stockholder in various financial institutions, and the largest stockholder and managing director of the Ninth National Bank, of New York. During the Civil war he was loyal to the Union and active !n promoting its cause, and became a member of the Union League Club.

Mr. Whitehouse may probably best be described as a typical American in the best sense of the term. No trait of his character was more marked than his independence and self-reliance. He made up his mind on a given subject carefully, and from a thorough understanding of all its details, and then acted with the full courage of his convictions. Loyalty to his friends was another of his marked characteristics. He died at Poughkeepsie August 24, 1S81; his wife passed away January 13, 1893. Of their si.\ children, John O., Spencer S., William, Fanny A., and James H. are deceased, leaving Mary Josephine, wife of Eugene N. Howell, as the only surviving child. She, with her husband and son, John Whitehouse Howell, reside during the summer months at Poughkeepsie, on the old Whitehouse estate.

FRANK BENTLEY WILBUR, an expe- rienced farmer and most genial and companionable gentleman, has made his home on his present fine farm in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, since 1869. He is a man of great energy and perseverance, and has effected many improvements on his place since taking possession. He is recognized as a valued addition to the community, a man possessed of excellent judgment, and giving his support and encouragement to those enterprises calculated for the general welfare.

His grandfather, Samuel Wilbur, who was a native of Milan town, Dutchess county, married Elizabeth Hicks, by whom he had eight children: George, Hiram, Ephraim, Benjamin (father of our subject), Jeptha, Cynthia, Mary and Phcebe, all now deceased save Hiram and Phcebe. The family is of English origin, and was founded in this country at an early day. The grandfather of our subject spent most of his life engaged in farming in Pine Plains, where he was a well-known and highly-respected citizen. His political support was given to the Whig party.

Benjamin Wilbur, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Pine Plains January 17, 1815, and, after completing his education in the common schools, taught there for several years. On December 10, 1842, in his native township, he was united in marriage with Miss Antoinette Bentley, a daughter of Hiram Bentley, of Pine Plains, and to them were born four children: Frank Bentley, subject of this review; Emma V., who was born January 9, 1846, and is now the wife of Charles L. Carrol, of Pine Plains; Guliette, who was born September 9, 1855, and died December 24, 1859, and Cora L., who was born March I, 1859, and died on the 28th of December following. After his marriage the father located upon a farm in Pine Plains town, where he followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred July 23, 1893. He took a leading part in the affairs of the township, served his fellow citizens in the offices of assessor and commissioner, and was prominently identified with all public interests. Politically he was an ardent Republican in later years, and previous to the organization of that party supported the Whig candidates. He was a faithful member of the Christian Church at Pine Plains, in which, for many years, he served as deacon. His loving wife died July 12, 1893, only a few days previous to his death.

Frank B. Wilbur remained at home until his marriage, assisting his father in the operation of the farm during the summer months, while in the winters, during his boyhood days, he attended the district schools, where he acquired a practical education, and was thus fitted for the responsible duties of life. In the town of Stanford, October 19, 1869, he married Miss Mary B. Sackett, daughter of Phineas K. Sackett, of that township, and they have become the parents of three children, namely:

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Nina B., who was born March 12, 1871, and who was married June 20, 1S94, to Henry E. Cornehus, of Stanford town (they have two children: Elinor, born April 26, 1895, and Mary, born December 29, 1896); Mae S., born October 9, 1873, and Effie G., born October 7, 1878. On July 17, 1895, Mr. Wilbur was called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who had ever been a faithful companion and helpmeet to him.

Politically our subject is a stanch adherent of the doctrines formulated by the Republican party, finding in that organization what to him seem the principles most calculated to perpetuate our form of popular government. He is one of the prominent and representative men of his township, looked up to and esteemed by the entire community.

JOHN GOLLENBECK. Among the most enterprising citizens of this country are those who were born in Germany, and who have brought to this fertile and productive land the thrift and economy of the Old World. Among these there is no figure that stands out more prominently in the history of Dutchess county than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who is now a leading farmer in the town of Unionvale.

His paternal grandfather, John Wiseman, was born in Liebstadt, Prussia, and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Miss Maria Linman, and to them were born si.\ children: Stephen, Harry, John, Katie, Elizabeth and Mary. Stephen Wiseman, the father of our subject, was a native of the same place, was there educated and learned the wagon-maker's trade, at which he worked most of his life. His employer left his business to him, provided he would take his name, which was Gollen-beck. This he assumed, and took control of the property. He was united in marriage with Miss Maria Scheroff, and they had four children: John, William, Frank and Maria.

John Gollenbeck, our subject, was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1825, and in the place of his nativity attended school. In the old country he also learned the wagon-maker's trade, at which he worked until crossing the Atlantic to America in 1855. He at first located in New York City, where he worked at his trade for thirteen months, but at the end of that time came to the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and turned his attention to

farming. During the dark days of the Rebellion, he resolved to aid his adopted country in preserving the Union, and at Poughkeepsie enlisted in Company A, 150th N. Y. V. I., with which he faithfully served until hostilities had ceased. He now holds membership with Hamlin Post, G. A. R.

Mr. Gollenbeck was married to Miss Antoinette Austin, daughter of Irving Austin, a laborer of Dutchess county, and they have two children: Mattie and William. Mattie is the wife of Obed Hewett, a butcher, carpenter and farmer of Arthursburg, Dutchess county, and they have si.x children: Robert, Ephraim, Judson. Lehman, Mabel and Florence. William was born, reared and educated in the town of Unionvale, where he is now carrying on farming.

J. Au.stin, the grandfather of Mrs. Gollenbeck, was one of the Revolutionary heroes. He was a native of Dutchess county, and a farmer by occupation. By his marriage with Miss Sallie A. Mclntyre he had five children : Sallie, who married Joseph Bowman ; John, who died when young; Irving, the father of Mrs. Gollenbeck; Jane, who married Jacob Rozell, and Mary, who became the wife of Clark Duncan. Irving Austin was born in Dutchess county in 1803, received a common-school education, and during his youth learned the shoemaker's trade, but the principal part of his life was devoted to general farming. He married Miss Ann Sweet, daughter of Uriah Sweet, a collier, of Dutchess county, and they became the parents of seven children: Almira, who married George Van Cott; Lavina, who married John Rosterhauft; Sarah A., who married Romaine Stevens; Amelia; George, who married Emily Dennis; Henry, who married Hannah Cooper; and Antoinette, the honored wife of our subject.

GEORGE W. RYMPH. This gentleman occupies no unimportant position among the leading citizens of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county. He is a native of Ulster county, N. Y., born in the town of Gardiner, near Tuthill, July 19, 1839, and is a son of James Rymph, whose birth occurred at the old Rymph homestead on the Hyde Park road in this county. The family name was originally spelled Rim, and the great-grandfather, George Rymph, who was a native of Wittenberg, Germany, came to this country with the

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Cookinghams, who settled at Wurtemburg. He arrived a few years prior to 1769, when the house on the old homestead was built, and the farm, consisting of 215 acres, was purchased of Dr. John and Susanna Bard, the Doctor being one of the Great Nine Partners. Mr. Rymph, being a thrifty and enterprising man, added to his land until at the time of his death he had 600 acres, and was one of the prosperous and prominent citizens of the locality. His sons were George, Abram, Luke, James and John, and, of his three daughters, one married a Mr. Buckingham, of Catskill, N. Y., and another married a Mr. Beeman. George married and went west, but the other four sons remained upon the old homestead in the town of Hyde Park, where they were held in the highest regard. Slavery was still tolerated at that time in this section, and the family owned a few slaves. With the e.xception of John Rymph, the grandfather of our subject, the other sons that remained on the homestead did not marry. He wedded Wyenna Has-brouck, who belonged to one of the old Huguenot families of Ulster county, and to them were born the following children: James; John; William George; David; Edward L.; Maria, who became the wife of Abram S. DuBois; Margaret, who married Benjamin L. Has-brouck; Sarah, who wedded Jacob Chambers, of Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., brother of Dr. George Chambers, of Stone Ridge, Ulster Co., N. Y.; Rachel, who married John P. Schryver, of Hyde Park; and Susan. All of this family lived to quite advanced ages. In early life their father was a captain and boatman on the Hudson river, but after his marriage his time was devoted to agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead farm.

James Rymph, the father of our subject, was joined in wedlock with Hannah Budd, daughter of James Budd, of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and the aunt of Gov. James H. Budd, the only Democratic governor elected in California; and the sister of Joseph H. Budd, a justice of the supreme court of that State. To this worthy couple were born si.x children, three sons and three daughters—Ellen, who died in infancy; George W., of this review; Jane, who died unmarried; John J., living in Clinton, Dutchess county; Mary A., twin sister of John, who died unmarried; and Albert J., who is living in Harper, Harper Co., Kans. During the first two or three years of his married life the father

lived in what is now Gardiner, and then purchased a farm in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where he spent his remaining years. For that farm of 148 acres he went $7,000 in debt, but so well did he succeed in his business undertakings that at the time of his death he had two other farms, was director in the City National Bank, and one of the original stockholders in both the Rhinebeck Bank and the City National Bank of Pough-keepsie, all of which property was the result of his own untiring efforts and perseverance. He was originally a Democrat in politics, but at the time of the Civil war he joined the Republican party, and was ever afterward one of its stalwart supporters. He was a well-read, intelligent man, a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Plains, in the work of which he took an active part, and was a leading citizen of the community. His earthly career was ended m 1884.

Mr. Rymph, whose, name introduces this sketch, was educated in a private seminary and the Dutchess County Academy (the latter of which he attended a part of two years), and is well informed on the current events of the day. On leaving the school-room he returned to his father's farm, where he remained until 1883, giving his attention to its management and also to the one his father had given to him. In the spring of 1884 he removed to the latter place, on the Hyde Park road, then comprising 165 acres, to which by purchase he added fifty acres, making the original 215 acres which belonged to his great-grandfather, George Rymph.

In December, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rymph and Miss Estelle Pearsall, of the town of Hyde Park, slaughter of Samuel H. Pearsall, and they have two sons and one daughter,—George H., James G. B., and Marguerite E. Reared in the Republican party, our subject has always adhered to its principles, but at local elections usually votes independent of party ties, supporting the man whom he thinks best qualified to fill the position. In 1875 he was elected assessor of his town, and in the spring of 1894 was elected justice of the peace for a period of four years. Socially, he is connected with Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, F. & A. M.; religiously, he is identified with the Reformed Dutch Church, which he attends. He is at present serving as secretary and treasurer of the Farmers Town Co-operative Insurance Company, of the town

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of Hyde Park, and is one of the stockholders of the Huguenot Bank of New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y. He has aided in the advancement of his town and county in many wajs, and is uniformly the friend of progress and education.

FRANK HERRICK, an enterprising and prosperous merchant of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born February 2, 1852, in the town of Pine Plains, where his family has long been prominent.

He is a great-grandson of Ephraim Herrick, who had a son Ephraim Herrick (2), whose son, John A. Herrick, our subject's father, was born in 1817, and became one of the leading citizens of Pine Plains. He followed farming during his active life, but is now passing his declining years in retirement in the village of Rhinebeck. His fine mental ability and high character have made him deservedly popular among a wide circle of acquaintances, and he has often been called upon to fill positions of trust, and was supervisor of the town of Pine Plains for eight years, and for a long period was assessor and commissioner of highwaj-s. Politically he was a Democrat, and has given much of his attention to the interests of his party in his locality. He married Miss Margaret Sherwood, daughter of Isaac Sherwood, a well-known resident of Milan. Of their three children, our subject is the second; the others are: Louisa, the eldest, married John D. Hedges, of Milan; and Minerva married Charles Ferris, formerly of Milan, now of Rhinebeck.

Frank Herrick received a good English education in his youth, attending the district schools near his home for some years, and later the seminary at Amenia, and as he possesses an active mind, and is of an investigatinsr turn, he has smce gamed much information by reading and observation. On leaving school he began to learn the practical details of mercantile life in "Dibble's Store" at Pine Plains, where he clerked for one year, then, in 1875, went to Rhinebeck as a clerk for his uncles, I. & P. Sherwood, leading grocers of that town, and on the death of the senior partner, in 1881, he was taken into the firm, which became Sherwood & Herrick. In 1892 Mr. Sherwood retired and Mr. Herrick removed to his present stand, and added coal and lumber to his stock, an enterprise which has been justified by its success. He has one of the most complete stores in the locality, it being ad-

mirably adapted in every way to the demands of the business, wholesale and retail. His extensive trade is, perhaps, the largest in volume of any store in the town, is evidence of the confidence and esteem in which he is held throughout the community.

He is public-spirited; in politics a Democrat, and always ready to forward any measure for local improvement, but he has not been active in political work, as his business interests demanded his exclusive attention. In 1884 he was married to Miss Sarah Reed, a daughter of Thomas Reed, a leading citizen of Rhinebeck; she was born Decembers, 1858, in Saugerties, Ulster county, and educated in the De Garmo Institute at Rhinebeck. [For history of her ancestry see sketch of Thomas Reed, elsewhere in this volume.] Mr. and Mrs. Herrick are active members of the Baptist Church, in which he is an official. He belongs to the Relief Hook and Ladder Co., and served as foreman for several years.

ATHAN W. SMITH, residing upon a valuable farm in the town of Amenia, presents in his life a splendid example of hard labor, close application to business, and perseverance. He commenced life at the foot of the ladder, but by his own well-directed efforts he is now able to take life easily and comfortably, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his early industry.

Mr. Smith was born on the old family homestead at North Lyme, Conn., January 12, 1818, and is a son of Nathan and Nancy (Waterman) Smith, in whose family were five children, the others being: Sarah M., who became the wife of Columbus Reed; Gilbert B.; Nancy L. and John H. His father was born at the same place, November 12, 1788, and was four times married, his first wife being the mother of our subject; they svere married in 1810, and she died July 2, 1824. After her death he married Hannah Stark, by whom he had two children—Fitch C. and Henry S. His third wife was Nancy Baker, widow of Mathias Baker, and daughter of Deacon Eli-phalet Hillyard, and after her death he married Mary Gallup. At one time he was captain of a sloop, but the greater part of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits at Salem, Conn. He lived to a ripe old age, dying March 26, 1886. For many years he served as deacon in the Baptist Church at North

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Lyme, Conn.; was one of his country's defenders in the war of 1S12, and was always an upright, honorable man, who had the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.

Our subject can trace his ancestry back to Nehemiah (i) Smith, who landed in Massachusetts prior to 1637, and was prominently connected with the early history of Connecticut. In his family of nine children there was only one son, Nehemiah (2), who for several years served as a member of the General Assembly at Hartford. His son, Nehemiah (3), was a farmer of New London county, Conn., and was the father of Isaac Smith, in whose family was William Smith, the grandfather of our subject. The latter, who was a farmer in New London county, married Sarah Smith, a daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Smith, and to them were born twelve children: William, Sarah, Elizabeth, Gurdon, John D., Edward, 'Nathan, Phebe, Charlotte, Lucy, Almira and Ansyl.

N. W. Smith, whose name introduces this sketch, attended the district schools near his boyhood home at North Lyme, Conn., and completed his education at Essex Academy. For two years he then clerked in a general store at North Lyme, later was similarly employed at Hamburg, Conn., for a year, after which he went to Saratoga county, N. Y., where he worked on a farm for a season. By stage and steamboat he then came to the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, to visit his sister, Mrs. Columbus Reed, and subsequently was employed by Noah Gridley on a farm at Wassaic, where he remained two years. For the same length of time he worked for Mrs. Jacob Rundall, after which he went to Chicago by way of canal, railroad and Great Lakes, but after a short time spent in that city he returned to Dutchess county, and for three years was in the employ of William A. Benton, of Leedsville.

In January, 1847, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Adeline E. Holly, who died in October, 1848. To them had been born one son, John Holly, who died in infancy. In the town of Washington, Dutchess county, on February 4, 1850, he was again married, his second union being with Esther J. Odell (born in 182S), one of the four children of Peter and Sarah Odell, of Jefferson county, the others being George, Levi and Elizabeth. In 1847, Mr. Smith removed to Northeast

town, where for two years he engaged in farming, but the following year he passed as a clerk in the store of Columbus Reed, at Wassaic. He was again on the farm of Jacob Rundall for three years, and for seventeen years operated the Noah Gridley farm. In 1870 he removed to his present place south of South Amenia, a farm consisting of 400 acres, which he purchased for $30,000, but mortgaged it for $20,000, and also bought several thousand dollars worth of stock. Three years later he sold 11 5 acres for $8,500. So well did he succeed in this undertaking that by 1883 the place was free from indebtedness, and was yielding a handsome return for the care and the labor expended upon it. His achievement was all the more remarkable as the man who had previously lived upon the place declared he could not make a living there. Industry, perseverance and energy are numbered among his chief characteristics, and as he has been dependent upon his own resources from boyhood, his success is but the just reward of his own unaided efforts.

At the age of seventeen years, Mr. Smith united with the Baptist Church at Lyme, Conn., and now holds membership with the Church at Amenia, of which he is a deacon. His father and grandfather before him held the same position in the churches to which they belonged. Since the organization of the Republican party, he has been one of its most earnest advocates.

BBEVERLY W. HOWARD. The subject of !) this sketch stands second to none among

the well-to-do farmers of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, whose record it has been deemed wise to preserve in this manner for the perusal of the coming generation. As a judicious tiller of the soil he has met with success, and as a man and citizen holds a good position among his neighbors. He belongs to a family long prominent in the history of Maryland, where the founder of the family in the New World (who was from England) located at an early day. He was born in the city of Baltimore on April 21, 1850.

His grandfather, Samuel Howard, was born in Baltimore county, Md., in 1785, where his early life was passed. He was a man of leisure, as he was possessed of considerable wealth. By his marriage with Miss Ariana Cole, also a native of Baltimore county, he became the fa-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

therof eight children, as follows: Abrani, deceased, was a farmer of Muskingum county, Ohio; George W. is the father of our subject; Samuel and John died in childhood; Eliza became the wife of James Fulton, a merchant, but both are now deceased: Celia is the widow of William L. Rieman, a merchant of Baltimore; Sarah married Eli Beckwith, a real-estate dealer of Cleveland, Ohio, and both have now passed away; and Anna is the widow of Luther Norris, a merchant of Westminster, Md. The parents of this family were Methodists in religious belief. The grandfather spent his last days in Muskingum county, Ohio.

George W. Howard, the father of our subject, was born in Maryland, October 12, 1810, and after reaching man's estate was for fifty years a wholesale dry-goods merchant of Baltimore. In later life he wrote a book of that city, entitled "The Monumental City." He was quite a prominent man, widely and favorably known. His political support was given the Democratic party. His death occurred in Baltimore, on November 26, 1S88, but his wife is still living. In that city he had married Carrie Foreman, a daughter of Arthur Foreman, who was engaged in milling. They became the parents of two children: Ella and Beverly W. The former wedded Henry J. Davison, a civil engineer of New York City, who became very wealthy; he had learned his trade in the Novelty Iron Works of that city, after which he became connected with the gas business, also engaged in the building of steamboats, and in this way secured a fortune, so that at his death, which occurred July 12, 1890, he left a large estate. His wife had died July 12, 1878. In their family were four children—George Howard, Clarence B., Carrie Theresa and Ella C.

The boyhood and youth of Beverly W. Howard were passed in Baltimore, Md., and in 1873 he came to Mabbettsville, Dutchess county, where he purchased his present farm of 213 acres of valuable land, now under a good state of cultivation, so that it compares favorably with other fine farms of the locality.

On October 8, 1878, Mr. Howard was married to Miss Laura H. Coffin, a daughter of R. G. Coffin, and their union has been blessed by the advent of eight children, namely: Samuel B., born November 27, 1879; an infant, who was born January 21, 1882, and died March 10, following; Robert C, born March 21, 1883; Henry D. born August 29,

1885: Ella T., born September 4, 1888; Marietta B., born December 5, 1890; Evlyn, born May 5, 1893; and Clarence K., born September 2, 1895. Mr. Howard takes an intelligent and earnest interest in public affairs, actively promoting any scheme that will benefit the community, and is eminently worthy the trust and regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens. He uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party.

CHARLES ALBERT CLINE, of the well-known firm of Cline Brothers, of Miller-ton, Dutchess county, leading commission dealers in wholesale dressed beef, was born November 22, 1857, in the town of Amenia. He is of Holland-Dutch descent, the family name being originally Klein, then Kline and later Cline. His great-grandfather was John Cline, of Amenia, and his grandfather, Philo Cline, was born in Amenia, Dutchess county, with his three brothers. All four settled in the Oblong valley, and all left descendants who are now living in Dutchess county. Philo Cline was engaged in mercantile business and in conducting a hotel for some time, and he also owned large tracts of land in the town. His good education and naturally powerful intellect, united with perfect integrity and impartiality,gave him great influence in the community, and he was often called upon to settle disputes, both unofficially and in his capacity as justice of the peace. He was often employed to conduct cases in court, and sometimes was chosen to plead both sides. Politically, he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and in religion he held liberal and tolerant views.' He died in 1864, and his wife, Harriet Swift, daughter of Moses Swift, departed this life in 1861. They had two sons: Albert, our subject's father; and Franklin, born in 1833, who is now a farmer in the town of Amenia.

Albert Cline was born March 3, 1828, and in early manhood was a miller at South Amenia. Since 1863, he has been a successful farmer there, also having a fine farm of 350 acres which he inherited. He has made many improvements, and is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of that locality. In public affairs he is active, giving his influence to the support of the Republican party, and he has held a number of local offices, including that of supervisor. He is a member of the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

495

Masonic fraternity, and is progressive and broad in his views on all the questions of the day. He married Eliza Reed, adopted daughter of Philo Reed, of Amenia. She died in 1872, leaving four children: Hattie, who married Frank Baylis, of Amenia; Philo R., of the firm of Cline Brothers; Charles Albert; and Maria, who married Walter A. Sherman.

The subject of our sketch received his elementary education in the district schools near his home, and later attended Dover Plains Academy, and Fort Edward Institute, at Fort Edward, N. Y., for three years, being compelled because of ill health to leave before completing his course. Returning home in 1876, he conducted the farm on shares for one year, and then moved to Millerton, and became bookkeeper for the East St. Louis Beef Company. A year later, when Nelson Morris bought out the company, Mr. Cline and his brother were made their agents, and for the last five years they have been in the commission business under the firm name of Cline Brothers. They supply a large section of the surrounding territory, including many points in western Connecticut, and for a long distance up and down the Harlem railroad, and by their energy and enterprise they have accumulated a fine property. On March 20, 1888, Mr. Cline was married to Miss Cornelia F. Sherman, daughter of Samuel W. Sherman, and they have one son, Charles Sherman Cline. As a citizen Mr. Cline has shown great public spirit, and is a leader among the younger men of the town. He has always been a Republican, and takes an active share in party work. In 1894 he was elected supervisor for a term of two years, and performed his duties so ably that he was re-nominated in 1896.

FREDERIC BOSTWICK. who since the age of twenty years has been connected with banking interests, was born in the village of Pine Plains, on September 8, 1849, and is a son of Reuben Bostwick. On the paternal side he traces his lineage in an unbroken line to Arthur Bostwick, who was born in Tarpaly parish, Cheshire, England, in 1603. He had two sons: Arthur, born in 1636, and John, born in 1638. The children of the latter were: John, Zachariah, Joseph, Marj', Elizabeth and Jane. John, the first of this family, was born in 1667, and became the father of the follow-

ing children: John, Robert, Ebenezer, Joseph, Nathaniel, Lemuel, Daniel and Mary. In the family of Nathaniel Bostwick, who was born in 1699, were eleven children, namely: Arthur, Sarah, Lois, Reuben, Zadock, Abigail, Elijah, Gideon, Eunice, Tamer and Ichabod. Reuben, of this family, was born in 1734, and he had three children: Benjamin R., Mabel and Electa. The only son, Benjamin R., was born in 1762, and in his family were the following children: Lodema, Almon R., Reuben W., Charles B., William H. and Horatio N. Reuben W. Bostwick, of this family, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in 1788, and had four children: Reuben, Eliza Ann, William and Jerusha. Reuben, the father of our subject, was born in 1823, and in his family were seven children: Frederic, William, Ida, Hattie, Walter, Walker and J. Hunting.

Our subject was educated at Poughkeepsie, at the College Hill Military Academy, which was then conducted by Otis Bisbee, and there continued his studies for three years. After his graduation from that institution he returned to his home at Pine Plains, and at the age of twenty years entered the Stissing National Bank, being appointed cashier in 1870, succeeding his father in that position. William S. Eno was at that time president of the bank. He continued to serve as cashier until 1889, when he resigned in order to accept the appointment of National Bank Examiner, tendered him during President Harrison's administration. He had charge of three counties in New York—Columbia, Dutchess and Westchester. Later he went to Massachusetts, where he examined banks for nearly a year, and was then detailed for the same business in what is known as the Southern District of New York, comprising the counties of Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Greene, Delaware, Oneida, Erie, a part of Albany county, and the counties bordering along the Pennsj'lvania line. For a year after the expiration of his term he was still retained in the office, which fact clearly indicates the capable manner in which he filled the position.

In his political views Mr. Bostwick has always been a strong Republican, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, and is now serving as county committeeman. He has personally promoted many of the local enterprises of a public nature in Pine Plains, and is one of its most popular and influential citizens. He attends the Presbyterian Church, to which his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

family all belong, and socially is a prominent member of the Dutchess Club, of Pough-keepsie.

JOHN M. HASKINS, a well-known resident of Amenia, Dutchess count}', is now living retired from active labor and in the enjoyment of all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. A native of Dutchess county, his birth occurred February 14, 1824, in the town of Washington. His father, Alexander Has-kins, was born on Long Island, but, when a young man of about twenty years, located in the town of Washington, where he engaged in farming until 1826, when he removed to the town of Amenia, there following the same occupation. Politically he was a decided Democrat. He married Miss Deborah Masten, a native of the town of Milan, Dutchess county, and their family consisted of four children: Phebe, Levi and Ezekiel, all deceased, and John Masten, of this review. The father's death occurred August 7, 1848, and the mother was called from this life in 1857.

At the age of two years our subject was brought by his parents to the town of Amenia, where he attended school until the age of ten years, when he started out in life for himself. For six years he worked in the Gridley Iron Mine at Amenia, but on the expiration of that time, on account of his father's failing health, he returned to the old home, caring for his parents until they crossed the dark river of death. Subsequently Mr. Haskins enga|;ed in teaming for a few years before the railroad was constructed, and in 1S58 entered the Manhattan Iron Mine at Sharon Station, Dutchess county, where he remained for eight years. He then again entered the service of the Grid-ley mine at Amenia, where for the long period of twenty-one years he capably served as superintendent, but has now laid aside all business cares.

At Pine Plains, Dutchess county, July 31, 1850, Mr. Haskins was married to Miss Mary M. Piatt, who was a daughter of Hiram and Matilda Piatt, and died August 4, 1884. To them were born four sons—William and George W., deceased; one who died in infancy, and John M., Jr. Since 1868 Mr. Haskins has been identified with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and he is a highly-respected and honored citizen of the community. He was first a Whig in politics, but since the dis-

solution of that party he has been an active Republican, supporting the principles of his party with all the force of his convictions, and in 1894 and 1S95 was a member of the excise board.

DAVID BRYAN, a well-known and prosperous agriculturist of the town of Amenia, is a worthy representative of a family that for a century and a half has been prominently identified with the best interests of Dutchess county.

The first of the family of whom there is any record was Alexander Brj'an, who lived in Connecticut, where his death occurred in 1760. In his family were two sons and one daughter, namely: Elijah, Ezra and Sarah. Ezra Bryan, the second in this family, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born November 30, 1740, and at the age of twenty-one was married, in Newtown, Conn., to Sarah Peck. From there the young couple made their way on horseback to the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, where Mr. Bryan took up a farm of 400 acres, and cultivated it in connection with his trade of cabinet making. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and through his loyalty to the Colonial government lost the bulk of his property in supporting the Revolutionary cause. He died while on his way to meeting, July 7, 1825.

Amos Bryan, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Northeast (formerly Amenia), January 31, 1779, and was the youngest in the family of five children. His education was obtained in the district schools of his native town, and on reaching manhood he purchased 150 acres of the old homestead from the other heirs, which he operatgd. He also carried on the fanning-mill business, and, together with Calvin Chamberlain, originated the '' Chamberlain Plow ". He took quite a prominent part in public affairs, serving as assemblyman in 1840, and also as supervisor and justice of the peace. By birthright he was a Quaker, and died in that faith April 12, 1863. In the town of Northeast, Dutchess Co., N. Y., on October 14, 1804, Amos Bryan was married to Betsey Finch, who was born October 5, 1781, and died May 24, 1863. Their family consisted of nine children: Laura, born in 1805, died in 1831; Ward W., born April 12, 1807, died December 14, 1863; Eliza, born March 16, 1810, became the wife of Henry

/

^(jt^^irL£L /y-?-^i

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.

497

Sisson, of the town of Wasliington, Dutchess county, and died September 3, 1884; Ezra, born March 4, 1812, died March 22, 1876; Isaac, born August 25, 1815, died September 14, 1885; James, born November 27, 1817, died March 16, 1839; David is next in order of birth; Mary, born December 9, 1822, died November i, 1853; and Sarah, born April 10, 1825, died April 15, 1872.

The birth of David Bryan occurred at the family homestead in the town of Northeast, September 22, 1819. He began his education in the district schools, and the knowledge there acquired was supplemented by a term's attendance at the Peekskill Military Academy and by a course in the Banks boarding schools at Dover Plains, Dutchess county. He remained upon the home farm and carried on the fan-ning-mill business until i860. Removing to the "Square" in the town of Northeast, he bought the farm of Judge Smith, comprising 454 acres, where he lived until the fall of 1884, when he came to his present place in the town of Amenia.

On October 21, 1854, Mr. Bryan was united in marriage with Miss Annvennette L. Sackett, a daughter of Phineas K. Sackett. Her death occurred July 21, 1858, and at Astoria, Long Island, March 20, 1867, he was again married, this time to Miss Cornelia T. Willson (daughter of John H. Willson), by whom he had one son, Frederick, born August 23, 1868, and died June 26, 1S72. In his political views Mr. Bryan coincides with the Republican party, whose ticket he usually supports, and previous to the organization of the party he was a Whig. He has ever taken a commendable interest in the upbuilding and prosperity of his native county, and by his fellow-citizens has been called upon to serve in several positions, including those of supervisor, assessor and justice of the peace in the town of Northeast. He is a stockholder and at present a director in the First National Bank of Amenia.

PETER W. FUNK. Prominent among the leading citizens of Barrytown, Dutchess

county, is the gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this biographical notice. He is a native of Columbia county, N. Y., born in the town of Clermont, January 23, 1843, and is of Holland origin.

David Funk, his grandfather, was born in Holland, and was a member of the British

32

army until coming to the United States. Locating in Columbia county, N. Y., he there followed his trade of shoemaking. He married Miss Betsy Olmstead, also of Holland, and to them were born eight children: Jacob, John, Edward, Alexander, Andrew, Margaret, Deborah, and a daughter that died in infancy.

The birth of Alexander Funk, the father of our subject, occurred in the town of Clermont, Columbia county, in 1818; there he received a common-school education, and followed farming through the greater part of his life. He wedded Miss Nancy Plass, a daughter of Peter Plass, a farmer of the town of Clermont, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom our subject is the eldest; Edward married Mary Van Tassel; John married Dora Brazie; David married Mary Lasher; Winfield married Alice Buck; Alonzo married Jennie Vandemark; Frank died in infancy; Mary E. was three times married, her first union being with Alexander Palmetier, the second Martin Drum, and the third Hiram Dutcher; and Catherine died in infancy.

In the common schools of his native county, Mr. Funk, of this review, acquired his education, and after leaving the school-room he worked at farming, but was rudely awakened from his quiet dreams of the future, by the dark cloud of war that overshadowed our beloved country. On August 28, 1862, his patriotism having been aroused, he enlisted in the 150th N. Y. V. I., which was raised in Dutchess county, and participated in many of the famous battles of the war, including Gettysburg, Buzzards Roost (which was fought May 14, 1863), Resaca (on the isth), Gulps Farm (on the 22d), and Dallas (on the 25th of the same month), and Peach Tree Greek (on the 20th and 22d of June following). The following winter the regiment was quartered at Savannah, Ga., and the following spring was in two important engagements, one at Averys-boro and the other at Bentonville, N. C. He was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, participating in the capture of Atlanta and Savannah, and was in the last engagements of the war. He had entered the service as a private, but for meritorious conduct had been promoted to the non-commissioned office of corporal, and after the close of hostilities was honorably discharged in June, 1865.

Mr. Funk was united in marriage with Miss Delia Houghtaling, daughter of Jeremiah Houghtaling, of the town of Milan, Dutchess

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

county. They now have a pleasant home in Barry town, where our subject is employed as clerk in a mercantile house. He is a prominent member of Christian Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Red Hook, which he joined in 1894, and has filled several chairs of importance in that order. He is also a charter member of Shiloh Encampment, of the same place, and a member of the Odd Fellows Mutual Benefit Association of Dutchess county, with headquarters at Poughkeepsie. He keeps up his acquaintance'with his army comrades by his connection with Armstrong Post No. 104, G. A. R., of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county. He has manifested the same loyalty in days of peace as in days of war, and all who know him have for him the highest regard.

ISAAC SWIFT belongs to a family that for many generations have resided in this country and taken a prominent part in its history. He traces his origin back to William Swift, who was born in England in 1634 and died in that country in 1705. He was followed by his son William, who was born in 1654, and died in 1701. The next is Benjamin Swift, whose birth occurred in West F'almouth, Mass. He wedded Mary Gifford, and died in 1775. Their third son, Zebulon, wedded Rebecca Wing, of Falmouth, and Abraham, their third son, who was united in marriage with Johanna Sisson, liecame the grandfather of our subject.

The earliest recollections of Isaac Swift are of the old home farm where his birth took place November 19, 1822, and he there early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of an agriculturist. On reaching manhood he continued the cultivation and improvement of that place until April, 1881, when he disposed of the same, and has since lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

Mr. Swift was married to Miss Lydia H. Almy, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Obediah and Rhoda (Barrett) Almy, who were the parents of si.x children, namely: Helen, Lydia, Rhoda, Margaret, Stephen and James. On both the paternal and maternal sides Mrs. Swift was of English origin, and the families were all members of the Society of Friends. She died November 12, 1857, leaving two children: Charles I., a contractor and builder of Milbrook, Dutchess county; and Henrietta, wife of W. L. Swift, editor of the " Round

Table," of Millbrook. On January 5, 1858, our subject was united in marriage with Rhoda A. Almy, a sister of his former wife.

As a farmer, Mr. Swift was quite successful, always fair and honorable in all his dealings, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a progressive, enterprising citizen, taking a deep interest in everything for the advancement of his town and county. He uniformly casts his vote with the Republican part}', and he and his estimable wife are members of the Friends Church.

JAMES H. WRIGHT. This highly respected citizen of the town of Stanford, Dutchess

county, has resided upon his present farm since 1853, and is successfully engaged in general agriculture. His early ancestors emigrated from England to this country, and his grandfather, John Wright, was a native of the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, where he devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits. In his family were twelve children, as follows: Polly, Susan, Lydia, Ruth, Isaac I., John, Aaron, Esther, Dena, Peter, Freelove and Harvey.

Isaac I. Wright, the father of our subject, was also born in the town of Fishkill, where he later attended school, and learned the carpenter's, wagonmaker's and blacksmith's trades. In 1836 he came to the town of Stanford, locating on a farm near Mclntyre Station, which he operated for a number of years. The latter part of his life, however, was spent at Bangall, where he died in 1871, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He was a self-made man, having made all his possessions by his own industry, diligence and economy, and is entitled to high praise for his commendable activity. He was a member of the Baptist Church at Bangall, and in politics was first a Whig, later a Republican. He was married in the town of Fishkill to Jennett Howe, daughter of Libbens Howe, and they became the parents of the following children: Margaret and Hannah Maria (both deceased); Ymar (deceased); James Harvey, subject of this sketch; John (deceased). Lucy Ann, wife of Joel Williams; Rebecca, wife of Clark Guernsey; Phctbe, wife of Eli Wright; and George, of Mount Ross, Milan.

The birth of our subject occurred April 5, 1820, in the town of East Fishkill, where he began his education, later continuing his stud-

COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPEWAL RECORD.

499

ies in the town of Stanford, and at the Jacob Willets Boarding School in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He grew to man's estate upon his father's farm, and as soon as old enough assisted in its cultivation until his marriage, gaining a good practical knowledge of the business under the wise guidance of his father.

In the town of Stanford, Decembers, 1853, Mr. Wright was married to Mary A. Humphrey, daughter of John and Clarissa Humphrey, of that township. To them were born si.\ children, in order of birth as follows: (i) John H. married Ella Vandewater, December 21, 1880, and they have three children—Ralph, Maud and Roy. (2) Clara, of Yonkers, is the wife of Franklin Talmadge, by whom she has two children—Mabel and Marian. (3) Isaac I. is deceased. (4) Charles W., who makes his home at Clinton Corners, Dutchess county, married Delia Stewart, and they have three children—Harold and Edith (twins) and Ethel. (5) Ira is the next in order of birth. (6j Nettie, the youngest, is also deceased.

Mr. Wright is a keen, practical man, well gifted with mental vigor. His genial manners and sturdy integrity have won him a host of friends, and he is highly regarded by all with whom he comes in contact. He is a sincere and earnest Christian, a member of the Baptist Church for fifty-four years. He united with the Church in 1842, and served the same for several years as chorister and superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and trustee; was elected clerk of the Church in 1874, and still continues as clerk; and later was elected deacon of said Church. On account of his views on the temperance question, he is a stanch supporter of the Prohibition party.

I WIGHT ABEL. Jacob Abel, grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where he passed his days in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Margaret Uhl, by whom he had three children: \\'illiam W., John U. and Mary.

William W. Abel, father of our subject, was born March i, 1814, in the town of Union-vale, and during his boyhood attended the Nine Partners School, after which he taught school for a time. Later he followed agricultural pursuits exclusively, becoming one of the most extensive farmers in his township. He

took an active interest in political matters, always voting with the Whig or Republican party, and held a number of township offices, including those of supervisor, justice of the peace and revenue collector. He was twice married, first time to Helen Cornell, by whom he had two children: Evaline and Mary, the last named dying at the age of twelve years. Evaline married Henry Brill, of Beekman, N. Y., and two children were born to them: Theodore R., who married Miss Emma Hicok, and Nellie C. For his second wife William W. Abel wedded Miss Mary Jane Austin, daughter of Beriah and Sarah (Waite) Austin, and four children were born to them: Orlin B., Dwight, H. Clay and John Jacob. Of these Orlin B. is more fully spoken of elsewhere; H. Clay was born in the town of Unionvale, and received a good common-school education, after which he followed the profession of teaching. He is now engaged in mercantile business at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county. Socially, he affiliates with the F. & A. M. He married Miss Maggie Traver, by whom he had two children, William C. and Melburn T., and after her death he wedded Miss Mary Manning.

Dwight Abel was born in 1846 in the town of Unionvale, where his entire life has been passed. His elementary education was received at the schools of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, and later he pursued his studies at Charlotteville, Schoharie Co., N. Y. He early began to assist in the labors of the home farm, and has since devoted his time and attention to rural pursuits with excellent results. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party, but has never aspired to public office. He is enterprising and public-spirited. On December 18, 1867, he married Miss Adaline E. Coe, daughter of Reuben L. Coe, of Unionvale, and they became the parents of three children: Charles H., born January 27, 1869, and who died at the age of twenty-one years; Walter J., born April 25, 1872; and Jennie L., born February 25, 1887. The second son, Walter J. Abel, was born in the town of Unionvale, in 1872, attended the Claverack College, and is now engaged in farming in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. He married Miss Anna C. Hyzer, daughter of Abram Hyzer, an agriculturist of that township, and their union has been blessed with one child, Edwin Dwight, born January 11, 1896.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

EDWARD M. SMITH. In Munsels "American Ancestry, giving the name and descent of the male line of Americans whose ancestors settled in the United States previous to the Declaration of Independence," we have the genealogy of Edward M. Smith, the author of the History of Rhinebeck, as follows:

Edward Martin Smith, of Rhinebeck, N. Y., born at Red Hook, N. Y., March 29, 1S17, the eleventh of thirteen children, left home at the age of twelve to work on uncle's farm; tailor's apprentice 1833-1838; journeyman tailor in Rhinebeck 1838-1840; master tailor from last date; co-founder of the Rhinebeck Gii::ctti 1846; merchant tailor 1S50; president of the village 1875; president of the school board 1881-1889; author of the History of Rhinebeck 1881; married September 13, 1842, Mary Elizabeth Davis,daughter of Jabez Davis, of Shropshire, England.

Son of Philip Smith, born June 27, 1773; died at Milan, N. Y., December 13, 1851; farmer; spoke German, Dutch and English with equal fluency; possessed much mechanical skill and ingenuity; married December4, 1796, Anna Coopernail, daughter of William Cooper-nail, of the Mohawk Valley, descendant from Jan Van Koppenol, who came to America in 1659.

Son of Johannes Schmidt, born in Rhinebeck, March 30, 1730; died April 18, 1813; married February 3, 1761, Elizabeth Sipperley, born August 12, 1741; died March 25, 1804; daughter of Frederick Sipperley and Catharine Wegeler, daughter of Hans Michael Wegeler, one of the Palatine founders of the town of Rhinebeck; married August 15, 1727.

Son of Zacharias Schmidt, born in Germany; was clerk, fore-reader, deacon, elder and treasurer of the Reformed German Church; located on part of his farm three miles north of the present village of Rhinebeck; married about 1728 Anna Maria, daughter of Valentin Biiuder, who with his wife, Anna Margaretha Stopplebeen, came to America in 1710 on the ship "Midfort," Capt. Fowles, with the Rev. Joshua Kocherthal and other Protestant religious refugees from the Palatinate on the Rhine.

At the death of his father, Philip Smith, the only one of four sons who remained a farmer and at home at maturity, became the owner of the homestead, with the farm-stock and three slaves, Tom and Flore and their son Tobe. As the older sons of the fainilv were

approaching manhood, Tom, an intelligent negro, made up his mind that his master could do very well without him, and besought him, very earnestly, to sell him to Peter Van Ben-thuysen, who had expressed a wish to own him; which, after much hesitation, he finally did. Before Tom had been a fortnight on the premises of his new master he absconded, without leaving a clue to his destination behind him.

After 1827, when New York had freed all her slaves by an act of the Legislature, Tom came into the State from Massachusetts with a good team of horses and a wagon, his own property, with which he was earning his living as a teamster. He was on his way to the Hudson river for a load of merchandise, and sought out his old master, then living in the town of Milan, to tell him that when he importuned him to sell him he had fully made up his mind to run away, but preferred to do so from a new rather than his old master, to whom and his family he had become greatly attached; and that he was quite as eager that he should obtain a good price for him as he was that he should sell him.

Tobe had long been given away, a marriage present to a daughter of the family; Flora had gone away, the.wife of a decent negro, able to support her; at his death she found a home with her son, Tobias, her only offspring, who earned his living mainly by fishing and fiddling. Old and tottering, she walked four miles to be present at her old mistress' funeial.

In 1822 Philip Smith sold the leasehold of the old Red Hook home, and took his family of twelve children to a larger farm in Columbia county, N. Y., under a Livingston Lease, where the thirteenth child was soon added to the family. Here the older children soon found it necessary to look beyond the farm for a livelihood, and drifted away to various occupations. Before 1830 this farm was also disposed of, and what was left of the family became the owners in fee of a small farm in the town of Milan. Here the father died, December 13, 183 I, his children all living, and at his funeral; the mother October 26, 1864, her thirteen children all living and at her funeral, the youngest forty-one years old, who is now, and has been for several terms, a justice of the peace in Gerniantown, Columbia Co., N. Y. The grandfather, Johannes Schmidt, served as a soldier in the French and Indian war; was an " Associator" at the outbreak of the Revo-

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lution, and did what he could for the freedom and independence of his country.

On May 2, 1896, the semi-centennial of the Rhinebeck Gazette, the present editor and proprietor pubhshed what follows about its founder and his History of Rhinebeck:

When Mr. Smith disposed of the Oazette establishment, and ceased to be its editor, he did not wholly abandon his literary work. The following item copied from Mason's Illustrated History of Dutchess County, published in 1882. gives due credit to what he has since done in the literary line:

"During his residence of forty-three years in Rhinebeck, Mr. Smith has collected from various sources the material included in his history of this old town. It is a work of years, in the preparation of which much time, labor and money have been expended, and to which, through the kindness of the author, we are indebted for nearly all the data relating to Rhinebeck. His work, more complete in its minutia? than can be any history of the county at large, may be justly regarded as a valuable contribution to the historical data of the county and State. Mr. Smith's History of Rhinebeck was published in 1881, mainly for subscribers, and the entire edition was e.\-hausted in a few months. No copies are to be had now, ' for love or money.' Persisting in his researches, we are told that he is now in possession of facts related to the history of the town and its early settlers that will enable him to revise, correct and greatly enhance the interest of the work, and that he is accordingly employing some of his leisure time in re-writing and enlarging it. Having entered the eightieth year of his age, Mr. Smith will hardly assume the task of its republication. We hojiesome one will secure the manuscript, and in due time offer it to the people."

GEORGE W. CRONK. Prominent among the successful and enterprising farmers of Dutchess county maj' be found the subject of this biographical sketch, whose home is situated in the town of Unionvale, and who is considered one of the most industrious and worthy citizens of this part of the county. Here his entire life has been passed, his birth having occurred in the town of Amenia, in 1818, while his education was obtained in the schools of Lagrange and Fishkill town. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Cronk, was a native of Holland, and on coming to the New World located in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, about eight miles from Poughkeepsie, and there engaged in farming.

Timothy Cronk, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Hyde Park, in 1748. He became a resident of the town of Fishkill, where he worked at his trade of coopering, and was a faithful soldier in the war of 1812. He was twice married, by his first union having three children; Hiram, Samuel and Rhoda. For his second wife he wedded Deborah A. Brown, and to them were born five children:

Sarah, who married Saxon Raymond; Harrison, who was killed in war; Henry, who died unmarried; Nelson, who married Harriet Marshall; and George, our subject.

During his youth George Cronk learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked for nine years, later for ten years was in the milling business, and then turned his attention to carpentering and masonry. For the past thirty years, however, he has devoted his attention exclusively to his farming interest, and though enterprising and public-spirited, has never cared for office. He married Miss Emeline Howard, who was born April 26, 1824, in the town of Dover, and was there educated in its common schools.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cronk, namely: (1) Mary, born August 10, 1843, married George Hillker, a farmer of the town of Poughkeepsie, and they have one son, George Henry, now an operator on an elevated railroad in New York City. (2) George H., born October 18, 1S45, who engaged in farming after completing his education. At the age of twenty-one years he enlisted at Poughkeepsie in the 150th N. Y. V. I., and served until the close of the war, being in the battle of Petersburg, and also at Appomatox when Lee surrendered. He holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. Carpentering is now his occupation. He married Annie Harrington, and they have had four children— George B., who married Agnes Salter; Julia A., who married William E. Ostram; William, who died at the age of eleven years; and Herbert. (3) Helen A., born April 3, 1848, died May 18, 1849. (4) Albert, born June i 5, 1850, went to California as overseer of a farm for Governor Stanford, and later was inspector in gold mines. He married Sarah S. Perry, of that State, and died May 15, 1884. (5) William B., born August 20, 1852, died July 8, 1874. (6) Emma, born November 27, 1854, married James P. Organ, a farmer of Noxon, Dutchess county, and they have two sons— Floyd and William. (7) Martha, born July 26, 1858, married Harvey Van Dewater, formerly a farmer, but now engaged in merchandising at New Hackensack, N. Y. (8) John, born October 23, i860, is by trade a carpenter, but is also engaged in farming in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He married Ella Bostwick, an adopted daughter of Henry Bostwick. (9) CharlesE., born May 30, 1862, is an architect of Herkimer, N. Y., and is now

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finishing the plans for ex-President Harrison's summer residence in the Adirondack Mountains. He married EUzabeth Risedorf. (lo) Sarah E., born October 23, 1864, completes the family. On April 28, 1897, she married John E. Forshay, a carpenter by trade, of New York City. They were all born and educated in the town of Amenia. Dutchess county.

Zebaniah Howard, the grandfather of Mrs. Cronk, was a native of the town of Dover, and engaged in farming from youth until his death, conducting a good farm which he owned on Chestnut Ridge. In religious belief he was a Friend. By his marriage with Miss Lydia

he had the following children: John,

Charles, Sylvester, Valirie, Pontius, Edward and Silas.

The birth of Silas Howard, the father of Mrs. Cronk, occurred in the town of Amenia, but most of his life was passed in F"ishkill town, and throughout his life he followed the profession of teaching, being one of the able instructors of the county. By birthright he was a member of the Society of Friends. He was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Cash, daughter of David and Amelia Cash, farming people of Columbia county, N. Y. They became the parents of nine children, namely: William, born August 15, 1S09, married Paulina Storms; Rachel, born May 28, 1811, married Isaac Harrington; Aaron, born March 26, 1813, married Harriet Sweet; David, born February 21, 1815, married Caroline Sweet; Silas, born December 21, 1816, married Catharine Odell; Asa, born September 24, 1819, married Jane Northrop; Lydia, born August 29, 1821, married John Ulrich; Emeline, wife of our subject, is next in order of birth; and Elizabeth, born February 28, 1828, married Joseph Martin.

JOHN W. PULVER, a well-known business man of Millerton, Dutchess county, and the proprietor of extensive bottling works, was born July 23, 1830, at Red Hook, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where his ancestors were among the pioneer settlers. His grandfather, David Pulver, was a native of the same place, and became a successful farmer there, owning a tract of land near the old post road between Upper and Lower Red Hook, now belonging to Mr. Coons. David Pulver was a substantial citizen, influential in local matters, and prosperous in business. In addition to his

farming, he engaged largely in the breeding of running horses. He died in 1842, and his wife, formerly Catherine Simmons, died in Red Hook, in 1836. They had seven children: David, Henry, Peter and Zachariah (twins), .•\nna (Mrs. William Fredenburgh), Peggy (Mrs. John Witherwax), and one who died in infancy.

Zachariah Pulver, our subject's father, was born at the old home at Red Hook, in 1793, and lived there until 1835, following farming as an occupation. He and his brother, Peter, made their home together for sixty years, and married two sisters, the daughters of Philip Teeter, a leading citizen of the town of Milan, and a descendent of a German family. Peter's wife's name was Maria, and Zachariah's wife's name was Catherine. A few years after marriage the)' moved to Columbia county, and bought a farm of 209 acres in the town of Chatham, adding to it later until the farm contained about 300 acres. Zachariah Pulver was a strong Democrat, and a leading official of the Lutheran Church, of which this family have been members from early times. He died in 1873, his wife surviving him fourteen years. They had five children, of whom two are now living. Mary died in infancy; Catherine at the age of three, and David Henry in 1874. The survivors are John W., our subject; and Elizabeth A., who married Lewis Smith, of Chatham, New York.

The subject of our sketch received a good English education in the district schools of the town of Chatham, and was especially noted for his ability as a mathematician, being considered the best in Columbia county. His brother David also possessed the same powers to an unusual degree. Mr. Pulver left school at the age of sixteen, but he has been an unwearied reader and is well informed upon general topics. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years old, and then took charge of a farm belonging to his father, in Rensselaer county, and three years later he moved to another at the head of North Chatham Village, where he remained eleven years. He then sold out to a brother and removed to Nassau, Rensselaer county, and engaged in the milling business in a rented mill. Later he bought the property and formed a partnership with Mr. Davis, the owner ; but this venture proved unfortunate, and he sold his interest to Mr. Davis before a year had elapsed. The following year he was in partnership with E. M. Crum in the mow-

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503

ing-machine business, and on disposing of his share in that he bought a store and followed the business alone. In 1871 he moved to Amenia, and engaged in his present employment of bottling during the summer season, and cutting pork and making sausage in winter. This establishment was removed to Millerton in 1877, and has since commanded the largest business of the sort in this locality.

Mr. Pulver is one of the leading men of the town of Northeast, an unwavering Democrat and an earnest worker for local improvements. He was supervisor in 1888 and 1889, and in 1890 was defeated by only one vote. In 1852 he was married to Miss Abbie Middlebrook, daughter of Aaron Middlebrook, and has had six children: Luella, who married Collins Barton, of Northeast town; Elzada; Elmer; Anna M. ; George ; and Andrew, the proprietor of the '' Millerton House ". Of this family the eldest and the youngest are the only survivors. Mr. Pulver and his wife have been prominent members of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and he also belongs to Webatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M.

J VAN NESS DUTCHER is a prominent citizen and a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. Cornelius Dutcher, his grandfather, was numbered among the first settlers of the township, where throughout life he followed agricultural pursuits. In his family were ten children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Simeon, April 21, 1772; Gabriel, July 11, 1773; Cornelius, March 15, 1775; Priscilla, December 27, 1776; Peter, July 20, 1779; Wheaton, October 20, 1781; Joshua, May 12, 1784; Ruleff, June 25, 1786; Betsy, March 19, 1788; and Sylva, April I, 1792.

The birth of Joshua Dutcher, the father of our subject, occurred in the town of Dover. He acquired his education in the common schools and followed farming. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Carrington, daughter of Daniel and Thankful Carrington, agriculturists, of Connecticut. Three children graced this union, namely: (i) Jennette, born July 9, 1821, married Aaron Butts, a policeman of New York City, and they had three children — Cora; Blendina, married to J. G. Suydam, of New York City; and Joshua, who

married Josephine Way, of Mabbettsville, and had one child, Laura Jennette, that was left an orphan at an early age, its father and mother both dying. (2) J. Van Ness is ne.xt in order of birth. (3) Elizabeth, born February 25, 1826, became the wife of James Fry, a farmer, of the town of Dover, and to them was born a son, Frank, who married Miss Emma J. Wing, and has two children.

J. Van Ness Dutcher was born January 31, 1823, in the town of Dover, where on reaching a sufficient age he attended the public schools, and, like his ancestors, has devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of the soil. He is public-spirited and progressive, taking a genuine interest in the enterprises set on foot for the advancement and welfare of his native county.

Mr. Dutcher was united in marriage with Miss Harriet M. Benson, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Benson, farming people of the town of Dover. Five children came of this anion: (i) Mary Estella, born in February, 1863, is the wife of Alfred Still, a carpenter of White Plains, Dutchess county, and they have one child—Ida F., born July 26, 1883. (2) Bertha E., born October 22, 1867, is the wife of George Cutler, a postal clerk of New York City, and they have one child—Ethel, born November 26, 1891. (3) Harriet V., born January 13, 1871, is the wife of Elmer Dutcher, an agriculturist, and they have one child— Mabel, born September 10, 1895. (4) Van-Ness, born April 2, 1874, a farmer by occupation, married Amelia Rozell, daughter of Obed Rozell, by whom he has one child—Mary, born February 15, 1895. (5) Cora, born October 27, 1876, completes the family.

OHN CORNELL SHEAR was for many years one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. He was born in that township, October 12, 1811, and is the son of John C. and Margaret (Cornell) Shear, the former born November 21, 1776, and the latter August 25, 1781. The parental household included six children: Anna, born October 31, 1800, died January 8, 1891; Catherine E., born April 8, 1803, died in December, 1888; Israel J., born February 26, 1806, died July 7, 1821; John Cornell, subject of this review; Abraham, born October 8, 181 5; and Sarah,

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born December 3, 1818. The father owned and operated a farm in the town of Lagrange, where his death occurred August 14, 1825, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away November 25, 1868.

The educational advantages of our subject were good for that early day,as he supplemented the knowledge acquired in the district schools of his native township by a course in the Jacob Wiliets Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He also early became familiar with the labors of the farm, and in connection with his brother Abraham operated land in Lagrange town until 1888, when their interests were separated, and our subject removed to his present farm in the same township. He has always been an energetic, progressive man, and secured through his efforts a handsome competence.

On April 27, 1876, Mr. Shear was united in marriage with Catherine L. Pierce, who is of French ancestry, and a daughter of Caleb Pierce, of Fishi<ill, Dutchess county. One child blessed this union, Anna. Mr. Shear is recognized as one of the valuable members of the community, giving his support and encouragement to those enterprises calculated for the general welfare, and has ever been held in the highest respect and esteem by his fellow citizens. While engaged in active business, he was one of the most noted stock-raisers of Dutchess county, giving special attention to the raising of cattle and sheep. On February 16, 1874, he sold in the New York market a couple of " Durhams," weighing 4,616 pounds, for $450. His sheep were of the Southdown and Cotswold breeds, for which he received first premium at the county fair held at Poughkeepsie.

Johannes Shear, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in 1718, in Germany, and came to America in 1751. His son, John C. Shear, grandfather of our subject, was born in America, in 1751.

JOHN WOODBURY PUTNAM (deceased). The thanks of a grateful nation are due to the heroes who, in their country's hour of peril, went forth in defense of the Union, and beneath the burning rays of the Southern sun displayed their loyalty to the " flag of the free heart's hope and home." The gentleman whose name introduces this review belonged

to that noble army that proved the country's salvation, and he well deserves a place on the pages of its history.

The earliest ancestors of the Putnam family in this land was John Putnam, who, in 1634, came to America from Buckinghamshire, England, bringing his wife, Priscilla, and his three sons — Thomas, Nathaniel and John. The sons grew to manhood in Salem, Mass., and became the owners of large estates. In 1681 the three paid one-seventh of the total tax to Church levied on the ninety-four taxpayers in Salem village. Thomas Putnam was twice married, his second wife being Mary \'eren, the daughter of a large ship owner. In the family of Thomas Putnam was a daughter who was one of those accused of witchcraft in 1692, and only saved her life by fleeing into the wilderness until the search was given up. His son, Joseph, born in 1670, married, in 1690, Elizabeth, daughter of Israel Porter, and among their eleven or twelve children was Israel Putnam, well-known and endeared to every American for his gallant services during the Revolutionary war—a general who " dared to lead where any dared to follow." He was born July 7, 1718, and died May 19, 1790. His wife was Hannah Pope, a sister of John Pope, with whom, in 1739, Israel Putnam bought a large tract of land in Connecticut. David, a lineal descendant, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Massachusetts; but his active business life was spent in farming in New Hampshire. He, too, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and fought at Bunker Hill. By his marriage with Miss Phcebe Woodbury he had a family of six children — three sons and three daughters — of whom John Putnam, the father of our subject, was the youngest. The latter was born and reared in the Old Granite State, and remained upon the home farm, in Croydon, Sullivan county, dying in that town in 1885. He married Al-mira French, whose death occurred in 1862. Seven children were born to them: James, a Universalist minister, who for fifteen years preached at Danvers, Mass., and was the father of two children — Eliza and James H.; Lucy, widow of the late T. C. Eastman, a successful cattle dealer of New York City: John W., of this review: Franklin (deceased), who was an attorney at Kansas City, Mo.: Ellen (deceased); Nathaniel French, formerly an Episcopal minister, and who died at Salt Lake City, leaving four children — Graham, an attorney at Salt

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Lake City, married and has one son, John; John F. (deceased), Louisa and Ella; and Georg;e F., a banker and attorney at Kansas City, Missouri.

On April 6, 1825, in Croydon, Sullivan Co., N. H., John Woodbury Putnam was born, and in the district schools and academy he secured a good practical education. He was married in his native town to Laura S. Hall, a daughter of Carlton and Rhoda (Foster) Hall, and they became the parents of three children: Minnie, now the wife of Howard Kinney, a farmer in Stanford township, by whom she has two children—-Laura and Roswell P.; Katharine B., wife of Harry B. Conklin, traveling salesman for the American Brush and Broom Co., of New York; and Drury W., deceased.

Carlton Hall, the father of Mrs. Putnam, was the son of James and Hulda (Cooper) Hall, the former of whom was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the latter a descendant of Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Carlton Hall, a farmer and cattle dealer by occupation, married Rhoda Foster, by whom he had three children: Carlton F. died when about fifty years old, leaving five children; Mary Ann died at the age of ten years; and Mrs. Putnam. The mother died in 1838; the father on April 28, 1856. The Halls are descended from Edward Hall, who came from England to Du.xbury, Mass., in 1636.

After his marriage Mr. Putnam lived upon a farm in Croydon, Sullivan Co., N. K., where he resided thirteen years previous to his coming to Amenia, N. Y. Before his marriage he had taught school winters, and assisted his father on the farm summers. In 1861, when the news spread throughout the North that Sumter had been fired upon, the martial spirit that had animated the breast of the much-loved "Old Put" stirred the pulses of this younger generation, and John Woodbury Putnam enrolled his name as a member of the 6th N. H. V. I., commanded by Gen. Burnside, and was commissioned captain of Company G, which he had enlisted in his own county; but while in the swamps of North Carolina, he contracted typhoid pneumonia, and in 1863 was honorably discharged and returned home. He participated in a number of skirmishes, and in the battles of Roanoke Island and Falmouth, Va., at the latter of which he was slightly wounded. In February, 1866, he came to Amenia, Dutchess county, and made it his

home until his death, which occurred February 5, 1897.

In politics Mr. Putnam was an earnest advocate of the principles of Democracy; served his town as supervisor, assessor and commissioner, and was frequently called upon to preside at Democratic conventions. He once ran for Assembly in the First District of Dutchess county, and his great personal popularity nearly overcame the heavy normal majority. Fraternally, he is connected with Mt. Vernon Lodge, F. &A. M., at Newport, N. H. He was a man of strong convictions of his own, and knew how to respect the opinions of others; quiet and reserved in manner, a true friend, and in all the relations of life he discharged his duties with loyalty and fidelity. A man whose word was as good as a bond, who made no boast of his religion, but practiced it in his every-day life.

ROBERT D. BUTLER, a well-known ag- riculturist residing near Chestnut Ridge,

Dutchess county, is one of the most active and influential workers in local affairs in that locality. He is a native of Dutchess county, born and reared in the town of Unionvale, and he began his business career in Dover town in early manhood as a merchant. After some years in that calling, he engaged in agriculture at his present farm. Politically he has always been a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and he has held various township ofiices. He is actively interested in the Masonic order, being a member of Dover Lodge No. 666, of Dover Plains, with the rank of Master Mason. His life has so far been spent in single blessedness.

The first ancestor of his family to come to America was his great-grandfather, Samuel Butler, a native of England, who located in. Rhode Island for a time, and then moved to a farm in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where his last years were spent. His son, Daniel Butler, married Mary Hoxsie, and had five children: (i) Allen married Sarah Crouse; (2) Samuel, Eliza Fowler; (3) Peter, Mary Haight; (4; Elizabeth died in earlv youth; and (5) Joseph married Amy Wolley.

Peter Butler, our subject's father, was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, December 10, 1799, and was educated in the common schools of that section. He learned

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

the carpenter's trade and worked at it until his marriage, when he engaged in farming. This occupation he followeii for many years successfully, and he became a leading citizen of his locality, and was one of the strongest adherents of the Republican party there. His wife was Miss Mary Haight, daughter of Robert and Phoebe Haight, of the town of Washington; seven children were born at the old homestead in Unionvaie, and received the best education that the common schools of that neighborhood afforded, (i) Elizabeth has taught school for some time in Dover, and is regarded as one of the most successful educators of that town. She and her sister Julia, the second in order of birth, have, like their brother Robert, the third child and first son, chosen to remain unmarried. (4) Joseph H. engaged in farming, but some years later learned the blacksmith's trade and opened a shop at New Mil-ford, N. Y., where he now resides. He married Maria Underbill, and has seven children: Peter, John, Minnie, Ella, Joseph, Irene and Prank, none of whom is married except Peter, who wedded Hattie Gray and has two children—Townsend and Oscar. (5) Benjamin F., a farmer by occupation, is now married.

(6) Rhoda J. married John Vincent, a prominent resident of Poughkeepsie, who for some time held the offices of justice of the peace and county clerk. They had four children born and educated in Poughkeepsie. (a) Ella married Obed Vincent, a farmer of Dover, and has one child. Hazel, (b) Minnie married Charles Andrews, a farmer in the towns of Lagrange and Unionvaie, and has four children: Bessie, Gordon, Mabel and Norman, (c) Walter and (d) Elisha V. are not married.

(7) Peter died at the age of fourteen.

On the maternal side Mr. Butler is a descendant of the Haight family, which has long been prominent in Dutchess county. His grandfather, Robert Haight, was born and reared in the town of Washington, and established himself in business at Mabbettsville as a merchant and hotel keeper. He and his wife, Ph(ebe (Tripp), reared a family of ten children: Concerning (i) Seneca, (2) Edward, and (3) Josiah, no particulars are given. (4) Morris married Miss Howell, and had three children: Theron, Julia and Alvira. (5) Neil-son married Miss Hoffman, and had five children—Milton, Robert, .Abraham, Hoffman and Edward. (6) Deborah, who was born in the town of Washington, married Dr. Benjamin

S. Wilbur, a leading physician and surgeon of Pine Plains, and they have nine children: Robert, William, Francis, Benjamin, Theron (married), Kate (Mrs. Fred Lewis), Charles, Slaggie (Mrs. Williams), and Henry, who is not married, is a physician and surgeon in Pine Plains. (7) Julia was born in Mabbettsville, and married Jacob Sparks. Two sons were born to them—Homer and Cornelius— who, at the breaking out of the Civil war, entered the army with their father, and all three lost their lives in defense of the Union. Mrs. Sparks married a second husband, Henry Davis,' a carpenter in Poughkeepsie, and they have one daughter, Lizzie, now the wife of John Propson, of Poughkeepsie, and the mother of five children. (8) Mary married Peter Butler, our subject's father. (91 Elizabeth married Cornelius Lamoreaux; and i^io) Milton married Miss Howell.

NDREW C. SMITH, a leading merchant of Bangall, Dutchess county, was born July 26, 1S65, in the town of Pleasant \'alley, where his ancestors were among the early settlers. The late William S. Smith, his father, was a lifelong resident of that town, and he and his wife, formerly Loretta Husted, had been active members of the M. E. Church for many years previous to their death. They had five children: Egbert and Mary (both deceased), Jane (who married Daniel Albertson), William, and Andrew C.

Our subject spent his boyhood days in his native town, attending the district school, and later engaged in clerking as the best possible training for a mercantile career. After one year at Salisbury, Conn., one at Cold Spring, N. Y., and three in Bangall, he opened his present store, where he carries a line of general merchandise, his fine business ability and high character winning for him a constantly growing trade. He was married December 4, 1892, to Miss Martha D. Millis, a daughter of William Millis, a well-known resident of Ban-gall.

In politics he is a Democrat, and he is among the foremost among the younger local workers. In 1893 he was elected clerk of the town of Stanford, and has since filled the position with marked satisfaction to the public. Socially, he belongs to the K. of P., Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 43.

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507

UGUSTUS HOLDRIDGE, one of the leading and representative citizens of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is now connected with G. D. Chapman, in the firm of C. E. Buckley & Co., manufacturers of the Buckley water device. The Holdridge family has long been prominently identified with the interests of Dutchess county. Dr. Augustus Holdridge, the grandfather of our subject, was a well-known physician practicing in Union-vale and Beekman towns. He was born at Spencertown, Columbia Co., N. Y., and was very prominent in Masonic circles; the apron which he wore at his lodge is still in the possession of the family. He had six children, namely: Standish; Myron, the father of our subject; Peter, who married ^Irs. Margaret Friday; Mrs. Elsie Sweet; Harriet, who married James Hamblin; and Betsy, who died in 1896. The last named was the wife of Seymour Tomlinson, proprietor of a hotel at Washington Hollow, Dutchess county, who died in 1856. Until recently the county fair was held upon his land.

Myron Holdridge, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, in 1806, was there educated, and followed farming. He held membership with Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., and was the oldest member of the Sons of Temperance in the community, being a charter member of the lodge to which he belonged. He was Democratic in politics, and at one time he was elected coroner,, but would not qualify, as he cared nothing for public office. He died October 30, 1889. He married Miss Lucina Til-ton, a daughter of Daniel and Lucy (Salisbury) Tilton, of Deerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., who removed to Dover Plains when she was but two years old. Her father was three times married, his first union being with a Miss Wilbur, by whom he had two sons, Peter and Wilbur. By his second wife, Lucy, he had two daughters, Lucina and Mary. His third wife, who bore the maiden name of Abigail Foss, was the sister of Rev. Job Foss, a Baptist minister of Dutchess county. Mrs. Holdridge died May 31, 1895.

Augustus Holdridge, the subject of this sketch, who is an only child, was born at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, January 5, 1846, and there received his literary training. He followed farming until 1869, when he turned his attention to railroad work, at first being employed on the Harlem road, but later

was with the Long Island Railroad Co. for about si.xteen years as conductor. Like his father and grandfather before him, he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, having joined Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., in 1868, but is now connected with Peconic Lodge, of Greenport, Long Island. Like his father, he is a Democrat.

Mr. Holdridge was united in marriage, September 8, 1870, with Miss Ruth Rosalie Gid-ley, who was born at Hanover, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., December 3, 1848, and they have become the parents of six children, namely: Grace, born July 9, 1872; Myron T., who was born December 9, 1874, and died September 28, 1875; Augustus, born October 16, 1876; Harvey G., born October 4, 1880; Frank H., born June 11, 1884; and Henry E., born August 20, 1889.

Jonathan Gidley, the grandfather of Mrs. Holdridge, was born and educated in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and was a farmer by occupation. His political support was given the Democratic party. He wedded Miss Mary Hall, and to them were born nine children: Elizabeth, who married John A. Van-Vlack; Waite, who married Richard Ferguson; Mrs. Ruth Moe; Mrs. Polly Morey; Rebecca, who died unmarried; Henry, who wedded Mary Kelley; Hall, who married Currence .A. Daton; Jonathan, who married Jane Kelley; and Timothy.

Timothy Gidley, the father of Mrs. Holdridge, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Lagrange, August 27, 1806, and, like his father, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, but cared nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office. A great Church worker, he always took part in the progress of the Methodist Church, of which he was a prominent member in Chautauqua county, where he removed soon after his marriage, which occurred August 27, 1831, Miss Mary Christie becoming his wife. She was the daughter of Leonard and Ruth Christie, of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. By this union there were six children, all born in Hanover township, Chautauqua county. Catherine R., born October 4, 1835, '^•ed unmarried at the age of twenty-seven years; Hall, born August 27, 1838, a carpenter by trade, married Miss Lu-cinda E. Smith, daughter of Daniel C. and Cordelia Smith, agriculturists of Hanover township; Henry R., born October 10, 1840, also

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

a farmer, married Miss Ella D. Kewley, daughter of John and Dorcas Kewley, farmers of Hanover township; Mary A., born November 16, 1843, died September 29, 1844; Harvey J., born November 22, 1846, engaged in merchandising in Dunkirk, N. Y., and married Miss Nettie M. Ellis, daughter of Frank and and Abi Ellis, of Forestville, N. Y., by whom he has one son, Ellis Harvey, born June 28, 1885; Ruth Rosalie, the wife of our subject, completes the family.

LEONARD D. HALL. There is probably no man in the town of Beekman more

widely or favorably known than this gentleman, who is now a resident of Poughquag. In that town he was born December 28, 1811, and is the grandson of William Hall, a native of Rhode Island, who became one of the earliest settlers of the town of Beekman, where he followed fanning throughout life, dying in 1822.

Our subject's maternal grandmother was a daughter of Simeon Draper, a native of Massachusetts, who prior to the Revolutionary war, with thirty-five others, bought near where is now Wilkesbarre, Penn., seventeen townships of land. He died there, however, very soon after his settlement on the place, and later the family were driven away by the Indians. Many years afterward our subject, then a lad of seventeen summers, accompanied by his mother, drove with a team from Union-vale, Dutchess county, over to this property with the intention of trying to recover at least a portion of it; but as the records had been destroyed nothing could be done. Mr. Hall says the trip was an arduous one, occupying some two weeks, and adds that it was the only time he ever felt homesick.

Israel Hall, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, the second son in the family of ten children of William and Mary (\'ailj tfall, and his education was secured at the district schools of the neighborhood. He married Catherine Albro, a native of Rhode Island, and a daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor (Draper) Albro, and nine children blessed their union, as follows: Amy, who died unmarried at the age of eighty-eight years; Eleanor, widow of Isaac Northrup; Mary and Leonard D. (twins), the former being the wife of John Townsend; Margaret, living at Union vale, on the old homestead;

Maria Ann and Draper, both deceased; Rutsen S., a prosperous farmer, living "on the old homestead in Unionvale; and Richard V., deceased. With the e.xception of two years passed in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, Israel Hall devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits in the town of Beekman. In the war of the Rebellion he had been commissioned a lieutenant, and received 160 acres of land from the government for his services. In politics he was an Old-line Whig.

Leonard D. Hall, the subject of our sketch, received a liberal education at the district schools of his native place, and remained under the parental roof until he was thirty-seven years of age. After he became of age he received $100 a year for his time, his father giving his note for the same, which note our subject deposited in a crack in the old house, where it remained one year, and was then paid. In the fall of 1849 Mr. Hall was married to Maria Lossing, a cousin of Benson J. Lossing, the historian. In the fall of 1884, she was called from earth, and February 4, 1886, Mr. Hall married Harriet Eliza Hurd, daughter of Benjamin D. and Mary (Campbell) Hurd, both natives of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, where they passed their entire lives, the father dying June 16, 1872, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, the mother passing away January 7, 1882, at the age of eighty-one. They were highly respected farming people, and Mr. Hurd was a stanch Republican in his political preference. They had a family of seven children, as follows: Archibald C, who, when twentj- years old, died January 18, 1842, in Cuba, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health; William T., who married Mary Cook, and had three children (he died June 26, 1854); Harriet Eliza (Mrs. Leonard D. Hall); Mary Jane, who married Thomas Brill, and died in June, 1893, leaving five children; Edgar I., a farmer in the town of Pawling, who married Caroline Howard, and has four children; Eustacia A., who married Gerome Dodge (now deceased), and had one daughter, Efifie, who died when eight years old; and Julia G., who married James Longhead (now deceased), and lives in Pawling with her only child, Robert. To our subject and his wife have been born no children.

On leaving the old home, Mr. Hall began the operation of a 480-acre farm in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, on shares, work-

^^.^^-<f^^^a^^^^£. ^y£) ,

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509

ing in that way some four years, and the following eight years were passed upon a farm of 700 acres in the town of PawHng, which belonged to James Hooker, of Poughkeepsie. Returning to the town of Beekman he purchased 160 acres, on which he made his home for thirteen years, when he disposed of the same, and for three years boarded at Poughkeepsie. On the expiration of that period he bought his present residence at Poughquag, where he has since lived.

Mr. Hall has made his own way in the world, the money he earned from his father, as before related, being the sole pecuniary foundation of his prosperity. His boyhood ambition was to become comfortably well off and independent, and his expectations have been realized, for to-day he is a man of wealth, made so, not by speculation, but by industry and good management. He relates many interesting tales of adventure which his ancestors had with the Indians, one being about Amos Spaf-ford, a distant relative, lying concealed for many days in the swamps in order to avoid capture by the Indians, at which time the rest of the family escaped. Mr. Hall has always voted the Republican ticket, and never had a desire to change; he has never cared for political preferment, though at one time he served as commissioner of highways in the town of Beekman. He has never united with any religious denomination, but is liberal of his means in support of the M. E. Church, of which his wife is a member, while he believes in God and humanity. This honored couple have the esteem and friendship of all who know them—young and old, rich and poor— and their hospitable home is always open to the reception of their numerous friends. Mr. Hall attributes his prosperity to hard work, honesty and sound judgment.

ILLIAM BURNAP JORDAN, a well-IMl known and reliable agriculturist of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, is a native of the same, having been born there December 4, 1848, and is a son of Josephus D. Jordan, who was born in Hillsdale township, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1808. The family came from Belfast, Ireland.

Major William Jordan, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born at North Castle, Westchester Co.,, N. Y., September 22, 1751, and obtained his title while serving as a

soldier in the war for independence. By occupation he was a farmer, a pursuit he followed the greater part of his life in Columbia county. By his marriage with Ruth Ferris, of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, he had eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: John, 1774; William, 1777; Rebecca, 1781; Benjamin, i783;Abram, 1785; Nancy, 1787; Ambrose, 1789; Daniel Gano, 1791; Lucy, 1793; Hannah, 1796; and Asa Allen, 1798. Of this family, Ambrose became a prominent and leading lawyer, having a State-wide reputation.

The birth of William Jordan, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, occurred in Hillsdale township, Columbia county, and in 1803 he was married to Rhoda Allen, who was born in 1782, the wedding being celebrated at the old Allen homestead, which has been in the possession of the family for over a century and a half. He was a captain in the war of 1812. The names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Hanna J., 1805; Moors, 1806; Josephus Dunham, 1808; Ambrose Latting, 1809; Ruth, 1811; Cornelia Allen, 1813; Polly Hoffman, 1814 ; Sally Ann, 1816; James Philip, 1818; Harriet Tuttle, 1820; Mathias Bragden Talmadge, 1821; Jane Elizabeth, 1823; and William Howard Allen, 1826.

Josephus D. Jordan received an academic education at Claverack, Columbia count}', and later studied law with his uncle, Ambrose L. Jordan. After his admission to the bar he practiced his profession at Hudson, N. Y., for a number of years, and later at various places in Columbia and Dutchess counties. He was one of the leading attorneys of his time, was a well-read man, understood civil engineering, and was much interested in music, in which he was well educated. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian; politically, he supported the Republican party. On January 13, 1844, Josephus D. Jordan was married, by Rev. W. N. Sayre, to Mary Elizabeth Knickerbocker, who was born at Poughkeepsie, October 19, 1819, a daughter of John Knickerbocker. Three children graced this union, namely: Mary Burnap, born in 1846, died unmarried; William B., subject of this sketch; and Laura Ailing, born in 1852, who became the wife of L. O. Pitcher, of New York City, but is now deceased. The mother of these children died in 1867, the father in 1885.

William Burnap Jordan completed his education by one year's attendance at the academy

COifiTEifORATrrE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

conducted by Mr. Bisbee, known as the Poughkeepsie Military Institute, and since leaving the school-room, at the age of nineteen years, he has been engaged in the operation of his fine farm of 150 acres, one of the best in the town of Pine Plains. Being quite a reader, he is well informed on the current literature of the day. Public-spirited and progressive, he has always taken quite an interest in local affairs, and is a strong Republican in politics. From 1S78 until iSSo he ser\ed as supervisor, and during that time was on the equali2ation committee, the district attorney committee, and the committee on the county treasurers accounts, and the physician s and coroners accounts. With the Presbyterian Church he and Mrs. Jordan hold membership, and he has served as elder and trustee in same. On December jS, 1S76, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Harris, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and three children have been bom to them, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, born in 1S77, a graduate of Seymour Smith's Academy in the town of Pine Plains, class of '95, and at present teaching school in her home town; Cyrus N'ictor, bom in iSSo, also a graduate of Seymour Smith Academy, class of 95, and now attending college in New York City; and William Burnap. bom in 1SS5. The mother of these died in 1SS9, and in 1894 Mr. Jordan wedded her half-sister Myra.

Israel Harris, the grandfather of Mrs. Jordan, was a son of John Harris, who came from Lynn. Mass., and founded the Pine Plains branch of the family in Dutchess county. His children were: William and John, who became residents of Onondaga count)-. X. Y.; \'ictor and Myron, who in 1S49 removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., where they became extensively engaged in the lumber business; Eunice, the wife of Henry Akin, of Fort Collins, Colo.; Mary, wife of William Herrick, of Salt Point. N. Y.: and Silas, who made his home in Grand Rapids, Mich. Of these, Myron was a member of the House of Representatives of Michigan; Silas ser%ed as speaker of the same body, and Victor was a State senator.

Myron Harris, the father of Mrs. Jordan. was born in Dutchess county, in 1S20. He married Mary Gleason. by whom he had children as follows: Mary Elizabeth, first wife of William B. Jordan (she graduated from Oak Hill Seminary, New Haven, Conn.); and Mat-

tie Gleason, who married C. B. Bogue. For his second wife Mr. Harris wedded Miriam Carpenter, daughter of Benjamin Carpenter, of Lansing, Mich., and by her he had four children, viz.: Abbie, who died unmarried; Myra, second wife of W. B. Jordan ^she graduated from Seymour Smith Academy ; Lucy Carpenter, wife of George Strayer, of Denver, Colo.; and I. Victoria, of Fort Collins. The father of this interesting family was one of the prominent Democrats of Michigan, and continued to make his home at Grand Rapids up to his death in iSSo. /s»^' \

JAMES H. HAIGHT. ^ prominent miller of Stanfordville. Dutchess county, was born December 9, 1S51. in the town of Washington. He is of Puritan ancestry, being of the eighth generation in direct descent from Simon Hayt lor Haight*. who came from England in 1S29 and located first at Salem, Mass. He was one of a party to leave that town and settle at Charlestown. Mass.. where, previous I to their coming, there was but one white family. From Charlestown he went to Dorchester, where his name appears about 1630, and from there to Scituate and later to Windsor, Conn., his name appearing there in 1640. He afterward moved to Fairfield, and then, about 1649. to Stanford, Conn., where he died. He had two sons—Benjamin and Moses. The latter was bom before 1637, and came from Fairfield, Conn., to East Chester, N. Y., in 1665. He married, and reared one child. Moses, who was born before 1C62. and lived in East Chester. He married, and had several children, among them a son. Moses, who was born in East Chester, October 28, 1696. He was a farmer by occupation, and moved, in early manhood, to Crum Elbow, being the first Quaker to come to this locality. He married and reared a family, among whom was a son, Joseph, bom in Dutchess county, who married and had eight children—Joseph, Jonathan, Oba-diah, Rachel. Reuben. Amos, David and Daniel. Reuben was born in Washington township. January 17, 175S. He married Miss Mary Haight, and reared a family of eleven children, whose names with dates of birth and death are as follows: Stephen, Januan,- 8, 17S8, died September 15, 1851; Silas R., Feb-ruar\- 4, 1790, died January 18, 1848; Jonathan, April 27. 1792. died November 13. 1873; David, February 3, 1794. died March 31, 1795;

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511

Uavid (2), October 17, 1/55. died March 23, 1800; Daniel, August 24, 1797, died in August, i860; Sarah, July 10, 1799, died October 19, 1839; Phctbe, August 9, 1801, died January 17, 1885; Walter, April 26, 1803, died May 27, 1879; Joseph, May 31, 1805, died December 7, 1851, and John R., June 17, 1808.

Silas R. Haight, our subject's grandfather, was born in the town of Washington. He married Lydia Congdon, a native of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where her ancestors were among the early settlers, her greatgrandfather, James Congdon, coming from Rhode Island. His son Ephraim, her grandfather, and James Congdon, her father, were leading farmers in their day. After their marriage Silas Haight and his wife moved to a farm in Pleasant \'alley,where they lived eleven years, and then came to the town of Washington to spend their last days. They had three children : James, who died in childhood ; Reuben S., our subject's father; and Phcebe J., who married John Clement, a farmer of Washington. Silas Haight was a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife were both Quakers in religious faith. His wife survived him thirteen years, dying December 25, 1861.

Reuben S. Haight was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, January 24, 1828, and moved to a farm in the town of Washington with his parents in 1835. He married September 11, 1849, Marie Antoinette Howard, a lady of English descent, who was born in Ontario county, a daughter of James Howard, a native of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. Her uncle, Thomas Howard, was a farmer in Washington. Reuben Haight and his wife lived on a farm north of Millbrook for seven years, and in April, 1866, after one year on a farm near Washington Hollow, and eight in the town of ^^'ashing-ton, Mr. Haight bought a gristmill at Millbrook, and has since resided there. He is one of the leading citizens of the place, and a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has been an eider for several years. They have six children : Laura, who married Thorn Devel, a farmer of Washington ; James H., our subject; Gertrude, the wife of Albert V. Smith, a lumber dealer in Millbrook; Lucy, who lives at home; and Howard and Jay, who conduct a feed store at Millbrook.

James H. Haight, the subject proper of our sketch, attended the district schools of the town of Washington, and later the Nine Part-

ners Boarding School, mastering his studies with characteristic energy. Until he was twenty-one he worked in his father's mills, and in the spring of 1873 he started in the same business near Stanfordville, although at that time he had no capital, and paid interest on all the money invested. Of this he has made a success, and his proved ability, judgment and enterprise give him a high rank in business circles. He was married on June 14, 187G, to Miss Georgia A. Thorne—daughter of Dr. John S. Thorne, of Millbrook, and has two children: Francis T. and Thorne.

Politically, he is a stanch Republican, but he is not a politician in any sense and has not held office. He is, however, prominent in local affairs, and a leading supporter of every movement for the welfare of the community.

WILLIAM TOMPKINS, who was called from this earth January 23, 1894, was

one of the well-known and highly respected native citizens of Dutchess county, his birth having occurred in the town of Pine Plains March 9, 1810, and was a son of Thomas and Judith (Acker) Tompkins. His father, who was born in Westchester county, N. Y., in 1778, devoted his entire life to agriculture in that county and in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county. He passed away November 23, 1854. His household included five children, namely: John, deceased; Stephen; William; Jemima, deceased wife of Smith Acker; and Thomas, deceased.

At the age of si.x years William Tompkins accompanied his parents to Westchester county, where he attended school and was reared to rural life. He contributed his share to the cultivation and improvement of the old homestead, and later secured employment on the sloops running from Sing Sing to New York City. He served as foreman on the construction when the aqueduct was being built to New York, but most of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuit, in which he was very successful.

In the town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, December 20, 1837, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Tompkins and Miss Jane Merritt, daughter of John Merritt, and they became the parents of three children, as follows: Ophelia was born June 5, 1839, married Arthur Sherman, January, 1865, and had one child, Jennie Sherman; Uriah W., an at-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

torney of New York City, was born December 12, 1840, married Hattie Coons (she died leaving three sons—Harry L., William C. and Frank \V.»; Emmet, of Staatsburg, Dutchess county, was born October 23, 1842, and married Henrietta Kipp, by whom he had the following children: William (deceased), Luella, and Sanford (deceased).

After his marriage, Mr. Tompkins removed to the town of Pine Plains, where he engaged in farming until 1S70, when he went to Rhine-beck, and there lived for five years. On the expiration of that period he went to Clinton Corners, where his remaining years were passed in retirement. He was one of the self-made men of the county, having commenced life without capital other than his strong hands and resolute will, and attained to a fine position, socially and financially, among his fellow citizens. He was a man of indomitable energy and perseverance, and in early life was an untiring worker, so that he secured a comfortable competence, which enabled him to lay aside business cares and rest in the enjoyment of his former toil. In his religious views he held to the faith of the Society of Friends, and his death was widely and sincerely mourned. In politics he was an earnest Republican.

WILLET TITUS. In the year 1635, on the third of April, the good ship

"Hopewell", William Burdick, master, sailed from London, England, for Massachusetts. With her came Robert Titus (i), husbandman, of St. Katherines, aged thirty-five, and his two children—John imaged eight years) and Edmund (aged five years). This family at first located in Boston, but soon moved to Weymouth, and from there to Rehoboth, where four children were born, namely: Samuel, Susannah, Abiel and Content. About 1654, the entire family, except the eldest son, John, went to Long Island, and took up land in Huntington, Suffolk county. The second son had previously (about 1650) settled in Westbury, L. I., where he had acquired a large tract of land, and erected the house in which his descendants still reside. Edmund and his wife were Quakers, and most of his descendants still hold to that faith. Robert Titus (i) married Hannah —and had children: John, Edmund (2), Samuel, Susannah, Abiel, Content. Of these, Edmund (2), married Martha Washburn, and had eleven children, as follows: Samuel,

Phoebe, Martha, Mary, Hannah, Jane, John (3), Peter, Silas, Patience and Temperance. Of these, John (3) married Sarah Williams, and the following were born to them: Mary, John (4), Philadelphia, Jacob, William, Sarah. He married (second) Mary Smith, and had one child, Richard. Of these, John (4) married (first) Sarah Pearsall, and they had si.x children: Henry, Mary, James (5I, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jonathan. He married (second 1 Phcebe Thomas, and had no issue. Of these, James (5) married Ann Cook, and they had: Martha, John, Joshua, Willett (6). Sarah. Of these, j Willett (6) married Ruth Stratton, and the following children were born to them: Elizabeth, Anne, James, Jonathan (7), Sarah, John, Mary. Of these, Jonathan (7) married Nellie Roosa, and had the following issue: Willet, Ann, Peter, Jonathan (81, Catherine, Richard, Mary, William, Sarah, John. Andrew J., Henry B. Of these, Jonathan (8» married Helen Hasbrouck, and children as follows were born: Willet (9), Joseph H., Henry T., Sarah Jane, Nellie. (Of these, Sarah Jane married William A. Wright, and the following were the issue: Florence Fraternity, Mabel, Helen Hasbrouck, Jennie M., William, Titus, Mar\', Adna Damerel).

Willet (91 Titus, our subject, was born July 3, 1844, m the town of Shawangunk, Ulster Co., N. Y., attended the public schools of his native place, and then for three years studied at Kno.x College, Galesburg, 111. He was much interested in mathematics and philosophy, and gave particular attention to those branches of study. After his mother's death he went to High Falls, and lived one year with his uncle, James H. Van Demark; then was apprenticed for four years to L. B. Van Wagoner, of Kingston, to learn the carpenter's trade. For Mr. Van Wagoner he worked a few months after serving his apprenticeship, and in the spring of 1866 went to Newburg, where he remained a while, then returning to Mr. \'an Wagoner, continued with him until July, 1867, at which time he went to Red Hook and built a house and barn for William H. Teator. In Red Hook he remained about a year, and August 3, 1S68, came to Pough-keepsie, where he was engaged in journeyman work until 1875, '" which year he commenced his present business of contractor and builder. He is one of the oldest contractors in the city, and has built up a large and lucrative business, employing not less than fifteen men in the win-

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513

ter and as many as fifty men in the summer. In connection with Mr. Rounds our subject built the Vassar Hospital. He has also built the library and rectory at Wappingers Falls (for $25,000); Archibald Rogers' stables (for $43,000); State Hospital, section E, and Doctors' residence and attendance house; the dormitory at Vassar College, and four cottages at the same place; Mrs. Jackman's residence (for $23,000); the Thorn memorial school at Mill-brook (for $80,000); and the private residences of I. R. Adriance and William Adriance. Mr. Titus has built many of the largest buildings in the city and county. He also had the contracts for the building of Recitation hall at Vassar College, and the Adriance Library.

Our subject was married April 17, 1872, to Miss Sophia Leslie, a native of Poughkeep-sie, N. Y., and they had one son, Harry Leslie, who died at the age of nineteen years. In politics Mr. Titus is a Democrat, but in local matters votes independently; in religious faith he is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church; socially he is affiliated with Triune Lodge No. 92, and belongs to all the branch lodges, chapters and commanderies, being a past officer in the order. He has always been a public-spirited man, is an e.xtensive reader, well informed on all current topics, is a typical self-made man, and in business one of the most successful.

Jonathan Titus, the father of our subject, was born in Shawangunk, November 20, 1821. He followed the occupation of a farmer until 1868, when he engaged in the lumber business in Galesburg, 111., together with the carpenter trade, in which he continued until 1874, when he retired. He married Miss Helen Hasbrouck, who died in November, i860. Jonathan survives her.

Jonathan (7) Titus, grandfather of our subject, was also a native of Shawangunk; was a farmer, and spent his entire life in Ulster county. The members of the Titus family have generally been Democrats in their political views, and, although stanch citizens, have not been active in such matters. They have always been members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and fairly active in Church work.

GEORGE T. CHAPMAN, the senior member of the well-known firm of George T. Chapman & Co., of Pawling, Dutchess county, is one of the leading citizens of that town. 33

He was born April 26, 1858, in Dover Plains, Dutchess county, the grandson of Wooster Chapman, and son of Hiram W. Chapman, who first saw the light in the town of Dover in 1829, and was for many years successfully engaged in mercantile business in Dutchess county. He had a store in Dover Plains for nearly a quarter of a century, with three or four different partners, and for more than twenty years of the time he was postmaster there. His home, however, was in Dover, whence he removed toAmenia in 1865, where he owned a large farm, and after closing out his business at Dover Plains he spent twelve years in agricultural pursuits. In 1877 he moved to Pawling, N. Y., bought out the assignments of Ballard & Peck, and continued in mercantile business until his death in 1882. He was the principal merchant in Dover Plains, and possessing great energy and natural ability, accumulated a fine property. He was a Democrat, though not very active in politics; while in Amenia, he attended the Presbyterian Church, but in Pawling he attended the Methodist Church. He married Cordelia Sheldon, daughter of Theodorus B. Sheldon, also of Dover, and a well-known farmer and blacksmith in that place. To this union were born three children: Allie T., who married William H. Arnold; George T., our subject; and William T., who was postmaster under President Harrison for four years, and is now deputy postmaster.

George T. Chapman was educated mainly in Amenia Seminary, and also attended school at Fort Edward, N. Y., for over a year. On leaving school, at the age of nineteen, he engaged in farming in South Amenia for two years; in 1877 went to Pawling with his father and was with him as clerk until the latter's death. At that time (1882) Mr. Chapman became the head of the firm of George T. Chapman & Co., the '' Co." being the brother, William T., and his mother. In 1889 he bought out his brother's interest, and since that time Mr. Chapman and his mother have been sole owners. Mr. Chapman has enlarged the stock and greatly increased the business, and is regarded as one of the successful men of his locality. He has always been a Democrat in politics, and has taken quite an interest, in an unofficial way, in the success of his party. On August 30, 1894, he was commissioned postmaster by President Cleveland, and later he was appointed by the President, the Senate confirming the

COMMEMORATIVE BI06RAPEICAL RECORD.

nomination on December ii, 1894. He inclines toward the Methodist faith, contributing to that Church, and in many ways he has shown his loyalty to the best interests of the town.

In 1882 Mr. Chapman married Miss Sarah White, daughter of Sewell and Nancy (Emeigh) White, of Pawling, N. Y., and to them ha%'e been born four children: Mary Louise, Ella Cordelia, Grace Sophia and George T., Jr.

JAMES R. KERLEY. No man, probably, in Dutchess county is more worthy of representation in a work of this kind than he whose name introduces this sketch. He has been identified with the agricultural interests of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, most of his life, and there owns a fine farm of 100 acres of land, equipped with good and substantial buildings. The estate is one of the most valuable in that section of the county, and indicates in all its appointments the supervision of a man of intelligence and sound judgment.

Our subject was born December 29, 1829, at Tivoli, Dutchess county, and is a son of James Kerley, who was born in the town of Red Hook. His great-grandfather came to the United States from Scotland, and here married a lady who was a native of Holland. The birth of their son, James Kerley, occurred in Vermont, and when he had reached man's estate he removed to Dutchess county, N. Y., and wedded a Miss Miller, by whom he had four children: Catherine, who became the wife of Michael Leonard, a merchant of Co-himbia county, N. Y.; John, a farmer of'Red Hook town; James, the father of our subject; and Hannah, wife of Edwin Greene, who was 4 farmer of Dutchess county and represented his district in the General Assembly.

The father of our subject grew to manhood upon the farm in Red Hook town, where his parents had located soon after their marriage. He married Miss Sarah A. Graves, a native of Columbia county, where her father, Titus Graves, engaged in farming. After their marriage they made their home at Tivoli, where the father engaged in merchandising until his death, in 1830. His wife died in 1874. Their family consisted of two sons: John D., a physician and farmer of the town of Northeast. Dutchess county; and James R.

Our subject was but three months old when his father died, and upon a farm he passed his

childhood days, attending the district schools of the locality, finishing his education at the Hudson Academy, after which he returned to the farm. In September, 1854, he married Eliza K. Pitcher, who was born in the town of Red Hook, a daughter of Abram Pitcher, whose ancestors came from Holland. In 1890 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who was a most estimable lady. Six cnildren graced their union: R. D., a farmer of Red Hook town; Abram P., a chemist and druggist of New York City; James E., a painter; Charles G., a physician of New York; John G., an agriculturist of Red Hook town; and Mary E.

On October i, 1S62, Mr. Kerley was appointed Deputy Internal Revenue Collector for his district, which position he held for twenty-one years, during which time he also engaged in the insurance business, and continued the operation of his land. Since that period, however, he has devoted his time exclusively to the cultivation of his farm. He is an active, enterprising citizen, taking a lively interest in Church and educational matters, and is one of the stockholders of the academy at Red Hook. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

MATTHEW J. CASHIN is a prominent _ and enterprising merchant of Wapping-ers Falls, where he has built up a fine grocery trade by honest dealing, courteous treatment of his customers, and by carrj'ing the best stock that the markets afford. He is a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Pough-keepsie, December 11, 1859. The birth of his father, James Cashin, occurred in County Kilkenny, Ireland, and when a young man he bade adieu to the friends and scenes of his youth, and sailed for America, locating in the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, he here carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. Here he wedded Catherine Harold, also a native of the Emerald Isle, and to them were born six children: Matthew J., Thomas J., John F., William H., Edward C., and a daughter who died in infancy. The mother is still living. The father was a devout member of the Catholic Church, and was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party.

Mr. Cashin, whose name introduces this record, waS reared upon the home farm.

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515

where he was trained to habits of usefulness, and after his education was completed in the district schools, he and his brother Thomas carried on the retail milk business, started in the year 1876 by their father, carrying on that enterprise until April i, 1886, when our subject sold out to his brother, and established his present grocery store.

On October 31, 1883, Mr. Cashin was united in marriage with Miss Margaret E. Burns, who was born at Wappingers Falls, and is the daughter of Peter Burns, a native of Ireland. A family of four children have been born to this worthy couple: Katie, James, Mary and Joseph. The parents are communicants of the Catholic Church, and are highly respected people. In his political views Mr. Cashin coincides with the principles of the Democratic party, taking an active interest in the local campaigns of that organization, and was trustee of the village for one year, after which he resigned, preferring to give his entire attention to his business interests.

JOHN R. SCHULTZ, a prominent agriculturist and dairyman of the town of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, was born April 26, IS49, on a farm which has been in the possession of his family seventy-three years.

His great-grandfather, Peter Schultz, a native of Holland, came to America soon after the Revolutionary war, and located in the town of Rhinebeck. His son Abram, our subject's grandfather, made his home upon this farm throughout his life. He married Miss Shell, and had four children: Margaret, who married Edgar Ratcliff, a butcher at Yonkers; Julia, who married James Schryver, also a butcher at Yonkers; Richard, our subject's father, and one who died in childhood. Richard Schultz was born October 4, 1819, and always lived on the old homestead. He was a leading farmer of the vicinity, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Reformed Dutch Church. He married Frances Rowe, a daughter of William M. Rowe, a well-known farmer of the town of Milan. She was a member of the M. E. Church from her childhood to her death, which occurred February 13, 1895, her husband surviving her only a few months, dying May 21 of that year. They had five children, of whom our subject is the eldest. William M. is a farmer on the old homestead; Edwin

resides in New York City; David E. died in Rhinebeck March 23, 1857, and Julia F. married Herman Brown, of Dutchess county, a traveling salesman by occupation.

John R. Schultz grew to manhood on the old home, and December 15, 1869, he married Sarah A. Cronk, a lady of Welsh descent, the daughter of Nathaniel T. and Aurilla (Hall) Cronk, both of whom were natives of Westchester county, where Mr. Cronk's father settled on his arrival in this country from Wales. Four children were born of this marriage: Carrie L., the wife of William B. Traver, of Hudson, N. Y.; Hattie F., who is at home; Harry R., who died December 12, 1883, and Edwin B., now at home.

In his specialty of dairying Mr. Schultz is among the leaders of his locality, as was his father before him. For eighteen j'ears he has sold milk in Rhinebeck at retail, but previous to that he wholesaled it. His farm of eighty acres is a beautiful one, commanding a fine view of the Hudson. He and his wife are ready sympathizers with all progressive movements in their vicinity, and they contribute to the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and an influential one; his intelligence and public-spirit making his judgment valuable, he has been commissioner of the town of Rhinebeck for nine years.

AMILTON PRAY, who is at the head of one of the important industries of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess count}', was there born in 1844, and was educated in the schools of Amenia. On starting out in life for himself, he first engaged in farming, but later turned his attention to blacksmithing. In 1890 he invented and patented an ice plow, which has completely revolutionized the ice trade in this country, and at once sprang into public favor. It is designed for horse power, and he established a factory at North Clove, in the town of Unionvale, which he has run to its utmost capacity. In 1892 he took out other patents on the improvements in the plow, which is one of the most important inventions perfected in Dutchess county, and has lessened the price of ice plows throughout the entire country. Mr. Pray can safely be called the father of the two cutter beams, known as a marker and cutter beam combined. He is justly entitled to a place among the leading

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

inventors of the county, and has more than ordinary ability as a business man. He is a wide-awake, progressive citizen, fully abreast with the times in every particular, and his career has been one of honorable activity.

Andrew Pray, the grandfather of Hamilton Pray, was a resident of the town of Dover, and was a member of Asssembly from there. He married Mary Duncan, and had ten children: (I) Amy, who married Edward Ward, and had nine children, Andrew, Thaddeus, Mary, Frank, Hannah, Louisa, Sarah, Henry and Edward; (2) Hannah, never married; (3) Sarah, who married William Ross, and had six children, John, Mary, Delia, Andrew, Washington and Duncan; (4) David, who married Sarah Stephens, and had two children, Richard and Mary; (5) Mary, who married Josiah Dickerson, and had three children, William H., Wilhemina and Estella; (6j Martha, who married Isaac Stephens, and had two children, Mary and Henry; (71 Albert, who married Margaret B. Wyman, and had six children, Hamilton (subject of this sketch), Mary L., Emma P., Blanche, Andrew and Alber-tine; (8) George, who married Nancy Baker, and had five children, Elias, Lavinia, Martha, George and Seward; (9) Andrew, and (10) John, who never married.

David Wyman, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a resident of the town of Clinton, and a mechanic. He married Lorana Lapham, and had nine children, namely: Lor-anda, who married David Donald; Lapham, who married Susan Woolsey, and had eleven children, Lorana, Holmes, Henry, Jane, Lor-anda, Lorenzo, Alice, Frank, Clifford, Nelson and Charles; John, who never married; Tacy, who married Jacob Rider, and had one child, Wyman; David never married; Phebe, who married Albert Bullard; Solon, who married Mary Woolsey, and had two children, Dick and Don; Harris, who married Elizabeth Tompkins, and had one child, George; and Margaret, who married Albert Pray.

Hamilton Pray was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Gregory, who was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and was educated at the Clove, in Unionvale town. Five children were born to them, namely: Albert G., born in 187S; Mary L., born in 1880; William H., born in 1884; Andrew G., who was born in 1885 and died in infancy; and David H., who was born in 1S95, and also died in infancy.

Philo Gregory, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Pray, was a native of New London, Conn., and a farmer by occupation. He had two sons, Samuel and Philo. The former was born and educated in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and followed agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Ann Burton, a daughter of Daniel and Naomi Burton, and to them were born six children: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Orville Le Due; Silas, who first married Eliza Sheldon, and after her death wedded Phcebe Emigh; Sarah, who remained single; William, the father of Mrs. Pray; Naomi, who married Charles Brazer; and Charles, who married Lydia Thayer.

William Gregory is a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and throughout life was engaged in farming and minmg. Socially he holds membership in the Masonic Lodge at Shekomeko. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Lucy J. Lee, a daughter of Lyman and Harriet (Soule) Lee, farming people of the town of Dover. Five children graced this union, namely: Mary L., born in Dover town, in 1851, wedded Theodore Nickerson, and had two children, Ella and Willie; Sarah E., born in 1853, wife of the subject of this sketch; Harriet A., born in 1855, married Adelbert Terwilliger, and has three children, Leander, Frank and Effie; George L., born in 1866, engaged in farming, and married to Lillie Babcock; Carrie, born in 1869, the wife of John P. Ham, by whom she has one daughter, Mary.

On the maternal side, Mrs. Pray traces her ancestry back to John Lee, a native of Connecticut. His son, Hezekiah Lee. was born, reared and educated in Connecticut, and was a farmer by occupation. He served his country in the war of 1812. By his marriage with Miss Jane Wilson, he had the following children—Peter; Reuben; Lyman, the grandfather of Mrs. Pray; Sallie, who married John Chamberlain; Rosanna, who married Isaac Jordan; Betsy, who first married a Mr. Bost-wick, and after his death wedded Jason Cross; Lucy, who married John Benson; Jeannette, who married William Atkins; and Jennie, who married Smith Perry.

Lyman Lee was a native of Kent, Conn., . and was also an agriculturist. He married Miss Harriet Soule, a daughter of Henry and Abigail (Benson) Soule, and they became the parents of ten children, as follows: Susan, who married Austin Frink, a farmer, by whom

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517

she had five children, George, Arthur, Albert, Henrietta and Harriet; Lucy, the mother of Mrs. Pray; Frances, who married Isaac Gregory; Hannah, who married Lyman Benson and has three children, John, Hattie and Elmer; Senaca never married; Henry, a railroad employe, who married Sarah Raymond, and had three children, Edwin, George and Clara; Hezekiah never married; Harriet, who married Peter Sliter, and has three children, Ella, George and Mary; George remained single; Josephine, who married Charles Sherwood, and has five children, Frankie (who married Earnest Buckley), Fred, Bertha (who married Bert SpencerJ, Anna, and Maude.

OHN D. HOWARD, who is now living retired from active life in his pleasant home in Poughkeepsie, was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, September 22,

1835-

Edward Howard, the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, was born December 24, 1724, and was one of the early settlers of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. He married Phcebe Hart, who was born May 3, 1735, and the names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Stephen, May 26, 1753; Matthew, September—, 1754; Ruth, February i, 1756; Mary, November 8, 1757; Richard, March 13, 1760; Sarah, September 20, 1761; Edward, April 26, 1763; Patience, November 8, 1764; Phoebe, December 8, 1767; Thomas, May 14, 1770; Benjamin, June 14, 1773; John, December 21, 1774; William, March 6, 1777. All the members of this family married. The father died October I, 1801, and the mother on August 4, 1804.

Thomas Howard, grandfather of our subject, was born in Pawling, and married a Miss Haynes. Their children were as follows: Thomas, Patience, Anna, Lucy, Jane, Laura, Sophia, and James (the father of our subject).

James Howard was born September. 2, 1804, in Pawling. On October 24, 1827, he was married to Ann Dodge, who was born August 24, 1806, also in Pawling. In 1847 they removed to Lagrange, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying October 29, 1890, and the mother about 1879. Their children were: Marie Antoinette, born March 26, 1829, married September 11, 1849, to Reuben S. Haight; Lucy Ann, born July 16,

1830, died January 26, 1863; Frances Helen, born January i, 1832, was married August 25, 1863, to Dodge P. Blackstone; Caroline Augusta, born October 23, 1833, married E. Irving Hurd, April 28, 1859; John Dodge, born September 22, 1835, married Adeline B. Barnes, October 24, 1861; Thomas N.,born July 19, 1S39, died Ma^^ 13, 1851; Jay, born March i i, 1848, was married in the year 1871, to Ruth A. Halleck; Sarah Jane, born September 10, 1841, died December 22, 1858; Laura, born August 7, 1844, died September 10, 1854; Zenobia, born January 7, 1845, died February 8, 1851. One of these sons. Jay, remained upon the farm in Lagrange with his father until the latter's death, they being associated in their work for nearly fifty years. Jay Howard was married in Stamford, N. Y., in 1871, to Miss Ruth A., daughter of Samuel Halleck. She died October 26, 1874, leaving three children: Frank, Kathryn and Ruth A., all of whom are at home with their father.

John D. Howard, the subject of this sketch, received a good common-school education in the schools of Lagrange; and at the Nine Partners School, also attending a private school in Washington township. On October 24, 1861, in Lagrange, he was married to Adeline B., daughter of William Barnes. The children born of this union are: Sophia, who married Nicholas Flagler, and has two children—Ethel and Sophie; James, who married Ella Acker-man, and has two children—John and Willard D.; Lucy, who married Charles Stark, and has two children—Howard and James; Annie, who married Henry Taylor; Sally, Mary and Adeline. Of these, Sally was a professional nurse, and for three years was superintendent of nurses at the Womans Hospital, corner of Forty-ninth street and Fourth avenue, New York; she was married in February, 1897, to Dr. Burch, of the city of Washington, and resides there. Sophia, Lucy and Annie were for a time teachers in Dutchess county, the last named being a graduate of Linden Hall, Poughkeepsie.

Mr. Howard has spent the greater portion of his life in agricultural pursuits, but in 1890 left his farm in charge of his son, and went to West Superior, Wis., where he remained two years. Since his return he has miade his home in Poughkeepsie, and is not now engaged in any active employment. His wife departed this life June 14, 1886. Mr. Howard has been a Republican ever since the formation of the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOSAPHICAL REVORD.

party, and has worked for its interests. He was supervisor of the town of Lagrange for three terms, and has always been an enterprising, public-spirited man.

HENRY VAN BENSCHOTEN. The sub- ject of this sketch, one of the most prominent agriculturists of Dutchess county, was born on the old homestead in the town of Lagrange, June 6, 1822.

Elias T., father of our subject, was also born on the old homestead, December 27, 1783. He married Miss Cynthia Velie, September 10, 1807. She was born October 5, 1786. Their children were: John E., born December 5, 1808, died March6, 1873; Philip, born February 10, 1811, married on February 20, 1840, to Miss Hannah Thorn, and they had one child. Thorn, born February 17, 1841; Sarah, born January 21, 1813, died February 13, 1830; Harriet, born February 23, 1815, became the wife of Aris I. Vander-bilt October 19, 1841, and died June 13, 1869; Eliza, born March 3, 1818, married J. Harry Pettit, September 4, 1844, and died January >^. •'^Qj; Jemima, born November 29, 1819, married Dr. W. H. Hopkins February 5, 1840; Henry, born June 6, 1822, married Miss Mary Jane Ver Valen December 9, 1857; Cynthia, born May 9, 1824, married David H. Mulford October 22, 1857; Elias, born August i 5, 1826, married Cornelia Harris December 9, 1857, and for his second wife Sarah L. Wooster, January 6, 1875; Jane, born in August, 1S28, died December 19, 1866.

Mr. Van Benschoten was well known and highly respected. Tall, erect, and remarkably active, physically he was a type of man with whom we associate the stirring events of the early history of the country. He was an excellent citizen and neighbor, and his uniform, genial temperament made his presence always attractive in the social circle. By his industry and business capacity he acquired a handsome competence, and became one of the largest land owners in his section of the country. His entire life was spent on the old home in Lagrange, and he was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Tunis Van Benschoten, the grandfather, was born October 9, 1755, and was married August 23, 1775, to Miss Elizabeth Van Der-burgh, who was born October 13, 1759. He departed this life December 23, 1835, and his

wife December 31, 1819. Their children were as follows: Jemima, born July 13, 1776, became the wife of Oliver Green; Henry, born August 30, 1778, married Miss Mary Jackson, and died September 25, 1832; Elias T; Sarah,

born January 8, , died September 5,

1803. Tunis was an elder in the Hackensack Church. He owned the first one-horse pleasure wagon in Lagrange. He was born upon the old homestead now owned by our subject.

The great-great-grandfather of our subject was Elias Van Banschoten, as the name was first spelled. His son, Elias, Jr., owned the old place, which was deeded to him by his father in 1738, through Gideon Ver Vealin, greatgrandfather of Mrs. Van Benschoten. The deed is now held by our subject.

The children of Dr. W. H. and Jemima Hopkins were: Harriet, born May 18, 1841, married Richard Titus; Elias, born September 3, 1843, married Miss Emily Field; John, born July 8, 1845; Elizabeth, born May 16, 1848, died in infancy; William, born February 28, 1850, married Miss Ida Sayles. These children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pettit: Sarah, June 30, 1845, married James O. Conklin; James, October 4, 1846, married Miss Ella Flagler; Cynthia, January 27, 1849; John H., November 10, 1850, married Miss Maria Bab-cock; Janie, January 26, 1862. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Van Benschoten were: Anna, born February 19, 1859. married De-Witt Bergen September 16, 1885; Louise, March 25, 1S61, married the Rev. Joseph Paige Davis, who is deceased; Elias, April 19, 1867; John E., July 27, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Mulford had one child, Hattie, who married John Hackett. She was born October 25, 1859.

Henry Van Benschoten spent his boyhood days on the old homestead, and attended the district schools. He has held the offices of town clerk, assessor and supervisor, elected on the Democratic ticket. He was appointed by the I^egislature town auditor in i860.

GEORGE C. PAYNE, a valiant member of the Union army during the Civil war, is now one of the prominent and representative business men of the town of Stanford, where he is successfully engaged as a wholesale and retail butcher. He was born in that township January 7, 1841.

The birth of his father, Samuel Payne, oc-

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519

curred July 8, 1799, and in Putnam county, N. Y., on September 18, 1822, he married Miss Ann Hager, who was of German ancestry. She was born May 4, 1803, and died May 5, 1879. Seven children were born of this union: (i) Rachel O., born September 10, 1824, became the wife of David L. Thompson. (2) Anthony H., born December 28, 1826, makes his home in Brooklyn, N. Y. (3) Warren C, born May 31, 1829, resides at Bangall, Dutchess county. (4) John H., born December 19, 1831, enlisted in Company B, 128th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, August 20, 1862, and was discharged November 19, 1864, at Albany, N. Y., on account of disability. He is at present living at Stanford-ville, Dutchess county. (5) Grra S., born August 30, 1836, became a member of Company A, 20th New York State Militia, October 22, i86i,and was discharged March 20, 1863, on account of wounds received at the battle of Chantilly. (6) Jehiel P., born August 30, 1836, died August 17, 1848. (7) George C., subject of this review, completes the family. For several years after his marriage the father remained in Putnam county, N. Y., but later became a resident of Stanford town, Dutchess county, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred November 24, 1865. Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously was a consistent member of the Baptist Church at Bangall.

The education of our subject was obtained in the schools of Stissing, and, after completing his education, he was employed as a farm hand for three seasons. While thus engaged the storm of war broke over our beloved country, and in response to the call for men he enlisted August 20, 1862, in Company B, 128th Regiment, New York Volunteers, and served until the South laid down its arms. He participated in the Red River expedition, the siege of Port Hudson, the expedition up the Pearl river, and the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. He was mustered out at Albany, N. Y., July 27, 1865. For some time after his discharge he was in poor health, having become ill while in Savannah, Georgia.

After his return home Mr. Payne engaged in farming for a time, and then opened a general store at Bangall, which he conducted for a year, after which he clerked a year for C. H. Humphrey, at that place. He then removed to the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where for three years he carried on agricultural

pursuits, after which he returned to Stanford town, and for the past twenty years has been engaged in the meat business.

Mr. Payne was married October 20, 1869, to Miss Emeline C. Mosher, who was born at East Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., January 12, 1850. Her father, David Mosher, was a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., where his father, Benjamin Mosher, was also born. The latter married Jane Bloom, and they became the parents of seven children: Joseph, David, Jane, Mary, Rennselaer, Amy and Esther. The father of this family spent his entire life in farming in Saratoga county. There his son David was educated in the common schools, and on reaching his manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Alice Mosher, by whom he had two children: Edwin B., who became a member of the 21st New York Cavalry during the Civil war, and was shot by a guerilla; and Emeline C, the wife of our subject. Her maternal grandfather, William Mosher, was born March 5, 1786, and wedded Martha A. Mosher, by whom he had ten children. His father, Barnabas Mosher, was born September 2, 1758, and married Ruth Mosher, who was born July 13, 1757. In their family were eight children.

To Mr. and Mrs. Payne were born five children: Edward Van Rensselaer, born on March 24, 1872, is now a civil engineer, located at Lockport, N. Y.; Alice Gertrude, born September 28, 1874; William Mosher, born February 22, 1882, died April 9, 1885; Rose Cleveland, born February 8, 1886, died February 18, 1895; and Albert Henry, born September 19, 1887, completes the family.

As a Democrat Mr. Payne takes great interest in political questions, and has served as collector of Stanford town. In religious belief he is a Baptist, holding membership with the Church of that denomination at Bangall, and socially is identified with Warren Lodge No. 32, F. & A. M., at Schultzville, N. Y. As a soldier he displayed bravery, sagacity and true patriotism; as a business man his actions have been above reproach or criticism, and as a citizen he is an illustration of a high type of American manhood. In social circles he and his wife occupy a prominent position. She is an earnest worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and for four years has been recording secretary for the Dutchess County Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

COMMEMORATTFE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

CHARLES W. HOAG (deceased) was one of the most genial and whole-souled men of Dutchess county, vvhere was spent his long and useful career. The genealogy of the family can be traced to John Hoag, who was born in 1643 and died in 1728. On April 21, 1669, John Hoag married E. Emery, by whom he had the following children: John, born February 28, 1670; Jonathan, born October 28, 1671; Joseph, born January 10, 1677; Benjamin; Hannah, born January 3, 1683; Judith, born April 20. 1687; and Mary.

For his first wife Benjamin Hoag wedded Sarah Morris, and they became the parents of six children: Mary, born April 5, 1704; John, born September 3, 1706; Jonathan, born in December, 1708; Sarah, born May 3, 1711; Benjamin, born November 15, 1714; and Judah, born April 29, 1716. By his second wife, who bore the maiden name of Esther Sneatt, he had ten children, whose names and years of birth are as follows: Patience, 1719; Daniel, 1720; Moses, 1721; Elizabeth, 1723; Anna, 1724; Mary, 1728; Isaiah, 1730; Aben-ezer, 1731; Theodore, 1732; and Esther, 1734.

John Hoag, the second child of the first union, was joined in wedlock with Mary Hoag, who was born January 9, 1706, and they had six children: Elijah; Enoch, born in 1731; John, born May 10, 1734; Abner, born in 1736; Mary; Paul, born in 1741. For his second wife John Hoag married Patience Rogers, and to them were born four children: Isaiah, in 1754; Rachel, in 1756; Jeremiah, in 1759; and Nathaniel, in 1765.

The next in direct line was John Hoag, a resident of the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He was united in marriage with Mercy Tripp, who was born March 16, 1738, and they became the parents of eight children, whose names and dates of birth areas follows: Abel, December 12, 1761; Philip, December 6, 1764; Lucy, March 17, 1767; Amy, June 2, 1769; Charles, December 25, 1771; Ruth, April 22, 1775; Tripp, March 6, 1778; and Mary, May 25, 1782.

The fifth child of that union, Charles Hoag, was the grandfather of our subject, and died January 23, 1840. On November 21,1793, he married Betsy Denton, who was born April 5, 1772, and died August 30, 1852. Their family included nine children, as follows: Anna, born October 2, 1794; John T., September 27, 1796; James D., February 14, 1799; Henry C, May 3, 1801; Phoebe, Au-

gust 13, 1805; Ezra B., December 11, 1807; Benjamin, October 23, 1810; Deborah, October 18, 1812; and Mary, February 25, 1815.

The father of our subject, John T. Hoag, spent his boyhood days at Pine Plains, Dutchess county; on November 30, 1825, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Bedell, born July 20, 1800. By this union they had two children: Charles W., born October 7, 1826; and Mary B., born June 10, 1835. For some time the father engaged in farming in Columbia county, N. Y., and on his return to Dutchess county first located in Clinton town, but later removed to the old homestead in Pine Plains town, which he operated up to his death. May 8, 1849. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, and was highly respected and honored. His wife departed this life on July 14. 1858.

Charles \V. Hoag passed his early life in the usual manner of farmer boys, in the town of Pine Plains, and secured a good education at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He assisted his father in the labors of the home farm until he was married, June 10, 1857, to Laura Bryan, whose birth occurred April 21, 1831. They became the parents of five children: Ward B., now a physician of New York City; he was born July 3, 1859, and married L. Lilian Sills, of New York City, May 9, 1895; John E., born November 2, 1861; Mary E., who was born November 25, 1863, and December 9, 1891. wedded William H. Ulrich, of Greenfield, Mass.; Anna Gertrude, born July 6, 1868; and Charles William, born February 14, 1870.

For two years after his marriage Mr. Hoag remained in the town of Pine Plains, and the following eight years were passed near Miller-ton. Dutchess county. In April, 1869, he removed to the town of Stanford, where he erected the large house at the upper end of Upton Lake, now known as the " Upton Lake House." and there continued to live until his death, which occurred March 4, 1893. He was classed by his fellow citizens as one of the public-spirited and representative men of the county, and merited and received the warmest confidence and esteem of the entire community.

The family of Mrs. Hoag has also long been identified with the history of Dutchess county, her great-grandparents, Ezra and Sarah Bryan, being residents of the town of

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521

Northeast. Their son, Amos Bryan, who also lived in that township, married Betsey Finch, and to them were born nine children, of whom WardW., the father of Mrs. Hoag, was the eldest. His entire life was passed upon the old homestead farm in the town of Northeast. On December 12, 1829, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wanzer, and they became the parents of eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Laura, April 21, 1831; Calvin, January 6, 1833; Elihu (deceased), July 26, 1835; Amos (deceased), October 9, 1836; James, March 25, 1839; Sarah (deceased), November 25, 1840; Jane, February 25, 1843; Ezra, December 16, 1844; Phcebe, February 5, 1847; Reuben, June 20, 1849; and Coralie (deceased), February 9, 1853. The father, who was a faithful member of the Friends Church, died December 14, 1863; his wife survived him till July 27, 1885.

E\DWARD BARMORE, of the town of La- <l grange, Dutchess county, is a representative agriculturist, his farm, near Moores Mill, being among the best of its size in that locality. He is a native of Dutchess county, but his father, Clark C. Barmore, was born May 25, 1805, in Westchester county, N. Y., and came to Dutchess county with his parents when he was six years old. He attended the district schools of the town of Unionvaie, and taught for several terms in early manhood. On December 26, 1831, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Alley, who was born December 8, 1810, the daughter of James Alley. For a few years after his marriage Mr. Barmore was engaged in farming in Unionvaie, but, in the spring of 1836, he moved to the town of Lagrange, and settled upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, Clark Barmore. He was a birthright Quaker, always adhered to the old forms of speech, and was a regular attendant at the Friends' meetings, serving as clerk for many years. A self-made man, he was very successful as a farmer, and his fine character gave him great influence among his acquaintances. He was a life-long Democrat, and held several offices in the town of Lagrange. His death occurred there September 30, 1873, ^"^ his wife followed him February 22, 1880. They had nine children: Phcebe, who married Crumline Patterson, of Arthursburgh, N. Y.; Edward, our subject; Stephen, deceased;

Caroline, the wife of Andrew S. Wanzer, of Moores Mill; Eliza M., deceased; Sarah, who married Cyrus Perkins, of Moores Mill; John, deceased, who married Josephine Phillips; Charles, deceased, and Mary Adelia, the wife of Gilbert V. Downing, of Poughkeepsie.

Edward Barmore was born in the town of Unionvaie November 8, 1835, but accompanied his parents to the town of Lagrange at the age of four months. He was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood and at a boarding school at Oswego village. He taught successfully in Lagrange during the winter terms of 1856 and 1857. On November 24, 1858, he was married in the town of Beekman to Miss Lucy E. Wanzer, daughter of Isaac Wanzer, and a native of the town of New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn. Immediately after their marriage they settled upon the farm, where they now reside, in a house built by Mr. Barmore. Three children blessed their union: (i) Clark, a farmer in the town of Lagrange, born February 13, 1862, is a graduate of Eastman Business College; he was married December 17, 1885, to Gertie Tripp, daughter of Daniel Tripp; he is a member of the Lagrange Farmers Alliance and Industrial Union; was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Insurance Co., of Lagrange, of which he is a director and the treasurer. (2) Mary Eliza is president of the local W. C. T. U., and treasurer of the County Union; at the time of the Constitutional Convention of New York State, in 1894, she canvassed the town of Lagrange for signatures to the Equal Suffrage petition, securing nearly 300 names; she was also secretary to .the county campaign committee. (3) Emma B. was married January 2, 1890, at the age of twenty, to Charles Huestis, of Unionvaie.

Mr. Barmore is a Prohibitionist politically, and his wife is one of the leading members of the W. C. T. U. of Lagrange. He is a non-combatant, and, having been taken in the first draft during the war, he was released by President Lincoln, owing to his conscientious scruples against the use of arms.

LEWIS SMITH. Among the young and ; enterprising citizens of Barrytown, Dutchess county, there is probably none more energetic or thorough-going than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He made his appearance on the stage of life at Rondout,

COMMEMORATIVE DIOGBAPEWAL RECORD.

Ulster Co., N. Y.,in 1868, and acquired a good practical education in the schools of Canarsie and Hrooklyn. N. Y. He learned the art of pilotinjj, and was granted a license as a pilot on the Hudson river, New York harbor and Long Island sound. He now follows that calling, being mostly engaged in taking freight steamers. He is one of the prominent and representative young men of Barrytown, where he now makes his home, and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. His estimable wife was Miss Hattie Moody, daughter of George and Lucinda Moody, of Clinton township. Dutchess county.

Mr. Smith is of German descent, his parents, Robert and Sophia (Helm) Smith, both being natives of the Fatherland, the former born at Glangstadt in 1841, and the latter at Maxfeld, Prussia, in 1844. The}' were educated in Germany, and in 1S65 took passage on the same vessel, bound for the United States. They met on board the ship, and, their friendship ripening into love, they were married on reaching Rondout, N. Y. The father had been a sailor previous to his location in this country, and had visited almost every country on the globe. At present he is a boatman, and makes his home in Barrytown. In the family were seven children, namely: William, who died at the age of seventeen years; Lewis, subject of this review; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; and Robert, Martha, Rebecca, and Albert, all at home.

John Helm, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born at Mecklenburg, where he was educated, and there married Miss Elizabeth Yager, also a native of Prussia. They became the parents of eight children, but the names of the oldest three are not known. The others are: William, who married a Miss Russell; Mary, who became the wife of Charles Klopp; Sophia, the mother of our subject; Caroline, who wedded August Heidman; and John, who when a young man served in the Prussian army, and who died of a fever soon after his return home.

PL.\TT V. AND JOHN J. HALL, leading and prominent citizens of the town of Unionvale, are worthy representatives of an honored family of Dutchess county. William Hall, their grandfather, was born in what was then the town of Beekman, but is now Union-vale, and secured his education in its public

schools, after which he followed the vocation of farming. He wedded Miss Mary Vale, daughter of Israel \'ale, who held the commission of captain in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary war. The following children were born of this union : Levina, who married Solomon Duncan; Ruth, who became the wife of Henry Deyo; John, the father of our subjects; Israel, who married Catherine Albro; Isaac, who wedded Mary Rogers; Gideon and Benjamin, who remained single; Mary, who became the wife of William Pine; William; Abigail, who married Isaac Titus; and Rebecca, who married Joseph Losee.

John Hall, Sr., who was born in the town of Beekman, in 1776, was educated in the schools near his home, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Mary Waite, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Waite. Her father was a lawyer by profession, and also followed auctioneering, and was a prominent member of the Masonic order.

Thirteen children graced the union of the parents of our subjects, as follows: (i) Catharine, born in the town of Beekman, November 10, 1802, married David Hawes. They had eight children: John D., who married a Miss Fuller; Daniel; Charles, who married a Miss Briggs, and, after her death, wedded a Miss Wheeler; Erthemer, who married a Miss Edmonds;,Phcebe, who married George Hall; George; Benjamin; and Judson. (2) Mary, born August 3, 1804, married Smith Titus. (3) Phcebe .\., born August 13, 1806, married Henry P. Emigh, by whom she had one child that died in infancy. (4) Pauline A., born August 2, 180S, married Levi Haskel. (5) Abigail, born March 3, 1810, married Frederick Davis. (6) Levina. born December 10, iSii, married Smith Titus. (7) Ruth, born January C, 1814, died unmarried.

(8) Piatt V. Hall, one of our subjects, was born in Beekman, Dec. 25, 1S15, and, after completing a common-school education, turned his attention to farming. He was united in marriage with Miss Louise Paul, daughter of Alfred and Levina Paul. Her father was a hotel keeper in Chenango county, N. Y. Two children were born to Piatt V. Hall and his worthy wife, namely: Mary L., who was born September 6, 1S65, and died in infancy; and Alfred P., who was born in the town of Union-vale, July 26, 1868. For twenty-five years their father served as postmaster of Mansfield. Alfred P. Hall was educated in the State

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523

Normal School, at Albany, N. Y., and as a life work chose the occupation of farming. Since 1894 he has acceptably filled the office of assessor of Unionvale town, has been inspector of elections and held other public positions of honor and trust. In 1S90 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Loda K. Pitcher, daughter of Charles J. and Wealthy (Tanner) Pitcher, the former a farmer and lumberman of Sheko-meko, Dutchess county. Two children were born to Alfred Hall and wife: Susie V., born April 6, 1892; and Paul A., born January 8, 1894, and died in infancy.

(9) Rebecca, the ninth child of John Hall, Sr., was born April 24, 1818, and married George Hopkins, by whom she had two daughters: Sarah and Mary, twins, the former the wife of Egbert Benson, and the latter the wife of George Tillinghast. After the death of her first husband, Rebecca became the wife of Victor Fuller, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and to them were born two children: Ruth and Estelle, both of whom died in infancy, (lo) Helen, born March 31, 1820, married Joseph Benson. They had eight children: Levina, deceased; Mary, who became the wife of Truman Case; Piatt J., who first married Flora Dickerman, and after her death wedded Louisa Benson; Franklin D. married Carmel Gay; Homer, deceased; Fred J., deceased: Augusta, who married Clarence Oakley, and Ella, who wedded Fred Irish. (11) Sarah E., born October 26, 1821.

(12) John J. Hall, another of the subjects of this sketch, was born in the town of Beekman, February 10, 1S24, and obtained an excellent education in the Staie Normal School, of Albany, N. Y. He was admitted to the bar in 1868, but has never engaged in practice. His early life was principally devoted to teaching, but in later years he has carried on farming with good success. For eight years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, having the unanimous vote of the people; was also the first postmaster appointed at Mansfield, and was superintendent of the schools of Unionvale town, all of which offices he creditably filled, proving a most trustworthy and capalale official.

(13) Fred D. Hall, the youngest of the family, was born in the town of Unionvale, September 17, 1827. After finishing his literary education, he entered the law school at Ballston, N. Y., under Professor Fowler, and was admitted to the bar in 1852. He removed

to Chickasaw, Iowa, where he was elected district attorney, but is now engaged in farming. He married Miss Harriet Moore, by whom he has children as follows: Amos, John and Mary Emily.

The farm now occupied by Alfred P. and John J. Hall is the old Hall homestead, which has been in the possession of the Hall family from 1767 to the present time.

JHAVILAND HAIGHT was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county,

February 12, 1828. He spent his early life in Clinton, where he attended the district and Quaker schools, finishing his education at the Amenia Seminary, in the eastern part of the county.

After leaving school our subject settled on a farm in the town of Washington, where he remained two or three years, removing then to Poughkeepsie, and engaging there in the coal and lumber business for a short time with James Collingwood, later with Charles Pearl, in the saddlery and hardware business. In 1855 he went to Iowa, stayed there until 1864, returned to Poughkeepsie and lived here until 1871, when he went to Kansas and engaged in farming for some twenty years. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wanzer, daughter of Dr. H. C. Wanzer, of Rochester, N. Y. In January, 1891, Mr. Haight moved from Kansas to Poughkeepsie, where he is now living a retired life. Mrs. Haight died August 23, 1894. Although our subject takes an interest in politics, he is no politician, being independent in politics more than anything else. He is a member of the Hicksite Quaker Meeting, and is interested in all matters pertaining to the development and improvement of the city in which he resides.

Dr. Charles Haight, father of our subject, was a native of the town of Washington, born June 15, 1806. After obtaining a common-school education he went to New York City and studied medicine. He returned to Dutchess county, and at Four Corners practiced until 1845, when he moved to Poughkeepsie and practiced there until his death, September 26, i8gi. He married Miss Elizabeth Haviland, who was born in the town of Washington, a daughter of Jacob Haviland. After their marriage Dr. and Mrs. Haight located at Four Corners, which, with Hart's Village, is now known as Millbrook. Our subject was the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

only child. Mrs. Haight died in 1856. Dr. Haight was a Republican, and he was a highly successful physician.

Jacob Haight, the grandfather of our subject, also born in Dutchess county, married Amy Clement, and they settled on a farm where they reared a family of four children, as follows: Charles, father of our subject; Alonzo, a prominent farmer and physician in Dutchess county; Alexander, who was a farmer in Virginia; and Maria, married to James Barlow, a merchant of \ew York, but at one time a farmer in \'irginia. Mr. Haight followed farming in Dutchess county until 1840, when he went to Virginia and farmed there until his death.

Jacob Haviland, father of Mrs. Haight, was a native of Dutchess county, where he followed the occupation of farming. Daniel Haviland, great-grandfather of Mrs. Haight, was a Quaker preacher, and followed farming as a vocation.

J

JOSEPH HARRISON BENSON was born in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, September 8, 1815, and acquired his education at the district schools. At the early age of si.xteen years he left the home farm and began working by the month and year as a farm hand. His attention has always been devoted to agricultural pursuits.

While still a young man he and his brother, Samuel K. Benson, bought the Thomas Swift farm. After running this farm together for three years, he decided to branch out for himself, and, selling his interest to Samuel, he bought the Reuben Reed farm on the hill near the Steel works, where he lived for twenty-five years. Wishing to enlarge his farming operations, he bought the farm known as the Judah Swift farm, one and one-half miles south, where he still resides.

In the meantime he was united in marriage, in March, 1842, to Hellen S. Hall, of the town of Union vale, Dutchess Co., N. Y., daughter of John Hall, who was an influential member of the Friends (or Quaker) Church at Mechanic, N. Y. Mrs. Benson passed to the better land in June, 1880. Unto them were born eight children: Lavina and Frederick De Peyster (both deceased); Mary E., wife of Truman Case, of Norwich, N. Y.; Piatt J.; Franklin De Peyster; Augusta, wife of Clarence Oakley, of Norwich, N. Y.; John Homer

(deceased); and Ellen, deceased wife of F. M. Irish, of Wassaic, New York.

Like his father, Mr. Benson was first a Whig, and now advocates the principles of the Republican .party, but has never aspired to political preferment. In 1877 he purchased the handsome residence and farm situated at the junction of Tower Hill and Dover Plains road, known as the Cal. Nase property, also a place on Chestnut Ridge, both of which he presented to his two sons, Piatt J. and Franklin D. He is now in his eighty-second year, a living monument to the coming generations, showing what a young man with a pair of willing hands and good judgment may accomplish.

Franklin De Peyster Benson, one of the sons of Joseph Harrison Benson, and a thorough and systematic farmer of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, was born there March 22, 1854. He belongs to a family that has for several generations carried on agricultural pursuits within the borders of that town. Samuel Benson, his great-grandfather, was a native of Horseneck, R. I., but early became a resident of Dutchess county, locating in the southern portion of Amenia town, where he engaged in farming. He married Rachel Darling, and reared a family of four sons and three daughters: Samuel, Joshua, Bethiah, John, Abigail, Phila and Polly. The grandfather, who also bore the name of Samuel, was born in Amenia town, where he spent his boyhood days attending the district schools. He was married at Otsego, N. Y., to Sarah Knapp, but soon afterward returned to Amenia town, and there followed farming until his death. In early life he was a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, becoming one of its faithful supporters. There were eleven children in his family, namely: Joseph H., father of our subject; Samuel K. and John, deceased; James v., of Dover town, Dutchess county; Ebenezer, of South Dover; Darius, of Amenia; Charles and Sarah Jane, both deceased; Ada, wife of J. G. Dutcher; Harriet, wife of Van-Nest Dutcher, of South Dover; and Joshua, deceased.

Franklin De Peyster Benson obtained his literary education in the district schools, Fort Edward Academy and the Amenia Seminary. After attaining his majority he went to western Kansas, where for five years he was engaged in the stock business, and he still owns a large cattle ranch there. Returning to Amenia, he

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located upon his present farm in 1887, and has since been engaged in its cultivation and improvement. He follows in the political footsteps of his father and grandfather, voting the Republican ticket, and is deeply incerested in the success of his party. In Lane county, Kans., January 24, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Carmel Gay, a daughter of Rev. E. L. and Mary A. I'Masseyj Gay. Her father, who was from Boston, Mass., is now serving as pastor of the Baptist Church at Dighton, Kans. Three children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Benson, namely: Luther Joseph, Frank De Peyster and Fannie Augusta.

Piatt J., a brother of Franklin De Peyster, and a prosperous farmer of Amenia town, was born April 29, 1852, and attended the district school and the Amenia Seminary. In Amenia he married Flora Dickerman, who died April 3, 1892, and to them were born nine children: Clarence, Sadie, Helen, Joseph, Hadley, Milo (deceased), Anna, and Flossie and Flora (twins). For his second wife he wedded Louisa Benson, daughter of Samuel Benson. Politically he supports the Republican party.

OLIVER BARRETT, one of the enterpris-_^ ing and prosperous agriculturists of the town of Northeast, resides on a farm near Coleman Station, which has been in the possession of the family without interruption for nearly one hundred years. The Barretts are of English descent, but is not known positively when the first of the name came to this country. Ezekiel Barrett, our subject's grandfather, was born September 17, 1742, in Norwich, Conn., where he passed his entire life, following the trade of carpenter and joiner. He was not prominent in politics, nor was he a Church member, although he was a Universalist in belief. On July 7, 1773, he married Sarah Lathrop, who was bom in Norwich, April 29, 1749. She was a descendant in the fifth generation from Rev. John Lathrop, a Congregational minister, who left England on account of religious persecution, and arrived at Scitu-ate, Mass., September 28, 1634, accompanied by his six sons and two daughters. He died in 1653. His son, Samuel Scudder Lathrop, had a son, Israel, who married Rebecca Bliss; their son William married Sarah Huntington; their son Ezra, Mrs. Barrett's father, married Esther Clark. Mrs. Barrett died October 27,

1811, in her sixty-third year, her husband surviving until February 10, 1838, when he passed away at the age of ninety-six years. They had four children: Mary B., born May 19, 1774; Ezra Lathrop, born September 27, 1775; and Oliver and Backus (twins), bom April 10,

1779-

Ezra Lathrop Barrett, our subject's father, was a carpenter and joiner, and worked at his trade for many years. He came to Dutchess county prior to 1800, and, after a short stay at Pine Plains, he moved to Northeast and managed the Caleb Dakin farm, now occupied by Mrs. Coleman. Later he bought the farm which our subject owns, moving there in the spring of 1820. The house he built at that time is still in excellent repair, and he constructed other substantial buildings, including Mrs. Coleman's present home, built for Caleb Dakin. He was a Democrat, and verj' positive in his views on public matters, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Earlj' in life he united with the Congregational Church at Sharon, Conn., but afterward assisted in the establishment of the Northeast Center Congre-grational Church, in which he held theof&ce of deacon until his death. On January 3, 1805, he married Rhoda Dakin, daughter of Caleb and Rhoda 'King; Dakin, and granddaughter of Simon Dakin, a well-known Baptist minister, and an early settler of the town. Of this union five children were born: Sarah Louise, born December 6, 1805; Caleb Dakin born November 21, 1807, married Caroline, daughter of Douglas Clark; Edward Lathrop, bora July 26, 1810, married Sarah Fish; MjTon, born September 9, 1816, a minister of the Presbyterian Church, married Emma Elizabeth R\erson; and Oliver, born December9, 1819. Ezra Barrett died November 18, 1857; his wife died May 23, i860.

The subject of our sketch has always lived at the old homestead, having been absent from it not more than six months in all. There are two other farms in the vicinity, which have been owned by the family for about one hundred 3"ears, having been handed down by inheritance. Mr. Barrett has been very successful, his prosperity being attained by close attention to business, and he has added to his original farm of 123 acres, the Smithfield farm of 188 acres, acquired from the Dakin estate. On November 21, 1854, he was married to his first wife, Catherine Sophia Hom-fager, daughter of Adam Homfager. Five

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children were born to them: Charles Miller, October 24, 1855, a farmer, married to Josephine Devoe; Ezra Lathrop, August 30, 185S, married to Alice N. Clark; Khoda Louise; Cornelia, who died in 1865; and Albert, the railroad agent at Coleman Station, married Edna Dodd Hazard. The mother of this family died in 1870, and in 1874, Mr. Barrett married Julia Elizabeth Pulver, daughter of Nicholas N. Pulver, and a descendant of one of the old Holland-Dutch families.

Mr. Barrett is well informed on general topics, and takes an intelligent view of the questions of the day. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and he has taken an active part in local affairs, and served two terms as justice of the peace. He and his family have always belonged to the Congregational Church, in which he held the offices of trustee and deacon.

[ILES SCOFIELD. The Scofield family in this country is descended from Sir Cuthbert Scofield, of Scofield Manor, parish of Rochdale, Lancashire, England, two of his grandsons, Daniel and David Scofield, having come to America in 1639, in the ship " Susan and Ellen," settling in Stamford, Conn. The family history is now in process of completion, and, according to present expectations, will shortly be in print, giving a complete account of the many descendants of these pioneers. The subject of this sketch traces his lineage to Daniel Scofield, through along list of ancestors.

His great-grandfather, Jacob Scofield, married Hannah Knapp; his grandfather, Miles Scofield, married Abigail Hustis, and their son, Ephraim M., our subject's father, was born November i, 1796, in Putnam county, N. Y., south of Fishkill, near Cold Spring. He was a farmer in Fishkill, and, January 8, 1S24, married a native of that town, Catherine Phillips, who was born September 24, 1802, the daughter of Henry Phillips, a Hollander by descent, and his wife, Sarah Southard, an English lady. Our subject was one of a family of nine children: Emily, Miles, Joseph, Julia, Mary, Sarah, Catherine, Ephraim and Cordelia. The father departed this life July • 21, 1878, and the mother December 29, 1893.

Miles Scofield was born August 3, 1827, in the town of Fishkill, and was educated in the common schools of the village of Fishkill, under J. C. Howard and Rev. Mr. Pingree, and

in the Fishkill Academy. He left school in 1850, and February 5, 1852, he sailed from New York for California on the steamer " Prometheus," for Greytown, by the Nicaragua route. On the Pacific coast he took the old steamship " North America, " which was wrecked on the coast of Mexico 100 miles below Acapulco, the vessel being a total loss. The passengers were taken by land to Acapulco, where they remained five weeks, and then took passage to San F"rancisco on the steamer " Independence," arriving April 10, 1852. Mr. Scofield with three others started immediately for the gold mines on the Yuba river, where they purchased an interest and went to work with a will. After three years of mining in Yuba and Nevada counties, Mr. Scofield joined a company in constructing the Excelsior canal, to supply the hydraulic works in Rose Bar township, Timbuctoo Diggings. They brought the water first from Deer creek, a distance of sixteen miles, and later extended the canal to the South Yuba river, thirty-one miles away. While in California Mr. Scofield was a strong supporter of the N'igilancemovement in 1856. He left the mines and went down to San Francisco, where he offered himself to the \'igilance committee to be held in reserve for use if needed. He remained in California four jears and a half, and then, in the fall of 1858, came back to his native place, where he purchased his present farm of eightj-five acres near Fishkill village, now known as Fruit Ridge, then Osborn Hill.

In the following year, October 2, 1859, he married Miss Mary Vail, daughter of William R. and Sarah Ann (Bogardus) Vail, highly esteemed residents of the town of Fishkill. A new home was built in the spring of 1859, and there Mr. and Mrs. Scofield began their wedded life. For some time he devoted his land to general farming and dairying, but gradually put it into use in fruit grosving, and at the present time he has fifty acres in fruits of various kinds, and is considered one of the best horticulturists in that region. In 1890 he purchased a residence on Main street, in the village of ^'ishkill, where he has since resided, although he still owns and cultivates his farm. His wife's father lived with them for three years and died July i, 1896, in his ninety-first j'ear, leaving a large estate. Mr. and Mrs. Scofield have had two children, of whom, F"rank died in infancy; the other, Mary Louisa, is the wife of Edgar A. Shook, formerly of

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527

the town of Red Hook, but now a resident of Fish kill.

Mr. Scofield and his wife are leading members of the Reformed Church of Fishkill, in which he holds the office of elder. He was appointed to attend the general synod of the Church at Kingston in June, 1896. In politics. Mr. Scoiield is a Republican. He was elected assessor in 1877, and he served two terms of three years each. For several years he has held the office- of school trustee, and he has been a trustee of the Fish-kill Rural Cemetery Association from its organization to the present time. In business circles he is also prominent, and for many years he has been connected with the management of the Fishkill Savings Institute, and is now its vice-president.

J WESLEY VAN TASSELL, a leading citizen of the town of East Fishkill, is noted

no less for his ability as a business man and political worker than as an agriculturist, his success in various lines of effort showing unusual grasp of affairs.

His family originated in Holland, but his ancestors settled in Westchester county, N. Y., at an early date, acquiring e.xtensive estates there. Henry \'an Tassell, our subject's grandfather, was born there and became a prominent agriculturist. He married a Miss Tickly, and reared a family of six children: John L., our subject's father; Isaac, Henry, Jones, Jane and Delia.

John L. \'an Tassell, who was born August 25, 1817, and spent his early years upon the old homestead in Westchester county, married Miss Catherine Baker, a lady of English descent, whose family had been located in Dutchess county for several generations. Her father, Bennajah Baker, was a well-known carpenter and builder. After his marriage Mr. \^an Tassell settled in Old Fishkill, where he engaged in business as a farmer, miller and speculator in cattle, his shrewd judgment enabling him to make a success of each. Politically he was a Republican. His wife died March 16, 1888, and he did not long survive, passing to his rest February 16, 1895. They had eleven children: Sarah (deceased), formerly the wife of AlonzoTownsend, a carpenter in Connecticut; J. Wesley, our subject; James, who died at an early age; Wilbur, a resident of Lagrange; Eliza, who has never married; Benjamin, a

farmer in Wappinger town; Isaac, who lives at Fishkill Plains; Phcebe, the wife of John Nolin, a farmer near Matteawan; Kate, who married Charles Dains, of Matteawan; and Eugene and Charles, who are not married.

J. Wesley Van Tassell was born October 12, 1845, aii'J was educated in his native town of Fishkill, attending first the district schools, and later the old academy at Fishkill. On completing his studies he engaged in farming, which he has always followed, speniJing about three years at his first place, in East Fishkill, and six upon another farm in Fishkill Plains, two in the town of Northeast, and afterward returning to his present farm in East Fishkill. On September 19, 1866, he married Carrie C. Haight, a descendant of the well-known family of that name. She is a native of Dutchess county, and was the youngest daughter of Henry Haight, a leading agriculturist of East Fishkill. They have had seven children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Cora, October 26, 1867, married C. M. Dol-son, a farmer in the town of Wappinger; Clinton W., July 15, 1869, the manager of a commission store in New York City; Milton J., June 9, 1874, a cashier in a restaurant, No. 1305 Broadway, New York City; How^ard C, October 26, 1875, a cashier in a restaurant,-No. 221 Sixth avenue, New York City; Carrie Mae, September 11, 1879, at home; Orrin, April 28, 1884, died July 24, of the same year; Wesley Augustus, November 5, 1888, at home.

In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Van Tassell carries on a fire-insurance business in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties. He has been an able and energetic public official, and a prominent worker in the Republican party. Ever since he was twenty-one years of age Mr. Van Tassell has been closely identified with the politics of the county. He has been a delegate to every Republican county convention since that time, and has cast a vote at every election. He was elected assessor of East Fishkill in 1873, over Abram Adriance, for three years. While on a farm in Middleton, 1877-79, he investigated the iron ore interest of J. V. W. Brinckerhoff, of that town. In 1880 he was elected commissioner of highways in the town of East Fishkill for three years. In the fall of 18S8 he was elected sheriff of Dutchess county for three years, defeating Storm Emans by a majority of 466. He was elected supervisor of the town of East Fishkill in 1S94, for two

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBICAL RECORD.

years, and in the spring of 1896 he was reelected for a similar term. He was appointed in 1886 assistant superintendent of the State Stove Works at Sing Sing, and held the position for two years.

While sheriff of Dutchess Co., Mr. Van Tas-sell managed the two farms of A. A. Brush, and was proprietor of the flour, feed and grist mill at Hopewell. He has held school trusteeship in every town in which he has lived. In the spring of 1897 his name was frequently mentioned as a candidate for sheriff on the Ivepub-lican ticket.

PHILIP KLADY, who during the greater portion of his life was an esteemed citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born October 22, 1828, at Muehlhoffen, Rhein-Pfaltz, Bavaria, Germany, the son of Jacob and Lucetta (Alexander) Klady. His father was also born in that town, and was a member of one of its old families which came originally from France, and are descendants of Hugu-nots; his mother's family were also descendants from Huguenots. The name Klady originally was Kloedy.

Our subject had one brother, Jacob Klady, and four sisters, Catherine (who married Jacob Strope), Elizabeth (who became Mrs. Philip Riedinger, of Poughkeepsie), Mary (who married Jacob Barth), and Eva (who married Paul Baur, of Cincinnati, Ohio). The family were Lutherans in their religious views, but became members of the Reformed Dutch Church. The father was a carriage and wagon manufacturer by occupation.

Philip Klady obtained his education in the common schools of his native land, and then learned the trade of cooper, at which he served an apprenticeship. In 1849 he came to the United States, his destination being Poughkeepsie, where he had two sisters and a brother living. He was soon employed by the Vassars, for whom he worked some years; he also spent a short time in Hudson, N. Y. Mr. Klady followed his trade as journeyman cooper until 1857, when he formed a partnership with Valentine Frank, in the brewing business, under the firm name of Frank & Klady, and in this business Mr. Klady was engaged until October I, 1875, when he retired from the firm. During the continuance of this partnership a large business was built up, it becoming one of

the most prosperous and substantial firms in the city.

Mr. Klady was married, in 1857, to Mary-etta, daughter of William Keesler, one of the old and prominent citizens of Poughkeepsie, and of this union one child, George Robert, was born in 1867.

Mr. Klady's second marriage took place in the City of New York, June 10, 1875, when he was united with Miss Lena Alexander, a cultured and refined lady, daughter of George Alexander, whose family are also descendants of Huguenots; no children have been born of this marriage. The death of Mr. Klady occurred September 18, 1892, at Lahr, Baden, Germany, whither he had gone for his health, his remains being brought home for burial.

For some years previous to his decease Mr. Klady had not been engaged inactive business, but spent his time in retirement at his pleasant home, and in traveling. He was much devoted to his family and friends, finding his greatest enjoyment in their society. In business affairs he showed excellent judginent, and a resolute will that overcame all obstacles. Coming to this country a poor young man, he accomplished his purpose of becoming a successful financier, and during his active life he held an enviable position among his business associates as a man of integrity and upright life. His generosity and benevolence were well known, and his tender heart could never refuse assistance to those in need. Mr. Klady took great interest in all public matters, and was a loyal citizen of his adopted country. He belonged to the Royal Arcanum, and was an attendant of the First Reformed Church. His widow is yet a resident of Poughkeepsie, but spends her winters at Tarpon Springs, Florida.

STEPHEN C. VAN WYCK, an agriculturist of energy and ability, belongs to a family that long has been prominently connected with the interests of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county. His great-grandfather, Cornelius R. Van Wyck, was married March 2, 1775, to Ann Dur^'ea, by whom he had five children: C. R., Annie, Duryea, Stephen D. and Richard C. For his second wife he married Magdalene Montfort, and they also had a family of five children: Stephen D. and Peter M. (twins), Annie, Barbara, and Cornelius R.

§t M^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

529

Stephen D. Van Wyck, grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Fishkill, March 3, 1795. He was a farmer, and in 1840 efficiently served as sheriff of Dutchess county. His death occurred June 3, 1S79. He was united in marriage with Hetty Purdy, a native of Fishkill Landing, and they located in the town of Fishkill, where they reared their family of six children: Cornelius S., the father of our subject; Francis P., who was a wholesale dry-goods merchant of Chicago, and was the American minister to Turk's Island at the time of his death; Jane Ann, widow of David Heacock, at one time a glove manufacturer of Gloversville, N. Y.; John P., who died when a young man; Helen M., deceased, unmarried; and Tunis B., a retired merchant of Chicago.

Cornelius S. \'an Wyck, the father of our subject, born in Fishkill town, March 9, 1831, grew to manhood on a farm, and October 14, 1846, married Phcebe Van Wyck, who was born in the town of Fishkill, March 9, 1823, the daughter of Richard C. Van Wyck, whose father was Cornelius R. Van Wyck, the paternal great-grandfather of our subject. After their marriage they located upon the farm now occupied by Stephen C, who was the second in their family of four children, the others being Robert ^l., born May 20, 1S48, and now a retired jeweler of Chicago; John Adrian, born May 23, 1852, and died February 16, 1859; and Francis, born October 24, 1854, and at one time a merchant of Fishkill Plains, but now living retired. The father followed farming, but for ten years lived at Poughkeep-sie, while he was educating his sons, during which time he served as alderman and supervisor of the Si.xth ward. He was a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife were earnest members of the Reformed Dutch Church, while he served as deacon in the Church in Poughkeepsie. She passed away March 7, 1880. Cornelius S. \'an Wyck married, for his second wife, Helen Josephine Bar-den,of Earles, Yates county, in December, 1883. After his marriage he united with the Presbyterian Church in Balona, and was elected elder of the Church, and was elder at the time of his death. He was one of the building committees of the Memorial Church. He died June 18, 1S95, and was buried in the family plot at Hopewell, his widow surviving him.

On June 22, 1850, in the town of Fishkill,

was born Stephen C. Van Wyck, the subject 34

of this sketch, and in the schools of Poughkeepsie he acquired his education. On leaving; school he clerked for some time for a Mr. Van-Wyck. On October 23, 1872, our subject married Miss Libbie Underwood, a native of Poughkeepsie, and a-daughter of Capt. Charles Underwood, who was born in Peekskill, N. Y., but has spent most of his life in Poughkeepsie, where he is now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Van W\ck began their domestic life upon the farm, comprising 120 acres, which is still their home, and there they have reared their two children: Charles U., born June 3, 1874; and Robert M., born January 16, 1876, the elder of whom is now studying law. In 1879 Mr. Van Wyck erected his present beautiful residence. His political support is unwaveringly given the Republican party, and both himself and wife are faithful members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

JOEL N. BUDD. The subject of this notice is certainly entitled to be considered

not only one of the enterprising farmers of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, but one of its representative and honored citizens, and a man of more than ordinary ability. He was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, August 10, 1819, and is the son of James Budd, also a native of the county, born in the town of Fishkill, December 18, 1781.

Mr. Budd's paternal ancestors were of French descent. The e.xact date when the first of the name emigrated to America is unknown, but it was early in the Colonial history of the nation. John Budd, the grandfather of our subject, was born about 1730, and was an early settler in Dutchess county. He moved from the town of Fishkill to the town of Washington, and later purchased the farm, in the town of Pleasant Valley, now owned by Mr. Van De Water. He married Miss Mary Mer-ritt, who was born September 19, 1741. The twelve children of John and Mary Budd were as follows: Gilbert, born December 25, 1758, settled in Columbia county, N. Y.; Joseph, born November 14, 1760, died of yellow fever in New York City October 13, 1795; Mary, born January 24, 1763, married and settled in Canada; John, born December 28, 1766, settled in Kentucky, and there married; Abigail, born April 4, 1768, married Mr. Emmans, and settled in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess

•530

COMMEifORATTVE BIOORAPnWAL RECORD.

county; Daniel, born June 27, 1770, left home May II, 1799. and settled near Rochester, N. Y.; Elijah, born October 11, 1772, died January 28, 1796; Merritt, born March 3, 1775, died June 6, 1795; Hannah, born April 22, 1777, died June 6, 1802; Underhill, born October 17, 1779, settled in Greene county, ,N. Y.; James, father of our subject, born December 18, 1781, remained on the home farm, and Sarah, born February 13, 1783. John Budd, who was regarded as one of the successful farmers of Dutchess county, died on his farm in Pleasant Valley October i, 1813; his wife departed this life July 31, 1820.

\\'hen about sixteen years old James Budd, the father of Joel N., accompanied his father to the town of Pleasant Valley, and soon afterward assumed the active management of the farm. His education was mostly obtained at night schools, where he became a good mathematician, and by subsequent reading and study he became a well-informed man. His whole life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he added to the original farm until he had over 208 acres of highly cultivated and productive land. He was married November 23, 1805, to Miss Eleanor Schryver, a daughter of John Schryver, and by her he had the following children: Mary, born September 30, 1806, married William Traver; John, born January 26, 1808; Caroline, born February 20, 1812; Gilbert, born September 6, 1813; Hannah, born June 23, 1815, wedded James Khymph; George, born August 6, 1817; Joel N.; Joseph H., born January 13, 1822; Jane Ann, born November 23, 1825, married Charles N. Cole; Elizabeth, born September 28, 1826, married Oliver Stelle, of New Jersey; and Albert, born August 16, 1830. Aside from casting his ballot in support of the Whig party, the father took but little part in political affairs, though he was always willing to give his aid to anything for the good of the community, and was held in the highest regard by all.

Joseph H. Budd, a brother of our subject, graduated from Williams College about 1844, and was the leader of his class in mathematics. After studying law in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., he went to Janesville, Wis., where he engaged in practice, and also became largely interested in the manufacture of agricultural implements; but during the panic of 1857 his business was ruined. Going to California, he began life anew, and after winning a case for his employer he became quite prominent, and is now

one of the foremost lawyers and leading Democrats of the State. He is now judge of the superior court of his district. His son John is a prominent lawyer of California; and James, another son, is the present governor of that State.

Joel N. Budd entered the New Paltz Academy, where he pursued his studies for two winters, thus acquiring a good practical education. He remained on the home farm, which, after the death of the father, in 1844, was divided between himself and his brother, Albert. There he resided until 1872 when he sold, and in the spring of 1876 purchased the farm which he now owns, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his time and attention with good success.

In 1850 Mr. Budd was married to Miss Elizabeth Du Bois, daughter of Peter K. Du-Bois, of the town of Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county, and by her had the following children: Warren J., who died at the age of nineteen years; Bertha M. and Frederic Albert (twins), the latter of whom died in infancy; G. Gordon; Charlotte DuBois, who died at si.\ years of age; George N.; and Rosamond, wife of John Van-De Water. On February 22, 1888, Mr. Budd married Mrs. Mary Jane Van Wagner, daughter of Oliver Wilber.

Mrs. Budd is a descendant in the seventh generation of one of the earliest New England settlers, William Wilber (as the name was then spelled;, who in 1630 came to America with his uncle, Samuel Wilber, from Doncas-ter, Yorkshire, England. They were Quakers, and, settling first at Boston, were driven out by religious persecutions. William Wilber settled at Portsmouth, R. I., in 1656, and died there in 1710. He had a family of ten children, several of whom settled at Little Comp-ton, R. I., where they owned a large tract of land, some of which yet remains in the possession of descendants. The seventh child was Samuel Wilber, born in 1664; he married Mary Potter, and died in 1740; they had eleven children; the farm where they lived is still owned by descendants, and includes the burial ground where seven generations are at rest. William Wilber, son of Samuel and Mary (Potter) Wilber, was born June 6, 1695, and died in 1774; in 1717 he married Esther Burgess, of Little Compton. Their children were Thomas, born June i, 1718; Mary, born in 1720; Esther and Lydia (twins); William; Daniel; Samuel and Charles. Samuel married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

531

Elizabeth Shaw, and died in May, 1791. The children of Samuel and Elizabeth Wilber were: Sylvanus, born August 18, 1749; Clark, born May 3, 1752; Anthony, born July 24, 1759.

Sylvanus Wilber, the grandfather of Mrs. Budd, was married January 20, 1770, to Sylvia, daughter of James Chase, born in 1749. The twelve children of Sylvanus and Sylvia Wilberwere: Huldah, born June, 1771; Elizabeth, born July 16, 1772; James, born September 5, 1774; Rhoda, born September 22, 1775; Sarah, born March 16, 1778; Abner, born July 16, 1779; Elsie, born November i, 1780; Sylvanus, born August i, 1783; Clark, born August i, 1786; and Cynthia, born December 29, 1788. All these children were born at Little Compton, R. I., except Samuel, the youngest, who was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Oliver and Samuel were soldiers in the war of 1812, and Samuel died at Harlem. \

In May, 1793, Sylvanus Wilber sold to his' brother Anthony his farm in Little Compton, R. I., and with his wife and eleven children, and the families of Philip Irish and Isaac Wood, came to Hyde Park, Dutchess county, settling on a farm which his grandchildren now own. It was from a point in Sakonnet rivef that the party of Rhode Islanders embarked oii a sloop and made the journey by way of the sound to New York, thence up the Hudson river to the landing at Hyde Park.

Oliver Wilber, the father of Mrs. Budd, was a corporal in the American army during the war of 1812. On January 15, 1818, he married Maria Hoffman, who was born March 18, 1798. He died July 26, 1869, his wife on December 26, 1887. Eleven children were born to them, namely: (i) Evas V., born February 20, 1819, died January 10, 1829; (2) Benjamin V., born July 26, 1821, died July 20, 1828; (3) Catherine H., born September 20, 1823, diefl July 27, 1828; (4) Sylvia Ann, born April 15, 1825, died March 15, 1828; (5) Stephen Pettit, born March 18, 1827, died April 27, 1856; (6) Emeline E., born August 2, 1829, married William A. Lat-tin, a farmer, February 9, 1848; they had two children: Henry W. (a wagonmaker, who married Mary Crapser, and has two children— Emma and Harriet), and Ardell (who married Augustus Cramer, who died in 1889; they had two children—Ethel and William Augustus); (7) John A., a farmer, born April 6, 1831, married Emily Dunn, and has one child—Lena;

(8) Mary Jane, born July 27, 1S33; (9) Morgan L., a butcher, born October 30, 1835, married Josephine Ackert; (10) Henry K., a farmer, born December, 1837; and (11) Amelia K., born October 5, 1840, married George H. McLean, March 24, 1865, and died July 13, 1873. Mrs. Budd, the eighth child of Oliver and Maria Wilber, was first married January 15, 1851, to Evert A. Van-Wagner, a farmer, who died October 30, 1884. Their five children are: (i) Amelia C, who married Silas W. Downing, and has four chil-* dren—Harry S., Francis Vivian, Bertha M. and Arthur R.; (2) Theron C, a farmer, who married Louise Lattin, and has two children— Libbie and Clayton ; (3) Oliver Wilber, a farmer; (4) Christable; and (5) George M., a farmer, who married Ernestine E. Devine, and has two children—Inez and Wilber.

Mr. Budd is a clear-headed, intelligent man, with sound, common-sense views of life and its duties. He is active in well-doing, sober, industrious, and of good business habits; in fact, possessing in an eminent degree all the qualities that go to make up a good citizen and honorable man. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now independent, usually supporting the Democratic party. He attends the Baptist Church.

MULFORD CONKLIN. Amongthe prosperous farmers of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, the record of whose lives fills an important place in this volume, it gives us pleasure to commemorate the name of the gentleman here presented. One of the native-born, energetic, progressive citizens of the community, actively identified with all its interests, he was born in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, December i, 1819.

Nathan Conklin, his grandfather, was born in Amagansett, Suffolk Co., N. Y., April 20, 1758, and in Long Island was married, in September, 1781, to Amy Mulford, who was born July 7, 1759. Their family included the following children: Nehemiah, born January 20, 1783; Jeremiah M., born February 23, 1785; Nathan, born November 20, 1787; John H., the father of our subject; Henry, born April 16, 1793, married May 20, 1818, to Mary Ann Hewett; Betsy, born November 9, 1795, died April 9, 1800; Phebe, born October 8, 1798, married September 9, 1823, to James Bowne; and Eliza, born August 29, 1802, married Au-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOJiAPHWAL RECORD.

gust 15, 1S20, to Stephen B. Trowbridge. All of these are now deceased. The grandfather served in the Revolutionary war, and at its close removed to Dutchess county, where he purchased a farm in the town of Northeast. He made the journey from Long Island on horseback, with his wife on the pillion behind him, and they came by way of an Indian trail, as few roads had been laid out at that time. Upon his farm here he died April 23, 1827. He was known to every one by the title of •" Major."

John Herriman Conklin, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Northeast, July 27, 1790, and was educated in the public schools near his home, where he remained until his marriage. On December 24, 1818, he wedded Miss Eliza Hunting, who was born January 25, 1800, and died October 12, 1863. They became the parents of five children: J. Mulford, subject of this review; Isaac H., born July 29, 1822, died in 1890; Elizabeth, born August 12, 1824, married Israel R. Wilson, of the town of Northeast; John N., born August 12, 1826, is a resident of the same town; and Nathan, born March 13, 1829, is now deceased. The father was one of the most prominent citizens of Northeast, where he successfully followed farming through much of his life. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party, and held a number of local offices, including that of supervisor, which he held for two terms. Like his father, he went to the defense of his country, serving in the war of 1812, and participated in the engagement at Harlem Heights. He was a conscientious, earnest Christian, a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he served as elder, and faithfully followed its teachings until called from life, September 14, 1870.

J. Mulford Conklin, whose name introduces this record, was supplied with e.xcellent educational advantages during his boyhood and youth. After attending the district schools for a time, he entered a private school at Poughkcepsie, later was a student in College Hill Seminary under Charles Bartlett; attended the Amenia .Academy, and completed his education at Warren, Conn. On laying aside his text books he assisted in the labor of the home farm until he had reached his majority, when he came to the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and located upon his present farm, where he has since resided.

In Stanford town, September 12, 1844,

Mr. Conklin was married to Miss Mary E. Husted, who was born in that town. April 4, 1826, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Harris) Husted. She received her education at the schools of Poughkeepsie. For over half a century Mr. and Mrs. Conklin have now traveled together as man and wife, and are nearing the last milestone that marks the end of life's journey; but they are surrounded by many loving kindred and friends, and can look back upon their honorable and useful lives, knowing that they have accomplished much good in the world. Three children were born to them: Mary Elizabeth (deceased), who was the wife of Henry C. Thompson, by whom she had two sons—Mulford C. and Edward P.; Phcebe E., the wife of Frank Dibble, by whom she has a daughter,Cora M.; and Ella M., the wife of Joseph Brace,of West Hartford, Conn. Mr. Conklin is one of the leading representative men of the town of Stanford, one who merits and receives the warmest confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, and his public spiritedness and charity are proverbial. In the exercise of his elective franchise he invariably supports the candidates offered by the Democratic party, has himself served as supervisor for two terms, and also been excise commissioner. He and Mrs. Conklin, their children and grandchildren, are members of the Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains.

TDE WITT VAN WYCK, one of the wealthiest and most prominent agriculturists in the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county, is a descendant of an old Holland family whose representatives have held an influential place in that locality for nearly two hundred years. The head of this branch of the family was one of five brothers who came to America between 1690 and 1700, his ancestor settling in Fishkill after a short stay on Long Island. In an old Bible printed in Holland in 1690, we find the following record in Dutch: "In the year 1668, I, Theodore Van Wyck, was born September 17. In the year 1675, the 3d of February, Margerita Abrahams was born. In the year 1693, the 29th of .'\pril, we were married." The children of this marriage were Cornelius, born April 21,

1694; Abraham, November 7, 1695; Theo-dorus, October 15, 1697; Catrina, July 15,

1699; Susanna, March i, 1701; Berent, March 4, 1703; and Altia, May 19, 1706. The next

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

533

inscription is in English, as follows: " In the \ear 1717, I, Cornelius Van W'j'ck, married my wife, Hannah Thorn. The age of my wife, she is born in the year 1700, February the 17th. The following children were born: Phcebe, December 5, 1717, and Theodorus, May 4, 1720. In the year 1741, my wife died, the 27th of August. In the year 1753 my grandfather Van Wyck died, December 4th; 1761, June 28th, my father Cornelius died; 1771, August 23d, the wife of Cornelius, who was Hannah, died." This is the family record of Richard Van Wyck, who was born November 25, 1730, and they were married May 12, 1749. Four children were born of this union: Cornelius, January6, 1753: Catherine, November 23, 1756,. the wife of Henry Boerman; Theodorus, November 18, 1761, who married Hannah Griffith; and Hannah, June 30, 1764. The mother of this family died August 16. 1807, and the father three years later, April 5, 1810.

Cornelius Van Wyck, our subject's grandfather, a farmer by occupation, was married March 2, 1777, to his first wife, Anna Duryee, who was born October 6, 1758. She died April 9, 1791, and for his second wife he married Magdalene Monfort. His death occurred October i, 1820, the father of eight children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Of the children of the first marriage— Anna, December 31, 1777, married Turnus Brinkerhoff, of Poughkeepsie; Stephen, March 27, 1781, was a farmer in East Fishkill; Richard, June II, 1783, was a farmer and miller in the same town; Abraham D., April 11, 1785, is mentioned below; and Theodorus, July 15, 1787, was a physician at Bloomingburg, N. Y. The four children of the second marriage were: Peter and Stephen (twins), March 3, 1795; Anna, August 25, 1797; and Barbara, February I 5, 1800.

Abraham D. Van Wyck, our subject's father, grew to manhood on the old homestead, and January 27, iSio, was married to Phoebe Boerum, who was born May 8, 1790, a descendant of an old Dutch family. He then settled upon a farm in Fishkill, where he became prominent in local affairs. He was a strong believer in the policy of Prohibition, but always voted the Republican ticket on national issues in lateryears, having been a Whig previous to the war. His wife died July 17, 1851, and he survived her until 1866. They were leading members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and

highly esteemed in the vicinity. The}- reared a family of five children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Jane A., March 10, 1812 (died September 24, 1832), married John Adriance, a farmer of Fishkill, who died in Chicago; Elizabeth, November 4, 1815, married R. S. \'an ^^'yck, a farmer and miller in the town of East Fishkill; T. DeWitt, July 28,- 1822; Duryee, February 27, 1827, is a farmer in the town of \\'appinger; and Cortland, March 8, 1829, is now living in retirement at Dunkirk.

The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood at the old home farm, and attended the district school in the neighboring village of Fishkill Plains, until the age of eighteen, when he engaged in farming. On February 28, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Luyster, who was born December 10, 1829, in what was then known as the town of Fishkill. Her father, Matthew Luyster, who was a well-known farmer there, was of Dutch stock, and a descendant of one of the oldest families in the county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Wyck: Abraham D., February 14, 1856; Mathew, May 15, 1858; Estella, March 20, 1866; and Charles H., October 9, 1870. The daughter is at home, and the sons have all settled upon farms, one in the town of Lagrange, and three in the town of Wappinger, comprising in all about 500 acres devoted to general farming. In politics Mr. Van Wyck is a steadfast Republican, and he is always ready to encourage any progressive movement, being especially interested in the temperance cause. He and his wife are prominent members of the Reformed Dutch Church; he is an elder in the Hopewell Church, and for sixteen years has been a trustee of Fishkill Plains Chapel.

JACOB S. ACKERMAN, a prominent and influential resident of Low Point, Dutchess county, is a member of a family that has been identified with that locality since Colonial times. His ancestors were from Holland originally, and his great-grandfather, John Ackerman, was the first to locate in Dutchess county. His son, Peter, who was born in 1779, was married March 15, 1801, to Elizabeth B. Lent, also a native of Dutchess county. They located upon a farm in the town of Fishkill, where they reared a family of ten children, (i) John, a farmer, in Dutchess

COMMEJfORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

county, married Ann Terboss. (2) Dorothy never married. (3) Abram L. was the founder of the Matteawan Cotton Factory, and with his brother, David L., was the builder of the first locomotive for the N. Y. C. R. R.; he married Miss Hagerman, and his later years were spent in Pennsylvania. (4) P.^ter S. was a farmer, and married Deborah Vail. (5) Margaret A. married Jacob Sebring, a farmer. (6) David L., a farmer and machinist by occupation, married Cynthia Robinson. (7) Jasper C, a farmer, married Susan Collins. (8) Eliphalet P., a Methodist minister, married Julia B. Hedden. (9) Samuel B. is mentioned below, fio) Sylvester B. never married.

Samuel B. Ackerman, our subject's father, was born in what is now Wappingers Falls, in 1820, and was reared upon the old homestead. His wife was Delia Brinkerhoff, a native of the town of Fishkill, born September I, 1822. Her father, John W. Brinkerhoff, was a well-known farmer there, and later became a merchant in Fishkill. After their marriage our subject's parents settled upon a farm near Newburg, Orange county, where they reared a family of three children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Edward F., born June 7, 1846, was a farmer and leading Republican in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and died there April 20, 1894. Fred E., born June 24, 1856, is a prominent lawyer in Poughkeepsie. Our subject's father was a highly-respected citizen, a Republican in politics, and he followed farming all his life. He died in 1889, and two years later his wife followed him to the grave.

Jacob S. Ackerman was born Nov. 11, 1843, in Newburg, and at the age of four years he was taken to Low Point where he grew to manhood, receiving his education there with the exception of a short time in the schools of Schodack. He learned the art of photography on leaving school, but followed it only a year and a half, when he began to learn the house-painter's trade. This he found uncongenial also, and he then returned to the farm, and has since given his time to the agricultural pursuits. He was married October 9, 1867, to Sarah C. Eshleman, a daughter of Eurich Eshleman, a well-known baker of Poughkeepsie. Three children were born of this marriage, all of whom reside at Low Point. Frank married Miss Eva Ward; Charles married Miss Bertha Leubert; and

Kittie is at home. Mr. Ackerman has a small estate on the Hudson river, his pleasant residence commanding a charming view. He also owns several houses in the village. He takes an influential part in the local work of the Republican organization, and has held the offices of pathmaster and excise commissioner.

HENRY CH.ATTERTON. For more than half a century the subject of this sketch was engaged in agricultural pursuits upon his late farm near the village of Moores Mill, Dutchess county, and he was one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of that locality. He was born January 4, 1818, in Lagrange, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and spent his boyhood there, receiving his education in the district schools near his home. On arriving at manhood's estate he engaged in farmmg, and always followed that calling, locating at his late home in 1844.

His first wife, who was Miss Mary Ann Haviland, of Unionvale, died, leaving no children, and for his second wife he was married, in Unionvale, to Miss Helen Miller (now deceased). One daughter, Mary Ann, was born of this marriage, but she did not long brighten his home, passing away at the age of four and one-half years. Mr. Chatterton always "took an intelligent interest in public questions. In early life he was an adherent of the Whig party, later espousing Republican principles. He died December 21, 1S96.

Underbill Chatterton, father of our subject, was a native of Dartmouth, Mass., whence he was brought by David S. Dean to Dutchess county when ten years old, and afterward made his home there. By occupation he was a farmer and tanner, and his life was spent mainly in Lagrange. In religious faith he was a Quaker. He was married in Lagrange to Miss Elizabeth Gidley, and they reared a family of thirteen children, all now deceased.

DURYEE VAN WYCK, one of the most intelligent and prosperous agriculturists in the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county, was born February 27, 1827, upon the estate which he now owns. His ancestors came from Holland about the year 1700, and were among the early settlers of that locality, and the family has held a prominent place there for several generations, our subject's brother, T. DeWitt

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535

Van Wyck, of the town of Wappinger, being among its representatives.

The subject of our sektch received an excellent education for the time, supplementing the course at the Fishkill district school by an attendance at the schools at Rhinebeck, New Paltz, and Middletown Point, N. J., spending a year at each, and he afterward studied for six months in the Polytechnic College near Red Bank, N. J., which was founded by O. S.Fowler, the phrenologist. Onleavingschool, Mr. Van Wyck returned to the old homestead, and remained until 1861, when he bought a farm near Hopewell, where he lived about thirteen years. He then returned to his present home, where he cultivates between 250 and 300 acres. The land is unusually level, and lies near Sprout creek.

In June, 1863, Mr. Van Wyck married Caroline D. Stockholm, adescendant of an old Holland family, and a daughter of Andrew Stockholm, a native of Dutchess county, and a prominent agriculturist of near Hopewell. The only daughter. Miss Ella Van Wyck, is at home with her parents. In politics our subject is an ardent Republican in principle, but he has never been a seeker after political honors.

WILLIAM C. HOLMES, a prosperous farmer of Dutchess county, was born

near Washington Hollow, in the town of Pleasant \'alley, December 21, 1818. There he was reared and received his education.

At the age of twenty-five Mr. Holmes was married, on March 6, 1844, to Miss Sarah C. \'an De Water, who was born in the town of Hyde Park, April i, 1818, and whose death occurred May 31, 1892. Our subject bought his grandfather's farm in 1843, lived on it for seven years and then traded it for another farm in Tompkins county, where he lived seven years. He then rented a farm in Hyde Park for a year, and one in Bloomingdale, Pleasant Valley, for two years. He next went to live on the farm with his father, and remained there until the latter's death, when he bought the homestead. After seven years' residence on the place, he traded it for other property. In 1885 he moved to the town of Lagrange. His children were: Phoebe Elizabeth, born August 30, 1845, married December 16, 1864, to Orlando E. Gazely; William V., born September 18, 1847, married Miss Emma E. Ayres December 25, 1S69; Lavina Adelaide, born Octo-

ber I, 1849, became the wife of C. W. Stout-enburg, December 2, 1874; Florence Augusta, born March 5, 1852, married April 14, 1875, to John Welch; Henrietta, born February 22, 1855, married William B. Merritt February 27, 1884; Joel O., born July 7, 1862, married September 23, 1884, to Miss Emma F. White, who died April 10, 1891. Our subject is a stanch Democrat in politics, but has always refused to accept public office.

Wheeler C. Holmes, father of our subject, was a native of the town of Pleasant Valley, where he spent his boyhood, attending the public school. He married Phcebe, daughter of William Allen, and moved to a farm about two miles from the paternal homestead, where he lived for over fifty years and reared the following children: Allen, Nathaniel, Phcebe Maria, and Joel O., all deceased, and William C., our subject. Mr. Holmes was again married, his second wife being Miss Beisy Crawford. Of their children only one is living, Isaac, who is in Colorado. Mr. Holmes was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Both the parents and the stepmother of our subject died in Pleasant Valley.

William Holmes, grandfather of our subject, came of Scotch ancestors. He settled in Pleasant Valley before the Revolutionary war, being one of the first pioneers. He married Miss Phoebe Cromwell, who was of Holland descent, and they had the following children: Nathaniel, Joseph, Isaac, Wheeler, Joshua. Mr. Holmes was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and lived to the ripe old age of ninety years.

JOHN B. FREDRICK, an enterprising and successful business man of Dover Plains, ~ Dutchess county, and the proprietor of a first-class meat market there, was born in 1856, in the town of Lloyd, Ulster county. He was educated in the public schools, and on entering business life learned the butcher's trade with J. H. Brown. After working at the trade some time for different parties, he moved to Dover Plains, in 1S86, and opened his present fine establishment. The firm was at first known as Shelly & Fredrick, and then Mr. Fredrick conducted the business alone for a time. Later the firm became Fredrick & Boyce, and then Fredrick & Fox, but our subject is at present the sole owner. He is a public-spirited citizen, but has never been de-

COMMEMORATTVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

sirous of political office, although at one time he served as excise commissioner. In 1881 he married Miss Emma J. Terwilliger, and their home has been blessed with eight children, of whom all but two are living. The names, with dates of birth, are: Herbert J., 1882; Lilly M., 1883; Edith, 1884; Bessie, 1885 (died in infanc}): Clarence, 1887; Mabel, 1888; Arthur (deceased), 1S91, and Clayton, 1895.

Mr. Fredrick is of the fifth generation in direct descent from Peter Fredrick, a native of Holland, and a miller by trade, who came to this country at an early date and settled in New Jersey. His son Peter, our subject's great-grandfather, was born and educated in New Jersey, but he and two brothers left home and settled in Ulster county, where he engaged in farming. He married, and reared a famil\- of seven children: Jacob; William; Catherine, who married Mr. Decker; Lucy, the wife of Louis Palmater; Hannah, who married John Banker, and two whose names are not known. William Fredrick, our subject's grandfather, was born in Ulster county, and after acquiring a common-school education, also engaged in agriculture. His wife was Miss Devoe, and they had two children: Dorcas, the wife of Abram Tompkins; and George, our subject's father, who was born in 1836, in the town of Lloyd. Ulster county, and always lived in that neighborhood, receiving his education there, and spending his later years as a farmer. He married Miss Emerett Johnson, daughter of Andrew Johnson, a well-to-do farmer of Ulster county, and had si.x children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The two youngest children—W'illiain, and one whose name is not given—died in infancy, and the others are: Maria, who married Warren Palmer; Evelena, the wife of Joseph O'Don-nel; and George W., who is not married.

Mrs. Fredrick's ancestors were early settlers in Ulster county, and her grandfather, Cornelius Terwilliger, was a native of New Paltz, and a leading farmer there. He married Miss Wicklow. and had five children, of whom Ira Terwilliger, Mrs. Fredrick's father, was the youngest. Hiram died at the age of twenty; Elijah married Catherine Freer; Elmira married David Dunn, and Sarah was the wife of Anthony Dunn. Ira Terwilliger was born in New Paltz in 1826, and passed his entire life there, following the carpenter's trade. His partner in life was Miss Harriet \'an Noy, daughter of Andrew J. Van Noy, a well-known

wagon-maker of the town of Lloyd, Ulster county, and Hester Johnston, his wife. Mrs. Fredrick was the oldest of five children—the others being Annie, the wife of Wallace Phillips; Andrew, who married Alice Smith; George, who is not married; and Carrie, who died at the age of twenty-one years.

HENRY LIVINGSTON CAMPBELL (deceased), in his day an honored and worthy citizen of the town of Unio'nvale, Dutchess county, was born March 23, 1829, in the town of Pawling, in the same county. He was a grandson of Archibald Campbell, who followed farming and merchandising throughout life. He married Miss Elizabeth Mitchell, of Pough-keepsie, Dutchess county, and they became the parents of ten children, as follows: (i) Captain Archibald married Miss Samantha Sherman. (21 Mary, born in Pawling, wedded Benjamin Hurd, and they had six children— Harriet E., who married Leonard Hall; Irving, who married Miss Howard; William T.; Mrs. Mary J. Brill; Stacia, who married Jerome Dodge; and Julia. (3) Harriet Louise married Dr. Fowler, and they had one son—Archibald, who also became a physician; after the death of her first husband she married Rev. John Pierpont, the paternal grandfather of John Pierpont Morgan, the great railroad magnate. (4) Stacia married Cushen Green. (5) Jane became the wife of Rev. Dr. Foss, father of Archibald Campbell Foss, and Cyrus Foss, Methodist Episcopal Bishops. (6) Catherine married Haxton \'an Deburg. (7) Duncan was the father of our subject. (8) Sarah married a Mr. Merrick. (9) Thomas Clement married Cordelia Noxon; he was district attorney of Poughkeepsie some time, but now a prominent lawyer of New York; (10) Eliza married Mr. Calhoun.

Duncan Campbell was born and educated in the town of Pawling, and also at Poughkeepsie Academy, and engaged in farming in Pawling, becoming quite prominent in business affairs. He married Amanda Ferris, and five children graced their union: Amanda Ferris; Henry Livingston: Priscilla; Harriet Louise, who died when young; and Duncan, who died in infancy.

Henry Livingston Campbell was educated at Pawling and Amenia. As a lifework he took up the occupation of farming, in which he was successful. In public affairs he took

HEHRY L. CAMPBELL.

COMMEMORATIVE DIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.

537

an active and leading part, and by his fellow citizens was called upon to fill such offices as supervisor, justice of the peace, and others of equal honor and trust, the duties of which he discharged in an able manner. He married Miss Emeline C. Collins, and five children were born to them, as follows: (i) Duncan wa^ educated at Helmuth College, London, Ontario, Canada, and at the Bisbee Military School, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., graduating with the highest honors, in 1874; he is now engaged in operating the home farm, also the father's farm in Pawling. (2) Ada Ferris Campbell was educated at Linden Hall, Poughkeepsie, and Helmuth College; she married I. Reynolds Adriance, a manufacturer of Poughkeepsie, by whom she has two children —Marion C. and John P. (3) Elizabeth Borden Campbell was educated at Linden Hall, Poughkeepsie; she is now the wife of Albert Adriance Simpson, superintendent of the Buckeye Binder Department of the Adriance Piatt & Co., manufacturers of mowers, reapers and binders, of Poughkeepsie, by whom she has one son—Albert Adriance. (4) George Collins died in infancy. ( 5) Harry Borden died at the age of four years.

Hezekiah Collins, the paternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Campbell, was the son of Hezekiah Collins, %vho was the son of Humphrey Collins. Hezekiah was the father of eight children: Hezekiah, Joseph, Solomon, Joshua, Samuel, Jabez, Nathan and Mary. The last named Hezekiah Collins was the grandfather of Mrs. Campbell. He was born December I, 1739, and in 1765 married Miss Rhoda Ricketson, whose birth occurred August 8, 1748. Their family included thirteen children: Catherine, born in 1767, married Zachariah Flagler; Meredith, born in 1768, married Gen. Barker; Mary, born in 1770, married David Arnold; Lydia, born in 1772, married Martin Doughty; Elizabeth, born in 1774, married a Mr. Manney. of Poughkeepsie; Phcebe, born in 1776, married Jacob Doughty; Rhoda, born in 1777, married Morton De la Vergne; Ricketson, born in 1779, married Elizabeth Robinson; Martha, born in 1781, married Gurline Ackerman; Ann, born in 1784, married Dr. Burrows; Gilbert, born in 1786, married Miss Susan Bogart; George, born in 1788, was the father of Mrs. Campbell; and Lancelot Wen-del, born in 1792, never married.

George Collins, the father of Mrs. Campbell, was born in the town of Unionvale, at-

tended the schools of that locality, and there engaged in farming throughout life. He married Miss Elizabeth Borden, by whom he had three children—Phebe (i) who died in infancy; Phebe (2) who married (first) Isaac Ackerman, by whom she had three children—Emma, George C. and Jacob H.—and after his death wedded ^^'illis Case, by whom she had two children—Oscar and Olive A.; and Emeline C, who was born in Unionvale April 22, 1835; she was educated in Poughkeepsie and New York City, and, as already related, married Henry Livingston Campbell, the subject proper of this review. She is a most estimable lady, whose circle of friends is only limited by the circle of her acquaintances. The Collins family crest is two doves and an olive branch, emblems of love and peace*.

Perry Borden, Mrs. grandfather, was a son Borden; Perry married nephew, Simeon Borden, was at one time a member of the Massachusetts Legislature. In 1830, Simeon Borden devised and constructed for the State of Massachusetts an apparatus for measuring the base line of the trigonometrical survey of that State, which at that time was the most accurate and convenient instrument of the kind e.xtant. Mr. Borden assisted in the measurement of the base, and in the subsequent triangulation. In 1S34 he took charge of the work and completed it in 1841. It was the first geodetic survey ever completed in this country, and its precision has since been proved by the coast survey.

Campbell's maternal of Samuel and Peace Phcebe Sisson. His

JACKSON GIDDINGS, a leading citizen of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, who throughout his active business career followed wagon making, is descended from a family that for many years made their home in Connecticut.

At Chestnut Sand, in that State, his grandfather, William Giddings, was born, reared and educated. He was a prosperous tiller of the soil, and during the old training days served as captain in the militia. By his marriage with Miss Armida Noble he had eleven children: (i) George married Phcebe Hunger-ford, and two children were born to them— Orissa, who married Nelson Hoag; and Susan, who married Edwin Hungerford. (2) William . was married, and had two children. (3* David

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

married Betsy Salmon, and had two children —Ammi, who married Augusta Page; and David B., who married Hannah Beecher. (4) Noble remained single. (5) Bueil was the father of our subject. (6) Daniel, who was born in Connecticut, married Betsy Gorman, and has three children—Ralph; Jay; and Pauline, who died at the age of sixteen years. (7) Sarah married Bennett Picket, and had five children—Noble, who married Laura Gid-dings; William, who married a Miss Stewart; Daniel; Eunice, who married David Strong; and Bueli, who now lives at Kockford, 111., and is nearly eighty-six years of age. (8) Dorcas married William Leach. (9) Lucinda married Abraham Seaman, and had seven children—Hannah, who married Joshua Morgan; Eliza, who married Timothy Holloway; David, who married Malissa Howarfl, and was elected sheriff of Dutchess county in the early forties; Nancy, who married Archibald Wing; Polly, who married Benjamin Soule, and they settled in Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn, (they had three children—John, Adaline and Seaman; in 1835 they removed to Chemung county, N. Y.; the youngest son. Seaman, now lives in Michigan); and Harvey and Permelia, who remained single. (10) Ann became the wife of John Seeley, and has four children-— Franklin, who never married; Morgan, who married Minnie Page; Abel became a merchant, and enlisting as a soldier during the Rebellion died in the service; and Charlotte, (in Lydia married Samuel Giddings, and has seven children—Rebecca, who married Hiram Giddings; Sallie A., who never married; Dorcas, who married William Turner; Alfred, who married Sophia Picket; Henry, who married a Miss Leach; Ann, who remained single; and Caroline, who married David Fuller.

Buell Giddings, the father of our subject, was born September 20, 1781, in the town of Sherman, Fairfield Co., Conn., and at his native place acciuired his education in the common schools. . On leaving the school room he learned the wagon maker's trade, at which he worked the greater part of his life. On coming to the town of Dover, Dutchess county, he established business at Webatuck. In early life he was connected with the Whig party, and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, ever afterward being one of its stalwart supporters. By his fellow citizens he was called upon to fill a few minor offices in the town. He was united in mar-

riage with Miss Sarah Reasoner, daughter of Peter and Betsey Reasoner, farming people of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. By this union five children were born: (i) Adelia A. married Luther Dutcher, a manufacturer, of Dover, by whom she had four children—Hiram, Gilbert, George and William. (2) Jackson, the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth. (3) Orin N. at the age of sixteen went to Poughkeepsie, where he clerked in a dry-goods store, and married Miss Harriet Cox; in 1835 he removed with her father's family to Kalamazoo county, Mich., and became a merchant; after the financial crash of 1S37 he engaged in milling, but was soon after elected clerkof the county, and removed to Kalamazoo, where he is now engaged in the insurance and real-estate business. He has represented his county in the State Legislature, and was adjutant-general of the State during the Civil war. He has one son, Theron F., now State commissioner of insurance for Michigan. (4) Martin L. learned the wagon-maker's trade with his brother Jackson, but did not follow it, becoming a cattle drover. He married Miss Mary Hoag, and died in 1862, leaving no children. (5) William M., the youngest, did not marry.

Jackson Giddings was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, in 1812, and in the common schools of the town of Dover received a fair English education. Learning the wagon maker's trade, he followed that occupation until eighty years of age, since which time he has laid away business cares, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest. In early life he took quite a prominent part in public affairs, and served as assessor and in other town offices. His ballot is always cast in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. Mr. Giddings married Miss Deborah Hoag, a daughter of John and Delila Hoag, of the town of IJover, and to them have been born four children: (i) John H. first married .Amanda Chase, and after her death wedded Maria Olivet; (2) Almira became the wife of James Reynolds, and has two sons—Jackson and Harry B. (3) George W. married Jennie Vill-inger, and has four daughters—Grace, born in 1886; Almira in 1887; Laura, in 1888; and Hazel, in 1891. (4) Andrew completes the family.

Mrs. Gidding's ancestors have long been residents of Dutchess county, the birth of her great-grandfather, John Hoag, occurring in the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

539

town of Dover, where he engaged in farming. In his large family of children was Nathaniel, an agriculturist, who married Mollie Howland, and had three children: Priner, who married Eliza Griffin; John, father of Mrs. Giddings; and Deborah, who wedded Russell Tabor.

John Hoag was a native of the town of Dover, followed general farming and stock raising. For his first wife he married Miss Delia Whitley, and to them were born five children: Almira, who married Isaac Geroe; Deborah, wife of our subject; William, who first married Betsy Baldwin, and after her death wedded Phcebe Bowman; Elizabeth, who never married; and Mary J., who wedded Hiram Whitley. After the death of the mother of these children, Mr. Hoag was united in marriage with Phcebe Preston.

RTEMAS SACKETT BARTON, a valued ^^ citizen and popular business man of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, is a native of Columbia county, N. Y., born at Ancram October 30, 1S38, and is descended from an old English family that long made their home in Dutchess county. His great-grandfather was Josiah Barton, of the town of Stanford, and his grandfather, Dr. Leonard Barton, who was born in that town, was one of the early practitioners of the county.

Dr. Leonard Barton married Rachel Gale, granddaughter of William Gale, and daughter of Josiah and Rachel (Mead) Gale, who lived in Stanford, and had eight daughters and two sons, as follows: Sarah Gale, born October 17, 1767, married Henry Kinney; Rebecca, born March 23, 1769, married Enoch Good-ridge; Rachel, born February 2, 1771, married Leonard Barton; Phebe, born April 6, 1773, married Andrew Finch; Roba, born July 26, 1775, married Lewis Austin; Nancy, born April 19, 1777, married Henry Griffin; Betsey, born April 19, 1779, married Nathan Beck-with; Clorinda, born November 12, 1783, married Ebe Lete; Josiah, born August 11, 1786, died in 1809; and George W., born December 3, 178-, married Harriet Sheldon. Dr. Leonard Barton and his wife had eleven children, as follows: Hiram; James married Caroline Canfield; Nelson, not married; George W. married Elizabeth Hoffman; Josiah married Eliza Briggs; Edward married Malissa J. Worthy, of Northeast town; Eliakim married Tammy Germond; Julia married Morgan

Hunting; Sally married Anthony Hoffman; Rachel married Stephen Sackett; Nancy married John Davis.

George W. Barton, the father of our subject, was also born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. May 14, 1795, and was a farmer by occupation. He became quite wealthy, owning two farms, each of 250 acres, in Columbia county, one in the town of Ancram and the other on Pugsley's Hill, the old homestead. He was a man of great natural ability, and was essentially self-made. He was identified with the Democratic party in politics, and attended the Presbyterian Church. He died September 17, 1872, and his wife died August 26, 1879. He had married Elizabeth Hoffman, daughter of Henry Hoffman, who lived near Bethel, N. Y., and to them were born nine children: Mariette, born March i, 1824, married Warden Hiserodt, of New York City, and died September 12, 1873; William H., born August 25, 1825, married Cornelia Decker, and died January 24, 1879; George, born May 19, 1S27, married, first, Sarah Collins, and, second, Mary French, and resides in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county; Catherine, born December 15, 1829, wife of William McArthur, of Wisconsin; Rachel, born December 16, 1831, married James Collins, of the town of Northeast; Leonard, born December 14, 1834, married Henrietta Pulver, and is now living in the same town; Anthony H., born July 4, 1836, married, first, Emily Sackett, and, second, Isaphene Wilkinson, and resides in Pine Plains town; Artemas S., subject of this review; and Frederick, born May 24, 1841, married, first, Libbie Hoysrodt, and, second, Zada Tripp, and resides at the old homestead in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, which he owns, and also a half interest in the old Dr. Barton homestead in the town of Stanford. The children were lovers of music, especially our subject, who organized a string band, called "Barton's Band," composed of his brother, uncle and others, and playing for nearly all the public and private parties in northern Dutchess and southern Columbia counties, from 1865 to 1880, the music not so artistic, but the prompting excellent.

The education of our subject was such as the district school of the neighborhood afforded, and he early became familiar with the duties of the agriculturist. Being a great reader, he has become a well-informed man, and is posted on the current events of the day.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.

On leaving home at the age of twenty-four, he opened a general store at Ancram Lead Mines, which he conducted three years, and the following year he spent in Wisconsin and Iowa. He was then with the \'an Ambergh show for a year, and on returning to Pine Plains, he worked on the railroad for the same length of time, building fences. He was next engaged in the commission business, dealing in coal and hay from 1882 until 1893, when he removed to his present site, buying a part of the Clark estate, where he now carries on the lumber trade. He has been quite successful, and is one of the steady-going, reliable business men of Pine Plains.

Mr. Barton has been twice married, his first wife being Anna Rockafeller, of Columbia county, who died in 1866. For his second wife he chose Jane Tripp, daughter of DeWitt Tripp, who has lived in both Pine Plains and Northeast town, Dutchess county. Two children grace this union, Carrie and Artie. Socially, Mr. Barton is prominently identified with the Masonic order, being one of the oldest members of Stissing Lodge No. 615, F. & A. M., in which he has filled nearly all the chairs. He is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. For three terms he served as justice of the peace, was pathmaster two years, and inspector of elections for a number of years at Pine Plains; while in Ancram he served for about three years as town clerk. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and earnestly supports measures for the benefit of the community. He attends the Methodist Church.

Henry Hoffman, father of our subject's mother, married Catherine Betesle, and lived in .-Ancram, Columbia county. They had the following children: Margaret, born September 25, 1786, married Rowland Sweet; Catherine, born October 12, 178S, died young; Eleaner, born December 28, 1790, married Walter Dorchester; Henry J., born May 17, '79.5. married Almyra Culver; Polly, born August 27, 1795, niarried Jeremiah Conklin; Catherine (2), born January 28, 1798, died young; an infant, born in 1799; Betsey, born May 28, 1800, married G. W. Barton; Laura, born June 23, 1803, married Artemas Sackett; Anthony, born September 15, 1805, married Sally Barton. The father of this family was born January 6, 1761, and died in 1840; the mother was born January 6, 1762, and died in 1850.

Anthony Hoffman resided in the town of Pine Plains, and he and his wife had four daughters and three sons, as follows: Henry, born December 26, 1829, married Mary A. Strever; Sarah, born December 6, 1831, married Herman Snyder; Leonard, born November 24, 1833, died January 8, 1865; Catherine, born February 22, 1835, married J. C. Hoag; Julia, born October 30, 1837, married Elias Halsted; Laura, born January 20, 1840, married Edgar Eggleston; and Anthony, born September 8, 1844, not married, died November 21, 1882.

E^ DWIN SUTTON (deceased) was a popu-> lar citizen of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where, a leader among men, his memory is held in reverence and honor. Almost his entire life was passed in Dutchess county, and by his strong force of character and undoubted integrity he gained the confidence of the people. His death, which occurred September 16, 1887, left a vacancy difficult to fill, and it was considered a severe blow to the material and moral interests of the township.

Mr. Sutton was a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., born in 1836, and was a son of Abram and Jane (Mabbett) Sutton, the former born in Westchester county, N. Y., and the latter on Chestnut Ridge, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. Shortly after their marriage his parents removed to the farm where Halcyon Hal! is now located. The paternal household included si.x children, three of whom, however, died in infancy. The two brothers of our subject who reached adult age were: William H. (nowdeceased), who was a farmer and merchant; and Franklin, who is engaged in the insurance business in Poughkeepsie, New York.

When but two years old Edwin Sutton was brought by his parents to the town of Washington, where his childhood was passed, and after finishing his education he went to New York City, where he engaged in the retail feed business for several years. On the death of his father, however, he returnetl to the town of Washington and took up farming, which he continued until his death. In 1878 Mr. Sutton married Miss Mary L. Donington, who was born in Elizabeth, N. J., and is the daughter of Henry and Mary (Badgley) Donington, also natives of Elizabeth, where the father lived

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retired. Mrs. Sutton is one of their family of nine children. The father's death occurred in 1861, while his wife passed away in 1S87. He was a son of Jacob Donington, also a native of Elizabeth, N. J., and of English descent. On both sides of the family Mrs. Sutton is descended from Revolutionary heroes, Cornelius Badgley, her maternal great-grandfather, having been an officer in that war, and William Shute, her great-uncle on the father's side, was a major in the same struggle.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sutton located at South Millbrook, where Mrs. Sutton still makes her home. They became the parents of a daughter, Carrie Donington, born in 1S79. Our subject was an earnest Christian man, taking an active interest in religious affairs, as an adherent of the Hicksite faith, while his wife holds membership with the Presbyterian denomination. His political views were in accordance with those of the Republican party, and for a number of years he served as postmaster of South Millbrook, previous to which time he had been assistant postmaster, when the office was known as "Washington."

IIRAM H. BRIGGS, a general merchant X^X of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, has done much to promote the commercial activity, advance the general welfare and secure the material development of the place. As a business man, he is enterprising, energetic and always abreast with the times, and has been rewarded by success in his undertakings. He was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, December 27, 1834, a son of Stephen D. and Phcebe T. (Hewlett) Briggs.

His father was born in 1806, and was the son of Stephen Briggs, Sr. In early life he followed the occupation of a farmer in the northeast part of the town of Hyde Park, and then, after living for a time in Pleasant Valley, located in the northwest portion of the town, where he carried on the same occupation. In 1853, however, he came to Hyde Park, where for twenty-five years he engaged in contracting and building, which business he followed until the day of his death, dying while at his work. He was a man of great energy, became a successful contractor and builder, and was widely known throughout the county, where he had been employed in the capacity of mover. He was essentially a self-made

man, whose success was well deserved. In politics he was prominently identified with the Republican party, and served his fellow-citizens as collector of Hyde Park and school trustee. He was reared amid the Society of Friends, and ever held to that faith. He was married to Miss Phcebe T. Hewlett, daughter of Samuel Hewlett, of Hyde Park, and to them were born five children, who grew to adult age: Hiram H., subject of this sketch; Mary J., wife of Coster De Groff; Charlotte H., who married Ulrick Eshelman, of Poughkeep-sie, but is now deceased; Sarah B., twin sister of Charlotte, who married Samuel Gunn, and is also deceased, and Martha C., deceased wife of De Witt C. Degolier, of Poughkeepsie. The father's death occurred in 1878, but the mother is still living.

After pursuing his studies in the district schools of the town of Hyde Park for some time, Hiram H. Briggs entered a boarding school at Oswego Village, and, on completing his education at the age of twenty years, he was well fitted for the practical duties of life. He had previously, however, clerked in the store of John K. Hewlett, his maternal uncle, for a year and a half, and later was with that gentleman for about a year. Going to New York City, he took a clerkship in the wholesale dry-goods establishment of Lewis Havi-land & Co., where he remained for two years and a half, and, in the spring of 1863, began clerking for H. N. Vedder, in the store which he now owns at Hyde Park. For seven years he filled that position, and then for about four months was in a grocery store in New York City; but the following winter he was with Uhl & Husted, of Poughkeepsie. The next year he was again with Mr. 'Vedder, after which he returned to New York, and was in a retail grocery for three months. Later going to Dover Plains, Dutchess county, he there remained for two years and a half, when he entered the employ of Mark H.[Hitchcock of Poughkeepsie, serving in that position for four months. It was January i, 1886, that he started in business at Hyde Park as a general merchant, the firm being H. H. Briggs & Co., but May 4, 1895, the partnership was dissolved, and he has since been alone in business. He now has the largest store in the place, and his stock is well selected.

The record of Mr. Briggs is that of a man who has by his own unaided efforts worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many. Without aid of influence or wealth, he has risen to a position among the most prominent business men of the county, and his native genius and acquired ability are the stepping-stones on which he mounted. He is an attendant of the Episcopal (Church; is an honored member of Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, F. & A. M.; and in political affairs'takes an active interest in the success of the Republican party, which he always supports by his ballot.

'ILSON B. STORM, an enterprising and reliable business man of Stormville, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, June 28, 1868, and is the son of Joseph H. Storm, a prominent citizen of the county. His boyhood and youth were passed upon a farm, and his education received in the district schools. Later he was a student in the Mount Beacon Academy, at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, and subsequently took a business course at the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, graduating with the class of 1888. On laying aside his te.xt books he worked on the farm of his grandfather in the town of Beekman for six years.

On August I, I1S95, Mr. Storm began merchandising at Stormville, in connection with W. J. Storm, one of the leading business men of the town of East Fishkill, and the owner of the farm on which is located Storm Lake, which is a beautiful sheet of water covering twenty-five acres, fed by springs, and in which many different varieties of fish abound. Upon the east bank of the lake a creamery was erected and put in operation in April, 1896, and to which the New England railroad has built a side track. The business carried on by these gentlemen has grown to e.xtensive proportions, and they deal in Hour, feed, hardware and agricultural implements. Since April i, 1896, Wilson B. Storm has laid aside agricultural pursuits, and now devotes his whole time and attention to merchandising.

On October 24, 1895, Mr. Storm was married to Miss Mary T. Berry, a native of the town of East Fishkill, where her father, Edward W. Berry, engages in farming, and to this union has been born one child—Georgia Sheldon—

January 26, 1897. Our subject is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, was elected supervisor of the town of Beekman in 1894, in which position he served for two years or until his removal to East Fishkill, and was the youngest member of that board. In social as well as business circles he holds a high position, and is a young man of more than ordinary ability. Religiously, Mrs. Storm holds membership in the Reformed Church at Hopewell.

DAVID EDWIN COLWELL, a highly esteemed resident of Matteawan, Dutchess county, is one of the favored few, who, on reaching the ordinary limit of three-score years and ten finds life still enjoyable, old age being but the harvest time for their previous years of toil. He was born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, April i, 1825, and is a descendant of an old Scotch family.

His direct ancestors lived in the North of Ireland for some generations, and his greatgrandfather was the first of the line to come to America. He was a Protestant, and the majority of the family have been members of the Methodist Church. Samuel Colwell, our subject's grandfather, married Mary Smith, whose brother was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Their son Archibald, our subject's father, married Abigail Hall, and had eight children: Calvin Hubbard (deceased); Louisa, now Mrs. Reed, of Moores Mill; Archibald L., of Verbank; Samuel Augustus, of Peoria, 111.; David E., our subject; Julia Ann, now Mrs. Burnett, of Connecticut; Mary L. Ack-erman; and Sarah A. Seaman.

When David E. Colwell was six years old his parents moved to Verbank, and at an early age he began to work in a cotton factory there, which was the first of its kind to be operated in this State. In 1845 he went into the shoe business with his brother Archibald, but in 1855 entered the service of the Fishkill Landing Machine Co., and in due time became a skilled machinist. For a short time he was employed by the late H. N. Swift, in the manufacture of lawn mowers, and then he moved to Passaic, N. J., to take a lucrative position with the New York Steam Engine Co. After a few years he went to Yonkers, N. Y., and was engaged in Waring's hat factory until his retirement from active business. He has resided at Matteawan for many years, and is a

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leading member of the M. E. Church there. On January 14, 1847, he was married to Miss Jane A. Beach, and on January 14, 1897, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, a most joyous occasion. They have two sons, Winfield S. and Frank W., both residents of Matteawan.

Frank W. Colwell was born in Matteawan, April 9, 1859, and after receiving an education in the public schools of that place, went to Yonkers to learn the jewelry and watchmaking business with H. F. Von Storch, with whom he remained for more than four years. He then worked at this trade in various places, spending some time with the Independent Watch Co., at Fredonia, N. Y., four years with the Waterbury Co.. at Waterbury, Conn., and two years with the Cheshire Watch Co., of Cheshire, Conn. In 1888 he returned to his old home and engaged in business for himself in a small way, beginning with one window in a millinery store on Main street. He prospered, and after seven or eight months he moved into a more convenient store in a new building, and has since carried on his business there with a constantly growing patronage. His store is fully equipped with all the modern appliances, and a complete stock of watches, clocks, and jewelry of all kinds. He has a pleasant home at No. 21 Vine street, but in January, 1895, it was darkened by the death of his beloved wife, Carrie E. Tiel, to whom he was married November 10, 1880. Four children survive her: Minnie A., Jennie R., Frances B. and Edmund T.

Mrs. Colwell was a member of one of the leading families of Matteawan, a granddaughter of-the late William H. Tiel, and a daughter of J. William Tiel, a well-known hat manufacturer. He married a lady of English descent. Miss Julia Rogers, a native of Falen-ville, Greene Co., N. Y., and both are still living. Of their eight children the first two and the last died in infancy. The others were Dr. Arthur R. Tiel, Edson L., J. William, Jr., Carrie E. and Minnie A. In politics Mr. Colwell is a Republican, and he is an active worker in the M. E. Church, holding at present the office of superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is much interested in fraternal society work, belonging to the I. O. O. F., Evergreen Lodge, in which he has been a trustee for six years, and to the F. & A. M., Beacon Lodge, having joined the Masonic order while residing in Cheshire.

EEDWARD ANTHONY UNDERHILL, the 1^ genial and able station agent at Glenham,

Dutchess county, is also well known in business circles in that locality, being an extensive wholesale and retail dealer in coal. He is a native of New Hackensack, Dutchess county, and was born August 7, 1865. the son of Dr. Anthony Underbill, who practiced medicine successfully at New Hackensack for more than forty years. Dr. Anthony Underbill first saw the light November 12, 1818. His death occurred September 4, 1889, and his wife, Charlotte Augusta Marvin, who was born December 22, 1823, survives with their six children: Charles, George, William, Frank, Lottie, and Edward A.

Our subject availed himself of the usual district school advantages, and then entered the employ of his brother William in the coal business at Fishkill. After one year he went to Hopewell as assistant agent at the Union Depot for the N. Y. & N. E. R. R. and the N. D. & C. R. R., and remained seven years, when he was appointed agent at Glenham for the N. D. &C. R. R. In the same year, 1890, he purchased the coal business there from his brother William, and has combined the two enterprises satisfactorily. In politics he is a Republican.

On July 31, 1895, Mr. Underbill was united in marriage with Miss Jane Edith Schubert, daughter of Charles E. F. and Amelia W. Schubert, and made a wedding trip to Europe. Mr. Underbill was one of the lucky ten in a voting contest for a tour offered by the New York Press, standing second on the list with 23,525 votes. The Press gave its guests first class steamer and railway tickets and hotel accommodations, three meals a day being provided according to the custom of the hotel, and every other necessary expense was liberally met, including omnibuses between stations, piers, and hotels, carriage drives to points of interest, fees to hotel servants, railroad porters, and local guides and care-takers, while there was free transportation of the usual allowance of baggage on the steamer, and fifty-six pounds on the railways. An experienced conductor accompanied the party, superintending the arrangements throughout, and it would have been impossible to secure similar privileges for less than $800 each. The tourists left New York August 3, 1895, on theCunarder " Aurania " and on August 12 arrived at Liverpool, where they stopped at the " Adelphia

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Hotel." On the same day they went to London and spent five days there, three being given up to carriage drives about the city; here they were quartered at the "Midland Grand Hotel." They left via Harwich for Antwerp on the evening of August 17, and arriving on the following day, remained until the afternoon of the 19th, when they made the trip to Brussels, which occupied one hour. A carriage drive there on the 20th gave them a view of the main points of interest in the city, and on the 21st they went to Rotterdam, where they remained until the evening of the 22d. The next two days were passed at the Hague, the first in an extended carriage drive, and on the evening of the 24th they went to Amsterdam, where the following day, Sunday, August 25, was made a day of rest to the travelers, fatigued by their continuous sight seeing. An early train took them to Cologne on the 26th, and that day was spent in visiting the wonderful cathedral and other places of note. On the 27th they took an express steamer on the Rhine for Mayence, and on the next day continued the trip by rail to Heidelberg, and after a short stay there they went to Strasburg by an early afternoon train, and saw the great wonder of that city, the Cathedral, with its world-renowned clock. August 29, found them tii route for Paris, and the next five days were spent there at the "Grand Hotel," three days being devoted to carriage drives, and on the evening of September 3 they started via Dieppe for London, where they spent one day, leaving in the evening for Liverpool to embark on September 5 on the Cunarder " Gallia," for Boston. They landed there September 15, and left in the evening by the Fall River line for New York City, arriving at 7:30 k. m. September 16.

Mr. Underbill had purchased a home at Glenham before his marriage, and on their return he and his wife immediately began housekeeping. They take a prominent part in the social life of the village, and attend the I\e-formed Dutch Church.

SILAS E. CARD (deceased), in his lifetime a prominent citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and a member of a well-known firm of Satterlee & Card, merchant tailors, was a native of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., born July 18, 1845, a"d ^ied March 27, 1896.

He came of old pioneer stock, the ances-

tors of the American line being two brothers who came from Ireland in 1600 and settled in Rhode Island. Of their numerous descendants many came west from time to time, following the advancing line of civilization, and Edson Card, our subject's grandfather, who was born in Connecticut, became one of the early settlers of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he was engaged in farming. He married Charlotte Witheral, and had nine children: Edson (i) (deceased), Catherine, Mary (deceased), Eton H., Emma (deceased), Sarah, Edson (2), Charlotte, and William (deceased;.

Edson Card, our subject's father, was born November 29, 1817, in Ancram, and was there married to Miss Mary Miller, who was born in 1814, a daughter of Silas Miller, of Copake, Columbia county, who was of Dutch ancestry, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. They had five children: Albert M., an attorney of New York City, who resides at Sharon, Conn.; Silas E., our subject; Lottie H., born in 1848, now a resident of Pleasant Valley; Charles M., born in 1S50, also of Pleasant Valley; George, born in 1854, an attorney at Poughkeepsie; and Edson, born in 1856, who was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in 1882, and is now a prominent physician at Lake Mahopac, Putnam county (he married Miss Cora Badeau, and has one son, Badeau Card). For eight years after their marriage our subject's parents lived at Ancram, but in 1847 I they removed to a farm in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. In 1869 they went to Pleasant Valley, there to pass their declining years. The father was a man of influence in his neighborhood, possessing the esteem.of all classes of people, and for many years he was a justice of the peace in the town of Pleasant Valley, and held the office of assessor for many years. He died May 12, 1888; his widow is still living at Pleasant Valley.

Silas E. Card was only two years old when he came to Dutchess county, and he was educated in the public schools of his vicinity and and in the seminary at Amenia. In 1865 he came to Poughkeepsie to engage in business, and after spending fifteen years in the store of Seward & Hayt he bought an interest in George P.Satterlee's merchant-tailoring establishment, at No. 280 Main street. He was admirably qualified for success in his chosen line, and held a high rank among the enterprising merchants of his vicinity. On November 4, 1874,

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in the town of Stanford, he married Miss E. Belle Ailing, a daughter of John T. and Frances (Mabbett) Ailing, and five children were born of this union: John A., born May 20, 1877, graduated from the Poughkeepsie high school at the age of sixteen, and is now completing his course in medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York; Frank M., who died when one year old; Mary E., born December 5, 1882; George H., born July 17, 18S6; and Albert N., born May 14, 1890.

In politics Mr. Card was a Democrat, and he took an influential part in the work of the organization in his locality. He was the candidate of his party for mayor in 1894; but that was a year of tribulation for Democrats, and he with all the others on the ticket suffered defeat. He was one of the City Alms House commissioners for ten years, and was an Exempt Fireman of Phcenix Hose Company No. I, of which he was treasurer. In the Masonic order he was a member of Triune Lodge No. 7S2, Poughkeepsie Chapter and Commandery, and of the Royal Arcanum, and was District Deputy of Dutchess county. He was a prominent member of Washington street M. E. Church, at the time of his death holding the office of steward.

J

[AMES HENRY HIGNELL, the junior member of the firm of McFarlane & Hig-nell, the well-known boiler manufacturers, of Fishkill Landing, Dutchess county, is among the most prominent of the younger business men of that place.

The family name is English in its origin, and our subject's paternal grandfather, Joseph Hignell, came from England in early manhood, and was married in this country to Mrs. Rachel Lawson, a widow. Their son, Daniel L. Hignell, our subject's father, was born at Barnegat, N. Y., April 28, 1833, learned the blacksmith's trade in youth, and is now the Fishkill Landing Machine Company's foreman. He married Miss Mary Odell, who was born November 23, 1832, near Cold Spring, Putnam county, the daughter of Elijah and Sa-brina (Perry) Odell. The Odell family is an ancient one, and this branch was established in this country in Colonial times. Our subject was the eldest of three children, the others being Millard Fillmore Hignell; and Mamie, who married James E. Tomlins, and resides at

Tuxedo Park. 35

James H. Hignell was born at FishkilC Landing, October 22, 1856. He has been identified with the village all his life, receiving his education in the public schools, and at thirteen entering upon his practical business career. Until the age of eighteen he worked at different employments, and then followed theharness maker's trade about sixyears; bur, his health becoming impaired he left this occupation in 1880, to take a position as bookkeeper with the late John J. Herley, the boiler manufacturer. On the death of Mr. Herley in the spring of 1892, Mr. Hignell formed his present partnership, and purchased the business from the estate. Their work embraces not only boiler-making, but the manufacture of tanks and everything in that line, and their trade is extensive, reaching throughout New York State and to various portions of the South and West.

On February 2, 1S81, Mr. Hignell married Miss Kate Chase, a native of Glenham, N. Y. Her father, Henry Chase, came from Switzerland; her mother, Ann Roe, from Ireland, and their marriage took place at Fishkill Landing. Mr. and Mrs. Hignell are prominent members of the Reformed Dutch Church at Fishkill Landing, and are interested in all that pertains to social and religious progress. They have one daughter, Lelia Ella, born August 17, 1887.

Politically Mr. Hignell is a Republican. He is a charter member of River View Lodge No. 560, I. O. O. F., has passed through the chairs, and is now trustee and treasurer. On June 18, 1896, he helped to organize a lodge of the Improved Order of Redmen at Fishkill Landing, and was elected to the order of Sachem. On March 18, 1897, he was elected treasurer of the general hospital of the town of Fishkill, N. Y.; was also elected treasurer of the executive committee.

WILLIAM E. HAVENS, the efficient su- perintendent of the Fishkill Electric

railway and the Citizens Electric railway of Fishkill-on-Hudson, is one of the rising young practical electricians of his locality. His already wide and varied experience in the mechanical arts has especially fitted him for the understanding of the difficulties which attend the application of electricity to business uses, while he possesses also rare gifts as an organizer and manager of men.

He is a son of William H. and Anna

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(Dixonj Havens, and grandson of Edward Havens. His father, who is a native of Oswego, N. Y., born July 4, 1840, is now a well-known engineer. He had three sons— Frederic Dare Havens, Charles P. and William E.—and one daughter—Jennie Lee. Our subject was born in Oswego, N. Y., August 24, 1863. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native city, also in Rome, N. Y., and at the age of thirteen he began to learn photography, at which he worked for about three years. He then spent a number of years in different pursuits, learning in each one some lessons which were to prove of benefit in after life, possibly in une.x-*pected ways. He spent one year in a machine shop, three years in the business of steam engineering at Rome, two years as special collector of the Howe Sewing Machine Co., two years in the National Express Co., and one year with the Edison Electrical Illuminating Co., at Rochester, N. Y. He then went to Syracuse, N. Y., and passed two years in the employ of the Third Ward Electric Street Railway Co., and their successors, the Consolidated Street Railway Co., and later held the position of night engineer of the New York Central & Hudson River railroad depot at Syracuse for six months. On July 6, 1892, he came to Matteawan as electrician for the Citizens and the Fishkill Electric Railway Companies, and in September, of the same year, he was appointed superintendent of those lines.

Mr. Havens has a pleasant residence on Main street, Fishkill-on-Hudson. His wife, whom he married June 10, 1885, formerly Miss Minnie E. Moore, is a daughter of Andrew W. and Ovanda (Craig) Moore, of Cohoc-ton, Steuben Co., N. Y., and they have three children: Catherine E., Jennie Lee and William Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Havens are prominent members of the Episcopal Church at Fishkill, and are ever ready to sustain any progressive movement. In politics he is a Republican, and he also takes an active interest in fraternal society work as a member of Melzin-gah Lodge No. 304, K. of P., and Court Beacon No. 296, F. of A.

BENJAMIN HAMMOND, one of the residents of the village of Fishkill-on-Hudson, Dutchess county, is the proprietor of the extensive establishment known as Hammond's Slug

Shot and Paint Works, and a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in paints, oils, chemicals and similar commodities, his trade extending in his specialties to all parts of the United States.

Mr. Hammond was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England, July 12, 1849. His father, Benjamin Hammond, the son of Levi Hammond, was born in that locality in 1817, and in 1848 married Miss Mary Twemlow, for his second wife. Our subject is the oldest of the five children of this union, the names of the others being Mary, Levi, So()hia and Sophronia Warren. In 1855 the father came to America, bringing his family, and after locating for a time in New York City, he removed to Carlinville, Macoupin Co., 111., where he remained until 1858. Returning east, he made his permanent home in Brooklyn, where he died in November, 1876. The son began his business life with Lazeil, Marsh & Gardiner, at No. 10 Gold street. New York City, as office boy, and after nine years with them he went, in 1873, to Mt. Kisco, in company with Charles S. Ware, who had purchased the drug business of Mrs. Dr. Fenton, a sister-in-law of the late Gov. Fenton, of New York. The business was continued and developed until the fall of 1884, when Mr. Hammond removed to Fishkill Landing and founded his present establishment. Mr. Hammond is one of the pioneers in the United States in the manufacture of economic insecticides, and this particular branch of his business is known all over the world, as he ships his product to London (England), Auckland (New Zealand), Nova Scotia, and all other parts of Canada. His works are located on the N. E. corner of Long Dock Landing, opposite the N. Y. & N. E. depot, and near the H. R. R. depot and New-burg Ferry, and the business under his judicious and vigorous management has been on the increase ever since its establishment. In politics Mr. Hammond is a Republican. In Mount Kisco, Westchester county, in connection with Stephen and Samuel Carpenter, he established a local newspaper, known as the Moil III Kisco ]\'c'fk/v, of which he was the editor for several years. He was chairman of the Republican town committee, was elected justice of the peace of the town of New Castle, and a member of the board of education of the Mount Kisco Union Free School District. In the incorporation of the village of Mount Kisco he took an active part, and obtained the sobriquet of " Prime Mover."

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547

In Mount Kisco Mr. Hammond met Miss Isabel Monilaws (who subsequently became his wife), a woman of refinement and culture, the daughter of the Rev. George Monilaws, of Somers, Westchester county, in which village she was born. They were married by Rev. Dr. C. W. Baird, of Rye, July 25, 1S75, and three daughters, all born in Mount Kisco, were the issue of this marriage: Marion Isabel, Grace Twemlow, and Elsie. Mrs. Hammond died at her home, " Spy Hill," Fishkill Landing, N. Y., May 28, 1892, and was buried in the Fishkill Rural Cemetery, Fishkill, N. Y. On April 6, 1897, Mr. Hammond was again married, his second wife being Miss Laura An-thony,daughter of the late Richard Kip Anthony and Ann Bowie Dash, of New York, the ceremony having been performed by the Rev. Charles W. Fritts, D. D., of Fishkill-on-Hud-son. New York.

Mr. Anthony took up the ordinary duties of a good citizen, and interested himself in the development of his locality. In October, 1889, at the formation of the Union Free School District of Fishkill Landing, he was elected a meinberof the boardof education, and as clerk to the board took a leading part in the planning and building of the splendid school building which was erected in 1890-91. In 1S94 Mr. Hammond was elected president of the board. For three successive terms he was elected president of the village of Fishkill Landing, and close attention to all the details of the position was the marked peculiarities of his term of service. He has served as town auditor, and while a pronounced temperance man was elected, after a hard contest, a member of the Town Board of Excise, with a handsome majority. The village of Fishkill, because of its situation between great brick yards, is proverbial for its many saloons and liquor shops. Mr. Hammond is a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and an officer of the same, being for years a Sunday-school teacher, a deacon and an elder. His residence is finely located on Park avenue, overlooking Newburg Bay, surrounded with ample grounds, well-kept and planted with beautiful flowers, shrubs and hedges.

GILMAN D. HOLMES, a prominent citizen of Matteawan, Dutchess county, has been for many years the master mechanic of the N. D. & C."R. R., in charge of the build-

ing and repair shops at Dutchess Junction, and has proved himself an able e.xecutive officer in that department, uniting in a rare degree practical knowledge of the details of the work with the faculty of managing effectively a large force of men.

He is a "Yankee" by birth, his parents, Lewis and Mittie (Osgood) Holmes, being residents of Francestown, N. H., where his father was a well-known farmer and miller. There were three children: Sarah A., Mason, and Oilman D.

Oilman D. Holmes was born November 29, 1842. The public schools of his native place furnished educational advantages, of which he made good use until he was twenty years old, when he began to learn the trade of machinist in the railroad shops of the N. N. H. R. R., now the Boston & Maine R. R. Eight years there gave him a thorough mastery of the business in all its branches, and he then came to Dutchess Junction, and was employed by the N. D. & C. R. R. for about fifteen years before his appointment, in 1885, to his present responsible position in the car shops. His ten years of faithful work in that place completes a term of a quarter of a century in the service of the same road. He is loyal to the interests of his fellow workers as well as to his employers, and is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Mr. Holmes married Miss Emma S. Anson, daughter of Nathan Anson, a native of Stanfordville, and his wife, Catherine (Cashner), a descendant of a well-known family of Rhinebeck. The pleasant home of our subject on Ackerman street, Matteawan, is gladdened by one son, Lewis A., born in 1884. In politics Mr. Holmes is an independent voter, supporting either party under varying circumstances as his conscience dictates. He and his wife are Methodists in faith, and take a generous interest in the work of the Church at Matteawan.

S\AMUEL BRYANT, a well-known citizen ,_j of Matteawan, Dutchess county, was born February 10, 1833, in Gloucestershire, England, where his family has resided for many generations. His grandfather, Richard Bryant, was a prosperous hat manufacturer there, and his four sons—George, Jonathan, Samuel, and Henry—all lived and died in England,

00]ifME.\fORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and were highly esteemed members of the EstabHshed Church.

Jonathan Bryant, our subject's father, was born at the old home, and learned the hatter's trade in his father's factory. He followed this business successfully until his death, in 1875; his wife, Esther (Gardner), a native of the same place, died in 1883. Her father, George Gardner, was also engaged in hat manufacturing. Of the thirteen children of this union, nine are living: (i) George (deceased! was a hatter in Matteawan, where his son, Albert R. Bryant, still resides; (2) Mary A., a twin of (3) Samuel, our subject, married John Skidmore, of England, and lives in that country; (4) Esther married John Connells, of Australia;

(5) Henry is a resident of Sydney, Australia;

(6) Richard lives at Yonkers, N. Y.; ij) West-ley resides in Sydney. Australia; (8) Albert died in England; (9) Clara married (name not given), of London; (lo) Eving and (in Jonathan live in England; (I2) Luke and (13) Richard died in infancy.

The subject of our sketch was reared in Gloucestershire, England, learning the ancestral occupation, in which he engaged in early manhood. In 1855 he came to the United States, his hrst designation being Yonkers, N. Y. He remained there only a few days. and then went to Riverstreet, N. J., and worked at his trade for a short time. In 1856 he made his permanent home at Matteawan, engaging first in the hatter's business, but since 1885 he has conducted a saloon. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Charlotte Gifford, a native of England and a daughter of Thomas Gifford. They have had six children: Martha M., now the wife of Fred Moore, of Matteawan; Clara 1 Mrs. Richard Van Voorhis), of the same place; Jane (Mrs. George Van Ors-dale), also of Matteawan; Evan and Edward, who are in the saloon business at Fishkill Landing; and Lizzie, at home. The family attend the Episcopal Church. Mr. Byrant has many friends, and takes a loyal interest in public questions, voting independently both on local and national issues.

E\ LAKIN TOMPKINS, one of the most '' prominent residents of Fishkill-on-Hud-son, Dutchess county, and the able manager of the Dutchess Hat Works, was born in Ashland, Greene Co., N. Y., July 9. 1842.

His family is of English origin, and he is of

the fifth generation in direct descent from Stephen Tompkins, who came to America in Colonial times, and, after a short residence in Connecticut, settled in Winchester county, N. Y., where he and two of his sons did good service on the side of the colonies all through the Revolutionary war. He had sixteen children, and his remote descendants are very numerous. One of his grandsons, Daniel D. Tompkins, was vice-President of the United States from 1S16 to 1820, and many other members of the family have held positions of honor and usefulness. The great-grandfather of our subject, James Tompkins, supposed to be a son of Stephen, rendered important service in the Revolutionary war. He served in the Seventh Dutchess County Regiment under Col. Henry Luddington, and in the company conmianded by Capt. George Lane. His son, Solomon, our subject's grandfather, was one of the earliest settlers at Ashland, being accompanied by his son, Solomon (2j, father of our subject, who became a prominent farmer there and married Elizabeth Randall, who survives him and now resides at Matteawan.

E. Lakin Tompkins was educated in the public schools of Ashland, and in September, 1862, at the age of twenty, went to Matteawan to work for the Seamless Clothing Manufacturing Co., with whom he remained eight years. He then clerked for a year or two in a clothing store belonging to his brother Lewis, and in 1872 he and John F. Gerow purchased his brother's interest. He disposed of this, however, and in July, 1874, became superintendent of the Dutchess Hat Works, which Lewis Tompkins established at that time. Our subject has managed this extensive plant ever since, and much of the time it has been under his sole charge, owing to the ill health of his brother and his absence abroad. At the death of the latter Mr. Tompkins was appointed executor of his estate. An able business man, displaying in every enterprise, energy and good judgment, Mr. Tompkins has conducted or assisted in various successful ventures. In 1889 he purchased a tract of land in the northern part of the village, and laid it out in fifty building lots, many of which have been sold and are now occupied by dwelling houses. He is a director of the First National Bank, and a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank. In politics he is a Republican. In 1878 he was elected trustee of the village of Fishkill-on-Hudson, was re-elected to the position for sev-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIHCAL RECORD.

549

eral years in succession, and served one year as president of the village. In August, 1892, President Harrison appointed him postmaster of his village, and this position he held four 3'ears, three and one-half years under President Cleveland's administration. For ten years he was a member of the board of education, being elected term after term successively; but early in 1896 he resigned on account of the demands of other important interests upon his time.

Mr. Tompkins has a beautiful residence, built in 1893, situated on High street and commanding a charming view of the river. His wife was formerly Miss Cordelia E. Knapp, of Greenwich, Conn., a daugtiter of the late John E. and Joanna Knapp. Her father spent his last days at their home, and passed from earth Thursday, March 12, 1896, in his eighty-fifth year. Two children were born of this marriage, Reta I. and Harry \\. Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins are leading members of the M. E. Church, and he is especially active in its interest, being a trustee and class leader at present, and for many years he served as Sunday-school superintendent. He has been a Freemason for about thirty years, and has held the office of master in Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M., for two successive terms.

E^DMUND H. SHEAFF, the superintend- 'I ent of the Fishkill and Matteawan water

works, and widely known as an able and efficient manager of large enterprises, was born in Radnor, Delaware county, Penn., June 29, 1850.

His family is of English origin, and he is a direct descendant of Gen. Sheaff, of the English army. His grandfather, William Sheaff, was a wealthy tanner in Pennsylvania, and his father, William Sheaff, Jr., born in 1797, was a prosperous farmer, and also a prominent business man of Delaware county for many years before he retired from active business. His death occurred in Philadelphia August 25, 1861. On May 28, 1828, he married Miss Margaretta Fry Sinquette (a descendant of an old French Huguenot family), who died in 1883. They had eleven children: John, William, George, Sarah, Noah, Susannah, Mary, Gertrude, Edmund H., Margaret and Adele.

Edmund H. Sheaff received his education in part in the Philadelphia public schools, in part in Crittendens Business College, same city.

When a mere boy, he enlisted, November 17, 1864, in Company K, 196th P. V. I., under Capt. Edward Lyster, for a term of three months, and served until he was mustered out at the close of the war. He then went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and spent three years on a coffee plantation, and on returning to the United States engaged in the transportation business in New York City. In 1870 he went to Cuba, and took charge of sugar plantations at Sagua de la Grande and Cardinas; but after two years went to New Orleans and then to San Francisco, and in the following year engaged in mining at Virginia City, Nev., where he remained several years. On returning to the East, he took up his residence at Hoboken, N. J., and for three 3-ears was emploj'ed by John H. Starin Transportation Co. In 1881 he was engaged by Decker & Rapp, as wharfinger, having charge of their docks at New York City. In 1884 he went to Mt. \'ernon, N. Y., as superintendent and general manager of the Mt. Vernon water works, remaining seven years, and in 1891, representing the interest of Taintor & Holt, bankers. No. 11 Wall street. New York, he came to Fishkill to take the management of the Fishkill & Matteawan system. This duty he discharged most ably, winning the respect and esteem of the entire community. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the First Baptist Church, of Mt. Vernon, New York.

►)ENJAMIN M. TALBOT, a prominent res-I ident of Fishkill-on-Hudson, is a well-known dealer in real estate, and the owner of valuable property in that vicinity.

He is a native of England, and a descendant of an old Yorkshire family. His paternal grandparents were Charles and Jane Talbot, whose son Thomas, the father of our subject, was a prosperous cloth merchant at Holmfirth, Yorkshire, England. He married Judith Winter, daughter of Matthias Winter, and reared a family of eight children: Elizabeth, Benjamin M. (our subject), Charles, Jane, Richard, Thomas, Matthew and Emily.

Benjamin M. Talbot was educated in the schools of his native town, and in early manhood came to America, where he located first in Newburgh, N. Y. After one 3'ear there he moved to Fishkill Landing, and in 1866 engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor traffic,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

continuing until 1886—twenty years to a day. He then sold his business and partially retired from active life, his attention being given to some extent to dealing in real estate. He is the owner of several stores and other property, and in his investments has always shown line business judgment.

Mr. Talbot has a beautiful home at Fish-kill-on-Hudson, on the corner of Dutchess terrace and Verplanck avenue. His wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Bates, whom he married November 9, 1868, is a daughter of William and Mary Ann (Rothwell) Bates, of Yorkshire, England. Five sons have blessed their union, one of whom died in infancy, and another, Frederick, at the age of twenty years. The surviving three are: James G., a bookkeeper in New York City; William R., a law student in the law office of J. Hervey Cook, attorney at law, and Henry Talbot, attending school. Mrs. Talbot is a prominent member of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church at Matteawan, and interested in the various lines of parish work. In politics Mr. Talbot is a Republican, but he keeps aloof from partisan strife, and does not seek official honors. He belongs to the order of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Matteawan.

SILAS TERWILLIGER. a merchant of Matteawan, Dutchess county, is well known throughout the State as an able and energetic business man, many years of successful work as a contractor and builder of important structures having established his reputation. Among other enterprises successfully carried out by him was the building of large tlour-mills and a cotton factory in Columbia county, and for some time was engaged upon the Delaware & Hudson canal, rebuilding the " weighlock " at Eddyville, a very particular piece of work involving the construction of the '' cradle " or frame, in which the boats rest while being weighed. He also worked in the State armory at Syracuse, N. Y., and had a contract from a Mr. Austin, the builder, to lay the floors.

His family is one of the oldest and most prominent in the town of Marbletown, Ulster county, and his great-grandfather, Solomon Terwilliger, was the first patriot in that town to sign the following paper. [Copied from the Calendarof New York Historical MSS. Revolutionary papers]:

Vol. 1, Page 5.

Old Senate House, Kingston. Goshen, Orange County, Ai-ril 29, 1775. General A'am-iation:

Persuadefl that the salvation of the Rights and Liberties of America depends under God on the firm union of its inhabitants, in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of Government. We, the Freemen, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the county of Orange, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the .Ministry to raise a revenue in .America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, do in the most solemn manner resolve never to become slaves, and do associate under all the ties of Religion, Honor and Love to our country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatever measures may be recommemled by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by this Provincial Congress for the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the e.xecution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on Constitutional principles (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our respective Committees, respecting the purpose aforesaid, the preservation of peace and goixi order, and the safety of individuals and private property.

From Calendar of New York Historical MS.S. Revolutionary papers, Vol. 1, Page 3S, among the Associators in Marbletown appear the names of 292, that of Solomon Terwilliger being the very first.

Solomon Terwilliger and his wife, Helen, (Bodly) had a son Derrick, who was a farmer in the town of Marbletown, Ulster county, and a soldier of the war of 1812. He married Margaret Krom, and had a son William, our subject's father, who became a prominent carpenter and builder of the same locality, following that occupation until a few years previous to his death. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Nellie A. Hill, and whom he married August 12, 1829, reared a family of foursons: Alfred, Silas, Edgarand Jacob H.

Silas Terwilliger, our subject, was born June 23, 1834, at Stone Ridge, Ulster county, and after passing through the common schools of his native town attended a select school for two terms. At sixteen he began his business career, learning the trade of mill-wright with Fred Paine, of Connecticut, who took contracts in all parts of the country. An apprenticeship of three years familiarized Mr. Terwilliger with all the details of the trade, which he then followed continuously until i860, filling many e.xtensive contracts with entire satisfaction to all concerned. In 1862 he took a contract from C. B. Morse to do the wood work on all cotton and woolen machinery made at the Union Iron Works at Rhinebeck, N. Y., and after six years there he moved (in 1868) to Matteawan to take charge of the pattern shop of J. B. Schenk & Sons, with whom he

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

551

remained one year, and then entered the employ of the Matteawan Manufacturing Co., to superintend their building and repairs. He spent eighteen years in this position, and was then compelled by ill health to resign and spend some months in recuperating. In i88S he purchased the property in Spring street, opposite the Union Free School, where he has since conducted a store, enjoying a fine custom. He also owns three houses and lots in the village, and a farm of eighty acres in the vicinity.

On June 26, 1852, he was married to Rachel Hasbrouck, daughter of Garrett and Martha Hasbrouck. Her death occurred January 3, 1873, and Mr. Terwilliger has since wedded Sarah E. Sutherlin, daughter of David and Maria (Schoonmaker) VanWagenen, who were natives of Ulster county, N. Y. Of the two children of this union one died at the age of seven years, and the other, Nellie A., is at home. She and her mother are members of the M. E. Church, but Mr. Terwilliger, who was reared in the faith of the Reformed Dutch Church, still inclines to that belief. Politically, he is a Democrat, and he was trustee of the village of Matteawan for two years.

THOMAS S. JUDSON, one of the leading business men of Matteawan, Dutchess

county, is the head of the Beacon Ice Company, the superintendent of the mechanical goods department of the New York Rubber Company, and a shareholder in many other prosperous enterprises.

Mr. Judson was born in Newtown, Conn., September i, 1833, a son of Zenas and Fannie (Torrence) Judson, and grandson of John Judson. He is of English descent on his father's side, of Irish origin on his mother's. His father was for many years the proprietor of a merchant-tailoring establishment in New York City. Our subject is one of a family of thirteen children, si.x of whom are still living. The public schools of Newtown afforded him his only educational opportunities, and as he grew old enough to help upon the farm his attendance was limited to the winter terms. At the age of sixteen he began to work in the village of Sandy Hook for the New York Belting & Packing Company, located in the town of Newtown, and remained in their employ until 1858, when he came to Matteawan as foreman for the New York Rubber Company. This po-

sition he held some twenty-four years, and since 1883 he has superintended the mechanical department of those works. He is now a stockholder in the concern, and he has become interested in various other business ventures. For over twenty years he was the proprietor of the Beacon Ice Company, now managed by his two sons, George G. and William H., and he is a trustee and vice-president of the Matteawan Savings Bank, director of the Matteawan National Bank, stockholder in the "Holland Hotel," and trustee of the Hotel Association. In politics he is a Republican, and in 1S79-S0 he was collector of the town of Fishkill; in 1881-82 was township supervisor, and in 1887-88 he was president of the village of Matteawan. He is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M., and has held the office of trustee for some 3'ears. His sound, conservative views, so rarely found in combination with such enterprise as he has always displayed, make him as valued an adviser and helper in public affairs as in business concerns.

On July 30, 1854, Mr. Judson married Eliza Glover, daughter of the late Capt. D. J. and Pollie (Briscoe) Glover, of Newtown, Conn. They have three children: Two sons, George G. and William H., and one daughter, Lillian F., married to C. E. Jaynes. The family attend the M. E. Church of Matteawan, and take an interest in its varied lines of effort. Mr. Judson has a charming home at the corner of Sargent avenue and Wincopee street.

EMIL PARMENTER, proprietor of the ! "Mechanics Hotel" at Glenham, Dutchess county, was born August 2, 185 i, at Strass-burg, Germany. He traces his descent from a family which has long been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his grandfather, Nicolas Parmenter, was a farmer in the Province of Lorraine, where he reared a family of children, all of whom lived and died in their native land.

Nicholas Parmenter, our subject's father, was born in Lorraine, in 1823, and followed agriculture all his life, his death occurring in 1895. His wife, Caroline Weber, who is still living, was a native of Strassburg and a daughter of Anthony Weber. Her grandfather Weber lost his property during the Napoleonic wars, and nearly lost his life. After their marriage Nicholas and Caroline Parmenter settled in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Strassburg, and eleven children were born there, of whom our subject was the eldest: (2) Caroline, widow of John Swing, lives in Strassburg; (3) Lewis resides at the old home, and is now in the employ of the government; (4) Charles, a resident of Nancy, France, is a master carpenter, and was sent to the World's Fair in Chicago to superintend the installation of certain machiner\'; (5) Magdalene remained , in Germany; (6) Edward is engaged in the cooper's trade in Strassburg; (7) Mary married Xavier Vix, a restaurant-keeper at Nancy, France, and has become thoroughly French in speech and customs; (8) Eugene is a cooper at Strassburg; (9) Albert is a carpenter at Holyoke, N. Y.; (10) August died when about nine years old, and the eleventh child died in infancy.

Emil Parmenter remained in his native place until he reached the age of twenty-one, and there acquired a knowledge of the mason's trade. In 1872 he crossed the ocean, and has since made his home at Glenham, Dutchess county. For some time he followed his trade, and for a few years he was engaged in the grocery business. Six years were spent in the wholesale ale business, and then he began dealing in beer; but in 1884 he opened the hotel and saloon which he has ever since conducted. In 1876 he married Miss Ella Boyce, a native of Dutchess county, and a daughter of Robert and Sarah Boyce. Three children have blessed their union: Emily and Ella, who are both at home, and Louis, who died at the age of four and one-half years.

Mr. Parmenter is a public-spirited citizen, taking great interest in all improvements. He has been a Democrat, but is now a Republican in political faith. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., with which order he united in 1883.

HON. EDWARD M. GORING was born in Manchester, England, April 20, 1828.

No citizen of the pleasant and prosperous village of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, is more deserving of notice in this Commemorative Biographical Record, and none is better known and esteemed than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who has spent almost his entire life in the locality where he still makes his home.

Robert Goring, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in England in 1770, and

married Jane Morris on February 4, 1802. They had four children: John M., the father of our subject; James, born in 1807; Thomas, born in 1813, came to the United States and located in Wisconsin, where he died; and Jane, who died unmarried.

John M. Goring was the eldest of the family, and was born in Manchester in 1804. He learned the business of engraving to calico printing, and followed it all his life. He married Miss Martha Heald, who was born in Lancashire, England, where her father was a cotton broker. One member of the family, James Heald, was member of Parliament from Stockport, in that county. Nine children were born of this union, of whom the following record is given: Edward Morris is the subject of this sketch; Walter H. lives in Wappingers Falls; Mrs. Jane E. Myatt, in Bridgeport, Conn.; Mrs. Lucy A. Babcock, in Haverstraw, N. Y.; Thomas W., in Chicago; \'ictoria A.; Martha M. and John M., Jr., of Wappingers P"alls; Anna, died in 1852. The father of this family came to the United States in 1832, first locating at F'all River, and later at Boston. He was a close friend of Alvan Clark, the maker of the lenses for the great Lick telescope, and for the large Yerkes telescope, of Chicago. In 1836 Mr. Goring removed to Wappingers Falls, where he died January 22, 1879. His wife died April 15, 1886. He was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and although an active politician, he never held an office. He was a strong advocate of temperance, and was interested in all matters pertaining to the public welfare.

Edward M. Goring, our subject, was only eight years of age when his parents left England, but had already attended school for a time. His education was completed in the district school at Wappingers Falls, and in 1845 he was apprenticed to the trade of engraving to calico printing, which he followed from 1845 to 1S60. For the succeeding nine years he was engaged in the coal business, and in 1869 he was a member of the firm of Dis-brow & Goring, iron founders; was in the real-estate business until 1872, when he built Goring Hall and opened a drug store. In this business he was engaged until 1890, since which time he has retired from active business pursuits.

In 1850 Mr. Goring married Miss Jane E., youngest daughter of Alexander Thomson, of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county. Of this

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

553

union four children were born: Thomson E., who is superintendent of the large overall factory of Sweet, Orr & Co., and whose sketch immediately follows; Maria J., who married Ashley S. Worsley, chief engineer in the Providence Electric Light Company's works; Prescott C, a printer; and Ada M., who died in childhood. Mr. Goring was an Old-line Whig, coming into the Republican ranks on the formation of the latter party. He has always taken a lively interest in public affairs, and has held a number of important offices, being collector of Fishkill town in 1862; Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue from 1865 to 1S67; Assistant U. S. Assessor Internal Revenue from 1867 to 1871. He was the first Republican supervisor elected in that township in ten years, and was re-elected by a large majority. In 1871 he was a member of the New York Assembly, and sergeant-at-arms of the Assembly in 1872. He was president of the village in 1879, and is its present police justice. In 18S3 he was appointed, by President Arthur, postmaster at Wappingers Falls, which office he held four years. Mr. Goring has been a trustee of the Grinnell Library for thirty years. In local enterprises, notably the creating oi*the town of Wappinger from the town of Fishkill; in the incorporation of Wappingers Savings Bank, and Bank of Wappingers; the incorporation of Wappingers Falls as a village; in the laying out of the new road to New Hamburg as a public, instead of a toll, road, as chartered by the Legislature; in the law authorizing the erection of the $15,000 public-school building in the village, and in other kindred enterprises, Mr. Goring was the initiator and earnest promoter. In all these responsible and honorable positions, he has acquitted himself with credit to himself, and for the best interests of the public.

TTHOMSON E. GORING, eldest son of Hon. E. M. Goring, was born at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, September 27, 1852, and after graduating from the public schools was for some time associated with his father in the drug and stationery business at Goring Hall. In 1878 he entered the employ of Sweet, Orr & Co., who recognized his abilities in 1884 in appointing him to his present position.

Mr. Goring's abilities and kindly disposition have won him a firm place in the regard of the

community at large, and, although his views on the Temperance question are somewhat in advance of the sentiment in that locality, he received a hearty support as candidate for the office of president of the village.

He is one of the three honorary members of the K. of T. No. 22, St. Andrews Guild, and is a vestryman of Zion Episcopal Church. He is also a thirty-second degree Freemason; a life member of the Lodge of Perfection; Council Princes of Jerusalem; Chapter of Rose Croix; the Consistory of New York City — the first three named orders being also of New York. He is also an illustrious noble of Mecca Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and wears a past master's jewel presented by the brethren of Wappingers Lodge No. 671, F. Sc A. M., on his retirement from his second term of office. Mr. Goring is also a member of Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M.; King Solomon's Council No. 31, R. & S. M.; and a past senior warden of Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43, K. T. At the Masonic fair held in Poughkeepsie in 1896 he was awarded a past master's apron, which had been offered to the past master of any lodge in Dutchess county receiving the largest vote. Mr. Goring is also a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F., Lafayette Encampment No. 95, and Evening Star Lodge No. 98, K. of P., all of Wappingers Falls, and also belongs to the Amrita Club of Poughkeepsie. In politics he is a Republican. While fully recognizing his social obligations, Mr. Goring, with all his business cares, is not without an interest in the world of sport and recreation, as is shown by his membership in the Dutchess County Golf Club, the Carthage Ice Yacht Club, and the organization known as the Long Island Wheelmen of the City of Brooklyn. He is also a member of L. A. W.

Mr. Goring's first wife was Miss Mary J. Myatt, a daughter of James Myatt, of Bridgeport, Conn. Three children were born of this union: Myatt E., Maud A. (who died September 27, 1888), and Ethel M. The mother of these passed away March 11, 1886, and May 21, 1S94, Mr. Goring formed a second matrimonial alliance, his bride being Miss Martha Nelson, of Wappingers Falls. Her father. Justice Reuben W. Nelson, was born in New Jersey, of English stock, and her mother, Mary A. Phillips, was a daughter of James A. Phillips, of French ancestry.

Mr. Goring, as the able and popular sup-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

erintendent of Sweet, Orr & Co. 's overall factory at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, seems to have settled in a satisfactory manner the difficult problem of maintaining the interests of his employers efficiently while establishing with the workers of the establishment a feeling of respect and esteem which eliminates friction. His genial and generous temperament enables him to find a way to secure discipline without sacrificing harmony, and the affection of the emploj'es has been evidenced by the valuable testimonials of their regard. A genuine lover of the beauties of nature, he has thoughtfully striven to make the factory an inviting place to the eye; and from spring to fall the vine-covered buildings, with their windows and roofs brightened by a profusion of flowering plants, make a refreshing picture. In the center of the factory is a court which is made a veritable bower in the warm season, while scattered about in the various departments are potted plants, palms and ferns. There is also a greenhouse containing a large collection of plants valued for their beauty and rarity. In this connection it is appropriate to mention that Mr. Goring is also a member of the Dutchess County Horticultural Society.

JOHN HENRY TIEMEYER. Among our thrifty, energetic citizens of German birth

the subject of this biography, the well-known proprietor of the '• Union Hotel" and stables at Fishkill village, is a notable figure. His untiring and well-directed energy, and wise management, qualities so thoroughly characteristic of his race, have won for him an enviable success in life from a start which could scarcely have been more discouraging.

He was born January 9, 1838, in Osna-bruck, Hanover, Germany, where his father, John Gerhard Henry Tiemeyer, owned a good-si/ed farm. The mother, whose maiden name was Drietchen Zurmellen, died when our subject was only six years old, leaving a family of two sons and two daughters. Until the age of fifteen, Mr. Tiemeyer enjo\'ed excellent educational advantages in the public school near his home, but after that time he was employed upon his father's farm. At twenty-two he came to America, and on landing in New York City he immediately secured a situation in a grocery at $3.00 per month and board. Five months later he was offered $5.00 per month at another store, and he spent four months in

hard work there; but this employer failed, and he received nothing for his efforts but his board. At his next place he worked one year, his wages being raised during that time from $8.00 a month to $12.00, and he then found a place where he began at $13.00 a month, and stayed three years, receiving in the latter part of the term $15.00 a month. His last employer, Henry Klute, furnished him money to engage in the grocery business for himself, and he accordingly opened a store on Twenty-eighth street, between Seventh and Eighth avenues, where he continued successfully for a year and a half. As his landlord wished to raise his rent, Mr. Tiemeyer moved to another store near by, having by this time saved enough money to be independent as to his location. About a year later, his former landlord having come to terms, Mr. Tiemeyer took the building again, and carried on the two stores. Later he opened another, and conducted the three for a time until a brother-in-law purchased one, and after a time he sold one of the others to a cler(k who had been with him for three years. He then took a trip to the " Fatherland," and on his return disposed of his last store. Having accumulated about $5,000 he purchased the store building belonging to his first landlord, and carried on business there for some time; but as real-estate in that locality was depreciating in value, he took advantage of an opportunity to exchange it for property in Kingston, N. Y. Then he engaged in soap-making, and later carried on a milk business; but after a time he moved to College Point, and while there lost all he had previously gained.

He had to begin life anew, and for several years he worked at different kinds of employment; in 1880, with the help of a friend, he bought out a saloon, where for a year and a half he managed to make a living. In 1882 he purchased, in partnership with two others, the fixtures and stock of a saloon on the corner of Seventy-second street and Second avenue. New York City, for $8,000, with a lease of five years at a yearly rental of $1,200. Mr. Tiemeyer was a silent partner, and managed the business, succeeding so well that two years later he purchased the interest of one of the active partners. As the time drew near for a renewal of the lease, in 1887, the landlord raised the rent to $2,500, so Mr. Tiemeyer bought the interest of his other partner, and removed the business to the corner of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

555

Eight3'-ninth street and Second avenue, where he remained four years. In 1891 he purchased his present hotel property at Fishkill, where he now lives.

On February i, 1S68, Mr. Tiemeyer was married to Miss Rebecca Meyer, daughter of Franz and Elizabeth Meyer. Of eight children born to them five are now living: Louise, Frank Henry, John M., Rudolph and Eddie. The other three died in childhood. Although Mr. and Mrs. Tiemeyer are members of the German Lutheran Church, they attend the Reformed Dutch Church at present, as the Lutherans have no organization at Fishkill. On political questions Mr. Tiemeyer generally gives his vote to the Democratic party, but he is not a politician in the strict sense. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, Empire City Lodge No. 228.

LEWIS W. GENUNG, a prominent citizen and leading business man of the town of

East Fishkill, Dutchess county, conducting a general store at Johnsville, was born February 20, 1843, at Swartout, in the town of Wap-pinger, Dutchess county, and comes from one of the good old families of the community, which is probably of French origin. His paternal grandfather, after his marriage, located upon a farm in the town of Fishkill, where he reared his three sons: Adrian, the father of our subject; Joseph, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill; and Benjamin, a farmer of Wayne county. New York.

In the town of Fishkill Adrian Genung was born, and on attaining to man's estate was united in marriage with Miss Susan Boice, whose birth occurred in the town of Wappin-ger, Dutchess county. Her father, Isaac Boice, was also a native of Dutchess county, and a carpenter by occupation. After their marriage the young couple located at Swartoutville, where the father engaged in merchandising for many years, but later in life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, dying upon his farm in East Fishkill town in 1S80. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and a Democrat in political sentiment. His wife passed away in 1885. Of the seven children born to them, four died in infancy, and Ella is also now deceased; Adriana married Willet Pierce, a butcher; Lewis W. completes the family.

Our subject's early life was spent at Swartoutville, and after finishing his education he

engaged in teaching for about ten years, principally in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. In February, 1866, he married Miss Mary E. Pierce, who was born at Johnsville, and is a daughter of Caleb Pierce, a native of East Fishkill, and a farmer and butcher by occupation. For three years after their marriage they continued to live at Johnsville, but at the end of that time removed to Lagrange town, where Mr. Genung followed the profession of school teaching. Returning to Johnsville in 1878, he opened his present store, which he has since successfully conducted, and as a business man is straightforward and honorable in all his dealings. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Genung: Fred L., who assists his father in the store; and Grace E. Politically, our subject is identified with the Republican party, and was appointed postmaster at Johnsville shortly after the close of the Civil war, which position he has held almost continuously since; he is also notary public. He is a most highly esteemed citizen.

ENJAMIN F. TREEN, a prominent citi-

\) zen of the town of Fishkill, Dutchess

county, and superintendent of the e.xtensive straw works, was born in Wallace, Nova Scotia, March 27, 1848.

His ancestors came from England at an early period, and his great-grandfather, Joseph Treen, and his grandparents, Joseph and Mary Treen, were residents of Nova Scotia. His father. William Treen, married Mary a daughter of Benjamin Cook, and had six children: Joseph, Benjamin F., Edward, Ellen, Elizabeth and Mary Jane. William Treen was a prominent ship builder, and often sailed as captain of one of his vessels. He was lost at sea in 1855, his brig, the "Mary Jane," being wrecked off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Benjamin F. Treen received his early education in the public schools of his native place, and at the age of fifteen entered the employ of Thomas Flynn to learn to make tine custom boots and shoes. After working at this trade for five years, he came to the United States and found employment at Holliston, Mass., with Peter R. Johnson, a boot and shoe manufacturer, for whom he worked one year. For the next ten years he was engaged in clerking for Timothy Daniels in the retail grocery and dry-goods business, and he then became inter-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ested in the manufacture of straw goods, and worked three years with D. C. Mowrey & Co., learning the details of hat making. This done, he became superintendent of B. H. Spaulding's straw hat factory at Milford, Mass., and two years later he came to Matteawan to take charge of the plant of the Matteawan Manufacturing Co. He resigned this position after seven years to accept a similar one with W. H. Mase, but in two years he returned to the former company, with which he has since been connected as superintendent. He is now a stockholder and the secretary of the company, of which Leonard M. Hills and Frank E. Whitman, of .\mherst, Mass., are the principal members.

On December 20, 1876, Mr. Treen married Miss Ida Frances Blake, daughter of Johnson R. and Abbie S. (Gunnj Blake, of Greenwich, N. Y.. and has two daughters, Marion Louise and Emma Gertrude. The family attend the Presbyterian Church, and take a generous interest in various philanthropic movements. In politics Mr. Treen is a Republican, and he is at present a member of the board of education. He is a member of the Matteawan Club, andiof the Masonic order, Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M., Matteawan; Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M., Newburg; Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K. T., Newburg, and Mecca Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., New York City.

BENJAMIN \V. \AN WYCK, a prominent , citizen of Poughkeepsie, and senior partner of the firm of \'an Wyck & Collins, which owns the extensive marble and granite works at Nos. 175 and 177 Main street, was born October 27, 1S35, in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county.

Theodorus Yan Wyck, great-grandfather of our subject, was one of three brothers who emigrated from Holland, and, coming to the United States, settled on a farm at Jamaica, Queens county. Long Island. There they were all married, and two of the brothers, John and .\bram, remained and reared their families: Theodorus \'an Wyck settled at Hempstead, Uueens county. Long Island, and there Samuel, grandfather of Benjamin, was born. He married Katura Sammis, who was born in that locality, and in 1792 came to Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, settling on a farm. A family of six children were born to this couple,

of which the following names are given: Charles, Walter. Cornelia and Betsey. Samuel \'an Wyck followed farming during his life, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Charles \'an Wyck, father of our subject, was born in 1S06, in Pleasant \'alley. He was married in 1822 to Miss Eliza Rugar, who was of Dutch descent, and was born in Pleasant \'alley. Five children were born of this union: Mary E. is the wife of Henry M. Owen, a farmer in Pleasant \'alley; Lewis C. is a machinist at Newburg; Amelia died in 1858; Benjamin W. is our subject; Martha died in infancy. The father was a machinist, and worked in the mill at Pleasant \'alley. He was a Whig in politics, and both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. He was very domestic in his tastes, fond of his home and family, and highly respected by all who knew him. He died May 15, 1838; his wife died July 9, 1896, at the advanced age of about eighty-seven years.

Benjamin W. \"an Wyck, our subject, obtained his early education in the schools of his native village, and when old enough began learning the trade of a marble-cutter at Fish-kill. Later he went to Glens Falls, where he perfected himself in the business, and in 1S60 finished his schooling at the Oswego Institute. He then went into the marble business at Pleasant Valley; but had hardly more than made a beginning when the Civil war broke out, and he felt it his duty to rally to the defense of the Union. On September 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, i2Sth N. Y. I., and served throughout the war, being discharged July 12. 1865. He was with Banks on the Red River (La.) campaign, and with Sheridan during the Shenandoah Valley campaign, also in the battle at Cedar Creek, where he had a narrow escape from death, and was in other important engagements. On his return from the war he took up his residence in Poughkeepsie, where he worked for a tmie in the marble works of Haxby & Miller. In April, 1867, he bought the interest of Mr. Haxby, the firm then becoming Miller & Van Wyck. This partnership lasted until the death of Mr. Miller in 1878, and for the succeeding three years Mr. \'an Wyck had sole control of the business. In 18S1 he sold a half interest to Mr Collins, and the present firm of Van Wyck & Collins was organized.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

bol

In the extensive works owned by this firm all kinds of marble work is done, such as interior work in buildings, vault linings, wainscoting and flooring, table and buffet tops, as well as monuments. Mr. Van Wyck was the first dealer in this part of the State to introduce granite work to supersede that of marble, in this line, and they are well equipped with steam machinery, etc., to turn out very fine specimens, both in design and workmanship. They also keep on hand all kinds of encaustic tiles, grates, fireplaces and brass goods for the same. They buy stock in the rough, and cut and polish to suit their trade. Their steam plant and other accessories have been twice enlarged so that they have now one of the best manufactories in the State, and turn out superior work in everj^ line of their business. The integrity and fair dealing of the firm is well known, and it has a high reputation in business circles.

Mr. Van W\xk was married October 11, 1865, to Miss Mary L., daughter of Alfred C. Van Vlack, of the town of Unionvale. Her father, generally known as Major Van Vlack, is of Dutch descent and a miller by occupation. No children have been born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. \'an Wyck are members of the First Reformed Dutch Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. Our subject is a Republican, but has never consented to hold office. He is public-spirited, a loyal citizen, and always ready to assist in worthy enterprises. He is a member of the F. & k. M. and the G. A. R.

EDWARD EVERETT HAVEN'S, a well- known dealer in groceries and provisions

on Main street, Fishkill-on-Hudson, Dutchess county, is one of the leading business men of that town, and is noted not only for prudence and sagacity in that enterprise, but for the energy which carries his plans to successful completion.

He was a native of the beautiful village in which he now resides. His father, Joseph F. Havens, was born in Xew London, Conn., and he and his wife, Katherine O'Shaugh-nessy, are still living. Of their twelve children, eleven survive, the eldest being now about forty years of age, and the youngest seventeen. Their names are: Rhodolphus Augustave: Joseph Francis; Edward Everett, our subject; Catherine, who died in infancy;

May 21, 1885, died Wilson, born April i, 28, 1858, died April

Adella, William, James Henr}-, Maryette, Sandford Wilson, Lewis H., Herman and Walter.

The paternal grandparents of Edward Everett were Silas and Maryette ' Griffin 1 Havens. The former was born February 4, 1794, and died January 20, 1857; the latter was born December 6, 1809, and died April 18, 1884. They had twelve children, whose family history is as follows: (i) Silas Nathaniel Havens, born March 2, 1S27, married Arabella Smith February 24, 1858; no children. (2) Sabroh Angeline, born April 7, 1829, married Samuel Beckwith March 15, 1853; nine children—Fannie Maryette, who was born October 3, 1855 (married Jerome Munger January I, 1882, and has two children, ^Iina Estella, born July 23, 1883, and Emma May, born ^ray 4, 18861; 'Wilbur 1857; Albert, born April 4, 1886; Flora Elvira, born September 4, 1862; Emery Melvin, born January 7, 1864; Angle Alida, born April 27, 1865; Effie May, born June 4, 1867; Emma Estelle, born April 12, 1869, died June 12, 1884; Edna Luella, born November 12, 1870.

(3) Cynthia Margett, born February i, 1831, married March 2, 1849, Nathaniel B. Crocker, who died Jul}' 3, 1864; five children—Nelson Steadman, born May 27, 1851, died September 24, 1851; Allen Wilson, born February 11, 1853, died September 6, 1853; Alfred Walter, born February 11, 1853, died August 12, 1853; Ella Maryette, born August 27, 1855, married Edmund Smith May 7, 1873, and has one child, Millie Smith, born October i, 1874 (Ella Maryette was again married, this time February 8. 1885, to .\rthur Baker); and Perry Willis, born March 2, i860, died January 26, 1861.

(4) Sanford Wilson, born March 5, 1833, married October 8, 1857, Laura Ellen Gallup; one child—Walter Louis, born December 29, 1861. '5) Joseph Francis, born April 26, 1835, married Katherine O'Shaughnessy, August 5, 1855; twelve children—Rhodolphus Augustave, born June 24, 1856 (married Ella Corcan, November 25, 1877, and has three children, Katie A., born December i, 1S78; Ella, born October 15, 1879, died September 5, 1881; and Mary G., born November 25, 1882); Joseph Francis, Jr., born March i, 1858, married Jennie Benedict, May 9, 1883; Edward Everett, whose sketch appears below; Katie, born June 5, 1862, died July 6, 1864; Adella, born June 25, 1864, married to Philip

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Knapp, May 12, 1883; William S., born May 21, 1866; James Henrj-, born March 7, 1868; Sandford \V., born December 12, 1869; Mar-gelta, born August 26, 1870; Lewis H., born January 12, 1873; Herman, born August 5, 1875; Walter Lee, born May 21, 1876. (6) Nelson Monroe, born November 12, 1837, married Mary A. Luce, December 14, 1862; two children—Jennie Marian, born June 5, 1868, died April 21, 1869; and James Luce, born August 25, 1871. (7) Melissa Jane, born October 22, 1840, married William F. Beck-with, March 17, 1858; two children—Elmer Leslie, born April 16, 1866; and Elsie Melissa, born November 12, 1874. (8) Alfred Wording, born October 29, 1842, married Mary B. Chapman, May i, 1872; one child—Willis Monroe, born May 17, 1875. (9) Sophia Amelia, born December 4, 1844, married James \'alentine Luce, December 30, i860.

(10) Terrie Florella, born May 18, 1847, married James \'alentine Luce, December 2, 1883; one child—Laura Sophia, born May 12, 1885.

(11) Wilbur Edson, born October 29, 1849, married Lottie Rosella Jordan, November 25, 1875 ; three children—Arthur Edson, born September 26, 1876; Florence Rosella, born March 13, 1878; and Edith Gertrude, born November 16, 1879. (12) Herman Edgar, born February 8, 1854, married Jessie Fremont Beebe, February 7, 1882; one child— Myrtle Sophia, born December 23, 1882.

Edward Everett Havens, the subject of our sketch, was born February 9, 1861, and was educated in the public schools of Fishkill. On leaving school at about the age of fourteen, he secured a situation as clerk in the grocery store of K. H. Delaney, in the town of Beekman. He remained there three years, and then went to work in the A. T. Stewart mill at Glenham, and during the three or four years spent there learned several different trades connected with the manufacture of woolen cloth. After leaving this place he entered the employ of Rev. Father McSweegan, in Matteawan, and for about a year worked on church improvements, and the next four years were spent witfi James A. Murray, a carpenter and builder. In October, 1886, the business in which he is now engaged was founded, beginning in the building next door to his present establishment, which he erected in 1892.

Mr. Havens' partner in life's joys and sorrows was Miss Mary C. McCarroll, a daughter of Robert and Mary McCarroll. Thej' have

four children: John E., Mary A., Robert Francis, and James Herman. They are members of the Roman Catholic Church at Fish-kill.

In politics Mr. Havens is a Democrat, and he has been the candidate of his party for commissioner of the poor, and also for trustee of the village. As the town is generally Republican, and as the years in which he led the forlorn hope exceptionally unfavorable for the Democratic party, he was defeated. He is a member of Dutchess Council C. B. L., and is at present its treasurer. He is also a member of the Catholic Knights of America, member No. 49120, of the Catholic Benevolent Society, and of Court O.ueen of the Hudson No. 8119, A. O. F. of A."

FRANK M. EDMOND is one of the most able and enterprising young business men

of Matteawan, Dutchess county, the inventor of a wire-spring support for upholstered chairs and car seats, which promises well, his patent having been obtained and a company formed for the manufacture and sale of the appliance, with Ross Judson, president, Samuel K. Phillips, secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Edmond, as superintendent. No one who knows Mr. Edmond will fail to wish him well in this new undertaking, as his courageous and energetic efforts during past business reverses have won universal admiration and good will.

He is a son of the late William Romain Edmond, who for over twenty years was a stockholder in the Matteawan Hat Manufacturing Co., and the foreman of its extensive works. He was a native of Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., and went to Matteawan at the time the late Lewis Tompkins and the Mase brothers began their investments in the hat business at that place. He died of paralysis July 10, 1889, his wife, formerly Mary E. Bump, and six sons surviving him. Our subject is one of eight children: George; Addie, who died in childhood; Nelson; William; Frank M.; James; Horace; and Lucius, who died in early youth.

Frank M. Edmond was born February 18, 1863, and resided at Matteawan throughout his early life, attending the public schools until the age of twenty, and later working in a straw-hat factory. After six or seven years in that emploj'meot he eng;aged in the furniture business at Fishkill Landing in partnership

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

559

with Mr. Otto Deicke, one of the best upholsterers and carriage trimmers to be found on the Hudson. This partnership was terminated four years later by the death of Mr. Deicke; but his interest was taken by his son Herman and the firm continued for another year under the same style of Deicke & Edmond. The business had prospered, and the firm was carrying at this time a full line of household goods, including stoves and ranges, but their trade was largely "on time", and when the business depression came and their customers were unable to meet their obligations, the firm was forced to discontinue. Mr. Edmond was thus compelled to make a new start in life, but he had his tools and an abundant supply of "pure grit", which in combination with his trained alwlities were a sufficient capital. In 1891 he began work in repairing bicycles and upholstering furniture, and his success enabled him to open a shop of his own in Matteawan on Main street, under the ''Dibble House", in the spring of 1896. He also holds the agency for a fine line of bicycles, and is at present the manager of Scharbauer & Sargent's Bicycle Manufacturing and Repair Shops.

On June 4, 1890, Mr. Edmond married Miss Emma Deicke, a daughter of his former partner. Otto Deicke, and his wife, Marie Deicke. X^^y have two children, Romain and Bertha, and reside in a pleasant home on Washington avenue, Matteawan. Both attend the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Edmond is a member of the I. O. O. F., Evergreen Lodge, Matteawan. He has always voted the Democratic ticket.

|ANIEL H. MONKS, a well-known resi-jy? dent of Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born August 19, 1858, in Dublin, Ireland. His family has been prominent in that city for many years, and his father, the late William Monks, a native of the place and a man of independent means, passed the. greater part of his life there. With his wife, Anna (Murphy), and their family, he came to America to spend his last years, and his death occurred in the town of New Windsor, Orange Co., N. Y. He took a keen interest in all the questions of the day, and especially in political problems, his sympathies being with the Democratic party. In religious faith he was a Roman Catholic, as is his estimable wife, who survives him.

Of their seven children, the eldest, James,

gave his life for his adopted country, dying in Andersonville prison in the latter part of 1864. He enlisted first in the i6Sth N. Y. V. I., and, after receiving an honorable discharge at the end of two years' service, he re-enlisted, this time in the i 5th N. Y. Cav. He was captured three times, and the cruel hardships of the historic stockade at Andersonville finally proved too much for his gallant spirit and once strong and healthy frame. The other members of the family were: Margaret (deceased), formerly the wife of James A. Dunn, an undertaker at Newburgh, N. Y.; Mary, wife of Nicholas Lee, of Newburgh; John, a liquor dealer in the same city; Daniel H., our subject; Fannie, wife of Robert Greening, of New Windsor, N. Y.; and Anna (deceased).

D. H. Monks was but a child when his parents came to this country, and his youth was spent mainly in Newburgh. He learned the business of molding iron and brass, which he followed for some time; but in 1889 he engaged in the retail liquor business at Fishkill Landing. Since 1890 he has carried on a wholesale trade, making a specialty of Howard & Child's beer.

Mr. Monks was married, in 1886, to Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Fishkill Landing, a daughter of James Smith, whose ancestors came originally from the Emerald Isle. No children were born of this union. In politics Mr. Monks is a Democrat, and he is a prominent member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church at Fishkill.

LEXANDER HAMILTON DUDLEY.

\^ The Dudley family is of English origin, and the branch to which the subject of this sketch belongs traces its lineage to Lord Guilford Dudley and his wife. Lady Jane Gre}-. The first of the line to come to America left Leicestershire, England, at a very early period, and located in New England, where his descendants have been prominent in various walks of life, some having been Governors of States.

Asael Dudley, our subject's grandfather, married Hannah Woodhouse. He died May 31, 1830, in the eighty-second year of his age, and his wife on December 16, 1831, at the age of eighty-three. Their son, Joseph S. Dudley, our subject's father, was born in Wilton, Conn., in 1786, and died September 16, 1865. He was a tanner and currier by trade,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and owned a tannery at Hughsonville. His wife, Betsey (Cole), was a daughter of William Cole, of Wilton, Conn. She was born in 1790, and died January lo, 1855. Of their nine children only two survive. John died in infancy; William S. in 1867; Harriet in 1891; John G. on April 24, 1867; Charles H., born October 24, 1823, and died September 17, 1850; Joseph H. is still living; George W., born May 21, 1828, died January 23, 1848; Alexander H.is the subject of this sketch; Hannah M. died October 14, 1869.

Alexander Hamilton Dudley was born April 24, 1830, in the town of Peekskill, Westchester Co., N. Y., and was educated in the district schools of that locality, and at Wilton Academy, \\'ilton. Conn., where he remained one year. On leaving school he went to New York City and engaged in the business of buying and tearing down old buildings, and selling the materials. His office was located on 23rd street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues. In 1864, after eighteen years in this business, he moved to Brinckerhoff, Dutchess county, and purchased the Starr gristmill, which he has conducted ever since. The water privileges on this property are excellent as he has never been obliged to shut down during the driest season. There is an interesting history connected with the mill also, as it stands upon the site of one which was burned by the Hessians during the Revolutionary war, and was built, by order of Gen. Washington, by a detail of soldiers belonging to the Colonial forces. There is not a sawed stick in it, all have been hewed from solid hardwood and mortised together, and it bids fair to stand as solidl}' as ever through many years to come. On December 23, 1S59, Mr. Dudley was married to Miss Frances S. Hamilton, who was born November 27, 1S27, the daughter of William Hamilton. Her death occurred November 14, 1885, and Mr. Dudley afterward wedded Mrs. Mary (Brett) Fountain, daughter of James and Helen (White) Brett, and widow of Hosea Fountain, by whom she had one child. Politically, Mr. Dudley is a Republican, and a member of the Reformed Church at Fishkill.

WA L T 1-: R LIVINGSTON T E N- BROI-XK, an agriculturist whose progressive and scientific management has made him one of the successful men ot the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born

July 8, 1830, at Livingston, Columbia Co., N. Y. The district schools of that day afforded but limited educational opportunities; but such as they were he made the most of them, and by intelligent observation and constant reading he has since acquired thorough information upon many subjects, and especially upon branches of science relating to his occupation.

Mr. Ten Broeck remained at the homestead until he was twenty-five years of age, and April i, 1854, he purchased a farm near Rhinebeck; but two years later sold this property and moved to the estate upon which he has now resided for forty-one years. He possesses fine executive ability, and the 160 acres of land to which he devotes his attention are kept in a high state of cultivation. "In 1866 he became a life member of the New York State Agricultural Society, and he has always taken a prominent part in local affairs; but although he is a firm supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, he has never held public office, having refused to serve when elected. He was married in 1855 to Helen U. Schult2, daughter of Peter I. Schultz, of Rhinebe^:k, and has had eight children: Derrick Wessel; Peter S., who died at the age of eight years; Helen R. (Mrs. Wallace Traver); Albertina S., who is at home; Jane L., who died at,the age of twenty-one years; and Mary E., Lucys and Weaker T. L., who are all at home. Mrs. Ten Broeck is a leading member of the Reformed Church at Rhinebeck, and a generous worker in its varied lines of effort.

The Ten Broeck family is one of the oldest and most distinguished in America, and our subject is one of the seventh generation from Wessel W. Ten Broeck, of Munster fa city of Westphalia, Prussia, situated near the border line of Holland), who landed at New Amsterdam in 1626 in company with the Hon. Peter Minnit, third director of the Holland \\'est India Compan}'. (Cornelius Maj', of Hoorn, having been its first director, in 1624, and William \'an Hulst its second director, in 1625). .And when we reflect that the first known outline map of New Belgium (now New York), inaccurate as it was, was made in 1618; that Boston was only settled in 1630, and Maryland in 1632; that when this ancestor of the Ten-Broecks came to this countr\' in 1626, New Amsterdam (now the mighty city of New York) contained only 270 souls, including men, women and children; that Albany, the

-1 Crt

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

561

capital of our great Empire State, contained only twenty-six inhabitants, including one white woman; it may be truly said that Director Minnit and his protege. Ten Broeck, came to New Belgium when it was a very feeble colony, and, dating from that origin, this family is one of the most ancient in the New World.

Nor were the early ancestors unknown or undistinguished. The first settler became the most extensive merchant of his day at Albany; and the historical records of New York show that in 1689 Dirck Wessel Ten Broeck, his son, was employed by Gov. Dougan as embassador to Canada to settle matters of Provincial difficulty; and that in the same year he was his majesty's recorder of the city of Albany; and in 1690 the same recorder is certified to with high commendation for energy and philanthropy in relieving the people of Schenectady from suffering, after the destruction of their town by the French and Indians; and subsequently for his great zeal in furthering the Governor's designs against the French invasion then in progress. Guided by such lights, we can safely assume that the father and son, for that primitive day, were no ordinary men; but it is foreign to this notice to attempt the history of the whole family.

Other descendants, too, have shared much public honor and confidence, and it may not be inopportune to say: That the able and patriotic correspondence of Abraham Ten-Broeck, president of the committee of safety of New York, with Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress; the polish and eloquent power of Derick Ten Broeck, his son, for three sessions speaker of the House of Assembly of the State of New York; and the gallantry of Maj. Leonard Ten Broeck (the grandfather of our subject) at the taking of Bur-goyne, are matters of history so clear that no historical scholar will question the general talent, inlluence or gallantry of the descendants of the original emigrant.

Mr. Ten Broeck's father, the late Gen. Leonard W. Ten Broeck, served as a member of the State Assembly, and one term as sheriff of Columbia county, and was one of the most influential and popular men of his day. On the maternal side our subject is a grandson of Walter T. Livingston, of Clermont, a representative of another family distinguished from the earliest periods of our country's history.

Capt. Samuel Ten Broeck, an elder brother of our subject, born in Livingston June 5,

36

1826, just 200 years after the landing of his ancestor in this country, was a soldier in our Civil war, and a hero worthy of the patriotic blood of these illustrious families, identified with the Declaration of Independence and the stern trials of our Revolutionary struggle. He devoted some years of his life to mercantile pursuits, but at the outbreak of the Rebellion he was one of the first to respond to the call to arms, joining Company M, 5th N. Y. V. C, and from that time his every energy was given to his country. He died July 4, 1863, leaving a wife, son and daughter, the parting from them being his severest trial. Columbia county mourned the death of this generous and chiv-alric officer; on the day of his burial the flags of the shipping and public buildings at Hudson, a point twelve miles distant from his residence and place of burial, were lowered to half-mast; and a concourse, unequalled by numbers in that section of country upon any previous occasion, escorted his earthly remains to their last spot of rest — and affection deposited in his grave many a sprig of evergreen dedicated to his virtues and his memory. But the finale is so graphically told by one who knew and loved him well, in an obituary notice published the day succeeding his death, that we will close this notice by its insertion as follows:

Capt. Ten Broeck was one of nature's noblemen — one of the very few so happily constitute<I that he had no enemies, but many ardent, ardent friends; his nature was so genial, his benevolence .so ex|iansive, his affections so enthusiastic, that, as husband, jiarent, brother, friend, his loss is irreparable, and, therefore, deeply and widely mourned.

As Masonic brother, his heart and hand were in many charitable offices, and the tear of sorrow has often been hushed from the orphan's eye. As a companion, the light of many a social circle has been dimmed; as husband, father, and friend, his voice of cheerful kindness has been hushed forever, to leave a sad and aching void.

Capt. Ten Broeck was widely known and valued in Columbia county as a judicious and public-spirited citizen, having served as a member in its board of supervisors with marked ability, and as a member of the Assembly from its Second District in 18.5(1.

But his brightest phase of character was unswerving patriotism which shone forth brilliantly in the first booming of rebellious cannon upon the stars and stripes at Fort Sumter. Descendetl from a stock who were among the first settlers of this country, and whose swords leaped gallantly from the scabbards in the trials of 177G, his soul fjurned with native fire to resent the impious insult to our flag, and he early volunteered in a New York cavalry corps, where, amidst other active services, he endured such exposure and fatigue while following his admirable leader three weeks in the saddle, almost without intermission, that he was sent on a furlough to his home, a victim of severe typhoid fever; and, after partial recovery, urged on by over anxiety to be with his regiment and in the service of his country, he returned too soon to the scene of conflict, and still too weak to follow in the train of his intrepid commander, was intrusted with command

COMMEMORA rrVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the camp, until, hiirnc (li)wn by insiduous disease, he came home on a Ihirty-ilays' furlouf^h to recover, if ijossi-hle, vet so spent tliat'in threi; chiys after his arrival, surrounded hy his loved ones and in his own house, tliat manly spirit took flight. Farewell, dear Captain; our national day of jubilee was a fitting one for the death of so devoted a patriot.

RICHARD COURTLAND HORTON is the owner of a property in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, his handsome residence beinj; set ofT by a back ground of dense foliage, while the grounds are intersected by winding paths, the whole presenting a most attractive appearance. The farm, which comprises I 30 acres, has been brought to a high state of cultivation through the untiring efforts of our subject, and yields bountiful harvests.

Mr. Horton was born at Gayhead, town of East I'ishkili, August 2, 1832, and is a lineal descendant of Barnabas Horton, who came from England to this coimtry, in 1640, locating in Southhold, Long Island. A wing of the old house which he erected in that year is yet standing and the property is still in the possession of the Horton family. He was a minister of the Gospel, and a most excellent man.

Capt. Joseph Horton, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born at Southhold, Long Island, and there grew to manhood. He removed to New York City, and from there to Moodna, Ulster (afterward Orange) county, where his death occurred. During the Revolutionary war he had the pleasure of entertaining Gen. La Fayette and Gen. Washington at the old home. He married Miss Jane Van-Voorhis, and to them were born two sons and several daughters. Of the former, Jacob never married and lived but a short time after they located at Gayhead; Courtland was the grandfather of our subject. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Horton purchased the property at Gayhead, in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county (now owned and occupied by our subject), and at her death was buried at Hopewell, while her husband was interred on Murdners creek, or Moodna.

Courtland Horton was born at Murdners Creek, in Orange county, N. Y., and was quite a young man when he came to Dutchess county. He wedded Hannah \'an Wyck Hrincker-hoff, who was born at Hopewell, in the town of East Fishkill, where Mr. L. C. Rapalje now lives. After their marriage they located at the old homestead, where they reared their four children: Richard \'an \\'\ck, who died when

a young man; John G., who was also quite young at the time of his death; Jane, who died unmarried; and Jacob, the father of our subject. The three former were never married. The grandfather was a prominent man of his time, was a merchant at Gayhead, and was also a large landholder in the locality. Religiously he was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and his political support was given the Whig party.

.^t the old homestead at Gayhead the birth of Jacob Horton occurred, and on reaching manhood he also followed farming and merchandising at that place. He took an active part in religious affairs, assisting in the erection of the Reformed Dutch church, of which he was a member, and was first a Whig in politics, later a Republican. He married Diana Storm, a native of Hopewell, and a daughter of Col. John Storm. Her death occurred August 16, 1840, that of her husband on March 9, 1865. In the family were six children, in all: Jane, who married Edward H. Seely, of Brooklyn; Richard Courtland, subject of this sketch; John Storm; Jacob, who was a minister of the Gospel, and died in Bethel, Maine; Diana, who married Henry W. Brower, of New York City; and Elizabeth \'an Wyck. The last three are brother and half-sisters of our subject.

Upon the farm where he still resides, Richard Courtland Horton passed his early life, attending the local schools, and later pursuing his studies at Danbury, Conn., at the Amenia Seminary, and at Newburg, N. Y. .\fter finishing hi.s education he returned to the home place, where he has since resided. He was married to Miss Mary Brown, a native of Newburg, and a daughter of Judge John W. Brown, who was born in Dundee, Scotland, and held many public offices in the State, among them that of Supreme Court Judge for sixteen years, and latterly justice of the court of appeals. Two children graced this union: Mary Brown, wife of William \. Adriance, of Poughkeepsie; and Ralph Courtland, of New \ork City.

Since 1S52 Mr. Horton has given his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Politically, he is a Republican, and in 1844 was appointed postmaster at Gayhead, which position he faithfully filled for thirty years. Both himself and wife are members of the Reformed Church, and they certainly well deserve the high regard in which they are held bv all who know them. Their beautiful home

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563

indicates the refined and cuitLired taste of the inmates, and its hospitable doors are ever open to the reception of their manj' friends.

LEONARD V. PIERCE, a substantial and progressis'e horticulturist of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, is one of the most extensive grape growers in this section of the State, having upon his place several varieties of fanc}' grapes. He has been visited by many of the leading men engaged in that particular industry from all over the country, and his fruit farm has often been referred to in articles on the grape subject in horticultural magazines.

A native of Dutchess county, Mr. Pierce was born in the town of Beekman, March i8, 1842, and the family have mostly made their homes in that county for the last century, his grandfather, Daniel Pierce, having come from Westchester county about 100 years ago. He followed the vocations of carpenter and farmer.

Isaac Pierce, the father of our subject, was one of the fourteen children born to Daniel Pierce, his birth occurring in the town of East I'^ishkill, where he grew to manhood upon a farm. In early life he learned the tailor's trade, was later an agriculturist, and still later in life conducted a general store at Johnsville, Dutchess county. His political support was given to the Whig party until its dissolution, when he became a Republican.

Isaac Pierce married Jane E. Wilcox, who was also born in the town of East Fishkill, and was a daughter of Abner Wilcox, a native of Dutchess county, and a farmer by occupation. Six children blessed this union: Elizabeth, who married Abraham Stout, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill; Leonard v., our subject; Louisa, widow of Abraham Way, a wagonmaker; Cora, wife of William H. Griffin, an agriculturist of East Fishkill; Antoinette, who married DeWitt Conover (both are now deceased); Mary J., wife of Dearborn Wixon, a farmer of East Fishkill. The mother died in 1888, the father in 1893, respected by all who knew them.

The childhood of our subject was passed in the town of Beekman, but the greater part of his life was spent in East Fishkill. For eight years he clerked in the store of his father at Johnsville,since which time he has been engaged in the culture of fruit with most satisfactory- re-

sults, upon his present farm of seventy acres. He also raises vegetables, but gives his special attention to his vineyards, in which he may well take a just pride.

On December 31, 1868, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Way, who was born at Johnsville, and is a daughter of Abraham Way, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill, and a wagonmaker by trade. At their present comfortable home, which was erected by Mr. Pierce, he and his wife began their domestic life, and two sons came to brighten the household: Walter S. and Henry B. Like his father, our subject is a Republican in politics, has served as collector and supervisor of the town of East Fishkill, and and was postmaster of the village of Johnsville for many years, which position he held to the satisfaction of all concerned. For about ten years he was vice-president of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, and was also superintendent of the fruit and Hower department.

WINTHROP SARGENT, of " Wodene- the," a charming country estate in the

town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, finds in this highly-favored region an environment most congenial to a man of fine culture and artistic tastes. He was born in the city of New York, April 3, 1840, the eldest in a family of four children, of whom he is now the only survivor.

Henry Winthrop Sargent (his father), of Boston, Mass., for some years was a member of the firm of Gracie cS: Sargent, agents in that city of Welles & Company, of Paris, France, the earliest American bankers in Europe. Samuel Welles, the head of the house, was his uncle. The mother of Winthrop Sargent was Caroline, only child of Francis Olmsted, a member of the old New York firm of Peter Remsen & Company.

When Winthrop Sargent was but a few months old, H. W. Sargent, having retired from business, purchased a country estate in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, where he resided until his death in 1882. He soon became one of the leading horticulturists of the countr}-, and exhibited in the gardens and grounds of " Wodenethe " the highest skill in cultivation, and in the art of landscape gardening. At the death of his mother in 1887, Mr. Winthrop Sargent inherited "Wodenethe," where he had lived since in-

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

fancy, and where he continues to spend his summers, passing the winter months in Boston.

W'inthrop Sargent was graduated from Harvard College in the class of 1862, and from the Harvard Law School in 1864. Since the year 1766, in this college, all of the men of his family have received their education. After leaving Harvard, Mr. Sargent made an extended tour in Europe. He was married in 1873 to Miss Aimee Rotch, daughter of the late B. S. Rotch, Esq., of Boston, and granddaughter of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, who, through two administrations, was United States minister to the Court of St. James. The Rotch family were old and honored residents of New Bedford, Mass.; one of their early ancestors was Francis Rotch, the owner of the " Dartmouth," the ship from which 114 chests of tea were thrown overboard in 1773, by the indignant Colonists of Boston, disguised as Indians.

Mr. Sargent's first American ancestor was William Sargent, who came to this country from Exeter, England, in 1650, and settled on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, where he had a grant of land. His eldest son married a granddaughter of John Winthrop, first Colonial Governor of Massachusetts, since which time there has been a Winthrop Sargent in each generation of the family. A grandson of William Sargent was severely wounded in the battle of l^unker Hill; another grandson, Winthrop Sargent, commanded a sloop of war in 1745; his son, Winthrop Sargent, was a distinguished officer in the war of the Revolution, and fought at the battles of Trenton, Brandy-wine and Germantown, and endured the privations at Valley Forge. He was at one time adjutant-general to Gen. Wayne, and at another time was aid-dc-camp to Gen. Howe, and was greatly distinguished by Gen. Washington. Later he became Governor of the Mississippi Territory under the administration of President John .Adams.

Three members of the Sargent family rendered distinguished service in the war of the Rebellion, one of whom was killed in battle. A curiously romantic story has been handed down through the generations of the Sargent family since 1738. In the reign of James I, of England, there lived in London one Master George Heriot, goldsmith to the King, and, if report has spoken truly, a lender of large sums of monev to that monarch. Sir Walter

Scott made him a prominent character in his novel called the " Fortunes of Nigel," in which the King familiarly calls him "Jingling Geordie. " Some exquisite specimens of gold and silver work are still shown in England as the work of Heriot. It is related that one day, through the carelessness of the attendant, the only daughter of Master Heriot, a child of tender age, fell from the window of his house on London Bridge into the Thames below. One of her father's apprentices, Francis Osborne, seeing this, jumped from a window into the water, and saved the child from death. After some years had passed, F"rancis Osborne married his master's daughter, whose life he had saved; succeeded to his business, became a great merchant, and, like Whittington, was thrice Lord Mayor of London, and was knighted by King Charles I. One of his direct descendants was afterward ennobled, and that branch has held in succession to the present day the title and estates of the Duke of Leeds. \\'hile this was going on in England, a male descendant of Sir Francis Osborne found his way to this country in the early Colonial days, and settled in Rhode Island. One of his descendants, Hon. John Osborne, became a resident of Boston, and his daughter married, in 1738, a great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch.

ADOLPH G. HUPFEL. One of the most beautiful and well-appointed estates in this region of elegant country homes is the 200-acre farm, near Johnsville, belonging to the subject of this sketch. Nature did much for it, but no expense has been spared to add to those attractions all the improvements which artistic taste and utility could desire.

Mr. Hupfel was born

August

184;

in

Orange county, N. Y., the son of Adolph and Catherine Glaser (lu'c Bross), the former a native of Neviges, Prussia, the latter being of Holland. The family of Adolph Glaser was of some note in Prussia, he enjoying the distinction of Burgomaster of Neviges, and holding other important local offices; took part in the revolution of 1848, was banished, and after a general amnesty was declared he returned to his native place where he taught languages; he lost all through his participation in the 1848 trouble. They passed the first years of their residence in this country in New York City, where the father worked as a cabinet

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565

maker, in 1843 removine; to Orange count}', N. Y., where he engaged in the manufacture of fishing rods, which he continued until his death in 1849. His widow conducted the business about three years, and then married Anton Hupfel, who took it in charge, continuing same until 1854, when he associated himself with Roemelt & Assheimer. in the brewery business, at Nos. 223-229 38th street, New York. In 1858 he bought out his partners, and carried on the business alone until his retirement in 1873, his two stepsons, Adolph G. and John C. G. Hupfel, taking the place in partnership, under the firm name of A. Hup-fel's Sons.

Adolph G. Hupfel attended the district schools of Orange county for some years and at the age of nine accompanied his parents to New York City, where he took a course in the jiublic schools, graduating in 1861. He then spent a short time in a private school, and on leaving this entered business life at the foot of the ladder, being employed as driver of a beer wagon for two years. For the five years following he collected the debts and kept the books of the establishment, and then worked in the brewery, learning the business in all its details. His health failing at this time, he was sent to Europe to recuperate, and on his return he took charge^ of all the out-door interests of the brewery. After succeeding to the business in 1873, Mr. Hupfel and brother conducted it for ten years, together with another establishment, at the corner of i6ist street and Third avenue, which their stepfather had purchased in 1863. In 1883 John C. G. Hupfel retired froni the i6ist street and Third avenue plant, and our subject continued alone for about si.x years, when he sold a part of his interest, but continued the management. In the following year he bought his farm near Johnsville, then known as the Du Bois property, now called " Echodale." There were no improvements of any kind upon it, and he has spent many thousands of dollars in bringing it to its present state of perfection. His residence is one of the finest in the county, and his liarns are models of construction and arrangement; he still owns property in New York City, including a residence, but he makes his home constantly at the farm.

On April 11, 1870, Mr. Hupfel married Miss Catherine I\entz, of New York City, who died in February, 1871, with her only child. On May 11, 1S73, Mr. Hupfel wedded her sis-

ter, Miss Magdalen Kentz, by whom he has had four children: Catherine G., who married H. W. McMann, of New York City; and Adolph G., Jr., Antoinette G., and Otto G., all three at home. In politics Mr. Hupfel is an independent Democrat.

7ILLIAM BAKER. To the traveler of

to-day the voyage across the Atlantic is only a short pleasure trip, and it is difficult to realize the discomforts and, perhaps, hardships endured by the emigrants to this country, before the advent of steam as a motive force.

The father of our subject, John D. Baker, a native of Germany, came to America in the early part of this century in a sailing vessel, spending six months upon the way. Among the other passengers was Miss Elizabeth Rickerts, in whom he found a sympathizer in his aspirations for the freer life in the New World. For some time after landing Mr. Baker worked on Staten Island as a common laborer, but later he became a farmer, and after marrying Mis» Rickerts, settled in the town of New Paltz, Ulster county, where the subject of our sketch was born, July 16, 1820, the sixth in a family of eight children. The others were: Catherine, who married Hiram Donaldson, a farmer in Dutchess county, both deceased; Mary, the widow of the late Alanson Vail; Nancy, who married George Pray, a farmer in Dutchess county, both deceased; Jacob, deceased, a farmer and blacksmith at Freedom Plains, N. Y.; John deceased, a carpenter and farmer at Freedom Plains and New Hackensack; Henry, a miller in the town of Unionvale, and Isaac, a resident of Lagrange township. In 1823 the father moved to a farm in Freedom Plains, where he passed his remaining years. In politics he was a Republican, and he and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1854 and his wife in 1852.

William Baker was only three years old when the family moved to Freedom Plains, where he spent his early years. At the age of twenty-one he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and followed it at that place for about six years. In 1851 he went to Sprout Creek, and later to New Hackensack, carrying on his business successfully in both localities. He purchased his present farm in 1864, and built the house in which he now resides. His eighty acres of land have been highly improved under

COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his judicious manaf^ement, and make one of the best farms of the size in that section.

On January 25, 1849, Mr. Baker married his first wife, Miss Catherine E. Meddaugh, daughter of James Meddaugh, a well-known farmer of the town of I^agrange. Two children were born to them: Amiie E., who died at an early age, and Mary, the wife of Court A. Van Voorhis, a farmer in the town of Wap-pinger. Mrs. Catherine Baker died December 24, 1S75, and January 17, 1877, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Harriet A. Croft, daughter of Henry I). Xecdham, a farmer in the town of W'appinger.

In politics, Mr. Baker is a I^epublican, but he does not take an active part in public affairs, preferring a (juiet home life and the peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of his past labors.

WILLIS DE.'\N, a prominent agriculturist, residing near Wappingers F"alls, Dutchess county, is one of the most highly respected citizens of- that county. He is descended from an old English family, and his ancestors in the American line crossed the Atlantic at a very early period. John Dean, his grandfather, was a leading farmer in the town ol Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y., and Niles Dean, our subject's father, succeeded to the homestead, and followed the same occupation. He married Nancy Northrup, also a native of Putnam count}', and reared a family of nine children: Milton, a farmer in Putnam county; Rensselaer, a carpenter in Patterson, N. Y.; Anner, who married Philip Smith, a farmer in Steuben county, N. Y., both now deceased; Willis, our subject; Ursula (deceased), who married the late Benjamin Stone, a farmer in Steuben county; I-afayctte, an agriculturist in the same county; Jackson, a carpenter in Lee county, Iowa; Erastus, a machinist in Bing-hampton, N. Y.; and Oliver, a comb manufacturer in Binghampton. Our subject's father was a man of prominence in his locality, and in politics was a Whig. He died in 1837, and his wife survived him many years, departing this life in 1858.

The subject of our sketch was born at the old homestead, September 10, 1821, and re-in;iined there until he attained his majority, when he learned the butcher's trade. He followed this for two years in the same vicinity, and in 1845 moved to Glenham, I^utchess

county, and about three years afterward settled in Hughsonville. He continued his business successfully until 1875, when he retired, and purchased the farm of 100 acres upon which he has since resided. A good manager, his industry and thrift have enabled him to accumulate a competency, and in addition to his farm, he owns four houses in Hughsonville.

On December 22, 1846, he lUdrried his first wife, Miss Catherine Squires, a daughter of Jonathan Squires, a well-known farmer in Putnam county. She died in 1880, leaving no children. In 1S89 Mr. Dean married his present wife, a lady of Holland-Dutch descent, Miss Jeannie Westervelt. She is a granddaughter of Ge»rge Westervelt, and a daughter of John C. Westervelt, a native of New Jersey, who has been for years a prominent manufacturer and coal dealer in New York City. Her mother, Cornelia Westervelt, a native of New York, is no longer living.

Mr. Dean has always endorsed the principles of the Democratic party, and has held several minor offices. The Dean family is noted for advanced views on the temperance question and other reforms, and has always been connected with the Baptist Church, which both Mr. and Mrs. Dean attend.

Seven brothers are living. The eldest, Milton, is now eighty-three, and the youngest, Oliver, is sixty-si.\. They have their annual reunion in the month of June. All have Christian principles, using no intoxicating liciuors, speaking no profane language, and are straightforward in every respect.

HENRY B. KNICKERBOCKER, a representative and successful farmer of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, was born on P"ebruary 28, 1832, upon the farm which is still his home. There his grandfather, Benjamin Knickerbocker, located over a century ago, and it has been in the family ever since. The grandfather was a man of excellent judgment, and was very successful in the operation of his land. He married Alatika Smith, by whom he had four chiKlren—two sons and two daughters—namely: Peter, Alatika, Henry, and Hannah (who became the wife of Lewis A. Pulver).

The birth of Henry Knickerbocker, the father of our subject, occurred upon the homestead in 1798, and he inherited half of the place from his father. He followed agricult-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

567

ural pursuits throughout life, and in his earlier days also conducted a gristmill upon the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Pulver, daughter of Peter Pulver, and four children were born to them: Cornelius and Emeline (now deceased); Henry B., subject of this review; and Jane, widow of William Smith. The father died in 1861, the mother in 1886.

Our subject received a somewhat limited education in the district schools, but this has been greatly supplemented by extensive reading and observation in later years, so that he may be termed a self-educated man. At the age of eighteen he took charge of his father's farm, assuming the entire responsibility, and since that time has successfully managed the place. On reaching his majority he came into possession of 109 acres belonging to his father, and in 1S65 purchased of Hiram Wilson the remainder of his grandfather's farm, so that he now has a valuable place of 215 acres. He is careful and methodical in business, and has converted his land into one of the most highly cultivated and attractive places in his locality. Besides general farming he is successfully engaged in sheep raising.

On September 26, i860, Mr. Knickbocker married Miss Phcebe Stickle, daughter of Jacob and Hulda (Card) Stickle, and they have become the parents of two children: George H., of the town of Northeast, married to Julia Collin; and Fred, at home. Until President Lincoln ran for his second term, Mr. Knickerbocker had always supported the Democracy, but at that time he voted for the martyred President, and was a Republican for several years, but now his allegiance is given to the Prohibition party. He and his wife and sons are members of the Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains, of which he is an officer, and takes an active interest in Church work. In the prosperity of his town and county he has been an important factor, assisting in everything for their improvement, and throughout the community he has many warm friends.

EDGAR CLARK (deceased). The subject , of this sketch, formerly one of the leading agriculturists of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, was a descendant of one of the oldest families in the country, the head of the .'\inerican line, Thomas Clark, having been a passenger on the "Mayflower."

Several generations of the family have made their home at Plainfield, Conn., and there our subject's grandfather, Ezra Clark, was born in 1748. He came to Dutchess county in 1795, and became very prominent, owning large tracts of land, and taking an influential part in local affairs. He married Mary Douglas, and had ten children, among whom was Moses Clark, our subject's father, who was born May 20, 1785, at the old home in Connecticut. He was ten years of age at the time of his father's removal to Dutchess county, and the remainder of his life was here passed. On November 3, 1808, he married Mary Wiggins, daughter of Arthur Wiggins, of New Milford. This family was of Scotch origin, but had lived in the North of Ireland for some time previous to emigration to America. Soon after his marriage Moses Clark purchased the farm of 600 acres near Miller-ton, now owned by Ambrose Culver, and made his permanent home there. Later he bought another farm of 176 acres, now owned by his granddaughters, Elizabeth and Carrie D. Clark, and at one time he had about 1000 acres of land at diil'erent points. He was a man of great energy and excellent judgment, and possessed much influence in the community. He died August 12, 1854, and his wife April 25, 1874. They had eight children, a brief record of whom is as follows: An)brose, born September 11, 1809, married Julia A. Collin, of Northeast; Mary E., born January 13, 1811, married Ambrose Mygatt, of Amenia, N. Y.; Edgar, born February 22, 1813, was married (first) to Mary Ann Holbrook, of Northeast, and (second) to Emeline Dakin, also of Northeast; Julia L., born October 26, 1814, was married (first) to Peter Righter, of Pine Plains, N. Y., and (second) to Solomon Weaver, of Branchport, Yates Co., N. Y.; Emily A., born June 25, 1816, married George E. Crane, of New Milford, Conn.; George, born May 3,1818, was married (first) to Emily Rogers, of Fishkill, N. Y., and (second) to Ada Stevens; Harriet J., born April 19, 1827, married Willard Weed, of Torrington, Conn.; and Moses C, Jr., born April 29, 1833. None of this family are now living except Mrs. Emily A. Crane and Mrs. Harriet J. Weed.

The late Edgar Clark was a man of wide and accurate information, always interested in the topics of the day. He received a good English education in boyhood, attending the common schools near his home, and, later,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPEWAL RECORD.

the academy at Hudson. In 1837 he bought the farm where Leonard L. Barton now lives, and resided there until 1S53, when he purchased from his father the farm of 176 acres above mentioned, and moved there. On October 18, 1838, he was married to Mary Ann Holbrook, daughter of Nicholas Hol-brook, a prominent merchant of Northeast Center. She died March 3, 1849, leaving three children: Mary Elizabeth, born July -i' '839, now living at the old farm; Emily I^eora, born October 8, 1840, the wife of Mar-\ ill Reed, of LaUeville, Conn. ; and Rachel H., born June 23, 1844, who married Arthur J. Mead, of Fayetteville, N. Y. On October 15, 1849, Mr. Clark, for his second wife, married Emeline Dakin, daughter of Jacob Da-kin, in his day one of the most prominent men of the town of Northeast, and the owner of about 1,000 acres of land. One child came of this marriage, Carrie D., born December 2, 1850, who now resides on the old homestead. Her mother died December 25, 1882, a little more than five years after the death of Mr. Clark, which occurred September 12, 1877. He was an e.\cellent business man, and was often asked to assist in the settlement of estates, his integrity as well as his ability being unquestioned. Although he was not a member of any Church, his life displayed in every phase the loftiest morality. He took a hearty and generous interest in all worthy public movements, and in local affairs was a leading worker, being elected on the Republican ticket to various offices, including that of township supervisor, which he helci for several terms. During the Civil war he was active in securing the quota of men required from his township, and he greatly regretted the fact that his advanced age prevented him from going to the front himself. He was a member of Webatuck Lodge No. 4S0, F. & A. M.

EDWIN BARNES, M. D., the well-known |)li\sician of Pleasant Plains, Dutchess county, is a representative of one of our most prominent families, his own achievements in the line of his profession adding lustre to the record.

His great-great-grandfather Barnes was born on Tower Hill, London, England, and came to America before the Revolutionary

war, but returned to England early in the struggle, his .sympathies being with the British government. His family, however, were patriots, and remained in this country. His son, Joseph, our subject's great-grandfather, was born November i, 1744, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and became a farmer there. He was married, November 7, 1771, to Sarah Butts, who was born January 4, 1745. They were Quakers in faith, and both died in 18 I 3—he on March 15, she on April 5. Thirteen children were born to them, their names with dates of birth being as follows: Benjamin, August 25, 1772; Thomas, April 10, 1774; Joseph, Jr. (i), July 22, 1775; Moses, November 7, 1776; Elizabeth, June 14, 1778; Joseph, Jr. (2), December 10, 1779; John, April 30, 1782; William, October 15, 1783; Stephen and Samuel (twins), April 19, 1785; Jacob, April 19, 1787; Sarah. July 15, 1790; and Mar}-, March 12, 1793. Samuel, our subject's grandfather, lived for many years at the old homestead in the town of Clinton, and afterward in Livingston county, N. Y., but in his old age he moved to Canada, where he died. He married Fanny Armstrong, who was born October 26, 1787, and died in Pough-keepsie, January 11, 1S54. They had three children: Stephen S., born July 18, 1811; Edwin, born September 6, 1817, died April 3, 1842; and Hannah (now Mrs. Moses Camack), born December 2, 1819.

Stephen S. Barnes, our subject's father, learned the cooper's trade in early manhood, and later became the junior partner of the firm of A. B. Nash & Co., brewers, of Troy, N. Y. He married Huldah Britton Hall, daughter of Camillus Hall, of East Westmoreland, Cheshire Co., N. H., and children as follows were born to their union: Elizabeth (now Mrs. Caleb C. Hewlett), March 2, 1837; Charles Nash, February 8, 1840, a resident of Denver, Colo.; George Waters, March 27, 1842, died in infancy; Edwin, July 28, 1844, our subject; and Clark Phillips, November 11, 1846, who resides near Denver, Colo. The family always made their home in Hyde Park township, although the father's business often required his absence. He died in Anderson county, Kans.. March 29, 1886, his wife surviving until August 6, 1892.

Dr. Barnes was born in Troy, N. Y., but he passed his boyhood at the old home, attending first the district schools of Hyde Park and then a private school at Pleasant Plains,

tydLC^^<^ fiojV^-cJ-^Cf)

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569

taught by Re\'. Sherman Hoyt. He began his medical studies with an uncle, Camillus Hall, M. D.,at Burlington, Ohio, where he remained a year and a half. He then entered the Albany Medical College, but, in 1864, before his course was completed, he joined the army as a cadet on the medical staff. He served in the Department.of the Cumberland, of West Virginia, and of the East, until mustered out, February 3, 1866. In the meantime, his degree of M. D. had been conferred upon him by Albany Medical College, December 28, 1865, while he was on duty at the Ira Harris General Hospital. Ten days after his return home he began the practice of his profession at Pleasant Plains, where he has since resided.

On November 13, 1866, Dr. Barnes was married in Macedon, N. Y., to Matilda Arms-strong, whose grandfather, Jacob Armstrong, was a resident of Clinton. Her father, Truman Armstrong, was born August 15, 1804, and for the greater part of his life was a farmer in the towns of Clinton, Unionvale and Hyde Park; but in 1863 he moved to Palmyra, Wayne county, where he lived a retired hfe. He was married Sep'>.ember 19, 1833, to Elizabeth Powell, who was born February 15, 1804, and they had four children: (i) Daniel, born December 27, 1833, was a machinist in New York and Chicago, and died January 25, 1891; (2) Jacob, born August 30, 1837; {3)

Theodore, born , 1845, who died in

infancy; (4) Matilda, born August 11, 1841, and (5) Anna, November 22, 1842. Jacob enlisted in Company D, 128th N. Y. \'. I., and served until mustered out with the rank of first lieutenant, July 28, 1865. He took part in a number of important battles, among them being Port Hudson, Pleasant Hill, Sabine Cross Roads, Winchester, Cedar Creek, being taken prisoner at the latter place, and not again joinmg his regiment until February, 1865. After the war closed he engaged in the real-estate and lumber businesses in Chicago, where he died June 15, 1893. Mrs. Barnes' father died at Palmyra, January 13, 1878, her mother surviving until September 9, 1883. Our subject's pleasant home has been brightened by three children, of whom the first, Marion, born February i, 1868, died October 25, 1871; the others are Myrta Elizabeth, born August 17, 1877; and Percy Raymond, August 9, 1880.

In politics the Doctor is a Republican, and he took profound interest in the abolition of slavery. Professionally, he stands high, and

he has been president of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and vice-president of the New York Medical Association.

EDMOND A. MOREY (deceased) was one of the popular and highly respected citizens of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, and at the time of his death was connected with the Harlem railroad. The Morey family was founded in Dutchess county by his grandfather, Abraham Morey, who was born in Connecticut, September 15, 1778, and from his native State he removed to Dutchess county, locating in the town of Washington. He was a prominent farmer. He was the ninth son of Stephen and Sarah Morey, who were born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. When he had attained to man's estate he was married on Christmas Day, of 1806, to Miss Phebe Boyce, who was born in the town of Washington, June 9, 1780, and was the daughter of Isaac and Remembrance Boyce. Si.x children were born to them; Alonzo, born November 5, 1807, died April 5, i860 (he served two terms as sheriff of Dutchess county); Barak, the father of our subject, was next in order of birth; Alanson was born January 5, 1810; Harriet, born I'ebruary 25, 1812, was married October 22, 1856, to Isaiah Reynolds, by Rev. Abram Davis, at her father's home, in the town of Washington, and she died March 4, 1888, at the age of seventy-six years; Julia, born November 27, 1816, died November 26, 1887, at the age of seventy-one years; and Priscilla, born May 13, 1821, died September 7, 1872. The father of this family died July 15, 1859, at the age of eighty years and ten months, and his wife passed away on September 18, 1866.

Barak Morey, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, December 16, 1808, and there received his education in the common schools. He later, for some time, engaged in merchandising at Hulls Mills, Dutchess county, and on disposing of that business purchased a farm in the .town of Amenia, which he cultivated for thirty years. He always took a great interest in politics, and held a number of town offices to the satisfaction of all concerned. His earthly career was ended on April 12, 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years.

Barak Morey was twice married, his first union being with Miss Mary L. Toby, daughter

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

of Albert Toby, of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county; she died September i8, 1847, leaving one child, Albert B., who was born August 29, 1847, 3nd died, unmarried, November 7, 1S92, aged forty-five years. Mr. Morey was again married December 9, 1849, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Elizabeth Howes, a daughter of Edmond Howes, a farmer of Sullivan county, N. Y. Of the five children that graced this union Edmond A. was the oldest. Alonzo H., born December 20, 1853, never married, and died February 23, 1893, at the age of thirty-nine 3'ears. Ira A., born September 28, 1856, died November 10, 1880, at the age of twenty-four years. Cinda E., born February 28, i860, married Reuben A. Brown, of Westfieid, Mass., who is now engaged in the manufacture of cigars at I^uffalo, N. Y. Samuel, born June 14, 1862, makes his home at Amcnia, where he is engaged in business.

Mr. Morey, of this review, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Stanford, on September 15, 1851, and his education was such as the common schools afforded. Most of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, but after his removal to Dover Plains he was in the employ of the Harlem railroad. A stanch Democrat in politics, he kept well posted in regard to current events, and held a number of minor town offices. Social!)', he held membership with the Odd Fellows lotige of Poughkeepsie, No. 297, and also belonged to the Odd F'ellows Mutual Benefit Association of Dutchess county. He was classed among the best people of the community, well worthy of any distinction that might have been conferred upon him. Mr. Morey was united in marriage with MissThedorah Odell. a daughter of Samuel and Elmira Odell. of Pleasant Valley, and to this union was born one child, Jennie E., born September 21, 1874, and on September 2, 1896, at half-past two o'clock, was married by the Rev. S. J. McCutcheon to Emanuel C. Benson. Edmond A. Morey passed to the unseen world December 19, 1896, at the early age of forty-five years.

Samuel D. Odell, father of Mrs. Morey, was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, July 3, 1793, and was the son of Samuel D. and Sarah Ann (Doty) Odell, the former a native of the town of Washington, and the latter of Salt Point, Dutchess county. In early life he learned the hatter's trade, which he followed for a number of years, but

afterward engaged in farming and carpentering. By his marriage with Miss Permelia Marshall, he had ten children; Edwin, Sallie A., George, Bartlet, Marshall, Lewis, William, Seneca, Elizabeth and Joseph; of these, Seneca was made colonel of the 28th Regiment. September 5, 1862, which regiment went out 1,600 strong, and when mustered out, July 13, 1865, numbered but 400. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Almira Baker, who was born in 1822, and was the daughter of John Baker, of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county. Si.x children blessed this union: Leander, born December 21, 1844, married Miss F'rances Hustead ino children were born to them); Charles A., born November 29, 1846, was in the Union army during the Civil war, and is now married and has two children; Jacob J., born May 16, 1849, married Mrs. Elmira Finkle, and they have one child, Mary; Theodora, born May i, 1851, is the wife of our subject; Mary F., born October 29, 1853, wedded Andrew Lake, a soldier of the Civil war, who now receives a pension, and they have nine children—Oran, Ale.x. James, Fred, Arthur J., Mary, Ah'ereta, Alice and Ida; and Cornelia, born April 27, 1858, died August 18, 1866, at the age of eight years.

POLHEMUS W. MYER, leading agriculturist of the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county, is a member of one of its old and highly respected families. His ancestors came from Holland at an early period, and his grandfather, Reuben Myer, was born in that county and spent his life there. He married Catherine Van \'oorhis, and had seven children, none of whom are now living: (i) John R. was a farmer upon the estate now owned by our subject; (2) Abraham R. resided in Hughsonville; ('3) Zachariah was a hotel-keeper in Arlington, Dutchess county; (4) Egbert was a resident of Hughsonville; (5) Ellen married William Van-Voorhis, a carriage painter; (6) Nancy married William Monfort; and (7) Warren D.

Warren D. Myer, the youngest of the family, was born and reared in New Hackensack, and in early manhood began his successful mercantile career by clerking for his brother in Hughsonville, where he afterward conducted a general store for twenty-si.x years. His wife was Miss Susan Lyster, daughter of John P. Lyster, a well-known farmer of East Fishkill, and a descendant of another old Holland-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

571

Dutch family. They attended the Presbyterian Church, and were prominent in its work. Ill later years Mr. Myer purchased the present homestead, near Hughsonville, where he resided until his death, in 1872. His wife survived him twenty years. Of their four children, the eldest, Delancey L., died in 1891, and Margaret and Olevia died in infancy.

The subject of this biography, the youngest child, was born in Hughsonville, July 31, 1846, and after availing himself of the educational facilities of his native town settled at the homestead, and the management of its 133 acres has since occupied his attention. On September 6, 1S83, he married his first wife, Miss Kitty H. Denny, a native of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county. They had two children—Maud K. and Emma H., who are both at home. Their mother died October 22, 1888, and on October 25, 1893, Mr. Myer wgs again married, this time to Miss Jennie E. Cutler, who was born in Westchester county, the daughter of Cyrus Cutler, a prominent farmer.

Mr. Myer is a Democrat, as was his father before him, but his influence is exerted in a quiet, though forceful, way.

HENRY HOFFMAN, who was born on January 26, 1S29, in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, was there successfully engaged in farming for many years. He was a worthy representative of an old and honored family of the locality. The founder of the family in the New World was Hendrick Hoffman, his great-grandfather, who was born in Germany about 1719, and on crossing the water located in Ancram,"Columbia Co., N. Y., where he secured the farm now occupied by his great-grandson, Frederick Barton. By his marriage with Sybil Magdalene Yunghans he became the father of three children: Henry, who was the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ancram January 6, 1761; Matthias, who married Anna Maria Strever, and Margaret, who wedded a Mr. Talmadge, of Rensselaer county, N. Y., a distant relative of T. DeWitt Talmadge.

The grandfather came to the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, in 1812, locating on the hill where the Hoffman Mills now stand, and in this town he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1840. He was one of the most prosperous farmers of the vicinity, owning 500

acres of valuable land. His wife, who was born January 6, 1762, survived him about ten years. On January 15, 17S6, he had married Catherine Veterle, of Red Hook, N. Y., and they became the parents of ten children, namely: Margaret, born September 25, 1786, married Rowland Sweet, of Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y.; Catherine, born October 12, 1788, died unmarried; Eleanor, born December 28, 1790, married Walter Dorchester; Henry, born May 17, 1793, married Almira Culver, of Pine Plains; Polly, born August 27, 1795, married Jeremiah Conklin, of Pine Plains; Catherine, born January 28, 1798, died in childhood; one child, born June 15, 1799, died in infancy; Betsey, born May 28, 1800, married George Barton; Laura, born June 23, 1803, married Artemas Sackett, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county; and Anthony was born in Ancram, Columbia county, September 15, 1805.

Anthony Hoffman, the father of our subject, spent his entire life upon the farm which his father had located in the town of Pine Plains, where the family had long been a leading and prominent one in the community.' He was a progressive and enterprising man, and kept the old homestead property intact. He was married to Sally Barton, of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and to them were born the following children: Henry, of this review, was the eldest; Sarah, born December 6, I S31, wedded Herman Snyder, of Gallatin, Columbia county; Leonard, born November 24, 1833, died unmarried; Catherine, born February 22, 1835, married J. Culver Hoag; Julia, born October 30, 1837, became the wife of Elias Halstead, of Ancram; Laura, born January 20, 1840, married Edgar Eggleston, of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, and Anthony, born September 8, 1844, died unmarried. All of the children are now deceased with the e.xception of Catherine and Laura. The father's death occurred September 10, 1876; his wife passed away November 23, 1884.

Our subject was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood, and in a select school at Millerton, Dutchess county, conducted by E. W. Simmons, and by reading in subsequent years became a well-informed man. He succeeded to the eastern end of the old homestead, consisting of 153 acres, and on that farm spent his entire life. He was naturally a man of good business ability, and was numbered among the substantial and industri-

COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD.

oils farmers of Pine Plains. The farm is now occupied by his only child, Leonard, making the fourth generation that has resided there. In 1866 Mr. Hoffman married Miss Mary A. Strever, who was born July 31, 1836, and is a (laughter of Adam and Eliza fEno) Strever. Their son Leonard married Ella J. Miller, daughter of Adam Miller, of Pine Plains, and they have two children, Ira and Harry. Mr. Hoffman used his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic [jarty, and took an active interest in public affairs. He was straightforward and honorable in his dealings, and gained the high regard of all with whom he came in contact.

The Strever family, of which Mrs. Hoffman is a member, is of German origin, and the name was formerly spelled Streibel, later corrupted to Strevel and afterward to Strever. About 1720 Johannes Strever came to America from the Fatherland, and on his arrival in New York City was sold to pay his passage. A man by the name of Couse brought him to the town of Milan, Dutchess county, where he worked his time out. He was born December 24, 1731,' and married Maria Dings, who was born in 1742, the daughter of Adam Dings. His death occurred February 24, 1804, and his wife survived him about four years. In their family were si.\ children, namely: John Adam, born June i, 1760, married Lizzie Strever; Jacob, born June 18, 1762, married Anna Maria Hoysradt; Anna Maria, born April 5, 1764, married Matthias Hoffman; Eva, born March 27, 1766, became the wife of Hendrick Hoysradt; John, born July 4, 1768, wedded Mary Hoysradt; and Benjamin, born November 8, 1771, married Maria Righter.

The ne.xt in direct line to Mrs. Hoffman is John Strever, who was born on a farm near Ancram Lead Mines, now owned by Jacob Miller, and by his marriage with Mary Hoysradt had ten children: Polly, born October 23, 1790, became the wife of Cornelius Hoysradt; Henry, born March 18, 1793, married Betsey Snyder; John, born January 13, 1796, never married; Adam, born March 13, 1798, was the father of Mrs. Hoffman; Elizabeth, born April 28, 1800, died while young; Benjamin, born June 20, 1802, married Cornelia Snyder; J. Iloysradt, born November 24, 1805, wedded Abbie Marsh; Tammy, born in November, 1807, became the wife of John Silvernail; Eliza, born February 9, 1810, died unmarried; and Fanny, born January 18, 1812,

also died unmarried. On June 7, 1790, the father of this family purchased of Mr. Graham, one of the Little Nine Partners, 700 acres of land, for which he gave 900 pounds in English money, and that property has been in the family ever since.

On the family homestead Adam Strever, the father of Mrs. Hoffman, was born and reared his family. He was an able financier, being very successful in business matters, upright and reliable, and could be depended upon under any circumstances. He was naturally a quiet man, and one of the most highly esteemed men of the community. He married Miss Eliza Eno, daughter of Julius and Amanda Eno, of Schoharie county, N. Y., and to them were born three daughters: Mary Amanda, now Mrs. Hoffman; Jane W., born November 23. 1837; and Julia, born August 30, 1840. On August 27, 1872, the last named married Daniel Poole, by whom she had one son, Strje-ver, and her death occurred August 6, 1895. The father passed away February 18, 1872, and the mother on July 25, 1845.

Among many heirlooms, Mrs. Hoffman has a German Bible, sent to Johannes Strever some time after his arrival in this country, and it is now about 140 years old. This family, it is quite evident, was one of considerable standing in the Old World.

MARTIN W. COLLINS, a pronnnent business man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born October 14, 1847, in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and is a member of one of the old families of that locality.

The following record is given of Mr. Collins' immediate paternal ancestors: Isaac F. Collins, his father, was born May 22, iSi8, in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., N. Y.; Martin W. Collins, his grandfather, was born in the town of Rhinebeck, in 1790; and Joshua Collins, the great-grandfather, was born near Providence, R. I. He was the son of Joseph Collins, who was a native of England, and came to America, settling near Providence, where he reared a laige family of children, of whom the sons were- : Joshua, Hezekiah, Joseph, William and Charles. Of these, Hezekiah came to Dutchess county, N. Y., and settled on a farm in Unionvale; he married, and reared a large family. Joseph lived in Rhode Island, where his family became prominent.

Tl^Lon^ TP^ Cuiu^

COMME^VORATirE BIOORAPHICAL RECOHD.

578

William also made hi^^ homo in Rhode Island, and there reared a family. Charles removed to Columbia county, X. V., where he married and settled on a (arm; he had two children, one of whom. Charles, became a lawver and lived in Brooklyn.

Joshua, the eldest of the family above recorded, and great-j^randfather of our subject, was reared in Rhode Island, where he married Mary White, and shortly after ^about 1774") came to New York, settling in Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and taking charge of property belonging to Gen. Montgomery. In iSoo he bought a farm in eastern Pleasant N'alley, where he remained until his death in iSjg. He had a family of seven children, namely: ,\^ Henry, married Miss Cox, of Rhinebeck, and followed farming, yi') Gideon married Miss Sweet, of Lithgow, Dutchess county, moved to Chautauqua, N. Y., and there reared a family. (3) Joshua married Miss Rowe, and located at Cocymans, N. Y.. from there moving to Illinois. 14) Susan married Caleb Angevine, a stock dealer in Now York City. (5) Oliver married Miss Ward, and lived in Pleasant ^■alley (he was a school teacher, and also a merchant). (6) Patty married Minavd \'elie, who was a farmer and sltK~kraiser, of .Lagrange. 1^7) Martin W. was the grandfather of our subject.

Martin W. Collins lived in Rhinebeck until ten years of age, but was reared to manhood in Pleasant \'alley. He married Miss Nancy Forman, a native of tlie latter place, and for some time after his marriage lived on his father's farm. He afterward bought a large farm in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he died October i, 1876, his wife surviving him until November JO, 1886. He served as lieutenant in the war of 181J, and was very prominent with the Democratic party of his locality, and heltl the office of supervisor for many terms, and also superintendent of the County Poor. To the union of this worthy couple were born four children: (0 Joshua, the eldest, is living at Wappingers Falls at the age of eighty-two years; he has for many years been a minister of the Gospel, Presbyterian Church, but is now retired from active work. {2) Mary A. married William H. Ciurncy, who lived in Dutchess county, and was a stockdealer in New York City. (3^ Isaac is our subject's father. (^4) Rhoda, who never married, is now seventy-four years old. In religion the family were Uuakers.

Isaac Collins, father of our subject, grew up on his father's farm, and earl_\- in life studied surveying and engineering, which profession he followed during the greater part of his life. He married Miss Phabe J. Holmes, who was born at Pleasant \'alley August lo, 18^2. Slx^ was the daughter of Isaac Holmes, a farmer, and granddaughter of Joseph Holmes, who came from Westchester county, N. Y. The family was of Gorman descent. Four children were born to Isaac Collins and his wife, as follows: ^H Isaac H. died when eight years old. (J^ Mary .\nn married James Ho-gan, of Rhinebeck, and died December \2, 1871. 1^3'' Martin W. is our subject. ^4) Peters 11. died at five years of age. The mother passed away March 10, 1895; the father is now living in Poughkeepsie, at the age of seventy-seven years. He is a Democrat, and was county superintendent of schools from 1868 to 187J, taking an active part in all matters pertaining to education. Ho and his wife contributed liberally to the support of the Second Reformed (."lunch at Poughkeepsie, and have always commatuiod the respect and esteem of the community.

Martin W. Collins, the subject of this sketch, lived in the town of Washington, whore he attentled the district school until ho was fifteen years old, when his parents removed to Rhinebeck. Ho then entered the Dutchess County Academy. Poughkeepsie, where he remained two years, and for one year was a student in the Seminary at Ameiiia. In 1870 he began teaching at Rhinebeck, continuing in this occupation some live years. In the fall of 1873 he was elected school commissioner, and was re-elected in 1877, serving until January I, 1882. At this time ho formed a partnership with Henjamiii W. \'an Wyok in the marble and granite business, under the firm name of \'an Wyck cS: Collins, in which business he is still engaged.

Mr. Collins was married September 19, 1870. to Miss Mary, daughter of Isaac P'. Kir-by. of NewA'ork. who died in .\ugust. 1873. One child was born to them. Jennie, who married William K. Hrown, of Poughkeepsie. Mr. Collins, on December .'o, 1877, married, for his second wife. Miss lunily M., daughter of William I. Foster, a farmer of Pleasant \'al-ley. i^riio I'Yisters are of luiglish descent, and came to Dutchess county from New Ilamp-shiroV C>f this union two childron have boon born: Maltie V. and Ruth M.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Collins is a Democrat, and ia public-spirited man, one who takes an active interest in all public matters. He is broad and progressive in his ideas, and as a loyal citizen is held in the highest esteem. Socially he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and K. of P., and he and his wife attend the Reformed Church.

CHARIJ-:S EMERY BAKER. As pioneer farmers of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, the Baker family held a prominent place in the development of that town in early days, and the numerous descendants of this generation ably sustain the reputation won by their forefathers for industry, business acumen and public spirit.

Henry Baker, the grandfather of our subject, was born at the old homestead, and became the owner of a farm of about loo acres, admirably adapted to the dairy business, which land is still in the possession of the family. He was a successful man, and was regarded as a representative citizen of his town. He was married, and reared a family of eight children. The five sons, James, Warren, John, Henry and Joshua, all followed agricultural pursuits. The three daughters were Ann, who married Harry Peck; Betsey, the wife of Luman White; and Hulda. All lived to the age of nearly si.xty years or more, but have now joined the silent majority.

Harry ISaker, our subject's father, was born on the old homestead in 1818, and succeeded to it after the death of his father, buying out the claims of the other heirs. Hisentire life was passed there, and he added to the acreage from time to time. Possessing the usual native ability, he was even more influential in public life than his father, for many years taking active part in the support of Republican principles. He served as assessor from eight to ten years, also held other important offices of the town at different times, and was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Reynolds-ville. His death occurred in February, 1883, and his wife, Rebecca Jane Denton, followed him May, i S93. She was a native of Reynolds-ville, a daughter of Josiah Denton. Our subject was one of the family of seven children, as follows: Josiah was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in 1862, but only lived four weeks thereafter, dying of smallpox. George H., the eldest living, and a farmer in Putnam county, married Ann Rent, but has no children.

James H., a resident of Pawling, was twice married, first to Anna Gage, and after her death h& wedded her sister, Sarah; by his first wife he had two children: William and Anna. Charles Emery, our subject, comes next. Amos D. is deceased. John Wesley, who resides at the homestead, married Ida I^allard, and they have two children, the elder, Harry, being now deceased, the j'ounger, Stanley, yet living. David L., the youngest brother of our subject, a resident of Matteawan, married Emma I^adue, and has two children: Edith M. and Ralph.

Charles E. Baker, our subject, was born at Re\'nolds\ille, April 27, 1849, and his educational opportunities were restricted to an attendance at the district schools of that village until the age of twenty, the last four years being limited to the winter term. Study was a pleasure to him, and he became especially proficient in mathematics, while a wide course-of reading in later years has kept him well abreast with the topics of the time. At twenty-one he left home to engage in fanning, and after his marriage, in 1872, to Miss Juliette Mead, daughter of Robert Mead, of Farmers Mills, Putnam county, he spent one year on the Mead homestead. On April i, 1873, he settled on his present farm in the town of Pawling. The place was known as the Hillcr homestead, and was owned by Alfred Hillcr; but, after nine years, Mr. Baker purchased the property, which contains 255 acres, and is considered one of the best farms in the town. As Mr. Baker had only $300 when he moved to this farm, he may well be proud of the success which his industry and good management have brought him. He is interested largely in dairying, keeping about sixty cows. In politics he has always been a Republican and an active one, having attended many conventions. In 1891 and 1892 he held the office of commissioner of highways. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pawling. Socially, he is a member of Dover Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., of Dover Plains.

Of their three children, Charles H. is a graduate of the military school at Claverack, in Columbia county, while Edith V. is attending school at Chappaqun, Westchester county, and I'Vances L., the youngest, is at home.

Mrs. Baker, wife of our subject, was born January 14, 1850, near F"armers Mills, in Putnam coimty, a daughter of Robert and Abbie M. (Smith) Mead, who were the parents of three

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

57')

children: Naomi J., wlio married James W. Tompkins, a farmer of East Fishkill, and has two children: Nellie and William D.; Juliette (Mrs. Baker) comes next; and Robert R., who married Addie O. Thomas, and resides at Mat-teawan, where he is engaged at horse dealing. The father of these was born in Putnam county in 1822, and died in 1858. By occupation he was a farmer and drover, and also conducted a store. He was a Democrat. The mother was born in Putnam county in 1819, and died in January, 1894.

CLEMENT HAIGHT, who has ever been _ closely identified with the agricultural interests of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, was born August 27, 1814, on the farm where he still makes his home. His ancestors came from England to America, the founder of the family in this country, Simon Haight, landing in 1628. He had a son, Nicholas (i I, who married Susanna Joyce, and had a son, Samuel; Samuel married, and became the father of Nicholas (2), who married Patience Titus, and had a son, Jacob (i); Jacob (ij by his marriage with Sarah Hicks became the father of Jacob (2), the grandfather of our subject. Jacob i2) married Phcebe Haviland, and to them were born seven children, as follows: Jacob (3), who in early life engaged in farming in the town of W'ashington, Dutchess county, but later removed to Virginia, where he owned a tract of land; John, who operated a farm and engaged in cider-making at Mill-brook, N. Y.; Isaac, father of our subject; Elizabeth, who wedded Philip Allen, a farmer, tanner and currier; Patience, who died unmarried; Sarah, who became the wife of Abner Wing, a resident of W^ashington town, but whose death occurred in Ohio; and Charity, who married Obediah Thorne, an agriculturist of Washington town. The grandfather always followed the pursuit to which he was reared, and died in the faith of the Society of Friends. On the old family homestead Isaac Haight, the father of our subject, was born November 25, 1784. He married Johanna Clement, a native of Long Island, whose father was a shoemaker by trade. To them were born five children: Clement; Phcebe is the widow of Daniel B. Haight, who carried on farming in Washington town; Jacob C., who was also an agriculturist, is now deceased; Mary T.; and one deceased in infancy. The father's entire

life was devoted to farm labor, and on the old home farm both he and his wife passed away, the former in 1856 and the latter in 1855. They belonged to the Society of Friends, and in politics Mr. Haight was an Old-line Whig.

Clement Haight grew to manhood under the parental roof, receiving the usual educational advantages afforded by the schools of that day, and was active, industrious and capable in the discharge of the farm duties falling upon him. He was united in marriage with Maria C. Almy, a native of Otsego county, N. Y., and a daughter of Clark Almy, an agriculturist of that county. Their entire married life was spent upon the Haight homestead, which he operated, with the exception of three years he was engaged in merchandising at Little Rest, Dutchess county. Three children came to brighten their home: Clark A., a farmer of the town of Washington; Marian and Isaac. Mrs. Haight was called from this earth in ICS93, leaving many friends to mourn her departure from their midst.

Our subject is numbered among the substantial and thrifty farmers of his township, where he owns a valuable farm of i 50 acres, which for the care and labor bestowed upon it yields a golden tribute in rich and bountiful harvests. His ballot is generally cast with the Republican party, but he is also a strong Prohibitionist. He believes that precept should be accompanied by practice, and his exemplary life has won the confidence and respect of all.

GEORGE BROWN, a wealthy agriculturist residing near Fishkill Plains, Dutchess county, is one of the most progressive and scientific workers in that ancient calling to be found in this region, his extensive estate being managed in a model manner.

He is the son of the late David H. Brown, who was born in London, England, April 20, 1806, and crossed the Atlantic at the early age of twelve years, in the care of a friend of the family. After a short stay in Quebec, Canada, he ran away and joined a party of Indian traders, with whom he remained about five years at the head of the Mississippi. On lea\*-ing them he went to Nantucket and learned the ship-carpenter's trade, which he followed throughout his active business life, principally in New York City, but to some extent in Georgia and New Orleans, La. In politics he was in his later years a Republican. He married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPUICAL RECORD.

Miss Maria Van Slyck, a lady of Holland-Dutch descent, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers in Columbia county, where her father, Barant Van Slyck, was a prominent farmer. For some years after his marriage Mr. Brown made his home in New York City; but in 186/ he bought the farm now owned by our subject, and resided there a few years. His wife died December 12, 1869, and in 1872 he purchased another farm on the banks of the Hudson river, where he passed his declining years in retirement. He departed this life September 19, 1889.

George Brown, whose name opens this sketch, was born in New York City, February 13, 1841, and was the eldest of three children. Henry, the second son, is now a patient in the Hudson River State Hospital; he succeeded to the farm lying on the Hudson. Catherine, the youngest child, died in infancy. After acquiring an education in the schools of the metropolis, our subject engaged in the retail grocery business; but since 1867 he has lived upon his farm, which contains 235 acres, and lies upon the line between Wappinger and East Fishkill. He raises a variety of crops, and devotes much of his time to the care of his estate. So far, he has not donned the matrimonial yoke. Intelligent and progressive in his ideas, he stands high in his locality. He votes the Republican, ticket, and is a member of the F". & A. M., Hopewell Lodge No. 596.

GEORGE HUGHES. Among the leading merchants of Foughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is found this gentleman, who is proprietor of the largest furniture establishment on the Hudson river.

Mr. Hughes was born in County Armagh, Ireland, February 8, 1S43, and is a son of I'Vancis and Rose (Ward) Hughes, the former (jf whom was born in County .Armagh, in 1808. The family is of Welsh-Briton ancestry, but nio:;t of its members have been residents of Ireland for centuries past, and the old homestead in the county mentioned is still in the hands of relatives of our subject. For many years the men of this family have been builders and contractors, and were the leaders in this line of business in their locality; also had contracts in England. Scotland and on the continent. Charles Hughes, an uncle of our subject, built the cathedral in the city of Armagh, the church and school in Middle-

town, and the church and parochial school in Ready; he was also a great railroad bridge builder in the British Isles. His son Charles succeeded him in business, and owns the old homestead yet. Bernard Hughes, a cousin of Francis, is the largest baker in the world, his bread finding its way to the continent, and to England and Scotland; he grinds his own flour, and ships car-loads of bread every morning, employment being given to four hundred men in his establishments. His popularity is great, and he has served as mayor of Belfast, the chief city in the North of Ireland. The Right-Rev. John Hughes, formerly Archbishop of New York, was of this family, and many other Catholic prelates originated from same.

Owen Hughes, the grandfather of our subject, and who was a farmer and builder, married Miss PhcL-be Thornton, a native, like himself, of County Armagh, and a member of one of the oldest families of that section, of ancient Briton ancestors who settled in Ireland after the Conquest of Britain by the Romans. This family also had many extensive contractors and builders in New York City, William, Bernard, John, Peter and Hugh Thornton being of the number. Seven children were born to Owen Hughes and his wife, as follows: Bernard, who was a large land owner. George (whom our subject is named after), who died when a young man; he was noted for his great strength and athletic powers. Charles, who remained in Ireland. Francis, who came to America. Mathew, who lived in Ireland. Phcebe, who married a Mr. Hagan, of Middle-town, County Armagh. Bridget, who never, married, and remained in Ireland.

F"rancis Hughes, the father of our subject, received a liberal education, for his time, in the schools of Middletown and city of Armagh, and learned the cooper's trade. Prior to coming to America he also followed farming and cooperage, dealing in cattle in conjunction with his trade. In 1840 he built a fine stone house on his farm at Carriclane. On first arriving in this country he lived for a time in Rochester, N. Y., where I'Vancis L. Hughes and Edward Denney (a relative) lived. He afterward went to New York City, and was engaged with the Thornton Brothers in building and contracting in that city and in Brooklyn for a number of years. In partnership with George Clark, he erected several blocks of buildings in those cities, and about 1854

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577

took a contract from Matthew V'assar to build V'assar Row on Main street, and for the large carriage factory of J. W. Fredericks, in Pough-keepsie. In all of these contracts they did all the work, masonry, carpentering, etc., completing each job in full, and turning the keys over to the owners.

On May i, 1854, George Clark and Mr. Hughes brought a boatload of building tools and material, twenty-five workmen and their families, their own families and house-furnishing goods, and Mr. Hughes took up his residence in Poughkeepsie, where he carried on business the remainder of his life. During his later years he became a great friend of Matthew Vassar, acting as a sort of manager and confidential adviser. Mr. Hughes was a man of strong will and great energy, and was successful in his enterprises, becoming quite wealthy before his death. In 1842 he was married to Miss Rose Ward, daughter of Bryan Ward, of County Monaghan, Ireland, the same county from which Gen. John A. Logan came. The Wards were an influential family in Ireland, and of old Irish stock going back before the time of St. Patrick, and were largely engaged in farming and stock-raising, while Bryan Ward was a great horse-breeder, jobber and dealer. Col. James Kelly, who succeeded Col. Corcoran, 69th Regiment, after the battle of Bull Run, was of this family. Two children were born to Francis Hughes and his wife: George, the subject of this sketch, and Sarah Ann, who became the wife of Patrick Campbell of Brooklyn, but is now deceased. Mr. Campbell has just retired from the Brooklyn police force, in which he made a fine record of over twenty years' service. Francis Hughes died February 5, 1882, and his wife on April 29, 1873.

George Hughes obtained his early education in the schools of Middletown, County Armagh, Ireland, where he was under the instruction of Prof. Afinew, a member of the family of which the celebrated Dr. Agnew, of New York, is one. After coming to America he attended St. Paul's school, in Brooklyn, of which Prof. Bridges was in charge, and finished his schooling in Poughkeepsie. He has been a great reader all his life, has a most retentive memory and is especially well-versed in history. He is a man of broad and progressive ideas, well-informed on a variety of subjects, and keeps abreast of the times.

After leaving school Mr. Hughes learned 37

the trade of a carriage painter and finisher with David Olmstead, with whom he was employed until i860. He then took charge of a carriage shop at Libertyville, Ulster county, for two years, and the following year worked for the Brewsters, in New York City, at his trade. In 1864 he moved to Peekskill, and took charge of a carriage shop for Golding & Lent. On October i, following same, he came back to Poughkeepsie and went into business for himself on Grand street, where he worked at carriage manufacturing, painting and trimming until 1867. He then went into the Red Mill building, his business having largely increased, he doing the painting and trimming work for the small wagon and carriage makers for from thirty to forty miles around Poughkeepsie, and making a financial success of a then new business enterprise.

In February, 1870, Mr. Hughes bought out Charles H. Wygant, a carriage manufacturer in Newburgh, Orange Co., N. Y., and who had just been elected sheriff, and carried on the business very successfully until 1873. The lease being broken, however, by the sale of the property by John P. Embler's creditors, Mr. Hughes was obliged to give up the property, so in 1873 he returned to Poughkeepsie, and on April 29, of the same year, purchased the large building comprising Nos. 406, 408 and 410 Main street. Of this he retained No. 406 for his own establishment, as carriage repository, same year building a three-story brick structure in the rear of Nos. 406, 408 and 410, for his carriage and sleigh manufactory, and fit-tad up the remainder for the furniture store and warerooms of Coe & Deyo. In 1S75 he sold out the carriage manufacturing business and leased the building to Schoonmaker & Bailey for a term of ten years, for a time retiring from active business; but his energetic nature would not allow him to long remain idle, and in the fall of the same year he took up the auction and commission business, which he carried on until 1880. In 1887 Mr. Hughes purchased the old George Carson property, known as Nos. •398, 400, 402 and 404 Main street, and Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 South Hamilton street, including the corner of those two streets. The buildings on South Hamilton street had been old frame landmarks, which Mr. Hughes caused to be torn down, in their place erecting the present substantial and commodious stores. The South Hamilton street property consisted of a solid rock, towering some twenty-five or

COMJfEMOSA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thirly feet above the level of the street, a property that real-estate dealers were afraid to speculate in. Undoubtedly the site was valuable, and at one time the former owner had refused as much as $40,000 for it! Four years were spent by Mr. Hughes in blasting and hauling away this massive rock before it was brought to a proper level, and the cellar floor for the block of buildings about to be erected there is solid rock. The foundation and inside masonry of the new Christ Church building in Poughkeep-sie is of rock hauled from this "quarry," while the foundations for hundreds of houses were made of it. and thousands of loads of "chips ■' and broken stone were sold and delivered to the city at ten cents a load, for street improvement purposes, which was about one-tenth of their value. On the corner of Main and South Hamilton streets there now stands a fine brick building, which Mr. Hughes concluded to put up after doing some blasting in the blue-stone rock foundation, hewing a fine cellar out of the solid rock. He owns the large stores fronting on Nfain street, three stories in height, equipped with the largest plate-glass front in the city, and occupying a very prominent location. In the meantime Mr. Hughes had been gradually working into the furniture trade, and in 1880 he opened up a furniture establishment which has constantly increased in size, and volume of business, and to which he has added the manufacture of some of the best of his goods, the carriage factory having been converted into a furniture factory and store house. Twice each year Mr. Hughes takes a business trip to the principal furniture markets in the country—Grand Rapids, New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, etc., buying from manufacturers in car-load lots, securing, also, e.xclusive agency, and choice of manufactured goods, something unusual for places outside of large cities. In 1885 Mr. Hughes admitted his son, Charles F., into partnership, and the concern has since so continued, the volume of business steadily increasing each year.

Mr. Hughes' traveling has not always been on matters of business, for he has made some most pleasant and interesting journej'S "on pleasure bent." On July 8, 1891, he set out for a six-months' tour across the Atlantic, the voyage being made in the " City of New York," on which were Prince George of Greece (with whom Mr. Hughes became personally acquainted) and retinue. In Ireland, our sub-

ject visited his old home and birth-placc, saw, conversed and visited with hundreds of friends and relatives, and made a tour of the island from Cape Clear to the Giant's Causeway; in Scotland he saw, among many other interesting sights, the celebrated bridge over the Firth of Forth; then toured through England where he saw all the principal points of interest in London and vicinity), Wales, France and part of Germany. In the summer of 1S96 he took an ocean tour along the Eastern seaboard.

m-

cluding that of the

Canadian Maritime provinces, visiting St. John (New Brunswick 1, and sailing up the St. John river to Fredericton, thence proceeding to Halifax (Nova Scotia), and from there homeward, via Boston and New York.

On September 20, 1863, Mr. Hughes was married to Miss Bridget Carroll, of Ohioville, Ulster Co., N. Y., and member of the family of "Charles Carroll of Carrollton," one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and John Carroll, first Catholic Bishop of Baltimore and all America, and a native of Waterford, Ireland. Six children were born of this union: Charles Francis, who will be spoken of more fully presently; Mary Bridget, at home; George Dennis, employed in the Department of Public Printing at Washington, D. C.; William Carroll, employed in his father's business; Rose Agnes (deceased), and Loretta Anna, at home. Charles F. was born June 29, 1864, in Peekskill, N. Y., received a liberal education, and graduated from Pough-keepsie High School, of the Alumni Association, of which institution he was first secretary. On November 19, 1S90, he was married, in Poughkeepsie, to Miss Mary Skelly, daughter of John Skelly, and two children are living, viz.: George Francis and Charles William. In 1885 Charles F. Hughes became associated in his father's business, as above related. For the past five or six years he has been inspector of elections.

In 1892, George Hughes, our subject, purchased his residence property. No. 51 N. Clinton street, fronting on the Mansion Square Park, and in the following year he remodeled and enlarged the building, making it into a large suitable family residence, where his married son also resides. In addition to his many real-estate investments, he owns eight cleared buildinglotson " The Heights" at Newburgh, and it may be here mentionad, as another illustration of his shrewdness and business sa-

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579

gacity, that in iS66 he built the residence No. 185 Union street, a very substantial structure, and in 1873 sold it and an adjoining building lot for $10,000. He has been remarkably successful in his various enterprises, a fact due to his untiring perseverance, good judgment and reliable business methods, which have given him a deservedly high standing with the public; his word is as good as his note; he has always paid one hundred cents to the dollar. He is progressive in his ideas, liberal in his aid of all worthy objects, and has done much toward the growth and prosperity of his city. In politics he is a Republican, and is a strong Protectionist from principle; has made a study of the question, and has taken an active part in calling the attention of the people to its beneficial results. He served as chairman of the first Republican convention held during the Harrison campaign, of 1880. Although giving much time and attention to political matters, he has never been an office seeker. He and his family attend the services of St. Peter's Church, Poughkeepsie, and take an interest in all Church work. He is broad and open in his religious views, claiming that any religion is better than none. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Hughes was captain of Company C, 21st N. Y. V. I., which regiment was organized in Dutchess county. In 1870 he took an active part in the Fenian raid on Canada, being District Center, at the time, of Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties. He was captain of an Irish volunteer military company, and forwarded over a hundred men to Ogdensburg and northern New York, transportation and equipage being largely paid out of his own pocket.

To the above Mr. Hughes adds; "He was a firm believer at the time that the men of Ireland had a perfect right to strike the British flag wherever it floated, and countenanced the scheme of the Fenian Brotherhood to capture Canada and make it a base of operations to work from for the liberation of Ireland. After the capture of Fort Erie and defeat of the ' Queens Own' crack Canadian regiment by aljout 500 of the Fenian volunteers, who succeeded in crossing Lake Erie on floats. President Johnson issued his neutrality proclamation, and Gen. Mead, who was in command of the lakes, was only too eager to enforce it. The 50,000 Fenian volunteers who had then assembled on the Canadian bor-

ders came to the conclusion that rather than precipitate the United States Government into a war with England, they gave up the project and returned to their homes, notwithstanding the fact that reinforcements were continuously arriving from all parts of the United States, the majority of whom were men who had just been discharged from the United States army, after the Southern Rebellion was suppressed, and for love of old Ireland volunteered their services without fee or reward. There was no power on earth that could have stopped them from capturing Canada; but the United States had just passed through four years of the great Rebellion, and Irishmen thought too much of America to plunge her into a war with England so soon thereafter."

AMBROSE M. CULVER, one of the most prominent agriculturists of the town of

Northeast, Dutchess county, is a native of that county, born in the town of Amenia, September 2, 1869. His grandfather, Bachus Culver, who was born in the town of Pine Plains, was a noted farmer of his day, owning and cultivating, in early life, a large tract of land in the town of Pine Plains. He was also engaged in cattle dealing, and, his ventures being uniformly successful, he accumulated a fine property. By his marriage he became the father of three children: Dudley, a member of the firm of Sherman & Culver, of New York City; Lavinia, who married William Bartlett, a brick manufacturer of the town of Amenia; and Walter B., our subject's father. Bachus Culver was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which the later generations have also adhered. His last years were spent in Amenia town, where he and his wife both died. Walter B. Culver was born at the old homestead in the town of Pine Plains, and remained there until 1864, when he married Miss Harriet Mygatt, daughter of Ambrose My-gatt, a leading resident of the town of Amenia, and a descendant of one of the oldest families of the town. For some years prior to his marriage, Mr. Culver located upon the Bartram farm, near Sharon Station, where he remained several years, and then removed to the Mygatt farm, in Amenia, where he now resides. He has been very successful, and is nov.- the largest landholder in the township, owning four farms besides the one upon which he resides, comprising in all over 1,000 acres. He

COMMEMORA TIVE DIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.

is a Democrat, and has been active in local politics, holding office as assessor, road commissioner, excise commissioner and school trustee. In educational matters he has taken great interest, and has been ready to befriend every movement foi the benefit of the community. He and his wife are leading members of the Presbyterian Church at Amenia, of which he is a trustee. They have had eleven children, of whom eight are now living: May Emily, Laura B., Ambrose M., Dudley D., Harry W., Arthur B., George R. and Bessie, all of whom are at home except our subject and Dudley, who is a farmer of the town of Amenia.

Ambrose M. Culver was educated in the public schools of his native town, and later attended Amenia Seminary for about six years, receiving a good English education. After leaving school, at the age of seventeen, he stayed with his father four years, and then took the Wheeler farm, just east of his father's, and conducted it on his own account two years. In 1893 he purchased the George Clark farm, in Northeast town, George Clark being a brother of Mrs. Culver's mother. According to the original survey of this farm it contained 600 acres, but it is probab!}' larger than that. It is on the State line, and a portion of it is in Connecticut. Mr. Culver has made many improvements upon the estate, and has made it one of the best farms in the town.

On February 15, 1894, Mr. Culver married Miss Ida Estelle Chapman, daughter of David S. Chapman, of Millerton, a well-known traveling salesman. They are members of the Baptist Church at Millerton, and are prominent in the best social circles of the locality. Being an intelligent and public-spirited young man, Mr. Culver has taken an active interest in local improvement, and is an active worker in the Democratic ranks, always giving his influence toward the selection of able and reliable officials.

FREDERICK HENRY STREVER. There _ are numerous tine farms in Dutchess county which will compare favorably with any others in the State, as regards production, and also to the improvements that have been made upon them, many of which places are owned by men comparatively young in years. As a representative of this class of agriculturists, great pleasure is taken in presenting the name

of the subject of this notice, who has always lived in the town of Pine Plains. He was born on the old Strever homestead December II, 1861.

His paternal grandfather, Adam A. Strever, was a native of .Xncram, Columbia Co., X. Y., born November 24, 1793. He made farming his life occupation and continued to reside in Ancram until April, 1835, when he removed to the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, and purchased a farm consisting of 188 atres, on which he spent the remainder of his life, there dying July 14, 1866. He was a Jackson Democrat, and a loyal, patriotic man. Enlisting in the war of 1812, he immediately started for Plattsburg, but the battle was fought before he reached his destination, and he was discharged. He stood firmly by the Union during the late Rebellion. A faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, he gave his support to everything that would advance the moral and material welfare of the community, and was a public-spirited and enterprising man. In the family to which he belonged were four sons and four daughters. His brothers and sisters are as follows: Margaret, who became the first wife of William Tanner; Betsey, wife of Joseph Gillis, who located at Argyle, Washington Co., N. \'.; Maria, wife of Abram Reynolds, also of Argyle; Sally; John; Uldrick, who married Amanda Kinney and lived in .\rgyle; and Benjamin A., who died unmarried at the home of his cousin, John B. Strever.

Adam A. Strever was married to Clarissa Tanner, who was born January 16, 1797, to Samuel and Rachel (Mcintosh) Tanner, and died December 4, 1S77. They became the parents of three children: Rachel, who was born October i, 1820, and died unmarried August 2, 1882; Sylvester, born March 29, 1822; and Benjamin .\., the father of our subject. The father of Mrs. Strever, Samuel Tanner, was born .\pril 4, 175S, in Dover, Dutchess county, where he li\ed some years. He first wedded a Miss Mcintosh by whom he had five children: William, born February 4, 1783, first married Margaret Strever, after her death Mrs. Finch, and his third wife was Betsey Davis; John, born March 6. i~S8, for his second wife chose Mrs. Christine Mosher; Rachel was born March 20, 1784; Alexander, born February 20, 1785, was married and had two children, one daughter marrying Dr. Plat-ner; and Margaret, twin sister of Alexander,

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581

was also married. For his second wife Samuel Tanner chose Rachel Mcintosh, who was born August 4, 1767, and was a daughter of Alexander and Rachel (Yonkhoncei Mcintosh, and to them were born ten children, namely: (I) Mary Magdalene, born November 2, 1790, married William T. Woolridge. (2) James, born January 12, 1793, was married three times. (3) Reuben S. was born January 12, 1795. (4) Clarissa was the wife of Adam A. Strever, the grandfather of our subject. (5) Anthony, born August 13, 1799, was twice married, and died January 14, 1877. (6) Henry was born November 9, 1801. (7) Samuel was born August 6, 1804. (8) Morris was born April 26, 1867. (9) Almyra, born May 24, 1810, was married to Jeremiah Lown. (10) Eliza, who completed the family, was the twin sister of Almyra, and married Andrew Case. x\le.\ander Mcintosh, the father of Mrs. Rachel Tanner, was undoubtedly a native of Scotland, and his parents died while on the voyage to the New World, and he worked for three years to pay his passage. The sister of our subject now has in her possession a small straw-covered trunk which he brought over about 1740. It is supposed that he sailed from England, and took the oath of allegiance to the King of England. Rather than break that oath he went as a' baker in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary war, and was called a Tory as he would not take up arms against the mother country. He remained in New York City for some time, where he married Clara Yonkhonce, but November i, 1786, he bought land of George Clinton, and removed to the farm now owned by his great-grandson, Samuel Tanner. It is said that while looking for a place to build he accidently stepped into a spring, and said "here is where I will put my house." His wife's parents located about the same time on the land now owned by the Du.xberry family.

Benjamin A. Strever, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, June 19, 1830, and in the district schools of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, received a good common-school education. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in connection with that occupation also engaged to some e.xtent as blacksmith, carpenter, mason, artist, etc. In 1884 he removed to the farm still occupied by the family.

On December 26, 1855, Benjamin A.

Strever married Amelia Jane Collier, who was born November 11, 1831, the daughter of Simeon Mace and Maria (Jones) Collier, and to them were born three children: ii) Franklin Adam (who still owns and occupies the old Strever homestead in Pine Plains), born October 18, 1857, was married December 5, 1883, to Mary Elida Vosburg. who was born June 26, 1858, and is the daughter of John and Rhoda Ann (Scutt) Vosburg, and three children blessed their union—Rhoda Anna, born April 16, 18S5; Raymond. V., born June 24, 1886; and Senella Blanche, born December 17, 1887. (2) Frederick Henry, whose name introduces this sketch, is ne.xt in order of birth. (3) Rachel Tanner, born November 17, 1865. Simeon Mace Collier, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born July 30, 1S07, and was married December 16, 1830, to Maria Jones, by whom he had two children: Amelia Jane and Gilbert Henry. She was born August 22, 1805, to Isaac and Sally (Ross) Jones, and died July 18, 1834. Her paternal grandparents were Isaac and Anna Jones, and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Sail}- Ross, was the niece of Captain Ross, who is buried at Mt. Ross. On December 10, 1839, Simeon Mace Collier was again married, his second union being with Eliza Thomas, who was born May 2, 1S06, and was the daughter of John and Elsie (Hollow; Thomas, and to them were born five children: Frances C., Thomas, George M., Gertrude Arnold and Amy Thomas. The father of this family was the fifth and youngest child of Noah and Leah (Mace) Collier. His mother was born October 16, 1775, and after the death of Noah Collier, she became the wife of John Benson, and died in 1857. She was the second daughter of Simeon and Deborah (Fillow) Mace. Her mother was born September 13. 1757, and in 1772 became the wife of Simeon Mace, who was born January 2, 1752, and died December 24, 1822. Her death occurred January 17, 1839. She was the daughter of John and Phebe (Olmsted) Fillow. John Fillow was born probably about 1704 and married before 1726. He was the son of John and Sarah Fillow. It is thought that John Fillow, Sr., was born in France about 1667, and was about thirty-three years of age when he came to America, bringing his wife and three sons, who came here Huguenot refugees to escape religious persecution. On coming to the New World he located at Norwalk, Conn. He

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

died about 1765, at the extreme old age of ninety-eight years.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Frederick H. Strever was reared to manhood, assisting his father in the labors of the farm, and attending the schools of the neighborhood. He has been (]uite successful in his agricultural pursuits, which he has continued to follow, and now has a farm of 140 acres of rich and arable land. He takes quite an active interest in local political matters, voting with the Republican party, and is interested in school work. He is one of the representative young farmers of the locality.

ISRAEL R. WILLSON, a prominent agri-_ culturist and dairyman of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, residing near Coleman Station, is a descendant of a hard}', long-lived Scotch-Irish ancestry, whose shrewd judgment and upright character won for them a leading place in this community. His great-grandfather, Robert Willson, was one of three brothers who came from the North of Ireland at an early day, his ancestors having moved from Scotland to Ireland a number of years before. He settled upon a tract of 100 acres west of the present residence of Mr. Slee, where he followed farming successfully. He was an enterprising, public-spirited man, and did much to develop the neighborhood, being one of the founders of the Congregational Church north of Amenia. He died in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and his wife, Betsey Hind-man, to whom he was married after coming to this country, lived to be over 100 years old. They had seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Reuben, October 16, 1755; Amos, March 10, 1758, both of whom moved to Saratoga county, N. Y.; Hannah. May 15, 1760; Mary, April i, 1763; Thomas, September 11, 1767, who moved to Ohio in early manhood; Margaret, September 9, 1769, the wife of Reuben Gaston, of Chan-tilly, N. Y.; and Robert, May 14, 1772, our subject's grandfather. He inherited his father's farm, but sold it and purchased the Murdoch property, containing about 400 acres, where he passed the greater part of his life. He was a captain in the State Militia, and a man of prominence in this region, active in politics as a member of the \N'hig party, and in business circles as a successful manager of his fine estate. He belonged to the Presbyte-

rian Church of Amenia City Tnow Smithfield), and was a deacon for many years. He was married November 11, 1795, to Sarah Thompson, of Amenia City, born February 7, 1777, and had eight children, whose names and dates of birth are here given: John, June 3, 1797; Hiram, August 12, 1799; Rebecca, May 17, 1801, who was married January 6, 1820, to Philip Flint; Samuel T., October 3, 1803, who was married February 21, 1833, to Eme-line Shornberger; Theron, June 10, 1805, who was married January 8, 1829, to Lydia Collin; Robert E., March 28, 1807, a well-known minister of the Presbyterian Church, who was married February 20, 1838, to Mary Strong, sister of Justice Strong of the United States Supreme Court; Sarah, August 12, iSii, who died at an early age; Henry, July 12, 1S14, who was married to Sarah E. Cady, October 25, 1838; and Barak, January 24, 1817, who married Cordelia Collins, September 24. 1840. Capt. Willson died October 21, 1854. and his wife survived him until July 6, 1872, when she died at the age of ninety-five years.

Hiram Willson, our subject's father, also followed farming as an occupation, and spent many years on the homestead at Amenia City. He moved to the town of Pine Plains in 1844, and bought a place known as the Knickerbocker farm, where he passed his remaining years, his unusual executive ability enabling him to accumulate a fine property. He was married February 18, 1S24, to Eliza Reynolds, a lady of English descent, and a granddaughter of Stephen Reynolds, who came from Rye, Long Island, and located at Pine Plains. Her father. Dr. Israel Reynolds, was one of the prominent citizens cf that locality. He married Deborah Dorr, of Lym.e, Conn., and had three children—Walter, who was an able lawyer of Pine Plains; Julia and Eliza. Hiram Willson died June 22, 1873, and his wife September 30, 1892. Their six children were born as follows: Ellen, October 8, 1825; Israel, November 2, 1827; Julia (Mrs. Isaac Carpenter), February 11, 1830; Edward P., December 26. 1S32, who married Olive Sinks, of Leavenworth, Kans.; Sarah R., May 2. 1836, who was the second wife of Isaac Carpenter; Elizabeth D., July 20, 1838. who married Theodore Strong, of Pittston, Penn.; a brother of Justice Strong, of the United States Supreme Court.

Israel Willson first saw the light of day at the farm now occupied by John N. Conklin in

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583

the town of Northeast. He received a good academic education, attending the district schools near his home, and later the schools of Warren, Conn., and Pittsfield, Mass. He is a very intelligent man, a great reader, and has taken the New York Tribune for forty years. On leaving school in 1852, he bought a farm of 160 acres of Barak Will-son, to which, four years later, he added 120 acres purchased of Stoughton Moore, and subsequent additions have enlarged it to a tract of 320 acres, making one of the best farms of the town. The Harlem railroad was built through it in 1851, and, in the following spring, Mr. Willson engaged in the milk business, being one of the pioneers in that line, and has met with gratifying success.

On September 16, 1S52, he married Elizabeth Conklin, a daughter of John Conklin, and granddaughter of Major Nathan Conklin, an officer in the Revolutionary war, who came to Dutchess county from East Hampton, Long Island, about 1781. They have had three children: Elizabeth Hunting, who was born August 16, 1856, and died June 7, 1878; and Julia, born November 11, 1858; and Helen P., born August 14, 1S64, who married D. Dewey Merwin. Mr. Willson and his family are leading members of the Presbyterian Church at Amenra, and he is one of the active workers in all matters of local improvement. Although he never aspired to office he was town assessor for six years, and he takes great interest in national affairs, being in early years a Whig, and later a Republican.

I'HOMAS O'BRIEN, one of the most en-_l_ terprising and prosperous agriculturists of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, resides near Dover Plains on a fine farm of 225 acres, which he devotes to dairy work and stock raising. He is a native of Parish Vancha, County Tipperary, Ireland, where his ancestors have made their home for many years. His father, Daniel O'Brien, conducted a large dairy farm there, supplying the neighboring cities with milk. He married Margaret Dempsy, and had six children: Daniel, who died at an early age, Jeremiah, John, Thomas, Margaret and Mary. Mr. O'Brien came to the United States in 1854, and located for a time upon a farm in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. Later he purchased his present property, known as the Hall farm. In politics he is a Democrat,

and he has always taken an intelligent interest in all that concerns the welfare of his adopted country. He was married at Wappingers Falls to Miss Mary Cunningham, who was born and educated in the Emerald Isle, and came to America in 1850 at the age of twenty. They have three children: (i) MaryT., who was born in the " Clove " in 1862, married Thomas Mclncram, a farmer in Amenia, and has four sons—Thomas, Joseph, John and Leo. (2) John who was born in 1863, received his education in the schools of Dover, and is now engaged in farming with his father. (3) Julia A. is at home.

Mrs. O'Brien's grandfather, Thomas Cunningham, was born in the Parish of Golden, County Tipperary, Ireland, where he was a farmer during his mature years. He and his wife, Bridget, reared a family of children, among whom was a son, Patrick, Mrs. O'Brien's father, who moved in early manhood to Tulli-mane Parish, Lethard, County Tipperary, Ireland, and engaged in agriculture. He married Bridget Markley, daughter of Dennis Markley, a farmer of the same locality, and his wife, Johanna. Thirteen children were born to them, of whom four died in infancy. Of the others, Thomas married, first, Catherine Hayes, and, second, Miss Penneferth; Patrick married Kate O'Brien; Dennis. Miss Hayes; Michael, Mary O'Brien; John; Johanna, Charles Watson; Margaret, Mr. Kennedy; Mary, Thomas O'Brien; and Bridget died at an early age.

E\UGENE HAM, a progressive agriculturist <l of the town of Washington, is now devoting his time and attention exclusively to his farming interests, operating the old homestead where his life has, for the most part, been passed.

Conrad Ham, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Washington, in 1757, and was there educated in the common schools. By his marriage with Elizabeth Haight he had six children: Henry, George, Milton, Lewis, Jonathan (father of our subject 1 and Hannah. Of these, Henry was born, reared and educated in the town of Washington, and married Miss Elizabeth Thorn, by whom he had four children: C. Conrad, Joseph, Sarah and Elizabeth fwife of Peter Mesicki. George, a farmer by occupation, married Miss Catherine Marshall, and they had two children: Stephen (who married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Sarah Sleight) and Hannah (who married Stephen Angell). Milton, also an agriculturist, wedded Miss Phebe F. Ferris, and they had three children: John (who married Rhoda Sleight), Sarah, and George (who married Miss Grace Seymoure); Lewis never married.

Jonathan Ham, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Washington, and after attending the common schools near his home took a course in the Jacob Willets school. Quite early in life he began tilling the soil, and became a very successful farmer, acquiring a large tract of land in both Washington and Unionvale towns, on which he carried on general farming. He married Miss Mary Vincent, daughter of James and Mary (Sisson) Vincent, prosperous farming people of the town of Unionvale, and three children were born to them: Eugene, Helen and Elizabeth B.

In the town of W'ashington, Eugene Ham, the subject proper of this sketch, was born in 1850, received his primary education in the local schools, and later was a student at College Hill, in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After his return he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing the old homestead in the town of Washington, where he has since resided. He is a wide-awake, progressive citizen, taking a deep interest in the,welfare of the community, and is widely and favorably known. On June 15, 1S81, he was married to Miss Mary K. Sleight, who was born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and received her education at Poughkeepsie. They have become the parents of six children: Mary, Francis, Irene, Edwin S., Lewis E. (who died in infancy) and Eugene.

James Sleight, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ham, was a native of Ulster county, N. Y., and was a gallant Revolutionary soldier. By his marriage with Miss Elsie de Reimer he had five children: Peter R., Henry A., Harriet, Elsie and James Edwin. The first named, Peter R. Sleight, was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, July 20, 1S04, and there secured a common-school education. He engaged in farming, and was also president of the Dutchess Count}- Mutual Insurance Company at Poughkeepsie. He took a great interest in all public improvements, and was a highly respected citizen. He was twice married, his first union being with Sallie A. Barnes, by whom he had one son, James Edwin, the father of Mrs. Ham. After her death he wedded her sister. Miss Catherine Barnes, and they

had three children: Sarah A., David B. (who died in the army during the Civil wan, and Alexander W.

James E. Sleight, father of Mrs. Ham, was a native of Lagrange, and after completing his education engaged in farming. Later he conducted a mill and also carried on farming. He married Miss Frances E. Titus, daughter of Elias and Annette (Hoag) Titus, the former of whom was a woolen manufacturer of Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Ham, who was born in 1854, is the eldest of four daughters, the others being Rhoda, the wife of John M. Ham, of Washington Hollow, N. Y.; Sallie, the wife of Dr. Augustus Angell, now of Hartford, Conn.; and Fannie, the wife of Henry Winchester, a merchant of South Amenia. Dutchess countv.

ROBERT J. STUART, proprietor of the extensive foundry and machinery works

at New Hamburg, Dutchess count}', is well known throughout that county as a prosperous and thorough-going business man. He was born May 15, 1847, at Darkley, County Armagh, Ireland, as was also his father, William Stuart, and comes of Scottish ancestry on his father's side.

William Stuart married Sarah Harvey, who was also born in County Armagh, and they settled on a farm in Ireland, where seven children were born to them, namely: Eliza, Robert J., William, John, Nathaniel, Jane and Sarah. In 1858 the father came to America, first locating in New York City, the rest of the family following in 1862, and Emily J. and Thomas H. were born in that city. In 1865 they moved to Saugatuck, Conn., where they lived until 1884; then removed to Middletown, N. Y., thence after two }-ears moving to their new home in New Hamburg. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church; in politics the father is a Republican.

Robert J. Stuart attended school in his native country, and was fifteen years old when he came to America. In New York City he began to learn the trade of a machinist with the Dalton Knitting Machine Co., and when this firm removed to Connecticut our subject went with them and finished his apprenticeship. He then returned to New York City, and worked at his trade for about four years. For the following twelve years he lived at Yonkers, N. Y., and while there became interested in an automatic paper-feeding ma-

.^^^^^T^^jk

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585

chine, which, after ten years of hard and persistent struggle and experimenting, he succeeded in perfecting. This was the first machine of the kind to be put in successful operation in this or any other country, and was the most successful one seen at the World's Fair in 1893. Mr. Stuart is entitled to the credit of bringing into practical use this important and wonderful invention, which has worked a revolution in the old methods of handling single sheets of paper. In 1882 Mr. Stuart went to Poughkeepsie and formed the Sedgwick & Stuart Manufacturing Co., for the purpose of putting the machines on the market, which company lasted two years, when he sold his interest to Whitman & Burrel, and for the first time started in business for himself, renting a foundry and machine shop at Middletown, N. Y. In two years business had so increased that he was compelled to find larger quarters, and purchased, of McArdle & Hart, his present propert}' in New Hamburg, Dutchess county.

Since the date mentioned Mr. Stuart has been carrying on a large and prosperous business, in his patent shaft couplings and dryer outfits for brick, terra cotta, and various clay products, salt, starch, etc. He also builds various kinds of machinery, does all kinds of repairing, makes castings of every description, as well as patterns, and, in fact, does all kinds of work to be done in first-class foundries and machine works. His trade is extensive, and he tills orders from all over the country, his well-known skill' and ingenuity guaranteeing satisfaction to his patrons. As a citizen here he is held in high esteem, and is always ready to assist in all enterprises tending to the growth and prosperity of the community.

In 1881 Mr. Stuart was married to Miss Esther, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Piatt) Toburn, of Yonkers. No children have blessed this union. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are liberal contributors to all its needs, as well as active workers in Church affairs. In politics our subject is a Republican, and in everything is a lo3'al citizen to his adopted country.

JOHN A. MARSHALL. Among the reliable, substantial and prosperous farmers of the town of Hyde Park there is probably none who stands higher in the public estimation than the gentleman whose name is here

recorded. He was born in the northwest corner of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, November 21, 1835, the night of the great fire in New York City, and is a son of Isaac P. Marshall, whose birth occurred in 1806, on the same farm, which is known as the old Marshall homestead.

The paternal grandfather, Zacheus Marshall, on coming from England to the New World, first located at Horse Neck, Conn., whence he removed to the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, receiving the title to the home farm there from King George, and he was the original ancestor of the Marshalls in that section. By trade he was a carpenter, which occupation he carried on to some extent in connection with his agricultural pursuits. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and helped to erect their church in his locality. He was three times married, his second union being with a Miss Dean, while his third wife bore the maiden name of Jane Ouimby. She was a native of \^'estchester county, N. Y., and was a witness of the battle of White Plains during the Revolutionary war.

The only son of the third union was Isaac Powell Marshall, the father of our subject, who was a farmer by occupation. He was a successful business man, of sound judgment, quite popular in his neighborhood, having the confidence and esteem of all who knew him, and did much in the settlement of estates. He was united in marriage with Maria Van Wagner, a woman of strong character, and to her was due much of the success of her husband. Three children were born to them: Culver, a civil engineer of California, is a man of great natural ability and versatility, and was one of the brave and valiant Union soldiers during the Civil war; John Allen, of this sketch, is next in order of birth; and Albion, who died in 1893. The father af^liated with the Democratic party, and was one of the leading citizens of the town of Pleasant Valley, where he served for many years as supervisor and justice of the peace. He took a commendable interest in the free schools of the county, as well as in other worthy objects for the benefit of the community. He was a faithful member of the Society of Friends, and spent his entire life upon the old Marshall homestead, his death occurring February 24, 1872. His wife passed away February 9, 1892.

The primary education of John Allen Marshall was obtained in the district schools, after

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

which he attended the Friends school at Me-chanicstown, N. Y., and for two years was a student at Claveracic, N. Y., taking the full course in the academy there. He thus acquired an excellent education, becoming well fitted for the practical duties of life, and at the age of twenty-one began teaching in the district schools of the towns of Pleasant Valley and Hyde Park during the winter season, while in the summer months he assisted in the operation of the home farm until his marriage, at the age of twenty-six years. Going to Brooklyn, he there engaged in the milk business, which he also followed in Jersey City for two years. Since 1866, however, he has been principally engaged in the cultivation and improvement of his present farm in Hyde Park town, though the year 1888 was spent by him in the West, and for another year he was in the South.

Mr. Marshall wedded Miss Eimira D. Culver, daughter of John A. Culver, and to them have been born five children: Nellie, wife of Benjamin Haviland; Edwin Vincent, who is still upon the home farm; Culver, who is employed in the New York Central depot, at New York City; Jennie Maria, at home; and John Allen, who is engaged in teaching in East Park, Dutchess county. The religious views of Mr. Marshall incline toward the Society of Friends, in which he was reared. In politics he is an ardent Democrat, taking a warm interest in the success of his party, and during the years 1875 and 1876 he served as supervisor of his township. He is a progressive, enterprising man, broad and liberal in his views, and is very popular in his neighborhood, where he numbers many friends.

The Culver family, of which Mrs. Marshall is a member, is of Scotch origin, and was founded in America by three brothers, Jacob, John and James, who located first on Long Island, but later bought farms in Hyde Park, Dutchess county, the titles to which came from King George at an early date. John had two sons, James and Allen, while the other brother became the father of four sons, Samuel, Cornelius, Peter and John. Of the latter family, John settled near Battle Creek, Mich., and the others became prominent men of western New York, having located near Rochester. Until his marriage James Culver, Jr., remained upon the family homestead in Hyde Park town, and then for many years lived in Orange county. New York.

Allen Culver spent his entire life upon the old home farm, in the cultivation of which he was very successful, and became the owner of over 300 acres. He married Abigail Marshall, daughter of Henry Marshall, and they became the parents of eleven children: Marshall, Hester, John A., Willet, Deborah, Mariam, Emeline, Maria, Catherine, Hiram and Jacob, all now deceased except John A., Maria and Hiram. In religious belief the family were Friends, and though not an active politician, the father was a strong Federalist.

John A. Culver, the father of Mrs. Marshall, was born January 10, 1S09, on the farm adjoining the one where our subject now lives, and there continued to reside until after reaching his majority. He later purchased the farm once owned by his grandfather Marshall, which he operated for seven years, and then engaged in the mercantile and lumber business in the village of Hyde Park for about four years. On the expiration of that time he purchased a farm in the northwest corner of the town of Pleasant Valley, where he continued to make his home some twenty-three years, and as an agriculturist was very successful. Going to Poughkeepsie in 1S65, he there lived retired for many years. On October 31, 1834, Mr. Culver married Miss Catherine Skidmore; daughter of Walter Skidmore, and on the maternal side a granddaughter of Jesse Bell, who served as captain in the Continental army during the Revolution, and was one of the honored citizens of Dutchess county. Three children blessed this union, Mrs. Marshall being the only one now living; Jane Ann died at the age of seventeen; and Henry M. at the age of seven years. The mother passed away February 29. 1840. For his second wife, Mr. Culver wedded Elizabeth Brown, on February 2, 1842, and they had two children: Charles Wheaton, who died at the age of two years; and Amanda, who died when twenty-one years. The mother was called from this life May 4, 1890. By birthright Mr. Culver is a member of the Friends Church, and has ever been one of the leading and influential citizens of the county, serving as alms-house commissioner while a resident of Poughkeepsie.

LEONARD LYON. Few sections of this _ country can boast of more charming and quietly picturesque scenery than that to be found within the limits of Dutchess county,

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587

and nowhere will there be found people more progressive and companionable. The house of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon on Quaker Hill, town of Pawling, is one of the pleasant spots of that favored region, and its occupants hold a high place in the esteem of the community. Mr. Lyon was formerly engaged in agriculture in Cayuga county, N. Y., but has become fully identified with the interests of his adopted county.

Mr. Lyon was born March ii, 1843, '" Sherwood, Cayuga Co., N. Y., a son of Alfred and Harriet (Valentine) Lyon, the former of whom, a native of Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y., was a merchant there in early life, later moving to Cayuga county, where he followed farming. He was twice married, first time to Lavina White, and by her had seven children, of whom five died when young, the two yet living being George and Lavina. By his second wife, Harriet (Valentine), Alfred Lyon had seven children, as follows: (i) Hiram, a farmer of Cayuga county, married to Abbie Gifford, and had six children—Sanford, Genevieve, Edith, Gertrude, Lyman and Herbert. (2) Elizabeth married Henry Grimshaw, and had three children—Samuel, Howard and Delia. (3) Samuel married Delia Nye, and had three children—Howard, Alfred and Page (the entire family live in Chicago). (4) Leonard, our subject, comes next in the order of birth. (5) James, a farmer of Sherwood, Cayuga county, married Sarah Hopkins, and had three children—Warren, Hettie and Rossa. (6) Hattie married Frank Fowler, and five children were born to them—Mary, Homer, Delia, Stanley and Ada. (7) Mary married William Avery, and they moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where he died; they had one child—Pearle. (8) Charles, a dealer in horses at Atalissa, Iowa, married Lucy Avery, and had one son—Alfred. The father of this family died in 1880, the mother in June, 1893. He was known as Col. Lyon, having served as a colonel in the State Militia; was a member of the State Assembly several times, and a justice of the peace many years, besides holding minor offices. Politically, he was originally a Whig, later a Republican. Col. Alfred Lyon was of English and Scotch descent, the present Lord Lyon and Lord Howe being relatives. The silver dram-cup and cane, bearing the name of John Lyon (one of three brothers who came to .America, and the one from whom Col. Lyon was descended) are

now in possession of John Lyon, of Bingham-ton, N. Y. Col. Lyon's aunt (his father's sister) married John Jay, the first chief justice of the United States. The family coat of arms is still in the possession of the family.

Leonard Lyon, whose name introduces this sketch, received a liberal education, and graduated from Cayuga Lake Academy, after which he took up farming, which vocation he has ever since followed, having, in 1864, settled on his present well-improved farm of 220 acres, whereon he has erected some fine buildings. In 1863 he was married to Mary Haines, a native of Pawling, Dutchess county, and they have one daughter, Jessie H., born in Pawling in 1878, who is now being carefully educated by private tutors at home. Mr. Lyon, our subject, is a Republican in politics, but no offtce-seeker.

The ancestors of the Haines family were among the early settlers in Dutchess county. Caleb Haines, Mrs. Lyon's great-great-grandfather, was born and educated in Rhode Island, whence he came to Dutchess county in his manhood, to engage in farming. At one time he owned most of the land upon which Pawling now stands. He married Deborah Lewis, and had two sons: Sylvester and Caleb. The elder of these married, and reared a family of ten children: Chauncey; Andrew, who married Phcebe Howard; Charles, the grandfather of Mrs. Lyon; Peleg, of whose marriage no particulars are known; James, who is mentioned below; William, who married (first) Eliza Smith, and (second) Alma Belts; Lewis, who wedded Maria Tabor; Caleb, who remained single; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Sheldon, and Sylvester, who never married.

James Haines was born on the old farm in the town of Pawling, in 1790, and after acquiring a common-school education engaged in farming. He was a strong Republican, and held some minor township offices. He married Miss Hannah Sheldon, daughter of Jede-diah and Jerusha (Hotchkiss) Sheldon. Her father was a leading farmer of the town of Dover. They had seven children: John, who married Abbie J. Allen; Sheldon, who married Emeline Corbin; Jane, who died in infancy; Maria, wife of Archibald Dodge; Susan, wife of Aaron Baker; Lydia, wife of Cyrus Baker; and Jackson, who married Lydia M. Cook.

Maria Haines was born in the town of Pawling, in 1819, and was educated there. She married Archibald Dodge, who was born

COMMEMOBATIVE BIOOJiAPUfCAL RECORD.

in 1810, and educated in the common schools of that town, afterward engaginj:; in farming. He is now very bright and active at the age of eighty-eight years, and he sowed an acre of wheat at that age. They have one daughter: CorneHa, who married T. J. Arnold, a farmer, and has three children: Helen M., Archie and Carrie H. Labon Dodge married Miss Libbie Birch, but they have no children.

Charles Haines, Mrs. Lyon's grandfather, was born in the town of Pawling, and moved West to engage in farming. He married Miss Mary Spaulding, and had three children: Albro A., the father of Mrs. Lyon; Harriet, wife of Simeon Walters; and Eli/^a, wife of Leonard Cole.

Albro A. Haines was born in the town of Pawling, in March, 1813, and educated there, but later engaged in farming in the town of Pawling. On July 7, 1S33, he married Miss Sarah Orton, daughter of William and Sarah Orton, and Mrs. I^yon is the only child. Albro A. Haines died July 31, 1891, a stanch Republican in his political preferences.

E>LIAS SPROSS, a retired contractor and builder, with residence in Poughkeepsie,

Dutchess county, was born in Rhein Pfaltz, Germany, August 5. 1826.

Michael Spross, father of our subject, was a farmer in the Fatherland, and took part in the war of 1S13, when Germany was invaded by the French under Napoleon. He married Miss Margaret Handschuh, and the}' settled on a farm whereon they reared children as follows: Thomas was a mason contractor, and died in 1895; Philip died in Switzerland at the age of twenty-five years; Margaret married Conrad Rissberger, who was a boiler maker in Albany, N. Y., and both are now deceased; Elias, our subject, comes next; Joseph is a farmer in Monroe county, N. Y.; and Michael is a shoemaker in Poughkeepsie, The father of this family died in 1872, the mother in 1842; both were members of the German Catholic Church.

The early life of our subject was spent in his native land; in 1851 coming to America, and locating in Poughkeepsie, he followed the mason's trade, which be learned in Germany, and at which he continued to work in this country until his retirement from business in 1884. From 1853 to 1858 he worked with his brother Thomas in the Poughkeepsie Iron

Works or Furnace, also in Cold Spring, Manhattan, Peekskill, and other places until 1S58, doing the mason work. In the latter year he took work in Poughkeepsie, and began contracting on his own account, in which he continued until his retirement as above related. In 1875 he did the mason work on the fourth section of the Hudson River State Hospital, and in 1876 took another big contract to do the mason work on another section of the hospital—the center building from basement to second story. He has filled many other contracts in Poughkeepsie, the last being for the building of the post office in 1884, if we except his contract in 1888, for putting in the foundation of St. Mary's Catholic church.

Mr. Spross was married July 25, 1851, to Miss Barbara Bollman, who was born in Germany, and who came to America on the same vessel as did our subject. They have no children. In 1875 they took a trip to the Fatherland, and in 18S9 Mr. Spross again visited the old country, rambling among the scenes of his boyhood. He also visited England, particularly to see an old friend, Frank Brown, of Castle Villa, Keighley, Yorkshire, England, from there going to Germany. The latter country he left August 12, for the Exposition held in Paris that year, to meet Mr. F. Brown, and after a stay of two weeks they went back to England, where he stayed until September 2. when he left on his homeward trip to the United States, after a three-months' tour. Mr. and Mrs. Spross have a beautiful brick residence at No. 8 Garfield place, Poughkeepsie, which he built in 1S77. Their home has always been in that city since June, 1851. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served on the water board, and was an alderman from the Fourth ward of Poughkeepsie. Socially, he has been a member of the Germania Society for forty years, and has devoted much time and attention to its welfare. He and his wife are members of the German Catholic Church.

GEORGE A. TROWBRIDGE. The Trowbridge family has been so long and favorably known in this section that its history will be of unusual interest to many. The great-great-grandfather of our subject, Billy Trowbridge, was born November 4, 1748, the son of Deacon Samuel and Sarah (Seeley) Trowbridge. He received a common-school educa-

Xv^^. , i/fht^l>

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

589

1856; 1854;

Polly,

tion, and then engaged in agriculture. In June, 1777, he married Miss Rhoda Beards-ley, who was born February 14, 1758, and died February 8, 1S44. A year or two after their marriage they settled in Carmel, Putnam county, N. Y., and in 1798 moved to Truxton, Cortland county; but Mr. Trowbridge died two days before the little party reached its destination. They had nine children, whose names, with dates of birth and death, are as follows: Ephraim, March 22, 1778, died Alay 5, 1791; Alvah, September 4, 1779, died June 10 Billy, March 26, 1781, died May 8, Levi, February 16, 1783, died 1846; April 3, 17S6; died 1818; Samuel, December I, 1788, died 1817; Sally, February 23, 1792, died 1810; Ephraim, June 15, 1795, died 1798; John C, October 18, 1797, died 1831. Alvah Trowbridge, our subject's greatgrandfather, received the education obtainable in the common schools of his day, and later became a farmer. He was married November 30, 1797, to Miss Sally Crane, daughter of Judge John Crane, of Carmel, N. Y. She was born June 27, 1780, and died of measles April 6, 1833. Eight children were born to them, whose names, with dates of birth and the names of their respective partners in matrimony, are here given: PhineasB., December 4, 1798—Sally B. Raymond; AdaZ., October 18, iSoo—Levi Knox; Allerton M., February 24, 1S03—Letitia Coe ; Aralinda, February 26, 1S05—Orrin Richards; William

C, April 15, 1807—Mary E. A. Holley; Cornelia A., November 8, 1809—Reynolds Piatt; Sarah B., March 21, 1S21—David B. Rogers.

Phineas Beardsley Trowbridge, the grandfather of our subject, was born and educated in the town of Southeast, Putnam county, and at an early age engaged in farming near Wings Station, later following the blacksmith's trade. He was married October 28, 1823, to Miss Raymond, who was born October 22, 1S03. They have six children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows; Edwin M., November i, 1824 (died August 29, 1854); Amanda, December 5, 1826 (died August 8, 1885); John C, September 24, 1828; Cornelia A., April I, 1831 fdied August 26, 18481; William R., May 6, 1833; and George Piatt, July 19, 1S40 fdied April 15, 1845). Only two of that family entered the matrimonial state; Edwin, who married Miss Sarah

D. Marsh, and William R., our subject's father. He was born and reared in the town

of Southeast, Putnam county, and has been for many years a prominent farmer near Wings Station. He purchased his present farm of 300 acres about twenty-seven years ago, and makes a specialty of dairywork. He married Miss Maria W. Sheldon, daughter of Albro and Elizabeth (Edmond) Sheldon. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge: (i) Cora B., born September 20, 1858, married June II, 1878, Arthur Dorn, a inerchant in Springfield, Mass., and son of Albert Dorn, of Beekman, N. Y. They have one child, Mabel, born September 30, 18S0. (2) George A., born September 20, 1861, is a farmer and merchant at South Dover; he married, March 19, 1889, Miss Eva Dutcher, daughter of George W. and Nettie (Hill) Dutcher, well-known residents of Dover. He has two children: William D., born June 6, 1891, and Nettie A., born March 4, 1894. (3) Ada, born December 27, 1863; and (4) Eliza, born April 17, 1866, are at home.

Mrs. Trowbridge is a member of one of the old families of the town of Dover, and her great-grandfather, Caleb Sheldon, was born and educated there, also passed his mature years in farming. His death occurred there November 22, 1841, at the age of ninety-three. His son Luther, Mrs. Trowbridge's grandfather, was a blacksmith for a number of years, and later engaged in farming. He died August 28, 1861, at the age of eighty-six years, and his wife, formerly Miss Mary Butts, of Delaware county, died October 13, 1S63, aged eighty-seven years. They had eleven children, all of whom married except one. Their names, with those of their respective husbands and wives, are as follows: Phcebe—Abraham Sherman; Theodoras—Mary Wing; the twins. Electa (died at the age of seventeen) and Delilah (married Duncan McDonald); Albro— Eliza Edmonds; Ophelia—Henry P. Amey; Anner—Wilson Johnson; Jeremiah—Sophia Doughty; Wilson B.—Hannah M. Doughty; Harrison—Hannah Ward; and Almeah—Andrew Ward.

Albro Sheldon, the father of Mrs. Trowbridge, was born in 1808, and became a prominent farmer. He was active in local affairs, and held a number of town offices. He married Miss Eliza Edmonds, daughter of Kenedy Edmonds (a well-known farmer of the town of Dover) and his wife, Leah C. Edmonds. Mrs. Trowbridge was born in 1840, the eldest of four children. Sarah A. Sheldon, born No-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPIIICAL UEUOBD.

vember 11, 1844, married (first) George Root, by whom she had one son—George S. Root, born April 23, 1871; Mr. Root died July 29, and she married Myron Edmonds; one child came of this union—Carrie L., born March 12, 1882. Wilson B. Sheldon, born October 22, 1846, is a prominent farmer in Dover; he married Nellie J. Root, and has two children—Albro, and Grace (Mrs. Frank Den-toni. Almira Sheldon, born August 16, 1848, married William Wheeler, a farmer of the town of Dover, and has five children: Carrie, born in 1877; Maude, 1879: Phcebe, 1881; Howard, 1883; and AUie, 1886.

WALTER B. CUL\'ER, a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of the town of Amenia, and one of the large land owners of Dutchess county, is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, Joshua Culver, his great-grandfather, having assisted the colonies in gaining their independence. His grandfather, who also bore the name of Joshua, was a native of the town of Amenia, and in early life learned the tanner's trade with Capt. William Young, at Amenia Union. Subsequently he established himself at Pine Plains in the tanning business, conducting it with remarkable success and becoming a wealthy man for his day. He married Lavinia Backus, whose birth also occurred in Amenia, and to them were born five children, all now deceased, namelv: Eimira, Eliza, Backus, Roxanna and Phebe.

Backus Culver, the father of our subject, was born at Pine Plains, Dutchess county, in 1806, was there reared and educated, and later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. From farming he drifted into stock raising, becoming an extensive dealer in live stock before a railroad had been constructed through this section of the country. He married ^fiss Abbie Drew, and they had nine children: Joshua, Mary, Laura and Sanford (^all four deceased);. Walter B.; Dudley G.; Lavina, wife of William H. Bartlett; and Phebe and Henry, both deceased. The father, who was an earnest Democrat in politics, was called upon to serve in several official positions, including those of supervisor and assessor of Pine Plains. In the spring of 1864 he removed to Amenia, where he lived until life's labors were ended, in 1870, in which year his faithful wife also died.

Walter B. Culver was born in Pine Plains, May 7, 1837, and in the village schools he began his education, supplementmg the knowledge there acquired by a course at Dominie Benedict's private school at Patterson, N. Y., and also at the Dutchess County Academy, of Poughkeepsie, and the Amenia Seminary.

He remained on the home farm until after attaining his majority, and in 1859 located upon the old Culver place, south of the depot at Amenia, where he continued to live until the spring of 1SC4. On December 17, 1863, he married Harriet J., a daughter of Ambrose Mj'gatt. Their children are: Mary E., I-aura B., Ambrose M., Dudley D.. Harry W., Arthur B., George R. and Bessie H. Like his father, Mr. Culver has always been an unswerving Democrat in his political views, and has acceptably served as commissioner and assessor of his town. He is one of the most progressive farmers of the community, and is a straightforward and reliable citizen, one whose word is considered as good as his bond.

WILLL\M VAN DE WATER is num- bered among the native sons of the

town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and for more than a centurj' the family of which he is a representati\e has been connected with the history of that county. It furnished its representatives to the Revolutionary war, to the war of 1812, and to the Civil war, and its mem-' bers have ever been loj'al and patriotic citizens, I giving a hearty support to all interests or measures calculated to benefit the communities in which they have resided.

As the name indicates, the family is of Holland origin, and was founded in America by Harman Van De ^^'ater, who with several brothers came from Holland to America. One of the number located in Canada, another in Fishkill, and Harman on Manhattan Island. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. After the British had captured New York, he removed to Pleasant \'alle}', Dutchess count)', now the town of Poughkeepsie, locating on a farm. His death occurred at Pleasant \'alley in July, 1816. He married Maria Barnes, a sister of David and Joshua Barnes, and they became the parents of six sons and one daughter, namely: Benjamin, who was born November 25, 1782, and died in Buffalo, N. Y.; William, who was born December 2, 1784, and died in Hyde Park, No-

CQMMEMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

591

vember 30, 1834; Richard, born May 8, 1790; Samuel, born in 1793; George, born January 27, 1795; Joshua, born January 21, 1799, his death occurring in Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1877; and a daughter who died in early life.

William Van De Water, grandfather of our subject, was drafted for service in the war of 1812, was with the command of Capt. \'alen-tine. and by him was honorably discharged. After his death the grandmother received a pension. Farming was his life work, and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. In their family were ten children: Sarah, who became the wife of William Holmes, a farmer of the town of Lagrange; Maria, deceased; George, father of our subject; Ale.xander, formerly a farmer, now living in Hyde Park; William A., who was a farmer and milk dealer, but is now deceased; Henry, an agriculturist in the town of Hyde Park; Hiram, a deceased farmer; John, a farmer in the town of Hyde Park; Alfred, an agriculturist of Kansas; and one who died in infancy.

George Van De Water was born April 29, 1821, in the town of Hyde Park, where, on his father's farm, he spent his boyhood days. He married Elizabeth Phillips, a native of Poughkeepsie, and a daughter of M. D. L. F. Phillips, who was named for Gen. La Fayette, a friend of the family. The ancestry of the Phillips family is English. Upon their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Van De Water located upon a farm in Pleasant Valley, where he has now made his home for fifty-one years, devoting his energies e.xclusivel}" to agricultural pursuits. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and has served as assessor. Both he and his wife are consistent Presbyterians. Of their family of seven children, Lavina died in infancy, William is the next younger; Marquis P. is a farmer of Pleasant Valley; Wilson A. was married, and both he and his wife were killed bj' a train in 1890; Jennie M. died at the age of nineteen years; Carrie is the wife of Israel D. Marshall, a farmer of Hyde Park; and Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Ambler, a merchant of Stissing, Dutchess county.

William \'an De Water, whose name introduces this review, was born on his father's farm, in the town, of Pleasant Valley, June 4, 1846, and to farm work devoted his energies in the summer months, while in the winter he attended the district school of the neighborhood, completing his education in the Colum-

bia County Academy, at Claverack. Subsequently he went to New York City, and entered upon his business career as a salesman for the firm of Lord & Taylor. He was married September 4, 1867, to Caroline E. Ganse, who was born at Wappingers Falls, a daughter of Henry Ganse, a farmer who was of Holland lineage. After his marriage, Mr. \'an-De Water located upon a farm in the town of Pleasant \'alley, where he lived until 1881, and then embarked in the milling business at Salt Point, which he continued for five years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present farm of 122 acres, and is now engaged in the cultivation of his land. He has placed many improvements upon his farm, and his progressive methods and well-directed efforts class him among the leading agriculturists of the county.

Mr. Van De Water gives his political support to the Republican party, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. They are parents of five children: Rosilla M., svife of Harry A. Russell, a farmer of the town of Pleasant \'alley; Cora A., wife of William H. Allen, a farmer, and the president of the Salt Point Creamery Co.; George H., who was killed by the kick of a horse, in North Dakota, in 1891; and Casper G. and Ethel M., at home.

MRS. MARY J. WOODIN. TheWoodin __ family, which has been identified with

the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, from early times, traces its origin to three brothers, Amos, John and Daniel Woodin, who came from England during the Revolutionary war as soldiers in the service of the British government. When the struggle for freedom was ended they settled here—Amos locating in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county; John on Huckleberry Mountain; and Daniel in Ansonia, Connecticut.

Amos ^^'oodin married Lucretia Miller, and had six children: Solomon; Joel; DanieP (who married Mary Pierce); Henry (who remained single;; Hyal (who married Betsy Turner), and Esther (who married John Brownell). Solomon Woodin was born in the town of Pawling, in 1780, and his education was obtained there in the schools of that time. He married Miss Annie Prosser, daughter of Dr. Prosser's sister. Thirteen children were born to them, of whom all married but one,

COMJUEMOSATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

their names, together with those of their respective partners in matrimony, being as follows: Ransom—Charlotte Brairtain; Esther— Jarvis T. Sweet; Sallie—Duncan Mead: Ira— Caroline W^oodin; Chauncey, who never married; Milton—Malonie Lawrence; Federal— Maria Brazee; Benjamin—Esther Brownell; Amos—Naomi Griffin: Egbert—Mary Miller; Henrj' L.—Laura Armstrong; Ruth—John Willard; and Lucretia—Peter Brazee.

Henry L. Woodin was born in the town of Pawling, in iSi6, and on finishing his course in the schools there he became a collier, which occupation he followed some forty years; he is now engaged in farming. He and his wife have had four children: Ransom married Ma-rinda Beers; Amelia is the wife of George Squires; Solomon married Alice Wilcox; and Coleman married first) Elizabeth Sprague, and (second I Ida Ett.

D.\NiEL T. Woodin, the son of Daniel Woodin-', was born in the town of Pawling, in 1812, and was reared at the old farm, attending school in the neighborhood. He learned the cooper's trade, and followed it for some 3-ear5, and later engaging in farming. Ha\'ing an active mind with a legal bent, he also practiced law for some time. His wife, Mrs. Mary J. (ClumpI Woodin, is a lady of unusual mental force and ability, and the descendant of one of the old families of the town of Poughkeepsie. They have had four children: (i) Isabelle was born and educated in the town of Pawling, and is now the wife of Prof. Edward T. Pierce, principal of the State Normal School at Los Angeles, Cal.; they have had three children— Ethel Elbora; Harold, who died in infancy; and Hilda Bell, who died when two j-ears old. (2) Daniel W. Woodin, Jr., was born in the town of Pawling, and, since he completed his studies in the schools there, has been engaged in farming. (3) Arvine was born at the old homestead, in 1855, ^^^ ''^^ f^he others obtained her education in the local schools. ("4) Gertrude B. died at an early age.

Mrs. Woodin's maternal grandfather, Samuel Lucky, was born and reared in Poughkeepsie, and in manhood became a successful farmer. By his first wife. Miss Rebecca Wil-sey, he had six children: Samuel, Thomas, James, Robert, John, and Jane, Mrs. Woodin's mother, who was a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, and was reared at the old home there. She married Cornelius Clump, and had eight children, of whom Mrs. Woodin is

the youngest. Rebecca married James Martin; Gertrude married (first) Charles Hoffman, and (second) James Benson; John L. married Celia A. Tompkins; Sam married Eliza Phillips; Peter died in infancy; Almira is the wife of Walter Shader; and Joanna married George De La \'ergne.

FRANK B. LOWN was born at the village of Red Hook, Dutchess Co., N. Y.. on the first day of January, 1849. He is the son of David and Jane M. Lown, and with his parents removed to the city of Poughkeepsie in 1857, where he has since resided.

Mr. Lown was educated in the public schools of the city of Poughkeepsie. and in 1871 entered the law office of Nelson & Baker as a law student. After being admitted to the bar, he became a clerk in the office of Thompson & Weeks, then the oldest firm of practitioners in the county. In 1S78, the firm of Thompson, Weeks & Lown was formed, and upon the death of James H. Weeks in 1887, and of John Thompson in 1S91, Mr. Lown became the sole survivor. He is still engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Poughkeepsie.

LEWIS B. BARTON, proprietor of the •• Amenia House, " at Amenia, Dutchess

county, comes of a well-known and honorable family that has long been connected with the professional and business interests of the county. Dr. Lewis Barton, his great-grandfather, was one of the early residents and successful practitioners of the town of Stanford, where he served as assessor in 1793, that being the first town meeting held in the town of Stanford in the house of Ephraim Paine. The farm owned by him in that township is still in the possession of the family. He died in 1813, at the asre of eighty-nine years.

Dr. Leonard Barton, the grandfather, was born there in 1769, and he also devoted his life to the practice of medicine in the town of Stanford, where he owned a large farm, and was a prominent and influential citizen, holding several important offices. As early as 1797 he served as town clerk, and was supervisor of his township in ISiS, 1819, 1S20, 1829 and 1830. His political support was given the Democracy, and socialh" he affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. He was twice married.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

593

his first wife being Miss Thompson, and to them was born a son, John. After her death he wedded Rachel Gale, and they had ten children: George; James; Eliachim; Edward P., of New Milford, Conn.; Josiah L.; Julia, who married Morgan Hunting; Rachel, who married Stephen Sackett; Nancy, who married John Davis; Nelson, who died in 1852; and Sarah, who married Anthony Hoffman. All are now deceased with the exception of Edward P.; Dr. Leonard Barton deceased in 1841, at the age of seventy-two years.

Josiah L. Barton, the father of our subject, was born August i, 1816, in the town of Stanford, and acquired an excellent education at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in Washington township, Dutchess county, after which he began the study of medicine, but later gave it up. In 1S44 he married Miss Annor Eliza Briggs, who was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, March 29, 1822, a daughter of Enoch Briggs. They became the parents of three children, of whom our subject is the eldest; (2) Arzelia is the wife of Bryant Strever, of Ancram, N. Y., by whom she has one son, Henry; (3) Julius L., of Mil-lerton, Dutchess county, married Annie Pul-ver, and they had two children, Ethel (deceased) and Harry. After his marriage the father removed to Ancram Lead Mines, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he engaged in farming from 1844 until 1849, and then removed to the village of Ancram Lead Mines. There he conducted a hotel until the spring of 1854, when he came to Pulvers Corners in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, and carried on the same business for a year. In the spring of 1S55 he removed to Dover Plains, where he ran the "Stone Church Hotel " for the same length of time. Going to Ancram he lived there until 1863, when he returned to Ancram Lead Mines, where his death occurred in 1866, and as he was a member of Warren Lodge, F. & A. M., he was buried with Masonic honors. He was also connected with the I. O. O. F. at Pine Plains. He died February 20, 1866, at the age of forty-nine years, six months and twenty days, and at the time he was serving as collector at Ancram.

Lewis Briggs Barton, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in the town of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., August 5, 1846, and during his early years accompanied his parents on their various removals, attending school at Ancram Lead Mines, Pulvers Cor-

38

ners and Dover Plains. On leaving the parental roof he went to Lithgow, in the town of Washington, where he carried on fanning until 1871. On November 15 of that year he was there married to Miss Mary Anna Tompkins, daughter of Enoch Tompkins. He then engaged at Lithgow in the butchering business with Cyrus Hammond for two years, after which he followed the same line of trade at Wassaic, N. Y. From 1873 until 1876 he conducted the "Wassaic House." In the spring of 1880 he removed to Amenia, where he has since had charge of the "Amenia House," which was opened for guests in 1852. It is conveniently arranged and well furnished, and in all its appointments, under its present excellent management, a first-class hotel, and is well patronized. Mr. Barton holds membership with the Hotel Men's Mutual Benefit Association, also the New York State Hotel Association, and since 1868 has been connected with the Masonic order, joining Sheko-meko Lodge No. 458, F. & A. M., at Mab-bettsville, now located at Washington Hollow, Dutchess county. He makes a genial, popular host, and as a private citizen stands deservedly high in the estimation of his fellow-men.

CORNELIUS WINNE GRIFFEN, the well-known member of the firm of Griffen Brothers, proprietors of the Union Mills at Leedsville, Dutchess county, was born in New York City, March 11, 18 56. He belongs to an old and prominent family of Dutchess county, his grandfather, Bartholomew Griffen, who w-as a blacksmith by trade, having been a resident of Unionvale. He married Sarah Filkins, by whom he had eight children, namely: Bartholomew (deceased); George; Cornelius (deceased); Alonzo; Mary; Carohne (deceased); Jane Ann; and Timothy S., the father of our subject.

The birth of the last named occurred in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, July 19, 1811, and until thirteen years of age he there spent his boyhood. He then entered the old Red Mill, near Pawling, where he learned the milling business, which he subsequently followed at Verbank, Dutchess county. At that place he wedded Mary LeRoy, daughter of John LeRoy, and to them were born three children: Charles E., of Wassaic, Dutchess county; Catherine M., of New York City; and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Frances, of Colorado. About 1837 Timothy S. Griffen removed to South Amenia, where he conducted a mill for about three years, after which he returned to \'erbank for a short time, and in 1842 moved to Leedsville, here running a mill on shares for nine years. In 1851 he went to New York City, where he was engaged in the grocery and meat-market business until March, 1857, when he removed to Salisbury, Conn., there operating the Long Pond mills until 1861, in the spring of which year he returned to South Amenia. He then conducted the Weebotuck mills until the spring of 1877, when he again brought his family to Leedsville, where his death occurred June 10, 1885. He was strictly a self-made man, honest and industrious, and in politics a supporter of the Republican party, while socially he belonged to the L O. O. F. at Sharon, Conn., and religiously was a member of the Episcopal Church at Amenia Union.

For his second wife, Timothy S. Grif?en married Miss Helen Beach, by whom he had two children: John and Helen. At Schodack, State of New York, he was subsequently united in marriage with Lydia Ann Winne, and they became the parents of eight children: William A. (deceased); George A., of Leedsville; Frank P., of Chicago, 111.; Cornelius Winne, of this sketch; Mary A., wife of Charles E. Still, of Wassaic, Dutchess county; Alon^o D. (deceased); Peter A., of Leedsville; and Ida S.

In 1877 our subject began the milling business at Leedsville, and two years later took his brother, George A., as a partner. In March, 1886, they purchased the mill property which they still own, and in the fall of 1887 admitted their younger brother, Peter A., as a member of the firm, which then assumed the firm style of Griffen Brothers. They are manufacturers of and dealers in Hour, feed, grain, etc., and also buy and sell hams, shoulders, pork, lard and butter. In connection with their other business they in 1893 established a grocery store, which they have since successfully conducted. They are wide-awake, energetic business men, and success has come to them as a just reward for their labor.

At Amenia, December 23, 1886, Cornelius W. Griffen was married to Miss Georgiana Palmer, daughter of Hiram Palmer, and four children have blessed their union: Clarence P., Harry Stephen, Elsie Alide and Joel C. The cause of education has ever found in Mr. Griffen an earnest advocate and supporter; for

four successive terms he has been the efficient trustee of his school district, and is now (1897) serving his fifth term. His life is a living illustration of what ability, energy and force of character can accomplish, and while promoting his own interests he has materially advanced the welfare of the community.

DANIEL VAN DE BOGAKT, a prominent resident of Ked Hook, Dutchess county, and one of the leading contractors and builders of that region, is a descendant of one of our most distinguished pioneer families.

The great-great-grandfather of our subject was Myndert \'an De Bogart, who in 1702, with his brother. Jacobus, emigrated from Amsterdam, Holland, and settled on the site of Poughkeepsie. They acquired a large tract of land and built one of the first eleven houses in that city. Jacobus \'an De Bogart was one of the first sheriffs of Dutchess county, in 1726. The two brothers. Jacobus and Myndert, gave the land and contributed liberally to the first church in the village, which was to be a Reformed Dutch meeting-house. In 1715 Jacobus \'an De Bogart leased land to the county for a court house and jail, and in 1734 it was made a count)' seat. Myndert was in 1744 married to Gretchert Kipp, daughter of Jacob and Engellge Pells. Myndert \'an De Bogart, Jr., was married in 1765 to Miss Hanna \'elie. Peter, son of Myndert Van De Bogart, was married in 1807 to Mary Maria Wilco.x.

James Van De Bogart, our subject's father, was a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, receiving his education there, and afterward following the trade of mason. He married Miss Mary Ann Windover, of the same city, and had se\en children: James K., who died in infancy, Ellen, Lydia Ann, Daniel, Eugene, James and Harriet.

Daniel Van De Bogart was born December 25, 1849, and, after availing himself of the excellent educational advantages offered in the schools of Poughkeepsie, he learned the mason's trade with William Sague, a prominent mason of that city. For a few years he worked as a journeyman and then went into business for himself at Verbank, and met with such success that he looked about for a wider field for operations. In 1873 he moved to Red Hook, and since that time he has erected many of the finest structures in that and other towns. Among the most notable are the two

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595

elegant residences at Summit, N. J., built for Miss Donaldson and Mrs. Bronson; St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Red Hook: the Methodist Church at Red Hook, erected in 1S93; the beautiful mansion of Johnston Livingston on the banks of the Hudson at Tivoli; several charitable institutions built by Gen. John Watts De Peyster; the De Peyster Memorial Church at Tivoli, erected in 1S92; the St. Paul's Training School; the Hospital for Consumptives at Verbank, in 1894-95; ^"d the anne.x to the Leak & Watts Orphan House at Yonkers, N. Y., 1S96. These and other substantial and artistic buildings will stand for ages to come as a monument to his skill and ability.

On September 3, 1873, Mr. Van De Bo-gart was married to Miss Estella Pulver, a daughter of Louis Pulver, a prosperous farmer of Red Hook. Of this union eight children were born: Allard A. March i, 1875; Mary, April 28, 1877; Ediia, October 30, 1879; li)aniel, March 19, 1882; Ernest. July 17, 1884; Lucinda, May 9, 1887; Ralph, November 7, 1S89; and ^faynard J., April 17, 1892. In all local movements our subject takes an influential part on the side of progress, and he has found time to fill creditably several ofBcial positions, having been collector of the town of Red Hook, and one of the trustees of the village, when it was incorporated in 1894. In 1893 he received the nomination for supervisor of the town of Red Hook. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F., for man\' years but is not at present active in the order.

GEORGE C. SMITH, superintendent of one of the most important departments in the extensive works of the Xew York Rubber Companj-, and a prominent resident of Fishkill-on-Hudson, was born January 8, 1840, at Shrub Oak, \\'estchester Co., N. Y., of English descent.

Leonard Smith, his father, son of Jacob Smith, and a well-to-do farmer of Westchester county, was born in 1806, and married Mary A. Carpenter, who was born April 13, 1814, a daughter of Walter and Nancy (Somerbell) Carpenter. Ten children were born of this union, of whom eight lived to adult age: George C, Ferdinand, Leonard, Lewis, Theodore, William, Lauretta, and Mary I. (who married Charles E. Martin, a grocer of Fish-

father of these died mother on March 16,

kill-on-Hudson). The January 21, 1868; the 1869.

George C. Smith attended the district schools at Shrub Oak in early boyhood, and then pursued a wider ccurse of study in the public schools of Peekskill, and the well-known academy of the same town. When he attained the age of seventeen he left home to make his own way in the world, and, going to Brooklyn, he secured employment in a grocery and feed store, owned by George & Alfred Wallace. With them he remained two years, and then came to Fishkill Landing, where he was emplo)'ed by William Teller & Co. until 1861. in which year he entered the service of the New York Rubber Company. He began as a day hand, but so efficient and capable did he prove that he was promoted, from time to time, until he was appointed to the responsible position of superintendent of the hollow-goods department, which employs 130 men, boys and girls, the entire plant containing in all about 250 employes. This honorable record of continuous service speaks more eloquently of his essential trustworthiness than could any words, and Mr. Smith, who is a stockholder of the company, is, as may well be imagined, a valued worker in other business enterprises, being a stockholder and director in the Holland Hotel Company, and for twenty years past a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank, of Fishkill-on-Hudson. He takes a prominent part in local politics, also being an ardent supporter of the Republican party. In 1875 he was elected trustee of the village, and has since held that office almost continuously. In 1895 he was elected president of the village; in March, 1896, was again chosen to that office, and also in 1897. For a number of years he was a member of the 21st Regiment New York State Militia, which was called out during the Civil war, and served thirty days at Baltimore. Socially he is affiliated with Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M.

Mr. Smith has a pleasant home overlooking the Hudson river and the city of Newburg, where he owns two large lots opposite his residence. His wife, whom he married in August, 1861, was formerly Miss Elsie M. Bishop, daughter of Miles and Cynthia (Ives) Bishop, of Woodbury, Conn. Her ancestors were early settlers in New England, and one was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; her father served in the war of 1S12. Mr. and Mrs.

COM.VE.VOIiA TIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

Smith are members of the Reformed Church. They have one son, Walter A. Smith, who is at home.

WARRENS. DIBBLE, one of the substan- tial business men of Matteawan, Dutchess county, is the proprietor of the popular hotel known as the "Dibble House," and also of the Dibble Opera House, a favorite place of amusement for the best people of that town.

His great-grandfather, Jonathan Dibble, was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. His grandparents were Seth and Diana (Sherwood i Dibble, and his father was the late Augustus N. Dibble, a well-known farmer of Litchfield county, Conn., who was born February 20, 1811. He married Henrietta Morgan, and they reared a family of three children, of whom our subject is the eldest; Mary E. is the wife of Robert Cooley, of Albany, N. Y.; and Belle married William Daly, Waterbury, Connecticut.

Warren S. Dibble was born July 11, 1S42, at Cornwall, where the schools afforded excellent educational advantages, of which Mr. Dibble availed himself, attending the public schools for some years, and later the Adelphi Institute. After his graduating, in 1858, he taught for several years in different places, and then went "on the road" as an auctioneer. A few years later he engaged in the hotel business, first at Cornwall, Conn., and then at Pine Plains, N. Y., and in 1877 he purchased his present hotel at Matteawan. then known as the Jaycox property. This he has greatly improved, making additions from time to time until it now contains seventy-five rooms; and he has also built a commodious stable. In 1886 he erected the Dibble Opera House, which he is at present managing, and is furnishing a high class of entertainment to an appreciative public. He has also built several tenement houses which he rents. Genial in manner, but possessing keen discrimination in financial matters, Mr. Dibble holds the confidence of the people in an unusual degree. He is a Republican, politically, but is not an active worker in the party.

On April 11, 1870, Mr. Dibble married Miss Jane Stoddard, daughter of Jasper and Sophia (Hubbard) Stoddard. She is a member of the Baptist Church. They have one daughter, Daisy M., a young lady of tine social gifts, who attends the Episcopal Church, and takes an active part in various charitable enterprises.

JOHN FLANNERY. The "Flannery House ' at Fishkill Landing is one of the finest and best managed hostelries in that locality, and its genial proprietor, the subject of this sketch, has demonstrated his business sagacity in his liberal j'et judicious expenditures, in its building and equipment. When he purchased the property, in 1878, it was simply a marshy lot with an old shanty upon it, but as its location near the dock made it especially suitable for his purposes, he secured it at a cost of $10,000, and he has since spent $25,000 in the improvements which he has made from time to time.

Mr. Flannery was born March 25, 1S49, in Dublin, Ireland, but his father, Patrick Flannery, a native of the same place, was for some years a farmer in County Tipperary before coming to America. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Katie Moore, was also a native of Dublin, and her death occurred there in 1S54. Of their four children, our subject was the youngest, (i) James died at the age of four years; (2) Patrick E., who served as a soldier throughout the Civil war, is now a successful hotel-keeper at St. Paul, Minn.; and (3) Mary is the wife of Michael Ormand, a wealthy resident of Hastings, Minn. The father, Patrick Flannery, married a second wife, and for some time after his arrival in America lived upon a farm at Goshen, N. Y. He is now living in retirement, having sold the place to our subject. In religion he is a devout Catholic, and he has been an adherent of the Democratic party ever since he came to this country.

As John Flannery was but a child when he made the trip across the Atlantic, his boyhood was mainly spent at Goshen, where he received his elementary education. He also attended school at Campbell Hall, Orange county, and in Poughkeepsie. His first venture in the business world was at Goshen, where, when a mere boy, he conducted a hotel, and in seven months made $12,000, a remarkable beginning. He continued in the hotel business for two years, and then spent one year in rest and recreation, after which he went to Poughkeepsie, as mentioned, and studied for a year. Resuming business, he conducted a hotel at Newburg for three years, and then bought one in the country, in Orange county, which he sold after two years, returning to Newburg and continuing in business there for three years. In 1S76 he moved to Fishkill Land-

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597

ing, leasing the old " Myer's Hotel," near the depot, where he remained until he established his present place. Since taking up that enterprise he has purchased a wholesale liquor business in Newburg, and he is also interested in thoroughbred horses, having owned many valuable trotters. He is highly respected, and has always been noted for his liberality in political, educational or philanthropical movements which appeal to his judgment, and especially to the Catholic Church, of which he is a member. In politics he is a Democrat, and his influence in the organization is widely recognized.

In 1867 Mr. Flannery married his first wife. Miss Mary Groody, of Binghamton, N. Y., a daughter of John Groody, a well-known brewer of ale. Three children were born of this union: John, Jr., who died at the age of eighteen; William, who died at twenty-four; and Katie, the wife of Daniel Glinn, of Newburg. Mrs. Mary Flannery died at Fishkill Landing, in 1892, and on October 17, 1894, our subject was married to Miss Margaret J. Faulkner, an Episcopalian, the ceremony being performed in the Catholic Church, by Father T. F. Kelly. One son, John G., brightens their home.

Mrs. Flannery is a native of Newburg, where she was born May i, 1870. Her family originated in England, but her great-grandfather, who was a major in the English army, settled in the North of Ireland, in County Antrim, where her grandfather, Richard Faulkner, was born, and is still living at an advanced age, having passed his life there as an extensive agriculturist. He is a strict Episcopalian, and a generous contributor to various charities. He married Margaret Ewing, who was of Irish descent, and had the following children John and Jane, twins, who died in infancy Richard (i) deceased; John H. ; James (i) Mary, wife of James Weir, of Ireland; George, a well-to-do farmer there; Robert H., a police captain at Derry, Ireland; Elizabeth, wife of James Walters, of Ireland; William, a successful farmer at the old homestead; Margaret, deceased, formerly the wife of John Nesbitt, principal of a school at Randallstown; Richard {2), and James (2).

John H. Faulkner was reared in the old country, attending school at Seymour Bridge, and in early manhood engaged in the grocery business at Belfast. On June 25, 1867, he wedded Miss Agnes Colville, who was born

August 5, 1844, at Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, daughter of Hugh Colville, and granddaughter of Alexander Colville. Her mother, Jane (Gordon), was also born there, and both families were among the old residents of the town. Mr. Faulkner continued in business in Belfast about three years after his marriage, and in 1870 he and his wife came to Newburg, where he became a salesman in a wholesale liquor store. It was not long before he had acquired a sufficient acquaintance with his new surroundings to warrant him in opening a similar establishment on his own account, and he has ever since been engaged in the business. In 1880 he removed to Matteawan, but later he transferred his interests to Fishkill Landing, where he has remained. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner, as follows: Agnes and Jennie, who died in infancy; Robert C., who graduated from the School of Pharmacy in New York City, and is now a druggist at Cornwall, N. Y.; Margaret J. (Mrs. Flannery); Martha, a graduate of De Garmo Institute, who is at home; Richard, a publisher in New York City, and a member of the Seventy-first regiment, N. Y. N. G.; Esther, who died in infancy; John G. and Esther (2), who are at home; Agnes, deceased, and another child who died in infancy.

FRANCIS TIMONEY, a wealthy brick man- ufacturer of Dutchess Junction, Dutchess

county, is one of those business men whose industry and enterprise seem limitless, their activity in varied lines of work appearing to be an easy and natural exercise'of their inborn capacity for organization.

Mr. Timoney was born August 4, 1829, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and is the third of his name. His grandfather, Francis Timoney (i), married Winifred Gallagher, and their son, Francis Timoney (2) ( our subject's father), married Abbie Duffy, by whom he had eight children: Dennis, Patrick, James, Francis, John, Winifred, Mary and Bridget. The common schools of his native land did not afford Mr. Timoney the advantages that he needed, and he was partly educated by private tutors. At the age of twenty-three he came to America, and located at \'erplanck's Point, Westchester county, where he found employment in the brick yard of S. M. Dyke-man. After three years he was put in charge of the yard as foreman, and held that position

COMMEMOUA TIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

for two years, when he began to work on shares, Mr. Dykeman furnishing the plant, horses, carts, and implements, and Mr. Tim-oney supplying the labor and feeding the horses. This arrangement lasted two years, and then Mr. Timoney purchased a half interest in the business, and four years later he bought the other half and continued the business alone until iS86, when he purchased his present property at Dutchess Junction at a cost of $42,000. There was at the time one yard in working order, and he has since fitted up two others, expending from $50,000 to $75,000 upon his improvements. He now has three yards which he would not hesitate to compare with any on the Hudson. He can turn out a quarter of a million brick per day, and his daily expenditure for labor alone is from $300 to $500. He owns two barges which he uses to convey his brick to market, most of which is disposed of in New York City. For twent}' years past he has been a prominent member of the Brick Exchange in that city, and his thirty-seven years of continuous work in brick manufacture has made him authority on all points relating to the business. But his success in this line of effort has not prevented him from engaging in others, and while at Verplanck's Point he carried on a grocery and dry-goods store for over eighteen years, the butcher business for two years, and the coal business for four years. Since coming to Dutchess Junction he has devoted his attention to his main line of business, but he takes an active interest in the Matteawan National Bank, in which he is a stockholder and director.

In politics Mr. Timoney is a Democrat, and while living at Verplanck's Point he was for two years a member of the board of auditors of Cortland township; but his business interests have prevented him from taking a very active part in political affairs.

On July 6, 1S55, he married Miss Margaret Reed, daughter of John and Margaret (McKil-lup) Reed, and they have had eleven children, four of whom died in infancy. Their eldest child, Mary Ann, is the wife of John C. Mc-Namara, a commission merchant of New York City, formerly a resident of Fulton, N. Y., but now living at Fishkill Landing. Francis A., one of the leading young business men of Dutchess Junction, is a brick manufacturer, merchant, and at present the postmaster there, having been appointed in January, 1894. He

married Miss Margaret Grady, of Fishkill Landing. Five younger children — Theresa, Susie, John, James and Clara — are still at home. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

ROBERT P. L.AWSON, a wealthy iisher- man and real-estate holder of New Hamburg, Dutchess county, was born in that village about seventy years ago. His ancestors came originally from Holland, and the family is one of the oldest in the county.

Cornelius Lawson, our subject's grandfather, was born in Dutchess county, and followed the occupation of farming all his life. He reared a large family of children, among whom was Cornelius Lawson (2), our subject's father, who passed the greater part of his life in the village of New Hamburg, where he engaged in the occupation of lime burning. He married .Miss Amy Lawson, a native of that village, and reared a family of five children, of whom our subject (the third son) is now the only survivor. Jeremiah and Cornelius were boatmen on the Hudson; John was a farmer of Dutchess county; and Ann, the youngest child, married Moses Sensabal, now deceased. The parents passed away many years ago.

Robert P. Lawson has spent his entire life at New Hamburg, and has secured a fine competence, being the owner of a valuable property in the village, and his industry and thrift have won for him the high esteem of his associates. In 1855 he married Miss .^nn Orbson, a native of Ulster county, who died in 1S93, leaving no children. In politics Mr. Lawson is a Democrat, as was his father before him, and he has never wavered in his devotion to the principles of his party.

A

LONZO S. WTLTSE, a well-known citi-

zen of Fishkill-on-Hudson, Dutchess

.county, proprietor of a grocery located on the corner of Main and Ferry streets and South avenue, is descended on both sides of the family from old Holland-Dutch ancestry.

His father, the late Benjamin Wiltse, was born May 4, 1799. and became a farmer in the town of Fishkill. He married Margaret Ann Tidd, who was born December 22, 1801, and had eight children: Jane, Annis, Catherine, Margaret, Peter, Charles, Cyrus and Alonzo S. Of this family, our subject and

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599

three daughters are the only survivors. The father died January i, iSSi, and the mother on January 9, 186S.

Alonzo S. Wiltse was born at the old homestead in the town of Fishkill, April 24, 1840, and was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood, his attendance, after he reached the age of twelve, being limited to the winter terms as his help was needed in summer in the work on the farm. At nineteen he began his business career at Fishkill-on-Hudson as a clerk for S. G. & J. T. Smith, dealers in dry goods and groceries, with whom he spent six years. He then entered the employ of the Newburg, Dutchess and Connecticut R. R. Co., taking charge of the buildings and bridges alcng the entire line. This position he held until iSSo, when he received the appointment to the post of engineer at Sing Sing Prison, which he held eight years. In 1888 he resigned and returned to Fishkill,^-on-Hudson, where he established his present business, in which he has met with well-deserved success.

Mr. Wiltse married Miss Mary E. Benson, a descendant of one of the prominent families of Highland, Ulster county,' and the daughter of Capt. John Benson and his wife.Priscilla H. Benson. Two children were born of this union: Charles B., who has been for some time a train dispatcher on the X. D. & C. R. R., and Carrie L., a successful teacher in the public schools of Fishkill. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church of Fishkill Landing. In politics Mr. Wiltse has always been a steadfast Republican; socially, he is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 2S3, F. & A. M.

I

BRAHAM BRETT was a descendant of yjL one of our oldest families. His paternal great-grandfather, George Brett, married Hannah Cooper; their son, Francis G. Brett, married Margaret Camel, and their son, Harvey Brett, married Susan Coleman, and had three sons: Wesley, Abraham and Charles Fletcher, and one daughter—Emma—who died in her seventh year. Abraham Brett was born in Matteawan February i, 1843, and died April 13, 1893. He attended the schools of the village and the Tarrytown Institute for some years, and then entered Claverack College, Claverack, Columbia county. After graduation he at once began a mercantile career, spending two years as a clerk for Mr.

Wells in a general store at Highland Falls, N. Y., and then went to Newburgh. to enter the employ of Isaac Wood, at that time a prominent dry-goods merchant there. After one year he returned to Matteawan, and clerked for David Davis in his general store, which was long known as the "old Matteawan store." The building has since been torn down and replaced by the Music Hall building, now occupied by S. G. and J. T. Smith as a dry-goods store. After learning the details of mercantile business, Mr. Brett opened an establishment of his own August i, 1865, the first e.xclusive dry-goods store in the town, and about a year later his brother, Charles F. Brett, was taken into partnership, under the firm name of A. & C. F. Brett. The first location was in what was known as the Mechanics Hall building, and from there they moved to the Phillips building, and remained until 1876, w^hen they went to a store which they had just completed, next to the Howland Library building. Here the business is still carried on, C. F. Brett conducting it since his brother's death, and retaining the same firm name. In politics the late Abraham Brett was a Republi/;an, and in religion a Methodist, being an active member of the Church. In 1863 he married Jane, a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Randall Tompkins. They had three children: Albert \'., Emma S. and Harvey, Jr.

GEORGE SILVERS, a retired clothing merchant and hotel proprietor, of Pough-keepsie, Dutchess county, was born October 3, 1824, in Hanover, Germany, where he grew to manhood and learned the tailoring business. Mr. Sievers was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Frese, who was also born in Hanover, and was a daughter of Henry Frese. They were married in Hanover September 19, 1847, and directly thereafter came to America, locatmg in Albany, where our subject follow-ed his trade for three years. He and his wife then came to Poughkeepsie, and have since remained here. Mr. Sievers worked at his trade for a year, and then went into the clothing business, his store being located at No. 282 Main street, where he remained until 1861, and then started a hotel on the corner of Bridge and Main streets, carrying on at the same time a liquor business, until 1870, since which time he has been retired. The follow-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.

ing children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sievers: Susie, who became the wife of Charles Achuster, a butcher, and died in 1884; Charles died at the age of twelve years; Louisa married Dr. Harper, of Cambridge, who is deceased; Anna married Bonocio B. Llensa, and they own a plantation in Porto Rico; Jeraldine is the wife of Dr. John P. Wilson.

When President Lincoln called for volunteers in 1863, Mr. Sievers answered the call, and was appointed lieutenant of Company G, N. Y. S. M. He is a member of the Masonic order, and, with his wife, attends the German Lutheran Church. He is a fine German citizen, one who has helped to promote matters of public interest in Poughkeepsie. He possesses considerable real estate, and is one of the leading men of the city.

Our subject's father. Christian Sievers, was born in England, learned the tailoring business and followed it all his life. He married Miss Dora Tilke, a native of Hanover, and the following children were born to them: Christian, Henry and Carl, tailors by trade, who died in Germany; Dora, who died unmarried; and George, our subject. The father died in 1838 and the mother in 1S31. Xhe grandfather was a French Huguenot, born in France.

THOMAS G. NICHOLS (deceased), the founder of T/ic Sunday Courier, of Poughkeepsie, now owned and edited by Arthur G. Tobey, was born in Boston, Mass., January 8, 1827. While he was quite young his parents removed to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he attended the common schools, and then commenced an apprenticeship to the printer's trade. Soon after his apprenticeship ended he opened a job-printing office, the first one in Poughkeepsie. In May. 1852, in partnership with John H. Bush mow also deceased), under the name of Nichols & Bush, he started the first daily paper published in the city, which was called The City Press ; but in 1858 it was sold to Albert S. Pease, who changed its name to T/ic Daily Press. Mr. Nichols then gave his attention to job printing, and continued exclusively in that line until 1868, when with the assistance of George Innis and others he established another daily paper called The Morning Nen's, which soon became quite popular. Receiving a favorable offer, however, from Hegeman & Wilbur, Mr. Nichols sold the paper to them, and they

changed its name to The Poughkee/'sic Xei^'s. Subsequently J. O. Whitehouse purchased the paper, and for a year or two Mr. Nichols remained looking out for a good opportunity to enter anew the field of journalism. The favorable time came, and December 15, 1872, he commenced the publication of The Sunday Courier, the first Sunday paper issued between New York and Albany. Many of his friends doubted the wisdom of his enterprise; but it prospered, thanks to his own indomitable perseverance and energy, as well as the influence and patronage of his many friends; and when in 1888, owing to failing health, he concluded to sell his newspaper, he realized a competence which enabled him to retire from business, and take his ease for the remainder of his days. He died August 26, 1895, at the residence of Mr. Ackerman, at Carthage Landing, N. Y., where for some time previous he had been making his home, having never married. He was peculiarly fitted for the profession which he chose to adopt, was careful, painstaking and discreet, his editorials, withal, showing marked ability and thought.

ARTHUR G. TOBEY. the well-known editor and sole proprietor of The Sunday

Courier, was born May 5, 1850, in the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, where he lived until eight years of age, and then went with his parents to Utica, N. Y., where he attended the public schools. Later he was employed in a drug store at Rome. N. Y., remaining there for about two years, and subsequently returning to Poughkeepsie, where he learned the printing business, with T. G. Nichols, who was then conducting the Morning N^ews with singular ability.

In 1871 Mr. Nichols sold the Xeics to Hegeman & Wilbur, and Mr. Tobey was made foreman and, subsequently, local editor. Later our subject went to New York City and engaged in the restaurant business. Disposing of his restaurant in December, 1872, he in the following month returned to Poughkeepsie and assumed the position of manager and local editor of The Sunday Courier, which was established December 15, 1872. He held that position until December, 1888, when he purchased the paper, which at that time had a circulation of 5,000. This he has increased to 8, 500. Mr. Tobey has never aspired to political or party honors, but has devoted his entire

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601

time and attention to his business, and has always conducted his paper on a non-partisan basis and with eminent personal popularity and pecuniary success. Beside the sole ownership of T/ic Courier and a full modern plant, he has constructed and resides in an attractive residence on one of the most pleasant avenues in the city.

In 1875 Mr. Tobey was married at Highland, Ulster county, to Miss Florence Deyo, a daughter of the late Monroe Deyo, and they have two children: Earle D. and Florence E. Our subject is a member of Triune Lodge, F. & A. M., of Poughkeepsie Council No. 391, R. A., and of Hudson River Lodge, A. O. U. W.

Henr}' L. Tobey, our subject's father, was born in Poughkeepsie, and was one of the editors of the Utica Herald at the time of his death. He learned the printer's trade in the office of T/ic Ecig/c\ in Poughkeepsie, going from there to Kingston, where he was employed as a writer on The Journal. He subsequently went to Utica, where he died at the age of thirty-five. He was married in Poughkeepsie to Miss Eliza A. Seabury, and they had the following children: Heman A. (deceased); Clara (deceased); Arthur G., our subject; and Kate E., wife of George R. Mooney, of New York.

Heman Tobey, the grandfather of Arthur G., was born in Sharon, Conn., and was at maturity a merchant in Poughkeepsie, where he married Miss Hannah Bolan.

GEORGE WARHURST, the present efficient superintendent of the engraving department of the Dutchess Print Works, at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, has now held that position for sixteen years, and the long period of fifty-three years connected with that business plainly indicates his fidelity to duty. He has been longer in the employ of the company than any other man, and his trustworthiness and capability have been fully appreciated by those over him.

Mr. Warhurst was born at Newtonmore, England, April 19, 1824, and is a son of George and Mary (Wood) Warhurst, both also natives of England, the former born in 1799, and the latter in 1798. Their marriage was celebrated in England, and some of their children were born there, while the births of the others occurred after their removal to America; they were as follows: William, de-

ceased, was a gold-leaf manufacturer of New York City; Ann married William D. Snow, who in early life was a block printer, and later ^became a shoe merchant of Wappingers Falls, but both are now deceased; Thomas (i) died in infancy; George, of this review, is next in order of birth; Thomas (2), for several years served as agent on the road for " Blind Tom," the musician, and others, but is now living retired in New York City; Betsy, deceased, was the wife of Mr. McGinn, of Newburgh, N. Y. ; James was a carpenter and shipyard superintendent in Chicago, but has now laid aside business tares; and Mary died in infancy. On his emigration to the United States, the father located first at Belleville, N.J., in 1831, where he worked at his trade of blacksmithing for a short time, and then came to Wappingers Falls, where he followed the same occupation. His death occurred in New York City, and his wife, who survived him, has also departed this life. The famih' were earnest and faithful members of the Episcopal Church.

When seven years of age George Warhurst was brought by his parents to the New World, and at Wappingers Falls grew to manhood. During his youth he learned machine-engraving — to calico printing — and has followed that business continuously since, being connected with the Dutchess Print Works for over half a century, as previously^ stated.

In 1845 Mr. Warhurst was joined in wedlock with Mary Turner, who was born near Leeds, England, and is a daughter of William and Mary (Wood) Turner. After coming to America her father followed the leather business for a time, both in New York City and Wappingers Falls, but his last days were spent upon a farm in Wisconsin. To our subject and his estimable wife have been born the following children: William, who died in Wisconsin; Mary, wife of Dan Ives, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Rowena, wife of Dr. William Baxter, of Wappingers Falls; Esther, wife of William J. Brown; Lizzie, wife of Dr. L. C. Wood, also of Wappingers Falls; George and Joseph, both machine-engravers of the same place; Martha, who died in infancy; Violetta, wife of James Hunter, of Wappingers Falls; Edith, wife of W. J. Van Aden, a merchant of New Hamburg, Dutchess county; Martha; Frank, a die maker, who is living at home; and Louisa, wife of Richard A. Pott, a publisher of New York City.

As neighbors, friends and citizens, Mr.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Warhurst and his wife are held in the highest regard. Both are members of the Episcopal Church, in which he is at present a vestryman. They are passing quietly down the sunset hill of life, enjoying the esteem and confidence of their neighbors, and the affection of their children and friends. In politics Mr. Warhurst has been a life-long Republican, has served as trustee of the schools of Wappingers Falls, and for two terms was trustee of the village. He is a trustee of the Grinnell Library Association, and is at present trustee of the \\'appinger Savings Bank. For forty years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with the Masonic lodge. No. 671, F. & A. M., in which he has served as master, he has been connected for many years.

A ^ AH EL DENMAX LYON was born August 12, 183S, in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, a son of Clinton and Jane (Denman) Lyon. His father was the son of Aaron Lyon, a surveyor by profession, who married a Miss Nelson, an ancestor of the Nelsons of Poughkeepsie. The Lyon family came" from England.

Clinton Lyon, our subject's father, was a machinist and a fine workman. He was a man of great natural ability, and when Henry Clay ran for President he " stumped " Orange county in his behalf, and becam^ well-known as a fluent and forcible speaker. He was well qualified to hold a high position in societ\-, and was a warm friend of the historian Benson J. Lossing, and of Egbert Kelley. They were all members of the same reading class, and were in accord in many things. Clinton Lyon worked on the construction of the first steamboat which ran on the Hudson river, and on many other important structures. He was a liberal Democrat, afterward becoming a Whig and a strong Protectionist. He died in 1840, esteemed and respected throughout the county. The wife of Clinton Lyon was a daughter of John Denman, and a granddaughter of Asahel Armstrong, who was a brother of Gen. Armstrong. They had seven children, namely: John Robert, Adeline, Horatio, Sheridan and Julia (both died when si.xteen years old), Asahel, and William Henry (born August 27, 1840, lives in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania).

Asahel D. Lyon received only a limited education, but has been a great reader, and is

a man of keeVi perception, one of close observation, in which way he learns much. He is well-informed on all current topics, and is a man of sterling good sense. When Asahel was only two years old his father died, and as soon as he was able to work the lad was put out on a farm, the wages of even so small a boy of eleven years being a help to his widowed mother. He worked by the month until eighteen or nineteen j'ears old, when he started out for himself, running a threshing machine for three years. He was married when twenty-two, and after working for awhile on a farm went into the butchering business, which has grown to be quite extensive, and in which he is still engaged. He has also for a number of years done some auctioneering.

In 1871 Mr. Lyon bought his present farm of 120 acres, which he is carrying on, as well as his other business, and has become a very successful agriculturist. He is active and energetic, and puts through whatever he undertakes, qualities which are essential in a farmer as much as in any other man, and which seldom fail to bring prosperity. In politics he is a Republican, and believes strongly in Protection. In public matters he has always been ready to assist in the development and growth of the community, and has taken a special interest in the schools of the county, doing all in his power to make them equal to any in the State.

On February 22, i860, Mr. Lyon was married to Sarah A. Lawless, daughter of Jacob and Anna Lawless, of Clinton. Two sons have been born to them: Asahel Anson and George Morgan. The family are highly esteemed by all who know them.

JOEL S. WINANS, one of the prominent and influential citizens of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, comes of an old established family in the county.

James Winans, born in 1715. first of the name in Dutchess county, was descended from ancestry who came from Brabant, Belgium, in 1630, He and his wife Sarah migrated from Horse Neck, Long Island, to Dutchess county, about 1770, settling in the town of Stanford, on the late Dr. Isaac M. Hunting farm. Their children were as follows: James, Ira, Girau-dus, David and Sarah. Of these. James married Hannah D. Groff, of Poughkeepsie, and had eleven children; Ira married Mary ,

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603

and had children; Giraudus (" Grand ") married (first) Hannah Merritt, and (second) Vi-letta Knickerbocker; Sarah married Peter Smith.

David Winans (mentioned above), grandfather of our subject, came from Horse Neck to Dutchess county with his father, and was a lifelong agriculturist. He served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, gallantly fighting for the freedom of the colonies. He was an earnest Ghristian gentleman, and politically was a supporter of the Whig party. By his marriage with Miss Tammy Smith he had the following children: David, Leonard, Morris, Smith, Seymour, Egbert, Ambrose, Amanda, Gertrude, Tammy, Maria, Harriet and Elizabeth.

Upon the old homestead in the town of Pine Plains, Leonard Winans, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood. He was married in the town of Stanford to Miss Sally Ann Sutherland, daughter of Joel Sutherland, an early settler of that township, and to them were born six children, namely: Brush and John (deceased); Joel S., subject of this review; Walter H., of near Amenia, Dutchess county, a sketch of whom follows; William, a superanuated minister of the Methodist Episcopal Ghurch, now located at Gatskill, Greene Co., N. Y.; and Mary. The mother of these children died in 1828, and Mr. W''inans afterward married Miss Elizabeth Thompson, of the town of Stanford. Four children graced their union: Sally Ann and Margaret (both deceased); Elizabeth, wife of Nathaniel Robinson, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; and Isaac ide-ceasedi. For many years Leonard Winans operated the farm in the town of Pine Plains, and in 1830 returned to the old homestead in that township, which is now owned by Frank Eno. At the end of six years, however, he removed to Stanford town, locating near Bangall, where he farmed for many years, but finally laid aside all business cares, and spent his last days in that village, dying there in 1868, at the age of eighty-five years. He was always interested in the success and welfare of his country, and took part in the war of 1812. Politically, he was first a Whig and later a Republican, while in religious faith he was one of the most active and prominent workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, being the founder of the Church of that denomination at Bangall.

Joel S. W'inans, the subject proper of this sketch, was born November 5, 1820, in the

town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, where he attended the district schools, and aided his father in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm until he had attained the age of thirty years. On October 2, 1S50, in the town of Stanford, Mr. Winans married Miss Lucy Ann Wright, who was born July 29, 1822, in the town of Fishkill, daughter of Isaac and Jeanette (Howe) Wright, natives of Dutchess county. Three children were born of this union: (i) Tamar Ella, who married Charles H. Carpenter, of Stanfordville, N. Y., and has three sons—George Irving, Joel S. Winans, and Henry Sesson; (2) Sophie D. H., married to George E. Rogers, by whom she had one daughter, Sophie, and two sons, George E., Jr., and Clayton, who died in infancy; and (3) W. Irving (only son), who died while attending school at Fort Edward Institute, N. Y. in 1877.

Mr. Winans first located upon a farm at Attlebury, in the town of Stanford, where he continued operations until 1866, when he removed to his present farm near Stanfordville, and in connection with the cultivation of his land he also for a year ran a freight boat on the Hudson from Poughkeepsie to New York City. As an agriculturist he has been quite successful, having secured for himself a comfortable competence. He has always been one of the most progressive, reliable and popular citizens of the town of Stanford, where he has held a number of prominent positions of honor and trust, having been justice of the peace for the long period of forty-three years; revenue collector for seven years, which office he filled during the trying years of the Civil war; and from 1869 to April, 1887, was bonding commissioner for the town for the New-burgh, Dutchess & Connecticut railroad. Politically, he early became a stalwart Abolitionist, and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, becoming one of the leaders of that party in his locality. In religious belief he and his wife are Baptists.

Isaac Wright, father of Mrs. Winans, was born in Fishkill, Dutchess county, as was also her mother, he in 1787, and she in 1791. They had nine children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, one dying at the age of eleven }ears, and five yet living. The father, who was a carpenter and joiner by trade, died in 1871; the mother died in 1873. Lebbens Howe, maternal grandfather of Mrs Winans, served in the war of the Rev-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

olution. John Wright, her paternal grandfather, came from England, and settled in Fishkill, Dutchess county, in a very early day.

ALTER H. WIXANS, a prosperous agriculturist, residing near Amenia, Dutchess county, is one of our most highly respected citizens.the sturdy virtues of his Scotch-Irish ancestry being well exemplified in his character and his successful, though quiet, career. [A sketch of his immediate ancestry will be found in that of his brother, Joel S. W'inans. ]

Walter H. Winans was born in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, April 2 1. 1823, and the district schools of the locality afforded him the usual opportunities for instruction. Until the age of twenty-three he remained at home, and then he began farming in the town of Stanford, where he made his home for many years, and took a leading part in local affairs, and at one time held the ofifice of collector. In 1870 he purchased a farm in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. April I, 1892, he removed from that farm to his present estate. December 24, 1846, he was married in the town of Stanford to Miss Emily Robinson, with whom nearly a half-century of wedded life was passed, before she was called to the unseen world, her death occurring February 27, 1893. Si.x children were born to their union: Franklin; Mary Elizabeth; Seth K., who married Miss Nettie Robinson; Brush; Amy and Ellsworth. Amy married Christian Lang, and has had three children: Walter, Miriam and Emily. Ellsworth married Miss Ida Wheeler, and resides in the town of Washington. He is possessed of the same self-reliance and industry for which his family is noted, and has never had anv financial aid from his father.

Mrs. W. H. Winans was a descendant of a well-known Putnam county family, her grandfather, Chappell Robinson, a farmer, having located there, with two brothers, in the earh' days. He married Miss Mary Sprague, and had five children: Stephen, Sabins, S(]uire, Mary and Eli. Stephen Robinson. Mrs. Winans father, was born in the town of Kent, Putnam county, and was married there to Miss Martha Kelley, daughter of Seth Kelley. Thirteen children were born to them as follows: Chappell, Kelley. Osborn, Enos, Emily, Zillah, Jarvis, Ada, Nathaniel, Priscilla, Robert,

Catherine and William. In 1836, Mr. Robinson moved to the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, continuing there his chosen calling of agriculture. Later he spent twelve years in Lithgow, Dutchess county, but returned to the town of Stanford, where he breathed his last in February, 1876, at the age of eighty years. His patriotism and gallantry were proved in the war of 1812, and the various issues in national politics never ceased to interest him, his influence in his later years being given to the Republican party.

CORNELIUS SMITH VAN ETTEN.M.D., who is distinguished as one of the most successful practitioners of Dutchess county, is a descendant of one of the oldest families in the State, being the seventh generation in direct line from Jacob Jansen \'an Etten, who, when a young man. came to America from Etten, North Brabant, Holland. He settled in Ulster county, N. V., and on January 4, 1665 (according to the record in the First Reformed Church of the city of Kingston, N. Y. 1, he married Anna Ariense \'on Amsterdam. This union was blessed with three sons: Jan, Peter and James, who lived and died in Ulster county. Jan was baptized January 3, 1666, and about 1690 was united in marriage with Jen-nette Roosa, daughter of Arien Roosa. They had two sons—Arien and Jacob—besides a large family of daughters. Jacob was baptized at Kingston December 25. 1696, and at the same place on April 22, 1719, was married to Autje Westbrook, of Rochester, Ulster county. About the year 1720 he settled in the Delaware \'alley, and reared a large family of children, among whom was Johannes, the fifth son, who was born at Namanock, N. J., in 1731. When near the age of twenty years, Johannes settled upon a tract containing 1,500 acres near Milford, Penn., which is still owned by his descendants. He died February 15, 181 5, in his eighty-third year, and was buried on his own farm. He had been twice married, and by his second wife, Rachel Williams, had a son, Cornelius, our subject's grandfather, born near Milford, December 8, 1782.

Cornelius \'an Etten married Anna Smith, and became the father of eight children: Rachel, Solomon (our subject's father). Mary, Amos, Catherine, Robert, Margaret, and Amanda. This family all settled near Milford, and Catherine, Robert and Amanda are still

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605

living. Amos Van Etten was the father of Edgar Van Etten, who is now general superintendent of the New York Central & Hudson River railroad. The Pennsjlvania Van-Ettens have usually followed farming, and have been prominent in non-political local affairs, but have never sought public office.

Solomon Van Etten was born near Milford, May 18, 1806. He married Hannah Mettler, daughter of Mathias Mettler, and a descendant of one of the oldest families of Hunterdon Co., N. Y. They had seven children: William and Amos, who died in infancy; John H., a lawyer in Milford; Cornelius Smith, our subject; Mathias M., a farmer at Dover, N. J.; and Frank and Anna, both deceased. The father died in 1873 in his si.xty-eighth year, mother in 1894, at the age of eighty-two years.

Dr. Cornelius Smith Van Etten was born at the old homestead September 13, 1846. He completed the regular course of study at the seminary at Schooley's Mountain, N. J., and in 1870 entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania for a three-years' course. On graduating in 1873 he located in the lower part of the Wyoming Valley; but after a few months was called home by the death of his father. He then remained at home until 1876, when he came to Rhine-beck, and has here engaged in general practice. He has been very successful—his line abilities, his thorough training, and his firm but kindly manner, have won for him the entire confidence of the community.

On June 7, 1882, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Hill, who was born June 16, 1849, a daughter of Edwin and Catherine (Cramer) Hill, the former a leading citizen of Rhinebeck, and, until recently, president of the First National Bank. To Dr. and Mrs. Van Etten have been born two sons, Edwin and Royal, and the home is one of the most charming in the town, a fine library being an especial feature. The Doctor and his wife are active workers in the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican, but his professional duties have never allowed him time to be very active in political affairs. He is a director in the First National Bank, a trustee of the Savings Bank, and in municipal matters has taken a great interest, being health officer of the town, member of the fire department, and, for ten years past, the president of the school board. He is a trustee of Starr Institute, and treasurer of the Rhinebeck Gas

Company. In professional circles he is equally prominent, and is a member of the New York State Medical Association, and of the United States Medical Association.

LEWIS F. EATON is one of the most en- terprising business men of Dutchess county, and is a resident of Amenia. His operations as a wholesale grain dealer are extensive in their scope, and he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote the general welfare while advancing their individual prosperity. For over a quarter of a century he has been identified with the interests of Amenia, and the connection has been as honorable as it is long.

Mr. Eaton was born at Syracuse, N. Y., May 7, 1850, and is a son of Lewis Eaton, a native of Fayetteville, Onondaga Co., N. Y. After completing his common-school education the father clerked in a store for a time, and subsequently was connected with the Syracuse & Oswego line of transportation in New York City and vicinity for about fifteen years. Returning to Fayetteville, he became general freight agent for the New York, Syracuse & Chenango railroad, which position he retained up to the time of his death, in 1878. At Fayetteville he had married Miss Sarah Willson, daughter of John H. Willson, and to them were born four sons: Robert W., of Fayetteville; Frank H., of Terre Haute, Indiana; Charles B., deceased; and Lewis F., of this sketch. The mother's death occurred in 1875.

The primary education of our subject was received in the village schools of Amenia, and he later attended the public schools at Astoria, Long Island. At the age of fourteen years he entered the Peoples Line Transportation Company in New York City, where he remained for one year, after which he was in the canal collector's office, where he was second clerk the first year, and first clerk the three succeeding years.

At the age of eighteen Mr. Eaton came to Amenia, becoming bookkeeper for B. Willson & Co., dealers in fiour, feed, lumber and coal. In March, i87S,he became manager for George T. W'illson, who had assumed control, and in the following May was made a partner in the business, under the firm name of Willson & Eaton. About 1881 the firm started a wholesale trade, which now e.xtends through several counties of New York, Vermont, Connecticut,

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and they also have three retail stores, one at Amenia, another at Wassaic, and the third at Shekomeko. Their sales have increased from $40,000, in 1881, to three-quarters of a million in 1895. Their specialty in the wholesale trade is that of feed and grain, and they were the first to sell cotton-seed meal in this vicinity. They have a wood-working factory in connection with their other business, manufacturing house trimmings, doors, sash, blinds, etc., and Mr. Eaton also handles life and fire insurance. He is a man of remarkable business qualities, resourceful and energetic, and the scope of his operations and his varied interests show that a master hand and mind is in control of his affairs.

On October 24, i ^~y, Mr. Eaton was united in marriage with Miss Julia Per Lee, daughter of Walter P. Per Lee. He is an earnest advocate of Republican principles, is connected with the fire company at Amenia, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian. His hobby is that of stamp collecting.

PETER PRATT, the popular proprietor of the "Pratt House" in Amenia, Dutchess county, traces his ancestry back to Peter Pratt, a college-bred man, who was a resident of Wallingsford, Conn. He married a ^frs. Ingraham, widow of a sea captain, with whom he boarded while attending Yale College, and to them were born two children: Peter, and Sophia, who married Oliver D. Cook, of Hartford, Conn. When his son was three years old he removed to Kent, Conn., where for twenty years he served as collector, and his old home there is still in the possession of the family. He became one of the leading men of that place and an earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church.

Peter Pratt, the son, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Wallingsford, Conn., in 1762, and died at Kent in 1845. At the latter place he attended the district schools, and always lived on the old homestead farm, engaging in its operation, and in running a sawmill and forge. He was appointed captain in the militia, was a Whig in politics, and a Presbyterian in religious belief. He was united in marriage with Miss Sally D. Bard-well, a daughter of Rev. Joel Bardwell, who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Kent for over half a century- She was born in

1768, and her death occurred in 1849. In the family were nine children, all now deceased with the exception of John M., the father of our subject, who was next to the youngest, the others being; Philo B., Sherman, Joel, Ralph, Peter, Sophia, Sarah and Cook.

John M. Pratt was born at Kent, Conn., May 22, 1S09, attended the public schools and completed his literary course in an academy. He remained at home until February 7, 1838, when he married Miss Charlotte Mills, who died in 1846. She was the daughter of Deacon Lewis Mills, a merchant and farmer, and was a most estimable lady. They had five children, as follows: Charlotte M. is the wife of John D. Piatt, of P"armington, Conn., by whom she has three children— Frank, William and John; Jane, a resident of New Milford, Conn., is the widow of Sheldon Wheaton, by whom she had one daughter— Nellie; Mary (deceased) was the wife of Seth Hobson, and the mother of one child—Elizabeth; Peter is next in order of birth; and Sophia is the wife of Walter B. Camp, of Ansonia, Connecticut.

The father carried on farming in the town of Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn., until 1S67, when he purchased the "Putnam House," the name of which hechanged to the "Pratt House." This hotel has been greatly improved since that time, and is now one of the best equipped in the county, everything being prosided for the convenience and comfort of the guests. Since coming to Dutchess county, Mr. Pratt has also engaged in buying and selling sheep, cattle and horses, and in this line of business has been quite successful. Previous to 1857, he was a Whig, but since that time has been a firm supporter of Republican principles. A strictly moral, upright and temperate man, he has never gambled, bet on a horse race, or been drunk in his life. He makes his home with our subject.

Peter Pratt, whose name begins this sketch, spent his boyhood days in the town of Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn., attending the district schools and assisting his father in the operation of the farm. In 1865 he married Julia A. Stone, of New Milford, Conn., and they have one daughter, Minnie S.

Since 1867 Mr. Pratt has successfully engaged in the hotel business at Amenia. The greater part of his present hotel has been erected since locating there, so that the place is now a comfortable, modern structure, neatly

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

GOT

furnished, and the cuisine is all that could be desired. Like his father, he is also an ardent Republican, and socially is a member of Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M.

OHN C. DUBOIS, one of the leading merchants of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, combines energy and pluck with excellent judgment, an embodiment that has brought great success to his efforts and labors. His entire life has been passed at that village, where his birth occurred on June 20, 1S57, and those who have known him longest are numbered among his most faithful friends.

The paternal ancestors of Mr. DuBois were French. In his native land Jacques DuBois married Pierrone Bentyn, and April 15, 1675, sailed from France to America, locating at Kingston, Ulster Co., N. Y., thus becoming the founders of the family in the New World. Their son Pierre wedded Jeannetje Burhans, and to them was born a son, Jonathan, who was united in marriage with Ariantje Ooster-hout. The son of the latter, Cornelius (i) DuBois, married Charity Griffin, and their son, Cornelius (2), a farmer by occupation, was the grandfather of our subject. . He was born at Saratoga, N. Y., and by his marriage with Deborah Payne became the father of twelve children, namely: Parmelia, Jane, Harriet, Elizabeth, Chester, John, Charity, Cornelius G., Smith, Richard, Harvey and James. The family were mostly members of the Presbyterian Church.

John DuBois, the father of our subject, was born January i, 1825, at Saratoga, N. Y., and upon the home farm he remained until nineteen years of age, when he began teaching, which profession he continued to follow up to the time of and several years after his marriage. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary S. Scoiield, and was a native of Fishkill, Dutchess county, where her father, Corrtelius Scofield, was also born. He was of English e.xtraction. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Warren, and she was a relative of Gen. Warren, of military fame. After their marriage the parents of our subject made their home at Wappingers Falls, N. Y., where the father taught in the old Wappinger Seminary for several years. In 1857 he began merchandising on Market street, having a general store, and continued at his first location until 1863, when he removed to another building on the

same street. Later, he conducted the business across the creek in the Egan building, in partnership with Adam Bently, which connection was continued until 186S, when he sold out. He then opened a wholesale dry-goods business, conducting same until called from this life, May iS, 1876. He had just erected his beautiful residence, where his widow now makes her home. He was a conscientious and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, in the work of which he took an active part, and his political support was unwaveringly given the Republican party.

During his early life our subject aided his father in the store, under whose able directions he became a thorough business man. After the death of the latter, his uncle, James B. Scofield, had charge of the store until he, too, was called from this life. Our subject then purchased the stock, and since 1879 has successfully conducted a general store. He carries a large and well-selected stock, and is abundantly able to meet the demands of his customers. In November, 1881, he married Miss Ada M. McKeel, a native of Cold Springs, N. Y., and a daughter of Caleb McKeel, who was of English origin. One child graces this union: Chester M., born in August, 1882.

Mr. Du Bois is an influential member of the Republican party, and takes a conspicuous part in public life. In 1895 he was elected a member of the village board, in which position he is still serving. He is prominently identified with the Knights of Pythias, the American Mechanics, and the American Legion of Honor. He and his wife contribute to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they enjoy the esteem and respect of all in the community.

^; LEXANDER W. SLEIGHT, supervisor of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, was born in that town July 4, 1841, and is the son of Peter R. and Catherine S. (Barnes) Sleight.

The ancestors of our subject were originally Holland-Dutch, who came to this country in 1652, and the known record extends back five generations, to Cornelius Barentsen Sleght, who came from Worden. Holland, on the Rhine, and vvho married Miss Tryntje Tysen Bos, from Bue Stee, Holland. The name was spelled Sleght until the time of James, grandfather of our subject. Matthew Sleght,

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CO^fME^fORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

son of Cornelius, married Maria Magdalena Crespel. Jan, son of Nfatthew, married Miss Elizabeth Smeedes. Abram, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in the city of Kingston, where he spent his boyhood and received his early education. He married MissAriantje Elmerndorf, and moved to what is now the town of Lagrange, cleared the farm land, built a stone house, and reared his children there. He died October 21, 1800. She died in 1796.

James, or Jacobus, Sleight, our subject's grandfather, was born in the old stone house above mentioned April 19, 1753, and died September 2, 1833. He married Miss Elsie Deriemer, and the following children were born to them: James Edwin, Peter R., Elsie D., Harriet E., Henry A., all of whom are deceased. In 1776 Mr. Sleight served seven months in the Revolutionary war at Fort Montgomery, under Capt. Dorland, as orderly sergeant, and in 1777 he served seven months at Fort Constitution, and then went with the army as first lieutenant under Capt. Henry Wynkoop, and was with it when Kingston was burned. In 1778 our subject's grandfather served one month under Gen. Scott at White Plains, and at Fort Independence, near King's Bridge, as quartermaster under Zephaniah Piatt, colonel. He was afterward made a colonel. [The foregoing is from the Archives of the State of New York, Vol. 1, page 473, and is taken from records left by Mr. Sleight in his own handwriting and signed by him.] He took a prominent part in the affairs of Lagrange, where he held the office of justice of the peace.

Peter R. Sleight, father of our subject, spent his boyhood days upon the farm, and in attending the district schools, also the Jacob Willets school, in the town of Washington. He was married in the town of Poughkeepsie (first) October 3, 1827, to Sarah K. Barnes, who was the daughter of David Barnes, of Poughkeepsie, and one child, James Edwin, was born to them, August 31, 1829, who died September 16, 1868. Mrs. Sleight was called from earth October 20, 1829, and Mr. Sleight married (second) Catherine S. Barnes (sister of his first wife) December iS, 1832, and the following children came of this union: Sarah A., born September 5, 1835, was married November 14. i860, to Stephen M. Ham; David B., born April 30, 1838, was killed in the battle of Averysboro. N. C, March 16, 1865 (he held

the rank of first lieutenant); James Edwin married Frances E. Titus, March 9, 1853, and they had four children—Mary Kate, Rhoda, Sallie, and Frances. Peter R., the father, was captain of a company of militia, and was assessor, commissioner of highways, and railroad commissioner when the town was bonded. At the time of his death he was president of the Dutchess County Mutual Insurance Co., to which ofiice he was elected in 1881, and for several years was a director of the First National Bank. In politics he was a Republican. On December 18, 1882, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. Sleight died in Lagrange, March 15, 1S88, Mrs. Sleight on February 11, 1894.

Alexander Wheeler Sleight, our subject, spent his youth on the paternal farm in the town of Lagrange, where he attended the district school, also the Dutchess County Academy, and the Cornwall Collegiate School. He was married in Lagrange October 7, 1868, to Miss Mary C. Pells, a daughter of John G. Pells, and the following children were born to them: Josephine W., March 14, 1S75; Peter R., April 19, 1877; and David B., November 27, 1880. Mr. Sleight was elected supervisor of Lagrange on the Republican ticket for ten terms. He is a member of the B. P. O. E., or Elks, and is a popular and public-spirited citizen.

JACOB GRIFFEN, a citizen who has been useful in his community, and ever taken a

prominent place in the enterprises tending to the enlightment of the people; the friend of education, and active in all good works, has all his life been a tiller of the soil, and still finds therein his great pleasure.

Elihu Griffen, grandfather of our subject, was an earlj' resident of Westchester county, N. Y., where his entire life was spent in agricultural pursuits. By his marriage with Catherine Underbill he became the father of three sons (all now deceased), named, respectively, Daniel, Jacob and Abraham. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and always attended the monthly meetings in New York City, making the trip thither on horseback.

Daniel Griffen, the father of our subject, was born near the city of Sing Sing, in Westchester Co., N. Y., June 11, 1790, and there attended the district schools of the neighborhood. He remained under the parental roof

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

609

until his marriage, in 1810, with Phoebe Davenport, who was born August 17, I7'93. They became the parents of nine children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Mary D., August 11, 1811: Judith M., January II, 1814; Abigail S., April 6, 1817; Esther H., April 19, 1819; Elihu, September 6, 1821; William D., February I2, 1824; Jacob, October 10, 1825; Catherine E., December 27, 1830; and Lydia Sigourney, April 29, 1834. All are now deceased with the exception of our subject and his sister, Judith M., who is now the widow of the late Alexander Haviland. The father engaged in farming in North Castle township, Westchester count}', until 1826, when he removed to the present farm of our subject in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and there continued to make his home until his death, August 26, 1S58; his wife died June II, 1874. They were faithful members of the Society of Friends, and in a church of that denomination were married. As was the custom at that time, they rode to the house of worship on horseback, and our subject still has in his possession the saddle used by his mother. Although the father started out in life a poor boy, he worked his way steadily upward by persistent and untiring efforts until he secured a comfortable competence, and was numbered among the well-to-do citizens of the town.

Jacob Griffen, our subject, was born in North Castle township, Westchester county, whence when an infant he was brought to the farm which is now his home, and in the town of Clinton he began his education under the instruction of private tutors, and in private schools. Later he entered a boarding school at Westtown, Penn., and completed his literary studies at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. In that town,. October 10, 1878, Mr. Griffin was married to Miss Alice Wilson, by whom he had three children: Catherine, Anna and Frances Elsie.

With the exception of the twelve years

during which he farmed an adjoining place, our

subject since his infancy has lived on the old

home farm, which he successfully operates.

He has served as commissioner of highways in

the town of Clinton, to which position he was

elected on the Republican ticket, that being

the party with which he always affiliates. The

entire family are members of the Friends

Church, to the support of which they contrib-39

ute liberally, and heartily co-operate in its good works. Mr. Griffen is public-spirited and enterprising, giving his support to all measures which he considers beneficial to the community.

Mrs. Griffen was born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, a daughter of John V. and Mary Ann (Barnes) Wilson, and re-. ceived her education in the town of Washington, where she had her home up to the time of her marriage. Her father was born in Un-ionvale town in 1832, and died in 1864, in the army, while serving as a member of Company L 158th N. Y. V. I. By his marriage with Miss Mary Ann Barnes he had five children: Henry G., Alice, Thurston J., Clarence and Belle, the last two being now deceased. Mrs. Griffen's grandfather, John Barnes, born in 1792, died when about seventy years of age. Her grandmother, Mary Wilson, died July 5, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty years.

CYRUS F. HAWLEY, the proprietor of a large dry-goods store at Millerton, ranks among the leading merchants of northern Dutchess county, and the adjacent portion of Litchfield county, Conn. His family is of English origin, and his ancestors were early settlers of the village of Hawleyville, Fairfield Co., Conn., where Harmon Hawley, his father, was born about 1809. His grandfather, Hawley, was born probably at the same place. Harmon Hawley was a hatter b}' trade, and followed this occupation for a few years at his native town. He married Emma Freeman, a prominent resident of the town of Amenia,and shortly afterward moved to Wawarsing, Ulster Co., N. Y., where he established a sawmill and charcoal furnace. He was a man of fine business ability and great energy. He bought and cleared large tracts of land, which he afterward disposed of, and carried on the two enterprises with great success until his death, which occurred in his forty-eighth year. His wife survived him with seven children: William, Martha, Cyrus, Fannie, Josephine, Charles and John.

The subject of our sketch was born at Amenia Union, March 24, 1846, and was educated mainly in the district schools of that vicinity, attending the Amenia Seminary only one year. These somewhat limited advantages have been improved upon in later years by reading, and his information covers a wide

COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

range. At the age of thirteen he began work on a farm in the town of Amenia, and at sixteen he became a clerk in Sharon, Conn., for G. A. Kelsey and G. B. Reed. Here he remained ten years, acquainting himself with all the details of mercantile life, and in 1876 he and two others formed a partnership under the firm name of Beach, Hawley &C0., and established a store at Millerton. After the death of Mr. Beach in 1886, the firm name remained C. F. Hawley & Co. for three years,when Mr. Reed withdrew, and since that t'me Mr. Haw-Jey has conducted the business alone. In 1894 he built one of the finest stores to be found in any town of the size in the county. His trade is very large, extending throughout a wide territory, where his enterprise and sound judgment have won him the confidence of the people.

Mr. Hawley takes an active interest in all that concerns the advancement of the community, and has been ready to promote any movement for the public good, but although he has always been aDemocrat.henever joins in political work. He married a member of one of the oldest families. Miss Afartha Brown, daughter of Douglass Brown, of Northeast, and has one son, Cyrus.

E

'\D\VIN G.VAIL, of the town of Unionvale,

one of the younger members of the board of supervisors of Dutchess county, was born in that town October 15, 1861, the younger of the two sons of Elias and Lavina (Cornell) Vail.

Isaac \'ail, our subject's great-grandfather, was for many years a resident of Unionvale, and died August i, 1801, at the age of sixty-one 3'ears. His wife, Lavinia (Ketcham),passed away March i, 1803, aged fifty-eight years. Their son, Elias, our subject's grandfather, was born in Unionvale in 1775, and followed farming as his life work. He died August 3, 1851, his wife on July 20, 1851. She was born in 1781, and was a daughter of David Duncan, a native of the town of Dover, where he was a merchant farmer.

Elias Vail, father of our subject, was born September 15, 1823, and was the youngest of the thirteen children born to Elias Vail, Sr., and his wife, Hannah (Duncan) Vail. He was twice married, first time, in 1853, to Lavina Cornell, by which union were born two children: W. C., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and

Edwin G. It is believed that their mother descended from Perry Green White, who came over in the " Mayflower," and whose son, or daughter, was the first white child born in the New World. Mrs. Vail died October 22, 1861, aged thirty-six years, and for his second wife Elias \'ail married, January 10, 1867, Miss Jane W. Haight, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, a daughter of John J. Haight. Mrs. Vail died January 21, 1891, aged fifty-eight years.

OHN FRANCIS MYERS. To the thrift, industry and economy of the German immigrants this country owes much, and finds among their descendants many of our most substantial and respected citizens, and to this class belongs John Francis Myers, of New Hamburg, the subject of this sketch.

The family to which Mr. Myers belongs is one of the oldest in Dutchess county, the first of the American line having come from Germany at an early date, locating at what is now known as Myers' Corners, in the town of Wap-pinger, where the homestead has ever since been maintained. John Myers, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and hotel-keeper, a Democrat in politics and a prominent man in the locality. He married Susanna Bussing, and reared a family of seven children: Joseph, who went to California and died there; Peter, a resident of-Hughsonville; John, who was an extensive land holder; Francis, our subject's father; Deborah; Elizabeth (deceased), formerly the wife of Henry Patterson; and Amelia, the wife of Edward I^ayard.

Francis Myers, the father of our subject, was reared on the old home farm, and married Ann Roy, a native of London, England, and an aunt of William K. Roy, of Wappingers b'alls. For some time after, his marriage Francis Myers followed farming in his native town, but in 1855 he became employed in a grocery at Wappingers Falls, and moved his family there. In 1S60 he went to New Hamburg, and engaged in the manufacture of blacking; but later was in the grocery business, which he carried on successfully until 1895, when he retired. He has always been a Democrat, and served as supervisor of the town of Poughkeepsie for several years; he and his wife now live in Florida. To this worthy couple have been born five children: Anna, who (first) married J. E. Willard, of New Hamburg, and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

611

after his death wedded (second) Walter Jameson, of Walden, N. Y.; Charles is the superintendent of the Southern Express Co.; at Jacksonville, Fla.; Mary married Dr. Russell Dean, of the same city; James R. is a farmer at the homestead; and John Francis, the youngest of the family, is the subject of this review.

John Francis Myers was born December 7, 1856, at New Hamburg, and has spent his entire life in his native place, with the exception of two years at \\'appingers Falls during his childhood. Under the careful tuition of his father, he so mastered the details of the grocery business at an early age that, although one of the younger business men of the place, he became one of the most successful and enterprising, conducting a retail grocery, which commanded an extensive trade, and which is now conducted by Mrs'. H. A. Myers. In 18S2 he married Miss Harriet Scofield, daughter of William Scofield, a well-known farmer of near Low Point (formerly known as Carthage Landing). Three children were born of this union : James L., Eeleelah and Francis S. Mr. Myers is a public-spirited citizen, and, like his ancestors, is a Democrat in political faith. He and his wife are prominent members of the Reformed Dutch Church, of which his family have always been influential adherents.

lORTIMER B. COLE is prominently

identified with the business interests of

the town of Pleasant Valley, being actively engaged in the retail feed, grist and saw mill businesses in Salt Point, where he also conducts a general store and sells farming implements, etc. His success has all been achieved by his own unaided exertions, and as the j'ears have passed he has gained experience and business ability, which have secured him prosperity while yet in the prime of life.

Mr. Cole was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, December 13, 1S54, and is a son of Charles N. Cole, whose birth occurred in Putnam county, N. Y., January i, 1820. His paternal grandfather, Elisha J. Cole, also a native of Putnam county, was the son of Jesse Cole, who was born in New England, and at an early day located in Putnam county, where he married a Miss Ogden. He there engaged in the grist, saw and carding mill business. In his family of seven children, four sons and

three daughters, were Hiram and Jesse (both farmers, ) and Elisha J., the grandfather of our subject. In his native county the last named grew to manhood, and in 1800 married Lydia Frost, after which they located upon a farm, where they reared four children: Charles N., George, and two daughters who died while young. He died in the town of Pleasant \'al-ley, Dutches.s county, in 1879, his wife having preceded him to the world beyond. In religious belief he was a Baptist; politically, he first supported the Whig party, and later the Republican. His youngest son, George Cole, was a wholesale liquor dealer, but is now living retired in Chicago, Illinois.

After completing his own education, Charles N. Cole taught school for a time. He was united in marriage with Miss Jane Ann Budd, who was born in the town of Pleasant Valley in 1827, and is a sister of Joel and Albert J. Budd, prominent citizens of Dutchess county. To them were born two children: Edward, who was killed in infancy; and Mortimer B., of this review. The parents located upon a farm which the father operated until his death, which occurred September 4, 1891, but he also invented many different articles, being of an ingenious turn of mind. He was a strong Republican, and held many local offices of honor and trust. His estimable wife is still living on the same farm, which is managed by Mortimer B. Cole.

In the usual manner of farmer boys, our subject spent his childhood, receiving his elementary education in the district schools, after which he pursued his studies for two winters at Pleasant Plains, and finished his education in the Amenia Seminary. Returning to the farm, he later married Antoinette Sands, a native of the town of Stanford. Dutchess county, and a daughter of Isaac G. Sands, who was also born in Stanford town, and was of English descent. For one year the young couple lived upon a farm, but the following year Mr. Cole worked his father-in-law's farm. The next two years, however, were spent in agricultural pursuits, after which he ran a skating rink in New Jersey for a short time, and on returning to this county again worked his father-in-law's farm for a couple of years. In 1887 he came to Salt Point, where he purchased a half interest in a gristmill and flour-mill, but the following year bought out his partner, and has since conducted the business alone. He is also engaged in sawing lumber,

Gli

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and deals in all kinds of general merchandise and farm implements.

Three children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cole, namelj': Stanley S., born November II, 1881; Jennie B., born May 27, 1884; and Pinnia, born December 29, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are active in the community. He is a strong believer in the principles of the Republican party, which he always supports with his ballot.

CH.AKLES H.DUNCAN. This gentleman bears the family name that figures prominently in the annals of Dutchess county, his ancestors having been long and prominently connected with the history of Pleasant Valley. The Duncans, of whom we write, are origi-ally of Scotch extraction. The grandfather of our subject, Joshua Duncan, was for many years assistant superintendent of the cotton factory at Pleasant Valley, and was widely known as a straightforward, honorable business man. His political support was given the Republican party. Both he and his wife spent their last days in the locality where they had so long made their home, and where they had reared their family of six children, namely: Mary, wife of George Cramer; Margaret, wife of Richard Cronkrite, a farmer of the town of Pleasant \'alley; Rachel, wife of John McCord, a native of Dutchess county, now living in Denver, Colo.; Jane, widow of Samuel Bullock, and a resident of Pleasant Valley; John B., the father of our subject; and Henry, a farmer of the town of Lagrange.

John B. Duncan was born and reared in Duchess county, and in his early life learned the machinist's trade, which he followed for some years. After his marriage he located in Pleasant Valley, where for many years he engaged in general merchandising, for a short time as a part of the firm of Duncan & Hastings, and then as sole proprietor of his well-conducted store. His last years were spent in retirement from business cares. He gave his political support to the Republican party; for several years served as postmaster of Pleasant \'alley, and was also town clerk for a number of terms, and he also acceptably served as president of the board of village trustees. Mrs. Duncan, who bore the maiden name of Jane E. Cronkrite, was a daughter of John Cronkrite, a farmer of Lagrange town, descended from Holland ancestry. The family

of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan included five children, namely: Addison G., a resident of Streator, 111.; Charles H. and Marsden F., prominent merchants of Pleasant \'alley; Grace; and Jennie, wife of I. D. Le Roy, M. D., of Pleasant \'alley; two children died in infancy. The father died May 30, 1880; the mother is still living.

Charles H. Duncan spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, and began his education in the district schools, which, later, he continued in Pelham Institute, Poughkeepsie. Returning to Pleasant \'alley in 1875, he soon after entered upon his business career by securing a clerkship with Heath & Co., of Poughkeepsie, in whose service he remained some four years. He then entered the employ of Solomon Strauss, a dry-goods merchant, with whom he remained five years, and then began business on his own account, in Pleasant \'alley, in partnership with his brother, Marsden F. Under the tirm style of Duncan Brothers they carry on business, and have a large trade, which their honorable dealing and courteous treatment of their customers justly entitles them.

Charles H. Duncan was married June 12, 1889, to L. Ida Pray, who was born in Lagrange town, Dutchess county, a daughter of George Pray, who followed farming in that locality. The family has long been identified with the history of this community. An interesting family of five children—Ethel Pray, Martha Lavinia, Hazel May, Virginia Ida, and John Howard—grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan. The parents are esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is trustee and treasurer. His political support connects him with the Republican party, and socially he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity.

ALFRED HAVILAND MOORE. In 1S12 a mill was erected in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, around which the thriving village of Moores Mill has since grown up, its development and prosperity being largel}- due to the energy and business sagacity of the subject of this sketch, and other members of his family.

His grandfather, Stephen Moore, a native of Plattsburg. X. Y., owned and operated the mill in his day. He married Ruth Clark, and reared a family, among whom was Alfred

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEWAL RECORD.

613

Moore, our subject's father, who was born at Verbank, Dutchess county. He was educated in the district schools of that town and of Moores Mill. On attaining manhood he engaged in farming in the western part of the town of Lagrange, but after ten years he removed to Moores Mill, where he conducted a farm and ran the old mill. He was a high-minded, progressive man, a Quaker in faith, and a devoted friend to Libert}', his house having been a station on the " Underground railroad," by which so many slaves made their way to freedom. Although he never sought political honors, he was an earnest supporter of the Republican party. Deeply conscious of the necessity for broad and thorough education for the masses, if our form of government is to endure, he never failed to champion the cause of education, as a worker in the Society of Friends, attending meetings regularly from boyhood, and often preaching to the congregation. He probably officiated at more funerals than any other minister of his day in Dutchess county. His wife, Charlotte Havi-land. was a daughter of Isaac Haviland, a well-known resident of Quaker Hill, and both lived to a ripe old age, Mr. Moore departing this life in his seventy-eighth year, and his wife at the age of eighty-nine. They had seven children: (i) Lydia, the wife of Daniel Willets, of Jericho. L. L; (2) Ruth ( Mrs. P. A. Skidmore); (3) Susan, who resides at Moores Mill; (4) Albert H., our subject; and three, Charlotte, Andrew and Annie, who are now deceased.

Alfred H. Moore, our subject, was born at the village of Moores Mill November 27, 1843, and his early education was acquired in the district schools there and in a boarding school in Unionvale, N. Y. He has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of his native place, and in addition to the work of conducting the mill and farm, he started the first store in the village, opened the first telegraph office, and the first post office, serving as postmaster for several years. After some time, he disposed of the store, and now gives his attention to the ancestral occupation, and since 1876 has been the sole manager of the mill. He has been extensively engaged in breeding fine Holstein cattle on his farm.

In politics he is a Republican, and he is active in the Friends Meetings. He is a man of excellent ability and upright character, and is held in high esteem. His courtesy is unfail-

ing, and in conversation he gives pleasure not less by the wisdom of his remarks than by their form, the soft "thee," "thou," and "thy " lending their grace to his well-turned sentences. He was married at Jericho, L. I., to Phcebe Willets, daughter of Jacob Willets, and they have three children: Herman Wheeler, Jacob Willets, and Daniel W.

Miss Susan Moore, our subject's sister, is the proprietor of the "Floral Home" at Moores Mill, a delightful summer boarding place. She is a model hostess, untiring in her efforts for the comfort of her guests, of whom there are usually about seventy-five throughout the season. The house takes its name from the abundance of beautiful roses and other flowers which bloom there, making the place a charming retreat.

E

-LMORE FERRIS, a well-known dealer

in lumber, feed and coal at Pawling,

Dutchess county, is one of the most enterprising and successful business men of that locality. He was born October 19, 1S37, in Mid-dlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y., and was educated in the district schools there, his attendance after the age of twelve years being limited to the winter terms. At fifteen he left school and began working bj' the month for farmers, and at eighteen he came to Pawling town, Dutchess county, where his ancestors have had their homes for several generations. In 1859 he began to learn the carpenter's trade with Mr. Mclntyre, and followed this for nine years; but in 1867 he purchased a one-half interest in J. C. Merritt's lumber, feed and coal business. Two years later he bought Mr. Merritt's share, and has since continued the business alone, building up a large and profitable trade. Energetic and self-reliant in business, he is also interested in local affairs, and is regarded as one of the leaders in the community. He has always been a stanch Republican, and although he has never been an office seeker, he is at present trustee of the village. He married Miss Mary Jane Holmes, daughter of James Holmes, and has four children: Carrie M., Harriet E., Jam.es H., and Claude, all at home.

The Ferris family is one of the oldest and most prominent in this section. The genealogical record dates back to John Ferris, a native of Leicestershire, England, who emigrated with his familv to Fairfield. Conn., and after-

CO.VMK.VORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

ward, about 1654, removed to New York State, dying in 171 5. He is said to have been one of five brothers who came to this country with their families, one of whom, Jeffrey, settled first in Massachusetts in 1635, and then in Fairfield, Conn., in 1660. Another brother, Benjamin, settled in Salem, Mass., in 1640.

Samuel Ferris, a son of John, was born in Reading, England, and was among the first settlers of Grotoii. Mass., whence he removed to Charlestown. Mass. His only son, Zach-ariah Ferris, married Sarah Reed, of Stratford, Conn., and had eight children, of whom there is the following record: (i) Deborah, born June 17, 1700; (2) Joseph, born September 27. 1703. married a Hannah Noble; (3) David, born March 10, 1707, in Stratford, died in Wilmington, Del., December 5, 1779; (4) Benjamin, born in 1708; (5) Sarah Ann, born November 10. 1710, married a Mr. Noble; (6) Hannah, born August 6, 1712, married (first) Gains Talbot, and (second) Dobson Wheeler; (7) John, born February 7, 1714, married Abigail Tyron, of New Fairfield, Conn.; (8) Zachariah, Jr., born September 30, 1714, was a Quaker preacher of \\'ilinington, Del.: and Daniel comes next in order of birth. Zachariah Ferris, Sr., was in Charlestown in 1675, and afterward settled at Stratford, Conn., and then about the year 1710 removed to New Mil-ford, Conn. From him are descended persons of that name in different parts of the United States. Five of the children—David, Benjamin, Hannah, John and Zachariah. Jr. —together with the mother, joined the Society of Friends. David was educated for a Presbyterian minister, but afterward became a celebrated preacher among the Friends. He went to Philadelphia in 1733, and was there married to Miss Mary Massey, and often attended the Oblong meetings, visiting his brother Benjamin. He traveled about with William Russell and Paul Osborne, preaching, being a minister among the Friends for twenty-four years. The Oblong meeting house was on land owned half by a Russell and half by a Ferris.

Benjamin Ferris was a Quaker preacher, and was among the very first settlers of the Oblong (now Quaker Hill), Dutchess county, between the years 1734 and 1736. The name "Oblong" is derived from the shape of that portion of equivalent land that was set off from Connecticut about 1730. He was very prominent in the meetings there through-

out life. In his old age, his son Zebulan's store mow occupied by William Clark) was robbed by the cowboys during the Revolution, and he was so far non-resident in his ideas, that he desired those present to "seize the rascals." Benjamin Ferris married Elizabeth Beecher, and had the following children: (i) Zebulon, born in New Milford, Conn., March

19, 1729, married Ruth -; (2) Reed, our

subject's great-grandfather, born August 15, 1730, in New Milford, married Anne Tripp; (3) Susannah, born in New Milford, in 1732, married Elijah Doty; (4) Phcebe, born in 1734, in New Milford; (5) Lillius, born in 1736, in Oblong, married Jonathan Akin; (6) Benjamin, born September 25, 173S, in Oblong, married Mary Howland; (7) Gilbert, born in 1740, in Oblong; and (8) Edmund, born in 1748, in Oblong.

Reed Ferris, tradition and history informs us, freely offered his fine mansion (known as the "old Kirby House ") to Gen. Washington for his use as headquarters, at Pawling, N. Y. In James H. Smith's history of Dutchess county we find the following: "The old • Kirby House ' was built by Reed Ferris in 1771, and at the time Washington was in Pawling was a new house. Mr. Ferris was a substantial farmer, and his house, like his means, was large. Mrs. Akin, mother of the late Judge Albro Akin, and another lady used to tell of its occupancy. One day two aides-de-camp rode up and informed Mr. Ferris that Gen. Washington would like to make his home there for a while. Mr. Ferris consented, and to notify all intruders that this was the house of the commander-in-chief, they fastened a paper to the front door, reading: • Headquarters of Gen. Washington.' The Ferris house has been torn down, and all that remains is the front doorstep with ' R. F.' and ' 1771 'cut in it." The farm is now owned by Archibald Dodge. Reed Ferris and Anne Tripp had the following children: Edmund, born March 30, 1752; Benjamin. July 29. 1754; Lydia, July 5, 1756, married a Mr. Wanzer; Molly, April 20, 1759, married John Akin; James, July 2, 1761; Warren. February 19. 1764; Pitt, July 4, 1766; Morris, October 16. 1768; Anne. January 5. 1771. married a Mr. Havi-land; and Seneca, February 15, 1773.

Edmund Ferris, the grandfather of our subject, was married four times, and had nineteen children. On October 30, 1771, he married his first wife, Mary Akin, who was born No-

coynrEvoBATrrE biogbapsical becobd.

•515

vember i. 1747. and had one son—John Akin Ferris, bom October 17. 1772. at Pawling. N. Y. The second wife. Hannah Taber, became the mother of two children: Thomas Taber. October S. 1776. and Hannah, bom November 22. 1777. The third wife of Edmund Ferris was Martha Birch, bom in 1760. whom he married in 1781: she died Jannarj-22, 1794-Their children were: Wlllett F.. who was b:m May 19. 1782. and died April 12. 1853; Betse}-. bom November 14. 1783: Amy, bom Jannary 17. 1785: Ira, bom October 23. 1788: Sophia, bora May 17. 17S9; and Oliver, bom Etecember 5. 1793. For his fourth wife, he inarried Sally Birdsall, who was bom in 1777. and to them were bom ten children, whose -asies and dates of birth are as follows: Ann. Febman.- 25. 1706: Philelus. November 5, 1797: Minerva. March iS. 1799: Horace. February 9. I So I: Ransom. Febmary 24, 1S03; Matilda. December 30. 1804: Garrett, May 2S. 1806: Sally. April 26. 1S09; Alfred. Sep-:ember 29. 1810: and Massilla. September 26, IS12. The third and fourth wives of Edmund Ferns are the ancestors of nearly all of the name InPawlia?. The grandfather of our subject was a fanner, and succeeded to a part of i: of his father. He lived on Quaker H... -,:-ing a pcTtion of his life, and later on the Daniel Dc-ise farm. He was qnite a laret ' ' - ' [--at cne time, and was prominent ir: -He served in the war of 1812. and wa-as Major Ferris.

Horace Ferris. o:ir subject s father, was a tanner who went to Otsego county. N. Y.. about 1830. purchased a farm and spent the remainder -of his life there. He had only a small estate, but was a man of push and energy. He was a Whig, although he never took an active part in politics, and he attended the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1873. and his wife. Emeline Bentiey. a daughter of Thomas Bentiey. of the town of Bt ' passed away in 1891. She was the tr^ : family of five children, the others being: Elmer: Luman; Harriet who married Philo Ferris, and lived in Chenango county. N. Y. 1; and Clarirda who married Mr. Garrett, and lived and died in Pawling . The Bentleys were also of English origin. To Horace Ferris and his wife were bom children as follows: Clarissa, who married 1 first Cyms Groves, and .second Adam Dje: Matilda, wife of John Corbin: Walter H., who married Caroline Terwiiliger: Ellen, wife of John Prau: Maiy, who married

(firsty Albert Coie. quins; Phcebe. ' ''-who married A in girlhood; E.more, sketch; Alfred, who and was a soldier in of Isaac Tec^' ■ wounds recei • T served in the Uaion len; and twins who : family live in Otse.

and second' Emery Ja-

- Farren Pratt: Eldmond,

-on; Elizabeth, who died

•a-hose name o|>=ns this

married Amanda Chase.

the Civil war; Levisa, wife

? -'-^rd. who died from

y; Leroy iwho also

armvi married M. J. Do-

\-.=t vcang. Most of the

RICHARD A. SCHOUTEN. proprietor of a meat market at Staatsbcrg. Dutchess

county, is a man of strong and intelligent convictions and -' . -.--.- :t. He is a native of Do: : November 22, 1835, in the : East F -known as Fishki. . i.. - .5 descer _,. Schouten. a Holland emigrant, v - to r ■ :.^nof F - ~ ~ en, was bom. The latter was the grandfather of our subject, who lived upon :~= ----- - —-7 - ;

entire life and was very = .

cultural porr_ :? ".. 1 fn^jizZTC x-err*".

who was z izz. .0 ?.-:_. o 1777. and to

them was bom a son. Stockholm, the father of our subject. In Hyde Park. Datchess coun-tv. the erandfather died. March 22. iSoi. and

nis w::

20. I -

of F ■ sprin; HvdePar Vizr. '•-

^as bora Deo=:o.oer e farm in the town

about a miie nortn 01 i:.ast

-? . procuring : v De Witt

place. He spent his last da\-s. however, with his son. a or:~:oent Ia\vv-er of Pr r- =;osie. He ^as 00 'ot rent, well-read : - :ng

Tt ■ il advantages, and

";- , . ; „ nanirai talent. He

t; nent part in local political

a±i:r5-n;;:o risoklll ar "- t Park town, alwavs v;tinj wlih z'zt D : party, and

served for many years as overseer of the poor in the former town. In later !;fe he was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Cborcb. d}~;ng :n that faith March 13. 1876, at the ire ::' seventy-two years.

S: - zhouten married Miss Ann

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

Maria Underhill, who was born December i6, 1810, and died April 7, 1883; she was the daughter of Absalom Underhill. Children as follows were born to this union: Ann Eliza, born August 19, 1S30, became the wife of William S. Ladin, and died in August, 1849, the year she was married. John S., born October 8, 1832, is a farmer of the town of Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county; he served in the Civil war, enlisting as private, and was promoted to sergeant. Richard A. is next in order of birth. William Kipp, born January 27, 1839, became a promising young law\er of Poughkeepsie, but was called from this life February 18, 1870, at the age of thirty-one years, one month and four days. Charles Andrew, born November 23, 1843, was a soldier during the Civil war, and was promoted to sergeant; most of his life has been spent in the dry-goods business in New York City, but he is now assistant superintendent in a post-graduate hospital, 2 1st street and 2d avenue. New York. Phcebe Helen, born October 2, 1847, died in 1866, the year of her marriage. Julia, born March 14, 1850, married to William Nelson, and had two children—Guy Lockwood and Grace Deere; Julia died about the year 1885. Stockholm, born March 27, 1853. was a printer of Poughkeepsie, where he died October 6, 1879.

The education of our subject was such as the common schools of Fishkill and Hyde Park towns afforded, and he is well posted on the current events of the day. For one year after attaining his majority he still remained upon the home farm, and then began the butchering business on a small scale, for a few months running a wagon. The following year he bought a small place east of Hyde Park, where he resided for about four years, but in 1863 succeeded to the business of M. E. Lattin, in Staatsburg, starting a small market on the west side of the track. For nine months he conducted a shop at Red Hook, Dutchess county, and for about a year one at Newburg, N. Y., but in 1872 he purchased his present building of William B. Densmore, and has since successfully carried on a market there, handling the best meats and controlling the trade of the town. He is careful and methodical in his business dealings, and his success is the just reward of his own diligence, enterprise and good management.

In 1S57 Mr. Schouten was united in marriage with Laura J. \'elie, daughter of Henry

Velie, and they have become the parents of the following children: Charles Henry, who was born August 3, 1858, and is now in the shop with his father; Alice L., who was born January 5, 1863, and is the wife of C. W. H. Arnold; Francis M., who.died May 3, 1879, at the age of thirteen years; Richard U., born January 15, 1875, and died in 1894. at the age of nineteen years; Laura Velie, who was born February 10, 1S70, and is at home; Sterling Bird, born May 17, 1879; and Emma Deere, born May 23. 1882. Politically, Mr. Schouten votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has served his fellow-citizens as school trustee and collector of his town. He is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Staatsburg, in which he has ol^ciated as trustee, and superintendent of the Sunday-school.

ORLANDO JAMES COWL, a retired merchant tailor of Pawling, Dutchess county, has been for many years a leading resident of that town, and he and his estimable wife, who recently passed from earth, have been helpful factors in the important social, phiianthropical and religious movements which have contributed to the development and progress of the community.

Mr. Cowl is a native of New York City, born November 14, 1825. His family is of English origin, and the home of the American branch may be said to be at Cowl's Corners, east of Patterson, in Putnam Co., N. Y., where many of the name now live. Capt. William Cowl, our subject's grandfather, was a prominent citizen of that locality, and was greatly respected for his sound judgment and upright and temperate life. Possessing great energy, he engaged successfully in various business enterprises, being a merchant, a shoemaker, and the owner of a large tannery, and he also took an active share in local politics as a supporter of the Whig party. His title was a well-earned distinction gained in the war of 1812. He died in i860, and his wife, Elizabeth Gorham, in 18—. They had seven children: Eliza; Harry; Orrin; James; one who went to the West; Mrs. Flora Anderson; and Anna (also married).

James Cowl, our subject's father, was born in 1799, and about 1826 engaged in the grocery business at Pawling, at what was then known as Goosetown, on the spot now occupied by the residence of James Ferris. He

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHWAL RECORD.

617

afterward moved to New York, and followed the same business at the corner of Church and Franklin streets, but at the age of thirty-five he was compelled to abandon mercantile pursuits on account of ill health, and from that time he was engaged in the real-estate business. The family has always been distinguished for excellent business judgment, and his career would serve to confirm that reputation, his energy and foresight enabling him to accumulate a fortune. He did not care for public honors, and refused to become a candidate for office when urged; but he was interested in political questions of national importance, and was at first a Whig, later, as a strong opponent of slavery, becoming a Republican. He was a cheerful giver to any worthy cause, and a steadfast adherent of the Presbyterian Church for many years before his death, which occurred April 15, 1892. His first wife, our subject's mother, was Miss Phcebe Martin, a daughter of John Martin, a well-known resident of Quaker Hill. She died a few years after their marriage, and his second wife, Mary (Ludlum), was a victim of the cholera epidemic of 1848. He then married Mrs. Stanton, by whom he had one son. In no place did the strong character of James Cowl show to a better advantage than in his home life. The best of fathers, he gave his children good advantages, and started them well in life. Of the three children of his first family, Harriet, the wife of Alexander Allen, was the youngest. Martin H., who died at the age of forty-five years, was a carriage-maker by trade, and was noted for his fine natural abilities. George Cowl, the son of the third marriage, is a successful drug broker in New York City.

The subject of our sketch received a good academic education in New York during his boyhood, completing his studies in the school conducted by Profs. Iving and Peaks, on Broadway, near Bleecker street. At eighteen years of age he began to learn the tailor's trade in that city, and when he was twent3--two years old he opened a shop of his own while living with his brother-in-law, Mr. Allen. In 1865 he started a merchant-tailoring establishment at Pawling, near the depot, which became the principal house in that line in the town. He was obliged to give this up in 1S71 on account of failing health, and in the following year he built his present residence, and has since given his attention to the care of his extensive gar-

dens. As a business man he has been very successful, displaying force of character combined with clear and sound judgment. In politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and he is a strong upholder of the temperance cause.

In 1866, Mr. Cowl married Miss Phoebe A. Beardsley, daughter of Bennett Beardsley, a prominent citizen of Poughkeepsie. She possessed rare qualities of mind and heart, and her death, which occurred July 19, 1894, was deeply mourned. The memory of her efforts as a devoted and self-sacrificing worker for the good of others will always be cherished in that community. She and her husband were both active, members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Cowl has held the office of steward for many years.

ILLIAM H. PARKER has, smce 1872, been a successful merchant of Hughsonville, Dutchess county, dealing in stoves, house furnishing goods and groceries. His fair dealing and systematic methods of doing business have won for him the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact, and his property has been acquired by the exercise of sound judgment, good business talents and industry.

Thomas Parker, father of our subject, was a native of Connecticut, born at Chester, in 1800. The family is of Welsh origin, three brothers having come from that country and settled in America about 1650. When ten years of age the father became a resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he learned the tin, sheet-iron and copper trade, and later followed his chosen occupation at Rochester, Troy and Elmira, N. Y. In 1841 he removed to Milwaukee, Wis., but his last days were passed at Dubuque, Iowa, where he died in December, 1856. In early life he was a Whig in politics, but later supported the Democratic party. He was a very religious man, a faithful member of the Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belonged. Thomas Parker was united in marriage with Miss Sarah De Groff, who was born in 1804, at Poughkeepsie, where their marriage was celebrated, and was the daughter of Cornelius De Groff, a native of the same place. The De Groffs were originally from France, but, on going to Holland, they intermarried with that nation, and representatives of the family came

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

to America at a very early period in the history of this country. Shortly after their marriage the parents of our subject removed to Troy, N. Y., where part of the children were born, the remainder being born at Rochester. They are as follows: Jeffrey A., a resident of Dubuque, Iowa; Adaline, deceased wife of William R. .Anderson, a captain on the Mississippi river; Thomas, who died in Milwaukee at the age of eighteen years; Maria and Julia, who died in infancy; William H., of this review; and Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Prest, of Whitinsville, Mass. The mother's death occurred at Hughsonville, X. Y., in 1S93, when in her ninetieth year.

At Troy, N. Y., on July 4, 1837, William H. Parker first opened his eyes to the light, and was only a year old when taken by his parents to Elmira, where they remained a short time. As early as 1841 he became a resident of Milwaukee, Wis., where his boyhood days were passed, and there he learned the tinner's and plumber's trade with Henry J. Nazro & Co. In May, 1S56, he started overland to Kansas by cattle train, and was three months en route. He traveled extensively through the West and South for some time, but finally, in 1858, came to Poughkeep-sie, Dutchess county, where he remained for a short time. He then worked at his trade in many large cities, including Cincinnati, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. On the outbreak of the Civil war, he went to Monticello, N. Y., where he enlisted in the First New York Mounted Rifles, but because of a rupture did not enter into active service.

In June, 1864, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Mary Kelly, a native of Orange county, N. Y., and a daughter of Thomas Kelly, who was of Irish extraction. Nine children were born to them, but four died in infancy. Those still living are Willard, Fred, Jennie, Charles and Addie, all at home. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Parker located at Wappingers Falls, where he worked at his trade for A. W. Armstrong for three years, and the following year was in business for himself at that place. Going to Troy, N. Y., he engaged in the wholesale spice-box business, manufacturing tinware there for four years. Since 1872, however, he has been a resident of Hughsonville, where he has engaged in his present line of business.

Politically, Mr. Parker affiliates with the Republican party, being one of its most ear-

nest supporters, and betakes quite a prominent part in public affairs. In 1889 he was elected justice of the peace, in which office he served for four years, for the same length of time was the efficient postmaster of Hughsonville; in 1893 was elected supervisor of Wappinger township, and at the end of a year was reelected, serving in that position until the present time, when superseded by Mr. Barlow. He is a very intelligent man, being well-read on literary and scientific subjects, and is one of the prominent men in the community, standing high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens.

MILES HUGHES. In past ages the history of the countrj' was the record of wars and conquests; to-day it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, not man over man, and the victor is he who can successfully establish, control and operate extensive commercial interests. Mr. Hughes is unquestionably one of the most successful men of Dutchess county. Tireless energ}', keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless will power, are the chief characteristics of the man. He is at the head of a large mercantile establishment at Staatsburg, where he is also engaged in handling grain, feed and flour, having one of the finest elevators in the county; is president of the Fallkill Knitting Co., of Poughkeepsie; president of the Dutchess Land Co., vice-president of the Gilbert Arnold Land Co., and is also largely interested in property at Superior, \\'isconsin.

The family is of English ancestry, being founded in America by those of the name who took up their residence in New England during Colonial days. The great-grandfather of our subject, Christopher Hughes, was a native of New Haven, Conn., and in early life was a sea captain. He was the first of the family to come to Dutchess county, where he purchased about 600 acres of land in the town of Hyde Park, southeast of Staatsburg, also the property on which A. J. Briggs is now living. His son, Christopher, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the first officers in the town of Hyde Park after it was set off from Clinton. He was born in New Haven, Conn., and by

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

619

occupation was a farmer, operating the land which his father had here purchased. He was one of the leading members of the locality, took an active part in Church work, and was one of the founders of St. James Episcopal Church at Hyde Park. He married Rachel Paulding, belonging to the family of which John Paulding, one of the captors of Major Andre, was a member, and also James Kirk Paulding, the author and statesman. Of this union eight children were born: Samuel; Miles; Christopher, the father of our subject, who is the only one of the sons now living; Brooks; Elizabeth, who married Mr. \\'ade, of Albany county, N. Y.; Harriet, 'who became the wife of John Uhl; Maria, who wedded Mr. Skidmore; and Lucinda, wife of Hercules Reed, of Hulburton, New York.

Upon the family homestead in the town of Hyde Park, the father of our subject was born, in July, 1805, and has always followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has been successful, being a man of good judgment in business matters. He married Miss Sarah Lamo-ree, daughter of John Lamoree, who belonged to one of the oldest families of Dutchess county, of French origin, and was one of the most successful farmers and prominent men of the community. Mrs. Hughes is one of a family of seven children, the others being Daniel; Isaac; George V.; Nathaniel; Millie, who married Harris Marshall; and Mary, who wedded Jeremiah Shultz, of 'the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. To the parents of our subject were born four children: Sarah, now the widow of Jacob Cookingham; Miles, of this review; Edgar, who died at the age of fifteen years; and Lucinda. In his early years the father took a great interest in military matters, being captain of a cavalry company in the State Militia, and was always known by his associates as Capt. Hughes. He is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years, while his devoted wife is in her eighty-ninth year. He early became connected with the Episcopal Church of Hyde Park, but now holds membership with the Church at Staatsburg, in the work of which he takes an active part, and has always served as one of its officers. Public interests also receive his attention, especially educational affairs, and for many years he served as school trustee. His political support has always been unswervingly given the Democratic party.

Miles Hughes was born April S, 1836, on

the old family homestead at Staatsburg, Dutchess county, and received a good academic education, finishinghisliterary studies at Hinsdale, Mass., where he went with the intention of preparing for Williams College. At the age of eighteen, however, he left school and began teaching in the home school, holding that position for about six months. He was very successful in that undertaking, and now looks back upon his work there with as much satisfaction as anything he has accomplished in life. For about seven years afterward he assisted in the cultivation of the home farm; but in February, 1S64, he began the general merchandising in connection with a Mr. Wood^ of Clinton town, and the firm continued to do business for some seven years, when our subject bought out his partner's interest, and has since conducted the concern alone. He has one of the largest trades in the county, won by the high grade of goods which he carries, fair and honorable dealing, and his courteous treatment of customers. He has been successful in all his business ventures, the result of his own untiring efforts.

In October, 1865, Mr. Hughes was married to Miss Pier, of Upper Red Hook, Dutchess county, daughter of Benjamin S. Pier, formerly of New York City, but later a resident of Upper Red Hook, N. Y. As a coppersmith he made the first pans for the Borden Condensed Milk Company. Five children grace the union of our subject and his wife: Edwin B., in the store at Staatsburg, and Marian, both living; and Pier, Mary and Emily, all three deceased. Mr. Hughes is a fine representative of the Republican party, always a firm supporter of its principles, and has served as justice of the peace. He takes great interest in St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, of which he is a member, and is now senior warden. Public-spirited in a high degree, he has ever been loyal to his home interests, and the town owes as much to Mr. Hughes as to any other man for its growth and stability, while throughout the community no one is more widely or favorably known.

LOUIS YOUNG was born August 24, 1837, at a place called Oberingelheim, in Germany, and came to America when he was thirteen years old. The following eight years were spent mostly in traveling through the country on pleasure trips, and when he had reached the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

age of twenty-four years, he had settled down in Wappingers Falls, where he was employed for ten years by John Barlow in the bakery business'. In 185S, Mr. Young purchased the business from Mr. Barlow, and carried it on until the time of his death, which event took place November 12, 1889. He was very successful in his undertakings, being a man of strict honesty, careful management, and reliable in all his methods of dealing. He started in" life in the village with a capital of fifty cents, and at his death left property valued at $10,000.00. He built the brick store which he occupied, and the one now occupied by Matthew J. Cashin, and also two brick houses on Mesier avenue.

On November 21, 1871, Mr. Young was married to Miss Eliza Smith, who was born in Orange county, N. Y., a daughter of Thomas Smith, a native of England. Of this union four daughters were born: Josephine, Mary, Sarah and Wilhelmina. They are all young ladies of culture and refinement, and with their mother are popular members of society.

Mr. Young was a Republican, but never aspired to become an office holder. He was quiet and unostentatious, and used his influence in making improvements in the village, and doing good in an unobstrusive manner, rather than in seeking prominence for himself. He will long be remembered for his many kindly deeds. Socially he belonged to Wappinger Lodge, F. cS:A. M.; Eafayette Lodge, I. O. O. F.; and the Legion of Honor. The family are all members of the Episcopal Church, to which their father was a liberal contributor.

EDWARD ELSWORTH PERKINS, law- ! yer, born in the town of Poughkeepsie,

February 4, 1863, is one of the prominent young members of the Dutchess county Bar, and a son of Alexander \V. Perkins and his wife, Elsie A. Kay.

The old homestead, known as the " Spack-enkill Farm" (now owned by Edward), stands on the post road between the city of Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls. There Mr. Perkins had the usual experience of a country boy, attending thedistrict school in the neighborhood until the age of fifteen, when he entered Pel-ham's Institute, on Montgomery street, in the city of Poughkeepsie, for a three-years' course. At the expiration of that he returned to the farm for two years, and then at the age of twenty commenced to prepare for his profes-

sion in the law office of O. D. M. Baker. At the age of twenty-one he was elected j-ustice of the peace of his town, which office he held for three years. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar at the December term of the Supreme Court held in Brooklyn, having the highest standing in a class of seventy. He immediately engaged in practice at the city of Poughkeepsie, in the office of his preceptor, and met with a degree of success.

Mr. Perkins in 1887 was one of the organizers of the Poughkeepsie & Southeastern Railroad Company (now the Dutchess County R. R.j, extending from Poughkeepsie Bridge to Hopeweil Junction, and was elected its first secretary and treasurer.

In 1890 Mr. Perkins went to Texas for New York and Philadelphia capitalists, and engaged in organizing and building the extension of the Fort Worth cS: Rio Grande railroad form Comanche to Brownwood. Completing this work, he went to Fort Worth, Tex., and associated with T. L. Marsalis, of Dallas, Tex., in the completion and extension of the Dallas & Oak Cliff railroad, and later in the building of the West Dallas railroad, of which Mr. Perkins became president.

Mr. Perkins while in Fort Worth was elected president of the American Savings Bank and Trust Company, and was chosen by the Travelers Insurance Company, of Hartford, Conn., as their financial and loan representative for the State of Texas. In 1893 he organized the American National Bank; was elected a director and its first vice-president. In 1893 he removed to his native town, and resumed the practice of his profession.

Mr. Perkins is one of the governors of the Dutchess Club, member of the Gentlemen's Driving Club of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County Golf Club, Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, and is a Democrat in political faith.

On June 23, 1891, Mr. Perkins married Miss Mary D. Beard, daughter of Col. O. T. Beard, a prominent resident of Poughkeepsie. Their children are three in number: Olive Elizabeth, Jeannie Marie and Argenta.

DOUGLAS MERRITT, one of our most es- teemed citizens, residing upon a beautiful

farm called " Leacote," is of the sixth generation in descent from Thomas Merritt, who settled at Rye, Westchester county, in 1670, and was a prominent citizen, and a deputy to the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

021

General Court of Connecticut in 1699. He had four sons: Thomas, Joseph, Ephraim and Samuel, of whom, Joseph, who died in 1754, left three sons: Joseph, Thomas and Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was born in 1715, married Dinah Hopkins, of Oyster Bay, and in 1758 moved to Quaker Hill, Dutchess county, where he owned a large farm. He died there in 1794, leaving four children: Daniel, Nehemiah, Icha-bod and Anna.

Nehemiah, Jr., born in 1740, married Phoebe Wing, in 1760, and was a merchant of the town of Washington, where he died in 1793, leaving eleven children. His youngest son, Benjamin, was born in 1777, married Thankful, daughter of Col. Matthew Scott, and was a merchant in New York and Tro^'. He died in 1854, leaving ten children, of whom the eldest son, George, was born in Washington county in 1807, and married Julia, daughter of Alanson Douglas and Ann Sutherland. He became an eminent dry-goods merchant in New York, and was noted for his beneficence. His death occurred at his country seat, " Lyndehurst," Irvington-on-Hudson, in 1873. Of his six children the eldest, Douglas, was born at No. 42 Barclay street. New York, December 4, 1847, was educated at the school of John MacMullen and the Columbia Grammar School, passed two years in Europe, and was graduated from the Columbia Law School in 1874. He purchased his farm called "Lea-cote" in 1875, and was married August 3, 1876, to Elizabeth Cleveland, daughter of Rt. Rev. Arthur Cleveland Co.xe, Bishop of Western New York. They have two children: Ethel Douglas and Alan Douglas.

Mr. Merritt has always taken an interest in public affairs and the progress of the neighborhood. He is a trustee of St. Stephens College, Annandale; St. Johns Church, Barry-town; the Starr Institute, Rhinebeck, and the Public School No. 3, and was a member of the last Board of E.xcise. He is also senior warden of the Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck, and has for many years been a delegate from that Church to the Diocesan Convention.

JOHN H. SMITH, Jr.. was born at the Steel Works in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, March iS, 1863, and is a lineal descendant of Nehemiah Smith, whose birth occurred in England about 1605, and who came to America and made application to be

admitted as a freeman at Plymouth, Mass., March 6, 1637. For two years he lived on Long Island, but in 1644 removed to Stratford, Conn., where he kept a flock of sheep on the west bank of Oyster river, and was consequently known as Shepherd Smith. Later he removed to New Haven, Conn.; in the spring of 1651, to Norwich, L. I.; and two years afterward to London, Conn. Owing to trouble with the Indians he continued to reside at New London until after 1665, when he removed to his farm at Smith Lake, Poquonock, where he doubtless had been making improvements for several years. He was one of the original proprietors of Norwich, buying the land from the Indian chief, Uncas, in 1659, and was among the earliest settlers of several new towns in Connecticut. He always took an active interest in Church affairs, and, doubtless, of^ciated in the absence of the regular pastor. He died about 1686. On January 21, 1639, he married Annie Bourne, of Marsh-field, Mass., who died in 1684, and to them were born the following children : Sarah, born in 1642; Mary; Hannah, born in 1644; Mercy and Elizabeth (twins), born in 1645; Nehemiah, born in 1646; Lydia, born in 1647; Ann and Mehitable.

Nehemiah Smith, the only son, was born at New Haven, Conn., in 1646, and was baptized October 24, of that year, by Rev. John Davenport, first pastorof the first Church at that place. When ten years of age he accompanied his father to the farm at Poquonock, Conn., and was seventeen when the latter moved to Norwich, leaving him on the farm. On October 24, 1669, he married Lydia Winchester, daughter of Alexander Winchester, of Roxbury, Mass. In that year he was a member of the General Assembly at Hartford, and also in several subsequent years. He and his wife became members of the first Church at New London, Conn. About 1691 or 1692 he purchased a large tract of land at Niantic, Conn., of Joseph and John Bull, of Hartford.

Nehemiah Smith, a son of Nehemiah and Lydia (Winchester) Smith, was born November 14, 1663, and April 22, 1696, was united in marriage with Dorothy Wheeler, who was born December 6, 1679 (a daughter of Isaac Wheeler), and died May 25, 1736. Soon after their marriage they both joined the first Church at New London, and he was always known as an honest and highly respected farmer; in 1712 and 1714 he served as townsman.

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

His entire life was spent upon the old homestead farm near Smith Lake, Poquonock, Gro-ton. Conn., where his death occurred November 2 1, 1724. In his famil}' were twelve children, namely: Dorothy, Hannah, Elizabeth, Nathan, John, William, Isaac, Mary, Lydia, Jabez, Anna and Sarah.

Isaac, the seventh child of Xehemiah and Dorothy (Wheeler) Smith, was born December 29, 1797, atGroton, Conn., and November 4, 1729^ wedded Esther, dauj^hter of Deacon Daniel Denison. Both became members of the First Congregational Church at New London, Conn., He departed this life March 14, 1783, and his wife died on August 17, 1798. In their family were eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Daniel, December i, 1730; Amos, December 13, 1732; Esther, August 9, 1734; Hannah, August 9, 1734; Simeon, June 9, 1738; Abigail, February 15, 1740; Mary, November 15, 1743; Lucy, November 11, 1746; William, October 26, 1749; and Silas and Phebe, twins, April 18, 1752.

William Smith, the ninth of the family, engaged in farming at Mt. Archer and North Lyme, New London Co., Conn., and served as deacon in the Baptist Church, of which he was a consistent member. In 1772 he married Sarah Smith, daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Smith, who died July 14, 1831, and his death occurred September i, 1841. They also had twelve children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: William, January 22, 1775; Sarah, February i, 1777; Elizabeth, December i, 1779; Gurdon, December 4, 1781; John D., August 12, 1782; Edward, August 24, 1784; Phebe, August 20, 1786; Nathan, November 12, 1788; Charlotte, January I, 1791; Lucy, February 14, 1793; Al-mira, March i, 1797; Ansyl, April 2, 1799; and Edward.

Nathan Smith, the seventh in order of birth, was born at North Lyme, Conn., and ■was the grandfather of our subject. In iSio he was married to Nancy Waterman, of Salem, Conn., who died July 2, 1824, and they became the parents of five children: Sarah M., born August C, 1814, married Columbus Reed; Gilbert B. was born April 10, 1816; Nathan W., born January 12, 1818, is now living at South Amenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y.; Nancy L., born August 12, 1819, died January 11, 1S74; and John H., born June i, 1821, died October 13, 1892. For his second wife Na-

than Smith married Hannah Stark, and they had two children: Fitch C, born January 19, 1826; and Henry S., born May 20, 1828. His third wife was Nancy Baker, widow of Mathias Baker, and daughter of Deacon Eliphalet Hill-yard, and his last wife was Mary Gallup. For a time he was captain of a sloop, but most of his life was devoted to farming at Salem, Conn. At the time of his death, which occurred March 26, 1S76, he was serving as deacon of the Baptist Church at North Lyme, Conn., of which he was a faithful member.

John H. Smith, the father of our subject, was born at Lyme, Conn., was there educated in the public schools, and at the age of fourteen years walked from his home to Wassaic, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he resided with a sister for a time. At Williamstown, Mass., he learned the trade of wagon making, after which he worked in the mill at Amenia, where he continued to reside for one year after his marriage. Removing to the Steel Works, he began wagon making, which business he continued to follow up to the time of his death. He was entirely a self-made man, having started out in* life tor himself empty-handed, at the early age of fourteen years, and succeeded in accumulating a good property by persistent labor and well-directed efforts. In religious belief he was a Baptist, belonging to the Church at Amenia, and in politics he was a stalwart Republican. He was called upon to serve his fellow citizens in the offices of assessor and justice of the peace.

At Amenia, June i, 1847, was celebrated the marriage of John H. Smith, Sr., and Miss Maria, daughter of Myron Reed, and to them were born seven children: Nathan, who was born April 21, 184S, and is now a merchant of Amenia Union; Sarah M., who was born September 11, 1849, and was married June 26, 1879, to Charles, son of Philo S. Hoyt, of Danbury, Conn.; Myron, born May 12, 1S51, who is serving his third term as superintendent of the poor of Dutchess county; Belinda, born April II, 1855; Esther M., born September 22, 1856; Edwin D., of Poughkeepsie, born Januarj' 18, 1859; and John H., whose name introduces this sketch.

John H. Smith, Jr., spent his boyhood days in Amenia, attending the district schools and the Amenia Seminar)', and learned the trade of wagon making with his father, who then gave him an interest in the business. Since the death of his father he has successfully con-

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628

ducted the trade alone, handling all kinds of goods in the wagon line, and is now at the head of a large and constantly increasing business. Socially he affiliates with the Royal Arcanum at Wassaic, Dutchess county, and politically is identified with the Republican party. At Plainsville, Conn., December 22, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Grid-ley Parrish, a native of Hillsdale, Columbia Co., N. Y., and they have two children: Celia M. and William Parrish.

frENRY M. BARKER, who for the past five years has been the efficient superintendent on the place of Mr. Mills, of the town of Hyde Park, is a native of New Hampshire, born at Antrim, August 24, 1838, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage, but for -several generations representatives of the family have made their home in New England.

His paternal grandfather, Capt. Peter Barker, was born in Atkinson, N. H., and was the son of Zebediah Barker. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, being captain of the alarm list, and served for seven years in that terrible struggle. By occupation he was a farmer, and was one of the most successful and prominent men of the community in which he lived. He wedded Sallie Wood, of Atkinson, N. H., and to them were born the following children: Samuel, Hannah, Peter, Isaac, Thomas, Moody M. and Sallie. The family were all faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and the male representatives were ardent Democrats, \ery firm in their political convictions. The death of Capt. Peter Barker occurred on the 23d of May, 1829.

Moody M. Barker, the father of our subject, first opened his eyes to the light in New Hampshire, May 24, 1795, became a prominent farmer of that State, and would have been an honor to any community. He became captain of the State Militia, and served for about four months in the war of 1812. He was married to Miss Nancy Bixby, of Hills-boro, N. H., a daughter of John Bixby, and they became the parents of five children: John B., a paper maker, who became the foreman of a factory in Mexico, where he died in 1863; Emily, who became the wife of Samuel Brown; Adeline, who married Charles Woods; Miles, who is living at Nashua, N. H.; and Henry M., of this review. On March 24, 1873, the father departed this life, and his

loving wife only survived him two days. They were earnest Christian people, who had the respect of all who knew them.

Mr. Barker, whose name introduces this record, attended both public and select schools during his youth, and as he is quite a reader, the knowledge thus acquired has been greatly supplemented, and he is now a well-informed man. On starting out in life for himself, for five years he was clerk in a dry-goods store at Manchester, N. H.; but in 1864 he returned to the old home farm, to which he devoted his time and attention until 1878. In that year he came to Staatsburg, Dutchess county, as manager for Mrs. Major Lowndis on her farm, just above the one on which he is now located. At the end of a year, however, he became superintendent on the farm of Maturin Livingston,with whom he remained until the latter's death, and for the past five years has been on the same farm with Mr. Mills. It is needless to say that he gives general satisfaction, as his long-continued service well indicates that fact.

For the last two years Mr. Barker has taken quite an active part in local political affairs, adhering closely to the principles of the Republican party, and at the election in the spring of 1894 was chosen supervisor of the town of Hyde Park. Since coming to the county he has always held a prominent and influential position, and stands remarkably high in the estimation of the community, as an honorable, upright and trustworthy man, In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, and socially is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity of Staatsburg.

In November, 1864, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Barker and Miss Mary J. Colbourn, of New Boston, N. H., a daughter of Luther Colbourn, and three sons grace their union: Herbert L., a practicing physician of Wood-side, Long Island; Harry C, an attorney at law, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; and Fred M., at home.

r^ILLIAM J. CAREY, a well-known mer-Itlt chant at Pawling, Dutchess county, is one of the most enterprising and successful young business men of the town, having built up his trade from the start to its present handsome proportions.

His ancestors have had their home for many generations in Kings county, Ireland, and his grandfather, Andrew Carey, a farmer,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.

left there in 1858 to come to America, where he foilovved his occupation first in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, and later at Clare-mont, N. H. His last years were spent in retirement at that place. He married, and had eight children: John, a resident of Manchester, England, who died in 1896; Mary, the wife of James Kating, of Claremont, N. H.; Christopher, formerly a farmer, but now a resident of Danbury, Conn.; Joseph, deceased, who lived at Claremont, and has a son practicing law in Washington, D. C.; Edward and Thomas, both residents of Claremont; Margaret, the wife of M. Fitzgerald; and Andrew, our subject's father.

Andrew Carey was born in the Emerald Isle in 1844, and was about fourteen years old at the time of the emigration to this country. He is now one of the substantial citizens of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, owning a farm of 160 acres, gained by his industry and thrifty management. He is a member of the Catholic Church at Pawling, and in politics is a Democrat, and his sound common sense and public spirit have made him influential in local movements. Thoroughly patriotic in his devotion to the best interests of his adopted country, he enlisted in 1863 in the 28th Connecticut \". I., under Capt. Hoag, and served for one year, taking part in several important engagements. He now belongs to Campbell Post No. 661, G. A. R., of Pawling. He married Miss Mary Ellen Donahue, daughter of William Donahue, of Pawling, N. Y., and they have ten children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Mary Ellen married Daniel J. Driscoll, an engineer, of Boston, Mass.; John Edward is head clerk in the store of his brother, William J.; Margaret is in Boston; and Elizabeth, Sarah, Andrew, Alice, Emma and Frank are at home.

The subject of this sketch was born November 20. 1865, in the town of Pawling, and was educated in the common schools near his home, attending only the winter terms after he reached the age of eleven. At sixteen he left school and began business life, but he has always taken a keen interest in reading, and is well informed upon the topics of the day. His first employment was in a pleating shop in Boston, in 1883, and after some time there he went to Brooklyn and secured work as a porter in a chop house for the winter season. In March, 1884, he took a position as driver for Dr. E. H. Hasbrook, and remained with him until November, 1886. The ne.xt two years

were spent at home, working part of the time by the day upon the farm, and meanwhile farming some rented land. On December 5, 1888, he opened a candy and cigar store at Pawling, at the corner now occupied by Olm-stead's store, and continued there in a small way until April 25, 1889. when he moved to his present place and added groceries to his stock, his business having so increased as to justify the investment. Since that time his trade has extended until it is regarded as among the largest in the town.

Mr. Carey's matrimonial partner is Catherine Lehan, daughter of Daniel Lehan, a prominent resident of Pawling, and they have one daughter, Madeleine. Like his ancestors, he is a Catholic in religion, and he is an active worker in local affairs, supporting the Democratic ticket, and serving the community as a member of the board of education and of the fire department.

JAMES RUSSELL PAINE, the senior member of the well-known firm of J. R. Paine & Son, leading hardware merchants of Mil-lerton, was born June 20, 1S31, in the town of Northeast, upon the old Paine homestead, which has been in the possession of the family since the first settlement of the town of Northeast. He is of English descent, the founder of the American line being Thomas Paine, who landed at Plymouth in 1621.

Mr. Paine's descendants have held a distinguished place in the early history of the country, Robert Treat Paine, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, being among them. Thomas Paine had a son, Elisha, who settled at Canterbury. Conn., and his son Abram located in Amenia about 1741, and was the first to take steps toward organizing a Church there. Joshua Paine, also of Canterbury, probably a son of Thomas, came to Dutchess county in 1749, and purchased land in the eastern part of the township, and Section 59 of the "Oblong," where he followed farming and blacksmithing. He was the father of Barnabus Paine, Sr., and of Judge Ephraim Paine, who was county judge in 1778, being the first to be appointed to that office in Dutchess county after the organization of the government of the State of New York. Elihu Paine, our subject's great-grandfather, owned and cultivated the old farm in Northeast, as did his son, Jeremiah, who, as one of the

^^2^t-^f'tJ^_^

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625

most influential and prosperous men in the community, sustained the well-deserved reputation of the family. He was a justice of the peace for many years. He married Betsey Woodard, and had six children: Lorinda (Mrs. Eggleston); Piatt A., our subject's father; Sarah Ann (Mrs. Bailey Bowditch); Rachel (Mrs. Mortimer Worthey); Jeremiah W.; and Mary (Mrs. Darius Penny). His death occurred about 1855, and that of his wife about 1848.

Piatt A. Paine was born June 19, 1806. He conducted the old homestead for a time in early manhood, but later bought the Roe farm of 244 acres, and lived there for nearly twenty years. He became interested in Western lands also, and made a number of successful deals. In politics he was a Republican, and an active one, holding various offices in that town, including those of supervisor and justice of the peace. He was highly esteemed in the neighborhood, and was a deacon in the Baptist Church, with which his family has been closely identified from very early times. He married Julietta Russell, daughter of Eli Russell, in his day a leading citizen of Northeast. Both lived to a good old age, and retired in 1859 to the village of Millerton to spend their declining years. Mrs. Paine died there in 1876, her husband survivingher only three years. They had five children: James R. ; Judson P., now of Annawan, 111.; Theron J., of New York City; Martin W., living in Millerton; and Julia, who married George Houston, now of Pennsylvania, but at that time the superintendent of Maltby's furnace in the town of Northeast.

James R. Paine was educated mainly at a select school in his native town, of which E. W. Simmons was principal. He attended there until he was nineteen years old, and attained a good academic education. His vacations were spent in farm work, and until his marriage, at the age of twenty-two, he remained at the old farm, assisting his father. In 1853 he bought a life lease of a farm in Northeast, where he lived for ten years, buying in the meantime another farm. In 1863 he sold both properties, and for three years was engaged with \Villiam Dayton in the hotel business at Millerton. Later he made several changes, moving to Canaan, Conn, (where he owned a farm for a time), to Great Bar-rington and to Sheffield, Mass., where he engaged in speculating in real estate and stock. After a successful year there he returned, in

40

1869, to his native county, and established himself in business in Millerton, buying out Mr. Merrifield's interest in the hardware store which he had been conducting in partnership with Darius Penny. The new firm continued the business for three years, when Mr. Paine purchased Mr. Penny's interest, continuing alone until January, 1878, when his son became a partner. This is the oldest mercantile house in the town, and commands a large and profitable trade. Mr. Paine's well-proved ability and judgment have made him a valued adviser in many business enterprises; he has been a director of the Amenia National Bank, and was one of the original directors of the Millerton National Bank, of which he has for a number of years past been the vice-president. Mr. Paine has been married four times, first to Miss Julia Eggleston, who died leaving one son—Piatt N.; and second to Miss Julia Dayton, by whom he had two sons—William H., a resident of Roanoke, Va.; and Lester, who conducts the homestead. His third wife, who was Miss Ann Friss, had one daughter, Florence, a successful music teacher at Keene, N. H.; his present wife, formerly Miss Cynthia Tripp, has one son, James Russell Paine, Jr. The family are active and influential supporters of the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Paine has been a communicant since the age of twelve years, and for many years has been a deacon. In local affairs he has always been a leader, but, although he is an influential Republican, he has never cared to hold office. He served a term as town assessor, but has since declined to be a candidate for any position.

PLATT N. PAINE was born December 25, 1854, and received a good academic education in the schools of Millerton, Canaan, Great Barrington, and Amenia. On leaving Amenia Seminary at the age of nineteen, he engaged in clerking for his father; but in 1876 he went to Port Royal, S. C, and became interested in gardening and draying, with the view of supplying the government fleets at Port Royal harbor. He sold out after eight months, however, and returned to Millerton to make his permanent home. On January i, 1878, he formed a partnership with his father in the hardware business, and he has also been engaged in the building of houses for sale. Some of the finest cottages in the town have been erected by him, five being located in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Park Lot. He has already disposed of nine houses, and has made this branch of his work very profitable. Some years ago he undertook the work of surveying with W. E. Simmons, and is now engaged in that also. He takes an active part in public affairs and is among the leaders in the Republican organization in his town, serving as trustee for several terms, and as treasurer of the village to fill a vacancy; he has now also held for some time the offices of justice of the peace, sealer of weights and measures, and superintendent of the water works. He introduced the original motion for the construction of these works, and has been one of the chief promoters of various other measures for local improvement. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee.

/I LLEN H. DUTCHER, a most genial ^^ and companionable gentleman, has through a long and useful career been prominently identified with the interests of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He is one of the representative and public-spirited citizens, always aiding in everything that will in any way benefit his town or county, and has the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.

The Dutcher family is of Holland origin, and the first of its members to locate in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, was Christopher Dutcher, the great-grandfather of our subject. He erected the first tiourmill in this part of the county, and a portion of it is still standing. He conducted the same during his entire life, grinding much of the liour that was sold at Poughkeepsie and other places in the locality. As Dover Plains was then the terminus of the Harlem road, which was built before the New York Central, all the Poughkeepsie freight and passengers were brought to that village by stage, and it became quite a center of trade. The grandfather of our sul^ject, Lawrence Dutcher, was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where his education was later acquired, and he became a farmer by occupation. He was twice married, by the first union having three children, and by his second wife, who bore the maiden name of Waldo, had eleven children.

Belden Dutcher, the father of Allen H., was also born in the town of Washington,

Dutchess county, in the year 1790, and after completing his education there engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the old training days, he served as major of a troop of militia. An earnest and sincere Christian, he took a prominent part in religious work, giving the ground at Dover Plains, on which the Baptist Church was built and still stands. He also took a prominent part in the imbuildingof the village, erecting two good hotels, and he succeeded in getting the first mechanics to locate there. He was united in marriage with Miss Maria Hurd. a daughter of Capt. Allen Hurd, and six children were born to them: Egbert, Allen H., Elizabeth, William, Thomas, and one that died in infancy. The mother was called from this life in July, 1862, and for his second wife, Mr. Dutcher wedded Mrs. Abbie Burrows.

The birth of our subject occurred at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, in 1819, and he acquired a practical education in the academy of that place. During early life he learned the trade of a wagon maker, at which he worked for about eight years, when he entered upon a mercantile career. He has held every office in his town with the exception of two, and it is needless to say that he ever discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. For seventeen years he served as postmaster of Dover Plains, and for eight years was revenue collector. He is at present justice of the peace, and his decisions are marked by fairness and impartiality, being well calculated to serve the ends of jtistice. He is also engaged in the fire-insurance business.

Mr. Dutcher married Miss Maria Preston, daughter of Clark Preston, of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, and to them was born a son: Ernest P., who married Isabella Gridley, of New York, by whom he has one child, Isabella E. In 1856 Mr. Dutcher lost his wife, and about four years later he wedded Miss Mary A. Bricker, daughter of William Bricker, of England. To them was born one child, that died in infancy.

James Bricker, the grandfather of Mrs. Dutcher, was a native of Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, England—a most beautiful place, surrounded by mountains. In his family was William Bricker, who was born and educated at the same place. He there married Miss Hannah White, and in England were born to them three daughters: Mary A., wife of our subject; Caroline, who became the wife

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627

of William Beldin, son of Dr. Beldin, of Dover Plains; and Emily. In January, 1842, the father came to the United States, locating at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. When he had been here a year and nine months, he sent for his family, which arrived in 1844, and ever afterward made their home in this county. After the death of his first wife in 1850, he was again married, and his death occurred in Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1882. Although an Englishman by birth, he became a thorough American citizen, and always stood by his adopted home. In his native land he had engaged in the manufacture of broadcloth, but in this country gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits.

CHARLES A. SIMMONS, who occupies an intiuential and prominent position among the citizens of Stanford town, Dutchess county, resides near Bangall, where he is engaged in the breeding of Jersey cattle and raising fancy poultry. When a young man he learned the profession of an architect, contractor and builder, which he followed at Pine Plains, Dutchess county, for four years, and then removed to his present home, where h£ still engages in that business to some extent.

Mr. Simmons was born at Pine Plains, December 24, i860, and is the only child of Norman and Emeline (Eldridge) Simmons His father was a native of Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y., and the youngest of a family of three sons and two daughters born to John B. a"nd Catherine (Hover) Simmons, who for many years resided in Pine Plains town, Dutchess county. After his marriage, the father of our subject made his home in the village of Pine Plains, where he was one of the leading contractors and builders, and his wife, who is a milliner and dressmaker, has there carried on that business ever since. He learned his trade at Philmont, Columbia county, where he served a seven-years' apprenticeship, and was entirely a self-made man. In politics he was an ardent Republican, and held the office of overseer of the poor. He died in 1881, at the age of forty-nine years, in the faith of the Baptist Church, of which he was a consistent member.

Charles A. Simmons spent his early days in the village of Pine Plains, where he attended the public schools, and completed his literary education in the Seymour Smith Institute, of that place, after which he began his business

career. In the city of Albany, N. Y., he was married, August 12. 1892, to Miss Eva Wilber, daughter of Zachariah Wilber, of the town of Milan, Dutchess county. Both are highly respected in their community and foremost in all good work. Mr. Simmons uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and is a member of the Baptist Church at Bangall.

JAMES R. BARLOW, one of the leading citizens of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess

county, was born in that village, June 4, 1836, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Barlow, the former of whom was born near Burnley, Lancashire, England, and for many years followed the sea. In 1827 he came to America, and located in New York City, where, for some time, he followed the trade of a dyer. He married Miss Elizabeth Holt, of Rockland county, N. Y., a daughter of Thomas Holt, an Englishman, who was one of the first to introduce calico machine printing into this country.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. John Barlow settled at Wappingers Falls, where three children were born to them: Patience, who died aged twelve years; James R., the subject of this sketch; and Sarah J., who married George Stevenson, a merchant of Wappingers Falls. About 1S54 John Barlow became interested in the manufacture of combs, an industry he carried on until 1858, when he embarked in the bakery business, which he followed during the succeeding ten years. He then went into partnership with George Stevenson, in the hardware business, in which he was engaged until his death in September. 1892. His wife passed away in Februar}-. 1885. Mr. Barlow was a Republican in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church.

James R. Barlow, our subject, spent his boyhood days at Wappingers Falls, and in 1852. then a lad of si.xteen. was apprenticed to learn calico engraving to calico printing, at which he worked for nine years. In 1861 he went to New York City, and engaged in the commission business some eighteen months, then proceeding to Chicago, was there employed as clerk in the Stock Y^ards for a short time. His next occupation was that of foreman in a cracker factory at Sparta. Wis. After a short tour through the Western States. Mr. Barlow returned to Wappingers Falls,

COilMEMORATlVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

where, on July 5, 1S64, he opened a grocery store; which he carried on until 1S69, at that time going into partnership with Mr. Sweet, the firm becoming Sweet iS: Barlow. In 1880 Mr. Barlow went to Newburg, N. Y., and started the Sweet, Orr & Co.'s overall factory, of which he took charge until 1882, when he returned to Wappingers Falls, and settled up the business of his own firm, which was then discontinued. In the year last mentioned he became one of the partners in the Eagan over-ail factory, remaining with the firm until 1884, when he withdrew, and the following year he sold goods for Sweet, Orr & Co., on the road. In iSSghe became proprietor of the dry-goods store which he is at present carrying on. He is a good business man and commands a large trade, his acquaintance throughout the surrounding country being extensive, and his many sterling qualities making him numerous warm friends.

Mr. Barlow was married, in September, 1862, to Miss Mary A. Hayes, a native of Wappingers Falls, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Hayes, who were of English descent. Two children came to this union: Fred, born in 1867, died in 1872; and May, born in 1875. The wife and mother died December 29, 1886. Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in i860, and he has ever since been a stanch Republican. He served two terms as trustee of \\'appingers Falls, and March 3, 1896, was elected supervisor, an office not sought by him, but for which he received a majority of 240 votes, the largest ever given a candidate in that town, and which testifies to his popularity with his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Barlow is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is clerk of the vestry; for three years he was secretary of the Cemetery Association. He belongs to the Masonic Order, being a member of the Royal Arch at Pough-keepsie. In all the relations of life he bears the reputation of an honorable, upright man. and is highly esteemed wherever known.

JACOB H. FEROE. The records of the lives of our forefathers are of interest to the modern citizen, not alone for their historic value but also for the inspiration and e.\-ample they afford; jet we need not look to the past. Although surroundings may differ, the essential conditions of human life are ever

the same, and a man can learn from the success of those around him, if he will heed the obvious lessons contained in iheir history. Turn to the life record of Mr. Feroe, study carefully the plans and methods he has followed in bringing about his wonderful success in business affairs. He is a man of keen perception, of great sagacity and unbounded enterprises, who is now at the head of extensive business interests at Tivoli.

He was born October 15, 1S41, at Tivoli, then known as Myersville. His father. John K. Feroe, was born in the northern part of Red Hook town, and is the son of Henry Feroe, who was of French descent. John K. Feroe was married to Miss Anna Coon, who was born in Clearmont town, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1820. She is the daughter of Jacob Coon, also a native of Columbia county, and of Holland extraction. Upon their marriage the couple located at Tivoli, where the father has followed his trade of carpentering since that time; they are faithful and devout members of the Methodist Church. Four children were born to them: Sarah, wife of David Affleck, station agent at Tivoli; Jacob H., subject of this review; Frances, who married Rensselaer Potts, a bookkeeper; and Libbie. wife of James Greene, station agent at Sau-gerties.

Mr. Feroe, whose name introduces this sketch, spent his boyhood days at Tivoli, attending the district schools and also a private school, but when only fifteen years of age he began teaching near the village. He later taught school for two' years and a half at Unionville, in the town of Saugerties, Ulster Co., N. Y., after which he clerked and kept ; books for Gilbert A. Melham for nearly a year ' and a half, and then conducted a school at Nevis, Columbia county, for two years. For the same length of time he had a select school at Tivoli, and met with great success as a teacher. For a time Mr. Feroe carried on fruit farming, his principal product being strawberries, of which he raised as high as 500 bushels per season, at the same time teaching at Tivoli. After having charge of a school at Glasco, Ulster county, for four years and a half, he taught the public school at Tivoli for five years, during the last two years of which he also engaged in the coal and lumber business on the Tivoli dock, and has since carried on the latter occupation. He has built up an extensive trade along that line, does a general

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629

freighting^ business, conducts a grist and cider mill, and has large real-estate interests, renting about forty houses.

In September, 1871, Mr. Feroe was married to Miss Evelin Cooper. Her father, Ozias Cooper, was a native of Dutchess county, a miller by occupation, and the uncle of Charles Davis, of Saugerties, Ulster county. A family of four children have been born to our subject and his wife: Harry Cooper, who married Harriet Laflin, and is now a bookkeeper for his father; Thomas J., also a bookkeeper for his father; Millie and Florence.

In manner Mr. Feroe is social and genial. He is the center of a circle of friends, who honor and esteem him for many manly virtues and genuine worth. His prosperity cannot be attributed to a combination of lucky circumstances, but has risen from energy, enterprise, integrity and intellectual effort, well directed. He is a worthy representative of that type of American character, that progressive spirit, which promotes public good in advancing individual prosperity.

CHARLES E. SMITH, a skillful blacksmith of Amenia, Dutchess county, was born in that village, June 20, 1854, and comes of a family that have long been residents of the county. Stephen Smith, his grandfather, was born in Pawling, and throughout most of his life was engaged in blacksmithing at South Dover. He married Hannah Skelton, by whom he had the following children: William and Edward (deceased;; George \V.; Sarah (deceased); Emeline; Abbie J. (deceased); Amanda; Asa; and Mary (deceased).

George \V. Smith, the father of our subject, was born in Dover, January 14, 1824, and in the town of Dover he passed his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the schools near his home. With his father he learned the blacksmith's trade, and about 1847 came to Amenia, where he worked in the shop of Clark Fish. Subsequently he began business for himself down by the mill pond at Amenia, later removing to a shop nearly opposite the B. H. Fry foundry, afterward conducting business near the present residence of Dr. Rockwell, and on leaving that location he engaged in farming and blacksmithing at Sharon, Conn. On his return to Amenia, he opened the shop now carried on by our subject. He was initiated into the mysteries of

the Masonic Order in Montgomery Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., at Lyme Rock, Conn., and later became a charter member of Hamilton Lodge No. 54, at Sharon, Conn. In religious belief he is a Methodist, and was serving as trustee of the Church at Amenia when it was disbanded. He cast his first vote in support of the Whig party, is now an earnest Republican, and in 1893 was collector of taxes in Amenia. He is an upright, honorable man, devoted to the best interests of his native county, and has a host of warm personal friends throughout the community, where he has so long made his home.

On November 25, 1850. in the town of Dover, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary Ann Van Tassell, daughter of John P. Van-Tassell, and by their union were born eight children: William H., who was born November 26, 1852, and is now a painter and decorator of Torrington, Conn.; Charles E.. subject of this sketch; Hattie, wife of Walter S. Harrison, of Patterson, N. Y.; George W., a painter and decorator, of Amenia; Myra E.; Frederick J., a tinsmith, of Brewster, N. Y.; Frank (deceased); and Helen A., wife of Frederick Adams, of Torrington, Conn. The wife and mother departed this life in September, 1890.

The boyhood days of Charles E. Smith were passed in Amenia, N. Y., and Sharon, Conn., and in the latter place he secured his education. Learning the blacksmith trade with his father, he has since followed that business, having entire charge since May 24, 1886. He is now at the head of a large and constantly increasing business, doing all kinds of blacksmithing and wagon repairing. In politics he is a straight Republican, and socially, is connected with the Masonic Order, being a member of Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and the Eastern Star at Sharon, Connecticut.

At Oxford, Conn., October 10, 1878, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Rosella Russell, daughter of Theodore D. Russell, and they have two sons: Clarence Russell and Howard Alfred.

ARTHUR S. PEACOCK is one of the __ _ prominent citizens and enterprisingyoung business men of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, where he is successfully engaged in the drug business. He is a native of New

G30

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

York, born at Haverstraw, Rockland county, March 24, i860, a son of William M. Peacock, whose birth occurred in Birmingham, England. His paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of William, was a native of England, where he was married, and reared a family of four children, of whom the father of our subject was the eldest. The others are: Thomas, a carpenter and millwright of F"ishkill Landing, Dutchess county; George, a fish and oyster dealer of New York City; and Elizabeth, wife of Robert Wainright, of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-sylvania.

When a young man William M. Peacock, father of our subject, emigrated to America, and at Bloomfield, N. J., learned the machine-printing business. His marriage with Miss Minerva Young was celebrated at Columbia-ville, Columbia Co., N. Y.; she was born in Columbia county, N. Y., where her father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In their family are two children, who grew to adult age, namely: Elmira, wife of John L. Shrader, who conducted the drug store in Wappingers Falls, which our subject now owns; and Arthur S. The father still works at his trade in Wappingers Falls, where he was employed by the Dutchess Company Print Works for nearly half a century. In his political views he coincides with the platforms formulated by the Republican party, and religiously he and his family are Episcopalians.

Our subject was only four years old when brought by his parents to Wappingers Falls, where he grew to manhood, receiving his early education in the Hughsonville district school, and later attended the public schools of Wappingers Falls, where his literary education was completed. For some time he was a clerk in the law office of Mr. J. W. Bartram, and for a year and a half was employed in the Dutchess Company Print Works, after which he was a clerk in his brother-in-law's drug store for about three years. Going to New York City, he held a similar position in the drug store of \\'illiam Mettenheimer, at the corner of Forty-fifth street and Si.xth avenue, being there employed during the day, until ten and eleven o'clock at night, exxept on college nights, when he would attend lectures, and after going to his room at night would study pharmacy. He then attended the New York College of Pharmacy, and during his vacations clerked for F. C. Corner, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Returning to New York City, he clerked

in a drug store while attending college during the senior year, but at the end of three months gave up his position in order to devote his entire time to his studies, and graduated with the class of 18S5. In January, 1885, previous to his graduation, Mr. Peacock had purchased his present drug business, and since leaving college has built up an excellent trade, which is certainly well deserved. His store is one of the best of the kind in the county, carrying only first-class goods, and he attends strictly to the wants of his customers.

On October 14, 1886, Mr. Peacock married Miss Eliza Clinton, of Catskill, N. Y., a daughter of Joseph Clinton. Politically, he is a Republican, a stanch adherent of the principles of the party, and for the last two years has served as collector of the town of Wap-pinger. He was also nominated as president of the village in the spring of 1896, but withdrew his name. He is very popular with his fellow citizens, and always lends his support to promote the best interests of the community where he makes his home. Socially, he is identified with the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also an enthusiastic yachtsman, owning the yacht " Orient," which is a very fast one, and, taking part in almost all the regattas held in this section, he spends the most of his time on the water, as a benefit to his health, as well as a means of pleasure.

ROBERT JACKSON HUNGERFORD is a prominent young business man of Was-

saic, Dutchess county. Having a large amount of industry, perseverance and energy, he has made a noble record as a successful merchant, and is one of the reliable citizens of the county. His birth occurred at New Milford, Conn., November 7, 1866.

Edwin Hungerford, his grandfather, was a native of Sherman, Conn., and there devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He was an earnest Christian gentleman, and served as deacon in the Congregational Church. By his marriage with Susan Giddings he had five children: George, of Sherman, Conn.; Martin Luther, father of our subject; Phebe (deceased); Annie; and Linus, of Mabbetts-ville, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Martin Luther Hungerford was born at Sherman, Conn., January 16, 1841, there spent his boyhood and acquired his education in the district schools.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

mi

On starting out in life he began freighting from South Dover, Dutchess county, and Patterson, Putnam county, to New York City, in which business he was engaged for five years. He then turned his attention to the tobacco trade, raising and selling at wholesale at Gay-lordsville, in the town of New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., but is now living retired, looking after his real-estate interests. He is an earnest member of the Congregational Church, and a stalwart Republican in politics. At Sharon, Conn., he was joined in wedlock with Miss Julia, daughter of Edwin Jackson, and to them were born four children: Robert Jackson; John Edwin and Arthur, of New Mil-ford, Conn., and Genevieve.

In the place of his nativity our subject was reared, obtaining his education in the district schools and in a select school at Cornwall Plains, Conn. On laying aside his te.xt-books he began the cigar business, buying and selling at retail, later selling cigars on the road for two years, and for one year was on the road selling fruits and vegetables. In March, 1891, he began general merchandising at Was-saic, which business he has since successfully followed, and in the spring of 1894 he erected his present store building. At Brooktield, Conn., June 8, 1887, Mr. Hungerford was married to Miss Jennie Simmons Peck, daughter of Clark S. Peck, and they have three interesting children: Martin Luther, Jessie Irene and Robert Jerrold. Socially, Mr. Hunger-ford is connected with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and of the Royal Arcanum at Was-saic; politically, he supports the men and measures of the Republican party.

EBENEZER J. PRESTON, who is success- I fully engaged in the tobacco business at

Amenia, Dutchess county, was born March 24, 1855, in the town of Dover, that county, where his branch of the family was founded at a very early day by Ebenezer Preston, who was probably from Rhode Island, and came to the county with his brother Martin. The ne.xt in direct line also bore the name of Ebenezer, and was born in the town of Dover. His son, Abijah Preston, was the grandfather of our subject. The latter took quite an active interest in political affairs, served as captain of the militia, and as a life work followed farming in the town of Dover. He married Elizabeth Ross, and to them were born four chil-

dren: John R., who became a butcher of New York City; Mary; Phcebe E.; and Ebenezer A.

Ebenezer A. Preston was born in the town of Dover, September 20, 1818, there acquired his primary education in the district schools, and later attended the Amenia Seminary. When a young man he was for a time in the cattle business with his brother in Texas, and engaged in driving cattle from the West to the East. Returning to Dutchess county, he carried on the marble business at South Dover, and also followed farming, being a large land owner in this county. Socially, he was a member of Dover Lodge, F. & A. M., while his political support was ever given the Democracy, and in 1848 he served as supervisor of the town of Dover. He wedded Miss Marie Elizabeth Jewett, daughter of John Jewett, a prominent surveyor of the town of Dover, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Mary Ellen, wife of A. F. Bates, of Ontario, Cal.; Cornelia Alice, wife of George B. Upham, an attorney-at-law, of Boston, Mass.; Ida, wife of E. L. Nichols, professor of physics in Cornell University, of Ithaca, N. Y.; Ebenezer Jewett, of this sketch; and Augusta, wife of Stephen C. Bedell, of New York City. The mother departed this life May i, 1887, and the father's death occurred December 20, 1891.

At the old homestead in the town of Dover our subject spent his early days, and was prepared for college by private teachers. He then entered Cornell University, taking a scientific course, and was graduated in 1875. He is a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Returning to Dover, he remained with his father until 1882, when he took a trip to Europe, visiting many points of interest. Subsequently, in connection with J. A. Thompson, he represented P. L. Van Wagonen's interest in the tobacco . business at Poughkeepsie. Since that time he has engaged in the tobacco trade at Amenia, buying from the farmers and packing the leaf. He is one of the most wideawake and energetic business men of Dutchess county, and his success was assured from the start.

At his present residence in Amenia, September 19, 18S5, Mr. Preston was married to Miss Carrie A. Kirby, who died January 17, 1892, and to them were born three children: Mary Reynolds; Elizabeth Jewett, and Ebenezer Kirby. Mrs. Preston also belonged to a

COMME.VORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

family that has been long identified with the interests of Dutchess county. George Kirby, her great-grandfather, was a native of Rhode Island, but became an early settler of Pawling, where he followed blacksmithing, and was a large land owner in that section of the county. His son, Uriah Kirby, was born in the town of Pawling, and throughout most of his life carried on agricultural pursuits in the western part of the town of Amenia, where he died in 1855. at the age of si.\ty-one years. By his marriage with Phebe Gerow, he had five children: William, deceased; George, the father of Mrs. Preston; Solomon; John; and Amelia, deceased.

George Kirby is also a native of the town of Pawling, born in January, 1830, but was reared in the town of Amenia. He wedded Miss Mary E. Reynolds, who died October 15, 1874, and they became the parents of two children: Carrie A., who was born July 31, 1857, and became the wife of our subject; and Frank R., who was born November 9. 1858, and died .\ugust 20, 1861. After his marriage, Mr. Kirby purchased a farm at South Ameni , where he resided for about three years, and then reinoved to the present residence of Mr. Preston. B}' occupation he is a farmer, politically is an ardent I-iepublican, and is one of the prominent, representative citizens of the community.

In connection with his local business. Mr. Preston has also traveled through the West, selling tobacco to jobbers and wholesale dealers. At Altoona, Penn., he was again married. Miss Minnie Helen McKean becoming his wife. Both as a business man and true citizen he is held in high esteem, and in 1885, on the Union ticket, was elected supervisor of the town of Dover. Socially, he is prominently identified with Triune Lodge, F. & A. M., of Pough-keepsie. He was elected first master of the Pomona Grange of Dutchess county, organized in March, 1897.

EDWARD S. HICKS, of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, has accomplished satisfactory work as a farmer, and acquired a comfortable competence so as to enable him to live retired from acti\e business life, and he is now making his home at the "Pleasant Valley Hotel " in that village.

The Hicks family, of which our subject is a member, was founded in Dutchess countv,

by Joseph Hicks, who was born on Long Island, and after his marriage with Miss Fil-kins became a resident of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. From there he and his wife removed to Bloomingdale, Pleasant Valley town, and located upon a farm in the eastern part of the town, where his death occurred. He obtained a grant of title from Queen Anne. Twice married, he became the father of a large family of children, among whom was Samuel Hicks (the grandfather of our subject), who was born in the town of Pleasant \'alley. He was reared to agriculture, which was mainly his life work; in early life he also followed shoemaking to some extent. He wedded Margaret Doty, a native of Dutchess county, and they became the parents of three children: Benjamin, who carried on farming in the town of \\'ashington, Dutchess county, where his death occurred; Mary, who became the wife of Samuel Halstead, a farmer of Clinton town; and Samuel S., the father of our subject. The parents of both these died in Pleasant Valley town, the father in 1845. the mother in 1827. They were Hicksite Quakers.

Upon a farm in the town of Pleasant Valley, Samuel S. Hicks was born and reared. As he was a cripple and thereby unable to perform much labor on the farm, he was given good educational privileges, and later became a teacher in Pcughkeepsie Academy. On September 4, 1816, he was united in marriage with Mary Peters, a native of the town of Pleasant Valley, where her father, Hewlett Peters, was also born, and spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. The Peters family was of French origin, and on crossing the Atlantic its members first located on Long Island. After their marriage the parents of our subject settled upon the old farm, where they reared their family of eleven children, as follows: Margaret, born June 23, 1S17, married Thomas Smith, a farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county; Hewlett P., born April 5, 1819, wedded Sarah Smith, and is now living retired in the town of Clinton. Edward S. is the subject of this sketch; Elias, born February 20, 1825, is a merchant in Rochester, N. Y., married to Miss Elizabeth Howland; Burtis, born April 3, 1827, married Mary J. Wiley, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clinton town; Hannah, born May 8. 1829, became the wife of Asa U. Smith, who at one time was a farmer of Dutchess county, but died in the West; and Mary, born June 9, 1831,

^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

633

was the wife of Solomon Merritt, a carpenter of Rochester, N. Y., and died in 1862. The mother of these was called to her final rest June 28, 1831; the father died March 31, 1869. In religious belief they were Hicksite Quakers, and in politics he was an earnest Whig.

Upon the old homestead farm in Pleasant Valley town, Edward S. Hicks, our subject, was born March 26, 1823, and was reared to rural life, receiving the usual education of the district school, after which he taught in the neighborhood for one term. On September 25, 1844, he married Emily Wilber, a native of the town of Hyde Park, and a daughter of Sylvanus Wilber, who was born in Rhode Island, and devoted his entire life to farming. Two children blessed their union: Sylvanus W., a farmer of Pleasant Valley, born December 7, 1845, married Dorcas M. Wood, of Hyde Park, September 5, 1866; and Barnard B., a traveling salesman, born October 4, 1847, married Hannah A. Doty, of Pleasant Valley, June 13, 1866. Dr. Edward E. Hicks, of Brooklyn, son of Barnard B., born November

18, 1870, married Lizzie Porteous, of Pough-keepsie City, June i, 1S93. The mother of these died February 4, 1862, and November

19, 1862, Mr. Hicks married his present wife, Jennie M. Lattin, who was born in Pleasant Valley town, where the birth of her father, John W. Lattin, also occurred (in October, 1810). Her mother bore the maiden name of Hannah E. \\'ilber, and was the sister of our subject's first wife. Four daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lattin, namely: Sarah C, who died unmarried; Ellen W., wife of John L. Marshall, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Emily C. (the twin sister of Mrs. Hicks), who first wedded George B. Dale, a farmer, and after his death became the wife of George Van-Vliet, a miller at Salt Point, Dutchess county, who is now also deceased; and Jennie M., the wife of our subject. The Lattin family was founded in this country on Long Island, but Nathaniel Lattin, the grandfather of Mrs. Hicks, early became a leading farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county.

After his first marriage Mr. Hicks located upon a farm in the town of Clinton, where he spent two years, the following year being passed on the old home in Pleasant \'alley; he then removed to a farm in the same town, which he occupied some four years. For eighteen vears he next cultivated a farm in

the western part of the town, and the following year he was a resident of Poughkeepsie. At the end of that time he returned to the town of Pleasant Valley, where he purchased a farm, on which he made his home until 1889, when he sold out, and has since lived at the '• Pleasant Valley Hotel."

Politically, Mr. Hicks affiliates with the Democratic party, in whose principles he claims he finds the best guarantees for the preservation of the government. Both himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which for the past si.xteen years he has been deacon, and for twenty-five years assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. After long lives of toil, surrounded by the love, respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances, Mr. and Mrs. Hicks are resting from their labors, and quietly and pleasantly passing their time.

WELDON F. WESTON, one of the leading citizens of Fishkill-on-Hudson,

Dutchess county, and the proprietor of Weston's Express and Transportation line running between Fishkill, Nevvburg, and neighboring points, is a native of Litchfield, N. H., and a member of a family which has long held a prominent place in political, business and social life. Jonathan Weston, his great-grandfather, served with honor in the Revolutionary war, enlisting from Reading, Mass., three different times.

Amos Weston, grandfather of our subject, was born in Reading, Mass., April 21, 1767, and was married June i, 1790, to Polly Flint, who was born November 8, 1767. Amos died at Manchester, N. H., April 4, 1843, his wife on December 4, 1858. They had nine children, whose names with dates of birth and death are as follows: Amos (2), March 18, 1781, died June i, 1859; Betsey, October 17, 1793, died August 27, 1878; Mary, December 29. 1795. died August 13, 1838; Nathaniel F., September 5, 1798, died December 29, 1799; Sally, October 26, 1800, died May 12, 1881; Harriet, January 23, 1803, died April 2, 1892; Elbridge, July 23, 1805, died March 7, 1863; Achsah, August 26, 1807, died March 17, 1849; and Harrison, December 17, 1811. died June 19, 1883. Amos (2) was the father of Hon. James A. Weston, who was elected Governor of New Hampshire in 1871 and 1874. The esteem in'which he was held throughout the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

State is attested by his election on the Democratic ticket, he being the only member of his party chosen to that office in New Hampshire in nearly half a century. He was mayor of Manchester, N. H., serving four terms, and when he died. May 18, 1895, was president of the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company, the Manchester National Bank, and was connected with several other institutions in that city. Elbridge J. Weston was the father of Sarah, who married Hon. George S. Merrill, of Boston, for many years past the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Massachusetts. He is prominent in Grand .Army circles, having been commander in chief of the National body.

Harrison Weston, our subject's father, was born in Manchester, N. H., and lived there forty-two years, removing thence to Litchfield, N. H., December 19, 1853. He was a farmer during the greater part of his life, but in early years was lock-tender and collector of tolls on the Merrimac river at Crummell's Fall and Moores Fall. In those days transportation was done mainly by waterways, railroads being unknown. He was a man of modest pretension, possessed of sterling integrity, and was respected and honored by all who knew him. During a brief stay in Fishkill in his later years he made many friends, who hold him in affectionate remembrance. In politics he was a Democrat, always taking a lively interest in public affairs, and his townsmen honored him with nearly every office in their gift. He died in Laconia, N. H., and was buried beside his wife, Betsey J. I'Richardson), at the old home in Litchfield, in the cemetery which owed its e.xistence mainly to his enterprise and foresight, and which had been improved under his sole supervision. Of the five children of this estimable couple all are living. Their names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Mary J., September 3, 184S; Wilbur Harrison, February II, 1851; Warren J., June 28, 1853; Wel-don F., April 14, 1S56; and Ellura H., June 12, 1859.

Wilbur H. Weston (popularly known as " Maj. Weston " ) resides in Newburg, and has been engaged in the railroad industries in Dutchess and Orange counties throughout his business life. In recent years he has given special attention to the construction of electric street railways in Fishkill and Newburg, and is also connected more or less intimately with many other important business ventures of his

city. He is prominent in fraternal and social circles, and has been active in political matters for several years, having many friends throughout the State. William H. Moore, for twenty years general passenger agent and auditor of the N. D. & C. R. R., is a half-brother. At the early age of eighteen years he enlisted as a private in Company K, ist Massachusetts Heavy Artillery; was made quartermaster's clerk, and served three years; then re-enlisted for other three years, but was discharged January 7, 1865, by reason of wounds received in an engagement near Strawberry Plains, Va., .August 15, 1S64.

^^■eldon F. Weston received instruction at the public schools of his native place during boyhood, and later attended Pinkerton Academy, at Derry, N. H., finishing his education at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College, at Tilton, N. H. After a brief experience as a teacher, he, at the age of twenty, came to Newburg, as shipping clerk for the Erie railroad, at the Homer Ramsdell Transportation Company's line of barges. After two years there, he returned to New Hampshire and engaged in mercantile business for three years; but in 1879 he came back to his former position at Newburg, for another season. The next six years he spent at Mat-teawan as station agent for the N. D. & C. R. R., and in 1S88 he and his brother, W. H. Weston, purchased the Matteawan & Fishkill Landing Stage Line, and were engaged in the express and trucking business in connection with the stage line, until 1892, when the electric railroad superseded the stage route; he then purchased his brother's interest in the business. He is still extensively interested in transportation business with adjoining towns, and is a director of the Citizens Street railroad and the Fishkill Street railroad. He has a pleasant home at No. 42 High street, Fishkill-on-Hudson. His wife (formerly Miss Anna Jeanette Elkins), to whom he was married September 26, 1878, is a daughter of Charles M. and Elizabeth A. (Davis) Elkins, of Wakefield, Massachusetts.

Politically, Mr. Weston is a Republican. In 1891 he was elected president of the village of Matteawan, and was re-elected in 1892 without opposition, being the first incumbent of the office to be chosen without an opposing candidate since the incorporation of the village. At the present time he is president of the Board of Trade of Matteawan and Fishkill-on-

COMilEilORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

635

Hudson; president of the board of health of Fishkill Landing; and president of the Fairview Cemetery Association. He has taken an interest in fraternal society work, also, and has been warden of Beacon Lodge, F. &. A. M.; also chancellor of Hudson River Lodge, K. of P., has twice represented the latter society in the Grand Lodge of the State, and has been deputy for this district.

JOHN V. O'FARRELL, who is engaged in the ice business in Wappingers Falls,

Dutchess county, although a resident of Hughsonville, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 2, 1845.

The father of our subject, James O'Far-rell, was a native of the same county, and a baker and shopkeeper by occupation. He married Margaret Lamphier, and they reared four children, namely: P. W., who'is a general merchant in Blackville, S. C.; Margaret, who married John Sullivan, of Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., who is now deceased; John V.; and Elizabeth, who died unmarried. The family came to America in 1850, and Mr. O'Far-rell, who was then an officer in the English army, left his family at Wappingers Falls while he went to Canada, to which country he had been ordered. He died in Montreal in 1851. His wife survived him until 1882. They were members of the Catholic Church, and their children were brought up in that faith.

John V. O'Farrell was only five years old when his parents settled at Wappingers Falls, and in the common schools of that village he obtained his education. When old enough he found employment in the Dutchess Print Works, and worked there until 1864, when he enlisted in Company L 3d New York Cavalry, and served until the close of the Civil war. He was discharged, June 17, 1865, at Suffolk, Va., and returned to his home, where he learned the carpenter's trade, and for the past thirty years has been one of the most successful builders at the Falls. In 1880 he formed a partnership with John M. Goring in the furniture and undertaking business, which connection lasted for four years. He then sold out to E. W. Flynn, and engaged in the ice business, which he has since carried on, also being interested in buying and selling real estate. He has been very successful, and is among the prosperous and substantial citizens of Wappingers Falls.

On January 7, 1877, Mr. O'Farrell was married to Miss Mary A. Downey, who was born in Wappingers Falls, and is a daughter of Peter Downey, Sr., a native of Ireland. Of this marriage six children have been born, all of whom are living: "Vincent, Leo, Joseph, Raymond, Marie, and Emmett.

Mr. O'Farrell was a Democrat until 1886, since which time he has been in sympathy with the Republican party. He was for two terms assessor of the town of Poughkeepsie, for three years chief of the Wappingers Falls fire department, and for nine years one of the village trustees. He is a member of the Foresters, and also of the G. A. R. Post, in which he has held all the offices and was commander for three terms. He and his family are devoted members of the Catholic Church. Mr. O'Farrell is a man of progressive ideas, always ready to assist in matters for the public good, and is one of the most loyal and enterprising of the business men of the village. He has many warm friends, and is popular with all who know him.

JOHN M. GORING, a leading and representative business man of Wappingers Falls, where he has a furniture and undertaking establishment, is a member of the well-known firm of Goring & Flynn. He was born in that village, December 21, 1851, and is a son of J. M. Goring. There he grew to manhood, being educated in the public schools, and learned the trade of a tinsmith and plumber with A. W. Armstrong, by whom he was employed for eleven years. In 1882 he started his present business, being at that time connected with John O'Farrell, under the firm name of O'Farrell & Goring, which partnership continued for two years, when the senior member withdrew, and Edward W. Flynn became a member of the firm, which then assumed its present style. They have one of the leading establishments of the kind in the town, and the liberal patronage they receive is well deserved.

On November 20, 1S76, Mr. Goring was married to Miss Mary C. Downing, of Clinton Point, Dutchess county, a daughter of Edward and Jane Downing, who were both born in the North of Ireland, and were of Scotch lineage. Our subject and his wife have become the parents of four children (two pair of twins): Howard D. and Harold V., born September 23,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

1884; and J. Morris and Mary C, born January 6, 1897.

In politics, Mr. Goring is identified with the Republican party, and is at present serving as treasurer of his school district. He is a highly respected and esteemed citizen of the place, and as a merchant bears the reputation of an honest, upright and trustworthy man. His gentlemanly deportment and genial manners are gaining him hosts of friends, and rapidly increasing his business. He takes quite an active part in civic societies, belonging to Wappinger Lodge No. 671, F. & A. M., of which he is past master; Poughkeepsie Chapter, K. A. M.; La Fayette Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F.; and Evening Star Lodge No. 98, K. P.

AMES M. De GARMO, proprietor of De-I Garmo Institute, Fishkill Landing, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Hyde Park, near Crum Elbow, N. Y., December 22, 1838, a son of Peter and Sarah Gilchrist (Marshall) De Garmo. The father was born March 4, 1798, also in the town of Hyde Park, the mother on July 24, 1800, in Westchester county, N. Y. Peter De Garmo, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born September 2, 1751, in New Jersey, and the paternal grandmother, Mary D. Robinson, on November 12, 1763. James I. Marshall, the maternal grandfather, was born January 6, 1773, the maternal grandmother, Elizabeth (Gilchrist), on December 2, 1772.

On his father's side James M. De Garmo is a lineal descendant of French Huguenots, while his mother's familj' were Rhode Island Yankees. During the Huguenot persecution in France, the De Garmos of Normandy fled to Holland, where some of them married Dutch women, and, later, three brothers — Elias, Jacob (or James) and John—with their families, came to America and settled at Pompton Plains, N. J., and from them the whole De-Garmo clan in America is descended.

Peter De Garmo and his father before him were tanners and farmers, retaining many of the physical and mental characteristics of their French ancestry, for they were mostly men (jf small stature, of nervous temperament, but cheerful and happy disposition, active and vigorous in mind and body. James was one of a family of nine children, and was never a very hardy, tough boy, like most of his age. His

primary education was obtained from the old-fashioned district school of the time. But at eleven years of age he was needed on the farm, left school and worked till he was seventeen; then he went three months to the Dutchess County Academy at Poughkeepsie, under the Scotch Prof. William McGeorge. After these three months he returned to the farm, and worked till he was nineteen, when he began, in April, to teach in the academy where he had studied, and at the same time began his studies for college. In two years and a quarter, as he was about to enter college, his health failed, and he took charge of a boarding-school at Oswego Meeting House, near what is now Moores Mill, under Ouaker auspices. In the following spring he was in such ill-health that he went home to recruit, spending some of the time in the wild Adirondacks, and in \"ermont. In November he again took charge of the Oswego school, teaching till spring, when he went to Poughkeepsie, and, under private instructors, studied French, German, Latin and Greek, continuing till the next February, when he entered a co-partnership with Prof. McGeorge and Mr. Stewart Pelham, to conduct the Old Academy. At that time he was married to Emily L. Drake, of Pleasant \'alley, and soon began his life-work at teaching. The co-partnership, not proving congenial, was dissolved, and in April, 1864, he went to Rhinebeck, N. Y., and took charge of the Rhinebeck Academy, which he soon after purchased, changed to De Garmo Institute, entirely rebuilt and improved, and continued to manage it until 1890, when he moved to Fishkill Landing, where he hired Mt. Beacon Academy, and has taught till the present time. His school has been one of the best known in the county or State. Soon after going to Rhinebeck, Princeton College conferred upon Dr. De Garmo the honorary degree of Master of Arts, and later, in 187S, Hamilton College, at Clinton, N. Y., gave him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Both degrees were conferred in recognition of his success in preparing boys for college, and for his scientific studies. In October, 1867, he was initiated, passed and raised a Free and Accepted Mason, and is now past master of Rhinebeck Lodge No. 432; past master of Beacon Lodge No. 283; grand representative of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of the United States of Mexico, near the Grand Lodge of the State of New York; and a thirty-second-degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite

COMMEMOnATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

G37

in the Valley of New York, for the Northern Jurisdiction of America.

Dr. De Garmo has never held any political office, but since his eighteenth year has spoken on the Republican side in every Presidential campaign but one. In the famous Greeley campaign he was silent. He has lectured frequently and acceptably on scientific topics, was an active member of the Poughkeepsie Society of Natural Science, and later of Vassar Brothers' Institute. He is an after-dinner speaker of some reputation, and writes occasional poems, which have been well received. But whatever he may have of enduring reputation will come from his long and faithful work as a teacher. Although a linguist by profession, he has devoted much time to scientific studies, is a fair microscopist and astronomer, and familiar with lepidoptera and with ornithology and geology, in all which departments he has collected fine cabinets and museums. He has delivered many lectures, especially on science, is a skilled manipulator of apparatus either before a class or a public audience, and is a man, on the whole, of rather versatile talents.

lAVID AND HENRY RUNDALL are prominent and representative citizens of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, the former residing in the village of Amenia, and the latter on the old family homestead on the road between Amenia and Wassaic. About the middle of the eighteenth century the family was founded in Dutchess county, and their great-grandfather was buried in the old abandoned cemetery between Bangall and Mclntyre, in the town of Stanford.

David Rundall, the grandfather, was born January 4, 1757, in the town of Horse Neck, Fairfield Co., Conn., but came to the town of Amenia, Dutchess county at the age of fourteen years, in company with his brother, to whom he was bound out as an apprentice to learn the tailor's trade. They moved their entire worldly effects on horseback, and located in that part of the town which was then called Separate. The apprenticeship was ended at about the time of the inauguration of the Revolutionary war, in which the grandfather served through two campaigns, one in the North and the other in the South, in the years 1775 ^"d 1776. After obtaining his discharge he returned to Amenia, where he followed his trade,

which was then called "whipping the cat," being employed on both sides of the mountains, wherever he could secure work for a few days.

After his marriage the grandfather lived for six years at Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, at the end of which time he returned to Amenia, taking up his residence in the old house near the H. W. Peters homestead, and a few remaining apple trees standing on the opposite side of the road mark the stop of the orchard which he set out. There he resided until •795. when he removed to the place now occupied by Henry Rundall, where his death occurred January 21, 1848. During his residence on the old Peters farm, the first Methodist Church was organized in Amenia, of which he was for several years the only male member.

The grandfather was thrice married. On January 7, 1777, he wedded Catherine Powers, who died May 14, 1799, and they had six children: Betsey, born February 8. 1780, died February 26, 1829; Mary, born January 5, 1783, died August 15,1831; Jacob M., born May 26, 1785, died October 8. 1833; Abigail, born August 26, 1787, died in December, 1871; William, born October i, 1794, died October 2, 1795; and Henry, born March 4, 1799, died November 3, 1871. ■ In March, 1801, he marrfed Elizabeth Cole, \vho died July 6, 182 I, and to them was born a daughter—Catherine, born January 5, 1803, and married Henry Ingraham. His third wife was Alice Allerton.

Henry Rundall, the father of our subjects, during his boyhood attended the "Johnny Cake " school between Amenia and Wassaic, and throughout life operated the old homestead farm. On December 12, 1821, he was united in marriage with Nancy T. Sutherland, who was born April 18, 1803, a daughter of Roger B. Sutherland, and died January 31, 1869. Six children graced this union, namely: Sarah S., born August 7, 1825, married Dr. Isaac M. Hunting, and died November 29, 1895; Elizabeth M.,vborn August 24, 1827, married George W. Center, of Amenia, N. Y.; David and Henry are next in order of birth; Mary B., born January 10, 1833, wedded John J. Harrison, and died in November, 1S82; and Catherine P., born October 2, 1835, married Henry C. Dauchy, and died November 25, 1895. For his second wife the father chose Susan Hebard, who still survives him, residing at Sharon, Connecticut.

C38

COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPH/r'AL RECORD.

Henry Rundall, Sr., was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and was the first man in the town of Amenia to abolish the use of liquor upon his farm. In early life he had belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was an active Democrat in politics previous to 1857, but at that time became an earnest supporter of the Republican party, as in antebellum days he was very much opposed to slavery.

The followin}; is a copy of the commissions of the father as captain, major and colonel in the New York State Militia:

The Ptoplc of the State of New York, To all to whom these presents may come: Know ye, that pursuant to the constitution anil laws of our said State, we have appointed and constituted and by these presents do appoint and constitute Henry Rundall, captain in the Twenty-ninth Kegiment of Infantry of our said State (with rank from May Vi, 182t)), to hold said office in the manner specified in and by our said constitution and laws.

In testimony whereof we have caused our seal for military commissions to be hereunto affixed. Witness De\Vitt Clinton, Ksquire, Governor of our said State, general and commander-in-chief of all the militia and admiral of the navy of the same, at our city of Albany, the 22nd day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six.

DkWitt Ci.inton. Passed the adjutant-general's office.

N. K. lilcCK, Adjutant-General.

The commission of major reads exactly like that of captain, but dated July 30, 1827. The commission of colonel of the Twenty-ninth Regiment reads like the other two, dated July 23, 1830, and signed by Enos T. Troop, Esquire, Lteutenant-Governor of the State, and by M. H. Webster, Adjutant-General. These papers are still in the possession of David Rundall, of Amenia.

D.AViD Rundall, whose name introduces this review, was born on the old homestead in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. August 2, 1829, and he also began his education in the "Johnny Cake" school, but the knowledge there acquired was supplemented by a course in the Amenia Seminary. Until reaching his majority he remained upon the home farm, and then for ten years operated land near the village of Amenia, after which he engaged in farming for twenty-one years on the road to W'assaic. Since 1888, however, he has made his home in the village of Amenia, and is now capably serving as town clerk. He has also been collector for several terms, aixl his duties are always discharged with credit to himself, and with satisfaction to all concerned. By his ballot he supports the Republican party, and religiously himself and

family are connected with the Presbyterian Church.

At Amenia, September 14, 1852, David Rundall was married to Harriet P. Reynolds, a daughter of Jonathan P. Reynolds. She died February 5, 1863, leaving one son, William P., who was born in December, 1862, and married Fanny McHugh, by whom he has a daughter, Hattie; he is a resident of the town of Amenia. On February 10, 1864, at Mechanicsville, Saratoga Co., N. Y., David Rundall married Sarah Catherine Barrett, daughter of Henry E. Barrett. Harry Barrett Rundall, the only child of the second union, was born November 24, 1864, and after finishing his education in the Amenia Seminary, on March 17, 1881, he entered the First National Bank of Amenia as bookkeeper, which position he has since filled to the satisfaction of the bank officials. He is at present serving as justice of the peace, and socially is a member of Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. cS: A. M.

Henry Ri'nd.^ll, of this review, was born July 6, 1831, on the farm where he still resides, and like his brother was educated at the "Johnny Cake ", school and the Amenia Seminary. He has always engaged in the cultivation of the home farm, and since 1853 has also dealt in milk. At Poughkeepsie, N. Y., July 6, 1853, he married Lucinda A. Ransom, a native of Highland. Ulster Co.. N. Y.. and a descendant of the Deyo family, early settlers of that county. Seven children were born to them, as follows: (i) Herbert R., pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Hammonton, N. J., first wedded Mary Herrick, of Saratoga county, N. Y., by whom he had a daughter, Millie R.. and after her death married Eli;;abeth En-dicott; (2) Clarence A. married Julia Roberts, by whom he has a son. Warring Deyo. and they now live at Brewster, Putnam Co., N. Y.; (3) Arthur S. is with the Phcenix Insurance Company, of Chicago, 111.; (4) P'rank D., on February 10, 1897, married Frances Thompson Reed, daughter of Henry V. D. Reed, and lives at Amenia Union, N. Y.; (5) Bell H., born July 11. 1864. died February 24, 1876; (6) Martin K. married Jennie Rutledge, and has two children, Olin Rutledge and Henry T.; (/) Laura J. is the wife of J. Henry Hal-stead, of Rye, Westchester Co., New York.

Henry l^undall is one of the prominent and active members of the Presbyterian Church of Amenia, in which, for thirty years, he has

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639

served as elder, and will continue to hold the office through life. He is connected with the Amenia Grange, in politics is an ardent Republican, and has served as assessor of the town of Amenia. In manner, the Rundall brothers are quiet and unassuming, j'et their sterling qualities command the respect and confidence of all, and have secured for them the high regard of a large circle of friends. They are numbered among the valued citizens of the community, who have been devoted to the public welfare, and are assuredly worthy of representation in a volume of this nature.

ILLIAM H. BARTLETT. one of the JC'l^ prominent and leading business men of Amenia, Dutchess county, traces his ancestral line back to the Colonial epoch. His greatgrandfather, Daniel C. Bartlett, was born at Redding, Conn., where his father, Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, a Congregational minister, had located May 23, 1753. The latter was called from this life January 10, iSio. On the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, one Sabbath day, he presented his sword, which he had newl)' ground, to his son Daniel with the instruction to go and defend his country. With Montgomery's forces he went to Quebec, and was at the capture of Fort St. John in November, 1775. He was also present at the burning of Danbury, Conn., in 1777. Later in life he became a resident of Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1803 purchasing the Joel Gillett farm in the town of Amenia, on which his great-grandson, Sanford J. Bartlett, now resides. In his family were five children: William, Collins, Mrs. John Barker, Mrs. Thomas Paine and Mrs. William Paine. William S. Bartlett, the father of our subject, was born upon the family homestead in the town of Amenia, attended the district schools during his boyhood and youth, and in later life carried on agricultural pursuits in his native township. His birth occurred January 23. 1809, and October 13, 1830, he was married to Miss Jane Eliza Reynolds, daughter of Jonathan P. Reynolds. They became the parents of four children: Jonathan R., born July 15, 1831, was married October 5, 1863, to Hannah L. Grant, and died September 8, 1872; Adelaide Amelia, born January 10, 1836, died April 27, 1838; William Henry, subject of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; and Sanford Jarvis, Sr., born December

29, 1842, was married March 12, 1873, to Mary Lizzie Hill, of Bridport, Vt., and they are now living on the home farm; they have two sons: William Edgar, born February 14, 1873, and Sanford Jarvis, Jr., born August 4, 1876. Politically the father of this family, William S. Bartlett, was a Whig in early life, later uniting with the Republican party, and at one time served as assessor in his township. He was one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church at Amenia, in which he served as deacon, and was a generous contributor toward the erection of the house of worship. A broad-minded man, he was liberal in his religious views as well as in other things. After a long and well-spent life he was called to his final rest November 6, 1881. His wife, who was born December 25, 1812, died June I, 1881.

In the town of Amenia our subject was born, February 14, 1839, and acquired his education in the Amenia Seminary. Later he accepted a position in the store of William Burrell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., where he remained for two years, and was then engaged in clerking in Amenia for a short time. While thus calmly employed, the storm of war which had been gathering for so many years over the country broke out, and, bidding adieu to home and its influences, Mr. Bartlett enlisted, in the fall of 1862, in Company A, 150th N. Y. \. I., and from private was promoted from time to time until he became adjutant. He participated in many important engagements, and at Peach Tree Creek, in front of Atlanta, was wounded. He now holds membership with Hamilton Post, No 20, G. A. R , of Pough-keepsie, New York.

When the war was over Mr. Bartlett returned to Amenia and purchased the store in which he had formerly clerked, conducting the same until 1888, since which time he has engaged in the manufacture of brick, under the firm name of the Amenia Brick Company. In the town-of Amenia, October 30, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Culver, daughter of Backus Culver. Our subject is devoted to all interests that are calculated to advance thg welfare of his County, State and Nation, and has done much for the upbuilding of the community' where he has always made his home. With a strict regard for business ethics, he has won the confidence and esteem of all, and is to-day one of the most honored citizens of his countv. For

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two terms he served as supervisor of Amenia, and was unanimously nominated by the Republican party for sheriff. Being elected, he took the office January i, 1892, and acceptably served until January i, 1895. Socially, he is connected with Amenia Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a charter member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Poughkeepsie, New York.

R RAYMOND RIKERT, the editor and _ proprietor of the Rhinebeck Gazette, is one of the youngest journalists in Dutchess county, and at the same time is one of the most prominent in all the Hudson River Valley.

The Rikert family have long occupied an honored place among the old families of New York, the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this review being a patroon. George I. Rikert, his son, was born in Clermont, Columbia county, and by occupation was a farmer, operating one farm for nearly half a century. He married Margaret Snyder, and to them were born five children: Robert, Reuben, John, Mary (wife of Chancellor W'yllie), and Eliza (wife of John Kilmer). Although he enlisted in the war of 1S12, he never took part in any important engagement.

John Rikert, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Rhinebeck in iSii, and for many years was an employe at the State dock. In 1857 he began the butchering business in the village of Rhinebeck, which he continued to follow up to the time of his death in i860, and was quite successful in that undertaking. His political support was given to the Whig party, and religiously he was a Lutheran. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he married Phebe Dedrick, daughter of Jacob Dedrick, of Rhinebeck, who had come from Claverack, N. Y. Five children blessed this union, but Nelson died at the age of three years; the others are, Wellington,- Franklin, Calvin and Elmore. The mother is still living.

Franklin Rikert acquired his education in the Rhinebeck Academy, and at the Flat Rock school, laying aside his te.xt books in 1859 to enter upon the more active duties of life. He served an apprenticeship as a butcher in Rhinebeck, but on the outbreak of the Civil war he laid aside personal plans and interests, and on President Lincoln's second call for troops be-

came a member of the 128th N. Y. 'V'. I. He was attached to the department of the Gulf, was in the Red River campaign, and in 1864 returned north with Gen. Sheridan, being with him in the Shenandoah Valley and at the battle of Winchester. At Cedar Creek he was taken prisoner October 19, 1864, was incarcerated in Libby prison. Castle Thunder, and at Salisbury, N. C., and the following spring was paroled at Goldsboro, that State. At Annapolis, Md., he was discharged in July, 1865, under general order No. "]', and returned home with an honorable war record.

On October 19, 1869, Franklin Rikert was joined in marriage with Miss Ellen Cramer, daughter of John P. Cramer, and to them was born a son, R. Raymond. On May 18, 1870, he formed a partnership with J. H. Rikert in the butchering business, which connection continued until August, 1883, when the latter died. Through his own unaided efforts he has achieved success in the business world, and is oneof the most popular and highlyrespectedciti-zens of Rhinebeck. He takes quite an active interest in local political matters, voting the straight Republican ticket, and has been a member of the board of health for many years. He holds membership with Armstrong Post No. 104, G. A. R.; also with the Masonic fraternity; and is an honorary member of Relief Hook & Ladder Co. In religious faith he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

R. Raymond Rikert, the subject proper of this sketch, was born November 14. 1871, in Rhinebeck village. He received his education in the De Garmo Institute, and was graduated from that institution in 1891, a member of the first class to graduate from that time-honored school after its removal to Fishkill-on-Hudson. After completing his education, and until January i, 1893, heacted in the capacity of bookkeeper for his father at Rhinebeck. On the above date, in connection with William R. Tremper, he purchased the Rhinebeck Neics of William N. Tyler, and at the same time assumed the management of the Gazette. On July i, 1894, the Gazette w^s, purchased from the estate of Lewis H. Livingston, and our subject bought out the interest of his partner, and is now the sole owner of the business, which is rapidly increasing. The office employs about si.x men the year round, and has a weekly circulation of 1000.

Although young in years, Mr. Rikert has made a grand success of his undertaking, both

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641

from a financial and from a literary point of view, and is regarded as one of the strong men of Dutchess county. Politically the paper is independent, but the editor is a stanch Republican. He is secretary of the Rhinebeck Gas Company; and socially is a member of the F. & A. M., the S. of v., and of the Hook and Ladder Fire Company.

LEONARD I. TRIPP, an enterprising and prosperous blacksmith of Clinton Hollow,

Dutchess county, was born in the town of Rhinebeck, May 20, 1851.

The family is of French descent, and our subject's grandfather, Smiten Tripp, was one of the early residents of Clinton. He married a Miss Wicks, and had several children, among whom was George C. Tripp, the father of our subject. He grew to manhood in the town of Clinton, and was married there to Mary A. P. Haight, a native of the same locality, and a lady of rare nobility of character. She was a daughter of Isaac S. Haight, a Quaker, who was born in Rhode Island, where his greatgrandfather had settled on coming from England; but he spent the greater part of his life farming in the town of Clinton. He married Hannah Bedford, and had five children, as follows: Hannah, Sarah, Susan, Leonard and David; all are now deceased except Hannah.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. George C. Tripp settled upon a farm in the town of Hyde Park, and later moved to Rhinebeck. They had nine children: Julia F.; Helen Augusta (deceased); James S., a contractor and builder at Rochester, N. Y.; Jacob W., aeon-tractor and builder at Salt Lake; Martin F., who is in the same business in Cole county, Mo.; Leonard I., our subject; Hiram M., a contractor and builder at Bergen, N. Y. ; and Elting B., a policeman in New York City. To Mrs. Tripp belongs the credit of bringing up this family, and giving them those industrious habits and sound principles which have marked their successful careers. She was a faithful member of the Christian Church for many years previous to her death, which occurred March 15, 1895, when she \vas aged seventy-six years.

The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Clinton Hollow in his early boyhood, and at the age of eleven he began working out on neighboring farms. At nineteen he entered H. S. Van Dyne's blacksmith shop at

41

Clinton Hollow, and served an apprenticeship of three years, receiving $40 a year, with the privilege of working twelve sunny days in harvest time. After learning his trade he worked one year at Washington Hollow for Charles McCorniick, also for three years at Millbrook for Henry Shaw, and in March, 1877, he returned to Clinton Hollow and bought the shop where he had learned the business, and has conducted it since with growing popularity and success. On April 19, 1877, he married Al-meda D. Briggs, a daughter of George C. and Margaret Briggs, well-known residents of Clinton Hollow. Mr. Tripp is a public-spirited citizen, and takes an influential place in local affairs. He is an active supporter of the Democratic party, has been inspector of elections, and has held the office of town clerk for two terms.

JOSEPH KLINE, a well-known resident of Pawling, Dutchess county, engaged in the livery business, has also been for some time in the employ of the United States Government as mail clerk on the Harlem railroad. He learned the carriage maker's trade in early life, but did not follow it long as a business. He and his wife, formerly Miss Carrie Mabie, have three children: Anna A., Mary E. and Agnes J., who are all at home.

Mrs. Kline was born and reared in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and is a descendant of early settlers in Patterson, Putnam county, where her grandfather, Samuel Mabie, first saw the light. His education was acquired in the common schools there, and he engaged in farming in early manhood. He was united in matrimony with Miss Polly Bolts, and had six children, of whom Hiram, Mrs. Kline's father, was the eldest. William married Laura Dyke-man; Phcebe married Nathan Dykeman; Ruth was the wife of James Dykeman; Adaline married J. B. Swan; and Sarah died at an early age.

Hiram Mabie was born in 1823, inTowners, Putnam county, and after obtaining a common-school education there followed agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Julia Pagsley, daughter of Benjamin Pagsley, a leading butcher of Patterson, and his wife, Polly Crosby. Mrs. Kline was the fourth in a family of five children. Of the others, (i) Mary E. has never married. {2) Washington was educated in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and is now engaged in farming. He married Miss Jennie Fowler

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

^nd had three children—Estelle, Gertrude and Clarence. (3) Estelle was born and reared in the town of Dover, and she is now the wife of John Haynes, an agriculturist of the town of Pawling. They have two children—Fred and Ruth. (5) Florence, Mrs. Kline's youngest sister, married John Merrick, a resident of Towners, and has no children.

JOHN G. DOYLE, the junior member of the well-known firni, Lewis & Doyle, of W'assaic, was born at South Dover, L)utch-ess county, September 27, 1863.

The boyhood and youth of Mr. Doyle were passed uneventfully at Wassaic, where he attended school, and at the age of fourteen years he entered the store of M. K. Lewis, with whom he has since remained. Until the 25th of July, 1894, he served as clerk, but since that time has been a partner, and the firm is now enjoying a large and paying business. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and in 1893 ^V3S appointed postmaster of Wassaic, by President Cleveland, which position he has since capably filled to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is a business man of more than ordinary abilit)', and justly deserves the success which has crowned his efforts. Socially, he is identified with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and is a past regent of Council No. 1291, Royal Arcanum, at Wassaic.

At Pawling, N. Y., January 20, 1886, Mr. Doj'le was united in marriage with Miss Mary F. Barrett, of Charleston, S. C, daughter of Pierce Barrett. They have had one son, Percy Vincent, who died in infancy. The young couple hold a high position in the social circles of the community.

IEWITT C. HUSTED, the enterprising proprietor of a combined bakery and confectionery store and restaurant at Millerton, Dutchess county, and one of the most successful business men of that village, was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, January 2, i860. His ancestors were early settlers in the town of Pleasant Valley, where his grandfather, Nathaniel Husted, and his father, Luther Husted, were born, the latter in the year 1840.

The subject of our sketch was educated in the district school at Clinton, which was excellent for that day, and being fond of reading he has supplemented this course in later years by keeping " well posted " on current events and the advance of scientific thought. At eighteen he left school and a-ssisted his father for three years, when he started out in life for himself, first as attendant for Dr. Knight at Lakeville, Conn. Three years later he and his brother, Elmer, took charge of his father's store at Wassaic, the partnership continuing two years. The next two years, Mr. Husted conducted a store of his own, and then after one year of retirement from business he came to Millerton in the spring of 1892 and established the bakery, confectionery and restaurant business, which he has since conducted. This is one of the finest stores of its kind in the town, and enjoys an extensive patronage. A self-made man, Mr. Husted has always displayed the energy and good management which win success, and every enterprise in which he has engaged has prospered.

On January 25, 1888, he was married to Miss Etta Jenks, of Lakeville, Conn.; they have one son, Harry, born April 13, 1890. Mr. Husted is among the leaders in local affairs, and has been at times active in politics, and, not being bound slavishly by party ties, he has always worked for the nomination and election of siich men as he has considered best qualified to carry out the will of the people.

Mrs. Husted is the only surviving daughter of William and Caroline (Edwards) Jenks. She was born at Hillsdale, N. Y., August 11, 1858, and in her girlhood accompanied her parents to Orehill, Conn., where they made their home some six years, thence moving to Lakeville, Conn. Here she attended the public school, later taking a one-3'ear's course at New Preston, Conn. Then, for ten years, and until her marriage, she lived at Norfolk, Conn. Her father was born October 10, 1824, in Nesv York. Her mother was a native of Connecticut, born in New Milford, December 3, 1817. They were married October i, 1840, and became the parents of five children, as follows: Rachel and Mary Amanda (both deceased); George, a resident of Torrington, Conn.; Fred E., of New Haven; and Etta (Mrs. Husted). Her maternal grandfather Edwards was born September 12, 1784, and in 1803 married Sarah Bennett, who was born May 2, 1783. They had five children: Ap-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.

G43

phia, Abel, Caroline, Sarah and Rachel. Of these, the last two are yet living.

John Jenks, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Husted, was born April 9, 1782. Mary (White), his wife, was born October 11, 1793. They were married November 20, 1S13. The former died September 3, 1833, the latter, December 17, 1874. Their seven children were: John Fredrick, born September 13, 1814; Mariette, born February i, 1816; Ann Maria, born November 24, 1817; Harriet Emily, born October 20, 1819; Sarah Jane, born June 3, 1821; Clarissa Amanda, born December 16, 1822; and William Hunt, born October 10, 1S24. Of these only John Fredrick and Clarissa Amanda survive. The paternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Husted was Thomas Jenks, who married Sarah Barton and died, aged forty-one years.

Abel Edwards, the maternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Husted was a Revolutionary soldier. He enlisted May 4, 1775, in the company of Capt. Samuel Whitney, of Stratford, 5th regiment, Col. David Waterbury commanding. He married, for his first wife, Lucy Hawley, and, for his second, Sarah Mann.

GVEORGE HAM ANGELL, a leading citi-Ji zen and enterprising, progressive business man of Wappingers Falls, is one of the prominent dry-goods merchants of the place. He is a native of Dutchess county, born January 8, 1852, at Salt Point, in the town of Pleasant Valley. The family of which he belongs is of English origin, and its members mostly belonged to the Society of Friends. Ephraim Angell, his paternal grandfather, who was also born in Pleasant Valley town, located upon a farm near Spencertown, Columbia Co., N. Y., after his marriage with Mary Thorne, where he reared a family of eight children—Joseph, Augustus, Stephen, Henry, Ephraim, Sarah, Emma and Martha—and there he continued agricultural pursuits until his death.

Upon that farm in Columbia county, Stephen T. Angell, the father of our subject, was born, October 31, 1817, and when he had attained his seventeenth year, he began teaching school in that locality. He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah E. Ham, a daughter of George Ham, who was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and was a farmer by occupation. After their marriage the parents located at Salt Point, where the

father engaged in farming until called from this life in 1889. His estimable wife still survives him. Politically, he was in earl}' manhood a Whig, and, upon the abandonment of the old party, cordially endorsed the Republican principles, which he ever afterward sustained. He was prominent in the public affairs of the county; having served one term as justice of the peace of Pleasant Valley township, and two terms as president of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society. He was a man of sterling integrity, and possessed great force of character, which won for him the confidence and esteem of the community in whicb he lived. The parental household included five children: Eva, George H., Augustus, a prominent oculist of Hartford, Conn., who was graduated from the Homeopathic Medical College, of New York City; Milton H., a well-known physician of Salt Point; and J. Thorne, who is station agent and telegraph operator for the Poughkeepsie & Eastern R. R. Co., at Pine Plains, Dutchess county.

At Salt Point our subject spent his boyhood days, where he attended the district schools, and later was a student at a private school in New Hampshire. Going to Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., he was there employed as a salesman in a dry-goods store for about five years. He was afterward with Luckey, Piatt & Co., and Donald, Converse & May-nard, of Poughkeepsie. On coming to Wappingers Falls in 1880, Mr. Angell formed a partnership with William A. Clapp in the dry-goods business, which connection lasted for three years, since which time our subject has been sole proprietor, and has ever been prominently connected with the business interests of the place.

In 1882, Mr. Angell married Miss Margaret J. Stevenson, a daughter of Thomas Stevenson, a comb manufacturer, and a niece of George Stevenson, a prominent resident of Dutchess county. One son graces this union, Wintield Thorne. In politics, Mr. Angell is a firm supporter of the Republica party, and has taken a prominent part in public affairs, always lending his influence to promote the best interests of the community. His personal integrity, both in private and public life, is of the highest order. He is endowed with a clear, well-balanced intellect, sharpened by a sound education and keen powers of observation. Both himself and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, in which

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIVAL RECORD.

he is serving as deacon, and he is at present

one of the trustees of the Grinnell Library, at Wappingers Falls.

EDMUND NELSON LANDON, an enter- prising and successful merchant of Miller-ton, Dutchess county, was born November 23, 1852, at Town Hill, Salisbury, Conn., which has been the home of the family for more than one hundred years. The family estate there is at present in the possession of acousin, having been continuously passed from heir to heir since Colonial times without a single transfer by deed. Mr. Landon is the si.xth generation in direct descent from a Landon who came from Wales to Connecticut sometime in the seventeenth century, and after a short stay in Litchfield settled at Salisbury. A son, Capt. James Landon, who was born there about 1700, and lived until 1773, was a member of the Colonial legislature in 1759, and justice of the peace about the same time. His title was gained by serving in the Colonial militia. He married Mary Reed, and had twelve children, three of whom were named: Ashbil, David, Joel. Capt. Ashbil Landon, our subject's greatgrandfather, who died in 1838, was also an officer in the militia, and was a prominent man of his time. He lived on Tory Hill, so called from the loyalty of his family to the British government during the Revolutionary war. He married Lorain Chapman, by whom he had six children: Betsey, Letty, William, Horace, Edmund and James.

Edmund Landon, our subject's grandfather, was born in 1790, and died in 1845. He was a farmer, as nearly all his family have been, and was fairly successful in that occupation. He was twice married, first to Sylvia Fitch, who died leaving four children: Nelson, Fitch, Abigail and Ann. His second wife was Sarah Lord, who survived him several years, dying in 1862. She had four children: Ashbil, Thomas Newton, George and Asa. Thomas Newton died at the age of eleven.

Nelson Landon, our subject's father, was born in 1817, and died in 18S7, his life having been passed in agricultural pursuits. He owned a farm of 200 acres, acquired by his own efforts, and gave but little attention to public affairs, preferring a quiet life. He was, however, a well-informed man of broad ideas, a Whig in political faith during his early years, and later a Republican. His wife was Mary

Raymond, daughter of Gershom Raymond, of South Norwalk. This family was of French descent, the name being at one time Raiment.

The first ancestor of the American line was one of the founders of South Norwalk. and one of the original patentees of the land there. Seven children were born of this marriage: Fannie Reed, Mary Ella, Edmund Nelson, Raymond Fitch, Jennie (deceased), Horace and Angeline.

Edmund N. Landon received a good education in his youth, attending first the district schools of the neighborhood, and later the academies of Lakeville and Lime Rock, Conn. After leaving school, in 1874, he taught at Orr Hill (one term), Sharon and Salisbury, and then began clerking for W. B. Hawley, at Sherman, Conn., in a general store. There he remained about six years, and then became traveling salesman for J. L. Clark & Son, manufacturers of carriages, Oshkosh, Wis., and for two years represented them in the eastern and middle States. He then traveled for the house of L D. Ware, of Philadelphia, manufacturer of varnishes and japans, and later for the Ware Brothers, publishers of the Carriage Monthly, remaining with them four years. In 18S7, he left "the road" to take a position in the store of C. B. Dakin & Co., of Sharon, Conn., and early in the following year became to Millerton, where he opened a general store on the ist of April, under the firm name of E. N. Landon & Co. In 1893 he sold this business to Hoag & Reefer, and bought a store building of Julius Benedict, in which he established his present business as a dealer in fiour, feed, grain and coal. He has a large trade, extending for a considerable distance around Millerton, and amounting to about forty thousand annually. His keen judgment and energetic methods have insured his success in his undertakings, and he has a high standing in business circles.

On March 30, 1887, Mr. Landon married Miss Adelaide Cross Barker, daughter of Henry Barker, a well-known resident of White Creek, Washington Co., N. Y., and they have one daughter, Adelaide Barker Landon. On national political (juestions Mr. Landon is a Republican, but on local issues he votes independently, giving his support to the "best man." He has repeatedly been urged to enter the political field himself, but has declined to do so, and on one occasion when elected justice of the peace he did not qualify, as he did not

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645

wish to take the office. He takes a hearty interest in local improvements, however, and is always ready to promote them in a quiet way.

;^ENRY BODENSTEIN, a prominent and |rl worthy citizen of Staatsburg, is extensively engaged in the manufacture of ice tools, having a large plant in that village. He was born September 28, 1S52, in Nesselreden, Hessen, Germany, a son of John H. and Dorothia (Boerner) Bodenstein, natives of the same place, and of whom mention is made elsewhere.

In 1858 our subject came to America with his parents, and in the common schools of Staatsburg, Rockland Lake, N. Y., Jersey City, N. J., and Athens, N. Y., he received his education. At the age of sixteen he left the school-room in order to start out in life for himself, and for two 3'ears he worked at cigarmaking in Hudson and Athens, N. Y. At this time his father was much in need of help, so he decided to learn the trade, and accordingly entered the establishment of his father, who was then in the manufacture of ice tools in Staatsburg. He gradually worked his way upward until he became master of every department of the business, and remained in his father's employ from 1868 to 1875. After the latter's death he, with his brother, continued the business for the estate until 1877, and then formed a partnership under the firm name of J. G. Bodenstein & Brother. In 1887, the name was changed to J. G. & H. Bodenstein, and the firm continued to do business until March 22, 1890, when the co-partnership was dissolved. Our subject has since conducted the business alone at the same stand where his father carried on operations, and has built up a large trade which extends over the whole country. While the name Bodenstein is a guarantee as to workmanship and the quality of material used in the manufacture of their tools by the use of improved machinery, he has increased the facilities for getting out ice tools.

In 1879 Mr. Bodenstein was united in marriage with Antoinette Podrabski, and to them have been born eight children: Clarence Henry, Charles Irving, Morgan, Harriet Eliza, Sarah Margaret, Ernest Frederick Adam, Laura Antoinette and Louise Amelia. Formerly our subject cast his ballot with the Republicans, but is now a strong Prohibition-

ist, as that party embodies his views on the temperance question. He and his wife are faitliful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as trustee and steward. Socially he is identified with Rhine-beck Lodge No. 432, F. & A. M.

WILLIAM C. ARMSTRONG is one of the popular and esteemed citizens of

Pleasant Valley. Though his connection with the history of Dutchess county extends over a period of thirty-three years, he was in his earlier life an extensive traveler, and thereby became a man of broad mind and liberal views. He was born in New York City October 24, 1830, but for many generations his ancestors had lived in Scotland. His father, Henry Armstrong, an only child, was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He wedded Mary Clifford, and shortly afterward sailed for New York, where both he and his wife died of cholera in 1837. The}' were members of the Presbyterian Church, and people of genuine worth. Their family included five children: John A., an engineer, residing in New York City; William C., subject of this review; Thomas, who carried on harness-making in Syracuse, N. Y., but is now deceased; Henry, also deceased, who was an engineer of New York, and ran on several river boats; and Elizabeth, deceased.

Mr. Armstrong, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood days in his native city, and is indebted to its public schools for his educational privileges. There he received his training as an engineer, working in the Novelty Iron Works for twelve years, and in the Cold Springs foundry for three years. He afterward became engineer on the steamer " Golden Gate," running between Panama and San Francisco, Cal., his service in that line covering a period of one year. He was then employed to construct the river passenger boat "Talca," for the government of Chili, and made his headquarters at Valparaiso in that country. He next went to Cuba, where he took charge of a sugar plantation, thus spending the winter seasons for nine years. During this period he purchased machinery to the value of many thousand dollars in Newburg, N. Y., and sent to the island of Cuba. His extensive travels gave him a knowledge of the regions which he visited, that any amount of reading could not have done, and he can relate many interesting incidents concerning the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

places he ha« visited. He is a man of comprehensive business powers, of ceaseless activity and enterprise, and the success he has achieved is the merited reward of bis own labors.

Mr. Armstrong has been twice married. He wedded Elizabeth Scott, a native of New-York, who lived only a few years. They had two children, but one died in infancy, and Emma is also now deceased. She was the wife of Frederick J. Fay, of Brooklyn, pay-teller for the Union Trust Company, of New York. In 1862 Mr. Armstrong married Hester I. Seaman, a native of Pleasant Yalley, and a daughter of Egbert C. and Eliza (Van-Wagner) Seaman, the latter a native of Dutchess county. The father was a harnessmaker of Pleasant Valley. In 1863 Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong located in this place, and their home has been blessed with two daughters, Clara and Bessie, the former now the wife of Harvey G. Ward, who is engaged in the practice of law in New York City, but resides in Ridge-wood, N. J. Bessie became the wife of George Rutherford, a music teacher and dealer in music, Poughkeepsie.

Since locating in Pleasant Valley, Mr. .-\rm-strong has conducted a hotel, and his pleasant, genial and courteous manner, combined with honorable dealing, makes him a popular landlord and his house a favorite with the traveling public. He is also a dealer in coal, and has an extensive trade among the citizens of Pleasant Valley. Public-spirited and progressive, he manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and is found a liberal supporter of all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He would be a valued addition to any community, and his fellow-townsmen hold him in high regard.

CHARLES A. STEPHENS, one of the most enterprising business men of Miller-ton, Dutchess county, was born December 14, 1851, in Morrisania, then in Westchester county, but now a part of New York City. The family originated in Scotland, his grandfather, Thomas Stephens, having emigrated from that country in 1821, accompanied by his wife, Margaret Perkins, daughter of Thomas Perkins. He located in New York City, where he followed the trade of ship carpenter until his death, in 1S35; his wife died in 1827.

They had three children—Thomas, who was drowned; John, our subject's father, and Margaret, who married H. Higgirvson, a builder.

John Stephens was born in New York City August 6, 1822, and at an early age found employment in the Morrisania Railroad Car Shops. His unusual ability soon attracted the notice of the officials, and he was promoted to a position of responsibility; in 1859 was transferred to Dover Plains and placed in charge of the car repairing department, where he remained until he retired from active business, in 1892. At that time the Harlem road accepted his resignation with reluctance, notwithstanding his advanced age. He was a well-read man, a close observer and original thinker, and could have made a success of almost any enterprise. Although he has always been a stanch Republican in principle, he has taken no part in political work. He is an active worker in the Masonic Lodge of Dover, and is a regular attendant of the Baptist Church. His first wife was Miss Anna Reed, daughter of James Reed, of New York City, who died at the age of twenty-seven, leaving three children: Thomas, born in 1849, died in 1869; Charles Anthony, our subject; and John George, born in June, 1856, is now the agent of the Harlem railroad at Fordham, and a dealer in electrical appliances for domestic use. In 1858 Mr. Stephens married, for his second wife. Miss Jane Reed.

Charles A. Stephens attended the district schools near his home for some time, and later spent two or three years in the Dover Plains Academy. When he was about sixteen years old he became a clerk in B. F. Chapman's coal and lumber yard at Dover Plains, and in the following year went to Poughkeepsie, as clerk in the dry-goods store of \V. H. Broas. Here he worked for a year and a half, when, his health failing, he returned to Dover. While recuperating, he studied medicine with Dr. Berry, of Dover Plains, for two years, but decided that he would not follow the profession. He had also gained a knowledge of telegraphy in the meantime, and in February, 1873, was appointed agent of the Newburg, Dutchess & Connecticut railroad, at Fishkill, and in the spring of 1874 took a similar position at Sylvan Lake. He lived at that place for thirteen years, and was postmaster under President Arthur and, later, under President Harrison. He was also engaged in the coal business there, and owned and operated a farm of fifty

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Ul

acres for about ten years, while for some time he was a conductor on the Clove Branch railroad. In 1887 he moved to Fordham, and bought an express business in New York City, which he sold after seven months. He then took a position as telegraph operator at White Plains, but after four months there he returned to his old situation at Sylvan Lake, where he remained until August, 1894, when he was transferred to Millerton. In addition to his work as station agent there, he is the representative of the New York Life Insurance Company, and since September, 1894, has been a member of the well-known firm of Landon & Stephens, the leading wholesale and retail coal dealers.

Mr. Stephens is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party, and in local affairs is an active and progressive worker, seeking always to secure the nomination and election of good men. He has taken great interest in educational matters also. He belongs to the Reformed Dutch Church at Hopewell, and is a member of and officer in Webatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M.

Mr. Stephens married Miss Helen E. West-cott, by whom he has had two children — George Westcott and Helen Anthony. Mrs. Stephens is a descendant of two of the oldest families of the town of Fishkill—the Westcotts and the Scofields. Her father, the late George W. Westcott, a son of Abram W. Westcott, a pioneer farmer, was a prominent man of that locality, the owner of a fine farm, devoted largely to fruit raising, and for some years a leading merchant at Glenham. His influence in local affairs and in the Democratic organization was marked, and he held the offices of supervisor and assessor for a number of years. He died in December, 1891, in his seventy-ninth year. He was twice married, first to Miss Helen Mills, by whom he had five children—George, Elbert, Matilda, Adaline, and Abram; and, second, to Miss Jane E. Storm, of Stormville. Two children were born of this union — John and .Helen—the latter of whom and her half-sister, Matilda, are now the only survivors of the family.

OBERT MATTHEWS. This gentleman, who spent his early manhood in active business, mainly in agricultural pursuits, is now living retired at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county. A native of that county,

he was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, November I, 1825. His paternal great-grandfather was born in either Ireland or Scotland, and, on crossing the Atlantic to America, located in Dutchess county, where he carried on farming as a life work. When the colonists took up arms against the mother country, he joined the ranks of the Continental army, and was killed in battle.

Samuel Matthews, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, September 25, 1756, there grew to manhood, and followed the occupation of farming and carpentering. He married Mary Comp-ton, of Canada, and they became the parents of four children: John, who became a farmer in the town of Poughkeepsie; Robert, the father of our subject; Mary, who became the wife of Isaac A. Willsey, a farmer of Albany county, N. Y.; and Jane, who died when young. The family were members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

Robert Matthews, Sr., was also born in the town of Poughkeepsie, on December 22, 1788, and was there reared upon a farm. He was married to Jane Jaycox, who was born March 3. 1794, in the same town, and was a daughter of Benjamin and Gertrude Jaycox, the former a native of Dutchess county, and a farmer by occupation. Shortly after their marriage they located upon a farm in the town of Poughkeepsie, where they reared their children, six in number, namely: Samuel, who throughout life engaged in farming in that town; Maria, who married Harvey Van Dyne, a farmer of the same town; Jane Ann, the widow of Henry Willsey, of Albany county, N. Y.; Robert, of this review; Harriett, who married H. Ferdon, a farmer of Poughkeepsie; and John, who still carries on agricultural pursuits in that town. The father's death occurred May 4, 1872, and the mother departed this life December 20, 1857. They were both earnest members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and in politics he was a Democrat.

At the schools near the home farm our subject received his education, and on reaching manhood was married December 20, 1865, to Olive Goodsell, a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, where the births of her parents, Elliott and Beulah (Thompson) Goodsell, also occurred. Isaac Goodsell, her paternal grandfather, came to this country from Manchester, England, and on the maternal side also she is of English descent. Upon his mar-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD.

riage Mr. Matthews located upon a farm in Poughkeepsie town, which he operated until his removal to Wappingers Falls in 1874, since which time he has lived retired from active labor, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He votes the straight Democratic ticket. Both himself and wife are prominent people of the community, and receive the warmest confidence and esteem of their fellow-citizens.

LeGRAND graham, of Clinton Hollow, / a miller by trade, and one of the most

popular auctioneers in Dutchess county, was born in the town of Ghent, Columbia county. May 14, 1847.

The late Mrgil B. Graham, our subject's father, was a native of Connecticut, born June 29, 1795. He was educated in Rhode Island, and when a young man came to Ghent, where he followed the trade of cradle and wagon making. He possessed a fine intellect, and was a great reader, taking especial interest in political science. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. After his removal to Columbia county, he married Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born in 1803, and died in 1896, in the ninety-third year of her age, at the home of our subject, who is the youngest of her eleven children. The names of the others are: Charles H., Gertrude, Franklin, Abner, William, Sarah, Sylvester, Eliza, Jane and Almon. Of these only Gertrude, Franklin, and the two last named are now living.

The early education of LeGrand Graham was acquired at Ghent, Columbia county, and at Clinton, Dutchess county. For some time he taught school, working on a farm during vacations, and for a year and a half he conducted a store at Clinton Hollow. In 1864 he enlisted in the First New York Mounted Rifles, and his first battle was on September 28, 1864, at Chapin's farm, Va. He was mustered out of service at Richmond, Va., at the close of the war, and returned to Ghent, N. Y. In the spring of 1867 he came to Dutchess county, engaging in farming and merchandising, and in 1871 he began to operate a gristmill and sawmill at Clinton Hollow, in a buildmg w-hich has stood for one hundred and fifty years. He is energetic and far-sighted, and has won a fine standing in business circles. He has been twice married, first, on June 26, 1873, to Miss Jane M. Latten, daughter of Adolphus D. Latten, of Clinton.

She died January 19, 1878, leaving one daughter. Bertha, and December 24, 1879, Mr. Graham married Miss Ella Smith, daughter of Stephen H. Smith, of Clinton. Two children were born to this union; Frank and Florence. In politics Mr. Graham is a Republican, and ne takes an active share in local affairs, having been town clerk for five years in all, and at present is holding the office of excise commissioner of the town of Clinton. He is a member of the G. A. R., Armstrong Lodge No. 104, at Rhinebeck, and of the F. & A. M., Warren Lodge No. 32, at Schultzville.

ARTHUR R. TIEL, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon, of Matteawan,

N. Y., whose abilities have received recognition far beyond the limits of his own locality, was born October 14, 1S54, in Ashland, Greene county, where his family was located for some time.

His great-grandfather, Jacob Tiel, settled in Rhinebeck with others from Holland. Later, his grandfather, Henry Tiel, moved to Greene county, and was there a resident for most of his life. His son, J. W. Tiel, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the same county, in 1S25. and remained there till of middle life, when he moved with his family to Newark, N. J. After living there for some time the family moved to Matteawan, where they were impelled owing to the hatting industry, which was the trade of Mr. Tiel. A little later Mr. Tiel went into the grocery business in Newburgh, and at an early age, and for some time, Arthur acted as bookkeeper for his father. About this time he made up his mind to study medicine, and began this study in the office of Dr. William Jones, of Newburgh. In 187S he was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College, of the city of New York. Since that date he has followed his profession at Matteawan, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. He located at first on Main street, opposite the depot, and in 1885 he established his office in his newlj--built residence, called " Beaconview," situated on Tioronda avenue, in full sight of North Beacon.

In 1880 Dr. Tiel was married to his first wife. Miss Ella F. R. Brown, daughter of William H. Brown, a respected citizen of Matteawan. She lived her married life only fourteen months, and in 1SS5 the Doctor married Miss Elizabeth H. Badeau, daughter of

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Joseph N. Badeau. They have two children: Arthur David, born in 1887; and Helen Josephine, born in 1895.

The Doctor and his wife are both greatly interested in various movements, social, religious, educational and philanthropical, and have ably assisted many a worthy enterprise. We may note especially the Matteawan Public Library, of which the Doctor is treasurer and secretary of the executive committee. They are active members of the M. E. Church, and the Doctor is recording steward, member of the official board and president of the Epworth League, while for eight years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has always been a worker in the temperance cause, and for some years has been a leader in the Prohibi-tionparty in his locality, having beennominated for every important office in his town and district. Among his professional brethren he is also held in high esteem, and he is at present secretary of the Hudson River District Eclectic Medical Society; in 1894 was treasurer of the New York State Eclectic Medical Society, and last year was its president. He was recently elected by the State board of Regents as a member of the medical examining board, of which he is secretary.

CHARLES A. CARE, a well-known resident of Millerton, Dutchess county, was born October 15, 1846, in Reffroy, France; his family is one of the oldest in that part of the country. Claude Care, his grandfather, was a cooper by trade, and followed this occupation successfully during his entire life, accumulating a fair competence. He married Marie Ann Boulard, and they had five children: Marie, Jannette, Margarette, Marie Ann and Laurent. He died in France in 1861, and his wife in 1859.

Laurent Care, our subject's father, was born May 19, 1819, and came to America in 1854. He married Justine Monory, and they had three children: Aderal, Charles A., and Clarice, who married Charles Pierson. Laurent Care was a sawyer by trade, but had been employed in France as a common laborer, in getting timber out and making charcoal, and other work of similar kind, and possessing good natural abilities and a laudable ambition, he determined, if possible, to better his condition. On coming to this country he located in the town of Beckett, Berkshire Co., Mass.

His wife died August 28, 1862, and ten years later he accompanied his son Charles to Millerton, where he died December 16, 1895. He had been somewhat active in politics in France, but while heartily in sympathy with the progress of his adopted country, he took no part in public life.

The subject of our sketch attended the schools of his native land for a few years before coming to America, but his education was mainly acquired in Berkshire county, Mass., at Beckett and Muddy Brook, near Stock-bridge. He received a good academic education, and has always been an intelligent reader, especially fond of history. After leaving school he assisted his father in the lumber business, until his enlistment, August 28, 1864, in Company G, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. He served until the close of the war, being transferred, however, to Company A, 17th Mass. V. I. Among the engagements in which this gallant compatriot of La Fayette took part were the battles of Wises Forks, N. C., in March, 1865; Kingston and Goldsboro. On his return home in July, 1865, he engaged in the hotel business at Pittsfield, Mass., for four years. In April, 1872, he came to Millerton and opened a hotel in the brick block, but after four years there he went into the wood and coal business, which he carried on for three years. He then became a clerk in the " Amenia House," in Amenia, and a year later established his present business, in which he has been very successful. He married Phcebe Ann Loring, daughter of Chester O. Loring, a prominent citizen of Sheffield, Mass., and has had seven children: Charles A., Jr., deceased; Clarice; Florence; Mamie; Eugene, deceased; Frankie, deceased; and Fannie.

In public affairs Mr. Care has taken an active and influential part, and has always worked for the welfare of the community. He was a Democrat until 1876, but since that time has given his support to the Republican party. He is now deputy sheriff under Jerry S. Pierce, and has been constable for some years; was elected collector for the town of Northeast by the largest majority given any candidate on the Republican ticket. He is a member of Webatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M., of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 319, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he now holds the rank of adjutant of Henry Gedley Post No. 617.

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CHARLES HAMILTON DAVIS. Jr.. a prominent and representative citizen of Ainenia. Dutchess county, was born in Worcester county. Mass.. March 8, 1840. a son of Charles H. and Lucinda (Mundell) Davis, who are the parents of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are: George H., who died in 1863; Ginery T., of Auburn-dale, Mass.; and Frank, who died in infancy. The father, also a native of Worcester county, Mass., was born in 1810. and has there followed farming most of his life. He is still living, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

In the district schools of his native county our subject acquired his elementary education, and completed his literary course at the Barre Academy, in Barre, Mass., after which he taught school for several years in that State. In the spring of 1864, he entered the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and on leaving that institution secured the position of bookkeeper in the City National Bank of Poughkeepsie, where he remained for eight years.

In 1872, Mr. Davis located in Amenia, where he has since served as assistant cashier and notary public in the First National Bank. During President Cleveland's first administration, he was appointed national bank examiner for a term of four years, and for many years served as justice of the peace at Amenia, in fact holding the office as long as he would accept of it. He is public-spirited and progressive, faithfully discharging every duty of citizenship, and has hosts of friends throughout the county. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has been the nominee on his party's ticket for county treasurer of Dutchess county. Religiously, he holds membership with the Baptist Church at Amenia.

While a resident of Poughkeepsie, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Lucy E. Harrington, who died in that city. Later, in Worcester county, Mass., he wedded Miss Minnie R. Harrington, and they have one son, Robert S., born June 4, 1883.

GEORGE SEDGWICK NORTON. The history of the American branch of the Norton family begins in the days of the Pilgrim Fathers with the emigration of three brothers of that name from the home of their ancestors, near the border line between England and Scot-

land. They landed at Plymouth Rock, and while one son went farther west to locate at Whitehall, N. Y., two settled in Berkshire county, Mass., where their descendants have maintained a high reputation for ability and pniblic spirit.

The subject of this sketch is descended from this Berkshire-county line, and his greatgrandfather, Jonathan Norton, was among the distinguished citizens^of that locality in his day, owning between two and three thousand acres of land, and holding various positions of honor and usefulness. In 1790 he was commissioned captain in the State militia by John Hancock, the immortal signer of the Declaration of Independence, who was at that time governor of Massachusetts. Jonathan Norton was a Whig in politics, and, with the exception of one man who voted for George B. Mc-Clellan, his posterity at all times have supported the Whig and Republican parties. He married, and had three sons—Jonathan L., Roderick J. and Lyman—and two or three daughters, all of whom married.

Roderick J. Norton, our subject's grandfather, possessed great natural ability, and, like his father, was a man of prominence. His holdings in real estate were very extensive, and he followed farming all his life. In local politics he was \evy active, holding at different times all the offices in his town and several in the county. He and the majority of his family were leading members of the Congregational Church. His wife, Rhoda (Johnson), was a member of an old Granville, Mass., family, daughter of Charles and granddaughter of Timothy Johnson. They had seven children, of whom the first, Roderick J., died in childhood. Isaac was treasurer and clerk of the town of Otis, Berkshire county, for fifty-two years without being required to furnish a bond, and his term of service only ended at his death, when he was ninety-four years old. Elam was at one time sheriff of the county, and was trial justice for twenty-five years, and justice of the peace for seventy years, being elected at the age of twenty-one, and holding the office until his death, which occurred when he was ninety-one. Unlike the rest of the family, he was an Episcopalian. Harriet married Robert Hunter, of Berkshire county. Roderick Hyde is mentioned more fully below. Sedgwick died at twenty-one years of age. George was a harness maker of the town of Otis, Berkshire county, and lived to the age

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of seventy-seven years. Roderick J. Norton died in 1S48, and his wife in 1858.

Roderick Hyde Norton, our subject's father, was born at the old home March 19, 1S09, and was intended for the ministry; but on account of financial reverses his education was interrupted, and at twenty-one he began teaching, which occupation he followed successfully some forty years. His first school was at Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he met and married his first wife, Harriet Bierce, who was born in 180S in an old brick house on the post road between Ghent and Hudson. Her father, Bradford Bierce, was a prominent resident of the town. After two years in Claverack, Mr. Norton returned to his native place, and for many years taught at Otis, Mass., becoming known as one of the ablest teachers of that region. For twenty-five years he was chairman of the examining committee, was a selectman of the town for many years, and was a deacon in the Congregational Church. The last ten years of his life were spent at Egremont, Mass.,in agricultural pursuits. His first wife died August 17, 1861, and he formed a second matrimonial alliance with Miss Dora Van Buren fa second cousin of President Van Buren), of Stockport, Columbia Co., N. Y. She departed this life in 18S2, and on October 12 of the following year he breathed his last. There was no offspring by the last marriage, but his first wife bore him four children, of whom three grew to adult age. (i) Isaac F. was given good advantages in his youth, and became wealthy. For some years he was a merchant at Egremont, Mass., but later traveled as a salesman. (2) Bradford B. followed mercantile pursuits for some years at Blandford, Mass., and East Winsted, Conn., afterward removing to Gold Hill, Nev., where he acquired great wealth, owning a large ranch and holding an interest in many valuable properties. He was treasurer and secretary of eight different mining companies. He possessed great influence in political circles, and in 1880 was urged to accept the nomination for governor. Against his own wish he undertook the campaign, and was defeated by but a very small majority. In the following -year his death occurred through overwork.

(3) George S. Norton, the youngest son, was born at Otis, Mass., August 19, 1841, and his educational advantages were confined to three years and four months attendance at the

district schools; but he has so thoroughly informed himself upon important topics of the day that these limitations would not be suspected. At the age of eleven he was put to work upon the farm, and practically placed in charge, and when he was fifteen he raised 500 bushels of potatoes and 100 of corn. In the fall of 1859 he apprenticed himself to J. L. Fatro, of Winsted, Conn., for two years, at $50 for the entire term, in order to learn the blacksmith's trade. Before the expiration of his term in had become proficient in the business, and he April, 1861, he opened a shop in Egremont, Mass., where he spent one year. He then went to CoUinsville, Conn., and worked for Mr. Shook six months, forging plow standards, afterward returning home for a year. On resuming his trade he went to Salisbury to work for Mr. Pratt; but after four months, ill health caused him to choose another occupation, and he went "on the road" selling a "Life of Lincoln." Six months later he widened his field of operations, selling jewelry, silverware and cigars, in which he continued successfully until 1875. During the previous year he had bought the hotel at Pawling, known as "Travelers' Home," which he had been carrying on m connection with his other business, and on leaving the road he gave his attention to its management. For two years he conducted a jewelry store also. In 1880 he engaged in the business of shipping ice to New York City, and after the sale of the hotel to Frank Lee, in 1881, he carried on the retail ice business until 1896, when he sold out and began contracting to do various kinds of work, chiefly the transplanting of trees. In this he is remarkably successful, having moved shade trees which were fifty feet high and fifteen iches in diameter. On August 22, 1870, Mr. Norton was married to Miss Siche Doughty, daughter of Peter D. and Emma Doughty, prominent residents of Beekman, and he has a pleasant home in Pawling, his present residence, built in 1881, being one of the finest in the village. Aside from his business activities, in which his success has won for him a high reputation for good judgment, Mr. Norton is interested in all movements of public importance, and was among the leading promoters of the plans for the incorporation of the village and the construction of the water works. In politics he is active and influential, giving his support to the Republican party, and he has held all offices except those of supervisor and deputy

(Jo-2

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

sheriff, and for eleven years he has been justice of the peace. Although often urged to become a candidate for supervisor, he has declined. For twenty-five years he has been chairman of the town committee, and for three years chairman of the Assembly committee of the First District, and for a quarter of a century he has attended every Assembly convention but one, and most of the county conventions. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-one years, and is now an active worker in Lodge No. 1/3, Patterson. At one time he held the office of noble grand, and he has passed the chair fifteen times.

DW. WILBUR, one of the able and energetic business men of Red Hook, Dutchess county, who have made that charming village a thriving commercial point, is descended from one of the oldest families of Dutchess county. His great-great-grandfather, Jeptha Wilbur, was one of the earliest settlers of the Nine Partners Patent in that county. He had a son Jeptha (2), who had a son Samuel, born in March, 1782, who married Elizabeth Hicks, whose birth occurred in 178C. Samuel Wilbur died at the age of forty-five, but his wife attained the ripe old age of ninety-five. They reared a family of five sons and three daughters, and three of the number are still living. One of the sons, Jeptha S. Wilbur, our subject's father, was born in the town of Pine Plains, October 29, 1818. He married Miss Mary J. Story, and made his home in his native township, where D. W. Wilbur was born January 18, 1857. The schools of that locality furnished our subject an opportunity for securing the rudiments of knowledge, and he afterward took a course of study in the De Garmo Institute, Rhinebeck. On his return home he assisted in the development and cultivation of the farm, until he reached the age of twenty-five, when he removed to Red Hook and entered into the coal and lumber business with his father-in-law, H. H. Conklin, under the firm name of H. H. Conk-lin & Co., which was continued until the death of the senior partner, August i, 1883. Since that time Mr. Wilbur has conducted the business as the sole owner. In addition to this, he is also engaged in the coal trade in Poughkeep-sie under the firm name of Wilbur Bros; is president of the Kaal Rock Chair Co., of Pough-keepsie, and secretary and treasurer of the Red Hook Telephone Company.

On November i", 1881, our subject was married to Miss Mary G. Conklin, a daughter of Henry H. and Ann Eliza (Gif!ord)Conkrm. Her birth occurred in Red Hook, April 7, 1S57, and she received her elementary schooling there, afterward supplementing it with a course in the De Garmo Institute, Rhinebeck. from which she was graduated in 1875. For several years prior to her marriage Mrs. Wilbur was a teacher in the public school of Red Hook, and was very successful in her professional work. Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur have no children. Their home is pleasantly located on South Broadway, Red Hook, where their many friends enjoy their hospitality.

The Wilburs from the earliest in the line down to the present time have been enterprising and industrious citizens, leaving a record of which the coming generation may justly be proud.

CLEMENT CARRINGTON GAINES, president of Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess .county, and of the New York Business College, New York City, is one of the noted educators of the State, and indeed, we may say of the country, the high reputation of the institutions under his care bringing students from all parts of the Union, and also from foreign lands.

He is a native of X'irginia, and enjoyed the best educational opportunities afforded by the schools of that State. After graduating from Hampden Sidney College, Virginia, he began his professional career at eighteen years of age as a teacher in the Fincastle (\'a.)High School, and his time during the next seven years was divided between teaching in Virginia and Kentucky, studying in a law office, and at the University of \'irginia, with finally a business course in Eastman Business College. At both these institutions he was duly graduated, and in 1883 he went to Chicago, was admitted to the bar, and entered upon the practice of law. In the following year a position upon the Faculty of Eastman Business College was offered him, and as the profession of teaching had always seemed to him to be of the highest value and importance, he accepted. Since his marriage,in October, 1884, to the widow of H. G. Eastman, he has been the head of the institution. Under his management the interests of the college have been ably cared for, the stan-

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653

dard of scholarship having been raised in all departments, and the range of usefulness extended. In 1895 there were students enrolled from thirty-eight States and Territories and eleven foreign countries, making a favorable comparison in point of wide-spread popularity in its special lines with that enjoyed by the most famous of institutions of the higher education in the country. Such a marked degree of success could not have been attained without an adequate cause, and this is found in the original and practical features of the Eastman system; faithful and well-directed work in the class room; and the sincere and energetic efforts made to secure desirable employment for every worthy pupil. In this feature of his work the e.xcellent character of instruction offered is of great assistance, as business men in search of competent assistants have already proved beyond a doubt the worth of the practical training given in this school.

In December, 1892, Mr. Gaines opened the New York Business College, at No. 81 East 125th street, New York, N. Y. Less than a dozen students were in attendance at the start, but each succeeding year has more than doubled the enrollment, and in October, 1895, there were so many applications that more space and an enlarged corps of teachers became necessary. Both day and night sessions are held, and students of either sex may enter at any time, selecting whatever branches they may prefer, both in the strictly business courses and in the line of general culture.

Mr. Gaines is a descendant of several of the earliest Virginia families. One of his ancestors was one of the first governors of the Colony; two others were members of the House of Burgesses in Colonial times, representing Charlotte county, Virginia, who were among the supporters of Patrick Henry in his heroic efforts in the cause of independence. The family still own extensive plantations, and are prominent in their locality; but like the majority of the Southern people they suffered financially from the Civil war.

Although Mr. Gaines belongs to several clubs and organizations of a social and literary nature, he finds but little time for society, and his business cares have prevented him likewise from entering the political arena. He has, however, served as a member of the board of education of Poughkeepsie, and has been a member of the executive committee of the Board of Trade of that city; while his hearty

co-operation and encouragement are always given to any movement which in his opinion will promote the public welfare.

JOHN WILLIAMS, a leading hardware merchant of Dover Plains, Dutchess coun-~ ty, has been for many years prominently identified with the best interests of that town, and has encouraged by his active and efficient aid many of the most important progressive movements in his locality. He is of English birth, and on his mother's side is descended from an old Lancashire family.

Robert Samulshaw, his great-grandfather, was born in that county in 1758, and after receiving an education in the schools of his native place learned the tailor's trade, which he followed throughout his later years. He also owned and cultivated a farm there. Among his eleven children was a son, William, our subject's grandfather, who learned the tailor's trade with his father, and after working at it in his native town for some time removed to Liverpool, England, and established a custom-tailoring business, which proved very successful. His wife's name is not known, but they also had eleven children. A daughter, Mary, our subject's mother, was born in Wigan, Lancashire, and was educated there. She married William Williams, a native of Llangollen, Wales, who at the time of their marriage owned a large bakery in Liverpool. Nine children were born to them: Robert, who died in his youth; William, who married Addie Delaverne; John, our subject; Jane (Mrs. John Lewis); Ellen (Mrs. Andrew Johnston); Mary, who married (first) George Reynolds, and (second) Mr. Scott; Elizabeth, the wife of William Frost; Susanna, who died at the age of nine years; and one that died in infancy.

The subject of our sketch was born in Liverpool in 1836, received a good education in the schools of that city, and learned the art of brass finishing there. In 1858 he came to America, locating for a time in Amenia, Dutchess county, where he learned the tinsmith's trade. While there he married Miss Martha Harrocks, daughter of Robert and Ellen Frost Harrocks. She was born and reared in Bury, England, where her father was a well-known merchant. In 1872 Mr. Williams established his present hardware store and tinshop at Dover Plains, of which he has made a success

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

from the first. His wife passed from earth in 1891, leaving two daughters: HattieS.. the wife of Frank H. Brant, and Mary E., who is at home.

The family is prominent, socially, and our subject's fine bass voice is highly appreciated among the best people of Dover Plains. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in its choir makes worthy use of his musical gifts. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, No. 666, of Dover Plains, and has always taken great interest in public affairs, local and national. Possessing the courage of his convictions, he is an outspoken Democrat, and he has been chosen by his fellow townsmen to several official positions. He was inspector of elections for a number of years, and on one occasion his honesty, courage, and persistence saved his party from being " counted out."

JOHN DUTCHEK, one 01 the most trusted employes of the Harlem railroad, upon which he has run an engine for over twenty years, is an honored veteran of the Civil war, having been one of the first to join the forces for the defense of the Union, and one of the last to leave the service at the close of the struggle. He was born in Dover Plains, Dutchess county, July 16, 1841, and his parents, John and Catherine fElliot) Dutcher, were both natives of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. On the maternal side he is of English descent, his great-great-grandfather, Samuel Elliot, having been born in the city of I^on-don early in the eighteenth century. The Elliots of that day were engaged in commerce, owning a fieet of sailing vessels, and this ancestor came to America as a young man, became a merchant and settled in Dutchess county, marrying, and rearing a family, among whom was a son, Samuel, our subject's great-grandfather. He was born in the town of Dover in 1740, and spent his life there (juietly in agricultural pursuits. He married Catherine Gil-let, of Norwalk, Conn., and had six children: Richard, who never married; Jonathan, who died in infancy; Anna (Mrs. Morrey); Elizabeth (Mrs. Neilson); Sarah (Mrs. Ward); and Samuel, our subject's grandfather, who was born and reared at the old homestead in the town of Dover, and followed farming. His wife was Miss Delia Dart, the daughter of a prominent farmer of Dover, and they had five children, all of whom lived to maturity and

married: Enos married Miss Mary Brown; Charles, Miss Calista Chamberlain; Juda, Sherman Mallory; Samuel, Miss Gibbs; and Catherine (our subject's mother), who was born in 1817. Our subject's father, John Dutcher, was a son of Cornelius Dutcher, a leading agriculturist of the town of Dover, and his wife Ruth. Of the seven children, all but one lived to adult age. (i) Ruth married John Proper, of Hudson, and has had four children: Samuel, who died when about twenty-four years of age; Alfred, who married Nellie Blood; Jennie, the wife of Walter Davis; and Frank, who married Elizabeth McGarry. (2) Amelia never married. (3) Mercy married John Cameron. (4) Jennie married William J. White, and has two children — Mary Ella and Catherine C. (5) John is the subject of this sketch. (6) Enos married (first) Estella Brewer, who died, leaving one daughter. Bertha, and he then formed a second matrimonial union, this time with Mrs. Sophia Sailor. (7) \'aness died at the age of four years. John Dutcher, the father, died in 1856.

The subject of this sketch has spent the greater part of his life at his native place, receiving his education there and later engaging in farming. After three years at that occupation he enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company C, 72d N. Y. V. I., and took part in campaigns under McClellan, Halleck, Burnside, Grant and others. He was in the engagements at Williamsburg, and Yorktown, the second battle of Bull Run, the seven-days' fight at Richmond, and the retreat to Harrison Landing—in fact, his regiment was engaged in fighting all of the time. When Halleck took command the regiment was sent to Mine Run, then to Spottsylvania, then back to Chancellorsville, and participated in the battles at Fredericksburg, under Burnsides, and at Spottsylvania C. H., under Grant. While at that place Mr. Dutcher was taken prisoner, and remained a prisoner of war five months, being confined the greater part of this time at Andersonville, Ga., and on his release rejoined the army. At the close of the war he was sent west as member of the 5th Regiment U. S. \'., and was mustered out at Fort Kearney, Kans., in 1865. Fortunately he passed through all the dangers of those trying years without serious injury, having been wounded but once, and that slightly, by a piece of shell. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL liECOIW.

655

On his return from the army Mr. Dutcher went to New York City to take a position on the police force, which he held five years. He then resigned and came back to his native place, entering the employ of the Harlem Railroad Company, with which he has now been connected about a quarter of a century, working first as brakeman and fireman, and since 1875 as engineer. He is now in charge of an engine on a passenger train, and stands high in the confidence of his employers and the public. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Masonic Lodge of Dover, No.666, and to the Independent Order of Good Templars, Dover Lodge. Although his tastes are domestic, and he appreciates the repose of home life, he has never married.

GEORGE ROGER, the able and popular postmaster at Millerton, Dutchess county, and one of the most prominent of the younger men of the town, was born August 29, 1855, in Kirkmichael, Scotland, which has been the home of his family for many generations. His grandfather, William Roger, was a miller there, and was killed in a mill in the year 1822, leaving his wife, Mary Hunter (who survived until 1862), and three children— Mary, Jane and David, our subject's father.

David Roger was born in 1810, and for about thirty years was a gardener in the employ of the Ferguson family, being head gardener for sometime previous to his coming to America, in 1873. He married Janet Bone, daughter of Quintin Bone, of Paisley, and had eleven children: William and Quintin (both deceased); Janet (Mrs. William Allen); Mary (Mrs. Thomas Moore); Agnes (Mrs. John Dempey); John, a gardener at Spencer's Corners; James and David (twins), the former of whom is the depot agent at Rosslyn Castle, Scotland, the latter being now a clerk in the Colonial Bank, at Dunedin, New Zealand; Robert, a gardener at Millerton; Marian, the wife of Freeman Traver;and George, the subject of this sketch. After coming to this country David Roger and his wife made their home with their sons, John and Robert, and he was was not regularly engaged in any work. He died in 1892, followed a year later by his wife. Both were devout Presbyterians, and their children all adhere to the same faith.

George Roger received a good education in the schools of his native land, and taught as a pupil teacher for one year, but finding the occupation injurious to his health he engaged work in a railroad office for a short time. He accompanied his parents to this country, and his first employment here was as bookkeeper for C. S. Maltby, he and Mr. Manning entering his service in the same year, 1873. Mr. Roger resigned after two years, but in 1880 returned to the firm, retaining his position until 1893. In 1894 he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland for the term of four years, and his efficient management of the office has won the praise of all classes. He has also held the office of excise commissioner, and he is a prominent worker in the Democratic organization of his locality. It is not often that a stranger can so quickly gain the confidence of an entire community, but Mr. Roger's character and abilities are of a sort to command esteem.

He was married, in 1882, to Miss Mary I.

E. Ward, daughter of Alfred Ward, of Durham, England, and they have five children: Isabel, Janet, Marion, David and Margaret. Mr. Roger attends the Presbyterian Church, and is a member of Webatuck Lodge No. 480,

F. & A. M. (in which he has been master for two years), and of Poughkeepsie Chapter; he also belongs to Millerton Lodge No. 383, I. O. O. F., and is now noble grand in that body.

C\AMPBELL N. HICKS, a well-known busi-' ness man of Red Hook, Dutchess county, and proprietor of a livery stable there, was born September 10, 1855, in the town of Stanford. His father, Eli Hicks, was a native of Clermont, Columbia county, married Miss Margaret A. Waters, of Binghamton, Broome county, and reared a family of nine children. The subject of our sketch received his education in Brooklyn, N. Y., and after completing his course learned the butcher's trade. He then engaged in business for himself at Red Hook, in partnership with George Cramer, to whom he sold his interest two and a half years later. Since that time he has conducted a stage and livery business, and holds the contract for carrying the U. S. mail.

On October 28, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary E. Hutton, a daughter of Jacob and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Lydia Hutton, prominent residents of Red Hook. Two children were born of this union: Byron N., December 2, 1876, and Margaret B., June 9, 1882. Mr. Hicks takes an active part in local affairs, and has been overseer of the poor for one term, and town clerk for two terms, discharging his duties with the faithfulness which has characterised him in every line of effort. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Christian Lodge No. 379, of Red Hook, in which he is past grand, and of Shiloh Encampment No. 68, holding the office of chief patriarch.

S.A.MLEL HOLMES BROWN, a prominent citizen of Poughkeepsie, and one of the leading members of the Dutchess County Bar, is a descendant of a well-known family which has been identified with this section for more than a century.

Noah Brown, his great-grandfather, who was of Scotch ancestry, had his early home at Johnstown, N. Y. He married Lois Mills, September 20, 1783, the two starting upon their united career with but little capital except their health, their strong common sense and industrious habits. Not long after their marriage they moved to Dutchess county and settled upon a tract of land at or near the Square, about two miles northwest of .Amenia City, and there Mr. Brown conducted a farm, a hotel and a tannery. They prospered as they deserved, and in 1817 they purchased a fine farm two miles south of the site of the present village of Millerton, a part of what is known as the Edgar Clark farm. Mr. Brown's well-proved abilities were devoted mainly to his business affairs, and he never, in any sense, took a position which would call him from his family, yet he felt a keen interest in public affairs, and tilled several local offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. After the towns of Amenia and Northeast were divided, he was elected, April i, 1823, to act as one of the first assessors of the latter. He served in the 6th Regular Dutchess County Militia, of Charlotte Precinct, under Col. Ros-vvell Hopkins and Capt. Waters. His death occurred May 11, 1841, when he was seventy-eight years old, and that of his wife October 3, 1849, when she was aged eighty-si.\; their final resting place is in the family lot in Spencer's Corner burying yard, north of Millerton, N. Y They had si.x children, whose names

with dates of birth and death are here given: Noan M., June, 1784—June 22, 1822; Samuel, April 20, 17S5—January 5, 1870; Sally, May 21, 1787—February 13, 1876; Betsey, October 28, 1791—May 19, 1888; George, February 16, 1794—October 18, 1878; Harriet, March 29, 1800—June 24, 1876.

Samuel Brown, our subject's grandfather, was a man of far more than the average ability and foresight, and while conducting several farms carried on successfully a number of business enterprises, including a tannery. Among some of the farms owned by him is what is known as the "Halstead farm ", near Mt. Riga Station, the "David Eggleston farm", situated between Millerton and Boston Corners, the " Hopkins farm ", situated between Millerton and Salisbury, and the • ■ Rudd farm", at the head of Rudd pond. Although he was judiciously economical in his management of his private affairs, he was ready to respond liberally to any public need, and showed in many ways a hearty sympathy with the interest of his fellows. In 1S2S he was one of a building committee to erect the " New Baptist church " at Spencer's Corner, which was dedicated the following 3'ear, and was used until 1866, when the congregation decided to establish a place of worship at Millerton. Samuel Brown's wife, Sally (Clark), whom he wedded February 20, 1813, was a daughter of Ezra Clark, a prosperous farmer near Millerton, who came from Lisbon, Conn., about the time of the Revolution. She died July 18, 1859, aged seventy-one years, five months, nine days. Their children were as follows: Mary, born February 20, 181 5, died April 16, 1875; Milan, born July 22, 1816, now living; Milton, born September 26, 1818, died April 9, 1881; and Douglas Clark, born July 23, 1822, died March 19, 1871.

Milton Brown, our subject's father, became a successful agriculturist at the "Hopkins farm ", already referred to. He, in appearance, favored the mother's side of the family. In looks he reminded one much of Hon. William M. Evarts, and there is no question in the mind of any one who knew him well that he was a man of marked ability and business courage and capacity. He was not only a farmer, but branched out into other enterprises. He had the full confidence of all who knew him, and his advice was sought by many. His careful methods brought him a competency for himself and family. For his first wife he

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657

married Selina H. Wheeler, daughter of Milton Wheeler, a prosperous farmer. This marriage was blessed with one child, Mary E., who was born July 14, 1845. Selina H. died March 30, 1848. In September 14, 1864, Mary E. married William H. Hart, a dentist, who practiced his profession at that time at Millerton, but afterward moved to Hudson, N. Y., where she died March 30, 1868. She left her surviving one child, Clarence, who died July 29, 1877. On November 21, 1849, Milton Brown married Miss Phcebe Holmes, daughter of Reuben Holmes, a prosperous farmer of Mt. Pleasant, near Millerton, N. Y. They had one son, Samuel Holmes.

The subject of this sketch was born and reared on the •■ Hopkins farm ", helped in the farm work and attended the local schools during his early boyhood. As he grew older he was given better educational advantages at Amenia Seminary, Cazenovia Seminary, the Troy Business College and t'tie Albany State Normal School; but before entering the latter institution he clerked for a short period in a store at Millerton, and was employed as a bookkeeper in a wholesale tlourmill at Water-ford. N. Y. On leaving the Normal School, in 1876, he went to Newark, N. J., and taught for a year and a half in a business college, meantime preparing himself for the position of a court stenographer. That calling he followed successfully for some time; but in that as in all his other enterprises he was actuated by the hope of finally entering the legal profession. His father had always discouraged the idea, hoping that he would settle down on the old homestead. In 1881 Mr. Brown began the study of law with Hon. Milton A. Fowler, of Poughkeepsie, and September 14, 1883, he was duly admitted to the bar. He immediately established himself in practice at Poughkeepsie, with a branch office at Millerton, and he soon attained prominence in his chosen work, much important litigation—civil and criminal—passing through his hands.

Mr. Brown is an able business man, and has been engaged in several enterprises, notably the Millerton National Bank, the stock of which he was one of the first to subscribe for, and of whose board of directors he was a member. Later he was made a director of the Farmers' and Manufacturers' National Bank of Poughkeepsie. He was also one of the organizers of the Hallock & Duryee Fertilizer Co., of Mattituck, L. I., and of several other cor-

42

porations. At his father's death, in 1881, he succeeded to the homestead, and he afterward acquired the "George R. Winchell farm" and the "John D. Kerley farm " adjoining. Until 1890 he was extensively engaged in raising live stock, and dairying; but he has since disposed of all his farms, and now gives his entire time to his profession.

On October 30, 1877, Mr. Brown married Clara Lefferts Duryee, daughter of John Wyckoff Duryee, and his wife, Elizabeth T. (Verity), who resided near Mattituck, L. I., and were formerly of New Utrecht, N. Y.; both descended from old families of Long Island, the Duryees being descendants of the famous Huguenot family who arrived in this country in 1675. For some time after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown lived at Newark, N. J., and on the homestead near Millerton; but in the fall of 1887, they, with Mr. Brown's mother, moved to Poughkeepsie, where they now reside. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican, and he has been a member of the board of supervisors of Dutchess county for several years. In 1893 he was the president of the Lincoln Republican League Club of Poughkeepsie. In 1894 he was the first choice of a large number of delegates to the Republican County Convention, for the office of District Attorney of his county. In the fall of 1896, the Republican party of the city of Poughkeepsie got into a bitter factional fight over local matter, and a strife between leaders. It was not only carried into primaries and conventions, but was also carried on up to and including election day. Mr. Brown devoted much time to this matter, and it is generally conceded that it was owing much to his efforts that the Republican city ticket was saved from defeat. He is also regarded as an able, instructive, interesting, and amusing political speaker, and he has done much for his party in that direction.

In the summer of 1896, in company with his wife, he spent his vacation in traveling extensively in Europe. His letters to the public press received much favorable comment, and showed him to be a keen observer and possessed of the rare faculty, as a writer, of being able to give a graphic idea of what he saw in a very few words—painting a picture with a very few lines. His genial manner, industry and strong common sense have surrounded him with many friends, clients and well wishers.

COMMEJ^ORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.

JAMES FINCH, an entL-rprising and successful merchant of Millerton, Dutchess county, has shown in his conquest of unfavorable circumstances in early life all those admirable qualities of courage and perseverance which mark the self-made business man.

Caleb t'lnch, ^grandfather of our subject, was descended from one of four brothers of the name, who came to America from England some time in the eighteenth century. He settled in the town of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., and followed blacksmithing there during the rest of his life. He was the father of six children, all of whom lived to adult age, namely: John, Ebenezer, James, Betsey (Mrs. Amos Bryan;, /\lma (Mrs. Ambrose Gray), and Laura (Mrs. William Van Alstine).

James Finch, our subject's father, was born in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, on July 14, 1789, and after the death of their father, he and his brother, John, owned and farmed the old homestead together. Possessed of good natural ability, he held a prominent place in the commimity. He married Almira Card, who was born in Ancram on October 23, 1791, the daughter of Stephen Card, who was of English origin. Si.x children were born of this marriage, as follows: Betsey, September 27, 1812, married Eli Collins; ]?ryan, April 23, 1814, married Mary Thorne, daughter of Richard Thorne, and settled in Tompkins county, where he died, leaving three children; Caleb, November 13, 1816, located in Tompkins county, where he died in 1852; Sally, January 5, 1819, married Smith Stewart; Elisha, March 21, 1823, died at the age of fourteen; and James, our subject. The father of this family died in the latter part of 1827, and his widow married William Tanner. She died July 6, 1844.

The subject of our sketch was born at the old Finch homestead April 8, 1827, and attended the district schools at Pulver's Corners, receiving a good English education. He remained at home with his step-father until the age of twenty-two, being employed for one year, and then worked upon the farm of his brother-in-law, Eli Collins, for two years. In 1853 he went to Uryden, N. Y., and learned the details of the manufacture of fanning mills, working at the trade for two years and a half. Returning to Mr. Collins' farin, he worked there for a time, and later found employment in the Bryant Fanning Mill shop. In the fall of 1857 he began clerking, first for Herman W. Pulver,

at Pulver's Corners, and then for Harrison Jones, at Millerton, but his brother-in-law dying in 1861, he was engaged for one year in looking after his sister's business interests. On March 28, 1863, he entered the general store of E. W. Simmons & Co., as clerk, the firm consisting of Mr. Simmons, J. M. Benedict and S. N. Jenks. He continued until 1877, when the firm failed, and as he had not drawn his wages for some time, he took the business in payment. In spite of this somewhat inauspicious beginning, he made a success of the venture, and has given the business a much larger scope than it formerly had, adding to the stock a large line of furniture. It is now one of the largest houses in its line in the northeastern part of the county. On Monday night, August 2, 1880, his store was broken open by three burglars, who bound and gagged Mr. Finch, and compelled him to go thus to his office and open his safe, from which they took about $1,300.00. This was an experience which but few men could undergo with the courage and " pluck " shown by Mr. Finch.

In politics he is a Republican, and has always taken a great interest in the success of his party. He has been town clerk for two terms, and is one of the most earnest advocates of improvement in local affairs.

ALENTINERICKES, one of the leading mechanics of Dutchess county, now engaged in blacksmithing at Millbrook, town of Washington, was born November 3, 1836, in Hegenheim, Germany, a son of Valentine, Sr., and Anna Mary (Carchj Rickes, both natives of Germany.

Valentine Rickes, Sr., was born in 1800, and spent his entire life in Germany, engaged in the hotel business, and also as owner of a bakery, when enjoying the privileges of a civilian; in times of trouble, however, he was a sharpshooter in the German army. He married Anna Mary Carch, one of the three children of Christian Carch, a native of Germany, born about 1766. To Mr and Mrs. Rickes, Sr., were born twelve children—ten boys and two girls—who grew to maturity. Four of the ten boys were college graduates, and three of the ten came to America. The father of this family died in 1867; the mother is still living.

Valentine Rickes, the subject proper of

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this sketch, spent his boyhood in Germany, and until the age of fourteen attended the excellent public schools of that country. For two years he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, under Peter Schryver, learning all the details and mastering the art of making horse shoes in the finest style. Having completed his trade at the age of sixteen, he came to America, in company with his brother Frank, and settled in Connecticut, where for two years he followed his trade. In 1854 or '55, he removed to Mechanic, Dutchess county, and here for four years was heard the busy sound of his hammer and anvil. On February 7, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Butler (an account of whose ancestry will be found in the sketch of her brother, Ed-mond Butler), a native of County Waterford, Ireland, born May 25, 1841. At the age of twelve years she was brought to this country by her mother, who returned to Ireland and there died, leaving her little daughter Ellen in the care of her brother Edmond. After attending the public schools of the town of Washington for a couple of years, she cared for herself until her marriage with Mr. Rickes, to whom she has been a devoted helpmeet. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Rickes remained at Mechanic for a year, then for two years they resided at Rhinebeck, at the end of which time our subject temporarily laid aside the cares of business, and visited the old home in the Fatherland, where still resided his father, and several of his brothers and sisters. Truly a happy reunion after eleven years of absence. On his return from Germany, he and his wife again settled in Mechanic, remaining three years,then coming to Millbrook, where he followed his trade for four years.

At this time Mr. Rickes purchased 125 acres of fine land in the town of Unionvale, and for seventeen years carried on farming; wearying of this, he again returned to Mill-brook, and for one year followed his trade, while his wife carried on the farm. They purchased a pleasant location in Millbrook, and erected a neat, Gothic house, also a commodious and well-arranged carriage house, and are now enjoying life on the fruits of their early toil. Mr. Rickes still carries on his business with the assistance of two men. To Mr. and Mrs. Rickes were born three children: (I) Edward, who for nine years has been in the employ of Swift & Co., at Kansas City, and is now their hog buyer; he married

Miss Mamie Hopson, daughter of Dr. Hopson, of Kansas City. (2) Charles, who is now farming the old homestead in the town of Unionvale; he married Miss Mamie Cutler, of that town, and has one child—\'alentine. (3) Anna Mar\', the only daughter, who married Cassius M. Couch, of Poughquag, and has three children — Bessie, Edmond and Ellen Stack.

Mr. Rickes was the first man to open business in what is now Millbrook. He purchased the ground on which the Catholic Church and parsonage now stands, and also the ground on which is located the present Catholic cemetery. The ground was bought for $600 per acre. On this he erected a large blacksmith, wagon and paint shop, and also the parsonage which is now occupied by Rev. Father Burns. The lumber used in these buildings was hauled by team from Poughkeepsie, and there was but one other building on the present site of Millbrook. Mr. Rickes has ever been one of the active, energetic men of the community, and is highl}- respected for his many manly qualities. In politics he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

JOHN CAMPBELL. The family name of the subject of this sketch was identified for

many years with some of the leading interests of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, and has become associated with the qualities which win success. The first American ancestor came from Scotland at an early date, and enlisted and served in the Revolutionary war. Robert Campbell, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1776, and settled in the town of Mt. Washington, Berkshire Co., Mass. He possessed excellent natural abilities and much • public spirit, and became quite prominent in local affairs. He died in 1853; his wife, Hul-dah Noble, departed this life in 1841. They had eight children: Harriet, Stanton A., Anna (wife of Sitnion Pollard), Robert, Almira (wife of William \'osburgh), Huldah (wife of Gilbert Race), John, and Susan (wife of Jason Lamson).

John Campbell, Sr., our subject's father, was born at the old home in Mt. Washington, June 5. 1811, and his educational opportunities were limited to an irregular attendance at the schools of that time, as he was obliged to go to work at an early age. He was ambitious, however, and possessed more than ordinary

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIIWAL RECORD.

ability and energy, and after a hard day's toil as a collier, or at chopping wood, he would spend his evenings in study. In this way he prepared himself for teaching, and in early manhood he followed this occupation successfully for a number of winters. In 1849 he became superintendent of the works of the Salisbury Iron Co., at Mt. Riga, Dutchess county, having acquired an interest in the business. He continued this work for nearly ten years, in the meantime securing the entire control of the stock, and in 1864 he sold the property for $42,500 to William H. Barnum, of Connecticut, who was chairman of the National Democratic Committee at the time of Cleveland's first election. In his later years Mr. Campbell engaged in manufacturing Salisbury pig iron, and farming. He was a man of remarkably keen perceptions and sound business judgment, and at his death, which occurred in 1866, his estate was inventoried at $250,000, although only $180,000 was realized. In his early years he was a Whig, later a Republican, but he was never active in party work. He was prominent, however, in many public movements which had no partisan bias, helping during the war to raise the quota of men from his locality. In 1862 he was elected supervisor of the town of Northeast, without opposition, having been nominated by both parties. A shrewd judge of human nature, he easily made friends, whom his sterling qualities of character retained. He was a memljer of the Methodist Church, and was not a strict sectarian, being broad and liberal in his views. He was married June 27, 1835, at Pine Plains, to Miss Eliza Van Dusen, a descendant of an old Holland-Dutch family, and a daughter of James N. 'Van Dusen, a farmer of Taghkanic, Columbia county. He had eight children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Sarah J., born July i, 1836, died March 15, . 1858; John, born February i, 1838; James May I, 1840; Wesley, June 20, 1842, died March 26. 1891; Eliza Ann, June 23, 1844, died February 15, 1877; Christina, March 27, 1846; Mary Ellen, April 21, 1849; and Henry D., March 18, 1851. died December 6, 1875.

CHARLES W. WRIGHT. Among the young and energetic business men of Dutchess county, none stands higher than the subject of this personal history, who is a well-known general merchant of Clinton Cor-

ners. His birth occurred in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, on March i, 1866, and he belongs to an old and honored family of the county—his grandfather, Isaac Wright, having been born in the same town.

The father. James Harvey Wright, was born in that town in 18 19. where he attended the district schools, and was also a student in the Jacob Willets school, in the town of Washington. In his native town he wedded Mary Ann Humphrey, a daughter of William D. Humphrey, and they became the parents of six children: John H.; Clara, wife of F. M. Talmadge. of Yonkers, N. Y.; Isaac, deceased; Charles W.; Ira; and Nettie, who died in infancy. The entire married life of the father has been passed upon his farm at Bangall, in the town of Stanford, for which he went greatlj' in debt, as on starting in life he had very little capital besides a pair of willing hands and a determination to make a success of his business undertakings. Since quite young he has been an active member of the Baptist Church, and is a sincere and earnest Christian. He has never taken any prominent part in political affairs, but does all in his power to promote the welfare of his town and county.

The elementary education of Charles W. Wright was such as the common schools of Bangall afforded, and he later became a student in Sackett's private school, in the town of Stanford. When his school days were over he entered upon a business career as clerk in the general store of Mr. Knickerbocker, of Bangall, with whom he remained four years, after which he went to New York Citj', where he was employed for about two years in the butter and egg business. He then began business for himself, which he continued for four years. In the spring of 1892 he established his present store at Clinton Corners, where he carries a full and complete assortment of general merchandise, and now secures a liberal patronage. His stock is well selected, and he devotes his entire time to his business interests, and is meeting with a well-deserved success.

On September 5, 1889, in the town of Stanford, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Delia Stewart, daughter of William Stewart, of that town, and to them have been born three children: Harold and Edith, twins, born August 22, 1890; and Ethel, born August 19. 1894. In his political views, Mr.

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Wright is a stalwart Democrat, and is now serving as postmaster in Clinton Corners, to which position he was appointed in the winter of 1892.

EDWARD ODELL, a well-known miller of Smithlield, Dutchess county, where he has engaged in business for over thirty years, was born March 21, 1819, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and belongs to a family that was long connected with the interests of that township. There his grandfather, John Odell, was also born, and worked at his trade of a hatter. In his family were si.x children, namely: William, John, Jacob, Samuel, Caroline and Betsey.

Samuel Odell, father of our subject, was also a native of the town of Washington, and a hatter by trade. His political support was given the Republican party. He married Per-melia Marshall, of Salt Point, Dutchess county, and they became the parents of six children: Edward; Lewis, who was killed while gallantly serving in the Mexican war; William, of New Haven, Conn.; Bartlett, of Illinois; Sally Ann (deceased); and Elizabeth, who married John Dodge.

The school days of our subject were passed in the towns of Washington and Dover, and at an early age he learned the carpenter's trade with Samuel Tompkins in the latter township, which occupation he then followed for a time. For forty years he made his home at Perry's Corners, town of Northeast, but since 1870 has resided in Smithfield, at which time he purchased the grist and saw mill that he has since operated with good success. Although now seventy-six years of age, he has never worn glasses, and his eyesight seems better than it was at sixty. Ever fond of sport, he is still one of the best marksmen with the rifle in Dutchess county. His career has not been marked by startling incidents, but his life has been quietly and peacefully passed amidst the scenes of his youth, and he has gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. Politically he is an adherent of the Republican party. At Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, Mr. Odell was married to Miss Mary Marquart, and they have two sons: John, of Smithfield, who married Ella Cook-ingham; and Frank, of Verbank, who married Lettie May Smith, and has one child, Ethel M. Odell.

JAMES V. MEAD, a well-known brick manufacturer of Low Point, Dutchess county, " is one of the prominent self-made men of the locality, having.begun his business career without a cent, and gained by his own efforts a fine fortune and limitless credit. •

He is a native of the town of Cornwall, Orange Co., N. Y., where he first saw the light, May 12, 1832, and on both the paternal and maternal sides is of Dutch descent. Joseph Mead, his grandfather, was born in Holland, and Justice Mead, our subject's father, married Elizabeth Van Duser, whose father, Benjamin Van Duser, was of Holland stock. Justice Mead settled in Cornwall after his marriage, and followed the carpenter's trade, until his death at the age of forty, and he and his wife, who also died many years ago, were leading members of the Methodist Church there. In politics, he was a Democrat. Our subject was the youngest of six children: Benjamin is a gardener in Cayuga county, N. Y.; Elizabeth married Sylvenius Cury, of Orange county; Sarah married Frederick Burton, who was a machinist at Newburg, N. Y. ; Justice is a farmer and brick manufacturer in Amenia; and Hiram died in childhood.

Mr. Mead made his entrance into business life at the early age of thirteen years, when he left his home in Cornwall to learn the details of the brick business at Haverstraw, N. Y. He proved himself so capable that, at twenty, he was placed in charge of a gang of men for the firm of Peck & Morris, and after two years in that position he became superintendent for Michael Archer, with whom he remained three years. He then went to Ver-planck's Point, N. Y., as foreman for Mr. Reed, and later worked for a short time for Francis Timony. Returning to Cornwall, he engaged in boating for a year, and then became foreman for Mr. Chambers, at New Windsor, Orange countj'. About 1865, Mr. Mead leased a brick yard at Dutchess Junction, and in four years there he made $24,000. He sold his lease and purchased a farm near Fishkill, which he improved, building a fine residence and other structures. But farm life was too quiet for one of his active temperament, and he resumed the business of brick-making, leasing from Thomas Aldrich the yards at Low Point, which he bought ten years later. The property includes eighty-two acres, and the plant covers one acre. Mr. Mead turns out about 5,000,000 second-class brick

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIC'AL RECORD.

per year, disposing of them mainlj' in New York City. His fortune is now estimated at $50,000, and his integrity and able management have won for him a high standing in business circles.

On August 4, 1858. Mr. Mead was united in marriage with his first wife, Miss Mary A. Flood, a native of Orange county, who died March 14, 1884, leaving si.\ children: Henrietta married Mose Collier; Alvaretta is the wife of Jerome Walsh, a brick manufacturer; Harry C. is engaged in the same business at Low Point; James A. (the name given her at baptism), the third daughter, married Frank Collier; and Thomas A. and Sebastian are both engaged in brick manufacturing. In December, 18S7, Mr. Mead formed a second matrimonial union, his present wife being Mary Knapp, a native of Putnam county. Three children were born of this marriage: I^alph, Mabel and James V. Mr. Mead has made a point of giving his children a strict business training. The family are members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Mead takes a prominent part in all movements of public importance, giving his influence in political affairs to the Ivepublican party.

BICHARD P. KETCHAM, prominent among the business men of Dutchess

county for a quarter of a century, has been closely identified with the history of Dover Plains, while his name is inseparably connected with its financial records. The banking interests are well represented in him, for since 1884 he has been cashier of the Dover Plains National Bank. A man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, his e.xcellent management has brought to the concern with which he is connected a high degree of success. He is a native of Dutchess county, born at Pough-keepsie in 184S.

Amos Piatt Ketcham, his paternal grandfather, was born at Huntington, Long Island, where his early education and training were received, and in his younger years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. On September 9, 181 1, he married .Miss Anna R. Piatt, who was born in Huntington, November 26, 1793, and they became the parents of five children: Esther, Alonzo, Zophar P., Andrew J. and Rebecca.

Andrew J. Ketcham, the father of our subject, was born in Poughkeepsie in 1819. After

his graduation he began his banking career by entering the Farmers and Manufacturers Bank of Poughkeepsie, and after serving there for some years as teller and bookkeeper he was called to Saugerties, Ulster Co., N. Y., where he organized the first bank in that place, called the Ulster Bank. After placing that institution on a sound financial basis, he started the Saugerties Bank in the same village, which is now a tiourishing institution. In 1865 he left Saugerties and came to Dover Plains, N. Y., as cashier of the Dover Plains National Bank, where he served for twenty years. From this position he resigned in 1885, and moved to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., his native city. After his retirement from active work for one year he was called to the presidency of the Poughkeepsie Bank, in which capacit)' he served for two years, leaving the institution one of the soundest in the State. He is now living in retirement in the city of his birth and business successes. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Sarah Anderson, daughter of Capt. N. L. Anderson, of Rondout, Ulster Co., N. Y., and to them were born six children: Andrew, Richard P., Annie, Gold-ing, John and Gaston. The mother of these children died in 1S74, and sometime afterward Mr. Ketcham married Miss Frances Cowles, of Stamford, Delaware Co., N. Y., and to them has been born a son, Charles, who, after his graduation from the River View Military Academy, entered the First National Bank of Poughkeepsie, where he is now one of its best bookkeepers.

Richard P. Ketcham, the subject proper of this review, was educated in the Claverack Military Academy, and after graduating from that institution became bookkeeper in the Importers and Traders Bank of New York City. In their employ he continued for some time, resigning in order to accept his present position with the Dover Plains National Bank. During his residence here he has attested his eminent and pronounced ability as a financier, and he is probably equally prominent in social life. In 1873 Mr. Ketcham married Mrs. Mary E. (Dutcher) Peters, widow of George H. Peters, of Pleasant \'alley, N. Y., daughter of Egbert and Maria Dutcher, of Dover Plains. One child graces this union, Grace Dutcher, who was born at Dover Plains, and was educated at Linden Hall, Poughkeepsie.

The Dutcher family is of Holland origin, but for many generations its representatives

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have resided in Dutchess county, where Christopher Dutcher, the great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Ketcham was born September 29, 1747. He acquired his education in the common schools of the county, and later devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, his farm comprising what is now the village of Dover Plains. He married Mary Belding, who was born in 1751, and they had seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Christopher, 1768; Mary, 1769; Jane, 1770; Lawrence, 1773; Silas, 1776; Elizabeth, 1779; and Cornelius, 1789.

Lawrence Dutcher, the fourth child of that family, was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ketcham. He was born on the old homestead at Dover Plains, and was educated in the schools of the township. He succeeded to the farm of his father, which he conducted until his death. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Nase, in the same place, and they had two children: Belding, born August 9, 1793; and Rachel, born in 1791. After the death of his wife he wedded Miss Mary \\'aldo, and they became the parents of eleven children, whose names and dates of birth were as follows: Rensselaer, 1795; Silas, 1797; T. Waldo, 1798; Cornelius N., 1802; Jerome, 1S04; Elizabeth, 1S06; Hannah, 1809; Jane, 1811; Armelia, 181 3; Maria, 181 5 ; and Charles, 1817.

Belding Dutcher, the grandfather of Mrs. Ketcham, obtained a good education in the common schools, and remained upon the family homestead during his entire life. He took quite a prominent part in military affairs, and became major in the State militia. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Maria Hurd, and to them were born five children: Egbert, Allen H., Elizabeth J., William H. and Thomas N.

Egbert Dutcher, the oldest of this family, was born at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, in 1814, and was educated in the public schools of the neighborhood. After reaching manhood he became quite prominent in the Masonic Order. He was united in marriage with Miss Maria Soule, daughter of Henry and Abigail Soule, farming people of the town of Dover. Mr. Dutcher continued to live upon a part of the old homestead, where were born his two children: Mary E., the wife of our subject; and Walter E., who was educated in the Cazenovia Seminary, at Cazenovia, kladison Co., N. Y. He became connected with the

banking firm of Opdyke & Co., of New York, where he held the position of bookkeeper for three years, or until his death in 1874.

N; ICHOLAS ALLEN, a prominent and in- ^ fluential citizen of the village of Hibernia,

town of Clinton, Dutchess county, was born in the town of W^ashington, that county, June 14, [840. His father, William N. Allen, was a native of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, born April 6, 1806, and died in 1885, and was the second in order of birth in the family of four children born to Nicholas and Mary (Carpenter) Allen. Grandfather Allen was also born in Pleasant Valley town, about 1750, and died in i860; his wife died some three years before him. Many years of his life were passed in the operation of his farm, in his native town, and he also lived in the town of Washington on a farm which he owned there. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, and a consistent Christian, a member of the Presbyterian Church.

In the town of Pleasant \'alley, William N. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Helen Ketcham, a daughter of Israel Ketcham, who was born September 5, 1802, and they became the parents of five children: Ann Maria; Sarah, wife of Charles Smith; Nicholas; James Henry and John W. After his marriage the father removed to a farm in the town of Washington, near Hibernia, which he continued to cultivate and improve during the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1885; his wife had passed away in 1S66.

Nicholas .Allen, whose name introduces this sketch, acquired a substantial and practical education in the schools of the town of Washington, one of his teachers being Judge Guernsey, and was well fitted for his subsequent career. After completing his school life, he assisted his father in the management of the farm, and while still living upon the old homestead his marriage with Mrs. Sarah (Ketcham) Justus took place, the ceremony being performed February 24, 1881, in the town of Clinton. She was born September 12, 1839, and is a daughter of Eli Ketcham, a miller by occupation, who first saw the light in the town of Pleasant Valley, March 14, 1809. He was married July 12, 1835, and two children were born to them. He died March 2, 1890, his wife on January 20, 1894. They were mem-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.

bers of the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Valley. Mrs. Allen's grandfather, Israel Ketchani, born about 1770, came from Long Island to Pleasant Valley, where his children were born. He married a Miss De Long, and died about 1844, his wife a few years later. By her first husband, Howard Justus, Mrs. Nicholas Allen had a daughter, Carrie, now the wife of Francis H. Harris, of New York.

For one year after his marriage Mr. Allen continued upon the old homestead, and then removed to Clinton Corners, where a year later he bought his present comfortable residence. For the past thirteen years he has engaged in farming in the town of Clinton, where he has served as pathmaster several terms, and is prominently connected with the upbuilding and development of the locality. The improvements upon his property areola substantial character, and everything manifests the thrift and prosperity of an intelligent farmer. He and his wife are devoted and efificient members of the Reformed Church of Bloomvale.and his straight-forward, upright life has gained him many friends.

c

LINTON W. CLAPP, a substantial citizen / of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, was born in that thriving village May 28, 1831.

Tracing back the genealogy of the Clapp family, which name was at that time spelled Clapa, we find that Thomas, our subject's great-great-great-grandfather, was born in Weymouth, England, in 1597. He was a Puritan, and came to America July 24, 1633, settling at Dorchester, Mass. His eldest son, Thomas, was born March 15, 1639, at Weymouth. He settled at Dedham, Mass., and was the ancestor of all theClappsof that locality. He married Abagail Clapp, and had three children: Increase, Samuel and Eleazer.

Samuel, the great-grandfather of Clinton W., married Elizabeth F"isher, and reared a family of six children; Samuel, David, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Abiel and Eleazer. The latter, who was the grandfather of our subject, married a widow, Mrs. Gushee, whose maiden name was Sylvia Forbes. They settled at U.\-bridge, Mass., where their three children were born. These were Abiel, born in 1785, and who became a merchant, living first in Rhode Island and later in Maine; Forbes, born 1787,

and was a soap and candle manufacturer in New York City; Benjamin, father of our subject. Eleazer Clapp, with a number of his relatives, took an active part in the Revolutionary war, and he was a member of the First Provincial Congress, in 1774.

Benjamin Clapp was reared to manhood in Massachusetts, and was the first person that put up and operated cotton machinery in Lowell, Mass.; but at the close of the war of 1812 he vvent to New York Citj- and learned the trade of a cabinet maker. Later he went into the manufacture of looking-glasses, and even after his removal to Wappingers Falls, in 1827, continued to carry on his business in New York. At Wappingers Falls he built a sawmill, in which he made mahogany veneerings, operating this mill until 1844, although in the meantime he had sold out his business in the city. In the latter year he started the Frankendale cotton factory, which was in operation for many years. He owned the principal water power and privileges at Wappingers Falls, which in 1865 he sold, together with the factory, to the Garner Company, who are now conducting the extensive print works there, and are reputed to be worth eighty million dollars. After disposing of his property Mr. Clapp retired from active bnsiness. He was married November i, 1821, to Ruth Houghton, who was born at Milton, Mass., December 12, 1794. Her father, Jason H. Houghton, was also a native of Milton, and followed farming on a place which belonged in the family for over 200 years. He had fourteen children, of which our subject's mother was the third in order of birth. The family came from England about 1632.

To Benjamin Clapp and his wife four children were born, of whom the following record is given: George H., born September 9, 1822, married Anna Beckwith, of Dutchess county, a daughter of Col. Nathaniel Beckwith, of Rhinebeck; George H. died October 11, 1877, leaving two children, Edward and Emma. Jason F., born September 16, 1825, married Elizabeth Houghton, and died March 19, 1886. Three children were born to them, Ruth E., Arthur and Jason H. Warren B., born September 13, 1827, married Elizabeth Ayre, and two children were born to them, George H. and Warren A. He was a Baptist minister, and died September 27, 1865.

Clinton W. Clapp, the subject of this sketch, and the youngest of the family, lived

^^^i(^U^^57H$^^^ji^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

665

at home until fourteen years of age, when he went to New York City, entering the University, and later the New York City Mechanical Institute, finishing his studies there when twenty-one years old. He then returned to Wappingers Falls, and worked at the carpenter's trade for seven 3'ears. Subsequently he turned his attention to fruit growing, but is now retired. Mr. Clapp has a great talent for mechanics, and is quite a genius in that line. He has built steamboats and various other things requiring a knowledge of mechanics, and in his delightful home was constructed a large pipe organ, which is run by a gas engine.

On May 23, 1854, Mr. Clapp was married to Miss Catherine Samons, who was born in Orange county, of Dutch extraction. She bore him si.x children, and died January 13, 1871. These children were Benjamin F., born August 27, 1855; George M., born June 13, 1858; Warren H., born December 27, 1859, and died March 15, 1880; Charles L., born October 28, 1862; Walter C., April 30, 1865: Jason E., June 3, 1869. Mr. Clapp was again married October 25, 1871, taking for his wife Miss Nettie Ecroyd, a native of England and a daughter of Henry and Margaret Ecroyd. No children were born of this marriage. Mrs. Clapp departed this life April 17, 1889. On July i, 1890, Mr. Clapp was married to Miss Charlotte M. Crosier, who was born in Wappingers Falls, March 21, 1862. Her parents were Isaac and Mary (Cole) Crosier, the former of English and the latter of Dutch descent. Two children have come to our subject and his present wife: Irving, born May 14, 1891; and Rhoda M., born May 13, 1894, died December 30, 1896.

Mr. Clapp was originally a Whig, becoming a Republican on the formation of that party. He has taken an active part in local politics, and has held a number of offices. He was twice elected assessor of the town of Wap-pinger; was for two years trustee of the village; for two terms was supervisor of the township, was justice of the peace for some time, and has recently been appointed again to the latter position. He has been president of the cemetery association, and is a director of the Grinnell Library Association. He is one of the leading citizens of Wappingers Falls, and is a public-spirited man who always has the best interests of his community at heart. He is popular with all classes, and no family is more highly esteemed.

PEDRO SWEET, a leading merchant of Bull's Head, Dutchess county, and one of the well-known citizens of the town of Clinton, was born December 25, 1840, in Columbia county, where his ancestors on both sides had been residents for several generations.

Maj. Rowland Sweet, his great-grandfather, a farmer by occupation, was one of the early settlers there, and his grandfather, Luke Sweet, also a farmer, passed his life there. Jerome Sweet, our subject's father, grew to manhood under the care of his grandfather, and received an excellent education in the schools of Columbia county. He married Catherine Bath-rick, whose grandfather, Jacob Bathrick, was a pioneer settler of that locality, and lived there until the good old age of lOO 3'ears. He married Hannah Kilmer, and their son, Peter, born in the town of Ga-latin, Columbia county, married Maria Marks, and moved to Dutchess count}', settling upon a farm in the town of Milan. They had five children: Catherine, David (deceased), William (deceased), Elizabeth, now living in New York City, and Frances, who resides at Catskill. A few years after their marriage Jerome Sweet and his wife came to the town of Milan, where he bought a farm, which he cultivated until his death in 1884. He was unusually well-informed, a Democrat in politics, and he was a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term. Mrs. Sweet still survives him, and is living at La-fayetteville. They reared a family of eight children: Pedro, Clement, Franklin, Egbert, Emily, William, Hattie and Mary, all still living but the youngest.

The subject of our sketch was only a boy when his parents came to Dutchess county, and his education was obtained in the district schools of the town of Milan. His first employment was on a farm at $3.00 a month. After working Morgan L. Traver's farm, in the town of Clinton, for three years, he engaged in the butcher business at CImton Hollow, and two years later he opened a general store there, which he conducted two years. He then went to Lafayette, and after clerking for Hiram Bentley for a year he bought him out, and continued the business three years. The }'ear following he spent in Cokertown, in the same business, and then, on March 21, 1883, he opened his present store at Bull's Head, where he carries a full line of general merchandise and runs a wqgon to supply his extensive country trade. He has been twice married,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

first to Miss Alice G. Green, daujjhter of Ambrose Green, of the town of Milan. Three children were born of this union: Annie (deceased). Melvin J. and Addie. Mr. Sweet's first wife died in 1879, and he has since married Miss Ella D. Denny, of the town of Milan, by whom he has a son named Grant Sweet.

A stanch Republican in political faith, Mr. Sweet has taken an active part in local matters wherever he has lived, and has been town clerk of Milan for two years, also a school trustee, and in the spring of 1894 he was elected supervisor of the town of Clinton, and is still serving as such, his term being from 189410 189S. He is a member of the F. cS: A. M., Warren Lodge No. 32, at Schultzville, having joined January 18, 1894.

WILLIAM H.\LL, a well-known resident of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, was

born in 1823, in Unionvale, Dutchess county, where his family has been prominent for many years. Mr. Hall received his early education there, and in the town of Washington, later learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for nearly forty-five years. He was also engaged at one time in mercantile business at Dover Furnace, and was postmaster there. A stanch Republican, he has alwa3^s taken great interest in politics, and has held several town offices, including those of commissioner and collector. In 1S62 he enlisted in Company I, 150th N. Y. V. I., under Col. J. H. Ketcham, and took part in many important engagements. His e.xperience at Gettysburg was especially striking, as his division was instrumental in saving the day. Other battles were those of Dallas, Resaca, Gulp's farm and Peach Tree Creek, and he also joined in Sherman's march to the sea. He was taken ill, and spent some time in a hospital; but he served until the close of the war. and was mustered out at Washington, D. C. In 1852 Mr. Hall married Miss Priscilla Cutter, a lady of excellent mental gifts and great force of character. Her parents, Calvin and Keziah Cutter, were prominent residents of the town of Dover. Four children were born of this union: Helen A., who died at the age of thirty years; Harriet A., who died at twenty-five; Calvin, who resides in Dover Plains; and David, who died in infancy.

Calvin Hall, the only survivor of this family of children, was born in Dover Plains,

Dutchess county, March 12, 1857, and was educated in the schools of that place. He lost the use of his lower limbs through sickness, but about two years ago he established himself in business in his native place, and has met with well-deserved success. He and his mother bought the home in which they now reside.

The Hall family was known in Rhode Island at an early date, and William Hall, our subject's grandfather, came from that State to Dutchess county to locate in Unionvale, where he purchased a farm and spent the greater portion of his life. He married Miss \'ale, of that town, and reared a familj'of nine children: John, Israel, William and Isaac are mentioned below; Gedding and Benjamin never married; Katie was the wife of Mr. Duncan; Ruth married Mr. Deyo; and Abbie married Isaac Titus. John Hall was a farmer bj-occupation, and married Miss Mary Waite, by whom he had children, as follows: Lavine (Mrs. Smith Titus), Kittie (Mrs. Haws), Rebecca. Helen (Mrs. Joe Benson), Ruth. Abbie. Phabe (who died at an early age), S. Emily, Pelina, Piatt, John J., and Fred D. Israel Hall was also a farmer. He married Miss Katie Albrow, and had children as follows: Leonard married (first) Miss Lawson, and (second) Miss Hurd; Draper married Miss Strong; Rutser married a lady of the same name; Richard married Miss Vale: Amy remained single; Mary became the wife of Mr. Townsend; Helen married (first) Mr. Bowdish, and (second) Mr. Northrup; Margaret never married, and Ann married Mr. Wheeler. A majority of the above are now living, at advanced ages and in different parts of the country. William Hall was a well-known teacher. He married Rebecca Waite, and had four children; Mary A., Joseph, George and \\'illiam H.

Isaac Hall, our subject's father, was born at the old homestead at Unionvale in 1791, and was educated in that town, later engaging in farming. He married Miss Mary Rodgers, a daughter of William Rodgers, a leading farmer of the same locality, and his wife Eleanor. Eleven children were born of this marriage, of whom one died in infancy, (i) Abbie married Gilbert Rozell, and had nine children: Theo, Charles, DeWitt, Silas. Richard. Rhoda. Jane, Mary and Lillie. (2) Daniel E.. a carpenter by trade, married Jane Duncan, and has five children: Mary, Samuel, Esac, Kate, and Jane. (3) Cordelia, born in 18iS, never mar-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

667

ried. (4) William is the subject of this sketch. (5) Eleanor married Leonard Davis. (6j Ange-line married David Tallman. (7) Lewis married Sarah Southwick. (8) Hannah married Isaac Palmer. (9) Joseph married Mary J. Duncan. (10) Phoebe married Robert Butts.

E>BENEZER H. STURGES. a wide-awake ; and thorough-going business man of

Dover, is a representative of the hardware trade of that place, and is also a tinsmith. He married Miss Adaline S. Cook, whose birth occurred at Saugerties, Ulster Co., N. Y., August I, 1845, 'I'ld they have become the parents of four children: (i) Edward H., born in Danbury, Conn., February 11, 1866, 'secured his education in the schools of Dover, and is now employed as ticket agent on the New York Central & Hudson River railroad. He married Miss Jennie Benson, daughter of Joshua Benson, of Dover Plains, Dutchess county. (2) Theodore, born in Dover, November 24, 1867, was there educated and learned the tin and hardware business; is now located at West Cornwall, Conn., in the tin and hardware business. He married Miss Helen L. Cartwright, of that place, and they now have two children, Lawrence C. and Gertrude C. (3) Ida S., born at Dover, October 31,1869, was the wife of Frank Hosmer, an employe of the Harlem Railroad Company at White Plains, and they had two children, Lillie M., who died in infancy; and Earl. Mrs. Hosmer departed this life July 14, 1894. (4j Lillie E., born at Dover, March 31, 1872, is the wife of Benjamin Hoag, son of Cornwell Hoag, of South Dover, Dutchess county, and now an employe in the condensed milk manufactory at Brooklyn, N. Y. They have one child, Jerome E.

Edward Cook, the paternal grandfather- of Mrs. Sturges, was a native of Somersetshire, England, where he received a common-school education, and there devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Ann Jones, and to them were born twelve children: Jane, Emma, William, Sylvester, Ann, James, Henry, Walter, Winter, Jessie, Solomon and Benjamin.

Benjamin Cook, the last named, was the father of Mrs. Sturges. He was born in Somerset, England, April 11, 1810, and his educational privileges were such as the schools of his native country afforded. At the age of

twenty years he crossed the Atlantic, locating first in Canada, but afterward made his home in Montgomery and Orange counties, N. Y., where he engaged in the butcher business and in farming. His political support was ever given the Republican party, but he never aspired to public office. After coming to this country he was united in marriage with Miss Susan O. Booth, who was born at Hampton-burg, Orange Co., N. Y., September 9, 1813. Her grandfather, William Booth, was a native of the same county, where he followed farming. He married Miss Lydia Booth, a cousin, and to them were born five children: George, who married a MissTuttle; Charles, who married Philadelphia Haines; Annie, who married David Haines; Mary, who remained single; and Sarah, who married William Conning. Charles Booth, the father of Mrs. Cook, was also born in Orange county, and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Philadelphia Haines, a daughter of David and Temperance Haines, agriculturists of Orange county, and they became the parents of eight children: William, George and Temperance, who all died unmarried; Sarah, who first married a Mr. Vanansdoll, and after his death wedded a Mr. Do.xie; Charles, who wedded Mary E.

; Jackson; Susan, who died in infancy;

and Susan, the mother of Mrs. Sturges.

Eight children blessed the union of Benjamin Cook and Susan O. Booth: (i) George E., born July 15, 1835, at Flatlands, Long Island, where h^ secured his education, engaged in the drug business at Port Jervis, N. Y. He married Miss Catharine Bloomer, and they had si.x children—Willie, who died when a babe; Ida; James; Nellie, wife of John Little; George and Eva. (2) Susan, born on Long Island, January 11, 1S37, was three times married, her first husband being Mr. Elliott, who survived his marriage onlj' six months. By her second husband, a Mr. White, she had two children—Annie and Lula. After his death she married Mr. Connor, and to them was born a daughter—Catharine V. (3) James A., born on Long Island, September 20, 1838, was a hatter by trade; he wedded Miss Mary Morse, of Massachusetts, by whom he had one child—Helen L. (4) Mary Ellen, born at Hunter, Greene county, June 28, 1841, never married. (5) Harvey H., born at Hunter, Greene county, June 20, 1843, was never married; he engaged in the hat business at Danbury, Conn. (6) Adaline S., wife of

COMifEMORATJVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

our subject, is the next in order of birth. <j) William H., born May 23, 1848, at Saugerties, wedded Marj* A. Parmer. '8( Annie E., born October 26, 1830. at Saugerties. first married Edward H. Abbott, and after his death wedded Seth Sturges.

WILLIAM J. DEDRICK, a well-known and highly respected resident of Ame-

nia Union, Dutchess county, was born at Cox-sackie, Greene Co., N. Y.. February 20, 1814, and is a son of John F. Dedrick, a native of the same county, while the birth of his paternal grandfather occurred in Holland. The father prepared for the ministry of the Reformed Dutch Church, of which he was a member, but. on account of an impediment in his speech, never engaged in preaching. He conducted a book siore at Co.xsackie throughout the greater part of his life. In politics he was a Federalist. He married Fannie Judson, whose death occurred November 7, 1S31. at the age of forty-si.x years, and he did not long survive her, dying August 22, 1832, at the age of fifty-two years. In their family were seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: F. C, May 14. 1808: Jane A., October 25, 1809; Catherine, September 27, 1811; William J.. February 20. 1814; T. S., March 6, 1818; Harriet, April i, 1820; and J. F., November 28, 1S27.

At the age of twenty years our subject left Co.xsackie, going to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he began the study of dentistrj- with his brother-in-law. Dr. Buck, and continued to follow that profession until 1865, since which time he has engaged in handling pictures and frames. It was in 1841 that he removed to Amenia Union, where he has since resided.

At Cornwall, Conn., in February, 1S48, Mr. Dedrick was united in marriage with Miss Mariette Bonney, daughter of Stephen and Anna ("Stone; Bonney. They have no children of their own. but adopted a daughter, Rosa Loper, who died in 1867, at the age of nineteen years.

Since the time that Horace Greeley ran for the Presidency. Mr. Dedrick has been a correspondent of the Amenia Thins. He was first a Whig in politics, electioneering in the William H. Harrison campaign for three months, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its most earnest advo-

cates, taking a prominent part in political affairs. On September 6, 1856, he received a license as local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which service he has since engaged, and is the oldest living member of the Church of that denomination at Amenia Union. In all the walks of life he takes as his guide the precepts of the scriptures, and is foremost in any movement for the religious advancement of the community. He was the originator and a prominent helper of the Amenia Union Lyceum during the eleven years of its e.xistence, and for twenty-seven successive years he has been elected superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school.

JON.-\THAN DICKINSON was born in Lincolnshire, England, and educated in York-^ shire, from which county he came at an early age to the United States, and for a number of years lived in Indiana, enduring all the rigors of pioneer life.

Leaving Indiana, Mr. Dickinson removed to New York City and became a commercial traveler for English hardware, of which line of business he made a success, and followed it for twelve years. In 1863 he took up his abode in Norfolk, \'a., and was extensively engaged in furnishing the government with hardware, machinery, belting, building material, etc., by contract. At the close of the war he moved to Newark. N. J., where he carried on large manufacturing interests until the latter part of 1875. when he embarked in the real-estate business in Stanfordville, Dutchess Co., N. Y. In 1S77 he came to Poughkeepsie, where he has continued to deal in real estate to the present daj\

Notwithstanding the fact that the city and county have experienced some exceedingly depressing periods, Mr. Dickinson, by close application, continued to maintain such a steady business that he felt himself called upon to locate where he now is—in the central portion of the city, and on the main street, where he would be easily accessible to his numerous patrons. He has successfully negotiated some of the largest transactions in real estate that have taken place for a number of years in Poughkeepsie. Mr. Dickinson believes that in a city of that size a man cannot deal in real estate, fire and life insurance, etc., and make a decided success of each; consequently he has

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

669

made the sale and exchange of real estate his specialty, to which fact his success in that line is probably due. [The foregoing is taken from the Souvenir Edition of T/u- Eag/c, issued in 1889.]

In 1856,in Westbury, L. I., Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage with Miss Anna Willis Smith, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Willis) Smith, one of the oldest families on Long Island. Thomas Willis, her grandfather, was a stanch Quaker, and at the division of the Hicksite and Regular Church, he was disowned by the body following Elias Hicks at Jericho, the home of Elias Hicks, and T. Willis, a minister, for over thirty years drove twice each week past the Jericho meeting-house, three miles farther to the Westbury meeting-house of Orthodox Friends, to worship. Thomas Willis was born and died on the farm that was deeded to his predecessors by the British Government. The English soldiers occupied the house during the Revolution, allowing the the family a few rooms, when they occupied Long Island.

The Dickinson family originated in Yorkshire, England, and were all Quakers from the middle of the seventeenth century. At the rise of Quakerism in the time of George Fox, John Dickinson came to America, and for a time preached, traveling from North Carolina to New England, whence he started to return to England, but the vessel he was on was lost, and he was never heard from again. The old Dickinson homestead in Yorkshire, England (still standing) is built of stone, and over the door is a plate bearing the family name "John Dickinson, 1736." The house is now occupied by Simeon Dickinson, a cousin of Mr. Dickinson. The grandfather of our subject lived and died in England, in the same house wherein he was born; he was a weaver by trade.

Jonathan Dickinson, father of our subject, and by occupation a merchant, in his native land married Alice Hunt, a lady of means and social standing in Lincolnshire, England. He died in 1840, at the age of fifty-three years, and after his death the widowed mother came to America, where she died in Indiana, in 1863, aged sixty-five years. She had thirteen children, of whom eight grew to maturity, and all came to America, our subject being the only one living in the East.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson have been born two children; Mary Alice, residing in

Poughkeepsie, and Jonathan, Jr., a graduate of Haverford College, and is B. A. and M. A., now teaching in Oakwood Seminary, Union Springs, New York.

ILO FOLLETT WINCHESTER, one

_ of the self-made men and influential citizens of Amenia, Dutchess county, commenced to " paddle his own canoe "' at an early age, and is now a well-to-do and successful merchant, whose property has been accumulated by his own perseverance and untiring labors.

Mr. Winchester was born in the town of Amenia, October i, 1823, and is a grandson of Amariah Winchester, whose birth occurred at New London, Conn., February 13, 1753. The father of the latter was a native of Brook-line, Mass. The boyhood and youth of the grandfather were passed at New London, where he learned the hatter's trade, and on reaching man's estate he was married at Kent, Conn., to Mary Follett, who was born December 4, 1759. and died June 9, 1832. In their family were seven children, all now deceased: Henry, Milo, David, Mary, Lucy, Myra and Betsy. During the Revolutionary war the grandfather was a faithful soldier of the Continental army. It was in 1781 that he came to Dutchess county and purchased a farm at Hitchcocks Corners, in the town of Amenia, where his death occurred March 26, 1842. He engaged in the hatter's business until 1827, in connection with which he also carried on farming, and was one of the prominent men of the community.

Milo Winchester, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Amenia, November 30, 1788, and with his father learned the hatter's trade. On January 24, 1810, he was married to Betsey Pray, who was born October 7, 1791, and died January 13, 1872. In their family were five children, namely: Asa H., born October 26, 1810, died May 29, 1819; Julia M., born August 19, 1813, married Charles- Wattles; Joanna, born June 21, 1816, married Seeley Brown, and died December 28, 1866; Eliza, born December 23, 1819, married Amariah Hitchcock on December 26, 1840, and died April 27, 1892: Abby, born December 22, 1821, first wedded L. P. Lockwood, and after his death Sidney Thompson, and died January 19, 1S58; and Milo F., of this sketch, is the youngest. In 1830 the

C7(>

COMMEMORATrVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.

father removed to New York City, where he engaged in the grocery business until 1834, at which time he returned to Amenia Union, and bought a hotel, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying February 5, 1861. Fraternally, he was connected with the Masonic Order at Amenia Union, and in politics was first a Whig and later a Republican.

The boyhood and youth of Milo FoUett Winchester were principally passed at Amenia Union, where he attended the district schools, and later pursued his studies in a select school on Seventh street, in New York City. He began his business life as a clerk in a store at Great Harrington, Mass., was next with Bowne cS: Trowbridge, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he clerked at Amenia Union, and subsequently tilled similar positions at Dover Plains, IJutchess county, and at Kent, Conn. In April, 1847, he purchased the store of Judah Swift, at South Amenia, which he has since successfully conducted, and has also efficiently served as postmaster since 1849. I" the town of Washington, Dutchess county, on October 13, 1847, Mr. Winchester was married to Miss Mary T. Nase, daughter of Henry I. Nase, of Amenia, and to them were born four children: Martha, who died in infancy;-Henry Nase, who married Frances Sleight, a granddaughter of Peter K. Sleight (a prominent man of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county), and they have two children—Milo F. and Henry F.; Frank, who died at the age of nine; and Sydney Thompson, who died at the age of twenty-eight.

In politics Mr. Winchester is identified with the Republican party, giving his influence and vote to secure the passage of its measures and the election of its candidates, and sociall}' holds membership in Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M. He has won the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated,either in business or in private life, and he is justly entitled to a position among the foremost men of Dutchess county. From 1854 until 1892 he capably served as justice of the peace, and for several terms has been supervisor of his town.

GEORGE STEVENSON, a well-known citizen of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, February 16, 1839.

John Stevenson, the father of our subject.

was born near Fifeshire. Scotland, in 1798. He learned the business of making linen cloth, which he followed in his native land for many years. He was married to Elizabeth Duncan, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1800. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Stevenson went to Ireland, where he carried on his business, and where his family of children were born. Those now living are: Jane, Thomas, John, Mary, Sarah, Rachael, Margaret and George. John is employed in the print works in Wappingers Falls, and Thomas is a clerk in a store in the same place. On May 12, 1848, the father came to America, the family following him one jear later. He settled in Wappingers Falls, and found employment in the cotton mills there. His death took place in 1868, and that of his wife in 1862. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and in his political \iews Mr. Stevenson was in sympathy with the Republican party.

The subject of this sketch was but seven years old when his parents came to this country, and his entire life since that time has been spent at Wappingers Falls. He learned the trades of tinner and plumber when a young man, and. with the exception of five years when he was engaged in the grocery business, has carried on business in that line. Of late years he has added hardware of all kinds to his other departments, and has an extensive trade in the various implements and accessories used b\' plumbers, tinners and builders. He is a man of fine business ability, and has been successful in his enterprises. He is progressive in his ideas, and is a public-spirited citizen who stands high in the estimation of all who know him. He ii'. a strong Republican.

In 1866 Mr. Stevenson was married to Sarah J. Barlow, a sister of James R. Barlow, whose sketch will be found elsewhere. They have two children, John and Fred.

GEORGE VINCENT, a leading carpenter of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, was there born on October 3. 1859, and since laying aside his school books has always worked at his trade, in which he is quite proficient. Socially, he is connected with the Knights of Labor. He married Addie \'incent, a first cousin, who was born in Dover, in 1862, and they have become the parents of five children: Angle, born December 16, 1880; Joseph, born December 6, 1882; William, born June 25,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOaRAPHICAL RECORD.

671

1888; George, born November 2, 1891; and Naomi, born February 2, 1S94.

Allen Vincent, the great-grandfather of both our subject and his wife, was born in the town of Dover. Dutchess county, and was there educated in the common schools, and followed farming on attaining man's estate. In his family were three children: Jonathan, the grandfather; Ann, who became the wife of Leonard Carey; and Leonard, who married Ann Carey.

Jonathan Vincent was also born, reared and educated in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and followed the occupation of farming. He was married to Miss Martha Duncan, by whom he had seven children.

(ij George, the eldest son in the Vincent family, was born in Dover, and followed the occupation of shoemaking. He first married Miss Amanda Cooley, by whom he had one daughter—Mary. For his second wife he chose Malissa Sterey, and they had four children, but all died in infancy. His third wife bore the maiden name of Miss Caroline Slo-cum, and to them was born a daughter— Georgiana.

(2) William, the father of our subject, was the next. His birth occurred on Chestnut Ridge, and in the common schools of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, he acquired his education. He learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for twenty years, but in later life he devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He was a strong Republican in politics, but cared nothing for political preferment. As a helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Martha Eggleston, daughter of David and Martha (Burhance) Eggleston, farming people of Dover Plains. They became the parents of six children, of whom our subject is the eldest. David J. died at the age of ten years. Jennie, born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, August 29, 1868, is the wife of John Hawley, a farmer of that town, and they have three children— Maude, Edgar and Lewis. Leon L. died at the age of twenty-six years. Hattie, born in Dover, Dutchess county, April 14, 1874, married William Humeston, a carpenter of Dover, and they have had three children — Jeffrey and two others, all of whom died in infancy. Ruth G., born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, March i, 1877, is the wife of Fred De Garmo, a carpenter of Dover, by whom she has one child, Anna L. Previous to her marriage with the father of our

subject, Mrs. Vincent was the wife of Charles Coates, a brakeman on the Harlem railroad, and to them were born two children: William, who died at the age of seventeen years; and Emma, who married Edwin Carey, and has four children—Charles, Eva, Ernest and Millard.

(3) Allen, the father of Mrs. George \'in-cent, is the third of the family. Like his brother, he also was born, educated, and followed farming in the town of Dover. On reaching manhood he was married to Miss Mary Stage, daughter of David and Mary A. (Colby) Stage, agriculturists of the town of Dover. Six children were born to them, as follows: Ida is the wife of John H. Ensign, and they have one child, John O. Addie, the wife of our subject, is next in order of birth. Martha married William Brown, a farmer in the town of Dover, and they have two children, Allen and Frank. Augusta is the wife of Fred Wilcox, a farmer of Dover. Daisy is at home. Mary is the wife of Martin Wilcox, a farmer of Dover, and has three children, William, Julia and John.

(4) Isaac, the fourth son of Jonathan and Martha (Duncan) Vincent, was born in the town of Dover, where, on reaching manhood, he engaged in farming. He first married Miss Jane A. Beers, by whom he had six children, only two of whom — Stephen and Hattie — lived, but Stephen also is now deceased. His second wife bore the maiden name of Imogene Butts.

(5) Edgar, the fifth son, never married.

(6) Eliza was twice married, her first union being with Harvey Wheeler, a farmer of Dover, and to them were born four children: Mary, who became the wife of Nicholas Edmonds; Phoebe, who remained single; William, who married Mary Sheldon; and Elizabeth, who married George Brown. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Wheeler became the wife of William Colby, and they had four children: Loretta, who married Frank Talla-day; George .A. ; Katie, who married Peter Chase; and Myron, who died at the age of twenty-five years.

(7) Amanda was united in marriage with Oscar Wilcox, a laborer of Dover, and they had a family of eleven children: Lewis, who married Lydia Clarkson; Justina, who married Oscar Fiero; Mary, who wedded Arthur Som-mers; Martin, who married Mary Vincent; Nettie, who married George Tompkins; Lydia,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

who married William Forbes; Dora, who married Earl Yale; Fred, who married Aufjusta Vincent; Oscar, who remained single; and Nellie and Amanda, who died in infancy.

J EDGAR MOITH, M. D., of Fishkill, Dutchess county, has a record as a practitioner which does him honor, and has gained for him a reputation as one of the most talented and successful members of the medical fraternity in his section. He is a native of Fishkill, where he was born September 22, 1855, and is of an e.xcellent German family. His father, August T. Moith, was born in the Fatherland, at Wiesbaden, Prussia, and came to America when a young man, locating at Fishkill without delay, and engaging in the drug business in a small way, in partnership with Cornelius Van \'liet. Two years later the firm was dissolved, Mr. Moith becoming sole proprietor, and he continued the business alone until his death, which occurred November 15. 1S85. For some time he and Mr. Mapes were the only druggists between Fishkill village and the river. Mr. Moith had acquired a knowledge of chemistry and surgery in his native land, and being naturally of a scientific turn of mind, he made many experiments, some of them producing valuable results. He invented a process for making sponges elastic for beds, cushions, etc., and secured a patent, but it was literally stolen from him, and the fortune ($100,000) derived from the idea went to others. Another illustration of his skill was given in his analysis of a sample of oil obtained from a swamp near Fishkill. He proved that the oil was not in a crude state, but was doubtless a portion of the contents of a barrel of refined oil which had been emptied into the swamp in furtherance of a scheme to sell the property at a high figure. He married Miss Caroline Wade, a native of Blooming Grove, now known as Washington-ville. Orange Co., N. Y. She was a daughter of Colvin and Malinda (Moore) Wade, who were probably of English origin. Ten children were born of this union, our subject being the eldest. (2) Theodore is now deputy sheriff at Fishkill; (3) Ferdinand is a dentist at the same place; (4) Bertha married Charles Schlagel, a druggist in New York City; (5) Emma is a student in the College of Pharmacy in New York; (6) Ivanhoe is a machinist at St. Louis; (7) Lenna died at the age of nine

years; (8) Blanche married Jacob Schlagel, a mechanical designer in New York, and a brother of her sister Bertha's husband; the two last children died in infancy.

Dr. Moith"s boyhood was spent in Fishkill, and as a clerk for his father he began at an early age to gather information concerning drugs which has been of great practical value to him. Greek and Latin were learned under the tuition of J. Hervey Cook, of Fishkill. In 1876 he began a course of professional study at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and completed it in 1879, receiving the degree of M. D. His class contained a number of men who have achieved prominence in the profession, and Dr. Moith's standing among them is shown by the fact that he gained one of the few coveted positions open to graduates for practical experience, being appointed assistant physician of the out-door department of Bellevue Hospital. The knowledge there gained could hardly be equalled in many years of ordinary practice. In March, 1879, he returned to Fishkill and engaged in professional work, and his success has been most gratifying. He has had 913 accouche-ments, twenty-eight cases of twins and two of triplets. He is president of medical staff of General Hospital, town of Fishkill. At present he is medical examiner of a number of life-insurance companies, including the Northwestern, the Mutual Reserve, National Life Insurance Company, Vermont, the Union Central, the Industrial Benefit, and the Metropolitan. Since 1894 he has been health officer of Fishkill Landing, and he is also physician to the order of Foresters, all these duties, in addition to the claims of his private practice, making him one of the busiest of men. From 1S83 to 1886, he held the office of coroner; but although he is a stanch Republican and influential, he is not a politician or an office seeker. Financially, the Doctor ranks among the substantial citizens of the town, and he owns nine houses with other valuable property. He is a stockholder of the First National Bank, Matteawan, N. Y. He is a friend to public improvements, and can always be depended upon to assist a worthy cause. On September 22, 1880, the Doctor was married to Miss Grace E. Collins, daughter of Gilbert and Susan Collins, of Carthage Landing, and a descendant of an old Dutchess county family. No children blessed this union. Socially, Dr. Moith is a Freemason, and he is also

^ (S-, ^^7^ ^. 4>.

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C7S

an honorary member of the Tompkins Hose Co., in which for five years he served as an active member.

CYRUS PERKINS, a resident of the town _' of Unionvale, is a well-known business man of Dutchess county, where he follows farming, and also the trade of a mason. He is an honored and representative citizen of the community, public-spirited and enterprising, and has the high regard of his fellow-men. He married Miss Sarah Barmore, who was born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, in 1847, and there obtained her education in the public schoojs. They have a son, John E., who was born in 1881.

Henry Barmore, the grandfather of Mrs. Perkins, was a native of Westchester county, N. Y. By his marriage with Bethany Carpenter, he had thirteen children: Clark C, Abigail, Stephen, Anor, Lydia, Annie, Susan, Henry, Philip, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth and James.

Clark Barmore was also born in Westchester county, and was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Alley, daughter of James Alley. Their family consisted of nine children: Phcebe, who married Cromoline Patterson; Edward, who married Lucy Wanzer; Stephen, who died unmarried; Caroline, who married Andrew Wanzer; Eliza M., who died unmarried; Sarah, wife of Cyrus Perkins, whose name introduces this sketch; John, who married Josephine Phillips; Charles, who died unmarried; and Mary Adelia, who became the wife of Gilbert Downing.

GARRET DU BOIS, now living in the vil-_ lage of Fishkill, Dutchess county, is a worthy representative of a 'family who left France and Holland during religious persecution, and sought homes here in the midst of the wilderness, where they would have to encounter all dangers and privations incident to life in a new country, inhabited only by the savage red men and wild animals. This they did in order that they might worship God as their conscience dictated. The founder of the family in the New World was Jacques Du Bois, who was born in Leyden, Holland, and married Miss Pierronne Bentyn, of the same place. They

reared a family of eight children: Marie (l), 43

Jacques, Marie (2), Jean, Anne, Jehan, Pierre and Christian.

Pierre Du Bois came with the family to America in 1675, and located in Wiltwyck, Ulster Co., N. Y., but grew to manhood in Kingston, that county, where he married Jannetje Burhans, October 12, 1697. In 1707 they came to Dutchess county, locating in the town of Fishkill, about three and a half miles east of the village of that name. Here he secured a tract of land, and lived with his family. His eldest son was born at Kingston, but the births of the others all occurred in Dutchess county. They were as follows: Petronella (i), Johannes (i), Jacobus, Christiaan, Jonathan, Peter, Abraham, Johannes (2), Helena, Elizabeth and Petronella (2). The fourth child, Christiaan Du Bois, married Nelltje Van Vliet, and they became the parents of three children: Jannetje, Elizabeth and Christiaan. The last named was born June 13, 1746, and was married in 1768 to Helena Van-Voorhis, by whom he had these children: Coert, Henry, Abraham, Garret, John, Elizabeth, Catherine and Cornelius.

Garret Du Bois, the fourth son, was the grandfather of our subject. He married Hannah Cooper, and located upon a farm near Johnsville, now in the town of East Fishkill, where they reared their family of three children: Maria, who married Peter T. Montfort, father of Peter V. W. Montfort, of the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county; Eliza, who married Peter Fowler, a farmer of Orange county, N. Y., and Charles L.

Charles L. Du Bois was born in 1799, on the home farm in the town of East Fishkill, where he grew to manhood, and married Catherine Hasbrouck, whose birth occurred in the same town in 1800. Her father, Tunis Hasbrouck, belonged to the same family as those of the name in Ulster county, N. Y. Upon their marriage they lived upon the farm near Johnsville, where were born their four children: Jane E., who married Augustus Bartow, now a resident of Hackensack, N. J.; Mary, deceased wife of Isaac Sherwood, a farmer of the town of Fishkill; Garret, of this review, and Hasbrouck, a minister of a Reformed Dutch Church in New York City. Throughout life the father carried on farming, and died in January, 1878; the mother departed this life in 1880. Both were sincere members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and he was a Republican in politics.

CVMAfESfOIiA TIVE B10011APUK AL UEVORD.

Upon the home farm Garret Du Bois was born, September 27, 182S, and during his boyhood attended the district schools in the neighborhood. He was, later, a student at Andover, Mass., and completed his education at College Hill, in Poughkeepsie. In September, i860, he was united in marriage with Mary Ida Van-Wyck, who was born in the village of ¥\s\\-kill, where the birth of her father, John C. Van Wyck, also occurred. He was a son of Cornelius Van Wyck, and a farmer and merchant by occupation. Upon their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Du Bois located upon their present farm, and there their three children were born: Charles, a farmer, who wedded Ethel Moore, of New York City; John V. W., now engaged in business in New York City; and Kate W. The wife and mother was called to her final rest May 28, 1873.

Mr. Du Bois owns a valuable farm of 142 acres, a part of which is devoted to fruit raising, and he continued its cultivation and improvement until the fall of 1893, since which time he has lived a quiet, retired life in the village of Fishkill. The family, which is one of prominence in the community, are members of the Reformed Church, of which our subject is serving as elder. His political support is unswervingly given the Republican party. He holds an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, to which he is justly entitled, for his pure and honorable life is above reproach.

QRLIN B. ABEL. Jacob Abel, grandfather J of our subject, was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, where he passed his days in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Margaret Uhl, by whom he had three children: William W., John M. and Mary.

William W. Abel, father of our subject, •was born March 1, 1814, in the town of Unionvale, and during his boyhood attended the Nine Partners School, after which he engaged in teaching for a time. Later he followed agricultural pursuits exclusively, becoming one of the most extensive farmers in his town. He took quite an active interest in political matters, always voting with the Whig or Republican party, and held a number of township offices, including those of supervisor, justice of the peace and revenue collector. He wedded Miss Mary Jane Austin, daughter of Beriah and Sarah (Waite) Austin, and four

children were born to them: OrlinB., Dwight, H. Clay and one whose name is not given. Of these, Dwight is fully spoken of elsewhere; H. Clay was born in the town of Unionvale, and received a good common-school education, after which he followed the profession of teaching. He is now engaged in mercantile business at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county. Socially, he affiliates with the F. & A. M. He married Miss Maggie Traver, by whom he had two children; William C. and Melburn T., and after her death he wedded Miss Mary Manning.

Orlin B. Abel was born in the town of Unionvale, in 1845, was educated in the schools of Fayette, Iowa, taught school several terms, and is now carrying on farming in Unionvale. In politics he is a Republican, and has held some minor township offices. He was united in marriage December 27, 1865, with Miss Mary Alice Vincent, daughter of Jonathan G. \'incent, of the town of Unionvale, and to them were born two children: Ellanita L., wife of Oscar Shaffer (they have one son—Harold F.), and Orlin Claude Lewis.

JAMES HERRICK, a well-known stock-dealer and agriculturist, residing near La-

fayetteville, Dutchess county, was born August 21, 1832, in the town of Milan, where his family has long held a prominent place in local affairs.

The first American ancestor came at an early period from England, settling in New England, and our subject's great-grandfather, Ephraim Herrick, was born in Massachusetts, but settled in Dutchess county on arriving at manhood. His son, Ephraim Herrick (2), our subject's grandfather, was born in Amenia, and became a prominent farmer of the town of Milan. He married Anna Dixon, and their son, Ephraim Herrick (3), our subject's father, was born September 28, 1788. He settled upon a farm near his birthplace, and married Phtebe Albertson, daughter of John Albertson, a leading farmer of Hyde Park, and a descendant of an old Holland-Dutch family. They had eight children: (i) John A., a farmer in the town of Pine Plains, married Margaret Sherwood. (2) William, a farmer of Pleasant Valley, married (first) Elizabeth Brown, and after her decease wedded Mary Harris. (3) Walter, a prominent physician, married Helen Sherwood, and died January 13, 1895, aged

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675

seventj--four years. (4) Gurdon B., who was a farmer in the town of Milan, married (first) Fannie Bentiey, and after her death wedded Hiilda Cornelius, also now deceased; he died April 28, 1894, aged seventy-one years. (5) James, our subject, will be fully spoken of farther on. 16) Elizabeth married Isaac Sherwood, and she is now a widow. (7) Susan died in infancy. (8) Caroline married Henry Butts, and is now a widow. The mother of tthis family died in 1835, ^^^ for his second wife Ephraim Herrick (3) married, October 22, 1840, Mrs. Susan Ann Andrews, of Kin-derhook, Columbia county, and they had four children: (i) George, now of Danbury, Conn., married Kate Taylor. (2) Anna, wife of Ferderand Taylor, of Danbury, Conn. (3) Edward, farmer of Bull Head, N. Y., married Emma Bentiey. (4) Ephraim, of Rhinecliff-on-Hudson, married Henrietta Hermance. The mother of this family died in 1895, aged ninety years. The father passed away in 1868; during the war of 1812 he was one of the soldiers stationed at Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The subject of our sketch passed his boyhood at the homestead, and was educated in the district schools of that neighborhood and at Rhinebeck Seminary. On March 6, 1859, he married his first wife. Miss Jennette Cook-ingham, a descendant of one of the prominent families of the town of Milan, who died June 2, i860, leaving one daughter, Mary Ida, who was married December 31, 1896, to Gurdon Ricket, a farmer of the town of Rhinebeck; our subject's second wife was Josephine Hape-man, a daughter of Andrew Hapeman, and granddaughter of John Hapeman, both in their day prominent farmers of the town of Milan. Her mother was Catherine Alendorf, a native of the same town, and a daughter of Henry Alendorf, who was born in the town of Red Hook. The Hapeman family is of German extraction, while the Alendorfs are of Holland stock. Mrs. Herrick's father died in the town of Milan, October 9, i860, but her mother is still living. They had nine daughters: Julia A., who married Alfred Coon, of Catskill Station, N. Y.; Martha, the wife of Robert Leator, a farmer in the town of Red Hook; Josephine (Mrs. Herrick;; Abby, the wife of John Phillips, of Ravenna, N. Y., a conductor on the W. S. R. R.; Catherine E., who married P. Traver, a farmer in Red Hook, and died June 24, 1879; Emily I., who died March 30, 1869; Luella, the wife of Sylvester Stall, a fruit

grower in Columbia county; Ada, who died April 18, 1872; and Fannie, who is at home. After his second marriage Mr. Herrick settled upon his present farm, where two sons were added to the family: Thaddeus J., born July I. 1869, was married September 7, 1893, to Bertha Dederick, of Milan, and they have one daughter, Ethel; and Charles S., born September 4, 1875, still at home. From early years Mr. Herrick has been engaged in buying and selling live stock, and the care of his fine farm of 114 acres does not prevent him from carrying on this business largely, purchasing in the West to sell in the East. His family are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and take an active part in its work. In local affairs Mr. Herrick is influential, being a valued adviser in the Democratic party, and he has been supervisor of his town for several terms. His son Thaddeus J. was appointed school commissioner of the Second District of Dutchess county, in 1892, and elected in 1893, served two years, and is now a coal dealer in Hyde Park, New York.

^LADYSLAWA J. PRALATOWSKI, a

well-known resident of Fishkill-on-

Hudson, Dutchess county, has displayed ability and energy while gaining a foothold in this new country for which he cannot be too highly praised, and has, in spite of all difficulties, made a place for himself in business life that could not readily be supplied. The facilities which his office affords to the intending tourist—whether he desires information, letters of credit, or tickets to any part of the known world—are many, and his acquaintance with European customs and legal formalities has smoothed the way for more than one perplexed client.

He is a native of Pakaslaw, Province of Posen, Poland, and was born April 23, 1843, the son of Jacob and Marguerite (Van Kaust) Pralatowski, and grandson of Vincent and Marguerite (Wulerd) Pralatowski. His family was highly respected, and his father was a professor in a college at Posen. Our subject was the youngest of three sons, the names of the others being Ludwig and Leon. His mother died when he was but three days old, and at the age of twelve years he was left fatherless. He was educated in the schools of Lissa, Poland, and at nineteen he came to America, landing in New York City November 6, 1862.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Although he was fitted by nature and education for other work, he went to Newburg, N. Y., and engaged in the first employment to be found, that of shoemaking. On December i, 1862, he went to Matteawan to work for Mr. Budny, but after a few months he returned to Newburg, where he remained for some time, spending, however, a short period in Pough-keepsie. Later he moved from Newburg to New York City, and in the fall of 1865 he returned to Matteawan, where in the following year he opened a shop of his own. In 1868 he transferred his business to Fishkill-on-Hudson, and has since resided there. His present office was opened in October, 1890, and his business (which includes real estate and fire insurance, in addition to the other lines mentioned above) has steadily developed as time has passed.

On July 13, 1871, he married Miss Mary E. Rowland, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Clark) Rowland, and has two daughters: Mary Marguerite and Anna Helena. His family are all members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is an active worker in the Catholic Benevolent League. In politics he is a Democrat, and is interested in all progressive movements in his locality. From 1869 to 1879 he was a member of Excelsior Engine Co. No. I, Fishkill Fire Department, and for ten years he has been a worker in the Independent Order of Good Templars. For ten years he belonged to Company H, 21st Regiment, Kew York National Guards, and for two and one-half years served as its captain. At present he represents a combination of business, such as is seldom handled by one individual; his correspondence reaches more than 1,600 banks all over the world; he represents all the steamship lines, at home and abroad; he prepares all kinds of legal documents for foreign nations, and in foreign languages; he procures passports from the U. S. Government—in fact, he does a combination of home and foreign work which is seldom found done by one man with the same success which he achieves.

HI:NRY WORRALL, awell-known farmer of the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born on the farm where he now lives, near Poughkeepsie, October 22, 1844. Here he grew to manhood, attending the district schools, and, later, the Dutchess Countv

Academy. After finishing his schooling he returned to the farm, where he has continued to reside.

On April 27, 1885, Mr. Worrall was married to Miss Clementine Lawson, who was born in New York City, a daughter of Casper Law-son, a farmer of the town of Poughkeepsie. One child, Donald L., was born to our subject and his wife December 16, 1893. Mr. Worrall is a general farmer, and has 100 acres of land on the Hackinac road. He is a • Democrat, has been clerk of election, and was elected assessor of the town of Poughkeepsie in 1886, holding the office for three years. He is a prominent young farmer, and stands high in the community. His wife is a member of the Reformed Church.

George Worrall, father of our subject, was born in England February 26, 1S17, a son of William H. Worrall, who came to Poughkeepsie in 1825, and bought property there. On this George was reared to the occupation of a farmer. He married Miss Jane E. \'an De-Berg, who was born in the old town of Poughkeepsie, near her present home, a daughter of Henry Van De Berg, a farmer, born in the town of Poughkeepsie, whose ancestors were of Holland stock. George Worrall's death occurred July 26, I SS9. For five years he rented his farm and lived in Poughkeepsie, and in 1869 he built the residence which still remains in the family. Our subject was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Worrall. George Worrall was a Democrat, and at one time wps commissioner of highways for several years. He was a worker in politics, and to a certain extent controlled the politics of his town. He was a member of the Episcopal Church.

LOUIS E. KAMPF, of Matteawan, Dutch- ess county, was born at Lenox, Mass.,

December 29. 1859, of French parentage.

Stephen Kampf, his father, was born and reared in the old French province of Alsace (now a part of Germany), and his ancestors were for many generations connected with the hotel business there. Our subject's mother, Emily (Brielmann), was a native of the same locality, and a daughter of Conrad Brielmann, the famous soldier who accompanied Napoleon throughout the .Austrian campaign, and was with him in the Russian campaign, at Moscow, holding high rank in the service. Twenty-four wounds attested his courage and devotion, and

COyrMEMORATirS BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

677

as a reward for his gallantry he and his family were advanced to a prominent position in France, which his descendants still maintain. Stephen Kampf was employed, as a young man, in building the first railroad through Metz, and in 1852 he came to America, locating at Lenox, Mass., as a skilled workman in a glass factory, the first in this country to engage in the manufacture of heavy glass. He was married to Miss Brielmann, at North Adams, Mass., and about 1861 they settled in Glenham, where they still reside. They are Catholics in faith, and Mr. Kainpf, who early became a citizen of the United States, has always taken a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his adopted country. Their union has been blessed with four children, three of whom are living, Louis E. being second in the order of birth.

Our subject's early life was spent in Glenham, where he received his education, and later took his first lessons in the practical art of making a livelihood, w^orking for some time in the Glenham woolen mills. After learning the details of the business, he worked for many years in the Groveville mills, becoming foreman of the weaving department. In 1888 he purchased his present propert)' at Mattea-wan, and in the following year erected the brick building where, in 1892, he established his saloon, one of the finest in the place.

On February 2, 1885, Mr. Kampf married Miss Carrie Marchesseault, and their home is brightened by a little daughter, named Grace. Mrs. Kampf is a native of Montreal, Canada, where her grandfather, Simon Marchesseault, h. Frenchman by birth, settled upon coming to the New World, and her father, Simon Marchesseault, still resides there. Mr. Kampf is active in social life, and was one of the founders of the Matteawan Mannerchor. He is also a charter member of Court Beacon, Foresters of America. In politics he is a Republican, and actively supports his party, although he has never held nor sought political office.

FRANK BURROUGHS, a wide-awake and skillful agriculturist of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born January 10, 1844, on the farm which is still his home, and is descended from John Burroughs, who landed at Salem, Mass., in 1637, and came to Long Island in 1654. He, with others, were

the patentees of the township of Newtown, Long Island. In the third generation from him was Benjamin Burroughs, who settled in Dutchess county in 1748, and from Madame Brett obtained the deed for a tract of land, on which he reared his family.

Joseph Burroughs, son of this Benjamin Burroughs, and grandfather of our subject, was born August 24, 1754, and in 1781 he wedded Mary Nelson. In 1793 they removed to the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, having purchased the land the year previous, and the house was erected by the grandfather in 1799. There both he and his wife died. In their family were nine children: Elizabeth, who married Cornelius Haight, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill; Reuben, a mechanic, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-eight years; George, a physician of Red Hook, Dutchess county, who died at the age of thirty-eight; Francis, a farmer of Columbia county, N. Y.; Susan, who married Nathan Jones, a mechanic and farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county; William, an agriculturist of Ohio, where his death occurred; Joseph, who died in Schenectady county, N. Y., where he was engaged in farming; Charles, the father of our subject; and Fairly, who died when young near Lake George, New York.

Upon the homestead farm, where our subject now lives, Charles Burroughs was born March 18, 1799, and throughout life he devoted his attention to its care and cultivation, with good success, dying there December 8, 1873. He married Alida Blatchley, whose death occurred May 8, 1887. She was a native of Rensselaer county, N. Y., and a daughter of Samuel Blatchley, who was of English lineage, and carried on agricultural pursuits, coming to Dutchess county from Connecticut. A family of four children were born to Charles Burroughs and his wife: Joseph, who was killed by the Indians in Arizona; Abraham, now a resident of San Francisco, Cal.; George, who also makes his home in the Golden State; and Frank, of this review.

The entire life of our subject has been passed at his present home, and he is successfully engaged in general farming upon his 194-acre tract of valuable and productive land. He is progressive in his methods of carrj'ingon his work—in fact, is one of the model farmers of the community, the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicating the careful and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

systematic manner in which it is cultivated. He is an intelligent, public-spirited citizen, and his neighbors have for him the highest regard. Politically, his ballot is cast in support of the men and measures of the Republican party.

OLIVER S. BARNES, a well-known agriculturist and real-estate owner of Dutchess and Putnam counties, resides near Gay-head, Dutchess county, and is one of the influential and progressive citizens of that locality.

The Barnes family is of Scotch origin, and the ancestors of this branch were early settlers in Westchester county, N. Y., where our subject's grandfather, Richard Barnes, and father, William Barnes, were born, the latter at White Plains, where he grew to manhood. He married Deborah Tompkins, daughter of James Tompkins, who was of Dutch descent, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and followed the occupation of a farmer. After their marriage William Barnes and wife went to the town of Kent, Putnam county, and settled upon a large tract of land, where they reared a family of children, as follows: Phcebe, Eliza B., and Mary A., deceased, who never married; Margaret, the wife of Louis Holmes, a farmer of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county; Hannah J., who married Thomas Townsend, a farmer in Putnam county; James, a shoemaker in Poughkeepsie; Oliver S., the subject of this biography; Caroline, who married William Holmes, a- hay and feed merchant in New York City; and William H., a farmer at the old home in Putnam county. The father was a Republican in political faith during his last years, and like most of his family was a Methodist in his religious views, ably tilling the office of class leader for si.xty years, and in all things exemplifying his belief by honesty and upright dealing. His death occurred in 1860, and his wife passed to her reward December 22, 1876.

Oliver S. Barnes was born September 6, 1828, and passed his early years at the old homestead. In 1851 he went to the town of Pawling. Dutchess county, and December 24, 1855, he married Miss Mary E. Wilde, a lady of unusual mentai acumen and executive ability. She was born in the town of East Fish-kill, Dutchess county, the daughter of James Wilde, and granddaughter of James William Wilde, an Englishman, who purchased 300

acres of land at Fishkill Plains at an early period, and made his home there. Her mother, Caroline Hutchens, a native of the town of Fishkill, was a descendant of an old English family named Hudson, the spelling and pronunciation having changed as time elapsed, Henry Hudson, the discoverer of the Hudson river, being a direct ancestor. Members of her family took an active part in the Revolutionary war.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barnes fettled upon a farm in East Fishkill, and, in i860, they purchased their present farm of 135 acres, near Gayhead, where they made many improvements. The property has been in the hands of some member of the Wilde family for I 50 years, and Mrs. Barnes, in whose name it stands, is active in its management, owing to her husband's deafness. They are general farmers, but give especial attention to the dairy business. They have had eleven children, of whom William C, James Eugene, Lewis, Francis Eugene and Florence E. died in infancy. Of the others, Howard O., disappeared and his present address is unknown; Richard is a farmer in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county; Wilberforce is a farmer in Putnam county; Jane married Ernest Hill, a farmer in Putnam county; Cora is at home; and Ida, deceased, was formerly the wife of Daniel Jewell, a farmer in East Fishkill.

Mr. Barnes has always taken an intelligent interest in the questions of the day, and in politics is a Republican.

MICHAEL PELLS. The Pells family is originally of Holland stock, but the immediate ancestors of our subject have been residents of Dutchess county since an early day. His great-grandfather located on the old farm on the Hudson river, in the town of Poughkeepsie, near where the Hudson River State Hospital is now situated.

On this farm John Pells was born May 12, 1751. He married Rachel Leroy, who was born September 25, 1761, and they reared five of their children. Of these, Deborah died unmarried; Michael was a farmer in the town of Poughkeepsie ; John followed the same occupation; Peter was a farmer in Hyde Park; and Simon J. The latter was born on the home farm, March 17, 1798, and married Phoebe Coe, a native of Ulster county, and the daughter of Abram Coe, whose ancestors

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679

also came from Holland. Shortly after his marriage, in 1826, Simon Pells purchased a farm near that of his father, and there his family of six children was reared. These were Rachel and Sarah, who both died unmarried; Celia F., who is single; Minerva, who died in childhood, as did also Sophia; and Michael. The father was originally a Whig, and later joined the ranks of the Republican party. He and his family, as were his parents before him, were members of the Reformed Dutch Church. He died in 1881, his wife having passed from earth in 1840.

Michael Pells was the youngest of his father's children, and was born in the town of Poughkeepsie. near Arlington, April 11, 1834. In i860 he purchased the farm, on which he now resides, and which comprises 130 acres. Here he carries on general farming, in which he has been very successful. He is a Republican, and a memberof the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Pells has never married. He is popular with all his acquaintances, and is a good citizen and a man of upright life.

DAVID T. BARNES, one of the most pro- gressive and successful agriculturists of

the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, resides upon a farm near Arlington, which has been in the possession of his family for four generations. The family name was originally Van Ness, and our subject's great-grandfather was one of three brothers of that name, who came from Holland at an early period, and located first on Long Island. Later they separated, and the ancestor of Mr. Barnes settled upon the present farm, then a wilderness. He had several children, among them a son, William, our subject's grandfather, who was born on this estate March 5, 1738. He was a farmer all his life, and died November 13, 1807, his wife, Katharine, surviving him until March 7, 1812. They had eight children, as follows: Maria, born May 29, 1760, married William Van Derwater, a farmer in Hyde Park; Richard, born May 23, 1762, a farmer in Columbia county; Henry, born October 9, 1764, a farmer near the old homestead; Catherine, born September 30, 1766; Hannah, born Januarj' 28, 1769, the wife of Joseph Piatt, a farmer of the town of Poughkeepsie; Barnekah, born July 28, 1772, who died at the age of seventeen; David, born October 29,

1774, our subject's father; and Joshua, born July 13, 1777, a farmer near the old home.

David Barnes was married, December 20, 1806, to Ann Thorn, a lady of English descent, who was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, where her father, Joseph Thorn, born February 11, 1745, was a prominent farmer. Joseph Thorn married Sarah Kies, born November 21, 1750, O. S., and reared a family of nine children; Stephen, born December 9, 1773; Martha, March 3, 1776; Joseph, June 3, 1778; John, February 28, 1780; Phcebe, April 13, 1782; Ann, May 3, 1784; Richard, September 30, 1785; Mary, December 31, 1788; and Elizabeth, April 19, 1791. Our subject's parents settled upon the old homestead, where they made extensive improvements, and in 1822 they built the house, which has ever since been the family residence. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, to which William Barnes and his wife had also belonged. David Barnes was a Whig in politics, and an inliu-ential worker in local affairs, holding various minor officers. He died April 17, 1852, and his wife passed away fourteen years later— May 22, 1866. They had seven children: William, born October 10, 1807, died in infancy; Sarah, born January i, 1810, married Peter R. Sleight, a farmer in the town of Lagrange, and died October 20, 1829; Catherine, born April 3, 1812, was the second wife of Mr. Sleight, and died in February, 1894; Ann Elizabeth, born January 31, 1820, is the widow of Alexander F. Wheeler, formerly a leading attorney of Troy; Josephine, born April 15, 1823, married Edmund Van Wyck, a farmer; David, who died in infancy; and David T., born June 29, 1S2S, the subject of this sketch.

David T. Barnes has always lived at the homestead, a fine farm of about 180 acres, devoted to general crops. He is one of the best managers in his locality, his estate being kept under the highest cultivation. On October 12, 1857, he was married to Rhoda E. Titus, a native of Gallia Co., Ohio, born January 15, 1S37, the daughter of Lewis Titus (a farmer) and his wife, Susan. Mrs. Barnes' ancestors were residents of Dutchess county in the early days, and her grandfather, John Titus, was born there. Four children were born of this marriage: Susie, who married William H. Allen, a farmer in the town of Clinton, and died December 20, 1883; Edwin S., who

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPniCAL RECORD.

ried Annie Mary Howard, a daughter of rman Howard, and a descendant of one the old families; Anna K., the wife of irles Howard, a son of Sherman Howard; Elizabeth, who died Februarj- 9. 1883. Barnes is a Republican in politics, and he his family contribute to the support of Presbyterian Church, and take a gener-interest in various philanthropic move-its.

AI^WIX INKERS, senior member of the

firm of Beers & Trafford, the well-known tractors and builders of Millerton, Dutchess nty. was born at Ancram Lead Mines, Co-bia Co., N. Y., June 5, 1858. Linas Beers, grandfather of our subject,

a native of New Milford, Conn., and he his brother Nelson came together to Co-2, Columbia county, about the year 1810. ;on was married to Eliza McArthur, and as to Katherine McArthur, by whom he had

children: Sarah, who married (first) luel Hagadorn, and (second) Mr. Livock; )rose; Nfartin, our ^subject's father; and ira, the wife of Backus Howland. Linas rs was a carpenter by trade. His death irred aboui the year 1841, when he was 1 fifty years, his wife surviving him until ■!, dying at the age of seventy-five years. Martin Beers was born at Copake, N. Y., jeptember, 1831, and he also died at an Y age, passing awaj' July 2, 1861. He was ry intelligent, energetic man, and at the y age of seventeen had already' established 5elf in business, and by his genial nature had ed a host of friends. Having learned the ir's trade in boyhood, he made that his 1 occupation, and he was also engaged in :antile business at the Ancram Lead Mines, artnership with William H. Barton. He

married, February 17, 1852, to Sarah ker, and had three sons: Alton, born IDe-ber 6, 1855, is chief telegraph operator train dispatcher on the Boston & Albany oad at Union depot, Worcester, Mass., has been in their emploj- for twenty-four s; Darwin, our subject, comes next; and ;e M., born February 10, 1861, is in the ess business at Worcester. The widowed her of this little family subsequently, Janu-30, 1873, was married to Ambrose Beers

first husband's brother), who was for y years the most prominent contractor and

builder of Millerton. He died March 31,1888, leaving a widow, and a son (William) by a former marriage, born 1861. She was born October 14, 1830, in Ancram township, Columbia Co., N. Y., a daughter of Stephen and Rhoda (Williams) Decker, both born at Co-pake—the father on June 6, 1795, the mother on January i, 1799. They were married August 30, 1818, and had children as follows: Louisa, born September 10, 1819; Clara A., born April 23, 1821; Orville, born August 17, 1825; Sarah, born October 14, 1830; Cornelia E., born August 8, 1834. The father died October 2, 1856; the mother on April 17, 1881.

Darwin Beers received his early education in the village of Millerton, attending the select schools taught by Rev. Mr. Ferguson, Charles Walsh, now editor of the Amenia Times, and Miss Carrie Knickerbocker. For four months in 1873 he was employed as a clerk by Eggle-ston Brothers, of Millerton, but during the following winter he again attended school. In the spring of 1S74 he began learning the carpenter trade with Ambrose Beers, and worked for him about five years, then managed the farm of his uncle, the late William H. Barton, for three years, being appointed in the meantime to succeed him as street commissioner of the village of Millerton, for the term of three years. At the time that he assumed the duties of this office Mr. Beers was only twenty years old. After leaving the farm he returned to his trade and worked for his stepfather as a journeyman carpenter for three years, or until 1885, in which year he formed a partnership with William Trafford, and engaged in the construction of buildings on contract. Their work has included architectural designing, and in this department the firm has won especial praise. Among the buildings erected by them are the $50,000 residence of Mrs. Frances Scoville, at Chapinville, Conn., and the elegant villa at I-iavine Hurst in Massachusetts, built for John Shepard, Jr., of Providence, R. L In Millerton the evidence of their artistic taste and skilled workmanship are numerous, including the " Barton House", the business blocks owned by C. F'. Hawley and the firm of Hotchkiss & Eggleston, besides many fine residences. Their business compares favorably in volume with that of any similar firm in this region outside of New York City. Since 1889 they have also dealt in lumber extensively, having a commodious lumber yard.

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COMMEMORA TITE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

681

and they have employed from seventy-five to 150 hands throughout the year. Messrs. Beers and Trafford devote their entire time to their contracts, which include mason work, carpentering, grading, painting, plumbing and introducing all systems of heaters — in fact, every branch of the business. Mr. Beers has one of the finest family residences in Millerton, delightfully situated on Barton street.

In 1884 Mr. Beers was married to Miss Addie Bond, who was born September 30, i860, at Newburg, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Lozier) Bond, formerly prominent residents of Newburg, N. Y., the former born in 1838, the latter in 1835. They had two children, Mrs. Beers alone surviving. Harriet (Cromwell), Joseph Bond's mother, and a lineal descendant of Oliver Cromwell, died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Beers—Alton Bond and Warren Martin.

In politics Mr. Beers is a Democrat, and while he is not what is termed a politician, he is deeply interested and active in and loyal to his party, but always true to his convictions of right. In matters of local importance he is public-spirited and progressive, having given his influence to many movements which tended to promote the common good. He is one of the members of the board of health, also a member of the fire department. Socially, he is a member of Webatuck Lodge No. 480, F. & A. M., of Millerton. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Millerton, of which he is a liberal supporter, a member of the choir, also one of the official board.

WILLIAM TRAFFORD, a prominent contractor and builder of Millerton,

member of the well-known firm of Beers & Trafford, was born December 31, 1852, in Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y. His family is of English origin, and is one of the oldest and most distinguished in Columbia count}'. His great-grandfather, Thomas Trafford, who was born in Copake in 1752, was one of the first two justices of the peace in Taghanick, Columbia Co., N. Y., holding office in 1803, 1804 and 1808. He married Elizabeth Elliot, and died in 1817. William T. Trafford, our subject's grandfather, was born on the old family estate in Copake in 1783, and died in 1866. He was a farmer and leading citizen

of his time, serving as supervisor in 1837, and as justice of the peace in 1827, 1830, 1846, 1847 and 1851. He married Helen Snyder, and had seven children: Elizabeth, Milton, Hannah, Thomas, Homer, Robert Emmet and William.

Milton Trafford, our subject's father, was born June 13, 1813, and spent his entire life in Copake, where he followed the carpenter's trade. He married Louise Decker, who was born in Copake, September 10, 1S19, and died in 1878. He survived her fourteen years, dying in 1893. Of their si.\ children our subject was the next to the youngest. The names of the others, with the dates of birth, etc., areas follows: Sarah, November 24, 1840, died March 24, 1843; Wesley, March 4, 1844, now living in New York City; Alice, February 5, 1847, died October 18, 1866; Stephen D., March 13, 1849, a resident of Torrington, Conn.; and Marion, August 16, 1858, a resident of Millerton.

Our subject attended the schools of his native town until he was about seventeen years old, obtaining a good academic education. In 1870 he began to learn the carpenter's trade with his father, and worked with him eight years. In 1881 he came to Millerton and engaged in the work of contracting and building with his uncle, Ambrose Beers, and in 1885 the present firm of Beers & Trafford was organized. They are among the most successful and enterprising workers to be found in their line of business, and have built some of the finest structures in that vicinity. On June 18, 1891, Mr. Trafford married Miss Allie Eggles-ton, daughter of Stewart Eggleston, of Dutchess county. They have no children.

Mr. Trafford is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, a leader in many of the most important measures for local improvement. He is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in political work. At present he is a trustee of the village of Millerton, and is chief of the E. H. Thompson Hose Company.

D>ANIEL S. BARIGHT, one of the pro-_ ' gressive farmers of the town of Pough-keepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Pleasant Valley, March 25, 1838. He stayed on his father's farm during his boyhood and attended the district schools, the Quaker School m the town of Union Vale, the Dutchess County Academy, and was for a short time at the

C82

COMMEMOBATJVE BIOORAPHJOAL HE CORD.

Nine Partners Boardinj? School. After going through these schools he taught for three winters in the town of Poughkeepsie, and three winters in the town of Pleasant \'alley.

Mr. Baright was married, October 2, 1861, to Miss Mary Wing, who was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, the daughter of Alexander and Hannah Wing. Our subject and his wife located on their present farm in 1862, and reared a family of four children, namely: Ann G. married a Mr. Sheldon, of Poughkeepsie; William is living in Minneapolis, where he organized the "Order of the World," of that State, and where he is successfully engaged in the insurance business; Irving is in the insurance business in Nebraska; and Frederick is at home. Mr. Baright has a place of 116 acres, on which he carries on general farming. He is also engaged in the agricultural implement business, with headquarters at Poughkeepsie, and has represented the New York Life Insurance Company for over twenty years. In politics he is a Republican, and takes a lively interest in such matters, but, although frequently urged to do so, has never held office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he has always been greatly interested, and especially in the Sunday-school. He has been connected with the County Sunday-school organization for several years, and both he and his wife are devout Christians.

Elijah Baright, the father of our subject, was born, March 30, 1802, in Pleasant Valley, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Amy D. Carpenter, whose birth took place in Stanford town, January 17, 1799. She was the daughter of Samuel Carpenter, a farmer. After their marriage our subject's parents settled on the old farm, and the following children were born to them: Samuel, born in 1826, is a farmer in the town of Poughkeepsie; Ann Eliza died when twenty-one years old; Daniel S. is our subject; and Edwin was an insurance agent for many years in Poughkeepsie, but is now retired, and spends his summers at Ocean Grove and his winters at Poughkeepsie. Elijah Baright was a farmer by occupation, but was also a successful business man, and dealt largely in stocks in New York City. He was a Democrat up to 1856, when he became a Republican. He and his wife were Hicksite Quakers. His death occurred June 19, 1S73; that of his wife on December 31, 1880.

John Baright, the grandfather, was born in Poughkeepsie, of Holland ancestry. He married, and then settled on a farm in Pleasant Valley, where the following children were born to him and his wife: Augustus is a farmer in Batavia, N. Y.; Sarah became the wife of John Stringham, a farmer in Michigan; and Susan married Daniel Stringham, a farmer in the town of Lagrange. John Baright remained on the farm all his life. The Barights were Quakers, and consequently did not take part in either the Revolutionary war or the war of 1812.

JOHN G. SENCERBAUGH, now residing on a farm in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, was for over forty years connected with the Union Ferry Company, but is now retired from active labor, and in the enjoyment of all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is a native of the town of East Fishkill, born June 19, 1818, and is a son of Simeon D. Sencerbaugh, whose birth occurred in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Phcebe Washburn, was also born in Dutchess county.

After their marriage, the parents of our subject located upon a farm in the town of East Fishkill, where they reared their family of nine children: Jane, who married Laben Rogers, a farmer of Beekman town; John G., subject of this review; Jarvis W., a farmer and business man of Minnesota, who represented his district in the State Senate; Charles, who was a steamboat captain on the Mississippi; Mary, who wedded \\'illiam Phillips, of East Fishkill town, but both are now deceased; Catherine, who married Joel Seaman, and died at Candor, in the western part of the State; Susan, who married A. A. Brush, a warden in the prison at Sing Sing, N. Y.; Antoinette, who married William Humphrey, of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county; and Henry. The father was a farmer by occupation, and both himself and wife were consistent members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

John G. Sencerbaugh grew to manhood on the home farm, and was united in marriage with Catherine Lounsbury, a native of the town of East Fishkill, and a daughter of Joshua Lounsbury, also born in that township. The birth of her grandfather, Isaac

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHWAL RECORD.

683

Lounsbury, occurred either in Dutchess county or in Putnam Co., N. Y. The family is of English origin. In the spring of 1848, with his wife, Mr. Sencerbaugh removed to Brooklyn, where he became connected with the Union Ferry Co., which connection continued until he laid aside business cares in 1889, and he has since lived retired upon a farm in the town of East Fishkill, where he is surrounded by many warm friends.

In the family were four children: (i) Carrie, married John V. Van Arsdale, who is a descendant of Baron Resolve Waldron, who came from Harlem, Holland, in 1666, and settled in New Harlem, N. Y.; Mr. Van Arsdale is a native of Bound Brook, N. J., where he was reared in his father's store. For thirty years he has made his home in Brooklyn, but now calls the Sencerbaugh farm, in the town of East Fishkill, his home. He is connected with the custom-house business, and every Monday goes into the city, returning again on Saturdays. (2) John died in infancy. (4) Emma became the vvife of William D. Bar-num, but died while yet young. (3) William P. (the third in order of birth ) now manages the home farm of 125 acres, devoting his attention to general farming, and has made many valuable and useful improvements since locating thereon in 1889. Previous to coming to Dutchess county, he was a traveling salesman foria lace-importing house, for a period of about ten years, but gave up that work on account of ill health. He is a firm Republican in politics, and though his residence here is of comparatively short duration, he has figured quite actively in political affairs. By all who know them, the family is held in the highest regard, and justly ranks among the best citizens of the community.

I BUTLER ANDERSON, a prosperous

\^^ agriculturist, residing near Brinckerhoff, Dutchess county, is one of the progressive citizens of that vicinity. His family has been identified with Dutchess county for several generations, and its various members have always shown the qualities of character which tend to good citizenship.

John Anderson, our subject's grandfather, a native of Dutchess county, married Ann Travis, and settled in the town of Fishkill (now East Fishkill), where a family of six children were born to them: Zilla, who mar-

ried Lewis Wright, a farmer in the town of Lagrange; Susan, the wife of Abram Van-Vlack, a farmer in East Fishkill town; Polly, the wife of Moses Homan, a farmer in the same town; Elizabeth, who married Harvey Eighmy, as a farmer in the town of Beekman; Peter, who followed agriculture all his life in the town of East Fishkill; and John.

John Anderson (2), our subject's father, was reared as a farmer boy, and married Miss Eliza M. Butler, daughter of Allen Butler, a well-known farmer, and lifelong resident of Dutchess county. His wife was Sarah Crouse, and they had two children: Egbert C, a retired business man of the city of Poughkeep-sie, and Eliza M.( our subject's mother). The young people settled upon the present homestead, which they purchased over fifty years ago. Mr. Anderson was an influential man in local affairs, serving for nine years as commissioner of his town, and in early 3'ears was a Democrat and afterward a Republican. He and his wife were leading members of the Reformed Church at Hopewell, and he held the office of elder for many years previous to his death in 1890. His wife survives him with one son, our subject, and a daughter, Sarah A., who married T. G. Matthews, a flour merchant of New York City, and a real-estate owner and resident of Brooklyn.

A. Butler Anderson was born August 15, 1847, and spent his life mainly at the old farm. He attended the neighboring district schools in early boyhood, and then went to Poughkeep-sie, where he pursued his studies in a select school and the College Hill School. On his return home he assisted his lather, and in time assumed the management of the estate. On October 30, 1875, he was united in matrimony with Susan H. Van Wyck, daughter of Henry Van Wyck, a farmer of the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county. Si.\ children were born of this union: John, Eliza Maria, Henry V. W., Annie L., Sarah L., and Egbert B., who are all at home.

Mr. Anderson makes no specialities in his work as an agriculturist. The old homestead comprised 196 acres, and to this an adjoining tract of eighty-si.x acres has been added, making one of the best farms in the neighborhood. In politics he is a Republican, and he takes a generous interest in all public improvements; he and his wife contribute to the support of the Reformed Church at Hopewell, of which she is a member.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGUAPUICAL JiECOIiU.

CHARLES UU BOIS ROGERS, a prominent young agriculturist of the town of Fishkill. Dutchess county, is the owner of a farm which has been in his family for four generations.

His ancestors of a still earlier period were well known among the pioneers of this State, the head of the American line being John Rogers, who came from Scotland, formerly from England (lineal descendant of John Rogers, who was burned at the stake at Smith-field in Queen Mary's reign), and located in Putnam county, N. Y., where he kept the first road house, or hotel, opened between New York and Albany. It was in the woods among the Indians, ^near what is now called Garrison's Station on the Hudson River railroad.

The great-great-grandparents of our subject were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Fowler) Rogers. His great-grandparents, Benjamin (2) and Elizabeth F. Rogers reared a family of ten children: John, William, Benjamin, Absalom, Elijah, Pattie, Hester, Betsey, Mary, and Sarah. Absalom Rogers, our subject's grandfather, married Maria Du Bois, and had six children: Emily Abraham D., Peter, William, Lewis, and Charles C. (our subject's father).

Charles C. Rogers married Harriet L. Cook, and our subject was their only son. He was born March 17, 1867, at the old homestead near Fishkill \'illage, and his education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood and the Union Free School at Fishkill, with two years in Leslie's Academy in Poughkeepsie. He left school at the age of eighteen, and returned home, where he gradually assumed the management of the farm, relieving his father from the burden during his declining years, and caring for him until his death, which occurred May 30, 1892. The estate contains 100 acres, fifty acres lying on each side of the road laid out by Madame Brett from old Fishkill to Fishkill-on-Hudson. The trolley cars now pass the the door. Mr. Rogers makes a specialty of dairying, keeping from twenty-five to thirty cows the year round.

He has a pleasant home. His wife, whom he married December 9, 1891, was formerly Grace A. Haight. a daughter of J. Cornelius Haight,the historian. They have three children: Lewis D., Bertha May, and Grace A. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rogers attend the Protestant Episcopal Church, and are heartily in sympathy with various lines of social, religious, and ed-

ucational progress. Politically, Mr. Rogers is a Democrat, ami he is a member of Hudson River Lodge No. 57, K. of P.

FRANK A. HOTCHKISS. a prominent merchant of Millerton, Dutchers county,

and a representative of a family which has become widely famous for its inventive genius, was born August 27, 1S57, at Sharon \'alley, Connecticut.

The family is of English origin, the first of the American branch being among the early settlers of New Haven, and during the Revolutionary war there were three generations in the service at the same time. Asahel Hotch-kiss, our subject's great-grandfather, resided at Prospect, now a part of New Haven, and there Asahel Hotchkiss. the grandfather of our subject, was born. He was a man of superior natural talent, successful in financial management, and also in the invention of various devices which he manufactured in a factory at Sharon \'alley, which at that day was considered a large establishment. At first he was engaged in the manufacture of leather wallets, and, later, in game traps, curry combs, wrenches and other small articles of hardware. This factor}' was afterward moved to Bridgeport, where it is now carried on by a grandson of the founder. Asahel Hotchkiss was prominent in public affairs also, having great influence in the Republican party. He served as a member of the Connecticut Legislature for two terms, and as State Senator for one term. He was an active member of the Congregational Church. He married Althea Guernsey, and had ten children, of whom Dotha and Charles A. are yet living, (i) Andrew was a cripple, died in early manhood, but not before he invented the e.xplosive shell called theby Rebels "screamers"—a description of rifled cannon. (2) Benjamin B. was the inventor of the famous Hotchkiss gun. and of other impk?-ments of warfare, including a torpedo boat, and was well known in all parts of the world. He spent a fortune in perfecting his gun and placmg it upon the market, and was in actual want before its value was recognized; but later he realized a large fortune from it, and honors as well, being decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honor, and other orders. He was a man of remarkable executive ability, as well as inventive faculty, and at. one time he carried on the manufacture of his inventions in

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

685

Vienna, removing afterward to Paris. He retained his residence in New York, however, and his estate was settled here. (3) Frederick A., the father of our subject, is mentioned below. (4) Frankhn died at the age of sixteen years. (5) WiUiam died in childhood. (6) Sarah M. married George A. Kelsey. (7) Dotha married (first) Henry Finch, and (second) Hugh A. McKelvey, and now resides in Bridgeport, Conn. (8j Charles A. is a resident of Bridgeport, Conn. (9) Dwight was a lifelong invalid. (10) Abijah died in childhood.

Frederick A. Hotchkiss was born in Water-town, Conn., in 1829, and became a member of the firm of Hotchkiss Sons, being for some time superintendent of the factory at Bridgeport. He retired from active business in 1870, and passed his later years in more congenial pursuits. He was a well-read man, of quiet tastes, and not at all inclined to seek public honors, though he was a strong supporter of the Republican party, and took a generous interest in public affairs, local and national, but never held official position. He married Caroline Parson, daughter of John Parson, a prominent resident of Sharon, Conn., and had four children, as follows: Mary married W. H. Hill, of Reading, Conn.; Carrie L. died in early womanhood; Frank A. comes ne.xt; and Hattie F. was the wife of Sidney McKelvey, of Sparta, 111. Of these, Frank A., our subject, is the sole survivor.

Frank A. Hotchkiss received his education mainly in the schools of Sharon, and attended the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, one winter. On leaving school at the age of nineteen, he taught in the village of Sharon for two years, since when he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits. For about five years he was bookkeeper and salesman for Beech, Hawley & Co., but March 17, 1886, the firm being reorganized on account of the death of Mr. Beach, Mr. Hotchkiss and L. J. Eggles-ton bought an interest, the firm becoming Hotchkiss & Eggleston. They have been very successful, and in 1894 they removed from the old locality, w-here the "Millerton House" now stands, to their new building, which is one of the finest of the kind in the county. His well-proven business ability places Mr. Hotchkiss among the foremost of the younger men of his locality. He has been president of the Millerton National Bank for two years, a (act which speaks volumes for the esteem in

which he is held in business circles. He is greatly interested in local improvements, and has been trustee and president of the village four terms; but while he is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party, he does not take an active part in political work. In 1885 Mr. Hotchkiss was married to Miss Fannie H. Gillette, daughter of Edward F. Gillette, a leading merchant of Sharon, and they have si.x children: Mary F., Frederick, Edward G., Benjamin B., Reed H. and Andrew Dwight. Mr. and Mrs. Hotchkiss are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.

OSEPH SUNDERLAND, a prominent resident of Glenham, Dutchess county, was born May 25, 1839, at Darlington, England, and is descended in both paternal and maternal lines from ancestry who were engaged in agricultural pursuits.

His father, John Sunderland, a native of Colne, Lancashire, England, was an excellent workman, and in addition to his farm work was often employed as a stone-mason and wall-builder. He married Nancy Binns, who was born at Hunsworth, Yorkshire, England, the eldest daughter of Joseph Binns, a farmer. The young couple made their home at Armley, Leeds, England, where they spent the remainder of their lives, rearing to maturity five sons and one daughter. The father died October 2, 1864; the mother on December 14, 1885; both passing away in full faith, having been devout members of the Primitive Methodist Church. Their children were: William, now residing at Devvsbury, England, was formerly a spinner by trade, but is now engaged in mercantile business; Joseph is mentioned more fully below; Mary married Thomas Jowitt, a brickmaker, at Wortley, Leeds, England; Samuel is a butcher and milk dealer at Wort-ley; Charles Henry, who was a press setter, died in January, 1S86, at the age of thirty-eight; John is a general merchant at Armley, England, and takes an infiuential part in religious work, is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been superintendent of a large Sunday-school for the past eighteen years.

Joseph Sunderland lived at home until he was sixteen years old, and by that time had gained a fair knowledge of the spinner's trade. In 1855 he joined the British army, and served

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

a year and a half, when he was honorably discharged on account of a reduction in the forces. Returning home, he began to work at his trade, which he followed until the age of twenty-four years, then crossed the ocean, in 1863, and for about three years lived at Ballardvale, Mass., where he learned the trade of file forging. In 1866 he came to Matteawan, N. Y., and spent about two years at his trade before engaging in the saloon business, in which he continued from 1868 until 1876, when he moved to Glenham, N. Y., where he opened a saloon, which he still conducts. He is one of the leading dealers in his line, and for eight years has been president of the Liquor Dealers' Association of his Assembly District. In 1864 Mr. Sunderland married Miss Emma, only surviving daughter of David Robertshaw, of Wortley, Leeds, England. She is the only ineniber of her family to come to America. Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland have one daughter living, Alice R., who is at home. Mr. Sunderland is fond of reading and takes much interest in current events. In religion he inclines to the Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Republican. His influence in local affairs is marked, and he has served three terms as deputy sheriff, under Sheriffs Vantassell, Bart-lett and Jerr\' S. Pearce, each term being for three years.

WILLIAM \V. MARSHALL, an enterprising fruit raiser and farmer, was born in the town of Pleasant \'alley, at Salt Lake Point, September 10, 1839. He began life on the farm, went to the district school, and spent two winters at the Claverack school. He then returned to his father's farm and worked for four years.

In 1861 Mr. Marshall married Miss Elizabeth D. Wing, who was born in the town of Clinton, the daughter of Alexander Wing, a native of that town. After their marriage our subject and his wife lived for four years on the old farm, and then worked a farm at Clinton Corners for five years. Subsequently our subject Game to the town of Poughkeepsie, and engaged in the retail milk business for three years; then rented the John L. Marshall farm, on which he worked for ten years. In 1884 he bought a place, which consists of thirty-si.\ acres, three-fourths of a mile from Poughkeepsie City, and has resided there ever since, making a specialty of raising small fruits of all

kinds. He is a Democrat, and he and his wife attend the Orthodox Friends Church, to which they are contributors. He has a fine residence on his place, with all the necessary outbuildings.

Isaac Marshall, father of our subject, was born in Pleasant \'alley. grew up on the Marshall homestead, and married Miss Eliza Lawrence, who was also a native of Pleasant \'al-ley. Robert Lawrence, her father, was a farmer in the same place, and came of English stock. The parents of our subject settled on a farm in their native place, and there reared the following children: Elnathan G., a farmer in the town of Pleasant \'alley; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Theron R. Marshall, a farmer of Pleasant \'alley; Augusta, who married Joseph Dot}', a farmer of the same place; Sarah, who married Parris Baker, a carpenter in Saratoga county, N. Y.; Pa-melia, unmarried; Emily, who became the wife of Clarence \'an Wagner, a farmer in Pleasant \'alley; William W., our subject. Mr. Marshall died in 1890, and his wife in 1888. He was a Democrat in politics, and was assessor in the town of Pleasant Valley. They were both members of the Baptist Church.

John Marshall, grandfather of our subject, was also born in Pleasant \'alley, where he married and reared these children: Harris, a farmer in Dutchess county; Lewis was a farmer in the western part of the State; Oliver, who died young; Isaac, father of our subject; John C, who was a farmer at Salt Point; and two daughters not named.

WILLIAM BODDEN, one of the most _ prominent agriculturists of the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, residing near Camelot. was born October 30, 1813, at Kirkcudbright, Scotland, where his ancestors had made their home for many generations. His father, John Bodden, was born there June 27, 1789. He married Elizabeth Dinwiddle, a native of Scotland, and had two children, of whom our subject was the eldest. The other, Elizabeth, married Gilbert Grieve, a farmer near the old home, and remained in Scotland. In 1817 John Bodden came to America, and for some years resided in New York City (his business being that of a builder), later, on account of ill health, removing to the farm near Camelot, where he died May 2,

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687

1874. He took a keen interest in all that concerned the community, was an active Republican, and while he was not a seeker after official position he served at one time as road commissioner. He and his wife were members of the Scotch Presbyterian Church.

William Bodden attended the schools of his native place until he was sixteen years old, and after coming to New York City he attended there for some time. In 1830 he came to Dutchess county and settled upon his present farm of 130 acres, where he has since followed general agricultural pursuits. He gives especial attention to the raising of fruit. On February 15, 1834, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, who was a native of his own town in Scotland, and of this union eleven children were born, a brief record of whom is as follows: John B., born August i, 1835, resides in Poughkeepsie; David, born January 30, 1837, was a soldier in the Civil war, and, later, was a farmer in Missouri, but now resides in Poughkeepsie; Mary H., born December 4, 1838, married William H. Van I\euren, a jeweler in the same city; Eliza, born March 28, 1841, and Washington, born August 6, 1842, died in childhood; William B., born April 24, 1846, is a tinner and stove dealer at Lagrangeville; Thomas G., born August 6, 1848, is a horticulturist in the town of Poughkeepsie; Robert, born March 16, 1850, is a druggist in Syracuse; Elizabeth, born April 7, 1852, married John Grubb, a bookkeeper, residing in Poughkeepsie; James G., born May I, 1854, and Florence, born Februaryg, 1857, live at home.

Mr. Bodden and his wife are leading members of the Methodist Church at Poughkeepsie. In politics he is a Republican, and he has been active in promoting various movements for the common good, notably those for educational advancement, and he has been school trustee for many years. For more than half a century he has identified himself with the best interests of the locality, and he holds the esteem of the entire community.

LEWaS H. WRIGHT, one of the wide- awake and progressive agriculturists of the

town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born there September 4, 1856, and on the paternal side is of English origin. His greatgrandfather, Thomas Wright, was a native of

the same town, while the birth of his grandfather, Lewis Wright, occurred in 1800, in Lagrange town, Dutchess county. After the latter's marriage with Jane Vermilyea, also a native of Dutchess county, he located upon a farm in Lagrange town, where their two children were born—John G., the father of our subject; and Mary, who wedded John Wanzer, a farmer of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. The wife and mother was a member of the Society of Friends.

After the death of his first wife, the grandfather was again married, his second union being with Zella Anderson, and they became the parents of four children: Thomas, who is a farmer of Lagrange town; Anderson, who died young; Susan, who married a Mr. Hall, of Unionvale town, Dutchess county; and Ann, who married Draper Hall, also of Unionvale. The grandfather carried on agricultural pursuits throughout life, and died April 14, 1887, on the farm now owned by our subject in the town of Fishkill. Politically, he was a Democrat.

John G. Wright, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Lagrange, May 31, 1824, there grew to manhood, and February 16, 1853, married Miss Ruanah Haight, who was born in Orange county, N. Y., in 1833, and is a daughter of Henry Haight, a native of Putnam county, this State. After their marriage the young couple located upon the farm in the town of East Fishkill. where Lewis H., their only child, was born, and remained there until 1871. The mother's death occurred October 4, 1889.

Lewis H. Wright obtained his education in the district schools near his home, and on attaining to man's estate was married January 28, 1880, to Miss Henrietta Jackson, a native of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where her father, Orry Jackson, was engaged in farming. The Jacksons are of Scotch stock. Two children grace this union: Runelia, born February 11, 1884; and John L., born April 19, 1889. Mr. W'right began his domestic life upon his present farm at Fishkill Plains, which comprises 300 acres of valuable land, and he also owns another farm of 250 acres in the town of East Fishkill. He devotes his time and attention to general farming, raising everything adapted to the soil and climate of this section, and is one of the most enterprising and energetic agriculturists of the community. Both himself and father cast their ballots in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and are most highly respected citizens.

GEORGE LAMOKEE. a thorough, skillful farmer ami business man, is a representative of the agricultural interests of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and has become one of the well-to-do citizens of the locality, where he is recognized as an important factor in preserving the reputation of the town as one of the most highly cultivated and improved in Dutchess county.

Our subject was born on Friday, December 8, 1819, on the farm where he now resides. Three brothers of the Lamoree family were among those hardy pioneers who came to this State prior to the Revolution—about the year 1772—one locating in Orange count}', one in Albany county, and the other in Dutchess county, N. Y., the latter being Isaac Lamoree, the grandfather of our subject. From King George of England he obtained a grant for fifty acres of land in the town of Pleasant Valley, and our subject has that grant in his possession. Isaac Lamoree had two sons: John, who spent his entire life at farming in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county; and Timothy, the father of our subject.

Timothy Lamoree was born on the homestead in Pleasant Valley, which later became his property, and there he brought his bride, formerly Hester \'an Wagner, who was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, of Holland descent. To their union were born eight children: John, a miller of Salt Point, Pleasant X'alley; Sarah, who became the wife of Richard Tompkins, a farmer of Lagrange town, Dutchess county; Phcebe, who married Richard Allen, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Catherine, who became the wife of John H. Nelson, a farmer of Clinton town; Nancy, who married Piatt Van \'liet, a miller and merchant of Salt Point; Eliza, who became the wife of Jonathan Allie, an agriculturist; Mary, who wedded Benjamin Howell, also a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; and George, subject of this review. Upon the old farm the parents of this family both died. They were consistent and faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics the father was a stanch Whig.

On reaching a sufficient age George Lamoree became a pupil in the district school near

his home, and later attended the New Paltz Academy which he left in the spring of 1S36, crossing the Hudson river on the ice on the second day of April. About this time young Lamoree joined a temperance society, a very unpopular and even despised thing in those days, and for several years served as its president. On starting out in life for himself he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and his labors have been amply rewarded, so that he is now the possessor of 400 acres in the town of Union-vale, twenty acres in the city of Poughkeepsie, and about 140 acres in the home farm. He has made a specialty of hay-raising, and had the first portable hay press in the town of Pleasant Valley. Not only is his land well cultivated, but the buildings are all of a substantial character, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place gives evidence of an enterprising and industrious owner. Although now past the prime of life, he is still hale and hearty, and gives his attention to the improvement of his land.

Mr. Lamoree was united in marriage with Jane M. Pells, a native of the town of Rhine-beck, where her father, Simon H. Pells, was also born, and followed farming. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Amelia Van-Wagner, was born in Dutchess county, and was of Holland lineage. Mrs. Lamoree had one sister, Julia M., who became the wife of John W. Moore, a farmer of Rhinebeck town. Our subject and his wife were married in 1S46, and began their domestic life upon the farm which they still occupy. Four children were born to them: the eldest died in infancy; Franklin married Martha I\. Canover, and is a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Emily J. married B. T. Alley, and after his death became the wife of Oscar J. Case, of Salt Point; Flora A., who is now the wife of Charles Bur-bank, a native of Orleans county. New York.

Mr. Lamoree takes an active interest in political affairs, uniformly voting the straight Republican ticket. He has held a number of public offices, appearing first in 1855 asjustice of the peace of his town; ne.xt as supervisor for three years; and as sheriff of Dutchess county from 1864 to 1867, inclusive; also served as revenue collector of his district, the appointment being made by President Lincoln at the commencement of the Civil war, which incumbency he filled until 1864. Mr. Lamoree was one of the founders of the Poughkeep-

(^X/Vm^^tt-CX^^

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689

sie City National Bank in i860, and has been a director thereof during its existence. Previous to the Civil war he served as brigade paymaster under Gen. Isaac I. Piatt. He is a public-spirited and progressive man, and is deserving of rank among the highly honored and representative pioneer citizens of Dutchess county. Age and honored position do not protect one from the criminal class, and this esteemed citizen has been subjected to more than the average man's share of experience with the " rufifian burglar." On the night of November 12, 1896, two men entered his home through a small window in the basement, and carried off all the money, some $70.00, then in the house, together with as much clothing as could conveniently be taken away. This was all done without awakening the household. One of the men had called the previous day at noon, and asked for something to eat. His suspicious actions convinced the family of his evil intentions, but robbery was not thought of. One month later, December 12, the same men called about midnight, and placing a ladder to the portico, climbed in at an upstairs window, and went through the house. They placed a revolver at Mr. Lamoree's head, and demanding perfect quiet at the peril of his life, they bound both him and his wife with cords, and then searched for their booty. They secured about $30.00, and a valuable gold watch, a gift from Mr. Lamoree's father. Our subject prevailed upon them to leave the watch, which they did upon his promise to pay $5.00, which promise he will keep. The two ruffians then ate heartily and drank cider, and in their effort to get away they stole a horse from a neighbor, but were caught and arrested by Officer McCabe, indicted, tried, and then finally sentenced by Samuel K. Phillips to ten years in prison.

ISAAC S. GENUNG, a thorough and sys-__ tematic farmer of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born January 30, 1831, in what was then the town of Fishkill. but is now East Fishkiil, and'is a worthy representative of one of the honored old families of the county, and was of French origin.

Gabriel Genung, his grandfather, was born at Morristown, N. J., May 22, 1775, and in that State, July 10. 1799, was united in marriage with Nancy Brinckerhoff, whose birth also there occurred. Shortly after their mar-

riage they came to Dutchess county, locating in the town of Fishkill, where the grandfather engaged in farming and in the tanning business. There they reared their three sons: Adrian, who became a merchant of Swartout-ville and Johnsville, Dutchess county; Joseph, the father of our subject; and Benjamin, who followed farming in Wayne county, N. Y. The mother of these children died September 10, 1844, and the father on November 20, 1857. He had a brother who faithfully served in the war of 1812.

In the town of Fishkill, March 13, 1801. was born Joseph Genung, the father of our subject, and he soon became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist upon the home farm. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Charlotte Remsen, a native of the town of Fishkill, and a daughter of Abraham Storm. They located upon the old homestead farm, which the father continued to cultivate and improve until his death, June 6, 1865; his wife passed away August 11, 1893. They were both members of the Reformed Church, and in politics he was an ardent Democrat.

Our subject is the eldest in the family of ten children, the others being Sarah; Jane, who became the wife of Edgar Baldwin, but both are now deceased; John, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill; Polhemus, a broker and insurance man of New York City; Joseph, who is living retired in Poughkeepsie; Albert, an agriculturist of the town of East Fishkill; and William, who died at the age of twenty years.

Upon the home farm of 155 acres of rich and arable land, Isaac S. Genung remained with his brother John and sister Sarah, and has there since carried on general farming. He is one of the substantial farmers of the township, having met with a well-deserved success in his chosen calling, and no man takes a keener interest in the prosperity of his native county, or is held in higher respect, than Mr. Genung. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party, which embodies his views on public questions of the day.

J|OSEPH W. PHILLIPS. Among the enterprising and influential citizens of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, whose names are scattered through the pages of this volume none is more worthy of mention than the gentleman whose name intro-

am

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duces this brief biographical notice. His grandfather, John PhiiUps, was a native of Holland, and on crossing the Atlantic to the New World, located upon a farm in the town of Fishkill (now Wappinger), Dutchess county, where he spent his remaining days. There he was married and reared a family of several children, among whom was Elias Phillips, the father of our subject.

The last named was born May 3, 1792, in what was then the town of I'ishkill, but is now Wappinger. When he attained to man's estate, he was married to Miss Maria Wilde, and they became the parents of seven children: Elizabeth, now the widow of John C. Storm, a farmer of East Fishkill; Sarah, who married Benjamin Strang, a farmer of the same town, but both now deceased; John, a resident of Tompkins county, N. Y.; William W., deceased, who also followed farming; Elias M., who carried on farming in Tompkins county, but is now deceased; Lumen B., an agriculturist of Tompkins county; and James D., a hardware merchant of Terre Haute, liid. The mother of these children died in 1831, and Elias Phillips was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth North-rup, a native of Putnam connty, N. Y., where her father, John Northrup, engaged in fanning. Our subject was the only child born of this union. During his entire life the father followed the occupation of farming exclusively, and died upon his farm April 30, 1879, while the mother departed this life October 14, 1890. He was a Republican in politics, and the family were Baptists in religious belief.

Joseph W. Phillips was born in the town of East Fishkill May 8, 1835, and there his early life was passed amidst rural scenes upon the farm which his father had purchased in 1833. On November 6, 1856, he was married to Miss Caroline Rogers, a daughter of Laban and Jane (Sincerbo.x) Rogers, and a native of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, where her father was also born and engaged in farming throughout life. He was the son of John I'iogers, also a native of that town, and an agriculturist by occupation. Hezekiah Rogers, the father of the last named, was born in England, and with two brothers crossed the ocean to America, he becoming a resident of the town of Beekman, while tney settled on Long Island. Simeon D. Sincer-box, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Phillips, was also a native of Dutchess county.

Upon their marriage Mr. Phillips took his wife to a farm in the town of East Fishkill, which he continued to operate until he purchased his present place near the village of Gayhead. It contains about ten acres, and is known as the Dr. Sutton place; but he still owns his valuable farm of 200 acres, which he now rents. At first he was engaged in general farming, but later turned his attention more to the milk business. He is at present living a quiet, retired life in his beautiful home, where hospitality abounds, and is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He and his excellent wife contribute to the support of the Baptist Church at Beekman, and are numbered among the prominent and highly respected citizens of the community. Politically Mr. Phillips is identified with the Republican party.

JOHN N. LA DUE, a prominent and enterprising citizen of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born on the farm which is still his home, June 25, 1824. The family came from France during the Huguenot persecution, and in religious belief were Methodists in later years. William La Due, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y., March 30, 1759, and on reaching manhood was married to Miss Elizabeth Swartout, whose birth occurred November 19, 1761. They began their domestic life upon the farm now owned by our subject, and there reared their children, who were as follows: William; Samuel, who was a farmer of the town of East Fishkill; Cornelius, an agriculturist of the town of Fishkill; Judah, who married William Coe, a farmer of the town of Unionvale; Jemima, who married Peter La Due, a farmer of East Fishkill; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Sarah; Polly and Elizabeth. Upon a part of the original tract which his father had purchased in East Fishkill, William La Due, the father of our subject, was born October 30, 1798, and was there reared. On September 20, 1820, he wedded MaryConk-lin, who was born in Westchester count}', N. Y., April II, 1797, and was a daughter of Jeremiah Conklin, a native of the same county, where in later life he followed farming. Five children were born to the parents of our subject: John N.; Elizabeth, who married John C. Greene, a farmer of Westchester county; Tamar, who resided in New York City,

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691

but is now deceased; James, a resident of California; and William L., an agriculturist of East Fishkill, Dutchess county. The father operated the homestead farm until his death, which occurred October 26, 1875; in politics he was first a Whig, and later a Republican. His faithful wife died September 18, 1866.

John N. La Due was reared upon the farm which is still his home, and there has spent his entire life, with the exception of fifteen years passed in New York City, when he was inspector of customs, and he proved a most capable officer, being prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He has a fine farm of 125 acres, and now makes a specialty of fruit culture, raising apples, peaches, etc.

In 1850 Mr. La Due was married to Miss Mary Greene, who belongs to an old family of Westchester county, where her father, Israel Greene, carried on agricultural pursuits. Two children were born to them: Eugenie, who married Rev. Charles Knapp, A. M., an Episcopal minister of Delaware county, N. Y., now deceased; and Israel, who died at the age of four years. Mr. La Due is a stanch Republican in politics, is an intelligent, energetic man, highly spoken of by all his neighbors, and his life record is above reproach.

AARON A. STOCKHOLM, a valued and esteemed agriculturist, of the town of

East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born there in October, 1824, and is a representative of one of the oldest and most highly respected families of the county. Upon a farm in that township his paternal grandfather reared his family of five children, who in order of birth were as follows: Abraham, who became a farmer of East Fishkill; Derrick, an attorney at law, who removed to Utica, N. Y.; George, who went to Michigan, where his famil}- still reside; Gertrude, who married Thomas E. Flagler, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill; and Andrew, the father of our subject.

The last named was also a native of the town of East Fishkill, where he grew to manhood upon a farm. He married Miss Maria Weeks, who also belonged to an old family of Dutchess county, and was born in the town of East Fishkill, where her father, Chauncy Weeks, conducted a hotel. After their marriage they located upon a farm near Hopewell, where they reared their family of seven children, namely: Delia, who became the wife of

James C. Emans, a farmer of East Fishkill; Mary G.; Aaron A.; Caroline, wife of Duryea Van Wyck, of the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county; Harriet, wife of J. A. Young, of Westchester county, N. Y.; Charles, a restaurant keeper, of Poughkeepsie; Theodocia, widow of James Place; and John, who died in the Union service during the Civil war. The father followed the vocations of farming and milling in the town of East Fishkill, and became an extensive land owner, having at one time about 600 acres. His political support was given the Democratic party.

WILLIAM EDGAR BRINCKERHOFF, a well-known horticulturist of East

Fishkill town, was there born July 24, 1820. His grandfather. Derrick Brinckerhoff, a. native of Dutchess county, was descended from one of four brothers who came to this country from Holland about two hundred and fifty years ago, and the family have mostly been members of the Reformed Dutch Church.

After his marriage the grandfather located on a farm in the town of East Fishkill, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. In his family were nine children: John D., the eldest, was the father of our subject; Abraham was a farmer of East Fishkill town; Isaac was a merchant of Brinckerhoff, Dutchess county, but in later life engaged in farming in the town of Fishkill; William was a merchant of Peekskill, N. Y., where his death occurred; George was a farmer of Fishkill; Catherine married James B. Montrose, a farmer of East Fishkill town: Margaret wedded Charles Scofield, a farmer in the Highlands; Mary Ann married Darius Hustis, an agriculturist of the same place; and Helen married Absolam Serene, who was for a time a merchant at Hughsonville, Dutchess county, but later carried on farming in the West. She is still living.

John D. Brinckerhoff, also a native of Fishkill town, was there reared upon a farm. He married Miss Caroline Hasbrook, who was born in the town of Fishkill, and was a daughter of Col. Benjamin Hasbrook, a prominent farmer, and a Mason, fraternally. Mr. and Mrs. Brinckerhoff began housekeeping upon a farm in East Fishkill town, where he died in 1863, and she passed away in 1885. His political support was given the Democratic party. Five children were born to

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

them: Benjamin H., now a resident of Ohio; WilUam E., subject of this sketch; Theodoric, a merchant on Staten Island, who died in 1896; Abraham, a resident of southern Cahfornia; and Susan, deceased wife of William B. Hazelton, a farmer of Mahopac Falls, New York.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were quietly passed upon the home farm. His marriag;e to Miss Sarah \. Anderson was celebrated in 1854. She is also a native of East Fishkill town, and a daughter of Peter Anderson, who came to that town from New England and located upon a farm. Four children graced this union: Charles E., who died aged about ten years; Carrie, wife of Henry J. Matthews, of Mount Kisco, N. Y.; Elizabeth, wife of Arthur Storm, a farmer of East Fishkill town; and Cornelia M., wife of George A. Member, a merchant of Fishkill Landing.

Since his marriage Mr. Brinckerhoi? has lived upon his present farm of eighty acres, and besides general farming he gives special attention to fruit culture; being one of the most successful horticulturists of the community. He and his estimable wife contribute to the Reformed Church at Hopewell, and being a strong temperance man he always casts his ballot in support of the Prohibition party, which embodies his views on that question. He has always been identified with works of public improvement and progress, and is one of the representative and leading citizens of the community, where he has always made his home, and where he is so widely and favorably known.

MORGAN L. VAIL, a well-known dairy farmer of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, is a native of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., born March 29, 1848, but belongs to a family that, was early established in Dutchess county, his great-grandfather having located upon a large tract of land in the town of Union-vale, where he reared a family of several children.

Elias Vail, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the four sons, and was born on the farm in Unionvale, December 23, 1774. He married Hannah Duncan, who was born in 1781, and they began housekeeping on a part of the old homestead. In their family were thirteen children, namely: David D., born in

1800, died in 1821; Isaac E., born in 1802, died in 1819; Simeon L., born in 1804, was a farmer of Illinois, where his death occurred; Egbert B., born in 1806, was a resident of Poughkeepsie; Mary, born in 1808, wedded John Snedecor, a farmer; Phenner P., born in 1810, engaged in farming in Dutchess Co., and in Vermont; Alexander H. is the father of our subject; Thomas S., born in 1813, died unmarried, November 25, 1894; John D., born in 181 5, is a retired farmer, living in Chicago; Lavinia, born in 1817, married Elias X. Haight, a farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and both are now deceased; Milan, born in 1819, and Sarah, born in 1821, both died unmarried; and Elias D., born in 1823, is a farmer of the town of Unionvale. The grandfather always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and both himself and wife died on the home farm in the town of Unionvale, in 1851.

Alexander H. Vail, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead, October 4, i8ii, and there spent his boyhood days. He wedded Caroline Smith, who was born in 1812, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and was a daughter of Maurice Smith, a tanner and currier by trade, whose birth occurred in the town of Fishkill in 1765. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Streit, was born in Dutchess county in 1767. In their family were ten children, of whom Mrs. Vail was the youngest, the names and dates of birth of the others being as follows: Elizabeth, 1788; Hannah, 1790; Abel, 1792; Mary, 1794; George, 1796; Jerusha, 1799; Morgan L., 1801; Susan, 1804; and Margaret, 1806. Maurice Smith, the great-grandfather of our subject, was an extensive landholder, owning a great deal of property where Poughkeepsie now stands, and served as sheriff of Dutchess county. The Smith family is of English descent, and at an early day took quite a prominent part in the affairs of Dutchess county, where many of its members still live.

Upon their marriage, the parents of our subject lived for some time upon a farm in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, later spending eighteen years in Rensselaer county, N. Y., while the following fourteen years were passed in the city of Poughkeepsie, after which they located upon the farm now owned by our subject, where the mother died in 18S0, and the father in i 882. In politics he was a Democrat. The parental household included four children:

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693

Cornelia P., born in 1840, died in 1S45; Albert H., born in 1842, practiced medicine in the West, and died in California in 1893; Morgan L. is next in order of birth; and Susan C., born in 1850, died in 1856.

Until sixteen years of age our subject remained in the county of his nativity, and then accompanied his parents to Poughkeepsie, where he completed his education, after which he clerked in the drug store of Wood & Titta-mer for three years. In 1880 he married Caroline \'. Seaman, a native of Dutchess county, and a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Rynus) Seaman, both born in the town of Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county. Richard N. Seaman, her paternal grandfather, was of English extraction, and a farmer by occupation, while the Rynus family was of Dutch stock. Mr. and Mrs. \'ail at once located upon their present farm in East Fishkill town, and there their nine children were born, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Morgan L., Jr., 1881; Alexander S., 1882; Philip Seaman, 1883; Fanny, 1885; Caroline, 1S86; Emily, 1888; Ruth, 1889; Elizabeth, 1891; and Harold Huntington, 1895. Morgan and Alexander both died in infancy.

Upon his farm of 165 acres, Mr. Vail is engaged in dairying, making a specialty of the sale of milk, and has been quite successful in this venture. He is an intelligent, public-spirited citizen, identifying himself with all matters which will promote the welfare of the community, is a Democrat in politics, and both himself and wife are faithful members of the Baptist Church at Beekman.

iICHARD T. SWIFT, a well-known resident of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, was engaged during the earlier years of his life in agricultural pursuits, but is now retired from active labor. He is a native of that town, where he was born September 26, 1817, and is the representative of an old American fainily, of English origin, that was founded in this country about 1640. His father, Zebulon Swift, was born at Springhill, near Sandwich, Mass., July 29, 1776, and there his grandfather, Abraham Swift, was also born. The latter was married in the Bay State, where he followed cabinet making, but later came to Dutchess county, N. Y., locating on a farm near Millbrook, which he operated in connection with work at his trade. In his

family were five children: Zebulon and his twin brother, Lemuel, who was a farmer of Washington town; Bariah, a machinist and inventor; Robert, who had large business interests at Millbrook, including a sawmill; and Deborah, who died unmarried. The family belonged to the Society of Friends.

Zebulon Swift was only a boy when brought by his parents to this county, where he followed cabinet making and farming. He was married March 3, 1803, to Sarah Titus, a native of Washington town, and of English descent. Her father engaged in blacksmithing and farming as a means of livelihood. B}' her marriage with Mr. Swift she became the mother of nine children, namely: Deborah, who died unmarried; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Joseph Bartlett, January i, 1828, and with her husband is now deceased; William, who was a farmer of Washington town, and has also passed away; Johanna and Phcebe, who both died unmarried; Richard T., subject of this sketch; Sarah, who also died unmarried; and Isaac, who operates a farm in the town of Washmgton. The father died August 16, 1823, and the mother passed awaj-January 16, 1870.

Richard T. Swift was reared to the life of an agriculturist, which occupation he followed until his retirement, and he early became familiar with the labors on a farm. On September 12, 1839, he married Miss Hannah S. Deuel, who was born at Kinderhook, Columbia Co., N. Y., February 23, 1817, and is descended from a French Huguenot family, who sought religious freedom in this country at an early day in its history. Her father, Silas Deuel, was a native of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he married a Miss Davis, by whom he had only one child: Mrs. Swift. The entire married life of our subject and his wife was passed in the town of Washington with the exception of three years spent on a farm in Dover town, Dutchess county. For the last fifteen years he has given up active labor, enjoying a well-earned rest.

Three children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Swift, (i) Amelia M., born September 9, 1840, was married December 19, 1866, to Albert Knapp, a farmer of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. (2) James D., born March 20, 1842, married Verna M. Case, October 12, 1867, and they had one son, Frederick W.,now a tinsmith of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., who was born February 6, 1869, and married

COMME-VORATIVE BIOQBAPHKJAL UECORD.

Charlotte Covil. Mrs. Verna M. Swift died February 3, 1873, and March 7, 1877, James D. Swift married Miss Emma E. Carson, of New York City, a daughter of John C. Carson, a native of Grenock, Scotland. They are the parents of four children: Jane \'erna, who was born October 30, 1878, and died July 9, 1879; James Richard, born November 11, 1881; Richard Carson, born May 21, 1885; and Minnie Grace, born March3i, 1890. For some time James D. Swift was a merchant of Millbrook, but is now employed at the carpenter's trade. (3) Gurdon, born November 4, 1844, is the youngest child of the family, and is engaged in farming in the town of Washington.

On March 24, 1884, Mrs. Swift departed this life, leaving many friends, as well as a loving family, to mourn her loss. The children are members of various Churches, but our subject is an Orthodo.x Friend in religious belief, and stands high in the regard of his fellow citizens. In politics he is a firm supporter of the Republican party.

JAMES L. PINCKNEY. The fertile lands of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, have always afforded a tempting field for enterprise, and the subject of this sketch is one of the active and progressive men who have engaged successfully in agriculture and dairying in that town. He is a native of Putnam county, born at Lake Mahopac (or German Flats) March i, 1855. He obtained a common-school education there, and at an early age engaged in farming on his own account. In 1889 he married Miss Marie L. Hay, and their union being childless, they adopted a little girl October i,' 1S91, giving her the name of Mary Antoinette Pinckney. She was born on Washington's birthday, 1885.

Perry Pinckney, our subject's father, was born at Red Mills, Putnam county (now Mahopac Fallsj, and his early education was limited to the district schools of that time and locality. For a number of years he followed the carpenter's trade, and later purchased a tract of land in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, where he conducted a dairy farm during his remaining days. He married Miss Elizabeth Lockwood, daughter of David Lockwood, a well-known hotel keeper at Car-mel, Putnam county, and had si.\ children, of

whom our subject was the youngest. All were born at the old home in Putnam county, and were educated in the public schools of the vicinity, (i) Lewis became a farmer of the town of Pawling, and has never married. (2) Sarah married Robert J. Lee, a farmer of the town of East Fishkill, and has had eleven children: Ella, who married Madison J. Horton, and has two daughters, Millie and May: Florence, who married Isaac Horton, and has four children, Madison, Mary L., and two others; Annie; Alice; William; Edith; Burton; Leona, who married, and has three children, Andrew, Hiram, and one whose name is not given; Edward L., who died when about sixteen years of age; and Lula and Maude, the last named living with her aunt, Mrs. Sophia Tompkins, who is bringing her up. (3) Sophia married Walter Tompkins, a farmer of Putnam county-, but they have no children. (4) Irene has never married. (5) Caroline married John E. Patterson, a farmer, and has three children: Edith, May E., and one whose name is not given.

Mrs. Pinckney was born January 10, 1853, in New York City, and after attending the public schools there, she became an expert seamstress on shirts, vests and dresses, and afterward followed the business of dress-making for twenty years. Her father, Anthony Hay, was a native of Schwalbach, Germany, where he received his education. He spent some years in Paris, France, as a shoemaker, and he married a French lady. Mile. Marie Catherine Renaud, daughter of Daniel Renaud. The latter had twelve children—six sons and six daughters: Daniel, Jr., who died in France; Peter, now living in France; Frederick (deceased), who had two children— Frederick and Emma—and formerly lived in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Henry, living in California; Eugene (deceased); Louis, who died in France; Marion, who died in France; Louise (deceased), formerly of Paterson, N. J.; Catherine (deceased), who was Mrs. Lalin, of Green Point, Long Island, N. Y.. and had thirteen children; Elizabeth, of France; Susan (now Mrs. Hilbert, of Green Point, N. Y.) has four children living—Fred, in California; Louis M., in New York City; Alfred, Jr., in Green Point; and Emily, in Tremont, N. Y.—and Marie Catherine, the mother of Mrs. Pinckney. Anthony Hay and wife came to New York City, where their two daughters were born: Mrs. Pinckney, the younger, January 10, 1853,

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695

and Emma C, the elder, on January 15, 1851. The latter attended the city schools during girlhood, and afterward married Charles Schaefer, a carpenter of the same city. They had one son, Charles, who died when nearly two years old. Anthony Hay died July 5, 1854. His widow is still living.

JOHN H. ORTON, residing near Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is a leading dairyman and agriculturist of that vicinity. He is a native of the town of Dover, born March 5, 1844, and has passed his life there, attending the public schools in boyhood and engaging in farming at an early age. In 1889 he purchased from Alice Wheeler his present farm, containing 125 acres of fine land, and his excellent management has made it one of the best of its kind in the township. Although he is not a politician in the strict sense of the term, he is a strong supporter of Democratic principles. In 1878 he married Miss Lucy J. Thorp, daughter of Bradford Thorp, a well-known resident of Lime Rock, Conn., and they had four children: Willard B. and a daughter (twins), born January 29, 1878, the latter living only three days, while the former who was a bright little boy, lacked but eleven days of being three years old when he, too,died; Oliver L., born February 28, 1883; and Claude M., born April 11, 1888.

Our subject's ancestors were early settlers in Connecticut, and his grandfather, William Orton, was a native of that State, and became a well-to-do farmer. He and his wife, Ruana, reared a family of four children: Sally, the wife of Harry Edmonds; James, who married Lydia Finch, and had five children; Harry, who never married; and Oliver L., our subject's father, who was born in Connecticut, August 15, 1809. After acquiring a common-school education he learned the shoemaker's trade, but did not follow it long. He was a musician and a trooper in the days of the old militia. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. He married Miss Ruth B. Burton, and had six children, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. The eldest, Mary A., was born February 2, 1834, and married James Orton (a relative), who was engaged in farming near Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y.; they had one son, Charles, who died in 1888. (2) James W. Orton was born October 27, 1835, in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and

after leaving school followed farming for some time, but is now engaged in mercantile business at New Milford, Conn. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Dover. His first wife. Miss Sarah Lee, died August 16, 1865, and he is now married to Miss Maria Sherman. He has no living offspring, the two children of his first marriage, Charles and Bertha, having died in infancy. (3) Jetson Orton, who was born in Dover Plains, August 16, 1839, is a farmer by occupation. He married Susan Wheeler, daughter of Alfred and Mary Wheeler, prominent farmers of Dover, and has three children: Lewis J., who married Sarah Brinck; Mary, the wife of Joseph Titus; and Burton R., who is at home. (4) Sallie R. Orton, was born in the town of Dover, May 14, 1841, and like the other members of the family received an education in the public schools near her home. She married Miles C. Bump, a carpenter of Amenia, and has two children—Thomas L. and Nettie M. (6) Martha J. Orton, the youngest of the family, born October 9, 1846, died of consumption at the age of twenty-one years.

Mrs. Orton's grandfather, Hercules Westely Thorpe, was a native of Lime Rock, Conn., the old home of this family. He married Judith Lampson, and had five children: John, Bradford, Horace, Hiram, and Esther. Bradford Thorpe, Mrs. Orton's father, has always been a farmer at Lime Rock. He married Frances Winters, and had nineteen children, of whom fifteen are living, as well as both the parents. Edward married Ruth Jones; Mary,—Isaac Dinger; Minnie—William Dinger; Frank—Pollie Bishop; Andrew—Sarah Chase; Esther—Homer Brown; Fannie, Julia, and Sabelia never married; Lucy J. is the wife of our subject; William and Charles are not married; Rose is the wife of George Bishop; Estella married William Bishop; Hattie is not married; Birdie, Caroline, and John and Amelia are deceased.

TTrERBERT J. CURTIS, a

stalwart and ^ sturdy representative of the noble yeomanry who make up the agricultural population of Dutchess county, is a resident of the town of Red Hook, where he was born April II, 1858. His father. John Curtis, was the son of Le Grand Curtis, a member of the firm of Carroll & Curtis, furniture dealers and undertakers, of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county. The father wedded Jane C. Beaumont, and to

COMilEMORATIVE BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.

them were born eight children: Le Grand B., bom November 3. 1S41. married Helen Andrews, and after her death wedded Mary Mas-sonneau; Edwin S., born August 28, 1843, "'^s united in marriage with Miss Emma French, daughter of John French, a professor at West Point, N. Y.; L. Irene, born September 2, 1845. is the wife of John A. Fraleigh, son of George Fraleigh; Florence, born in December, 1847, Willis, born in November, 1849, a^d Grace, born October 2, 1852. all died in infancy; Herbert J. is the next in order of birth; and James C, born April 15, i860, also died in infancy. The father of this family departed this life in August. 1875.

The maternal grandparents of our subject, Abraham and Martha (Carter) Beaumont, came to the United States from Onley, near Hud-dersiield, England, and located at Chester Creek, near Philadelphia, Penn. In their native land two children had come to bless their union: Jane C, mother of our subject, born April 15, 1816; and Martha A., born February 18, 1818; after their location at Chester Creek the family circle was increased by the birth of another daughter, Eliza T.. born June 30, 1831. Being an expert machinist, the father soon secured work at Chester Creek, where he remained for four years, and then removed to Trenton, N. Y., where he also found employment at his chosen trade. His wife died in this country in Febru.-'.ry, 1832, but his death occurred while on a visit to England in 1S43.

On reaching a sufficient age Herbert J. Curtis entered the common schools of Red Hook, completing his studies in the De Garmo Institute, Rhinebeck, N. Y., which has since been transferred to Fishkill-on-Hudson. After leaving school he began his business career as a bookkeeper in his father's store, but now turns his attention to agricultural pursuits, conducting a tine farm just outside the village of Red Hook, which might well be termed a model farm, as it is supplied with all modern conveniences, good and substantial buildings, and the fields are under a high state of cultivation. He also gives considerable attention to the raising of tine poultry, and has been quite successful in all his undertakings.

On November 7, 1878, Mr. Curtis was united in marriage with Miss Angle B. Lasher, daughter of Nelson P. Lasher, who was a teacher in the public schools of Red Hook. Mrs. Curtis began her education in the public

schools of that place, completing same at Clav-erack Institute. Claverack, N. Y., and later engaged in teaching for some time with her father. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: C. Leland; Minnie G.; Carrol J., who died February 26, 1883; and Raymond J. The parents are widely and favorably known throughout the community, and hold a high position in social circles.

JOHN A. TRAVER, one of the most progressive and intelligent agriculturists of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born January 27, 1834, on the farm upon which he now resides.

It is not known exactly when the first of the American branch of thefamily crossed the ocean, but his ancestors were undoubtedly among the pioneer farmers of Sullivan county, as three brothers of the name came from there at a very early date, and purchased a large tract of land in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and afterward separated.

David Traver, our subject's great-grandfather, had a son, Andrew D. Traver, born in Clinton town, who also followed farming, and about 1818 moved to a farm in the town of Rhinebeck now occupied by Mr. Crandall. He was thrifty and successful, highly esteemed in the neighborhood, and was an active member of the Lutheran Church at Wurtemburg. He died at that place in his eighty-ninth year, and was buried there, as was also his wife, in her seventy-sixth year. They had three children: Maria (deceased), who married George Snyder; Michael, our subject's father; and Julia, the widow of H. D. Teal, deceased.

Michael Traver was born October 10, 1809, in the town of Clinton, but passed most of his life in Rhinebeck town. He had but limited educational advantages, but he has always kept himself well posted upon general topics, and is a constant and intelligent reader. In 1828 he married Eliza Teal, a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of the township, a daughter of John I. Teal. The young couple settled upon the present homestead near Rhinebeck where Mrs. Traver died July 6. 1895, in her eighty-fourth year. Michael Traver always displayed good judgment in business matters, and his success was based upon thrift and industry. In early times he was a Whig, and later a Republican, but in local affairs he always voted independ-

^2'^-^—

^ ■ d^^^t-r^<ydr;^

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697

ently. He was never an office seeker, but at one time was assessor of his township. He united with the Wurtemburg Lutheran Church in his youth, and was one of the builders of the Lutheran church of Rhinebeck village, where for many years he was a leading official. He led a life of quiet and usefulness, which brought him the well-deserved regard of all who knew him. He passed to his final rest March i8, 1896, in his eighty-seventh year, one of those few who leave

" no memorial, But a world made better by their lives."

John A. Traver, the subject of our sketch, the only son of his parents, received a good English education in boyhood, attending first the district schools of the neighborhood, and later studying for three years in Rhinebeck Academy under Prof. Harper. His reading has been extended far beyond the ordinary limits, his attention being especially devoted to history. He has also read much in the line of his own business, of which he takes a scientific view. After leaving school he began to relieve his father of his cares, and for the last twenty years the entire responsibility of the management of the farm of 130 acres has devolved upon him. His good judgment, integrity and public spirit have made him a leader in local affairs, and he has great influence in town and county politics. He has always been a Republican, but has never sought office, although he has been elected to several positions—having been assessor of the township for many years, and supervisor four terms, 1892-93, in 1894 for two years, and in 1896 for two years; he has also been chairman of the committee on equalization of the county, and is a trustee of Rhinebeck Savings Bank.

In 1855 Mr. Traver was married to Miss Elizabeth Ten Broeck, daughter of Samuel and Maria (Parks) Ten Broeck, and a descendant of one of the old families. They have four children: Eliza, (Mrs. William Wey); Charles, who assists his father upon the farm; Maria (Mrs. Frank Wey); and Jennie, who is at home. The children were educated in Rhinebeck Academy, the same school in which Mr. Traver completed his studies. Charles and Eliza paid especial attention to music, the former being a talented violinist, and the latter a proficient on the piano. The family are leading members of the Lutheran Stone

Church at Rhinebeck, and have always been prominent in the social life of the locality. The homestead of the family has been in their possession for nearly one hundred years. The family is also noted for its longevity; Andrew D. Traver being at the time of his decease, eighty-nine; Leah Traver, his wife, seventy-six; Michael Traver, eighty-seven; and Eliza Traver, eighty-four years.

JAMES E. VAN KLEECK is the owner of a fine farm of sixty acres in the town of

Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county, where with progressive and improved methods he carries on agricultural pursuits, while the well-tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. In the midst of these stand good buildings, substantial and well-kept, and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the place indicates the careful supervision of the owner, who is justly regarded as one of the leading farmers of the neighborhood.

Mr. Van Kleeck is a native of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, born November 19, 1820. His father, Minard \'an Kleeck, was born in the city of Poughkeepsie, as was the grandfather, who also bore the name of Minard. The founder of the family in America was likewise a Minard Van Kleeck, and was a native of Holland, whence he emigrated to America, living for some years on Long Island. He then took up his residence in Poughkeepsie, where he spent his remaining days. The grandfather of our subject was here reared and married. Through the Revolutionary war he served as one of the defenders of the colonies, and when the struggle was ended he returned to his home at Poughkeepsie. His family numbered three children: James, who died of yellow fever in New York City, where he was engaged in business as a candlemaker; Rachel, who became the wife of James Talmadge, a farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley; and Minard the father of our subject.

The last named was reared in Poughkeepsie, and when a young man worked for various farmers in the neighborhood. He married Helen Rugar, a native of Lagrange town, and a daughter of John Rugar, a farmer and carpenter, who belonged to an old Holland family. Mr. Van Kleeck removed with his bride to Lagrange town, and continued agri-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHJCAL RECORD.

cultural pursuits throughout his life. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1856; that of his wife in 1845. Their children were as follows: Cordelia, married Peter Youngs, a farmer of Dutchess county, and both are deceased; James E. is the ne.xt younger; John removed to the West, where his death occurred; Hannah E. is the wife of Morris Demers, a cooper, of Pennsylvania; Mary J. was married and removed to the West, since which time no news has been received of her; Helen became the wife of William Potts, formerly a farmer of Lagrange; Peter followed farming in Lagrange town until his death; Minard and Rachel both died in early life.

The subject proper of this review spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads, his time being largely occupied by work on the old homestead, and to the pursuit to which he was reared he has always devoted his energies. He is ever an advocate of advancement, and ready to accept improved methods which his judgment countenances as practical. In his dealings he is strictly honorable, and his well-spent life commends him to the confidence and regard of all.

Mr. \'an Kleeck was united in marriage with a daughter of David Rigar, and they resided on the old farm in Lagrange until 1869, when he sold his property there and came to his present farm. On July 4, 1895, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was a most estimable lady.

JULIUS O. ROWE, one of the most prominent agriculturists of the town of Milan,

Dutchess county, was born September 7, 1830, upon his present estate, which has been in the possession of his family for over 135 years.

Johannes Rowe, great-grandfather of our subject, and a German by birth, came in 1760 with some of his brothers to Dutchess county, where he purchased 911 acres of land from Chancellor Robt. R. Livingston, and much of this land is still in the possession of the Rowe family. For this land he paid ^750, on which, in 1766, he built a stone house (still standing), and passed the remaining years of his life in the quiet calling of a farmer. Johannes Rowe died in 1771, and was buried in the family ground across the road from the church which bears the family name. He

was twice married, and by his first wife had six children, two daughters—Mary (Mrs. James Stewart), Catherine (Mrs. William Stewart); and four sons—John, Sebastian, Philip and Mark; and by his second wife he had one daughter, Lydia—seven children in all. To each of these the father gave a farm in the town of Milan, and the boys all settled there and were prominent in the early history of the town; they built the Methodist church there, and were generous supporters of many local enterprises, from which that neighborhood still derives benefit. Philip had a son \\'illiam P. Rowe, who served as a soldier in the war of 1812.

Mark Rowe, our subject's grandfather, married Catherine Pitcher, and reared a family of four sons: John, a farmer in the town of Milan, left no children; Garrett, a soldier in the war of 1812, was a farmer in Columbia county, and had six children, whose descendants still live there; William was a farmer in the town of Milan, and left several children; and Leonard Rowe. our subject's father, born at the present farm in 1801, became a farmer by occupation. He was married, in 1827, to Miss Eliza C. Reid, a native of the town of Milan. The Reids are of English origin, and the first American ancestors came at an early date, settling in New England. Peter Reid, Mrs. Rowe's grandfather, married Miss Thankful Beecher, of New Haven, Conn., and their son Ely was born in Connecticut, in early life coming to Dutchess county, where he met and married Miss Catherine Rowe, a native of the town of Milan (then Northeast). They settled in Rhinebeck-on-Hudson, where Ely Reid was a merchant for a number of years. After the marriage of our subject's parents, they settled at the old homestead, where they reared a'family of four children: Julius O., Edward, Horatio, and \'irginia A.

Leonard Rowe was very mtluential in local affairs, a leader in the Democratic organization, and for many years a supervisor and justice of the peace. Edward went to Minnesota in 1856, purchased a large tract of land on the Minnesota river where he improved a large farm, and resided there twenty-one years. His health failing, he rented his land and returned to Milan in 1887, where he died in 1889. Julius O. Rowe still resides with his brother and sister at Home Nest, the ancestral home of their parents, where in youth they received an academic education, fitting them for any

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699

vocation in life. They stand high in the esteem of the people, among whom they live. In politics Julius O. is a Democrat, but has never sought nor could be induced to hold any official position. Horatio has ser\'ed satisfactory as supervisor for several terms.

SHERMAN HOW.\RD, a promment agri-__ culturist and a dairyman of the town of Poughkeepsie, and a descendant of one of the oldest families of Dutchess county, was born in the town of Pawling, January 27, 1821. The family is of Irish origin, the first of the American line settling in Rhode Island at an early date.

Edward Howard, the great-great-grandfather, a Quaker, came from Rhode Island to Dutchess county early in the seventeenth century, settling on Quaker Hill, in what is now the town of Pawling, when that locality was a primeval wilderness. He built a cabin near a spring of water, and he and his wife endured all th,e hardships and privations of pioneer life before they transformed their land into a productive farm. They had three children, V\z.: Cynthia (who married James Akin), Benjamin and Edward.

Edward, our subject's great-grandfather, was born in the year 1730, married Phebe Hart, and reared a family of eleven children: Stephen, Edward, John, William, Thomas, Richard, Matthew, Phebe, Mary, Patience and Sarah. Phebe married Daniel Martin; Mary married Samuel Tripp; Sarah married Thomas Stephens; and Patience married John Howard, an officer in the British army, whom she married during the Revolutionary war.

Stephen Howard, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1760, was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and also followed farming at the old homestead. Like his ancestors, he adhered to the faith of the Quakers, as have the majority of his descendants. He married Theodocia Totten, of Westchester county, by whom he had six children: Robert, Peter, Thomas, James (who died in childhood), Phebe and Edward (our subject's father.)

Edward Howard was born in 1785, and was a farmer in the town of Pawling, and in politics was a Democrat. He married Drusilla Sherman, a daughter of Abial Sherman, of Pawling, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a politician of note, serving as a member of the State Legislature in 1817.

Two children were born to this union: Matilda A., who married Hiram Haviland, who resided on Quaker Hill, in the town of Pawling; and Sherman, our subject. The mother, Drusilla Sherman Howard, died in 1857, and the father survived her until the year 1871.

Sherman Howard grew to manhood at the old homestead, attending the schools of the neighborhood. His first venture into the world of business was as a clerk in a general store, where he remained two years. He then returned to the homestead. He was married in 1853 to Sarah Dorland, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Dorland, of the town of Lagrange. Of the five children of this union only two lived to maturity, Anna M., the wife of Edwin S. Barnes, a farmer of Poughkeepsie township, and Charles, who is at home. Charles married Anna K. Barnes, and they have one son, Roger S. Howard. In 1869 Mr. Howard purchased his present farm of 100 acres near Arlington, where he is engaged in general farming and the milk business, to which he gives especial attention. He has made extensive improvements upon the estate, and it is now a fine and productive property.

Mr. Howard was the first justice of the peace of the town of Pawling, and held such office from 1846 to 1850. In 1850 he was appointed deputy sheriff by Alonzo H. Morey, who was then sheriff of Dutchess county, and held such office three years. In 1854 and 1856, Mr. Howard represented the town of Pawling in the board of supervisors, and held the office of postmaster of the town of Poughkeepsie, at Manchester Bridge, from the years 1880 to 1892. Mr. Howard takes great interest in local affairs, notwithstanding his advanced age, and in politics is a Democrat.

7C RVIS HAIGHT, agriculturist, of the town -tf^ of Fishkill, Dutchess county, residing near Johnsville, is engaged in dairying and horticulture. His estate lies upon both sides of the highway between Johnsville and Brinck-erhoff, and is bounded on the west by Charles D. Sherwood's farm, on the east by the farm of John Smith, on the north by Fish-kill creek, and on the south by the property of Henry Schluter.

Arvis Haight was born at the old home in Phillipstown, August 9, 1849, and acquired his education in the district schools while working upon the farm and in the mill. In 1870 he

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

left home and went to New York City, where he became a salesman in a conmiission house in Washington Market. There he remained nine years, and then moved to Dutchess county, and after a short residence in Fishkill village, he purchased, in iSSo, his present farm. It contains eighty acres of cultivated land, and twenty which are not cleared. From ten to fifteen cows are kept, and the fruit and vegetable crops are of various kinds.

Mr. Haight married Miss Phcebe A. Hus-tis, by whom he has had three children: Bessie Beulah, Ralph, and Edna, who died at the age of eight years. Mrs. Haight's father was Caleb Hustis, son of William Hustis, the son of Caleb Hustis, and her mother was Elizabeth Ann Haight, the daughter of James and Jemima (Budd) Haight, and granddaughter of Marion (Swims) Haight.

E

DWIN TRAVER, one of the most promi-Ja^' nent agriculturists of the town of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, is a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of this region. Among the emigrants from Holland who located in Ulster county, in 1710, was Anna Maria Tre-ber, who had two sons between the ages of nine and fifteen, and from them the numerous Traver family in this vicinity have sprung. The first of the name to settle in the town of Rhinebeck, came about 171 5.

Our subject's grandfather, Henry B. Traver, was a native of Dutchess county, and probably of the town of Rhinebeck, where he was a prosperous farmer in later years. He married Miss Cookingham, and had seven children: Lewis, a farmer in Rhinebeck, who served as a soldier in the war of 1812; William, also a farmer in Rhinebeck; Eve, who married Gideon Traver, a farmer; Maria; Aaron, our subject's father; Moses, a farmer; and Gilbert, who is now a retired farmer in Rhinebeck.

Aaron Traver was born at the old farm in 1809. He married Christma Traver, a native of the town of Clinton, whose great-grandfather, Bastian Traver, was born in Holland, and came to Dutchess county when a young man, locating in the town of I'ihinebeck. His son David had a son Samuel, born in Clinton town, in 1783, who was the father of Christina Traver. After their marriage our subject's parents lived in Clinton town for some years, and then moved to the farm in Rhinebeck, now

owned by our subject. They had eleven children: Darius, a farmer in Rhinebeck; Elbert, who died in 1S63, in defense of the Union; Nathaniel, now living in Arizona; Seth, who died in 1887; Edwin, our subject; Sarah, who died in 1886; Wesley B., a farmer in Rhinebeck; Oscar and DeWitt, who died in youth; Mary, who died in 1891; and Emma C., now living with our subject. The mother died in 1882, and the father six jxars later.

The subject of our sketch was born in the town of Clinton, November 15, 1844, and at six years of age he moved with his parents to his present home. His farm comprises 180 acres of land, well adapted to general farming. F'or about six years in all, during his earlier years, he taught school, and he takes great interest in educational progress and in all the movements of the day, keeping well informed •on current measures. In politics he is a Democrat, and he contributes to the Lutheran Church, of which his forefathers were adherents.

'TLLIAM P. ROE, a well-known dairy-

man and agriculturist of the town of

Fishkill. Dutchess county, residing near Brinck-erhoff, is one of the most enterprising workers in his chosen lines.

John Roe, his father, was born June 28, 1792, and followed the occupation of a farmer, settling upon a farm of about 100 acres in the town of W'appinger, Dutchess count}-. On April I, 1849, he married Mary Ann Phillips, who was born August 26, 1802, in Fishkill, Dutchess county. To their union one son was born — William P. Our subject's mother was a daughter of William I. Phillips (who was born March 14, 1767, and died July 9, 1839) and his wife, Elizabeth (who was born December 3, 1774, and died March 14, 1854). The father of our subject died September 27, 1861; the mother passing away January 24, 1875.

William P. Roe was born near Flushing, Long Island, January 29, 1847. Although not a native of Dutchess county, he come here at the age of two years with his father, and received his education in the district schools of the town of Fishkill, assisting in the meantime with the work at home. After leaving school he devoted his attention to the management of the farm, to which he succeeded at his father's death. On September 27, 1861, he married Miss Elizabeth De Long, daughter of James R.

^■^>

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.

701

and Frances (Seaman) De Long, prominent residents of the town of Beekman. James R. De Long was the only brother of the Hon. Charles E. De Long, the most prominent lawyer on the Pacific coast, and who was appointed, by President U. S. Grant, United States minister to Japan, which office he filled with great honor, his wife being the first American lady introduced to the Mikado of Japan. In 1877 Mr. Roe sold his farm and moved to Brooklyn, where he opened a feed, l^our and grain store, which he carried on for one year; he then returned to Dutchess county, and worked for a year on the farm of his father-in-law. Since that time he has been continuously engaged in agriculture, spending four years on the estate of George Tabor, of Beekman (Mrs. Roe's uncle); three years at Green-haven on the Peters farm; three years in the town of Unionvale, on the Peter H. Christie property; and for the past seven years at his present location — the farm of 300 acres owned by \\'. F. Wilson, of New York City. He is largel}' interested in dairying, keeping, on an average, about fifty cows, with many young cattle.

In politics Mr. Roe is a Democrat, and in religion inclines to the Methodist Church, which he and his wife attend. They ha\'e had ten children: John Franklin, George Bert, Mary Helena, James Clifford, Charles, Bertha, Sarah Elizabeth, Edith May, Carrie Elizabeth and William P., all of whom are living, e.xcept Charles and Sarah Elizabeth, who died in childhood.

Mrs. Roe's paternal great-grandparents were James and Sally I'Loseei De Long, and their son Egbert (her grandfather) married Sarah Crandall, daughter of Reed and Elizabeth Crandall. On the maternal side her grandparents were David N. Seaman and his wife, Melissa Howard, who was a daughter of Edward Howard. This David N. Seaman was sheriff of Dutchess county, serving three years from 1847.

THEODORE ANTHONY, a representative agriculturist of the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, resides one-half mile from Fishkill village, upon a farm which has been in the family for many years. He was born September 25, 1830, in the house which he now occupies, and has passed the greater portion of his life there. His education was be-

gun in the public schools of Fishkill, and completed in the old academy which has given so many of the clever sons of Dutchess county their intellectual training. On completing his course there he began his career as a farmer. Some years were spent at the homestead, and then he went to De Kalb county. 111., to improve some prairie land belonging to his father; but after four years he returned and resumed his work at the old home. In 1884 he purchased the place, which now contains si.xty-three acres, mainly devoted to general crops. He keeps from ten to twelve cows, and is very successful in his dairy work, and also raises some fine fruit of various kinds, his apple orchard being extensive and productive. The estate is bounded on the north and west by the lands of Sylvanus Haight, on the east by the old Albany and New York post road, and on the south by the property of Sebring Smith and Charles D. Rogers.

On November 20, 1862, Mr. Anthony married Miss Mary T. Phillips, daughter of Isaac and Cornelia (Tappan) Phillips, and granddaughter of John Phillips and his wife Hester (Van Voorhis). On the maternal side she was a granddaughter of Major Peter Tappan and his wife Annie (DeWitt), who was a daughter of Col. Charles DeWitt of Revolutionary fame, and Blandina (DuBois), his wife. Major Peter Tappan was a son of Christopher, who was a son of the Christopher Tappan, whose daughter Cornelia married Gov. George Clinton. Mrs. Anthony died November 15, 1884, leaving no children, and Mr. Anthony was married October 20, 1894, to her sister. Miss Cornelia V. Phillips, who lived but a short time, passing away December 18, 1894. Both were members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and were held in high esteem among their acquaintances. Mr. Anthony has also been a member of that Church for years, and at different times has held the office of deacon. Mr. Anthony is one of the leading workers in local affairs, and in the Republican organization, and has held the office of town auditor, and received the nominations of his party on various occasions as assessor, highway commissioner and collector.

The Anthony family is among the early comers to this State, and our subject's great-grandparents, Nicholas and Catherine (Daly) Anthony, were residents of New York City. Their son John, our subject's grandfather, married Elizabeth Van Wyck, daughter of William

COilMEMORATrVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

and Martha Carman Van Wjck. William Anthony, the father of our subject, was born August lo, 1798, and became a successful farmer at the present homestead, owning about 210 acres of land. He was a prominent member of the Reformed Dutch Church for many years previous to his death, which occurred November 16, 1879. His first wife. Miss Mary Wright, was a daughter of Enos and Mary (Woolen) Wright. She died June 20, 1836, leaving four children: John W., Theodore, Elizabeth (Mrs. Abraham G. Remsen, of Plainfield, N. J.), and Mary, who died at the age of thirty. By a second wife, Hannah Wright, a sister of the first, there were also four children: Cornelia, Sarah A., Enos and Kate.

JAMES .MADISON WOOD. It is a natural and praise-worthy interest in our common

humanity that lends to biography its chief charm to the reader, and there is no life history from which there may not be some lesson drawn to enlighten and direct the ine.xper-ienced, cheer the despondent, or renew the energy of the weary. Years spent in quiet usefulness may win honor for gray hairs as well as those which have been passed under the public eye, and while no one would detract from the merits of those who gain the world's applause, faithful attention to the ev-ery-day duties of life may also show ability and high purpose.

Our subject's paternal grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Light 1 Wood, were early settlers, and his father, Joseph I. Wood, was born September 16. 1783, dying April 2, 1861, after a life given mainly to agricultural pursuits. His wife, Rachel Finch, was a native of Croton Falls. Westchester county, born June 7, 1790, and her death occurred March 19, 1879. Our subject was the eldest of five children: the others being: Martha E., Isaac F., John H., and Harvey.

James Madison Wood, who is one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of Mattea-wan, Dutchess county, was born in Johnsville, town of Fishkill, October i, 1816. His education was received at the district school at Glenham for some years, and he then pursued the higher branches, including trigonometry and surveying, in a private school. On attaining his majority he left the farm, and learned the machinist's trade, which he followed until 18fio, when he engaged in mercantile

business, conducting a general store at Mattea-wan. In 1869 he disposed of this, and purchased a farm of 800 acres in Louisa county, V'a., where he remained five years, raising corn, wheat, oats, and tobacco. Selling this propert\- in 1S74, he returned to Matteawan and rented a gristmill, and froni that time until his retirement from business, in 1885, he was engaged in milling and in dealing in flour and feed. His sound judgment in business affairs gave him an influential place in local affairs; yet he has never sought public honors. He voted the Democratic ticket until 1859, but since that date he has been a Republican. He married Louisa Rothery, daughter of John and Mary (Ashforth: Rothery, who were both natives of England. Her great-grandfather (on the father's side) was Joseph Roth-erj-, and her grandfather, John Rothery, was the originator of the Rothery files, known all over the world. Her maternal grandparents were William Ashforth and his wife, Ann Clay, a native of Chesterfield, England, and a cousin of the famous American statesman, Henry Clay. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had five children: Mary Ann, who married Moses Cortland Sanford, of New Jersey; John A.; Wilfred, who died in infancy; Ida, who died at the age of eleven; and Lelia, the wife of Albert Townsend, of Peekskill, N. Y. Mr. Wood has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for nearly fifty-two years, and is now one of the two surviving charter members of Evergreen Lodge.

ILLIAM H. HAIGHT. In his chosen Ji'V specialties of dairying and horticulture, the subject of this sketch is regarded as one of the leaders in his vicinity, and his fine farm, within sight of the village of Fishkill, Dutchess county, is one of the best-managed places of its kind.

For several generations the home of his family has been at Phillipstown, Putnam Co., N. Y., where his grandfather, Joshua Haight, was a farmer. Henry W. Haight, our subject's father, was born there in 1809, and became a farmer and extensive dealer in ship timber. On November 7, 1829, he married Jane Mekeel, who was born in 1808, the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Bell) Mekeel, and of this union eight children were born: Sylvanus W., Mary E., Charles B., Sarah Jane, John, Phrebe W., William H. (our sub-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

703

jectj, and Albert. The father died December 20, 1872, and the mother passed away May 15, 1886.

W'ilHam H. Haight was born September 27, 1844, and grew to manhood on the farm near PhilHpstown, attending the neighboring district schools in winter and assisting in the work at home at other seasons. At eighteen he left school and engaged in business, following the occupations of his father. He continued to conduct the homestead until he was thirty years old, when he rented a farm for a few years, and later purchased his present property, which contains something over 100 acres. He keeps thirty-five head of cattle, and sells an average of 200 quarts of milk per day the year round, while a goodl} portion of his estate is devoted to the raising of fine varieties of fruit. As a business man he holds a high reputation, and he is a stockholder in the National Bank at Matteawan.

Mr. Haight has a pleasant home. His wife, whom he married February 12, 1881, and whose maiden name was Mary Nelson, is a daughter of Justus and Sarah (Nelson) Nelson. They attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are interested in all efforts for the advancement of morality. Their only son, Harry N. Haight, is a student in the Union School at Fishkill. Politically, Mr. Haight is a Republican, but has not given much time to party work, especially of late years. While living at Phillipstown he held the office of commissioner of highways for three years.

CASPER LAWSON, one of the most enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born at Barnegat, Dutchess Co., N. Y., November 22, 1823. His ancestors came from Holland at an early period, and settled in Dutchess county. The great grandfather of our subject, William C. Lawson (who spelled his name '• Lansink "), wedded the first white girl born in Dutchess county. She was a Miss Eighmie, her Christian name being now unknown. The wedding created wide notice, and it is said that all the " whites " of Dutchess county attended—not very numerous in those days, though " Redmen " were plentiful. His grandfather, Matthew Lawson, was born in the town of Fishkill, and became interested in several lines of business there.

aside from the management of his small farm. He married Eleanor Hoffman, a native of Dutchess county, and reared a family of seven children. His five sons were all engaged in boating and in the stone and lime business. Simeon married Mary Miller; Daniel married Rachel Weaver; Peter H. (our subject's father) married Kathline Westervelt; Matthew married Ann Budd; John M. never married; Elizabeth was the wife of Thomas Lawson, who was engaged in boating and in the lime business; and Maria was the wife of John Bower, a shoemaker.

Peter H. Lawson was born at Barnegat, in 1793, and died there in 1828, his wife surviving him six jears. She was the daughter of Caspaurus Westervelt, a native of Dutchess county, and a descendant of an old Holland-Dutch family. He owned and conducted a farm and gristmill, and was a prominent citizen of the town of Poughkeepsie. Peter Lawson was an honorable, upright man, whose reputation is a heritage of which his children may well be proud. He and his wife were devout members of the Reformed Dutch Church. They had seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Elizabeth married John Bishop (now deceased), then a mason and builder in New York City, and later a merchant and ferr}'-man at New Hamburg, where his widow resided until her death in February, 1896; Albert G., a boatman b}' occupation, is now living in Brooklyn; Kathline married Benjamin Dearin, a native of Dutchess county, who engaged in mercantile business in New York City; and Eleanor married Adam Graham, a native of Poughkeepsie, and a well-known merchant and hotel-keeper at New Hamburg; and Casper (or Caspaurus).

The last named was a mere child when he lost his parents by death. He attended the schools of his native place until he was fourteen, when he began boating on the river, an occupation which he followed for many years. On December 15, 1S47, he married Miss Eliza Nichols, who was born at the present site of Passaic, N. J., December 12, 1820. Her father, John Nichols, was a school teacher, and was an active worker in the Democratic party in his locality. He and his wife, Ann Masters, were both natives of England. After his marriage Mr. Lawson moved to New York City and engaged in a mercantile enterprise with his brother-in-law, Benjamin Dearin, but soon resumed his former emploj-ment, which he

COM.VEMORATirE BIOGRAPUWAL RECORD.

continued until 1868. He did an extensive business in the transportation of brick, having twenty-two boats under his control. His success reflects great credit upon him, as it was the result of his own exertions and thrifty management. Beginning at a salary of five dollars a month, he worked a long time before he managed to save enough money to buy a boat; but when this point was reached the purchase of others from time to time was more easily accomplished. As an employer, he is noted for fair dealing. On June 12, 1868, he bought his present farm of i 13 acres near Arlington, where he has since been engaged in general farming. The estate is among the finest of that vicinity, and he has barns and other improvements of a model kind, and an elegant and commodious dwelling house. Mrs. Law-son died January 17, 1893, deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. She and her husband were for many years prominent members of the Second Reformed Dutch Church of Poughkeepsie. Of their seven children six are still living: Edward W. is the superintendent of the Fort Lee Ferry, at New York; Casper N. has been a stone dealer and contractor at New York, and still resides there; Roberta (i) died in infancy; Clementine married Henry Warrall, a farmer near \'assar; Roberta (2) is at home; Welcome H. married Catherine Wat-kins, of Fort Lee, N. J.; Watkins, a lawyer, is now studying at the farm on account of ill health; and Mary E. married Walter H. Bedell, a dentist of Poughkeepsie. Mr. Law-son has taken an active interest in local politics, and is a leading Democrat; was appointed assessor in 1S69, was elected to the same office in 1870, and has served and is serving as supervisor, being elected in 1881, 1883, 1896 and 1897.

PETER AKIN SKIDMORE, who is well known throughout Dutchess county, of

which he is a native, is numbered among its best citizens, both socially and financially, and is especially valued as a large-hearted, public-spirited citizen, whose enterprise and benevolence have contributed largely to the happiness and comfort of the people around him. His homestead is one of the most notable in the town of Beekman, for the thrift and comfort which surrounds it, and the evidence of enterprise, taste and skill.

Mr. Skidmore was born April 15, 1831, in

the town of Beekman, receiving his education chiefly at the district schools of the neighborhood. On December 26, 1856, he married Miss Ruth Moore, daughter of Alfred and Charlotte (Haverland) Moore, both born in 1806, in Dutchess county, where they were respectable farmers. They had four children who lived to maturity: Lydia (now Mrs. Willetts), residing on Long Island; Ruth (Mrs. Skidmore); Susan, a maiden lady residing at the old home at Moores Mill, proprietress of the "Floral Home" boarding house; and Alfred H., married, and making his home at the old farm, running the mills. Alfred Moore, the father of these, was a son of Stephen Moore, who was also a native of Dutchess county, and operated the old Moore Mills, formerly known as the Oswego Mills. The family have been members of the Society of Friends for several generations back, and Mrs. Skidmore's father was a preacher in that sect. He died in 1879, the mother in 1892. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife, viz.: Elizabeth (deceased); Alfred M.; and Jesse and Susie (both deceased). Of these, Alfred M., the only survivor, was born October 10, i860, and assists his father in the conducting of the farm. He is a Republican in politics, and has frequently been urged by his friends to run for oflice, but prefers to devote his time to agricultural pursuits. On the home farm are buried the parents of Benson J. Los-sing, the historian.

An earnest Christian gentleman, our subject is a member in good standing of the Society of Friends, which organization is opposed to warfare; yet during the Civil war he was the first in his section to be drafted; he was rejected, however, on account of physical disability. In politics he is a Republican, has ever taken a commendable interest in the welfare of his native county, and has capably filled several minor offices of his town, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of all. Socially, he is a charter member and treasurer of Sylvan Lodge, of the Grange, which was organized in the town of Beekman, in December, 1896.

Jesse Skidmore, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Unionvale, in 1796. By his marriage with Sarah Akin, daughter of Peter Akin, of the town of Pawling, in this county, he had four children: Peter Akin, Elizabeth, Abigail and Andrew. The daughters died in early life; Andrew is now living

m*.

i^^cA^ ^ ^/UcA^£^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ro5

on a farm in Beekman, near the homestead, and has no children. The father engaged in farming on the farm now owned by his son, Peter Akin, until advanced in life, when he removed to Poughkeepsie, where he died in 1862. He was a lifelong member of the Society of Friends, as were his ancestors.

Andrew Skidmore, grandfather of our subject, was born on the Skidmore homestead, in the town of Union vale, in 1797, and died in 1852. He was a man of great physique, weighing over 2S0 pounds. He married Elizabeth Clapp, and they had four children: Jesse, the father of Peter Akin Skidmore; James, who left no family; Andrew A., and Judith. The descendants of Andrew A. are James W. Skidmore, and Jane, who married Cromoling Dean, all now living in the town of Lagrange. Judith married Gideon Downing, and has one daughter living, but no descendants known.

Andrew Skidmore, the great-grandfather of our subject, whose ancestry came from Holland, was born at Great Xeck, Long Island, in 1748, and died in 1816. Of his family, of which we have record: Had a bachelor brother murdered by a servant; he kept a large stable of running horses at Great Neck, Long Island. Had two sisters: Alary, married to Benjamin Everett, and Phcebe, married to John Colder. Many of the Skidmore family now living on Long Island are descendants of this family. Andrew Skidmore, the great-grandfather, moved to the town of Unionvale, Dutchess Co., N. Y., in the year 1715," purchased a large tract of land, through which runs the Clove creek. On this stream he built a gristmill, sawmill, and woolen-mill, these being the first mills in this section; the gristmill is now standing, and known as the "Skidmore Mill." The tract of land is now on£ of the best in the Clove Valley. Mr. Skidmore married Judith Rogers, who was born in 1746, and died in 1826, and by this marriage had two sons and three daughters: Andrew, James, Mary, Phcebe and Abby.

James Skidmore married Elizabeth Rogers,

and they had three sons and two daughters:

Andrew J., Zophar R., Harvey, Elizabeth

and Phoebe. All but Zophar R. and Harvey

moved to the State of Maryland. Harvey

moved to New Jersey; Zophar R. married

Maria Hughes, of Staatsburgh, and lived

(until his death in 1S88) on the Skidmore

homestead in the Clove Valley; they had two

children: James H., and Mary, who married 45

Charles E. Rogers, who now owns the Skidmore homestead.

Mary Skidmore married John Rogers, and resided near Sylvan Lake, town of Beekman; they had four sons and five daughters: Laban, Stephen, James, Gilbert, Hannah, Judith, Phebe, Maria and Ruth. Judith, who married Samuel A. Doughty, is the only one living. Phcebe married Nichols Haight, lived and died near Coffins Summit. The only descendant living is Sherman Haight, of Mabbettsville, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Abby married Richard Betts, of Saratoga county; no record of descendants.

WILLIAM H. JAYCOX, a leading and progressive farmer of the town of East

Fishkill, Dutchess county, is a native of Putnam county, N. Y., born in the town of Phil-lipstown, October 6, 1843, and is of Holland lineage. His great-grandfather, Isaiah Jay-co.\, was also a native of Putnam county, while his grandfather, Thomas Jayco.x, was born in the town of Phillipstown. There the latter was reared on a farm, and spent his entire life engaged in agricultural pursuits. In his family were five children: David, who was a liveryman at Matteawan, Dutchess county; James E., a farmer of North Highlands, Putnam county; Caroline, who married James Horton, a farmer of Phillipstown; Jeremiah, the father of our subject; and William, also a farmer of Phillipstown, Putnam county. In that town Jeremiah Jaycox was born in 1817, and on attaining to man's estate married Levina Tompkins, whose birth occurred at Putnam Valley, Putnam county,—her father, Ananias Tompkins, being also a native of that county. On their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Jaycox located upon a farm there, but after a residence of seven years they came to Dutchess county, passing their remaining days in the town of Fishkill, the father clying October 15, 1888, and the mother on March 4, 1894. His vote was ever cast in support of the Democratic party. In the familj' were two children: William H., subject of this review; and Frances, who married William Dalrymple, a farmer of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county.

At an early age William H. Jaycox accompanied his parents to Dutchess county, where he has since remained, and now devotes his time and attention to the development and im-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

provement of his excellent farms in the town of East F"ishkill, which comprise 400 acres of rich and arable land, well adapted to mixed . farming. On October 4. 1871. he married Miss Libbie Anderson, who was bom upon the farm which is still her home, and there her father. Peter Anderson, was also born, in 1807. He married Sarah Van Dewater. The Anderson family was early established in this countrj', and was founded in Dutchess county by John Anderson { the grandfather of Mrs. Jaycox), who was a native of Putnam county, N. Y.. and in 1793 purchased of Peter H. Schenck, the farm in the town of East Fish-kill. Dutchess county, upon which our subject still resides, and which at that time contained 265 acres. To Mr. and ^^rs. Peter Anderson were born five children: Amanda, married to William B. Roe, a farmer of East Fishkill; ^^yers, a farmer, who died September 13, ! 1872; Sarah A., married to William E. Brinck-erhoff, of East Fishkill: John P.. an agriculturist of the town of Washington. Dutchess county; and Libbie, wife of our subject.

Upon their marriage ^fr. and Mrs. Jaycox began housekeeping upon their present farm, and they have become the parents of three children, all at home, namely: George A.. Charles W. and Howard. The entire family contribute to the support of the Johnsville Methodist Episcopal Church, and hold a prominent place in the social world. They are the center of a circle of friends who honor and esteem them for their many virtues and genuine worth, ^tr. Jajxox is identified with the Democratic party, is public-spirited and enterprising, and aids in ever)- possible way in promoting the interests of his town and county.

EMMER J. HAIGHT. Among the young and energetic farmers of Dutchess county,

as well as among those who have been successful in their efforts thus far, is the subject of this personal historj. His entire life has been passed in the town of Stanford, where he was born October 20, 1873, and there devotes his time and attention to farming.

His father, John Haight. was also a native of the town of Stanford, and was a son of Leonard Haight, who lived all his life in that town, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. The latter was a stalwart Democrat in politics, and one of the prominent men of

the community. He married Miss Phcebe Griffin, of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and to them were born five children: Margaret, George, Hannah. John and James B. The education of John Haight was such as the district schools of the times afforded, and he early became inured to the arduous duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. He never left the old homestead, which he operated up to the time of his death, which occurred September 6, 1885. He was one of the highly respected citizens of the community, and one of the earnest supporters of the Democratic party, with which he always affiliated.

In the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, John Haight was married to Nfiss Sylvia A. Foster, daughter of John Foster, and to them were born two sons: Walter, who married Lenora Husted. by whom he has two daughters, Eva and Ruby: and Emmer J., subject of this sketch, who wedded Anita Dorland, and thev have one child, Ruth Anna.

GEORGE I. \'.\IL, a prominent dairyman and agriculturist of Unionvale, Dutchess county, has earned a place among the successful workers in his lines of business. He was born at \'erbank, Dutchess county. May 23, 1843, ^"d received his education in the schools of his native town and at ^^echanicsvilIe, N. Y. He learned the carpenter's trade, but. finding that less to his taste than agriculture, he turned to the latter pursuit, and has followed it profit-ablj- for many years, making a specialty of dairying. Careful attention to business does not prevent him, however, from taking an active part in local affairs, and he has served in a number of public offices, including that of assessor. He married Miss Phcebe Noxon. who was born November 24, 1848, in the town of Unionvale. Her ancestors were pioneer settlers in that town, and a record of the three preceding generations is given below. Mrs. Vail was educated in the common schools near her home, and at Oswego village. The house of our subject and his wife is brightened by three children: Henry, born May 10, 1S78; Hettie, born March i, 18S1; and John, born May 20, 1883.

Mr. Vails ancestors became identified with Unionvale, Dutchess county, at an early period, and his grandfather, Moses \'ail, and father, John Vail, were born there, the latter in November, 1800, at Verbank. After avail-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

707

ing himself of such educational opportunities as the locality afforded, he engaged in farming at an early age. He was a man of enterprise, an able manager, and he conducted a woolen mill at Verbank at one time, and also engaged in mercantile business. His wife was Elizabeth Vincent, daughter of Absalom Vincent, and they had ten children, of whom our subject was the youngest: (i) Sarah, born February 8, 1828, married Jacob Baker, a blacksmith of Freedom Plains. (2) Matilda, born September 14, 1829, married Dewitt C. Noxon, a farmer and storekeeper, who served gallantly in the Civil war; they had two children—Emma (Mrs. John Duncan) and Ada. (3) Loretta, born April 4, 1831, remained unmarried. (4) Samuel, born July 4, 1832, is a carpenter by trade; he married Miss Ann Northrop, and has four children — Libbie (Mrs. Leonard Secordj, Charles (who married Carrie Cass), William and Abbie. (5) Mary, born October 13, 1834, married Simon Losee, and has two children— Lizzie and \\'esley. (6) Martha, born January 14, 1S36, was educated in Amenia Seminary, and became a successful teacher. (7) Rebecca, born October i, 1837, married Richard Hall, a farmer of Beekman, and they have four children— Everett (who married Cora Cypher), Libbie (deceased), Herbert (who married Jennie Chatterton'). and Minnie (Mrs. Arthur Holmes). (Si Stephen, born February 23, 1839, is engaged in carpentering, and has remained unmarried. (9) James, born February 22, 1841, is a blacksmith; he married Mary Benjamin, and has one child — Sarah — who married Richard Case, and has one daughter— Helen.

Mrs. George Vail's great-grandfather, Gilbert Noxon, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., was educated there and engaged in farming. He married Miss Jane Phillips, and had eight children: Egbert, who married Claricy Patterson; Elisha, Mrs. Vail's grandfather; Abram, who married Jane Cornell; Daniel, who married, first, Charlotte Snedeker, and, second. Nancy Townsend; Catherine, Mrs. John Dean; Ann, Mrs. Edward Dutcher; Gilbert, who married Sallie Townsend; and James.

Elisha Noxon was born in the town of Unionvale, and afterattendingthe local schools in boyhood became a farmer. He married Miss Phcebe Van Benschcten, daughter of Henry \'an Benschoten, and his wife Mary Jackson, whose parents were Richard and

Mary (Ingraham) Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Noxon had two children: (i) Jane, who married John H. Robinson, and had three children—Phcebe, Mrs. John Dorian; Abram, who married Mary Townsend, and Mavill, who married Minnie Allen. (2) Henry Noxon, father of Mrs. Vail, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, December 15, 1825, and was educated in the common schools of that town. He engaged in farming, and married Miss Hettie Barlow, daughter of Elisha and Charlotte (Palmer) Barlow. Of their three children Mrs. Vail was the eldest. Of the others, (i) Mary married Eugene Storm, and had one child, Winnefred, who is at home. (2) Elisha Noxon died at an early age.

The Van Benschoten familj' has an interesting history, and Dominie Elias \'an Benschoten was the first Reformed Dutch minister at Schagticoke more than half a century before Troy, N. Y., was founded. "Tunis, the father of Dominie Van Benschooten, came from Holland with the earliest settlers of the country, and purchased land at Esopus on the Hudson river. Subsequently, with his wife and one child, he removed to what was then a wilderness, purchased a large tract of land, and made a settlement in the town of Fish-kill, between the village of that name and the city of Poughkeepsie, near what is known as New Hackensack, in the county of Dutchess. Here he had four sons—Tunis, Matthew, Jacob and Elias—and, we believe, two or more daughters. The eldest son sailed for Europe, but as the vessel in which he sailed was never heard from, it is supposed it was seized by the pirates, and he and the other passengers, together with the officers and crew, were put to death. When the old gentleman died he was buried in the family vault on the homestead farm. His remains, with those of other members of the family, have since been disinterred and buried in the graveyard of the old Dutch church at Hackensack, beneath a costly monument.

" Matthew and Jacob remained upon, and in co-partnership cultivated, the farm. Elias became a Reformed Dutch Church minister, and the daughters married. The following amusing story is told of the Dominie. On one occasion, while at Schaghticoke, he was waited on by a Dutch swain, who wished to secure his services at a wedding. In the interval between the call and the time appointed for the ceremomy, a severe storm arose, and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

the stream became fearfully swollen, so that when the weather cleared and the parties to be married arrived, it was impossible for them to get across the stream. Here was a dilemma. The Dominie was on one side, the anxious couple on the other; neither could cross. 'Stop!' cried the Dominie. 'Stand vere you be, and I will make you man and wife.' The happ3' couple, thus united in the bonds of matrimony, when the service was over turned to leave. Here was another dilemma, which cast a cloud of deep anxiety over the tranquil features of the good old man. ' Stop, den, mj' young friends, von moment, if you please. You can leave der guilder at the first house below. Tell them it is Dominie Van Ben-schooten's marriage fee, and I vill call and get it."'

FRANKLIN GERMOND is the proprietor of a good farm in the town of Stanford, Dutchess count}', successful as a tiller of the soil, and prominently identified with local affairs. He was born in that town, April 3, 1846, and is now in the prime of life, and, as the result of good habits, is amply fitted for the duties that lie before him.

Silas Germond, his paternal grandfather, engaged in farming in the towns of Stanford and Pine Plains, and also at one time conducted a store at Attlebury. He was joined in wedlock with Charlotte Knapp Green, by whom he had three children: Hunting, the father of our subject; Silas K.; and Mary Ann, now deceased.

In the town of Stanford, Hunting Germond was born in 1821. He there attended the district schools, .and was, later, a student in a school at Red Hook, Dutchess county. In his native town he married Miss Emily Ann Adsit, a daughter of Warren Adsit, and to them were born four children, namely: Gertrude, widow of Elbert Munsell; Franklin, of this sketch; Frederick, and Guy. The father resided for some time upon a farm near Stiss-ing, :;nd then purchased another farm in the same locality, but the later years of his life were passed near Willow Brook. Besides engaging in agricultural pursuits, he was also a dealer in cattle. He used his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party.

After pursuing his studies for some time in the district schools of the town of Stanford,

Franklin Germond entered the village schools of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, where he completed his education. On reaching his majority he started out in life for himself as a clerk in the store of James Husffed, of Pough-keepsie, and after leaving his employ worked upon a farm at Mclntyre, Dutchess county, for a year. After a year then passed at home, he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he was employed as shipping clerk in a wholesale house, and also sold goods on the road for the same firm for two years and a half. Returning to Stanford in the spring of 1877, he remained upon the old homestead for four j'ears; but in 1881 he purchased his present farm in the same town, where he has since resided. He is quite an extensive farmer and stock dealer, and well deserves the success which has come to him. In 1876, at Litchfield, Litchfield Co., Conn., Mr. Germond was married to Miss Alice Bissell, daughter of Henry Bissell, and to them have been born four children: Henry Bissell, Jam'es Husted, Gertrude C. and Paul Franklin. In politics Mr. Germond is identified with the Democratic party, which he always supports by his ballot, and is now serving his third term as assessor of his town. He is an honored and respected citizen who contributes his full quota toward the enterprises having for their object the general welfare of the community.

JAMES BARMORE, a leading and representative farmer of the town of Unionvale, belongs to a well-known family of Dutchess county. His grandfather, Nathaniel Barmore, who also carried on agricultural pursuits, by his marriage with Miss Abigail Wall had a family of seven children, namely: Henry, the father of our subject; John; James; Meade; Abram; Betsy; and Eliza, who married Ward Hunter.

Henry Barmore was born in the town of Port Chester, Westchester Co., N. Y., November 17, 1783, was there educated in the common schools, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for some time. Later he turned his attention to farming. In religious belief, he was a F'riend. He married Miss Bethany Carpenter, who was born March 10, 1787, and was the daughter of Zeno and Lydia (Clark) Carpenter. The thirteen children born to them were as follows:

(i) Clark was born in W'estchester county,

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709

May 25, 1806, and after completing his education engaged in farming. He wedded Miss Wary Alley, by whom he had nine children: Phrebe married C. Patterson; Edward married Lucy Wanzer, and thej' had three children— Clark (who married Gertie Tripp); Mary E.; and Emma (who married Charles Huestis); Stephen died when young; Caroline married Andrew Wanzer ; Eliza remained single : Sarah married Cyrus Perkins, and they had one child— JohnE.; John married Josephine Phillips; Charles died when young; Delia married Gilbert Downing, and had one son— Charles.

(2) Anor Barmore was born in Westchester county, July 11, 1807, and married Jasper Burtch, a farmer, but had no children.

(3) Stephen, born August 25, 1808, married Miss Caroline Williams, and they became the parents of two sons—William and James S., both of whom died young.

(4) Lydia Barmore was born October i, 1809, and married David Stringham, an agriculturist, by whom she had five children: (i) Henry married Caturah Gardner, and they had one daughter—Ida C.; after the death of his first wife he married Catherine Briggs. 12) Thomas wedded Mary H. Adams. (3) Isaac married Lucinda Lj'on, and had two daughters—Emma, who married Theron Briggs, has two children—Clara and Arthur; and Mary E., who married Edwin Lloyd. (4) John married Ann E. Barnes, and has five children —Henry D., who is married and has three sons; Irene, who married William Mudge, and had one child; Irving, who married Eleanor Deyo; Eugene; and Norris. (5) James, twin brother of John, married Gertrude Van Curen, and has three children—Willis, Norman (who married Gertrude Marshall), and Ernest.

(5) Annie Barmore was born January 14, 1811, and was united in marriage with Abram Quinby, a farmer.

(6) Sarah Barmore was born January 26, 1814, and became the wife of Underbill Quinby, an agriculturist, but they had no children.

(7) Abigail Barmore, born April 28, 1815, died when young.

(8) Mary Barmore was born August 27, 1816, and married Shadrach Ricketson, a farmer, by whom she had two children: Annie wedded William Barker, and they had two children—Shadrach and Mary F.; Susan first married Theodore Tappen, and they had one daughter—Mary, who wedded Ira Gilmore.

After the death of her first husband, Susan married John Anderson.

(9) Susan Barmore was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, December 11, 1818, was there educated, and married Egbert Vale, a farmer of that town; they had three children: Sarah E. married Theodore W}'-gant, and had one daughter, Jennie, who became the wife of Thomas Drake, and has one child—Wesley J.; Charles P. married Allie Dorland, and has three children—Willard (who married Lillie Pendley), Susan, and Harold; Henry J. married Maggie Williamson, and has two children—Henrietta and John E.

(10) Henry Barmore was born January i, 1820, and married Miss Ruth Spencer. Their only child, Minnie, married Thomas Fox, and has one child—Minnie.

(11) Philip Barmore was born Februar}- 18, 1822, and married Miss Hannah Gardner; they had two children: Maria married Victor Cornwell, by whom she had two children— Ruth and Frank—and after the death of her first husband married Giles Burgess, by whom she had a son—Philip. Henrj- married Rose-lina Griffith, and had seven children—James, Pearl, Edith, Willis, Henry, Beulah. and Willa Rose, two of whom are deceased.

( 12) Elizabeth Barmore was born September 23, 1823, and never married.

(13) James Barmore, whose name introduces this sketch, is the youngest of the family. He was born February 27, 1829, in the town of Unionvale, was educated in the common schools of the locality, and has alwa3's followed the occupation of farming. He is a member of the Society of Friends, is a straightforward, reliable citizen, and is held in the highest esteem. On reaching manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Abiah Gardner, a daughter of Lewis Gardner, a farmer of the town of Beeknian, Dutchess county. She died March 26, 1865, and he afterward wedded her sister, Miss Mary Gardner. He has had no children by either marriage.

Resolved Gardner, the grandfather of Mrs. Barmore, engaged in farming throughout life. He married Miss Abiah Sweet, and to them were born eight children: Joshua; Lewis, the father of Mrs. Barmore; Isaac and Resolved, who never married; Seneca; Delwin, who never married; Ann G.; and Herman.

The eldest son, Joshua Gardner, married Jane Doughty, and had four children: (i) Mary A. wedded Samuel Adams, and had four chil-

COMMEMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dren—Mary H. (who married Thomas String-ham), Lottie (who married Edward Young, and has four children—Mrs. Emma Haight, David, Charles and Mabel), Amelia (who died when young), and George (who married Alice Gardner, and has five children—Lena, Blanche, Samuel, Raymond and Mary H.j. (2j Charlotte married Edwin Cabry, and has two children—Frank, and Lavina (wife of Benjamin Sutton). (3) Eliza married David Hoag, and has three children—David, Eva and Angenett. (4) Thomas wedded Mariette Thomas, and has three children—Florence, Frances, and Etta. Lewis Gardner, the father of Mrs. Bar-more, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, June 9, 1791; obtained his education in the common schools, and learned the tailor's trade, at which he worked most of his life, but also carried on farming. He married Sarah Tifft, and to them were born thirteen children, of whom the eldest four never married, (i) Catherine S. was born April 20, 181 8. (2) Elizabeth C. was born October 14, '819. (3) Rhoda C. was born July 22, 1821.

(4) Ruth S. was born September i, 1S23.

(5) Hannah, born December 8, 1824, married Philip Barmore, a farmer. (6) Seneca L., born June 24, 1827, remained single. (7) Abiah, born June 6, 1829, was the first wife of our subject. (8) Nathaniel, born August 17, 1831, was three times married, his first wife being Leah Lynch, by whom he had two children— Sarah E. and George L.; after her death he married Miss Kate Wood, and to them was born a child that died in infancy; his third wife bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Sutton. (9) EInathan, born March 16, 1833, married Hannah Lynch, and had four children—Hattie (who married Robert Fisher, and had one son, Robert), Sarah (who married William Pierce, and has one child, Harry), l^enjamin (who died in infancy), and Mary E. (who married William Brooks, and has two children, Arthur and Mary M.). (10) Caturah, born November 28, 1834, married Henry Stringham, a nephew of our subject, by whom she had a daughter, Ida C. (11) Mary, born September 24, 1836, is the wife of our subject. (12) Matilda, born May 27, 1841, died in infancy. (13) Henry, born August i, 1843, married Cornelia Cornell, and has one son, Lewis, who married Minnie Totersman, and they have one son, Harry.

Seneca Gardner, the fifth child of Resolved and Abiah (Sweet) Gardner, married Sarah J.

Rockfeller, and to them were born ten children: Julia never married; William; Charles married a Miss Dodge, and after her death he married Sarah A. Brown, by whom he had five children: Julia, Annie, Isaac, Charles and John; Emma never married; Jane married Lewis Cooper; Alice married George Adams; Del win married Frances Cooper, and had two children—Ida and John; Isaac remained single; John married Emma Ludington, and had one daughter— Nina;'and Ann married Fred Benjamin, and they have three children—Fred, Gardner and Isaac.

Ann G. Gardner, the seventh child of Resolved and Abiah (Sweet) Gardner, married David Adams, and they had one son—James, who married Samantha Newett.

Herman Gardner, the youngest of the family, married Eliza Brown, and they had five children—John, Resolved, Daniel, Lydia and Deborah.

-OHN P. ANDERSON is a representative citizen and substantial farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he has now made his home since 1865, when he located upon his present farm of 165 acres of rich and fertile land. He is one of those men who thoroughly understand the business he is pursuing, and is meeting with a well-deserved success. He is the architect of his own fortune, having started in life with but little capital beyond his own industry and a laudable ambition to rise in the world.

Mr. Anderson was born at East Fishkill, Dutchess county, November 23, 1835, and belongs to a family whose ancestors came from Holland at a very early period in the history of this country. In religious belief they are mostly Methodists. His grandfather, John Anderson, was also born at East Fishkill, where after his marriage he located on a farm and reared his si.x children: Susan, who married Abram Van Vlack, a farmer of East Fishkill; Zillah, wife of Louis Wright, a farmer of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county; Elizabeth, who wedded Harvey Eighmie, an agriculturist of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county; Polly, wife of John Homan, also a farmer of Beekman; Peter, the father of our subject; and John, a farmer of East Fishkill. In that town the grandfather spent his remaining days. There Peter Anderson, the father of our subject, was born March 21, 1807, and on

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711

reaching maturity married Sarah Van De-Water, whose birth occurred in the town of Fishkill, July 25, 1808. Her family was also of Holland origin, and her father was a fruit grower of the town of Fishkill. She was the second in his family of four children, the others being Myers, a farmer of that locality; Phoebe, wife of Nelson Lounsbury, also an agriculturist; and Susan, wife of Stephen Scofield, a resident of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On their farm in East Fishkill five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Anderson, namely: Amanda, wife of William B. Roe, a farmer; Myers, who engaged in agricultural pursuits in both the town of Beekman and East Fishkill, and died September 12, 1872; Sarah, wife of William E. Brinkerhof?, who is engaged in the nursery business; John P., of this sketch; and Elizabeth, wife of William H. Jaycox, a farmer of East Fishkill. The father, who was an earnest Democrat in politics, died in 1890; his wife had departed this life in 1882.

In the usual manner of farmer-lads, our subject spent his childhood, and on reaching his majority went to New York City, where he engaged in the wholesale liquor business on Fifty-first street and Ninth avenue for about six years. In 1865, however, we find him in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he purchased his present farm.

On November 15, 1859, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Hannah M. White, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and a daughter of Alfred and Eliza (Brownell) White, farming people of that county. The founders of the family came from England, and her paternal grandfather, Charles White, was a leading farmer of Greene and Dutchess counties. Her parents later came to the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, where they reared their family of four children: Deborah, wife of Myers Anderson, a brother of our subject; Hannah M.; and Charles L. and William, both deceased. The father's death occurred April 3, 1880, and his wife, who survived him some years, died January 7, 1892.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson: Alfred P., who died at the age of four years; William R., who is married and has been commissioner of schools for six years; Alfred J., a resident of the town of W'ashing-ton; and Eliza W., wife of Leonard Davis, a farmer. The parents are both consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Anderson affiliates

with the Democratic party. He is quite prominent in public affairs and has been elected supervisor of his town, which office he held for two terms, and has also been road commissioner.

SANFORD JARVIS BARTLETT is a worthy representative of the farming interests of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, and in all of life's relations has been known as an honorable, straightforward man. He v/as born December 29, 1842, on the old family homestead, where he still resides, and comes from a family that has taken an active part in promoting the welfare and upbuilding of the county.

The first of the family to locate within the borders of Dutchess county was Daniel C. Bartlett, the great-grandfather of our subject. He was born at Redding, Conn., and was the son of Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett, a Congregational minister, who located at Redding, May 23, 1753. and died January 10, 1810, at the age of eighty-three years. He had three daughters, Anna, Eunice and Lucretia. When the colonies took up arms against the mother country. Rev. Bartlett gave Daniel his sword on the Sabbath day with the instruction to fight for the freedom of his native land. He was with Montgomery at the battle of Quebec, and was at the capture of Fort St. John in November, 1775, and witnessed the burning of Danbury, Conn., in 1777. In 1803 he bought of Joel Gillett the farm in the town of Amenia, which now belongs to our subject. In his family were five children; William, Collins, Mrs. John Barker, Mrs. Thomas Paine and Mrs. William Paine. Sanford J. Bartlett has in his possession the gun bearing the initials of his great-grandfather, Daniel C. Bartlett, and which the latter probably carried and used during the Revolutionary struggle. He also has the original pictures of his great-great-grandparents, Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett and wife.

William Bartlett, the grandfather of our subject, was born February 13, 1781, and spent most of his life engaged in farming in the town of Amenia. On November 12, 1804, he married Miss Clarissa Sanford, who was born February 23, 1786, and died August 12, 1838. His death occurred December 10, 1821. In their family were three children: William S., the father of our subject; Henry

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.

E., who was born August ii, 1813, and died December 27, 1832; and Clarissa Wade, who died May 11, 1863. at the age of {ortj--t\vo years.

William S. Bartlett, the father, was born in the town of Amenia, January 23, 1809, and was united in marriage October 13, 1830, with Miss Jane E. Reynolds, who was born on Christinas Day, 1812, and was the daughter of Jonathan P. Reynolds. Her death occurred June I, 1881, and on the 6th of the following November the father also passed away. Their four children were: Jonathan R., born July 15, I S31, married Octobers, 1863, to Hannah L. Grant, and died September 8, 1872; Adelaide Amelia, born January 10, 1836, died April 27, 1838; William H., born February 14, 1839, married October 5, 1863, to I^avina Culver, and is now a prominent resident of Amenia; and Sanford J.

The early life of our subject was passed in the usual manner of farmer boys, and, after attending the district schools for some time, he completed his literary training in the Amenia Seminary. Since laying aside his te.xt books, he has devoted -his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, operating the old family homestead in the town of Amenia.

AtHridport, Vt., March 12, 1873, Sanford J. I^artlett married Mary \J\z7.\e. Hill, daughter of David Edgar Hill, and they are the parents of two children: \\'illiam Edgar, born February 14, 1874; and Sanford J., born August 14, 1876. In his political views, Mr. Bartlett is a Republican, but takes no active part in public affairs, aside from performing his duties of citizenship.

CHARLES H. TRH^P, M. D., a well-known physician and surgeon of Clinton Corners, Dutchess county, has been engaged in the practice of his profession there during the past twelve years, meeting with remarkable success. The Doctor was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, on Christmas Day, 1855. His paternal grandfather, John S. Tripp, also a nati_ve of Washington town, by his marriage with Sarah Deuel had two sons: Seneca, the father of our subject; and Isaac. His second union was with Sarah Haight, and by her he had a son: Egbert. The grandfather spent his entire life in farming in the town of Washington, and was very successful in his operations, so that at the time of his death the

value of the property to be divided among his sons amounted to about $12,000. The family, which was of English ancestry, made its first settlement on Nantucket Island, whence the descendants came to Dutchess county.

Seneca Tripp was born February 15, 1802, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he received a fair education and was given a good start in life. He was first married in that town, October 25, 1821, to Miss Annie Pratt, who died November 15, 1838, and to them were born four children: Milo, deceased; John; and Stephen and Sarah Jane, both deceased. For his second wife Mr. Tripp wedded, October 7, 1839, Mary Louisa Sweet, who was born February i, 1813, also in Washington town. They became the parents of six children, namely: Annie S., who was born October 4, 1841, and died Septembers, 1848; Silas D., born November 11, 1S43; Delia L., who was born April 4, 1846, and died September 19, 1851; Lydia Anna, who was born October 27, 1850, and also died September 19, 1851; Samuel Mott, born October 22, 1852; and Charles Henry, the subject of this review. The father continued to carry on agricultural pursuits in the town of Washington, until his death, which occurred December 23, 1876; his wife died in December, 1890. By birth he was a Quaker, his parents having belonged to that Society; he was an active politician, but held no office, preferring to devote his time to his business.

The primary education of our subject was begun in the district schools of the town of Washington, and he later took up Greek and Latin under private instruction, in order to prepare himself for the study of medicine, being ably assisted in his Latin studies by his mother. In 1678 he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, where he was graduated March 15, 1881, and immediately began practice at Millbrook, town of Washington, Dutchess county. In February, 1884, he established an office at Clinton Corners, where he has since prosecuted his profession, and has secured a large and lucrative practice. Before entering the college in New York, he had taken up the study of medicine with Dr. John S. Thorne, of Millbrook. He holds a certificate of instruction in operative surgery and surgical dressing under Joseph D. Bryant, now surgeon-general of the State.

On June 28, 1881, Dr. Tripp was married to Miss Carrie E. Cunningham, a native of

v^^^^"^-^;^^ ^^^

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713

Vermont, and four children were the result of this union: Louis C., born March 22, 18S4, and died August 29 following; Clayton S., who was born April 15, and died March 2, 1S88; Mabel A., born April 13, 1889; and Charles S., born March 21, 1894.

Mrs. Tripp was born July 4, 1866, in Plainfield, Vt., a daughter of Lewis H. and Clarinda D. (Kidder) Cunningham, the latter of whom was born in 1825, in Marshfield, Vt., and died July, 1883. The father was born February 8, 1822, in Rockingham town, Windham Co., Vt., and followed the business of contracting and building. They had a family of eight children, six of whom are yet living: Clara, Fred, Nettie, Samuel, Josephine, and Carrie E.

Dr. Tripp holds membership with the Alumni Association of Bellevue Hospital, and belongs to the Dutchess County Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and to the Royal Arcanum, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He has been very successful in his practice, and for three years served as health officer for the town of Clinton; is examining surgeon for the New York Life and Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Companies. He is a member of the Episcopal Church at Millbrook, and he and his estimable wife are popular in society, being numbered among the intelligent and refined people of their community.

/^ EORGE B. KINNEY is one of the old-\^ est and most highly respected agriculturists of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. Tracing the ancestral line of our subject, reaching two hundred and seventy years or more into the past, we are able, in the light of reliable records, to follow Henry Kinne, born in 1624, from Holland to Salem, Mass., where he located on a farm in 1651. It is believed that he was born in Norfolk, England, where his father, Sir Thomas Kinne. lived, having been knighted by the government for some signal service rendered, and that following the tide of emigration through Holland, where they sought greater religious liberty, but found less than the fullest freedom, Henry came to Salem at about the age of thirty years. He was a prosperous farmer, and was employed to some extent in ecclesiastical work. His children were eight in number—three sons and five daughters.

The second son, Thomas Kinne, from whom

our subject is descended, was born January i, 1656, and May 23, 1677, was united in marriage with Elizabeth Knight, by whom he had four sons. He died in 16S7.

Thomas Kinne, the eldest son of the above couple, was born July 27, 167S, and in 1715, at the age of thirty-seven j-ears, removed to Preston (now Griswold), Conn., where he died in 1756. There his grave-stone now stands on the banks of ,the Pachang river. He married Martha Peabody^who died October 25, 1747, and they became the parents of sixteen children—ten sons and six daughters.

Stephen Kinne, the third of this family, was born at Griswold, Conn., and January 29, 1730, married Priscilla Herrick, by whom he has six children, namely: Stephen, born December 18, 1732; Tesse, born May 25, 1735; Roswell, born May 4, 1737; Nathaniel, born April 26, 1739; Anna, born June 7, 1741; and Didymus, born August 7, 1743. The father of these children was the first of the Kinne family to come to Dutchess county, N. Y., where in 1740 he located in the northwestern part of the town of Amenia.

The next in direct line to our subject is Roswell Kinne, who was born at Griswold, Conn., but at an early age accompanied his father to the town of Amenia, where he resided up to the time of his death, August 22, 1812. He was a prominent citizen of the locality and served as captain of the militia. He married Miss Annie Burton, who was born August 7, 1739. They were the parents of two children: Roswell and Henry.

Roswell Kinney, Jr., was the father of our subject. He was born in the town of Amenia, September 30, 1776, and was united in marriage v/ith Jerusha Rust, who was born in 1788; to them were born the following children: Albert, Eliza, Tryphenia, George B., Henry and Edwin. All are now deceased with the exception of our subject. The father was killed by runaway oxen, August 28, 1821. He was a strict Presbyterian in religious belief, and would not work after sundown on Saturday nights. His entire life was devoted to farming in his native town. After his death his widow became the wife of Daniel Lorin, and to them were born four children, all now deceased, namely: Harriet, Mary, William and Charles.

The birth of George B. Kinney, subject of this review, occurred in the town of Amenia, March 26, 1816, and there his school days

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHIVAL BECOBD.

were passed. He remained upon the old homestead until his marriage, which was celebrated in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, October 29, 1840, Miss Eima M. Tripp becoming his wife. She was the daughter of Howard and Phebe Tripp, and died in 1867, at the age of fifty years. By their union were born three children: Elma T.; Howard T., and George H. The eldest son, Howard T., married Minnie Putnam, and has two children, Laura and Roswell.

Since iS4oi(^lr. Kinney has resided upon his present tine farm in the town of Stanford, and in the community where he has so long made his home he has gained many warm friends. He is entitled to the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, which he certainly possesses in a high degree. His first vote was cast for the Whig party, but since its organization has been a stanch Republican. Religiously, he is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church.

FRANKLIN COLES TOMPKINS. The subject of this history is one of the prominent citizens of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and the owner and proprietor of a fruit farm. He is a native of New York, born in the town of Scarsdale, Westchester county, October 5, 1827, and is a son of Coles Tompkins, whose birth occurred in Mamaroneck town, that county, in October, 1800. His paternal grandfather, Noah Tompkins, was also a native of Westchester county, where his father, Elijah Tompkins, who was from New England, had located at a very early day. The family was founded in this country by three brothers, who came from Wales and made their homes either in Massachusetts or Connecticut.

By trade the grandfather of our subject was a blacksmith, but his later life was devoted to fruit raising in Westchester county, where his death occurred. By his marriage with Rachel Coles, a native of Long Island, he became the father of six children, namely: Samuel, who followed farming and died in Illinois; Elijah, an agriculturist of Westchester county; Joseph, also a farmer of Illinois; Hannah C, who died unmarried; Coles, the father of our subject; and Noah, a carpenter of New York City. In religious belief the family were Friends.

In early life Coles Tompkins learned the

tanner's and currier's business, which he followed for many years in this State, but finally removed to Illinois, where he passed away. He married Phcebe Underbill, a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and a daughter of James Underbill, who engaged in blacksmithing in the town of Clinton. They began housekeeping in Westchester county. Only one child was born to them: Franklin Coles, subject of this review, who was-only two years old when his mother died. The Underbill family was of English origin, and at an early period became identified with the history of the New World. One of the first of its members, of which any record appears, is Captain John Underbill, who took a leading and prominent part in religious, political and military affairs. He had come to America with Governor Winthrop, arriving at Boston harbor May 18, 1630, in the vessel "John and Mary," which he commanded, and which was named in honor of his father and mother. He espoused the cause of Roger Williams, and participated in many engagements against the hostile Indians of that day. He established the first military company at Boston. In 1667 he bought from the Indians a tract of land at Matinecock, town of Oyster Bay, Queens county. Long Island, where he died in 1667, and was buried on the tract.

The childhood of our subject was passed in Westchester county, and most of his education was acquired in the Old Nine Partners School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. At the age of seventeen, however, he laid aside his text books and began learning the carriage maker's trade at Washington Post Ofifice, which business he followed until 1862, and for nine years there engaged in mercantile pursuits. For three years he owned and coff-ducted a fruit farm of 166 acres in Unionvale, then returned to that village, now known as South Millbrook, and there purchased the Wintinghain property, that comprises twenty acres of rich land.

On October 31, 1S50, Mr. Tompkins was united in marriage with Miss Ann Eliza Hues-tis, a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Moses S. and Ann Eliza (Woolley) Huestis, both of English lineage. Her maternal great-grandfather, Jehu Woolley, was one of the first settlers in Dutchess county, arriving there when onlj' a footpath led to Poughkeepsie. His son, Vaniah Woolley, the grandfather of Mrs. Tompkins,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

715

became a prominent merchant and farmer of the town of Washington, and represented his district in the Assembly.

Six children were born to oijr subject and his worthy wife, who in order of birth are as follows: Mary J., wife of Alfred Seeley, now of Brooklyn, N. Y., but formerly of Washington town; Hannah C., wife of Clark A. Haight, a farmer of Washington town; Phcebe K., who died at the age of seven years; F. Walton, who married Mary Parker Dunsher, of New York City, and lives near Newark, N. J.; Clara M., at home; and Willard H., an agriculturist of Unionvale, who married Ruth Estelle Hawkins, of Oswego, New York.

Mr. Tompkins is considered a representative man of the town of Washington; he has a fine character; his motives are governed by elevated tastes and aims, and he stands well with his fellowmen. He is frank and open in the e.xpression of his opinions, and in politics he is a sound Democrat. He has held numerous local offices of honor and trust, including those of town clerk and justice of the peace.

JOHN D. TEAL is pleasantly located upon a farm of io8 acres in the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, on what is known as the "inside road", which runs from the Stone church to Rock City. The improvements which we see to-day have been effected by his industry and good management, and he has brought the soil to a-fine state of cultivation. The farm buildings are neat and substantial, and, with their surroundings, present the picture of the complete country home, where peace and plenty abound.

David Teal, the grandfather of our subject, whose ancestors came to this country from Palatinate, Germany, was a native of Ulster county, N. Y. He received a common-school education, and began life as a farmer, which occupation he followed up to the time of his death. Early in life he married Miss Rebecca Sipperly, and soon after they became residents of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where their only child, Jacob Teal, was born in 1804. He was the father of our subject. His education was such as the district schools of the locality afforded and he early learned the trades of blacksmithing and vvagonmaking, at which he worked more or less all through his life. He also engaged in teaching school

for a few years. In the early training days he commanded a company. For his second wife he married Miss Anna Maria Teal, daughter of John I. Teal, of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, who, though bearing the same name, was no relative. Two children were born to them: Mary C., who became the wife of William Moul, of the town of Red Hook, where he is successfully engaged in farming; and John D., subject of this sketch.

Our subject's birth occurred in the town of Red Hook, where he entered the common schools, and, on completing his education, he succeeded his father, who was otherwise engaged, to the management of the farm, and thus began life for himself as an agriculturist. In 1867 Mr. Teal was married to Miss Mary Rossman. They are the parents of three children, all born on the old homestead. Frank L., who was educated at the Hartwick Seminary, and, after his graduation from that institution in 1890, served on the force of civil engineers engaged in the construction of the Broadway Cable road in New York City, at the completion of which he engaged in teaching and land surveying, holding the position of teacher in the public schools of Germantown for two years. He then became principal of the North Germantown Union School, which position he resigned after two years to enter upon a course of studies at St. Stephens College. Agnes received a thorough training in music, and is now a teacher of that art. She is also organist of the Stone Church in the town of Rhinebeck located near the town line of Red Hook. Eve Alice completes the family.

John G. Rossman, the grandfather of Mrs. Teal, was born in Livingston, Columbia Co., N. Y., was there educated, and followed the vocation of a farmer throughout life. He married Miss Catherine Best, daughter of Rev. Lewis Best, a Christian minister of Livingston. Their family consisted of ten children: Susan married Reuben Lapham; George married Johanna Weisman; Jacob was the father of Mrs. Teal; Margaret married Henry Van-Etten; Eve married Samuel Lape; Mary married Edward Stickle; Ann married Samuel Shutts; William married Lucy Cunningham, of Georgia; James remained single; and Edward died in infancy.

Jacob Rossman was also a native of Livingston, Columbia county, where he received a good common-school education, and became an agriculturist. He wedded Miss Eve

COMMEilORATIVE BIOGliAPUICAL UECORI).

Patrie, by whom he had two children: Mer-vin J., who married Mary Gardner; and Mary, the estimable wife of our subject. Her maternal grandfather, Christian Patrie, who was also a farmer, married Mary Pinder, daughter of Edward Pinder, second son of Lord Pinder, London. England, and to them were born ten children: Pamilla married Dr. William Jones; Rachel married Rensselaer Livingston; Alexander married Clarissa Bennaham; Rufus married Jane Stickle; Eve was the mother of Mrs. Teal; Susan married Samuel Pender; Mary died at the age of twenty-five years; Edward married Margaret Potts; Seth married Mary Patrie, a cousin; and Fannie married Jacob Miller.

THOMAS WRIGHT, one of the well-to-do and intluential citizens of the town of Lagrange, is now occupying a valuable farm that is conspicuous for the manner in which it has been improved and cultivated, and gives every evidence of being the homestead of one of the most enterprising men of Dutchess county.

The Wright family is of English origin, and was founded in this country first on Long Island. Thomas Wright, the grandfather of our subject, and one of the early residents of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, had a family of eight children, all now deceased. As he was in somewhat limited circumstances, his son, Lewis, the father of our subject, was given but an ordinary education, and he started out in life as a poor boy. He was born in the town of East Fishkill, March 22, 1800, and in his twentieth year first became a resident of the town of Lagrange, locating upon the farm now occupied by our subject, which he operated for some time before he was able to purchase it. Upon that place he spent his remaining days.

On November 3, 1820, Lewis Wright was married to Maria \'ermilyea, who was born September 26, 1801, and died December 31, 1827, and they became the parents of three children: Mary, born July 24, 1821, died in June, 1894; John G., born May 31, 1824; and Abraham, born in December, 1826, and died October 18, 1828. Mr. Wright was again married, this time on November 13, 1828, to Miss Zillah Anderson, who was born February 24, 1799, and was the daughter of John Anderson. Four children came to this union: Ann

Elizabeth, born August 24, 1830, married Draper Hall, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Thomas, subject of this sketch; Susan Jane, born December 25, 18^4, married Rutsen Hall, of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county; and Anderson, born May i, 1838, died May 10, 1867. The mother of these children departed this life in November, 1885.

Thomas Wright, whose name introduces these lines, was born February 26, 1833, on the farm which is now his home, in the town of Lagrange. His education was acquired in the district school, and at a private school of the neighborhood. On April 20, 1859, he was married to Miss Phcebe Rogers, who was born October 18, 1840, a daughter of Laban Rogers, of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. To this worthy couple were born fourteen children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Charles L., January 21, 1.860; Homer A., June 19, 1862; Carrie R.. July 31, 1864; Susan A., August 21, 1866; Jennie, October 3, 1868; Mary E., May 12, 1871; Lewis T., March 12, 1873; Alice Z., October 27, 1874; John R., October 11, 1876; Ru6m-ma, September 2, 1S78; Arthur, October 23, 1880; Augusta M., March 21, 1883; and Josephine and Pauline (twins), August 10, 1885. Of these, Josephine died July 22, 1886. Mrs. Wright's father was born in the town of Beekman, in 1805, married Jane Sincerbox, of East Fishkill, by whom he had five children— two sons and three daughters, of whom, one son and daughter are now deceased. The mother died in 1SS41 the father in 1886.

In 1859, Mr. Wright became a resident of the town of Beekman, where he remained until 1879, when he removed to the old Vermilyea homestead in the town of Lagrange, which he operated for ten years, when he returned to the farm where his early life was passed, and has there continued to make his home. He is now the owner of three fine farms in the town of Lagrange, and another in Beekman, aggregating 750 acres of as good land as is to be found anywhere in the county. While living in Beekman, he was elected justice of the peace, but declined to qualify. A stanch Democrat in politics, he is recognized as an honorable, upright man, the encourager of educational institutions, and during his younger years served as school commissioner in the town of Lagrange. The career of Mr. Wright has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of those with whom he

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

"17

has come in contact, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity.

GEORGE W. HOWELL, a leading and influential member of the agricultural community of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, resides upon his fine farm of 197 acres. Besides the regular duties pertaining to the cultivation of the soil, he also deals quite extensively in stock, which he buys and ships to the city.

Mr. Howell is a native of Dutchess county, having been born at Salt Point, November 12, 1849, and he is a son of Benjamin Howell, at one time also a prominent farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley. He received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood, and lent his assistance to his father in carrying on the farm. On attaining his majority he became postal clerk on the Poughkeepsie & Eastern railroad, which position he filled some fourteen years. In 187S he married Miss Adelia Hicks, who was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where her father, Frederick Hicks, carried on farming. She died June 20, 1886, leaving two children: Mabel and Grace.

In 1S80 Mr. Howell purchased his present farm, and has since resided there. In politics he is a straight and stanch adherent of the principles formulated in the platform of the Republican party, and in the exercise of his elective franchise invariably supports the candidates offered by that organization. During President Harrison's administration he served for four years as postmaster of Washington Hollow. He is a public-spirited man, aiding in all kinds of improvements for the good of the community, and is especially active in promoting educational interests. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and he merits and receives the warmest confidence of his fellow-citizens.

ELIAS W. BERRY, a prosperous farmer of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county,

was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, August 6, 1854. His parents were Lebbens Howe and Wilhelmina (Westervelt) Berry, the latter being a daughter of Elias and Ruth Westervelt.

Nicholas N. Berry, the paternal grandfather

of our subject, was born in 1792, in East Fish-kill, N. Y., ar..d settled in the town of Poughkeepsie when a \'oung man. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Ida Vanalts, a native of Fishkill, N. Y., who bore him two children: Lettie Ann and William, both of whom are now deceased. B)' his second wife, whose maiden name was Ida Howe, he had four children, namely: Lebbens H. and John P. (both deceased), the latter of whom was superintendent of the Street railroad in Elizabeth City; Tunis, a lesident of Elizabeth, N. J., was supervisor of the town of Poughkeepsie; and Sarah, who married Tunis Conklin, and lives at Hyde Park. The family were all Presbyterians in their religious belief.

Lebbens H. Berry, the father of our subject, was a school teacher in his younger days, but most of his life was spent in farming. He lived for a year on the plank road, and for ten years farmed on the land now occupied by the State Asylum buildings. He sold this property, and for a year resided in Hyde Park, subsequently going to the town of Clinton, where he remained four j-ears. In 1865 he took up his residence in the town of Lagrange, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1887. His wife survived him until 1891. He was a stanch Democrat in his political views, and held several minor town offices, being commissioner of highways in the town of Poughkeepsie, and collector at various times. He was a man of considerable business ability, and during his life accumulated a comfortable fortune. The children born to himself and wife were: William, residing in Danbury, Conn.; Henry, living at Roselle, N. J.: Sarah W.; Lettie Ann, who married Shryver Tompkins, of Lagrange; Elias Westervelt, the subject of this sketch; Lebbens H., living in Lagrange; Mary Frances, wife of the Rev. Edwin C. Bennett, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Seymour, residing in Roselle, N. J.; and Ida Ruth.

Elias W. Berry obtained his education in the district school at Freedom Plains, and lived on the home farm in Lagrange with his parents, until the death of his mother in 1891. On March 9, 1892, he was married to Mrs. Louisa Seaman Brill, a daughter of Jacob and Clara Seaman. Mrs. Berry has three children by her first marriage: Richard, Clara and Frederick. After his marriage Mr. Berry purchased the J. R. Flagler farm near Overlook, in the town of Lagrange, which consists of ninety acres of fine land. Here he carries on general

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farming, in which he has been quite successful. He is a hard worker, thrifty and energetic, and is highly respected by all his acquaintances. He is a Democrat in politics, has been justice of the peace two terms, and also one of the inspectors of election.

JOSEPH B. ROZELL, a very prominent and energetic farmer of the town of Union-vale, Dutchess county, was there born April -9. '859, and secured his education in the schools near his home. His paternal grandfather, Henry Rozell, was a native of Tarry-town, N. Y., where he attended school, but early in life removed to Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess county, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He wedded Miss Eleanor Cypher, and to them were born the following children: Thomas, who married Jennie Strait; Elizabeth married Caleb Oakley; John, who married Miss Black; Samuel, who married Rhoda Rozell; Gilbert, who married Eliza Shear; Henry, who married Catharine Holmes; William, who died in infancy; William, who married Julia Burnett; Alexander, the father of our subject; Jacob, who married Jane Austin; Matilda, who married Dewitt Connor; Annie, who married Harvey Simeon; Egbert, who married Priscilla Cooper; and Maria, who married I'^obert Hicks.

Alexander Rozell was born at Chestnut Ridge in 1808, and in the common schools of Dutchess county acquired his education. He learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for fourteen years, and then devoted his time and attention to farming, until life's labors were ended. He was a progressive and public-spirited citizen, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew him.

On January 31, 1854, was celebrated the marriage of Alexander Rozell and Miss Sarah Frances Potter, a daughter of George and Hannah (Baker) Potter, farming people of Nantucket. Four children blessed this union, of whom our subject is third in order of birth: George, born December 8, 1854, in the town of Unionvale, received a common-school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he is now employed. He married Miss Anna M. Syncerbaux, w^ho was born January 30, i860. Annie was born July 25, 1856, in Unionvale town, and married Jesse Oakley, an agriculturist, by whom she has one child.

Alexander, born in 1890. Ella H., born November 4, i860, is the wife of William E. Ferris, a shoemaker of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and they have one son, William H., who was born October 2, 1895.

George Potter, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born October 20, 1786, and in September, 1812, married Miss Hannah Baker, whose birth occurred August i, 1790. They became the parents of five children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Joseph, August 7, 1813; Anthony, April 6, 1815; William B., March 12, 1817; Sarah F., December 27, 1819; and Milton, April 23, 1821.

MRS. MAY LOSEE DUTCHER, of Do-__ _ ver Plains, is descended from well-known families of Dutchess county. Her paternal grandfather. William Losee, a lifelong farmer, was a native of Syracuse, N. Y., and received his education in the schools of that place. He married Miss Mary Watterman, of the same place, and they became the parents of twelve children, namely: Harris married Rachel I^utts; William married Anna Carbardt; John married Phcebe \'eiley; Henry married Mertha Lake; Joseph married Harriet Han-neston; George was the father of Mrs. Dutch-er; Julia married J. Cooper; Delia remained unmarried; Caroline married Hicks Hustes; Adelaide married Seneca White ; Catherine married Vincent Tripp; and Mary married Egbert Butler.

George Losee, a member of the above family, was born at Dover Plains, Februarj- 14, 1817, and in the schools of that village acquired his education. I^ike his father, he also followed agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Anna Sherman, daughter of Darius and Myra (Tabor) Sherman, who were residents of the town of Dover, where her father died July 25, 1858. His father was born December I, 1757, and died May 25, 1847, 'i the town of Pawling, Dutchess count}', where for many years he had engaged in farming. He was united in marriage with Abigail Pierce, who was born in 1767 and died in 1818. They became the parents of ten children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Oliver, May 27, 1787; Chloe, November 27, 178S; Isaac, June 15. 1791; Henry, July 17, 1793; Daniel, October, 1795; Stephen, April,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

719

179S; Darius, November 7, 1800; Sylvia, December 6, 1802; Lydia, April 16, 1805; and Olive, May 11, 1807.

To the parents of Mrs. Dutcher were born six children: Ella, who became the wife of Frank Secor; May, of this review ; George, who wedded Mary Hutchinson ; William; Daisy, who married Charles Wyman; and Joseph. Of this family. May was born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and during her girlhood attended the common schools of the neighborhood, where she acquired an excellent education. She married George Dutcher. She has many friends throughout the county, and is loved and respected by all who know her.

JARVIS C. ROBINSON. Dutchess county has many well-to-do and successful farmers, men who have accumulated what they have of this world's goods through individual effort. Among this class the name of the subject of this notice is entitled to a place. He is residing upon his fine farm in the town of Stanford, where he is industriously engaged in the prosecution of his noble calling, and is meeting with far more than ordinary success.

Anativeof Dutchess county, the birth of Mr. Robinson took place in the town of Fishkill, September 25, 1827, but since the early age of seven jears he has been a resident of the town of Stanford, and there his education was obtained in the district schools. As a young man he worked as a farm hand, and at the age of nineteen began work for Mrs. Canfield upon the farm which he now owns. At her death he purchased the place, the improvement and cultivation of which he has since continued with remarkable success. On August 20, 1856, he was married in the town of Stanford to Miss Mary E. Mosher, daughter of Allen Mosher, and to them were born the following children: Fremont (now deceased); Homer E., of whom special mention will presently be made; Leo-netta, who married Emerson Gregory, by whom she has two children—Jennie and Mabel; Tamma, who married Newton J. Barlow, of the town of Stanford, by whom she has a daughter—May; Allen, who married Nellie Northrup, by whom he has two children— Clifton and Clara; and Edward and Amy Alida (both deceased). The mother of these children, who was a faithful member of the Bap-

tist Church, died May 6, 1877, mourned by many warm friends.

Politically Mr. Robinson was first a Whig, later a Republican, and has efficiently served in the offices of inspector and town auditor. He is a self-made man in the truest sense of the term, and in the various relations of life has maintained a character and standing that have impressed all with his sincere and manly purpose to do by others as he would have others do by him.

Homer E. Robinson, the eldest living son of our subject, spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, aiding in its work and attending the district schools of the neighborhood. At the age of twenty-two years he removed to the town of Milan, where for seven years he operated the farm of John Wilson, but since that time has resided upon the old homestead. Like his father, he votes the straight Republican ticket, and socially is a member of Pough-keepsie Lodge No. 43, K. of P. He married Miss Emma Hicks, daughter of Gilbert Hicks, and two children have been born to them: Edward and I. Leslie.

T HERON CUTLER, an extensive farmer of Dutchess county, was born in the town

of Washington, April 10, 1821, and is the son of Stephen and Sally (Fitch) Cutler.

Stephen Cutler, the father of our subject, was born in Dutchess county, in 1783, a son of Stephen and Amy (Lesterj Cutler. He grew up on a farm, and on reaching man's estate married Miss Sally Fitch, a native of Nor-walk. Conn. They settled on the old home farm, and reared a family of eight children, namely: Amy, deceased; Philo F. was a farmer in western New York; Rachel, deceased; Stephen, deceased, married Miss Louisa Williams, and followed farming in the town of Washington; Lorenzo, deceased, married Miss Hannah Brown; Theron, our subject; Benjamin A., deceased; and Mordecai L. is a retired resident of Washington. Mr. Cutler remained on the farm all his life, and politically supported the Whig party; he died in 1858; his wife had preceded him, dying in 1853. Stephen Cutler, the grandfather of our subject, was raised in Dutchess county, where he married Amy Lester; he was a son of Jonathan Cutler, a native of Rhode Island, who came to Dutchess county at an early day.

Our subject spent his boyhood on the home

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

farm and on October 28, iiSsj, was married to Miss Amelia Mitchell, a native of the town of Wasliington, and a daughter of Josiah and Jane Ann (Elsbree) Mitchell. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cutler came to their present home, where he carries on general farming on his 220 acres of excellent land. Three children were born to this couple: Dwight, who died in 1869; Olin, whose death occurred in 1891; and Franz S., who is unmarried and lives at home.

In politics Mr. Cutler is a Republican, and religiously he and his wife attend the Episcopal Church. ' He is one of the progressive and substantial farmers of his county.

Josiah Mitchell, father of Mrs. Cutler, was born in Nantucket in 1807, the son of Benjamin and Eunice (Barney) Mitchell, and came to Dutchess county in 1S09, where he afterward made his home and followed the occupation of farming. Benjamin Mitchell was of Scotch extraction, born on Nantucket; he was a relative of the late Maria Mitchell, the famous astronomer of Vassar College. Mrs. Cutler's maternal grandparents were from Rhode Island.

FRANK P. LASHER. In the busy com- munity located in the thriving little village of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, we find several energetic and thoroughgoing business men, who have attained success through their own tact, good judgment and perseverance. Among the number is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical notice, and who at the present time is a representative of the hardware trade of the place. He deals in stoves, tinware, crockery, glassware and all kinds of house furnishing goods, slate and metal roofing, hot-water and steam-heating apparatus, and, as a member of the Dutchess County Artesian Well & Wind Mill Co., he deals in tanks, pumps and pipes, also well supplies.

Mr. Lasher was born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, July 20, 1852. His father, John Lasher, is a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and one of the four children of Hannah and Samuel Lasher, farming people of that county, ''where their deaths occurred. Their ancestors were originally from Holland. The children were Edward, who was the proprietor of several hotels in Hudson, N. Y., and Millerton, Dutchess county; John; Sobrina, widow of Caleb Woolcut, who was a farmer of

Columbia county; and Elmira, who married and removed west.

In his native county, John Lasher was united in marriage with Sarah Bates, who was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and they began housekeeping upon a farm in Stanford town, where their ten children were born as follows: Alice, who died young; Florence, wife of Lewis Earl, a farmer of Stanford town; Frank P., of this sketch; Samuel J., an agriculturist, who removed to California about twenty years ago; George B., a liveryman of Bangall, Dutchess county; Isaac C., who was a tin and copper smith of Pleasant Valley, and died in 1888; Dora, who died while young; Ida; Allie. wife of Norman Irish, of New York City, and one who died in infancy. The mother of these is deceased; the father has always engaged in farming and contracting, and in politics is an ardent Democrat.

Until eighteen years of age Frank P. Lasher remained upon the home farm, assisting in its cultivation and improvement, and his education was such as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded. He bought his time of his father, paying him $200 for the same, and then started out to fight life's battles unaided and empty-handed; and so well did he succeed that by the time he was twenty-one years old he had saved $500. Going first to Bangall, he began learning the tinning and plumbing trade with John June, with whom he remained for about two and one-half years, spending the following three months at Pough-keepsie. In 1871 he came to Pleasant Valley and engaged in the tin and plumbing business with Henry Sacket, under the name of Lasher & Sacket, the connection continuing for three years, when our subject bought out his partner. He has since been alone, and has built up an extensive business. He is known all over the county as one of its leading business men, and the success he has achieved is well merited.

In 1873 Mr. Lasher married Miss Jennie Rogers, who was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, and they became the parents of three children: Willis C, Charles and Sadie. The mother departed this life in 1883, and in 18S4 Mr. Lasher wedded Miss Mary Miller, a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and a daughter of Allen Miller, a blacksmith by trade. In politics Mr. Lasher strongly adheres to the doctrines of the Republican party, but is no politician, and both he and his wife attend the

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

721

Presbyterian Church. By all he is held in the highest respect, and in the estimation of his fellow citizens he is one of the representative men of Pleasant Valley.

JULIUS M. MOUL is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where his ancestors located at an early day, and is engaged in the operation of the homestead farm, comprising io8 acres of fine land situated just off the post road and about one mile from the village of Red Hook. The old house still stands as it was in the earlier days, and is surrounded by good and substantial outbuildings for the accommodation of stock. Among his possessions our subject has an old German Bible printed in 1736, being now one hundred and sixty years old.

On that farm, June 11, 1782, was born John Moul, the grandfather of our subject, and in the common schools of the village of Red Hook he obtained his education. As soon as old enough, however, he began to assist in the labors of the farm and made the vocation of farming his life work. On May 3, 1812, he married Miss Elizabeth Ryfenburgh, of Red Hook, who was born March 15, 1790, and they became the parents of three children: Jacob M., who was born February 7, 1813, and died May 13, 1S40; William, born July 17, 1821; and Frederick, born August i, 1829. These children were all born in the town of Red Hook, and received common-school educations.

On leaving school William Moul, the father of our subject, conducted his father's farm, and on August 29, 1849, was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Teal, daughter of Jacob Teal, a farmer of Red Hook, and four children blessed their union: John Jacob, born September 8, 1852; Julius Martin, of this review; an infant son, who was born December 25, 1856, and died unnamed; and Elizabeth, born July 19, 1858. The mother of these children died December 8, 1865, at the age of thirty-si.x years. After three years Mr. Moul was again married, August 25, 1868, his second wife being Miss Rosanna Waldorf, daughter of W'illiam Waldorf, a farmer of the town of Red Hook.

Our subject was born December 7, 1853, at the old home in Red Hook, and, on completing his education in the common schools of

46

the locality, like his ancestors chose the life of a farmer, continuing the cultivation of the home place. He is a conscientious, earnest, Christian gentleman, a member of the Lutheran Church of Red Hook, and stands to-day one of the respected and highly-esteemed citizens of the community. His friends are legion, and his genial courtesy is calculated to win confidence, wfiich his sterling integrity and unquestioned candor serve to maintain. On October 3, 1876, Mr. Moul was married to Miss Emma Saulpaugh, who was born in Madalin, town of Red Hook, March 18, 1859, and two children grace their union: Franklin W., born January 18, 1878; and Louis, born February 6, 1879. Mrs. Moul was educated in the schools of Madalin. Her father, Louis Saulpaugh, is one of the well-to-do farmers of that locality, and for two terms served as supervisor for the town of Red Hook. In his family were eight children, namely: Philip, born August 27, 1851; Harmon, born September 3, 1852; Anna, who was born May 3, 1854, and died August 24, following; George, born November 30, 1855; Anna and Emma, twins, born March 18, 1859; F"ranklin, born July 12, 1862; and Sarah, born January 8, 1870. Anna, the twin sister of Mrs. Moul, died in infancy.

Douglass Douglass

E\DWARD LEE CLARK, one of the most 'I prominent agriculturists of the town of

Northeast, Dutchess county, is a native of that county, born July 26, 1861, on the old Lee farm, the homestead of his mother's family, about one mile below Northeast Centre. His great-grandfather, Amos Clark, was a resident of Plainfield, Conn.; his grandfather, Clark, of Northeast; and his father, Clark, Jr., born in 1832, is still living at Northeast. He married Mary Lee, daughter of Daniel Lee, a wealthy farmer, and lived at the Lee homestead for thirty years, when he sold it to his son Edward. He has always been a stanch Republican, and he and his wife are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have had three children: Elizabeth, who married Rev. W. R. Moore, of Poughkeepsie; Edward Lee, our subject, and Douglass, who died in childhood.

Mr. Clark was educated in his native place, attending the select school taught by Miss Carrie Knickerbocker, and later the seminary at Amenia, where he studied two years and a

roo

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

half, acquiring a good English education. At sixteen he returned home, and in 1883 bought the old homestead, consisting of ninety acres. Three years later he purchased the Harry Clark farm, near Millerton, containing 258 acres, and moved upon it. This is one of the best farms in the town of Northeast, and for the last nine years Mr. Clark has devoted it chiefly to the dairy business, of which he has made a great success. In 1892 he sold the Lee farm to Sylvester Schook. Mr. Clark married Miss Emma G. Case, daughter of George Case, and a member of one of the oldest families of Pine Plains. They have five children: Edna. Harry D., Hazel, George C. and Edward Lee, Jr.

In public affairs, Mr. Clark is active, endorsing and assisting every progressive movement, and although he is still a young man his early success in business has given him a wider influence than is often exercised by one of his years. He has been a school trustee for seven years. While giving but little attention to strictly political work, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

HENRY S. MOREHOUSE, a representa- tive farmer and leading citizen of Dutchess county, was born at his present residence in the town of Amenia, October 27, 1861. Upon this farm his grandfather, William Morehouse, a native of New Preston, Conn., located at an early day, and there engaged in farming. He married Julia Stone, by whom he had four children: Julius S., Chaun-cey W. and Orinda, all deceased; and Jane, wife of B. R. Tenney, of Poughkeepsie, New York.

Julius S. Morehouse, the father of our subject, was also born on the old homestead, in the eastern part of the town of Amenia, in 1814, and there his death occurred, June 26, 1885. Like most farmer boys, his early education was received in the district schools, and he later attended a select school at Sharon, Conn. In connection with his father, he erected a brick mill at Leedsville, which he operated for ten years, and still owned at the time of his death. At Redding, Conn., he married Miss Elizabeth Dennison, who was the daughter of James Dennison, and died February 14, 1895. To them were born seven children: Julia R., now the wife of C. M. Prindle, of Sharon, Conn.; Albina, wife of

G. William Van Rensselaer, of New York City; James, of Sharon, Conn.; Joseph J., of Chapinville, Conn., who married Minnie Burch-ard, of Danbury, Conn.; Anna E.; Henrj' Steb-bins, of this review; and Lillias J., wife of E. B. St. John, of Sharon, Conn. The father spent the later years of his life engaged in farming in the town of Amenia, and also dealt some in railroad bonds, etc. He was an earnest Christian gentleman, a member and founder of the P'piscopal Church at Sharon, Conn., while politically he was a lifelong Democrat.

The present residence of our subject was erected by James Bogardus in 1781, and was rebuilt by Julius S. Morehouse in 1871. There Henry S. has spent his entire life. He attended the common schools of Leedsville, was later a student in the Amenia Seminary, and completed his education at Brown's Business College at Jersey City, N. J. In 1881 he began the management and cultivation of the farm for his father, and continued to work it on shares until his mother's death, when he purchased the interests of the other heirs.

Mr. Morehouse was married January 17, 1893, at Northfield, Conn., the lady of his choice being Miss Bertha L. Humphreville, daughter of Garner and Martha A. (Tuttle) Humphreville, and by their union they have two children: Julius Stanley, born November 19, 1894; and Ethel M., born March 2, 1896. Fraternally, Mr. Morehouse is identified with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and the Grange at Amenia Union, of which he has twice served as master. He is also a member of the Episcopal Church of Sharon, Conn. By the men of his county he is ranked as a skilled farmer and a praiseworthy citizen, and is creditably filling his niche in advancing the welfare and prosperity of the town of Amenia.

PHCENIX N. DEUEL, well known through- out the town of Pine Plains and vicinity,

is one of the intelligent and capable business men and representative farmers. He was born April 23, J830, in that township, upon the old Deuel homestead, which he now owns. The family is of French descent, and the first to come to the New World located on Long Island at an earlj' date. Later some of its members came to Dutchess county, making their home in the neighborhood of where our subject now resides.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

723

Jonathan Deuel, his ^grandfather, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Stanford, and became one of the extensive farmers, large land owners and leading men of the community. By his marriage with Miss Rachel Denton he had seven children, namely: Samuel, Silas, Newton, Jay, Catherine, Rachel and Mary.

Samuel Deuel, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in starting out in life he began farming upon the old Deuel homestead, one-half mile from Bethel. He inherited a small amount from his father, but he accumulated most of his property through his own efforts, being very successful in his business undertakings, and was the owner of 400 acres of valuable land. As a business man he was keen and shrewd, and was possessed of excellent judgment. In early daj's he was personally identified with public interests, prominent in political circles, being an ardent Democrat, and served as assessor and supervisor. He was united in marriage with Catherine Bockee, daughter of Jacob Bockee, of the town of Pine Plains, and to them were born four children: Jacob, who was a lawyer of Stockbridge, Wis., and died while serving in the Union army during the Civil war; Mary, who is now deceased; Phoenix N., subject of this review; and Silas, who lives upon the old homestead.

After attending the district schools for a time our subject entered the Norwich Academy and Boarding School at Warren, Litchfield Co., Conn., where he completed his literary training at the age of twenty-one. He has always been a great reader, and keeps well informed on current events. After leaving the school room he engaged in farming upon the old homestead until 1870, when he purchased the Gray farm, consisting of 120 acres. It has now been merged into the homestead farm, so that Mr. Deuel has now one of the finest places in the township, comprising 400 acres. Besides general farming, he also deals in hay and straw, and in his undertakings has been remarkably successful. He was married to Miss Margaret Amelia Covey, daughter of Lyman Covey, of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and they have become the parents of four children: Sara S.; Samuel, married March 25, 1891, to Nellie Dusenberre; Kathryn E., who is attending the Lyndon Hall; and Penelope, at home. Politically Mr. Deuel is a Democrat, and

has taken quite an active part in local affairs. He has served as supervisor and assessor of his township, and as justice of the peace. Educational matters always find in him an earnest supporter, and since its beginning he has served as one of the trustees of Seymour Smith Academy. Conscientious, earnest Christians, he and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains, in which Mr. Deuel is serving as president of the board of trustees.

BRAM A. DENTON, a prominent dairyman and agriculturist residing near South Dover, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Dover, December 8, 1838.

Mr. Denton's ancestors settled in Dutchess county in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and his father, Abraham H. Denton, was born in the town of Beekman in 1798. He received a good education for that day, and taught schools successfully for some years previous to his marriage. Politically, he was a Democrat, but he never sought or held official position. His wife was Miss Betsey Allen, born in 1797, the daughter of Charles and Martha Allen, well-to-do residents of the town of Pawling, who assisted the young couple to obtain a farm of their own in that locality. In 1830 this property was exchanged for one in South Dover, belonging to an uncle, Sanford Hoag. Here they made their home throughout the later years. Our subject was the youngest of seven children: (i) Jeremiah was born in 1826, at Pawling, and is now a resident of that town. He married Louisa Ferris, and has two sons—Charles, who married Carrie Wooden, and Frank, who married Grace Sheldon. (2) Martha, born in 1829, died in infancy. (3) Charles, born 1831, first married Emeline Aiken, and, second, Mrs. Elizabeth McMahon. (4) Maria, 1833, married Theron M. Green, and had three sons—Merrick, Seward, and Abraham (who died in infancy). (5) Mahala, 1835, married W. J. Buckingham. (6) Martha (2), 1S37, married Hiram S. Sherman, and has six children — Adelle, Eli, Charles, Jerry, Bessie and Allen.

Mr. Denton was educated in the common schools of his native town, and in early manhood engaged in farming. He found a partner for life's joys and sorrows in Miss Anna A. Preston, daughter of Myron and Sarah Preston, wealthy landholders in the town of Dover.

r24

CO.VVK.VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

They gave to their .daughter a farm of 200 acres, upon which the young couple made their home. They now have about 258 acres in use as a dairy farm besides a large amount of woodland. Their only child, Ida P. Denton, born in 1864, married Elihu Hoag, of Dover, and have had four children: Gertrude, born February 23, 1S87; Edith, February 24, 1889; Ida, August 17,1892, and Annie, June 13, 1895.

TpRANK DOUGLASS BROWN, a young, ^ enterprising and successful agriculturist of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, was born September 14, 1867, upon the old family homestead near Millerton, where he now resides. His ancestors were early settlers of that locality, his grandfather, Samuel Brown, having been the owner of the same farm. Noah Brown, the great-grandfather, married Lois Mills, September 20, 1783, but the history of the family cannot be traced further back.

Douglass Brown, our subject's father, was born near Millerton, July 3, 1822, and followed farming during the greater part of his life, having bought of his father 248 acres of land. He was also engaged in speculating in stock, and by the time of his death had accunmlated a fair fortune. He had fine mental ability, and was a well-read man, domestic in his tastes, and highly esteemed in the communit\'. In politics he adhered to the Republican party, and he was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Millerton. His wife was Sarah Holmes, daughter of Reuben Holmes, a leading citizen of Winchell Mountain (now Mt. Pleasant), and they had three children, of whom our subject is the youngest. Martha, born April 19, 1855, married C. F. Hawley, of Millerton; Birdella H., born March 2, 1863, is now the wife of Olin E. Gibbs, of Ore Hill, Connecticut.

Our subject received a good academic education, attending first the district schools of his neighborhood, and later the Millerton High School, afterward spending two years atWil-braham, Mass., and one at Lakeville, Conn. At the age of seventeen he left school, and has since been engaged in the management of the estate, and conducting an ice business which he established, and in which he has an extensive trade in Millerton and surrounding villages. On -March 5. 1S90, he married Miss Fannie A. Neville, daughter of William and Julia (\'osburgh) Neville, well-known residents

of Boston Corners, and they have four children: Howard D., born December 21, 1890; Mabel C, born May 7, 1892; Marguerite L., born March 19, 1894; and Lois Mills, born November 13, 1895. The mother of these was born September 16, 1867, in Columbia county, N. Y., receiving her education at Boston Corners, and for a time was a teacher in Dutchess county. Her father and mother are still living. Her grandfather, Chauncey Vos-burgh, who was .also a native of Columbia county, born about 1800, married Miss Fannie Bissell, a native of Winchell Mountain, born about 1790, and they had three children: George E., Julia F. and Carrie L., all yet living.

Politically our subject is a Republican, and takes a keen interest in local politics; but he is not an office seeker, and has withdrawn his name several times when his nomination has been urged. In all questions of local improvement he has shown much public spirit, being always on the side of progress. Like all the members of his family he attends the Methodist Church, and is a generous supporter of its varied activities.

NATHAN CASE SACKETT. While "the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," the invariable law of destiny accords to tireless energy, industry and ability a successful career. The truth of this assertion is abundantl\- verified in the life of our subject, who is one of the prosperous farmers of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county.

His birth took place January 5, 1835, in that town, where the family had long resided. There his grandfather, Samuel Sackett, carried on farming, and reared to maturity a famil}' of nine children, namely: Orville, Aaron, Clara, Ann, Jeannette, Samuel H., Harry, Lucinda and Polly. He was a Baptist in religious views, and in politics was identified with the Democratic party.

Samuel H. Sackett, the father of our subject, was also a native of the town of Stanford, where he was reared and educated, and on attaining manhood married Amy Case, daughter of Nathan Case, of the town of Milan, Dutchess county. Seven children blessed this union: Nathan C.; Jane, deceased wife of L. Fraden-burg; Sarah, wife of Sanford Adams, of the town of Stanford; .Amy Ann; Phebe, who died

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in infancy; Marj' D., wife of Samuel Wheeler, deceased; and Johanna, wife of Cortland Robinson, of Hyde Park, Dutchess county. The father continued to follow farming in the town of Stanford until his death, in 1880, and his wife, who preceded him to the other world, died in 1875. They were members of the Baptist Church, and he was an earnest supporter of the Democratic party.

Like most farmer lads, Nathan C. Sackett spent the days of his childhood and youth attending the district schools and assisting in the labors of the farm, and remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age. He was then married to Miss Deborah Ann Morey, daughter of Isaac Morey, and sister of L. L. Morey.

Mr. Sackett operated a farm in the eastern part of the town for a year, and the year previous he had resided in the western part of the same town. He was then for twenty-one years with Gilbert Cooper, and on leaving that gentleman came to his present farm of 200 acres of rich and arable land, where he has now made his home for fifteen years. Essentially he is a self-made man, his entire possessions being the result of his own unaided efforts. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat; religiously, he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; socially, he holds membership with the Grange.

WILLIAM E. TRAVER, a prominent agriculturist in the town of Rhinebeck,

Dutchess county, was born September 7, 1842, upon the farm which he now owns.

His ancestors have been farmers in that town for several generations, his grandfather, John P. Traver, being a native and lifelong resident. John H. Traver, our subject's father, was born there in 1818, and grew to manhood at the old homestead. In politics he was a Republican, but took no active share in party work. He married Mary Pultz, who was also born at the old homestead, and was the only child of the late Frederick I. Pultz, a well-known citizen of Rhinebeck. After their marriage, our subject's parents continued to reside on the old farm, where they died, the father on February 14, 1891, and the mother on May 13, of the same year. Of their two children, the eldest, Jane E., married John F. Cookingham, a farmer of Rhinebeck, and died in March, 1886.

William E. Traver, our subject, has always lived at the homestead. He was married January 6, 1875, to Isie Traver, born May 19, 1851, in the town of Clinton, where her grandfather, Jacob D. Traver, was a leading farmer. Her father, Morgan L. Traver, was born there October 19, 1813, and still lives at the same place; he was a farmer, merchant and schoolteacher, and married Phcebe S. Schultz, who was born in the same town in April, 1812, a daughter of Jacob Schultz. Mrs. William. E. Traver received her education in the well-known De Garmo Institute of Rhinebeck. Our subject and his wife contribute to the support of the Lutheran Church, and are always ready to promote any worthy cause. They have one son—Clarence, born May 2, 1876, who was graduated from the military school at Clave-rack, Columbia Co., New York, in June, 1896; he is an accomplished musician on both cornet and drum.

Mr. Traver is one of the most intelligent and progressive farmers in his vicinity, and his 116 acres, which he devotes to general farming, give proof of the wisdom of his management. In politics he is a Republican, and his influence in local affairs is always given on the side of improvement.

^ILLIAM E. DALRYMPLE. Among V^ the young men of Dutchess county who have selected agriculture as their vocation in life, and judging from their present indications are bound to succeed in their chosen calling, is the subject of this personal review, who is a resident of the town of Stanford, his farm being pleasantly located near Bangall.

Mr. Dalrymple first opened his eyes to the light of day March 21, 1861, at the home of his parents at Lake Mohonk, Ulster Co., N. Y. For a number of years his father, John Dalrymple, engaged in general farming near New Paltz, Ulster county, and later located on a fruit farm near Highland, N. Y. However, he is now living at Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county, where he is running the engine for the Episcopal Church. In politics he casts his votes for the candidates of the Democratic party, and religiously is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was united in marriage with Sarah M. Lee, a native of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, and to them were born six children: William E., of this review; Frank, deceased; John; George,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

deceased; Clarence; Myrtle, deceased; and Reginald.

The education of our subject was such as the schools of New Paltz and Highland afforded, but his privileges in this direction were very meagre, as at the age of twelve years he started out in life for himself, being hrst employed on a farm in Orange county, N. Y., and later at East Fishkill, Dutchess Co. For several years he worked in this way, but a few years after his marriage removed to his present farm, and, although still young, he is one of the representative men of the town of Stanford, occupying a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

In 1880 Mr. Dalrymple was married to Miss Frances C. Jayco.x, daughter of Jeremiah Jaycox, and to them was born a son, George A., who died in infancy. Our subject is strong in his faith in the principles of the Republican party, and never falters in his allegiance to that organization, but, although interested in a great degree in all local campaigns, has no desires for the troubles, responsibilities and disquieting influences of political life.

HIR.-\M T. BEECHER, one of the most genial and whole-souled men of Dutchess

county, is engaged in general farming in the town of Pleasant Valley, and also devotes a great deal of attention to the work of the ministry. He belongs to a family that is of English descent, was born at Northampton, then a part of Montgomery {now Fulton) county, N. Y., September 27, 1822, and is a son of Leman Beecher, whose birth occurred in Sharon, Conn., February 12, 1793; his grandfather, Abraham Beecher, was also a native of Litchfield county, Connecticut.

After his marriage with Lydia Day Fuller, Abraham Beecher located upon a farm in his native State, where he reared his family of nine children, of whom Leman was the eldest. He was followed by Abraham and Truman, both agriculturists of Illinois; Chauncey, a farmer of Northampton, N. Y., where his death occurred; Jesse, a farmer of Kansas; Lydia, wife of John Sprague, who carries on a farm in Northampton, N. Y.; Desire, wife of James Robinson, afarmerof Northampton; Laura, wife of Dr. Marvin, of Northampton, who served as a surgeon during the Civil war; and Elizabeth, wife of Godfrey Shew, a farmer of Jefferson

county, N. Y. The parents of this family were Presbyterians in religious belief, and the father all his life followed agricultural pursuits.

The childhood and youth of Leman Beecher were passed under the parental roof, and on reaching man's estate he married Katherine Shew, who was born in Northampton, N. Y., May 4, 1794, and was a daughter of Jacob and Hannah Shew, the former a farmer, born April 15, 1763, of Holland e.xtraction. After their marriage the parents removed to a farm near Northampton, where three of their children were born, but the family circle was increased by the birth of si.x others after their removal to a farm in Kent, Conn. They were as follows: Catherine, born September 26, 1820, first became the wife of Jesse Fuller, a farmer, of Kent, Conn., later wedded S. Slade, a farmer and real-estate and insurance agent, and now makes her home in Albany, N. Y.; Hiram T. is next in order of birth; James F., born August 30, 1824, is a farmer of Northampton, Fulton Co., N. Y.; Leman, born December 23, 1826, was a merchant, and died August 24, 1863; Hannah E., born April 5, 1829, is the wife of David B. Giddings, a farmer of Connecticut; Lydia D., born March 9, 1832, married John G. Fenn, an agriculturist of the town of Washington. Litchfield Co., Conn.; Abraham P., born January 16, 1834, is a photographer, of Wilmington, Del.; Emily D., born July 23, 1S36, is the wife of Henry J. Ufford, a saddle maker of Newark, N. J.; and Jacob S., born February 13, 1839, is also a photographer, of Wilmington, Del. The parents were both members of the Congregational Church, and in Kent, Conn., the father followed farming and merchandising. His political affiliations were with the Whig party. His death occurred in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, October 17, 1848; his wife died August 14, 1879.

Hiram T. Beecher was reared to rural life on the farm in Kent, Conn., and after attending the academies in that place and at Sharon, Conn., entered a law office where he studied for some time. F"or three years he was then employed as clerk in a general store in Kent, and the following year was engaged in farming in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county. In 1846, in connection with a brother, he operated a farm in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, which he continued to cultivate until April, 1867, when he purchased his present farm of ninety-three acres.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

727

On December 20, 1848, Mr. Beecher was married to Miss Mary White, who was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, December 25, 1822, and is a sister of Mrs. Hannah Brings and of Mrs. Catherine Kinney. Mr. and Mrs. Beecher are widely and favorably known throughout the county, and their circle of friends is only limited by their circle of acquaintances. For many years he has preached nearly every Sunday at various places in the county, and wasthe first to hold Sunday serv ice at the county alms house, where he preached for about eleven years. He has officiated at many funerals and Church gatherings of all kinds, and his influence for good is widely felt.

Abraham Beecher, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Connecticut. He married Desire Tolls, and they had a family of nine children, two of whom are yet living, and Abraham, the grandfather of Hiram T., was one of the oldest in the family.

m ZARIAH CORNWELL is the proprietor

£fk^ of a good farm located pleasantly in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and to its cultivation and fmprovement of which he has devoted his time for a period of over forty-four years, and now has one of the most highly productive places in the locality. He purchased his land of the Vandeburgs, and since it came into his possession has labored unceasingly to make it the valuable farm which we to-day find it.

The early home of Mr. Cornwell was also in the town of Beekman, his birth having there occurred May 19, 1815, and he is a son of Thomas Cornwell, who was there born in 1778, and died in 1856. James Cornwell, the grandfather, was born on Long Island, but was brought to the town of Beekman by his father when only two years old. The latter, who bore the name of Richard Cornwell, obtained his farm from Henry Beekman, the deed for which is still in the possession of our subject, and is dated 1728. He became one of the pioneer settlers of this region, and cleared his land of all those obstructions usually encountered by the pioneer farmer. Upon that farm almost the entire life of James Cornwell was passed. He married Rachel Dennis, a native of the town of Beekman, and they became the parents of five children: Richard, Thomas, James, Letitia and Phebe.

Thomas Cornwell was reared on this farm, attending the district schools of the neighborhood, and on reaching years of maturity received a portion of the old home farm, where his death occurred. He married Miss Annie Crandall, daughter of Azariah Crandall, and by their marriage seven children were born, namely: Amanda, who died in the winter of 1896, at the age of eighty-five years; Harvey, deceased; Azariah, of this review; Rachel, deceased; Sarah, of Chicago; Olive, wife of Elnathan Miller; and Richard, deceased. The mother of these children, who has also passed away, was an earnest Christian woman, a member of the Baptist Church.

The education of our subject was acquired in the Gardner Hollow district school, and he remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated in the town of Beekman on May 22, 1844, Miss Delia N. Peters, adopted daughter of James Peters, be-' coming his wife. The first vote of Mr. Corn-well was in support of the Whig party, and he is now identified with the Republican party, whose principles he most firmly advocates. In religious belief he is a Baptist, with which Church he has been connected for many years, and he is one of the most reliable and conscientious men of the community. For sixteen years he served as commissioner of highways, filling that office to the satisfaction of all concerned, and the bridges which he constructed after the freshet of 1857 are still standing and in general use.

J

OHN HENRY FINK. Among the enterprising and wide-awake citizens of Ame-nia, Dutchess county, whose place of birth was the far-away German Fatherland, and who are rapidly progressing toward that financial condition so much coveted by all, is the subject of this personal history. He was born in Bavaria on the Rhine, November 25, 1843, and is a son of John H. Fink, a stone mason by trade, who died when John Henry was between two and three years old.

In his native land our subject received his education, and learned the shoemaker's trade at Edenkoeben, the place of his birth, completing his three-years' apprenticeship at the age of seventeen years. He then traveled for a few years in France, Prussia, and other parts of the German Empire, and in 1866 sailed for America. He first located in Ham-

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

ilton street, Brooklyn, N. Y., remaining there and in the vicinity for two years, and since 1868 has been a resident of Amenia. For five years he worked at his trade where the bicycle repair shop now stands, and then removed to a biiiidinj::; where he conducted business until 1880, at which time he came to his present store. He is now the owner of the buildings running from his corner store down past and including the old Methodist Episcopal Church, with the exception of one. He manufactures and carries a full line of boots and shoes, and also handles cigars, tobacco, toys, etc.

Mr. Fink is a self-made man, having acquired all his property through his own enterprise, perseverance and untiring labor, seconded by a strong determination to succeed. He is a man of genuine worth, enjo3'ing the respect and confidence of his neighbors, and since casting his first vote, after his arrival in Amenia, he has used his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party.

In the fall of 1869, at .Amenia, Mr. Fink wedded Mary Leubsdorph, who died August 22, 1870. In that village he was again married, his second union being with Katherine Pfahl, and they have two sons:—J. Henry and George, who compose the firm of Fink Brothers, now engaged in the butcher business. On January 28, 1895, they bought out the business formerly conducted by Joseph Field. The elder son is now connected with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M.

JOSEPH D. COLEMAN, a prominent agriculturist and produce dealer of Stanford-ville, Dutchess county, was born July 14, 1820, in the town of Stanford. His family have long been firm adherents of the Quaker faith, and in early times suffered the persecutions common to its followers. His greatgrandfather Coleman came from England, and settled on Nantucket Island early in the eighteenth century. His grandfather, Jethro Coleman, was born there, but came to Dutchess county previous to the Revolutionary war, and settled on a farm about two miles southeast of Stanfordville. He was twice married; his first wife died leaving a daughter of the same name, since deceased. His second wife was Deborah Russell, by whom he had four

children: Benjamin, Joseph R., .Annie and Lydia.

Benjamin Coleman, our subject's father, spent his life in the same locality, attending the district schools in his youth, and succeeding to the old homestead in later years. He married Sara Dean, daughter of Jonathan Dean, a well-known resident of Pleasant Valley. Si.x children were born of this union: William, Mary, Joseph D., Edward, George, and Robert, of whom the only survivors are our subject, and George, now a resident of Kansas.

Joseph D. Coleman received his early education in the district schools near his home and in the Nine Partners Boarding School in the town of Washington. He was married in 1847, to Miss Anna Carpenter, also a descendant of a highly-esteemed Quaker family. Her grandfather, Samuel Carpenter, was born in Dutchess county, April 22, 1763, and spent the greater part of his life farming in the town of Stanford, where he died November 5, 1844. He married Susanna Carpenter, with whom he spent fifty years and nine months (lacking two days) of happy wedded life. They had eight children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Israel, June 2, 1783; Anne, September 24, 1788; Samuel, October 4, 1790; George, March 6. 1792; Isaac, December 16, 1794; Elias, November 27, 1796; Amy, January 17, 1799, and Daniel S., October 13, 1800. The last named, Mrs. Coleman's father, was born and educated in Westchester county, and in early manhood came to the town of Stanford, and engaged in agriculture, first at the home farm, but later at the present home of our subject, where he died October 24, 1873. He married Phcebe Hull, daughter of Henry Hull, a well-known resident of that locality. She was born November 24, 1803, and died May 21. 1856. Four children were born of this marriage: Henry Hull, May 16, 1825; Sarah, June 22, 1827, who died in childhood; Anna (Mrs. Coleman), January 3, 1829, and Caroline, born August 10, 1836, died June

7. 1843-

Mr. Coleman took his bride to the old homestead on his marriage in 1847, but ten years later he sold the place and moved to the farm at Stanfordville, where he built his present residence. His wife died November 24, 1890, leaving one daughter, Cora E., who married Isaac S. Traviss. and has two children—F"lorence and J. Coleman Traviss. Our

\ JTt^-^r-^^

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729

subject's integrity, enterprise, and fine discretion in business matters give him a high standing in the community. For many years he has dealt extensively in hay and straw, in addition to his management of his estate. He is, like his forefathers, a Hicksite Quaker. Since the organization of the Prohibition party he has voted their ticket, being at first one of two voters in the township. He has never sought or held public office.

LBERT AND FRANKLIN CLINE. Among the enterprising and prosperous farmers of the township of Amenia, Dutchess county, who thoroughly understand the vocation which they follow, and are therefore enabled to carry on their chosen occupation with profit to themselves, are the brothers whose names introduce this sketch. They are now actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and the milk business in the township which has always been their home, and where they are both widely and favorably known.

The founder of the family in this country was Peter Klein, a native of Germany, who left the Fatherland about 1752 or 1753, and on reaching the shores of the New World first located at Rhinebeck, Dutchess Co., N. Y., but in 1760 removed to the farm now known as the E. E. Cline place, in the town of Amenia, between South Amenia and Amenia Union. He was a " redemptioner," serving his time for his passage to this country.

He left one son, John Cline, who was born at Rhinebeck in 1756, and died in the town of Amenia in 1845. There he acquired his education and on the home farm where he was reared he spent his entire life, engaged in farming. He married Lucy Phillips, and they became the parents of nine children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Betsey, September 25, 1784; Peter, February 20, 1787; Allen, December 9, 1788; Philo, November 6, 1791; Asenath, October 26, 1793; Clarissa, January 12, 1796; Ebenezer H., April I, 1798; Polly, April 26, 1801; and Julia B., March 30, 1S03. Of this family, Asenath lived to an advanced age, dying April I, 1891.

I^hilo Cline, the fourth in order of birth, is the father of our subjects. Upon the old home farm in the town of Amenia he was reared, attending the district schools of the neighborhood, and completing his education

in a select school at Sharon, Conn. Owing to an accident which injured his foot in his younger days, he was unable to do active farm work, and about 1824 erected the store building at South Amenia now occupied by M. F. Winchester, where he engaged in the mercantile business until 1838, when he sold out. In 1840 he purchased the farm which is still occupied by his son Franklin, and there lived up to the time of his death, which occurred December 26, 1864. In his daily life and action he was ever genial and affable, winning many friends and the respect of all. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and efficiently served as supervisor of his town. In the town of Amenia in February, 1827, he married Miss Harriet Swift, daughter of Moses Swift, who died April 9, 1838, at the age of seventy-three years. Mrs. Cline was ijorn September 24, 1796, and departed this life April 11, 1861. The only children born of this union were our subjects.

Albert Cline was born on the home farm in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, March 3, 1828, and after finishing his education in the district schools and the Amenia Seminary, for one year was employed as clerk in the store of Judah Swift, at South Amenia. After his marriage, in connection with his brother, they engaged in milling until the spring of 1866, at which time he bought his present farm and residence, where he has since turned his attention to farming and the milk business.

On September 15, 1852, in Amenia, Albert Cline was united in marriage with Eliza S. Reed, who was the adopted daughter of Philo Reed, and died January 18, 1872, at the age of forty-one years. Four children graced this union, namely: (i) Hattie A., born June 13, 1854, is the wife of Franklin Baylis, of Syracuse, N. Y., and they had si.\ children—Albert C, Walter F., Eliza G., Clara R., Helen S., and Freddie, who died in infancy. (2) Philo R., born December 7, 1S55, married Grace Collins, by whom he has one son — Albert C., born September 12, 1892, and they make their home at Millerton, N. Y. (3) Charles A., born November 22, 1857, married Fay Sherman, daughter of S. W. Sherman, by whom he has a son — Charles S., born December 22, 1891, and they also live at Millerton. (4) Maria E., born September i, i860, is the wife of Walter A. Sherman, and they have five children — Agnes, Walter, Helen, May and Howland. Mr. Cline was again married at

COMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Amenia, October 30, 1873, his second union being with S. Rebecca Willson, daughter of Samuel T. and Emeline (Sornborgen Willson. A native of Dutchess county, her father was born at Smithfield, October 3, 1803, and died December 3, 1889.

The first vote of Albert Cline was cast in support of the Whig party, but since the organization of the party he has been a stalwart Republican, and in 1885 and 1886 served as supervisor of the town of Amenia. Socially, he is connected with Amenia Lodge, No. 672, F. & A. M. His estimable wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at South Amenia.

Franklin Cline was born July 17, 1831, and also spent his boyhood days in the town of Amenia. His primary education was obtained in the district schools, and in 1848 was a student in the Nine Partners Boarding School. He has always turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and, beside his general farm work, is also successfully engaged in the milk business. In the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, on October i, 1856, he married Lydia A. Sackett, daughter of John Thompson Sack-ett, and they became the parents of two children: Guernsey Sackett, born April 30, 1858; and Maria L., who was born December 16, 1861, and is now the wife of Frank M. Buck, an attorney at law of Mount Vernon, N. Y., by whom she has two children—Franklin Cline and Helen H. Like the other members of the family, Mr. Cline has been a lifelong Republican, and he has ably served as assessor of his town.

As representative farmers of the town of Amenia, the entire lives of the Cline brothers have been of unusual activity and industry, and they well deserve the high regard in which they are held by their fellow citizens.

BOBERT MORRIS THOMAS, a leading and influential farmer of the town of

Pine Plains, Dutchess county, was born October 23, 1848, just across the creek from where he now resides, on the old Thomas homestead, and is a worthy representative of prominent Colonial families. On that farm his father, Hiram Thomas, was born in 1804. W'hen but an infant, the grandfather, Edward Thomas, was brought to Pine Plains by his mother, and he became one of the successful farmers and leadmg men of the community. He married Anna Landon, a daughter of Jonathan and

Isabella (Graham) Landon, and to them were born seven children: Arabella (who married Simeon Culver), Walter, Samuel, John, Richard, Hiram and Mary.

The founder of the Landon family in America was Nathan Landon, who was born in Herefordshire, England, near Wales, and sometime prior to November 20, 1668, located at Southold, Suffolk Co., N. Y., where he died March 9, 1718, and his wife, Mary, in 1701. They had three sons: Nathan, James and Samuel. The last named became quite prominent, serving as justice of the peace from 1764 until 1775, was judge of common pleas for his county, and wielded a strong influence in courts and conventions. He was born May 20, 1699. married May 26, 1721, Bethia Tuthill, by whom he had six sons and four daughters; he died January 21, 1782, probably at Guilford, Conn., where many Long Islanders had taken refuge during the Revolution. His wife, Bethia^ Tuthill (Henry,' John,' Henry'), belonged to the Tuthill family of Sandringham, county of Norfolk, England (she was a descendant of Wm. Kinge, of Salem, Mass., of William Wells, Gent., and of Barnabas Horton, of Southold). Their youngest son was Jonathan, born at Southold October 30, 1743; he died at Northeast, Dutchess county, in 1815. He was a stanch patriot during the Revolutionary war, dividing his time between civil and military service. He was a member of the Provincial Convention of New York in 1775-76-77; member of the Council of Safety, 1777-78; State Senator, 1777-1779; major of Dutchess County Militia in 1775, and lieutenant-colonel in 1778 under his brother-in-law. Col. Morris Graham. He was, likely, Dutchess county clerk for some years. ["Southold Town Records;" "New York Civil List;" "Archives of the State of New York;" Revolution: "Journal of the Provincial Convention," and "J. H. Smith's Dutchess Co. His."]

The Graham family trace their ancestry back to James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, who was born in 1612, and died in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1650. His son, John Graham, was the father of James Graham, who came to the New World about 1700, was Attorney General of the Province of New York, and died January 21, 1701. His children were Augustine, May, Sarah, Margaret, John and Isabella, the latter of whom married Hon. Lewis Morris, the first Provincial Governor of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

731

New Jersey, and they had a daughter, Arabella. The next in direct line is Augustine Graham, and his son, James, married his cousin, Arabella Morris, by whom he had the following children: James, Augustine, Lewis, Charles, Morris, John, Arabella and Isabella. James was killed by a fall; John, the youngest brother, served as a scout under Gen. Washington in Westchester county. The others were all active in the service of their native land: Augustine was a lieutenant; Charles was a captain and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati; Lewis and Morris were both colonels and both members of the Provincial Convention—Lewis from Westchester county, Morris from Dutchess. [Year Book of the " Society of the Cincinnati;" "Dutchess County History;" " Bolton's Westchester History;" "Journal of the New York Provincial Convention."]

The second son, Augustine, was the father of James Graham, who married Elizabeth Thompson, a daughter of Judge Jesse Thompson, and their daughter, Julia, married George Coventry. Isabella, the daughter of James and Arabella (Morris) Graham, married Jonathan Landon, their marriage license being issued December ii, 1771, and to them were born five children: (i) Richard, born in 1772. (2) Arabella, born in 1773, married, about 1789, Amos^ Ketchum (Joseph,^ Nathaniel,- Joseph 1), by whom she had seven children; she died in 1803, in Saratoga county. (3) Mary, born July 3, 1775, married John Church, and died May 30, 1850. (4) Anna, born in 1771, was the wife of Edward Thomas, the grandfather of the subject of our sketch; she died in 183S, aged si.xtj'-seven years. (5) Rebecca, born March 15, 1783, died November 19, 1844. ["Partial Record of the Landons of Southold," in N. Y. Gen. and Biog. Record, Jan., 1897.]

The grandfather of Mrs. Isabella Landon, Augustine Graham, was surveyor general, and held a major's commission under the Crown in 1700 in W'estchester county, and a colonel's commission in Richmond county in 1715 [See " Bolton's Westchester Co. Hist."; "Colonial MSS. of the State of New York".] He was a patentee in the Great Nine Partners Patent of 1697, and also a patentee in the Little Nine Partners of 1706. His death occurred October 18, 1719. Morris Graham built the first house in the village of Pine Plains, now owned by Isaiah Dibble, and Jonathan Landon built

the house on the hill in the rear of the home of our subject. The farm owned by Augustine Graham has always been transmitted by will, as it has never passed out of the family.

Hiram Thomas, the father of our subject, was united in marriage with Catherine Coventry, of Deertield, Oneida Co., N. Y., a daughter of Dr. Alexander Coventry, and they became the parents of five children: Julia, wife of Dr. Lewis D. Hodgekins, of Ellsworth, Maine; Jane, wife of John Veile, of Ancram, N. Y.; Charles, of Pine Plains; Robert M., whose name introduces this sketch; and Alice L. The father followed farming, but was principally engaged in iron manufacturing, being part owner of the Ancram Iron Works, and was also interested in the milling business. He died in 1880, at the age of seventy-six years.

The entire life of Robert M. Thomas has been passed in rural pursuits in the town of Pine Plains, and from the neat and thrifty appearance of his place the passerby knows the owner and manager to be a man of enterprise and progressive ideas. In politics he is a strong advocate of the principles promulgated by the Prohibition party, but formerly was a Republican, and has served his fellow citizens as assessor. He is actively identified with all plans for the social and moral elevation of the community, and has the respect and confidence of all who kno^v him.

E*\DWIN KNICKERBOCKER, one of the ^ most prominent agriculturists of the town

of Stanford, Dutchess county, and a leader in local politics, is a descendant of some of the early settlers of this region, the family having come originall}' from Holland.

For several generations the homestead of the family has been at Pine Plains, Dutchess county, and here our subject's grandfather, Hugh Knickerbocker, was born, and here he followed farming for many years, moving later to Northeast. He married a Miss Stickle, and reared a family of six children: Peter, \'alen-tine, John, Nancy, Hugh and William, none of whom are now living. Hugh Knickerbocker (2), our subject's father, was born in 1801, and passed his early life at Pine Plains, attending the district schools of the neighborhood, later engaging in farming there and at Northeast, and in the town of Stanford, leading the quiet life of a farmer. For many years he was a

COMMEIIORATIVE BIOORAPHTCAL RECORD.

member of the New York State Militia. During his residence in Northeast he united with the Baptist Church, of which he remained a consistent member until his death in 1882. He married (first) Miss Mary Payne, of Northeast, and had four children: William, Theron, and Henry, all three residents of the town of Stanford, and Niles (deceased). The mother of these died about 1850, and for his second wife Mr. Knickerbocker married Miss Elizabeth Smith, born in 181", a daughter of John Smith, a well-known citizen of New Jersey. Four children were born of this union: Edwin, Jennie, Fannie (who married Edward Loomis, of Pittsfield, Mass.), and McClellan.

Edwin Knickerbocker, the subject of our sketch, was born in Stanford, October 17, 1854, and received his early education in the public schools of New York. When a young man he taught successfully in the towns of Stanford, Clinton, Milan and Washington, and then engaged in farming upon land bought of his father. His educational opportunities were good, and he has improved upon them by private reading until he has acquired a wide range of information, and his sterling qualities of character and sound judgment give him great influence in the community. A leading worker in the Democratic party in his locality, he in 1881 was elected justice of the peace, and held the ofBce eleven years, serving in the meantime for four years as justice of sessions in the county court. In the spring of 1893 he was elected supervisor of the town of Stanford, in 1894 was re-elected for two years, and again in 1896 for two years. On June 5, 1889, he was married to Miss Jennie Hooker, daughter of William and Sarah (Cutler) Hooker, well-known residents of the town of Dover, and has had four children: Jay, Asa, Elfie, and Sarah. A progressive farmer, he is a member of the Grange, in which he holds the office of master, and he is also affiliated with the K. of P.

GILBERT COOPER, one of the leading and representative citizens of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, was born in Fish-kill mow Wappinger) town. Dutchess county, March 23. 1820. His paternal grandfather, Obediah Cooper, who was of English origin, engaged in farming in Wappinger town, where he also followed the trades of a wheelwright and wagonmaker. He married Miss Maria

\'an Benschoter. and by her had five children: William M., Ellas, Nancy, Sarah and Tunis.

Tunis Cooper, the father of our subject, was also a native of the town of Wappinger, his birth occurring there June 25, 1787, and he wedded Mary Budd. a daughter of Underbill Budd, of the same town. She was born April 22, 1793, and died April 10, 1825. They became the parents of the following children: Fletcher, born December 14, 1817, died May 12, 1884; Gilbert, whose name introduces this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Maria, born October 2, 1821. became the wife of John W. Sleight, of Lagrange town, Dutchess county, and was killed by a cannon ball at Nicaragua, Central America, April 15. 1857; John was born July 12, 1S23; William, born April 2, 1825, enlisted in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war, served throughout that struggle as hospital steward, and died July 7, 186S. After the death of his first wife Tunis Cooper married Maria Myers, who was born December 17. 1804, and died February 9. 1874. Five children graced this union: Matthew, born November 5, 1S28, died September 29, 1850; Amanda, born May 13, 1831, married Benjamin Pugsley, of Alamosa, Colo.; Susan, born March 3, 1836, became the wife of Louis Umlauf, and died August 15, 1873; Martin Luther, born February 23, 1833, died January 25, 1873; and Mary, born June 18, 1841, is the wife of William Pugsley. of Wappinger town.

After his marriage Tunis Cooper purchased the farm next his father's, and continued to live there until 1865, when he removed to the village of Wappingers Falls, where he remained for a couple of years. He next purchased a place between that city and Pough-keepsie, where he resided until his death, October 31, 1868. He had been drafted for the war of 1812, but hostilities ceased before he was called into action. On attaining his majority he supported the Democratic party, but after the nomination of President Lincoln, he became a stanch Republican, though he never cared for political preferment. He served as trustee ami president of .Amenia Seminary; was one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the town of Wappinger, with which he was officially connected, and was alwajs faithful in the performance of his duties in both public and private life.

During his boyhood and youth Gilbert Cooper attended the district schools of the town of Wappinger, and in 1842 left the place

^ ^<^^4/i^^t5o-^^^l.^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

im

of his nativity, locating at that time upon his present farm; but he was often with his father before the latter's death, caring for him and assisting him in his business. For many years he has rented his farm on shares. His poht-ical support is given the Democratic party, and he has served as assessor of the town of Stanford, also as trustee of Amenia Seminary, and was a member of the executive committee of that institution. He has been prominently identified with the upbuilding and welfare of the community, and his circle of friends throughout the county is very wide.

John Cooper, the brother of our subject, received his primary education in the district schools of the town of Wappinger, after which he attended the Amenia Seminary. In 1844 he removed to Kendall county. 111., where for forty years he engaged in farming, but is now living with his brother Gilbert in Stanford town, Dutchess county. He was first married in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, to Rachel R. Sleight, who died at the end of a year. In Kendall county. 111., he was again married, this time to Eliza Van Kleeck, a native of Fishkill town, Dutchess county, who died in Iowa. They became the parents of six children: Tunis, now in Minnesota; James Fenimore, of South Dakota; Gilbert B., of Minnesota; Nellie, wife of Frank Jasinsky; Walter, of Iowa; and Edna, of Stissing, town pf Stanford, Dutchess county.

HIRAM A. PULTZ, one of the leading agriculturists of the town of Rhinebeck,

Dutchess county, was born December 25, 1821, upon the estate adjoining the one on which he now resides.

His grandfather, David Pultz, purchased the property in the early part of the eighteenth century. He married Miss Tipple, and had nine children: Michael, a farmer and carpenter; Adam, a farmer in Columbia county; Henry, a farmer; Andrew, our subject's father; David, a merchant and farmer; Leah, who married Andrew D. Traver, a farmer; Margaret, who married Fred Dedrick; Christina, who married Philip Traver; and Maria, who married Jacob Pells, a farmer in Rhinebeck. David Pultz and his wife lived at the old farm to an advanced age, and for many years were members of the Lutheran Church at Wurtemburg.

Andrew Pultz, our subject's father, was born May 18, 1792, and always engaged in

agriculture. He married Rebecca Cooking-ham, born January 9, 1798, a daughter of Frederick Cookingham, who came from Holland in early manhood and located upon a farm in Rhinebeck. They had two children, of whom our subject was the younger. Ephraim W., now deceased, was a farmer in Rhinebeck. Andrew Pultz died April 12, 1859, and his wife September 18, 1883. In politics he was a Whig.

Hiram A. Pultz has always lived near the old homestead. His present wife was Miss Annette Pultz, a native of the town of Rhinebeck, where her father, Jacob I. Pultz, was for some years a wagonmaker and farmer. Two children were born of this union: Anna and Minnie (deceased). Mr. Pultz raises general crops, and has done much to improve the homestead, building a beautiful residence about thirteen years ago. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as assessor of the township.

Jacob I. Pultz, father of Mrs. Hiram A. Pultz, died recently at the patriarchal age of ninety-two years, having been born in Rhinebeck in 1805, a son of John Pultz, a prominent farmer, and a member of one of the oldest families in the town. Jacob I. was a farmer in Rhinebeck until 1856, when he removed to a large farm on the Salt Point road, and in 1859 took up his residence in Arlington, where he passed the rest of his days. He was a man of fine literary tastes, and also an excellent musician, and was a member of the band that welcomed La Fayette to Poughkeepsie, on the occasion of that general's visit there in the early part of this century. In politics Mr. Pultz was, in later life, a strong Republican, and served in Rhinebeck as assessor and in Arlington as justice of the peace. He is survived by a widow and two daughters — Annette (Mrs. H. A. Pultz) and Mary, the latter residing at Arlington.

HOMAS BUTTS, an agriculturist of energy and ability, owns the old family homestead in the town of Amenia, where the founder of the family, Thomas Butts, located 160 years ago. He was one of three brothers, who came to the New World from England, and established the family in Dutchess county, where most of his descendants have since made their home.

Richard Butts, the grandfather of our sub-

COMMEMORATIVE DIOORAPHIC'AL RECORD.

ject, was born in Washington town, and was the son of Thomas Butts. By trade he was a cooper, and lived to the advanced age of ninety years. He married Susan Edmunds, by whom he had nine children: James and Jackson, deceased; Richard S.;George;Rachel, Charlotte and Lois, all three deceased; Hannah, who became the wife of Casper Wester-velt. and is now deceased; and Mary Ann, wife of Barlow White, of Tower Hill.

Richard S. Butts, the father of our subject, is also a native of the town of Anienia, and spent his boyhood days on Chestnut Ridge in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, where he attended the district schocl. He was married in the town of Gallatin, Columbia Co., N. Y., to Miss Eleanor Finkle, daughter of George and Mary (Kilmer) Finkle, and they became the parents of seven children: George and Robert,both of the town of Amenia; Thomas, subject of this sketch; Susan, wife of John Hunter; Phebe, wife of Seneca Miller, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Elizabeth; and Lottie, wife of Millard Coons, of Claverack, New York.

After his marriage, Richard S. Butts purchased a sawmill near Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., which he conducted for many years, and then moved into the village, where he engaged in the butcher business. In 1863 he went to Hudson, N. Y., where he followed the same line of trade for three years, and. returning to Ancram, he there continued to reside until 1895. Now, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years, he finds a pleasant home with our subject. He has been a lifelong Democrat, and has been called upon to fill the positions of justice of the peace and poormaster in Ancram. Socially, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Copake, New York.

At Ancram, Columbia county, Thomas Butts was born,May 15, 1847, and in the public schools of that locality was educated. Under the able instruction of his father, he early became familiar with the milling and butcher business, and in 1865 left home, going to work for neighboring farmers. Later he followed the same occupation in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, for one year, being employed by his uncle, Jackson Butts, and for two years by Dr. William H. Tanner, but was subsequently with the latter gentleman for ten years. After the first two years passed upon his farm, Mr. Butts was for a time engaged in teaming in the village of Rhinebeck, Dutchess

county, on the Connecticut & Hartford railroad, after which he returned to Dr. Tanner. On leaving that gentleman, he rented a farm for one year on Skiff Mountain, and for the following two years lived upon the farm now occupied by W. A. Sherman. He was next employed by John R. Thompson, engaged in drilling artesian wells. For the past fifteen years he has been superintendent of the D. H. Sherman farm, renting it for six years, the last year of which he had under his management 1000 acres of land. He is a model farmer, thoroughly understanding his business, and has met with excellent success in his chosen calling. He still owns the farm upon which his grandfather lived.

In the town of Amenia, in 1867, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Butts and Miss Sarah E. Wheeler, daughter of Seth Wheeler, and to them were born three sons: Willis R., Edward and Charles. Willis R. married Florence Wheeler, and they now have three children: Ethel, Thomas and George. Mr. Butts is a stanch adherent to the principles of the Republican party in his politics, and supports the candidates offered by that organization on all occassions. He is a most pleasant, agreeable gentleman, who easily wins friends, and has the happy faculty of retaining them. He is kind, unaffected and approachable, and every one receives his courteous attention.

ANTHONY H. BARTON is the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, pleasantly located in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, which he has been operating successfully since 1864. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and has never been afraid of putting his shoulder to the wheel whenever necessary. His land has been brought to a high state of cultivation, largely by the labor of his own hands, and he is the possessor of good farm buildings, to which each }-ear he adds something to enhance the beauty and value of his property. He takes great delight in landscape gardening, and his place is, therefore, one of the most beautiful to be found in the town of Pine Plains.

Mr. Barton was born in Columbia county, N. Y., July 4, 1836, and is a son of George W. Barton. His educational privileges were quite good, and on leaving school at the age of seventeen years he aided his father in the operation of the home farm until his mar-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

735

riage. In 1858 he wedded Emily M. Sackett, daughter of Allen Sackett, of the town of Stanford, and to them were born five children: Sarah E., born March 18, 1859, married September 13, 1877, to Albert Keller, of Stanford, N. Y. (they have one son, Herbert); one that died in infancy; Frank (proprietor of the " Stissing House" at Pine Plains), born March 23, 1864, married December 4, 1883, to Myra Rosa, of Ulster county (no children); Cora R., born July 18, 1862, married April 25, 1889, to Willis Wright, of Syracuse (they have two children, Herbert and Howard); and Fred, who was born on the present farm of our subject November 13, 1865, married February 28, 1883, to Lizzie Moore, of the town of Milan (has one child, Roy), and is engaged in carpentering and painting in the village of Pine Plains. The mother of these children died in 1876, and Mr. Barton was afterward married to Isophime Wilkinson, daughter of Sidney T. Wilkinson, of Hammerton, New York.

A year after his first marriage Mr. Barton rented the farm now owned by Mrs. Eban Husted, but at the end of a year he removed to the Dr. Barton farm, in the town of Stanford, owned by his father, and besides its cultivation he also gave considerable attention to stock dealing. He next lived upon the farm owned by his father at Boston Corners, from which he removed to the Joshua Culver place, near Carman's Mills. After residing there for about a year, Mr. Barton purchased for $15,-000 the farm of 200 acres which he now occupies. About ten years after locating upon his present farm he began speculating in stock, grain, hay, straw and other farm produce, in which he was quite successful. For a quarter of a century he was also engaged in auctioneering, and does most of the business along that line throughout his section of the county. In his first venture in farming at Boston Corners, Columbia county, he had no capital; but buying cows on credit and selling them again, secured his first start in life. In his early experience with his father, who was exceedingly economical, he learned the value of a dollar, which came to be worth thousands to him later, and he has always been an able financier.

Mr. Barton has always taken an active part in local politics, and is a strong supporter of the Democratic party, has served as highway commissioner twelve years, assessor two years, and overseer of the poor for about one

year. Public-spirited and enterprising, he has taken a foremost part in the upbuilding and advancement of his locality. Socially, he is prominently identified with Stissing Lodge No. 615, F. & A. M., and in religious belief is a Presbyterian, while Mrs. Barton is a Methodist. George W. Barton, father of our subject, born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. May 14, 1795, died September 17, 1872. He was a very peculiar man; was never known to have but one suit of clothes at a time, which he wore every day of the week, including Sundays. He did his own hair-cutting (with a jack-knife) and shaving (without any mirror), and yet hardly a day passed but what he had from three to five dollars in his pocket. His wife, Elizabeth (Hoffman), born May 28, 1800, died August 26, 1879. They had nine children, to wit: Mariette, born March i, 1824, married Warden Hoysradt, and died September 12, 1873 (^no surviving children); William H., born August 25, 1825, married Cornelia Decker, and died January 24, 1879 (no children); George W., Jr., born May 19, 1827, married (first) Julia Collins (two children), and wedded (second) Mary French (no children); Catherine, born December 15, 1829, married William McArthur (no surviving children); Rachel, born December 16, 1831, married James Collins (one child); Leonard, born December 14, 1834, married Henrietta Pulver (three children); Anthony H., the subject proper of this sketch; Artemus S., born October 30, 1838, married (first) Mariette Rocka-feller (no children), and wedded (second) Jane Tripp (two children); and Fred, born May 24, 1841, married (first) Elizabeth Hoysradt (^six children), and wedded (second) Zadie Tripp (no children).

EUBEN J. ROBINSON. Among the ac-fc, tive farmers of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, the gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this sketch holds a prominent place. He is a native of the county, born in the town of Clinton, July 5, 1854. His paternal grandfather, John Robinson, was born in the town of Milan, same county, January 31, 1794, and was the son of John Robinson, who emigrated from Ireland to the New World, becoming a resident of Dutchess county. On June 15, 1815, John Robinson, Jr., married Submity Horton, who died June i, 1818, leaving a son, who was born February

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

22, 1817, and died June 25, 1867. Mr. Robinson again married on January 22, 1820, his second union being with Esther Ellison, who was born March 22, 1793, and died October 22, 1863. They became the parents of five children, namely: Simmons, born July 16, 1S22, is the father of our subject; Eliza Ann, born June 7, 1824, died October 17, 1866; Nancy, born August 14, 1826, married John J. Conklin, of Leonard, Tex.; John, born March 7, 1829, died April 6, 1885; and Smith, born March 15, 1831, died December 18, 1833. The father of this family was educated in his native town and learned the trade of a tanner, which he followed in Stanfordsville until his death, October 26, 1846.

The birth of Simmons Robinson occurred in the town of Stanford, and in the schools of Stanfordville he acquired his education. He began life lor himself at an early age, working for farmers in the neighborhood, and in 185 i was able to purchase a farm in the town of Clinton, where he lived for eleven years. In 1865, he purchased a farm in Stanford, Bear Market-four-corners, and resided there until in 1881, when he deeded this farm to his son, Reuben J., and moved to a small farm adjoining, that had been purchased by his wife.

On August 31, 1845, he was married to Jane Husted, who was born February 13, 1824, the daughter of Reuben Husted. Three children were born of this union: Courtland, born June 26, 1846, has been a teacher, but is now engaged in farming in Hyde Park township, Dutchess county, and in politics is a Prohibitionist; Lavina M., born July 29, 1848, died January 18, 1852; and Reuben J. is the youngest. The mother was called to her final rest on July 30, 1895. Since her death the father returned to his old home, and now lives with our subject. He has always been quite successful in his business ventures, was a faithful member of the Christian Church, and politically, was first a \\'hig, and is now a firm supporter of the Republican party.

During his boyhood and youth our subject attended the district schools of the towns of Clinton and Stanford, and spent his entire life upon the old homestead, with the exception of one year passed at Pleasant Plains in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county. Besides general farming he was engaged in the milk business. On July 4, 1875, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Carrie L. Moon, daughter of Franklin Moon, of Saratoga county, N. Y.

Our subject's career as a farmer has been characterized b\' keen judgment, shrewd common sense and good business habits, and as a man he stands deservedly high in the regard of his fellow-citizens.

HORACE RENNIE POWELL, M. D., one of the most prominent physicians in the

city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born February 16, i860, at Coeymans, Albany Co., New York.

His family is of Welsh origin, three brothers having come from Wales to this country about 1760, one of whom located in V'irginia, one on Long Island and one in Westchester county, N. Y. Many descendants of the latter moved to Albany and Greene counties, and among these were the direct ancestors of our subject. His great-grandfather, John T. Powell, was a native of Coeymans, where he passed his life engaged in farming. Like all of this family, he was a Quaker in religious faith, and by his quiet, consistent life he won the high esteem of all who knew him. He married Anna Hal-sted, and had three children: James H.; Joshua, now living at the age of eighty years; and Phrebe Ann, who died in 1892, aged forty. John T. Powell died in 1857, aged sixty-five, and his wife in 1861, at the age of sixty-four.

James H. Powell, grandfather of our subject, was born in 1811, and died in 1891; he was a captain on a line of freight boats on the Hudson between Coxsackie and New York, owned by Reed & Powell, produce dealers. This occupation he followed until old age unfitted him for labor, becoming well known along the river, where his warm heart and constant effort to promote the happiness of others won him universal friendship. He also owned and conducted a farm at Coeymans, and took an influential part there in local affairs, being one of the leading Democratic managers in Albany county. He was not an office seeker, and held few official positions, but was for two years—-1875 and 1876—supervisor of his township. He married Sally Ann Kelley, who was born in 1812, and died in 1S84, a daughter of Sylvanus and Mary (Dodge) Kelley, both of whom were natives of England. Sylvanus Kelley died in 1862, his wife surviving him six years. James H. Powell and his wife had six children: John S.; Jefferson, a resident of Coeymans; Ambrose and Henry (both now deceased); Mary (Mrs. Garret C.

<^(ju5rc^ J rvMsA ^, ^<-i^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

737

Huyck, of Minneapolis, Minn.); and Alexander, a resident of Manchester, New Hampshire.

John S. Powell, father of our subject, was born at Coeymans, N. Y., January ii, 1835, and was educated at the Albany State Normal School. For twenty-five years he followed the occupation of teaching with great success, achieving high reputation throughout the State both as a disciplinarian and as an instructor. After teaching a few j'ears at his native place and in Freehold, Greene county, he became principal of the academy at Nassau, Rensselaer county, and during the last eight years of his professional work he was principal of the Union Free School at " Bath-on-the-Hudson. " He was a Democrat in early life, afterward a Republican, and was at one time clerk of the town of Coeymans. In his later years he engaged in the school, church and opera house furniture business.

In 1857 John S. Powell was married to Rachel A. Powell, a descendant of the Long Island branch of the family. Her grandfather, Thomas T. Powell, who died in 1862, at the age of ninety-one years, kept an old-fashioned inn at Westerlo, Albany county. His mother was a Titus, and his wife was Mary Ann Greene, who died in 1861 at the age of eighty-six years; she was of Welsh blood, and a direct descendant of Gen. Nathaniel Greene. Six children were born to Thomas Powell and his wife: Ezekiel died in 1882 at the age of seventy-five; Joseph D. died at sixty; Orrin at fifty-five; Jesse D. at thirty; Harriet at fifty-five; and Mary Ann at fifty. , Ezekiel Powell, the maternal grandfather of our subject, married Prudence Halsted, who died in 1884, aged seventy-two years. She was one of the ten children of Stephen and Eve (Decker) Halsted, both of whom were natives of Germantown, Dutchess county. He died in 1835 aged fifty-five, his wife passing away in 1867. Of their children all but three lived in Illinois. Thomas died there at the age of eighty; Bartow at fifty; Stephen D. at forty-five; Samuel at sixty; John now lives there at eighty years of age; Betsey Ann died there at forty-five; Mary Ann is living there at seventy-five. Of those who remained in New York, besides Prudence, there were Sally Maria (Mrs. Blossom), who is living in Westerlo, at the age of sixty-two; and Marilla, who died at South Westerlo when aged twenty-four.

From the foregoing it will be seen that at 47

the time of the birth of Dr. Powell (in i860) he was blessed with six living grandmothers and four grandfathers. He was the only child of his parents, and they lived to rejoice in his success, his father dying in 1895, his mother now residing with him. Our subject attended the public schools of his native place while his father was teaching there, and at the age of sixteen entered the Albany Normal School, where he took the two-years' course, graduating with the valedictory honors in 1878. For a short time he conducted a drug store at " Bath-on-the-Hudson", and disposing of it he matriculated in the fall of 1878 at the Albany Medical College under Dr. E. T. Rulison mow of Buffalo, N. Y.), the late Dr. Norman L. Snow,- of Albany, curator of the college, and Prof. Albert V'an Der Veer, as preceptors. He was graduated in 1882, being again awarded the honor of delivering the valedictory address. In the spring of that year he located at Housa-tonic, Mass.; but in the fall he moved to Poughkeepsie and commenced practice at No. 4 Garden street. Fortune did not at first smile upon him, but his fine abilities and training gradually won recognition, so that at the end of three years he had a fair practice, and now has one of the best in the city. He keeps well abreast of the advances of his profession, his retentive memory being a great advantage to him, and is very successful as a general practitioner.

In 1883 Dr. Powell married Idell H. Champlin, daughter of Charles Champlin, and has two children, Robert Carlisle and Vera Terry. Possessing a genial nature, the Doctor is a leading spirit in local affairs. He takes an ardent interest in the success of the Republican party; was health officer of the city under Mayor Ellsworth, and is now a member of the Board of Education. He belongs to Poughkeepsie Bicycle Club, the K. of P., Triumph Lodge No. 165, and to the Masonic fraternity, Triune Lodge No. 782, being the first man to be admitted to that order at a regular communication of the lodge in the new Masonic Temple. Among his professional brethren he holds a high rank, and is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, has been president of the Clinical Society of Poughkeepsie, and in 1892 was president of the Alumni Association of the Albany Medical College. He is U. S. Pension Examining Surgeon; is surgeon of the Nineteenth Separate Company, Third Brigade, New York; has been Police

COMMEMORATIVE BJOORAPBICAL RECORD.

Surgeon, and is now County Physician. He is also a member of the Board of Trade, and of the Retail Merchants Association of the City of Poughkeepsie; is a member of Davy Crockett Hook and Ladder Company No. i, being ex-president thereof, and at the present time is president of the board of trustees.

JAMES A. MARSHALL. One does not have to pursue his investigations far into the annals of Dutchess county before he finds that the name of this gentleman is conspicuous on the pages of its history. His life is distinctive from the fact that he is one of the oldest native sons of the county, and a representative of one of its most honored pioneer families. In Pleasant Valley, April 26, 1819, he first opened his eyes to the light of day, and his father, Henry S. Marshall, was born in the same town. May 5, 1793. The grandfather, James Marshall, was born in the same locality, March 5, 1765. The great-grandfather, John Marshall, was one of the seven sons of the founder of the family in America, who came to this country from his native England.

James Marshall, the grandfather of our subject, married Catherine Van Vorehis, and located on a farm in the town of Pleasant Valley, where they reared children as follows: John, who was a merchant and school-teacher; Henry S., father of our subject; Stephen, a printer by trade, took charge of the State prison in later life; George, who lived in various localities in Dutchess county; Elizabeth, wife of William Welling, a farmer; Sally, wife of William Allen, a farmer; Catherine, wife of George Ham, an agriculturist; Elsie, wife of Lansing Thorne, who followed the same pursuit; and Julia, wife of Isaac Newcomb, who died in a Rebel prison during the Civil war.

Henry S. Marshall in his early life learned the trade of a bookbinder. He married Sarah Allen, a native of the town of Pleasant Valley, and a daughter of Jcihn I. and Esther Allen, whose family numbered twelve children. Her father was an agriculturist, and was of English lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall began housekeeping on a farm in Pleasant Valley town, where they spent their remaining days, their friends and neighbors holding them in the highest esteem for many excellencies of character. Consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Marshall served for many

years as deacon. In politics he was a \\'hig. In the family were four children: Catherine E., deceased; James A.; Eliza and Isaac, who have also passed away.

The respected subject of this review, James A. Marshall, lived with his parents through the days of his boyhood and youth, and early became familiar with the duties of farm life. On leaving home he married Cordelia Conover, a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, and a daughter of Jacob Conover, an enterprising farmer, born in Dutchess county, and descended from an old Holland family. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, which was celebrated October 27, 1843, was blessed with four children: Sarah E., wife of Bartlett Devine, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Isaac, a farmer of Olive town, Ulster county; Henry J., who operates land near the old homestead; and Nellie, wife of Harvey Halsted, a farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley.

Mr. Marshall has made farming his life work. Having resided at various places in the county, he removed in 1886 to his present home in the town of Pleasant Valley, where he has since lived retired, enjoying the competence that has come to him as the reward of his earnest and able labors in former years. In September, 1895, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his loved wife, with whom he had traveled life's journey for more than half a centur\-, but he lives in the hope of a blessed reunion in the land where sorrow and death are no more. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian Church, and his political association with the Republican party, by which he was elected road commissioner and assessor. His life is not marked by any events of exciting or thrilling interest, but his is the honorable career of a man who has always faithfully performed his duties to the best of his ability, and with promptness and fidelity discharged every trust reposed in him.

E^LIPHAZ DELAMATER, a well-known _^ farmer of the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Esopus, Ulster Co., N. Y., March 21, 1842. The great-great-grandfather on the paternal side came to this State from Holland at an early day, and settled in Esopus. His son John was born there, and the latter's son John was born at Esopus, August 4, 1779, and died September 18, 1858.

COMMEMORATIVE BLOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

739

This John Delamater, the grandfather of our subject, was married September 13, 1806, to Fanny Decker, who was born August 24, 1780, and died March 6, 185S. Their children were as follows: Catherine, born August 7, 1807; Jacob, September 25, 1810; John (father of our subject), November 26, 1812; Peter, May 24, 1817; Eliza, July 27, 1823. The father of this family was a miller by trade, and followed that occupation for a number of years. He owned a mill which he subsequently sold, and and in connection with his father purchased a farm. He was a prominent man in his community, and had the confidence of the public. He was made the trustee of many estates, and managed all his affairs with discretion and good judgment. He was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and helped to build the edifice, and was one of its most liberal supporters. For four years before his death he was afflicted with blindness, which he bore with fortitude and uncomplaining patience.

John Delamater, father of our subject, was reared in the town of Esopus, Ulster count}-, on his father's farm, and attended the district schools of that locality. He carried on farming there until 1865, when he sold out and removed to Lagrange town, Dutchess county, buying the farm on which our subject now resides. Here he made his home until the time of his death, which took place April 27, 1891. He was married in Esopus, June 8, 1833, to Sarah Terpening, who was there born December 5, 1813. Their children were Israel \'an-Keuren, born November i, 1835, and died May 6, 1868; and Eliphaz, the subject of this review. John Delamater was a member of the Reformed Church, and was highway commissioner in the town of Esopus. He was a man of fine character, and was universally respected.

Our subject spent his boyhood days in Esopus, where he attended the district schools. When twenty-three years old he came with his parents to Lagrange township, and has resided there for the past thirty years, being engaged in farming. He was married October 25, 18S2, to Anna M., daughter of Philip Schuyler Andrews, and their family consists of the following children: John and Emott (twins), Harold, Mildred, Wilfred and Cornelia.

Mr. Delamater is a member of the Reformed Church at New Hackensack, and in politics is in sympathy with the Republican

party, although he takes no active part in public affairs, and has never been an aspirant for office. He is a quiet, unostentatious man, and is highly respected by all who know him.

GILBERT E. VAN WAGNER, one of the _ representative farmers of the town of Pleasant Valley, is a native of Dutchess county, born in Hyde Park, January 3, 1838. The kingdom of Holland, which has given to the world one of the hardiest races of people, sheltered the ancestors of our subject, but for many generations they have made their home in the county. The grandfather, Gilbert Van-W^agner, was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, and was a son of Evert Van Wagner, who carried on farming there. The former wedded Catherine Schriver, also a native of Dutchess county, and located upon a farm in Hyde Park, where their seven children were born, namely: Hannah first married a cousin by the name of Van Wagner, a farmer by occupation, and after his death became the wife of a Mr. Butts, a resident of the western part of the State; Helen married Charles J. Todd, a farmer of Hyde Park; Mary was the wife of Jacob Tillottson, a wagon maker and farmer of Hyde Park; John, who wedded Lettie Humphrey, also engaged in farming in Dutchess county; Isaac married Jennett Beech, and carried on agricultural pursuits in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county; Evert G. is the father of our subject; and James, a farmer, married Ann Beech.

In Hyde Park Evert G. Van Wagner was born, and on reaching man's estate he married Sarah Humphrey, who was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, a daughter of John Humphrey, who carried on farming there. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Jane Bregraw, was a native of Newtown, Long Island, and by her marriage had six children, of whom Sarah was the eldest. She was followed by Phcebe, wife of George H. Traver, a retired farmer of Saratoga, N. Y.; Elizabeth, wife of Harris McFarland, a farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley; Ellen, wife of George Bates, also an agriculturist of Pleasant Valley town; and Thomas, who married Ellen Skidmore. After his marriage the father of our subject took his bride to his farm in Hyde Park town. They became the parents of children as follows: George, who died at the age of twenty-two years; John,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBWAL RECORD.

who wedded Mary Mosher; Abram, who married Sophia Wagner; Andrew, who married Cordelia Wagner; Gilbert, of this review; and Kate. The sons all followed in the footsteps of their father—engaging in agricultural pursuits as a life work. The parents were both faithful members of the Reformed Church, and in politics Mr. Van Wagner was a Republican. His death occurred July 3, 1884, that of his wife on January 4, 1867.

Gilbert E. Van Wagner received his education in the excellent schools of Dutchess county, where under the able direction of his father he soon became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. On December 24, 1862, he was united m marriage with Miss Sarah Ann Barnes, a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Edwin and Laura Ann (Van Der-burgh) Barnes, also natives of Clinton town, the former born in 1817, and the latter on April 18, 1818. By trade the father was a machinist, and both he and his wife were Presbyterians in religious belief. He died April 3, 1842, his wife passing away February 14, 1874. Their only child was Mrs. Van Wagner. Her paternal grandfather was Samuel Barnes, and her maternal grandfather was John Van Derburgh, a farmer of Clinton town, and a son of Henry Van Derburgh, also an agriculturist of that township, and an officer in the Revolutionary war.

Mr. and Mrs. Van Wagner began their domestic life upon their present farm of 149 acres, which has been in the possession of some member of her family since the year 1800. Three children bless their union: Evert H., who married Ida J. Traver, and engages in farming; Laura Ann; and George E. B., who married Etta M. Young, and lives in Hyde Park. The parents contribute liberally to the support of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. Van-W'agner takes an active part in its affairs. They are highly respected throughout the community in which they live, and he is numbered among the most progressive and enterprising citizens of the township. He devotes his entire time and attention to general farming, in which he is meeting with a well-deserved success, and. though not very active in politics, usually votes for the candidates offered by the Republican party.

John Van Derburgh, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Van Wagner, married Ann Mott, a daughter of Ebenezer Mott, who

was appointed lieutenant of the Fifth New York Regiment, December 22, 1779. and valiantly aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence. He had been commissioned second-lieutenant by John Hancock on the 21st of November, 1776, and was appointed by John Jay as ensign of the same regiment in June, 1779. At West Point he was taken prisoner, and being placed on board an old battle ship was taken to New York City and incarcerated in the old sugar house. He became very prominent in public affairs, and served as a member of the General Assembly from 1792 to 1793, and from 1798 to iSoi. On March i, 1781, he was married at Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, to Mary Van Vlack, a daughter of Jacob and Ann (Stoutenburgh) Van Vlack, and to them were born the following children: Jacob E., who married Margaret Stoutenburgh; James, who died unmarried; Ann, who became the wife of John Van-Derburgh; Mrs. Sallie Sammis; Maria, Catherine and Ebenezer, who all died unmarried; and John, who wedded Maria Culver.

Mrs. Van Wagner can trace a relationship back to Anneke Jans, the owner of the property in New York City, where Trinity Church now stands, which is worth many millions of dollars. Her daughter, Sarah, married Hans Kiersterd on the 29th of June, 1642, and their daughter, Rachel, became the wife of William Teller, whose daughter, Margaret, married Jacob Stoutenburgh. Their daughter, Ann, was the wife of Jacob Van Vlack, and to them was born a daughter, Mary, who wedded Ebenezer Mott in 178 I. Their daughter, Ann, was united in marriage with John \'an Derburgh, March i, 1812, and to them was born a daughter, Laura, who, on the 15th 'of June, 1841, wedded Edwin Barnes, the father of Mrs. Van Wagner.

RIGHT H. ODELL, a prominent and representative agriculturist of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Unionvale, same county, June 17, i860, and is a son of Luman B. Odell, also a native of that town. The latter was educated in the district schools, and remained upon the home farm until attaining his majorit)'. In his native township he married Mary Abel, by whom he had three children: Daniel, of Oklahoma, Okla.; Wright B.; and Flora M., wife of Charles Brill, Jr. After residing upon the

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741

Abel farm for a time, Mr. Odell removed to Arthursburg, where he engaged in clerking for about two years, and then removed to a farm in the town of Fishkill, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was killed while helping to raise a barn for a neighbor in that town, in 1876. His career was one of honor and respectability, and won for him the high regard of all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church in Unionvale town, and a stalwart Republican in politics.

The earl}' school days of Wright B. Odell were spent at Arthursburg, in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and at Poughquag. In 1880 the family removed to the present residence of our subject in the town of Beek-rnan, and two years later Mr. Odell assumed control of toe farm, which comprises 200 acres of rich and arable land, and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He is a most successful and enterprising farmer.

In Chicago, November 25, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Odell and Miss Inez A. Brill, a daughter of George Brill, a native of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and they have one daughter, Mary Frances. Mr. Odell supports the principles of the Republican party by his ballot, and he is deeply interested in the welfare and advancement of his native county. He and his wife are widely and favorably known in their locality, and their home is a favorite circle for many friends.

JOHN H. COX, a valued and esteemed agriculturist of the town of Stanford, Dutchess

county, has his residence upon a farm of most superior land, which is under excellent culture and improvement. The buildings upon the place are of a neat and substantial character, and betoken thrift and prosperity. He is meeting with well-merited success in his farming operations.

Mr. Cox is a native of New York City, and traces his ancestry back to Isaac Cox, who was born in 1735, and in Kent county, Del., April 7, 1763, was united in marriage with Susanna Hanson. He died December 28, 1773, at the age of thirty-eight years. His son, Isaac, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Baltimore, Md., November 10, 1768, and on reaching manhood he there worked at the hatter's trade; but most of his life was passed in

Pennsylvania. By his marriage with Sarah Hanson he had five children: Eliza, Samuel Daniel, Mary, Henry R. and Rachel.

Henry R. Cox, the father of our subject, was born in 1809, upon a farm in Lycoming county, Penn., where he spent his boyhood days. When a young man he went to New York City, where he became a dry-goods merchant on Greenwich street, and there engaged in business until his death, which occurred May I, I 85 I. He wedded Mary Middlemus, and to them were born three children: Joseph M., Henry R. and Eliza H. For his second wife he chose Miss Susan Lake, a native of Lycoming county, Penn., who died in 1857, and they became the parents of two children: John H. and Samuel H. After the father's death the family removed to the town of Stanford, Dutchess county.

As boys, John H. Cox, of thi.s review, and his brother, Samuel H., lived with their uncle, John Hunn, in Stanford township, and received such educational advantages as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded, though the brother had also attended the public schools of New York City. On February 11, 1885, in the town of Stanford, our subject was united in marriage with Eliza H. Striker, a descendant of one of the early settlers of Manhattan Island. Two children bless this union: Ella, born February 19. 1887; and Eliza, born February 18, 1893. For a year after his marriage, Mr. Cox remained upon the Hunn farm, and then for a few months was a resident of Bangall, Dutchess county. Since that time he has made his home upon his present farm on the west side of Hunn's lake. He learned the trade of a machinist in the Roger's axle factory, at Stanfordville, but has always followed farming as a means of livelihood. Success has waited upon the efforts of this gentleman in all his efforts, and the general verdict is that he has well deserved it. Labor and perseverance, coupled with economy and frugality, are bound to win in the long run, and these virtues he possesses to a large extent. Politically, he votes the straight Republican ticket, and has served as assessor of his township, while, socially, he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias.

Samuel H. Cox has lived with our subject since the latter's marriage, and has devoted most of his time to agricultural pursuits and to the cattle trade. He has served as census-taker in his township. The brothers are

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUJCAL RECORD.

esteemed and valued members of the community, and possess the entire confidence and regard of their neighbors.

John Hunn, the uncle with whom they lived in boyhood, was born near Dover, Del., September 9. 1785, and was the son of John and Susanna Hunn. He was married in New York City, May 9, 1816, to Sarah S. Willis, and after her death wedded Eliza Co.\, February 8, 1837. By trade he was a tanner and currier, and for several years conducted a leather store in Nesv York City, but in 1851 removed to the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he made his home until his death, which occurred December 5, 1867. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and was an earnest Christian gentleman.

AI'IREN REYNOLDS. The subject of this sketch, who is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and business capacity, owns two fine farms in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, which aggregate about 400 acres, and is promment among the agricultural interests of the county, contributing largely to its reputation by making his places two of the most desirable homesteads within its borders. Admired and esteemed by his friends and neighbors, he enjoys, as he deserves, a generous portion of this world's goods.

Mr. Reynolds was born in Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., September 19, 1821, and is a son of Titus S. Reynolds, whose birth occurred in the same place January 9, 1790. Of that county his grandfather, Solomon Reynolds, was one of the leading agriculturists. The family were members of the Society of Friends.

Titus S. Reynolds was united in marriage with Hannah Hrockway, a native of Columbia county, born March 12, 1794, and they began their domestic life in Chatham, where the father followed farming. His political views were in accordance with those held by the Republican party, and religiously he was a Hicks-ite Quaker. He passed away April 11, 1862, and his wife on August 3, 1881. Their family circle included twelve children: Horace, born August II, 1S14, died at the age of sixteen years; Lester A., born February 16, 1816, is living retired in Iowa; Sylvester (twin brother of Lester) followed blacksmithing and farming, and died in 1890; Elias B., born September 14, 1818, was a drover, and died May 24, 1880; Mary A., born March 23, 1820, became

the wife of John Goodenough, a wheelwright by trade, and died in 1889; \\'arren, of this review, is the ne.xt in order of birth; Deborah J., born February 5, 1S23. married Erastus Jones, a farmer of Columbia county, and died in 1887; Isaac B., born November 26, 1824. died in infancy; Laura B. (twin sister of Isaac), married a Mr. Brown, and died in 1879; Julina, born October 23, 1828, became the wife of George Williams, a farmer, and died in 1887; Freeman, born April 16, 1831, is an agriculturist of Orleans county, \'t.; and .\lida, born May 5, 1833, was the wife of H. W. Williams, a farmer of Columbia county, and died August 27, 1864.

Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his first lesson in agriculture from his father, who was a practical, capable farmer. He was married, October 2, 1843. to Hannah Carpenter, who was born in Hudson, N. Y., May 12, 1822, and died in Wayne county, this State, May 24, 1852. Four children graced this union: Lydia J., born October 12, 1844, died in infancy; Francelia, born July 2, 1846, married William Jones, of Chicago, 111., and later became the wife of George K. Jones, of the same city; Jason C, born March 13, 1849, is employed in the Adams Express office in New York City; and Alvah B., born April 28, 1857, is a milkman of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On September 19. 1859, Mr. Reynolds was again married, his second union being with MaryMorey, who was born F"ebruary 20, 1819, and died December 7, 18S1.

On September 19, 18S3, Mr. Reynolds was married to Mrs. H. C. Hunt, a native of Berlin, Vt., who bore the maiden name of Cornelia Bosworth. Her father, Jonathan Bos-worth, was born January 21, 1787, in Lebanon, N. H., and was a son of Nathaniel Bosworth, a Revolutionary hero, and the grandson of Jonathan Bosworth, who came from England and founded the family in this country. All his life the father of Mrs. Reynolds engaged in the manufacture of hoes. By his marriage, on July 2, 1811, with Lovisa Vilona Darling, who was born November 9, 1791, he had thirteen children, namely: Lovisa V., Mary L., Elisha D., Jonathan E.(i), Sarah D., Jonathan E.(2), Tryphena N., Samuel H. O., Anna M., Lucy D.. David B., Joseph S., and Hannah C. The father died April 7, 1879, and the mother passed away August 13, 1S72.

Since i860 Mr. Reynolds has resided in Dutchess county, where he is successfully en-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIGAL RECORD.

743

gaged in general farming, and is one of the most progressive citizens in the community, always identifying himself with all matters for the public welfare. His political support has ever been given the Republican party, and he is a member of the Society of Friends, while Mrs. Reynolds is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Amenia.

JAMES H. LOVELACE. Among the leading and representative agriculturists of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, stalwart and sturdy tillers of the soil, there is none who stands a more prominent figure than the gentleman of whom this notice is written. He made his appearance upon the stage of Hfe March 26, 1845, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, at the home of his parents, William and Mary (Bates) Lovelace. His paternal grandfather, Peleg Lovelace, was one of the early residents of Putnam county, N. Y., but his last days were spent in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. He reared to manhood and womanhood a family of ten children—seven sons and three daughters.

William Lovelace was born in the year 1812, in Putnam county, where his boyhood days were passed, and during his youth he learned the carpenter's trade, but did not long follow that occupation, as he soon began farming in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, remaining there several years. Ten years were afterward spent in the town of Washington, at the expiration of which time he returned to Stanford, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for thirteen years. He next located upon a farm on Chestnut Ridge, in the town of Dover, which he still owns, but is now living retired in Millbrook, town of Washington. Although he started out in life with nothing, he has by energy and perseverance become a very successful man. He is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, but has never cared for political preferment, and is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. On November 14, 1835, '" the town of Washington, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Bates, a daughter of Joseph Bates, and four children blessed their union: Francis, deceased; James H.; Richard, of the town of Dover; and Asa, of Millbrook.

Our subject accompanied his parents on their various removals during his younger years, and in the public schools of the local-

ities obtained a fair education. For ten years he engaged in agricultural pursuits on Chestnut Ridge, in the town of Dover, remaining upon his father's farm until 1887, when he removed to the Tonsey farm near Clinton Corners, which he operated until the spring of 1890. He then purchased his present farm in the town of Clinton.

Mr. Lovelace was married in the town of Stanford, March 2, 1870, to Maria E. Wood, daughter of Talmage and Lydia (Mosher) Wood. Previous to the Civil war her father had been a resident of that town, but during that struggle enlisted in the isoth N. Y. V. L, under Gen. A. B. Smith, and while serving with that command was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Two children were born to our subject and his wife: Alva Wood, and William R., but the latter died in infancy. Mr. Lovelace attends the Christian Church at Stanfordville, is an upright, honorable gentleman, who wins friends wherever he goes, and by all who know him he is held in the highest regard.

CHARLES H. GRIFFEN. Prominent _' among the more intelligent, active and enterprising citizens of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, is the young man whose name mtroduces this biography. His reputation for integrity and industry is second to none in the county, and he is a man devoted to farming and fine stock. He was born on the farm which is still his home, May 27, 1868, and since the early age of fifteen years has had the entire management of the place, which attests his progressive spirit, energy and perseverance.

William D. Griffen, the father of our subject, was born at White Plains, Westchester Co., N. Y., and at the age of ten years accompanied the family on their removal to Dutchess county. He attended the Nine Partners Boarding School in the town of Washington, and later became a student in a school at Westtown, Penn. He remained upon the home farm until 1857, when he and his brother Jacob purchased the farm now owned by our subject. This they operated together until 1875, when the brother returned to the old homestead in the town of Clinton, but the father continued its cultivation up to his death in 1877.

On February i, 1865, in the Friends Church

COMMEMORATTVK BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Standfordville, N. Y.. William D. Griffen was married to Phoebe Jane Haight, daughter of Zebiilon Haight, of the tosvn of Clinton, and three children blessed their union: Daniel, of Millbrook, Dutchess county, who was born in December, 1865, and by his marriage with Esther A. Purdy has two children—Ira and William; Charles Haight, of this review; and Mary G., wife of F. E. Birdsall, of the town of Clinton. The parents were both sincere and faithful members of the Society of Friends, and the political support of the father was given the Republican party, whose principles he stanchly advocated. He was always a progressive, upright citizen, respected by all his neighbors and friends. His father had given him a good start in life, and as he had made the most of his opportunities he secured a comfortable competence. His wife survived him for some years, and was called to her final rest in 1891.

On reaching a sufficient age, Charles H. Griffen entered the district schools of the town of Clinton, later attended Hoags Boarding School at the head of Upton Lake, was then a student in a private school kept by Miss Tousey, near Clinton Corners, and further continued his studies at Westtown, Penn. His education, however, was completed in the Leslie School, on Academy street, in Pough-keepsie, N. Y. On laying aside his text books he entered upon the more difficult lessons of life, and his time is now fully occupied with the labors and duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He is identified with the Republican party, and his religious connection is with the Society of Friends.

RICHARD L. VALENTINE, a leading undertaker of Millerton, Dutchess county, was born December 9, 1851, in Nassau, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. His family is one of the oldest of that locality, his ancestors having settled there during the Colonial period. They came from England, but it is probable that the family originated in France. His great-grandfather, John Valentine, was born February 28, I 761, and was married December 29, 1791, to Amy Brockway, who was born January 30, 1770, and they had nine children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Lucy, September 12, 1792; William, March 30. 1794; Richard, November 11, 1795; Abraham, July 6, 1797; Isaac, August 19, 1799; Jacob, April

19, 1801; Jerusha, April 21, 1806; Elizabeth, April 25, 1808; and Eunice, June i, 1810.

Richard \'alentine, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, and possessed limited means. He was quiet and retiring in disposition, extremely kind-hearted, and was highly esteemed for his many admirable traits of character. April 3, 1811, he married Anna Hoag, a native of the same county as himself, and had thirteen children: Anna, born August 31, 1816, died February 24. 1841; Permelia, born February 15, 1818; William H., born September 11, 1819, died March i, 1S20; Hiram B., born January 21, 1821; James A., born October 3, 1822, died March 4, 1855; Jerusha Jane, born June 18, 1824; Lorenzo, born P'ebruary 16, 1826, died July 21, 1881; Phcebe A., born February 19, 1828; Charles F., born April 22, 1830, died August 29, 1S78; John W., born August 5, 1832, died March 5, 1854; Alfred, born July 31, 1834, died August 27, 1835; Henry, born July 24, 1837, died November 28, 1837; and Sylvester, born December 8, 1838, died May 2, 1839.

Lorenzo Valentine, our subject's father, was a farm laborer, and, except for five or six years passed in Columbia count}', his life was spent in his native place. Although he was not blessed with much of this world's goods, he was a good citizen, a kind and affectionate husband and father, and his upright and consistent conduct gained him the respect of all who knew him. He married Amanda Her-mance, a descendant of a well-known Columbia county family and the daughter of John R. and Elizabeth i Haightman) Hermance. Four children came of this union: Anna, born August 30, 1850, who married Willis Clark, of Nassau; Richard L. (our subject), born December 9, 1851; Frank, born April 20, i860, died July 30, 1861; and Edwin E., born August 3, 1862, now residing near Brainard Station, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. The father died July 21, 1881; the mother is now living in Berlin, New York.

Our subject's educational opportunities were limited in his youth to a few years' attendance at the district school. When he was ten years old he began working in a cotton factory at Stuyvesant Falls, and after two years there he went to \'alatie with his father, and worked in a cotton factory there some four years. In his eighteenth year he began to learn the trade of wagon making, serving a three-years' apprenticeship with his uncle, Gil-

L ^> /iL C^C-I

(^ C\ ( ^X-^^^ »- AVi^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

745

bert Hermance, at Nassau. He then went to Mill River, Mass., where he worked as a journeyman for eight months, and in 1873 came to Millerton, and for one and one-half years worked at the trade for John Scutt. On March 20, 1875, he bought Andrew Fish's undertaking business, w-hich he has since conducted, developing and enlarging it until he is now at the head of the principal establishment in that line in Millerton, and one of the most extensive in the county.

Although Mr. \'alentine's business success has been won by his own hard work, he has found time to assist in public affairs, as every good citizen should. He votes the Republican ticket, has been corporation trustee for four years, and he is prominent in the various philanthropic enterprises of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a member for twenty-six years, and is now a leading official. He belongs also to the Royal Arcanum, Poughkeepsie Council.

Mr. \'alentine has been twice married, first time September 16, 1S74, to Miss Libbie J. Kipp, who was born July 21, 1849, ^ daughter of George and Jane M. (Levy) Kipp, the latter of whom was born in Gallatin, N. Y., and died November 2, 1886, aged sixty-three years.

Mr. Kipp was born at Red Hook, N. Y., was a farmer in the town of Northeast for fifty years, and is now retired. He is a typical self-made man, having begun life a poor boy, but by the aid of his faithful wife became well-to-do. He is one of the township's best men, and is highly esteemed by his many friends. His second wife i for he w-as twice married; was Mrs. Washington Hubbell. To our subject and wife were born three children, to wit: George L., born January 17, 1876; Willard J., born August 8, 1880; and Henry, born December 2, 1892. The mother of these died January 7, 1893, and for his second wife Mr. Valentine married Miss Jennie V. K. Oliver, a lady of English descent, born July 31, 1865. By this union there was one child, Frank, who died in infancy.

Mrs. Valentine's great-grandfather, William Oliver, married Elizabeth Seech, and reared a family of eleven children: William, Richard, James, Elizabeth, Jane, John, Ann, Jacob, Benjamin, Joseph and Sarah. Of these, Joseph (Mrs. \'alentine's grandfather) was born August 22, 1779, at Parish of Horn Church, County of Essex, England, and in early life came to America, locating near Cats-

kill, Greene Co., N. Y., where he died July 20, 1869. He was a paper maker by trade. By his wife, Sarah (Thornton), he had seven children, named respectively: Mary, Sarah, William, Jane, Elizabeth, Abigail and Cynthia. William Oliver (Mrs. \'alentine's father) was born October 4, 1816, and followed wagon-making at Catskill, N. Y. He married Anna M. Jennings, who was born February 11, 1828, in Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., and they had a family of four children: William C, born April 5, 1849, is a minister in the M. E. Church, at Hunter, N. Y.; Frank, born April 1, 1852, is in business at Catskill, N. Y.; Mary, born January 18, 1862, died in childhood; Jennie V. I\., wife of our subject, being the youngest.

ALFRED S. WfLEY. one of the well-to- do and prosperous farmers of the town

of Clinton, Dutchess county, residing near Clinton Corners, is one of those men who thoroughly understands the business which he is pursuing, and by following that vocation has secured a competence. He is the architect of his own fortune, having started in life with but little capital beyond his own industry and laudable ambition to rise in the world.

Mr. Wiley is a native of Dutchess county, born near Schultzville, in the town of Clinton, April 14, 1829, in which town were married his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Green) Wiley, who were also born in Dutchess county, and the latter was the daughter of Tobias Green. In their family were the following children: Emily, deceased wife of Henry Barnes; Chancellor, who has also passed away; Annie, deceased wife of Mark Wilber; Harriet, who first wedded Griffin Snyder, and, after his death. Charles Moon; Alexander and Martin Luther, who have both departed this life; Alfred S., of this review; and Mary, wife of Nelson Sleight. After the death of his first wife Mr. Wiley married Mrs. Eliza Wing. All his life the father engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Clinton with the exception of fourteen years spent in the town of Milan. He was a sincere and faithful member of the Milan Christian Church, and died at the ripe old age of eighty-six years.

Alfred Wiley received his education in the common schools of the towns of Clinton and Milan, and was given the training necessary to a successful pursuit of agriculture upon his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPBWAL UECOliD.

father's farm, remaining at home engaged in helping to carry on the labors upon the old homestead until he had attained the age of seventeen. For one year he then lived in the town of Unionvale with his brother, after which he returned to the town of Clinton, and made his home with his brother-in-law, Mark Wilber, for the following two years. His father having again married, he then returned to the parental roof, where the next two years were passed.

Thinking it was about time that he should establish a home of his own, and surround his domestic hearth with family ties, Mr. Wiley married March 5, 1851, in the town of Clinton, Mary A. Pultz, a daughter of Jacob G. Pultz, who was born in the town of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county. By this union four children were born, namely: Carlinda, deceased, was the wife of John Budd, by whom she had one son—William; Ida is the wife of Monroe S. Eckert; Emma F. married Robert Lawrence, who resides near Salt Point, Dutchess Co., N. Y. (they have two daughters.—Alice and Maud); and Frank W^iley died at the age of five years.

I*"or the first year after his marriage, Mr. Wiley worked on the farm of Mark Wilber, after which he purchased land near Clinton Hollow, operating the same for three years, and on disposing of that tract bought another farm about a mile east of Clinton Hollow, where he remained for five years. On selling that place he purchased the Clinton Corners store, which he ran for a couple of years, and then bought a farm a mile and a half northeast of Clinton Hollow. After residing upon that track for about eight years, he sold soon after the close of the Civil war, and has since made his home upon his present farm near Clinton Corners. There he has erected a fine residence, which he now occupies, and the present highly cultivated state of his land has been brought about by the e.xercise of great industry, perseverance and excellent management. His improvements are of a substantial character, and everything about the place denotes prosperity and thrift. Though not an office seeker in any sense of the word, Mr. Wiley served for eight consecutive years as justice of the peace, being elected on the Democratic ticket, which he always supports. He has been quite prominently identified with the interests of the conmiunity in which he lives, and bears a high character for sterling integrity and genuine

worth. Mrs. Wiley is a member in good standing of the Christian Church at Schultzville. William Budd, our subject's grandson, was married December 19, 1894, to Belle Stewart, of the town of Clinton. He now operates his grandfather's farm, the latter having retired from active work.

[i ATHAN FELLER. As a representative of the agricultural class, and one who has met with good success in his independent calling, we take pleasure in giving a brief sketch of the gentleman whose name appears at the beginning of this notice. He is pleasantly located upon a farm of seventy-eight acres in the town of Red Hook, which he purchased of Bartholomew Gray in i 894. It is well stocked and supplied with everything found upon a model farm of the nineteenth century. His birth occurred in Red Hook on August 15, 1840, and in the common schools of the community he acquired his education. He early became inured to the arduous duties of farm life, and his training along that line was under the able instruction of his father, Philip Feller, a prosperous farmer of Red Hook.

On January 3, 1866, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Feller and Miss Emma Martin, who was born April 12, 1847, and is the daughter of Col. Claudius G. Martin. Her father received his title while serving in the 11 ith New York Artillery. He was also a native of the town of Red Hook, born February 19, 1799. and was educated in the common schools near his home. He learned the trade of blacksmithing with Fred Barringer, but did not follow that pursuit. He turned his attention to farming, taking the old Martin homestead on the Post road, which had been the historic residence of the family since the Revolutionary war, and there he died March 17, 1875.

Col. Martin was twice married, his first union being with Miss Julia Ring, daughter of Mr. Ring, of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and to them were born two children, but one died in infancy. John G. was born January 28, 1828. After the death of his first wife, he remained single for about ten years, when he wedded Miss Sarah Webster, daughter of Harry Webster, a shoemaker of Red Hook, June 10. 1835.

Nine children graced the second union: Claudius R., born July 28, 1836. was married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

747

May 27, 1863. to Esther A. Stall, daughter of John Stall, of Clermont, Columbia county; Julia F., born May 13. 1S38, became the wife of David V. Traver. of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, January i, 1861; Lucy M., born Ma}' 22, 1840, married Alonzo Wood, of Pough-keepsie, November 19, 1862; Clarence W., born September 8, 1842, was educated in the common schools, and learned the trade of a cooper, at which he worked for a time, but afterward was employed on a steamer on the Hudson until 1892, when he returned home and is now living retired; Aurelia W., born January 4, 1845, married William H. Dedrick, of Rhinebeck, December 25, 1866; Emma, wife of Nathan Feller, is next in order of birth; Isabella, born October 6, 1849, died March 25, 1852; Henry A., bori: April 30, 1852, was united in marriage with Elizabeth M. Traver, daughter of Nelson Traver, of Rhinebeck, January I, 1880; and Frank, born November 29, 1855, died April 2, 1861. The entire family were born on the old Martin homestead on the Post road. The house is still standing, and is now occupied by Sarena Martin, niece of Edward Martin, deceased.

To Mr. Feller and his estimable wife was born a daughter—Isabella M., whose birth occurred September 22, 1871. She was married June 20, 1895, to William R. Carroll, son of Andrew J. Carroll, of Rock City, Dutchess county. Mr. Feller and his wife are worthy members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, at Red Hook, and endeavor to carry out in their lives its moral teachings. They are straightforward and reliable, industrious, energetic and progressive, and are highly esteemed and respected by all who know them. Their daughter, Mrs. Carroll, and her husband are both also members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Red Hook.

HENRY MYGATT, who is one of the prominent agriculturists of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, has spent almost his entire life in that township, his birth having occurred on his father's farm near Sharon Station, August i, 1846. As a man of in-flence, public-spirited and liberal, this brief record of*his history will be more than ordinarily interesting to those who are identified in any way with the interests of Dutchess county.

Thomas Mygatt, his grandfather, came

from New Fairchild, Conn., in 1772, and purchased land near Sharon Station, in .\menia town. He was a descendant in the si.xth generation of Deacon Joseph Mygatt, one of that company of Puritans who landed on the shores of New England in 1633, and three years later went with Rev. Mr. Hooker to start a settlement at Hartford, Conn. He became a wise counsellor in that new Commonwealth. The father of Thomas was a citizen of Danbury, Conn., and was distinguished for his enterprise and thrift. After coming to Dutchess county, Thomas Mygatt married Miss Annie Watrous, a native of the town of Amenia, by whom he had two sons, Ambrose and Abram. As a life occupation he followed agricultural pursuits.

In Amenia town, in 181 i, Abram Mygatt, the father of our subject, was born, and he was educated in the district sChools near his home. He was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Rundall, a daughter of Jacob Rundall, and to them were born four children: Julia, wife of Dr. I. N. Mead; Anna; Henry; and Laura, wife of H. B. Murdock. The father carried on farming near Sharon Station until 1851, when he removed to the present residence of our subject, and there lived until 1869. The remainder of his life was passed in the village of Amenia, where he passed away in 1S92. In politics he was identified with the Democratic party, and religiously was one of the active members of the Presbyterian Church at Amenia, being a liberal contributor when the house of worship was erected.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in much the usual manner of farmer lads, his home being at his present residence, while his primary education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood. Later, for four or five years, he attended the Amenia Seminary, and then spent one year at the Poughkeepsie Military Institute. On October 30, 186S, Mr. Mygatt married Miss Alice M. Frost, of Connersville, Ind., and they have two daughters, Louisa and Laura, twins.

In October, 1876, our subject removed to Connersville, where he engaged in farming until April, 1886, when he returned to the old home farm in the town of Amenia, and there has since resided. For six years he acceptably served as assessor of his township, being elected on the Democratic ticket, which party he always supports.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

DAVID V. MOOKE. one of the reliable and progressive joungbusiness men of the

town of Beekman, Dutchess county, is successfully engaged in general merchandising at Clove Valley. A native of Dutchess county, he was born in the town of Unionvale, August 4, 1869. The Moore family, to which our subject belongs, came to this country from County Antrim, Ireland, and they derived their name from living on or near a boggy lieath. The first to locate on the Emerald Isle came from Maernen, and from Thomas de Moore, who went to the British Isles in 1066, the year of the Conquest, are descended the Earls of Mount Cashel and Drogheda. In this country the family have principally belonged to the Society of Friends.

Our subject traces his ancestry back to William Moore, who was born on Long Island, and there engaged m farming throughout life. His son, Andrew Moore, was also there born, but when a young man became a resident of Dutchess county, and was a farmer and miller by occupation. He married Miss Elizabeth Dorland, who was born at Hempstead, Long Island, in May, 1740. Her father, Samuel Dorland, was a native of the same place, and the son of Lamerest Dorland, who came from Holland to America in i$63 on the vessel named the '' Spotted Cow." To Andrew Moore and wife were born'ten children, namely: Annie, who first married a Mr. Merritt, and after his death wedded Isaac Thorn, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and died in 1838; M^ry, who wedded Daniel Haight, and died in 1887; Williaui, who married Mary Oakley, and died in 1849; Samuel, who married Elizabeth Pitcher, and died m 1885; Stephen, from whom our subject is descended; Gilbert, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, who married James Ellison, and died in 1824; Arletty, who married Jonathan Holmes, and died in 1814; Allen, who married a Miss Underbill, and after her death wedded Eliza Wooley, and died in 1826; and Andrew, who married Sarah Oakley, and died in 1885.

Stephen Moore, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born at Verbank, the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and on reaching manhood wedded Miss Ruth Clark, whose birth occurred near New Bedford, Mass. Her people were also members of the Society of Friends, and her grandfather, Lawrence Clark, was a native of England. Her father, Jonathan Clark, was born in Rhode Island, and

came to Dutchess county witn his family when a young man, where he engaged in farming. For fifteen years after his marriage, Stephen Moore lived at \'erbank, and later removed to Moores Mill, where he conducted the milling business, and which place was named in his honor. In his family were twelve children, as follows: (i) Anpa married Jesse Congdon, a farmer of Lagrange 'town. (2j Stephen went to Alabama, where he engaged in the practice of medicine, and there died; he married Emily Brooks, a native of that State.

(3) Elizabeth married John Thorn, a farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county.

(4) Alfred, who was a farmer and miller of Unionvale town, married Charlotte Haviland. (5; Philip was the grandfather of our subject. (6) Susan married Dr. Willet Dorland, of Canada. (7) Lydia married \\'illiam Akin, a farmer of Pawling town, Dutchess county. (8) W^illiatn was an agriculturist, and died unmarried. (9) Jonathan, a farmer of Lagrange town, married Jane Underbill, (lo) Ruth married Joseph Flagler, (ii) Content married William Osborn, a farmer of Pawling town. (12) Mary is single. The father of these children died June 9, 1851, the mother on December 16, 1868. He was a devout Christian, and left behind him wealth and a good name.

Ruth Moore, of the above family, was born at Moores Mill, and in April, 1835, married Joseph Flagler, who was born in Lagrange town in 1803. and was the son of Paul Flagler, a native of the same town. Joseph grew to manhood on the home farm there, and in that town carried on agricultural pursuits until 1865, when with his wife he removed to Poughkeepsie, where he lived retired until his death, February 13, 18S1. He was one of the first directors of the First National Bank of that city, and was a Republican in politics. He was an honorable, upright man and sincere Christian, an elder in the Church with which he was connected. His faithful wife still survives him.

Philip Moore, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Unionvale, and was there reared upon a farm. He married Sally A. Losee, a native of Washington town, where her father. Samuel Losee, carried on farming. Her people were of Holland origin. After their marriage they located upon a farm in Uniftnvale town, where they reared their family of six children—Maria L.. who married

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

749

Joseph Wicks, a farmer of Lagrange town; Anna, who married Smith G. Levings, a farmer of Rensselaer county, N. Y.; Stephen, father of our subject; Samuel, who is a miller by trade; Henry C, who was a farmer, but is now deceased; and William, an agriculturist of Moores Mill. The grandfather carried on farming during his entire life, dying in 1892. He was a Republican in politics, and an orthodox Quaker in religious belief. His wife is still living.

Stephen Moore, the father of our subject, was born in the village of Oswego, in the town of Unionvale, October 6, 1839, and there acquired his elementary education. He later attended school in Poughkeepsie, and after finishing his education returned to the home farm. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Vincent, a daughter of David D. Vincent, who was supervisor of the town of Unionvale for thirteen years. Our subject was the only child born of this union, and was only four years old when his mother died. His father was again married, this time in 1884, to Florence E. Latten, who died, leaving one son, Oscar, whose death occurred in 1889. In 1890 Stephen Moore wedded Nellie F. Taber, daughter of William F. Taber, a farmer of Pawling town, and they have two children: Louella P. T. and Elma H. Upon the old home farm in Unionvale town the father continued to reside until 1891, when he removed to his present farm in East Fishkill town, comprising 320 acres of good land. For seventeen years he served as road commissioner of the former township, and he is an ardent Republican in politics

David D. Vincent, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and the son of Isaac and Martha (Duncan) Vincent, the former a merchant on Chestnut Ridge in that town. When a young man David went to the Clove in the town of Unionvale, where for over forty years he eng-aged in merchandising, and there spent his last days. By his marriage with Phcebe Preston he had three children, namely: (i) Isaac married Mary Albro, by whom he had three children—Phebe, David D. and Martha Louise; (2) Martha A. was the mother of our subject; and (3) Obed married Ella Vincent, by whom he had a daughter. Hazel. The three children are all now deceased.

When thirteen years of age, David V.

maternal grand-

Moore, whose name introduces this sketch, went to live with his grandfather, David D. Vincent, in the town of Unionvale, and at the age of eighteen years assumed the management of a farm in the town of Beekman, which is owned by himself and Mrs. Margaret Gallagher. In February, 1894, he began general merchandising at Clove Valley, in Beekman town, where he has since successfully conducted business and erected his present store building. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man, who deals squarely and liberally with his patrons, and merits the confidence of the community.

On December 2, 1891, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Minnie Vincent, daughter of Edwin Vincent, and they have two interesting children: Edna and Vincent. Mr. Moore has always been a stanch Republican, was elected supervisor of Beekman town in the spring of 1892, which position he filled for two successive terms, and in the spring of 1896 was again elected. In September, 1S95, he was also appointed assistant postmaster of Clove Valley. He is a popular and influential citizen, and has many warm friends throughout the community.

ALTER B. THOMAS is a leading _V_yi_ farmer of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, having resided upon his present place since i860. Go into any village, town or city in this great country of ours, seek out the men who are the leaders in spirit, thought and action, learn the history of their lives and you will find that nearly all of them are self-made men, who have risen by their efforts to positions of prominence and prosperity. This fact illustrates most aptly one of the salient features of our American civilization. There is an opportunity offered here under our emblem of liberty for every human being to work out and develop the best there is in him. To this class of self-made men belongs Mr. Thomas.

He traces his ancestry back to John Thomas, who was born April 10, 1725, and December 22, 1746, married Sarah Gifford, who was born April 12, 1720. In their family were seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Mehitable, October i, 1747; Charles, November 25, 1749; John, June 20, 175 I; Sarah, May 15, 1753; Martha, March 19, 1755; Elizabeth, June 2, 1757; and Stephen, March 28, 1759.

Charles Thomas, the grandfather of our

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUWAL RECORD.

subject, was married December 5, 1770, to Elizabeth Lake, who was born October 15, 1750, and died April 14, 1837. His death occurred January 26, 1824. He was a devout Christian, a faithful member of the Society of Friends. His family consisted of the following children: Phebe, born August 26, 1771; James L., born February 8, 1773; Elizabeth and Sarah, twins, born May 26, 1775, and the latter of whom died October 26, 1826; Anna, born March 24, 1778, and died April 20, 1820; Rebecca, born April 19, 1780; Mary, born July 22, 1782, and died April 21, 1827; Margaret, born April 15, 1785, and died September 29, 1785; Catherine, born September 22, 1786; Charles B., born May 2, 1789; and Jane, born January 11, 1792, and died September 20, 1801.

Charles B. Thomas, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and for a companion and helpmeet on life's journey chose Miss Mary Ingraham, who was born March 6, 1791. Their wedding was celebrated November 13, 1813, and they became the parents of six children: Jane Ann, born October 22, 1814, died January i, 1891; John, born April 5, 1817, died September 19, 1833; Walter B., next in order of birth; Phebe D., born August i, 1821, married Smith Doughty; Daniel L., born October 23, 1823, died Nfarch 29, 1892; and Sarah Maria, born October 28, 1826, died June 14, 1851. The father was educated in the common schools of Unionvale town, and there engaged in farming. By birthright he belonged to the Society of Friends, and was a highly respected and honored citizen of the community where he made his home. He departed this life February 5, 1861, and the mother of our subject had long preceded him to the other world, dying July 15, 1833.

Walter B. Thomas was born in Unionvale town, March 6, 1819, and received such an education as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded. At the age of seventeen years he left the parental roof and began working in a stone quarry at Verbank, Dutchess county, receiving the munificent salary of six cents per day and board, while he was compelled to sleep in a wagon house. The following spring he went to Poughkeepsie, where he was employed by Henry K. Free upon the "Exchange Hotel", which was then being built, and with that gentleman learned the carpenter's trade, which he subsequently fol-

lowed at Verbank for two years. After remaining a year and a half at Salt Point, Dutchess county, he removed to Bangall, where he worked at his trade for two years, and in 1844 came to Amenia, there engaging in wagon-making in partnership with his brother Daniel. He followed that business until his removal to his present place, and, in connection with its operation, still carried on wagon-making for a time. He enjoyed a liberal patronage in that line, and in his agricultural pursuits has also met with a well-deserved success. In early life he supported the Whig party, but since its dissolution has been a stalwart Republican, and is one of the highly esteemed and valued citizens of Amenia town.

In the town of Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county, January 21, 1843, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Jane Ann McFarlin, daughter of Abram McFarlin, and they had four children: Ann Eliza, born August 24, 1845, married Morgan C. W'hite, and they have one son, Herkimer; Charles B., born May 20, 1847, died August 5, 1851; John D., born June 11, 1850, married Carrie Tabor, by whom he has three children, Walter J., Dudley and Chester; and Henry J., born September 9, 1854, wedded Mary Fields. The wife and mother passed away October 20, 1872, and at Amenia, January 18, 1882, Mr. Thomas was again married, his second wife being Jane E. Wheeler, daughter of Gilbert Noxon, of Lagrange, Dutchess count}'.

CHARLES TOWNSEND,' a prominent young agriculturist of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, is one of the most progressive and successful men of that locality. His ability in his chosen calling is not to be wondered at, in view of the fact that many previous generations have followed it with marked success. The old home of the family is in the town of Kent, Putnam countj-, where a large tract of land, on what has long been known as Townsend Ridge, was acquired by an early ancestor, and has ever since been in the possession of his descendants.

Samuel Townsend, our subject's greatgrandfather, resided there, and his son Warren, our subject's grandfather, who was born in 1800, was one of the most intluential men of the locality, holding the office of justice of the peace for many years. He married Betsey

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

751

Caldwell, and had seven children: John, our subject's father; Edgar, who lives at Patterson, Putnam county; Marietta, the wife of George Hughson; Charlotte, who married Coleman Hughson; Thomas and Keeler, both deceased; and Eli, who resides at Carmel, Putnam county.

John Townsend was born in 1824, at Townsend Ridge, and inherited a farm of 100 acres, where he lived until 1867, when he moved to Dutchess county, and bought from William Pearce 230 acres of land about half a mile north of the village of Pawling. He made of this one of the best farms of the town, displaying marked ability as a manager, and he made his home there until 1883, when he sold the property to John B. Dutcher. In 1888 he moved to Bound Brook, N. J., and purchased an estate, where he is now successfully engaged in general farming. He is a man of much public spirit, a member of the Baptist Church, and a Republican in politics, being one of the chief advisers of the party in his locality. He is not a seeker after official honors, but has been town auditor and assessor for a number of terms. His first wife, our subject's mother, was Anna Maria Ludington (daughter of Frederic Ludington), by whom he had four children: Fred, a resident of Dan-bur}-. Conn.; Harriet, the wife of DeWitt Burr; Charles, our subject; and Warren, who died in infancy. By his second wife, Sarah E. Dykeman, he has had two children: Fannie, the wife of James E. Baldwin; and George H., who is at home.

Charles Townsend was born at the old homestead November 20, 1857, and. after attending the public schools of his native place for some time, spent three years at Wilbraham .■\cademy. and one winter at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie. Of these advantages he has made good use, and his later reading has kept him well posted upon all topics of general interest. His first venture into the world of business was as a clerk in the dry-goods house of Lord & Taylor, on Grand street. New York, and after one year in that capacity he was promoted to the office of cashier. He spent nearly three years with this firm, and then engaged in the milk business, but in 1880 he left the city to follow the free and independent life of a farmer, purchasing of Albert Corbin the property near Pawling, Dutchess county, known as the Stockholm farm. It contains 140 acres, and, under Mr. Townsend's

skillful management, is one of the best farms in the town.

He was married in November, 1880, to Mary E. Sherwood, daughter of Stephen P. Sherwood, and a descendant of the Stark family, famous for patriotism and valor in Revolutionary times. Three children were born to them: Carrie L.; Anna B., deceased; and Edith A. Mr. Townsend and his familj' attend the Baptist Church, and he is prominent in local affairs, being pronounced in his views and courageous in expression, traits which characterized his ancestors before him. His well-proved ability and public spirit have gained him the confidence of his neighbors, and he has been elected assessor on the Republican ticket for the last seven years. He is now justice of the peace and president of the village board of health.

ERMAN PULVER, one of the active, ^%^ prominent and most enterprising citizens of the town of Pine Plains, is there engaged in general farming and carpentering. He was born in Columbia county, N. Y., June 4, 1833, and is of Holland descent. The place which he now occupies has been in the family for many years, and Pulvers Corners was also named in honor of its members.

William W. Pulver, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Pulvers Corners,Dutchess county, August 18, 1773, and lived for many years upon the farm now occupied by Mrs. Carskaden, in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, but his last days were passed at Pulvers Corners, where he departed this life March 22, 1861. As an agriculturist he was very successful, and though he began with nothing, at his death was worth about $100,000. By his marriage with Christiana Millions, who was born May 18, 1780, he had eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows John, 1801; W'illiam, 1804; Henry, 1806 Catherine, 1S08; Polly, 1810; Jacob, 1812 Levi, 1814; Peter, 1816; Anthony, 1818 Esther, 1821; and Harman W., 1824. These children lived in the vicinity of Pulvers Corners. Their mother died May 28, 1872, aged ninety-two years.

John Pulver, the father of our subject, was born in Columbia county, N. Y., November 10, 1801, and although his school privileges were limited he became a well-informed man

(0^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as he was ever a great reader. By occupation he was a farmer, and followed that pursuit near Ancram, N. Y., for some time, and then for seven years engaged in the cultivation of a farm three-quarters of a mile from Ancram Lead Mines. He next removed to what is known as the Brookside farm, which is one of the oldest places in the locality, there having been at one time an English church, a gristmill, tannery and fulling-mill upon the land, and also at three different times blacksmith shops had been located there. It was in 1847 that he purchased that farm, which then consisted of 357.V acres; he added to it until it now comprises 368 acres of the best farming land to be found in the locality. He was an able man, of good business ability and sound judgment, careful and cautious in his dealings, very temperate in his habits, and was held in the highest regard by his fellow-citizens. Though not particularly active in politics, he was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and for over fifty years he was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. He was twice married, his first union, March 31, 1831, being with Emma Curtis, who was born in Columbia county, August i, 1807, and died April 11, 1837. To them were born two children: Herman, of this review; and Emma, who was born November 25, 1836. On November 5, 1840, Mr. Pulver wedded Caroline Thompson, who was born October 27, 1816. After a long and useful life he was called to his final rest January 20, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety years.

After pursuing his studies for a time in the district schools, Herman Pulver was for a few months a student at Collinsville, Conn., and completed his education at Saugerties, just across the river in Ulster count}', where he remained for five months. Since laying aside his te.xt books he has devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of the old homestead, in which he has been quite successful, and has worked at the carpenter's trade. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he is able to do almost any kind of labor along that line.

On November 19, 1868, Mr. Pulver was united in marriage with Miss Carrie E. Thompson, who was born in Birmingham, Conn., July 21, 1848, and they have become the parents of four children: John Duncan, who was born October 15, 1869, and is now a carpenter by trade; and Elbertine M., born Deceiiiber i, 1871; Emma B., born July 23, 1877; and

Charles Herbert, born March 4, 1881, all at home.

In the exercise of his elective franchise, Mr. Pulver generally supports the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is public-spirited and enterprising, aiding in everything for the welfare and advancement of his town and county, and his honor and integrity are unimpeachable. A true and sincere Christian, he is a faithful member of the Baptist Church.

E^DMOND BUTLER, a farmer and breeder of blooded stock, is a native of Ireland, born in County Waterford, August 15, 1832, a son of Edmond and Ellen (Stack) Butler, both also natives of the Emerald Isle.

Edmond Butler, Sr., the father of our subject, was the youngest in the family of seven children born to John and Mary fWhalen) Butler, the others being: Mary, who married a Mr. Welch, a farmer in Ireland; Abigail, who married John Ormond, a farmer in Ohio; Hanorah, who became the wife of Peter Mc-Graft, a school teacher, and, later, foreman of a farm; Kate, who died unmarried; Bridget, who married John O'Neal, a farmer in Ireland; and Margaret, who became the wife of Edmund Langley, of Ireland. Edmond Butler, Sr., followed the occupation of a farmer. By his marriage with Ellen, daughter of John and Margaret (Foley) Stack, he became the father of seven children, of whom the following record is given: Margaret married John Maroney, formerlj' a farmer in Unionvale, now deceased; Mary became the wife of Dennis Flynn, a resident of St. Joseph, Mo.; Bridget married Nathan Conklin, a farmer; Ellen married Valentine Rickes, a blacksmith in Millbrook; John is a farmer in Ireland; Thomas farms in the town of Washington; and Edmond is our subject. The father of this family died in Ireland in 1844, and the mother survived him until 1863. They were faithful and consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.

John Stack, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a noted horseman. In his family were children, as follows: Thomas, Morris, John (who was one of the finest riders in Ireland), Richard, William, Bridget, Margaret, Ellen, Catherine, and Mary.

Edmond Butler, the subject proper of this sketch, spent his early days in Ireland, and at

G^d^^i^^^/ ,^^,u2&A^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

753

the age of eighteen (in 1S50) he took passage in the " Martha J. Ward," for the New World. On his arrival he went to live with the family of Nicholas Haight, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, remaining with them until Mr. Haight's death, January 15, 1856, and shortly afterward the son, James Haight, made our subject promise to remain with the widowed mother and her two daughters, Sallie and Louisa, until their death, and also asked them to remember Mr. Butler for his kindness to the f; mily. James Haight died October 12, 1859; tie widowed mother on December 25. 1864; Louisa on March 5, 1875, and Sallie on April I, 1891. The sisters, Sallie and Louisa, rewarded Mr. Butler for his kindness and long faithfulness to the family by leaving him the homestead and considerable other property. He had only one settlement with the family, and that was in 1865, shortly before his marriage; and when that event took place he brought his bride to live on the Haight family homestead, where they reared their large family, and which they now own and occupy.

On October 8, 1865, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Ellen Cullinan, also a native of County Waterford, Ireland, and a daughter of Michael Cullinan, a farmer in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Butler began their married life on the present homestead, where the following children were born: James H., July 18, 1866; John M.. September 6, 1868; Thomas E., April 10, 1871; Sally H., June 24, 1873, who graduated with honors from the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, in 1891, and is now bookkeeper for James Converse; Ed-mond, Jr., January 29, 1876; William C, August 22, 1878; Louisa H., February ig, 1883; all of whom are single.

At one time Mr. Butler was the owner of about 900 acres of land, and now owns about 500 acres, but farms about 1,000 acres. He has been a general farmer, and has given much attention to the breeding of blooded stock. He has sold a great many fine horses to prominent people, and at present has about thirty-one head on his place. He is very fond of nice stock, especially horses, of which he is an extensive breeder, and owns "Benjamin Harrison," one of the promising stallions of the county. Besides his own work he manages the farm of James Converse, a wealthy farmer, who has always about twenty-five head of horses on the place. In politics Mr. Butler is

48

a Republican, and he and his family are Catholics. Although coming to America without money, he has, by perseverance and hard work, attained the position of one of the wealthy citizens of his township. He is a progressive and representative citizen, and takes an active interest in all public matters.

EWRITT CONOVER occupies a place in / the esteem of his fellow townsmen which

is a tribute to that genuine worth and true nobleness of character which are universally recognized and honored. Enterprise and industry are numbered among his marked characteristics, and he has been an important factor in advancing the general welfare and securing the material development of the town of Pleasant Valley.

Mr. Conover was born October 10, 1847, in the town of Pleasant Valley. His father, Peter Conover, was a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, and the grandfather, Jacob Conover, was a progressive farmer of Dutchess county. He married Miss Van Kleeck, and took up his abode on a farm in Poughkeepsie town, where they reared a family of five children, namely: Peter, whose sketch follows; Abram, an agriculturist of the town of Hyde Park; Adrian, a farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley; Barbara A., wife of Merritt A. Marshall, a farmer who is now living in Pleasant Valley; and Catherine, wife of Zachariah Van-Wagner, who devotes his energies to agricultural pursuits in this neighborhood. To the same calling the grandfather of our subject devoted his life, and spent his last days in Pleasant Valley. During the Revolutionary war he was a captain in the home guards.

Peter Conover spent his youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, and after entering upon his business career he chose, as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey. Miss Sarah Van-Wagner, who was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, and, like her husband, was of Holland lineage. They established their home upon the farm where our subject now resides, and their union was blessed with five children: Evritt; Martha, wife of Frank Lamoree, who operates a tract of land in the valley; Abram, a farmer of the town of Clinton; Emily, wife of Edwin Husted, a resident of the village of Pleasant Valley; and Nellie, wife of Frank Knapp, a farmer of Clinton town. The parents have both passed away, leaving many

VOMMEWORATIVB BIOORAPUICAL KEVOHJ).

warm friends to mourn their loss. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Conover was a Republican in his political belief.

Evritt Conover, whose name introduces this review, early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, for at an early age he performed his quota of the work on the old homestead. He obtained his education in the district schools, and then entered upon the more responsible duties that come to one on laying aside te.\t-books and commencing a business career. He is to-day the owner of lOo acres of cultivable land, conveniently situated about seven miles from Poughkeepsie, and carries on general farming. He has a beautiful home and substantial outbuildings, which are surrounded by fields of waving grain, and are supplemented by all the conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the nineteenth century.

In February, 1878, Evritt Conover was married to Miss Allie Walters, who was born in Cairo, town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., N. Y., a daughter of Edward Walters, a farmer, merchant and miller. They now have four children: Ethelyn, Rose, Robert and Harold. The parents attend the Presbyterian Church, and hold an enviable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. Mr. Conover is a Republican in political belief, and is deeply and actively interested in those affairs which pertain to the public welfare.

GEORGE S. HALSTED. The subject of this personal narration is one of the successful and progressive farmers resident within the borders of the town of Hyde Park, and may be termed one of the representative men of his section, where he is engaged in general farming. He has made his special field of industry a success, and is highly esteemed and respected by those who know him best. He was born at Crum Elbow, in Hyde Park town, September 14, 1853, and belongs to a family that for several generations has been identified with the history of Dutchess county.

David Halsted, his great-grandfather, was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Beek-man, where from the primeval forest he developed a farm ar>d reared his family. He belonged to the Society of Friends. He married, and became the father of seven children:

Stephen, Samuel, David, Jerusha, Prudence, Phebe and Eunice.

David H. Halsted, the grandfather, was born in the town of Beekman, where he spent his boyhood days, and there owned two farms. He married Miss Letitia Haviland, daughter of Thomas Haviland, of Pawling, Dutchess county, and the following children were born to them: Thomas, Amy, Moses and Elizabeth, all deceased; David S., father of our subject; and Letitia, wife of Isaac Hewlett. In 1832, the father of this family removed to the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where he died two years later. In religious belief he was a Friend.

The birth of David Sands Halsted, the father of our subject, occurred in the town of Beekman, March 28, 1819, and he obtained his education in the schools of the neighborhood. He accompanied the family to Clinton town, and remained upon the home farm a few years after his father's death. In his twentieth year he purchased a farm in the town of Hyde Park, on which he located after his marriage, September 9, 1846, with Caroline W. Hewlett, who was born in that town, November 14, 1830, and died May 15, 1866, in the town of Lagrange, same county. Two children graced their union: William D., born August 5, 1848, and George S., of this review. In the town of Pleasant Valley he was again married, June 10, 1868, his second union being with Margaret J. Allen Marshall, who was there born March 6, 1832. He engaged in farming in Hyde Park from 1839 until 1859, during which time he was elected inspector of elections for the town on the Democratic ticket. Since the latter year, however, he has made his home in the town of Lagrange, where he has filled the same position. On starting out in life he received about $1,500, and being very successful in his business undertakings has been able to assist his children. He has always attended the Friends Church at Poughkeepsie, and is a gentleman worthy the commendation of all.

For four years George S. Halsted attended the Dutchess County Academy, under Stewart Pelham, after \vhich he pursued his studies for two years in the Cary Academy, but completed his education with Mr. Pelham, finishing the entire course in 1872. On leaving school he took up farming, and for many years worked for his father, but in 18S0 purchased the old Sidney Livingston farm, removing upon the place in the spring of that year. It comprises

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Too

sixty-five acres of rich and arable land, which he has converted into one of the best farms of the town. In 1880 Mr. Halsted was married to Miss Esther E. Dickinson, of Westchester county, N. Y., daughter of Henry Dickinson, and they have become the parents of three children: Ruth, Caroline W., and George D.

Politically, Mr. Halsted affiliates with the Democratic party, and he is ranked as a man of ability and enterprise, on account of which he holds a good position among the people of the community. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace to fill a vacancy, and in 1888 and 1892 re-elected to the same office. He has also been school trustee and assessor of his district, and has done much toward getting the postal facilities improved in his section. He is prominently identified with the Dutchess County Farmers Club, and is a charter member and one of the directors of the Farmers Town Co-operative Insurance Company of Hj'de Park, while religiously he belongs to the Hicksite Branch of the Society of Friends, attending meeting at Crum Elbow.

JAMES BLAIR. Among the most successful horticulturists, or gardeners, in this country, there are few that are the peers of the representatives of the Scotch-Irish race. In the village of Grange, County TjTone, Ireland, our subject's birth occurred January 29, 1853, and he is a son of David Blair, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1804. His grandfather, Robert Blair, was also a native and farmer of the latter country, belonged to one of its oldest families.

For twenty-five years the father followed teaching at Cloughhag, County Derry, Ireland, and continued to follow that profession until seventy-five years of age. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, highly educated, and proved a competent instructor. He was a particularly fine mathematician, and was one of the representative men of the locality in which he lived. He married Agnes, daughter of James Foster, who was born in Ireland, but was of Scotch descent. The parental household included five children: Robert, a gardener, who died in 1889; James, of this sketch; David, who is connected with a boot and shoe house in Ireland; Margaret, who died at the age of six years; and William, who died in

1889. In 1889 the father was called to his final rest, but the mother still makes her home in Ireland.

Under his father's instruction, Mr. Blair, of this review, received a good education, and on leaving school at the age of seventeen had charge of his father's farm for a year. During the following four years he served an apprenticeship at gardening at Killymoon Castle, and then began as a journeyman with Dickson & Co., of Edinburgh, Scotland, with whom he remained a year. Sixteen months were then passed on the estate of Lord Lam-ington, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and the following six months he was again with Dickson & Co. Going to Calendar Park, near Falkirk, in Stirlingshire, owned by William Forbes, he remained there a year, after which for a year and a half he worked for Earl Grey, at Howick Hall, in Northumberland. For six years and a half he was then foreman for Lord Belper, of Kingston Hall, in Nottinghamshire, and on leaving his service returned to Ireland for a short time, later gaining his experience in fruit culture in Selkirk, Scotland, at The Tweed Vineyard, where he remained two years.

In the year 1887, Mr. Blair determined to try his fortune in America, and coming to Paw-tucket, R. I., he there served as head gardener for Mr. Sales for about a year; but, owing to the death of two brothers and his father, returned to Ireland. In 1889, however, he came again to the New World, this time locating at Yonkers, N. Y., where he was head gardener for Mrs. Lillenthal, at Belvour Park. It was in 1890 that he came to Staatsburg, and he has since been head gardener for Ogden Mills, giving the best of satisfaction.

In 1889 Mr. Blair was married to Miss Eliza Lloyd, of Shropshire, England, and they have four children: David Edward, Agnes Margaret, William James and Hilda Eliza. Our subject belongs to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. He has the respect and confidence of all who know him, and January 2, 1895, was elected first president of the Dutchess County Horticultural Society.-

ILLIAM HERRICK, an old-time agriculturist of large experience, is now numbered among the most enterprising and prosperous farmers of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, by whose people he

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is held in that reverence and respect tacitly accorded those v%hose lives have been distinguished by integrity and usefulness.

The Herricks under consideration come of a prominent family of England, and the descent of our subject is traced as follows: Sir William Herrick, of Beau Manor Park, Leicestershire, England; Henry; Ephraim; Samuel; Stephen; Elijah, who was a captain in the Revolutionary war; Ephraim (our subject's grandfather), who was born at Amenia. Dutchess county, married Anna Dixon, and located in the town of Milan, where he established a Church; Ephraim. oursubject's father; and William (our subject t. The first of the family to come from England to America located at Beverly Farms, Massachusetts.

Ephraim Herrick, father of William, was born and reared on his father's farin in the town of Milan, Dutchess county. He married Phoebe Albertson, a native of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, where his father, John Albertson, a Hollander by descent, was a farmer. After their marriage Ephraim Herrick and his young wife located upon a farm in the town of Milan, where children as follows were born to them: John is a farmer in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchesscounty; William is the next in order of birth; Walter was a practicing physician, and died January 13, 1895; Gurdon, who was an agriculturist in the town of Milan, died April 28, 1894; James is a speculator of that town; Elizabeth is the widow of Isaac Sherwood, at one time a grocer of the village of Rhinebeck; Susan died in infancy; and Caroline married Henry Butts, a farmer of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county. The mother of these died, and four years later, about 1835, Ephraim Herrick married Susan Ann Andrews, by which union there were four children: Anna, George, Edward and Ephraim. The father continued to follow the occupation of farming until his death, in 1867. He was a faithful member of Christ's Church; politically he affiliated with the Democratic party, and served as supervisor of his town, and county superintendent of the poor.

William Herrick, the subject proper of this sketch, was born September 28, 1818, in the town of Milan, Dutchess countv. and was reared to manhood on the home farm, where at an early age he became familiar with agricultural pursuits. In 1841 he married Elizabeth Brown, who was born in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, a daughter of

Charles Brown, a native of Pawling, same county, and a farmer and wagon maker by occupation. They began their domestic life upon his father's place, whence at the end of five years they removed to the present farm of our subject, where he has now resided for over half a century. Four children blessed that union: (i) Charles B., in his day a prominent lawyer of Poughkeepsie, married Ada Van-Benschoten, and died July 29, i896;they had no children. (2i Phcebe A. married Albert P. Smith, a miller of Salt Point, Dutchesscounty (now deceased), and they had one son, Eugene Herrick Smith, who is in business in New York. (31 Sarah is a school teacher in Pennsylvania. (4) Marshall, one of the leading furniture dealers of Poughkeepsie, married Julia Allen, and they have one son, Harold Allen Herrick. The mother of this family died in i860, and October 26, 1865, William Herrick married Mary Harris, a daughter of Col. Israel Harris, of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, to which union has been born a daughter, Mary Elizabeth.

Mr. Herrick has an excellent farm of 190 acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and for many years has followed general farming, including the raising of blooded cattle, in which he makes a specialty of Jersey cows, having at present a fine herd of some thirty head of this breed. He also sells cream to the Co-operative Creamery. By industry and good management he has made his farm one of the most highly cultivated and improved in the locality.

Mr. Herrick is not a member of any Church, but has been interested in the one at Salt Point, N. Y. He is prominently identified with the Democratic party, has ably served as justice of the peace, and as assessor and supervisor of his town. Surrounded by loving kindred and friends, he is now nearing the last milestone that marks the end of life's journey. His record has been an honorable one, his years have been fruitful with deeds of usefulness and kindness, with malice toward none and friendliness toward all who have come under his influence, and he has gained the respect and honor of the whole community.

BENJAMIN K. WHITE. Among the agriculturists of Dutchess county who have attained success through their own persever-; ance, enterprise and good management, is the

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gentleman whose name is here given. He is now engaged in general farming in the town of Stanford, and is complete master of the calling which he is following. His sterling integrity and honorable, upright manhood full}' entitle him to the position which he holds in the estimation of the people of the community.

Mr. White is a native of Dutchess county, born October 3, 1859, near the village of Beek-man, in the town of Beekman, and is a son of Leonard and Mary (Wright) White, who died when our subject was but an infant, the mother in 1859, and the father the year following. They were earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father followed the occupation of farming in the town of Beekman up to the time of his death. Our subject was taken by Dr. D. A. Knapp, of North Clove, in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, with whom he continued to live until reaching his majority, and attended school at that place. At the age of twenty-one he went to Fremont county, Iowa, and later took up 160 acres of land at Beatrice, Neb. On disposing of this he went to St. Louis, where he was employed in the stockyards with his brother Thomas for two years and a half, when, being taken ill, he returned to Dutchess county, and operated a farm in the town of Unionvale for a year. He then purchased his present place, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes his time and attention, and during the twelve years of his Residence there has made it one of the most highly productive farms in the locality.

On January 13, 1880, Mr. White was married to Miss Frances M. Traver, daughter of Philo and Mary Traver, and a son—Frederick —was born to them August 2, 1890. They are devoted to the interests of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are members. In his political views Mr. White coincides with the principles of the Republican party, but takes no active part in politics, preferring to give his time to his business affairs, and has never accepted office.

ALBERT J. BUDD is a reliable and in- telligent farmer of the town of Pleasant

Valley, where his birth occurred August 16, 1830. His father, James Budd, was one of the twelve children of John Budd, and our subject is the youngest in a family of twelve. One

of his brothers, Joseph, is the father of James H. Budd, the Governor of California, while another brother, Joel Budd, is a prominent resident of Hyde Park. The primary education of our subject was obtained in the district schools, and he later pursued his studies for some time in Amenia Seminary, also at Rhine-beck and Amsterdam, N. Y. After leaving the school room he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.

On October 16, 1853, Mr. Budd was united in marriage with Miss Kate S. Stoutenburgh, who was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, in 1837, and is the eldest child of Tobias and Maria (Albertson) Stoutenburgh, the former born in the town of Hyde Park January 29, 1806, and the latter in the town of Pleasant Valley, July 18, 1809. Her sister, Mary, is the wife of Dr. Merritt Dutcher, a practicing physician of Owego, N. Y. Religiously, her father was a Baptist, and his political support was formerly given to the Whig party, he later becoming a stanch Republican. Her grandfather, Isaac Stoutenburgh, was the son of William Stoutenburgh, one of the Nine Partners who came to this country and took up a large tract of land, thus becoming one of the earliest settlers of this locality.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Budd began their domestic life upon their present farm, and their household was brightened by the presence of eight children: James T., a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Frederick, who was a lawyer and farmer, and died in Pleasant Valley; Caroline, wife of Oliver Wood, also a farmer of the same township; Lillian, deceased wife of Byron Conklin, an agriculturist; Isaac A., a farmer of Clinton town, Dutchess county; Mary A., wife of David S. Van De Water, a farmer of Pough-keepsie town; Walter, an agriculturist of Pleasant Valley town; and Willard, who died in infancy. Mr. Budd has been successful in his life work, and owns a fine farm of 108 acres, where, in connection with general farming, he makes a specialty of the manufacture of butter. He is progressive in his methods, and on his place are seen all the conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the nineteenth century. His political views are in accordance with those of the Republican party, and he has served as justice of the peace. To the Baptist Church he and his wife contribute liberally, and they enjoy the esteem of the entire neighborhood.

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JOHN A. MONFORT. The fine farm owned by this gentleman, in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, is a standing monument to his industry, perseverance and good management. He comes under the category of self-made men, having been thrown upon his own resources early in life, and has succeeded only by the exercise of his steady, plodding labors, both mental and physical. At the present time he is one of the prominent representatives of the agricultural interests of Dutchess county.

Our subject was born April 6, 1818, and his boyhood days were passed in the town of Beek-man, Dutchess county, where he attended school. He remained upon the home farm until his father's death, when, at the age of seventeen years, he was obliged to start out in life for himself. Removing to the town of Lagrange, he there worked for S. L. Lockvvood until he was twenty-two. On October 6, 1841, he was married to Miss Julia Ann Phillips, who was born August 6, 1824, daughter of Thomas H. Phillips, of the town of Lagrange, and one child graced their union, Mary Louisa, born February 11, 1845, who, on October 10, 1866, was united in marriage with Frederick L Knapp, by whom she had two children: John M. and Effie Beatrice; but she was called from this life June 9, 1876.

After his marriage Mr. Monfort operated a farm in the town of I^agrange for a year, after which he followed the same pursuit in Fishkill town, Dutchess county, for six years. For nine years he was then engaged in farming in the southern part of Lagrange town, and on the expiration of that time came to this present farm, which he cultivated for ten years, but the following five years were passed in Pough-keepsie, after which he returned to his farm in Lagrange town, where he has resided since 1874. On October 6, 1891, Mr. Monfort and his faithful wife celebrated their golden wedding, having traveled life's journey together for fifty years, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. They are now well advanced in years, and have reason to feel that their lives have not been spent in vain. They have endeavored to exercise the kindly spirit of charity and benevolence, to do good as they have opportunity, and proved the friends and sympathizers of those less fortunate.

Henry A. Monfort, father of our subject, was born in the town of Fishkill, June 25,

1778. On December 2, i8or, he married Miss Maria Phillips, who was born November 27, 1780, and they became the parents of six children: Susan, Eliza, Albert H., Aletty Maria, Jane and John Angevine.

Thomas H. Phillips, the father of Mrs. Monfort, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Fishkill, February 4, 1794. He married Miss Rachel Brower, who was born January 7, 1794, and they became the parents of five.children: Mary Ellen, who died March 25, 1836; Cornelius; Julia \m\; and Sylvanius and Susan E., who live on Smith street, Poughkeepsie.

HORACE JENKS, a prominent agriculturist of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, is of English descent on both sides of the family. His paternal grandfather, William Jenks, was born October 5, 1775, and was for some time an iron manufacturer on Staten Island. He came to Dutchess county in 1795, and located at Leedsville, where he became interested in the flax business, supplying that material in large quantities to the North Factory. He was married November 3, 1795, to Sarah Mygatt. They died within a year of each other, Mr. Jenks, May 18, 1824, and his wife, February 14, 1825. They had nine children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: George, June 24, 1798; Myra, September 29, 1800; Miles, Ju'ly 30, 1802; William, February 29, 1804; Luther Pardee, May 30, 1806; Sally Ann, November iS, 1809; Thomas M., November 30, 1811; Edward, March 29, 1814; and Eli Starr, April 22, 1816. Miles Jenks, our subject's father, was a man of great energy, and, although he died in early life, he had given evidence of unusual ability. He engaged in the hotel business and in black-smithing at Leedsville, and during the summers he also bought and butchered stock. In i S29 he went to Michigan, where he remained for a year, purchasing, while there, 1,000 acres of land in Oakland county. He died September 18, 1836. His wife, formerly Betsey Conklin, to whom he was married January i, 1824, survived him until September 30, 1853. Of their four children our subject is the only one now living. William H., born October 26,1824, was a painter in the town of Northeast, where he died August 22, 1893; Selah N., born September 7, 1829, died January 7, 1893; he was a merchant in the village of Millerton, and

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also a musician and bandmaster, teaching music throughout the neighboring towns and villages. Mary Jane, born August 14, 1833, died August 19, 1884; she married Myron Pitcher, who survived her nine years, dying November 2, 1893.

The subject of our sketch, the second son, was born December 30, 1826, attended the public schools of Amenia during early boyhood, but did not receive much schooling after the age of nine years. After his father's death he lived for one year with his uncle, Horace Conklin, on the farm once owned by the late Ezra Clark, and now owned by Leonard Barton. The next two years he spent with Hiram Wheeler, and in 1838 he accompanied his uncle, Horace Conklin, to Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., where he remained four years. In 1842 he came back to his native county, in charge of a drove of cattle, belonging to his uncle, and began to work for Lawrence and Milton Wheeler on their farm in the town of Northeast, and later he apprenticed himself to Daniel Piatt, a well-known mason, for two years, at three shillings per day.

On completing his term he formed a partnership with Mr. Piatt, which lasted five years, their work extending to different portions of the towns of Amenia and Northeast. For about seven years after the dissolution of their partnership Mr. Jenks carried on his trade alone, and in the spring of 1856 he went to Davenport, Iowa, and then to Henry Co., 111., where he engaged in buying and herding cattle for a short time. Later he went to Pon-tiac, Mich., and worked at his trade, but in 1857 he returned to Dutchess county. Until 1864 he was a successful drover, buying his own cattle in Vermont and central New York, and selling to the farmers in Northeast and vicinity. He then entered the employ of C. S. Maltby, as wood and coal agent, supplying the Phoenix and Millerton iron furnaces. This responsible position he held for twenty-one years; but since his retirement he has been engaged in farming in a small way. He is a man of sound business judgment, noted for his shrewdness and caution, and his advice is valued in financial circles. For the past three years he has been a director of the Millerton National Bank.

On March 3, 1880, Mr. Jenks was married to Miss Jennie Lord, a descendant of one of the old families of the town of Northeast, and a daughter of Newman and Malinda (Hise-

rodt) Lord, prominent residents of Spencers Corners. They have one son. Miles Lord Jenks, born May 14, 1883. Newman Lord was born November 12, 1808, in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, and his wife, Malinda (Hiserodt), on January 28, 182S. They were married September [7, 1855, ^"^1 had four daughters, Mrs. Jenks being the only one who grew to womanhood. She was born August 7, 1856. The father passed from earth June 19, 1894; the mother is yet living. Mr. Lord's father, Ethan Lord, by occupations a painterand a farmer, as was also the son, was born July 14, 1776, in Connecticut, and died July 4, 1866. He married Ruth Dakin, and they had four children: Jenette, Newman, Cornelia and Olivia, all now deceased. Ruth Dakin, wife of Ethan Lord, was born September 8, 1785, and died January 10, 1852; she was a daughter of Simon Dakin, and a granddaughter of Elder Simon Dakin, the first stationed Baptist minister of this place. He was born January 27, 1721, and died September 19, 1803. Simon Dakin, Jr., was born September 16, 1757, and died July 12, 1830.

In public affairs our subject has always shown a generous interest on the side of progress. Politically he is a Republican, but has not taken an active share in the work of the party. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, and has been a member of the Order of American Mechanics.

JACOB S. TOWNSEND, a well-known resident of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess ~ county, is one of the successful agriculturists of that locality.

Mr. Townsend's ancestors were early settlers in Arthursburg, Dutchess county, and his grandfather, Tredwell Townsend, was born there January 9, 1780, and became a prominent farmer. His educational opportunities were limited to an attendance at the local schools, but he was a man of intelligence, taking much interest in public questions. In politics he was a Democrat, and represented his town on the board of supervisors several terms. He married Miss Anna Dorland, who was born August 31, 1782. They had nine children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Zachariah F., April i, 1802; John, September 12, 1803; Edgar, December 14, 1805; Enoch, October 17, 1807; Samuel, August 18,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD.

1811; Gilbert, May 6, 1815; Gilbert D., March 15,1817; Mary, July 27, 1819; and Catharine, July 13, 1821.

Edgar Towiisend, father of our subject, was born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and was educated there at the common schools. He taught school for some time in early manhood, and later he engaged in farming. He married Miss Eurana Jolly, and their children were as follows: Jacob S., born November 10, 1834; Mary E., May 22, 1836; and Catharine A., March 11, 1838.

Jacob S. Townsend, our subject, was born and educated in Seneca county, N. Y. In early life he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked a few years, engaging later in agriculture. He is a Democrat in politics, but never held any important town office. He married Miss Cordelia Washburn, daughter of Daniel Washburn, a prosperous farmer of Unionvale, and his wife, Sarah Morey. Mr. Townsend's home has been brightened by three daughters: (i) Mary, born December 21, i860, is at home. (2) Sarah was born February 5, 1863, in Lagrangeville, Dutchess county, and was educated there. She married George W. Gibney, a tinsmith of Pawling, and they have three children—Willie T., born July 8, 1888; Ethel M., born March 8, 1894; and Florence A., born February 18, 1896. (3) Carrie Town-send was born January 2, 1865, in Lagrangeville, Dutchess county, and was educated in the local schools. She married Walter Ellsworth, an employe of the N. Y. C. R. R. They have had one child, Arthur, who was born October 3, 1891, and died February 21, 1893.

GEORGE R. SHAW. The subject of this sketch, one of the prosperous agriculturists of this section, has lived a long and active life, been more than ordinarily successful in his chosen vocation, and reared in intelligence and comfort a large family. He is a native of Dutchess county, being born January 24, 1822, on the farm at that time belonging to his father, in the southern part of what is now the town of East Fishkill. He was the elder of two sons of Enoch and Catherine (Reed) Shaw. The younger son, the Rev. William W. Shaw, is a clergyman of the Methodist Church, and is the pastor of the Church at Spencertown, Columbia county. Mr. Shaw resided with his father until grown to man's estate. The home farm was of about one hundred acres, and.

after the death of the father, was divided between the two sons. Mr. Shaw continued for a time upon the old place, working his portion in connection with other land adjoining, but, later, the farm was sold, and he resided in other neighborhoods, working different farms, until during the "seventies," he purchased a farm near Washingtonville, Orange county, containing over two hundred acres. Here the family resided for a few years, until 1882, when he sold the property, and the present home was purchased. This farm is one of the historic ones of this historic town. It is situated on the old "Post Road" laid out by Lord Low-den in 1753, leading from New York to Albany, and is a half mile north of the gateway of the Highlands, known as Wiccopee Pass. The farm is a portion of a tract of 959 acres purchased by Cornelius Van Wyck, of Hempstead, Long Island, of Catherine Brett in 1733. The farm was in the possession of his descendants for nearly 150 years. The farm was divided shortly after the Revolution, and the portion now owned by Mr. Shaw, comprising 2\\\ acres, of which 160 are under cultivation, fell to Cornelius C. \'an Wyck, grandson of the original settler, who built the present mansion. Tradition says that previous to that time a small house had occupied nearly the same site, a part of that structure forming the kitchen wing of the present edifice. The original Van-Wyck house stands a few rods toward the south. This dwelling has been made famous-by history and romance. It is the "Wharton House" of Cooper's "Spy." It was for two years during the Revolution the residence of John Jay, the chairman of the Committee of Safety, and was at various times occupied by the officers who commanded that considerable part of the American forces which for several years was stationed in this neighborhood to guard this pass through the mountains. All about these houses was the camp. The soldiers' barracks stood behind the site of the house now occupied by the Shaw family, and frequently have been found relics of their occupancy, in the shape of corroded bullets, pieces of shells, bayonets and other implements of war. The enlarged house was partially built with timbers taken from these barracks.

Mr. Shaw has been twice married. His first wife was Amy Maria Rickey, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Horton) Rickey. She died leaving five children. Ward is a farmer

'f^MLu^

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761

in Illinois; Catherine Elizabeth is married and lives in Orange county; Julia, married, lives in the town of Wappinger; Sarah G. and Georgiana reside in New York City. Mr. Shaw remarried, his second wife being Susan Jane Wilcox, daughter of George and Tamar (Stevens) Wilcox, of Putnam county. By this marriage there were eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. William G. is the manager of the Elmira Glass Works; Irving is a farmer in Illinois; Amy is a teacher in the academic department of the Fishkill Union School; two sons, George R., Jr., and John, are engaged in brick manufacturing; Frank, a graduate of the Brooklyn Polytechnic School, is attending Harvard University, while Nellie B. and Luella are teaching in district schools near their home.

There was one other son, Adelbert. born in 1870, who met a sad and tragic death at the age of twenty. He was a youth of rare intellectual promise. After studying the ordinary branches at the common schools, he decided to fit himself for the legal profession. For a time he was a student in the law office of J. Hervej' Cook, of Fishkill Landing; later, from .1888 to 1890, he attended the Genesee Wes-leyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y., graduating with the highest honors of his class. In 1890 he entered Harvard University. He was blessed with a quick mind, and was a patient, laborious student. More than that, he was a natural athlete, large and of excellent physique. The leaders of athletics of the college demanded his services. He was put on the football team, and was one of the best men on the eleven. Later he was urged to join the "Varsity Crew", then training at the oars in hopes of defeating Yale. As an oarsman he promised to be the strongest of all. On April 6, 1891, he was practicing in a single boat. He passed under the Western avenue bridge, when, from some unaccountable reason, his boat capsized, and, though an expert swimmer, and scarcely fifty feet from shore, he sank and drowned almost instantly. The next day his remains were brought home for burial. During the time of the funeral services at his home, memorial services were held in the chapel of Harvard College. All college work was suspended, and the professors and students in large numbers attended the obsequies, which were conducted by the Rev. Phillip Brooks, who offered prayer, while the discourse was delivered by the Rev. Frank G.

Peabody, who spoke of the virtues and religious character of the deceased. To his family his mysterious and untimely death was a shock from which none have even yet fully recovered. To the parents, but to the children more especially, it was the first break in the family chain. Mr. Shaw has nearly all his life been a prominent and enthusiastic member of the Methodist Church, and for years he has been a licensed local preacher of the denomination. Mrs. Shaw and many of the children are also members of that Church. The subject of this sketch has never taken a great interest in public affairs of a political nature, has never held any public office, but, as an individual, has had the courage of his convictions, and labored for the benefit of his country as he saw the right. For the past few years he has voted and worked with the Prohibitionists. After a long life of agricultural labor, he still takes an interest in his farm work, favors advanced ideas, but devotes his energies along well-tried lines, general farming and dairying, keeping from twenty to thirty cows. He is possessed of much general information, is a good business man, an agreeable acquaintance, and a warm and abiding friend.

S\AMUEL HASTINGS, though not a native ') of this country, has lived in the United

States nearly all his life, coming here at the age of twelve years. He was born in Dover, County of Kent, England, on the paternal side of English origin, and on the maternal side of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother belonged to an old Scotch-Irish family of the name of Tomb, who were engaged in the manufacture of Irish linen, near Belfast, Ireland, before the days of machinery. The father, who was an officer in the British army, died while stationed in the West Indies, in 1835.

The education of our subject was commenced in his native land, and on reaching the shores of the New World he completed his literary training. For a time he took up the study of law, then that of medicine, from which he drifted into the study of chemistry and pharmacy,graduating in those sciences at the College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Penn., with the class of 1849. For twenty years he conducted a large drug business in the city of New Orleans, and on the termination of the Civil war left the South, but still

COMMEMOHATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

holds interests in that city, which he occasionally visits on business.

In Dutchess county, N. Y., Mr. Hastings was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J., daughter of the late J. Hastings, and in this county has made his home for over twenty-seven years, during which time he has taken much interest in the affairs of his adopted county and State. Though a Democrat in politics, he has no ambition for political preferment, and has held no public ofifice. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal Church. The elegant place of Mr. Hastings is known as " Fairview," and comprises 825 acres. He superintends the cultivation of this property, employing much labor, thus furthering the material interests of the surrounding section and the county at large. In his family are si.\ children,—two sons and four daughters. The view from his place is most extended and beautiful, indeed is one of the finest in the county; there a grand panorama is spread out before the vision—the Catskill mountains can be seen, commencing at the site of the old " Mountain House," and extending far southward, the coloring of this delightful scene changing as the seasons come and go, from the rich green of the springtime to the brilliant gold and red of autumn, the whole is like a series of beautiful pictures hung up before the beholder. This charming spot not only gladdens the eye, but is one of the inost healthful, well watered with springs, and altogether is one of the most highly favored locations in the county.

BALPH A. BARTHOLOMEW. Among the leading and inHuential farmers of the

town of Pleasant Valley, who thoroughly understand their business, and pursue the vocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the subject of this biography. In reviewing his genealogical record we find his lineage tracing back to the Colonial history of the nation, and to that period which marked the inception of the grandest republic the world has ever known. Through such sources have we attained the true .American type, and along this line must our investigations proceed if we would learn of the steadfast, unyielding elements which constitute the basis upon which has been reared the lofty and magnificient superstructure of an enlightened and favored commonwealth.

Among the early emigrants from England, who located in New England, was the Bartholomew family, whose descendants are now very numerous throughout the Eastern States.

John Bartholomew, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Kensington, Conn., but was reared in Litchfield county, that State, where, after his marriage with Lydia Brooks, he located upon a farm. Three children were born to them: Lynus, who died at the age of two years; Lydia S., who became the wife of P. B. Butler, a wheelwright of Burlington, Hartford Co., Conn.; and John B., the father of our subject. The grandfather followed farming exclusively, and valiantly aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence. His death occurred in 1817, that of his wife in 1854. P-arly in life thej'were Presbyterians, but later they joined the Congregational Church.

John H. Bartholomew was born October '3- '793- in Harvvinton, Litchfield Co., Conn., and he married Eunice Harrison, who was born at Branford, New Haven Co., Conn., June 19, 1801, a daughter of Augustus Harrison, also a native of New Haven county, and a farmer by occupation. The Harrisons also came from England. To the old family homestead Mr. Bartholomew took his bride, and their four children were there born. Ralph, the eldest, died at the age of twelve years; George, a wholesale and retail jeweler, died June 10, 1893; Harriet became the wife of John W. Lattin, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and a retired farmer. He was killed by the cars September 23, 1890, and his widow now makes her home in the town of Pleasant Valley. Ralph A. is the youngest of the family. Upon his farm in Litchfield county. Conn., the father died February 10, 1S59; the mother died May i, 1896, at the patriarchal age of about ninety-four years. In religious belief they were Congregationalists, and in politics he supported the Democratic party.

Ralph A. Bartholomew was born in the town of Harvvinton, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 3, 1837, and grew to manhood upon the old ancestral farm, contributing his quota to carrying on the work of the place. At the age of nineteen he started out as a traveling salesman; but at the end of four years he returned to the old farm, which he sold in 1867, and the following year bought his present place in the town of Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county. He now has ninety-seven acres of fertile and

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im

productive land, pleasantly situated about six miles from the city of Poughkeepsie. It is highly cultivated, and well improved with fine large buildings and good fences, and is one of the most beautiful places in the locality.

In his political views, Mr. Bartholomew strongly adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He is one of the active and progressive men of the county, taking great interest m all matters calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellowmen, and has the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

ENJAMIN VAN WAGNER is one of the 3LJ t. enterprising, energetic and industrious agriculturists of the town of Pleasant Valley, and is a worthy representative of an honored old family of his section.

The founder of the family in this country was Nicholas Van Wagner, who came from Holland and located in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, where his descendants now live. His son, Evritt Van Wagner, was born on the farm which our subject now owns, where the birth of his son, Benjamin, also occurred. The latter was the grandfather of our subject, and by his marriage with Elizabeth Dyer had several children, si.\ of whom grew to maturity, namely: David, a machinist and carpenter, of Hyde Park; Underbill, who became a speculator in California; Sylvester, who was a landlord in Pleasant \'alley town; James, who was killed in amine in California; Abraham, the fatner of our subject; and Hannah, wife of Lewis Haight, a farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county. They are all now deceased except Hannah.

On the old family homestead Abraham Van Wagner was born in August, 1816, and on reaching manhood he married Maria West-ervelt, a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Cornelius Westervelt, a blacksmith by trade. For a time after their marriage they lived upon another farm in Pleasant Valley town, but later returned to the home where Mr. Van-W'agner's childhood was passed. In their family were five children: Emeline, widow of John W. Lattin, who followed farming; Elma, wife of J. Edward Clapp, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; William, a farmer of Clinton town, Dutchess county: and Benjamin and Elizabeth, twins. The last named died in in-

fancy. The parents were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics the father was a Democrat, and served as commissioner many years. He was called from this life in June, 1885; his estimable wife still survives him.

On December iS, 1843, Benjamin Van-Wagner, the subject of this review, was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, and when only a year old was taken by his parents'to the family homestead, where he was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Emily B. Wood, a native of Hyde Park, and a daughter of Harvey Wood, and to them was born a son, Millard. The mother died in 1877, and in 1880 Mr. Van Wagner wedded her sister. Miss Josephine Wood. Three children graced this union: Harry, Frank and Ernest, but the last named died in 1888. Our subject is the owner of 106 acres of valuable land, highly cultivated and improved with good and substantial farm buildings. He is an intelligent, wide-awake farmer, enterprising and progressive, always giving his support to any measure for the benefit of the community. He is identified with the Democratic party, and his wife is a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

LUZERNE DUTCHERis a prominent and and very highly esteemed citizen of the

town of Dover, Dutchess county, and is a descendant of the well-known Holland-Dutch family of that name.

Samuel Waldo Dutcher was a native of the town of Washington, and grew to manhood there, engaging in the tanner's trade, which he carried on for many years. He married Miss Maria Edmonds, and had three children: Lawrence, Luzerne and Catherine. The elder son, Lawrence, has always been prominent in local affairs, and is a member of several fraternal orders, theF. &A. M.,the I. O. O. F.. and the K. of P. He married (first) Miss Eliza McTurk, (second) Miss Catherine Dutcher, and (third) Miss Mary Quimby.

Luzerne Dutcher, our subject, was born in 1824, and after acquiring a common-school education learned the details of the tanner's trade, which he followed throughout his active business life. About twenty years ago he purchased a fine farm near South Dover, Dutchess county, where he now resides, having re-

rG4

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGliAPUKAL liECOHD.

tired from business a few years ago. He married Miss Harriet Soule, daughter of Lansing Soule, a leading farmer of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. They have had four children: Mary F., who died in infancy; Charles E.; Mary F. (2), who also died in infancy; and Elmer W.

Charles E. was born in Warwick, Orange Co., N. Y., and was educated there. He first engaged in farming, later was in the cattle business in Chicago, and in the stock yards at Des Moines. At present he is a mason in Chicago. He married Miss Carrie Sterling, daughter of John and Emeline Sterling, and has one son, Monroe.

Elmer W. was born at Highland Mills, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1863, and attended school in Poughkeepsie during his boyhood. He is very successful as a farmer, and takes much interest in local affairs and in the work of the Masonic order, being a member of Dover Plains Lodge No. 666. In 1893 he was united in matrimony with Miss Hattie Dutcher. daughter of V'anness Dutcher, of Dover. They have one daughter, Mabel.

FREDERICK AUGUSTUS FAUST, M. D., one of the ablest and most successful physicians of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of that city, born March 24, 1865.

Dr. John Faust, our subject's father, who is a prominent veterinary surgeon of Poughkeepsie, was born July 19, 1835, in Hessen-Cassel, Germany, which place has been the home of his ancestors for many generations, and there his grandfather, Barhold Faust, and his father, Conrad Faust, were also born, the latter in 1807. Dr. John Faust acquired a good education in his native place, and while pursuing his studies he decided to come to America, where he could obtain better opportunities. Landing in New York City, he soon after began to learn the cooper's trade, which he followed there until 1859, when he and his brothers went to Poughkeepsie. In i860 they entered into business there under the firm name of John Faust & Bros. The Doctor was an active worker in this enterprise until 1865, when he becatne a silent partner, continuing until 1875, when the partnership was dissolved. In 1881 the Doctor went before the examining board of the New York \'eterinary Society, and passed the examination, receiving the degree of V. S. He is one of the most careful

of the veterinary surgeons of Dutchess county, and has done much to elevate the profession by his scientific researches. In 1854 he married Miss Maria Frietag, also a native of Hes-sen-Cassel, and has six children: Louis, a physician at Schenectady; Frederick Augustus, our subject; Otto, a veterinary surgeon in Poughkeepsie; William P., a physician in Schenectady; Mary, the wife of F. C. Krue-ger, of that place; and Christina H., who is at home.

Frederick A. Faust, our subject, after completing the. high-school course at the age of sixteen, spent two jears in the preliminary study of medicine with his brother. Dr. Louis Faust, of Schenectady, as preceptor. He matriculated at the New York Homeopathic College in the fall of 1883, and took the full general course, graduating April 15, 1SS6, passing his vacations also in studying with his brother. With this thorough preparation he began his professional career, and on May 4, 1886, he took charge of an established practice at Berne, Albany county; but a year later he disposed of it to locate in Poughkeepsie, where he opened an office alone on Garden street. He has been very successful in his practice at his native place, and after four years in his first office and three at No. 60 Market street, he purchased the property on the northwest corner of Cannon and Liberty streets, to which he removed March 31, 1894. He is a reader, and keeps well-informed upon all the lines of progress in his ever-advancing profession. His clients are among the best in the city, and his success in the past forms ground for firm belief in his future.

In local affairs the Doctor has always taken the side of progress and improvement. Although he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, he has never taken any active share in politics. On January i, 1897, he was appointed, by Mayor Hull, a member of the city board of health, which position he is still holding. He is a member of the German Methodist Church, and takes great interest in its various enterprises for the welfare of the communit}'. Socially,he belongs to the F. & A. M., Triune Lodge, the Poughkeepsie Chapter and Commandery, and to the Amrita Club. In professional circles he is a leading spirit among the younger element; has twice been vice-president of the Dutchess County Homeopathic Medical Society, and is a prominent member of the New York State Homeo-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

765

pathic Society. In the summer of 1896 he spent some six months in Europe, studying at the hospitals of Berlin, specially the diseases of children, and internal diseases, and his knowledge of the German language, which he reads and speaks fluently, enabled him to make rapid progress in his studies. He also improved the opportunity by making a tour through Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

JOHN H. PARMELE. There are found in every community men who are the leaders in public affairs, who are the promoters of all interests that have for their object the public good, and on whom the welfare of the locality depends. Of this class of citizens our subject is a worthy representative, and Dutchess county may well be proud to claim him among her native sons.

Mr. Parmele was born on the farm which is still his home, in the town of Pleasant Valley, February 14, 1846, and is a representative of one of the early families of New England, descended from English ancestry. His grandfather, Joseph Parmele, who was born in Connecticut, August 15, 1776, married Lavi-na Westervelt, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and they located on the old family homestead south of Poughkeepsie. Eight children were born to them, as follows: Richard, who was born June 21, 1802, was a farmer and merchant, and died in Poughkeepsie; John, born February 14, 1804, died at the age of twenty-one; Catherine, born January 13, 1806, became the wife of William H. Calkin; Cornelius, born April 29, 1808, died on the old homestead; Sarah Ann," born November 25, 1809, died unmarried; William was the father of our subject; Elias, born February 13, 181 5, was a farmer of Tompkins county, N. Y.; and Elizabeth, born May 20, 1821, died in infancy. The grandfather made farming his life-work, and died August 30, 1842, while his wife passed away March 28, 1847. They were members of the Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie.

William Parmele, father of subject, was born on the old family homestead in the town of Poughkeepsie, March 2, 1812, and was there reared to manhood. On November 23, 1842, he wedded Elizabeth Seaman, who was born in the town of Hyde Park, January 27, I 819, a daughter of William Seaman, a farmer. They began their domestic life on the

farm where our subject now resides, and reared a family of four children: Lavina, born January 2, 1844, wife of John C. Wood, who was a farmer of Hyde Park town; John H., subject of this review; Mary, who was born October 12, 1848, and is the deceased wife of Edgar A. Briggs, of Poughkeepsi-e; and Maria L., who was born July 26, 1854, and died in early life. The father of this family always devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. His political support was given the Democracy, and he and his wife held membership with the Presbyterian Church. He passed away February 13, 1876, she on November 11, 1892.

John H. Parmele remained in his parent's home until about seventeen years of age, when he became a student in Claverack Institute, supplementing his primary education by a thorough course of study there. When he laid aside his text-books, he returned to the farm, and has since been actively interested in its improvement and cultivation. He now owns and operates 103 acres of rich land, pleasantly situated five miles from Poughkeepsie, and his well-directed efforts bring him a good return.

On November 20, 1878, Mr. Parmele married Miss Mary A. Lyon, daughter of George Lyon, a farmer of this locality. Eight children have been born to them, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Mary L., March 10, 1880; Joseph L., August 31, 1881; Fred, September 21, 1885; Elizabeth, September 2, 1887; George, May 19, 1889; William J., March 7, 1891; Ruth, February 6, 1894; and Ernest, July 20, 1896 (he died April 21, 1897).

The parents are identified with the Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, and are people of prominence in the community, holding an enviable position in social circles. His political support isgiven the Democratic party, but he has had neither time nor inclination for public office, preferring to devote his best efforts to his farm work, and to the faithful discharge of his duties of citizenship.

T HERON R. MARSHALL. Among the leading farmers of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, there is none better known in its history than the individual whose name is here recorded.

Here his birth occurred April 20, 1831, and in the same house his father, Israel Marshall, was born in August 14, 1796, but the farm then

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

comprised a part of the town of Clinton. The ^grandfather, Zacheus Marshall, was a native of Connecticut, born at Horseneck, February 5, 1746, and was of English descent. On December 14, 1764, he married Anna Totten, who was born October 20, 1747, and they became the parents of the following children: Hannah, born October 5, 1768, became the wife of a Mr. Stoughtenburgh, of Pleasant Valley town; Reuben, born June 14, 1770, was a resident of Hyde Park; David, born May 2, 1773, died while young; Totten, born July 7, 1775, was a farmer of Greene county, N. Y.; Daniel, born February 15, 1778; and Solomon, born January 2, 1783, died in childhood; and Phcebe, born October 25, 1787. For his second wife, Zacheus Marshall wedded Susanna Dean (the grandmother of our subject). She was born in Dutchess county, July 11, 1756, and was a daughter of Stephen Dean, whose ancestors were English. Her marriage with Mr. Marshall was celebrated December 25, 1789, and she became the mother of three sons: Stephen D., born October 27, 1790, was a farmer of Pleasant Valley town, and died in Hyde Park; Henry S., born August 3, 1792, was a farmer of Hyde Park; and Israel was the father of our subject. On April 24, 1806, Zacheus Marshall was married to Jane Quinby, who was born June 27, 1765, and May 2, 1809, was born their son, Isaac P., who was was a farmer of Pleasant \'alley town, and became a prominent politician. The grandfather was a carpenter by trade, and also carried on farming.

Upon the old home farm Israel Marshall grew to manhood, and on May 26, 1825, he was joined in wedlock with Anna Gifford, whose birth occurred in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, March 23, 1799. Her father, John Gifford, was also a native of Stanford town, where he engaged in farming. After their marriage, the parents of our subject located upon the old farm, where they reared their two children: Susan A., who was born December 11, 1827, and died September 26, 1842; and Theron R. The father gave his exclusive attention to agricultural pursuits, was a Democrat in politics, and died in the faith of the Friends Church, July 13, 1873. His wife, who was also a member of that denomination, died October 25, 1883.

Our subject was reared to the life of a farmer, and received from his parents many a lesson in thrift and honesty, which have been

his guiding principles through life. On October 31, 1855, he was married to Elizabeth Marshall, a granddaughter of John Marshall. She was born in the town of Stanford March 7, 1836. Her father, Isaac Marshall, who was born in Pleasant \'alley town, January 22, 1816, wedded Eliza A. Lawrence, who was born in that town F'ebruary 12, 1814. They became the parents of seven children: Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Augusta, wife of Joseph Doty, a farmer of Pleasant \'alley town; William W., who resides in Poughkeepsie town; Sarah K., wife of Parris Baker, a farmer and carpenter; Permelia; Ellathan G., who operates the old homestead; and Emily J., wife of Clarence Van Wagner, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town.

Theron R. Marshall, the subject proper of this review, began his domestic life on the old homestead where he lived until 1892, when he removed to his present farm, comprising forty-five acres; but he still owns the other place, whose boundaries contain 120 acres of rich and productive land. He is a thorough Democrat in politics, has served his fellow townsmen as assessor, was justice of the peace from 1891 until 1895, and represented his town on the board of supervisors in 1883, 1884 and 1888. He is highly respected throughout the community, having the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, and himself and wife are earnest members of the Friends Church. To them were born three children: Israel D., an agriculturist of Pleasant \'alley town, who was born August 3, 1857, and married Carrie D. Van De Water; Susan A., who was born December 15, 1858, and died September 10, i860; and 'Robert L.,also a farmer of Pleasant Valley, who was born August 13, i860, and wedded Elizabeth W. Conklin.

ILLIAM S. BECKWITH. There are few men more worthy of representation in a work of this kind than the subject of this biographj', who has passed his entire life upon the comfortable homestead where he still resides. It is one of the best farms in the town of Red Hook, comprising as it does 144 acres of rich and fertile land, where he is successfully engaged in general farming.

Our subject can trace his ancestry on his father's side to the founder of the family in the New World, who belonged to a prominent family of England dating from the tenth

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

767

century, and on coming from that country to America located at Hartford, Conn., in 1639. His descendant in the fifth generation, Sylvanus Beckwith, our subject's grandfather, was born in the town of Lyme, Conn., May 22, 1742. He married Amy Sutherland, born in this countr3' in i 743, and who was of Scotch extraction. They located upon a farm in the town of Stanford, and all through the Revolutionary war he valiantly aided the colonies in their struggle for independence, serving as a soldier in the Continental army. He was called from this life May 30, 1839.

Nathan Beckwith, father of our subject, was born September 15, 1778, in the town of Stanford. He married Betsie Gale, a native of Amenia, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Josiah Gale, who came to Dutchess county from Connecticut. The Gale family is of English origin, and one of its members, George W. Gale, was the founder of the city of Gales-burg, 111. In 1807 Mr. Beckwith located upon a farm in the town of Red Hook (at that time a part of the town of Rhinebeck), where he continued to make his home until his death, March 4, 1865. His political support was given to the Democratic party, and he served his fellow citizens as supervisor of the township for many years; he served in the war of 1812 as lieutenant, being stationed at Brooklyn Heights, and for services in that war received a grant of land in Herkimer county, N. Y.; was commissioned as colonel of cavalry by Gov. Tompkins in 1820. On the occasion of the visit of Gen. LaFaj'ette to Dutchess county, in 1824, Mr. Beckwith was marshal of the day. He was a classmate of President Martin Van Buren at Kinderhook Academy, and graduated as civil engineer. With Prof. Joseph Henry he surveyed a State road from Hudson river to Lake Erie, afterward adopted as the route of the Erie railway. He was a life member of the American Bible Society, also the Foreign Bible Society, and helped to organize the First Baptist Church of Red Hook. Mrs. Betsey Gale Beckwith in practical life maintained the religious fervor and.devotion to Christian principles which characterized her Puritan forefathers, and was a blessing to her family and neighborhood, ministering to the spiritual and temporal wants of the afflicted until her death in 183S.

To Nathan and Betsey Beckwith were born four sons and three daughters. The eldest son, josiah Gale, graduated from Union Col-

lege, studied medicine and settled at Litchfield, Conn, where he became eminent in his profession. He was president of the State Medical Society, a delegate to the National Medical Convention, and appointed by the State to the board of medical examiners of the insane at the asylum at Hartford. He was elected several times to the State Legislature, and once nominated Governor. In 1831 he married Jane M. Seymour, a cousin of Governor Horatio Seymour, of New York, and died at Litchfield March 4, 1871.

The fourth son, William S. Beckwith, our subject, was born January 14, 1820, on his present farm in the town of Red Hook. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood until eleven years of age, when he was compelled to give up study and turn his entire attention to agriculture, at the same time taking a few winter terms study in the Red Hook Academy. He is a very intelligent man, most of his knowledge being acquired by study at night, and otherwise, and is well posted on the current events of the day. On March 29, 1848, he was married to Miss Ann M. Collyer, a native of Sing Sing, N. Y., and si.x children blessed their union: Alice M.; Thomas C.; William, who makes his home in California; Amy, who married Armand De Potter; Leila, wife of Abram Havens, a lawyer of New York City; and George, who died at Pella, Iowa. Mr. Beckwith is a stanch Democrat, and has occupied various positions in his town, including that of poormaster, assessor many years, and supervisor of the town of Red Hook in 1884.

JEREMIAH MEAD, a leading dairyman of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, ^ noted for his successful management of large agricultural interests, is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Putnam county, N. Y. His ancestors came from England four or five generations ago, and made their home on what was then a frontier line in the town of Kent, Putnam county, where their descendants have been prominent in different lines of life. Jeremiah Mead, our subject's grandfather, had so strong a liking for the free life of a pioneer that he left his fine farm of 300 acres, in 1845, to go with his familj' to the vicinity of Fond du Lac, Wis., then a wilderness, where he entered a large tract of land, upon which he passed his remaining years, dying in 1S88, at

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the age of ninety years. His wife was Sarah Bawett, a member of another old family living near Lake Mahopac. They had seven children: Major, Milan, Morris, Mrs. Mahala Metcalf, Moses, Minerva (who married James Huyatt), and Marrilla (who married Henry Merrick). Major had several sons who are now occupying prominent positions in Wisconsin.

Morris Mead (our subject's father), who was born in 1817, was the only one of the family to remain in Putnam county, and there passed his entire life, following farming as an occupation. He possessed the characteristic good sense of the Mead family, and was highly esteemed in the neighborhood. He was a leading Baptist, helping to found their Church in his vicinity, and holding the office of deacon for many years. He married Sarah Hyatt, daughter of James Hyatt, a well-known resident of Putnam county. His death occurred in 1853; that of his wife in 1890. Of their seven children only three are living. Catherine died in childhood; Marilda is the wife of Eli Smalley, resides in Fishkill, and has one son, Charles, who is now an attorney. Peter and Sarah Ophelia died in childhood; Jeremiah is the subject of this sketch; Jennie died in 1876; and Roselle lives in the town of Dover.

Jeremiah Mead was born at the old homestead in Putnam county, May 9, 1843, and received his education in the district schools of that locality. Being left fatherless at the age of ten years, he was obliged to take up the serious business of life while still a boy in years. At thirteen he left home to work upon a farm, for which he received during his first year $15 and his winter's schooling. For a number of years he continued to work for wages for eight months, and attending school during the winter. When he was twenty-four he returned home and worked the farm for two years, and then sold his interest to his brother. In 1869 he took the old Deacon Campbell homestead on shares, and has now conducted it for twenty-seven years, adding land from time to time until he has 400 acres under his control. He makes a specialty of dairying, and is very successful in that line. He owns a farm of 250 acres near Danbury, Conn., where he keeps fifty cows and other stock.

The Mead family has always taken a patriotic stand upon public questions, and from the grandfather down they became ardent supporters of the Republican party upon its forma-

tion. Mr. Mead has been active in local politics, and was supervisor in 1891, 1892 and 1893, serving as chairman of the committee on equalization of taxes. He was also commissioner of highways for two years. He is a ready helper in every worthy cause, and belongs to the Baptist Church.

In 1866 our subject married Miss Amanda Light, daughter of Putnam Light, who was born in Genesee county, N. Y., April 11, 1812, in which same year his mother died, and he was then reared by his uncle, Samuel Hawkins. He attended the public schools, and then worked on a farm. In 1839 he married Miss E. M. Smith, and they had four children, viz.: Cordelia, who lives with .Mrs. Mead: Amanda (Mrs. Mead); Edgar D., farming the old homestead in Putnam county; and Ellen M., wife of James H. Cole, residing in Danbury; The mother of these died August 20, 1853, and in November, 1854, Mr. Light married Miss A. J. Light, by whom he had three children: Henry C, who died in infancy; Emma C. and Willis E., both following teaching, the latter being a graduate of Eastman Business College. Mr. Light died March 7, 1888, in full membership with the Baptist Church. In politics he was a Democrat, and he served as assessor three terms. He was a self-made man, and accumulated a comfortable competence, was well liked and generally respected.

WILLIAM H. HAIGHT, proprietor of Haight's Sale and Transient Stables,

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born November 30, 1839, in the town of New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y., and there passed his boyhood days, attending the Butterville district school and New Paltz Academy. Later, for two terms, he studied at the Nine Partners (Quaker) School, near Millbrook, Dutchess county, receiving, in all, a good education.

Mr. Haight remained on his father's farm until of age, at which time ha commenced the droving of cattle and sheep, purchasing in Canada and throughout the Western States, and finding his markets in all the larger centers of this country, as well as selling many " store cattle " in the Hudson river counties. In 1878-79, during the great Leadville (Colo.) silver excitement, he sold horses, mules and cattle in Denver and Leadville. In 1880 he took up his residence in Chicago, 111., and engaged in the manufacture of tinware and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPmCAL RECORD.

769

tinware machinery, owning some patents that caused a revolution in the manufacture of tinware, which machines are successfully used to the present day. In this industry he employed from seventy to lOO men and at the same time he owned a membership on the Chicago Board of Trade, in which his deals proved highly satisfactory to both himself and others.

At the end of two years Mr. Haight returned east, and, in 1882, opened his present boarding and sale stables in Poughkeepsie, in which he has met with well-merited success, at this writing owning the largest establishment of the kind in the city. He also owns a 275-acre farm near the corporation line, with a brickyard attached, all of which are running successfully under his personal supervision.

Our subject was brought up under the influence and in the strict lines of the Hicksite-Quaker faith, which has had its influence in governing all the turning points of his life; never seeking public office or becoming a member of any secret society; never feeling at home in any Church that was not governed by the Hicksite rule— "Do unto others as you would be done by"—inspiration, he says, is the only true teacher, and should govern all faith. "Owe no man, and love one another," is the watchword in all his business relations.

When a very young man Mr. Haight was married, which marriage, not proving a happy one, was divorced. He then wedded Elma (daughter of Isaac G. Sands), whose death, after ten years of uninterrupted happiness, caused much the greatest sorrow of his life. One child, Meda, was born to them, June 7, 1884.

John N. Haight, our subject's father, was born in Stanford, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he lived until fourteen years of age. His parents, Amos and Eunice (Northrop) Haight, of Amenia, N. Y., dying when he was fourteen years of age, John N. Haight apprenticed himself to Rowland De Garmo, at New Paltz, Ulster county, in order to learn the tanner's and currier's trade. At the age of twenty-seven he married Mary, daughter of Rowland (his employer) and Phebe De Garmo, and, besides our subject, they had two daughters, Eliza and Mary, who married and settled in Orange county, N. Y. At the age of twenty-one William H. Haight found his parents in straightened circumstances, but by diligence and economy he placed them and his sisters beyond want, and then commenced the battle 49

of life for himself. Recently, when asked how hard times affected him, his answer was that only those who spend their money before they earn it cry about " hard times."

C>HARLES G. CUTLER. The ancestors Jl of the Cutler family were among the early settlers of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, William Cutler, was born there in 1760. That locality was then a wilderness, and his youth was spent amid the scenes of pioneer life, in which he took an active part. He traced his ancestry back to one of three brothers—James, Otis and John Cutler—who came over in the "Mayflower." William Cutler lived to a good old age, dying in 1842. He married Elizabeth Gifford, of Pawling, Dutchess county, and had nine children, (i) Bigelow, a farmer near Jamestown, N. Y., married Miss Dennis, and had four children— William, Thursa (Mrs. Johnson), Eliza and Nanc}'. (2) Abigail married Thomas Tompkins, a farmer of the town of Dover, and had two sons—Enoch, who married Tabitha Humphrey, and William H., who married Abbie Humphrey. (3) Thomas C. married, and was the father of five children, all now deceased excepting George, who is a physician in California. (4) Calvin C. is mentioned below. (5) Robie married Isaac Northrup, a farmer at Copake, N. Y., and had two children—William and Ella. (6) Thurza died at the age of twenty-seven. (7) Mahala did not marry. (8) William S., the father of our subject, was born in 1805 at the old homestead in-Dover, where he received his education. He followed farming from an early age, and was a prominent man in that locality ; he supported the Democratic party, and held a number of township offices, including that of assessor. In 1858 he married Miss Irene H. Brush, daughter of Amos Brush, a well-known farmer of New Fairfield, Conn. They had three children: William B., Charles G. and Hattie. William was born in 1859, and after completing his education at Wilbraham, Mass., engaged in mercantile business at Dover Furnace, where he also holds the position of station agent. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 666, of Dover. He married Miss Marie Sparks, of Poughkeepsie, but they have no living children. Hattie, the youngest of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHTCAL RECORD.

the trio, was born in 1869, and was educated at Wilbrahain, Mass.; she married Otis Arnold, a hotel keeper, who conducted the railroad restaurant at Pawling for a number of years. They have one daughter, Marjorie. William S., the father, died May 26, 1888.

Charles G. Cutler, the subject proper of this sketch, was born November 2, i86i,and was educated in the schools of the town of Dover, and of Wilbraham, Mass. He is a leading farmer in that town, and active in local affairs, holding public office at different times. He belongs to the Masonic order, Dover Lodge No. 666, and at present is senior warden. He married Miss Nellie Stevens, daughter of Thomas A. Stevens, a prominent farmer of Dover, and they have two children, Howard S., born in 1888, and Irene H., born in 1893.

Calvin Cutler, the son of William and Elizabeth fGifford) Cutler, was born in 1797, and enjoyed the usual educational advantages of a country boy in those days. He engaged in farming in Dover, purchasing an estate which is now owned by his son, Frank. His wife, Keziah Varney, was the daughter of John Var-ney, one of the well-to-do farmers of that neighborhood. They had eight children, of whom the first, John, and the last, Jerome, died in infancy. The others are: Eleazer and Elihu (twins), born in 1825; Priscilla, 1827; Mary, 1828; Sarah, 1830; and Frank M. Eleazer Cutler was married in 1853 to Amaranth Egglcston, of Dover l^lains, who was born in 182S. They have three children.

Frank Cutler was born in 1832 at the old farm, and after attending the common schools for some years completed his studies at a boarding school in Connecticut. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for more than twenty years; but after the purchase of the present homestead he took charge of it. An active worker in public affairs, he has held several town offices, including that of collector, and he belongs to Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., in which he was trustee for many years. He married Elizabeth Carey, a daughter of Jeremiah Carey, a prosperous farmer of Connecticut, and has had three children: (i) George, who was born in 1865, was educated at Dover Plains Academy, and taught in Dover for some time. He has now been employed in the New York post office for ten years. Like his father, he is a Mason, and belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He married Miss Bertha Dutcher, daughter of J. \'an Ness Dutcher, a

well-known agriculturist of Dover, and his wife Harriet, and they have one child, Iithel. (2) John was born in 1868, and also taught school for a time, but since 1890 he has been in the U. S. mail service on the N. Y. C. & H. K. K., from New York to Syracuse. He belongs to Dover Plains Lodge No. 665, F. & A. M. He married Miss Sarah Dutcher, daughter of one of the leading farmers of his native town, John I. Dutcher, and his wife, Ada C. (3) Fred, the youngest son, was born in 1872, and was given the same educational advantages that his brothers had. Since his graduation he has been engaged in farming w'ith his father. He married Miss Mary Northrup, daughter of Edwin R. and Mary Northrup, who are prominent residents of the same township.

Mrs. Frank N. Cutler is a member of an old Connecticut family, and her grandfather, Jeremiah Carey, was a prosperous agriculturist of Fairfield county. He and his wife, Eunice Odell, had eight children: James is the eldest; Eliasisan inventor; Robert died at an earlyage; Lockwood; Lucretia (Mrs. Robert Chestnut); Artemisia (Mrs. David Waldroni; Sarah (Mrs. Orin Benson), and Jeremiah (^Mrs. Cutler's father). Hewasbornand reared in Fairfield county, Conn, .engaged in farming there, and married Miss Salina Hunter, daughter of a well-known farmer of the same locality, Joseph Hunter, and his wife, Sylvia. Mrs. Cutler was the second in a family of six children. The eldest, Julia, married (first) Charles Hinman, and (second) Fred Bergman. She has two sons. Leman Hinman and Frank Bergman. The third daughter, Orvilla, married Henry Ebert, and has five children: Henry, Will, Saline. Charles and Walter. Sarah J. Carey married Stephen R. Scott, and had si.\ children: .■\lida (Mrs. Oscar Smith); Abraham, who married Mina Decker; George, who married Abbie Decker; Lillie (Mrs. William Decker); Carrie (Mrs. Robert Holly), and Gertie, who is not married. George Carey married Mary Trainor, and has four children—William, Charles. Minnie, the wife of Harry Dougherty, and Blanche. Silas S. Carey married Laura Conklin, and has three sons: Frank, who married Laura Mott; Fred, who married Edith Wheeler, and Clayton, who is unmarried.

The Inrush family, to which the mother of our subject belonged, counts among its members many who have attained distinction in various walks of life. Amos Brush, the greatgrandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

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Revolutionary army. He was born in Fairfield county, Conn., and had his home there all his life. He married Miss Hannah Bearss, and had eight children: Ezra, who married Betsey Bearss; Amos, Mrs. Cutler's father; Amy, the wife of Dr. Isaac Knapp; Hannah (Mrs. Smith); Esther (Mrs. Amos Chapman); Ada, the wife of Mr. Bailey, a Revolutionary soldier; Mary, who died at the age of twenty, and Eli, who married Rilla Davis.

Amos Brush, Jr., was born in New Fairfield, Conn., in 1798, and, after obtaining an education in the local schools, he engaged in farming. He married Miss Aurilla Barnum, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah ^Seeleyi Barnum, of Bethel, Conn., and had seven children: (i) Eliza married Daniel Duncan, and has had si.x children: Austin, Alex, Theo, William, Irene and John, of whom only Theo and William are now living. (2) George never married.

(3) Austin married H. Lucetta Rogers, and has three children: Edward, William and Ella.

(4) William is mentioned below. (5) Irene was the mother of our subject. (6) Augustus was prominent in public life, and was State school commissioner for six years; member of the Assembly from Dutchess county two terms; agent for the United States Treasury for some time; an employe of the New York Custom House for twelve years, and from 1880 to 1891 was warden of Sing Sing prison. He married Susan Senserbaugh, and had five children: George, Alice, Irene, Augusta and Fred. (7) Harriet married Cornelius Hill, and had three children: Irene. Ernest and George.

(4) Rev. William Brush, D. D., Mrs. Cutler's brother, was born in New Fairfield, Conn., February 19, 1827, and died in Englewood, Chicago, 111., April 29, 1895, having but a few weeks before passed the sixty-eighth milestone in his life's journey. It is to the circumstances, associations and surroundings of his early life that we must look for the elements that produced his strong character. Born and reared as he was among the rocks and hills, the looms and spindles of New England, we find in him the qualities of energy, industry, self-denial and perseverance. Puritan blood flowed in his veins, and loyal patriotism fired his soul. In his student days he sacrified the ordinary pleasures and even conveniences of life that he might furnish his mind with higher and nobler attainments. True to his youthful ambition, by dint of earnest toil and hard study he returned at the early age of twenty to knock

at the door of Yale College for admission to the sophomore class. In the three remaining years he completed the full classical course with high rank in scholarship. In October, 1850, following his graduation, he was married to Electa J. Brush, the trusted and beloved companion of his after years. They had three children: Frank, a minister; Darley, a banker, and Hattie, who married Dr. O. E. Murray. Dr. Brush's active work in the ministry began, in 1851, in the New York Conference, of which he was a member, and served successful pastorates until 1858, when he took a transfer to the Upper Iowa Conference, and was appointed pastor of the M. E. Church at Dyersville. In i860 he was called to the presidency of Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, Iowa, which position he held for nine successive years. Entering again upon the active work of the ministry, he served a four-years' term as presiding elder of the Charles City district. In 1873, finding the rigor of the northern winter too severe for his wife's health, he decided to move south, and became presiding elder of the Austin, Tex., district. From the result of his eight-years' labor in this field the Austin Conference was formed. In 1881 he removed north, and filled appointments again as pastor of the churches at Maquoketa and Vinton, Iowa. In 1885 he removed to Dakota, and became one of the founders and first president of Dakota University, which position he occupied for six years, or until his appointment in

1891, by President Harrison, as U. S. Consul to Messina, Italy.

On his return from his foreign mission in

1892, he was elected chancellor of the University of the Northwest, at Sioux City, Iowa, where he labored until a few months previous to his death. He assisted in laying the foundation of three colleges in the West, and when the history of these institutions are written fifty years hence, such men as Dr. Brush will receive due credit for the sacrifices made in their behalf. The Churches and the cause of education are indebted to him for forty-four long years of eminent and efficient service, eighteen years as college president and twenty-six years in the ministry, during which time his name has been associated with many important issues and undertakings. On several occasions he acted as chaplain of the House of Representatives in Washington, D. C., and officiated in the same capacity at the National Republican Convention in 1892. Five times

n:

COMMEMORATIVE JHOORAPBICAL JiECORD.

was he elected delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. Church, and once received a large vote for the office of bishop.

JfUSTUS P. REYNOLDS, a leading and progressive citizen of the town of Anienia, Dutchess county, was there born on what is now known as the J. O. Peters place, January 24, 1833, and belongs to a family that was established in this country soon after the landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. The first to arrive in the New World was I^ob-ert Reynolds, a native of England, who was living in Watertown, Mass., in 1634, and later became a resident of Boston. His son, Nathaniel Reynolds, was born in that State, and in 1680 emigrated to Bristol, R. I., becoming one of its first settlers. He had previously married Priscilla Brackett, and their son Joseph was born in Massachusetts, December 20, 1676, and died January 16, 1759. The latter wedded Phcebe Leonard, and among their children was Joseph I^eynolds, who was born in Rhode Island, November 15, 1719, and died September 14, 17S9. He married Lydia Greenwood.

Joseph Reynolds was a prominent patriot during the Revolutionary war. Gen. LaFayette stayed at his house during the occupancy of the town of Bristol. Later, when the British took the place, Mr. Reynolds and his servant were taken prisoners and confined in a prison-ship in the harbor. He suffered great privations in that vermin-infested ship, but was finally exchanged for a British officer. Gen. LaFayette visited him on his return to America in 1S24. The house in which he was entertained was built (according to the history of the town) about the year 1700, and is still standing in a fine state of preservation, and is owned and occupied by one of his descendants. The room in which Gen. LaFayette slept is preserved in its original state.

George Reynolds, the son of Joseph and Lydia (Greenwood) Reynolds, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born at Bristol, R. I., November 7, 1756, and at that place was united in marriage with Abigail Peck, by whom he had five children: Jonathan P., Lydia, George, Joseph, and Abigail, who married Philo I'leed. In 1794 the grandfather came to the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, locating upon a farm near the village of Amenia, where he engaged in agricultural

pursuits until his death, which occurred in April, 1808.

George Reynolds, the father of our subject, was also a native of Bristol, R. I., born November 15, 1788, received a district school education, and remained under the parental roof for some years. At Amenia was celebrated his marriage. May 26, 1S19, with Miss Abigail Pennoyer, daughter of Jonathan Pennoyer, and to them were born four children, namely: George Greenwood, born February 7, 1821, is an ex-judge of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Caroline, born January 23, 1826, died March 28, 1829; Mary, born May 18, 1830, became the wife of George Kirby, and died October i 5, 1S74; Justus Powers, subject of this sketch, completes the family. .\fter his marriage the father bought the Peters farm, north of Amenia village, where he lived until 1834, when he purchased the E. J. Preston place, south of Amenia, there dying January 31, 1873, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His political support was first given the Whig and, later, the Republican party, and he acceptably served as assessor of his town. He was a straightforward, honorable man, who had the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.

Justus P. Reynolds spent his boyhood days in the town of Amenia, and acquired his education in the district schools and the Amenia Seminary. In i860 he purchased the Jordan farm, near South Amenia, where he made his home, until removing to his present place near the same village in 1869. He has continued to follow the occupation to which he was reared, with results that are satisfactory; the reward of well-directed labors.

In the town of Amenia, January 31, 1863, Mr. Reynolds led to the marriage altar Miss Nancy Barlow, daughter of Elisha Barlow, and to them were born six children: George, who married Clarabel Williams, daughter of William Williams, and has two children, Howard B. and Edward D.; Abbie L.; Lucy B., wife of John T. Sackett, of Brooklyn, N. Y., by whom she has one daughter, Justine R.; Edward G.; Francis B.; and Bertha May, deceased. Mr. Reynolds affiliated with Sheko-meko Lodge, when it was at Mabbettsville, Dutchess county. In politics he is independent, voting for the man whom he thinks best ([ualified to fill the office, regardless of party ties, but favors Democratic principles. He takes a commendable interest in the prosperity and advancement of his native county.

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

773

WILLIAM B. ROE (deceased) was born at New Hackensack, Dutchess county,

October 17, 1819, and was of English extraction. His father, William Roe, whose birth occurred June 26, 1790, was married in 1812 to Miss Abby Blatchley, who was born in Connecticut December 27, 1788, and they located upon a farm in New Hackensack, where their four children were born, namely: Joseph B., who died in infancy; William B.; John B., who became a merchant of Maryland; and Sarah, who married Gilbert Has-brouck, a farmer of Michigan. The family were members of the Episcopal Church.

Upon the farm where his widow now resides, William B. Roe passed his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads, and on November 11, 1846, married Miss Amanda Anderson, who was born in the town of East Fishkill, on the farm known as " Locust Dale, " which was also the birthplace of her father, Peter Anderson. Si.x children were born to our subject and his wife: Abby B., who died May 19, 1852; Sarah E.; Annie L.; Ella K., who died October 25, 1862; William A., who died August 21, 1865; and Winifred A.

At his childhood home, Mr. Roe continued to live until his earthly career was ended June 2, 1873, when he passed to his reward. In connection with general farming he also dealt e.xtensively in stock of all kinds, buying and selling horses, cattle, etc., and did a profitable business along that line up to the time of his death. His ballot was always cast in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he took a commendable interest in public affairs. \N'ith his estimable wife, he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and faithfully followed its teachings. In all the relations of life he was honorable and upright, never seeking to take advantage of others, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact. He left a comfortable property, including a farm of 225 acres, on which his wife and daughters reside. They are intelligent and highly cultured ladies, and have many friends throughout the community.

EDWIN L. BUSHNELL, a prominent citi- ! zen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county,

the inventor of the Bushnell spring bed, and founder of the Bushnell Manufacturing Com-

pany, was born March 8, 1822, in Stanford, Dutchess county.

His family is of English origin, and he traces his lineage to one of three brothers who came from Saybrook, England, at an early date, the Bushnells of New Haven, Conn., and of Ohio, being also their descendants. Alvah Bushnell, our subject's father, was born in Litchfield county. Conn., in 1796, and in 1817 came to Dutchess county, and engaged in mercantile business; but after two years in Stanfordville and two in Bangall, he gave up that occupation to conduct a hotel at Pulver's Corners, remaining there three years. He then bought the property known as the Solon Lapham farm, where he passed the remainder of his days as a successful farmer. He married Mr. Lapham's daughter, Melinda, and had three children, Julia, Edwin L., and Tamma Josephine. He was an active worker in the Republican party, also in all local movements of importance, and was a regular attendant of the Baptist Church at Bangall. His death occurred November 16, 1865 ; his wife died October 28, 1861.

Edwin L. Bushnell, our subject, attended the district schools of his vicinity in boyhood, and then studied for one winter at Amenia Seminary. At seventeen he was obliged to leave school, but he has always been an extensive reader; and is an unusually well-informed man. He remained at home until the age of twenty-three, when he left the farm on account of ill health and entered the Poughkeepsie Iron Co., of which he was one of the three first stockholders on the organization of the company, October 31, 1848. This company owned the first anthracite furnace built east of the Alleghanies, and Mr. Bushnell personally supervised its construction. In 1850 he retired to take the business management of the American R. R. Chair Co., and in their interest he spent the winter of 1851-52 in Columbus, Ohio, and four months of 1852 in Montreal, Canada. His mother's failing health caused him to sever his relations with this company, and return to Poughkeepsie. In 1852 he undertook the selling of patents, and visited Bangor, Maine, and Portsmouth, N. H., with a patent window-blind hinge. He had been for some time engaged in perfecting the invention, of which he has since made such a distinguished success; but like most inventors he was obliged to follow occupations which were less congenial, though more re-

OOMMEMOnATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

munerative, than fashioninj; models. A brief venture in the real-estate business in Boston was followed by a few months in the lumber trade with an uncle in New York City; but in the fall of 1853 this business was closed out, and Mr. Bushnell became connected with the Lord's Prayer Association in the same city. The winter of 1853-54 he spent in Richmond, Va., selling machinery. In the spring of 1855 he married Miss Sarah Jane Sherman, of Cambridge, Washington county, N. Y., and settled upon the old homestead farm. Three children were born of this uniorf: Jennie, now at home; James S., a resident of Seattle, Wash.; and Edwin M., the treasurer and general manager of the Bushnell Manufacturing Co., at Easton, Pennsylvania.

In i860 Mr. Bushnell went to New Preston, Conn., and engaged in a mercantile business; he contributed largely to the support of families whose fathers were in the army during the Rebellion. In the fall of 1865 he sold his business in New Preston, and returned to Poughkeepsie, where in the spring of 1S66 he purchased the house in which he still resides. He began the manufacture of scythe riffles, and patented a mowing-machine sharpener, which he sold in 1869, when he commenced manufacturing his own invention, making a spring bed with four eyes in each end of the springs. This has met with great success, and in 1880 he adapted the idea to car seats, berths and backs, and was awarded the only medal on that line of goods at the National Exposition of Railway Appliances at Chicago in 1883. Though various parties infringed his patents and kept him seven and one-half years defending his rights in the United States Courts, he secured the patronage of the Wagner & Pullman Palace Car Co. His goods have been largely adopted by ail the leading railroads and car-builders throughout the country, with several new patents for improvements, and, on tools and machinery for manufacturing, they take the lead. In 1893 Mr. Bushnell removed his factory from Poughkeepsie to Easton, Pcnn., where there is a fine plant employing a large number of men. This firm furnished the seats for the new "Defender," also the " Black Daimon Train," the finest train in the world. He built the first skylight in Poughkeepsie, for taking pictures.

Mr. Bushnell is a man of great natural ability and energy, and notwithstanding his years is mentally active, his memory being re-

markable. He has always taken an interest in the success of the Republican party, but has always refused to accept office. He served out his time with the Davy Crockett Hook & Ladder Company. He attends the Second Reformed Church, to which he is a liberal giver.

ISAAC B. GILDERSLEVE (deceased), who was one of the highly respected and honored citizens of the town of East t'lshkill, Dutchess county, was born in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 5, 1823, of Holland descent. His father, Solomon Gildersleve, was a native of the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, but after his marriage with Margaret Wiltsie located upon a farm in Cayuga county, where their five children were born: Annis, who married Thomas Ketchum, of the town of East Fishkill, but both died in Indiana; Eliza, who first married James Deleree, and alter his death wedded Elias Tompkins, and they lived at Cold Spring, N. Y.; Emma, who became the wife of a Mr. Bronson, and lived at Port Chester, N. Y.; Ann; and Isaac B.

Our subject when a young man came to the town of East Fishkill, where he engaged in teaming, hauling hoop poles to Poughkeepsie, but about 1842 went to Missouri, and was on the Mississippi until 1865, working his way upward from a deck hand until he was owner of a steamboat, which carried both freight and passengers. In 1S65 he began the hotel business in St. Louis, which he continued for five years, and on the expiration of that time returned to Dutchess county, purchasing the farm now owned and occupied by his daughter, Rita A.

Mr. Gildersleve was married in 1865, to Miss Charlotte A. Miller, a native of Berwick, Columbia Co., Penn., and a daughter of Jacob Miller. Five children were born to them, all of whom died in infancy with the exception of Rita A., and the mother departed this life September 24, 1887, while the father's death occurred on the home farm February 25, 1890.

The farm is a most beautiful place, on which Mr. Gildersleve made many improvements and erected excellent buildings. It comprises 146 acres of valuable land, on which he carried on general farming, but his daughter, who now has the management, makes a specialty of milk.

In the career of this gentleman we find an

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

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excellent example for young men just embarking in the field of active life, of what may be accomplished by a man beginning poor, but honest, prudent and industrious. He was entirely self-made, and left behind him an excellent property, as well as a good name. He was a Democrat in politics, and was one of the prominent and esteemed citizens of the community. His estimable wife held membership in the Episcopal Church.

ONCURE BARTOW was called from '" earth in the midst of his usefulness, dying on the 19th of April, 1881. He was a leading and honored citizen of the town of East Fish-kill, Dutchess county, where he devoted his energies to the care and cultivation of the farm, and was also connected with the Dutchess County Insurance Company, of Poughkeepsie.

The Bartow family is of French e.Ktraction, and was established in Dutchess county at a very early day. Religiously, its members were mostly connected with the Episcopal Church. William A. Bartow, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of East Fishkill, and a farmer by occupation. The mother bore the maiden name of Jane Hasbrouck.

Moncure Bartow was the seventh son in a family of twelve children, and was reared upon the old home farm, where he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until his marriage, in 1867, to Miss Elizabeth D. Brinckerhoff. They began their domestic life upon the farm where she still resides, and there their two children—Jane D. and Moncure—were born. The parents contributed to the support of the Reformed Church, and in politics Mr. Bartow was a decided Democrat, but would never accept public office. His upright, honorable life won him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he was classed among the most respected representative citizens of East Fish-kill town.

Mrs. Bartow, a most excellent lady, was born in the house which is still her home, and is the only child of Abraham and Betsey (Delavan) Brinckerhoff, the former born on the farm in the town of East Fishkill (where his daughter now resides), October 6, 1798, and the latter at North Salem, Westchester Co., N. Y., January 11, 1799. The Brinckerhoff family is of Holland origin, and was founded in America in 1638. The first to locate here was Joris Dericksen Brinckerhoff,

who married Susanah Dubbles, and from him in direct line to the father of Mrs. Bartow were Abraham Jorisen (married to Altia Stryker), Derick (married to Altia Cowenhoven), Abraham (married to Femmetia Remsen), John A. (married to Elizabeth Brinckerhoff), and Derick (who married Margaret Brett). The Delavan family was of French extraction, and Mrs. Bartow's maternal grandfather, John Delavan, was born February 11, 1744, and became a prominent farmer of Westchester county. He married Martha Keeler, whose birth occurred at Ridgefield, Conn., August 28, 1757, and they became the parents of five children, as follows: Jane, born in 1789, died in 1865; Chauncy, born in 1790, died in 1863; Benjamin, born in 1792, died in 1827; Catherine, born in 1797, died in 1867; and Betsey, the mother of Mrs. Bartow, was the youngest. The father of these children died January 8, 1S34, the mother on March 10, 1843. After their marriage, Abraham l^rinckerhoff and his wife located upon the farm where Mrs. Bartow yet lives, and there the former died January 5, 1874, and the latter on September 29, 1878. They were prominent members of the community, and had the respect of all who knew them. In early life Mr. Brinckerhoff was a Democrat, but later supported the Republican party.

HIRAM CLARK (deceased). The family name of the subject of this sketch has long been held in high esteem in Dutchess county, and he proved himself to be a worthy representative, displaying in a high degree the keen business judgment and high sense of honor which have characterized the race. Remotely he was of English descent, the head of the American branch being Thomas Clark, who was one of the "Mayflower" pilgrims. The first of the family to come to Dutchess county was our subject's grandfather, Ezra Clark, an energetic, thrifty and prosperous farmer, who was born at Plainfield, Conn., in 1748. He came to Dutchess county about 1795, and his first purchase was a farm of 200 acres, adjoining what is now our subject's estate, he later buying the farm now owned by Leonard Barton, where he passed his later years, and died in 1834. He was married in Connecticut to Mary Douglas, who died in 1837. They had ten children: Douglas; Moses; Ezra; Elijah, a farmer in Amenia: Sarah, who

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

married Samuel Brown; Lidia, who married Jeremiah Conkhn; Patty (Mrs. Conklin i; Aphia, married to George Brown; and Ohve, married to Jacob Dakin.

The two elder sons remained in the town of Northeast, and became prominent in local affairs—business, political and social. Douglas Clark, our subject's father, was born in Plainfield, Conn., July 12, 1774, but spent the greater part of his life on the present Clark farm, near Millerton, Dutchess countj-, consisting of 400 acres, which he purchased in 1816 from a Mr. Spencer, for whom Spencer's Corners was named. He owned two other estates also, comprising in all about 800 acres. He possessed rare business judgment, and was greatly esteemed throughout the community, being often called upon to assist in the settlement of estates. In 1829, 1830 and 1831 he was supervisor, and for a number of years was commissioner of highways and justice of the peace. He was twice married, (first) to Sarah Collins, and (second) to Elizabeth Wiggins, a lady of English descent, daughter of Arthur and Mary Wiggins, of the town of Northeast. He had eight children, as follows: Of the first family were—Olive, born in 1797, who died at the age of twenty-seven; Sarah (Mrs. Alex. Trowbridge), born in 1798; Perry, born in 1800; Harry, born in 1808; Emeline (Mrs. B. H. Wheeler, of Amenia), born in 1816; and Caroline (Mrs. Caleb Barrett), born in 18—. The second family were: Hiram, born June I, 1824; and Douglas, born in February, 1832.

Hiram Clark succeeded at his father's death to a portion of the estate, and followed farming. He was a well-informed man, having received a good English education in his boyhood at Amenia Seminary and at Kinderhook, to which he constantly added by reading and observation. An able and entertaining business man, in the management of his farm he was thoroughly successful. He made many improvements, remodeling the house, which was built about 1829, the lumber being brought from Albany. It is now one of the finest farm houses in the town. He "was engaged for some years in the breeding of fine horses. Among other business enterprises in which he was interested was the founding of the Miller-ton National Bank, in which he was one of the original stockholders. Although he took a keen interest in public affairs, and was an ardent Republican in politics, he never sought or held office, being quite content to use his influence

quietly. He was an earnest Christian, and a regular attendant at the Congregational Church, but later became an adherent of the Presbyterian Church, and often held official positions in those societies. On November 17, 1847, he married Mary Richter, daughter ot John W. and Hannah (Harris) Richter, well-known farming people of near Pine Plains. Four children were born to them: Henry, June 28, 1850; John W., December 17, 1854; and two who died in infancy. The father was called from earth December 6, 1890; the mother still resides on the old homestead.

The two surviving sons of this estimable couple inherited the old farm of 400 acres first acquired by their grandfather, where they now conduct an extensive dairy business. They are successful managers, and hold a prominent place among the younger men of their town. Henky Clark was educated at Amenia Seminary and at New Marlboro, Mass. He is a Democrat in politics, was assessor from 1890 to 1893, ^rid for two years past he has been a director of the Millerton National Bank. On January 11, 1882, John W. Clark was married to Harriet J. Weed, of Torrington, Conn., and has one daughter, Harriet Emma Clark.

WILLIAM H. DIAMOND, the well- known proprietor of the Beverick

Bottling Vaults, at the corner of Main and Clover streets, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is one of the most enterprising business men of that city.

His family is of Irish origin, the old home of his ancestors being located at Belfast, where his grandfather, James D. Diamond, followed the trade of a mason. He had five sons, all of whom came to America. John died in Dutchess county; Hugh was our subject's father; Charles H. was a saloon keeper in Poughkeepsie, and was noted for his generosity; Patrick, a shipbuilder by trade, enlisted in the army during the Civil war, and rose to the rank of acting major; William was a laboring man; James enlisted in the army in 1863, and was one of the "missing."

Hugh Diamond came to Poughkeepsie in 1849, ^"d engaged in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes at the corner of Dutchess avenue and Albany street, gaining the reputation of being an excellent workman and good business manager. Although he was not liberally educated, he had good natural ability

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

m

and sound judgment, and was highly esteemed. In his later years he went into the wholesale ale business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death, which occurred in 1875. A Democrat in principle, he was interested in the success of the party, but was no politician. He was one of the earliest members of St. Peter's Catholic Church, and for some years was captain of two military companies of the city—the Poughkeepsie Grenadiers and the Jackson Republican Guards. In 1859 he married Miss Jane Reynolds, daughter of Thomas Reynolds, a native of Kilrea, County Derry, Ireland, and had seven children: James (deceased); William Henry, our subject; Margaret Ellen, who is at home; James, a resident of Poughkeepsie; Sarah Jane (deceased); Mary Jane (deceased); and Sarah, an invalid, at home. Three of the family died before reaching adult age.

W. H. Diamond was born October 24, 1852, at No. 45 Dutchess avenue, Poughkeepsie, and was educated in that city, attending St. Peter's parochial school in Mill street, from the age of seven years until he was thirteen, when he entered the public school at the corner of Mill and Bridge streets, against the strenuous opposition of the priest and the family, with the exception of his father. Notwithstanding threats and hindrances, he prevailed, and attended there for about three years. At fifteen he began to learn the trade of bricklayer and plasterer with William Harlow, of Poughkeepsie, who was then building the print works at Haverstraw. So capable was the young apprentice that he was soon made timekeeper and paymaster, having at times 150 bricklayers, and from seventy-five to one hundred other laborers to keep accounts for, and handling hundreds of thousands of dollars without the loss of a cent. Later he went to New York City with his employer, and worked on the post of^ce, the Jefferson market police station, the Garner warehouse at the corner of Jay and Hudson streets, and other large buildings. After three or four years there he returned to Poughkeepsie, and worked on the asylum for William Sayer. In 1881 he started in the business of wholesaling ale, handling the goods of T. D. Coleman, of Albany, and Kennedy & Murphy, of Troy. On April i, 1884, he rented the property at the corner of Main and Clover streets, and established his present business, which includes the bottling of lager beer and a wholesale business in ale. He

50

has built up a large trade, one of the best in that line, extending throughout the county and for some distance up and down the river, and he makes a specialty of handling the best goods, the Anheuser Busch and Ballentine Lager, and several brands of fine ale. His property on North Clover street, the John Vail place, is one of the finest in the city. The secret of his success may be found in his close attention to business, and fair dealing with customers.

On September 7, 1884, he married Miss Catherine Hillery, of Poughkeepsie. They have no children. Mrs. Diamond's parents were natives of Ireland, and her father died there in 1862; her mother died in Poughkeepsie in 1879. Mr. Diamond has always been interested in public affairs. On State and National issues he is a Democrat, but in local politics he votes independently. He belongs to Triumph Lodge, K. of P., the Young America Hose Co., the Poughkeepsie Zither Club, and is a leading member of St. Peter's Catholic Church.

^/TLLIAM J. CARPENTER, a retired merchant of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in New York City, December 10, 1828, a son of Emory and Jane Ann (Du-Bois) Carpenter. [A geneaological sketch of the Carpenter family will be found in the biography of J. Du Bois Carpenter elsewhere.] Our subject attended school in an old stone school house until he was fifteen years old, and then came to Poughkeepsie, where he went to the Smith Institute for a year, at the end of that time entering his uncle's store at No. 271 Main street, as clerk, the firm name being L. & J. G. Carpenter, grocers. There Mr. Carpenter clerked until the spring of 1849, when he joined a company going to California. They went via Cape Horn, and consumed five and one-half months in making the trip. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Carpenter returned to Poughkeepsie, and went into the grocery store of his uncle at No. 320 Main street, where he remained some three years, and then he and his brother, J. Du Bois, took the business and conducted it under the name of Carpenter & Bro. After eight years they sold out and engaged in the boating business, running a boat from New Paltz Landing to New York City. This they continued for one year, and then, in 1863, our subject again went into partnership

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with his brother (J. Uu Bois) at the corner of Academy and Main streets, remaining there, under the firm name of Carpenter & Bro., until

1887, when our subject bought a beautiful home on Southeast avenue, and is now living a retired life.

On September 5, 1854, Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Boerum, a native of Poughkeepsie and a daughter of David Boerum, the first merchant tailor who did business in Poughkeepsie. Four children came of this union: Amelia, born June 4, 1855, died June i, 1863; I'^red White, a ilruggist in New York City, born February 16, 1857; Jennie Boerum, born February 4, 1863, married Myron H. I^arlow, a furniture dealer of Poughkeepsie; and Hattie W., born April 13, 1872, is unmarried. Of these, Fred W. married Malvina Finch June 3, 1885, and they have three children: William P"rederick, Gerald Finch and Margaret. Jennie B. was married, March i,

1888, to Myron H. Barlow. Mrs. Sarah E. Carpenter died April 18, 1875, and for his second wife our subject married, September 26, 1876, Miss Jane E. Flagler, who was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, a daughter of Isaac Flagler. No children have been born of this marriage. In politics Mr. Carpenter is a Republican, having previously been a Whig. He and his wife have been connected with the First Congregational Church for twenty-five years, and he has been identified with the business interests of Poughkeepsie for half a century. He is enterprising, progressive and highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. In September, 1895, he was stricken with paralysis, and is now (1897) in very feeble health and mostly confined to the house.

DW. ROGERS (deceased) was an euter-' prising and reliable agriculturist of the town of East Fishkill. These qualities, in connection with his natural industry and perseverance, made him, wherever known, an object of uniform regard. His birth occurred on July I 5, 1852, on the farm in the town of East Fishkill, where his widow still resides, and where his great-grandfather, Micah Rogers, located in 1762, at that time purchasing 100 acres. On coming from Holland, the latter made his first home in the town of Beekman, but the greater part of his life was spent upon that farm, where his death occurred. The grandfather of our subject, who also bore

the name of Micah Rogers, was there born, and throughout life engaged in farming. He wedded Margaret Workman, by whom he had three sons: James W., who was a farmer of this county; Alexander, who carried on agricultural pursuits in the town of East Fishkill; and Charles H., the father of our subject.

Upon the old homestead in East Fishkill town, April 9, 1822, Charles H. Rogers was born, grew to manhood, and as a companion on life's journey chose Sarah J. Parmalee. They began their domestic life upon that farm, and there spent their remaining days, the father dying April 16, 1876, and the mother on March I, 1872. They were sincere and earnest Christians, members of the Reformed Dutch Church. Four children were born to them: Margaret, deceased; D. W., of this sketch; Mary P.. deceased; and Herbert, a resident of the town of East Fishkill.

The subject of this review was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade; but owing to his father's ill health, he gave up that pursuit and returned to the home farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which he ever afterward devoted his attention.

On March 22, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rogers and Miss Mary L. Van Nostrand, who was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, but came to East Fishkill when quite young. The only child born of their union, Charles H., died in infancy. The parents of Mrs. Rogers, Joseph H. and Mary E. (Berry) Van Nostrand. were both natives of East Fishkill town, and in their family were two children, the son being Fkancis S., a postal clerk on the Hudson River railroad. The father, who was a wagon-\ maker by trade, died P^ebruary 29, 1884, while the mother departed this life April 23, 1868. The former was the only child of George and Levina (Gildersleeve) Van Nostrand. The grandfather of Mrs. Rogers was also a wagon-maker, and a native of East Fishkill. There her great-grandfather, Joseph Van Nostrand, was born, and, after his marriage with Elizabeth Mead, located upon a farm, where he reared his si.x children—George, Phoebe A., Helen M., James, Sarah, and Catherine. The father of Joseph, Sr., was George \'an Nostrand, who came from Holland to the New World, and located in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, at a very early period in its history. His wife bore the maiden

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name of Hiltje Borland. On the maternal side, Mrs. Rogers is also of Holland origin. Her grandfather, P'rancis Berry, was a native of East Fishkill, where throughout his active life he followed farming, as did also his father, Nicholas Berry. The former wedded Marv Ketcham, of the same township.

Mr. Rogers continued the operation of the old homestead farm up to the time of his death, which occurred March 24, 1880, and his widow has since had its management. It is an excellent place of 152 acres, which includes the original tract of one hundred acres. Politically, Mr. Rogers was a Democrat, while religiously he belonged to the Reformed Dutch Church, of which his widow is also a consistent member. He contributed his full quota toward enterprises having for their object the general welfare of the community, and was one of its most highly respected citizens. His widow also has the love and confidence of those who know her.

TTl^AVID B. WARD, M. D., a prominent J^ physician of Poughkeepsie, and one of the most able and progressive members of his profession, was born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, March 13, 1853, the son of Alson Ward, now a resident at No. 254 Church street, Poughkeepsie.

Dr. Ward possesses unusual natural qualifications for his chosen calling, and his abilities were developed by thorough intellectual training in youth. He prepared for college at Riverview Military Academy, and after three years at Dartmouth College, where he completed the junior year, he entered Hamilton College, and was graduated from the classical course in 1873 with the degree of A. B. With Dr. Parker, of Poughkeepsie, as preceptor, he then began the study of medicine, and a year later became a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, completing his studies with the class of 1876. On graduating, in due course of time, he engaged in practice in Wheeling, W. Va., and remained three years; but in 1879 he moved to Poughkeepsie, where he has built up an extensive general practice. He has the true scientific spirit, and keeps fully informed on every advance in professional research, being himself an original investigator. His work in microscopy is especially worthy of note; he holds a high rank in the profession not only with the pub-

lic but among his medical brethren, and he is a leading member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and of the city board of health.

The Doctor is a believer in the principles of the Republican party, but has never taken an active interest in political affairs. He was City Physician from 1880 to 1888, and has given his influence at all times to measures for sanitary improvement. He belongs to the Amrita Club, and to the I. O. O. F., Fall-kill Lodge. He has never married.

GHARLES C. MORE, a retired merchant and real-estate dealer, was born in the town of Blenheim, Schoharie Co., N. Y., September 19, 1828. The name of More first appears about the third century in the northern part of Ireland, and has been variously spelled Moore, Moir, Moor and More, but the last is the proper spelling, Carber Riabha More being the Father of the first chieftains and Kings of Scotland. The Mores probably came first from Norway or Sweden, in Scandinavia. They were Presbyterians and, later. Reformers.

John More, the great-grandfather of our subject, came to this country and located in Delaware county, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of farming until the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, in which he enlisted and served. After its close he returned to his farm. He was an educated man, taught school gratuitously, was justice of the peace, legal adviser, and drew up many legal documents that are still in existence. He married Betty Taylor, daughter of Robert Taylor and Jean Innis. Robert More, the grandfather, was born at Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire, Scotland, July 8, 1772, and followed agriculture exclusively. He married Susanna, a daughter of David Fellows, and they reared a family of nine children. Two of Robert's brothers, John T. and Jonas, were members of the New York State Legislature.

Alexander More, father of our subject, was the fourth child, and was born at Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y., September 14, 1799. He grew up on a farm, and was the first man to introduce the method of manufacturing butter in Delaware county. He dealt largely in that commodity, buying and selling it in New York City, retiring after several years of successful business. He married Miss Sarah

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Church, who was born at Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., January 8, 1802, and they moved to Rondout, where he died September 16, 1872, and his wife on April 9,1862. Alexander was a Democrat in politics, was elected supervisor of his town, and was ensign in the State militia.

Charles C. More, our subject, lived in Schoharie county but a short time, being moved, at the age of three years, to Ro.xbury, where he grew up and attended the schools and academy. In 1850 he went to Rondout (now Kingston), where he engaged in general merchandising. After selling his interests there he went to Moline, 111., where he stayed for a few years, manufacturing lumber. In 1876 Mr. More came to Poughkeepsie, where he has since resided. He is owner of many large farms, and,as he says, " runs them by proxy."

On June 13, 1850, Mr. More married Miss Sarah C. LaFevre, who was born at Roxbury, Delaware county, March 4, 1828, and is a daughter of Daniel and Henrietta LaFevre, the former of whom was a tanner by occupation, and descended from persecuted Huguenots, of France, who came to America and settled in Kingston, N. Y. Mr. More is a Republican, but has never held office. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and with his wife belongs to the Reformed Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. He is a IMiblic-spirited man, and believes in the education of the masses.

Ira C. Church, father of Mrs. Alexander More, was born in Massachusetts, and was a manufacturer of edge tools in Washington and Delaware counties. He married Miss Abigail Burnham, and reared a family of several children, Mrs. More being the only daughter. The Church family is of English extraction.

WILLIAM ANTHONY WHITE, super- intendent of the Lee estate, in the

town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, was born at St. Heliers, in the island of Jersey ( Channel Islands), May 29, 1840, and on the paternal side is of French descent, while the maternal ancestry were English. His grandfather, Charles Henry White, belonged to one of the old families of Jersey. He was a " warrant officer " in the English navy, and head sailmaker on a man-of-war.

Henry Charles White, the father of our subject, was also born in Jersey, served as

gardener for Lord Normandy over ten years; later served as gardener thirty years for Alfred George, Esq., Downside, near Bristol, England; he wedded Mary Barrett, daughter of Rev. Robert Barrett, a clergyman of the Church of England at Withycombe, a small hamlet in Dorsetshire, England. Four children came to bless this union: Aramanta, wife of Robert Smith, carpenter and builder, Westbury-on-Trym, England; Henry, who was a commissioned officer in the English navy, and was killed at the age of twenty-two years; William A. is the next in order of birth; and Charles Henry, who was born after his brother was killed, learned the trade of a marble mason in Bristol, England, but worked as a boss farmer in England and America, and died February 22, 1896. The father departed this life on February 13, 1879; the mother, Mary ( Barrett) White, departed this life December 30, 1883.

William A. White learned the profession of gardener and florist in England, and became gardener for Walter Daubney, Esq., Cote House, Durham Down, near Bristol, England, with whom he remained three years, and during the following two and one-half years he tilled the same position with Richard Bassett, Esq., of Bonveston, South Wales, who was commissioner of public works and railroads. Removing to Exeter, Devonshire, England, Mr. White was employed as head gardener by William Cuthbertson, J. P., over three years.

In February, 1871, he arrived in America, and coming to Staatsburgh, Dutchess county, June 8, the same year, was appointed gardener and superintendent of the estate of the late Lawrence Lee, since which time he has filled that position to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is also present owner of the Staatsburgh Greenhouses, and with his son, Samuel William White, is engaged in the culture of the violets, carnations, etc. The plant consists of four houses, 2o6x 20; one large connecting house 30x130; propagating house; and large boiler house fitted with two large cylinder boilers. The houses are fitted with hot-water heating, patented by William \. White, who is also invenior of and patentee of the Acme Hot Water Boilers used on the estates of Archibald Rogers andOgden Mills, Esquires, and a number of other large estates. William A. White is also the inventor of White's Garden Trellis, and a number of other useful appliances; also

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inventor of an automatic hot-water car-heater, burglar-proof letter-box, etc. He has written many able articles for horticultural papers, and thoroughly understands his work in all departments.

Mr. White was married in November, 1861, to Hester Millard, daughter of Samuel Millard, of Hutton, near Weston-super-Mare, Somersetshire, England, and they have two children: Edith Annie, wife of Jacob Anderson, of Franklin, La., and Samuel William, who wedded Ada Johnson, granddaughter of the late John Bold, of Vineland, N. J., and is now superintending the Staatsburgh Greenhouses with his father.

Politically, Mr. White is an ardent Democrat; socially, he is a member of Rhinebeck Lodge No. 432, F. & A. M. He is a man of great perseverance and industry, and has succeeded in accumulating some property in Vine-land, N. J., and at Staatsburgh, N. Y. His family attend the Episcopal Church.

7R DAM A. STREVEK, proprietor of one of ^^^ the best fanhs of the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, comprising 235 acres of improved land, is numbered among the honored residents and most substantial agriculturists of Dutchess county. He has been particularly wise in his investments, and possesses excellent business capacity, making the most of his opportunities. He is one of the most public-spirited and progressive of men, giving his aid to all worthy enterprises for the benefit of his town and county.

Sylvester Strever, the father of our subject, was born in 1822, in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, N. Y., and was but a boy when brought to the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county. He has always engaged in farming, operating his father's place until he had reached the age of twenty-eight; but for forty-three years he has made his home upon a farm of 175 acres at Mt. I'ioss. He has been more prosperous in his undertakings than the majority of his neighbors, and has accumulated a handsome property, owning another farm in addition to the one on which he lives. He is a man of the strictest integrity, was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church at Gallatin, Columbia county, and has always been very active in Church matters. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

Mr. Strever was united in marriage with Phcebe Sheldon, and after her death wedded Matilda Sheldon, who died in August, 1895. He became the father of eight children, namely: Clarissa, now the widow of the late Dr. C. E. Cole; Adam A.; Samuel J.; Monrpe, a merchant of New York City; Sheldon P., who is located in the southern part of the town of Pine Plains; Lewis, who conducts a store for John Rudd; and Grant and Frank at home.

Our subject received a good education in the district schools at Mt. Ross, and for one year, after laying aside his text-books, aided his father in the labor on the home farm. For four years he then engaged in the cultivation of his grandmother's farm for his father, and for the following two years operated it on his own account. The next year was passed upon his father's farm, after which he went to Illinois, where he remained some six months. On his return he purchased the Nancy Smith farm, which he conducted four years, and at the end of that time bought the old Hiserodt homestead, where he has now lived for eleven years. On March 18, 1880, he married Miss Esther M. Hiserodt. They attend the Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Strever is identified vith the Democratic party. He has capably filled several local offices, including that of assessor, in which he served six years.

The first of the Hiserodt family to locate in Dutchess county was John Hiserodt. His son, Hendrick Hiserodt, was the father of Henry I. Hiserodt, the grandfather of Mrs. Strever. Henry I. was one of the leading citizens and wealthy farmers of the county, owning at one time about 800 acres. He married Miss Esther Steckles, by whom he had four children—three sons and one daughter: Bryant H., father of Mrs. Strever; Harmon; Ward, a prominent citizen of New York City; and Esther. After the death of his first wife he wedded Rebecca Schultz, and to them were born the following children: Jane, Caroline, Francis, Christopher, Albert, Sanford and Backus. Bryant H. Hiserodt was born July 13, I 8 14, in the house in which Mr. and Mrs. Strever now occupy, and with the exception of two years he made his home there during his entire life. He was joined in wedlock with Lavinia C. Hoffman, daughter of Henry Hoffman, and they became the parents of two children: Henry Hoffman, of Millerton, N. Y.; and Esther M., wife of our subject. On June

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I, 1856, the father was called to his final rest, and January 2, 1.S94, the mother followed him to the unknown land.

WILLET J. MARSHALL is an enter- prising, wide-awake young business

man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, where, on Garden street, he is successfully conducting a meat market. His birthplace was Middle-town, Orange Co., N. Y., where, on December 16, 1871, he first opened his eyes to the light. His father, David Marshall, was a native of Dutchess county, his parents, Hiram and Hannah (Haight> Marshall, there living upon a farm, and was the youngest in their family of seven children, the others being Susan, who married William Finch, an undertaker of Hyde Park, N. Y.; Mary C, wife of John Van Derwater, a farmer of East Park, Dutchess county; Jane, who wedded Jacob De-Groff, an agriculturist of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county; Ederette, wife of Jerome Myers, a mason of Hyde Park; Wiiiet, a dealer in smoked meats at Newburgh, Orange county, and Henry, a butcher of that place, and the senior member of the firm of Henry Marshall & Sons. The Marshall family is of English ancestry, and Quakers in religious belief. The grandfather continued his farming operations until his death, and was one of the highly-esteemed citizens of the county. His wife, who is still living, has now reached the age of eighty-six years.

The early life of David Marshall was passed upon a farm in. Dutchess county, and on reaching man's estate he was united in marriage with Miss Mary V. Briggs, a native of the same county, and a daughter of William Briggs, also of English descent. To this worthy couple were born two children—Hannah, deceased wife of J. M. Osborn, and Wiiiet J., of this sketch. The parents located at Middletown, N. Y., where the father carried on the butcher's business for some time, and then went to Denver, Colo., where he was similarly employed. Returning to New York, he became owner of three markets in Yonkers, and on disposing of the same bought a farm in Hyde Park township, Dutchess county, to the cultivation of which he has devoted his time for three years. Finally he removed to Poughkeepsie, where he engaged in the butchering business until 1895, since which time he has lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his for-

mer toil. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church, and their circle of friends is only limited by their circle of acquaintances. Willet J. Marshall was quite small when his parents removed to Denver, and most of his boyhood was passed at Poughkeepsie, where he attended the Warring Military School, and later served six years as bookkeeper and cashier in his father's market. Going to New York City, in 1892, he formed a partnership with W. H. Baker in the commission business at No. 337 Washington street; but at the end of a year he returned to Poughkeepsie, where he has since conducted his present market. An important event in his life was his marriage with Miss Julia A. Rooney, which was celebrated in 1889. She is a native of England, and a daughter of John Rooney, a cabinet maker. Three children grace this union— David B., Mary C. and John R. Politically, Mr. Marshall affiliates with the Republican party, giving full adherence to the principles and doctrines of its platforms, and is a supporter of all interests intended to benefit the city in which he resides.

JOHN SCHWARTZ. Among the prominent citizens of German birth in the city

of Poughkeepsie, none holds a higher place in the estimation of the community than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is extensively engaged in the tobacco business, and has an enviable reputation for integrity and fair dealing, as well as for thrift and enterprise.

Mr. Schwartz was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 9, 1839. His father, John Schwartz, died when our subject was a small child, and when he was ten years of age he came with his mother to America, landing at New York City, where the mother had a married sister living, and here they lived for one year. In January, 1850, the entire family came to Poughkeepsie. and he entered school for a short time. He soon became an apprentice to learn the cigar business with George M. Welker, with whom he remained six or seven years, and on May i, 1864, went into the tobacco business for himself at No. 315 Main street. He made a success of this enterprise, and in 1879 he purchased the store at No. 313 Main street, where he has carried on his business ever since. Although having some retail trade, he is principally engaged in

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wholesaling, and ships his ^^oods lo all points in New York as well as to many other States. His business is the largest of its kind in the county.

On May 6, iS6o, Mr. Schwartz was married to Miss Matilda W. Bayer, a native of Troy, N. Y., whose father, Joseph Bayer, was born in Germany, but subsequently came to America. Of this union four sons have been born: Frank J., Charles G., Edward T. and Albert E. Frank is a druggist in Poughkeep-sie, and the other sons are in business with their father, having been admitted to partnership in February, 1889. All are intelligent,enterprising young men.

Mr. Schwartz is a Republican, but has never taken an active interest in political affairs, and in local elections supports the best men irrespective of party. He has been very successful financially, the result of his own exertions, as he began life a poor boy and has steadily worked his way up to his present position as one of the leading business men of Poughkeepsie.

CHARLES HOAG SMITH, who was called from this earth in the midst of his usefulness, was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Stanford, April i, 181C, and is remembered by the people of this section as one of its most worthy and influential citizens. His grandfather, Stephen Smith, was an early settler of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and by occupation he was a farmer. In his family were six children, namely: Rufus; David; Daniel; Harris; Martin; and Abbie, who became the wife of Solomon Frost.

Harris Smith, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Clinton, but spent the greater portion of his life in the town of Stanford. In 1855 he removed to Washington town, and the following year purchased the farm on which his son Henry and daughter Julia A. now reside. As a farmer he was quite successful, and was a prominent and representative citizen. He married Anna Hoag, by whom he had five children: Charles H. and Stephen (twinsi, Henry Hoag, Jacob and Julia.

Mrs. Smith was the daughter of Charles Hoag. Her paternal grandparents were John and Mercy Hoag, the former born October 5, 1734, and the latter March 16, 1735. They were married February 22, 1759, and became

the parents of nine children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: James H., January 10, 1760; Abel H., December 12, 1761; Philip H., December 6, 1764; Lucy, March 17, 1767; Amy H., July 2, 1769; Charles H., December 25, i77i;RuthH., April 22, 1775; Tripp H., March 26, 1778; and Mary H., May 23, 1782. The mother of this family died in 1807, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the father October 4, 181 i.

On November 21, 1793, Charles Hoag was married to Betsey Denton, who was born April 5, 1772, and to them were born eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Anna Hoag, October 2, 1794; John H., September 27, 1797; James, February 14, 1799; Henry, May 3, 1801; Phcebe, August 13, 1805; Ezra, December 11, 1807; Benjamin, November 23, 1810; Deborah H., October 18. 1812; and Mary, February 25, 1815. The father of this family was a highly educated man, and for many years was principal of the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington, later moving to the town of Pine Plains, and conducted a private school at Bethel.

Mr. Smith, whose name introduces this sketch, was an agriculturist, and spent most of his life upon a farm in about the center of the town of Stanford. He was a good, substantial citizen, who took a warm interest in enterprises calculated to build up his town, was a man of sound judgment, and his untimely death, at the age of thirty-eight years, was deeply mourned throughout the community. In 1840 he was married to Miss Jane A. Peck, who was born November 6, 1819, and they became the parents of two children: Albert, born in 1841, was a patriotic young man, and was one of the first in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, to enlist in the Union army during the Rebellion, becoming a member of the 44th N. Y. V. I. He died December 6, 1862, of typhoid pneumonia, while in the service; Frances, born in 1843, is at home.

Henry Peck, the father of Mrs. Smith, was born April 2, 1791, and the early part of his life was passed in the town of Milan, but he later became a resident of the town of Stanford. By occupation he was both a farmer and merchant. He was the son of Loring Peck, who was born January 19, 1744, and made his home at Bristol, R. I. He was a zealous patriot and became a colonel in the Continental army in the war of the Revolution.

COMMEMORAriVE BIOURAPIIIVAL RECORD.

For many years he later served as a member of the State Legislature. He was a son of Jonathan Peck, who was born at Bristol, R. I., September I2, 1698, and his father, who also bore the name of Jonathan, was born November 5, 1666. The latter was a son of Nicholas Peck, who was born April 9, 1630.

The family of which Mrs. Smith is a member numbered five children, four of whom grew to adult age, namely; George, born April 8, 1813, was one of the leading and successful medical practitioners of the town of Stanford; Richard, born May 5, 1815, was a prominent attorney at law of Pine Plains for forty years; Jane A., born November G, 1819, is the widow of our subject; and Alfred, born January i, 1822, died in the West.

OKVILI^l-2 L. DAVIS, one of the most successful agriculturists of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, is also among the best known, his pleasant home near Clinton Hollow being a favorite resort for summer tourists who wish to enjoy the charms of a genuine coimtry life. He is a native of the town of Washington, where he attended the district school at Shady Dell, and early became familiar with the details of farm work from the thorough, but not always pleasant, teachings of experience.

Seth I^awton, our subject's grandfather, was born in Rhode Island, in 1782, and when a lad of ten summers was brought to Dutchess county, where he passed the rest of his life, dying at an advanced age, in 1869. Henry D. Davis, father of Orviile L., was born in Kinder-hook, Columbia county, December 25, 1798, and was married, November 27, 1826, to [ane Ann Lawton, daughter of Seth Lawton, of the town of Washington. After engaging in shoe-making and farming in Columbia county he came to Washington town for a time; but, in 1836, he moved to F"ort Madison, Iowa, where he died, September 22, 1838, when our subject was eight years old. The widowed mother then returned to her old home in the town of Washington, with her family, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Esther, August 25, 1828; Orviile L., November 5, 1830; Betsey, February 25, 1833, died August 5, 183S; William, February 10, 1835, died March 6, 1868; and Seth, April 21, 1837, died September 21, 1838. The mother, who was

born May i, 1809, survived her husband many years, dying May 11, 1886.

Our subject, who has always been a farmer, worked upon his grandfather's estate until after he was of age, and later cultivated his inheritance of 116 acres. He served in the army some eighteen months during the Civil war, in Company B, 128th N. Y. \. I. On March 24, 1875, he was married, in the town of Washington, to Maria Eighmey, daughter of James Eighmey, a lifelong resident of the town of Unionvale. He and his wife, Mary Ann Justus, had three daughters: Jane ("now Mrs. Jacob Cainbrani, of Stanford; Maria (Mrs. Davis); and Anna Eliza (Mrs. James Cambran), of Milan. After his marriage Mr. Davis moved into a house which he had built upon his estate, where he lived until the spring of 1887, when he sold the property and purchased his present fine farm in the town of Clinton. Here a limited number of sumn>er visitors—about twenty in nun)ber—are entertained each year, the attractions of the place always bringing all that can be accommodated.

Mr. Davis is a Democrat in political faith; in religion he and his wife are prominent members of the Christian Chtnch at Schultzville, and are interested in all movements tending to the welfare of the community. They have one son, Henry Thorne Davis.

OlSERT LIVINGSTON MASSONNEAU, president of the First National Bank of Red Hook, Dutchess county, is a worthy representative of an ancestry which has long been prominent in the history of this region. His grandfather, Claudius Germain Massonneau, a native of Angouleme, France, left that country at the outbreak of the Revolution, with his twin brother Pierre, both being then in early manhood. They went to San Domingo, but upon the insurrection of the negroes of that island, abandoned their plantation and lied to the United States. After a short stay in New York City they settled, in 1790, in Red Hook, engaging in mercajitile enterprise. He married Catherine Gertrude Livingston de Rrissac, daughter of Robert Gilbert Livingston, and widow of M. de Brissac. They had three children: Robert Claudius, Edward and Catherine.

Robert C. Massonneau, the father of our subject, was born May 3, 1797, in Red Hook, and after enjoying such educational advan-

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHICAL RECORD

785

tages as the schools of Red Hook then afforded, was sent to the Claverack Academy. At the age of sixteen he began to assist his father in the village store, and soon after had control of the whole business, his father retiring to his farm, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1846, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. Robert C. added to his mercantile work the manufacture of cigars and tobacco, which venture proved highly successful from its inception. He married, in 1824, Miss Elizabeth Waldorf, daughter of John Waldorf, a leading citizen of Red Hook, and reared a family of children whose names are as follows: Robert Livingston (our subject), born October 3, 1825; Catherine Elizabeth (now widow of David Sparks); Peter Neilson; Charles Waldorf; Edward Francis; and Mary Alice (now Mrs. LeGrand B. Curtis).

Robert L. Massonneau attended the schools of his native place, entering while young his father's store as clerk, serving in that capacity a number of years. On October 27, 1859, he married Emma Clark Strobel, who was born December 19, 1859, in New York City. She was a daughter of Rev. William D. Strobel, D. D., at that time paster of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Red Hook. Five children were born of this union: Robert Livingston, Jr.; William Strobel; Edward Philip; Eliza Franklin and Emma Engs. In 1852 our subject engaged in the tobacco business, established by his father, continuing therein until 1S67, when he sold out his interest. His trained business talent and sound judgment have made him a recognized force in business circles. On the organization of the First National Bank of Red Hook, in 1865, he was chosen director and afterward vice-president. On the death of the president, William Chamberlain, he was elected to that position, which he has since tilled with distinguished ability. In his political preferences he was originally a Democrat, but since the formation of the party has been a Republican.

Mrs. Massonneau, wife of our subject, was born in New York City, where her father at the time was pastor of St. James Lutheran Church. He was born May 17, 1808, at Charleston, S. C., and married Abby Anna Engs, who was born in New York City September 17, 1815. They had seven children, four of whom are yet living, Mrs. Massoneau being the third in order of birth. Her father died December 6, 18S4, in Rhinebeck, N. Y.,

51

and, with his wife and three children, is buried in the cemetery at Red Hook. John Strobel, great-grandfather of Mrs. Massonneau, owned a large tannery in Charleston, S. C, about the middle of the eighteenth century, serving in the war of the Revolution as a captain in the " German Fusileers," the famed regiment of South Carolina. Her great-grandfather, Col. Jonas Beard,served also in the Revolution.

ffERITT HUMESTON, a prominent busi-

ness man of Dover Plains, Dutchess

county, the senior member of the firm of Humeston & Barrett, belongs to a family which has been engaged in the manufacture of wagons in Dutchess county for three generations. His grandfather, Eli Humeston, was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1795, and after securing an education in the local schools, became a wagonmaker and millwright, and followed those trades throughout his active life. After his removal to Dover he constructed the first milling plant ever built there. He married, and had the following children: George E., our subject's father; James, who married (first) Miss Perry, and (second) Miss Lydia Underbill; Joseph, who married Miss Vandu-sen; Hannah, the wife of Jacob Palmer; Harriet, who married George Basset; and Edward, who is mentioned below.

George E. Humeston was born in Dutchess county in 1806, and learned the trade of his father during his early years. Later he engaged in it on his own account, and a few years before his death he established a shop at Dover Plains. His wife was Elizabeth Wel-ler, daughter of Jonathan Weller, a prominent citizen of the town of Dover, and they had ten children: Catherine, Mrs. Thomas F. Watson; George, who died at the age of twenty-two; John, who married Ann Eliza Stage; William, who married (first 1 Elizabeth Vincent, and (second) Harriet Vincent; David L., who married Lavina Howard; Meritt, our subject; Charles, who married Abbie Dennis; Harriet and Sarah, who died in infancy, and one whose stay upon earth was so brief that no name was bestowed.

Meritt Humeston was born in 1842 in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and was educated in Dover Plains. At the age of fifteen he began to work at the blacksmith's trade, and continued until 1862, when he enlisted at Hudson, in Company B, 128th N. Y.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

\. I. His first battle was at Port Hudson, on the Mississippi, Maj- 27, 1S63, and among other important engagements in which he took part were those of Winchester, Va., Fisher's Hill, Va., Cedar Creek and Cane River Bluff. His regiment was mustered out of the United States service at Savannah, July 15, 1865, and ten days later was discharged from the State service at Albany. On returning home Mr. Humeston established himself in business in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and later spent four years at his trade in Breenhaven, four in Stormville, and two in Hopewell, and in 1887 he opened the blacksmith and wagon shop at Dover Plains, which he has ever since conducted in partnership with John R. Barrett, under the firm name of Humeston & Barrett. With his war record it ■will readily be inferred that Mr. Humeston is interested in the G. A. R.; he formerly belonged to Ketcham Post No. 661, and is now a member of C. S. Cowles Post No. 540, of Dover Plains. He has taken an active part in local politics, serving as constable in the town of Beekman, and as overseer of the poor in the town of Dover. On September 16, 1865, he was married to Miss Sarah Lee, a native of Fishkill, born in 1841, and they have had four children: Annie, Mrs. Ellsworth Shultis; Harriet, who died in infancy; and Charles and George, who are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Shultis have three children: George, born in 1888; I'rederick, in 1889, and Maude, in 1892. Mrs. Humeston's ancestors were early settlers in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county. Her grandfather, Jonathan Lee, was born there, and, after profiting by the advantages afforded by the district schools, he engaged in wagon making. He married Miss Mary Ann Slocum, and had twelve children, all of whom lived to adult age. Their names, with those of their respective partners in marriage, are as follows: Harry, married Amelia Griffin; Harriet, James Smith; Abraham, Maria Layne; Martin, Sallie Briggs; George, Mary A. Howe; Alonzo, Zillie Brewer; Eliza, James Howe; Harvey, Marie Van-Haultz; Lucretia, John Brewer; William, Phctbe J. Ferris; Charles, Jane Traverse, and Ashel, Nancy Brown. Ashel Lee, Mrs. Humeston's father, was born at Harpersfield, in 1806, and attended the common schools there. He learned the shoemaker's trade but followed farming as an occupation. His wife was a daughter of Samuel Brown. They had four

children: James, who married Catherine Dingee; Mary Ann, who died in infancy; Sarah J., Mrs. Humeston; and Montraville, who was born in 1844, and died in Texas during the war while in the service of the government.

Edward Humeston, son of Eli, was born in 1767, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and was educated there. He learned the trade of wagon making, and worked at that during his active life. fn local affairs he was quite prominent, holding some minor town offices. He married Miss Elizabeth Weller, daughter of Jonathan Weller, a farmer of Amenia, and had eleven children: Catherine, Mrs. Thomas F. Watts; George, who is not married; John, who married Miss Stage; William, who married Elizabeth Austin; David L., who married Levina Howard; Sarah A., who died young; Merritt, who married Sarah Lee; Charles, mentioned below; Harriet, who died in childhood; Henry, who was twice married, first to a Miss Rodgers, and, second, to a Miss Stevens; and one child died in infancy unnamed.

Charles Humeston was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, in 1844, and was educated in Dover Plains. He learned the shoemaker's trade in 1S58, and worked at that a short time; then, in 1859, began working at the carriage-making trade, continuing until 1862. In the latter year he enlisted in Company B, 128th N. Y. V. I. as a private, but was mustered in as a sergeant, and held that commission throughout the war. He was under the command of Col. David S. Cowles, and was with him in many engagements, among which were the following: Port Hudson, La., May 27, 1S63, and June 14, 1863; .\lexandria. Cane River, Monett Bluff, and Marksville, La.; Berryville, Va., September 3, 1864; Winchester, September 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, September 21, 1864; Mount Jackson, September 23, 1864, and Cedar Creek, October 19, 1S64. His command participated in two other minor skirmishes, under Gen. N. P. Banks. At one time it served with Gen. Phil Sheridan. This regiment was mustered out of the United States service at Savannah, Ga., July 12, 1865, and from the State service at Albany July 26, 1865. In 1870 Mr. Humeston married Miss Abbie Dennis, and had seven children: Mary E., Mrs. Frank Talladay; Emma, Mrs. Patrick Kelley; and Joseph, George, Frederick, Bessie and John, who are not married. Mrs. Humeston is a descendant of an old family of the town of Dover, and her grandfather. Solo-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

7S7

mon Dennis, was born there and passed his life in that locality, following agricultural pursuits. He married, and had five children : Thomas, Joseph, Henry, one sister (name not known), and Reuben, Mrs. Humeston's father, who was born in the town of Dover and educated in the common schools of that vicinity. He was engaged as a farmer throughout his active years. His wife, Miss Mary Ann Lane, was a daughter of Daniel Lane, of Balls-bridge, Conn. The}' had the following children: Almira, Mrs. Oliver Potter; Solomon, who married Abbie Cooper; Sarah, Mrs. David Squires; Pollie, Mrs. Albert Flagler; Mary, Mrs. Henry White; Daniel, who is not married; Amy, Mrs. Charles Millard; Reuben, who has not married; Abbie, Mrs. Humeston; Joseph, who married Rebecca Mullen; George, who married Lena Bauer, and one who died in infancv.

BENJAMIN H. RUSSELL has for more than half a century resided in the town of Pleasant Valley, and to-day is living retired, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. He was born in the town of Fishkill, December 24, 1816, and is a son of William Russell, a native of Putnam county, N. Y. The grandfather, John Russell, was also a native of that county, and was descended from English an-cestr}'. Upon his marriage he located upon a farm in Putnam county and reared a family of five children, namely: Abijah, Lee, Robert and David, all of whom became farmers of that locality, and William, father of our subject. The agricultural pursuits of the grandfather were interrupted by his service in the Revolutionary war, for when the Colonies attempted to obtain release from the yoke of British oppression, he joined the Colonial troops and valiantly aided in that struggle for independence. The religious views of the family have generally been in accordance with the doctrine of the Baptist Church.

Willi?\m Russell was reared on the old family homestead, and as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey chose Theodosia Town-send, also a native of Putnam county, and a daughter of Elijah Townsend, who in that locality followed farming. He was descended from English ancestry, but when the war of the Revolution broke out he manifested his loyalty to the Colonies by his opposition to the

mother country, and in the service rose to the rank of general.

Shortly after their marriage, William Russell and his wife located on a farm in the town of Fishkill, where they spent their remaining days. They were Baptists in religious belief, and in his political proclivities Mr. Russell was a Republican. They had eight children: James, who was a farmer of the town of Fishkill; Anna, deceased; Austin and John, who were also farmers of Fishkill; Elijah, who carried on that pursuit in Dutchess county for some years, and is now living at Matteawan; William, deceased, who was a farmer of the town of Fishkill; and Elizabeth, who was married, and lived in the town of Dover, and both she and her husband are now dead.

Our subject was si.xth in order of birth, and he spent his boyhood days on the parental farmstead, aiding in the labors of the field through the summer months, while his winters were mostly spent in attendance in the district schools of the neighborhood. On attaining his majority he began working as a farm hand for others, and later he became owner of a farm of his own, which he cultivated for many years. He still owns 150 acres of rich and arable land, and also had ninety acres which he gave to his son. He placed upon his farm many excellent improvements in the shape of buildings and machinery, and transformed his land into productive fields.

When twenty-eight years of age, Mr. Russell was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Everett De Groff. She was born on the farm Mr. Russell now occupies, and here died about 1836. Our subject afterward married Hester J. De Groff, a relative of his first wife, and by this union were born four children: Everett, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; John J. and James, both deceased; and Benjamin, who is also a farmer of that locality. The mother having passed away, Mr. Russell was again married, Miss Helen Stoutenburg becoming his wife. She is a native of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and a daughter of William Stoutenburg, a farmer of H3'de Park. They have one son, Harry A., who is still at home.

Mr. Russell formerly gave his political support to the Democracy, but now votes with the Republican party. He has served as trustee of the schools, and is deeply interested in the cause of education, and in all matters pertaining to the general welfare. He is a

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is serving as elder, and is a most venerable and highly-respected old man, having the regard of all who know him.

GEORGE H. BRIGGS, the genial and enterprising partner of CharlesA. Shurter, is a member of the firm of Shurter & Briggs, hardware dealers of Poughkeepsie. IJutchess county, where our subject was born May 23, 1842. His father, George G. Briggs, was a native of England, and was one of the three children of Isaac Briggs, a tailor of that country, his two sisters being Mar}', who married Benjamin Briggs, a hardware merchant of Poughkeepsie, and Sarah. The grandfather came from England to America when his son was about thirteen years of age, and located in Poughkeepsie, where he carried on the tailoring business until his death. He was a straightforward, upright man, and a faithful member of the Baptist Church.

George G. Briggs, the father of our subject, also learned the tailor's trade, which he has made his lifework, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of Poughkeepsie, where he has made his home since crossing the Atlantic. He was married to Miss Mary Kipp, a native of Poughkeepsie, and to them were born nine children, but three died in infancy. The others are George H., of this review; John, who is working in the store of our subject; Albert, also a resident of Poughkeepsie; William, who is employed in the rolling mills; Mary, wife of George Marshall, a carriage maker of Danbury, Conn.; and Kate, wife of Charles Wilson, of Poughkeepsie. The father gives his political support to the Republican party, whose principles he earnestly advocates.

On completing his education in the city schools of Poughkeepsie, George H. Briggs entered the hardware store of his uncle, at the age of si.xteen. to learn the tinner's trade, and served an apprenticeship of about hve years. He then worked in the store until, in connection with Mr. Shurter, he purchased the business. They are conducting a very large and prosperous business, and the credit of the hrm stands high in financial circles.

In 1S64 Mr. Briggs married Miss Georgia Macall, who was born in Ireland, but came with her parents to this country when quite young. She was the daughter of Edward Macall, a gardener by occupation, and by her

marriage she became the mother of one son, Edward T. ,who wedded MissDeavens, and now clerks for his father. Mrs. Briggs was called to her final rest in 1893. In September, 1894, our subject was again married, his second union being with Hattie Williams, a native of Newburgh, New York.

In politics, Mr. Briggs favors the Democratic party with his cordial support, was elected alderman of the Fourth ward, of Poughkeepsie, in November, 1892, and is now satisfactorily serving his secondterm. Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fellows Society, and the Order of American Firemen. He is a public-spirited, enterprising man, taking an active part in everything that tends toward the promotion of the welfare of the city or county, and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

CHARLES N. STOWE, who was called ' from this life February 4, 1893, when in the prime of life, was one of the leading and representative farmers of the town of Beek-man. His grandfather, Eliachim Stowe, was a native of Ohio, whence in early life he came to Dutchess county, his last days being passed in retirement in the town of Dover. There he married Deborah Ma.xim, and they had a family of three children: Vivant, Levi and James.

The last named was the father of our subject. He was born in the town of Dover, December 16, 1817, and was a first cousin to the husband of Harriet Beecher Stowe. There his boyhood was passed, and his education was received in the district schools of the locality. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits in the town of Dover until the last year of his life, which was passed in the towns of Beekman and Unionvale. In religious belief he was a Methodist. In the town of Dover, he married Susan Schemerhorn, and they became the parents of four children: Lois, who married Nelson Cook, of the town of Unionvale; Lodema, wife of Charles Whitney, of Scars-dale, N. Y.; Charles N., of this sketch; and Mary, widow of Lewis Burton.

Charles N. Stowe was born in the town of Dover, February 14, 1846, and spent his school days in that township, in Kent, Conn., and in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county. Until attaining his majority he remained with his father, and was married in Unionvale to Miss Phebe Emigh, an adopted

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOBAPHWAL RECORD.

789

daughter of Henry Emigh. Four children graced their union: Susan R., who married Andrew G. Pray, of the town of Beekman, by by whom she has two daughters—Mary and Margaret; James H.; \'incent E. and William C.

After his marriage, Mr. Stowe removed to the town of Beekman, where he engaged in farming up to the time of his death; he served as assessor there for four years. His political support was ever given the Republican party, and socially, he affiliated with Shekomeko Lodge, F. & A. M. His influence was great and always for the good; while his sympathy, his benevolence, his kindly greetings, will long be remembered. His duties were performed with the greatest care, and throughout life his personal honor and integrity were without blemish.

GILBERT TABOR, one of the most prom-_ inent agriculturists of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, is connected by descent or marriage with some of the leading families of that locality. He is a native of the town, and has passed his life there, acquiring his education in the public schools, and, later, engaging in agriculture. His present farm, near Dover Furnace, contains about two hundred acres of fine land, and was purchased in 1881 from H. W. Preston. Mr. Tabor's able management has made it one of the best farms of the neighborhood. He is a leading worker in the local Republican organization, and has held several official positions of the town.

In 1863, he married Miss Nora Hoag, daughter of Philip Hoag, a well-known farmer of South Dover, and his wife, Mary Hoag. Four children were born of this union: George, July 2, 1865, was married in 1894 to Miss Mary Stevens, daughter of Hiram Stevens, of South Dover; William F., December 26, 1867, Wright P., July 2, 1871, and Mary H., June I, 1876, are at home.

The Tabor family has been prominently identified with the town of Dover for several generations and our subject's great-grandfather. Job Tabor, came from Rhode Island to that locality at an early period to engage in farming. He married, and had the following children: Noah, who married Miss Carpenter; Thomas, who married Fallie Belding; John, our subject's grandfather; and the wife of Joseph Belding. |ohn Tabor was born at

Chestnut Ridge in 1778, was educated at Dover Plains, and became a farmer by occupation. His wife, Jane Belding, was a daughter of Silas and Dorcas Belding, her father being a well-to-do farmer of Dover. John and Jane Tabor had six children: Oscar, Charles, William, Emeline, Maria and Ann.

Oscar Tabor, our subject's father, was born in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, August 4, 1809, and completed his education in Poughkeepsie. After his graduation he taught school in Dutchess county for a short time, and then engaged in farming and stock dealing, in which he was rewarded with success. He was an influential Republican, and held a number of township offices, including that of assessor. In religious faith he was a devout Baptist, and he was an active worker in the Dover Plains Church. On March 3, 1836, he married his first wife. Miss Hannah Preston, daughter of John and Amy Preston. Her father was a well-known farmer and hotelkeeper at Dover Plains. She died June 18, 1862, aged forty-four years, and in 1863 Mr. Tabor married a second wife, Mrs. Martha Giddings, lu'c Mer-win, who had one son by a former marriage. By Mr. Tabor's first marriage there were four children: Mary E., Gilbert, Myron and Amy J., all of whom lived to adult age, and of the second, one child was born who died in infancy. Mary E. was born in the town of Dover, December 30, 1836, and married Or-ville Sheldon, a merchant in Dover, and a son of Egbert Sheldon, a cattle dealer. She died October 19, 1861, leaving no children. Myron, who was born in October 9, 1850, is a well-known farmer in the town of Dover; Amy J. was born March 27, 1852, and married Gerry Dennis, a conductor on the Harlem R. R.,who has since moved to the West. She died August 12, 1889, and left one son, Fred Dennis. Oscar Tabor had one child by his second marriage, but it died in infancy.

William Tabor, second son of John Tabor, was born in Dover, Dutchess county, in 1820, and was educated in the common schools. He engaged in farming, and was also a great traveler. He married Miss Ann Eliza Chapman, and had eleven children: John and Louisa never married; Jennie died young; Florence married Frank Van Auken; Frank and Harriet did not marry; Mary is the wife of Everet Travers; William died at an early age; Harry and Haddie (twins) died in infancy; and Jennie (2'i married Mr. Sepring.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Charles Tabor, third child of John Tabor, was born in Dover, 1817, and after attending the common schools of the town during boyhood he engaged in farming. He married Miss Caroline Vincent, daughter of Absolom and Abigail (Duncan) Vincent, farmers of Dover. Charles Tabor and wife had ten children: Mary married Josiah Elting, a merchant, formerly of Poughkeepsie, now of Mt. Kisco, and they have one son, Charles, unmarried, who is in the feed business in Colorado; Helen married Charles Brower, an electrician of Boston, but has no children; Jennie died at the age of seventeen years; Emma, at the age of thirty-two; Maria, at thirty; Ida, who married Rev. Edwin Rusk, died at twenty-eight; Carrie, Charles and A. Vincent are not married; and Harry died in infancy.

Ann Tabor, fourth child of John Tabor, never married; Emeline, fifth child of John Tabor, married Harvey Preston, a farmer of Dover; they had two children—Charles Preston, who married Annett Sherman, and John, who married Augusta Marcy, and had one child—Fannie, now Mrs. Lines. Maria, sixth child of John Tabor, did not marry.

MYRON P. TABOR, an enterprising and successful agriculturist residing near Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is a member of one of our old and highly-esteemed families. His grandfather, John Tabor, and father, Oscar Tabor, were both well-known residents of Dutchess county, the latter being especially active and influential in public affairs. The accompanying biographj' of Gilbert Tabor, our subject's brother, gives an interesting history of the family.

Myron Tabor was born October 9, 1S50, and has always made his home in the town of Dover. He married Miss Sarah Elizabeth White, a lady of unusual mental endowments, by whom he has had two children: Cora E., born in US78, and Harry M., born in 1885. Mrs. Tabor, who is a descendant of old pioneer stock, was born in the town of Lagrange in 1856 and was educated in that locality. Her grandfather, Henry White, was a native of Unionvale, where he became a prominent farmer. He married Miss Sarah Doolittle and had six children: (i) Egbert married Irene Losee, and had four children: Emeline, Mrs. Walter Smith; Sarah, who never married; Harrison, who married Addie Lee, and Mary,

Mrs. Richmond Fort. (2) Henry married Catherine McCord, and had three children: William, Leander and Mary. (3) Charles, Mrs. Tabor's father, is mentioned below. (4) Esther married Nicholas Baker, and had five children: Abbie J., the wife of William Cronk; Levina, who married first James Scott, and second James Cronk; Nicholas, who married Elizabeth Allen; Sarah, the wife of .\lbert Cole, and \\'illiam. (5) Jane married Israel F. Duncan, and had three children: George; Egbert, who married Annie Houghteling, and Charles. (6) Lizzie married Mr. \'an Cott. but had no children.

Charles White was born in the town of Unionvale in 1834, was educated in the schools there, and became a farmer by occupation. His wife was Miss Caroline Van Wyck, daughter of a well-known farmer of Dover, Robert S. Van Wyck, and his wife, Caroline. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. White, of whom Mrs. Tabor was the second in order of birth. Nettie, the eldest, was born in Unionvale in 1854. She married Edwin Velie, a farmer of the town of Lagrange, and has two children—Carrie and Frederick. Hattie, the third daughter, was born in 1S59, and is now the wife of Elmer Preston, the proprietor of a hotel at Dover Plains; they have one son-— John C. Preston. Wellington White, the youngest child and only son, was born in the town of Washington in 1862, and is engaged in business as a stock speculator in the town of Fishkill. He married Miss Sarah Vollmer, and their only child died in infancy.

JAMES CARROLL, a successful business man of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is one of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of that thriving municipality.

He was a native of County Louth, Ireland, and a son of Michael C. Carroll, who was born in that county in 1816, and was one of three brothers, namely: Michael, our subject's father; James, who enlisted in the English army at sixteen years of age, and went to the West Indies, where he was employed as a horse-shoer and farrier; and Luke.

Michael C. Carroll learned the blacksmith's trade in his youth, and in about 1835 came to America, locating first in New York City, where he was employed in the Alum Works for some years. Later he went to Flushing, L. I., and then to South Brooklyn, carrying on the black-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

rni

smith, wheelwright and wagon-manufacturing business, making many milk wagons. He was a first-class mechanic, and also possessed marked skill as a horse doctor.

He married Margaret Savage, who was also a native of County Louth, Ireland, and to their union w-ere born ten children, viz.: Mary, deceased; James, our subject; Thomas, a master mechanic, who met his death from an accident in the Roche Iron Works; Luke, a machinist in New York City; Mary Ann, the wife of Joseph Crolley, of Wappingers Falls; Mike, deceased; Mike (2), a machinist, who joined the United States Navy, and died in South America, in 1857, from an accidental injury. In politics he was a Democrat. The father of this family died in 1851.

James Carroll, our subject, was born in the Emerald Isle in 1835, and as his parents came to America in the same year, his education was obtained in this country. He attended the Bishops' Church School in Brooklyn, the School of the Nativity in Concord, and later the public schools, making good use of his advantages. As he was always fond of reading he has gained much additional knowledge since he left school, at the age of eighteen, by private study, and can hold his own in an argument on the questions of the day. During boyhood he worked for a short time in a factory at the corner of Elizabeth and Mott streets. New York City, for $3. 50 per week, and later sold fluid light for Mr. Conklin. He then served a full apprenticeship of five years in the iron moulder's trade at a shop on Third avenue, where he continued to work for two years after the completion of his term. On leaving this place he worked on Water street, near Huckster, and then with the McCulloms on Elder street, between Canal, Hester and Eldridge streets. Here he spent fifteen years, being foreman during the last few years. In September, 1865, he came to Poughkeepsie and entered the employ of Thompson and partner. At the end of two weeks he was called to the office and made foreman of the shop. He worked for this firm and their successors, Dudlej' & Thompson, and Dudley (S: Bollard, until 1879, at $4.00 per day, having from twenty-two to twenty-eight men under his charge. He left this business reluctantly, and, as he had some funds to invest, he' at once engaged in the butcher's business in Union Square. Later he sold out that establishment and located at his present place of business,

which he remodeled and improved. For about seventeen years he has enjoyed an extensive patronage, and is regarded as a substantial business mah.

.In 1864 he was married to Miss Ann Eliza Belton, a daughter of William Belton, whose family is one of the oldest in the citv. To them were born the following named children: Mary married a-Mr. Clark, of Orange, N. J.; Margareti is a professional nurse at Honolulu, having completed a course in the Post-Gradu-ate School of New York; Eleanor is at home; Annie married John Blynn, of Wassaic; Grace is a trained nurse from the Post-Graduate School: Jennie B.; William Thomas, a graduate of Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, is employed in a dry-goods house in New York; James is in school with a view to studying law; Robert is a graduate of Eastman Business College; and Thomas is at home.

Politically, Mr. Carroll is a Democrat on State and National issues, and he takes great interest in the welfare of the part3^ He is active and influential in local politics, having served in 1873-74-75 on the Waterworks board, and in 1893 and 1894 as alderman from the Third ward. While on the board of aldermen he was chairman of the committee on streets. His well-proven integrity, no less than his ability, has been the source of his popularity. He is a member of the Order of Good Fellows, of the Queen City.

BR. JOHN FAUST, a prominent veterinary surgeon of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is widely recognized as an authority upon the nature and treatment of the diseases of that noble animal, the horse. He is a native of Hessen-Cassel, Germany, which has been the home of the family for many generations, and there his grandfather, Barhold Faust, and his father Conrad Faust, were also born, the latter in 1807.

Dr. Faust was born July 19, 1835, and while acquiring a good education in the schools of his native place he began to consider.the vital question of self-support. He decided to come to America, where, to use his own phrase, he could "secure a bigger piece of bread." or in other words better opportunities. On August 12, 1852, he landed in New York City, and soon after began to learn the cooper's trade, which he followed there until 1859, when he and his brothers, Tobias and Otto, went to

COMMEMORATTVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Poughkeepsie. In i860 they started in business there under the firm name of John Faust & Bros. The Doctor was an active worker in this enterprise until 1865, when he became a silent partner, so continuing until 1875, when the partnership was dissolved.

In 1881, our subject went before the e.\-amining board of the New York Veterinary Society, and passed the examination, receiving the degree of V. S. He is one of the most careful and studious of the veterinary surgeons of his county, and has done much to elevate the profession by his scientific researches. A number of valuable treatises give evidence of his learning and ability, among them an essay on Hernia read before the N. Y. State N'eterinary Society; one on the History of Contagious and Infectious Diseases, Ancient, Medieval, and Modern; and one read in 1894on the Practical part on Tuberculosis. He also prepared an article on the Darwinian Theory for the "Medical Record " in repl}' to Prof. Bolenhomer, of New York. At present the Doctor is writing a work on Homeopathic Practice on Domestic Animals. He is a leading member of the U. S. Veterinary Medical Society, and has for two years been the cattle inspector for tuberculosis in this State. He was credited in 1886 with being the first to vaccinate successfully against Anthrax fever, that treatment providing the only means now known for arresting the disease. He has a large practice, and is frequently called in consultation in important difficult cases. In 1854 Dr. Faust married Miss Maria Frietag, also a native of Hessen-Cassel, Germany, and has six children: Louis, a physician at Schenectady; Frederick A., a physician in Poughkeepsie; Otto, a veterinary surgeon in the same city; William P., a physician in Schenectady; Mary, the wife of F. C. Krueger, of that place; and Christina H., who is at home. The Doctor is a Republican in principle and a public-spirited citizen, but takes no part in political wire pulling. He is a member of the K. of P., and is one of the most prominent supporters of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been Sunday-school superintendent for several years, and a steward since 1859.

THOMAS EMERSON, head gardener for William Densmore, of the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, is a native of Scotland, born at Thornhill, December 25, 1842, a

son of William Emerson, who was also born in that village, in 1811, a son of Thomas and Janet Emerson.

Thomas Emerson, the grandfather of our subject, belonged to one of the old and highly respected families of southwestern Scotland. For many years he served in the British army, being one of the veterans of Waterloo, and after leaving the service he lived in retirement. In his family were five children: \\'illiam, the father of our subject; Robert, who lived in Scotland until i860; John, a resident of Glasgow; George, superintendent of an estate in Dumfriesshire; and Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Hope, and lived in Edinburgh ("Auld Reekie"), Scotland.

By occupation the lather of our subject was a gardener, was engaged in the Stirling nurseries for man}' years, and was also employed bv the Montgomery family. Though he was a general gardener, he gave a great deal of attention to the culture of grapes. He was an honest, trustworthy and reliable man. In 1832, at the age of twenty-one years, he married Isabella McQueen, who was born in 1812, and was of Scotch descent on the paternal side, while her mother belonged to an old Scotch family. Seven chiUdren blessed this union: Elizabeth, living in Edinburgh, Scotland; Mary, in Glasgow; Thomas; Janet, also in Edinburgh; David, a blacksmith, in Birkenhead, England; Johann, in Ayrshire, Scotland; and William, who died at the age of three years. The father passed away in 1880, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the mother in March, 1893.

The education of Thomas Emerson was begun in the common school near his boyhood home, and completed at a night school. He has ever been a great reader, making a special study of his " profession." as gardening is called in his native land. He began to learn that occupation in Scotland at the age of sixteen years, at a place called Blair Drummond, where he served a three-years' apprenticeship. He then went to Dumfries, and was in the nurseries there some six months, afterward, for a year and a-half, being employed by Sir William Jardine. For the same length of time he was at Eglinton Castle, owned by the Earl of Eg-linton, and from there went to Rozell, Ayrshire, being within a stone's throw of the cottage of Robert Burns, the poet, for a year. After six months passed at the Williams nursery in London, he secured a position at Hythe, in Kent,

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England, the place of Henry B. Mackeson, which he laid out, and continued in charge of for five years. He then returned to Scotland, but in 1870 came to the New World, locating at first in Philadelphia, where he remained for a month. On April 18, of that year, he arrived in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, and became assistant gardener on Mr. Dinsmore's place, under A. L. Black, who, the following year, went to Philadelphia. Our subject succeeded to his position, which he has since most efficiently filled. The place contains one of the finest collections of plants to be found in the State, of which he has complete charge.

Mr. Emerson has been remarkably successful in his chosen calling, and in his present en-gageme'nt has seventeen men under his charge, during the summer months, while in the winter there are eleven. He is a prominent member of the Society of American Florists, the Florist Club of New York City, and the F"ree Gardeners. In his political views he is an ardent Republican, giving his earnest support to the party, and is one of the leading representative citizens of the town of Hyde Park. In religious faith he is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

PERRY WHEELER, a worthy member of the agricultural community of the town

of Dover, Dutchess county, is the grandson of John B. Wheeler, whose birth occurred there. In the common schools of the locality the grandfather received what was considered at that day a very good education, and at an early age turned his attention to farming. He owned and controlled a large tract of land in the southern portion of Dover town, on which he continued to make his home, and there reared his family. He married Miss Ruth Sampson, and had five children: Sebastian, John, Henry, Belding and Katie.

Henry Wheeler, the father of our subject, was also a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and after securing a common-school education, successfully engaged in farming throughout his entire life, accumulating by that means considerable wealth. He married Miss Catherine Wing, a daughter of Tb.omas Wing, and his wife, Hannah White, who were the parents of three children: Amy, Ratio and Hannah. Her father, who was one of the Revolutionary heroes, was born in the

town of Dover, where during manhood he engaged in agricultural pursuits. To the parents of our subject were born nine children, namel}': Harvey, Thomas and John, all deceased; Shandanette; Bailey; Perry; Amy, who married Lathic Brown; Hannah; and Mariette. To the marriage of Lathic Brown and wife was born a son, Ale.xander (who married Ethel Wheeler, an adopted daughter of Perry Wheeler), who was a policeman in New York City for sixteen years. His death occurred at South Dover in 1873. Lathic Brown was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., and his death occurred in 1866 in the City of New York. He was a farmer by occupation.

Mr. Wheeler, whose name introduces this review, was born in Dover town, May 29, 1819, and after completing his education started out in life as a farmer, but he later learned the wheelwright's trade, at which he worked for eight years. Owing to ill health, he again took up the occupation of farming, which he has since continued. Since its organization he has been identified with the Republican party, and has acceptably served in several township offices, including those of assessor and commissioner. His life has been manly, his actions sincere, his manner unaffected, and his example is well worthy of emulation.

Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage with Miss Ann Ross, a daughter of Zebulon and Rhoda Ross, of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and to this worthy couple were born two children : Catharine, who was born in 1850, educated in Dutchess county, and is now the wife of Charles Hawes, a farmer of Sherman, Conn.; and George R., who died at the age of three years. After a long and happy married life, the wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1895.

John Ross, the grandfather of Mrs. Wheeler, was born in Dover town, Dutchess county, where he followed farming and married Miss Hannah White. In their family were six children : Fannie; Mrs. Eliza Prentice; Mrs. Sallie Butts; William; one whose name is not given; and Zebulon, the father of Mrs. W'heeler.

Zebulon Ross, an agriculturist, was also born, reared, educated and married in the town of Dover, Dutchess county. Miss Rhoda Wing becoming his wife. Mrs. Wheeler was one of their five children, the others being as follows: John wedded Mary Stark, of Pawling, Dutchess county, by whom he had six children: Katie, Addie, Rhoda, Theodore, Charles and Will-

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iam. George, who married Miss Marietta Wheeler, had no children. Theodore was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Arnold, and they, too, had no family. Eliza became the wife of Harvey Buckingham, of Northville, Conn., and to them were born three children, namely: (i) Theodore first married Eliza Whitley, and their one child died in infancy. For his second wife he chose Phoebe Rennis, by whom he had four children: Estelle, May, Herman and Frederick. His third wife bore the maiden name of Annie Martin. (2) Herman was killed while valiantly serving in the Union army during the Civil war. (3) Ann Eliza married Orville Sheldon, who died in May, 1896, a son of Egbert Sheldon, and they had no children.

rjRS. RHODA L. SHERMAN, a most JKH, estimable lady, whose home is in the town of Unionvale, belongs to a family that has been prominently identified with the interests of Dutchess county from an early period in its history. Hei» paternal grandfather, Hiram Rozell, was a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, received his education in its common schools, and engaged in farming during his active business career. By his marriage with Miss Catharine Buck he had three children: Martin, Hiram and Peter. After the death of his first wife he again married, and to the marriage were born the following children: Henry; James, who married a Miss Wight; Beekman, who married a Miss Morey; Albro, who married a Miss Rozell; Mrs. Catharine Leroy; Mrs. Helen Van Vleck; Mrs. Mevilie Hewett; Mrs. Mary Whitehead; Mrs. Phoebe Dennis; and Mrs. Cordelia Reed.

Martin Rozell, the father of Mrs. Sherman, was born in the town of Dover, in 1793, attended the public schools of the locality, and engaged in farming as a lifework. He was united in marriage with Miss Deborah Cypher, an agriculturist of Beekman town, Dutchess county.

Twelve children blessed their union, namely: (i) Peter, born in 1818, married Phcebe Giles, by whom he had five children—Allison, Phoebe, Amelia, Deborah and Iila. (2) Thomas, born in 1819, married Sarah J. Cypher, by whom he had one daughter—Harriet. (3) Elizabeth, born in 1823, married James Wesley, and they had one son, George, now deceased. (4) Jane A., born in 1821, married

Ephraim Hewett, by whom she had six children—Sarah, Cecelia, William, Edward, Emma and Obe. (5) Maria, born in 1825, married John Doan, and has three children—Samuel, Lewis and Frank. (6) Smith, born in 1827, married Ellen Ball, by whom he has five children—Charles, Etta, Edith, Ella and Willie. (7) Rhoda L. is next in order of birth. (8) Drusilla, born in 1833, married John Flagler, and has three daughters—Carrie, Arcelia and Alda. (9)'Wicks, born in 1831, wedded Miss Maria J. Brooks, by whom he had three children—Edward, Charles and Carrie, and after the death of his first wife he married Mary E. Clark, by whom he had a daughter—Annie. (10) David, born in 1836, married Phoebe Lake, and they had two children—Mamie and Remsen. (11) Caroline, born in 1839, married Theodore Cypher, and they have a daughter—Cora. (12) Cecelia, born in 1842, died when young.

Mrs. Rhoda L. (Rozell) Sherman is a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Lagrange, in 1829, and pursued her studies in the schools near her home. On reaching womanhood she was united in marriage with Samuel Rozell, a farmer of Unionvale town, who died in 1869, at the age of seventy-three years. Later she became the wife of Isaac W. Sherman, who was by occupation a painter and farmer, and whose death occurred in 1889. Mrs. Sherman enjoys the respect of all who know her, and her many virtues and loving disposition have gained her many warm friends in the community where she has so long made her home.

JAMES H. RUSSELL, a prosperous and honored citizen of the town of Beekman,

Dutchess county, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, started out in life .poor in everything but pluck and indomitable will power, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the community.

John Russell, his great-grandfather, in an early day came, along with two of his brothers, from England to this country, one of the three settling in Dutchess county, one in Massachusetts, and the other, John, in Orange county, N. Y. The last named was twice married, and by his first wife had five sons, one named William (the grandfather of our subject), and three daughters; by his second wife he had but one child, a son. John Russell moved from

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Orange county to Phillipstown, Putnam county, where he passed the rest of his days. He was a lifelong farmer, and during the Revolutionary war served as major-general.

William Russell, grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, where he passed his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He was thrice married, the names of his wives being Theodosia Town-send, Amy Cronk and Helen Champlain, respectively, the first of whom was the grandmother of James H. William Russell had ten children in all, as follows: Bradford, James, Annie, Austin and John, all five deceased; Elijah, father of our subject; William, deceased; Benjamin; Betsey, deceased; and a daughter who died while young.

Elijah Russell was born in the town of Fishkill, June 12, 1813, and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. He remained at home until his marriage with Miss Margaret Wright, daughter of I.saac Wright. Her death occurred June 20, 1892, and she was mourned by many warm friends as well as by her immediate family. The family circle included five children: Ann Jeanette, wife of Gilbert Southard, of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county; George Isaac, who makes his home in Matteawan, N. Y., but is a keeper in the prison at Sing Sing; Alphonza, who married D. W. Haight, of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county; James H., subject of this sketch; and Maria Amelia, wife of William Wolcott, of Matteawan. The father has always engaged in farming upon many places in Dutchess county. After his marriage he located in the town of Lagrange, whence he removed to the town of Poughkeepsie, and later was a resident of Peekskill, N. Y.; then lived in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, and now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Haight, in the town of East Fishkill. Until recently he had always supported the Democratic party, but is now a stalwart Prohibitionist on account of his views on the temperance question. He has never aspired to public ofifice, but faithfully discharges his duties of citizenship. When young he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has since been one of its active and faithful members.

In the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, James H. Russell, the subject proper of these lines, was born June 7, 1845, ^nd his school days were there passed. His educational

privileges, however, were quite limited, a fact which he has always deeply regretted. On leaving home at the age of twenty years, he entered the drug store of Van Valkenburg & Brown, of Poughkeepsie, where he engaged in clerking for a year; then, with his father and brother bought out the Denton restaurant, at No. 270 Main street, in that city, which they remodeled and conducted for a year. On selling out he engaged in the fire-insurance business for two years, representing the Loril-lard Company, of New York City, being located at Arthursburg, N. Y. He was next employed on the farm of J. W. Van Tassell for a year, and during the following four years operated land for W. S. Verplanck; removing to the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, he rented E. H. Clark's farm for two years, whence he went to the farm of Benson J. Lossing, the historian, on Chestnut Ridge, in the town of Dover, which he worked on shares for three years, and rented during the following six years. In 1886 he purchased a 255-acre farm of W. E. Haxtun, in the town of Beekman, on which he has since resided, and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He is ranked among the most progressive agriculturists of the county, and he thoroughly understands his business in all its departments.

In 1864, in the town of East Fishkill, Mr. Russell was married to Miss Hester A. Haight, daughter of Henry Haight, and two children were born to them, the elder being Walter G., now in the grocery business in New York City. He married Lillian Greenthall, by whom he has three sons—James H., Vincent L., and Percy (deceased).

Mr. Russell has ever taken a prominent part in public affairs, casting his ballot in support of the Democratic party, and on that ticket was elected superintendent of the county poor in the fall of 1883, and again in the fall of 1886, serving altogether six years. For two terms he was commissioner of highways in the town of Dover, and in the town of Beekman has been supervisor one term, and also commissioner of highways one term. Twice he has been the nominee of his party for the Assembly, and came within eighteen votes of being elected in a district which has usually 1,800 majority for the Republicans, which fact plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence reposed in him. In all the various relations of life, Mr. Russell has been

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true and faithful in every trust, and justly merits the high regard in which he is held. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 458, Shekomeko, Dutchess dounty, and also a charter member and master of Sylvan Grange, of the town of Beekman, organized in December, 1896.

JOHN GEORGE BODENSTEIN. Among the valued German-born citizens of Staats-

burg, Dutchess county, stands prominent in progressiveness, industry and popularity, this gentleman. He was born in Hessen-Cas-sel, Germany, June 20, 1850, a son of John H. and Dorothea (Boerner)Bodenstein, natives of the same place.

By trade the father was a blacksmith, which occupation he continued to follow after coming to America in 1S58, first locating at Rockland Lake. Rockland Co ., N. Y., where he remained until 1863, when he removed to Pier-mont, X. Y. There he worked at his trade for one year, spending the followingseven months as a journeyman in Jersey City, N. J. In 1864 he came to Staatsburg, where for three years he worked for the Eagle Ice Company, and at Athens, N. Y., he was employed by the same company until 1868. In Staatsburg he then opened a shop for the manufacture of ice tools and general blacksmithing, which business he continued up to his death in 1875. He was very successful, and made many improvements in ice tools, though he took out no patents. Among the many implements manufactured by him were ice plows. In his family were seven children, all yet living, namely: Eliza Catherine, John George, Henry, Frederick, Sophia, Amelia and Charles. The mother died November 25, 1891.

For four years prior to coming to this country our subject attended school in the Fatherland, and completed his literary education by two years and a half attendance at the common schools at Rockland Lake and Pier-mont. Although his privileges in that direction were somewhat meager, he has by subsequent reading become a well-informed man. With his father he learned the blacksmith's trade, and from 1866 to 1868 worked as a journeyman in Newburg, Fishkill Plains and Kingston, N. Y. In 1868 he started a shop for his father on the site where his brother Henry now carries on business, and although he owned no interest in the shop had full control until two

years after his father's death. He and his brother Henry then formed a partnership, and under the style of J. G. & H. Bodenstein engaged in the manufacture of ice tools until March 22, 1890, when the partnership was dissolved. Our subject then established his present shop, where he does a great deal of forging for the Poughkeepsie foundries, and has furnished all the iron work for the Ogden Mills summer residence, which required nearly a hundred tons of iron and steel. However, the manufacture of ice tools is still his main business, in which he has a large trade, extending all over the country, from Maine to the Pacific. He is essentially a self-made man, having been the architect of his own fortune, and is deserving of the highest commendation.

In 1873 Mr. Bodenstein was united in marriage with Louisa Hess, of Staatsburg, a daughter of John George Hess, and to them have been born two sons: Fred, who is associated with his father in business; and John George. Mr. Bodenstein is an ardent supporter of Republican principles, though he takes no \ery active interest in politics; socially, he is identified with the F. & A. M. at Rhine-beck. He is a member of the Episcopal Church at Staatsburg, of which he has been vestryman since its incorporation; has been school trustee for many j'ears, and a member of the Staatsburg fire department. He is a member and one of the organizers of the Staatsburg Gun Club, and is a noted crack-shot, having captured many money prizes, and borne away the first prize medal from Albany, put up by the Third Brigade of the National Guard of the State of New York, in a two-days' "shoot," making a score of 48 out of a possible 50, with military arm, off-hand at 200 yards, Creedmore targets. The competition was one of the sharpest. Mr. Boden-stein's honor and integrity are unimpeachable, his word being considered as good as his bond.

WILLIS HAVILAND CASE. The name of this lamented citizen of the town of

Clinton, who passed to his rest on Sunday, February 12, 1893, is remembered as that of one of the most prominent and energetic men of the community, one who assisted greatly in its development and prosperit}'. Besides general farming he also devoted considerable time to the practice of veterinary surgery, and on

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79T

the day of his death all of the family, with the exception of himself and wife, had gone to Church. Feeling ill, he took what he supposed to be some medicine, but which the instant afterward he knew to be some aconite he had prepared for a sick horse, and he died soon afterward. No man is more worthy of representation in a work of this kind, and there is none whose name is held is more general remembrance.

The early home of Mr. Case was in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, where he was born September 12, 1829, to Ephraim and Mary (Haviland) Case, who were farming people of that township, where the birth of the father also occurred. The paternal grandfather, Nathan Case, who was a minister in the Society of Friends, married a Miss Hicks. The boyhood days of our subject were spent in the place of his nativity, where he also received his educational advantages in the district schools.

At the age of twenty-six years Mr. Case was united in marriage with Phoebe Collins, widow of Mr. Ackerman, of the town of Union-vale, Dutchess county, and to them were born two children: Oscar J., and Olive Augusta, wife of George N. Bowman. For his second wife he wedded Hannah M. Wiley, and their wedding was celebrated in the town of Clinton, January 23, 1867. One son graced this union: Homer, who married Florence E. Vail, daughter of Israel Vail, of the town of Union-vale. Mrs. Case is the fifth in the family of eight children born to John and Sarah (Allen) Wiley, the former a native of the town of Clinton, the latter of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county. In order of birth the children are as follows: Ensign (deceased); Allen; Reuben, who was killed at the battle of Petersburg during the Civil war; Mary J., wife of Burtis Hicks; Hannah M.; Martin W.; and William A. and Adeline (both deceased). The father always carried on farming in the town of Clinton, where he died at the age of forty-six years; he was also a grain and cattle dealer. His parents were Reuben and Drusilla (Covill) Wiley, who always made their home in the same township.

By birthright Mr. Case was a member of the Society of Friends. He was a man universally respected, one whose word was considered as good as his bond, and on his death the county lost one of its most honored and useful citizens. Mrs. Case proved herself full

worthy as the companion and helpmeet of this excellent man, and is a lady greatly esteemed in the community in which she lives.

TIMOTHY GARRICK KELLY. Accord- ing to tradition, the Kelly family had its

origin in Spain, and emigrated to Ireland at a very early period, the branch of which our subject is a descendant making its home for many generations m County Galway.

His grandfather, Patrick Kelly, and father, Michael Kelly, were both natives of that county. The latter was born in 1803, received a good practical education in the schools of his neighborhood, and after his marriage to his first wife, a Miss Egan, came to America. For some time he lived in Brooklyn, and then went to Albany, but about 1835 he settled in Pough-keepsie. He had learned the carpenter's trade, but never followed it, being engaged in the grocery business both in Albany and Poughkeep-sie, where he located first at the corner of Jefferson and Church streets, and later at the corner of Church and South Bridge streets. He was a man of fine natural ability, a great reader, and a good judge of men and affairs, and was associated in his time with the best men in the city. Aside from his mercantile business he was interested in banking and in real estate, of which he owned a large amount in the Second ward. He gave the land for the opening of Church street. In politics he was always a strong Democrat, and, although he was never an office-holder, he was quite influential in party affairs. He was one of the original promoters of St. Peter's Catholic Church, the first meeting of the congregation being held at his house. To the end of his life he was regarded as a leader and counselor by the men of his faith. Thoroughly loyal to his adopted city, he was the means of bringing many of his people here. On the death of his first wife, who left four children, namely: John, born in 1830, was educated at Fordham College, New York, was ordained a priest, and at the time of his death, in 1891, was Dean and Vicar General of the Trenton Diocese; Barnard; Mary, now Mrs. Jacob Kuhn, of New York City; and Annie, who died at the age of eighteen. Mr. Kelly's second wife was Miss Mary Gar-rick, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Timothy Garrick, who was a resident of New York City in later years. Of the three children of the second marriage, Timothv G., our

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.

subject, is the eldest; Catherine died in iS8i at the age of t\vent)--six-; and Eliza Regina is still living. The father died in 1861, and the mother survived him twenty-seven years, dying in 1888.

Timothy G. Kelly was born February 16, 1852, in Poughkeepsie, and attended Dutchess County Academy in boyhood, until Prof. Mc-George left that institution. He then spent one year at Riverview Seminary. As he was naturally a good student he made fine progress, but at sixteen his school days ended. He was only nine years old when his father died, and as the clerk, upon whom entire reliance had been placed, was stricken with paralysis not long afterward, he was obliged to make himself useful in the store. As he grew older he assumed the management of the business, to which he finally succeeded,and he has displa3'ed the characteristic business facultj' of the family in his successful career. The store is of the old-fashioned sort, with a bar in the rear.

In September, 1874, he married Miss Mary Cunningham, daughter of Patrick and Catherine Cunningham, formerly of Beekman, and they have four children: Mary, John, Frank and Paul. Mr. Kelly has always been a Democrat, and in 1873 and '74, although having only just attained his majority, served as alderman. He takes great interest in the success of his party and in public affairs generally. He belongs to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of which he is a trustee, and he is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Flks.

HOWARD C. MILLARD, a prominent business man of New Hamburg, Dutchess county, and a member of the well-known firm of Millard Lumber Co., was born in that town December 17, 1846.

His family is of French descent, and his ancestors were early settlers at Cornwall, Conn., where his grandfather, Charles Millard, was born in 1763. The latter settled in Marlboro, Ulster county, where he was engaged in the lumber business until 1824, when he moved to New Hamburg and opened a lumber yard. He manufactured his lumber from the raw material, and had an extensive trade for that early day, the distance from our own times being more easily realized when the fact is recalled that he witnessed the trial of Robert • Fulton's steamer on the Hudson in 1807. He

was prominent in local affairs, and a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. On June 17, 1816, his first wife, Lydia Pride, a native of Poughkeepsie, died leaving seven children, and October 22, 1818, he married Sarah Miller, by whom he had two children. His own death occurred April 30, 1827. Of the first family the eldest son (ly, John, born May 21, 17S9, became a merchant and speculator in Brooklyn. (2) Charles, born in 1792, located in New Orleans, where he acquired a large fortune; he was a man of unusual energy and business ability, and took a prominent part in affairs in his adopted city. (3) James, born in 1795, was a wholesale dealer in lumber and coal at Catskill. (4) Cornelia, born in 1797, married Hezekiah Purdy, of Marlboro. (5) W^illiam, born in iSoo, settled in Galena, 111., and became a leading business man there, holding the office of postmaster at one time; his later j-ears were spent in traveling in Europe and America, and he died while in Jacksonville, Fla. (6) Walter, our subject's father, is mentioned below. (7) Catherine, born in 1803, married Elem Dunbar, then of Poughkeepsie and later of Cortland county. The children of the second family were Margaret G. and Franklin.

Walter Millard was born in Marlboro in 1802, and remained there until the removal of the family to New Hamburg. Until 1834 he was engaged in the lumber business exclusively; but at that time he became interested in freighting, and built the barge "Lexington," which ran between New York and New Hamburg. In 1S44 he purchased the steamboat " Splendid," which carried freight from New Hamburg to Marlboro. About 1855 he disposed of this line of business to give attention to dealing in lumber and coal, which he continued until his death, August 20, 1880, building up an immense trade with large contractors. He was a man of remarkable business acumen, and possessed the energy and enterprise to carry his projects to completion. A strict Presbyterian in religious faith, his life was marked by integritj' and fair dealing. In politics, he was in early vears a Whig, and later a Democrat. He was married November 14, 1834, to Martha Hyer Bull, a native of New York City, who died June 14, 1896. Her father, William Bull," who was of English birth, was a well-known saddle and harness dealer in New York, and was the first to import collars from England. To Walter Millard and his

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

im

wife were born children as follows: Sarah, William B.. Walter P.. Edward J., Fenwick T., Howard C. and Charles.

Howard C. Millard, the subject proper of this review, was educated in the schools of Poughkeepsie and Fairfield, N. Y., and on returning home he began his business career as a dealer in cement pipe. He followed this until the death of his father, in 1880, when he acquired an interest in the lumber and coal business. The Millard Lumber Co. is one of the most substantial firms of this region, manufacturing and dealing both at wholesale and retail, and commanding an immense trade. The brothers are prominently identified with the leading interests of their locality, and Howard C. Millard has taken generous pride in assisting every movement tending to promote the public welfare.

On September 20, 1870, Mr. Millard married Miss Catherine Jane LeRoy, daughter of Jacob and Angeline LeRoy, of New Hamburg. The LeRoys are of French Huguenot descent, and are among the oldest and most highly-respected families of Dutchess county. Two children were born of this union: Jacob L. and Ivatie, both at home. Mr. Millard and his wife are leading members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. In politics he is known as a Democrat, but he is a believer in Protection. He has taken great interest in the work of the Masonic order, and he and his son Jacob are both members of the Wappinger Falls Lodge No. 671.

OSEPH L VAIL, a leading mason and contractor, of Poughkeepsie, is a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Fish-kill, September 20, 1835. His father, Joseph Vail, Sr., was also born in that township, July 27, 1803, and was a son of Isaac and Deborah Vail, farming people of that locality, where they reared their family of seven children—four sons and three daughters. The sons were: Abram, who engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Fishkill; Joseph, the father of our subject; William, a farmer, who is still living at the age of ninety'years; and Piatt, who followed the same occupation. The grandfather, whose ancestors were from Holland, was a native of Dutchess county, and died upon the old homestead farm in the town of Fishkill, where his wife also departed this

life. They were earnest and sincere members of the Presb\terian Church.

On that farm the father of our subject grew to manhood, and married Mrs. Sarah N. (Simmons) Waterhouse, a native of Coxsackie, Greene Co., N. Y., whose father, Isaac Simmons, was born in 1786, of English lineage, and was a boatman by occupation. After their marriage the parents located upon a farm in the town of Fishkill, where their ten children were born: Stephen S., born October 27, 1830, operates the old homestead farm; Elizabeth A., born July 29, 1832, wedded W'illiam Abel, a farmer of Illinois; Isaac S., born September 20, 1835, is a commercial traveler; Joseph I., the subject of this review, is the twin brother of Isaac; Sarah J., born May 6, 1838, is the wife of George Cornell, a farmer of Virginia; Mary L., born July 29, 1840, is the wife of Walter \'an Namberg, a farmer of the town of Poughkeepsie; Harriet M., born June 25, 1842, married George Sprague, a farmer of Ohio; Deborah, born March i, 1844, is the wife of Nicholas Chati-ton, an agriculturist; Malissa, born March 23, 1846, is the wife of Ira Van Kleeck, a farmer of Orange county, N. Y.; and \Mllett, born July II, 1848, is engaged in merchandising at Florida, Orange county. The father carried on farming up to his death, which occurred September 20, 1877; the mother passed away March i, 1882. They held membership with the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he was an ardent Republican.

Joseph I. Vail passed his early life upon the farm, aiding in its cultivation as soon as old enough, and acquired his education in the district schools. At the age of eighteen he came to Poughkeepsie, where.he served an apprenticeship to the mason's trade with Isaac Broas, and about i860 began contracting in that line for himself, since which time he has erected almost half of the buildings put up in the city. From a mere hamlet he has watched the growth of Poughkeepsie, and during his long residence here has been one of the important factors in its progress and upbuilding.

On January 11, 1866, Mr. Vail was united in marriage with Miss Susan A. Sloane. a native of Poughkeepsie. Her father, James Sloane, was born in Ireland, and wedded Hannah Davidson, also of Irish e.xtraction. To them were born seven children: Thomas D. (I) and William J., who died while young; Thomas D. (2), who became a merchant of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

New York City; William J., who died in childhood; Mary J., who wedded Archie Hawioe, a sea captain on the Pacific coast: Susan A., the honored wife of our subject; and Margaret D., who married James E. Kirk, a railroad man.

Mr. Vail is a Republican in his political convictions, and is one of the broad-minded business men of the city, whose prosperity cannot be attributed to a combination of lucky circumstances, but who has risen from energy, enterprise, integrity and intellectual effort well directed. His business has ever been conducted on the strictest principles of honesty. He and his wife hold a high position in the esteem of their fellow citizens, and they give their support to the Second Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie.

MORRIS BAKER, for many years a well-_ _ known citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany, in 1842, and came to America with his parents in 1844.

Heyman Baker, the father of our subject, was a native of Exin, Germany, born in the year 1815. He was a merchant tailor by occupation, and after coming to this country first located in New York City, later coming to Poughkeepsie. In addition to his custom work, Mr. Baker was interested in manufacturing goods for the California and Mexico trade, making the fanciful and highly-colored fabrics which the people of the latter country, especially, use so profusely. This was in 1849; some time later he established a factory in Poughkeepsie, which he carried on for about eight years, and after giving up this line of trade he continued in the clothing business until his death, in 1866. Mr. Baker was well known in commercial circles, where he held a high reputation for integrity and straightforward methods of dealing, and was very successful in his enterprises. He was a worthy citizen, highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a charter member of the Masonic order, and of the Odd Fellows. Mr. Baker was married to Caroline Gillett, a native of Bamberg, Germany, and two children were born to them, one of whom died when nine months old. The father passed from earth in 1866, and the mother in February, 1891.

Morris Baker had good advantages for an

ducation, first attending the primary school

held in the old Bond street school house, in

the Sixth ward, New York City. From there he went to a private school taught by Miss Filkins, and then to a grammar school under A. Underbill, finishing his education at the Poughkeepsie Academy. He has always been a reader, and is a well-informed man. After leaving school he went into business with his father, and after the latter's death carried on the establishment until the winter of 1867-68, when he took up the business of an auctioneer, in which he has been engaged until the present time. This occupation carries him all over the county, and he has become not only well known, but is considered one of the best in that line. His sales comprise real estate, chattels and other property, and he has been remarkably successful in n.aking large sales of lands and personal property. He is popular with all classes, and is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. In 1865 Mr. Baker was married to Miss Marie Boyd, of Plainfield, N. J., and seven children have blessed their union, namely: Rebecca, the wife of Walter Todd, of Poughkeepsie; Ettie, at home; Henry, a cigar manufacturer at \\'appingers Falls; Sophia, employed in the silk works at Matteawan; Albert, a commercial traveler; and Belle and Pauline, at home.

In politics Mr. Baker believes in the principles of the Democratic party, but has never taken an active part in public affairs. He is a member of the Jewish Synagogue, and of the Royal Good Fellows.

SAMUEL J. TANNER. Among the active farmers and stock-raisers in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess county, this gentleman holds prominent place. He belongs to one of the pioneer families of the county, his greatgrandfather having been one of the early settlers of the town of Dover. He was a native of England, and while serving in the British army he was captured by the Spaniards and would have starved to death had it not been for the Spanish women.

The grandfather of our subject, Samuel Tanner, was born in the town of Dover, but early located on the old Tanner farm, east of the village of Pine Plains, and became a leading and influential man. He wedded Mary Mcintosh, and to them were born fourteen children: William, John, Alex, Reuben, Morris, Anthony, Henry, James, Samuel, Margaret, Eliza, Myra, Clarissa, and Mary Magdalene,

C^^^^2<^^^>oe^ ^- (5^«^

^^7^CC^l_

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

801

most of whom resided in Columbia county, New York.

Samuel S. Tanner, father of our subject, succeeded to the old homestead in the town of Pine Plains, and by the careful management of his business affairs accumulated a comfortable property, having in the neighborhood of 450 acres of land, comprising one of the best farms in the town. He was a man of good natural ability, strong and rugged, of sound judgment and well informed for his time. His fortune was the result of his own diligence and enterprise, and his upright, honorable life won the high regard of all. For his first wife he wedded Fannie Streaver, and after her death was united in marriage with Miss Mary Betsy Lown, by whom he had four children: William; Fannie, wife of Henry Palmer; Mary, wife of John Head; and Samuel J., subject of this sketch. His third union was with Julia Sheldon, and to them were born three children: Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Titus; George, of Pine Plains; and Julia. The father voted the Democratic ticket, though never particularly active in political matters, and was often urged to take office, but declining the honor he only served as assessor one term. In religious faith his support was given to the Presbyterian Church, which he attended. He was called from this earth February 7, 1891, at the ripe age of eighty-si.x years.

Our subject was born in 1845, on the old homestead in the town of Pine Plains, and received a fair education in the district schools of the locality, which education in later years he improved by reading and observation. He always remained upon the old homestead, aiding in its operation, and successfully managed the same for several years. After the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs, and his career as a farmer and stock-raiser has been characterized by keen judgment, shrewd common sense and good business habits. He raises cattle, sheep and hogs, and is a careful, conservative business man and substantial farmer, owning 450 acres of valuable and productive land.

On November 28, 1894, Mr. Tanner was united in marriage with Fannie E. Van Aken, who was born April 22, i860, in Ulster county, N. Y., daughter of Solomon and Catherine Ann (Atkins) Van Aken, highly respectable farming people of the town of Esopus, Ulster county. The father died in 1879, aged fifty-five years; the mother in 1891, aged sixty-six

52

years. They are the parents of eight children, three of whom are yet living. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner has come one child: Charles S., born November 8, 1895. They are also caring for the orphan son of Mrs. Tanner's sister, Aurelia (Mrs. William Swartout), who died September 15, 1890. Our subject is strictly temperate in every sense of the word, thus following in the footsteps of his father, and is a liberal contributor to the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, but cares nothing for political preferment, desiring rather to devote his time and attention to his business interests.

NATHANIEL SMITH, a prominent mer- chant of Low Point, Dutchess county,

has been for many years the postmaster at that place, and his able administration of the affairs of the office has served to confirm his popularity and influence in that locality. He is a native of Dutchess county, born in New Hacken-sack, September 18, 1840. His father, Nathaniel Smith, was of English descent, and was born on Long Island in 1777. He married Eustacia Weeks, a native of Westchester county, and settled in New York City, where he followed the carpenter's trade for some years, the old Trinity church being among the most important structures which he helped to build. In 1832 he moved to New Hacken-sack, and continued his trade until his death in 1850, his wife surviving only six years. Politically he was a Democrat, and he and Mrs. Smith were both consistent members of the Reformed Church. Of their five children, some of whom were born in New York City, our subject is the only one now living. William was a carpenter, and spent most of his life in New York City; Susan married Oliver Van Dyne; Ann married Abram Stoutenburgh, a farmer in western New York, and Maria was the wife of Samuel Van Forte, a shoemaker. The subject of our sketch spent his school days mainly in Pittsford, N. Y., where he enjoyed the ordinary educational advantages of the time. His first entrance into mercantile life was as a clerk at New Hamburg and Hyde Park, but in 1856 he became station agent at Low Point, then known as Carthage Landing. After four years there he was transferred to Dutchess Junction, and later to Fishkill Landing, where he remained until 1871, when he again turned to the mercantile life, opening a

co^T^fEMOli^ tive biooraphwal recoed.

grocer}' at Low Point. His success in this venture soon warranted the enhirgement of his stock, and he now conducts a general store, with a good trade. In i 86.S he was appointed postmaster, and has held the office without interruption since that time, with satisfaction to all concerned. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican, and, as one of the substantial and progressive citizens of the town, he takes a leading part in local affairs.

In 1864 our subject was united in matrimony with Miss Maria DcGroot, a lady of French descent, but a native of New Hamburg. One daughter blessed this union, Es-telle. who married George Terwilliger, of Wappingers P'alls.

GEORGE W. DUTCHER. The Dutcher family has held a prominent position in this section for many years, various members taking an influential part in business and political life. The different branches of the family trace their descent from one or another of six or seven brothers who came from Holland to America in the latter part of the eighteenth century and located on Long Island, where some of them remained. Derrick Dutcher, our subject's grandfather, came from Long Island to Dutchess county, and settled upon a farm in the town of Dover. He married Miss Edith Chapman, daughter of William Chapman, and reared a family of eight children: Israel, the eldest; Ransom, who never married; Wilbur, who married Mary Hoag; Luther, our subject's father; Amy. who was twice married, hersecond husbandbeingDaniel White; Esther, Mrs. Ellis Benson; Elizabeth, Mrs. E. B. Som-mers; and Ann, Mrs. Willis Benson. Derrick Dutcher and wife are dead, his wife dying in 1861, aged eighty-three years.

Luther Dutcher was born in the town of Dover in 1806, and received his education in the common schools there. He learned the wheelwright's trade, becoming an expert finisher and polisher, and later engaged in the iron business at TDover F"urnace, being one of the founders of that industry there. Later he became connected with the Novelty Iron Works, located at the foot of Twelfth street, in New York City. On retiring from this business he followed farming for three or four years, and then resumed his former business at Napanoch, Ulster county, remaining two years. He then moved to Poughkeepsie,

where he occupied the residence at 471 Main street, the present location of the Electric Light Company. From that place he moved to Dover Plains, and spent two years in the business of carriage manufacturing. He was a very benevolent man, a leader in many public movements, and took an active part in the work of the Masonic fraternity and in military affairs, serving as captain in the old militia. An ardent Democrat, he was a popular candidate of his party, and held a number of township offlces, including that of justice of the peace. In 1892 he was elected to the State Assembly, defeating John B. Dutcher, who had been confident of success. He married Miss ^delia A. Geddings, who was born in 1S09, the daughter of Buell and Sarah Geddings, well-known residents of the town of Dover. Of the four children of this union, the eldest, Hiram W., born in 1834, was a farmer. He never married. Gilbert J., born in 1835, was in the employ of the government. He married Miss Mary Watson, of Ulster county, in 1863, and had one child, who died at the age of six inonths. The third son is the subject of this memoir, and the fourth, William G., was born in 1848, and after receiving an education in the seminaries of that locality, entered the service of the Harlem railroad as conductor, and was regarded for many years as one of their best and most trustworthy employes. He married Miss Kate S. Swords, daughter of Henry Swords, of Pawling, and had two children: Sarah and Adelia, both of whom died in infancy.

George W. Dutcher was born August 27, 1839, and was educated in the academies at Amenia and Fort Plain. After graduating, he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which he followed for twenty-five years. He was engaged to some extent in the undertaking business during that time, and in 1888 he opened such an establishment at Wing's Station, where he makes a specialty of that line of work, in which he is a leader, and carries a large stock of inaterials, having about $2,000 invested. He owns a farm of fifty-two acres in that vicinity. His first wife was Miss Nettie Hill, daughter of Thomas Hill, a well-known resident of the town of Olive, Ulster county, and of this marriage three children were born: (i) Frederick died when six months old. (2) Eva is the wife of George A. Trowbridge, and has two children, William L. and Nettie; and (3) Luther T. died at the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHIOAL RECORD.

803

age of fifteen years. The mother of this family died March 5, 1878, and Mr. Dutcher married Miss Sarah A. Webb, daughter of a prominent commission merchant of Wing's Station, Alexander Webb, who was born in Pawling, September 5, 1813, and after receiving his education there learned the miller's trade. He spent some years in that business at Rochester before settling at Wing's Station. He married Miss Elizabeth Lane, of Unionvale, and had two children: Sarah (Mrs. Dutcher), and Mary J., who married William S. Jones, and has two children: Nellie E. and Annie M.

On his mother's side Mr. Dutcher is descended from the well-known Geddings family. His grandfather, Buell Geddings, was a native of the town of Sherman, Dutchess county, where he was educated and learned the trade of a wagonmaker, at which he worked during the greater part of his life. His last years were passed upon a farm in the town of Dover. He married Miss Sarah Reasoner, and has five children: (i) Noble married Harriet Cox, of Crum Elbow, and had three children: Theo F., Nina and Frank. (2) Adelia married Luther S. Dutcher. (3) Jackson married Debora Hoag, and had four children: John H., who married Maria Oliver; George W., who married Jennie Villinger; Myra, Mrs. James Reynolds; and Andrew, who is not married. (4) Martin married Mary J. Hoag. (5) William is not married.

In politics Mr. Dutcher has always been a stanch Democrat, and has held a number of offices. He has been inspectof of elections in his district for nineteen years, school trustee for the same length of time, and is now serving his sixteenth term as justice of the peace.

THEODORE S. HORTON is proprietor of one of the most noticeable homesteads

in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, pleasantly situated about eight miles from Poughkeepsie. His pleasant residence is flanked by a good barn and the various other outbuildings required by the progressive agriculturist. As a tiller of the soil he is thorough and skillful, and has been uniformly fortunate in his investments.

Mr. Horton spent his boyhood days in the town of Esopus, Ulster county, where his birth took place August 19, 1848, at the home of his parents, John and Phcebe (Stoutenburgh) Horton, both natives of Ulster county. His

paternal grandfather, David Horton, was a farmer of that county, where he was married and spent his remaining days. The Stouten-burghs were of Holland descent, formerly bearing the name of Van Stoutenburgh. The maternal grandfather, Herman Stoutenburgh, was also an agriculturist of Ulster county. After their marriage the parents of our subject located on a farm in the town of Esopus, where they reared their two children: Elizabeth and Theodore S. Besides his farming operations the father also conducted a grist and saw mill. His political support was given the Republican party, while he and his wife attended the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was called from this life in 1855, and his wife, who survived him for many years, died January 13, 1895.

The early days of Theodore S. Horton were spent upon the farm where his birth occurred; but at the age of eight years he came to the town of Pleasant Valley, to live with his grandfather, and here obtained a fair education. In 1866 he went to Poughkeepsie town, Dutchess county, where he lived on the farm of his uncle, David Stoutenburgh, and there followed farming.

On November 6, 1873, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Horton and Miss Jennie Underwood, who was born on the farm where she now resides, and is a daughter of Gerald Underwood, also a native of the town of Pleasant Valley, and of Holland lineage. To them have been born three children, all at home, namely: G. Kendel, Lispnard S. and Flavins. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Horton continued to live on a farm in the town of Poughkeepsie until the spring of 1891, when they removed to their present fine farm of 188 acres of rich and fertile land. He is a progressive and enterprising farmer, public-spirited to a high degree, and an ardent supporter of the Democratic party. Both he and his wife attend the Baptist Church, to which they are liberal contributors. They hold a high position in the social circles of the communitv.

OHN W. LINK is one of the most prominent among the energetic and successful farmers of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. His life history clearly illustrates what may be attained by faith and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the

COMMEMOIiATIyE BIUQRAPHWAL RE CORD.

crowning points of his success, and have enabled him to accumulate all that he now possesses.

William Link, his father, was born about 1798 in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, of which locality the grandparents, Philip and (Cookingham) Link, were early residents and farming people. William was the second in their family of seven children, and in the common schools of the neighborhood received his education. On attaining manhood he was married, in the town of Milan, to Elizabeth Pells, a daughter of John Pells, and to them were born si.x children: John W., the subject of this review; Eliza Ann (deceased); Jeremiah ;Henry (deceased); Helen and Charles. For some time after his marriage the father worked by the day, but later engaged in farming on his own account, and from no source whatever did he ever receive financial assistance.

In the town of Milan, December 11, 1S17, John W. Link was born, and he there attended school. On starting out in life for himself he first worked as a farm hand, later learning the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed some twenty-five years. His first purchase of land comprised a farm in his native township, which he operated for twelve years; but in 1864 he bought his present farm in the town of Clinton, to the improvement and cultivation of which he lias since devoted his time and attention with remarkable success.

In Albany, N. Y., November 13, 1851, Mr. Link was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Hicks, who was born June 20, 1823, in the town of Milan, Dutchess county. Her father, David Hicks, was born in the town of Pine Plains, in 1797, and in the town of Clinton he was married in the Quaker faith to Miss Mary Gildersleeve, who was born in that township in 1798. He died in 18S4, she in 1889, and they were the parents of nine children, Mrs. Link being third in the family and eldest of those yet living. Benjamin Hicks, grandfather of Mrs. Link, born in 175 i, became an early settler of Dutchess count}'. He married Deborah Doty, and to them were born eight children, all now deceased. The family were Quakers in religious belief. Mr. and Mrs. Link rank among the oldest living pioneers of Dutchess county, the family having been connected therewith about 200 years, and they command the respect and esteem of all with whom they come in contact. Mr. Link has

been a lifelong Democrat, and has served as road master in the town of Clinton. At all times he has taken an active interest in the welfare and prosperity of his town and county.

GEORGE F. PHESAY, a leading watchmaker and jeweler of Matteawan, Dutchess county, and one of the most enterprising of the young business men of that place, is the proprietor of an establishment which compares favorably for equipment and variety of stock with any of its kind along the Hudson river. His success is the more worth}' of note because it is founded upon his own efforts, and his term of apprenticeship was served at the same place which he now occupies as owner.

His parents, John and Ellen (Rhine 1 Phe-say, were both born in England, his father at Kidderminster, his mother in London. On coming to America in 1S56, his father, who was a gardener by occupation, located first at Matteawan and except for some years at Troy, N. Y., the greater portion of his time was spent there. Our subject was one of eight children, of whom two died in childhood. The survivors are Carrie Emma (Mrs. Albert Yates), John K., James K., Ellen Nora, George F. and Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Fred-eiick Way).

George F. Phesay was born at Lansing-burg, N. Y., September 13, 1864, and was educated in the public schools of Matteawan, his parents having returned from Troy when he was about five years old. After leaving school he entered the employ of Capt. Fairbanks of the steamer "Martin," plying between Newburg and Albany, and took charge of his conservatories, the fine collection of orchids being his especial care. He remained there about a year, and then spent a few^ months in the Matteawan Manufacturing Company's works, but finally found thoroughly congenial employment in the jewelry store of the late A. Townsend, where he learned the business in all its branches. After the death of Mr. Townsend in 1894, Mr. Phesay remained in charge of the store for a time, and in November of that year he bought the fixtures from the heirs and started in business on his own account at the same location, opening on December I, 1894, with an entirely new stock, his choice selection displaying artistic taste as well as sound business judgment.

Mr. Phesay married Miss Louise Ticehurst,.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

805

daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Tomlins) Ticehurst, prominent residents of Matteawan, and has two sons, Charles Frederick and George Simms Phesay. He and his wife attend the Episcopal Church, and are among the leaders in the various social and charitable activities of the Church. In politics Mr. Phesay is a Republican, and he is a member of Hudson River Lodge No. 57, of the fraternal order of Knights of Pythias.

EvGBERT DOTY. We are now permitted 'I to touch brietl)' upon the life history of

one who has retained a personal association with the affairs of Dutchess county since hi? infancy, and one whose ancestral line traces back to the Colonial period. His life has been one of honest and earnest endeavor, and due success has not been denied him. He is a native son of the county, his birth having occurred in the town of Pleasant Valley, Jan-uar}' 23, 1827; but his entire married life has been passed in the town of Clinton, where he owns a valuable farm, highly cultivated and well improved, with all the accessories to be found upon a model farm of the nineteenth century.

Samuel Doty, father of our subject, was also born in the town of Pleasant Valley, and was a son of Stephen Doty, an early resident of that locality. On reaching maturity Samuel was married in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, to Elizabeth Briggs, and eight children were born to them, in order of birth as follows: George, Henry and Martha (all deceased); Stephen, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Egbert, of this sketch; Joseph, of the town of Pleasant Valley; Mary, wife of Paul Flagler; and Hiram (deceased). In his native township the father continued to follow farming until his death, which occurred in 1872; his wife died in 1845. He was a self-made man, who by sheer force of will and untiring effort worked his way upward until he has secured a comfortable competence.

Egbert Doty grew up on the home farm, receiving his primary education in the district schools, and later was a student in the Amenia Academy. On Novenber 19, 1856, he was united in marriage, in the town of Hyde Park, with Mary B. \\'ood, a daughter of George R. Wood, and was called to her final rest March 24, 1892, leaving a loving husband and two children, besides innumerable friends, to

mourn their loss. The daughter, Josephine W., is the wife of Abram J. Conover. The son, Norman J., acquired his education in the public school of the town of Clinton, and the Poughkeepsie Military Institute. He still remains upon the home farm with his father, and on November 5, 1S91, in Clinton town, he wedded Carrie M. Hicks, a daughter of George S. and Emma (Foster) Hicks. They have a son, Foster W., born August 24, 1893. A man of unswerving integrity and honor, one who has a perfect appreciation of the higher ethics of life, Mr. Doty has gained and retained the confidence and respect of his fellow men, and is distinctively one of the leading citizens of the town of Clinton, with whose interests he has always been identified.

FRANK P. MEAD. Among the wide-awake young farmers of the town of Amenia,

Dutchess count}', there is probably none more energetic and reliable than the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. He has made many valuable and useful improvements upon his place, and has the land under a high state of cultivation.

John Franklin Mead, father of our subject, was a native of the town of Amenia, born March 16, 1836, and died there on the homestead farm, September i, 1890. His boyhood days were there passed, much in the usual manner of farmer lads, and he attended the district schools and the Amenia Seminary, acquiring a good practical education. His life was devoted to the pursuit to which he was reared, and he also served as director of the First National Bank of Amenia, and president of the Amenia and Sharon Land Co., of North Dakota. He was numbered among the public-spirited men of the county, and was one of the most interested in its development and progress. A conscientious Christian, he was a member of the Baptist Church of Amenia, in which he served as deacon; politicall\- he was a Republican, and for one term filled the office of supervisor of his township. In the town of Amenia he married Mary Mygatt, daughter of Ambrose Mygatt, and three children blessed their union : Emma, now the wife of Jacob Peters, of Amenia; Edward, of the same place, and Frank Presson, of this review.

The birth of our subject occurred in the town of Amenia, December 13, 1869, and on reaching a sufficient age he attended school at

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniOAL RECORD

Perrj's Corners, in Northeast, was later a student in the Amenia Seminary and the Keed school at Lakeville, Conn., and completed his education at the Housatonic Valley Institute at Cornwall, Conn. On December 15, 1892, in Amenia town, he was united in marriaj^e with Miss Laura Belle Bartram, only daughter of Barney and Laura G. (Culver) Bartram. He has always turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and is now operating the old Bartram farm.

Barney Bartram was born at Redding, Conn., in i8o8, and was a cattle broker in New York City the greater part of his business life. , In 1867 he came to Amenia, where he built the present residence of our subject, and resided there during the summer months, but the winter seasons he still spent in New York. At Pine Plains, Dutchess county, he married Miss Laura G. Culver, who survived him some time, dying in 1887, while his death occurred in 1S78. In religious belief he was a Methodist, and he was a most highly esteemed and honored citizen.

THEODORE WHEELER, a prosperous _ agriculturist, residing near South Dover, Dutchess county, is one of the sub.stantial citizens of the town of Dover.

His father, Thomas Wheeler, was a well-known drover and farmer, residing near \\ ing Station, and owned about 1,000 acres of fine land. He was born in Dover in 1814, and in 1837 was married to Rhoda Ann Oney, of Otsego county, who was born in 1812. They had three sons: Theodore, Obed and William.

Theodore Wheeler was born in 1837 at the old homestead in Dover, and, in 1858, he was united in matrimony with Miss Jane A. Chapman. The}- have one sen, Thomas S. Wheeler, who was born in Dover, May 22, 1862, and was educated at Peekskill, N. Y. Since his graduation he has been engaged in business in New York City as a broker, and he is a member of the Produce Exchange of that place. He married Miss Addie Mayer, daughter of Gilford Mayer, a well-known insurance agent of Plainfield, N. J., and his wife, Ophelia. Mrs. Jane A. Wheeler, was born in Dover, March 16, 1837, and was educated in the local schools. She is a lady of unusual ability and force of character, and is descended from an old Connecticut family. Her grandfather, John Chapman, was born and educated in

that State, whence he came to the town of Dover. He and his wife, Catherine (Briggs), reared a family of four children: Henry, Richard, Ann (now Mrs. Bishop) and Sarah A. (now Mrs. Henry Fierol.

Richard Chapman, Mrs. Wheeler's father, was a native of the town of Dover, born in 1810. He was carefully educated, and as he possessed mechanical ability of a high order he decided to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he was forty years old. He then moved to Pawling, Dutchess county, and engaged in the restaurant business. No desire for political distinction was ever manifested by him, but he ardently believed in the principles of the Democratic party, and never failed to support them as occasion permitted. He married Miss Sarah Wheeler, daughter of Sebastian Wheeler, a prosperous farmer, and his wife, Phcebe (Wing). The five children of Richard and Sarah Chapman were: Francis, Jane A., Sarah L., Perry M. and Emma M. Of these, (i) Francis, born July 11, 1835, was educated in the schools of his native town, and then engaged in the mercantile business in Pawling. After some years he went to New York City as a booi-keeper, and died there. His wife was Miss Jennie M. Bishop, daughter of Rev. Bishop. They had no children. (3) Sarah L., born May 14, 1839, married William B. Ross, a merchant of the town of Dover, and they have three children: William J., Charles (who married Miss Ida Woodman) and George W. (4) Perry M., born March 27, 1841, engaged in the restaurant business with his father, after he had completed his course of study in the local schools. During the Civil war he served as a soldier in defense of the Union cause. He married Miss Ann Thomas, daughter of Charles Thomas, a well-known farmer and blacksmith of Dover. Five children were born of this union: Cora T. (now Mrs. George Daniels), Albert, Ross, Fred and Emma. (5) Emma M. married George W. Chase, cashier of the Pawling Bank, and they have had two children: Nellie T. and George.

CLARENCE E. YOUNG. The subject of this sketch was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, August 14, 1851, and is the son of Edward H. and Phoebe (Frost) Young, the former of whom was born in the town of Milton, Ulster county, and the latter in Dutchess county.

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807

Our subject spent his boyhood on the farm and attending the public schools and the Dutchess County Academy. After tinishmg his education he worked on the farm, where he is at present occupied in the business of gardener and florist. He was married in 1876 to Miss Rebecca U. Underbill, who was born in Queens county, L. I. Her father, Jacob Underbill, was a farmer, and came of Irish ancestors. Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Edith M. and Blanch. Mr. Young has a farm just outside the city limits, where he raises vegetables, garden supplies and flowers. He has a fine residence on the place. He is a progressive citizen, a Prohibitionist, and, with his wife, is a member of the Reformed Church.

Edward H. Young grew up in Ulster county and married Miss Frost, who was the daughter of James Frost, a farmer. They lived for some time in Ulster county, and then moved to Pough-keepsie and purchased their farm in 1S50, on which their present house was built in 1S51. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Young: Annie, who married William M. Du-Bois, a farmer of Charles county, Maryland; Phoebe, unmarried; Hannah, who died in 1885; and Clarence E., our subject. Mr. Young died in 1878, and his wife in 1S87. He was a Republican.

Edward Young, grandfather of our subject, was also born in Ulster county. He married a Miss Cromwell, and they reared the following children: John, a farmer in Ulster county, now deceased; David was a farmer in Pleasant Valley, and is now deceased; Alexander is a farmer in Orange county; William is on a farm in the town of Marlborough, Ulster Co., New York.

JrrOHN R. BARRETT, the junior member of Ij the well-known firm of Huineston & Barrett, leading blacksmiths and wagon makers of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is one of the prominent young business men of that village. He is a native of the place, born in 1865, and after acquiring his education in the public schools he learned the blacksmith's trade of William Barhite, of Amenia. In 1878 he established his present shop at Dover Plains in partnership with Meritt Humeston, and his success in this enterprise has given him excellent standing in financial circles.

His family is of Irish origin, the home of his ancestors being at Doneraile, County Cork,

Ireland. James Barrett, his grandfather, was born and educated there and became a farmer by occupation. He married Margaret Mahoney and had five children, of whom the youngest died in infancy. The others were: James and Mary, who never married; Ellen, Mrs. James Cullen, and Richard, our subject's father, who, after attending the schools of Doneraile until the age of fourteen, came to America and settled, in 1851, at Dover Plains. For a number of years he was employed by the Belding estate, and then he went to New York City and engaged in the mercantile business for one year, and, on returning to the town of Dover, followed farming during his later years, with J. K. Mabbet. He always took an intelligent interest in public questions, but was not actively engaged in politics. He and his wife, Mary Gorings, reared a family of seven children: Maggie, Mrs. William Donovan; Ellen, Mrs. William Burns; Mary, Mrs. Thomas Whalen; James, who married Delia Murray; John, our subject; George, who married Nellie Dahoney; and Richard, who married Annie Donley.

The subject of our sketch found a worthy helpmeet in Miss Anna Quinlan, a lady of Irish descent, and their home is brightened by three children: Frank, born December 21, 1885; Arthur, September 22, 1890; and Gertrude, October 6, 1892. Mrs. Barrett's father, Martin Quinlan, was a native of Ireland, but came to America in boyhood with his parents, who located upon a farm in town of Unionvale, Dutchess Co. He attended the schools of that locality for some time, and in early manhood purchased a farm near Burbank, where he still resides. He married Miss Mary McLaughlin, who was also born in the Emerald Isle, and they have eleven children: William, who married Sarah Quinlan; Maggie, Mrs. Thomas Mullen; Daniel, who married Annie Donley; Martin, Charles, Terrance, Ella and Hattie, who are not married; Delia, the wife of John McKenna; George, unmarried; and Annie, now Mrs. Barrett.

LEXANDER BISHOP, Jr., a prominent agriculturist of- the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county, residing near New Hacken-sack, is one of the most highly respected citizens of that locality, a long life of quiet, unobtrusive usefulness having gained him the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

His family is among the oldest in Dutchess county. His great-grandfather, an Englishman by birth, was a pioneer farmer in the town of Fishkill, where Caleb Bishop, our subject's father, was born. By occupation he was a farmer and lime burner. He married Hannah Phillips, and settled on a farm in the town of Poughkeepsie, where they reared a family of nine children.

Gabriel Bishop, their fourth child, grew to manhood at the old homestead and engaged in the business of boating for some years. Politically he was a Democrat. He married Hester Yates, a native of the same town, and daughter of John Yates, a well-known hotel-keeper. Her grandfather came to Dutchess county from Ireland. After his marriage Gabriel Bishop settled in his native town, and of his nine children the majority located upon farms in Dutchess county. The eldest, William, was a boatman on the Hudson; Jackson was a farmer in his native town; John, Alexander, Samuel and Caleb all engaged in farming; Mary Ann married Joseph Randolph, a jeweler; Catherine married Charles Deering, a farmer; and Hester never married. The family has always been identified with the Kefornied Dutch Church, and various members have taken an active part in local affairs.

Alexander Bishop was born February 4, 1820, and lived at the old farm until he was twenty-four years of age, when he married Miss Jane Kirklan, the daughter of a farmer of Greene county, N. Y., who died when she was a mere infant. She was adopted and reared by the Rev. Van Cleef. The young couple made their first home upon a farm in the town of Lagrange, but in 1876 they moved to their present property, a fine farm of i 10 acres devoted to mixed crops. Mrs. Bishop died in 1886, leaving a family of four children: Alexander, Jr., assists his father in the management of the farm, and is one of the influential young men of that vicinity, holding the office of commissioner of highways; Cornelius Van-Cleef is an undertaker in Wappinger Falls; Gertrude and Nellie are at home. Mr. Bishop has always been an interested student of public questions, and in politics is a Democrat.

her 8, 1867, in Bucks county, Penn., where his parents, who were both natives of that locality, now reside.

William Heaney, his father, has been engaged in agriculture, and in boating on the canal for many years, and is well known in that section. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his wife. Emily (Buck), are devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. They had five children: Henry, a canal man in Pennsylvania; Isaac, a blacksmith and butcher by trade; John, who met his death at the age of twenty-seven in a street-car fire at Trenton, N. J.; Charles S., our subject; and Anna, wife of George Mich, a boatman, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

Charles S. Heaney spent the first sixteen years of his life at home, and then began work upon the canal, contributing his wages, until he was twenty-one, toward the support of the family. On attaining his majority he went to New York City, and for some time ran a barge for the Montrose Brick Co., but since December, 1891, he has been engaged in the hotel business at Fishkill Landing, and has also been interested in the wholesale beer trade as agent for Quinn & Nolan, of Albany, N. Y. On July 29, 1896, he added to these lines of enterprise a cafe in the Opera House block at Fishkill, his business sagacity being supported by an apparently limitless energy.

On January 4, 1892, he was married to Miss Mary Quirk, daughter of Michael Quirk, a well-known resident of Fishkill Landing, who is of Irish descent. Two children, Lillian and Ellen, bless this union. In his political views Mr. Heaney is not hampered by partisan ties, and his vote is cast according to the requirements of the times. He is a prominent member of the Church of St. John The Evangelist (Roman Catholic), at Fishkill Landing, and is identified with the Catholic Benevolent League and Catholic Order of Foresters.

CHARLES S. HEANEY, the enterprising _ proprietor of the "Oak Hotel and Cafe" at Fishkill Landing, and of another popular caf(5 on Main street, Fishkill, was born Septem-

0 LIVER KEES SMITH. This gentleman is generally known as one of the substantial farmers of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, but he now leases his land, and devotes his time and attention to the fire-insurance business, having represented the Continental Company for about ten years. He was ' eminently successful as a tiller of the soil, and I is a man of keen intellect, sound judgment

-^

^r-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

809

and business ability. His early home was at Bear Market, in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where his birth took place July i, 1834.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Stephen R. Smith, was born about 176S, in Rhode Island, where he married Miss Rhoda Harris. On leaving his native State he came to Dutchess county on horseback, his wife and three children accompanying him, locating first in the town of Stanford, where he followed the occupation of a farmer, later becoming a resident of the town of Clinton. He held membership with the Society of Friends. In his family of nine children, Rufus Smith, the father of our subject, was next to the youngest, and was born in the town of Stanford, June 8, 1805. In the schools of that township and at Clinton Corners he received his education, and he continued to remain on the old homestead farm for two j'ears after his marriage. On December 3, 1828, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, Mr. Smith married Elizabeth Thorne, who was born December 19, 1S08, and they became the parents of three children, namely: (i) Cynthia T., who married Thomas I. Wing, and they have two daughters—Annie and Carrie. (2) Caroline, who married Welcome Johnson, of Minneapolis, Minn., and they have three children —Frank (who is married, and has two daughters, Marie and Elizabeth); Elizabeth and George S. (3) Oliver K., subject of this sketch. The entire business career of the father was spent in farming in the town of Stanford, where he served as supervisor about 1847, and there his death occurred January 8, 1881. He was a member of the Friends Church. The mother of our subject is a daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Thornj Thorne, while her paternal and maternal grandfathers bore the name of Joseph Thorne and Joseph Thorn, respectively, although the former was of French and the latter was of English origin. Joseph Thorne was born in 1745, and married Sarah Kees; Joseph Thorn was born in 1749. The entire life of Stephen Thorne was passed in the town of Washington, where he was married, and where were born to him five children: Anne K.. Cynthia, Elizabeth, Hannah and Joseph.

Oliver K. Smith, the subject proper of these lines, acquired his education in part at a school at New Milford, Conn., m part at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washing-

ton, and became familiar with the various phases of farm life under the capable instruction of his father. He remained under the pa-' rental roof until his marriage, when he removed to his present residence in the town of Stanford. On September 24, 1863, in the town of Pleasant Valley, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Hannah P. Halstead, a daughter of Joseph G. Halstead, of Clinton town, and to them were born three children: Lizzie, wife of Harry Decker, of New York City, by whom she has one child—Elaine; and Thorne and Florence, both deceased.

Mr. Smith is a progressive man, pre-eminently public-spirited, and all that pertains to the public welfare receives his hearty endorsement. For three terms he served as assessor of his township, being elected on the Republican ticket, and by the Democratic party was elected supervisor, filling that position for one term. He is emphaticall}' a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy, strict integrity and liberal views, thoroughly identified with the prosperity and welfare of his town and county. He is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship, and devoted to those who have his confidence.

Jjt LBERT R. BRYANT, a prominent young M^:_ business man of Matteawan, Dutchess county, is a descendant of an old English family long established at Bristol, England, where many of his ancestors were connected with the business of hat manufacturing.

His great-grandfather, Richard Bryant, and grandfather, Jonathan Bryant, were thus engaged throughout their manhood, and his father, the late George Bryant, who was born in Bristol, learned the same trade there, and on coming to America, at the age of eighteen, continued it for many years. He located first at Newark, N. J., where he met and married Miss Elizabeth Simmonds, a native of England, whose father, John Simmonds, brought his family to the United States during her youth and settled at Bloomfield, N. J. The early years of their wedded life were spent in Newark, but later they removed to Yonkers, N. Y., and finally to Matteawan, where Mr. George Bryant followed the hotel business for about seventeen years. He was a man who took a generous interest in ever3'thing that pertained to the welfare of his adopted country, and in politics was a stanch Republican. He and his wife

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were members of the M. E. Church. She passed to the unseen life in 1871, and his death occurred March 11, 1888. They had five children: George H., who is now in the Marine Hospital at Stapleton, L. I.; John Edward, a hatter by occupation; Lucy, now Mrs. Newton Quick, of Yonkers; Albert, our subject, and Robert, who died at the age of five years.

Albert R. Bryant was born at Yonkers, N. Y., July 7, 1862, and was about five years old when his parents removed to Matteawan. He attended school at that place for a time, and then entered a private school in New York City, where he remained about twelve years. On completing his course he returned to Matteawan and learned the hatter's trade, which may be said to be hereditary in his family, preferring the hotel business, in which he was engaged for nine years at the corner of Water and Fountain streets. In March, 1888, he opened a saloon at the same site, and has ever since conducted it. He has gained the friendship of many people, and is also successful financially, owning a large amount of valuable real estate at Matteawan, including the "Commercial House."

In 1881, Mr. Bryant was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Forsyth, a native of Orange county, N. Y., and a daughter of Joseph Forsyth, a well-known resident of that localit}'. Two children were born of this union: Edna E. --.nd George A. Mr. Bryant is an ardent advocate of Republican principles, and socially is connected with various organizations, being an active member of the B. P. O. E., the Foresters of America, and the Beacon Hose Co., of which he was foreman for three years and is now chief engineer.

'AMES B. TRIPP, the able manager of an extensive stock farm at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, is considered an authority upon all questions relating to the training and care of that noble animal, the horse. His e.Nperience as foreman of large stock farms at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and Danbury, Conn., has admirably fitted him for his present responsible position with H. N. Bain, of Dover Plains.

Mr. Tripp is a descendant of one of our old families, his grandfather, John Tripp, having been a native of Dutchess county. He became a farmer by occupation and for many years lived at Ancram, Columbia county. His wife

was Cynthia Adzit, of Bangall, Dutchess county, and they reared a family of nine children: Daniel I. married (first) Dameris Myers, and (second) Mrs. Adaline Sharp; David K.; Elisha married Miss West; Benjamin, Miss Shultz; Mariette, Henry Reefer; Anthony. Rebecca Reefer; Rachel, Myron Hamblin; Loretta, Henry Dayton; and James, our subject's father, chose for his life partner Emma Card, daughter of Esson and Lottie fWetherill) Card, of Ancram. He was engaged in farming in that vicinity all his life, and died there January 14, 1896. Of his six children our subject is the eldest. The others are: Cynthia, Mrs. James R. Paine; Mary R., Mrs. George Mitchell; Emma L., Mrs. Marks Senigo; Sarah, Mrs. Howard Thompson; and Myra, Mrs. Harry Dewsnap.

The subject of our sketch was born in Ancram in 1854, and for some time after leaving school was engaged in farming, but in early manhood acquired a high reputation in his present calling. He has always been a Democrat in politics, and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs. On November 3, 1886, he was married to Miss Ella Van Steen-bergh, a lady of 'fine mental ability and culture, who previous to her marriage was a successful teacher at Millerton and in Columbia county. She was born in Amenia in 1867, and was educated by her father, George Steen-burg'n, a well-known resident of that place. Her ancestors were among the early settlers in that vicinity, and her grandfather, Henry Van Steenbergh, was born and reared there, and became a prominent farmer. He married Miss Anna Blass, of the same town, and had eight children, whose names, with those of their partners in matrimony, are as follows: Philip, Sarah Hunt; Ezra, Nellie Berrian; John, Harriet Green; George, Mary Rowe; Hampton, Hattie Melloy; Gernsey, Mary Drake; Emmett, Phcebe Odell; and Coralie, Henry Pitcher. George Van Steenbergh grew to manhood at the old farm, and was graduated from the Amenia Seminary. He learned the carpenter's trade, but, finding teaching more to his liking, he followed that calling nineteen years. In politics he was a steadfast Democrat, and never lacked the courage to express his convictions upon any subject. Mrs. Tripp is the only living child, two sons having died, Walter in infancy, and Hubert at the age of nineteen. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Rowe, was a direct descendant of the Moravian

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

811

missionaries of that name who came to this countrj' to instruct the Indians in the Christian faith. Orville Rowe, one of Mary Rowe's ancestors, was a prominent farmer of White Plains, Dutchess county, and his wife was Miss EHzabeth Pitcher, of Johnson's Corners.

CHARLES E. BOYCE, a prominent resident of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, at present holding the office of constable, is the proprietor of a popular meat market in Dover Plains. He is a native of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where several generations of his family have made their home. His grandfather, Jacob Boyce, was born and educated there, and spent his life in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Holmes, and reared a family of nine children: Margaret, Mrs. Henry Van Dewater; Sarah A., Mrs. Alfred Van Dewater; Olive, Mrs. Levi Ambler; Eliza and Nargette, who never married; Amy, Mrs. Drury; Edwin, our subject's father; Isaac, who married Miss Allen; and Levi, who married Catherine Ambler.

Edwin Boyce was born at the old homestead in the town of Stanford, September 19, 1812, and died May 13, 1861. He was educated in the district schools of that locality, and afterward engaged in farming. He was married to Miss Sabrina Betts, who was born in 1820, and of this union four children were born: James H., Henrietta, Charles E. and Mary F.

The subject of our sketch enjoyed the usual educational privileges of a farmer's boy, later learned the butcher's trade, and also worked at carpentering for some time. Since his removal to Dover Plains he has conducted a meat market with gratifying success, and has taken an active part in local affairs. His partner in life's journey is Kate Titus, daughter of Alexander Titus, and they have had three children: Ethel May, born January i, 1882; Alice Titus, born April 8, 1888, and Eugene Holmes, born May 15, 1890.

The Titus family has been prominent in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, for many years, and Mrs. Boyce's grandfather, Jackson Titus, was born and educated there, and later became a prosperous miller. He and his wife, Hannah Conklin, reared a family of four children: Ale.xander, Mrs. Boyce's father; Stephen, who married (first) Harriet Bur-

lingame, and (second) Mary Burlingame; Mott, who never married; and Ruth Amelia, Mrs. Joseph Titus. Alexander Titus was born in 1821, and received his early education in the district schools of Washington town. He engaged in the milling business for a time, but the greater part of his life was spent in farming. He married Letitia Strang, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Adriance) Strang, and had six children: Kate, Mrs. Boyce; Edward, who married Josephine Stansbury; Anna, Mrs. Charles Rich; Eleanor, the wife of Charles Gilbert; Stephen, who married Estella Outhouse; and Lillian, the wife of Charles Lewis. Mr. Titus was a prominent Republican, and held all the important offices in his town at different times, from supervisor down. He was also an active member of the order of Odd Fellows.

JrrOHN B. WALDO is the owner of one of I' the finest fruit farms in East Fishkill town, ~ Dutchess county. Around his handsome residence the grounds are beautifully laid out, and altogether it presents a most attractive picture. He was born upon this place at Johnsville, on June 2, 1846. It comprises 175 acres of rich land, and was the last farm to be parted with or left by the Indians, and was used by them also as a burying ground. A part of an old Indian orchard, which at one time was four miles long, is still standing, and when the father of our subject was a boy a party of Indians returned here from the West and camped on the farm near the mountains for the purpose of viewing their former home. Charles Waldo, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Windham, Conn., and after his marriage with Elizabeth Besley located in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, but the latter part of his life was passed in the West, where his death occurred. By profession he was a physician and surgeon. William B. Waldo, the father of our subject, was an only child, and was born at Brinckerhoff, in Fishkill town. May 5, 1805. He grew to manhood on the farm now owned by our subject, and was a graduate of Union College, at Newburg, N. Y. He studied law, was admitted to the bar at Poughkeepsie, and began practice at Brooklyn, but <nving to ill health he gave up his profession, returning to the farm in the spring of 1838, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death, on

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

June 14, 1867. He took an active interest in the success and welfare of the Whig party, which he always supported by his ballot, and was a most influential and prominent citizen of the community.

The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Jane Ann Bruce, is a native of New York City, and is still living. Her father, John M. Bruce, was a prominent merchant of that place, and was among the first to import tin and sheet iron in Dutchess county. The Bruce famil}' principally were members of the Baptist Church, while the Waldos were Presbyterians. Only two children were born to the parents of our subject, his sister being Elizabeth, who married Rev. G. T. Woodhull, now professor of languages in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania.

The boyhood of John B. Waldo was spent upon his present farm, and, after attending the local schools, he became a student in an academy at Newburgh, N. Y. On the death of his father, however, he returned home, and has since had charge of the farm, where he now devotes special attention to fruit culture, raising grapes, apples, peaches, etc., with most gratifying results, which fact shows that he thoroughly understands his business.

On January 14, 1S72, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Waldo and Miss Helen Brett, whose birth occurred at Johnsville. Her father, James Brett, and her grandfather, Robert Rombout Brett, were also natives of the town of East Fishkill, and farmers by occupation. They were descended from the old patentee. Madam Brett. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Waldo: Jane Ann, who was born October 30, 1873, and died December 14 following; an infant, who died unnamed; William B., who was born November 23, i<S74, ^nd has been an engineer on the Long Island railroad since sixteen years of age; Lewis H., who was born March 5, 1877, and is at this writing at home; James B., who was born April 21, 1878, and died May 30, 1893; John M., who was born May 3, 1879, and has just graduated from the Albany Business College; Oliver W., born May 20, 1880; Elizabeth W., born January i. 1882, and Helen A., born January 27, 1883. The wife and mother was called to her final rest October II, 1890. Politically, Mr. Waldo is a Republican, and does all in his power to promote the welfare and prosperity of his native town and county.

'{f\\AA.\M W. BAKER, a prominent agri-

culturist and business man of Clinton

Hollow, Dutchess county, and a veteran of the Civil war, was born September 25. 1843, in Poughkeepsie, New York.

His family has long been well known in the county. His grandfather, Jesse Baker, was born in the town of Beekman, N. Y., in 1778, and died in Lagrange, N. Y., January 22, 1849, having passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Freedom Plains, and held an influential position in the community. He married Sarah Morgan, and reared a family of six children, all now deceased, giving to all of them good educations. Their names are: Thomas D., Abram, Susan, Maria, Catherine and John M. •

The youngest son, our subject's father, was born in the town of Beekman, November 16, 181 5. His boyhood was spent in the town of Lagrange, where he attended schools, and in early manhood he engaged in the grocery business in Poughkeepsie, at the corner of Main and South Hamilton streets. Later he followed the carpenter's trade in the town of Lagrange. He was married July 17, 1839, at No. 97 Orchard street. New York, by Rev. S. I3enedict, to Eunice M. Wolvern, and by this union there were two sons: Jesse I. and William W. Of these, Jesse L, born March 20, 1841, attended the schools of Lagrange in early life, and learned the blacksmith's trade. On August 19, 1862, he enlisted in Company L 128th N. Y. V. L. and died February 4, 1863, at Camp Chalmette, Louisiana.

William W. Baker, our subject, grew to manhood in Lagrange, enjoying the ordinary life of the country boy, and making the most of the advantages offered by the district schools. At the age of eighteen he enlisted on the same day with his brother, and in the same company, the regiment being assigned first to the Department of the Gulf, and later to the forces in the Shenandoah Valley. He served throughout the war, fortunately escaping his brother's sad fate, and after being mustered out, June 7, 1865, he returned home. He worked at the painter's trade for two years in Lagrange, also for four years in the town of Clinton, later engaging in agriculture near Clinton Hollow, buying a farm after working it on shares for two years. His progressive ideas and energetic management have brought him marked success, and he now owns two

^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

813

good farms in that vicinity. In 1875 he engaged in pork packing in a small way, and has increased the business until he now enjoys an extensive trade.

On September 12, 1865, Mr. Baker was married at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., by Rev. Sumner Mandeville, to ^Iiss Carrie S. Baker, who was born September 26, 1846, a daughter of Thomas D. Baker, our subject's uncle. Two children came of this union: Jesse A., born in 1866, married Miss Ida Wooley, and has three children — George W., William and Viola; and Orrie J., born in 1868, now a farmer, married Vernie J. Cookingham, and has two children — Carrie E. and Olive J. In politics Mr. Baker is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church at Schultz-vilie. New York.

LEWIS H. CHASE, an enterprising busi- ness man of Matteawan, Dutchess county, is the proprietor of a popular meat market, and is also successfully engaged in the ice trade, his custom extending through Matteawan, Fishkill, Fishkill Landing and Fishkill Village. He was born March i, 1854, in Westchester county, N. Y., and is of English descent in both paternal and maternal lines. His paternal grandparents settled in Putnam county shortly after their marriage, and reared eight children: John and Wright are farmers in Kansas; James is a laborer in Ulster county, N. Y.; Robert is mentioned more fully below; Fred, deceased, was a laborer; Adella is married to Philip Van Buren, a livery man at Waldon, Orange Co., N. Y.; William is a farmer in Ulster county; and Elijah went West, and nothing is now known of him.

Robert Chase, the father of our subject, first saw the light at the old home in Putnam county, and in early life engaged in farming. Since the war, however, he has been in the rubber hose and belt factory. He is a highly esteemed citizen. His wife, Phcebe J. Ellis, who is also a native of Putnam county, is a daughter of Abraham Ellis, a well-known agriculturist. Robert Chase is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are leading members of the Baptist Church. Of their five children our subject is the youngest. Caroline married Lewis Glover, of Connecticut; Catherine, who was married to Theodore Post, of Putnam county; Laura is the wife of Charles Ives,

of Matteawan; and Hattie married Clark Mac-key, of the same place.

Lewis H. Chase had the advantage of country life in his youth, remaining upon a farm until he was abcrut twenty-five years old. In 1880 he went to Matteawan to engage in business, forming a partnership with Abram Biker in a meat market. Two years later the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Chase purchased his present market on Main street, Matteawan, where he has built up a fine trade. His ice business was added in 1890, and both, under his able management, are constantly increasing. He has a pleasant home in Matteawan. His wife, formerly Miss Hattie Bogardus, to whom he was married in 1882, is a daughter of Oliver Bogardus, a well-known citizen ot Fishkill Village, and a descendant of one of the old Holland-Dutch families. Nine children have blessed their union: May, Etta, Arthur, Ralph, Walter, Robert, Lewis, Rowland and Mildred. Public affairs receive from Mr. Chase the intelligent attention which it is the duty of every good citizen to give. He is a Republican in his political views, and in local matters he is always to be found on the side of progress. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Order of American Mechanics, and the Order of Red Men.

NATHANIEL PARKER. The excellent farm of 175 acres in the town of Dover,

belonging to our subject, is conspicuous for the manner in which it has been improved and cultivated, and is evidently the homestead of one of the most enterprising men of Dutchess county. He is a native of New York, born in 1818, in the town of Kent, Putnam county, where his grandfather, Nathaniel Parker, whose birth occurred in Connecticut, had located when a young man, there owning a good farm. The latter wedded Miss Mary Rhodes, a daughter of John Rhodes, a farmer of Peekskill, Putnam county, and in their family were three sons: John, the father of our subject; Nathaniel, who remained single; and Piatt, who married Rhoda Post, but had no children.

John Parker was born and educated in Kent town, Putnam county, where he later followed farming, and in the war of 1812 served as a private. He married Miss Elsie Lee, daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Emmons) Lee, agriculturists of Dutchess county, and to them

COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPHICAL RECORD.

were born eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: (i) Rhodes married Miss Adaline Foley, by whom he had two children—John P. and Orphey. (2) William married Ehza Russell, and had three children—Isaac, John and Alpheus. (3) Nathaniel is next in order of birth. (4) Mary married Aaron Wright, and to them were born three children—John, Eli and Rodin. (5) Abigail married Joseph Fisher, and their children were accidentally killed. (6) Phcebe A. married George Fisher, and has four children— William H., Nathaniel, and two daughters whose names are unknown. (7) Sarah became the wife of Leroy Hewitt, and reared a family. (8) Clarinda married Augustus Lee.

The education of our subject was such as the district schools of his native town afforded. During his younger years he learned the carpenter's trade, which he continued to follow for twenty years, and then for about eight years operated land in the town of Kent, Putnam county, where he owned three different farms. On the expiration of that time he came to Dutchess county and purchased the Levans farm in the town of Dover, where he still continues to make his home and successfully engages in its cultivation. He is a prominent and influential citizen of genuine worth and sterling integrity. In politics he is an uncompromising Republican, but has never aspired to official position.

Mr. Parker was united in marriage with Miss Hulda Patrick, daughter of Jehial and Lu-cinda (Finch) Patrick, and they now have one son, Jehial, whose birth occurred in the town of Kent, Putnam county, but his education was secured in Dover town, Dutchess county. He is now successfully following the teacher's profession. He was married to Miss Amy Russell, and to them has been born one child—Wilbur.

John Patrick, the grandfather of Mrs. Par-kei, was a native of Putnam county, where he carried on farming, and by his marriage with Jemima Tyler had eight children: Bathia, Rhoda, Hannah, Hulda, Betsy, Jehial, David and John. Jehial Patrick, her father, was also born, reared and educated in Putnam county, and as a life work also turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He married- Miss Lu-cinda Finch, a native of Connecticut, and they became the parents of seven children: Lewis, who remained single; Sarah, who married Niles Sturdevant; Hulda, the estimable wife of our subject; Samantha, who married Samuel Ros-

co; Jemima, who never married; P'inch. who died in infancy; and Einmorett, who became the wife of Amos Merritt.

ALBERT S. EMANS, one of the wide- awake and progressive business men of

the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, is profitably conducting a good general store at Gayhead. He was born at that place, January 30, 1854, and is the son of John S. Emans. His boyhood was there passed upon the home farm, and at an early age he became station agent at Hopewell Junction, Dutchess county, for the Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut railroad, holding that position for about a year. For a short time he was then with the New York & Erie railroad at Newburgh, and was later employed on a steamer for a few months, running between Newburgh and Nyack, New York. '

Subsequently Mr. Emans became interested with his father in farming, which they continued up to the time of the hitter's death, when our subject began dealing in agricultural implements. These he still sells in connection with other general merchandise, including groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, wagons, harness, etc. His strict attention to his business interests and his unswerving integrity have aided him in securing the liberal patronage which he now receives, and he is ranked among the most reliable and straightforward business men in Dutchess county.

On March 4, 1880, Mr. Emans was united in marriage with Miss Laura T. Thomas, who was born in the village of Fishkill, and is a graduate of the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y. Her father, E. V. B. Thomas, who was of Scotch extraction, was a leading carriage manufacturer of Fishkill. Two children have come to bless their union: Blanche A., born March 4, 1880; and Albert S., born October 2, 1889.

Mr. and Mrs. Emans began their domestic life upon the farm, but in 1891 he purchased their present home, and also his good store property at Gayhead. In religious affairs they take an active interest, being consistent members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and he has served as treasurer of the Hopewell Y. M. C. A., and was one of the three members of the building committee. In politics he is an earnest Democrat, for three terms has been collector of the town of East Fishkill, was

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

815

town clerk five years, and for the same length of time was notary public, while since 1891 he has served as postmaster. He takes an active interest in all social affairs, being a prominent member of local clubs and like organizations, and is one of the valued citizens cjf the community where he is so widely and favorably known.

I BRAHAM A. BOGARDUS, a substantial _^ ^__ and reliable agriculturist of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born at Johnsville, in the same town, April 26, 1830, and on the paternal side comes of good old Holland ancestry. The birth of his grandfather, Cornelius Bogardus, occurred at what was then called Stonykiln, in Fishkill town, and throughout life he followed agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Elizabeth Roe, by whom he had four children: Cornelius, who became a car man in New York City; James, a farmer of East Fishkill town; William,a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church, and Elias, the father of our subject.

The last named was born in the town of Fishkill August 16, 1784, was reared upon a farm, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he always followed. He was married May 3, 1815, to Miss Hannah Mont-fort, whose birth took place at Johnsville October 25. 1791. Her family were of French extraction. Her father, Adrian Montfort, was born at Fishkill Plains, in Fishkill town, September 6, 1755, and was the son of John Montfort, a native of the same town. Upon their marriage, Elias Bogardus and his wife located on a farm in the town of Fishkill, where they reared their six children: Adrian, who has always followed carpentering in that vicinity; fohn C, who was a harness-maker of New York City, and died there May 9, 1884; Lettie E., who married Henry Burroughs, a farmer of the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county; Susan A.; Abraham A.; and Mary J., wife of Aaron Woodruff, a traveling salesman of New York City. Before his marriage the father worked at the carpenter's trade in New York, but subsequently followed that occupation at Johnsville and Fishkill, Dutchess county. He voted the Democratic ticket, and both himself and wife were sincere and faithful members of the Reformed Dutch Church. She was called from this life November 9, 1839, and he passed away August 28, 1853.

Upon the larm at Johnsville, Abraham A. Bogardus passed his childhood, early becoming familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and, in 1862, he and his brother Adrian purchased their present place, which was known as the '' Horton farm." It comprises 178 acres of fertile land, and to its cultivation and improvement our subject has devoted his time with results so satisfactory that to-day he is one of the prosperous farmers of the community. In political belief he is an unswerving Democrat, and for thirty-three years he capably filled the office of commissioner of highways. By the exercise of integrity, industry and intelligence, he has become a substantial and honored citizen, one who stands high in the estimation of his fellow men. In religious faith the family hold membership with the Reformed Dutch Church.

.TOHN F. JEWELL, a prominent agriculturist of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, is a self-made man who learned in early years the difficult art of making farming pay, and has throughout his long life been putting his knowledge into successful practice. He was born April 15, 1816, in the town of Poughkeepsie, and his family has long been known in the county, his grandfather, Harmon Jewell, being an early resident. The last named had three sons: George, Johi^ and Henry.

Henry Jewell, our subject's father, lived to the age of ninety-six years. He was a lifelong resident of the county, and farmed for many years in the towns of Poughkeepsie and Lagrange. He was a man of excellent habits, and a member of the Reformed Dutch Church. In politics he was in early days a Democrat, but later a Republican, and he took an active interest at times in local affairs, serving as constable for many years. He married Betsey Van Kleeck, and had eight children: (i) Bernard; (2) Maria (Mrs. Richard Grant); (3) Martha (Mrs. Jacob Nelson); (4) Catharine, who married (first) Casper Dusenberry, and (second) John McNeal; (5) Gertrude; (6) Eliza (Mrs. Harvey Grant); (7) Henry E., a resident of Newburg, and married to Rachel Lewis; and (8) John F., our subject. Of this family the first and the two youngest are the only survivors.

Our subject moved to the town of Lagrange in boyhood, and his school days were spent near

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lagrange. At an early age he began working for farmers in that vicinity, and on attaining his majority he went to the town of Olive, Ulster county, and followed the same employment for four years. He then took a farm on shares, and later bought one in the town of Rosen-dale, where he lived eleven years. Returning to Poughkeepsie he spent a year, and in September, 1868, he purchased his present farm near Rowland, where he has resided since March, 1869. He started out in life without help from his relatives, and his accumulations are the result of hard work and wise management. As a speculator he displays unusual judgment, and he has dealt profitably in cattle and horses for many years.

Mr. Jewell was married, January 18, 1838, to Miss Ann Eliza Merrihew, who was born December 11, 1816, in the town of Olive, Ulster county, a daughter of Stephen and Rebecca (Krum) Merrihew, well-known farmers of that locality. Two children came of. this union: (n Martha, born October 6, 1839, married Abram Hill, of Newburg, and has two children—Willet and Mary (Mrs. Samuel Brown). (2) Andrew, born April 2, 1843, is the proprietor of a livery and boarding stable on Main street, Poughkeepsie. He married Aurelia Cookingham. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and has been from his first vote. He is progressive in his ideas, always ready to help forward any worthy movement, and he contributes to several Churches in his neighborhood.

WILLIAM HALL HART, an e.xtensive fruit grower and farmer in the town of

Lagrange, Dutchess county, was born there March 3, 1853. He attended the private schools of Poughkeepsie, and later went to Dartmouth College, where he was graduated in 1875, taking the degree of A. B. Returning to Lagrange, he has since given his attention to his farm. He has a fine orchard, and makes a specialty of growing apples.

Benjamin Hall Hart, father of our subject, was born in Hempstead, L. I., February 13, 1811, and attended school at Richmond, Va. Later he went to sea on account of his health, acting as mate on the Liverpool line for six years. In 1836 he was married at Hempstead to Miss Elizabeth Nichols, and the following children were born to them: (i) Mary Amelia. (2) Edmund Hall married Isabella M. How-

land; they live at Federal Point, Fla., and have had four children—Theodora, Adelia, Lucy Eleanor and Amy, the last named having died. (31 Walter Nichols married Cornelia D. Storm, and lived at Federal Point, Fla.; their children are Mary Louisa, Cornelia Brinckerhoff and Abram Percival; \V. X. Hart died in 1884. (4) Ambrose Burnham, who lives at Lake City, Fla. (Walter and Ambrose each served three years in the Union army, and each was honorably promoted). (5) Louisa Abigail married Edwin S. Hubbard, of Federal Point, Fla., and had two children—Edith Louisa and Ervin Stuart. (6) Elizabeth Emily. (7) William Hall. In 1839 the father of this family moved to the town of Lagrange, where he spent the remainder of his days farming, e.xcept that he visited California twice, in 1849 and 1850, and spent the winters after 1867 at his orange grove in Florida. He died in 1875, a member of the Episcopal Church, a stanch Republican, and an active and respected citizen.

Seth Hart, grandfather of William H., was born June 21, 1763, at Kensington, Conn., was educated at Yale College, where he was graduated in 1784, after which he studied medicine, and for a time practiced as a physician. He went in that capacity with the surveying party that laid out the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Desiring to become a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, he studied to that end, and in

1791 was admitted to the order of deacons, in

1792 to the order of priests by Bishop Sea-bury. He became rector, consecutively, of St. John's Church, Waterbury; St. Paul's, Wallingford, Conn.; and for twenty-eight years of St. George's, Hempstead, L. I., at which latter place he also kept a private school. He died there March 16, 1832, and his wife, who in her maidenhood was Ruth Hall, daughter of Hon. Benjamin Hall, of Cheshire, Conn., passed away November 3, 1841. They were the parents of the following children: (i) William Henry, born January 5, 1790, married (first) Lydia Hubbard Moore, of New York, and (second) Maria Graham, of Shawangunk, N. Y.; he died July 28, 1852. (2) Ambrose Gustavus, born October 13, 1792, died October 15, 1816. (3) Hannah Burnham, born July 16, 1797, died in September, 1798. (4) Henry William, born October 26, 1799, died January 9, 1813. (5) Elizabeth Anne, born May 9, 1809, died December 24, 1840, married William J. Clowes, of Hempstead, L. I.,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

817

and their daughter, Caroline Morgan, makes her home with our subject (she is well known as an artist of much talent, and has made painting her life work). (6) Benjamin Hall. (7) Edmund Hall, born August 7, 1813, died August 22, 1838.

Matthew Hart, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Kensington, Conn., January 23, 1737, and was married November 15' '759. to Miss Elizabeth Hopkins. He died in 1811. The following children were born to him and his wife: ^fatthew, Seth, Sarah, Elizabeth (who married Dr. James Per-cival, by whom she was mother of James G. Percival, the poet), and Oliver.

Matthew Hart,Sr.,great-great-grandfather, was born in 1690 at Farmington, Conn., and was married January 10, 1725, to Miss Sarah Hooker. He died October 30, 1736. Five children were born: Ruth, Mary, Lois, Oliver and Matthew.

Capt. John Hart, the great-great-greatgrandfather, was born at Farmington about the year 1655. He married Miss Mary Moore. He belonged to the Farmington train-band, of which he became lieutenant and captain, besides holding other important offices in the community. He died November 11, 1714, and Mrs. Hart on September 19, 1738. Their children were John, Isaac, Sarah, Matthew, Samuel, Nathaniel and Mary.

John Hart, great-great-great-great-grandfather, was born in Braintree, England. He came to America and located at Farmington, Conn., where one night in 1666 his house was set on fire by the Indians and he and all his family, with the e.xception of the eldest son, John, who, but eleven years old, was away from home caring for stock on an outlying farm, were burned to death.

Deacon Stephen Hart was born in 1605 in Braintree, England, and married (2) Margaret, the widow of Arthur Smith. About 1632 he was oneof thefifty-foursettlers of Cambridge,Mass., and was one of the original proprietors of Hartford, Conn., in 1635, it being a tradition that the name of Hartford originated from a ford in the Connecticut river which he discovered and used, and which was called Hart's ford. He was one of the leading settlers of Farmington, about 1640, where he died in 1683. He was a man of great force and influence in public affairs. Si.\ children were bornto him and his first wife: (i) Sarah, married November

20, 1644, to Thomas Porter; (21 Mary, mar-53

ried (first) to John Lee. (second) to Jedediah Strong; (3) John; (4) Steven; (5) Mehitabel, married to John Cole; and (61 Thomas, born in 1643, married to Ruth Hawkins.

ISAAC BRYAN (deceased). Among the en-_ terprising and prosperous agriculturists of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, the subject of this sketch held a prominent place, maintaining in his day the reputation for energy and sound judgment which his father and grandfather had established at an earlier time. The familj' is of English origin, and the earlier generations were residents of Newtown, Conn., where our subject's great-grandfather, Alexander Bryan, was born. A family record exists which was written by him in 1759. Ezra Bryan, our subject's grandfather, was born at Newtown, November 30, 1740, and was the first of the family to come to Dutchess count}-. He became the owner of a large tract of land in the Nine Partners territory, which since his death has been divided into several good-sized farms. He was a cabinet maker by trade, and engaged for a time in the manufacture of coffins, but later invented a fanning-mill, which he manufactured on quite a large scale at the old farm, employing three or four men. As may be inferred, he was a man of much talent, noted for his practical business abilitv. He was a Quaker in religion, and his death occurred while on his way to meeting, July 9, 1825. He was married May 21, 1761, at Newtown, Conn., by David Judson, minister, to Sarah Beck, who was born April 12, 1738, and died November 19, 1829, and their remains now rest in the family burial lot at Shekomeko. They had six children, whose names with dates of birth and death are as follows: Alexander, March 23, 1762—December 14, 1781; Eliza, September 13, 1764— October 9, 1842; David, July 18, 1767—June 30, 1848; Isaac, July 4, 1772—July 30, 1776; Isaac, August 18, 1776—June 25, 1854; and Amos, January 31, 1779—April 12, 1863.

Amos Bryan, our subject's father, succeeded to his father's business, and carried on the manufacture of fanning-mills, at the same time operating a large farm, having inherited the old homestead and bought in other portions of the estate. He was successful in business and prominent in public affairs, and his integrity and ability won for him the entire confidence of the community. He helped to settle a

COMMEilORATIVE BWORAPUIC'AL RECORD.

number of estates, was a justice of the peace for many years, and in 1840 was a member of the State Assembly. He died April 12, 1863, followed on the 24th of the next month by his wife, formerly Betsey Finch, of Ancram, to whom he was married October i, 1804. Nine children were born of their union, whose names with dates of birth and death are here given: Laura, October 5, iSos^May 20, 1831; Ward, April 12, 1807—December 14, 1863; Eliza (Mrs. Henry Sisson), March 16, 1810— September 3, 1884; Ezra, March 4. 1812— March 22, 1876; Isaac, .August 25, 1815—September 14, 1885; James, November 27, 1817 —March 16, 1839; David, September 22, 1819—now living; Mary (Mrs. James Carman), December 9, 1822—November i, 1853; and Sarah (Mrs. James E. Mott), April 10, 1825— April 15, 1872.

Isaac Bryan was educated at Warren, Conn., and at Peekskil'1-on-the-Hudson, receiving a good education for the time, and was throughout life an intelligent reader on general topics. He engaged in farming at the old homestead, but in i860 bought the farm near Shekomeko where his family now reside. It consists of 240 acres of fine land, and is said to be one of the best farms in the town of Northeast. He possessed excellent business judgment, and accumulated a large property. He was a public-spirited man, but although he was a stanch Republican and greatly interested in the success of his party, he was no office seeker, the only position ever held by him being that of commissioner of highways. He had been reared a Quaker, but in later years he attended the Pine Plains Presbyterian Church. In 1861 he married Miss Mary Hoffman, daughter of Henry Hoffman, a well-known citizen of Pine Plains. Two children were born to this union: Ward, November II, 1863, and Edward, September 4, 1866, who conduct the farm. Edward received a good English education at the Pine Plains Academy, and at twenty returned to the farm. In 1895 he was married to Miss Angle Smith.

JG. DAWSON, M. D., of Matteawan. The Dawson family originated in England, and the first to come to the New World was William Dawson, who, with his wife, Isabella, crossed the Atlantic about 1760. According to family tradition they were p-riends or Quakers, and fled from their native land in order to es-

cape the persecution to which the followers of that faith were then subjected. They settled in Caroline county, Maryland, and being isolated from the P'riends, they imited with a new society called " Nicholites," after its founder and head, Joseph Nichols, of Kent county, Delaware. This sect was spreading rapidly in eastern Maryland about the time of their coming, but by the end of the century it had merged into the Society of Eriends. William and Isabella Dawson reared a family of eleven children: John, Elizabeth, William, Margaret, Jonas, Edward, Elijah, Elisha, Shad-rach, Frederick and Joseph.

Elijah Dawson, the great-grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this biography, was born in Caroline county, Maryland, March 9, 1764. He married Catherine Broadway, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Russum) Broadway, and made his home near Sandtown, Kent count}', Delaware, where he died leaving two children—Greenbury and Sarah.

Greenbury Dawson, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Kent county. Delaware, born in April, 1785, and engaged in farming in the same county, near Camden. In religious faith he was a Friend. His death occurred April 6, 1847, and his wife, Mary Smith, daughter of Major Thomas Smith, died March 12, 1846. They had six children: Catherine, William, Thomas, Willard H., Mary S. and Ezekiel. None are now living except the last named, who is a prominent physician at Baltimore, Maryland.

William Dawson, our subject's father, was born June 24, 1817, near Camden, Delaware, and became one of the most successful agriculturists in that region, accumulating a handsome competence. He possessed unusual force of character, and was a leader in local affairs, and in the Whig party. On December 29, 1840, he married Elizabeth G. Britting-ham, whose father, a prosperous farmer, came from England about 181 5, and settled in Kent county, Delaware. William Dawson established his home near Smyrna, Delaware, where he died, September 30, 1854, but his widow still resides there. Of their eight children our subject was the youngest. Ann M. and Sarah died in infancy; Thomas G. is a dentist in California; Mary J. married Dr. John M. Smith, of Chcswold, Del.; Margarette married John M. Bishop, a farmer of the same locality; William H. is an agriculturist in

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

819

Maryland, and Ezekiel is a manufacturer of butter, at Newark, Delaware.

With this introduction we may the better trace the history of our subject, who is a worthy representative of an ancestry noted for ability and high character. During his boyhood Dr. Dawson lived at the old farm near Smyrna, Del., attending the local schools, with one year in the Classical Academy at Smyrna. In 1872 he entered the State Normal School at Millersville, Penn., and on completing his course in 1875, he engaged in teaching in the country districts. Deciding upon the medical profession as a lifework, he began his preparation in 1877, at Smyrna, and in the following year he was enrolled as a student in the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1880. Locating at Milford, Del., he practiced successfully until 1892, when, realizing the necessit}' for change and rest, he went to New York City for a time. In February, 1892, he settled at Matteawan, where he speedily won a high place in the esteem of the people, both as a citizen and a practitioner. He has never joined the ranks of the happy Benedicts. In all public questions he takes an intelligence interest, and he is active in local affairs. Politically he is a Republican, and he is now serving as health officer of the town of Fish-kill. For some time past he has been a member of the Masonic order, and he is also an active worker in the American Institute of Homeopath}'.

JLSOX OSTRANDER, one of the oldest L and most highly respected citizens of

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a representative of a family which has long been prominent in this region.

The ancestors of our subject who first represented this branch of the family in America was Pieter Pieterson Ostrander, who left Amsterdam, Holland, on the ship " Spotted Cow," April 16, 1660. Landing in June following, he settled at Kingston, N. Y., where, on January 19, 1679, he was married to Rebecca Traphagen. Their son, Arend, who was baptized at Hurley, N. Y., October 5, 1684, married Gertrude Massen Van Bloomen-dahl, daughter of Maas Van Bloomendahl. Maas Ostrander, a son of Arend, was baptized at .Albany, N. Y., April 11, 1714, married Jennetje Swartwout, and their son Cornelius,

who became the grandfather of our subject, was born July 22, 1742; he married, April 25, 1764, Mary Luyster Brinkerhoff. Their son Cornelius, our subject's father, was born at Fishkill, May 22, 1775, and was reared at the old farm, attending school in the neighborhood during boyhood. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed it for some years, going from one farm to another in winter and making shoes. His later years were spent upon his farm; he died January 17, 1853. He married Mary Way, and had eight children, of whom only two are now living: Alson, the subject of this sketch; and Melinda, who married James E. Smith, of Fishkill.

Alson Ostrander was born at Fishkill March 9, 1818, and spent his boyhood there attending the public schools near his home. At the age of fifteen he went to New York City, and found employment as a clerk in the grocery store of N. D. Hurder. In 1838 he returned home, and remained with his father (who then lived near Freedom Plains) until 1840, when he went to Genesee county, making the journey with a horse and wagon. There he worked on his brother's farm for three years, and October i, 1844, he came to Poughkeepsie, where he has since resided. Until 1847 he was with Slocum, Jilson & Co., in their pin factory, the ruins of which still stand on Bayeau street. Mr. Ostrander left this employment to become assistant postmaster at Poughkeepsie for Egbert B. Kelley, with whom he remained three years, and so well and faithfully did he discharge his duties that the two succeeding postmasters found him indispensable. He was next employed in the county clerk's office during the term of George H. Tompkins, and in 18C0 he became connected with the firm of William W. and James Reynolds, Jr. (now Reynolds & Cramer), with whom he remained twenty-eight years, when he retired from active business. He is a man of quiet tastes and reserved manners; but while he has never sought prominence, he has more than once taken an influential part in advancing measures which he believed to be beneficial to the public. He is an ardent friend to the temperance cause; has voted the Prohibition ticket ever since the organization of the party, and is now the senior resident member of the Sons of Temperance. His connection with that body dates back to 1846 when he became a member of Howard Division No. 45, and when that society gave up its

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

charter, Mr. Ostrander, with William Schrum, Judson D. Case, Richard Brittain, Lazarus V. ]jrinck, Thomas Piatt, John M. Cable, Isaac Butler, Dennis C. ("lemishire, and James Brewer, took their cards and joined Pough-keepsie Division No. 9, which was instituted August 4, 1843.

On June 3, 1841, Mr. Ostrander was married in Genesee county to Miss Harriet Arnold, who died leaving one son, Alson B., born February 2, 1846, at Poughkeepsie, who was a soldier in the Civil war and is now a resident of New York City. He was married at ]5er-gen, N. v., to Hettie Gifford. Mr. Alson Ostrander was again married, this time at Leon, N. Y., February 7, 1854, to Miss Frances E. Evarts, who was born February 14, 1825, a daughter of Rev. Renaldo M. and Eliza (Morley) Evarts. Two sons (twins) were born of this union at Poughkeepsie, February 7, 1863—James Henry and Charles Melville, both of whom are successfully established in life, the latter being now in the insurance business at Omaha, Nebraska.

James Henkv Ostrander has chosen to remain in his native city, where he now conducts an extensive undertaking and embalming business. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, and on leaving the high school he entered the telegraph office as messenger, and later was employed as salesman for a New York firm, and then began to learn the undertaking business with Stephen Merritts, with whom he worked three years. In 188S he returned to Poughkeepsie where he had already won a high standing in business circles. He was married there June 5, 1888, to Miss Lavinia S. Cluett (born November 28, 1864), daughter of George W. and Lavinia Cluett, and has one son, Cornelius, born January 11, 1892. He is a member of Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 268, Chapter No. 172, King Solomon Council No. 31, Commandery No. 43, Mecca Temple A. A." O. N. M. S.

BOYD FAMILY, THE, which has been prominent in this section for several generations, originated in Scotland, and the head of this branch was among the " Scotch Seced-ers " who went to the North of Ireland about the year 1700 to avoid the religious persecutions of the time in his native land. He settled in County Down, but the e.xact locality

cannot now be ascertained. The coat of arms found in the possession of some of his descendants is the same as that of the Kilmarnock Boyd, and without doubt if the record had been kept all could trace their lineage to the same source in Scotland. The name of this ancestor is not known, but his family, as far as can be learned, consisted of five children: Samuel, Robert, James, Nathaniel and Mary.

Samuel Boyd came to New York Cit}'early in the eighteenth century, and finding this country a haven of rest from the hardships and religious wars of the Old World, he assisted his brothers and sisters to come. They remained but a short time in New York City, and most of them made their permanent home at New Windsor, Orange Co., N. Y. With the exception of Samuel the brothers were all married and had large families, which shows that they were well advanced in years. Nathaniel Boyd was born in County Down, Ireland. He married (first) Margaret Beck, (second) Martha Monsel, but whether the last marriage took place in Ireland or America there is now no means of knowing, and (third) Jane Johnston. He settled in Little Britain, Orange county, where he passed the remainder of his days. There were seven children bj' the first marriage, and nine by the second.

John Boyd, his first son by the first marriage, was born in ("ounty Down, March 24, 1746, and came to America with his parents at the age of eight years, and removed to Amenia, Dutchess county, from his home in Orange county, about 1769. On August 10, 1769, he married Elizabeth Winager, who was born April 3, 1754, and was a daughter of Conrad Winager, an extensive landholder of Dutchess county, and nnlde his home at Amenia where he followed the tailor's trade. As he is said to have owned a large tract of land there at the time of his death, on August 29, 1817, he probably received a portion of his father-in-law's estate. His wife died October 5, 1820. He was known as Capt. John Boyd, and his name appears among 300 others on the •' Roll of Honor " during the Revolutionary war. The records of the State of New York show him first as a lieutenant in Capt. Colby Chamberlain's company in the 6th Dutchess County Regiment, March 20, 1778, and later as a captain in the 5th Dutchess County Regiment under Col. William Huinpihrey. Capt. Boyd's name is on the records of the old Presb3'terian Church at Amenia, and he was connected with

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

821

the Society during the building of the church edifice in 1796. He was a man highly esteemed and trusted by his fellow-citizens. In his time people did not know the meaning of bills, checks and drafts, and they learned by sad experience the vvorthlessness of Continental bills. Capt. Reed at one time when making a large purchase of wheat requested his neighbor, Lieut. John Boyd, to bring from Poughkeepsie a certain bag of silver money. Mr. Boyd brought it on horseback on the pommel of his saddle, and when he rode up to the store an attendant lifted it down, not without some exertion, and carried it in. His family consisted of eleven children, most of whom died in early life. The two who survived and settled in Amenia were Samuel, who married Sarah, daughter of Judge Ephraim Payne, and Gilbert, who married Abigail Chamberlain; none of their descendants are now living in Dutchess county. The youngest son, David Boyd, for forty-six years known as a prominent tanner, was born in Amenia, N. Y., May 21, 1795, and remained in his native place, with the exception of a few years of his childhood passed in Little Britain, until he was seventeen years of age. He had the usual advantages offered by the common schools of the day, of which he was a regular attendant until he reached the age of seventeen. He left home in the year 1812 determined to acquaint himself with some branch of industry in which he might become self-supporting. His brother James was already engaged in the tanning business in Brooklyn, N. Y., and thither David directed his steps and apprenticed himself to learn the trade. The custom of drinking which was then so common in all classes of society, especially in the cities, was new to young Boyd, and being surrounded with temptation it was not long before he determined to return to his quiet country home. His parents, having a just appreciation of his motives, approved of his resolution to look in another direction for a chance to fit himself for the tanner's trade. While visiting some relatives in Poughkeepsie, he was introduced to Mr. John Gary, a practical tan* er of that place, who had a tan-yard on Washington street, near the corner of Main, in what is now the center of the city. No vestige of it remains to-day. With Mr. Gary he resumed his labors, acquiring a thorough knov;ledge of the trade, and remained with him several years until after Mr. Gary removed his business to Troy,

N. Y. During this time his home was with his employer's family, where he met Mr. Gary's sister-in-law, Rhoba Pettis, who was born June i, 1792, at Foster, R. L, and died February 12, 1836. They were married in Troy, April 27, 1817, and having now a family to provide for, Mr. Boyd was desirous to commence business for himself, and he returned to Poughkeepsie to run the same yard where he had learned the trade a few years previous. In 1821 he opened a leather store on Main street, in the building now owned by John J. Bahret, the clothier, and lately occupied by him. Here he retailed all kinds of leather, employing his leisure in finishing such stock as he could purchase in the rough from country tanners. He soon determined to make a more permanent arrangement for carrying on business, and for that purpose built himself a store and tannery, at No. 360 Main street, where he tanned most of the hides, calf and sheep skins, bought by him in the Poughkeepsie market, besides finishing calf and kipskins, picked up in New York while purchasing his stock of sole leather. He followed this business during the remainder of his life, his industry and integrity being rewarded by the acquisition of a considerable property. He lived during the most of this time where South-wick's place of business now stands; later he removed to the corner of Cannon and Hamilton streets, where he died May 10, 1851.

A just appreciation of the probable growth of the city induced him to purchase at different times several acres of land in the suburbs of the town which he disposed of at such times as he found opportunities for making profitable sales, and he realized from these investments all and even more than he had at first anticipated. He built a more extensive tannery, at the place known as the Red Mills. Years of trial followed those of prosperity, and the financial crisis of '36 and '37 was a season of heavy losses for him, but it was always a matter of honest satisfaction to Mr, Boyd that he had been able to meet his indebtedness paying one hundred cents on the dollar in every case. It was his maxim during life to live honestly, and deal justly with all men. He continued in active business until the years of his death, enjoying the regular routine of a busy life and the intercourses of those with whom he had so long been associated. He was a director in the Bank of Poughkeepsie for

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

many years. In religion he was a Presbyterian, and he aided in the building of the church, and was one of the substantial members and trustees. He was a member of " Old Protection No. i" Fire Engine Company in the year 1821.

By his first wife he had three children, Mary Eliza, who married Abram Wiltsie; John Gary, and Julia who married Alson Ward. His second wife was Clarissa Lewis, who died .April II, 1856, leaving no children. According to his desire he was succeeded in business by his son and son-in-law, under the firm name of Boyd & \\'iltsie, his plans for the future being well-known to them.

John G. Boyd, the only son of David Boyd, was born February 12, 1825, at the place now known as No. 16 Washington street, Pough-keepsie. As a young man he became engaged with his father in business, beginning as an apprentice. He had good advantages in youth, and was given a fine business education. At eleven years of age he was sent to Dover to study with Mr. Jeliffe, and later he attended Fay's school at New Paltz. After leaving school he went into the tannery with a view of becoming acquainted with the trade, his time being divided between store and tannery. He succeeded to a share in the business in his twenty-eighth year, at his father's death. In the same year he married Phebe E. Trowbridge, daughter of Stephen B. Trowbridge and Eliza Conklin. The firm of Boyd & Wiltsie continued in business twenty-five years, and the real-estate interest was continued even after that time. The old enterprise is still carried on by Messrs. Dick & Dobb, Mr. Dick having been an employe for many years. Previous to May, 1853, he was a member of Howard Hose Company, No. 2. For twenty-nine years Mr. Boyd was trustee of the Presbyterian Church, and was always ready to do his duty. He was connected with the Poughkeepsie National Bank for twenty-two years, having held the office of vice-president for some time, and that of president for two years, until compelled by failing health to decline a re-election. He was a member of the Water board, and trustee of Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery for many years previous to his death, which occurred April 6, 1886. There are not many to be found through the conflicts of an active business life who have gained and retained to the last the friendship and respect of all with whom they

have come in contact. Mr. Boyd, from his natural benevolence of disposition, accomplished this in a remarkable degree without effort. A born gentleman, it was easy for him to make and retain friendship. His kindly nature was free from restraint in all his intercourse with men, and he left upon all the impression of inherent modesty and true affection, excellent purpose, broad views and sound judgment. He sought to cultivate the good feeling of others. He loved the bright and beautiful side of life and would fain have others share his joyous disposition. Enemies he had none, for his gentle ways forbade their creation. He had three children— Nathan T., Henry S., who died in infancy, and Frederick J.

N.\TH.'\x T. Bovu was born April 17, 1856, in his grandfather's house on Mill street. He was educated in Poughkeepsie, his first teacher being Mrs. Herrick, and later he attended the old Quaker School, Riverview Academy, and Bishop's Select School. In 1875 he went into the First National Bank as bookkeeper, under Zebulon Rudd as cashier. After two and a half years there, he took a position as bookkeeper in the store of Trowbridge & Co., remained about three years, when he took an interest with George Dick in the old leather store. Later he sold out his share to Mr. Dobbs, and went to Illinois where he was interested in the Illinois Central R. R. for two and a-half years. He came back, practically at the request of Trowbridge & Co., and took his former place in that firm, continuing as clerk until the partnership was dissolved February I, 1888. The firm then became Kirby, Du Bois & Boyd, and continued until February I. 1895, when Mr. Boyd retired. Since that time he has been engaged in business in New York Cit}'. In 1884 he became a member of Phceni.x Hose Company No. i, and continued until October 21, 1889, serving as treasurer for the full term of five years. He was married on October 24, 1889. to Miss.\nice M. \\'hite, only daughter of Charles D. White and Mary A. Haynes, of Brinckerhoff^New York.

Frederick |. Boyd was born March 18, 1868, and was educated at Bisbee's Military School, and at the Eastman Business College. In 1888 he took a position as clerk in the office of Adriance Piatt & Co., remaining about three years, and then went to New York City with the Consolidated Kansas City Smelting & Refining Company. He was with them for some

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

823

time, and then was sent to St. Louis as its manager. He is now the agent and manager of the International Metal Company, at St. Louis. In 1889 he joined the 15th Separate Company under Capt. B. Myers, and received his discharge from the State of New York November 3, 1894, having filled the office of sergeant before resigning.

MRS. HANNAH DOUGHTY (deceased), late a resident of Webatuck, town of

Dover, Dutchess county, was a scion of an excellent old family who have wisely preserved their record through several generations. They became residents of Dartmouth, Mass., in 1632.

Philip Sherman (son of Samuel, a son of Henry, whose father Henry is the first we have of this name, and is mentioned as a clothier of Dedham, England), was born February 10, 1610, at Dedham, England. He came to this country about the year 1632, and became the first Secretary of the State of Rhode Island. He was one of the leading men of his day. Many of his descendants settled in Dartmouth, Mass., one, whose name was Michael, was born there in 1719; he married Deborah Briggs July 29, 1740, and they settled in Dutchess county, N. Y., in the spring of 1742. They had several children, among whom was Jeremiah, born March 29, 1743, and died March 4, 1812. He married Elizabeth Mosher, by whom he had nine children. Among them was John, the father of the subject of this sketch. Most of the ancestors of Mrs. Hannah Doughty were members of the Society of Friends.

John Sherman, her father, was born May 17. '7831 and acquired a good common-school education in the town of Washington, where he also learned the trade of saddle and harness making, which he continued to follow through the greater part of his life. He was one of the prominent Democrats of the locality, and for a number of years held town offices, giving the best of satisfaction.

On February 23, 1806, John Sherman was married to Mary Briggs, daughter of Edward and Anna Briggs, prosperous farming people of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. Eight children came to this union: (i) Elizabeth, born April 3, 1807, never married. (2) Almaron, born September 28, 1808, was a tanner by trade, and in 1828 married Jane A. Donley, of Newburgh, N. Y., by whom he had

si.\ children—Evelyn, Mary, John, Andrew, Eliza A. and Albert. (3) Adaline, born September 30, 1810, never married. (4) Deborah, born December 17, 1811, also remained single. (5) Catharine, born December 13, 1813, was married, in 1833, to Ichabod Pros-ser, and now lives at Hampton, Neb. (6) Phoebe, born November 30, 18 15, became the wife of Damon Whaley, a wagon maker of Pawling, Dutchess county, and to them were born four children—Sherman, who remained single; George, who married Jane Ross; Frances, who married William Shaw, and after his death wedded Henry Lenney; and Franklin. (7) Albert, born July 3, 1817, was a tanner by trade, and was married September 23, 1837, to Miss Phcebe Rider, by whom he had five children—John, a tanner, who wedded Mary Smith: Mary, who became the wife of Rev. Henry Hayter; Albert; Addie, who married Frank Finger; and William, who never married. (8) Hannah was the youngest of the family.

Mrs. Doughty was born in the town of Dover, January 27, 1826, and died June 30, 1896; she received her primary education in the public schools, supplementing same with a course in the Friends School of Washington town, where she graduated at the age of sixteen years. Four years later she was united in marriage with Daniel Doughty, a mechanic of the town of Washington, who died in 1852. He was a son of Stephen and Mary (Ellis) Doughty, the former of whom was a native of Washington town, and a wagon maker by trade. In their family were five children: Ira, who married Zillah Doughty; Maria; Mrs. Sarah Smedes; Daniel; and George. For over forty years Mrs. Doughty was successfully engaged in teaching. She merited and received the esteem of the whole community, and was much beloved by every one with whom she came in contact.

D>AVID C. DRISLANE, one of the ener- ' getic and influential citizens of Pough-

keepsie, Dutchess county, is now engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery and liquor business, in which he is meeting with a well-deserved success, and owns the substantial brick block which he occupies. He was born June 7, 1857, at Tarrytown, Westchester county, New York.

Cornelius Drislane, father of our subject,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is a native of County Cork, Ireland, where his childhood and youth were passed, nd he there learned the business of florist. When a younf( man he came to America, making his first location at Manhattan, N. Y., where he followed his occupation and married Catherine Cummings, who was also born in County Cork. After remaining at Manhattan a short time, they removed to Tarrytown, N. Y., where for a time he continued his calling, and on leaving that place he became gardener for John Jacob Astor, in Ulster county, N. Y., near West Park, by whom he was employed some fifteen years. He then purchased a farm in Orange county, N. Y., which he operated for ten years, at the expiration of which time he returned 'to Tarrytown, where he still makes his home. He is a stalwart Democrat in politics, and for the past ten years has been trustee of Tarrytown; in religious faith he is a Roman Catholic. His wife, who held membership with the same denomination, died in 1892. They were the parents of nine children, namely: William E. is a groceryman of Albany, N. Y.; Lena (deceased) was the wife of Robert Ludford, who conducted a grocery store at Sing Sing, N. Y.; Lizzie married James Quinn, of Tarrytown; David C. is next in order of birth; Kate is the wife of William Fallon, of Tarrytown; Frank died while young; Mary is the wife of George Yerks, an undertaker of Tarrytown; John died in infancy; and Cornelius is a groceryman of Tarrytown.

At the age of two years David C. Drislane accompanied his parents to the town of Esopus, Ulster county, where the following fifteen years of his life were passed mostly in attendance at the district schools of the neighborhood. After their removal to Orange county, he continued his studies for some time, and for about eight years assisted in the cultivation of the farm. On leaving home he went to Newburg, N. Y., where he entered the grocery store of his brother, William E., with whom he remained for about a year and a half, when he went to Tarrytown, being there employed by a brother for three years. He then went to Sing Sing, and formed a partnership with Robert I^ynford in the grocery business, under the firm name of Drislane & Lynford, which connection was continued for a year and a half. Going to Peekskill, N. Y., he and his brother, William E., carried on a grocery store under the style of Drislane Brothers, and in 1882 they also started another store in the

same line at No. 249 Main street, Poughkeep-sie, owning at the same time an establishment at Albany. This partnership lasted until 1887, when it was dissolved, our subject taking the store at Poughkeepsie, and his brother the one at Albany; the one at Peekskill had previously been sold.

In 1885 David C. Drislane was married to Miss Matilda M. Gregg, who was born in Poughkeepsie, a daughter of William Gregg, a contractor. In politics our subject is a radical Democrat, and in religion a member of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1889 he purchased his pleasant residence at No. 211 Mill street, and a year later bought his store building. His fair dealing and systematic methods of doing business have won him the confidence and respect of all with whom he has had occasion to transact business. His property has been acquired through the exercise of sound judgment, good business talents and industry.

JOHN M. JULIAN, M. D., an eminent physician and surgeon, of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, is a native of New Jersey, born at Hoboken, April 25, 1854. He traces his ancestry to John M. JuHan (his great-grandfather), a native of France, who spent his entire life there engaged in the silk business, an occupation that was followed by many of the family.

John Marius Julian, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Avignon, France, in 1766, and by profession was a physician. He was with Napoleon Bonaparte all through his various wars, and was a member of the "grand old guard." being six feet, seven inches in height; was at Moscow, Russia, also on " the fatal field of Waterloo," and was wounded several times—in fact his military career was a brilliant one. At its close he came to America, locating in New Jersey, where his death occurred in 1864, when he had reached the patriarchal age of ninety-eight years; he had married Maria I^rancisco Eunri, by whom he had fourteen children: Maria, Francisco, Cecelia, Matilda, Antoinette, Adrian, Jenia, John M., Thomas. Felis, and four who died in infancy. All have now passed away with the exception of Adrian, who, like most of his ancestors, is following the silk business.

At Avignon, France, February 13, 1811, was born John M. Julian, Sr., the father of

^^-^^

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEWAL RECORD.

825

our subject. In the common schools of his native land he obtained his literary education, and with his father began the study of medicine. He was the only child of the family to come to the New World, arriving in 1828, and making his home in New Jersey. Entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, he graduated from that institution with the class of '31, and became a member of the Medical Society of the city and county of New York, also of the State Medical Society of New Jersey. Shortly after his graduation he entered a hospital in New York City, securing much practical knowledge in his profession, and in 1838 he settled at Hoboken, N. J., where he successfully engaged in practice up to his death. January i, 1879. His wife, Cornelia A. (Mount) was born in New York City, November 22, 1815, and was a daughter of John D. P. Mount, also a native of that city, where he was engaged in the banking business. The Mount family was originally from Holland, as were also the maternal ancestors of Mrs. Julian, though her mother, who bore the maiden name of Christian Stagg, was born in America. In the large family of fourteen children born to the parents of our subject only three reached adult age, namely: Mary B., wife of Stephen E. Brown, a lawyer of New York City; John M.; and Claude E., a dentist and farmer of Flemington, N. J. In religious belief the members of the family have either been Catholics or Episcopalians, and in politics the father was a stalwart Republican. His widow, who is still living, has now reached the age of eighty years.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed at Hoboken. N. J., where he attended the city schools and the gymnasium. At the age of fifteen he was sent to Paris, France, to the Polytechnic Institute, where he remained for two years and a half, and then began the study of medicine in that city, graduating in 1870. On the breaking out of the Franco-Prussian war, the Doctor served as orderly in the hospital corps of the 105th Regiment of the line for three years, during which time he traveled over a great deal of Europe, and gained much valuable experience in his chosen profession, and was honorably discharged in October, 1873. He then took a course of lectures at Heidelberg, Germany, while the remainder of the year was spent at Bonn, Prussia, and the ne.xt year at Zurich, all of which time he spent in the study of medicine, while

the following two years were spent in visiting many hospitals of the Old World. In December, 1875, he returned to the United States, and for a time practiced at Hoboken, N. J.; but in 1877 he went to Brooklyn, N. Y., entering the out-door department of the Long Island College Hospital, where he graduated. On January 31, 1880, Dr. John M. Julian was married to Miss Katie A. Powderly, a native of Dublin, Ireland, and on the 7th of the following October, they located at Moores Mill, Dutchess county, where he continued practice until 1892, in which year he came to Pleasant Valley. Politically, the Doctor has always been a Republican; socially he is a member of the F. & .\. M. Asa physician he enjoys the honor of being the peer of any in the county. His life has been characterized by energy, perseverance and labcr, and to these principles his success is due. He is prominently identified with the Dutchess County Medical Association, and with the New York State Medical Association.

STORM H. CONKLIN for a number of ) years has been prominently identified with

the business interests of Poughkeepsie. From 1891 to January i. 1894, he was connected with John Leeming in the undertaking business, and since has been associated in the same line with Frank B. Van Dyne.

For one hundre4 and f^fty years the Conk-lin family have been residents of Dutchess county, living upon a farm at Van Wagners, in the town of Hyde Park, where the father of our subject, William Conklin, was born January 2, 1800. He was a son of John and Susan (Storm) Conklin, farming people. The grandfather was born on August 15, 1762, and his death occurred February 3, 1803. In Poughkeepsie was celebrated the marriage of William Conklin and Maria Mott, and they became the parents of two sons, John, and Storm H., of this review. The father was reared to agricultural pursuits, but later learned the hatter's business with Tunis Van Kleeck, of Poughkeepsie, and carried on the manufacture of hats at Lyons and Geneva, N. Y. He died at Bridgeport, Conn., in 1837.

The birth of Storm H. Conklin occurred at Sharon, Conn., September 17, 1833, but was only five years of age when brought to Poughkeepsie, where he began his education and attended the Lancaster and Cornish schools.

GOMMEMORAnVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

During his early life he was apprenticed to J. P. Xelson to learn the cabinetmaker's trade, and remained with that gentleman about twenty-eight years. He was also employed in the same business with Nelson, Seward & McGregor and Charles F. McGregor. However, since 1891 he has engaged in his present business, being an undertaker and funeral director. For twenty years he has engaged in undertaking, so that he thoroughly understands his business in ail its details.

In 1850 Mr. Conklin joined the Phoenix Hose Company, with which he has since been prominently connected, serving as its secretary and representati\e in the Board of the Associated Fire Department for twenty-si.\ years. He is to-day the oldest active member on Phcenix's roll. He has served on about all the important committees that have had the welfare of the company at heart, and Phcenix takes great pleasure in claiming him as a member to-day. For twenty-eight years he has been an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Poughkeepsie, being the treasurer of the lodge for thirteen years. He is a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and has served as supervisor from the Fifth ward, and police commissioner under Mayor Ellsworth. His success in life is attributable to his own indomitable energy, and the close and assiduous attention he has paid to the minute portions of his affairs.

m LBERT F. BOOTH, a prominent resi-.^^ dent of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and a well-known dealer in tea, coffee and spices, is one of the substantial self-made men of that city. Like many other successful business men he comes of an ancestry which had been for several generations devoted to agricultural pursuits.

His grandfather, Daniel Booth, a farmer, was an early settler near Mooresville, Delaware Co., N. Y. John H. Booth, our subject's father, was born and reared at the homestead there, attending the district schools of the neighborhood. In early manhood he located on Green Island, between Albany and Troy, where he was engaged in gardening for many years. His later years were spent upon a farm near Albany, where he died in 18S0. He was married in Watervliet, N. Y., to Miss Sarah Bigelow, who survives him and is hale

and hearty at the age of seventy-eight. They were leading members of the First Reformed Church at Bethlehem. Six children were born to them: Oscar, Albert F., Edward Tdeceased), Andrew (now living at the old homestead), Emma and Theresa.

Albert F. Booth first saw the light February 21, 1841, on Green Island, where he spent his boyhood, attending the schools of Bethlehem. At the age of eighteen he went to New York City and clerked in a store for two years, returning afterward to his father's farm. In F'ebruary, 1861, when he was twenty years old, he was married to Miss Sarah Bender, a daughter of Wendel Bender, a well-known citizen of Bethlehem. He purchased a farm for $8,000, for which he went in debt, and in four years he cleared off the obligation from the proceeds of the farm and the increase in value of the land. His health having become impaired he sold the farm, and for two years did no business except looking after his interest in a tea business, toward which he had advanced some mone}-. In 1865 he took charge of a tea store in Albany (or Mr. Cunningham, of Troy, becoming well-posted in the details of its management, and when the store was sold a year and a half later he determined to establish a similar enterprise for himself. In 1867 he came to Poughkeepsie, and through the influence of Robert Slee, located at No. 270 Main street, where he opened the first tea, coffee and spice store in the city. In 1872 he moved to his present store at No. 36S Main street, and for twenty-five years has enjoyed an extensive patronage. He conducts the business on a "cash" principle, and his able management has brought him well-deserved success.

Mr. and Mrs. Booth have had two children: (i) Wendell, who married a daughter of J. S. Vandorn, and is now in the advertising commission business with his father-in-law; and (2) Satie, who died October 8, 1885, at the age of twenty-one years. In politics Mr. Booth is a stanch Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln; socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Triune Lodge.

/GEORGE DARIN, one of the most promi-\^ nent agriculturists and real-estate holders of the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, was born February 13, 1817, at Mount Riga (Harlem R. R. Station), town of Northeast.

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827

The Dakins have been among the leading famihes of that vicinity for several generations, and are related b}' marriage to a number of other old families. George Dakin, our subject's grandfather, owned a large farm at the site of the village of Mt. Riga, west of the depot. He had three children: Jacob, our subject's father, born in 1775; Hannah (Mrs. John Culver), and Charity (Mrs. Driggs).

Jacob Dakin inherited this farm and settled there, and afterward increased his poses-sions until he was the largest land holder in that locality. His first purchase was the Haywood farm, where the family now lives, and later by buying the Lucas Hotchkiss property, foreclosing on the Simon Dakin farm where the Maltby iron mine is, and buying the Birch and the Tankery farms, he acquired in all over 1,800 acres. He was a man of unusual ability and wide information, an independent thinker and a strong believer in the doctrines of the Universalist Church. In politics he was a Whig, and took an active and influential part in local affairs. He married Miss Olive Clark, a descendant of one of the oldest families, and daughter of Elijah Clark. He died July 9, 1836, followed four years later by his wife. They had eleven children: Harriet, Orville, Joshua, Maria, Mary Ann, Myron, De Witt C, Emeline, George, Cornelia and Caroline.

George Dakin has always lived upon his present farm, having inherited 200 acres from his father. He has, however, added to this I nucleus until he owns 520 acres, and he is known as one of the most enterprising and successful managers. He was married September 22, 1847, to Eliza M. Kelsey, daughter of William Kelsey, a well-known resident of Salisbury, Conn., and a representative of one of the leading families there. Six children were born of this union, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: \Mlliam, July 23, 1848; George, January 18, 1850, deceased, who married Fannie Bishop; Julia, December 18, 1852, the wife of Alexander Griffin; John D., May i, 1856; Carrie D., May 21, 1861, the wife of Oliver Burr; and Jennie, January 18, 1867, the wife of Peter McGill, whose farm adjoins the homestead on the north.

William Dakin, the eldest son, is now conducting the entire tract of 520 acres, having assumed the responsibility on his own account about fifteen years ago. Previous to that he had spent ten years in clerking in a store at Mt. Riga, five for his father and five

for W. B. Gray. He has been very successful in his management of the farm, which is next to the largest in the town. He married Miss Jennie Pulver, daughter of Jacob Pulver, but has no children. Although he has never cared for office, he is at times active in the local work of the Republican party. He and his wife attend the Methodist Church at Mill-erton, and he has taken a generous interest in many important movements for the good of the community.

T HERON H. CALDWELL. At the time of the French Crusade, the great-grandfather of our subject was driven out of France on account of his religious views, and went to the north of Ireland, where he was married. Later he came to America. The grandfather was among the first settlers of Poughkeepsie, where he worked as a chair maker for many years.

There the father of our subject, George B. Caldwell, was born, and in the common schools he received his education. He learned the tailor's trade with George Mead, and became the first merchant tailor in the city who kept cloth on hand. His store was located at No. 289 Main street, where he conducted business many years, and in i860 moved to the store now occupied by J. B. Flagler. There he engaged in the jewelry business with his son, Edward O., who had learned the trade with Van Keuren Brothers. In Poughkeepsie Mr. Caldwell led to the marriage altar Miss Eliza M. Coffin, daughter of Robert Coffin, Esq., and both were called from this earth in 1886. In their family were five children, namely: Helen, deceased; Edward O.; Frederick, deceased; Theron H.; and Malcolm, deceased. The father served as internal revenue collector, and took quite an active part in political affairs, first voting with the Whig and later with the Republican party, but he would never accept public office. He was captain of the Davy Crockett Hook & Ladder Compan}', belonged to the Masonic Order, and was a member of the Episcopal Church. Physically he was well developed, and was known as the straightest built man in the city.

Thereon H. Caldwell first opened his eyes to the light of day April 24, 1854, at Poughkeepsie, in the same house on Main street which is still his home. Like most boys he spent his childhood in attending school and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD.

engaging in youthful sports. After pursuing his studies for a short time in the public schools, he entered a boarding school at Fish-kill, N. v., and later was a student in the Friends Boarding School at Oswego, N. Y. On laying aside his text books, he worked for two years in a carriage shop at Amenia, and the following year was spent at the same occupation at Pleasant \'alley, Dutchess county. He next clerked in a grocery and feed store at New Haven, Conn., after which he returned to Poughkeepsic and learned the printer's trade with Piatt & Piatt, for whom he worked for five years. The following two years he conducted a printing office for George D. Eighmie, and then opened one for himself at No. 363 Main street in 1862. Two years later, however, he went to Pittsburg, Penn., where for the same length of time he filled different positions on the Western Division of the Pennsylvania railroad.

In 1866 Mr. Caldwell returned to Poughkeepsic, and again engaged in the printing business, being first located at No. 5 Academy street, but later removed to No. 16, where he increased his plant. He formed a partnership with A. H. Hasbrouck, now foreman for A. V. Haight, and the present firm is composed of our subject and William G. Hansman. For a year and a half they have published T/w Search Light, and also have a large trade in the job department, and are now working on a contract for the Imperial Pattern Company. Their work is all first-class, giving general satisfaction, and they are doing an extensive business.

Mr. Caldwell was married in Poughkeepsic to Annie M. Bolton, daughter of John Bolton, and she died in 1886, leaving three children: Eleanor, Albert and Edna. Mr. Caldwell was again married at Hyde Park, Dutchess county, his second union being with Alice Kelley, daughter of George Kelley. Politically, Mr. Caldwell affiliates with the Republican party, is a member of the O. H. Booth and Veteran Fire Companies, and religiously he is an Episcopalian. Courteous, genial, well informed, alert and enterprising, he stands to-day one of the leading representative men of Poughkeepsic—a man who is a power in his community.

HON. JOSIAH SUTHERLAND wasarep- resentative of that rare element in modern life, which, although an invaluable part of it, yet rests upon a basis of something ideal

and philosophical. In a worldly sense he certainly made h^s mark, becoming one of the foremost lawyers and prominent judges of New York City. Whenever he came in contact with men of note, not only was he valued as an equal of practical strength and resources, but also as one whose integrity was beyond question.

The Judge was born in the village of Ban-gall, Dutchess county, June 12, 1806, and was the son of Josiah and Abigal (Duncan) Sutherland, who were the parents of six children, all now deceased: Walter, Sarah, Mary, Hannah, Josiah and Birch. The father was a native of the town of Stanford, where his father had located at an early day on coming from Scotland—his native land—to America. In that town the son carried on farming until his death. He had served as colonel in the war of I 812, was a strong Democrat in politics, and a Baptist in religious belief.

The boyhood days of Judge Sutherland were passed at Bangall, and he prepared for college in New York City under the guidance of Judge Parker's father. After his graduation from Union College in 1826, he studied law for a year in the office of Samuel G. Huntington, at W'aterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., but finished his studies in the office of Bushnell & Stebbins, at Hudson, Columbia Co., N. Y. Shortly after his admission to the bar in 1829, he went to South Carolina on account of ill health, and there remained for a year. Returning north, he entered into partnership, at Johnstown, N. Y., with Robert H. Morris, a former mayor and recorder of New York City.

In 183 I Mr. Sutherland was appointed district attorney of Columbia county, which office he continued to fill for about fifteen years, and in 1856 he was elected to Congress to represent the Thirty-second Congressional District, having run against Judge Coles. In 1838 he had removed to Hudson City, N. Y., where he occupied the office of the late Ambrose L. Jordan, who had removed to New York City, where in the spring of 1851 Mr. Sutherland also located, there forming a partnership with Judge Morrell. He was elected judge of the supreme court in 1857 to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Judge Whiting, and held that position for six years. On the resignation of Charles O'Connor from the office of United States District Attorney, he was tendered that position by President Buchanan, but declined it. In the fall of 1863,

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829

he was re-elected to the supreme court without opposition, and continued to fill the position on the bench for the full term of seven years.

By an act of the Legislature, the Judge was appointed one of the three commissioners to decide a certam claim against the City of New York, and though millions of dollars were involved, so impartial were all his decisions, that all parties felt satisfied with their correctness. In 1872 he was elected city judge of New York. He retired from the bench on the 1st of January, 1879, carrying with him not only the respect of the entire legal fraternity, but an enviable reputation as a jurist. One of the most extraordinary events was the meeting of the New York bench and bar to express their regret at the retirement of the Hon. Josiah Sutherland from the bench, which he had occupied with distinguished rectitude and simplicity of character for over twenty years of a busy and honored life. Few men have lived to experience such a vocation as this from the most critical and scrutinizing of professional and judicial contemporaries.

That a man born and bred in country life could go to New York City when there was on his arrival, already in existence, strongly intrenched, a ring of corrupt political tricksters, surrounded by an outer ring of a corrupt and powerful system almost irresistible, and win and occupy one of the highest seats of justice, was a credit to the better sense and intelligence of the people. That a judge could in all these years sit in calm rectitude and severe and inflexible justice when almost all else was corrupt and partial, is a wonder in our day. The honor of Judge Sutherland was never assailed. Enemies may have ridiculed him, and even friends criticised his ways, but no man ever hinted at anything dishonorable or unjust in his character as a man or judge. The constitutional limit of seventy years, as the end of judicial service, cut him off, as it did Spencer and Chancellor Kent, in the full maturity of intellectual capacity, at the threshold of the beauties of an honorable and venerable old age, but we can still point to his record with pride. From the time of his retirement from the bench until his death he resided in New York City. He died May 25, 1887.

At Johnstown, N. Y., was celebrated the marriage of Judge Sutherland and Miss Jane, youngest daughter of Dr. John McClellan. She was born in the Manor of Livingston, February 22, 181 i, and died February 22,

1876. To them were born fourteen children, of whom two are now living—Robert and Mrs. Sarah A. Eddy.

The birth of Robert Sutherland occurred at Hudson, Columbia Co., N. Y., March 11, 1S38, and there his early school days were passed. He attended the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and when the Civil war broke out he was appointed by President Lincoln to the position of 1st Lieutenant, i8th U. S. L, in which he served for three years, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. In New York City in 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy A. Mills, a native of Ireland, and to them were born four daughters: Jane Douglas, who is now the wife of Rev. D. S. Hamilton, rector of St. Paul's Church, atPaterson, N. J.; Florence, deceased; Sarah E. and Blanche. For the past twenty years Mr. Sutherland has lived retired in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he is surrounded by a host of warm friends and acquaintances.

fFILLIAM H. TANNER, M. D., a V;'|t worthy representative of the farming interests of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, is a native of same, born September 12, 1836. The family had long been established there, his great-grandfather, James Tanner, being one of its earliest residents.

William Tanner, the grandfather, was born in the town of Dover, January 9, 1786, was brought up on a farm, and received the education afforded by the district schools. He was an agriculturist, and spent the latter part of his life in the town of Amenia, where he died in 1856. In religious belief he was a Baptist. He was married March 13, 1806, to Mary Uhl, who was born December 29, 1786, and they became the parents of three children: James U., the father of our subject; Mary Eighmy, who was born May 4, 1814, and wedded Abram White; and Catherine E., who was born May 8, 1824, and married Swift Nase.

James Uhl Tanner, also a native of the town of Dover, was born April 22, 1807, there secured his elementary education, and continued his studies at the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. He was married December 4, 1831, to Miss Rhoda Ann Hubbell. who was born May 31, 1814, and was a daughter of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

Cushnian and Tamma Hubbell. Their family consisted of three children: James H., born November 25, 1835, died February 10, 1837; William H., of this sketch; and Annie Maria, who was born August 5, 1842, and married S. H. Hedges. About 1840 the father removed to the town of Amenia, building the present residence of our subject, and there engaged in farming up to his death, which occurred July 28, 1886. He was one of the most wide-awake and progressive farmers of the locality, and met with a well-deserved success in his vocation. In early life he was identified with the Whi;,' party, and later was a Republican. His strict integrity and kindly nature endeared him to all his associates, and for many years his hospitable home was a place dear to many, both young and old, by reason of the kindly welcome extended to them by him and his faithful helpmeet. He lived upon the farm, where he died, for over fifty years.

The early life of Ur. Tanner was spent after the manner of most farmers' sons, comparatively uneventful, and after attending the district schools for a time, he pursued his studies at the Amenia Seminary, at the Loweville Academy, in Lewis county, N. Y., at the Susquehanna Seminary, in I^inghamton, N. Y., and at the O.xford Academy, of Chenango county, this State. He then entered the medical departtiicnt of the University of New York, where he graduated in i860. After Fort Sumter was fired upon, the Doctor laid aside personal interest, and in 1861 joined the 47th N. Y. V. I., as assistant-surgeon. In the following year he was promoted surgeon, and served with the rank of major of cavalry until hostilities ceased, when he was honorably discharged and returned home.

On April 26, 1866, Dr. Tanner was married to Miss Achsa York, of Chenango county, N. Y., and thej' became the parents of three children, as follows: (i) James E., of Coleman Station, Dutchess county, born December 8, 1868, was married June 20, 18S9, to Emma Gridley Lewis, and they have three children: Lewis W., born May 19, 1890; Margaret, born October 16, 1892; and Frederick, born October 29, 1895. (2) Frederick, born January 24, [871, died June 14, 1875. (3) Mary Mabel, born January i, 1874, was married December 27, 1890, to Louis M. Allerton, and they have one son, James K., born November 5. 1892.

I

After his marriage. Dr. Tanner removed to Louisiana, where for two years he engaged in cotton raising, but in 1868 returned to the home farm, which he has since operated with good success. He is also engaged in the milk business, which he finds to be a profitable source of income. Fraternally he is connected with Shekomeko Lodge No. 458, F. & A. M., at Washington Hollow, Dutchess county. A man of strong individuality, whose influence has been directed toward the good, the true and the beautiful, this honored veteran of the Civil war well merits representation in this volume.

ING J. MARTIN and JAMES H. _i\L MARTIN. The head of the Martin family which has been prominently identified with the history of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, for many years, was Agrippa Martin, who came from England when a young man, and became one of the early settlers of Dover. His son James was a farmer by occupation and an adherent of the Quaker faith. He married Sarah Kelley, daughter of Samuel Kelley, of Poughkeepsie, a seafaring man, and had four children: Wing, mentioned below; John, who never married; Phrebe A. (Mrs. Joseph Haviland), and Ruth A. (Mrs. Samuel Hallack).

Wing Martin was born in 1798, and on attaining manhood's estate engaged in farming and in brick manufacturing. He possessed decided mechanical ability, and was an excellent business man, his enterprises meeting with success. Some of the oldest houses in the town of Dover were built of brick from his kiln. In politics he was a Republican, and in religion a Quaker. His first wife was Hannah Whitley, and his second was her sister Elizabeth, both daughters of Joseph Whitley. Three children were born of the first marriage: John J., James H., and Ann E., who died at the age of eighteen.

John J. Martin was born in 1824, and received his education in the schools of his native town. Until he was twenty-eight years old he assisted his father, and he then became the owner of a part of the farm which has been in the possession of the family since 1776. He cared nothing for politics, preferring a quiet life. He married Miss Lydia Haviland, daughter of Isaac Haviland, and had one son—WiNG J. M.\RTiN, who was born at the old home-

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831

stead May 20, 1850, was educated at the academies in that vicinity, and then engaged in farming. He has been twice married, first in 1871, to Miss Sarah E. Tabor, daughter of a well-known farmer of Dover, John Tabor, and his wife, Cordelia Ross. Three children were born of this union: Anne T., born in 1871; Sarah E., born in 1875; and Mary D., who died in infancy. Mr. Martin's wife died in 1875, ^nd in 1884 he married Miss Catherine C. Corey, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Corey, prominent residents of Port Jervis, Pennsylvania. Both daughters are at home. They are accomplished young ladies; Anne T. was for a time in attendance at a school in Brooklyn, and one at Stanford, and Sarah E. was for a time at the same school at the latter place. Their main education, however, was received at home under a governess.

After his marriage, in 1871, Mr. Martin settled on the farm on which he now resides, which is a fine tract of 108 acres. In 1895 he erected here a fine house, and has a modern home. The main part of the old house was one of the oldest houses built in the locality, being upward of one hundred and seventy-five years old. In addition to the farm on which he resides, Mr. ^\ ing Martin is the possessor of another farm comprising 234 acres located three miles south of his present home. In addition to general farming, Mr. Martin carries on a dairy business, keeping fifty cows. In politics he is a Republican.

Isaac Haviland, the father of Mrs. John J. Martin, was a prosperous farmer of the town of Pawling. He married Miss Lydia \\'eever, and had nine children: (i) Joseph was married four times, first to Hannah Martin, by whom he had one son—James M., deceased; his second wife was Sarah G. Griffin, and they had one daughter, Mary, who married the late Noal Tompkins, and has two children; by the third wife, Lydia Oakley, and by the fourth, Lydia Haviland, there were no offspring. (2) Daniel married Lillias Akin, and seven children were born—Lydia, Lillie, Lillias, Joseph, Jonathan (who married Angeline Hungerford), Daniel J., and Abigail (the wife of Philip Hav-ilandj. (3) Isaac married Maria Swift, but had no children. (4) Jacob married Elizabeth Shove, and had one daughter—Minnie, now Mrs. Morris. (5) Abraham married Ann Bow-dish, and had one child—Nellie, who married William Well. (6) Alexander married Judith Griffin, and had two children—Phcebe, now

Mrs. Elmer Gildersleeve, and Lydia, who died in youth. (7) Lydia married John J. Martin. (8) Charlotte married Alfred Moore. (9) Sarah never married. Charlotte Moore had four children: Lydia married Daniel Willits, and has three children—Lottie, Hannah and Amy; Ruth married Peter A. Skidmore, and has had four children—Libbie, Susie, Jessie and Alfred, of whom, the last named is the only one living; Susan is at home; Alfred H. married Phcebe Willits, and has had three children—Herman, Willits and Daniel.

Joseph Whitley, the father-in-law of W'ing Martin, was a native of the town of Dover, and became a prominent farmer there. He owned a number of slaves, whom he freed, but they refused to leave the place, and he voluntarily paid them wages. He married, and had five children: Phcebe, who died at an early age; Hiram, who married Mary Preston; Elizabeth and Hannah, mentioned above; and Joseph J., who married Jane Ross.

James H. Martin, the second son of Wing Martin, was born in 1833, and was educated in Amenia Seminary, and at Gaylordsville. After graduation he engaged in farming with his father, and is now the owner of a fine farm of 124 acres, and 2,000 acres of timber land. He also owns a house and ten lots in Oakland, Cal. He married Miss Sarah H. Stevens, daughter of David W. Stevens, a leading farmer of the town of Dover, and a deacon in the Baptist Church. They have two children: (i) Eugene H., born in 1857, was educated at Grand Rapids, Mich., and Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and is now a prosperous farmer. He married Miss Jennie Jones, daughter of John C. and Mary E. (Murton) Jones, of Port Washington, N. Y. Her father is a successful music teacher. They have four children: Bessie A., born in 1885; Jennie S., 1887; James B., 1890, and Franklin E., 1893. (2) Annie Martin was born in 1859, and, like her brother, was educated at Grand Rapids and at Poughkeepsie. She married Theo Buckingham, a merchant of Dover, and son of Harvey and Eliza (Ross) Buckingham. They have no children.

Mrs. James H. Martin is a member of the well-known Stevens family cf the town of Dover. Her grandfather, Thomas Stevens, kept an inn at South Dover in the early days. He married Sarah Howard, and had seven children: Samuel was married three times; Edward married Amanda Hunt; \\'illiam married Hannah Hunt; Phcebe was the wife of a

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

Mr. Holloway; Sallie died at the age of seventeen; Thomas did not marry; and David, who was born in Dover in 1798 and became a farmer there, married (first) Miss Nancy Ged-dings, and (second) Mrs. Lydia A. Camp. His first wife was a daughter of Hon. Gamaliel Geddings, a prominent farmer of Dover, and his wife, Eunice Barns. There were seven children by the first marriage: Orin, who married Ann Wheeler; Eliza, Mrs. Alice Geddings; Baldwin, who married Julia Dutcher; Hiram (i), who died in childhood; Mary, Mrs. Emery Cole; Sarah H., Mrs. Martin; and Hiram (2), who married Ann E. Camp.

URIAH TEATOR, who in his lifetime was one of the most prominent agriculturists of the town of Milan, Dutchess county, residing near Cokertown, was a native of that town, born March 26, 1825.

The first of the name in this countrj' came from Holland, and passed some years in Dutchess county, settling later in Columbia county, where Philip Teator, our subject's grandfather, was probably born. He spent the most of his life there, following farming, but died in Dutchess county. He married Miss Friese, and reared a family of six children, of whom our subject's father was the eldest; Frederick J. and Robert were farmers in Wayne county, N. Y.; Catherine married Zachariah Pulver, a farmer in Columbia county; Maria married Philip Coon, a shoemaker in Milan. Of this family the only survivors are the two younger daughters.

Jacob P. Teator, our subject's father, was born in the town of Gallatin, Columbia county, and grew tf) manhood at the old farm there, learning the shoemaker's trade. For many years he was a farmer in Dutchess county', and died upon a farm in the town of Red Hook, where he had been one of the leading men in local affairs, commissioner of highways, and an active supporter of the Democratic party. His wife was Catherine Plass, a descendant of an old Holland family, and daughter of Philip Plass, a well-known farmer of the town of I\ed Hook. Their first home was on a farm in the town of Milan, where they reared a family of seven children, our subject being the eldest; Margaret A. is the widow of Philip I^. Boice, formerly a farmer; John N. is a carpenter in the town of Red Hook; Mary is the widow of Nicholas Holsapple, a farmer in the

town of Milan; Robert is a farmer in Red Hook; Catherine is unmarried; and P'reeman is a farmer in the town of Red Hook.

Mr. Teator enjoyed the usual advantages of a country boy, and attended the district schools of Milan and Red Hook. In 1853 he married Miss Emeline Boice, a descendant of another Holland family, and daughter of Simeon Boice, a leading farmer of Red Hook. For two years after their marriage the young couple lived upon a farm in the same locality, but for forty years thereafter they resided upon the present farm of 312 acres, which is devoted to general farming, and is one of the finest estates in the vicinity. Eight children were born to them: Oliver is a farmer in the town of Red Hook; Douglas A. and Frederick J. are farmers in the town of Milan; Warren is employed in a factory in Columbia county; John S. is at home; Mary A. married Sylvanus Coon; Kate is the wife of Stewart Teator; and Esther married Sylvester Palmeteer. The Teator family have been connected with the Lutheran Church for generations, and the present representatives are among its most active supporters in this locality.

Politically Mr. Teator was a Democrat and an influential one. He served as justice of the peace for twelve years; in 1878 was elected township supervisor, and a vacancy occurring in 1885, he was appointed to the same office, for which his well-proved ability so well fitted him that he was re-elected for each succeeding term afterward. He died June 27, 1896, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Red Hook.

LESLIE A. SUTTON, M. D., a leading young physician and surgeon of the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county, was born June 10, 1866, upon the farm at Louisville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where his grandfather, Benjamin Sutton, had located when a young man, the locality at that time being an unbroken wilderness. The latter was a native of England, and on landing in this country at once went to St. Lawrence county, where the remainder of his life was passed in clearing, developing and improving his farm, which was covered with a dense forest.

By his marriage with Miss Sarah Brunt, Benjamin Sutton had a family of seven children, as follows: (i) Henry is a fruit farmer of Minneapolis, Kans. (2) George L. received

V— ^

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833

his education atCastleton, \'t., after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeon, New York City, where he graduated in i860, and was then a surgeon in the army for four years; on leaving the service he came to the town of East Fishkill. Dutchess county, where he engaged in the practice of medicine up to his death, in the spring of 1889. (3) Benjamin was a farmer and drover in Louisville, St. Lawrence county. (4) William was a prominent lawyer of Kansas City, Mo., where his death occurred; he faithfully served throughout the Civil war, and filled many official positions, including that of circuit judge. (5) Franklin J. (the father of our subject) was next in order of birth. (6) Sarah married Daniel Smith, a carpenter and ship-builder. (7) Webster laid down his life on the altar of his country during the war of the Rebellion.

Upon the old homestead Franklin J. Sutton was born, and was engaged in its operation until thirty-eight years of age, when he turned his attention to the cream and milk business, having five creameries, and doing an extensive business, which proved very profitable. fn politics he was an ardent Republican. He married Miss Clarissa Shoen, also a native of Louisville, St. Lawrence county, and the daughter of Sheppard Shoen, who was born in Scotland, and was there married. To this union were born eight children, as follows: Franklin J., a farmer in St. Lawrence county; Guy'H., who is engaged in mining in Colorado; Sarah P., who became the wife of Rolf Wells, a fruit grower of California, and died in February, 1884; Lillian E., the wife of Herbert Bell, a carpenter and builder of Louisville, N. Y.; Leslie A., our subject; George L., a farmer in Louisville, N. Y.; Elizabeth, wife of Nelson Tucker, a carpenter and builder; and Jennie, widow of Anson Wager, who was a merchant of Louisville. The mother of this family is still living. The father passed from earth in 1884.

Dr. Sutton spent his boyhood upon the home farm, attending the district schools until fifteen years of age, at which time he entered the Massena Academy, where he graduated with the class of 1883. The following two years were passed at the Ogdensburg Free Academy, and in April, 1886, he began the study of medicine with his uncle. Dr. George L. Sutton, in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess county. In the fall of that year he became

a student in the College of Physicians and

54

Surgeons, New York City, but after a year he entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, graduating March 4, 1889. After receiving his degree he came to East Fishkill town, where he has since been successfully engaged in practice.

On March 26, 1890, Dr. Sutton was married to Miss Lillian E. Emans, a sister of Storm Emans, and they have one child, Leslie Emans, who was born May i. 1893. The Doctor stands in the front rank of the medical fraternity of Dutchess county, is one of the examining surgeons of the United States Pension Office, and for six years has been health officer of East Fishkill town. In social as well as in professional circles he stands high, and he has many friends throughout the community. Like his father, his ballot is cast in support of the principles of the Republican party.

AL\'A SHELLEY, a wealthy and public- spirited citizen, whose beautiful estate

near Rock City, Dutchess county, is one of the finest in that vicinity, was born in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, March 27, 1852.

His family originated in Holland, his great-great-grandfather having come from that country in Colonial times. His great-grandfather, Samuel Shelley, was born in America and was an early settler in Westchester county, where his descendants have since held a prominent place. His son, Joseph Shelley, our subject's grandfather, although a Quaker in faith, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Most of his life was spent in W^estchester county, where he followed the shoemaker's trade, but he died in Columbia county. He married Miss Cole, by whom he had five children: Sarah, who married a farmer in Columbia county; Louisa, the wife of a carpenter in the same county; Benjamin, our subject's father; Henry, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and is now a farmer in Kansas; and John W., who lost his life in defense of the Union.

Benjamin Shelley w-as born at the old homestead in Westchester county in 1834, but in early manhood came to Dutchess county and married Miss Phoebe Ireland, daughter of Isaac Ireland, a well-known farmer of the town of Clinton. Her ancestors were also from Holland originally. After their marriage they settled upon a farm in the town of Milan, where they passed the remainder of their lives exemplifying in their daily conduct the simple

COV}rE}fORATn'E DIOGRAPnWAL RECORD.

faith of the Quakers, but not uniting with any Church. Mr. Shelley was a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party, but was not interested in partisan work. He died March lO, 1893, his wife passing away in 1855. They had three sons: Isaac, George and Alva, all of whom settled upon farms in the town of Milan, and two daughters—Phcebe and Arme-na, who died in childhood.

The subject of ,this sketch was educated in the district schools near his father's home, and has always been identified with the interests of his native town. He lives upon a farm of 270 acres situated some three miles from Rock City, and has built there the finest dwelling house to be found in Milan township. His holdings in real estate are extensive in Dutchess county and elsewhere; in fact, he does not know e.xactly hovv much he does own, but estimates it roughly at "about i 500 acres." His fortune is largely invested in mortgages and similar securities, and he ranks as the wealthiest man in the town. He is one of the prominent I^epublicans of his locality, and is a generous contributor to every measure for local improvement and to religious and philanthropic movements, giving freely to all of the Churches of the neighborhood.

On March 13, 1887, Mr. Shelley married Miss Eliza Carroll, a native of Dutchess county, born March 30, 1870, and a daughter of Michael and Adelia Carroll, the former of whom is now deceased, the latter making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Shelley. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shelley: Alva, Phcebe A. and Ruth.

The grandfather of Mrs. Shelley is a large landowner in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. The Carroll family is of Irish extraction.

JAMES O. PINGRY, M. D., a well-known and prominent physician of Millbrook, Dutchess county, was born in the village of Fishkill, July 21, 1843. The family is of English descent, and the Doctor traces his ancestry back for seven generations, as follows: John F., his father, born in Newburyport, Mass., September 26, 1818. John, his father, was probably born in the same place. Then came Francis, Job, Aaron and Moses; the Doctor makes the seventh.

The grandfather of our subject, John Pin-gry, was a shoemaker by trade, and came from

Massachusetts to P"ishkill, where he died. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Little, and had a family of four children: John F.; Julia M., who died unmarried; Mary E., the wife of Richard Coffin; and Margaret A., who married the Rev. Charles M. Oakley.

[ohn F. Pingry grew to manhood in Newburyport, Mass., and was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and also of the Union Theological Seminary of New York. He married Caroline, daughter of James Oakley, and a native of New York City. Her family was of English descent. After marriage the young couple settled at Fishkill village, where Mr. Pingry preached for four years. In 1846 he established a school in that place which he superintended until 1853, when he removed to Newark, N. J., where he was pastor of a church for seven years, and also carried on a school. He then removed to Elizabeth, N. J., where he taught until his death, February 16, 1894. His wife passed away October 4, 1856. Their children were five in number: James O., the subject of this sketch; John, who resides with his brother James; Frank K. is a civil engineer, and lives in Elizabeth, N. J.; Julia married Charles M. Schott, Jr. ; and Mary E.

John F. Pingry was a prominent factor in the history of Dutchess county. He had as many as one hundred students under his instruction at one time, and these included many who became influential citizens of the county. He was a man of fine tastes, high principles, and consistent life, and was greatly respected and esteemed in the different communities in which he lived. He was a Presbyterian in his religious faith, and politically affiliated with the Republicans.

James O. Pingry was ten years old when his parents removed from Fishkill to Newark, and eighteen when they went to Elizabeth. He was graduated from the University of New York in the Class of '62, and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, receiving his diploma from that institution in 1868. He practiced in Bellevue Hospital in New York City, until November i, 1870, at which date he took up his residence in Millbrook, Dutchess county, where he has since made his home.

Dr. Pingry was married June 28, 1876, at Millbrook, to Ida L., daughter of R. G. Coffin, whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume, and ten children have been born to

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

885

them, eight of whom are hving, namely: JuHa, Lizzie. CaroHne, John, Clarence, Van Wage-nen, James O , Jr., and Robert. The Doctor is a Republican, and has been a member of the school board for about four years. Socially he is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and of the Society of the Alumni of Bellevue Hospital; he also belongs to the Mill-brook Club of Millbrook, and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community. He is progressive and liberal in his views, and his opinions have weight with his fellow citizens. As a physician he ranks among the best, and his large practice testifies to the confidence felt in his knowledge and skill. He owns a handsome residence where he and his estimable wife dispense a most genial hospitality to their large circle of friends.

J

TOHN S. WING. This gentleman is ac-,i credited with the ownership of one of the best farms in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, comprising 165 acres of rich and arable land, and he is numbered among the most progressive and industrious agriculturists of the localit)^ His farm buildings and machinery are in keeping with the neat and thrifty appearance of his place. He was born in Washington town, June 9. 1857, and is a son of Thurston Wing, a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. His paternal grandfather, Jason Wing, a native of Holland, after his marriage located in the town of Dover, where he reared his famil}'.

On reaching manhood the father of our subject was united in marriage with Ann Tripp, a native of Washington town, where her father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. On a farm in the same town the young couple began their domestic life, and there were born to them si.x children, namely: Charles, deceased, was a farmer of the town of Washington, where he wedded Mary Maroney; Thurston J. married Hattie Cutter, and operates a farm in Dover town; Elias makes his home in Washington town; Mary T. is the wife of Joseph Talmadge, a farmer of the town of Lagrange; John S. is ne.xt in order of birth; and George died in infancy. In politics the father of these was a stanch Democrat, and was called from this life in 1875. while his wife, who preceded him to the other world, died in 1869.

The boyhood of our subject was spent upon the old home farm, assisting in its cultivation and improvement during the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the common schools of the locality. The lady who now shares his name and fortune was in her maidenhood Miss Maggie Learey, a native of the Emerald Isle, and a daughter of John Learey, a farmer of that country. After their marriage Mr. Wing and his bride lived for two years and eight months at Verbank, Dutchess county, and in 1890 removed to his present farm. Three children have been born to tliem: George W., Lucy H. and Anna.

Besides general farming, Mr. Wing is also engaged in the milk business, and sells that product quite e.xtensively to the Wassaic Condensar}'. He is an earnest supporter of Democratic principles; is public spirited and progressive, and contributes his share to improvements of various kinds in the community.

J [JAMES V. BENSON. The splendid farm I owned by this gentleman in the town of — Dover, Dutchess county, is a standing monument to his industry, perseverance and good management. It is pleasantly situated on one of the picturesque hills near the village of Dover Plains, and invariably attracts the eyes as being under the supervision of a thorough and skillful agriculturist, and a man of otherwise good business qualifications.

His grandfather, Samuel Benson, was a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, where he received a good common-school education, and always followed the occupation of farming there. He was there married, and became the father of six children: Phila, who wedded Preserved Cooper; Jemima; Paltire; Joshua, who married Amanda Hopkins; Samuel and John.

Samuel Benson. Jr.. the father of our subject, was also born in the town of Dover, and like his ancestors had a common-school education and followed farming throughout his life. He wedded Miss Sallie Knapp, of Danbury, Conn., and in their family were the following children: Joseph married Helen Hall; Samuel married Ruth Wheeler; John married Margaret Irish; James V.; Joshua married Susan Tappin; Darius married Polly J. Dutcher; Charles died at the age of eighteen years; Ebenezer married Emily Deuel; Sallie J. married Elias Irish; Ada married John D.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Dutcher; and Harriet married Nan Ness Dutcher.

The birth of Mr. Benson, whose name introduces this record, occurred in the town of Dover. Dutchess county, April 20, 1823, and in the village of Dover Plains he received a good common-school education. After his graduation he took up the pursuit of farming, to which he had been reared, and has since given most of his time and attention to that occupation. He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, and is at present one of the stockholders and directors of the Dover Plains National Bank. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs, favoring the Democratic party with his support, but has never aspired lo public office, perferring the quiet life which he has always led, though he has often been urged to accept official positions. He is an earnest Christian gentleman, having the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Mr. Benson has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mariette Hufcut, daughter of John and Mary Hufcut, who were prosperous farmers of Denmark, Lewis Co., N. Y. They became the parents of seven children: Clark H., who married Nina Oxley; George V., who wedded Carrie Fry; Martha A., who died at the age of si.xteen years; Mary, who became the wife of James Bird; Carrie and Sarah, who died in infancy; and Hattie. j In 1872, the mother of these children died, and two years later Mr. Benson married a sister of his former wife. Miss Caroline Hufcut, by whom he has one son, Horatio S., who was born December 24, 1874, and since completing his education in Dover Plains, has engaged in teaching school in one of the district schools of the town of Dover, Dutchess county.

The family to which Mrs. Benson belongs have also been prominent agriculturists of Dutchess county. Her grandfather. George Hufcut, was a native of Dover town, and received his education in the school of Dover Plains, where he also studied law. He practiced to some extent in connection with farming, but gave most of his time to the latter pursuit. He married Miss Hannah Benson, of Dover Plains, and to them were born the following children: Martha married William Howard; John B. was the second in order of birth; George B. married Sallie Dennis; Obed was also married: Shedrish married Susan T;i['ptncy; Henry first married a Miss Dixon,

and, after her death, Eliza Wheeler; William married Pattie Preston; Perry married Sarah Schammerhorn; Jane married Aaron Benson; Caroline first married Myron Knickerbocker, and, for her second husband, Samuel Edward; and Betsj' married Andrew Pitcher.

John B. Hufcut, the father of Mrs. Benson, was a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, where he attended school, and like his father, followed the occupation of farming. In early life he married Miss Mary Simpson, daughter of Ambrose and Elizabeth Simpson, prosperous farmers of Dover Plains, and to them were born seven children: .Ambrose, who married Lurinna W^ilson; Henry, who married Elizabeth Butterworth; George, who wedded Melvina Barnum; Delia, who became the wife of Samuel Worm; Martha, who remained single; Mariette. the first wife of our subject; and Caroline, the present Mrs. Benson.

SAMUEL P. TEN BROECK, a prominent ' agriculturist of the town of Wappinger, Dutchess county, and a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of that locality, was born March 20, 1S39, in the town of Livingston, Columbia county, N. Y. His father, the late Samuel Ten Broeck, was also a native of Columbia county, and passed his early years there, removing to the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess count}', when the subject of this sketch was only six years old.

Mr. Ten Broeck has spent most of his years in Dutchess county. On October 25, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Adeline Montfort, and settled upon the farm near New Hackensack where she was born. Her family has been prominent in this region for several generations, her ancestors being among the earliest settlers. Her grandfather was a leading farmer in the town of Fishkill. and her father, the late John Montfort, followed the same pursuit. He married Miss Martha Emmons, a member of another well-known family and daughter of Cornelius Emmons, a prosperous agriculturist of the same localit}-. They established their home at the farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ten-Broeck, and reared a family of four children: Catherine, deceased; Adeline. Mrs. Ten Broeck; Gertrude, now residing in Chicago; and John Jacob, deceased. Mr. Montfort was never active in political life, but he was a supporter

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD'.

8B7

of the principles of the Democratic party, and was influential in local movements of various kinds.

Our subject has resided at this farm since 1877, and is considered one of the successful farmers of the vicinity. He has no specialty, his 114 acres being devoted to f^^eneral crops. Mrs. Ten Broeck is an Episcopalian, but they attend the Reformed Church. Their four children—Catherine, Samuel M., Charles and Walter L.—are all at home. In politics, Mr. Ten Broeck, like his ancestors before him, adheres to the Democratic faith.

C^\OLLINS SHELDON, a leading lawyer of _^' Millerton, and an ex-surrogate of Dutchess county, was born July 26, 1839, in Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y. The Sheldon family is of English origin, but on the maternal side the ancestr}' is Irish. Agrippa Sheldon, our subject's great-grandfather, was born in South Dover, Dutchess county, and was a blacksmith there for many years.

Gideon Sheldon, our subject's grandfather, was born at South Dover, and lived there until he was about twenty-five years old, when he moved to Copake, and purchased a farm of 200 acres on which he spent the remainder of his life. He was a man of note in that locality, a ^Vhig in politics, and for a number of years was a justice of the peace. He died in 1835, his wife, Lydia Lake, surviving him until 1850. They had nine children: Henry; Isaiah; Eliza, wife of Thomas Trafford; Daniel; Emma, wife of Jacob Vosburgh; James; and three who died in childhood.

Henry Sheldon, the father of our subject, was born at the old homestead in South Dover, July 23, 1812, but his life was passed mainly at Copake. He inherited his father's farm, and was largely engaged in cattle raising, being noted for his ex'cellent judgment in this line. He was a man of fine natural ability, possessing an unusually good memory, and his strong and positive nature made him a leader in the community. In early life he was a \\'hig, and later a Republican, but he never sought political position for himself. He was greatly interested in educational wofk and in the temperance movement, taking advanced ground in both, and he was an active and generous supporter of the Methodist Church. He married Selina Cook, daughter of Lot Cook, a well-known citizen of Amenia. His death occurred in De-

cember, 1865, his wife surviving him until 1892. Of their nine children all were carefully educated to fill honorable positions in life. They are: Eveline, living at Brooklyn; Collins; Wilson, a farmer at Hillsdale, N. Y.; Allen, a farmer and speculator at the same place; Miranda, who married Chester Dayton, of Northampton, Mass.; Otis, a farmer of Copake; Franklin, living at Glens Falls, N. Y.; Frances, living at Northampton; and George, a resident of New Briton, Connecticut.

Collins Sheldon attended the public schools of Copake for some years, and in i860 was a student at the Hudson River Institute at Claverack. He then took the regular course in the Albany Law School, graduating May 23, 1862, and after some months of preparatory work in the office of Maynard, Wright & Moore, he went to Millerton and opened an office of his own, February 23, 1863. Since that time he has been successfully engaged in practice, making no specialty of any particular branch, although his business consists mainly of the settlement of estates, in which he has gained a high reputation. In 1864 he was elected clerk of the town of Northeast, and in the fall of 1877 was chosen surrogate of Dutchess county, taking office January i, 1878, and serving for six years with entire satisfaction to the public. He was offered a re-nomination, but declined it. He has taken a leading part in various local movements, especially those which relate to educational affairs, and was a town trustee at the time of the building of the Union Free School house, and was a trustee of Millerton Academy. Possessing keen perceptions and strong convictions, he is a forcible and pungent speaker, and a most positive man.

In June, 1867, Mr. Sheldon was married to Miss Maria Pulver, daughter of Henry Pul-ver, a prominent resident of Stanford, and has two children—Harriet, who is at home, and is a graduate of Mrs. Gynn's Seminary in Pough-keepsie, and Wallace A., a graduate of the Albany Law School, who is now in practice with his father, under the firm name of C. & W. A. Sheldon.

EDWARD JEFFERSON HALL, M. D., ; of Moores Mill, Dutchess county, a rising

young physician whose abilities are already winning recognition, is a descendant of an old English family, being of the seventh genera-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOUAPHICAL RECORD.

tion in the direct line from Col. Harry Hall, who came from England about 1690, and settled in Connecticut. By his activity during Queen Anne's War he gained the name of " Harry, the Indian Killer," and is so mentioned in history His son, Ichabod Hall, settled in Enfield. Conn., and was married May 31, 1730, to Lois Kibbie, of that place. Their son, Ebenezer Hall, moved to Massachusetts, and died there in 1817. His son. Gen. Isaac Hall, married Vashti Johnson, of New Marlboro, Mass., and moved to Pompey, N. Y., in 1797. Their son, Johnson Hall, was born at Sheffield, Mass., January 6, 1794, and became a hardware merchant at Syracuse, N. Y., where he died October 27, 1870. He was known as Judge Hall. He was married in 1816 to Polly Andrews, and their son, Johnson LaFayette Hall, our subject's father, was born at La Fayette, N. Y., September 16, 1825. He obtained a district-school education, and then went into the hardware business with his father, but later engaged in forwarding freight on the canal, owning a fleet of boats at Oswego. He is now an expert accountant at Syracuse. On August 22, 1848, he was married in that city to Marcelia Wood, daughter of Noah and Pauline (Holmes) Wood. Her father was a well-known business man at Buffalo and Chicago. Mrs. Hall died December 6, 1890, leaving three children, viz.: (i) Florence Elizabeth, born June 4, 1849, married Henry Cory, of New York City, and has one daughter—Florence Pauline. (2) Irene Virginia, born April 17, 1853, married John Clark Howe, of St. Louis, and has one child— Guy La Fayette.

E. J. Hall, the third and youngest member of this familj', wasborn at Oswego, N.Y., March 6, 1855,and after attending the public schools of that city for some years he studied at St. John's Military School in Manlius, N. Y. He then entered the business world, spending five years with the St. Paul's Harvester Works at St. Paul, Minn., si.x years in a drug store at Syracuse, and twelve years in a hardware store at Si. Louis, Mo. During this time the desire to follow his present profession became too strong to be overcome by his unpromising circumstances, and he began his preparation by private study. Three years of reading fitted him to undertake practical work in anatomy with profit, and he spent two years in dissecting at night at St. Louis Medical College. To this preliminary work he added three full

years of study at the Homeopathic College of Missouri, graduating in the spring of 1894. April 17, 1895, he passed the Regent's e.xami-nation in this State, and December 16,1895, he located at Moores Mill, purchasing the practice of Dr. Warren C. McFarland. He is the fourth physician to occupy his present residence in Moores Mill.

Dr. Hall was married at St. Louis to Miss Ellen Frances Cooper, daughter of the late William Fenimore Cooper, who was formerly a w'ell-known hosier at Watertown, N. Y., and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He enlisted in the' looth N. Y. V. I., and lost his life in the Union cause.

J HYATT LYKE, D. D. S., a leading dentist of the town of Millerton, Dutchess ^ county, was born September 9, 1864, in Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y. He is a son of John Lyke, now a prominent resident of Pough-keepsie. who retired from business some years ago, and his academic education was obtained there, with the exception of two years at Wilbur, Mass. During the last year of his course in the Poughkeepsie high school he left, only a month or two before the graduation day, to begin the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Mills, and, after seven months of preparation, he entered the New York College of Dentistry. After one year there he went to the Philadelphia Dental College, where he also remained a year and was graduated, the youngest member of the class.

Immediately after his graduation he began the practice of his profession at Pine Plains, succeeding Dr. Seaman. He remained there several years, and enjoyed a lucrative practice; but seeing an opportunity for more rapid advancement and a larger business, he moved to Millerton, in May, 1891, taking the practice of Dr. C. I. Bailey. He has been more than ordinarily successful, his practice including many of the best people of Millerton and vicinity, and extending for some distance up and down the Harlem railroad. He was married in 1889 to Miss Georgia Rowe, daughter of Clinton Rowe, a well-known resident of Pine Plains, and has had two children—Clinton and Stewart.

While he is an earnest advocate of local improvement, and a stanch believer in the principles of the Republican party, the Doctor has never taken an active part in public affairs.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHWAL RECORD.

839

He is much interested in the breeding of the English greyhound, and owns two famous specimens— "Southern Rhymes " and " Bestwood Daisy." The former has won ten first prizes in England and seven in this country—three in the challenge class and four in the open class. He has defeated the " Gem of the Season," owned in Toronto, Canada, the winner of 1/5 first prizes, and without doubt is the best of his breed to-day in America. "Best-wood Daisy" is the winner of fifty-one first premiums in this country and is the best of three well-known dogs, "Southern Beauty" and " Spinaway " being the other members of the trio.

HENRY M. SWIFT, a highly esteemed resident of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, residing near Verbank, is a man of liberal education who, preferring a country life to the more exciting scenes of a professional career, has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits.

He is a descendant of William Swift, a native of the County of Essex, England, who came to Boston during the immigration of 1630-163 I. On his arrival in Massachusetts, he located at Watertown, but he sold his possessions there in 1637, and removed to Sandwich, Mass., on the Cape, purchasing the largest farm in that vicinity, which is still in the possession of his lineal descendants. He had three children: William (2), Hannah and Esther. William Swift (2) was born in England, and came to this country with his father. He married, and became the father of eleven children: Hannah, William, Jireh, Josiah, Temperance, Esther, Dinah, Ephraim, Samuel, Ruth and Mary. Ephraim was born at the old homestead in Sandwich, Mass., June 6, 1656, and became a carpenter and cooper by occupation. He died in January, 1742. Their seven children were: Elizabeth, Joham, Samuel, Ephraim, Sarah, Hannah and Moses. Samuel Swift was born at Sandwich April 9, 1686, and died in December, 1757. By trade he was a carpenter and blacksmith. He was married December 24, 1712, at Falmouth, Mass., to Miss Ruth Hatch and they reared a family of nine children: Ephraim, Manassa, Judah, Reuben, Moses, Mary, Joanna, Joan and Lydia. Judah Swift, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born September 3, 1716, at the old home on Cape Cod, and in

1769 came to Dutchess county, with his wife, Elizabeth Morton, of Falmouth, Mass., to whom he was wedded December 14, 1738. They were accompanied by their children, and made the journey with an ox-team. Mr. Swift settled in the town of Amenia, purchasing first the property now known as the Barlow farm, but later he exchanged it for a larger tract, now owned by N. W. Smith. At the time of his death, January 17, 1807, he was one of the most extensive land holders of Dutchess county, owning 1800 acres. In politics he was a Tory. His wife died in 1802 at the age of eighty-two. They had eight children: Lois, Samuel, Nathaniel, Moses, Rebecca, Seth, Elizabeth and Moses (2).

Samuel Swift went west, and bought the land where the city of Auburn, N. Y., now stands. Elizabeth married (first) Sam Jarvis, and (second) a Mr. Hawkins. Seth Swift, our subject's grandfather, was born at Falmouth, Mass., March 16, 1757, and on arriving at manhood's estate he engaged in farming upon a portion of his father's property. In 1782 he married Mary Wells, by whom he had six children: Henry, who married Rebecca Warner; Moses, who married Hannah Payne; E. Morton, our subject's father; Thomas, who married Emma Gront; Ann, the wife of William T. Hobson; and Maria, Mrs. Allen Cline.

E. Morton Swift, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Amenia, in 1790, and after acquiring a common-school education in the local schools studied law. engaging in the practice of the profession at Poughkeepsie and Dover Plains. He married Miss Belinda Barlow, daughter of Thomas Barlow, a well-known farmer of Amenia. Our subject was the eldest of seven children, the names of the others with datesof birth being as follows: Ann, December 18, 1814; Rebecca, February 28, 1818; Maria, July 4, 1820;. Harriet, November 13, 1822; Amie, December 13. 1825; and Mary, August 25, 1829. The father passed to his eternal rest May 10, 1859, at the age of sixty-nine.

Capt. Swift first saw the light July 17, 1810, at the old farm in Amenia. His literary education was completed by a course at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., and he then studied law, but he never practiced his profession. He is one of the prosperous agriculturists of his locality, and is prominent in local affairs. Although he has not aspired to ofiice for himself, he has always been influential in political movements in his section, as is

COMMEMORATTVl': BIOGRAPHICAL RhJCORD.

well shown by the historj- of the nomination of Kiilian Miller for Congress. During the Civil war our subject was appointed on the staff of General Clark, the Commissary General of the Army of the Potomac, with the rank of Cavalry Captain, and he still has in his possession the original commission signed by Edwin M. Stanton and President Abraham Lincoln. Capt. Swift enlisted April 14, 1862, and served until 1864. He reported for his first duty at the White House. He participated in many engagements, and his reminiscences of the war are very interesting. At the time of the battle of Fair Oaks he was at the White House, where he met Gen. Clark, and was ordered to the scene of battle, and after remaining there one week he joined the forces on the Potomac.

In 1834 Capt. Swift was married to Miss Sarah Cofifin, daughter of I'fobert and Magda-line (Bently) Coffin, and they have had six children: (i) Belinda, born January 22, 1836, died in infancy. (2) Robert, born June 16, 1S37, was educated in the common schools of Amenia township, and is now a trusted employe of the Harlem R. R. He married Miss Maggie Elliot, and has two children: Samuel E. and Sarah. (4) Morton, born April 14, 1840, received a comrnon-school education, and is now engaged in the postal service. He married Miss Francesca Cooke, and has three children: Lucy. Belinda and Harriet. (4) Henry and (^5) Jane have never married.

TARVEY J. FRENCH, a prominent and JfA successful merchant tailor of Poughkeep-sie, Dutchess county, is a native of New York State, born in the city of Albany, August 12, 1862.

The family of which our subject is a member is of English origin, and his grandfather, Samuel French, was a merchant tailor in London. England, during the early part of the present century, and died there. He had but one child, Samuel (the father of our subjectl, who was born in 1825, learned of his father the trade of tailor in the Mother Country, and in 1857 came to the United States, settling in Albany, N. Y., where he commenced business as a merchant tailor, continuing in that line some thirty-five years, or until 1892, when he retired from active work, and now makes his home in Syracuse, N. Y. In England he had married Miss Ann Barnett, who survives him,

and nine children (all living) were born of this union, to wit: Samuel H., a merchant tailor in Albany, N. Y.; Kate, the wife of Dr. W. H. Todd, of Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.; Annie, wife of George Barnhart, of Columbus, Ohio; Mabel, the wife of Fred L. Geer, a well-known merchant of Albany; Harvey J-, our subject; Harriet, the wife of T. Rockwood Cutler, a prominent architect in New York City; Grace, the wife of Frederick Hemming, a merchant of Syracuse, N. Y.; Bertha, at home; and Clarence, living in Syracuse.

Harvey J. French, whose name introduces this sketch, passed his boyhood in Albany, at the public schools of which city he received his primary education, later attending All Saints Cathedral school, an institution conducted under the auspices of the Episcopal Church, and presided over by Bishop Doane. From that school Mr. French was graduated, and he then entered his father's place of business as an apprentice to the tailoring trade, making himself a thorough master of the business, especially in the cutting department. Later he graduated from a "cutting school" in New York City, and then opened out a tailoring establishment in Albany, N. Y., which he conducted some six years; but owing to impaired health was compelled to abandon work and recuperate for a year. His health being reestablished, he took charge of the custom de-partinent of Julius Saul's tailoring business in Troy, N. Y., the largest of the kind in that city.

In March. 1892, Mr. French came to Poughkeepsie, where he accepted the position of cutter for Peter B. Hayt & Co.. which he filled two years, at the end of that time resigning to engage in a similar capacity with M. Swartz. In the winter of 1895 he commenced his present successfully-conducted business on the corner of Main and Garden streets, and in the face of strong competition has advanced rapidly to the position of one of the leading merchant tailors of the city. He employs only skilled workmen, which fact, together with his genial good nature and painstaking methods, as well as determination to please his patrons at whatever cost of time and trouble, have secured for him, and retain, a liberal portionof the best business of thecounty. In Albany, New York, in June, 1883, Mr. French was united in marriage with Miss May W. Nichols, daughter of Charles C. Nichols, a prominent architect of that city, and to them

VOMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

841

have been born three children : Clifford, Harold, and Harvey, Jr. While a resident of Albany our subject was a member of Company A, N. G. N. Y., Albany Zouave Cadets. After a service of six years Mr. French applied for and received an honorable discharge; he then joined the Old Guard of Company A, a leading social organisation of that city, which numbers among its members nearly all the prominent professional and business men of the city. In Poughkeepsie he is a member of Armor Lodge, K. of P., of the Booth Hose Co., and of the Century Bicycle Club. He was once elected lieutenant of the Nineteenth Separate Company, N. Y. S. N. G., but declined to accept the honor. In religious faith he and his wife are members of Christ Episcopal Church, of Poughkeepsie.

IrRVING DEYO LE ROY, M. D., a prom-_\ inent physician and surgeon of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, by his devotion to his work, and the careful study and diagnosis of the various diseases that have come under his observation, has been unusually successful, and has gained an enviable reputation as a skilled practitioner. He belongs to a family long prominently connected with the hi?tory of Dutchess county, although his birth occurred at Highland, Ulster Co., N. Y., on April i8,

1859.

The founder of the family in this country was Frans LeRoy, who was of French Huguenot descent, the family having emigrated from France with the Huguenots, and taken up their abode in Canada. Frans settled at Kingston, N. Y., about the year 1700. John S., a descendant of Frans, settled in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county. One of his sons, Levi, established the town of LeRoy in the western part of the State, and Simeon became a resident of Canada, while John I. established LeRoys Mills in Dutchess county.

The last named, who was a great-grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, and by his marriage with Hannah Westervelt, of Holland origin, he became the father of twelve children, among whom was Joseph LeRoy. He was born in Fishkill, N. Y., in iSoi, and was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Traver, also a native of Dutchess county. They began their domestic life upon a farm in the town of Clinton, where were born their six

children; one of whom, Abram, was the father of our subject. Upon their farm in the town of Clinton the grandparents spent their remaining days, faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.

Abram Leroy, the father of our subject, was born August 20, 1829, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Cornelia Cooking-ham, who was born there in 1831, a descendant of Daniel Cookingham, a native of Holland, who on crossing the Atlantic took up a tract of land in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, on which his son Michael and grandson Daniel were born, the last being the father of Mrs. LeRoy. After their marriage the parents of our subject located at Highland, Ulster county, where the father engaged in farming and milling for about ten years, when they returned to LeRoys Mills. Besides the operation of the mill, Abram LeRoy also dealt in grain, following those pursuits until his death, August 3, 1870. In religious faith he held membership with the Presbyterian Church, and his political support was unswervingly given the Republican party. His widow is also a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Irving D. Leroy, whose name introduces this sketch, was the only child of his parents, who took him to LeRoys Mills when six years of age. After pursuing his studies for some time in the district schools of the locality, at the Poughkeepsie high school and the public schools of Lansing, Mich., he entered the Hungerford Collegiate Institute at Adams, N. Y., taking the regular college course and graduating with the class of '■j6. He was next a student in the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, and after his graduation there, in 1878, he became bookkeeper and cashier for Dobbs & Herrick, of that city, remaining with them for a short time. In 1S80 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. H. L. Cookingham, of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he remained for a year, and then entered the Albany Medical College, graduating March 9, 1883. The following winter he took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic, being at the time established in practice at Poughkeepsie. He was also a student of Drs. S. B. Ward, of Albany, N. Y., and James R. Learning, of New York City. Since 1884 he has followed his chosen profession in Pleasant Valley, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. During the

COMMEMORAFIVE BIOQRAPmCAL RECORD.

years 1870-71 the Doctor, then a student, traveled quite extensively through the Western States.

On April 7, 1SS6, Dr. LeRoy was married to Miss Jennie Duncan (a lady of Scotch extraction), born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, as was also her father, John B. Duncan, a merchant of that village. The Doctor and his wife are active workers in the Presbj'-terian Church, and he is now serving as one of its elders. Dr. LeRoy is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, a founder of the New York State Medical Association, and a permanent member of the American Medical Association. He is at present, and has been for many years, health officer of his district, and is one of the most progressive physicians of the county, standing deservedly high among his professional brethren. In politics he is a hearty supporter of the Republican party.

cember 3. 1888, was graduated from the Eastman Business College. For one year thereafter he studied law with J. S. Van Cleef, and then entered the office of C. W. H. Arnold, with whom he remained two years. On being admitted to the bar in 1892, he at once began practice, opening an office at No. 54 Market street. He makes a specialty of realty law and probate practice, and his ability and industry make his services valuable. In argument he is logical and eloquent, and his words always carry weight with judge and jury, seldom failing to result in victory.

Mr. Lee has a large circle of warm personal friends, the regard of the entire legal profession, and has won the respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. In November, 1896, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, on the Republican ticket.

PALVERSON LEE. Foughkeepsie.Dutch-__ ess county, numbers this able young lawyer among her native sons, as he first saw the light in that city on the 8th of August, 1870. His father, Lewis Alverson, was born there in 1843, ■'"d was a son of Samuel and Caroline E. Alverson, the former a native of Connecticut. Lewis was the eldest in a family of four children, the others being: Mrs. Josephine Woodworth; Mrs. Ellen Smith (deceased); and Samuel, who enlisted during the Civil war in the 128th N. Y. V. I., and died in a hospital in Louisiana. .T+ie father of our subject obtained his education in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, where he also learned the machinist's trade, and on reaching man's estate was united in marriage with MaryE. Lee, a daughter of Bezaleel Lee. He departed this life in 1872, his wife surviving him about a year.

Thus at the age of three years our subject was left an orphan, and his little baby sister died at the age of six months. After the death of his mother Per Lee Alverson was taken to the home of his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Lee, who still make their home in Poughkeepsie. where they are held in the highest esteem. By trade the uncle is a carpenter, but is now county canvasser for the Poughkeepsie Daily Eag/c.

During his childhood our subject attended the public schools of Poughkeepsie, and De-

WILLIAM J. BEARDSLEY, a leading architect of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess

county, and one of the most promising j'oung business men of that locality, is of English descent. His ancestors were early settlers in Connecticut, and his grandfather, William E. Beardsley, was the first of the family to locate in Dutchess county. He conducted a sash and blind factory at the Upper Landing, in Poughkeepsie, and at the time of his death resided upon a farm on the inside road near Morgan Lake. He had a family of seven children, to wit: William J. (our subject's father), .Abbott, Martha (now Mrs. Stephen Wilkinson), Hannah (now Mrs. Eli Ranson), Mary, Ophelia Fanny, and Miranda. In politics he was a Republican, in religion a Congregationalism He died at the age of eighty-seven years.

William J. Beardsley, our subject's father, succeeded to his father's business in Poughkeepsie, and conducted it at the same place until 1887, when he built a factory on the corner of Main and Harris streets, where he carried on a large milling business successfully until his death, which occurred July 2, 1887. He was a Republican in politics, and a mem-I ber of the M. E. Church. He married Miss Louise McLean, a lady of Scotch descent, daughter of Samuel McLean, a well-known resident of Poughkeepsie, who conducted a store and, later, a commission business in that city. Three sons were born of this union: Charles, William J., and Ralph (deceased).

A-.^^.'-V'V^y

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

548

On the death of the father the business was continued by his son Charles until February 14. I 891, when the property was destroyed by fire. Since that time Charles Beardsley has been in the employ of the government as a rail-. way mail clerk.

William J. Beardsley, our subject, followed his father's occupation, and made himself thoroughly acquainted with all branches of interior building work, until his father's death, when he discontinued the sash and blind business, and proceeded with architectural work, for which he had a natural talent. He had had practical instruction and e.xperi-ence in the art of building in different places throughout the country, and, being thus thoroughl}' versed and schooled in architecture, decided to locate in Poughkeepsie for the practice of that profession. He has one of the largest architectural offices in the cit}', located at No. 42 Market street, and equipped with all necessary devices, together with a corps of competent assistants.

Up to the present time Mr. Beardsley has shown great talent in his chosen calling, having built many of the fine residences throughout the counties of Dutchess and Ulster, and throughout the Hudson River \'alley—some of the best people in the above named counties being among his clients. Mr. Beardsley is prominent in the fire department of Poughkeepsie as a member of the Crockett Hook and Ladder Co., and he also affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, and and of the Masonic Fraternity.

JAMES E. BALDWIN, a prominent agriculturist of the towm of Pawling, Dutchess county, is well-known as a business man, having spent a number of years as a successful speculator previous to settling down to his present calling. He was born July 13. 1829, in the town of Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., and his early education was acquired in the schools of that town. He made his entrance into the business arena as a speculator at an early age, and after a time went to New York City, where his abilities had wider scope. In 1874 he purchased the farm in the town of Pawling, where he has since made his home. On November 5, 1884, he married Miss Fannie Townsend, who was born in the town of Kent, Putnam county, in 1865, but was educated in Pawling. To this union, one child,

\

Susie, was born November 27, 1885. Mrs. Baldwin's father, John Townsend, was born in 1S24, in the town of Kent, Putnam county, and passed his early life there. He married (first) Anna M. Luddington, and (second) Sarah Dykeman (Mrs. Baldwin's mother), who was born in Patterson, Putnam county, in 1827. Both parents are now living at Bound-brook, New Jersey. *

Mr. Baldwin's great-grandfather, James"' Baldwin, was born in Cbi^hire, England, ih^ 1700, 6l parents who traced their ancestry to old English stock. He came to America in 1730, and settled in Carmel. Putnam Co., N. Y., where he acquired a large farm and passed the remainder of his days engaged in agriculture and dealing in cattle. Successful as he was in the management of his private business, he was an active and able worker in public affairs, and at one time held the office of judge of Westchester county. His wife. Hannah Golden, of Goldens Bridge, N. Y., died in 1802, and he followed her two years later. They had eleven children, whose nameSjr with dates of birth are here given: James," 1734; Ephraim, 1736; Phoebe, 1738; Elisha, 1740; Pearce, 1742; Daniel, 1744; Catherine, 1746; Elizabeth jy748; Henry, 1750; Hannah, 1752; and Jame3;^i76o. The members of the Baldwin family, with but few exceptions, have been Whigs, and in later times Republicans, and although in the old days they adhered to the Baptist faith, seme of this generation are Congregationalists. ^-j,

James Baldwin, our subject's grandfather, was born in Carmel, N, Y., and aftei enjoying such educational opportunities as that locality afforded in those days he engaged in farming, having inherited Starr Ridge farm, a portion of his father's property. Although he was deeply interested in political questions, he never sought or held office. He married Miss Susan Vail, who was born in 1764, in the town of Carmel, a daughter of Aaron Vail. Twelve children were born to them: Daniel, Fannie, Henry, Polly, Aaron, James, Dorcas, Betsy, Nathan Cole, Susan, Hannah Jane and Hannah N. The father died in 1827, the mother surviving him four years. The grandfather's descendants are numerous:

(i) Daniel, who was born at the old home February 4, 1782, and became a well-to-do farmer of the same locality, married Miss Field, and had four children, namely: Henry F., a farmer, married Jane Dykeman, and had one

•J-^

COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPmC'AL BECORV.

child—Mrs. Mary Huston, who has one son, Henry Huston, not married. (2) Perry married Eliza Nickerson, and had no children. (3) Laura married Isaac Haviiand, and had three sons: Baldwin, who died many years since; Comfort Haviiand, living in Ohio; and William, who married Miss Rogers. (4) Phcebe marriefl Lansing Rodgers, and reared a large family.

(H) Fannie, born March 2, 17S4, married Peter Dykeman, and had five children: (i) James B., born in i 82 i, married Annie Mabe, and had eight children—Nellie, wife of Charles Travers; Willard, who married Jessie Kelley; Annie B., wife of Charles Nichols; James, who died young; Frank, who is now married; Mary A., wife of Sam Cornish; Peter, unmarried; and James H., who died at an early age. (2) Nathan C, born in 1823, married I^uth Mabe, and has one son, Alex, who married Antoinette learns, and has two sons—Nathan B., who married Miss Bloomer; and Henrv, still single. (3) Susan, born in 1820, married J. Patrick, and has had four children—Mary and Sarah, at home; Fannie, who died in childhood; and Charles, who married Bessie Utter, and has one daughter, Susie. (4) Ruth, born in 1825, died at an early age. (5) Sarah, born in 1825, married John Townsend (Mrs. Baldwin's father), who had by his first marriage to Anna M. Luddington, four children—Fred, who married Lillie Hopkins; Hattie, wife of De-witt Burr; Charles, who married Mary Sherwood; and Warren, who died in infancy. By the second union there were two children— Mrs. Baldwin, and her brother, George H., unmarried.

(Ill) Henry Baldwin, our subject's father, was born September 21, 1787, at the homestead, to which he succeeded at his father's death. His early education was obtained in the common schools of the neighborhood, and and to this he added greatly by extensive travel in later years. Among other trips taken was one to New Orleans, made before the days of railroads and steamboats, and the greater part of the journey was made on foot. He married Miss Pollie Smith, a daughter of Edward and Abbie (Northrup) Smith. Her father was a well-known farmer of Putnam county, and a man who was prominent in public life, serving as county judge and for two terms as a member of the State Legislature. Seven children were born of this marriage, their names, dates of birth, etc., being

given: (i) Susan E. (March 17, 1823) married Isaac Akin, but had no children. (2) Hannah (May, 1826) married James M. Baldwin, and had four children—Burdette, Elisha, -Bell and Jodia. (3) James E. (July 13, 1829) is the subject proper of this sketch. (4* Elizabeth (June, 1832J married Elijah Budd, but had no children. (5) Henry C. (1834), a farmer, married Phoebe I. Homan, and had four children—Jerome V. and Herbert, who are not married; Edward S., who married Sarah Beecher; and Mary, who is at home. (6) Josephine (March, 1838) married Alex Homan, and had three children—Charles, who married: and Henry and Clara, who are single. (7) Sarah J. (June, 1843) married Isaac ."Xkin, but has no children.

(IV) Pollie, born December 23, 1798, was married in 1812 to James Townsend, and had eleven children—Aaron, 181 3; Caroline, 181 5; Fannie, 1S18; Henry, 1820; Betsey, 1822; Susan and Elizabeth, twins, 1824, who lived less than one year; Sarah, 1826; Mary, 1830; Jane, 1832; and James, 1835.

(V) Aaron, born January 13. 1791, was killed in the war of 1812 (he never married).

(VI) James, born April 4, 1793, married Cornelia Luddington, and had seven children.

(VII) Dorcas, born December 28, 1795, was married in 1839, to Peter Whitney, but had no children.

(VIII) Betsey, born February 11, 1798, married Allen Light, born in 1805, and had five children—Mary D., March 22, 1834; Fannie E., 1835, who married Charles Barber, the eldest of twenty-one children of one father and mother; Flora E., 1837, wife of William Pugsley; Susan E., 1839, wife of Loren Wilcox; and Allen D., August, 1841.

(IX) Nathan Cole spent his boyhood at Starr Ridge farm, where he was born May 27, 1800. He engaged in, farming in the town of Kent, Putnam county, owning about 300 acres of land; but while he was recognized as a leading agriculturist, he was not especially prominent in political affairs, and, preferring to exert his influence as a citizen in a quiet way, he refused all invitations to run for office. Strong and athletic, physically, and gifted with an active mind, and the retentive memory for which his family is noted, he held an influential position in the community. His re:uling was extensive, his knowledge of the Scriptures being unusually thorough, and he was a Baptist in religious faith. He married Eliza,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGBAPHICAL RECORD.

845

daughter of John Smith, of the town of Kent, Putnam county, and had five children, (i) Sarah Ann, December 23, 1826, died at the age of thirteen. (2) Peter W. is mentioned more fully below. (3) L. Nathan, February II, 1838, fell from a wall when he was five years old, dislodging a stone which fell upon him and killed him. (4) William R., May 24, 1841, a farmer and a lawyer at Boundbrook, N. J., married Hattie Young. (5) Dorcas Elivia, March 2, 1843, died at si.\ years of age.

(X) Susan, born December 29, 1802, married David Russell, and had four children— Baldwin married Miss Smith; Robert married Miss Holmes; Louisa, wife of Caleb Smallcy; and Henry, unmarried.

(XI) Hannah Jane, born in 1804, died in 1806.

(Xn) Hannah N., born April 11, 1S07, married Jacob Sunderland, who was murdered.

Peter W. B.^ldwin, son of Nathan C. Baldwin, was born in the town of Kent, Putnam county, May 13, 1830, and on attaining to manhood's estate he engaged in agriculture, later in cattle dealing, which he has now followed successfully for about twenty years, his speciality being the buying of milch cows for the local trade. Until i860 he lived in his native township, and he then moved to Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., where he spent ten years. In 1870 he purchased the Aiken Taber farm of 307 acres in the town of Pawling, now one of the best estates in Dutchess county. He makes a specialty of dairying, and raises Holstein stock exclusively, his herd of ninety-three being the largest in the locality. He also keeps eight horses. Fond of reading, he is well posted upon the questions of the day, and as he is of an analytical turn of mind he does his own thinking. He is not an office holder, but takes keen interest in the political contests of the time, supporting Republican principles. He is a member of the Baptist Church of Towners. In 1854 he married Miss Nancy Wells, daughter of Jonathan Wells, a leading citizen of Norwich, N. Y., and a prominent Republican. Two children were born of this union: Lucy E. and Wells N., both of whom are at home.

lEUBEN VINCENT (deceased) was long ^X connected with the farming and industrial interests of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, there operating the old homestead

farm from 1802 up to the time of his death, and also conducting a blacksmith shop. He was born in what was then the town of Beek-man, but is now Unionvale, on August 15, 1768, and in its common schools received his education. He was a valued and reliable citizen, one who had the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact.

His grandfather, Michael Vincent, was a native of W'estchester county, N. Y., where he was reared and educated, and as a life work chose the vocation of farming. In his family were five sons, namely: Michael, Levi, Leonard, Richard and Philip.

Levi Vincent, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and here obtained his education, and later followed farming. He married Miss Sarah Ho.xie, and to them were born seven children: Reuben, whose name introduces this review; Levi, who married Evaline Snivens; Samuel; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Samuel Carey; Mrs. Annie Jennings; Hannah and Tabitha.

Reuben Vincent was united in marriage with Miss Deborah Bowerman, daughter of Ichabod and Jane (Richmond) Bowerman, who were the parents of twelve children, whose names and datesof birth areas follows: Thomas, May 22, 1758; Lydia, January 15. 1762; Phebe, September 9, 1763; Mary, June 30, 1765; Ichabod, September 2, 1767; Jonathan, August 10, 1769; Deborah, January 8, 1771; Stephen, October 22, 1773; Gideon, June 29, 1775; Israel, August 21, 1777; Judah, July 16, 1779; and Nancy, November 27, 1780. The oldest of these children—Thomas Bowerman— married Sarah Vincent, a sister of our subject.

Twelve children also blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent, namely: (1) Pauline, born August 22, 1791, married George Darling, a tanner and currier, of Connecticut, and they had three children—Jane; Phcebe A.; and Deborah, deceased. (2) Elizabeth, born July 9, 1793, married Stewart Christy, a farmer, and they had five children—Reuben; William; John; Gideon, who wedded Mary Cunningham; and Mrs. Jane Burlingham. (3) Hoxie, born March 24, 1795, married Abigail Stone, and they had five children—Reuben, Mrs. Antoinette Sheldon, Philo. John and Henry. (4) Jane was born February 24, 1797. (5) Levi, born February 16, 1799, wedded Miss Mary Vale, and had nine children—Phoebe; Isaac; Deborah; Gideon, who married Ophelia Lodre;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD

Levina; Piatt; Albert; Chester; and Mary J. Georjj;e Vincent, the son of Gideon and Ophelia (Lodre) Vincent, married Miss Ella Matteson, by whom he has a daughter, Edna, born in 1883. (6) Gideon was born December 13, 1800. (7) Lydia was born November 12, 1802. (8) Mary, born May 25, 1805, wedded Cyrus Perkins, and had six children—Charles, Delila, Jane, Elizabeth, and Hoxie and Edwin, both of whom died in infancy. (9) Margaret, born May 3, 1807, married Seth Barmore, and had three children—Deborah, Elizabeth and Abigail. (10) Piatt was born February 8, 1809. (11) Phebe A. was born February 28, 1811. (12) Thomas, born January 11, I 817, died at the age of two years.

SMITH D. HARRIS. Like many other residents within the bounds of Dutchess county, who started out in life with naught save an abundance of determination and an indefatigable industry, combined with a strong and healthy constitution, and who have succeeded through their own deligence, energy and economy, is to be classified the gentleman whose name here appears.

Smith Harris, father of our subject, was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where for many years he conducted a grocery business, the latter part of his life, however, being devoted to shoemaking. As an unswerving Democrat, he was very active in political matters, while in social life he was a member of the Masonic fraternity. In New York City he married Miss Eliza Mealy, and they both departed this life in 1879.

Smith D. Harris, our subject, was born August 8, 1841, on Pine street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., the schools of which city he attended until he was sixteen years of age. Being now prepared for life work, he set out for the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he secured employment on the farm of Paul Upton, and continued thereon some sixteen years, having the entire management of the place after his employer's death. In 1873, at Schultzville, in the town of Clinton, Mr. Harris wedded Mary H. Doughty, a daughter of Oliver Doughty, and three children bless their union: Mrs. Leonora Murch, Paul D. and Laura. The mother of these died July 28, 1896.

After their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Harris located upon their present farm in the town of

Clinton, known as "The Maples", and have since made that place their home. After renting the land for one year, Mr. Harris purchased the same for $7,000, giving his personal note for it, and went steadily to work to clear it from all encumbrance. He has not only paid off the amount, but has another fine farm in the town of Stanford, known as " Lake Side." The improvements upon the places are of a neat and substantival character, and bear witness to the fact that the owner thoroughly understands his business, and that he is industrious and enterprising. He is an earnest. Christian gentleman, a faithful member of the Friends Church, and an active worker in the Endeavor Society. He uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Prohibition party; is an earnest advocate of moral reform and the utter overthrow of the liquor traffic, which he considers the chief barrier to the advancement of Church work.

ILLIAM W. HAXTUN. The subject of this sketch is t)ne of the leading citizens of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, where he is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where his birth occurred on March 19, 1829. His great-grandfather, who was a resident of Greene county, N. Y., was killed by the Indians, being attacked while repairing the roof of his mill. The rest of the family, with the exception of one son, then removed to the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, where they were numbered among the early settlers. They located in the eastern part of the town, where they at first leased land of the Beekmans, but later purchased property. The great-grandmother was buried there.

Jeremiah Haxtun, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Greene county, and after the death of his father became the mainstay of the family. In the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, was celebrated his marriage with Rhoda Akin, a native of that town, and they began their domestic life upon a farm a mile east of Gardner Hollow in the town of Beekman, where they were living at the time of the Revolutionary war. Their family included the following children: Benjamin, William, Louisa, Emily and Rhoda.

The birth of Benjamin Haxtun, the father of our subject, occurred in the town of Beekman, where his father always carried on farming, and there his boyhood days were passed in

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

S4T

assisting in the work of the farm, and in attending the district schools. He was married in that town to Almira Vanderburg, daughter of Colonel \'anderburg, and after her death he was united in marriage with Sarah Wooley, daughter of William and granddaughter of Joseph Woolej'. Two children graced the second union—William W., of this review; and Almira, who died in infancy. The father always continued to reside upon the old home farm at Gardner Hollow, there dying in October, 1857, at the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in 1870. An influential and popular man, he represented his district for two terms in the Genera! Assembly.

After the usual manner of farmer boys, William W. Haxtun spent his early life at Gardner Hollow, in the town of Beekman, and received his primary education in the district schools. Later, for four years and one term, he attended the old Amenia Seminary, after which he was a student in the Dutchess County Academy on South Hamilton street, Pough-keepsie, but on account of ill health was obliged to give up his studies and return home. In the town of Beekman he wedded Miss Maria De Long, whose birth occurred there, and the}' have become the parents of two children— Benjamin, now of Stormville, Dutchess county, who married Dorothea Storm, by whom he has a daughter, Maria; and William, Jr.

In 1873 Mr. Haxtun left the old homestead, and for the past fifteen years has resided near Green Haven, in Beekman town, where he is engaged in farming. He is very fond of travel, and has visited many points of interest in the West. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has taken a prominent part in public affairs, representing Beekman on the board of supervisors for two terms. For three years he was president of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, treasurer for seven years, and had charge of the ladies hall for four 3'ears.

BENJAMIN HOWELL (deceased). Among _' the representatives of the Pine Tree

State, who traveling westward have established homes in Dutchess county, N. Y., none are more worthy of mention in a work of this character, devoted to the biographies of the best citizens, than the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He was born in Portland,

Maine, May 29, 1818, and was a son of Benjamin Howell, whose birth occurred in 1784, on Cape Elizabeth, which now forms a part of the city of Portland. The grandfather, Isaac Howell, was a native of the same place, and was descended from English ancestors, who, on crossing the Atlantic to America, took up their residence in Portland. There he was reared, and for many years was identified with the business interests of the city as a clothmg merchant. \\'hen the colonists, no longer able to bear the tyrannical oppression of the mother country, fought for independence, he was numbered among the valiant troops that followed the leadership of George Washington. All his life was passed in Portland, and both he and his wife were connected with the Baptist Church of that city. They became the parents of four children: John, who was a grocer of Portland, Maine; George, who followed the sea; Benjamin; and a daughter of whom no specific record can be found.

Benjamin Howell was reared in Portland, learned the carpenter's trade, and was the architect and builder of his own home. He married Rebecca Dyer, a native of that city, and a daughter of Nathaniel Dyer, and after his marriage established a home in Portland, while as a means of livelihood he followed the sea. He died of yellow fever in the West Indies in 182S, and his wife passed awaj' in February, 1835. They had six children: Emily, who died unmarried; Harriet, who became the wife of Joseph Russell, a carriage maker; Rebecca, who married Samuel Chester, a clothier; Mary, who died unmarried; John, who became a minister of Christ Church; and Benjamin.

The subject of this review spent his early boyhood in the city of his birth, and at the age of fifteen started out in life for himself, eoins: to New York City, where he engaged in the milk business, which he followed for ten \ears. In 1845 he wedded Mary Lamoree, who was born in Dutchess county, and is a sister of George Lamoree. In the spring of 1845 they removed to the farm on which Mr. Howell ever afterward made his home. They had five children: Harrison, who died at the age of three j'ears; Walter, who died at the age of nine years; George W., a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; Augustus C, an agriculturist; and Emily C., wife of James T. Budd, who is a farmer of Pleasant \'alle\' town. The mother of this family was called to the home

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

beyond in April, 1888, and many friends mourned the loss of her whom they had so deeply respected. The father has died during the preparation of this book.

Mr. Howell gave his attention to agricultural pursuits after coming to Dutchess county, and was at the time of his death the owner of loi acres of valuable land, which is highly cultivated and improved. He never held office, but faithfully performed his duties of citizenship, and was one of the supporters of the Baptist Church. He was a self-made man, starting out in life empty-handed, and steadily worked his way upward, overcoming all obstacles and difficulties that barred his progress to success.

CAPTAIN JOHN H. BRINCKERHOFF, one of the best-known men along the Hudson river, was born in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, November 24, 1827, a son of Henry I. and Freelove (Serene) Brincker-hof?, who were both also born in the town of Fishkill. The father, who followed agricultural pursuits, died July 4, 1852, the mother passing away December 26, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are yet living: Abram, John H. and Eliza.

When our subject was eleven years old his parents moved to Esopus, Ulster county, where he spent the rest of his boyhood days, attending the common schools. At the age of twenty years, on account of the failing health of his father, the management of the farm devolved upon our subject, and he remained there until he was twenty-four years old, at which time he was married at Esopus to Miss Angeline Terpenning, who was born there in 1831, and died in 1880, leaving no issue. After marriage he moved to Highland, Ulster county, and bought some property, including a mill at Esopus, which he operated for some time, at the same time carrying on factories at Highland and Pine Bush, Orange county. After continuing in the milling business some twenty years he bought the "J. C. Doughty," a ferry boat plying between Highland and Poughkeepsie, of which he was captain for four years. In 1883 he bought, from Thomas Cornell, the "Mary Powell," the fastest passenger steamer on the river in those days, and later he sold an interest in this vessel to Capt. Anderson and Capt. Wicks. In 1878 Capt. Brinckerhoff purchased the interests of Thomas

Doughty, Augustus Doughty and Capt. I. E. Wicks in the Poughkeepsie Transportation Co., in 1888 buying the interest of Homer Ramsdell, in same company, and becoming president of the company, which at that time owned the steamers "John L. Hasbrouck" and "Andrew Harda," which latter our subject rebuilt, renaming her the "P. D. Le-fever." By 1888 the Captain had also built the river boats: "Gracie," "Gypsy" and "Queen City," and also the ferry "J. H. Brinckerhoff." He has accomplished a great deal for the transportation facilities of Poughkeepsie, doing all his freighting business there. By purchase he has become the owner of the entire doqkage on the west side of the river, between Lewisburg and Highland, also much dockage on the east side of the river, and altogether he is a large owner .of property at various places.

From its earliest inception the Captain has taken a lively interest in the Poughkeepsie Electric Light & Power Co., and is the heaviest stockholder in same; is also a stockholder in, and treasurer of, the Delamater Carriage Co., at Poughkeepsie. His comfortable home on Hamilton street, Poughkeepsie, he has rebuilt and much improved and beautified. Capt. Brinckerhoff is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.

IRA E. WILBUR, a well-known and hon- ored citizen of Amenia, Dutchess county,

has here spent almost his entire life. His grandfather, David Wilbur, who was born in Rhode Island in 1770, was brought to Amenia the following year, and throughout life he there followed the trade of a tanner, dying in 1852. Rutledge Wilbur, the father of our subject, is a native of Dutchess county, born at South Dover, on August 29. 1809, and there acquired his education in the district schools. For a time he made his home in Sharon, Conn., but about 1834 came to Amenia, and six years later was appointed superintendent of contract work in Capt. W'eed's, Palmer's and Gridley's mines, with which he was connected for about fifty years. Politically he is a pronounced Republican. In 1833 he was united in marriage with Miss Betsey A. \^'hite, whose death occurred November 2, 1879, and to them were born six children: Albert B., born in 1834, ex-superintendent of the schools of Middletown, N. Y.; Electa C, deceased; Sarah B., born in

w^^

COMMEMOnATIVE BIOORAPEWAL RECORD.

1840; Charles R., deceased; and Ira E and IdaE twins, the latter being now deceased. Ihe educational advantages afforded our subject were those of the public schools and the Anienia Seminary. Later, for the loufr period of twenty-two years and three months he was secretary of the Barnum-Richardson Mining Company or the Amenia Mining Company, since which time he has been variously employed, being in the carpet business "at Brooklyn and the publishing business at Chicago Subsequently he purchased land in I'lorida, 230 miles south of Jacksonville, where he engaged in raising oranges and lemons and also pineapples. He holds a patent on the Berkshire cough syrup, which he manufactured at Amenia.

In that village Mr. Wilbur led to the marriage altar Mrs. Anna (Wickes) Wakeman, widow of James M. Wakeman, by whom she has one son—Raymond; and by her marriajje with our subject she is the mother of a daughter —Bessie. The family is greatly esteemed in the community, as representing the . best type of Its moral and social element. Mr Wilbur is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, has been a member of Amenia Lodge ^o. 672, F. & A. M., since 1869, in which for SIX years he served as master, and is also connected with the chapter and commandery at Poughkeepsie, New York.

849

CTOUTENBURGH.-The ancestor of this \J,> family, the first of the name in this country, was Pieter Stoutenburgh, who settled in New Amsterdam." The date of his arrival does not appear, but it was probably before 1649. He was a schoolmaster, and therefore a man of education; and his family was of good standing, as indicated by their marriage connections and the offices they held in the city and colony. He had a house and a large garden on the east side of Broadway just north of Wall street, as mentioned on old records and shown on the early maps. He married 25 July, 1649, Aefje (Eve) Van Tienhoven (a near relative, perhaps sister, of Cornells Van Tienhoven, the secretary and treasurer of the Colony), by whom he had nine children By a note on the list of members of the Dutch Church It appears that Pieter Stoutenburgh

"Obyt den 9 Mart. 169S-9," aged eighty-six years. ^ ^

Tobias Stoutenburgh, the si.xth child of Peter, was baptized i8th January, 1660 his sponsor being Judith Stuyvesant. He lived all his life in New York, where he married 2 July, 1684, Anneke (or Anna) Van Rollegom who was baptized 15 July, 1665, daughter of If "n -^"T'^^" ^^" Rollegom, from Haerlem, Holland. She was one of a large family; but when her brother. Jacobus, died intestate his three sisters, Mary, Anna and Gertrude, were his only heirs, to be referred to later as he left estates in Dutchess county. Tobias and Anna had twelve children, all baptized in the Dutch Church, New York, and several left descendants; but only the line of Jacobus, the si.xth child, will be followed in this account The codicil to the will of Tobias Stoutenburgh is dated 29 December, 171 5, and it was proved IS January, 1716. His widow survived him many years.

Jacobus Stoutenburgh, the sixth child of lobias and Anna, was baptized 7 June 1696 his sponsors being Jacobus Van Rollegom and Jannetje Van Feurden, wife of Evert Byvanck He married in New York 25 May, 1717 Margaret, daughter of William Teller, of feller's Point, Westchester county, and Rachel Kier-stede; the latter being a daughter of Dr Hans Kierstede by Sarah, daughter of Rollof Jansen and the celebrated Anneke Jans. The portraits of Jacobus and Margaret were painted by a good artist, about the time of their marriage They are on "panel," and are now treasured by their descendant, Mrs. Eugene Wells (Mary Teller), of Rhinebeck. Jacobus and Margaret had nine children: Tobias, baptized. New York, 12 February, 1718, married Catharine Van VIeck; Rachel, baptized. New York 16 March, 1720, died young; William, baptized New York, 3 June, 1722, married Maria Van-Vleck; Anna, baptized. New York 11 November. 1724, married James Van Vleck; Jacobus married Josina Teller; John, baptized, Philips-burg, 29 March, 1729, marrie*i Catharine leller; Peter married Rachel Van Steenburgh • Margaret, baptized, Philipsburg, 14 April' 1734. married John Teller; Luke, baptized' Philhpsburg, 5 June, 1736, married (first) Rachel Teller, and (second) Mary (^•an Vleck) Minthorne.

From the above it will be seen that Jacobus removed, sometime after his marriage to the Manor of Philipsburg, Westchester county

COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPniCAL RECORD.

near his wife's relatives. In a deed, as late as 1741, he is called of that place "shopkeeper," and he must have been successful in that calling. In a deed of 1742, he is called "of the count}' of Dutchess," and that is doubtless the date of his removal. What led to this change of residence may now be briefly stated: The celebrated " Nine Partners Patent," in Dutchess county, was granted 27 May, 1697, to Col. Caleb Heathcote, Augustine Graham, James Emmot, Col. Henry Filkin, David Jamison, Hendrick Ten Eyck, John Aertson, William Creed and Jarvis Marshall. Nearly all these men held some office, high or low, in the colony. By the Civil List of the Province of New York, it appears that in 1693 Jarvis Marshall was " Doorkeeper and Messenger of ye Council," at a salary of ^30 a year. This grant was an extensive one, now including the greater part of seven townships. In 1699 surveys were made, and the lands divided among the partners, or then owners. That part of the patent bounded on the west by the Hudson river was divided into '' the Nine Water Lots. " These lots varied from thirty to thirty-two chains in width, and ran back about four and a half miles " into the woods. " Lot No. 9, at. the north end, fell to Jarvis Marshall, who also had " Great Lots" Nos. i, 15, 24, and 35, in the interior. He had already sold one-half his interest in the patent to Jacobus Van Roll-egom, and, in 1700, he sold the other half to John Crooke, of New York, merchant. Van-Rollegom died before 1722, intestate, as before stated, and his estate fell to his three sisters: Mary, wife of Henry Kermer (or Carmer), Anne Stoutenburgh, widow, and Gertrude, widow of Bartholomew Le Rou.x. The latter was mother of Charles Le Roux, goldsmith, in New York, whose name so often appears as one of the attorneys for the proprietors of the Nine Partners Patent.

By a deed, 25 August, 1722, Anne Stoutenburgh sold her interest to her .son Jacobus, for £6^. Subsequently, by a number of conveyances, Jacob^is Stoutenburgh seems, by 1743, to have become the owner of all, or nearly all, the share that fell to Jarvis Marshall. It was twenty years from the date of his first purchase before Jacobus Stoutenburgh removed to what is now the town of Hyde Park; as in 1741 he was still " of Philipsburgh. " His first house, probably the one named in old abstracts of title as "built in 1723," was of stone and logs, and stood a short distance south of the

present village, near a spring, where some remains of it are still to be seen. It is probably that it was built for the use of the men who cleared the land, and for his occasional stopping place. The wood cut doubtless found a ready market in New York, when coal was yet unknown; and some years would naturallj' be spent in thus clearing the land. Very likely he did not remove his family until he built the stone mansion which stood until 1864, west of the post road, near the "Lower Corners." It was a fine house for that day, the rooms being spacious, and the paneling and woodwork handsomely finished.

During the remainder of his lifetime he was engaged in disposing of a part of his lands, and in settling his children on homestead farms; and he also deeded to them other lands. He was called upon to take some part in public affairs, and was for some time County Judge. In the deed to his son, Luke, he reserves the well-known "Stoutenburgh Bury-ing-ground " as a burial place for his familj', forever. The will of Jacobus Stoutenburgh is dated 24 January, 1770, and it was proved 19 December, 1772. He gives his eldest son Tobias, "besides what I have given him,";^ 25, and a silver teapot. As he has given his daughter Annatje a silver teapot of the value of £ 14, he gives " one now in my family " to Margaret, and orders one for each of the five younger sons; desiring if any of his children should die leaving a daughter Margaret, such teapot should descend to her. His wife, Margaret, is to enjoy ail his estate, rents, etc., for life, with remainder to the seven younger children. This will is recorded in' New York.

The account which follows, of his descendants, is founded on a "Family Tree," and papers now in the possession of Dr. James L. Prichard, with the assistance of Church records where available. It is believed to be correct, as far as it goes; but the order of births in some families, where dates are wanting, is uncertain; and there maybe omissions, for which the "tree" must be held responsible.

Tobias Stoutenburgh, son of Jacobus, married in New York. 6 July, 1745, Catharine, daughter of Abraham Van Vleck, and Maria Kip, baptized in New York, 30 November, 1718. To him his father gave a farm lying on the river front of the Ninth Water Lot. It is probable that the large house that stood until about i860, opposite the present railway station, was his residence. This house was oc-

VOifMEMOBATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

851

cupied at the beginning of this century by his son-in-law, Richard De Cantillon, who carried on here a mercantile and shipping business; sending cargoes as far as the West Indies, to be exchanged for sugar, molasses and rum. Few particulars of this eldest son seem to have come down to this day. Children: Margaret, baptized. New York, 30 March, 1746; married Jacob Schryver, and had Jane, and Sarah, who married her cousin, Tobias S. De Cantillon. Abraham, who left two children, Tobias and Mary. Mary married in 1770 Richard De-Cantillon, and had Tobias. S. (married Sarah Schryver), Richard, Catherine (married Patrick B. Collins), and Maria (married Capt. Humphrey Wood). Jacobus T., who died after 1807. Tobias Stoutenburgh was commissioned colonel of the 4th Regiment, Dutchess county, 17 October, 1775.

William Stoutenburgh, a son of Jacobus, received from his father a homestead farm of large extent, lying on both sides of the Creek road, and taking in the whole breadth of the Ninth Water Lot. On this he built a large stone house, which isstill standing, and in a good state of preservation, a short distance south of Union Corners, with the date, 1765, cut in a stone in the front. He married in New York, 5 July, 1753, Maria, daughter of Abraham Van-Vleck and Maria Kip; baptized in New York, 25 July, 1725. Children: James, who died in 1807, married three times; Abraham W., married Margaret Van Vleck; William W., died 1829, married Elizabeth Conklin; Tobias W^., married Mary Hill; Mary W., married Harmon \'an Benschoten, and had Mary, born 25 October, 1789, and Catharine, baptized 3 December, 1797; John W., baptized, Poughkeepsie, 22 September, 1765; Isaac, born 17 December, 1767, married Elsie Schryver; Henry, born 22 June, 1770, died early.

James Stoutenburgh, son of William, owned a farm on a road now closed, northeast of Union Corners. He was married three times, first 31 December, 1782, to Mary Moss; and had: Polly, married James Culver. Margaret. He married a second, 30 December, 1790, Hannah Marshall, and had Richard, born 9 July, 1791 (married, and' had Richard and John T. B.); Hannah ("Nancy"), born 23 August, 1792; Herman; Marshall, died in Poughkeepsie, 19 August, 1849, aged fifty-seven, leaving children. He married (third) Comfort Bell, by whom he had one child, Elizabeth, married John Hendricks. In his will, 19

May, proved 25 June, 1807, he names wife Comfort, and all the above children. "The widow Comfort Stoutenburgh" survived her husband many years, residing on the homestead.

Abraham W. Stoutenburgh, son of William, married Margaret, daughterof James Van Vleck and Anna Stoutenburgh. Children: James; Margaret, married Tunis, son of William W. Stoutenburgh; William, born 23 March, 1783; Ann; Harmon; Elizabeth, born 7 March, 1789; Catharine, Maria, born 5 September, 1790; Abraham, born 25 August, 1791; Mary, born 10 December, 1797. Abraham W. Stoutenburgh lived in the town of Clinton. On May I, 1795, Ebenezer Mott, of Stanford, and Mary, his wife, conveyed 211 acres in Clinton to Abraham Stoutenburgh, of Clinton, and Margaret, his wife, " it being the homestead farm their mother, Ann Van Vleck, possessed and resided on at the time of her decease."

William W. Stoutenburgh, son of William, died 19 August, 1829, aged seventy years. He had from his father a farm and mills a mile east of Union Corners. He married 28 January, 1783, Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Conklin and Catalyntje Van Benschoten, born 14 May, 1766, died 7 November, 1835. Children: William W., Jr., married Maria De Groff, and left a family. Isaac, born 12 February, 1786, not married. Catalyntje, born 22 December, 1789. Maria, born 9 January, 1792, died 28 May, 1884, aged ninety-two, married John E. De Groff, who died 20 September, 1846, aged fifty-nine. Jacob Van Benschoten, born 25 June, 1794, died 18 May, 1879, married Hester Travis, who died 14 May, 1883, aged eighty-five. Tunis married Margaret, daughter, of Abraham W. Stoutenburgh. Sarah, born 13 May, 1798, married—Mosher, and removed to " the West," died in fall of 1848. Susan C., born 29 May, 1800, died 23 June, 1889, married John A. De Groff, who died 2 February, 1876, in his eighty-first year. Ann Eliza, born 1804, died 29 November, 1822, aged eighteen years, three months. Henry, killed in 1841, by beii;g thrown from a wagon; not married. Elias Van Benschoten, born 14 March, 1810; married 11 March, 1835, Huldah Swartwout.

Tobias W. Stoutenburgh, son of William, had the north part of the homestead of his father, 121 acres, at Union Corners, and other lands. In 1820 he advertised this property for sale. He sold not long after and removed.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with a part of his family, to Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y. He married Mary Hill. Children: Barbara, born 29 June, 1792. married James Hall, of Stanford. George, of New York, married three times. William, of New York, married and left a family. Mary Van Vleck (•'Maria"), born 4 November, 1797, never married. Abraham, removed to Texas, never married. JohnT., born 21 September, 1799, married Mary Van Wagner, 3 December, 1823. Sarah, born 19 September, iSoi, married Peter Reese. Isaac married Miss Reese. Jane married Benjamin Prichard, son of James Prichard. Cornelia Mott removed to Phelps, Ontario county, had si.x children. Eliphalet, born 15 October, 1811 (living, 1897), of Phelps. Ontario Co., N. Y.. married Clementine Knapp, and has a family.

Isaac Stoutenburgh, son of William, was born 17 December, 1767, and baptized at Poughkeepsie 14 February, 176S; his sponsors being Johannes Eman and Catharina \'an Deu-sen, widow of his uncle Isaac Van Vleck. He inherited the homestead of his father, with the stone house before mentioned. He was a prominent man in his day, in town and Church affairs. He died i November, 1859, aged ninety-two. He married 29 September, 1791, Elsie, daughter of John P. Schryver and Eleanor Van Benschoten, baptized at Rhinebeck, 15 August, 1773, died 6 July, 1845, aged seventy-two. Children: \\'iiliam I., born 5 September, 1792, died 21 September, 1859, unmarried. John Schryver, born 7 November, 1794, died 15 March, 1874, married Maria, daughter of John Albertson, who died 22 September, 1865, in her sixty-fifth year, and had John Albert, counsellor at law, of Hyde Park and New York, born 6 September, 1820, died II April, 1887; James De Cantillon, counsellor at law (now of Washington, D. C); Susan Caroline, died 1864, aged thirty-five, married Col. Orrin Travis; Willet E. (now of Washington); Walter H. (also of W'ashington); Isaac, died 1841, aged three years; and Mary, married Abram Hyatt, of Sing Sing. Catharine De Cantillon, born 25 May, 1797, died 13 May, 1858, unmarried. Richard De Cantillon (twin), born 25 May, 1797, died 24 May, 1875, married (first) Eliza Sophia Sleight, of Fishkill, and (second) Eliza, daughter of Alexander Mc-Clellan. By the latter he had Isaac, of San Francisco, deceased; George Washington, of Chicago, died 1884; and Catharine Eliza, who married Edgar Van Kleeck, of Poughkeepsie.

R. D. C. Stoutenburgh was long a merchant in Poughkeepsie. Eleanor, born 20 December, 1800, died 25 September, 1876: married Richard Lewis Prichard, son of James Prichard, and Cornelia Mott, born i August, 1804, died 22, November, 1882. His commission as captain in the 84th Regiment was signed by Gov. Marcy, 5 August, 1S37. Richard L. and Eleanor Prichard had three children: Isaac De-Cantillon Prichard, late one of the Associate Judges of Dutchess county, who died 9 February, 1894; James L. Prichard, M. D. , of Hyde Park, and Elsie Cornelia Prichard. James C. died 20 June, 1815, aged thirteen. Tobias I., born 29 January, 1806, died 25 October, 1888; married Maria, daughter of Isaac Albertson, and settled in the town of Pleasant V'alley. Children: Sarah C. married Albert J. Budd, and Mary married Dr. Merritt Dutcher, of Owego, N. Y. Mary Elsie, born

17 July, 1S09, died i6January, 1833; married Jacob T. Sleight. Henry Cuyler, born i August, 1812, living 1897, of Poughkeepsie; married Amelia, sister of Col. Orrin Travis, and has Mary, Edward, Walter, Juliet, Anne and Henry. Caroline, born 23 June, 1815, died 20 June, 1829, aged fourteen. William I., son of Isaac Stoutenburgh, served in the war of 1812, being then about twenty years of age. For his services he had a pension, in later years, and a grant of land. A homemade blanket with the date " 18 12 " woven in it, and which he had with him at Harlem Heights, is still preserved by a niece.

Aima Stoutenburgh, daughter of Jacobus, married June, 1755, Jacobus (Jamesi \'an-\'leck, son of Abraham Van Vleck, of New York, and Maria Kip, baptized in New York

18 September, 1720. She inherited lands in the town of Clinton, near her brother Peter, and died there before 1795, leaving two children, viz.: Mary, wife of Ebenezer Mott, of Stanford, Margaret, wife of Abraham, son of the first William Stoutenburgh. The husband of Anna died before 1772. " Ebenezer Mott, Esq." died January 9, 1813, aged sixtj'-tvvo. Mary, his wife, died December 2, 1840, aged eighty-two.

Jacobus Stoutenburgh, Jr., son of Jacobus, married 23 June, 1764. Josina, daughter of John Teller, of Teller's Point, and Aeltje (.\lida) \'ermil\'e. He lived in the stone house at the Lower Corners, which he inherited, together with a considerable farm adjoining. .■\t the close of the Revolution he purchased

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

853

(

the confiscated estate of Christian Bergh, which joined his own on the south, and which Mr. Bergh had intended for the portion of his daughter, Maria Barbara, wife of Martin Dob, who built the stone house, still standing, east of the road. Children: James I. (Captain), born February i, 1767, married (first) 3 March, 1793, Catharine E., daughter of Richard Snediker, of Spacken Kill, in the town of Poughkeepsie, who died 4 August, 181 5, aged forty; and (second), 15 April, 1824, Sarah Patchen. He inherited part of the late Bergh estate, and built the first part of the house afterward the residence of the late Daniel S. Miller; but soon sold the property. He was an active man, and made manj- changes during his life. Alida, born 19 April, 1769; married, first, 13 October, 1794, Dr. Hiram Walker (who settled at Hyde Park, but died early), and, second, Walton Street, of Coxsackie. Margaret, born 26 December, 1771; married, first, John L.,son of Luke Stoutenburgh, and, second, John I. Teller, son of John Teller and Margaret Stoutenburgh. John I., baptized 24 May, 1774, died 18 March, 1822; married Sarah Griffin, of Lyme, Conn., and had Margaret, born 1797, died 6 March, 1802, and Sarah Catharine, born 8 February, 1807, died 14 March, 1888; married William B. Piatt, of Rhinebeck. The homestead of John I. Stoutenburgh was on the east side of the road, at the Lower Corners, on the property now owned by Mrs. Calista Jones. The house stood until after 1850. Luke I., born 28 January, 1779; married Elizabeth Catharine, daughter of Anthony A. Hoffman and Elizabeth Snediker, and niece of his brother James' wife. They had, Josina, married Storm Truesdell, of^Co.xsackie; Walton Street, of Coxsackie, who died about 1872; Edgar, died 29 July, 1811, aged one year four months; Richard Anthony, born August, 1816, and Cortland Augustus, born January, 1820. Luke I. Stoutenburgh lived in the house late the residence of his father. In later years this became the property of John I. Teller; and after having had several owners, and a long list of tenants, was finally destroyed by an in-cendiarj' fire, on the night of August 6, 1864. Then for some years it formed a picturesque ruin.

John Stoutenburgh, son of the first Jacobus, married by license dated 25 November, '773' Catharine, daughter of John Teller and Aeltje Vermilye, who died 27 August,

1805, in her seven-sixth year. They had no children. He had from his father, besides other property, valuable mill privileges on Crumelbow creek. He was one of the chief founders of the Reformed Dutch Church of Hyde Park, and one of its first officers. He died at Hyde Park, 21 February, 1808, in his seventy-ninth year. In his will, dated 3 January, 1807, after directing a wall five feet high to be built around the family burying ground (it still stands), and freeing his slaves, to whom he gave legacies, he distributed a considerable estate among his heirs, who were his surviving sister, Margaret Teller, and his nephews and nieces.

Peter Stoutenburgh, son of the first Jacobus, was settled on a tract of land (it is said 1,600 acres) in "Great Lot No. i," in the northwestern part of the town of Clinton. He married Rachel Van Steenburgh. Children: James P., married and had John, James P., Jr., Joseph, Mar}-, Rachel, Margaret and Sarah. Tobias P., baptized, Poughkeepsie, 17 November, 1765. William P., married 5 June, 1803, Elizabeth, daughter of Maj. John Pawling, and had Alfred and Julia. Peter P., who married and had William T., Peter P., Margaret. Maria Affie, Catharine and Sarah. Luke P. Benjamin. Rachel P.

Margaret married ■ Row, and had Mark,

Catharine, Margaret, Rachel, and " W. P. Row," who married Rachel, daughter of James L. Stoutenburgh. John, born 22 October, 1768, baptized, Poughkeepsie.

Margaret Stoutenburgh, daughter of the first Jacobus, married 8 October, 1764. John Teller, born 1741, son of John Teller and Aeltje Vermilye. Children, all baptized at Poughkeepsie: John I., born 16 November, 1765, married Margaret, daughter of Jacobus Stoutenburgh, Jr., and widow of John L. Stoutenburgh; had a son, the late William Teller, of Rhinebeck, father of Mrs. Eugene Wells. James, born 2 July, 1768, married, and had John, Morris and Margaret. Tobias, born 27 January, 1772, died 19 October,

1854, of Red Hook; married Paulina ,

and had B. Franklin, Monroe and Margaret. \\'illiam, born 29 December, 1775, married, and had Jacobus and Tobias. Most of the family of John Teller and Aeltje Vermil3'e came early to what is now the town of Hyde Park. Their chief residence was at '' Teller's Hill," on the "Fourth Water Lot," where the large mansion of the family stood until

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1830. Of the brothers, James died without issue; Luke left a large family, and John married as above stated; while Dr. Abraham Teller, who died in 1803, aged fifty-nine, was, perhaps, about the earliest settled physician in the neighborhood.

Luke Stoutenburgh, youngest son of the first Jacobus, married, first, 2 August, 1762, Rachel, daughter ol John Teller and Aeltje Vermilye, by whom he had eight children. He married, second, 24 November, 1782, Mary Van Vleck, widow of Henry Minthorne, who survived him. To Luke he gave that portion of his estate lying between the lands given to Tobias and William; the creek bounding it on the north, while on the south were the lands of Jacobus, Jr. An abstract of title says this deed of gift was made in 1758,and confirmed by will. Luke died before 1789, and in 1791 his farm was divided by commissioners into forty-two lots, and apportioned among the heirs; two lots, comprising the mansion and its environs, being left undivided. It was this division, and the establishment of a Church that decided the site of the village, now Hyde Park; some of the smaller lots being soon disposed of. Luke lived in the stone house built by him, or his father, on the brow of the hill at the end of an avenue of cherry trees leading from the Post road. Some say Jacobus, himself, lived in this house in his later years. The avenue became a thoroughfare to the "Upper", or "DeCantillon's I^anding;" the road curving around the north side of the house and thence down the hill; and in 1791 lots were laid out along it. It is now known as Market street. The house was fully equal to the one at the Lower Corners, and perhaps a little larger. It was visible from the river, and in 1777 the British vessels, passing up to burn Kingston, fired on it. Several cannon balls were afterward found, and are still preserved in the town. In 1872 this house, long in a neglected condition, was taken flown in order to straighten the road.

Luke Stoutenburgh and Rachel Teller had: James L., died 16 December, 1831, aged si.xty-seven years, eight months, nineteen days; married Sarah Morris, who died 15 March, 1S46, aged seventy-one years, nine months, eleven days. John L., baptized i February, 1767, died I December, 1794; married Margaret, daughter of Jacobus Stoutenburgh, Jr.; had one child, John, died 15 September, 1797, aged three years; and his widow married John

I. Teller. Luke L., born 28 January, 1770; never married. Tobias L., born 2 September, 1772; died March 27, 1846; married Esther Rogers. William L., born 10 September, 1775, died in Brooklyn 22 January, 1864; married Mary Juliet Dutton. Peter L., born

, married Pamela , removed to New

York. Margaret, born 27 February, 1779, died 28 August, 1835, married 18 January,

1797, Richard Teller, son of Luke Teller, and Sarah Snediker, born 28 July, 1775; and had Catharine, Eleanor and Margaret, all died unmarried, and the late Col. Richard Teller (born 1822) of New York. Eleanor married Samuel Van Vleck, of Pittston, Rensselaer, Co., N. Y., and had Mary and Catharine.

James L. Stoutenburgh, son of Luke, owned the farm lying north of the road, and next east ol Union Corners. He and his wife, Sarah Morris, had eleven children, as follows (Bible record): Catharine, born 2 December, 1793. Rachel I., born 29 May, 1796; married W. P. Row. Margaret I., born 28 April,

1798. John, born 29 April, 1800. died 15 December 1800. Eleanor C, born 21 February, 1802. William I., born 12 June. 1804. Tobias M., born 2 August, 1806, died in Poughkeepsie, 23 October, 1884, married (first) Mary L. Van Wagner, who died 20 August, 1845, aged thirty-five; and (second) Serena Velie, who survived him. He had a large collection of family documents, parchments and papers, which he left to a nephew, son of the Rev. Luke. Sarah Mary Juliet, born 14 August, 1808. Richard T., born 21 December, 1810. James, born 18 October, 1812; died young. Luke, born 29 December, 1815; the Rev. Luke I. Stoutenburgh, of Schooley's Mountain, N. J., who died in Wash-ton, D. C, 13 March, 1891, leaving a family.

Tobias L. Stoutenburgh, son of Luke, became the owner of the homestead of his father, and lived there until his removal to New York. He represented his district in the Legislature, in 1807-8. In 1S13 he built the first store in the village, on the corner of Albany and Market streets, and conducted business there, as a merchant, for several j'ears. About 1830 he removed to New York, where he became a "public weigher and measurer," and continued to reside there, until his death. He married 28 November, 1812, Esther, daughter of Capt. Jeremiah Rogers and Mary Jones. Capt. Rogers [for whose ancestry refer to the N. Y. Genealogical and Biographical Record,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

855

1884-1885] owned the estate, on the Post road, next south of Teller's Hill, where he died in 1810, and is buried, with several of his family, on the place. Mrs. Esther Stoutenburgh died in New York 28 July, 1842, aged si.xty-two. Children: Elizabeth, born 20 November, 181 3, died II August, 1893; married 8 February, 1837, Richard Aurelius Tebault, of South Carolina, and had two children, who died young. Mary, born 9 April, 1815, died i June, 1865; not married. Edmund Jones married Mary Lowry, who died 16 December, 1847, aged thirty; no surviving issue. Margaret died 9 September, [844, aged twenty-six; married Thomas Rudd I^owry, of New York. Cornelia Jones, born 6 April, 1821, died 9 July, 1848; married J. Warren Rogers.

William L. Stoutenburgh, son of Luke, lived many j'ears on the Post road, just north of the village, and near the Stoutenburgh burying ground; but removed to New York, and engaged in business. He married i i October, 1807, ^tary Juliet, daughter of Capt. Titus Button, a soldier of the Revolution. She died on Staten Island, 24 November, 1861. Children: William Tobias, died in New York, 28 October, 1884, aged seventy-three, leaving four children. He was twice married. Mary Elizabeth died i June, 1891, aged seventy-nine; married Rev. Robert A. Quin (of the Reformed Dutch Church), chaplain of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, Staten Island, and had a family. Peter Augustus, M. D., settled at Oyster Bay, L. I.; he died of blood poisoning, caught from a sick horse. Thomas DeWitt, born 23 March, 1818, died 12 November, 1855. Anna, born 23 February, 1820, died 29 March, 1845; married Edwin Sturges. Richard Teller, born 20 May, 1822; married . Ferdinand Vanderveer, baptized 27 March, 1824. Martha Catharine, baptized 30 March, 1826, died 10 October, 1844.

Peter L. Stoutenburgh, son of Luke, had, by Pamela, his wife: Wright, Joseph, Mary, Sarah, David, Jacob, Samuel and James.

?ARTIN W. PAINE, a leading business X?:A man of Millerton, Dutchess county, the proprietor of the well-known feed store and of the Benedict Mills, was born in the same locality June 12, '1841, in the house now occupied by Mr. Hotchkiss. His father, Piatt A. Paine, was one of the most prominenj, citizens

of the town of Northeast, and a farmer by occupation.

Mr. Paine's early life was that of the average country boy, his time being spent in the healthful exercise of "doing up the chores," and in attending the district schools of Spencers Corners and Millerton. After leaving school he remained with his father for a year, and then engaged in farming on his own account, spending four years near Boston Corners and five on the Paine farm, just below the old family homestead. In 1870 he purchased the Benedict Mills, which he has ever since conducted, together with a small farm adjoining them. He has done a large custom business in milling, and dealt extensively in flour, and in 1893 opened a flour and feed store in Millerton, which is the principal establishment of the kind in that vicinity. His en-prises have all been successful, and he has accumulated a tine property.

Notwithstanding the close attention required by his business, Mr. Paine has found time for reading, and is well informed upon the questions of the day. Politically, he is a strong Republican, but he does not take an • active share in party work, although in many progressive movements in his neighborhood he has been among the chief promoters. He married Miss Emily Eggleston, daughter of Nicholas D. Eggleston, and both are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have had three children: Berkley, a resident of Buchanan, Va.; Grace A., who married D. C. Dakin, of Millerton; and Fred L., an enterprising young blacksmith in Millerton.

I RAM GEDDINGS STEVENS (deceased). The subject of this memoir, formerly a prominent agriculturist of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, was a worthy representative of two of the oldest and best-known families.

His father, the late Hon. David W. Stevens, was a man of fine ability and wide influence. His first wife, our subject's mother, was Nancy A. Geddings, daughter of Hon. Gamaliel B. Geddings, of Sherman, Conn., and for some years after their marriage he resided at her father's farm there, taking meantime a leading part in local affairs. In 1846 he represented that district in the Legislature of Connecticut. Later he moved to a farm in

COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPHICAL RECORD.

South Dover, Dutchess county, and identified himself with the best interests of that locahty, helping in many public movements, and especially in the work of building up the Baptist Church of South Dover. Mrs. Nancy Stevens died at Palmyra, Ohio, March i8, 1858, and April 18, i860, he married Mrs Lydia Ann Camp, a lady of exemplary Christian character, the widow of the late William T. Camp, and daughter of Jonathan and Philomela Geddings. She survives him and resides in South Dover, where his death occurred November 16, 1868. There were the following children by the first marriage, whose dates of birth are given: Orrin, 1821, who married Phcjebe A. Wheeler; Eunice, 1823, Mrs. Jonathan A. Geddings; Hiram, 1826, who died in 1833; Gamaliel, 1829, who married Julia Dutcher; Frances, 1832, Mrs. Emery Cole; Sarah, 1834, Mrs. James H. Martin; Hiram G., May 29, 1839, the subject of this sketch.

The Geddings family is well known in different parts of the United States, its members playing an honorable and often a distinguished part in their various lines of life. Hon. Gamaliel Baldwin Geddings, our subject's maternal grandfather, was born at Sherman, Conn., October 6, 1766. He was an extensive land holder in the Geddings district, and possessed great political infiuence, serving as constable and justice of the peace for about twenty years, and as a member of the Legislature in 1805, 1812 and 181 3. On November 24, 1790, he married Miss Tabitha Eunice Barnes, daughter of Stephen and Ann (Phinney) Barnes. They had five children: Harriet, born September 9, 1791, died in Palmyra, Ohio, March 8, 18.76; Solomon, born October 5, 1793, died in 1838; Hiram, born September 14, 1795, married Miss Rebecca Geddings; Nancy A., born May 30, 1798, was the mother of our subject; and Sally M., born February 23, 1800, married David W. Stevens. Gamaliel B. Geddings removed to F'ahnyra, Ohio, in 1845, and died there at an advanced age.

Mr. Stevens was born at the old homestead in South Dover, and in his youth received an excellent education. He was married March 3. 1863, to Miss Ann Elizabeth Camp, daughter of William T. and Lydia A. (Geddings) Camp, and settled upon a farm near Wings Station, where he lived a peaceful and happy life until death called him February 21, 1893. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens: Florence Bell, July 26, 1S64;

Thomas How.^rd, January 9, 1873, and Nannie Maj', November 19, 1874, now the wife of George Tabor, of South Dover. The elder daughter. Florence, died May 25, 1871, at the age of seven, and her death was deeply felt by the entire family, but especially by her father, who was led by it to seek consolation in communion with the only Friend who can bring lasting peace to the afflicted, and although he never made a public profession of faith he became a consistent follower of Christ, and took the Golden Rule for the law of his life. His stern integrity, which commanded the respect of all who knew him, was combined with a kindly sympathy for others that won the affectionate regard of his more intimate acquaintances, and his death was mourned throughout the community. His son, Thomas H. Stevens, is one of the most intelligent young men of South Dover, and is already noted for possessing the admirable characteristics of his ancestry.

SVMITH J. SACKETT is one of the most , \) prosperous and successful farmers of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, owning 300 acres of valuable land there. He is numbered among the self-made men of the county, his accumulations being the result of his own industry, obtained by self-denial and economy, and the exercise of a naturally good judgment, both in regard to agricultural pursuits and business matters. Stanford town has always been the field of his operations, and the center of his hopes and interests, for since his birth, which occurred March 19, 1844. he has there made his home.

His father, Leonard Sackett, was born in the town of Stanford, September 7, 1797. In the schools of the neighborhood of his boyhood home he obtained his education, and he remained upon the home farm until his marriage. He married Ruth Gildersleeve, a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, and they had the following children: Joel, born June 29, 1828, is now deceased; Cordelia, born April 28, 1830, is the wife of Elias Thompson, of Pine Plains, Dutchess county; Eunice was born March 8, 1832; Jane Elizabeth, born August 10, 1834, has passed away; Hiram L. was born August 15, 1837; Emily, born August 13. 1839, is the'wife of Theron Knickerbocker; Sarah M., born February 17, 1842, is also deceased; Smith J. is next in or-

^■U^J ^a-o^-^^

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHICAL RECORD.

857

der of birth, and Henry, born in December, 1847, has departed this life. The father's death occurred May 17,1866, that of the mother on July 25, 1878. Most of their married life was passed on a farm near Stissing, Dutchess county, which Mr. Sackett operated. With the Baptist Church of Bangall they held membership, and in his political views the father was first a \\ hig, later a Republican.

The education of Smith J. Sackett was such as the district schools of the town of Stanford afforded, and on reaching his majority he left his parental roof, starting out in life with no capital. For some time he operated farms on shares, but in 1880, in connection with his brother Henry, he purchased his present farm, and the following year bought another. With him, his brother Hiram and sister Eunice find a pleasant home.

Mr. Sackett has never taken an active part in politics, although keeping himself well informed on matters of general interest, and uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket. To enterprises calculated for the general welfare of the people around him he has ever been a cheerful and liberal contributor.

SAMUEL LYNCH. This capitalist is living ,^) at his ease in Pleasant Valley village, Dutchess county, his only occupation being the care of the property he in his younger days accumulated by untiring industry and judicious economy.

Mr. Lynch was born September 18, 1823, in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Campbell) Lynch, both natives of Ireland," where they married. On leaving the Emerald Isle they sailed for Nova Scotia, where the father was engaged in the lumber business for about a year, and then removed to Long Island, there following farming during the next three years. Removing thence to Dutchess county, he became a resident of the town of Pleasant \'al-ley, where during the remainder of his life he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He died about 1880, his wife several years before. They were earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political affiliations Mr Lynch was a stanch Whig and Republican. They had the following children: Martha married Henry Phillips, a tanner of Dutchess county; Samuel comes ne.xt; Betsy Jane became the wife of

Silas W^ard, a shoemaker; Leah married a Mr. Gardiner, a merchant; Margaret wedded Ebenezer Whitney, a carpenter; Harriet married John Delany, a car conductor; Hanna became the wife of a Mr. Gardiner, a milkman; Alexander went to California when young, and nothing is known of him; and George was a carpenter and wheelwright.

The subject of this memoir received the education common to farmer's sons, his boyhood being passed in the town of Pleasant Valley, but after his school days were over he went to Unionvale, where he learned the carpenter's trade with Joseph Wait, by whom he was employed for about six years. He then began business for himself in the town of Pleasant Valley, but in 1849 went to New York City, where for forty years he was engaged in contracting and building with good success, erecting many houses in that city. On laying aside business cares he returned to Pleasant Valley, where, since 1889, he has lived retired, having accumulated sufficiently of this world's goods to enable him to pass his remaining days in ease, surrounded by the comforts of life, and enjoying the respect and confidence of his fellow men in the highest degree.

In 1852 Mr. Lynch was married to Miss Anna M. Wyles, who was born and reared in Philadelphia, Penn., and is a daughter of Joseph Shaw Wyles. Four children blessed this union: Clara; Anna, wife of George E. Stuart, of New York City; Frank, a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y.; and Emma. Mr. Lynch is a true-hearted man, an earnest believer in the doctrines of Christianity, and both he and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and in 1895 was elected supervisor, serving one year. He is a public-spirited, enterprising man, and in all matters tending to benefit the people of his community, morally, socially or financially, he has ever been an earnest and cheerful worker.

ARCUS D. MARCY, a prominent resident of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, who was for many years a valued employe on the Harlem railroad, was born March 29, 1848, in the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He took advantage of the educational opportunities afforded by the schools of his native place, and in early manhood entered the serv-

COMMEMORAnVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ice of the railroad company, and remained twenty-five years working first as a brakeman and afterward as a conductor. In the latter position he was unusually successful, a fact which 1 speaks well for his tact, and intelligence. | Realizing the value of a clear brain, he is a | firm opponent of intemperance, and for fifteen years he has been a member of the order of Good Templars. He married Miss Hattie A. Fero, daughter of John and Adelaide Fero, and has one daughter, Bertha, born in 1886.

His ancestors have been agriculturists in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, for several generations. His grandfather, Moses Marcy, was a native of the town, and followed (arming all his life. He and his wife, Susan Cutler, reared a family of eight children: Rogers went to Michigan, made a home in the forest, and became well-to-do; George; Robey married Fred Summers; Abbie married Brigg Tanner; Hannah was the wife of Seneca White; Lucretia never married; Moses married Fannie Addis; and Mary married Orisey Wol-sey, and had one son, Moses Wolsey.

Moses Marcy, our subject's father, was a native of Dover Plains, where he was educated and later engaged in farming and in the butcher's trade. His wife, Fannie Addis, was a native of New Preston, Conn. They had seven children": Oliver W., who married Alvira Halleck; Griffin C, who married jane Sherwood; Andrew A., who never married; Garwood G., who married Caroline Summers; Al-vinB., who married first, Emma Lee; Marcus D., our subject; and Samantha A., the wife of John Bristow.

Mrs. Marcy's ancestors on both sides were early settlers in Dutchess county. A great-great-grandfather, Israel Chapman, was a farmer in the town of Dover, where he and his wife Esther reared a family of three children: (i) John; (2) William, who married Rachel Cherrjtree; and (3) Nathan. John Chapman, Mrs. Marcy's great-grandfather, was a lifelong resident of the town of Dover, where he followed the shoemaker's trade. He married Catherine Briggs, of Connecticut, and had four children: Ann, Mrs. Bishop Smith; Sallie A., Mrs. 'William H. Fero; Harry, who married Pollie Gregory; and Richard, who married Sarah Wheeler. Sallie A., Mrs. Marcy's grandmother, was born in South Dover, in 1807, and married Mr. Fero, November 8, 1827. He was a farmer in Dover town, and a son of Jacob Fero, a well-to-do farmer of

Columbia county. Five children were born of this union: Hattie, Mrs. Jerry Waldron; Oscar, who married (first) Mary Anson, and (second) Christina Wilcox; John, Mrs. Marcy's father; Akin, whose wife's name is not known; and William, who died in infancy. John Fero was born in South Dover in 1838, and in early manhood engaged in farming, but later was employed for twenty years as a conductor on the Harlem railroad. He now lives a retired life. He and his brother Oscar both enlisted at Poughkeepsie during the Civil war in Company E, 150th N. Y. V. I. Although he takes an active interest in public affairs he has never aspired to office. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge No. 666, of Dover, and also to the order of Good Templars Lodge No. 433. He married Miss Adelaide Leonard, and had four children: (i) Jennie, born in 1859, married Edward Davis, and has had three children: May, born in 1886; Bessie, in 1890; and John, who died in infancy. (2) Hattie, born in 1862, wife of our subject. (3) William, mentioned below. (4) Ida. born in 1869. died in infancy.

Mrs. John Fero, Mrs. Marcy's mother, is of English descent, her grandparents, Enoch and Elsie Leonard, cousins, having come from the mother country to settle in Dutchess county. Her grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. Their three children were: Joshua; William, who never married; and Maria, Mrs. Joseph Worden. Joshua Leonard, Mrs. Fero's father, was born in Dutchess county in i8io, and after attendmg the schools of that time, engaged in farming in the town of Pawling. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, 150th N. Y. \'. I., and died in the service in 1864. His wife was Miss Eliza Olivet, daughter of James Olivet, a prominent farmer of Pawling town, and his wife Mary. Three children were born to them: Mary Ann. who died in infancy; William; and Adelaide. Mrs. Fero.

William Fero. the third child and first son of John and Adelaide Fero, was born in 1865, and is now an engineer on the Harlem railroad. He married Minnie Rider, by whom he has had four children: Addie, born in 1875, died young; Ida, born in 1885; John, born in i8go; and 'VVilliam, in 1893. Mrs. William Fero is a descendant of one of the old families of Bangail, and her grandfather, Thompson Rider, was a native of that place. He was a carpenter by trade, and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge of Bangail. His first wife, Sarah Bailey, was a daughter of Joseph Bailey,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

859

a well-known resident of that village, and his second wife was a Miss Davis. There were five children by the first marriage, (i) Emma married George Tompkins, a carpenter, and had six children: Annie, George, Jennie, and three others whose names are not known. (2) Landon died in the' army. (3) David, a carpenter by trade, married Miss Eliza Piatt, and had one son, Harry. (4) Legrand died at the age of twenty-two. Albert, Mrs. Fero's father, was born at Bangall, in 1843, and after receiving a common-school education in his native \'illage, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife, Sarah Sackett, was a daughter of George and Rachel Sackett, and her father was a leading farmer in the town of Washington. Eleven children were born of this union: Emma married Harry Hardstay, and has had four children; Anna is at home; Lillie married George Coolman, and has had one daughter, Anna; Agnes is not married; Minnie married Mr. Fero; Josie died in infancy; and Bert, Charles, John, William and Albert are not married.

■ARTHA T. WING. Among the successful agriculturists of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. Miss Martha Wing is noted for her scientific and progressive management. A constant reader of agricultural journals, as well as general literature, she keeps well informed on the latest and best methods in all branches of her work, and her farm shows the results of her practical investigations. She is especially interested in horticulture.

The Wing family has long been prominent in the town of Pawling. Jedediah Wing, Miss Wing's great-great-grandfather, came from Rhode Island at an early period and settled upon a farm north of Quaker Hill. He was a man of quiet tastes and a leading member of the Society of Friends. Their son, Elihu, Miss Wing's great-grandfather, was a millwright by trade, and lived upon a farm east of the old Friends meeting house. He and his wife, Keziah Wing, reared a family of eight children: Abigail, Sybil, Phoebe, Elizabeth, Sarah, Lydia, Keziah and Abram.

Abram Wing was only seven years of age when his father died. He became a farmer, locating about one-half mile south of the pres-

ent homestead, and was very successful, owning about 500 acres of land at the time of his death. He was prominent in local affairs, although not especially active, and was always interested in religious progress. He married Rose Irish, who was born July 4, 1789, and had four sons: Elihu, born August 20, 1806; Charles, April 6. 1808; Daniel, September 23, 1809; and David I., March 22, 181 i. Abram Wing died in 1846, but his widow survived him many years, passing to her rest in 1888. Of the sons, Elihu and Daniel spent their lives at the old home farm. They never married. Charles married Eliza Deuel, and had three children: Sarah H., Abram D. and Elihu S. David I., Miss Wing's father, lived at the old home until his marriage to Mar}' Irish, daughter of David Irish, when he settled upon the present homestead, which contains 120 acres. Thrifty and successful in business, he was also active as a citizen and as a member of the Friends Society. Like the majority of his family, he was a Republican and took much interest in the success of his party. He died November 27, 1888, and his wife followed him September 25, 1893. They had four children: Elizabeth, the wife of Edward Rider, of Peach Pond; Martha T., our subject; Phcebe, who married Edward Henry Wilco.x, of Pawling; and Carrie, who died in 1894.

ROBERT CASS, a prominent educator, ^Ot whose professional work has covered a period of over a quarter of a century, is a leading resident of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. A inan of fine culture and liter-ar)' ability, he has found time aside from the exacting duties of the school room to use his pen effectively, and as a correspondent of the Avicrican Agricnlturisl, the Poughkeepsie Eagle, the New Milford Gazette, and other papers, he has dorte valuable work. He comes of a brainy, energetic family. His grandfather, Richard Cass, was one of four brothers who came from the central part of Scotland and settled in different parts of the United States: one in Ohio, two in Illinois, and one in Michigan, the latter being the father of Gen. Lewis Cass, so well known in military and political affairs.

Allen Cass, our subject's father, was born in 1806, near Xenia, Ohio, and in early manhood engaged in his father's occupation of farming, at Danville, 111., where he owned

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL UECORI).

200 acres of land. He was influential in local affairs, and a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and more than once was a juror where Lincoln was conductinjj cases at the bar. Politically, he was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, to which he at once gave his allegiance. He was a leading member of the Methodist Church. He married Miss Martha Payton, a descendant of one of the first families of \'irginia, whose father, Valentine Payton, was a pioneer settler at Danville. Eleven children were born to them: William Henry, John Milton, Elisha, Alpheus, Charles, Willis Allen, Robert, Mary Frances, Lucy, Margaret and Caroline.

The subject of this sketch was born at Danville, 111., April 23, 1845, and was educated mainly in the high school at Homer, 111., under H. A. Coffeen, now a member of Congress from Colorado. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, following the profession successfully in the school at Sherman, Conn., the Farinont school at Danville, 111., and in the schools at Pawling. Dutchess Co. N. Y. He is actively interested in all that tends to promote the welfare of the community, and takes a leading part in Church work, having served as Sunday-school superintendent for twenty years.

Mr. Cass married a member of one of the most highl}' respected families of this section, Miss Emma G. Chamberlain, and has two daughters, Carrie Belle and Lillie May.

George H. Chamberlain, the father of Mrs. Cass, was born in 1820, in Kent. Conn., where his ancestors had made their home for several generations. His father, Harvey Chamberlain, and grandfather Chamberlain, were farmers there. Harvey Chamberlain was extremely popular, and held various offices in his town, including that of selectman. In his political afflliations he was a Democrat. He died in 18—, and his wife, whose maiden name was Polly Morgan, passed away in her fifty-third year. They had six children: George H. ; John, deceased; Helen, wife of Daniel Vincent; Flora (Mrs. Sterling, of Sharon, Conn.); Mary, wife of Smith Stewart, of Kent, Conn.; and Emeline (Mrs. Frederick Bull).

George H. Chamberlain was educated in the district school near his birth place and in a select school at Milton, Conn. Possessing more than average mental ability, he made good use of these opportunities, and in later

years kept well abreast with the times by his reading. He taught for three or four seasons after leaving school, but engaged in farming after his marriage, in 1843, to Miss Mary Ann Tompkins, daughter of Benjamin Tomp-a leading citizen of Kent, Conn. Their first home was on' a farm about a mile below the old homestead, but after four years he purchased another piece of land in the same neighborhood, where they spent about five years. He then sold that farm, and in 1857 moved to a tract of land which he had previously bought near Cerro Gordo, 111.; but two )ears later he returned to his native State, and lived for two years at Xew Milford. In 1869 he purchased the Sherman Howard farm, in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, containing 125 acres, where he passed the remainder of his days. He had excellent judgment, and was successful in business and intiu-■ential as a citizen, although he invariably declined to become a candidate for office when urged to do so by his fellow workers in the Democratic party.

Mrs. Cass was the only child of her parents. Her mother's family, which like the Chamberlains, was of English origin, was prominent in East Kent, Conn., from early times. Her maternal great-grandfather, Philip Tompkins, was a cooper by trade, and her grandfather, Benjamin Tompkins, was an extensive agriculturist, and a man of note in local politics. He married Ophelia Blakesley, and had six children: Augustus E.; Mary Ann; Emeline fMrs. Luke Putnam); Laura (Mrs. Peter Kiley); Martha, who married Rufus Lovell, of Washington, Conn.; and Eber W. Of this family onl}' one is now living.

If LEXANDER R. BECKER, a prominent ^^_ contractor and agriculturist of the town of Red Hook, Dulchess county, is a native of the county, born at Rock City September 13, 1828. His father. Christian Becker, was born in the town of Red Hook October 16, 1800, and there received a common-school education. He learned the trade of blacksmithing, at which he worked in connection with farming. In Red Hook, on November 14, 1824, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Near, who was born June 22, 1802, and they became the parents of four children, namely: Mary A., who became the wife of Myron A. Badgley; Juliet, who married John T. Stall;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

861

William H., who married Catherine Sagendorf; and Alexander R., of this review.

In the place of his nativity our subject attended the public schools, where he acquired a fair education, and after lea\ing school he learned the trade of a blacksmith with his father; but as this was not to his taste, he went to Elizaville, N. Y., where he for a time en-

gaged

merchandising.

Disposing of his

business there, he next conducted a store in New York City. He was also engaged in the brewing business at Brooklyn, under the firm name of Becker & Foster, and for some time ran a brewery at Albany, N. Y. He was next employed as freight agent for a line of steamers on the Hudson, and later turned his attention to contracting in New York City. Since returning to Dutchess county he has made his home in the town of Red Hook, where he successfully carries on contracting and farming. He wins the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, and occupies a leading position among the influential citizens of the community.

Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Miss Celinda Mull, a daughter of Captain Mull, a hay merchant of New York City, who is a member of the firm of Mull & Lawton. In 1S93 Mr. Becker was called to mourn the loss of his estimable wife.

Mary Ann Becker, thesisterof our subject, was born at Rock City, August 30, 1831, was there educated and married Myron A. Badgley, son of Squire and Hannah (Wing) Badgley. By occupation Myron Badgley was a farmer. He was three times married, his first union being with Miss Elizabeth Near. He next wedded Miss Becker, by whom he had one daughter—Minnie L. For his third wife he chose Miss Sarah Haines, and to them was born a daughter—Lizzie E., whose birth occurred October 28, 1868. She is now the wife of Willard E. Link, and they have two children—Ethel and Roy C.

Minnie L. Badgley, the niece of our subject, was born June 15, 1863, in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, attended the schools of the locality, and was united in marriage with William Augustus Lown, who was born at Madalin, Dutchess count}', November 9, 1863, and is the son of Richard and Hannah (Grunther) Lown, of Barryto.vn, N. Y. Their marriage was celebrated Jime 27, 1886, and previous to that time Mr. Lown had followed the trade of a mason for several years, but is

now engaged in farming in the town of Red Hook. Mr. and Mrs. Lown have become the parents of three children: Alexander R., born April 10, 1887; Florence, who was born May 25, i89[, and died in infancy; and Bertram E., born December 19, 1894.

JOHN W. HOFFMAN (deceased) was for many years prominently connected with

the history of Dutchess county. His birth occurred in the town of Red Hook, March 10, 1826, where the family is numbered among the very oldest and most substantial in the localit}', being among the pioneers. His father, George C. Hoffman, was a farmer and butcher of Red Hook. On June 7, 1807, he was united in marriage with Lydia Beekman, and after her death wedded Maria Waldorf. By the second union were born twelve children: Gitty Elizabeth, born January 15, 1809; Rebecca M., born February 25, 1812; Helen S., born Januar}- 23, 1814; Sarah A., born May 7, 1817; Lydia C, born April 6, 1819; Benjamin B., born March 15, 1821; Margarie L., born April 4, 1823; John W., of this review; George L., born September 11, 1829; Edward M., born January 5, 1831; J. Robert, born August 9, 1833; and Regina E.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent mostly after the manner of farmers' sons, and when he had attained a sufficient age he entered the public schools of Red Hook, where his education was acquired. When he had arrived at years of maturity he was united in marriage with Lydia S. Manning, daughter of John and Margaret (Raffen-burgh) Manning. After the death of Mr. Manning, her mother was again married, becoming the wife of Thomas Welsh, who died Septem-ter 31, 1841. In her family were nine children: J. Manning, born in 1781; Margaret, born July 10, 1788; Elizabeth J., born October 27, 1805; Sarah R., born October 14, 1807; Sophia, born February 21, 1811; Mary M., born October 9, 181 3; John A., born May 7, 1822; Martin H., born June 18, 1827; and Lydia S., born February 18, 1830.

The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Hoffman, who bore the maiden name of Jennie McGregor, was a native of Scotland, and while quite young, in 1773, came to the United States. Having the welfare of the people at heart, she joined the force of nurses who were at that time caring for the wounded soldiers of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD

the Revolutionary war, and while serving in that capacit}- she met and fell in love with a handsome lieutenant who was wounded and brought to the hospital for treatment. The name of this ofificer was Peter Raffenburgh, who was born June 17, 1746. They were afterward married and became the parents of five children, among whom was Margaret, the mother of Mrs. Hoffman.

In early life Mr. Hoffman spent most of his time in freighting on the Hudson, where he owned two steamers—the " R. Donaldson " and the "Clifton"—which he commanded. During the Civil war the United States Government wanted the R. " Donaldson " to fit out as a war vessel. The purchase being completed, he was on his way to New York City to make the necessary transfer, when he received word that the steamer had run ashore in a fog, and was burned. The financial loss was very heavy. He then turned his attention to the hotel business at Barrytown, Dutchess county, which proved very successful. He also engaged in the manufacture of tobacco at Red Hook for some time.

Eleven children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, namely: Orison G., born October 25, 1854; Elizabeth H., born October 2, 1856; William M., born May 31, 1858; Allen H., born January 19, 1861; George E., born January 14, 1863; Horace A., born October 23, 1864; C. Otis and Otto, twins, born November 14, 1866; Robert M., born June 29, 1868; Maggie J., born May 5, 1872; and Hat-tie C, born August 27, 1873. The youngest son, Robert M. Hoffman, was born in Red Hook, and in 1881 entered the De Garmo Institute of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, which school has since been removed to Fishkill-on-Hudson. He later attended the Holbrook Military Academy at Sing Sing, N. Y., and in 1888, JDecame a student at Yale College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. After his graduation he went to Chicago, 111., where for a few years he practiced mechanical engineering.

On December 26, 1883, the earthh' career of Mr. Hoffman was ended, his death being deeply regretted by many warm friends as well as his sorrowing family. His personal integrity both in public and private life, was of the highest order, and both he and his estimable wife enjoyed the friendship and acquaintance of a large number of the best people of Red Hook and vicinity.

ARTHUR H. BOLLES. Although the subject of this sketch has resided at Pawling, Dutchess county, but a few years, he has won an enviable position in business circles, the trade of his marble and stone cutting establishment extending beyond the limits of his immediate locality into Putnam county, N. Y., and Fairfield and Litchfield counties, Conn. He is a native of the last-named county, having first seen the light at New Preston, November 11, 1857, and two previous generations have been prominent there in the same line of business. His grandfather, Reuben Bolles, was born in Colebrook, Conn., in 1790, but about 1813 went to New Preston and learned the trade of engraving marble and granite, which he followed for sixty years, or until his death, February i, 1874. He became one of the principal marble dealers of that region, owning a quarry of what is known as New Preston marble, much in demand for cemeteries. A man of great energy, his activities were not confined to the management of his business, as he took an active share in the work of the Democratic part}', and held numerous official positions. In religious faith he was a Congregationalist. He married a native of New Preston, Miss Amanda Meeker, and had seven children, four sons—George \Y., Noble, Henry N. and Andrew J., all of whom engaged in the stone and marble trade—and three daughters—Caroline, who married William Dowler; Maria, the wife of Henry Peck; and Jeanette, who married Julius A. Glover, of New Preston.

Henry M. Bolles, our subject's father, was born at New Preston, in 1825, and since 1843 has carried on at the same place his extensi\-e marble works, now the only establishment of the kind in the neighborhood. His trade covers a radius of forty or fifty miles, and he is one of the substantial business men of the town. He is an active member of the Congregational Church, and in politics has always been influential as a Democrat, holding the office of assessor and justice of the peace for many years. His partner in life was Miss Sophia Kinney, daughter of Gilbert Kinney, a well-known resident of New Preston, and they have had three children, of whom, our subject, the youngest, is the only survivor. Edward H. died in infancy, and William in his bo}'-hood.

Arthur H. Bolles was educated in the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, where

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

SGy

he received excellent training with the view of pursuing;a more advanced course;but at the age of nineteen he left school to engage in business. His first employment was as a traveling salesman, and in this work he was very successful, handling some large contracts in various localities, and superintending their completion. After eight years with his father, he spent six years with firms in Springfield and Hartford and then returned to New Preston, where he remained two years. In 1891 he went to Pawling, purchasing the business formerly owned by George W. Turner. This was an old and well-known enterprise, established about thirty-five years ago, and Mr. Bolles has enlarged the plant and increased his trade greatly. He makes a specialty of granite work. Like all of his family, he is public-spirited and loyal to the best interests of his town; he attends the Baptist Church, and takes a generous interest in all progressive movements. In politics he is a Democrat, but has not sought office or taken a prominent part in political strife.

Mr. Bolles was united in matrimony with Miss Christina Richards, daughter of James Richards, of London, England, but no children have blessed their union.

ISAAC VERMILYEA BILLINGS (de- ceased). In the intensified energy of the

successful man fighting the every-day battle of existence there is but little to attract the idle observer, but to the mind fully awake to the realities of life and their meaning, there are noble lessons to be learned from the history of a man who without other aid than a clear head, a strong arm, and a true heart, conquers adversity, and while securing an honorable competency leaves to his family the priceless memory of a good name.

The subject of this memoir, formerly a prominent resident of Billings, Dutchess county, was a grandson of one of the earliest settlers of the town of Lagrange—John BilHngs, who was a tanner and shoemaker by trade in early life, and later became well known as an auctioneer. He was a Whig in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church at Lagrangeville. His wife, Rachel Jay, was a native of Hudson, N. Y., and they had four children: Isaac, who lived in Lagrange; Daniel, our subject's father; Rachel (Mrs. Thurston), and Fannie (Mrs. Paul Durando).

Daniel Billings resided during his entire life in the town of Lagrange, receiving his education in the district schools and, later, followed the occupation of farming. He became a Republican in politics when the war issues caused the formation of new party lines. He married Elizabeth Vermilyea, and had four children, of whom the subject of our sketch was the eldest: (2) Sarah Ann married Hubbard Col-well, and died leaving three children—Chaun-cey P., Elizabeth and Elvena. (3) John D. is now deceased. (4) Catherine (deceased) was formerly the wife of Samuel Colwell.

The late Isaac V. Billings was born September 28, 1816, in the town of Lagrange, and spent his boyhood at the old farm attending the district schools and assisting in the work at home. He learned the shoemaker's trade with Edgar Hawkins, at Oswego Village, Dutchess county, and followed it at Billings during the most of his life. In early life he was a Democrat in politics; but the temperance reform seemed to him one of the vital issues of the day, and he became one of the first Prohibitionists in his town. He was a supporter of the M. E. Church at Lagrangeville for many years previous to his death, which occurred April 19, 1825. On October 30, i860, he was married at Billings to Miss Susan Storm, who survives him. No children were born of their union.

Mrs. Billings is a member of one of the oldest and most substantial families. Her great-grandfather, Derrick Storm, was a native of the town of Fishkill, and became a farmer in Pleasant Valley, where his son Peter, Mrs. Billings'grandfather, was born and passed his entire life, engaging in agriculture as an occupation. He married Catalina Van Dj-ck, and had six children: John P., who married Miss Mott; Margaret (Mrs. Peter Le'Roy), Lena. James, Polly, and Francis, none of whom are now living. James Storm, the father of Mrs. Billings, was born at the homestead in Pleasant Valley, and grew to manhood there. He married Miss Johanna Van Voor-hees, daughter of John Van Voorhees, a leading resident of Pleasant Valley, and for four years after his marriage he lived upon a farm in that locality. He then sold his property' and moved to Alburg, Grand Isle Co., Vt., where he followed agricultural pursuits for many years; but his last years were spent in his native county, in the town of Lagrange. He was a Whig in politics, and he and his wife

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

were Presbyterians in religious faith. They had nine children, of whom Mrs. Billings was the youngest: (i) Caroline (deceased) married Benjamin Marvin, and had three children —Albert, Sarah E. and Mary E. (2) John (deceased) married Mary E. Conger. (3) Peter (deceased) married Lucinda Palmer, and had two children—Solon and Caroline. (4) Henry (deceased) married Abigail Smith, and had five children—James, Mary Jane, Helen (deceased), Henry and Minerva. (5) Catherine has never married. (6) James, Jr., a resident of Stockbridge, Wis., married Emily Prentiss, and has three children—Helen, David H. and Frederick P. (7) Helen (deceased) never married. (8) David (deceased) married Jennie Dates.

\LBERT CARTER SMITH (deceased). J^ Among those who have been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, and whose perseverance and industry gained for him not only a foothold in the world, but made him one of the largest land holders in the locality, was the subject of this review. He belongs to that class of men peculiar to this Republic—the self-made men—and his property was due not to any lucky speculation, to any inheritance, or to any gift, but to his own continual struggles, and his indomitable pluck under adversity.

Phineas Smith, his grandfather, was a leading physician and resident of Litchfield county. Conn., where his death occurred at the age of forty years. He married Miss Clemens, and to them were born four children, all now deceased: Whiting, Eleazer, Lorentz and Phineas.

Lorentz, the father of our subject, was born at Mt. Tom, Litchfield Co., Conn., June 29, 1789, and in the schools of that county received his education. As a young man he worked in a woolen-mill, which is still standing on the old home farm, becoming a weaver and spinner, and at the age of thirty j'ears went to Livingston Manor, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he engaged in that business until 1826, at which time he returned to the town of Amenia, having purchased the place containing the mill in which he had worked in his younger days. His return dated from February 22, 1826, and until 1S40 he manufactured woolen cloth and flannels. He also conducted

his farm of 100 acres until his death, July 18, 1864. At Amenia he had married Miss Sally Fields, a daughter of Jesse Fields, a carpenter and builder. Four children graced this union: (i) Albert Carter, of this sketch; (2) George C, of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, who first married Charity Miller, by whom he had four children—Hewitt, Mary, Lawrence and Carrie—and for his second wife he wedded Nellie Haynes, and by this union has one son—George. (3) Louisa, who is the widow of Nathaniel Hewitt (he died December II, 1865), by whom she had four children— Mary, wife of Mr. Colburn; Albertina, wife of Herbert Fowler; and Emma and Sarah, both deceased in infancy. Mrs. Hewitt resides on the home farm, where she was born in 1829; and (4) Julia Ann, who died at the age of two years. The mother of this family died in 1848.

Albert Carter Smith was born at Livingston Manor, Columbia county, April 4, 1820, but his early life was passed mainly in the town of Amenia, where he attended the district schools, and was employed in the woolen-mill of his father as long as it was conducted. Ever an industrious, energetic man, he steadily increased his estate until he became the owner of one thousand acres of valuable land in Amenia, Stanford and Washington town, all of which property was acquired after he had attained his fortieth year.

Politically Mr. Smith was an adherent of Jeffersonian Democracy, but cared nothing for public office. He stood in his mature years— a strong man-—strong in the consciousness of a well-spent life, strong to plan and perform, strong in his credit and in his good name, and for the younger generation a worthy e.xample to imitate, as illustrating that success in life that may be attained by industry and perseverance. His death occurred October 5, 1896.

IRVING FRALEIGH. The subject of this _ biography is one of the honored sons of Dutchess county, and a prominent resident of the town of Red Hook, where his birth took place February 4, 1837. He began life with a definite purpose in view, worked faithfully, honestlj', and with a will for its accomplishment, and has now gained a comfortable competence.

Our subject is descended from Putnam and Elizabeth (Felder) Fraleigh, whose name appears in the records of the German Reformed

ALBERT C. SMITH.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

865

Church for the first time July 9, 1780, when their son Johannes was baptized. The names, and dates of the baptism, of three of their other children are as follows: Elizabeth, April 12, 1782; George, September 3, 1784; and Phillippus, December 3, 1786. They also had another son and daughter, Peter and Hannah.

The primary education of our subject was obtained in the district schools of the town of Red Hook, and the knowledge there acquired was supplemented by a course in the Hartvvick Seminary. After completing his studies there he followed farming until twenty-si.x years of age, when he engaged in freighting between Barrytown and New York City, under the firm name of P. L. Tyler & Co., which, later, was dissolved, and the firm of Carnwright & Fraleigh was organized. The name was changed to Carnwright, Fraleigh & Company; but the firm subsequently assumed the former style, which they retained as long as the business was conducted. Mr. Fraleigh was also engaged in the milling business with a Mr. Curtis under the firm style of Curtis & Fraleigh, which connection was continued some six years, or until the death of Mr. Curtis. Our subject then purchased the latter's interest, and for two years conducted the Oriole Mills at Rock City, after which he bought of Charles White a one-half interest in the Red Hook Mills, which, together with the Oriole mills, were conducted under the firm name of Irving, Fraleigh & Co., Sheridan Shook owning an interest. They now operate both mills, which they have greatly enlarged and improved, and are also engaged in the distillery business. Mr. Fraleigh conducts a fine stock farm situated a short distance from the village of Red Hook, which is one of the model farms of the county and a source of great pleasure and pride to him. He is a thorough business man, upright and honorable in all his dealings, and well deserves the success that has come to him.

On December 9, 1S62, Mr. Fraleigh was married to Miss A. I. Cookingham, daughter of Andrew Cookingham, of the town of Rhine-beck, Dutchess county, and two children have been born to them: Sheridan, born November II, 1868, died July 24, 1876, and Irving, born October 17, 1877. In politics Mr. Fraleigh is a Democrat.

Peter H. Fraleigh, father of our subject, was born September 2, 181 3, in the town of

56

Red Hook, and January 28, 1835, he married Miss Lydia C. Shook, who was born July 31, 1815, and died August 5, 1885. Our subject is their only child. The father was called from earth February 10, 1893. He had been a lifelong agriculturist, and the farm upon which he passed his entire married life is now owned by his son.

r/ ILLIAM CARROLL, a leading business man of Rhinebeck. a manufacturer of furniture and the proprietor of the oldest undertaking establishment in Dutchess county, was born in Rochester, N. Y., August 25, 1821.

John Carroll, his father, married Mary Hauver, of Dutchess county, and had three children: Christian Hauver, Mary Hauver, and William, of whom, the two sons lived to adult age. The father died in Ulster county when our subject was an infant, and the mother removed to Dutchess county, and lived for some years in the town of Cinton, near the slate quafry. Here our subject attended the district school until the age of twelve years, when his mother removed to Rhinebeck. After four years in the schools there, he began clerking for Quick & Traver, and at nineteen went to Poughkeepsie to learn the cabinetmaker's trade with John De Pue. He remained in that city four or five years, working for Taylor & Nelson after his apprenticeship ended, and then returned to Rhinebeck. September i, 1844, he opened a cabinet-making shop two doors below his present location, but after the fire of 1862, he bought a lot and erected the three-story brick building which he has occupied since that time. As his business developed, undertaking and the manufacture of furniture became leading features, and in the former line he is now the oldest worker in the county. He has probably buried more people than any two of his fellow craftsmen. His store is one of the most complete in northern Dutchess county. A careful, conservative manager, Mr. Carroll's enterprises have always been successful,and his advice is valued in business circles and in local affairs. He was one of the incorporators of the Rhinebeck Savings Bank, and has always been a trustee in that institution.

In 1845, Mr. Carroll married Miss Olevia Van Tassell, a descendant of one of the old families of the town of P'ishkill, born March 27, 1829, and has had five children, of whom,

COMMEMOBATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

three are living: (i) Henry died at the age of twenty-three; (2) Arthur died in infancy; (3) Julia married Dr. Banker, of Elizabeth, N. J.; (4) William R., now in partnership with his father, married Amelia Davis, of Stone I\idge, Ulster county, and has three children—Grace, William H. and Jessie; and (5) Harriet is the widow of the late Dr. Allen, of Columbus, Ohio. Although he is a firm believer in Ivepublic-an principles Mr. Carroll is an independent voter in local politics. He has never sought office, his attention being devoted to his business, but he has served as trustee of the village, and is always ready to forward any measure for local inprovement. He and his wife are leading members of the M.E. Church, with which he united fifty-five years ago, and has been for most of that time an official. - He is also a member of the F. & A. M.

WILLIAM A. TRIPP, the well-known forwarding and freighting merchant,

of Rhinebeck, successor to the old New York State Co., established *in 1812, is descended from one of the pioneer families of Dutchess county, his ancestors having come from England at an early period. His grandfather, Timothy Tripp, was born in Dutchess county, but moved to Otsego county in his later years, and engaged in farming there during the remainder of his life. He married Miss White, and reared a family of seven children: John, Alfred, Silas, William, Eunice, Hannah and Ruby, and b}' a second wife he had another son, Briggs.

Alfred Tripp, our subject's father, was born in 1807, on the present site of Millbrook station, in the town of Washington, and about 1840 engaged in a general merchandise business at Oak Hill, Greene county, which he carried on until a short time before his death. He was also a stockholder in one of the foundries at that place, and was one of the leading business men of the locality. His first wife was a Miss Hopson, by whom he had one daughter—Mary Ellen, and his second wife was Maria Utter, daughter of James Utter, a prominent resident of Oak Hill. Eleven children were born of this union: Elizabeth (deceased); Alice (deceased); James, captain of the barge " Enterprise " and a resident of Schultzville; Amanda (deceased); Delia (deceased); W'ill-iam A., our subject; Helen, who lives at Oak

Hill; Edward (deceased); and Isaac, Hattie and Carrie, who are all living at Oak Hill.

Mr. Tripp first saw the light May 18, 1851, and received his education in the district and select schools of his native town. His advantages in this respect were quite good; he has since been a constant reader, and his information is varied and extensive. At nineteen he entered his father's store as clerk, and remained two years, and April i, 1872, came to Rhinebeck as clerk for Capt. J. H. Baldwin, who then owned the freighting and commission business which had been founded by the New York State Company si.xty years before, and continued without interruption. Capt. Baldwin sold it in 1875 to the Cornell Steamboat Co., who disposed of it March i, 1876, to Hoffman & Pitcher. This firm continued the business until March i, 18S4, when it was purchased by Hoffman, Tripp & Co. On April I, 1895, Mr. Tripp bought out his partners, and has since been the sole proprietor of the business, and the barge "Enterprise." He is also engaged in the coal business and has, perhaps, the largest aggregate trade in that locality. In all his enterprises Mr. Tripp has displayed e.xcellent judgment, and he is regarded as one of the most reliable young business men of the town.

In politics he is a strong Republican, as was his father before him, and he has been a leading worker in local politics, serving as a member of the Republican County Committee for several years, and he has served also on the Town Committee. He was at one time the party candidate for supervisor. He belongs to the F. & A. M., and is master of the Rhinebeck Lodge No. 432, and he holds the office of master of finance in the K. of P., Rhinebeck Lodge No. 345.

MICHAEL A. MULDOWNEY. Every-_ where in our land are men who have worked their own way from humble beginnings to leadership in commerce, the great productive industries, the management of financial affairs, and in controlling the veins and arteries of the traffic and exchanges of the country. It is one of the glories of our nation that it is so. Prominent among the self-made men of Poughkeepsie is the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Muldowney was born at Madison, Morris Co., N. J., September 15, 1850. His

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867

father, Edward Muldowney, was a native of Ireland, and came to America when about twenty-six years old, locating on a farm in New Jersey. He was married to Anna Tier-ney, also a native of the Emerald Isle, and they began their domestic life upon a farm, where their six children were born: Michael, of this review; Mary, widow of Frederick Miller, an engineer, who was killed on the railroad; Martin, who located in the West; Edward, a resident of New York City; John, who died in infancy; and Joseph, who is engaged in the grocery business in Albany, N. Y. The father always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and died in Poughkeepsie. His political support was given the Democratic party, and he and his wife were devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. Her death occurred in New York City.

The early life of our subject was passed at Madison, N. J., until thirteen years of age, during which time he attended the public schools, and then went to New York City, where he secured the position of check clerk in the "Hoffman House," remaining there for three years. Going to Newark, N. J., he learned the carpenter's trade with Reeve, Howard & Battin, at No. 8 Walnut street. At the end of three years, however, he returned to New York City, where he followed that occupation in various shops until coming to Poughkeepsie in 1876. Entering into the grocery business with his brother Joseph, at No. 54 Union street, that partnership was continued for five years, when our subject assumed complete charge. In the winter of 1885-6 he erected his present brick block at the corner of Union and John streets, Nos. 47 and 49 John street, and 50 Union street. After its completion he there removed his stock of groceries, and now does a large and paying retail business; he also resides in the building.

On November 8, 1871, Mr. Muldowney was married to Miss Mary E. Driscoll, a native of New York City, and a daughter of John Driscoll, a sailor, who was born in Ireland. Their family circle now includes ten children; one died in infancy. The others are all at home, namely: Mary, Joseph, Edward, Jennie, John, Frank, Hugh, Winnie, Rosamond and William.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Muldowney casts his ballot in support cf the Democratic party, and has been twice elected alderman of the Second ward of Poughkeepsie,

the last time in 1892, being president of the council that term. He has been quite successful in his business undertakings, and is now a member of the Board of Trade and the Business Men's Association. He is one of the most public-spirited and progressive men of the cit}', and he and his wife are faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church.

GILBERT FOWLER, one of the most _^ prominent and prosperous agriculturists of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born October 15, 1840, in the town of Clinton, where at least three previous generations of the family had lived.

His first American ancestor came from England at an early date, and his grandfather, Gilbert Fowler, was born in Dutchess county, and became a farmer in the town of Clinton, but later in life he moved to Illinois, where his death occurred. He married Miss Powell, a native of Clinton, and reared a family of seven children: Gilbert, our subject's father; Weeden, a merchant and truckman in New York City; James, a cooper in the town of Hyde Park; Amond, a resident of New York City; Derinda, who married Dr. Braidj', of Little Rock, 111.; Anna, who married Jesse Braidy, of Illinois; and Mary, the- wife of Henry Abbey, a wagon maker in Little Rock.

Gilbert Fowler (2), the father of our subject, grew to manhood in the town of Clinton, and married Hannah Frost, a lady of English descent, and a daughter of William Frost, a well-known farmer there. Shortly after his marriage he took his young wife to New York City and engaged in the trucking business, but he did not live long, his death occurring before the birth of our subject. His wife survived him many years; dying in 1894.

The subject of our sketch was reared in the town of Clinton, and October 31, 1867, he was united in marriage with Amanda De-Wint, a descendant of one of the early French settlers, and daughter of George De Wint, a leading farmer of Rhinebeck. The first year after his marriage they went to Illinois, where Mr. Fowler farmed for a year; but in 1868 he returned, and has since been contented with the fertile fields and picturesque scenes of his native county. He first purchased a farm of 118 acres, where he lived until 1889, when he bought the Pultz farm of 103 acres near Rhine-

COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

beck, all of which he devotes to general farming. Mrs. Fowler died July 23, 1892, leaving four children bereft of her loving care: Emory, Jesse, Gilbert and Edna Mae, all of whom are at home. Two others had died in infancy. Mr. Fowler's ancestors on both sides were Quakers in faith, but he and his lamented wife had united with the Lutheran Church.

In politics our subject is a Republican, and while he is no politician he takes an influential part in local affairs, befriending every progressive movement.

PETER M. CORNELL. The subject of this sketch was born on his present homestead in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess count}", November 20, 1815, and is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Cornell.

Isaac Cornell was born at Bushwick, Long Island, and at the age of three years was brought by his parents to Lagrange. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. He was married to Miss Hoffman, who was a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, and the following children were born: Peter M., our subject; William A., Margaret, Mar\", and Elizabeth, all deceased; Isabella; and Frederick, living iii Kansas. Mr. Cornell died in Lagrange in 1875, and his wife in 1878.

Peter Cornell, the grandfather of our subject, wasone of the earliest settlers of the town of Lagrange. He married Miss Marcia Messarole, and to them were born the following children: Cornelius, Margaret, Eliza, Jane, Sarah and Isaac, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Cornell was of French ancestors, who were exiled from France at the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. They went to Bavaria, and from there came to America. Mr. Cornell died on his farm in Lagrange.

Peter M. Cornell, our subject, remained on the old homestead in Lagrange with his father, and in his youth went to the district schools. He has devoted all his time to farm.-ing. At one time he was justice of the peace of Lagrange. He has never married.

William A., brother of our subject, married Miss Helen Wickoff, and had four children: Isaac, \\'illiam, Elizabeth, and Jacob W. Frederick, another brother, married Miss Alice Barnes, and three children were born to them: Edward, Ann, and Peter M.

ROBERT HUTCHISON, one of the repre- sentative farmers of Lagrange, was born

in Perthshire, Scotland, July 24, 1857, and remained there during his boyhood, receiving his education in the parish schools. He served a three-years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in Enochdhu, Scotland, and then worked in Glasgow for four years, and at Newcastle-upon-Tyne for three and a half years.

In 1882 our subject emigrated to America and located in New York City, where he followed his trade for nine years. In 1891 he moved to the town of Lagrange and bought his present farm, on which he has since lived. He was married in New York City May 11, 1887, to Miss Maggie J. Forbes, a native of Wap-pingers Falls. Mr. Hutchison owes his present prosperous condition to his own enterprise and energy. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Reformed Dutch Church at New Hackensack.

Robert Hutchison, father of our subject, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, where he is still living on the farm, pursuing the occupation he has alwaj's followed. He married Miss Jeannette Petrie, by whom he had three children, namely: Elsie, Robert and George. James Hutchison, our subject's grandfather,

was born farming.

in Fifeshire also, where he followed

JOHN SELLECK LANDON, one of the substantial farmers of Dutchess county, was

born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, April 25, 1843. As a boy he attended the district schools of his native town and, later, the Irving Institute at Tarrytown, N. Y., and Bisbee's school at Poughkeepsie. He remained upon the farm with his father until his marriage, in Poughkeepsie, to Miss Jane Ken-worthy, a daughter of Richard Kenworthy. Of this union one child was born, Edith, now the wife of John Townsend.

Mr. Landon farmed for seven years after his marriage, and then followed the milling business at Manchester Bridge, Lagrange town, for nine years. In 1890 he bought his present farm, to which he has since devoted his time and attention. He is a member of the Farmers Alliance, is a stanch Democrat, and has held the office of town auditor for several years.

James H. Landon, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, June 23, 1814. He attended school there and.

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869

later, in Lagrange, and at the Willets Boarding School in the town of Washington. He remained on the farm with his father until the death of the latter, and has lived at his present residence for thirtj'-seven years. He was married January 19, 1842, to Jane A., daughter of Reuben Tanner. Of this union the following children were born: John Selleck, our subject; Mary T., born Februarj' 5, 1848, married Galen Overocker, and they had two children, Daniel W., born August 13, 1883, and Mary, born October 23, 1884. Mrs. Overocker died November 8, 1884. Mr. Lan-don was assessor of the town of Lagrange for many years, and also held the office of town auditor, being elected on the Democratic ticket. Mr. and ^frs. Landon celebrated their golden wedding January 19, 1892, and are as bright and lively as man}^ people twenty years younger.

Joel Landon, the grandfather of John Selleck, was a native of Connecticut, born July 22, 1771, married Deborah Selleck (born October 3, 1773), May 30, 1812, and their children were: John S., born March 30, 1813, died December 16, 1837; and James H., mentioned above. Joel Landon died August 23, 1839, and his wife, Deborah, October 10, 1871.

WILLIAM J. WELLING, a substantial farmer of the town of Washington,

Dutchess county, was born in that locality, March 22, 1833. The first person bearing the name of \\^elling in this country came from Wales and settled in Dutchess county. From him descended Thomas, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born probably in Pleasant \'alley.

William, his son, was also born there, and his son, James M., the father of our subject, was born in the town of Clinton, January 19, 1807. Thomas \^'elling married a Miss Ger-mond, and they settled in what was then a wilderness, where five children were born to them. Of these, William married Elizabeth Marshall, and settled on a farm. Two children were born to them—James M. and Caroline C. The latter married William C. Smith, a farmer in the town of Northeast, and is now deceased. William \\'elling was a stanch T)emocrat.

James M. was reared on a farm, and married Susan Vail. She was born in Unionvale, and was the daughter of Joseph and Mary

Vail, the former a farmer and a son of Israel \'ail. The \'ails are among the oldest families in Dutchess county. For some time after his marriage our subject's father ran on the Hudson river as captain of the steamer " Gazelle," and subsequently for several years was a stock salesman in New York City. Later in life he spent his time upon his farm, where he died July 31, 1882. His wife died September 23, 1886. He was a Democrat and held the office of justice of the peace for some 3'ears. In their religious belief the family have all been Presbyterians. To James M. Welling and his wife four children were born, namely: Caroline C, who married Mark H. Wheeler, a farmer in Lagrange; William J., our subject; Edgar P.. who died in the Civil war; and Frances E., deceased.

When our subject was nine years old he went with his parents to Poughkeepsie, where the}' made their home while the father was engaged in steamboating. There he attended the city schools for some years, and in 1846, the family went back to their farm in the town of Washington. William completed his education in the Richmondville school in Schoharie county, N. Y., and for a while taught school in the neighborhood of his old home. He then took up farming, at which he has been engaged ever since. He owns a tine place of 200 acres which is highly cultivated, and carries on general farming, in which he has been very successful. Although a man of agreeable manners and excellent character, and standing high in his community, Mr. Welling has never married. He is a Republican and a strong temperance advocate, and does all in his power for the good of his fellow-men.

ILES K. LEWIS. There can be found no biographies more interesting to read than those of the industrious and enterprising, who have risen from a state of comparative poverty to a position of affluence. Prominent among the men of Dutchess county who have thus laboriously toiled onward and upward, is the individual of whom this sketch is written. He is now a successful business man of ^^'as-saic, where for over thirty j-ears he has conducted a general store.

Mr. Lewis was born at Sharon, Conn., August 15, 1842, and traces his ancestry back to Benjamin Lewis, who came from England with two brothers and located at Wallingford,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Conn., being one of forty families who laid out that town. His name appears on the Congregational Church records in 1677. He

married Miss Hannah , and their son

James wedded a Miss Judson, by whom he had four children—James, John, David and Eph-raim, the eldest of whom married a Miss Sherman, and their son Ephraim was the father of Birdseye, the great-grandfather of our subject.

Birdseye Lewis was born at Huntington, Conn., February 20, 1750, and died November 27, 1822. On November 11, 1773, he married Miss Jerusha Thompson, whose death occurred June 8, 1821. Their son, Cyrus Lewis, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Trumbull, Conn., November 15, 1778, and on November 28, 1809, wedded Alice Hawley, who was born October 29, 1793, and died May 26, 1861. He departed this life August 25, 1861.

Miles B. Lewis, the father, was also a native of Trumbull, Conn., where he secured his education in the district schools, and served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, which he followed some forty years at Sharon, Conn. At Milford, in that State, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Kelsey, daughter of Horace Kelsey, and they became the parents of four children, namely: William S., of Chicago, 111.; Miles Kelsey, of this sketch; Eliza (deceased); and Charles, of Car-pentersville. III. The parents were good Christian people, very earnest workers in the Methodist Church, and were held in the highest regard. The father's death occurred in April, 1892; the widowed mother now finds a pleasant home with our subject.

Miles K. Lewis passed his boyhood at Sharon, Conn., attending the public schools, and at the age of fifteen years left the parental roof, coming to Amenia, Dutchess county, where he clerked for George Conklin in a general merchandise store until the spring of 1862. He was then in the employ of Seward, Vail & Haight, merchant tailors, as bookkeeper and cashier.

Filled with patriotic ardor, Mr. Lewis enlisted, in September, 1862, in Company A, 150th N. Y. v. I., and was a member of the regimental band until mustered out at Pough-keepsie, in June, 1865. Returning to Dutchess county, he was engaged in clerking in Dover until January, 1866, when he opened his present general store at Wassaic. In 1894 he admitted J. G. Doyle to a partnership in the

business. For fifteen years he was also connected with the New York Condensed Milk Factory at Wassaic as bookkeeper and superintendent, and was administrator of the Grid-ley estate for seven years. In all his dealing he is straightforward and honorable, and is justly entitled to the high regard in which he is held by all.

At Amenia, on October 24, 1867, Mr. Lewis wedded Miss Julia C. Reed, daughter of Lester and Margaret Reed, and to them have been born four children: Emma Gridley, who married E. J. Tanner, and has three children— Lewis, Margaret and Frederick; Nina, wife of Albert Hicks, of Wassaic; Alice and Roland. Socially, Mr. Lewis affiliates with Dover Plains Lodge No. 666, F. & A. M., of which he became a member in 1867; and of J. M. Gregory Post, G. A. R., of Sharon, Conn. He is a member of the choir of the Presbyterian Church at Amenia, as he takes great delight in music; in politics he is an ardent Republican.

»OBERT H. TITUS, one of the substantial farmers of Dutchess county, was born in the town of Lagrange, August 5, 1835. He spent his boyhood in the place of his birth, and attended the public schools and the Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington.

At the early age of ten years he went to work in his father's woolen-factory, and after the latter's death he continued the business with his brothers until 1891, when he sold out his interest to his brother Henry, and has since devoted his time to farming. He was married in 1864 to Miss Frances Sweet, a daughter of Nehemiah and Millie Sweet, of Poughkeepsie. Of this marriage were born the following children: Mary Annette, Frances Adele, Helen Lossing and Warner Hatch. Mr. Titus built his present beautiful residence in the spring of 1S64.

Elias Titus, father of our subject, was born in the town of Washington, where he received his education. He was married in the town of Pine Plains to Miss Mary A. Hoag, a daughter of Robert Hoag, a farmer of that town, and the following children were born: Frances married James E. Sleight, and four children were born (both parents are deceased); Robert Hoag,' our subject; Richard, deceased; Henry lives in Poughkeepsie; Sarah resides in Lagrange; Caroline Alida. Mr. Titus was living at La-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

871

grange at the time of his marriage, where he was running the woolen-factory with his father and brothers. He continued in that business from 1S28 until the time of his death in 1881. In the early days the goods were shipped by boat in summer and overland in winter. As a business man he kept out of politics, and was a member of the Quaker Church. His wife died in 1838 or 1840.

John Titus, the grandfather, was born in the town of Washington. He was married three times, the grandmother of our subject being his third wife. He was known as " Squire Titus," and ran a factory for the manufacture of woolen cloth.

The great-grandfather of our subject was one of the early settlers of the town of Washington. The family came from Long Island.

JOHN R. THOMPSON. Success in any line of occupation, in any avenue of business, is not a matter of spontaneity, but is the legitimate offspring of subjective effort in the proper utilization of the means at hand, the improvement of opportunity and the exercise of the highest function made possible by the specific ability in any case. In view of this condition, the study of biography becomes valuable, and its lessons of practical use. Mr. Thompson to-day stands at the head of several important enterprises, and is one of the most enterprising and successful business men of Dutchess county, making his home in Amenia. In the town of Amenia, our subject was born July 8, 1851, and he is a son of Robert R. and Catherine (Sanford) Thompson, the latter of whom died in 1892. His father was born in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, December 15, 1815, a son of James, Thompson and a grandson of Elias Thompson, also residents of Dutchess county. For forty years the father has been engaged in the insurance business at Smithiield, and he is a highly respected citizen. Our subject is the third in a family of four children, the others being: Ellen C, wife of William J. Clanney, of Amenia; George (deceased); and Edward B., who is engaged in the poultry business in the town of Amenia.

The early life of John R. Thompson was passed upon a farm at Smithfield, and in attending the district schools of the neighborhood. On leaving the parental roof in 1874 he took charge of a general store at Sheko-

meko, Dutchess county, and was also operator, station agent and postmaster for a year. He then engaged in the insurance business with his father at Smithfield, town of Amenia, for some seven years, on the e.xpiration of which time he there turned- his attention to agricultural pursuits, and also owned a large farm in Nebraska, but never resided thereon. While purchasing a windmill for the latter place, he became interested in the windmill business, and since that time has engaged in selling those machines all through the State; he also erected the largest windmill plant in the world, located at Chatham, Columbia Co., New York.

Until 1885 Mr. Thompson continued to engage in agricultural pursuits at Smithfield, and then removed to the village of Amenia, where he has since resided. Together with B. H. Fry, Charles Walsh, A. M. Card, of Sharon, Conn., and M. K. Lewis, of Wassaic, he assisted in the incorporation of the Amenia Water Co., in 1881, and, with Mr. Lewis, also owns the Wassiac water works, being now the efficient superintendent of both water works, as well as the one at Pine Plains. In 1885 he entered the steam-heating business, and, in advancing hi.s individual prosperity, he has materially promoted the welfare of his county and State.

In the town of Amenia, October 11, 1877, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Mary F. Bertine, daughter of Robert Bertine, of Amenia, and they have three children: Katie, John R. and Annie Frances. For over twenty years Mr. Thompson has been prominently identified with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M., and he also holds membership in the Royal Arcanum at Wassaic. Like his father, he is an ardent Democrat, and is one of the leading and representative citizens of the community.

DE WITT C. AYRES, a progressive and ' successful young agriculturist of the town

of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born February 12, i860, in Clinton Hollow.

His grandfather Ayres came from England and located upon a farm in Dutchess county, where he spent his remaining years. Joseph Ayres, our subject's father, was born in Oxford, England, and was nineteen years old when he accompanied his parents to this country. He married Margaret Marquet, a native of the town of Rhinebeck, and located

COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Clinton Hollow, where he followed the butcher's trade for some years. In 1879 he moved to the farm which is now owned by our subject, and here he carried on his trade in connection with farming. His wife died in 187S, and ten years later he, too, departed this life. They had four children: Charles, who died in 1888; Ue Witt C, our subject; George D., a farmer in Rhinebeck, and one who "died in infancy.

De Witt Ayres was trained in youth to the habits of industry upon which his success is based, and for a short time he followed the butcher's trade successfully. On November 2, 1882, he married Miss Lelia Mills, a lady of English descent, the daughter of William Mills, a well-known blacksmith of Red Hook. After their marriage they settled upon the farm near I'ihinebeck, where they have since remained. They have two children, Elsie and Ruth.

Mr. Ayres devotes his one hundred acres of land to general farming, and is regarded as one of the most enterprising and judicious of the young men of his locality. In politics he follows the faith of his father and is a stanch Republican.

JOHN H. BOICE, one of the active, prominent and most enterprising citizens of

Dutchess county, is at present engaged in general farming and fruit growing in the town of Red Hook. His birth occurred June 16, 1850, on a farm in Milan town, Dutchess county, where his father, William Boice, and his grandfather, Henry I. Boice, were also born. The latter was a son of John Boice, who was of Holland origin, and is supposed to have been born in this country. After his marriage with Miss Lown, Henry I. Boice began his domestic life upon the old family homestead, where his three children were born, one son and two daughters; but William was the only one svho reached years of maturity. To the cultivation of that farm the grandfather gave his time and attention up to his death.

On reaching manhood the father of our subject was united in marriage with Catherine C. Pultz, a native of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, and a daughter of David Pultz, a farmer, who was of Holland lineage. On the old homestead in Milan town, they began house-keeping, and there remained until 1869, when the father purchased the farm on

which our subject now resides, there continuing to make his home until his death in 1881, while his wife also died there on July 12, 1895. He was identified with the Republican party. The family circle included three children— Elmer A., a retired farmer, who now makes his home in the village of Red Hook; Ida C, wife of Henry Finger, an agriculturist of Columbia county, N. Y.; and John H.

John H. Boice, of this review, obtained his elementary education in the district schools near his home, but completed his literary training at Rhinebeck, and was a resident of the town of Milan until nineteen years of age. Being reared a farmer's boy, he has followed this vocation through life, and since 1869 has lived upon his present farm, where in 1882 he erected a beautiful residence. He has 109 acres of fertile and productive land, where he has been engaged in general farming, though he makes a specialty of fruit raising. He is a progressive, scientific farmer, who thoroughly understands his business, and thus secures the best results from his labors.

On May 8, 1S72, Mr. Boice was married to Miss Mary E. Hoffman, a daughter of Theodore Hoffman, and sister of T. A. Hoffman, the present county clerk of Dutchess county. They have one child, William H., who was' born March 22, 1874. They are surrounded by many warm friends, whom they delight to entertain, and have the esteem and confidence of all who know them. Politically, Mr. Boice affiliates with the Republican party, and maintains his principles in this regard with the same steadfastness which has characterized him in all the relations of life.

IRVINQ HAPEMAN, a reliable and intelli-__ gent young agriculturist of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, is the owner of a fine farm of eighty-seven acres of highly productive and fertile land, which he has by industry and good management, with its attendant hard labor, brought to a high state of cultivation, and his stock are of the best grades. His uprightness, integrity and public-spiritedness have won him the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he is classed among the most respected representative citizens of the community.

Philip Hapeman, his grandfather, was a native of the town of Red Hook, where he conducted a farm throughout life, and by his

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873

marriage with Catherine Phillips had six children, of whom Nicholas Hapeman, the father of our subject, was one. His birth also occurred in the town of Red Hook, where he received a common-school education, and like his father he also turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Lucy N. Straut, daughter of Anthony Straut, by whom he had four children: Estella, wife of Will-ard Rowe; Jerleau; Irving and Mary.

In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Irving Hapeman and Miss Cordelia A. Stevens, who was born in Claverack, N. Y., and was there educated. Her paternal grandfather, William Stevens, was a native of Hollowville, Columbia Co., N. Y, and while serving in the war of 1812 was killed. He married Catherine Stickle, and to them were born two children—William A. and Jane E. The former was also born in Hollowville, Columbia county, and after completing his education in the common schools he worked upon a farm until the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, when he joined the Union forces, though at that time only sixteen years old. All through that struggle he served as a private, and at its close received an honorable discharge. After his return home, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Elizabeth Morrison, daughter of William E. and Samantha Morrison, and they now have a family of nine children: Cordelia A., William A., Annie A., Fannie A., Henry A., Charles A., Herbert A., Frank A. and Milo A. The father, who is an agriculturist, is now engaged in the cultivation of land in Claverack, Columbia county.

IfSAAC P. CONKLIN, one of the wealthy ^ farmers of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, was born in Chestnut Ridge in that town, April i, 1820. The Conklin family is of Scotch descent, and many of its members are old residents of Dutchess county.

Charles Conklin, great-grandfather of Isaac P., was a Quaker preacher and lived in Westchester county, where his son Timothy was born. The latter married Mary Tamer, a native of the same county, and settled in Washington town, Dutchess county, where thirteen children were born, of whom the following record is given: David was a miller in Little Rest, town of Washington; Hiram was a seafaring man; Timothy was a farmer in Westchester county; Tristam (deceased) farmed for

a while in the town of Washington, but later went to New York City, finally to Westchester county; James was a farmer in Westchester county; Merritt was a physician in Washington town; Nathaniel was father of subject; Charles died in infancy; Hannah married a Mr. Titus, and they removed to New York City and after-Wc-.rd to Ohio, where they died; Ruth and Sarah died unmarried; two others died in childhood.

Nathaniel Conklin was born in the town of Washington, and there spent his entire life. He was a Republican in his political views, and served as a justice of the peace and in other local of^cial positions. He died in 1887. He married Susan Edmunds, a native of the town of Dover, daughter of Canada Edmunds, a farmer, whose family were of old Holland stock. The young couple located on Chestnut Ridge, where they carried on farming and reared a family of nine children. These were: Benjamin is a farmer in Washington town; Tamer married George Sullivan, a farmer also of that town; Timothy was a farmer in the town of Washington; Phcebe married Mosher Sherman, a miller in Little Rest; Isaac P.; El-mira married Uriah Simmons, a farmer in Stanford; Nathaniel went to Dakota and carried on farming there; Hannah is unmarried; Sarah is the wife of Andrew P. Hammond, a farmer in Washington town.

Isaac P. Conklin worked at Denning for several years after arriving at manhood, and then began buying and selling farm and other property, in which business he has made good profits and has become a wealthy man. He is full of enterprise, possesses keen judgment and great sagacity, and has carved his own way to success. Although arrived at an age when most men give over active life, he shows no signs of relaxing his efforts, and keeps abreast of the times with a vigor and interest which a younger man might envy. He is genial in his nature, a good conversationalist and very companionable, drawing about him -a large circle of friends who appreciate his many good qualities.

In February, i860, Mr. Conklin was united in marriage with Fannie J., daughter of David Winans, and a native of the town of Stanford. Five children have been born to them, of whom, George and Nathan, the eldest two, died in childhood; the others are: Susan, who married \'irgil Winans; Augusta (deceased) and Jennie. Mr. Conklin owns a fine farm of 336

COiiyiEJIORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

acres in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. In politics he is a Republican, but he has never been an office-seeker.

E^D\VARD COUSE. One of the active, 4 prominent and enterprising citizens of

the town of Red Hook, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, who is at present engaged in general farming and fruit raising. He made his first appearance upon the stage of life beneath the roof of his parents, Jacob and Susan (Robisoni Couse, in the town of Milan, Dutchess county.

His paternal grandfather, Henry J. Couse, was a prominent farmer in the town of Milan, and there married Miss Sarah Lynn, by whom he had seven children, namel}': Hannah, who became the wife of a Mr. Wolcott; Betsy, who married Peter Stickle; Mary; Jacob, the father of our subject; Henry, who wedded Kittie Near; John, who married Miss Kilmer, and Edward. To the parents of our subject were born six children: Sarena first became the wife of John Teator, and after his death married Charles Miller; Henry wedded Rachel Hood; Elizabeth married John Haines; Charles; Sarah was united in marriage with Emery Coon; and Edward completes the family.

Upon his father's farm our subject was reared and early taught those habits of industry which have had such an important bearing upon his entire life. He obtained his education in the district school, in the meantime assisting his father in such work as his age and strength would permit. He became interested in agricultural pursuits, and now operates a fine farm of 123 acres of land, which he purchased in 1S89, it being then known as the Benner farm. He makes a specialty of fruit raising, and has been quite successful. He has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year, has conducted all business matters carefully and capably, and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management.

Mr. Couse was united in marriage with Miss Kittie Feller, daughter of Henry A. and Catherine (Snyder) Feller, who were farming people of the town of Milan, and the parents of the following children: Alice, wife of Wriget Kilmer; Mary, wife of Charles False; Sylvester, who married Grace Levenworth; Seward; Hattie, wife of Henrv Burns; Kittie;

Henry, who married Annie Bathrick; and Annie, wife of John Smith. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Couse, Philip Snyder, was the onlj' child of Isaac and Catherine Snyder. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Christina Near, of the town of Red Hook, and they became the parents of two daughters—Catherine, the mother of Mrs. Couse; and Elizabeth, who married Isaac Fulton.

JOSEPH B.\TES, a general farmer and ex-stock-dealer, was born in the town of

Washington, Dutchess county, July 11, 1822. His father, Joseph Bates, was born in Nantucket, R. I., and moved to Dutchess county, where he married Miss Lydia Dicker-son, who was a native of North Salem, Mass. They settled on a farm in the town of Washington, and reared a family of twelve children, five of whom died in infancy. The others were: Joseph, our subject; George, a farmer in Missouri; John, a farmer of this town atone time, is deceased; Stephen died in 1894; Henry was a farmer in Saginaw, Mich., where he died; Mary married William Lovelace, a farmer in the town of Dover; Ruth became the wife of Isaac Lovelace, a mason by trade. Mr. Bates farmed all his life, and died about 1863. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife died about 1879.

John Bates, grandfather of our subject, was born in Rhode Island. He married a Miss Hill, and they reared a family of twelve children.

Joseph Bates, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in the town of Washington, worked by the day for various farmers, saved his money and gradually invested it in land, until to-day he has one of the largest farms in the town. In 1844 he married Miss Sarah Smith, a native of the town of Washington, and a daughter of Joseph Smith, who was a farmer of that town. He married Miss Susan Marshall. In 1852 Mr. Bates bought his present farrri, on which they have reared their two children: Charles, who married Louise Ruger, and lives with his parents; Josephine, who became the wife of Townsend Coles, a farmer in Lagrange, where she died in April, 1881. Mr. Bates has a laree farm of 300 or 400 acres, which is planted principally in potatoes, he being the largest producer of that vegetable in Dutchess county. He also formerly bought

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875

and sold stock. He is a Democrat, and a self-made man, and has acquired his money by hard work and good management. He enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

JUDSON A. DENTON, a representative farmer of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, is actively engaged in his profitable occupation on his homestead, where he has resided since the spring of 1888, and where his energetic labors have met with due reward. His childhood was also spent upon the same farm, his birth taking place at his present residence February 8, 1853. His grandfather, Solomon Denton, was the founder of the family in this country, and for many years followed agricultural pursuits in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. His wife lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years.

Amos Denton, the father of our subject, was born in Pawling town, October 13, 1808, and there spent his boyhood days attending the district schools. He remained upon the home farm until thirty years of age, when he wedded Mary Seaman, daughter of Sutton Seaman, and then removed to the town of East Fishkill, where he conducted a general store for two years. On selling out, he went west to hunt up a location, but finally decided to remain in his native county, purchasing the old Benjamin Smith farm in Beekman town, upon which he made his home up to the time of his death, which occurred November 13, 1887. His wife departed this life in the spring of 1885. Seven children were born to them: Edgar, who is superintendent of a division of the stock yards of Chicago; Emily F., who is the widow of Leonard Townsend, and is now a resident of Unionvale town; Amelia, deceased wife of Jonathan Spencer; Judson Amos, of this sketch; Frederick S., of Staten Island; Weston Eugene, of New York City; and Sarah M.. who died in infancy. In political sentiment the father was first a Whig, and later a supporter of the Republican party, while religously he was a devout member of the Baptist Church at Beekman, for many years serving as a deacon. He was a highly respected citizen, and for over twenty years he efficiently filled the office of justice of the peace. The education of our subject was such as the district schools of the town of Beekman afforded, and at the age of thirteen years he began working as a farm hand for neighbors.

being employed in this way for four seasons. When seventeen years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Alice M. Wiley, daughter of George Wiley, and they became the parents of four children: George W.. who died in infancy; Gertrude L.; Eliza A., who married Austin Bierce. Jr.; and George Weston. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on August 24. 1880. In 1882. Mr. Denton was married in the town of Unionvale, the ladv of his choice being Miss Ella F. Bierce. daughter of Austin Bierce. and to them was born a daughter—Louie J., who died in infancy.

After his first marriage, Mr. Denton operated a farm on shares, and also engaged in teaming for the furnace company. For five or six 3'ears he engaged in butchering, and for the same length of time lived upon a farm in Unionvale town; but in the spring of 1888 he purchased his present fine farm in Beekman town, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his attention. In the fall of 1895 he also engaged in the coal business in the same town. He is a stalwart Republican in politics, and since the spring of 1889 has acceptably served as justice of the peace. He is an honorable, upright citizen, who gains and retains the confidence and esteem of those with whom he comes in contact.

JOHN C. BARRINGER, a leading agriculturist of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess - county, is a direct descendant of the pioneer who, according to tradition, suggested the name for that town.

Our subject's great-grandfather Barringer came to that vicinity from Germany in company with Col. Beekman, and the story goes that as they were talking about naming the tow^n Mr. Barringer said: •' Colonel, you name it; or, since we both came from the Rhine and your name is Beekman, call it Rhinebeekman, or Rhinebeck." George Barringer, our subject's grandfather, was a lifelong resident of the town. He married Miss Ackert, and had two children—Julia, who married Stephen Champlain, of Kingston, and Ephraim, our subject's father. By a second wife he had four children: Catherine, Maria, Elizabeth, and Elias, who married Miss Shoemaker and settled on a farm near the village of Rhinebeck. They had three children: Jeremiah. Mary and Elizabeth.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Ephraim Barringer grew to manhood at the old homestead, and married AHce F. Cham-plain, who was born in Hudson, N. Y., September 2 1, 182 I, but came here with her parents when only one year old. Her lather, Joseph Champlain, was a native of Connecticut. After his marriage Ephraim Barringer bought the family estate, which he farmed during the remainder of his life. Five children were born to him and his wife: Florence, who married Rev. Keyser, a Methodist minister in Westchester county; Catherine; Frances; John C, our subject; and Martha P., who died February 3, 1S72. The mother of this family is dead, and of the father's death we take the following account from the Eciglc, under date of January 20, 1892: "Ephraim Barringer died at his home in Rhinebeck on Saturday, January 2, 1892. He was born there October 12, 1811, on a place obtained by his grandfather from the English King. Mr. Barringer belonged to one of the oldest families in Rhine-beck, his grandfather and Col. Beekman having named the town."

John C. Barringer was born September i, 1856, and has always lived upon the old farm. Under a survey made in 1834 the portion now in his possession contained eighty-eight and a half acres, but it is certain that it contains more than that. He is a general farmer, and is considered one of the most progressive and successful managers in the neighborhood.

On March 18, 1882, he married Miss Rosa De Wint, a daughter of George De Wint, a well-known resident of Rhinebeck. They have no children. The Barringers have always been Lutherans, but our subject and his wife now contribute to the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, as was his father also in later years, and although he is no office-seeker, there are few among the younger men in the vicinity who have more influence than John C. Barringer.

BOBERT HURD. Among the enterpris- ing and prosperous young business men

of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, the well-known commission merchant and cattle dealer whose name introduces this sketch may well be regarded as a leader. His shrewd judgment and untiring energy have already won him wide recognition in business circles.

He was born October 5, 1869, on the Hurd homestead, formerly the Campbell homestead.

in Pawling town, and is related to several of the oldest families. On the paternal side, his great-grandfather Hurd came from Scotland at an early period to settl'e in the town of Pawling, where he followed agriculture, as did also his son, Benjamin D. Hurd, our subject's grandfather, who was born in that town. Hurd's Corners was named in honor of the family, and Benjamin Hurd was a prominent man of that locality, a leading supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Whig party. He was not, however, an office-seeker, although he was justice of the peace for many years. Both he and his wife, Mary Campbell, are dead. She was a daughter of Jeremiah Campbell, who was prominent in his time in religious and civil affairs in Dutchess county, and her grandfather Campbell was an officer in charge of the British forces at the battle of White Plains, where he met his death. Of the seven children of this marriage all lived to adult age: Harriet married Leonard Hall, of Po'quag; \\'illiam T. was a merchant for many years at Hurd's Corners, and died there; Archibald never engaged in business, as he was not strong, and his death occurred in Cuba; Edgar I. is mentioned below; Mary, deceased, married Thomas Brill, of Po'quag; Stacia married Groe Dodge, of Pawling; and Julia G. married James Longhead, of the same place.

Edgar I. Hurd, our subject's father, was born at Hurd's Corners, and in early manhood engaged in mercantile business in Pawling. Later he purchased the old Campbell homestead and settled here at farming, establishing at the same time a commission business in all kinds of country produce, which he has conducted successfully for forty years. His goods are shipped to New York City, and he has sold large quantities on the present site of the Grand Central Depot and Madison Garden. He is accounted a shrewd business man, and his property has been accumulated through his own good management. He and his family are Episcopalians in religion, and, politically, he is a Democrat, but has not been very active in party work, although he has held most of the minor offices in the town and has served as supervisor and highway commissioner. He married Caroline A. Howard, a descendant of one of the old families of the county, and a daughter of James Howard, of Pawling. Five children were born of this union—James; William, deceased; Jay; Robert; and Lucy,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

871

who married Dr. Arthur Degaris, a leading dentist of Millbrook, N. Y. The three surviving sons are all at home and engaged in business with their father, a partnership having been formed in 1889.

Robert Hurd was educated in the district school near his home and in the select schools of Dover and Pawling. His remarkable business abilities were displa3'ed at an early age, and at fifteen he went into partnership with Mr. Smith in the cattle business, and going to western New York they bought 225 head, which they drove east, selling along the route and closing out the lot at Pawling. This business he has continued ever since, buying in Buffalo to supply the demand in his vicinity for milch cows. In addition to his work in this line he is active in the business of the firm. His success in his various enterprises may be attributed to a rare combination of conservatism in judgment and energy m action. These characteristics are shown also in public affairs, making him a valued worker in the Democratic party. He has been a delegate to many State, county and district conventions, and in 1896 he was elected commissioner of highways, being the only successful candidate on his ticket that year. That his excellent business judgment is appreciated may be still farther seen by his appointment, by Judge Barnard in 1895, ^s receiver for the Akindole estate, and his friends may well feel justi^ed in their high hopes for his future.

PATRICK WHALEN, a prominent resident of Dover Plains, Dutchess county, has

been for many years a successful stock dealer, but is now enjoying a well-earned leisure at his beautiful home in the mountains. It is situated in a picturesque ravine on the spot known as the Stone Church, from its resemblance to a church door, a point greatly admired by tourists and often visited by picnic parties from the surrounding country.

Mr. Whalen isof Irish birth, and his family has long held a leading place in County Limerick, Ireland. Hisgrandfather, John Whalen, was a well-educated man, and a farmer by occupation. He married Catherine Burk, and had seven children: Jeremiah, our subject's father; Johanna, the wife of Edward Quinn; Patrick, who married Mary O'Donnel; Catherine, the wife of Dennis O'Brien; John, who never married; Bridget, Mrs. William Shee-

han; and Maggie, who died at the age of nineteen.

Jeremiah Whalen was born in 1792, and received an excellent education in his youth. He became a well-known agitator for the liberation of his native land from the British yoke, being a valued co-worker with Daniel O'Con-nell, and serving two terms as a member of Parliament. For some years he was engaged in farming in Ireland, and also took contracts for the working of the highways, subletting them and keeping a number of men constantly employed. He married Miss Catherine Heffer-aman, daughter of John Hefferaman, a farmer in County Limerick, and had twelve children: Catherine died at the age of three; Mary; John, born in 1827, married Mary Manixe; Patrick, subject of this sketch; Jeremiah D. married Bridget Grace; Dennis married (first) Hanora Morone, and (second) Delia Hogan; Michael died at the age of twelve; W'illiani married Ellen McCoid; James married Johanna Morris-see; Thomas died at five years of age, and Stephen and David died in early childhood. All of these children were born at the old homestead in County Limerick, and in 1847 the family came to America, settling first in New York City, and later upon a farm in Dutchess county, near Dover Plains.

Our subject was born in 1830, and was given the best educational opportunities that his native parish afforded. On his arrival in this country he found employment upon the Harlem railroad, which had then been recently surveyed, receiving five shillings per day for his work, and paying three shillings per day for board. He remembers well the first train which passed over the road. After a year and a half at this work he engaged in farm labor with a farmer in Dover, and later became a stock dealer. In this business he was very-successful, his trade extending over several States, and he bought and sold some of the finest cattle ever shipped from Do\er. At one time he owned a farm of 235 acres in that town, but he disposed of it, and his present farm contains only seventy-five acres. He has taken an active interest in politics, has been assessor for five years, and has held other town offices including that of road commissioner. As a devout Catholic he did much to establish that Church in Dover Plains, and in 1858 subscribed $50.00 toward the building of their edifice. He was married in 1857 to Miss Selina Deviney, and has had four children, of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPEICAL RECORD

whom two are living: (i) Catherine A., born in 1S62, is at home. (2) William D., born in

1863, died in infancy. (3) Thomas, born in

1864, married Miss Mamie Doyle, and has one child—Selina, born June 16, 1893. (4) Jeremiah, born in 1866, died in infancy. Mrs. Whalen is a native of ^^'alworth, County Londonderry, Ireland, and was born in 1835. She received her education at her native place, and in 1851 came to Dover Plains, where she met and married our subject. Her grandfather, Thomas Deviney. was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was for many years a well-known machinist. He married Miss Jennie Livingston, by whom he had five children: Jennie, who married John Berrisford, Margaret, Sarah, Thomas, who married Ann Craig, and William, Mrs. Whalen's father, who was born in County Londonderry, Ireland. He was a cattle buyer by occupation, and was quite prominent in Masonic circles, being a Master Mason. His first wife was Miss Mary Malia, daughter of John and Mollie Malia, of Walworth, Ireland, and his second was Miss Hannah McCornica. Seven children were born of the first marriage: Jennie, Eliza and Isabella, whose husbands' names are not known; Mary, who married (first) David Begley, and (second) \\'illiam Bleekley; Selina, Mrs. Whalen; William, who married Elizabeth Mc-Golrich; and Da\id, who married Martha Scott. There were two children by the second marriage: Thomas, who married Martha Shaw, and Margaret, the wife of Mr. McNari-land.

OSBORN ROBINSON, a general farmer and dealer in dairy products, was born in Putnam county, N. Y., December 3, 1820. He grew up in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where in i 848, he was married to Miss Wealthy Mott, who, too, was born in the town of Stanford. Her father, Jonathan Mott, was also a native of Stanford, and married Miss Armenia Walters, whose birth took place in the town of Milan. These children were born to Mr. and .Mrs. Mott: Benjamin, Nelson, Sarah, Betsy A., and Armenia.

Mr. Robinson worked on various farms in Washington town, and in 1871 bought the farm on which he now resides. The following children were born to our subject and his wife: Martha, who married Milo Dickerman, a milk dealer of Chicago; Stephen is on the home

place; George married Miss Kitty Reynoldson and lives in Chicago; Phctbeisat home; John works on the farm; Carrie became the wife of Edward D. Smith. Our subject has a farm of 320 acres, and owns forty-si.\ head of cattle, fifty-one sheep and nine horses. He deals extensively in milk and has a model dairy, with all the modern improvements. He is a Republican and has held, among other offices of the town, that of postmaster. He is a well-known farmer in the communit}', and is respected by all with whom he comes in contact.

Stephen Robinson, father of our subject, was a native of Putnam county, where he grew to manhood. He married Miss Hattie Kelley, who was born in Putnam county, and who was a daughter of Seth Kelley. Mr. Robinson and his wife located on a farm in Putnam county, and the following children were born to them: Chapel, a farmer in Stanford; Kelley, a retired citizen of Stanford; Osborn is our subject; Ennis, who was a farmer of Stanford, died about the year 1870; Jarvis, a farmer; Robert, a farmer in the town of Poughkeepsie; William, following the same occupation in Stanford; Nathaniel, deceased; Emily married Walter Winans, a farmer in Amenia, and is deceased; Zilla became the wife of Charles Barrett, who is deceased; Ada married Henry Thompson, who was a farmer in the town of Stanford; Priscilla (unmarried); Catherme, the wife of Isaac Sincerbox, a farmer of Sharon, Conn. Mr. Robinson was a Whig and later a Republican. He was a member of the Baptist Church. His death occurred in 1870.

Chapel Robinson, the grandfather, was born in Putnam county, where he married, settled on a farm and reared a large family of children.

ILLIAM H. ALLEN, a wide-awake

and industrious farmer of the town of

Clinton, Dutchess county, was born upon the old family homestead in that township, November 27, 1856. The town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, was the birthplace of the grandfather of our subject, William Henry Allen, who served as captain of the State militia, and in later life engaged in the cultivation and improvement of a farm in the town of Clinton. He married Sarah Marshall, and to them were born five children, all of whom have

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879

now passed away, namely: William Henry, Catherine, Julia, Henry and James D.

The last-named, who was the father of our subject, was born in the town of Clinton in iSio, and on reaching manhood wedded Mary Clapp, daughter of James Clapp, the ceremony being performed in the town of Pleasant Valley. Their family circle included four children: Julia, wife of Marshall Herrick; William H.; Mary Emily, wife of Elmer Van-Vliet, of Hudson, N. Y.; and James C. The father continued to operate the old family homestead until his death; politically, he was one of the warmest adherents of the Republican party.

William H. Allen grew to man's estate upon his father's farm in the town of Clinton, attending the school of the neighborhood, and supplemented the knowledge thus acquired by a course in the Poughkeepsie Military Institute. When his schools days were over he continued to follow the pursuit to which he had been reared, and for four years after his marriage had the care and management of the old homestead. He then removed to his present farm, whose neat and thrifty appearance indicates his progressive spirit and industrious habits.

In the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, Mr. Allen married Susan Barnes, a daughter of David Barnes, and to them was born a daughter, Annette E. For his second wife he wedded in the town of Pleasant Valley, Miss Cora A. Van De Water, a daughter of William Van De Water. Two children bless their union: James Henry, born February 6, 1S93; and William Marshall, born January 3,

Mr. Allen uses his elective franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but takes no very active part in political affairs. His energy and industry are proverbial, and he is numbered among the men who have been instrumental in promoting the progress and prosperity of his town and county.

E.PHRAIM HERRICK, the genial and pop- ' ular proprietor of "The Rhinebeck," one

of the best and most pleasant hotels along the Hudson, was born May 17, 1848, on the old family homestead in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, a son of Ephraim Herrick. His primar\' education was received in the district schools, and he later pursued his studies in the

Rhinebeck Academy, thus obtaining a practical education, which well fitted him for the duties of life. After la3'ing aside his text books he operated the home farm until the death of his father, which occurred in 1S68, having charge of that place for twenty-four years, as he continued its cultivation for some time later.

For twelve years Mr. Herrick then superintended the Dutchess County Gold farm, owned by Dr. Martin G. Freligh, which was sold during that time for a large sum. In the fall of 1888 he purchased his present hotel at Rhinecliff, which he has conducted very successfully since, and the place well merits the liberal patronage accorded it. The house is well fitted up, is convenient and comfortable, and the cuisine is unexceptionable.

In 1872 our subject was joined in wedlock with Henrietta Hermance, daughter of Joseph Hermance, of Salt Point, in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. Our subject is a stanch adherent of the principles formulated by the Democratic party, and is one of the most progressive and public-spirited men of the community, where he is widely and favorably known.

lAILEY WHEELER, a well-known and

) prominent citizen of the town of Dover, belongs to a family that has long been connected with the history of Dutchess county. He is the son of Henry, and grandson of John B. Wheeler, an account of whom is given in the sketch of Perry Wheeler.

The birth of our subject occurred May 3, 1825, in the town of Dover, and his education was received at South Dover. After leaving school, he engaged in farming for about forty years, and then turned his attention to speculating in tobacco, cattle and stock generally, with good success. Although he takes no active part in political affairs, his ballot is always cast in support of the principles of the Republican party, and he ever faithfully discharges his duties of citizenship.

In i860 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wheeler and Miss Juliet Hungerford, daughter of Delazon and Hannah Hungerford, of Connecticut, and two children came to bless their union, a son and daughter. George B., the former, was born in Dover township, in 1866, and obtained an excellent education in Eastman Business College, and in 1887 at Fort Edward. The six months following his

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

graduation were spent in California, and on his return to the East he was for two j'ears employed in the '' Pla^a Hotel " of New York City. He was then offered the position of teller in the Plaza Bank of that city, where he is now located. The daughter, Nellie A., was born in the town of Dover, in 1869, and attended school at Poughkeepsie. She is now the wife of William S. McKean, a wholesale confectioner of Al-toona, Penn., and has one child, William Wheeler, born April 2, 1894.

Thomas Hungerford, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Wheeler, was a native of Connecticut, and by his marriage with Miss Diana Hungerford was the father of six children. (I) Harriet married George Shove, by whom she has three children; Eliza, Henry and Edward. (2) Edwin married Susan Geddings, and had five children: Afartin, who married Julia Jackson; Phcebe, who married Charles Hine; George, who married Emily Babcock; Lewis, who married Elizabeth Treat; and Anna, who married John Duncan. (3) Emily married Carlisle Smith, and was the mother of four children: Clark; Susan, wife of Asa Camp; Harriet, who died in infancy; and Oliver. (4; Thomas married Rachel Smith, and they had six children: Mills, who was three times married, his first wife being Allie Hendricks, his second a Miss Cable, and the third Mary Stewart; Sophia, who married Edward Teedwell; Ophelia, who married Daniel Mallory; Jay, who married Sarah Hoag; Neilson, who married Lucy Durfey; and Allen, who died unmarried. (5) Orin married Wealthy White, and had two children: Francis and Charles. (6) Hannah is the mother of Mrs. Wheeler.

Hannah Hungerford was born in Connecticut, and married Delazon Hungerford, a farmer, who though bearing the same name was.no relative. They became the parents of seven children, (i) Angeline, born in 1832, married Jonathan Haviland, and has four children: Elsie, wife of Abram Henley; Lillian; Lottie, wife of George Rice; and Walter. (2) Watson, born in 1833, died in infancy. (3) Juliet, born in 1838, is the wife of our subject. (4) Sarah, born in 1841, married George W. Squires, and has four children: Robert, who married Jennie Stevens; Lewis, Walter and Bell. ^5) Beach, born in 1844, married Fannie Hoag, and has three children: Nettie, wife of Frank Cable; May and Eva. (6) Mary, born in 1S48, wedded Lafayette Joyce, and has one

son, Howard, [j) Frederick, born in 1852, married Lucinda Sprague, and has three children: Ward. Bessie and Grace.

DE WITT C. KETTERER, the well-known proprietor of the " Ketterer Hotel' * at Pine Plains, Dutchess county, was born March 7, 1858, in the town of Milan.

The family originated in Baden, Germany, where his grandfather, F. Ivetterer, passed his entire life. Of his two sons, Charles, our subject's father, was the first of the family to come to America. Charles Ketterer was born January 3. 1828, and received a good education in the schools of his native land, where a strict compulsory system prevails, and afterward learned and followed the weaver's trade. In 1853 he emigrated to this country, locating first at Milan, in Dutchess county, and later in the town of Clinton. He married Margaretha Dorothy Mindline, also a native of Germany, who came to Dutchess county in the same year on account of ill health. Being thrifty and energetic, Charles Ketterer made rapid progress in business, and before the breaking out of the war had bought a farm in the town of Clinton. In 1862 he enlisted in the 128th N. Y. 'V. I., and served as a private until the Rebellion ended, taking part in the Red River campaign and in the operations in the Shenandoah Valley, and although he was in all the principal engagements in which his regiment participated he was not injured in any way. On his return home in 1865, he removed to Pine Plains and opened a barber shop, the first in the town, having learned the business by shaving his comrades in the army and taking a one month's course of instruction in New York City. For seven years he followed this trade successfully at various locations in the town, and, in 1872, exchanged the business for the hotel now owned by his heirs. He owned this property until his death which occurred December 28, 1888. He was the first to introduce beer into the village, ale having been the only drink known previously. A self-made man and a hard worker, he was also generous, and public-spirited, showing a hearty interest in the impro\ement of the village. He was an enthusiastic Republican, and one of the leading members of the Lutheran Church, with which he had been connected from early childhood.

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De Witt C. Ketterer was the only child of his parents, and after attending the district school at Pine Plains until the age of fourteen he took charge of his father's barber-shop on his own responsibility. He possesses good natural abilities, and with due preparation would have been successful in almost any undertaking. His early limitations in education have been largely made good by an extensive course of reading upon general subjects. After following the barber's trade for seven years he and his father, in 1879, exchanged work, and he took the hotel which he has now conducted for seventeen years, making extensive improvements and keeping well in advance of any competitors. He is prominent in local affairs, an earnest advocate of progressive movements, and in politics he is an Independent. On January 6, 1891, he married Miss Jennie M. Boice, daughter of John Boice, of Ancram, Columbia county, New York.

JAMES NEWMAN. In this free land of ours many of the inhabitants are of foreign ~ birth, who have come here for the purpose of securing homes, and these valuable additions to the native population have, by their industry, economy and honest methods, become essential factors in the growth and prosperity of the countr}'. They furnish not only needed workmen, skilled and unskilled, but enterprising merchants, manufacturers, artists and apt dealers upon our marts of trade.

Mr. Newman is a native of Germany, born in New Bavaria, July 23, 1845. His father, George M. Newman, was a hotel keeper and groceryman at Herxheim by Landau, in the Rhine Pfaltz, and in 1854 came to America, where he died two years later. He was a man of wealth, had traveled extensively in France, and had also visited Africa. By his marriage ^i^ith Vermika Seither, who died in Bavaria, he had four children: Frederick, James, Caroline and George, all now deceased with the exception of our subject.

At the age of fifteen years James Newman left his native land, crossing the Atlantic to America to hunt up his brothers, one of whom he found in New York City, and the other in St. Louis. At the former place he bound himself out to learn cigar making with John Paul Ohrt, at No. 113 West Broadway, where he remained about one year. When the war broke out he 57

enlisted in the Anderson Zouaves, but was prevented from going to the front by Mr. Ohrt, as he was not yet of age. He then ran away, coming to the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, where he soon afterward enlisted in the 150th N. Y. V. I., under Capt. Gilder-sleeve, and was with that regiment until mustered out at Poughkeepsie in 1865. He now holds membership with John M. Gregory Post No. 59, G. A. R., Department of Connecticut, of which he has served as commander, and also belongs to the Officers Association of the 150th Regiment, at Poughkeepsie. as he had attained the rank of corporal.

After gallantly aiding his adopted country in her struggle to preserve the Union until he saw the flag once more float over a united nation, Mr. Newman came to .\menia, living with Henry Tripp, his former employer, for a year, after which he worked for A. B. Rice for the same length of time, and subsequently was employed at the '' Amenia House " by Morgan Tripp for a year. Since that time he has successfully engaged in the cigar business for himself at Amenia, and is at the head of a large and constantly increasing trade.

At Poughkeepsie, December 20. 1868, .Mr. Newman was married to Miss Margaret E. Gaul, a native of New York City, and a daughter of John Gaul, a blacksmith of Amenia. They have four children: Charles H., who married Carrie Why land; Carrie E.; Mary; and James Arthur. In his political views, Mr. Newman is a Republican; socially he is a member of Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. & A. M.

DAVID HANNA. Quite a number of the leading and prominent citizens of Dutchess county are of alien birth, and have transported to this land of plenty the thrifty habits of their native country. Among these there are none better known, or more widely respected, than the gentleman whose name appears at the beginning of this sketch.

Our subject was a native of Mayhaland, County Londonderry, Ireland, where his father, Samuel Hanna, was also born, reared and educated. The latter was a farmer, but also engaged in the operation of a flax and grist mill at that place. He was united in marriage with Matilda Fargerson, and to them were born thirteen children, namely: Jane, who became the wife of James Sergent;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Thninas, who iiiarriod Margaret Hutchinson; James and John, who died in infancy; Isabella, who became the wife of James Hutchinson; Nancy, who married William Hanna; John (2), who remained single; Robert, who wedded Matilda Dixon; Eli/a, who died in girlhood; Peggy, who died in infancy: David, who married Eliza Hutchinson; Sarah, who married a Mr. Livingston; and Alex.

During his boyhood and youth David Hanna attended the schools of his native land, and assisted his father in the work of the mills. On March 15, 1852, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Eliza Hutchinson, a daughter of Samuel and Abella (Greer) Hutchinson, who lived upon a farm in County Londonderry. Her father was one of the seven children born to Robert and Nancy (Patterson) Hutchinson, who were also agriculturists of the same locality, the others being John, William, James, Bettie, Alex and Thomas.

In 1852, Mr. Hanna, with his bride, sailed from the Emerald Isle for the New World, and made their first location at Paterson, N. j., where they remained for some time. On leaving that city, they went to New York, and for forty-three years our subject was in the employ of the Harlem railroad, being tire-man for seven years and five months, and was then given a position as watchman, which he held until his resignation a short time ago, owing to his age. His long continued service well indicates his faithful discharge of duty, and the implicit confidence which his employers placed in him.

Mr. and Mrs. Hanna became the parents of seven children, of whom, Arabella is the eldest. Samuel, who is a conductor on the Harlem railroad, married Minnie McLassen, and they have one child, Herbert J. Matilda is now deceased. John married Miss Ada Preston, by whom he has one daughter, Julia; he is a prominent Republican, and in 1894 was elected a member of the General Assembly, and has also filled the position of supervisor of Poughkeepsic for three terms. David wedded Mary Hutchinson, and is also a conductor on the Harlem railroad. Dorly is now deceased. Lizzie A. completes the family.

OHN D. BARNUM, now living retired at Amenia Union, Dutchess county, was for many years one of the most energetic and wide-awake business men of Dutchess county.

where his entire life has been passed, his birth having occurred August 7, 1834, at South Amenia, in the house now owned by Franklin Cline.

Andrew Barnum, his father, was born at Danbury, Conn., January 3', 1790, and was the son of Daniel Barnum, a chairmaker of Bethel, Conn. Here Andrew attended school. On reaching years of maturity he engaged in farming and lime-burning at Ridgetield, that State. He married Miss Sally Chapman, who was born at Redding, Conn., February 8, 1792, a daughter of Phineas Chapman, and died in July, 1852. Eight children were born of this union, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Milo, F"ebruary 29, 1816; Joshua, September 15, 1818; Daniel, September 27, 1820; Lucinda, September 2, 1823; Sarah, November 28, 1825; Mary, July 3, 1828; Andrew, August 27, 1829; and John D., August 7, 1834. All are now deceased with the exception of our subject, and Mary, the wife of Daniel Sharpsteen, of Battle Creek, Michigan.

In 1830 the father removed to the town of Amenia, purchasing the place at South Amenia now occupied by Franklin Cline, and there conducted a flouring-mill. In 1839 he sold to Philo Cline, giving possession the following year, and then went to Cortland county, N. Y., where he purchased a farm of 300 acres, which he continued to cultivate for ten years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Amenia Union, and there lived retired until his death, which occurred December 31, 1869. He was again married, his second union being December 8, 1852, with Mrs. Eliza Stevens, who was born April 12, 1801, and died April 10, 1870. In politics he was first a Whig, later a Republican.

The early education of our subject was obtained in Cortlandville Academy, and at the age of sixteen years he started out in life for himself, being engaged in the l^mp business with his brother at Danboro, Penn., for two years. The following summer he spent at Little York, Cortland Co., N. Y., while the winter was passed by him in the village of Cortland. He was then employed in selling tin for Cicero Beach, of Kent, Conn., for a year.

Subsequently, Mr. Barnum, with his brother Andrew, established the firm of ISarnum & Co., and engaged in the stationery business, traveling by wagon with paper supplies, and gathering material forthe manufacture of paper. This they continued from 1853 until the death

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of Andrew in 1865, after which our subject conducted the business alone until 1885, running five peddling wagons on the road as far east as Hartford, Conn., west to Oneonta, N. Y., north to Utica, N. Y., and south to Bridgeport, Conn. He was also engaged in the manufacture of cigars at Amenia Union, which he sold to the retail trade from his wagons, a business he continued to carry on after he had stopped the paper trade. Later he went on the road for Morgan L. Potts, to whom he had sold out, and while thus employed he, in 1891, contracted gangrene, wjiich grew rapidly worse, and resulted in his losing both legs. Since that time he has necessarily led a retired life.

Mr. Barnum was first married September I, 1857, to Anna J. Stevens, who was born October 12, 1840, and was the daughter of his stepmother. She died September 18, 1866, leaving one son, William S., now of Tarry-town, N. Y., who was born November 23, 1859, and married Caroline Andrews. At Livingston Manor, N. Y.. September 2, 1868, Mr. Barnum was again married, this time to Harriet Ann Potts, who was born August 11, 1833, and they have two children: J. Edmund, who was born November 20, 1869, and is now with the Wagner Palace Car Co., in New York City, and John Dibble, Jr., born July 21, 1871. In political sentiment, Mr. Barnum has always been an ardent Republican, and he is devoted to the best interests of his town and county, being numbered among the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of the community.

FRANK E. BURNETT, one of the leading _ business men of Red Hook, Dutchess county, the senior member of the firm of Burnett Bros., is a descendant of a family which has long been prominent in that place.

His father, Stephen R. Burnett, was born there in the year 1829, and from that time to the present has had his residence there. Early in life he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it successfully for some years, and in 1865 he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, conducting it with increasing trade and protit until 1886, when he transferred it to his two sons. He is a man who stands high in the esteem of the community, and although he has never sought public office he wields an influence in a quiet way in every progressive movement. He was a charter mem-

ber of Christian Lodge No. 379, L O. O. F., organized January 28, 1874, and he is now a Past Grand of the Lodge and Past Deputy Grand Master of the District of Dutchess. He was married in 1853 to Miss Sarah Eighmy, a daughter of George Eighmy, a prominent resident of Rhinebeck. The two children of this j union are Frank E., our subject, born April 27, 1855, and William E., born March 12, i860. Both were educated in the common schools of their native place, and after completing the course Frank E. Burnett entered the employ of his father and learned the details of the business. The younger brother engaged in mercantile business for different parties until the time of the father's retirement from active life. Under the able management of the two the firm has maintained its prestige, and its growing business gives evidence of their energy and judgment.

On October 30, 1S79, Frank E. Burnett married Miss Estella C. Lasher, a daughter of Jacob Lasher, a well-known citizen of Madalin. William E. Burnett is also married, his wife being formerly Miss Ella Hermance, a daughter of Edward Hermance, of Red Hook. Neither couple have had any children.

Our subject takes an active part in local affairs, giving his influence to all movements which promise to aid the community. At the age of twenty-one, he became a member of the L O. O. F., Christian Lodge No. 379, and is a Past Grand and Past District Deputy Grand Master of the order. He is also one of the charter members of Shiloh Encampment No. 68, and has the distinction of being Past Chief Patriarch, and was District Deputy Grand Patriarch for the year 1896.

FRANK E. BIRDSALL, one of the reliable and progressive young farmers and representative men of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, is actively engaged in general farming upon the place which he purchased in the spring of 1895. A native of Dutchess county, he was born August 6, 1867, in the town where he still resides.

On coming to America the founders of the family first located in \\'estchester county, N. Y., whence they removed to Orange county, where Solomon Birdsall, the grandfather of our subject, located on a farm granted by King George of England to Mr. Lepton, from whom the great-grandfather purchased it.

COMMEyrORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

There Solomon spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits, and was a faithful member of the Society of Friends. He was married in Ulster county, N. Y., to Phctbe Young, and to them were born seven children, Abram Y. Birdsall, the father of our subject, being third in order of birth. He was born March 19, 18—, at Leptondale, Orange Co., and there on a farm his boyhood days were passed. After attending the district schools for a time he entered Union Springs Boarding School in New York State, and was then a student in the Friends Boarding School at Providence, R. I. After graduating from the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., he secured a position as bookkeeper in New York City, and later was a commission merchant. For fifteen years he carried on the feed business, but is now living upon a farm in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and devotes his time to its cultivation.

In that township he married Elizabeth Haight, a daughter of Lewis Haight, and tsvo children graced their union: Frank E. and Gertrude. The parents both hold membership with the Friends Church, and the father always casts his ballot with the Republican party.

The childhood of Frank E. Birdsall was spent in Brooklyn, N. Y., until he was seven years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Orange county, where the following si.xteen years were passed. He secured an excellent education in the district schools, at the Union Springs Boarding School, and completed his literary training with an academic course in the New Paltz Normal. For four years he remained upon his father's farm at Millbrook, Dutchess county, thus becoming familiar with farm life in all its details. His practical knowledge of agriculture, combined with his sound judgment and good business ability, no doubt wins him success in his chosen calling, and we predict for him a brilliant future.

On October 16, 1894, in the town of Clinton, Mr. Birdsall was united in marriage to Miss Mary G. Griffen, daughter of William D. Griffen. In his political affiliations he is an infle.xible adherent of the doctrinesand principles of the Republican party, and he is an earnest member of the Friends Church. He enjoys the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, and, with his excellent wife, is a valued addition to the society of the township.

WILLIAM J. BROOKS, one of the promi- nent and reliable business men of Hi-

bernia, Dutchess county, was born in Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., August 19, 1861. His father, who was born in England, in 1831, bore the name of Henry Brooks, and was the youngest of the six children that comprised the family of John and Mary (Ross) Brooks, the former also a native of England, and the latter the daughter of Alexander Ross, of Poughkeepsie.

When Henry Brooks was about eight years of age, his father brought the family to America and lo.cated in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he established himself in business. After completing his education in the schools of that city, Henry Brooks took up farming, and was also employed as watchman at the Livingston Rolling Mill in Poughkeepsie, in 1870. At Millbrook, Dutchess county, he was united in marriage with Rachel Butts, a daughter of James Butts, and five children were born to them: Lydia, who was born August 19, 1856, and is the wife of Jay White, of Wassaic, N. Y.; William J. comes next; /\my, wife of George Siegler, of Ancram, N. Y.; Fred; Susie, wife of Thomas McCarthy; and Eddie. For many years the father has now made his home at Ancram, Columbia county, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits. His religious views are those of the Methodist Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican.

The education of our subject was obtained in the schools of Ancram and Poughkeepsie, and on laying aside his text books to take up the more arduous duties of life, he was first engaged either in farming on the old homestead or being employed by others. In 1890, however, he came to Hibernia, Dutchess county, where he purchased land and erected his present house and store. He at once began the coal and livery business, but February, i, 1895, he opened his general store, where he carries a complete assortment of general merchandise such as can be found in a first-class store of the kind. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man, honorable in all his dealings, thus winning the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, either in a business or social way.

On June 12, 1889, in Troy, N. Y., Mr. Brooks married Miss Cora B. Duncan, daughter of Cyrus Duncan, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and to them was born a son, Henry. Mr. Brooks is a warm advocate

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of Republican principles, although h^^ has very little time to devote to politics, and he is a consistent member of the ^fethodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES REYNOLDS. Among Poughkeep-"sie's most active and progressive business

men of to-day is the subject of this brief review, whose successful career of twenty-five years in business in that city has been such as to recommend him for the presidencj' of one of the leading and substantial business interests of Poughkeepsie—James Reynolds ElevatorCom-pany.

Mr. Reynolds was born at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, June 7, 1858. He attended school in his native city, and in 1873 was graduatQ,d from Riverview Military Academ}'. After his graduation he at once began his business career as a clerk in the wholesale grain and feed store of Reynolds & Co., which was located oposite the depot of the Hudson River railroad. He remained with this firm thirteen years, then purchased a retail business in the same line, the location of which was in Union street. Under the judicious management and popularity of Mr. Reynolds the business increased so that more room was required, and in November, 1S88, he purchased the Parker mill and the surrounding property, and converted the mill into a complete grain elevator. Large and commodious warehouses were erected in connection with the elevator, and largely increased switching facilities added; and also another retail store opened on Main street. This business so increased that in February, 1896, it was incorporated under the name of James Rejmolds Elevator Company, and has so continued to the present, our subject being the president of the company. The other officers are: George E. Cramer, of Reynolds & Cramer, vice-president, and Willard C. Vail, secretary. The main office, elevator and warehouse are on the corner of North and Garden streets, and the retail stores at Nos. 226 and 22S Union street, and No. 17 Catherine street. The company does an extensive business in flour, feed, grain, hay, straw, salt and fertilizers; also in poultry, kennel and beekeepers' supplies.

Mr. Reynolds is not only one of the substantial business men of Poughkeepsie, but one of the popular and esteemed citizens.

ILLIAM B. DINSMORE (deceased). The first ancestor of the Dinsmore family of whom we have any record was John Dinsmoor, who went from Scotland to Ireland in the seventeenth century, having run away from home at the age of seventeen because his father had compelled him, as the second son, to hold the stirrup while his elder brother mounted a horse. Unwilling to submit to such an indignity, he sought a new home in County Antrim, Ireland, where he lived to the age of ninety-nine years, and was distinguished for his piety. His son John (2) married, and had two children, Robert, born in 1692, and Elizabeth.

America was then receiving many emigrants of the hardy Scotch-Irish race, and leaving his little family, John Dinsmoor sailed across the Atlantic, landing at a fort at the islands known as " the Gorges," off the coast of Maine. There he began to build a house, but while shingling it he was captured by the Indians. By making himself useful to the chief he gained his favor; but the other members of the tribe were not so well disposed, and one day, in the absence of the chief, the captive was accused of holding a conference with some Englishmen on the coast, and was condemned to die by fire. He had already been bound to a tree, and the brush was piled about him, when his friend, the chief, returned and commanded his torturers to cease their preparations until an investigation of the charge could be made, as he' said there would certainly be tracks found in the sand if the alleged conference had been held upon the shore. None were discovered by a careful search, and Dinsmoor was accordingly released. Later the tribe left that part of the country, and on coming to a stream which crossed their line of march the chief entered his canoe; but as Dinsmore was about to push it off and step into the stern the chief told him that he must go no further. John pleaded that the Indians would kill him if he lost the chief's protection, but the latter said: "No, \'ou much honest man, John. You walk to Boston," and giving him some nuts an>i bear's grease he told him where he could conceal himself in a cave until the rest of the Indians had crossed the river. His parting words were: "Indian and French have all this country. You walk to Boston, take English canoe and walk to your own country: you much honest man, John." Dinsmoor found the cave, and waited

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

there for three days watchinfj tribe after tribe pass until all were gone. He then started to make his way to "the Gorges," but nearly perished from hunger, and would have succumbed had it not been for some cranberries which he found in a swamp. He reached the fort in safety, and then took passage by sea to Boston. From there he went to Rockingham county, N. H., where a colony of Scotch-Irish had settled in Nutfield township, now Derry. Here he found old friends from Londonderry, Ireland, and either through sympathy for his sufferings, or as an inducement for him to stay there, the proprietors of the settlement deeded to him and his heirs si.xty acres of land in Jee. As he was a mason by trade, he built a stone house for himself and sent for his family. After their arrival in 1730 he divided the farm between the two children, both of whom were married and had families, and he and his wife lived in the stone house with his son-in-law. This house was a noted point between Derry and Windham, and until recently the location of the front door stone was marked by an early apple tree in the garden of P. D. Scott, generally known as the Hopkins place. John Dinsmoor, or "Daddy Dinsmoor," as he was called, died in 1741.

His son Robert brought to America his wife, Margaret Orr, and four children, and lived upon what is now known as the Barnet field, the westerly field south of the brook near the Scott house, and by the railroad. It is near or was a part of the land given to John Dinsmoor. The house stood on the top of the hill a few rods west of an old cellar, about fifteen rods north of the railroad, and some forty rods west of the old highway, now discontinued. Soon after the death of his father he moved to a farm in Windham, N. H., which has ever since been in the possession of some of his descendants, and is now the residence of Edwin O. Dinsmoor. The dwelling house is on or near the site selected by Robert on a fine swell of land, and commands a wide view to the east and south. The town records of Windham show that he was prominent in local affairs. He was one of three commissioners appointed to organize the town, March 8, 1742, and was elected a selectman on that daj'. The next year he served on the committee on lawsuits, formed presumably to protect the actual settlers from claims made by patentees of the Crown. In 1744-45-46-47

and 50 he was moderator at the annual town meetings, which as is well said in the " History of Windham, N. Y.," from which these historical facts have been taken, " not only indicates his urbanity of manners, his knowledge of parliamentary law and his tact in governing men, but also the esteem of his fellow citizens." He died of fever and ague October 14, 1751, at the age of fifty-nine years. His widow survived him until June 2, 1752. Of their four sons, Samuel died November 12, 1753, aged twenty. The estate was divided by lot among the other three, John, the eldest, drawing the land north of the homestead, comprising the farms lately occupied by John and Daniel Kelly. Robert, the second son, drew the homestead, and William, the west portion lying south and west of "Jenny's Hill " and extending to Cobbett's pond.

John Dinsmoor married Martha, .daughter of Justice James McKeen, of Londonderry, and passed his life at Windham, where he held many prominent official positions, having been town clerk, moderator of the town meeting, selectman, justice of peace, delegate to the Provincial Congress at Exeter in 1775, ^"^ elder in the Presbyterian Church. He had thirteen children, of whom, the youngest, William, was born at Windham in 1767. As a young man of twenty years he went to Charlestown, Mass., and engaged in mercantile business. He wedded Catherine H., daughter of Gavin Brown, an Englishman, who resided in State street, Boston, on the north side, at the point now occupied by the Merchants Bank. At the time of the Boston Massacre the family, hearing the firing in the streets, fied from the house and did not return for two days, when, to their surprise they found it just as they had left it, which speaks well for the honesty of the citizens of that town. Mrs. Dinsmoor died at Boston in 1830, and her husband followed her six years later. They had three children: Catherine, born in 1805, died in 1857, who married Charles E. Bowers, of the Adams Express Co.; Eliza, born in 1807, died in 1827; and W'illiam B.

The late William B. Dinsinore was born in Boston in 1810, and was sent in boyhood to Pinkerton Academy, at Derry, N. H. After completing his course there he returned home, but his father discovered, on testing his acquirements, that he was a very poor penman, and knowing the importance of a good handwriting to a business man he selected a good

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teacher of penmanship, with whom the young man gained unusual proficiency in the art. In this painstaking attention to detail on the part of both father and son may be found the secret of their success, and the quality was constantly shown in \\'illiam B. Dinsmore's work in the Adams Express Company, to which the best part of his life was given. It would not be possible to give the history of one without outlining that of the other, so closely are they identified. In 1840 when Mr. Alvin Adams, of Boston, established an express business over the Norwich line from Boston to New York, Mr. Dinsmore was employed as bookkeeper, and soon afterward a partnership was formed between them under the name of Adams & Co. Mr. Dinsmore went to New York to look after the firm's interest, and his innate conservatism and caution is evidenced by his statement to his host at the " United States '" hotel, that he was by no means sure of the success of the enterprise. In 1842 and 1843 the amount of business justified an extension of the company's lines, and Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and Pittsburg were included in the service, and other parties entered the company as proprietors. In a few 3'ears they covered every railway in the Southern States, and had made rapid progress in the West, and July 1, 1854, the Adams Express Co., a joint-stock association, was organized with Mr. Adams as president, and Mr. Dinsmore as treasurer, the headquarters being located at New York. The business continued to prosper; but a few years later the difficulties between the North and South made it necessar\' to sell the Southern lines to the stockholders in that section. When the disagreements culminated in war, the Adams Express Company rose to the occasion, and their agents accompanied the Union armies, establishing their offices wherever the tents were pitched, thus giving the soldiers an opportunity to send or receive money or packages. Over five millions of money parcels were forwarded from the soldiers to their families or friends without the loss of a dollar. The agents were so active and zealous in the discharge of their duties that they often transgressed military rules; and it is said that at the surrender of Vicks-burg the Adams Express agent, in his desire to secure a good location, rushed forward to an unoccupied house, and was about to raise the company's flag, when Gen. Grant rode up

and said in his quiet way, and with a characteristic twinkle of the eye, " Will you do me the favor to allow me to hoist my flag first.'"

The Adams Express Company now traverses 72,162 miles of railway, and has agencies at all places on the various lines, and as the authorized agent of the United States Treasury it has safely transported thousands of millions of its treasures and securities. In 1856 Mr. Dinsmore became president of the company, and for many years he remained at his post in New York City, never permitting himself to engage in any enterprise whicli would divert his attention from the company's interests; and this devotion was an acknowledged factor in the rapid growth of the business. His sound, conservative judgment led him to firmly oppose any precarious investments, and carried the company through the financial storms of thirty years with less loss than has been sustained under the same conditions by any other large corporation. His integrity was unquestioned, and united with his force of character, wealth and ability, placed him among the leading business men of the time. His death was widely deplored.

On October 19, 1S42, Mr. Dinsmore was married to Miss Augusta M. Snow, of Brewster, Mass., and had two sons: William B., Jr., born in 1844, and Clarence Gray, born in 1847. In ordinary conversation he was somewhat reserved in manner, but among friends he was always frank, and genial, and his remarks overflowed with "mother wit." As a correspondent he was noted for charm of style and inexhaustible humor. His beautiful country seat on the Hudson, at Staatsburg, was the scene of unbounded hospitality, for although naturally economical he always lived in accordance with his circumstances, and made wise use of his wealth instead of hoarding it unduly. He had a generous heart, and his assistance was freely given to many an unfortunate, although his quiet benefactions were never heralded to the world.

HARLESEDWARDFREDERICK SCHUBERT, a wealthy retired manufacturer residing at Glenham, Dutchess county, has held for many years a leading place among the modern artists in tapestries, and to his fine taste and rare executive ability much credit is due for the advance of this branch of art in

COMMEMORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

different manufacturing centers both in Europe and America.

Mr. Schubert was born in BerHn, Germany, Januarj' 30, 1817, the only child of Charles and Dorothea (Fisher) Schubert. The father was the proprietor of a livery stable there, and also ran a line of stages. During the reign of Frederick William he was drafted in the Prussian army, and served some forty months under Blucher, and on June 18, 1815, at the battle of Waterloo, he was struck in the forehead by a spent shot, in consequence of which he became blind shortly afterward.

Charles E. F. Schubert, our subject, received his early education in the public schools of Berlin, and in 1830 entered the Academy of Fine Arts under Prof. Schadouw, remaining four years, and graduating in 1834. He then entered the factory of I^ouis Fonobert &Track-ner, India rubber manufacturers, as a designer, and remained with them in that capacity, and also as a manager, for seven years. During this time Mr. Truckner, the junior member of the firm, invented the Mosaic tapestry, and in 1841 sold the patent and machinery to a French firm, Louis Vaison & Porait, and the plant was removed to Paris, Mr. Schubert being appointed as foreman and designer. He continued in their employ until 1847, when the breaking out of the revolution in February, 1848, brought the industry to a standstill, which they never afterward resumed. In consequence Mr. Schubert found nimself in the market for employment, and was engaged by Recillard Roussel & Clioquil, one of the then largest carpet-manufacturing firms in France, at Tourcoing, Department du Nord, on the borders of Belgium. Here he remained from 1847 to 1851, and then accepted a situation with the firm of JohnCrossley & Son, Halifax, Yorkshire, England, where he remained as chief designer in the tapestry and Brussels department from 1S51 until 1870. In 1855 he had the honor to represent his firm at the Universal Exposition held at Paris, and obtained the second prize, a silver medal, as a colorist and designer, which medal is still in his possession; on one side is a bust of Napoleon III, and on the other are the coats of arms of all nations competing at the Exposition. This firm of John Crossley & Son went into the manufacturing of mosaic tapestry, in connection with their other manufacturing, after Mr. Schubert became their manager, as he alone understood the manufacture of this par-

ticular branch. One of the directors of this company, by name John Leach, gave in his will a great collection of these mosaics (which had been manufactured under the supervision of Mr. Schubert) to the museum at Clare Hall in Halifax, England, where they are still on e.xhibition to the public.

Prior to 1870 the well-known carpet manufacturer, Michael Protzen & Son, of Berlin, Prussia, had bought their printed yarns at J. Crossley & Sons; but during that year, they decided to print their own carpet yarns, and secured the services of Mr. Schubert as their superintendent and general manager. Conse-queiitl)', he again removed to Berlin, and from that time date the first printed yarns manufactured in Prussia. Mr. Schubert remained with this mill three years, filling his term of contract, and then proceeded to Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England, under a three-years' contract with John Brinton & Co., as superintendent, to establish a tapestry department. In 1876, when his. engagement with the latter firm came to a close, he received a proposal from the agent of A. T. Stewart, of New York, to superintend their carpet department at their mills in Glenham, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He accepted the proposition and conducted the department with marked success until the year 1889, covering a period of fifteen years, when he resigned. In 1890 Mr. Schubert began on his own account to manufacture mosaic tapestry, mats, labels and banners, and followed the business for the three years, when owing to the depressed financial state of the country he foresaw that he was not warranted in continuing, and accordingly he closed his factory. In politics he is an Independent.

In 1843 our subject was married to an old schoolmate of his. Miss Wilhelmina Berner, whose father was a soldier in the Prussian army, and who was in the siege before Paris in 1814, also in Waterloo with Blucher in 1815. They were wedded in Paris in the Protestant Chapel. Mr. and Mrs. Schubert have had ten children, three of whom died in childhood, the remaining seven being as follows: (i) Charles Eugene, a merchant in Manchester, England, married Emma Tankard, and has one child—May. (2) Emil Heliodore, who is a designer and lives at Mat-teawan, married Mary Ann Bingley, daughter of Richard Bingley, of Leeds, Yorkshire, England; they have two children—Edith and

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Ethel. (3) Ernest Walter is in the hotel business at Poughkeepsie. (41 William Albert is with his brother in Poughkeepsie. (5) Kate Louisa lives at home. (6) Louis Hector is a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, University Chapel. Chapel Hill. N. C. (7) Edith Jane married Edward A. Underbill, of Glenham. In their religious belief the family are Episcopalians.

In 1889, after Mr. Schubert resigned the superintendency of the carpet mill of A. T. Stewart & Co., he felt a desire to visit the scenes of his former activities in Europe. In company with his daughter, Edith Jane (then unmarried), he left New York July 4, 1889, on one of the Cunard steamers, and arrived in Liverpool after a voyage of nine days. They immediately went from there to Manchester, where they remained with his son for a fortnight, from there visiting Leeds, Bradford, Blackpool. Brixton and Matlock, the famous watering place in Derbyshire; from Manchester they went to London, and from London to Calais, France, and thence toTourcoing, where the}- remained a few days before going to Paris, at which city they attended the World's Fair, and then visited other points of interest in France. After a sojourn of three months, they returned by way of London and Liverpool, taking passage via the Cunard Line again to New York. Although Mr. Schubert is in his eightieth year, he is still hale and hearty, possessing a clear mind and steady hand. His favorite pastime is making designs for industrial purposes, being solicited by carpet manufacturers in different parts of the country for his handiwork. He is a man of unusual vigor for his years.

WALTER A. SHERMAN, one of the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, was born on the old homestead at Amenia Union, May 27, 1861, and can trace his ancestry back to Henry Sherman, who died in England in 15S9. Of his five children, Henry, the eldest, removed from the count}' of Suffolk to Dedham, in the county of Essex, England, where his death occurred in 1610. He married Susan Hills, and of their twelve children, Samuel, the second, was born in 1537, and died at Dedham, in 161 5.

Hon. Philip Sherman, the youngest of the seven children of Samuel, was born at Dedham, February 5, 1610, and in 1634 he emi-

grated to Roxbury, Mass., being the founder of the family in this country. With Roger Williams and others, he helped to purchase Rhode Island, March 24, 1638, and when the government was established July i, 1639, Mr. Coddington became governor, with Philip Sherman as secretary. His death occurred at Portsmouth, R. I., in 1687. By his marriage with Miss Sarah Odding, he had thirteen children, John being the eighth in the order of birth.

John Sherman was born at Portsmouth, R. I., in 1644, and by occupation was a blacksmith and farmer, living on land inherited from his father at South Dartmouth, Mass., where he died in 1734. He wedded Sarah Spooner, and to them were born eight children. Philip Sherman, the eldest, followed farming upon the old homestead at Dartmouth, Mass., and there his death occurred in 1740. His son, Jabez Sherman, born October 3, 1704, at one time served as lieutenant in the navy of Great Britain, but most of his life was passed at South Dartmouth, where he died in 1774. Of his eleven children. Benjamin Sherman, the fifth, was born February 3, 1736, at Dartmouth, and during his boyhood attended the common schools. He was the first of the family to come to Dutchess county, N. Y., arriving at Pawling in 1764, where he worked at the carpenter's trade, building the Hicksite meeting house. He then returned to Dartmouth, Mass., for his wife, who bore the maiden name of Deborah Dilnoe, and he later engaged in farming and wagon making at Pawling, where he died in 1805. In his family of eleven children, Shadrach Sherman was the seventh in order of birth. He was born at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, in 1769, and by occupation was a farmer and drover. He became quite a prominent and influential man of the county, serving as a member of the General Assembly in 1811. His death occurred December 11, 1812. He married Dia-dama Howland, and. they became the parents of eight children: Amy. David, Howland, Alfred, Benjamin E., Richard H., Walter and Shadrach.

Walter Sherman, the next to the youngest in the above named family, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born February 21, 1806, at Dover Plains, and there remained until he was eighteen years of age, when he removed to Amenia Union, where he carried on merchandising for some time, and also en-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPUICAL RECORD.

gaged in farming and stock dealing. He was very successful in his undertakings, becoming quite well-to-do, and his property was all the result of his own unaided efforts. He took an active part in political affairs, in early life supporting the Whig party, later becoming an ardent Republican, and he served as a member of the General Assembly in 1845 and 1847. He departed this life March 11, 1880. At Amenia, August 31, 1834, he married Miss Cornelia Allerton, and to them three children were born: Mary, who was born June 8, 1835, and died December 29, 1868; David H., the father of our subject; and Samuel \\'., born September 20, 1844.

David H. Sherman was born on the old homestead at Amenia Union, June 25, 1837, began his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and completed his literary training at the old Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. Subsequently he went to Newark, N. Y., where he engaged in clerking for a time, and was there united in marriage with Miss Cecelia Mayer, by whom he has five children: Walter Alfred, whose name opens this sketch, being the fourth in the order of birth. Returning to Amenia, the father here engaged in farming, but later removed to Jersey City, N. J., in the interests of the Central Stock Yard and Transit Co., of which he is treasurer and general manager. Like his father, he also supports the Republican party.

Walter A. Sherman spent his boyhood days in Amenia Union, attending the schools of Amenia, later supplementing the knowledge there acquired by a course in a private school in New York City. He has always been connected with his father in business, and now has charge of one of the finest farms in his section of Dutchess county, located in the town of Amenia. At South Amenia, he was married September 27, 1882, to Miss Maria E. Cline, daughter of Albert Cline, and five children grace their union: Agnes C, Walter C, Helen M., May N. and Howland N.

Since casting his first vote, Mr. Sherman has always taken an active interest in political affairs, supporting the principles of the Republican party, and for two terms he has been called upon to service as supervisor of his township. Socially, he is connected with Amenia Lodge No. 672, F. cS: A. M. He is of a genial disposition and affable manners, and is a keen and sagacious business man.

CLINTON J. ROCKEFELLER. Among the active farmers and stock dealers of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, the gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this sketch holds a prominent place. His birthplace was in the town of German-town, Columbia Co., N. Y., and the date thereof October i, 1839. He is of Holland lineage, and for many generations the family have resided in Columbia county, where the grandfather, Philip S. Rockefeller, was born, and in that county the birth of the father, Philip P. Rockefeller, occurred. In his native county the latter grew to manhood and married Catherine Elmondorf, who was born in Albany county, N. Y., and was a daughter of Jacob Elmondorf, who was also of Holland descent. Mr. Rockefeller took his bride to his home in Columbia county, where they reared their four children: Edmond, who died at Rochester, N. Y.; Harmond, who held official positions under President Lincoln, and is now a prominent resident of Texas; Clinton J., of this review, and Anna, who is married and makes her home in Columbia county. On his farm there the father died about 1841, and his wife survived him until 1874, when she, too, was called to her final rest. He affiliated with the Whig party.

The early days of our subject were spent upon the home farm, which he assisted in operating, and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. He completed his education, however, under the direction of General De Peyster, and on laying aside his books worked as a printer for two years in .-Mbany, N. Y. Later he carried on a photograph gallery in New York, but in 1861 he came to the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, and located upon the farm where he has since resided. Besides general farming he also turns his attention to buying and selling live stock, which he ships to New York City, and finds this a profitable source of income. He also ships fruit to European markets.

In 1871 Mr. Rockefeller was married, the lady of his choice being Catherine Dederick, of Dutchess county, a daughter of John Dederick, who is engaged in farming. To them were born three children: Carrie; Romer, who is married, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Red Hook township, and one child that died at the age of thirteen years.

Mr. Rockefeller is one of the leading and influential Republicans of the town whose

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opinions are invariably held in respect, and in 1888 he was first elected supervisor of Red Hook. With the exception of two years, when he withdrew his name, he has since filled that position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a man of sound judgment, upright and honorable in all his dealings, and has the well wishes of all.

'ALTER G. STORM, a farmer of the £/|t town of East Fishkill, and one of the representative citizens of Dutchess county, comes from one of its oldest and most highly respected families. He first opened his eyes to the light in that town, April 8, 1854, and there his grandfather, Garret Storm, was also born, and upon a farm reared his family of six children, namely: John P., the father of our subject; Isaac, who was an agriculturalist of East Fishkill town; Garret, a coal dealer of Matteawan, Dutchess county; Eliza, who married John S. Emans; Catherine, who married Edmund Luyster, a farmer and cattle dealer of East Fishkill town, who is now deceased; and Charles T., who was a merchant of Pough-keepsie. Throughout his life the grandfather always followed the occupation of farming.

John P. Storm was born in East Fishkill township, January i, 1826, there grew to manhood and married Miss Sarah R. Hasbrouck, a native of the same place, and the daughter of Francis Hasbrouck, who was a merchant of East Fishkill. Upon their marriage they located upon a farm in their native township, where their two children were born—Walter G., of this sketch; and Jennie E., now the wife of Du Bois Bartow, a farmer of East Fishkill township. The father is still living, and is engaged in the operation of his land. His political support is ever given the men and measures of the Democratic party.

On the home farm in the town of East Fishkill, Mr. Storm, whose name introduces this review, remained until he reached maturity, and in 1887 he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Bessie C. Cooper, who was born in Putnam county, N. Y., but was reared at Matteawan, Dutchess county. Her father, James Cooper, was a hatter by trade. Two children grace their union—John C. and W. Bartow.

With his bride, Mr. Storm migrated to North Dakota, where for six years they resided

upon a farm; but in 1892 they returned east, and have since been residents of East Fishkill town. Their fine farm of lOO acres is highly cultivated and improved, and to general farming Mr. Storm devotes his time and attention exclusively. They are true Christians, members of the Reformed Church, and in politics he is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party. An energetic and reliable citizen, he has fully established himself in the confidence and esteem of the people, and is ready to se-spond to calls made upon him to promote the interests of his town and county.

THOMAS J. CUNNINGHAM. But few young men have as enviable a reputation for enterprise and business acumen as the subject of this biography, a prosperous produce dealer at Matteawan, Dutchess county. He was born October 9, 1866, at Peekskill, Westchester county, N. Y., and is a descendant of a Scotch family that located in Westchester county at an early day.

His grandfather Cunningham was a farmer there, and the late Edward H. Cunningham, our subject's father, was born there and passed his life in the same locality, engaged in the business of stove molding. He was an expert in his line, and for many years was superintendent of the Peekskill Stove Company. In later life he retired to a farm to end his days in the peaceful occupation of agriculture, his death occurring in 1886. His wife. Miss Phcebe A. Sutton, a member of one of the old pioneer families of Westchester county, died in 1870. She was born in Peekskill, where her father, a gas manufacturer, was a leading citizen. Our subject was the youngest in a family of nine children, the others being: Letitia, deceased; John, a resident of Peekskill; Louisa, Mrs. Charles H. Hall, of Croton Landing; James, who resides in New York City; Ada, lately deceased, was the wife of Frank Norton, of Croton Landing: Dirlin, the sixth in order of birth; George, a resident of Arkansas City, Kans.; and Fannie, deceased. Both parents were devout and consistent members of the M. E. Church, and were held in high esteem among their associates.

The early life of our subject was spent in his native town, his education being mainly acquired in the local schools. In 1884 he went to Matteawan and after a short course of study in the schools there, engaged in business

COMMEMORAFIVE BIOORAPHJCAL RECORD.

at the corner of Fountain and Leonard streets as a wholesale and retail dealer in flour, feed, grain, baled hay, straw, and similar commodities. Starting practicallj' without capital of his own, he has made his wa\' to success, and is recognized as one of the leading business men of the town. His present extensive trade is still on the increase, and he devotes his attention to it, paying but little heed to politics. On June 3, 1896, he was married to Aliss Jennie McCallin, an attractive young lady, the daughter of F. McCallin, a well-known citizen of Fishkill Landing.

WILLT.-\.M J. WOOD, a prominent mason of Dover Plains, Dutchess county,

whose skillful work in his chosen calling has given him more than a local reputation, is one of the rising young business men of that place.

His family originated in Scotland, where his grandfather, Thomas Wood, was born and educated. He came to America in early manhood and settled in Dutchess county, and he and his wife. Amy Elliot, reared a family of three children: John, who married (first) Miss Carlo,and (second) Miss I^ottie Thomas; Lettie, who married Amos Jenkins; and William, our subject's father, who was born in 1832, and received a common-school education in the town of Dover. He then learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for man}' year. He was also interested in quarrying in the same town, and as an energetic business man took an influential part in local affairs. His first wife was Miss Helen Birch, daughter of Ethel and Gettie (Knickerbocker) Birch. Of the two children of this marriage our subject was the younger. The elder, Lettie D., born in 1861, died at the age of twenty. Mrs. Wood died in 1869, and our subject's father formed a second matrimonial union, this time with Mrs. Mary Allen, who died in 1890, leaving no children.

William J. Wood was born in 1863, and was educated in the public schools of his native town of Dover. He learned the mason's trade, and has now been successfully engaged in it for seven years, his business extending to all the neighboring towns. Politically he has always favored the Republican party, but he has not been an aspirant for public office. In 1883 he married Miss Emma Brown, and they have had two children: Lettia A., born in 1888, and David B., born in 1891.

Mrs. Wood's father, George H. Brown, was born and reared in Dover Plains, and afterward became a prominent farmer of that vicinity. In 1861 he enlisted at Poughkeepsie in the 150th N. Y. \'. I., and served throughout the war, taking part in many important battles and gaining a commission. He married Rachel Ostrander, and had nine children: Maggie, who married Egbert Morey, and has one child—Mabel; (2) Williani, who married Martha Vincent, and has two children—Allen and Frank; (3) Emma, Mrs. Wood; (4) Lo-theria, who married William Dennis, and has three children—Hazel, Louis, and one whose name is not given; (5) Elizabeth, who married George Root, and has one child—Nellie. The four remaining children, Charles, George, Myron and John, are not married. Rachel Ostrander, Mrs. Wood's mother, was born and educated in Amenia. Her father, Jacob Ostrander, was a native of the town of Milan, and received his education there, engaging afterward in agriculture. He married, and reared a family of children, of whom Mrs. Wood's mother was the youngest. The others are: James; Mary, Mrs. Adam Waldron; Lottie, .Mrs. Royal Halleck; Carrie, Mrs. George Murph)-; Kittie, and Amy.

THOMAS G. ALDRIDGE, of the firm of Aldridge & Covert, leading merchants at Dutchess Junction, Dutchess county, is one of the self-made business men, whose ability and enterprise have done so much to build up the trade of their respective communities.

His grandfather, Daniel Aldridge, a man highly esteemed in his day, married Jane Edwards, and had four children: (1) Thomas, who married, and had eight children—Benjamin, William H., Thomas, Jr., Aaron E., Theresa J., Alfraetta, George I^. and Gertrude. (2) William, our subject's father. (3) Edward. (4) Ella.

William Aldridge was a native of Orange county; he married Jeannette Simpson, by whom he had seven children: Edward L. (deceased), Lemuel E., Ella A., Jennie (deceased), Thomas G., Charles and William S. During the Civil war Mr. Aldridge enlisted in the United States service for three years. Before he left Albany on his way to the front his wife died, leaving the little family bereft of the care of both parents. \\. the expiration of his first term the father re-enlisted, and served un-

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til the close of the war, when he returned home and resumed his business of brick-making, in which he was very successful, being a thorough master of all branches of the trade. He died in Kansas City, Mo., in 1878.

Thomas G. Aldridge was born December 12, 1853, at Dutchess Junction, N. Y., and has made his own way in life from the time of his mother's death, when he was only twelve years old. He secured employment upon a schooner which was engaged in the brick carrying trade between Dutchess Junction and New York City. After three years at this' work he made a practical study of steam engineering, and at eighteen was put in charge of a brick plant at Dutchess Junction. He held this position until 1892, when he formed his present partnership and engaged in the grocery and meat business, of which he has made a success. On December 8, 1S80, he married Miss Alida Covert, daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine (Jones) Covert; their only child died in infancy.

Mr. Aldridge is not a politician in the strict sense of the word, but he takes a patriotic interest in public affairs, and is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

EVAN BRYANT, of Bryant Bros., proprie- ; tors of the "Standard House," Fishkill,

Dutchess county, is one of the most enterprising young business men of that vicinity. He is of English descent, the old home of his family being in Gloucestershire, England, where his great-grandfather, Richard Bryant, and his grandfather, Jonathan Bryant, were born and spent their lives in the hatter's business. His father, Samuel Bryant, was also born in England, and previous to coming to America in 1S55, learned the same trade. He is now a resident of Matteavvan.

Evan Bryant was born in Brewster, Putnam county, July 14, 1863, and was but two years old when his parents moved to Matte-awan, where he grew to manhood, attending the public schools. He also acquired a knowledge of the hatter's trade, and for fourteen years followed it there and in different places in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Canada. On November 13, 1S94, he established his present hotel and saloon business at Fishkill, in partnership with his brother Edward. Neither is married. They take great interest

in public questions, and while they are steadfast supporters of the Republican party so far as national issues are concerned, Mr. Bryant is not bound by partisan ties in local affairs, voting for men and measures which, in his judgment, will advance the best interests of the community.

EORGE S. AUCOCK is one of the repre-iL^' sentative and prominent merchants of Red Hook, Dutchess county, N. Y., where his birth occurred in 1862. His educational privileges were quite good, he having been able to attend the De Garmo Institute, Rhinebeck, N. Y. In 1889 he established his present general store in the village of Red Hook, which sprang at once into public favor, and he is now at the head of a large and constantly increasing business. In 1886 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Vosburgh, a daughter of WardWs-burgh, one of the leading farmers of the town of Ancram, Columbia county, N. Y., and they have become the parents of one child, Bessie, born in 1888.

Robert Stephenson, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Snaith. Yorkshire, England, where he was educated, and when quite a young man began dealing in live stock. Later, in connection with this, he also engaged in the butcher's business at ihat place. He wedded Miss Watson, of Scotland, and to them were born five children: William, who for his second wife married a Miss Collins; Sarah, Mrs. Anna Oxenforth; Jane; and Eliza, who became the wife of Charles Bean. The second child, Sarah Stephenson, was born in 1804, at Snaith, of which place the other children were also natives, and in the common schools there she received her education. She married William Aucock, a son of Jonathan Aucock, of Snaith, Yorkshire. At that place the son engaged in carpentering most of his life, and was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in his native land. Eleven children were born to William Aucock and his worthy wife, namely, Elizabeth, who became the wife of Henry Siberan; Christina, who wedded Jeremiah Needham; Jonathan, who married Ann Morgan; John and Robert, who died in infancy; William, the father of our subject; Robert, who married Catherine Martin; Eleanor, who became the wife of Joseph Green; Sarah, who, after the death of her first husband, Thomas Hanpson,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

became the wife of a Mr. Jones; and George and Jofin. who were also married. The mother of these children died in England in 1881.

The father of our subject was born in Snaith in 1S31, and after completing his education in the public schools he learned the art of fancy gardening and plant culture on the estates of the Campbells, in Sheffield, England, where he was employed for some time. Like his ancestors, he became a member of the Odd Fellows Society of his native place, and stood quite high in the order. In 1855 he emigrated to the United States, making his first location on Hunters Island, where he remained for about two months, and then went to Toronto, Canada. At the end of ten months, however, he returned to the States, locating this time at Annandalc, Dutchess county, where the following two years w ere passed. After a year spent at Newark, N. J., he came again to Dutchess county, and has now made his home in the town of Red Hook for thirty-seven years, being employed there on the estate of the Tymp-sons. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Eliza Cooper, daughter of Robert and Anna Cooper, of New York City. They became the parents of four children: Mary, born in 1859; George S., of this sketch; Sarah, born in 1865, and William C., born in 1868. The third child of this family, Sarah, is now the wife of Charles Burnea, son of Charles E. and .Mary Burnea, of Philadelphia, where the son is engaged as a decorator and designer. Two children grace this union—Marie Gerard, born in 1891, and William A., born in 1894.

On his mother's side, our subject is also descended from English ancestry, his greatgrandfather, Robert Cooper, being born in England, and there married. In his family were the following children: Joseph, James, Robert, Mary, Eliza, Sarah, Betsy and Nancy. Of these, Robert Cooper, Jr., was born in Manchester, England, whence he removed to the North of Ireland, and there engaged in farming. He was married to Miss Anna More-head, a daughter of John Morehead, of England, and to them were born the following children: Mattie, who was three times married, her first husband being James Lawrence, the second, Claudius Dord, and the third Robert Dunlap; James, who wedded Mary Liddle; Joseph, who married a Miss Cooper; Robert, who remained single; Mary, who became the wife of Pierson Hyde; and Eliza, the mother of our subject.

CHARLES REDA\'ATS. proprietor of a _, boarding and training stable at Green Haven, was born in the town of Beekman, March 29, 1833, and is the son of John J. Redavats, a native of Italy, who left home at the age of eighteen years, coming to America, where he enlisted in the United States navy. For a number of years he was on a man-of-war, and after leaving the service came to Beekman town, Dutchess county, locating at Green Haven, where he followed the carpenter's trade for the remainder of his life. Here he married Miss Ann Clarkson, a daughter of Charles Clarkson, and to them were born four children: Mary Jane, who wedded Aldest Terwilliger, but both are now deceased; George, deceased; Charles, of this sketch; and Joseph, of Danbury, Conn. The father was first a Whig in politics, but joined the Republican party on its organization, with which he continued to affiliate up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was si.xty years of age. His wife departed this life at the age of sixty-five years.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed at Green Haven, he living with W. B. Sheldon for seven years in order to pa}- for two acres of land on which his father had erected a house, and later worked for George B. Foote for five years. In the town of Beekman, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Grif-fen, and they became the parents of six children, as follows: \\'illiam, who was a conductor on a construction train on the New England railroad, was killed by accident; Theodore died at the age of five years; Charles died at the age of two years; Clara is the wife of William E. Williams, by whom she has two children, Charles and Leland; Frank is in the office of the Old Colony Line railroad, at Boston, Mass.; and Jennie.

For six years after his marriage, Mr. Redavats made his home near Rahway, N. J., being superintendent of the farm and stable of George F. Fellows, and then returned to Beekman township, where he engaged in the horse business at the stock farm belonging to Merritt & Allerton for four years. After their failure he remained with their successors for one year, and then purchased his present place and went into business for himself. He conducts a good boarding and training stable, and is now at the head of a large and constantly increasing business. Like his father was, he is an ardent Republican in politics,

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895

and takes an active interest in the success of his part)'. He is numbered among the best citizens of the community, and is a wideawake, energetic business man and the architect of his own fortune.

CRAWFORD C. MacNEIL, of Matteawan, ^ a leading wholesale and retail dealer in confectioner}' and ice cream, and proprietor of a popular restaurant on Union street, is a descendant of the famous Scottish Clan Mac-Neil, one of his ancestors in the direct line being Sir John MacNeil.

Crawford C. MacXeil was born at Red Hook, Dutchess count}'. May 30, 1844, the son of Hector and Jane i Craig) MacNeil. They had nine children: Jane, John, Kate, Agnes, Crawford C, Serena, Hector, Robert and Charles.

Our subject was educated in the public schools near his early home, and on the removal of the family to Poughkeepsie in 1850, he entered the employ of Smith Bros., confectioners and caterers, remaining until 1873, when he opened a similar establishment of his own. He was burned out during the first year, and in the spring of 1874 he removed to Matteawan and again started in business, this time in a small way. As success rewarded his efforts, he gradually enlarged and improved his establishment until it is now one of the most complete of its kind in the county. Mr. MacNeil has an inventive turn of mind, and is the originator of that far-famed drink, ice-cream soda water. He introduced it to the public while he was with the Smith Bros, and the beverage soon became a favorite in all parts of the country. He has also originated a number of new popular styles of candy, including the American mixed candy, for which there has been a large demand. His present prosperity is well deserved as it is based upon his own industry and judicious management.

Mr. MacNeil married Miss Alice Trow, daughter of William and Jane Trow, of Poughkeepsie, and they have one son. They are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church of Matteawan, and take a ger.erous interest in all progressive movements in the locality. Although he is a Republican in principle, Mr. MacNeil has never taken an)' part in political work or aspired to office. He is active in many non-political enterprises, however, and is a member of Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266,

F. & A. M., of Hudson River Lodge, K. of P., and of the Nineteenth Separate Company of Poughkeepsie, in which he won an elegant gold medal presented by the State for long and faithful service, the records placing him twentieth in rank among 13,000 men. He has also been a member of the National Guard for thirty-four years, and was in the volunteer service during the Civil war.

ILLIAM C. CRAMER. The subject ^}L of this personal history is a resident of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he is successfully carrying on a boot and shoe store, and is well esteemed as a man of industry and enterprise, besides being a worthy citizen and having to his credit an unblemished war record. He was born in the town of Red Hook, May 11, 1844, and is a son of Henry A. and Catherine (W'aldorf) Cramer, who were the parents of five children, the others being: Balinda, John V. R., George H. and James. The father was a son of George Cramer, and was a prosperous farmer and carpenter of Red Hook.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Waldorf, was born and educated in Red Hook town, where he later followed the occupation of a farmer, owning and conducting the large and well-stocked farm which had belonged to his father, who had erected the coni-modious and substantial stone house that is still standing. The place comprised 500 acres of valuable land, and thereon John W'aldorf reared his family of seven children, namely: David, Christopher, John, William, Catherine, Maria and Betsey. In that old house Mrs. Cramer was born and spent her early girlhood, being educated at the schools of the neighborhood. In his boyhood William C. Cramer also drew his education from the common schools of the town of Red Hook, and on laying aside his text books assisted in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm until the breaking out of the Civil war in 1S61, when he enlisted in the 91st N. Y. V. I., and remained in the service until after the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomatox. He participated in various engagements, and signalized himself by bravery and fidelity to duty, receiving the approval of his officers and the warm friendship of his comrades. After the close of the war he went to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, where he remained for some time, and then conducted a

VOMMEilORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

general trucking business in New York City for a while. After disposing of that, however, he returned to Red Hook.

On .August 28, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cramer and Miss Isabella D. Barringer, daughter of Robert Barringer, of Red Hook, and to them was born a daughter, Ida L., who died at the age of six years. After his marriage, our subject learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked until 1888, when he established his present boot and shoe business at Red Hook, and this venture has proved very successful.

Mr. Cramer is cjuite prominently identified with the Odd Fellows Society, belonging to Christian Lodge, in which he has served as past grand and passed through all the chairs; is also a member of Ja^ar Encampment, of Rhinebeck. Dutchess county; and the Odd Fellows Mutual Jienefit Association. He now affiliates with .-Vrmstrong Post, G. A. R., of Rhinebeck, but was formerly a member of Ward B. Bennett Post, of Tarrytown, Westchester Co., N. Y. He is a public-spirited, progressive man, and takes an active interest in the welfare of his town and county.

I ENRY D. CYPHER, who is engaged in general farming at Poughquag, town of Beekman, Dutchess county, is looked upon as a useful and honorable citizen, who has the best interests of the county at heart, and does all in his power to advance its welfare. Of Holland ancestry, his birth occurred at Poughquag, December 18, 1836, and there almost his entire life has been passed.

Thomas Cypher, his grandfather, was a native of Westchester county, and when a young man came to Beekman town, locating on Clapp Hill, where he engaged in farming on rented land. His political support was given the Whig party. He wedded Mary Hillaker, by whom he had seven children, all now deceased: John, Deborah, Thomas, David, William, Mary and one daughter, who died in childhood.

On Clapp Hill, William Cypher, the father of our subject, was born in 1806, and in the common schools of Beekman town he secured his education. When he had reached maturity he was united in marriage with Emily Armstrong, a native of Connecticut, after which he purchased a small farm at Poughquag, which he operated for one j'ear, and

then removed to the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, where he followed the same occupation until called from this life February 2, 1849. Like his father he was a Whig in politics. In his family were these children: Henry D., of this sketch; George and Elisha, deceased; and two sons, who died in infancy.

The early school days of Henry D. Cypher were passed at Poughquag, and after the death of his father he, with the other members of the family, returned to that place, being at the time thirteen years of age. In 1851 he began clerking for James A. Vanderburg, at Poughquag, which position he held for one year, and in 1853 went to New York City, where he was employed in a grocery store for the same length of time. Returning to his native place, he learned the carpenter's trade with Henry Armstrong, which he followed for eight years.

In the town of Beekman, July i, 1S63, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cypher and Miss Maria Noxon, daughter of Elmer R. Noxon, and they became the parents of four children: Lavert, of Brooklyn, who married Mr. Devine, by whom she has one daughter; George; Emily, wife of Fred Coleman, of Dover town, Dutchess county, by whom she has two children—Delmer Clayton and Ann Dutcher; and Robert.

Until 1871 Mr. Cypher carried on agricultural pursuits in the western part of the town of Beekman, after which he removed to his present farm at Poughquag, which was cleared by Mrs. Cypher's great-grandfather Noxon, and has since devoted his attention to its cultivation and improvement. His ballot is cast in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He has been assessor of his town, and is still acceptably filling the offices of commissioner of highways and justice of the peace. His career has been one of the strictest integrity and honor.

CHARLES F. WANZER, a wealthy business man of Matteawan, Dutchess county, and the proprietor of one of the oldest groceries in that town, was born January 29, 1828, on the "Wheelocke Farm" near Garrison, Putnam Co., N. Y. His grandfather, .Abraham Wanzer, married Lydia Beers, and their son, Floyd, our subject's father, was a well-known farmer of Putnam county. He married Jane Foster, daughter of Joseph Foster, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and had five children,

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897

of whom the first two died in infancy. The others are Charles F., EHzabeth and Cohsta Jane.

Charles F. Wanzer attended the district schools near his home during boyhood, and spent much of his time in working upon his father's farm. At the age of twenty-one he left home to make his own way in the world, and coming to Matteawan he worked for several years at various employments, as opportunity favored him. In 1854 he became a clerk in the grocery store then belonging to Jacob Palmer, and after the death of the latter in 1856 he conducted the business for his widow for one year. He then purchased the store, and for thirty-eight years has continued the business at the old location. His success is a result of untiring industry, and although he is an ardent Republican, he has invariably declined when urged to accept nomination for office, because he could not see his way clear to attend to his own affairs and at the same time meet satisfactorily the demands which official position would bring. He is interested in various lines of business, having a large amount of money invested in real estate in the village, and he has been for many years a member of the Board of Trade and the Merchants Protective Association. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Fishkill Landing. Being an enthusiastic hunter, Mr. Wanzer spends considerable time during the duck-shooting season in hunting this most palatable fowl. He is an unerring marksman, and woe betide the unlucky bird upon which he sets his "weather eye," for its doom is sealed.

BOBERT JOHNSTON. Among the most \ prominent of the early residents of Lake

Mahopac, Putnam county, was Robert Johnston, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He came to this country from Ireland in early manhood, and engaged in mercantile business, first in New York City, and later in Putnam county, where he became a leader in political as well as in commercial circles. He was an influential Democrat, and served as county judge, member of the State Senate, and member of the Council of Appointment and Revision. He was married after coming to the United States, and reared a family of six children: One son, William H. Johnston (our subject's father),and five daughters, one

of whom became the grandmother of Chaun-cey M. Depew.

William H. Johnston followed farming and spent his life at Lake Mahopac, his native place. Like his father, he was an active and influential worker in the Democratic party, and he held the offices of sheriff and surrogate of Putnam county. His death occurred in 1828, but his wife, Susan Van Wyck, lived to the age of ninety-eight years, passing to her eternal reward in 1885; she was born in the town of .East Fishkill, Dutchess county, in the house now occupied by our subject, the old home of her family. Her grandfather, William Van Wyck, a native of Dutchess county, was a farmer there. He had four sons: William, a politician of note, and a Congressman from his district, was a farmer by occupation, first in his native place and later in Virginia; Theodorus is mentioned below; Samuel was a lawyer in New York City; and John followed farming near the old home. Theodorus Van-Wyck (Mrs. Johnston's father) married Miss Young, of Westchester county, N. Y., and settled at the homestead, where they reared a family of six children: Two sons—Theodorus and William—who both followed agriculture in their native town, and four daughters—Martha, Susan, Sarah-and Ann.

Robert Johnston, our subject, was born at Lake Mahopac, November 24, 1824, the second of the three children of his parents, and is now the only surviving member of the family. The eldest, Sarah, never married, and the youngest died in infancy. When Robert was five years old he came to his mother's old home, and has lived there ever since. He owns an estate of about 300 acres, and is engaged in general farming, also giving considerable attention to horticulture. An intelligent, progressive man, he is highly esteemed among his neighbors. In politics he was originally a Whig, voting for Henrj' Clay, and on the organization of the Republican party he gave it his allegiance.

^\DWARD L. RYMPH, a retired farmer and fruit raiser of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, March 29, 1831.

James Rymph, grandfather of our subject, was born in Holland, came to America when a young man and settled on a farm in Hyde Park, where he built his own house in the wil-

!S08

COMMEMORATIVE lilOOItAPEICAL RECOIW.

derncss, married, and reared a family of several children. John Rymph, one of these, was reared on the farm, and boated on the Hudson river. He was united in marriage with Miss Wynche Hasbrouck, who was born in Ulster county, in the town of New Paltz, October 2 1, 1787. They were married February 11, 1S08. She was a descendant of the old Hasbrouck family of New Paltz. Mr. and Mrs. Rymph settled down on the farm, and the following children were born to them: Mariah, born November 4, 1808,. married Abram S. Du Bois, a farmer in the town of Lloyd, Ulster county; James, born May 28, 1810, was a farmer in Dutchess county; Margaret, born May 28, 1812, married Benjamin L. Hasbrouck, a farmer of Ulster county; Sarah, born October i, 1814, married Joseph Chambers, of Ulster county; William H., born October 4, 1816, was a farmer in the town of Clinton;. Rachel B., born April 12, 1819, married John \'. Schryver, a farmer of Hyde Park; John, Jr., born June 19, 1822, was a farmer; George, born April 7, 1824, followed farming in Ulster county; David H., born July 22, 1827, is still living, unmarried; Susan A., born September 20, 1829, died unmarried; Edward L. is our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Rymph were members of the Reformed Church. He died on the old farm.

Edward L. Rymph remained on the old homestead during his early life, and attended the district schools. In i860 he married Miss Jane E. Palmer, who was born in Clintondale, Ulster county. She was a daughter of Harvey Palmer, a farmer and merchant of the same place, who came of English ancestors. Three children were born to our subject and his wife: Henry L. and Edwin H. (twins), and Marj' E. Henry L. married Miss Smalley, and is farming in Poughkeepsie; Edwin H. died in infancy; Mary E. married Carl C. Todd, a farmer in the town of Hyde Park. Shortly after his marriage our subject went to Poughkeepsie, where he engaged in the photograph business for some time. Mrs. Rymph died March 24, 1864, and our subject went to the South and was with the construction corps in the Civil war, building bridges, etc., for one year. He then returned and bought a farm in New Paltz, on which he lived for two years, and then sold it. Coniing to Dutchess county, he lived in Poughkeepsie for a year, later moving to Hyde Park and residing there for four years. In the spring of 1875 ^Ir. Rymph came to Pough-

keepsie again, erected three fine buildings and has since resided here.

On October 24, 1866, our subject married Miss Martha A. Roosa, who was born in the town of Rochester, Ulster county, January 9, 1838. Her first husband was George Kelder, by whom she had one child, Simon J., who married Miss Jennie Sutton, of Newburgh. Jacob B. Roosa, Mrs. Rymph's father, was born in Rochester, April 27, 1810, and was married to Miss Nancy Anderson, of the same place. Two children were born to them: Elizabeth, November 27, 1831, married James J. Shurter, a farmer in Rochester; and Martha A., the wife of our subject. Mr. Roosa was a Democrat, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. He died in 1S74, his wife in 1844. Simon Roosa, the grandfather, was born on the homestead in Rochester, and followed farming. He was in the war of 1812. The great-grandfather, Jacob Roosa, was the original settler on the farm in Rochester. He came of Holland stock. James Anderson, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Rymph, was a farmer in Rochester, and married Miss Martha Merrit, of Marlborough. The Andersons were of English ancestry.

Our subject and his second wife had one child, William, born February 18, 1876, and died in April, 1876. Mr. Rymph has a farm of sixtj'-five acres on which he formerly raised fruit, but he is now living a retired life. In politics he is afifiliated with the Republican party. He and his wife both attend the Methodist Church. Mr. Rymph is an energetic citizen, and has identified himself with manj' progressive movements.

e;

'\DWARD ENGLEHARDT. The subject

4 of this sketch was born in the city of Poughkeepsie. Dutchess county, December 16, 1861. He attended school for a time at Lexington, Greene county, and at the Eastman Night School, but his opportunities were limited, and most of his education was acquired by private study. He has always been a constant reader and is a well-informed young man.

Our subject's first employment was with Alexander Ross at the age of thirteen years. One daj' when coming through the railroad yards he was run over and lost his right leg. Upon his recovery he again worked for Mr. Ross, remaining with him until nineteen years

COMMEMORATIVE BIOOHAPHICAL RECORD.

899

old. He then secured the position of flagman on the Hudson River railroad, which he retained for five months, and then went to work at Poughkeepsie making boxes. He kept at that for a year, and then learned the coopering trade, working for Atto Faust, for whom he worked as a journeymen until 1885. He next went into the saloon business for a year, but returned to his trade and was employed by James Buckhurst until 1891, when he went to Sing Sing as a keeper, being appointed to that position by Governor Flower. He resigned July 22, 1892, and came to Poughkeepsie and again worked for Mr. Buckhurst. In the fall of 1893 he was elected supervisor of the First ward for two years. He was chairman of the printer's committee, member of the committee on coroners and accounts and on committee on public institutions in the session of 1894. He held other positions of trust and responsibility. He was janitor of the board of supplies for one session, and has filled the office of county sealer for two successive terms. He has taken an active part in politics, and is a leader among the people of his v,'ard.

In March, 1880, Mr. Englehardt was married to Miss Rosanna Kirby, of Poughkeepsie, and the following children were born to them: Carrie died at the age of three years; Lucy, Elizabeth, George, Augusta, Gertrude, Ed-mond. Our subject is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion and, with his wife, is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Christian Englehardt, father of our subject, was born in Denmark in 1814, and came to America and engaged for a time in the cooper business in New York City, then went to Albany. He came to Poughkeepsie upward of fifty years ago, and worked as journeyman cooper for Sleight & Paulding, who started their shop in 1847, and with whom he has been ever since. He was married in Germany, and the following children were born to them: Charles, living in Elizabeth, N. J.; Martha, who became the wife of Mathew Benhordt, of Poughkeepsie; Henry lives in Prattsville; Mary married Jacob Benhordt; Christian resides in Poughkeepsie; Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Adams, of Poughkeepsie; Alma married John Decker, and lives in Poughkeepsie; William, who lives in Poughkeepsie; Abram; George, deceased; and Edward. Christian Englehardt is one of the oldest citizens of Poughkeepsie. He is a Democrat, and a member of the German Lutheran Church.

ACOB SCHRAUTH, a retired merchant of Poughkeepsie and one of its most popular German citizens, was born at Kreuznach, in the Rhine Province, April 18, 1834, a son of John and Margaret (Wcyell) Schrauth, the former of whom was also born in Kreuznach, the latter in Waluff on the Rhine, Prussia.

John Schrauth, the grandfather of our subject, was a hotel-keeper at Kreuznach, of which f)lace he was a native. He married, and to the union was born a large family of children. Their son, John, father of our subject, was also a hotel-keeper, and in connection with it followed the occupation of a farmer. In 18 16, for his second wife, he married, Margaret Wcyell, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: Jacob, Laura, Kate, Minnie, Julia, Louis, Eliza and Benia. Of these, Louis is a resident of Boston, and Eliza is the widow of Conrad Lcmbke, formerly a saloon-keeper in Highland. Our subject's parents spent their entire lives in their native land, where the father died in 1S75 and the mother in 1885. They were members of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob Schrauth lived in his native town until twenty years of age, during which time he learned the cooper's trade. In 1854 he came to America, landing in New York City where he remained three years, and there learned the trade of a baker. In 1857 he came to Poughkeepsie, and for six years was employed as a baker by Robert High, the three following years working for P. S. Rowlands-In 1866 Mr. Schrauth went into business for himself, renting a building at No. 153 Main street. In the following two years he made many improvements in the place and expanded his business by the introduction of ice-cream, confectionery, etc., carrying on two stores with all modern improvements, doing, in fact, an extensive trade. On May i, 1897, his sons Edward L. and William H. purchased the business of their father, forming a co-partnership under the name of J. Schrauth's Sons. Pieing brought up under their father's careful training, they are well fitted to succeed him, and a successful future is predicted for them, especially if they follow in the footsteps of their predecessor, who is known to be an enterprising, progressive man, keeping abreast of the times,thoroughly understanding his business, courteous and obliging, and not only se-' curing the best class of customers, but know-I ing how to retain them.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In i860 Jacob Schraiith was married to Miss Kate Schneider, who was born at Kaiser-slautern, Bavaria, Germany, and seven children have blessed this union: Charles, engaged in the confectionery business at Union-hill, N. v.; one who died in infancy; Minnie, who married William H. Frank, a brewer at Poughkeepsie; Edward L., of the firm of J. Schrauth's Sons; Kate, married to William La Paugh, of the firm of La Paugh & Son, in Poughkeepsie; William H., of the firm of J. Schrauth's Sons, and Cora, at home. Charles married Barbara Seifts, an orphan, and they had three children—Charles, Katie and Louis; Edward L. married Josephine C. Beigle, daughter of the late Leonard Beigle; W'illiam H. wedded Matilda Seeholtzer, daughter of Berthold Seeholtzer, and they have one child —Edna. Edward L. and William H. are both members of Fallkill Lodge No. 297, I. O. O. P., and the former is also identified with the Phcenix Hose Co., Poughkeepsie.

Our subject and his amiable wife are consistent members of the German Lutheran Church, in the work of which they are always ready to assist. In his political views he is a Republican, and for two years was a member of the board of water works of Poughkeepsie. Like most Germans, he is a lover of music, and for twelve years was president of the German Singing Society. He is a member of Adler Lodge No. 388, I. O. O. F.

DAVIU V. HAGGERTY, the leading florist ' of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was

born in that city August 3, 1867, and although still a young man has shown more than average business ability, which has enabled him to push forward the enterprise begun by his father to a wonderful degree of success.

The Haggerty family is of Irish descent. The father of our subject, James Haggerty, was born in Brooksborough, Ireland. His father was a native of that place also, where he carried on farming or gardening. He had a family of si.\ children, as follows: James; William, a farmer in Rhinebeck; Thomas, a florist in New York City; Jennie and Sarah, deceased; Mary, living in New York City. The family came to the United States and settled in Rhinebeck, where the father died.

James Haggerty had but meagre advantages for an education in his native country, but after coming to America he improved every

opportunity to store his mind with useful knowledge. He was naturally gifted with a fine intellect, and was a great reader of all kinds of literature, but more especially of such as bore upon the vocation he adopted, that of a florist. During his life he kept well-posted on all topics relating to this branch of gardening, and was among the most progressive men in his business.

Air. Haggerty's first employment was on the Ellerslie farm, which is now owned by-Governor Morton, where he worked for Mr. James. He then went to Newburgh and was in the emplo}' of Mr. Bridgman, who subsequently placed him in his large florist establishment in New York City. There he remained until removing to Poughkeepsie and going into business for himself. He first built a small greenhouse just south of the old reservoir on South Clinton street, which was the first of the kind in the city. From there he moved to No. 181 Main street, where he built a greenhouse and also carried on a seed store, then bought the property at No. 381 on the same street, and erected the large and commodious building which he afterward occupied. In 1867 he bought the T. H. Leggett property of ten acres near Poughkeepsie, to which he added from time to time until it comprised thirty acres. On this he built an extensive greenhouse covering two acres, the largest probably in the county, and here carried on a most flourishing business until his death, which event took place December 17, 1881. He was a man of great energy and unflagging industry. He was successful in almost everything he attempted, and accumulated a comfortable fortune. In his political views he was a Republican, but never took an active interest in public affairs other than that which every good citizen should. Both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Church, and were members of the choir. He was for many years one of the most prominent members of the New York Horticultural Society, and served one term as its president. In all the relations of life he was generous, kind and helpful, and stood high both among his associates in business and in social circles. He was married to Miss Rebecca Vail Hyde, daughter of Liberty Hyde, of Pleasant Valley. Five children were born of this union; William, deceased; John, David Vail, Susanna and Margaret.

David V. Haggerty obtained his education in the Poughkeepsie schools, and thin went to

UOMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

901

Washington, Conn., where he studied the florist's business. He left school in 1885 in the last year of his course, and the following year took charge of the property for his mother until he became of age in 1889, when he and his brother John bought the entire property with the exception of his mother's interest, she remaining a member of the firm, which is known as R. \\ Haggerty & Sons. Our subject has taken the active management of the business, which has steadily increased. He has become one of the largest producers in the county, and the greenhouses are the largest in the State. He has inherited much of his father's abilit}' and persistence, and is fully as progressive and interested in his work. He keeps abreast of the times in all discoveries and experiments in his line, and by his fair methods of dealing and courteous manners to all has drawn about him a large number of steady customers as well as many personal friends. Like his father was, he is a Republican and a Methodist, and is prominent in both these organizations. He is a member of the order of St. John, and for eight or nine years has been a member of the Davy Crockett Hook and Ladder Company. In 1889, he was married to Miss Isabella, daughter of Frank Rob-son, and three children have been born to them: Gladys, James Donald and John Francis.

t BRAM V. V. HAIGHT. the able secre-^ tary of the Poughkeepsie Transportation Co., and one of the leading citizens of the county seat (Dutchess county), was born August 24, 1842, in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, on an estate which had been in the possession of his family for many years. His ancestors came from Connecticut at an early period, locating in the town of Fishkill, where his grandfather, Joseph Haight, was a prominent farmer. He married Hannah Dudley, a member of an old and highly esteemed family of that vicinity, and had four children: Elizabeth, who married Henry Van Voorhis; Minerva, who married Thomas Burrows; Cornelius J., our subject's father; and Hannah, the wife of Peter Burchen, who was for some time the principal of Dutchess County Academy.

Cornelius J. Haight was born June 22, 1817, at the old homestead, five miles from the village of Fishkill, and lived there until he was thirty-three years old, when he went to

Buffalo and engaged in the commission business on the dock, dealing in flour, grain and other commodities, his firm being known as Ward & Haight. In 1857 he returned to Poughkeepsie and engaged in the wholesale flour trade, continuing in same line for several years. Later he took charge of the interests of the Manhattan Iron Co., first in Pawling and then at Sharon Station, in which latter place he remained until his retirement from active business in 18S3. Since that time he has made his home in Poughkeepsie. He is a well-read man, notwithstanding the cares and distractions of his years of successful business life. He is a leading member of the First Reformed Church, and is held in high regard among all classes for his sterling characteristics. Politically he is a Democrat, and his active interest in party affairs has caused him to be chosen to public office at different times. He married Elizabeth Van Vorhis, a descendant of a pioneer family of the town of Fishkill, and a daughter of Abram Van Vorhis, a leading resident there. They had five sons: Henry E., who resides at Sharon; Abram V.V., our subject; Joseph F., assistant cashier of the Pawling Bank; Lewis, who died at the age of two years; and Edward S., the assistant postmaster at Poughkeepsie, and who for two years previous to receiving that appointment was city treasurer.

Abram V. V. Haight received hisearly education in the schools of his native district, graduating in 1856 from school No. 10. When he was examined for admission to the high school, only twenty-seven out of a class of fifty passed the examination. He possesses fine natural abilities, and has kept well-informed upon a wide range of subjects. His first employment was with his father in Poughkeepsie, but at the age of twenty he went to New York City, where for over a year he was clerk in a commission house. In 1863 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, and served "before the mast " until the close of the war. Returning to Poughkeepsie, he was employed as a clerk for seven years by Carpenter & Bro., and for one year was clerk of the "Morgan House." In'1871 he engaged in the freighting business with Doughty, Cornell & Co., at the Upper Dock, but on the consolidation of the Upper and Main street docks in 1874, he took the position of head bookkeeper for the Poughkeepsie Transportation Co. In 1880 he was elected secretary of the company, in which

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he had become a shareholder, and has discharged his duties with energy and judgment, his success winning for him a high standing among the business men of the city.

On December i, 1875, Mr. Haight married Miss Ida T. Paulding, a daughter of William Cooper, formerly a leading cooper of Pough-keepsie. Three sons were born of this union: Burton C., who died at eighteen years of age; Harry Lown, and Abraham Van Vorhis, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Haight attend the First Reformed Church, and contribute to the support of various worthy movements in the community. On State and National issues Mr. Haight votes the Republican ticket, but in local affairs he gives his influence and his ballot to the best man. He served as police commissioner under Mayor Rowley, and has been urged to accept the nomination for mayor on two different occasions. Socially, he belongs to the V'eteran Firemen's Association and to the F. & A. M., Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266.

SELWYN A. RUSSELL. M. D. This well-known and popular physician was born in Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., February 12, 1851, and attended the district and private schools of that town. In 1874 he went to Albany and began the study of medicine, graduating with the class of 1877.

After graduating Dr. Russell was appointed resident physician of the Albany Hospital, and remained there until 1879, when he accepted a position on the medical staff at the State Hospital at Utica, holding that position until 1883, at which time he resigned and went to Europe for the purpose of completing his medical education. He spent one winter in London and one in Vienna, where he had a great deal of practical e.xperience. He remained in Vienna until the spring of 1S84, and then returned to Albany and began the practice of medicine there in partnership with Samuel B. Ward, a prominent physician, with whom he practiced until 1888, when our subject, in connection with his medical work, made a tour of the world, sailing from New York in February, around Cape Horn, arriving at San Francisco in June. Thence he went to China and Japan, returning to Albany in 1889.

On April 25, 1889, Dr. Russell was united in marriage with Miss Lucy H. Harris, a daugh-

ter of the Hon. Hamilton Harris, the prominent politician and lawyer. After his marriage, the Doctor continued his practice in Albany until 1891, when he accepted a position in the Hudson River State Hospital at Poughkeepsie, where he remained until April, 1894, at which time he resigned on account of ill health, and has since been occupied with a general practice. Previous to his trip around the world Dr. Russell was the attending physician of St. Peter's Hospital, and an instructor in physical diagnosis in the Albany Medical College. Dr. and Mrs. Russell have two children, Selwyn, born in 1890, and Hamilton H., born in 1893. Fraternally our subject is a Mason.

G. B. Russell, father of our subject, was born in Essex county, January 2, 1822, and grew to manhood on the old home place. He married Miss Charlotte Fisher, whose birth took place in Beekmantown, Clinton Co., N. Y., October 11, 1821. .After their marriage the couple settled on a farm in Essex county, and the following children were born to them: Marcus, who is a resident of Baltimore and a manufacturer of iron ware; Selwyn, our subject; Lottie became the wife of Frank Bruce, of Jay, who was a painter, and she died in 1880; John is a school teacher at Spartanburg, S. C. In early life Mr. Russell was a farmer and later became an iron maker at Jay. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he took an active part. He died in 1883. Mrs. Russell died in 1867.

Sidney Russell, the grandfather, was also born in Essex county, where he grew up and was married. They had a family of eight children. He remained on his farm in Essex county, where his death occurred. Dr. Russell's maternal grandfather was a farmer. Both sides of the family were of English descent.

ORATIO N. BAIN, the well-known and popular hotel proprietor in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess count}', was born in Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., December 20, 1857, where he lived until he was seven years old. He first went to school at Palmyra, N. Y., then at Brewster, X. Y., later at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, and for a time at the Connecticut Literary Institute, Suffield, Conn., and then to a select school.

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Upon finishing his education Mr. Bain remained at home until the death of his parents, after which he continued his father's hotel business until the lease expired of the " Pough-keepsie Hotel." In 1884 he leased the "Nelson House," a fine, large, brick building, capable of accommodating about two hundred people, and considered the best hotel in Pough-keepsie. In connection with the "Nelson House" Mr. Bain has a half-interest in the " Palatine Hotel" at Newburg, N. Y., which is considered the finest hotel on the Hudson, and which will accommodate some two hundred and twenty-five guests. His eldest brother, Francis N. Bain, is connected with him at the " Palatine" under the firm name of H. N. Bain & Co. Besides his interest in the two most popular hotels of the Hudson Valley, Mr. Bain is largely engaged in farming and stock raising, having two farms in the eastern part of the county, where he is successfully breeding high-class road and carriage horses, having exhibited his young stock at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden for three years past with marked success.

Mr. Bain was united in marriage July 20, 1882, with Miss Carrie Belding, who is a native of Dover Plains, a daughter of David L. Belding, a farmer and stock dealer, and for several years president of the Dover Plains Bank. Our subject is a Republican, and a public-spirited man. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and of the Amrita Club, of Pough-keepsie.

Milton Bain (the father of our subject), who was born in Columbia county, married Miss Charlotte N. Nash, also a native of Columbia county. After their marriage they located at Chatham, where three children were born to them: Francis N., now one of the proprietors of the "Palatine Hotel," atNewburgh; Horatio, our subject; and F. R., a real-estate dealer in Poughkeepsie. Milton Bain was landlord of the " Stanvvix Hall Hotel." at Chatham, for twelve or fourteen years, and sold out to take charge of a hotel in Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y.. later going to Brewster, N. Y., where he conducted the "Brewster House," and then to Dover Plains, continuing in the same business, at the " Dover Plains Hotel" for about twelve years. In 1878 Mr. Bain came to Poughkeepsie and became proprietor of the " Poughkeepsie Hotel," which he carried on until his death, in 18S0; his wife had passed away one year previously. In politics Mr. Bain was a Repub-

lican, and at one time held the office of assessor of the county, and of deputy sheriff. The Bain family is of Scotch descent.

Alfred Nash, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Columbia county, where he practiced law. His father, Francis Nash, was a farmer in Columbia county.

^11 ELSON DENTON. The branch of the Denton family of which the subject of this biography is a worthy representative, has been prominent in the vicinity of W'haley Pond, Dutchess county, for several generations. The first of the name to locate there was his great-grandfather, Solomon Denton, who came from Nova Scotia at a very early period. The tract of 365 acres which he acquired has never been alienated from the family, and in its entirety is now in the possession of George F. Denton, a brother of our subject. Solomon Denton's son, Solomon, and grandson, Solomon B., our subject's father, each in turn cultivated this estate, and were among the leading farmers of the locality. The members of this family have never taken a very active part in public affairs, although they have been interested in the questions of their time and have been regular voters, being Whigs in the early days and Republicans since the war issues arose. In their business management they were all thrifty and successful, and they have been active in religious work as members of the Second Baptist Church of Pawling.

Solomon the second, grandfather of our subject, and wife had six children, namely: Samuel, Amos, Josiah, Pattie (Mrs. Wright), Abram and Solomon B. Solomon B. Denton died September 20, 1885, at the age of seventy-five years, eight months and nine days. He was a deacon in the Baptist Church for about forty years, and no man in that vicinity was more highly esteemed. His wife was Harriet Lud-dington, a daughter of Frederick Luddington, a leading citizen of Ludingtonville, Putnam Co., N. Y. Six children were born to them, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others were: Augustus, now deceased; George, a hatter at Danbury, Conn.; Cecelia, who married Theodore Purdy, a carpenter of the same place; Emma, the wife of William F. Purdy, an engineer of East Orange, N. J.; and Carrie,

who died at the age of four years. ' Nelson Denton was born at the old home-

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD.

stead near Whaley Pond, May 26, 1845, ^nd was educated in the schools of district No. 9, Pawling town, and in the old Poughkeepsie Academ\". After completing his studies he engaged in mercantile business at Ludington-ville in 1864, forming a partnership with Joshua Griffith under the firm name of Denton & Griffith. They continued some time, when Mr. Denton sold his interest and bought a feed mill at Ludingtonville, which he conducted for three years. Disposing of this he followed agricultural pursuits for two years in Putnam county, N. Y., with his father-in-law, James Robinson, but later went to Danbury and was with H. A. Addis & Son for a year and a half. He then purchased a store at Perksvilie, Dutchess county, and after three years rented another store where he spent two years; but in 1887 he erected his present convenient store building, where he has a trade in general merchandise such as is enjoyed by few country stores in southeastern Dutchess county. As a business man he has been very successful, and is one of the principal property' holders in that section.

On August 3, 1871, Mr. Denton was united in marriage with Miss Albertine Robinson, who was born September 2. 1853, the daughter of a prominent farmer of Putnam county. They have had two children—Frederick S , born March 11, 1872; and Grace L., born December 27, 1882, both of whom are at home.

In politics, Mr. Denton is a Republican, but he has not given much attention to party work. He is public-spirited, however, thoroughly loyal to the best interests of his locality, and he is a leading member of the Baptist Church at Ludingtonville.

pARTIN LASHER, proprietor of a first-i^X. class hotel pleasantly situated at Upper Red Hook, Dutchess count}-, is a man of much experience and a good knowledge of business, and is conducting his present enterprise with marked success, winning popularity as a host who understands well how to cater to the wants of the public.

Mr. Lasher was born in 1822, at Clermont, Columbia Co., N. Y., where the birth of his father, Jonas Lasher, also occurred. There the latter was educated and followed the occupation of farming. He wedded Miss Barbara Sagendorph, and to them were born nine

children: George, who married a Miss Bar-ringer; Margaret, wife of Stephen Lasher; Mary, wife of Peter Fraleigh; Henry, who wedded Miss Proper; Helen, wife of Edward Coon; Martin, of this sketch; Augustus; Catherine, wife of John Morgan; and John.

In the common schools of Clermont, Martin Lasher acquired a practical education, which would tit him for the responsible duties of life, and began his business career as a farmer, following that occupation until 1850, when he opened a hotel at Red Hook, Dutchess county, which he continued to carry on until 1873. At that time he came to Upper Red Hook, where he purchased the buildings in which he now conducts a hotel with good success. He is a good citizen, an obliging landlord, and has the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.

Mr. Lasher was united in marriage with Miss Mar}' Proper, daughter of Jonas and Eliza (Ten Broeck) Proper, and four children bless their union: Fannie, Lida, Maggie and Grace. Mrs. Lasher's parents were also natives of Columbia county, where the father followed farming. In their family were seven children, namely: Leonard, who wedded a Miss Hoffman; Mary, honored wife of our subject; Samuel, Edward, Philip and Walter, all of whom died at an early age; and Sarah, who became the wife of a Mr. Miller.

NSON A. PLASS, an enterprising and successful business man of Red Hook, Dutchess county, and the proprietor of a well-known meat market there, was born in Clermont, Columbia county, in 1850.

Philip H. Plass, his father, was born and reared in the same locality, engaging in farming as he grew to manhood. Later he became the captain of a barge on the Hudson river, and followed boating for many years. He married Miss Catherine Stall, a daughter of William Stall, a prominent resident of Clermont, and reared a family of five children: William, Anson, Hermon, Mary E. and Elizabeth.

Our subject received his early education in the schools of his native place, and for a time was a farmer, and then followed his father's example and engaged in boating upon the Hudson. At the age of twenty-six years he learned the butcher's trade with Peter Rifen-burgh, of Madalin, and started in business for

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himself at Clermont, continuing successfullj' for a number of years. Later he moved to Red Hook, and established a first-class business there, his ability and energy gaining for him the esteem of all classes. In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah C. Rifen-burgh, a well-known resident of Clermont. Seven children were born of this union: Mary E., Fannie, Maud, Ina, Wilbur, Homer, and Foster.

'^UGENE FOX is numbered among the prominent and progressive young men of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Benson, who was born in 1S79, and belongs to a family whose identification with the interests of Dutchess county dates back several generations. Her great-great-grandfather, Jacob Benson, was born in Amenia, where he was reared and educated, and as a life work followed farming. He married Miss Lydia Thompson, and they had six children: Benjamin, who for his second wife, married Deborah Mackam; David, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Fo.x; Jacob, who married Martha Smith; Lydia, who married Daniel Darling ; Susan, who married John Benson ; and Hannah, who married Peter Hunt.

David Benson, an agriculturist, was also born at Amenia, and wedded Miss Susan Sprague, of Vermont. To them were born seven children; Jefferson; Joseph; Lansing. who married Rachel Patchin ; William and Jacob, who remained single; David, who married Julia Cook; and Mary, who wedded Egbert Watts. Jefferson, the oldest son, was born, reared and educated in Amenia, Dutchess county, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. By his marriage with Miss Fannie Glenn, he had five children: Jacob, who married Ruth White; Manassa, who never married; Eliza, who became the wife of Charles Davis; Phcebe, who married Phil Watts; and Sylvia, who remained single.

Joseph Benson, the second son, was the grandfather of Mrs. Fox. He was also a native of Amenia, and after his common-school education was completed followed the pursuit to which he had been reared—that of farming. He married Miss Helen Gillet, daughter of Richard and Mercy Gillet, agriculturists of the town of Dover. Five children graced this union, (i) Silas and (2) Charles

never married. (3) Susan, who was born and educated in Amenia, married Albert Watts, a mason of Dover, and they have five children: Frances, who married Frank Silver, and has four children, Walter, Mary, Ethel and Mabel; Ellen, who married Shed Bates, and has three children, Carrie, Ellen and Wealthy; Carrie, who married Piatt Reynolds and has two children, Charles and Fred; Annie, who is single; and Charles, who married Miss P'ord, and has one child, Mary. (4) Eleanor, who was also born and educated at Amenia, married Edwin Nightingale, a stone cutter of Massachusetts, and they have three children: John, who married Sadie Bates; Walter; and Helen. (5) Edwin, the father of Mrs. Fox, completes the family.

Edwin Benson was born in Amenia, in 1840, and obtained a common-school education there. When a young man he entered the employ of the Harlem railroad, with which he has been connected the greater part of his life. He is a prominent citizen, and has held a number of minor offices. He was married to Miss Adaline Powers, and the\' became the parents of two children: David, who was born in 1862, and married Henrietta Benson, by whom he has one son, Herbert; and Ellen, the wife of Eugene Fox.

John Powers, the grandfather of Mrs. Edwin Benson, and son of Joseph Powers, was a farmer of the town of Amenia, Dutchess county. By his marriage with Miss Clara Smith, he had one son, Gaylord, who was born and educated in the town of Amenia, where he also followed farming throughout life. He married Miss Abigail Watts, a daughter of David Watts, also an agriculturist of Amenia tov.-n, and seven children were born to them, (i) William, a native of Amenia, learned the machinist's trade, at which he worked for a number of years. He married Miss Delia Gordon. (2) Charles, a farmer, wedded Miss Mary Storms, and they had six children—Gusta, who married Benjamin Milton; Irving; Edwin; Flora; William and Arthur. (3) George never married. (4) John married Miss Josephine Vice, and to them was born a daughter—Sylvia. (5) Emma married Edwin Davis, a machinist of Pennsylvania, and they had seven children—Edward; Edna, who married Albert Norton, and has two children, Mabel and Sarah; Ella; Carrie; Frank; Lillie and Chester. (6) Mary wedded James Wheeler, a farmer and carpenter, and to them were born three children, who died when

C'OM.VE.VOIiAriVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

young—C. Edwin, William and John. (7) Adaline, the mother of Mrs. Fox, completes the family.

JOHN MITCHELL, the well-known blacksmith and manufacturer of carriages and wagons, at Fishkill village, Dutchess county, is one of the most respected and influential residents of that place, his public spirit and efficiency as a citizen being no less marked than his ability in business. He was born October 29, 1S21, in New York City, where he received his education in the public schools. In 1840 he came to Dutchess county and learned the blacksmith's trade, and later opened a shop at Fishkill which he conducted for several years. In 1844 he married Miss Elizabeth Webb, daughter of Henry Webb, a prominent resident of Fishkill, and established his home there. On the breaking out of the "Gold Fever," in 1849, he went to California to seek his fortune, and made a large amount of money in a short time. At first he worked at his trade for $12 per day, but soon went into business for himself and cleared on the average $50 daily for months. Sickness compelled him to return home in 1851, and he then purchased the property which he has since occupied as a wagon and blacksmith shop.

His high character and reputation for good judgment have given him the confidence of his fellow citizens to a gratifying degree. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has held several township offices, including those of commissioner, town clerk for eight years, collector for two years, and member of the Board of E.xcise for eighteen years. He has served on the Board of Education for thirty years. In 1890 Mrs. Mitchell died of pneumonia, after nearly half a century of wedded life. Of their seven children, the first two, Emerett and Mary Frances, are deceased. The survivors are Frederick, Walter, Laura, Bertha and John, Jr. The family has always been identified with the Reformed Dutch Church of Fishkill, and various members have taken active part in helpful movements in the community.

MI>:s. MARGARET TOFFEY CRAFT. The homestead of the Toffey family on Quaker Hill, near the famous " Mizzentop Hotel," is one of the beautiful country estates

for which Dutchess county is noted, being situated in one of the most picturesque spots in this favored locality. John Toffey, the grandfather of our subject, Mrs. Craft, was the first of the name to occupy the farm, his last years being spent there in agricultural pursuits. He was a native of Long Island and received his education there, but in early manhood settled in Putnam county, N. Y., where he was engaged in the manufacture of hats for many years. He was married there to Miss Fowler, who died a few years later, leaving no children. His second wife was Miss Abigail Aiken, and to them five children were born, of whom the youngest was Daniel, Mrs. Craft's father. Of the others, Hewlit married ffirst) Miss Howland, and (second) Miss Scofield; Aiken married Ann Aiken; John married Esther Aiken; and George married Catherine Vandeburgh.

Hon. Daniel Toffey was born at the homestead and attended the common schools of the town of Pawling during his boyhood. He began farming at an early age, and later became a speculator in cattle for the New York City markets. In local politics his influence was marked, first as a Whig and afterward as a Republican, and he held numerous town offices, and served one term in the State Legislature. He married Miss Betsy Hollaway, daughter of Joseph and Olive (Aiken) Hollaway, her father being one of the prominent farmers of Hurd's Corners, Dutchess county.

Mrs. Craft was the eldest of a family of six children. Born in 1810, she was reared at the old home, enjoying the educational opportunities afforded by the neighboring schools. She married James Craft, a prominent merchant of Pawling, Dutchess county, and in their family are three children: Mary, born in 1834, is at home; Lydia, born in 1836, married Dr. Charles Taylor; and Anna, born in 1839, is the wife of Aiken Thomas.

Of the younger children of Daniel Toffey (2), George, born in i8ii, became a well-known farmer and speculator. He and his wife, formerly Miss Mary Cook, reared a family of five children, all of whom married, as follows: Daniel—Miss Adaline Wilson; George —Miss Bessie Rodger; John—Miss Elizabeth Sip; William—Miss Emma Sip; and Mary— William B. Wheeler. (3) Ransom, born in 18—, and (4) Elizabeth, born in 18—, both deceased, were never married. (5) Olive, born in 1826, at the old homestead, was educated in Pough-

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keepsie. She married John L. Worden, then a midshipman in the United States navy, who rose by frequent promotions from that humble position to the rant: of admiral, and distinguished himself during the Civil war by his ability and courage. He was born in 1818, at Sing Sing, and is now on the retired list with full pay, but unfortunately, through old age and over-anxiety, he has lost his mental balance. He is the only surviving admiral of all the gallant group that served so nobly in the Civil war. Two sons and two daughters were born to him. The eldest, John LorimerWor-den, Jr., was born in Washington, D. C, and was educated at West Point, receiving a commission as lieutenant, and was in command of troops at Sackett's Harbor, where his death occurred. He married Miss Annie Edison, but left no children. Daniel T. Worden was born and educated in New York City, and is now engaged in business there as a broker. He married Miss Emily Neilson, of Philadelphia, and has one daughter, Florence. Of Admiral Worden's daughters, Grace is at home, and Olivia married Lieut. Theron Busby, of the United States navy, a Southerner by birth, and has four children: Daniel, Gaston, Olive and Grace. (6) Daniel Toffey, Jr., Mrs. Craft's youngest brother, was born on Quaker Hill, in 1828, and after completing his studies in the local schools engaged in mercantile business in New York City. He married Miss Annie Robinson, and has no children.

JOHN J. SPAULDING. a leading agriculturist of the town of Pawling, Dutchess coun--- ty, residing near Quaker Hill, is a man whose quiet influence had always tended to promote the progress of that locality. Born in that town in 1837, and educated in the common schools there, he has chosen to make it his permanent home, and has been engaged in his present calling since early manhood. He married Miss Phcebe J. Light, and has had three children: Henry, born in 1881, and Warren, born in 1889, are at home; and an only daughter, Agnes, born in 1886, died at an early age.

The Spaulding family has been identified with Dutchess county for several generations. Abram Spaulding, our subject's grandfather, was born and reared in the town of Dover, and later engaged in farming there. He and his wife, Elizabeth, reared a family of five children:

Uriah, who never married; John, our subject's father; Sallie, wife of Sanford Hoag; Lydia, wife of Warren Kerry; and Ann, who remained single.

John Spaulding first saw the light at the old homestead in the town of Dover, and after enjoying the usual educational privileges of a country boy, he made farming his occupation. He married Miss Marilla Elsworth, daughter of Piatt Elsworth, and had thirteen children: George, who is not married; Jane, wife of James Evans; John ]., oursubject; Frank,who married Minerva Beers; Harrison, who married Lizzie Donehew; Abram, who died in childhood; William, who married Mary Miller; Nathaniel, who married Helen Osborne; Uriah, unmarried; Mary A., wife of Albert Redney; Sarah, deceased; Warren, who is single; and Myron, who married Juliette Light.

Mrs. Spaulding's paternal grandfather, John Light, was a native of Putnam county, N. Y., and was educated there, following afterward the business of farming. He married, and had three children: Mosman; Henry, who married Jane Ferris; and Jeremiah. Mosman Light, Mrs. Spaulding's father, was born in the town of Kent, Putnam county, and received his education in the common schools of the town. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Sallie Ferris, daughter of John Ferris, a well-known farmer of Putnam county, and his wife, Phcebe. Eight children were born to this marriage: William, who married Mary J. Russell; John, who married Emily Smalley; Susan, wife of Enos Adams; Joseph, who married Phcebe Lee; Lansing, unmarried; Mrs. Phoebe Spaulding; George, deceased, who never married; and Charles, who married Laura Roscoe.

ILLIAM B. HUTTON, a well-known U business man of Red Hook, Dutchess county, is a native of that town, his ancestors having been for many years engaged there in mercantile pursuits.

The late Jacob R. Hutton, his grandfather, was born there in 1816, and early in life became a merchant, dealing in general merchandise, boots and shoes and similar commodities, his store being located on East Market street. He continued the business until 1876, when he moved to Poughkeepsie and entered the employ of Howes & Co., manufacturers of shoes. He remained with them in a position of trust until

COMMEMORATIVE BTOORAPUICAL RECORD.

his death, in 1890, after an exemplarj- and religious life of seventy-eight years. He was married at the age of eighteen to Miss Lydia C. HoiTman. of Red Hook, and reared a family of four children: William E., our subject's father; Nicholas R., who was married in 1865, to Miss Mary Hobbs; Fannie E., who

married John , of Red Hook, in 1863;

and Elizabeth H., who married Campbell B. Hicks in 1875.

William E. Hutton was born March 12, 1841, and after graduating from the Upper I Red Hook Academy he entered his father's store as a clerk, and soon became a partner. On the dissolution of the partnership, in 1876, he established a general drug business at the same location, and conducted it until 1892, when he disposed of it to Claude E. Hicks, who sold it to Walter Van Steenburgh, the present proprietor. He married Miss Emeline C. Dunham, of Catskill, X. Y.. in March, 1864, and has had six children: \\illiam B., born September 26, 1866; Grace M., September 27, 1869; Frank B., September 29, 1872; Emma, October 4, 1874; Mary, in January, 1876; and J. H., in January, 1876. The two younger daughters, Emma and Mary, died in infancy.

William B. Hutton, the subject proper of this sketch, attended the Upper Red Hook Academy for some time, and then entered St. Stephen's College at Annandale, graduating from the classical course in 1888. In 1890

he was graduated from the Medical

College at Albany, and soon afterentered his father's drug store as prescription clerk, remaining until the disposal of the business, in 1892. Since that time he has been engaged in the stationery and news business, with a constantly growing trade. He was married March 23, 1890, to Miss Ida Yager, of Sauger-ties, their union being blessed with one child, Anna C. Hutton. A quiet gentleman, of scholarly tastes, Mr. Hutlon holds the friendship of an exclusive circle of intimates, and the esteem of the entire community.

jOHN O. WIXOM, of the well-known firm of W^ixom & Townsend, of Matteawan, Dutchess county, is one of the substantial young business men of that town. He is a descendant of one of the old families of Putnam county, N. Y., and was born there in the town of Kent, November 2, 1862. His great-grandfather was Elijah Wixom, whose son Eli-

jah (2) married Hannah Robinson. Their son, Ctiarles, our subject's father, was a farmer by occupation. He married Miriam Barrett, a daughter of Knowlton and Fanetta (Hazleton) Barrett, and had seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are Elijah K., Edwin C., Russell B., John O. and Cynthia F". The father is dead, but the mother is still living.

John O. Wixom attended the public schools near his home during his boyhood, and worked in the meantime upon the farm. At the age of sixteen he began his business career as a clerk in R. R. Meade's general store at Pecks-ville, Dutchess county, and after a year and a half there he entered the employ of S. G. & J. T. Smith, of Fishkill and Matteawan, and remained with them for eleven years. January I, 1890, he purchased the interest of P. D. Holmes in the grocery firm of Holmes & Town-send, forming the present partnership. They carried a full line of groceries, and in the latter part of 1895 they added to this a well-stocked meat market, their expanding trade fully justifying them in the venture. The business interests of Mr. Wixom have occupied his attention too closely for him to take an active part in public affairs, but he is thoroughly loyal to his town, and is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He married Miss Jennie Haight, daughter of Theodorus Haight, a well-known farmer, and his wife, Deborah Lockwood, and they have one daughter, Ruth A. They are leading members of the M. E. "Church at Matteawan, and take a generous interest in its work. Mr. Wixom is also a member of Beacon Lodge No. 283. F. & A. M.

OHN L. WHITE, the well-known florist of Pawling, Dutchess count}', is one of the most enterprising business men, and, beginning his career as a general farmer, he has developed a profitable and pleasing specialty. He was born in 1834, in Glenham, Dutchess county, and passed his youth there, his education being acquired in the public schools. He married Miss Lucy A. Turner, daughter of Stephen Turner, a leading agriculturist of the town of Pawling, and his wife, Sarah Eastwood. Of the three children of this union, the first two, Sarah and Ezra, deceased, never married. George the onlj' surviving son, is the proprietfcr of a printing

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909

office at Pawling. He is a member of Patterson Lodge No. 173, I. O. O. F., and now holds the office of secretary. His wife, formerly Miss Alpha Mosier, is a daughter of Milton and Mary (Brown) Mosier, well-known farmers of the town of Pawling, and has one son, Clifton J.

The great-grandfather of our subject, Joseph White, was born and reared at Johnsville, N. Y., and became a farmer by occupation. He and his wife, Sarah, had several children, among whom was a son, Philip, our subject's grandfather, who was born in Dutchess county, and passed his life here, engaging in the business of clock making and in agriculture, which he followed for many years. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married, and reared a family of six children: Amsey, who married Miss West; Joseph; John, who married Polly Werden; Eli, our subject's father; Warren, who married Polly Turner; and Lucy A., deceased, who never married.

Eli White was a native of the town of Pawling, and the schools of that locality afforded him his only educational advantages. He became a painter by occupation. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Canif Hagaman, daughter of David Canif, and they had three children, of whom our subject was the youngest. Emma never married, and Cornelia married Kent Henyon, and had five children—Leona, who is now married; Coleman, who married Annie Merritt; William, who married Hattie Loeucs; Chester and Grace, unmarried.

Mrs. White is descended from a patriotic family, her father having served in the war of 1812, and her grandfather, Stephen Turner, in the Revolutionary war. The latter followed agriculture as an occupation. He and his wife, Amie, reared a family of six children: John; Caleb, who never married; Stephen, Mrs. White's father; Sarah, wife of Elijah Eastwood; Rhoda, wife of James Eastwood; and Maria, wife of Robert Brockway.

Stephen Turner was born in 1793. in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, and grew to manhood there. His gallant service in the war of 1812 entitled him to a pension, and he also drew 160 acres of land which he cultivated in his later years. He married Miss Sarah Eastwood, daughter of George and Rachel Eastwood. Her father was a well-known school teacher. Mrs. White was one of eleven children, who all married as follows: Alexander—Miss Margaret Brent; Caleb—Miss Cath-

erine Morse; Lyman—Miss Pattie Daiken; Lydia—John \\'erdon ; Henry—Miss Catherine Lent; Ferman—Miss Charlotte Turner; Robert—Miss Charlotte Fairchild; Peter— Miss Eliza BuUard; Lucy A.—John White; Emma J.—Gilbert Bullard; and Bennett—Miss Ann Eliza \\'ashburn.

GEORGE FRANIvLIN LEE, the genial _ and enterprising proprietor of the "Lee House, " at Pawling, Dutchess county, has made that well-known hotel one of the best houses of its class in that locality. Energetic in action and sound in business judgment, his success is a natural result of his practical and effective management.

His family is of English origin, and several generations have made their home in Litchfield county. Conn., where George Lee, our subject's grandfather, was born. He passed his life there as a farmer. To him and his wife were born six children: Ward, the eldest; Jane, who married George Ferris and moved to Wisconsin; Sarah, wife of Charles Travis, of Yates county, N. Y.; Louisa, wife of George Travis, of Penn Yan, N. Y.; Emma, wife of George Wickam, of Havana, Schuyler Co., N. Y.; and Egbert, our subject's father, who was born at the old home, in Litchfield county, Conn. Egbert learned the blacksmith's trade, and, coming to Dutchess county in early manhood, followed that business in the town of Dover, and later in Clang Hollow, town of Unionvale, where he located about 1852. In 1865 he returned to Dover and worked for three years, and in 1874 gave up his trade to go into the hotel business at the old " Fowler House," in Hyde Park, in partnership with our subject. He remairied there two years, and then moved to Poughkeepsie and bought a saloon and livery stable, which he sold two years later, when he moved to Pawling to spend his remaining years, his death occurring there about 1881. He was a Democrat, and took a great interest in local politics, serving as supervisor and collector in the town of Dover, and as collector in the town of Unionvale. A man of generous disposition and much public spirit, he had many friends, while in business circles he was regarded as a shrewd and successful manager of his varied enterprises, and he certainly was one of the best blacksmiths in the county. During the war he worked in the South on a Mississippi river boat, for a man

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

named Bostvvick. He married Abbie Jane Cary, and seven children were born to the union: Egbert M., a blacksmith, formerly of the town of Amenia, later of Waterbury, Conn.; George F., our subject; Janie, who married (first) \\'iiliain Wright, (second) Charles V'iliin-ger, and (thirdj George Geddings, who is in the United States mail service; Sarah Ann, deceased, formerly the wife of Myron Wickam; Maryette, deceased, who married William R. Lee; Martha; and Perry, a painter, of Amenia. The Carey family have been residents of Litchfield countj', Conn., for many j'ears.

George F. Lee was born in the town of Dover, December 19, 1848, and his education was mainly acquired in the district schools of Unionvale, wfiich he attended until he was about eighteen years old. He had learned the blacksmith's trade in the meantime, and after leaving school conducted a shop on Chestnut Ridge for two years, when he sold out and went to Dover Plains to work at the trade with Matthew Borden. A year later he entered the employ of Milton Bain, then the proprietor of the " Dover House," and, after one year with him, he spent about a year and a half as clerk for Jud Landing, just across the street. The next three years he spent at Falls Village, Conn., as clerk for E;^ra Dudley, and Mr. Lee then purchased a saloon and put in billiard tables, the first that had ever been brought to the town. He remained there some time, boarding with Mr. Dudley, and then sold the business and went to Hyde Park, where he rented the old "Fowler House" of J. T. Stoughtenburgh, and conducted it for three years, his father being a partner for a time, as has been stated. On selling out this business to J. W. Hinkley, of the A'czus, Mr. Lee went to Poughkeepsie, and for one year ran a restaurant,under the old "Poughkeepsie House," and a livery stable, in the rear, but in 1878 he sold these enterprises and moved to Pawling. There he rented a bar room of George Norton, which he conducted for three years, and then he bought the "Travelers' House" and spent eight j-ears in managing it, with Henry Wheeler as partner for one year, and H. C. Brooks for another. During this time ^^r. Lee had established the first bottling works ever opened in Pawling, and when the building was burned in 1889 he determined to erect a hotel upon the same site, and accordingly the "Lee House" was completed in the following year. With the exception of one year when the hotel was

rented to Mr. Gardner, he has managed it himself, meeting with marked success.

Politically, Mr. Lee has always been a Democrat, and gives active support to the party in his locality. He has been a member of the county committee for five years, and has held the office of school trustee for three years. In 1890 he was elected supervisor for one term, and in 1893 was chosen, for a term, highway commissioner. In local affairs of a non-political sort he is active also, and he belongs to Patterson Lodge No. 173, I.O.O.F., of Pawling. He has a pleasant home in Pawling, his family not residing in the hotel. His wife, to whom he was married in 1873, was formerly Miss Mary A. Beden, whose father, Henry Beden, was a well-known citizen of Falls Village, Conn. Two sons were born of this union—Henry A. and Philo B.

PHILIP H. STICKLE. The subject of this sketch has been for some years prominent among the farmers of Dutchess county, having a fine estate pleasantly located in the town of Red Hook, it being one of the best-appointed homesteads in the locality, and on account of his strict integrity and high character, he is numbered among its most valued citizens.

John F. Stickle, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Red Hook town, where he was engaged in farming during his manhood, and he there married Hannah Fraleigh. Theirson, Peter Stickle, was the father of our subject. He was also born in Red Hook town, where on reaching a sufficient age he attended the district schools, and as a means of livelihood he followed farming. By his marriage with Miss Sarah Feller, he had two sons: John W., who married a Mrs. Shook; and Philip H., of this review.

Our subject was born upon the old Stickle homestead in the town of Red Hook, which has now been in the possession of the family for over a century and a half. His school daj's being over, he took up the occupation which his ancestors had followed, and now owns the old farm, which comprises 250 acres of valuable land. Although a general farmer, he makes a specialty of fruit culture, having upon his place fine varieties of peaches, grapes, apples, currants, etc.

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Afr. Stickle chose Miss Nellie R. Ring,

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911

and by their marriage they have two children: Alva K., born July 5, 186S; and Frank W., born March, 1873. Moses Ring, Mrs. Stickle's father, was a son of George and Elizabeth Ring, the latter of New York City, and in his family were six children, namely: Elizabeth, who became the wife of George Fellows; Nellie R., the wife of our subject; Eugene, who first wedded Sarah Hunt, and, after her death, Emma Hunt; Alonzo, who married Balinda Cramer; John, who married Lizzie I'J.eins-burgh, and, after her death, Mary Dolle; and George Lewis.

Mr. Stickle takes quite an active interest in politics, believing in the principles of the Democratic party, and to these gives his honest support. He has been quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as supervisor of Red Hook town, and as excise commissioner. Socially, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously holds membership with the Lutheran Church. His industry and enterprise have secured for him an enviable position among the progressive and well-to-do farmers of the town of Red Hook.

JOHN W. BUTTS, one of the most prominent and successful business men of the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, was born Maj' 19, 1835, upon the farm where he now resides, which has been for several generations the home of the Butts famil}-.

William Butts, our subject's father, was born in Stanford, November 15, 1808, a son of Moses Butts, and died there May 28, 1882, having been engaged all his life in farming. He attended the Christian Church, and was an exemplary citizen, holding the high regard of. all who knew him. He belonged to the Masonic order, and was buried with their impressive ritual. In politics he was 'a Democrat. On June 3, 1831, he was married to his first wife. Miss Eliza J. Truesdale, and their children were: William, born March 4, 1832, now a resident of Valley Falls, Kans.; John W., our subject; Walter D., born July 19, 1839, married Catherine Humphrey, and died on October 22, 1870, followed August 16, next year, by his wife; and Eliza Jane, born July 19, 1839, died September 28, 1839. On January 23, 1840, Mr. Butts married for his second wife Miss Deborah Case, a daughter of Nathan Case. She was born December 21, 1802, and died February 6, 1892.

John \V. Butts, our subject, attended a district school near Cold Spring during boyhood, and laid the foundation for a good practical education which his native ability and habits of observation have enabled him to acquire. He has always lived upon the old homestead, having assisted his father until the latter's death. March 21, 1861, he was married to Miss Tamma Humphrey, a descendant of one of the old families of the town of Stanford, her great-grandfather Humphrey having settled there in the eighteenth century. Her grandfather, James Humphrey, a farmer there, married Abigail Canfield, and had eight children: Nathan, John, Henry, William, Asahel, Ira, Dama and Tamma, of whom, Ira is now the only survivor. William Humphrey, Mrs. Butt's father, was born in 1804, and died in 1882. He was a shoemaker by trade, but in later years followed farming in Stanford until his retirement from active business, when he moved to Bangall. He married Eliza Johnson, of New Paltz, a descendant of one of the early Huguenot settlers of Ulster county, and had three children: Charles H., a merchant of Bangall; Abbie J., Mrs. Walter Adsit; and Tamma, Mrs. Butts. Three children were born to our subject and his wife: (i) Ella Jane, July 17, 1862, was married June i, 1887, to Elmer G. Story, of Bay Side, L. I. (now in the Custom House in New York City), and has two children—Ethel B. and Ernest D. (2) Mary, February 24, 1864, was married December 16, 1891, to Lincoln Husted, of Stanford, and has one child, Lee J. (3) William H., July 21, 1868, now a farmer near the homestead, was married December 7, 1892, to Adelaide Deyo, and has one son, John W.. Jr.

The farm belonging to Mr. Butts is one of the largest in the county, comprising 350 acres of choice land, which is kept in fine order under his energetic and judicious management. Within the past few years he has erected a handsome mansion and farm buildings of modern plan. For twenty years he has been extensively engaged in the commission and freighting business, dealing in farm produce. His known responsibility and high reputation for fair dealing have brought him a large patronage, the greater part of the produce of the town being handled by him, as the farmers prefer to sell to him rather than to strangers there or in New York. In politics he is a Democrat, and he takes an active and

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

influential part in all local affairs. He has been commissioner of higfivvays, town supervisor for three terms, and for the last twenty-three years he has been postmaster at Mc-Intyre.

riLLIAM DOLAN, an energetic and ef-M|t ficient einploye of the Harlem Division, New York Central & Hudson River R. R., was born September 19, 1862, in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, and received his education in the schools of that locality. His father, John Dolan, is a prominent agriculturist there, and until the age of twenty-nine our subject worked upon the farm, but in i8gi he entered the service of the railroad company as brakeman, and still holds that position. In 1891 he was married to Miss Bridget Callnan, daughter of Michael and Bridget Callnan, of Carconlish, County Limerick, Ireland, and they have a pleasant home in Dover Plains, brightened by the merry voices of three children: William A., born in 1891; Rebecca, in 1893; and John E., in 1895.

The Dolan family is of Irish origin, the old home being in County Roscommon. Thomas Dolan, our subject's grandfather, was a lifelong resident there, and was engaged in farming for many years. He and his wife had five children: Thomas, who married Bridget Carrol; John, our subject's father; and three daughters, Bridget, Anna and Mary, who never married. John Dolan was born in 1812, and received a good education in the schools of his native county. He assisted his father, learning the details of farm work, and on attaining his majority in 1833, came to America in search of wider opportunities. About a year after his arrival he settled in South Amenia, Dutchess county, and purchased the farm where he now resides at the good old age of eighty-four. He married Miss Rebecca Kelley, a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, and daughter of Charles and Anna Kelley. Eleven children were born of this n-.arriage: Thomas, who died in Memphis, Tenn.; John, who married Maggie Lary; Charles, who married Ellen Powers; James, who married Kate Kelley; W^illiam, our subject; Edward, unmarried; Maggie, who died at the age of thirty years; Rebecca, living at home; Eliza, who died in infancy; Annie, the wife of Lawrence Dahoney; and Eliza (2) who is at home.

Mrs. Dolan's father, Michael Callnan, was

a farmer at Carconlish, Ireland, where the ancestors of her mother, Bridget Murnan, also had their home. Cue Murnan, her grandfather, was born and educated there, and was a laborer during the greater part of his life. His wife's name is unknown, but their seven children were: Cue, who married Miss Geary; Patrick; John; Margaret, who married a Mr. Geary; Mary, Mrs. Pat Roach; Kate, Mrs. Michael Welch; and Bridget, Mrs. Dolan's mother. Michael and Bridget Callnan had five children, of whom, Mrs. Dolan was the youngest. The others are Michael, who married Johanna Shine; John, who is not married; Kate, Mrs. Thomas Kelley; and Mary, Mrs. John Welch.

GEORGE PEATTIE, an enterprising and _ prosperous business citizen of Fishkill-on-Hudson, Dutchess county, is a member of the well-known firm of Peattie Brothers, who are manufacturers of sleighs and carriages, dealers in harness and fittings, proprietors of an extensive livery stable, and large holders of real estate. It would be difficult to find a firm which has covered so varied a field of effort with such uniform success. He was born in New York City June 11, 1852. His father (the late George Peattie) was born in 1814 at St. Andrews, Fifeshire, Scotland, and at one tmie owned the land on the corner of West Broadway and Hudson street. New York City, now occupied by H. K. Thurber & Co., and carried on the blacksmith's trade there. Later he moved to Cold Spring. N. Y., and in October, 1855, he came to F"ishkill-on-Hudson. He met his death June 22, 1881, at the Hudson River Depot, in New York City, a trunk falling upon him. His wife was a lady of Irish blood. Miss Ann McCormick, by whom he had six children: James, William H., George, Charles, Robert and Margaret A.

After acquiring a good English education in in the schools of Fishkill, the subject of this sketch, at the age of seventeen, went to New York City, and spent three years with N. H. Gray, of No. 27 Wooster street, learning the wagon and sleighmaker's trade, and then went to Yorkville and worked two years with W. H. Dunns, a manufacturer of coach bodies. In 1871 he and his brothers, James and William, built a wagon and sleigh factory in Fishkill, at the corner of Main and Cedar streets, and two years later added to it the livery business.

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913.

Both enterprises were carried on successfully until February 8, 1895, when the entire plant was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, the firm resumed business in a shed at their present location, and proceeded to build their handsome new repository and livery stable, covering 100x150 feet of space. They have also been extensively engaged in the building of houses and business blocks, and have done much to improve and develop the town. Since 1875 they have erected forty-one detached dwelling houses, which they rent, and in 1892 they built the Peattie Block, a brick structure three stories high, containing eight flats and three stores, all fitted up according to modern ideas of comfort and convenience. On September I, 1894, they opened to the public the Academy of ^fusic. another large building costing $35,000, which is managed by Clark & Peattie. The latter is William Peattie, who, in addition to his care of the interests of the firm, is a director in one of the banks, and for fifteen years past has been auditor of the town. The subject of this sketch is prominent in local affairs, and a valued adviser in the Democratic party. In the spring of 1894 he was a candidate for the office of president of the village, but was defeated by a small majority, and for the past year he has been a member of the board of education. Mr. Peattie married Miss Bridget Meeley, daughter of Patrick Meeley, and has had ten children: Mary, Charles, Lauretta, Edward, Maggie, Hugh, Celia, Lenna, Ruth, and Alice, of whom, all but Lenna and Ruth are living. The family are leading members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Peattie belongs to the Order of Foresters and to the Catholic Benevolent League.

RNOUT CANNON (deceased). To the b^ artistic taste and faithful workmanship of the late Arnout Cannon, a prominent contractor and builder of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, the "Queen City of the Hudson" owes many of her most notable structures. During the forty-si.\ years of his active business life there, he erected public buildings and private residences which will long remain as monuments of his skill, among which may be specially mentioned the Home for the Friendless.

Mr. Cannon was born July 13, 1805, in New York City, and there learned the trade of 59

a mechanic. In 1836 he came to Poughkeepsie and engaged in the building business, in which he continued until his death, September 12, 1882. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 266, Poughkeepsie, and held a leading place in many of the progressive movements of the day in his locality. In New York City he was married to Miss Naomi Chil-son, a native of Orange county, N. Y., born June 11, 1812, and eight children came of this union: Hester (deceased); George W., a retired business man of Poughkeepsie; Charles H., a well-known carpenter there; Arnout, Jr., our subject; William H., a resident of Chicago; Maria, widow of James Gifford; Cornelius L., a leading contractor and builder of Poughkeepsie; and Emma Kate, the wife of Charles E. Schon. The mother of this family is still living in Poughkeepsie.

Arnout Cannon, Jr., was born August 3, 1839, in the city of Poughkeepsie, and after acquiring an education in the public schools and the Dutchess County Academy, he at the age of fifteen began to learn his father's trade, spending four years with him. He then went to New York City, where for two years he was in the office of Frederick Diaper, studying architecture; in the spring of 1862 he returned to his native place and established himself in business as an architect in an office at the corner of Main and Catherine streets. In August of the same year he enlisted in the 128th N. Y. V. I. and served in that regiment until after the siege of Port Hudson; he also took part in the siege of Mobile. He was usually assigned to duty as an engineer, and among other works on which he was engaged was the dam on the Red river. In 1863 he was transferred to the command of some colored troops who fought so nobly in that campaign, and became second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain, and lieut'enant-colonel of the gallant Ninety-seventh U. S. Col. Inf. On receiving his discharge in April, 1865, he returned to resume work as an architect, and has been in active business ever since. In

1893 Walter Scofield became his partner; in

1894 Percival Lloyd entered the firm, and since Mr. Scofield's retirement in April, 1895, the firm has been known as Cannon & Lloyd. Mr. Cannon is in the front rank in his profession, and has executed with marked ability some very important commissions. Among his largest buildings are the Vassar Brothers' Home for Aged Men, the Vassar Brothers'

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Institute, the Vassar Brothers' Library, the Masonic Temple, and the Nelson House Annex.

In February, 1862, Mr. Cannon was married to Miss Ann E. Davis, who died leaving three children: Ida Frances, Howard and Grace. In 1879 he was married to Miss Emily J. Pelton, by whom he has one son, Pelton. With his war record it may be supposed that Mr. Cannon is an enthusiastic G. A. R. man. He belongs to D. B. Sleight Post, Poughkeep-sie, and to the military order of the Loyal Legion. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Fallkill Lodge, and Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 266, F. & A. M.

JOSEPH H. MULCOX, the well-known contractor and builder, holds a leading place among the enterprising and prominent men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, materially aiding the developm.ent and progress of the municipality. He is a native of that city, having been born there July 17, 1834, and he is a son of Joseph Mulco.x, who was born in the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, December i6, 1802.

Benjamin Mulcox, the grandfather of (jur subject, was a native of Yorkshire. England, and after coming to this country was for many years engaged in farming and cheese making in Dutchess county, N. Y. In his family were two sons, Benjamin and Joseph. By occupation the latter was a truckman of Poughkeepsie, and in politics he was an ardent Republican. He married Miss Cornelia Kipp, who was born in Dutchess count}", of Holland lineage, and was a daughter of Jacob Kipp, an agriculturist. She departed this life in 1892, and January 3, 1893, her husband was also called to his long home.

Joseph H. Mulcox, whose name introduces this sketch, is the third in order of birth in the family of nine children born to Joseph and Cornelia Mulcox, the others being as follows: Theodore, formerly an extensive contractor and builder of Poughkeepsie, died in 1880; Mathias was a carpenter, member of the firm of Mulcox Brothers of that city; George, who was a commission merchant of New York, died in 1893; Sylvester is a policeman of Jersej' City, N. J.; Frederick is a carpenter of Poughkeepsie; Benjamin died in infancy; Ceiia A. is married, and lives in Poughkeepsie; and Mary E. died in 1859 at the age of twenty-

four years. Our subject spent his boyhood days in Poughkeepsie midst play, v.ork and study, and March i, 1853, began learning the carpenter's trade with James S. Post, for whom he worked seventeen years. He then formed a partnership with his brothers under the name of Mulcox Brothers, this connection lasting five years, since when our subject has engaged in contracting for himself, and has erected many fine dwelling houses. He speculates in real estate to a considerable extent, erecting buildings for himself which he sells to advantage.

In 1858, Mr. Mulcox was married to Miss Rachel Van Kureon, who was born at Came-lot, Dutchess county, daughter of Mathew and Margaret Van Kureon, the former of whom, who was of Holland extraction, was engaged in the boating business. One child, Frank, deceased in infancy, was born of our subject and his wife. Politically Mr. Mulcox affiliates with the Republican party, giving full adherence to the principles and doctrines of its platforms. He is public-spirited and enterprising, taking an active interest in the welfare and advancement of his native city and county, and is prominently identified with their improvement.

flLLIAM H. S. BRINKERHOFF, a

well-known builder and contractor of

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in December, 1861, at Bedford, Ohio, and is the son of Benjamin F. Brinkerhoff, who was a native of Poughkeepsie.

Benjamin F. Brinkerhof? was a mason by trade, which calling he followed in various places, being at different times a resident of Newburg, Kingston and Poughkeepsie, in this State, and in other cities in Massachusetts and Ohio. He is now engaged as an agent for William B. King, in introducing a patent plastering, and has been fairly successful in business matters. He was married to Miss Sarah E., a daughter of Eli Sutcliff, a well-known grocer of Poughkeepsie, and four children have been born to them: William H. S.; John S., living in Staten Island; Eli (deceased); and Herbert D., also living in Staten Island. The father is a stanch Republican and an active worker in his party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order.

William H. S. Brinkerhoff obtained the

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915

most of his education at Lowell, Mass., where he attended school until sixteen years of age. Soon afterward he learned the trade of a carpenter with Arnout Cannon, and for some two years was employed in sash and door making, learning all branches of that business. In 1888 Mr. Brinkerhoff began business for himself, having for a short time a partner. He now conducts the business alone, and employs from three to eight men, and finds plenty to do, his reputation as a skillful, reliable workman, and a man who is honest and upright in his dealings, beting well-established in the community. He is self-made, well posted on all topics of the day, and by his industry and energy is on the high road to financial success.

On December 6, 1883, Mr. Brinkerhoff was married to Miss Isabella, daughter of John Bodden. She died November 11, 1892, leaving one child, Roy W. Mr. Brinkerhoff's second marriage took place December 25, 1894, when he was united to Miss Mary Bigel, of Poughkeepsie. In politics Mr. Brinkerhoff is an ardent Republican; socially he belongs to Triumph Lodge, K. of P., at Poughkeepsie. He attends the Episcopal Church, to which he is a liberal contributor, and as a citizen is public-spirited and progressive. He is the youngest builder and contractor in the city, and has shown great business ability. Mr. Brinkerhoff is much interested in military matters, and for twelve years has been a member of the Nineteenth Separate Company, in which for nine years he was a non-commissioned officer, going in as a private and rising to the rank of quartermaster sergeant.

FRANKLIN S. EASTMEAD, senior mem-_ ber of the firm of Eastmead Bros., leading tobacconists of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., is one of the best-known residents of that city, his interest in social, religious, educational and political affairs making him an active worker in many organizations. He is a native of Poughkeepsie, born M.iy 21, 1856, and is of English descent, the ancient home of his family being at Wotton-Under-Edge, a suburb of London, England.

His paternal grandparents were born at that place, and spent many years of their married life there, later coming to America, and settling at Poughkeepsie, where the grandfather, Thomas Eastmead, followed the mason's trade. He built the print works at Wappingers

Falls, and the old edifice known as Christ's church, in Poughkeepsie, which occupied the present site of the State Armory at the corner of Market and Church streets. The family had always been members of the Church of England, and after coming to this country he adhered to the Episcopal Church. He had five sons, all of whom were born in England and accompanied him to America: James died in early manhood in New York City, and was buried at Poughkeepsie; Charles is mentioned more fully farther on; Horatio was an engraver and lithographer in New York City, and died there; John was a musician and composer of sacred music; and Joseph was a mason in New York City.

Charles Eastmead, the father of our subject, was about thirty years old when he came to America. Although he learned the mason's trade in the old country he did not follow it here, but engaged in the boot and shoe business on Main street, Poughkeepsie. Being burned out at that location, he moved his business up town where he carried it on successfully for many years, making a specialty of handling the Burt shoes. Disposing of his establishment, he spent a year in England, and on his return to Poughkeepsie in 186C engaged in the tobacco and tea business at the corner of Main and Washington streets, where Eastmead Bros, now conduct their business. As a stanch Republican, he was active in the service of his party, and was once elected from the Third ward to the board of aldermen. He was an exempt member of the Cataract Fire Company. His death occurred in 1882; his wife, formerly Miss Jeannette B. Smith, survives him. She was born in Pittenweem, Fifenshire, Scotland, and is a sister of William W. Smith, of Smith Bros. Our subject is the eldest of five children, the others being: Florin (deceased), who married F'rank L. Scotield ; Elmer E., head bookkeeper for Adriance Piatt & Co.. Mower and Reaper Works; Charles M.,in partnership with our subject; and Annie M., who died in infancy.

Franklin S. Eastmead has always had his residence in the city of his birth, and after learning the details of the drug business with Brown, Doty & Co., he became a prescription clerk, following the occupation fourteen years, first with Charles S. Bowne, and later with Mr. Doty. On the death of his father he engaged in his present business under the firm name of Franklin S. Eastmead & Co., the

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

name of Eastmead Bros, having been adopted in 1892. In 1S85 Mr. Eastman married Miss Annie L. Gillen, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent, and a daughter of Joseph Gillen, a well-known citizen of Poughkeepsie. They have two children: Ha^el Belie and Herbert .\ndrew. Politically Mr. Eastman is a Republican, and he belongs to the following organizations: The R. A., No. 391; the I. O. O. F., Fallkill Lodge, in which he is past grand; Siloam Encampment No. 36, and Canton Dilks No. 19, of which he is now past captain. He is first lieutenant of the 15th Separate Co.; lieutenant of Poughkeepsie Bicycle Club; active e.xempt member of Davy Crockett Hook & Ladder F'ire Company; honorary member of the Young America Hose Company, No. 6; and a member of the Apokeepsing Boat Club, the League of American Wheelmen, and the Century Road Club of America. He also represents the Sixth ward in the common coi'.ncil of the city.

HENRY CLIFFORD, an honored and esteemed citizen of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, passed to his rest February 3, 1893. He was a native of England, born at Bristol, December i i, 1840, and was the son of James and Sarah (Wolfe) Clifford, in whose family were three children: Henry, Joseph and Sarah, all now deceased. The birth of the father also occurred at Bristol, and when our subject was ten years of age he brought his family to America, locating at Poughkeepsie, where he worked at his trade of black.smithing until his removal to Vermont. There he spent his remaining days.

The early education of Henry Clifford was secured in the schools of Poughkeepsie, where, later, he engaged as a stationary engineer, for thirteen years being employed by the city water works. While fixing some steam pipes at the Hudson River State Hospital he was injured by falling from a step-ladder, which caused his death a week later. His death was widely and deeply mourned, for he had the respect of all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was an earnest supporter of the Republican party; socially he was identified with the Masonic order; religiously he was a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

In the city of Poughkeepsie, on May 20, 1869. Mr. Clifford was married to Miss Annie Mellor, also a native of England, and to them

were born two children: Jennie Clarkson, now the wife of Harry M. Rupley; and Harry Wolfe (deceased). Mrs. Clifford's father,. William Mellor, was born in Yorkshire, England, in which country he married Ellen Hanson, by whom he had four children: .Annie C. ; Hanson, superintendent of the freight depot of the Hudson River railroad at Poughkeepsie; Jennie; and Ellen (deceased). For forty-five years the father has been a resident of Poughkeepsie, where he has always engaged in general labor.

JOSEPH THEODORE LAMB, M. D., a prominent and leading physician and surgeon of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in New York City, July 9, 1834, and is of Irish descent.

John Lamb, his paternal grandfather, was a merchant in Ireland, where he spent his entire life. In 1798, in County Monaghan, Ireland. Francis Lamb, the father of our subject, was born, and in 1814 he came to America, arriving at New York, securing on the day he landed employment in a shoe factory in that city. Later he engaged quite extensively in the grocery business, so that his last days were spent in retirement, and he left his family a handsome property. In course of time he sent for his mother, brothers and sisters—seven in number—who joined him in New York City. At the age of twenty-one years he was there married to Ann Quin, and to them were born fourteen children, six of whom are still living. The father died in October, 1861. He and his family were devout members of the Roman Catholic Church.

The early education of our subject was obtained in the private classical institute of John Young, in New York City, and he completed his literary studies with the French Pensionate, an academy conducted by the Christian Brothers. He then taught for'a time in the Jesuit College in Sixteenth street. New York, and in that city studied medicine with Dr. Bedford for three years. Entering Bellevue Hospital he attended three courses of lectures there, was graduated in 1867, and at once began the practice of his profession in New York City. His business so rapidly increased, and he de--voted himself so untiringly to his work, that he became broken down in health, and was forced to leave the city. Removing to Hudson. N. Y., he continued practicing thereuntil 1880,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

917

when he came to Poughkeepsie, where he established an office, and has secured a hberal patronage; he is now serving as ahns-house phj'si-cian. The Doctor holds membership with the Alumni Association of Bellevue Hospital, and the Dutchess County Medical Society. He is a close and thorough student, and his investigations into the science of medicine, and his skillful application of the knowledge he has thereby obtained, have won him a place in the foremost ranks of the medical fraternity.

In New York City, Dr. Lamb was united in marriage with Catherine Gibney, and to them were born five children, as follows; Francis, a member of the Jesuit Order, of Woodstock, Md.; James A., an attorney in New York City; Charles \'., also a member of the Jesuit Order, located at Grand Coteau, La.; Mary; and Edward, a graduate of St. John's College. The family are all members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics the Doctor is an ardent Democrat.

ISAAC S. HEWLETT, a representative farmer residing in the town of Pleasant

Valley, is a man whose sound common sense and vigorous, able management of his affairs have been important factors in leading him to success, and with his undoubted integrity have given him an honorable position among his fellqwmen. He is a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Hyde Park, November 27, 1822.

His paternal grandfather was born in Holland, and after coming to the New World was married and located on a farm in Westchester county, N. Y., where he reared a family of several children, among whom was Samuel Hewlett, the father of our subject. The lat-ter's birth occurred in Westchester county, where he married Charlotte Kipp, and for some time operated a farm there. At length he decided to come to Dutchess county, and his wife made the trip on horseback, carrying her baby in her arms. They first located orf a farm in the town of Pleasant Valley, in the midst of the wilderness, but later removed to the town of Hyde Park, where the father carried on farming until his death in 1825. The mother passed away in 1866. In the family were ten children, namely: William, a farmer of Hyde Park town, who died at Poughkeepsie; Elizabeth, widow of Johnson Baker, a farmer of the town of Hyde Park; Hiram, deceased.

who was also an agriculturist of the same town; Phcebe, who is the widow of Stephen D. Briggs, a farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley, and now makes her home in Hyde Park; Hannah, who became the wife of George Holmes, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town, but both are now deceased; James, deceased, who was a farmer of Hyde Park; Caleb C., deceased, who carried on agricultural pursuits in the West; Zyprah, who became the wife of Isaac Wood, a farmer, merchant and railroad man, and both are now deceased; John K., deceased, who engaged in merchandising in Hyde Park; and Isaac S., of this sketch.

The last-named spent his boyhood days in Hyde Park, and when large enough began working for neighboring farmers. He grew to be an active, ambitious young man, and early established a home of his own. He was married in 1845 to Letitia Halstead, a native of the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, and a daughter of David Halstead, an agriculturist. After their marriage they lived for about eight years on a farm in the town of Hyde Park, which Mr. Hewlett then sold, and in 1854 located on his present fine farm of 105 acres. Two children were born to them, namely: Samuel D., a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; and W. Irwin, who for several years operated a farm, but is now engaged in the milk business in Poughkeepsie.

To general farming Mr. Hewlett now devotes his attention, and the well-cultivated fields indicate to the passerby the thrift and enterprise of the owner, who is numbered among the most progressive agriculturists of the locality. His first ballot was cast for the Whig party, but since its organization he has been a stalwart Republican, and always takes an active part in politics. Mrs. Hewlett is a Hicksite Quaker, and her husband, though not a member, gives liberally toward the support of the Church.

1;

MI-RV COLE, a prominent business man of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, is the founder of the village at Coles Mills, and the proprietor of the manufacturing establishments there. A man of great energ}' and fine mechanical ability, he has been unusually successful in the varied business enterprises, and has contributed largely to the development of that locality.

He is of English descent on the paternal

COMMEMOnATIVE BIOGRAPUWAL HE CORD.

side, and was born April 19, 181 i, in the town of Wilton, Fairfield Co.. Conn. His greatgrandfather, Ale.xander Cole, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and was with Washington at the time New York was taken by the British forces. His grandfather, ThomasCole, was a lifelong resident of Wilton, where he owned a farm and sawmill, and took a leading part in local affairs. He was probably a Presbyterian in religious faith. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Riggs, are dead. They reared a family of seven children, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Thomas, October 22, 1780, was a farmer at the old homestead; Ira. February 10, 1782, lived near Binghamton, N. Y.; Timothy, August 28, 1784; Sally, February 9, 1788, married David Nichols; Curtis. May 10, 1790, lived in Stepney, Fairfield Co., Conn.; Samuel, October 22, 1791, was a resident of Wil-t(5n; and Sherman, June 4, 1804, lived at Norwalk, Conn., and had a large family of children, several of whom became prominent in different lines of effort. Timothy Cole, our subject's father, was a farmer and wagon maker by occupation. He married Eliza Sterling, a daughter of Thaddeus Sterling, a leading resident of Wilton, and soon afterward removed to Southeast, Putnam county, where he carried on his trade successfully, employing his brothers in his shop. He and his wife attended the services of the Presbyterian Church, of which our subject is also an adherent, and they were highly esteemed in the neighborhood. Of their nine children the subject of this sketch is the eldest, the names of the others being as follows: George, born in 1813, was a wagon maker; Mary, 1815. died at the age of twenty; Sally, 1817, was the second wife of Warren Collainour, of Saratoga, N. Y.; Jane, 1819, married C'harles Marsh, and died in Rockford, III.; Eliza Ann, 1821, was the first wife of Warren Collamour; Minerva died in childhood; Angelina is still living; and Edwin is a resident of Chestnut Ridge.

Our subject's early education was limited to an attendance at the district schools near his home, and to one jear in a select school. He began to learn the wagon maker's trade with his father when very young, and worked for him until the age of twenty-one. He then started in business for himself at Amenia, taking the shop of John A. Allen on shares, the profits being equally divided. He did all

branches of the work except ironing the wagons, and soon built up a fine trade, employing two or three men after the first year. His work being of the most substantial and satisfactorj' kind, it acquired a high reputation during the eleven years of his stay at Amenia, his trade extending to Poughkeepsie. In September, 1842, he moved to Pawling, and built the gristmill and wagon shop at Coles Mills, and established his present extensive business, which affords employment to about fifteen men. He built all the houses at Coles Mills, including the "Chapman House," and still owns three or four of them. He ran a placer mill for some time, and indeed has been engaged in a number of business ventures, in which he has been uniformly successful, and his eighty-five years do not seem to diminish his spirit of enterprise. Politically he has always been a Republican, and in local affairs is a steadfast friend to progress.

On May 10, 1S41, Mr. Cole was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary Ann Sutton, who was born March 11, 1819, the daughter of Gabriel Sutton. Four children were born to them, whose names with dates of birth areas follows: George E., December. 1843, is a successful business man of Bethel, Conn.; Francis Eugene, September 19, 1848, is in partnership with his father, and is married to Helen Wanzer; Edward Charles, July 20, 1850, is a traveling salesman for a carriage firm of Buffalo, N. Y.; and Mary Eliza, May I, 1856, married (first) August Penley, and I second) Myron Andrews. The mother of this family died June 23, 1856, and Mr. Cole subsequently was married to Mary Frances Stevens, a member of one of the oldest families of South Dover. They have three children: Albert Stevens, born May 21, 1863, is a carriage maker by trade; William Wallace, September 15, 1864, is a traveling salesman for a millinery firm in St. Louis; and Elida Belle, January 27, 1870, is at home.

Mrs. Cole's father, David \\'. Stevens, was one of the most prominent men of South Dover, a leading farmer and one of the founders and chief supporters of the Baptist Church. He was active in political affairs also, and served one term as a member of the State Assembly. He married Nancy A. Giddings, a daughter of Gamaliel Giddings, and a cousin of Joshua R. Giddings, who was for many years United States Senator from Ohio. Seven children were born to them, their names with

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919

dates o{ birth being as follows: Orrin S., May 4, 1821, is a prominent resident of Ravenna, Ohio; Emma EUza, March 30, 1823, married Allen Giddings. of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Hiram G., April 9, 1826, was killed by a horse August 8, 1833; Gamaliel B., March 13, 1829; Mary Frances, April 3, 1832; Sarah H., November 12, 1834, married James Moolen, of South Dover; and Hiram G., May 29, 1839, died in South Dover.

^\*'IRTUS H. CORNELIUS, an enterpris-/ ;ng and prosperous agriculturist of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born January 5, 1853, in the town of Milan, where his ancestors have been farmers for several generations, the family having come originally from Holland.

His grandfather was born at the old homestead in Milan, and married a Miss Cooking-ham, also a native of that town. They had the following children: Jephthah, our subject's father; Alfred, a farmer in the town of Stanford; Peter, a farmer; Owen, a farmer in Iowa; Emily, a resident of Stanford, who married (first) Nelson Almendorf, and ("second) David Nicholas (both now deceased); Mary B., who married (first 1 Ambrose Smith, and (second) Jacob Fowler, of Clinton Corners; Phoebe L., the wife of Elbert Fowler, a farmer; and Thirzah R., the wife of George Marshall, also a farmer.

Jephthah Cornelius, the father of our subject, was born in 1829. He married Eliza Ann Haines, a daughter of William Haines, a prominent farmer of Milan, and reared a family of six children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Alva N. is a farmer in Otsego county; Lavilla is a physician in Hyde Park; Clark J. is a farmer in Schoharie county; and Milton W. and Emma are at home. The mother of this family died October i, 1886, but the father still survives, remaining on the old farm in Milan. He is a Republican, and while he has never been a party worker, he has always taken a keen interest in political questions.

The subject of this sketch was reared in the town of Milan, and December 18, 1878, at the age of twenty-six, he married Eudora Boise, a descendant of one of the old Dutch families of that locality. Her great-grandfather, John I. Boise, her grandfather, Henry I. Boise, and her father, George A. Boise, were all farmers there. For a year after their

marriage Mr. Cornelius and his wife lived on a farm in their native tovyn. and then they moved to the town of Rhinebeck. They lived for eight years on their first farm there, and in 1886 moved to their present home near Rhinebeck. They have had five children: Harry, Vernie, Raymond, and two who died in infancy.

Mr. Cornelius is one of the representative farmers of his vicinity, conducting his seventy-three acres, which are devoted to general farming, in a model manner. Politically, he is a Republican, and takes a generous interest in all matters of public concern. He and his wife contribute to the support of the Christian Church.

CHRISTIAN ALLENDORF (deceased) had long been identified with the interests of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess countj', where he was born June 16, 1819, and where he had spent his entire life. His father. Christian AUendorf, Sr.. who was a native of Germany, on crossing the Atlantic to this country, came direct to Dutchess county, N. Y., where he worked at the carpenter's trade for a number of years, but spent the remainder of his life upon a farm which he owned in the town of Red Hook. He was twice married, his first union being with a Miss Fraleigh, by whom he had four children: Philip, who married Elizabeth Stickle; Henry C, who married a Miss Fraleigh; William, who married Miss Stickle; and Maria, who became the wife of Daniel Paults. After the death of his first wife the father wedded Miss Margaret Cole, and to them were born two children: Elizabeth, who married Daniel C. Perine; and Christian, of this review.

Christian AUendorf developed into manhood amid the scenes of his native town, receiving his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. He had quite an eventful life. For many years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Upper Red Hook, and filled many public offices in the town. For some time before his death he had a contract for carrying the United States mail from the depot to the post office at Upper Red Hook, a distance of about three miles, and. although he was seventy-seven years old at the time, he attended to the business with promptness and dispatch. He had the respect of all, both young and old, rich and poor, and in his de-

mo

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD.

dining days he enjoyed the reward of a well-ordered hfe, in which he had been faithful to the trusts reposed in him.

On reaching manhood Mr. AUendorf was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Lown, and five children were born of this union: Elizabeth, wife of Philip AUendorf; Eugene, who married Anna Smith; John; Caroline; and one who died in infancy. For his second wife our subject married Mrs. Permelia Wheeler, widow of Samuel Wheeler. Her father, Philip Feller, was a prominent farmer of Columbia county, N. Y. He was three times married, his first wife being Hannah Hapeman, his second Catherine Miller, and the third Mary Ringsdorf, the mother of Mrs. AUendorf, who was a native of Columbia county. Eight children were born of the third union, namely: Mary became the wife of Randall Judd; Lu-cinda wedded Ephraim Wheeler; Philip married Cornelia Pulver; Andrew married (first) Mary Hayner, (second) Catherine Allen, and his third wife is unknown; Marilla became the wife of John Stearns; William married Susan Allen, and, after her death, Miss Groves; Permelia became the wife of our subject; and John remained single.

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. AUendorf, John Ringsdorf, was a native of the Fatherland, and on emigrating to the New World located in Columbia county, N. Y., where he married Miss Mary Lasher, and to them were born six children: Mary, the mother of Mrs. AUendorf; Catherine, who married Jeremiah Cronk; Christiana, who wedded John Finger; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Baltis Wheeler; Andrew, who never married; and Simon (or Simeon), who married Elizabeth Coon.

D|R. CHAS. H. PERKINS. The subject ' of this sketch, one of the successful

young business men of Dutchess county, was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, said county, April 27, 1865, and is one of a family of five children born to Ale.xander W. and Elsie A. (Kay) Perkins, whose homestead was situated on the old Post road, about three miles south of Poughkeepsie. Their five children were as follows: Amelia, wife of Joseph Doughty, of Salt Point, Dutchess county; Edward E., of whom sketch is elsewhere in this volume; Charles H., our subject; Warren J., residing in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Lena E. The

mother of these children died some years ago, and the father, having left the old homestead, makes his home in Brooklyn, New York.

Charles H., our subject, spent his boyhood on the old farm and attended the common school at the old Spackenkill school house in the neighborhood, and then for four years was a pupil in Poughkeepsie at the old Pelham Institute and Poughkeepsie Military Academy. In 1882 he became an apprentice, with the then well-known jewelry firm of Myers & Marble, of Poughkeepsie, to learn the trade of watch making, and after three years of careful application with them, in which he mastered the business, he became the general watchmaker and engraver for the firm of Quintard Bros., in the same city, and continued in said capacity for three years. While with them he was offered, by the Non-Magnetic Watch Co. of America, a position as their traveling expert and demonstrator, his business being to introduce their non-magnetic watch throughout the United States. He traveled throughout the Union showing and explaining the watch for about a year, when he was offered the position of chief time inspector for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad. His duties were to inspect and superintend changes each month on all the railroad watches and clocks, thus traveling over both roads. This position he filled for two years, giving eminent satisfaction to the managers of both roads. While thus employed he become an intimate friend of General Superintendent Tyler of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and with him purchased some real estate at Montrose, a suburban town of Chicago, on the Chicago & Northwestern, railroad. The then approaching World's Fair in Chicago rapidly increased the value of suburban property, and by the sale of his recent purchases Dr. Perkins made valuable profits. Just previous to this he had associated himself, as partner, with C. S. Durfee & Co., jewelers at Davenport, Iowa, and thus continued three years. At the end of this time, owing to close application to his work at the bench, his eyes began failing, and on the advice of his physician he entered the Chicago Ophthalmic Hospital for treatment. While here he became deeply interested in the study of optics and the optical profession, and selling his jewelry business he at once took up the study of the eye, ear and throat at said hospital, and was graduated therefrom in 1892.

COMMEMOEATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

921

After finishing his studies he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Stark Day, daughter of John and Katherine M. (Stark) Day, of Tunkhannock, Penn., whom he had met while she was a student at Vassar College. Mrs. Perkins is a direct descendant from old Gen. Stark of Revolutionary fame, and her grandfather, Samuel Stark, of Tunkhannock, was one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of Wyoming county.

After his marriage Dr. Perkins came back to Dutchess county, and forming a partnership with his half brother, J. A. Perkins, opened a jewelry and optical business at 292J Main street, paying especial attention to the optical branch of the business. Their business rapidly increasing necessitated larger quarters, and the same year (1892) they removed to their commodious store at 322 Main street, where under the name of Perkins & Company their business has since been conducted. As general jewelers and manufacturing opticians their business ranks among the foremost in the county, and their fully equipped plant for grinding complicated lenses is, without doubt, the finest along the Hudson river; the skill evinced in this line of work has caused that branch oi the business to grow to such an extent that up to 1896 they had examined the eyes and fitted glasses for over ten thousand people. Among the cases that have come to him for examination and treatment have been many that others had pronounced hopeless, and that yet owing to his skill have been either entirely cured or greatly relieved. Cases of epilepsy have been cured by the careful and proper fitting of glasses. In connection with his study of optics Dr. Perkins began the stud}' of general medicine, and for several years devoted his leisure moments to advancing himself in that science, and by the advice of some of his medical friends he took the requisite examination at a medical college, passing with a grade of ninety percent., being considerably above the average, and securing the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He has since become a registered M. D. in several States. But not for a moment has Dr. Perkins relinquished his study of optometry, but instead has been greatly aided therein by his added knowledge of the human system, and to still further perfect himself in this branch he frequently attends the New York Opthalmic Hospital, and assists in operations there. Dr. Perkins has also prepared and placed on the market a wash for sore and inflamed eyes,

known as " Dr. Perkins' Antiseptic Eyewater," which is wonderfully effective in the cure of Catarrhal Conjunctivitis, commonly known as " Pink Eye."

Dr. Perkins is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and is vice-chancellor of Triumph Lodge, K. of P., of Poughkeepsie, besides belonging to several optical and medical societies. Dr. Perkins and his estimable wife occupy a prominent place in Poughkeepsie's social circle, and at their modern and commodious home, which they have purchased on South Hamilton street, they are always pleased to entertain their many friends.

ROOKS VERMILYEA, a most highly respected citizen of the town of Unionvale, is numbered among the elderly residents of the community, and is held in that reverence and esteem which is accorded those whose lives have been characterized by integrity and usefulness. A native of Dutchess county, he was born in the town of Beekman, in 1811, and has here passed his entire life.

His father, Isaac G. Vermilyea, was born in what was then Beektnan town, but is now Lagrange, in July, 1768, and after the completion of his education engaged in agricultural

pursuits. He married Miss Catherine ,

whose birth occurred on the 4th of July, 1776— the day so dear to the hearts of the American people, when they announced to the world their independence.

Nine children were born to the parents of our subject: (i) Elizabeth, born October 23, 1794, married Daniel Billings, a shoemaker, and they had four children—Isaac, John, Sarah and Catherine. (2) Jane, born March 2, 1796, married Alex Homan, a farmer, and they had two children — Alexander and Phtebe. (3) Peter, born September 25, 1797, in the town of Beekman, followed farming as a life work, and married Miss Van Nostran, by whom he liad two sons—George and John. (4) Maria, born April 7, 1799, married Enoch G. Dorland, a farmer, and they had four children —Gilbert, Catherine, Vermilyea and Samuel. (5) Gerardus, born in the town of Beekman, January 26, iSoi, engaged in farming, but was a shoemaker by trade; he married Miss V'an-Nostran, by whom he had eight children— Cromwell, Isaac, Oscar, Walter, Calle (who married Irving Vermilyea), Jane, Minnie and Catherine. The father of these children is

COMMEMORATIVE BWQhAFUICAL RECORD.

still living in Lagrange town, Dutchess county, at the advanced age of ninety-five years, and is quite active. (6) John K., born September i6, 1802. was educated at both Williams and Yale Colleges, later studied medicine and engaged in its practice in the town ot East Fish-kill, near Hopewell Junction. He had four children by his first wife—Dupertrain, Gerar-dus, Anna R. and Lucy. (7) Caroline, born January 29, 1804, died when young. (8) Brooks, of this sketch, was born February 27, 1811. (9) Valentine, born April 4, 1818, attended the New York Medical College, and, after his graduation, engaged in practice in Illinois. He married a Miss Davis.

The primary education of Brooks Vermil-yea was obtained in the district schools near his early home, and he was, later, a student in a boarding school. By trade he is a weaver, at which he worked for a time, but his attention has been principally given to agricultural pursuits. On attaining to man's estate he was united in marriage with Miss Charity Shear, whose death occurred in 1851; she left three children, all of whom were born, reared and educated in Lagrange town, Duichess county: (i) Addison, born in 1841, follows farming. (2) Irving, born in 1843, engaged in the sam.e pursuit at Low Point. He married Callie Vermil-yea, a cousin, and they have one son, Horatio S. (3) Abrarn, born in 1848. also carries on farming. After the death of his first wife. Brooks Vermilyea was again married, his second union being with Miss Lydia A. Donaldson, who was born August 19, 1827, and died in 1893.

WILLIAM T. PHILLIPS, one of the suc- cessful agriculturists of this section,

owning a large farm near Red Hook, Dutchess county, is descended from a family which is noted for those practical qualities of thrift and industry which distinguish the tillers of the soil. His grandfather, Jacob Phillips, was a farmer in Columbia county in his early manhood, but shortly after his marriage he and his wife moved to Dutchess county and settled upon a farm there. Their son, Theodore Phillips, our subject's father, was born in Columbia county, September 25, 1845, ^^^ was only one year old when he was brought to Dutchess county, where he passed his life. He became a prosperous agriculturist, raising grain, hay, and livestock, and in 1878 he purchased

from Gilbert Fraleigh a farm containing 22S acres of fine land, well-stocked, which his energy and enterprise enabled him to improve greatly. Politically he was an ardent believer in the principles of the Democratic party.

He was married (first) to Rachel Link, and (second) to Matilda Coon, daughter of William Coon, a farmer of the town of Milan. Two children were born to the second union: William T. and Merrick. The mother of these passed to her eternal rest in 1885; the father survived her ten years, breathing his last in 1895.

William T. Phillips was born in the town of Milan, Dutchess county, and recei\ed excellent educational advantages in youth, attending Hartwick Seminary. He was initiated into the details of farm work under his father's able guidance, and remained at the homestead, to which he succeeded in 1895. He married Miss Edna Case, daughter of Socatell Case, a well-known farmer of the town of Milan, Dutchess county. They have no children.

E\DGAR VINCENT, formerly the popu- 'I lar proprietor of the "Vincent House,"

Madalin, belongs to one of the ver\' oldest families of Dutchess county. He was born in the town of \\'ashington, April 19, 1832. and there the birth of his father, Moriort\' \'incent, also occurred. The latter married Phoebe Fowler, of Columbia county, N. Y., after which they located upon a farm in Washington town, where their entire married life was passed. Their household included ten children: Ruth, wife of Dr. Holden; Israel, a retired farmer living at Morse, 111.; Washington, George and Franklin, all now deceased; Theodore, a school teacher, of New Jersey; Edgar, of this sketch; Moriorty, deceased; Philo, a carriage manufacturer, of Danbury, Conn.; and Benjamin, who died while young. The father, who was an ardent Republican in politics, served as supervisor of the town of Washington, and was one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of the locality.

The childhood and youth of our subject was passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, and he remained upon the home farm until thirty-eight years of age. In 1870 he removed to Annandale, Dutchess county, where for two years he carried on a grocery store and hotel. For nine years he then kept a saloon at Barry-

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923

town, after which he went to Tivoh, there purchasing the " Farmers Hotel," which he conducted for ten years and which he still owns. On the expiration of that time, however, he bought the hotel at Madalin, which is now known as the " Vincent House," which he has since sold. The interests and comforts of his guests were always carefully looked after, and he is one of the best-known business men in the northern part of the county.

In 1875 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Vincent and Miss Estella Sagendorf, who was born in the town of Red Hook, where her father, Robert Sagendorf, engaged in farming, and they now have three children: Lula, George and Hazel. Although Mr. Vincent is a strong Republican in politics, he prefers to vote independently at local elections, supporting the man whom he thinks best able to fill the position. His personal integrity, both in public and private life, is of the highest order, and he has the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.

E

EDMUND DE WITTMULFORD, a prom-

inent resident of Hopewell Junction, and one of Dutchess county's most intelligent and progressive citizens, is descended from a family which has long been identified with the development of this section.

He is a great-great-grandson of Capt. David Mulford, who came from Long Island in 1776, and purchased a tract of land at Staatsburg. He left a large family. One son, Job, remained on the farm, and died and was buried there with his father. He left one son, David, and one daughter, Margaret, who married Dr. Hunting Sherrill. David married Margaret Van Hoevenberg, and left ten children. His eldest son, David Henry, remained on part of the original farm purchased by Capt. David Mulford, and died there, and was buried in Poughkeepsie cemetery. He was the founder of Staatsburg, and when the Hudson River railroad was built he gave the land for the station, and built the first store and hotel. He opened the road and built the docks and st jre-houses at both Staatsburg and Hyde Park, and was among the first to build ice-houses, and gather ice from the river.

Possessing an unusually able and active intellect, he was influential in varied lines of effort, and was several times elected supervisor of the town of Hyde Park, and twice to the

Assembly. His first wife, Caroline Balding (Van Wagner), died leaving two sons, Edmund De Witt and Francis Henry. He afterward married C3nthia Van Benschoteij, by whom he had one daughter, Harriet Vand'erbilt.

SAMUEL K. RUPLEY, the well-known superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph Co., and Hudson River Co., at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in the city of Lancaster, Penn., July 17, 1S43.

After going through the public schools of Lancaster, our subject learned telegraphy in the ofifice of the National Ohio Telegraph Co. At the age of fifteen years he came to Poughkeepsie and was employed as operator at the depot of the Hudson River Co., and remained with same until 1862, when he joined Co. F, 150th N. Y. S. W I., and was appomted Col. Ketcham's orderl)-. In 1863 he was detailed as operator in the United States military service, where he remained until July, 1865, when he was mustered out. He was connected with the Second Army Corps, headquarters with the Army of the Potomac. After the war Mr. Rupley returned to Poughkeepsie and was appointed manager of the Hudson River R. R. Telegraph Co., and also took charge of the Western Union Telegraph ofifice in the city of Poughkeepsie. In i 890 he was made superintendent of the New York Central and Hudson River Telegraph offices, whose wires run from New York City to Buffalo. He also has charge of the Western Union interests of the P. R. & N. E., Newburgh, Dutchess & Columbia, and Poughkeepsie & Eastern railways. In 1882 the Poughkeepsie Telephone Co. was organized by Mr. Piatt, H. Innis, N. Taylor, Henry Frost and Mr. Rupley. It was finally merged into the Hudson River Telephone Co., and our subject is manager of its interests in Poughkeepsie.

Mr. Rupley was married in that city August 30, 1865, to Miss Jane E. Shurter, a daughter of Isaac H. Shurter, and the following children were born: Harry Mortimer inar-ried Jennie Clifford, and they have one child-Clifford; Mary C. married Albert E. Schwartz,_ and they have one child—John R.; Grace died in the spring of 1895; and Howard R. Mr. Rupley is a Republican, and was commissioner of the city alms house for twelve years. He is a member of the Poughkeepsie Commander}' of

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Masonic order, and of the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Church of the Holy Comforter, in which he is a trustee.

The father of our subject, Samuel Kupley, was born in Lancaster, Penn., where he attended school. He was one of the early engineers of the Pennsylvania Central R. R. His wife was a Miss Mary Martha Kendig, who died in June, 1892. He died in 1S56. Two of their seven children besides our subject are now li\ing. Rev. E. E. Rupley, of Esprey, Penn., and Nellie M. Rupley, of Lancaster. Penn. The grandfather of our subject was also born in Lancaster, and was of English and German ancestry.

WILLIAM E. TRAVER, the genial and popular proprietor of the " Traver

House," at New Hamburg, Dutchess county, was born in the town of Hyde Park, March 31, 1864.

The family, originally from Holland, is one of the oldest in Dutchess county. William Traver, our subject's grandfather, was born in this country, probably in the town of Union-vale, and became an influential and prosperous citizen. He was a farmer, and was also engaged in speculating, and took an active and generous interest in the Methodist Church of his locality. His son, James L. Traver, our subject's father, was born in the town of Pleasant Valley in 1834, and still resides upon his farm in Hyde Park. He married Miss Phoebe Jane Laird, a lady of Scotch descent, and daughter of John and Sarah (Leak) Laird. Her father was at one time a teamster in Pleasant Valley, and, later, a farmer in Hyde Park. The Lairds and the Travers are all Democrats in politics, and are among the most progressive and public-spirited membersof the communitj'.

William E. Traver is the elder of two children, his brother Irving being still at home. After a boyhood spent upon the farm, Mr. Traver, at the age of twentj'-one, was appointed jailer under C. W. Belding. and served in that capacity for three years. In 1889 he engaged in the laundry business at No. 14 Washington street, Poughkeepsie, and after nearly two ^ years there he purchased the "Perrine House," at New Hamburg, which he has since conducted as the " Traver House," his active and business-like management bringing him a gratifying degree of success.

On June 17, 1890, he was married to Miss

Evadna Robman, a native of New York City, and a daughter of Thomson Robman. This family is of English origin. Mr. Traver is a Democrat in political faith, but has never sought official preferment. He is a member of the B. P. O. Elks, Poughkeepsie Lodge No. 275.

^HOMAS W\ JAYCOX (deceased;. The JL subject of this sketch was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. December 17, 1826, and was the son of Christopher Jayco.x.

Our subject was reared upon the farm of his father, and on December 17, 1S50. he was married to Miss Sarah M. Rose, who was born in Hyde Paric. She is the daughter of Abram Rose, and lived in Hyde Park until sixteen years old, when her parents bought a farm in the town of Clinton, where she resided until her marriage. Mr. Rose was born in Ulster county. September 12, 1802, and married Miss Eliza Van Wagener, who was born in the same county, February 20. 1805, a daughter of Minard Van Wagener, also a native of Ulster county. They reared the following children: Lewis H.. a school teacher, who was a colonel in the Civil war, and died in Louisiana in 1865; John M. was a moulder by trade; during the gold fever he went to California, and nothing more was heard of him; William G., and George H.. twins (the former died in infancy. George lives in Waterbury. Conn.); Sarah M., Mrs. Jaycox; Daniel V. W. died young; Innis E. lives in Oregon. The grandfather of Mrs. Jaycox was nained John, and was of Holland descent.

Mr. and Mrs. Jaycox settled on the old homestead after their marriage, where they lived until 1859, when he bought the present farm, and resided there until his death, which took place December 21, 1887. Five children were born to our subject and his wife, namely: Thomas W. is a civil engineer in Leadville, Colo.; Mary R. died April 30. 1S60; Clinton is on the home farm; Anna E. married I. T. N. Harcourt, a grocer in Wapping-ers Falls; Cora I. became the wife of Elmore L. Pryor, an engraver at Wappingers Falls. Mr. Jaycox had 100 acres, on which he did general farming. He was a Republican and a prominent man in politics, and held the offices of Internal Revenue collector, and supervisor for two terms. He was a progressive citizen

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUICAL RECORD.

925

and took an active part in public affairs, holding at one time the office of president and treasurer of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society.

Christopher Jaycox was born in Pough-keepsie, where he married Miss Antoinette Van Dyne and settled on a farm in Poughkeepsie town, where the following children were born: James W. is a farmer and boatman; Hannah J. married William Luckey, a hotel keeper in Wappingers Falls; Thomas W. is our subject; Eliphalet is living retired at Sandwich, 111.; Mary G. died young.

Thomas W. Jayco.x, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Holland. He was one of three brothers who came to America and settled in Dutchess county. One of the boys died, and another disappeared.

J A. PERKINS, of the well-known firm of Perkins & Co., jewelers and opticians, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, was born in that county, November 4, 1841, a son of Alexander W. and Rebecca M. (Akerley) Perkins.

His early life was passed on a farm with the usual advantages in the way of schools and work. He acquired his education in the common schools of his native town, and supplemented the knowledge there obtained by attendance at the Dutchess County Academy, in Poughkeepsie. After leaving school he entered the arena of business by accepting a position as clerk in a store. For five years he was connected with the freight depot of the New York Central railroad, and, later, he entered the employ of the Poughkeepsie &. Eastern railroad, with which he remained two years as general passenger agent, after which he was made superintendent and general manager. In this capacity, through all the changes and vicissitudes of the road, he served for eighteen years, his long term of service being the best of all testimonials for the faithful discharge of his duties. In i8gi he resigned, and for a short time engaged in the ice business with his brother, Stephen A., in which he was very successful; but he now entered a copartnership with his brother, Charles H. Perkins, in the general jewelry business, and the manufacturing of optical supplies. They have met with success far beyond all expectations, and have rapidly advanced to the front rank. The pleasant reception given their

customers at their modern store at No. 322 Main street, Poughkeepsie, has secured them an extensive and lucrative trade amcng the wealthiest citizens along the Hudson river. Careful attention to the filling of orders, and the superior work given, has brought its reward in the satisfaction to and the good will of the public.

In 1865 Mr. Perkins was united in marriage with Anna A. Morey, a daughter of George and Rachel Morey, of Poughkeepsie. They have become the parents of two children: Fred V., of Chicago, and Grace T., wife of Edward Quintard, of Poughkeepsie. Socially, our subject and his wife occupy an enviable position, and in their charming home their friends ever find a hospitable welcome. Mr. Perkins is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of Triune Lodge, Poughkeepsie. As a public-spirited, progressive citizen, he is the peer of any man in the county.

OBERT SANDERS. The subject of this sketch is a native of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, born April 3, 1847. He went to the city schools, and later attended the Dutchess County Academy.

On July 22, 1862, at the age of fifteen years, Mr. Sanders enlisted in Company D, 128th N. Y. V. I., with which he remained all through the war. He was wounded while serving in the Shenandoah \'alley. In 1865 he was honorably discharged and returned to Poughkeepsie and finished his educati'^n, after which he went into the trucking business, in which he continued twenty-one years. In connection with this occupation he also for a time engaged in scalping railroad tickets. He remained in business until rheumatism compelled him to give it up, and, since 1887, he has lived retired from active life.

In 1867 the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Amelia Elsworth, who was born in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county. Her parents were Buhl and Sarah Elsworth, farmers, who came of Holland ancestors. One daughter, Sarah E., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sanders, and died at the age of two years. In politics Mr. Sanders is a Republican, and he is a member of the G. A. R. and of the K. of P. He and his wife attend the Baptist Church to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. Mr. Sanders owns considerable real estate, having five

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

houses and lots on Washington street, and store property on Main street in Pou^jhkeepsie, and also 140 acres of land in Florida, on which there is a well-cultivated orange grove. He is a self-made man, and has achieved success by hard work and perseverance.

Simon Sanders, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland, where he learned the stone mason's trade, which he followed after coming to America. He married, in Canada, Miss Mary Marian, also a native of Ireland, and they came to Poughkeepsie where Mr. Sanders followed his trade. The following children were born to them: James, a machinist, who was an engineer for the Standard Oil Company in New Orleans, where he died; John, who was captain of the police in New York City, where he died in 1889; Robert, our subject; and Simon, who is a blacksmith in New. Jersey. The father of these died about 1852, and the mother departed this life in 1885.

JfOHN M. BORLAND is one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the Poughkeepsie bar, " being possessed of a mind which enables him to at once discover, the points in a case. A man of sound judgment, he manages his cases with masterly skill and tact. He is a logical reasoner, and has a ready command of the English language. He claims Matteawan, Dutchess county, as his native city, the date of his birth being June 30, 1846.

Mr. Borland remained in Matteawan, attending school until twelve years of age, at which time he accompanied his parents to Poughkeepsie, where he pursued his studies in the high school and the Dutchess County Academy, completing his education at the Eastman Business College, where he graduated in the class of '66. He was then employed for two years in the surrogate's office, after which he was engaged in the livery business until 1870, when he entered the law office of Dorland & Williams, with whom ne remained for about two years. On the expiration of that time he again held a position in the surrogate's office, where he was employed until January i, 1877. In September, 1878, he was admitted to the bar, and has since successfully practiced law in Poughkeepsie.

On September 5, 1875, Mr. Dorland was married to Miss Phcebe J. Robinson, a native of Fishkill, and a daughter of John H. and Jane

Robinson, the former of whom was of Irish e.xtraction, and by occupation a general farmer. In religious belief our subject and his wife are Methodists and are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Dorland votes the straight Republican ticket. His powers as an advocate have been demonstrated by his success on many occasions; he is an able lawyer of large and varied experience in all the courts. Thoroughness characterizes all his efforts, and he conducts his business with a strict regard to a high standard of professional ethics.

WILLIAM HENRY WHITE. The fam- ily to which the subject of this sketch

belongs is one of the oldest in the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, his great-greatgrandfather, Joseph White, having settled in the southwestern part of the town before the Revolutionary war, upon a tract of land which he cleared and cultivated. This land has ever since been in the possession of the descendants, and is now owned by Warren White. Joshua, son of Joseph White, was a prominent resident of Pawling- town, holding various offices, including that of supervisor, and he for many years was a justice of the peace. Sewell, another son of Joseph White, and our subject's great-grandfather, was born there in 1781, and, as did his father, he followed agriculture throughout his life. He died in 1859, and his remains are buried at Ludingtonville. He married Sallie Lounsbury, and had seven children, of whom John B., the grandfather of our subject, was the eldest. (2) Eli lived and died in the town of Pawling; (3) Joseph R. moved to Pennsylvania, where he made his permanent home; (4) Amzy' lived at Bluffton, Wells Co., Ind.; (5) Warren occupies the old homestead; and (6) Lucy died at the age of twelve years. In politics the male members of the family have always been Whigs and Republicans; and in their religious views they have inclined toward the Methodist form of worship.

John B. White was born at the old farm in 1809, and although his educational advantages were not of the best, his fine natural ability made up for that to a great e.xtent, and his judgment, in business affairs and other matters, was much sought by his associates. His farm was not large, but he was regarded as an e.x-cellent manager. Political office had no charms

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

927

for him, althoug;h his high standing in the community would have insured his success as a candidate. He married Mary P. Worden, a daughter of Dr. Stephen Worden, a leading physician of his day in that locality. Of their eight children our subject's father, Sewell White, was the eldest. (2J Stephen died in 1886; (3) Sarah Ann married Timothy Flan-nelly; (4) Elizabeth married Russell Ballard; (5) Joshua left home, and his present location is not known (he probably died in Anderson-ville prison during the Civil warj; (6) Abigail married \^'illiam Peck; (7) Maria married George Ballard; and (8) Esther became the wife of Samuel Humphrey. The father died in 1888, in his eightieth year, the mother surviving him only two years.

Sewell White was born September 2, 1834, at the old home farm, and he was given fair educational advantages in the district schools at Reynoldsville, although, with his mental gifts, he could have done justice to better opportunities. His later reading has been extensive and thorough, thus making good many early limitations. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to C. H. DeGraff, of Patterson, N. Y., to learn the blacksmith's trade, and after three years there, he worked two and a half years for Matthew Worden, of Dover Plains. He then entered the service of the Harlem Railroad Co., spending twelve years in the repair shops at Dover Plains, with the exception of two years as conductor of a freight train. After severing his connection with the railroad he engaged in blacksmithing on his own account, opening a shop in Pawling about 1870, and he followed the trade at different locations in the town until 1888, when the firm of W'hite & Ragan was formed, and their present successful business as wagon makers and blackstniths was established. Their new shop, which was built in 1892, is one of the largest in that part of the county, and their trade extends through a large territory. Mr. White is a member of the M. E. Church, and has always shown much public spirit. He takes an active interest in the success of the Democratic party, and has been town sealer, town clerk, road commissioner and justice of the peace. As a self-made man, his reputation in the business world is an enviable one, while his able discharge of every duty as a public official has been no less creditable to him. He married Miss Nancy Amy, daughter of Gilbert Amy, a leading citizen of Union-

vale, and had three children: (i) William Henry; (2) Sarah, who married George T. Chapman, of Pawling, and has four children — Mary, Cordelia, Grace and George; and (3) Cora, who is at home.

William Henry White, one of the successful business men of Pawling, holds the responsible position of assistant purchasing agent for the N. Y. & N. H. R. R. He was born at Dover Plains, N. Y., September 20, 1855; educated at the private school of George N. Perry, and at the public schools. He learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, and after serving his time he took up the business of telegraphing; was in the employ of the Housa-tonic Railroad Co. at New Milford, for a period of eight years as agent and telegrapher, becoming during this time a shorthand writer and machine operator. In 1885 he was appointed trainmaster of the Housatonic railroad, which position he resigned in 1S87 to accept his present one.

Our subject married Mary Augusta Senior, daughter of Joseph D. Senior and Adelia E. Wright, and their children are: Grace Dale, Clifford Sewell, Daisy Edith, Jessie Bishop and Ruth Marion. Joseph Dale Senior was born in Danbury in 1830, son of William Senior, who came from Dorsetshire, England, in 1830. The family of Adelia E. Wright (Mrs. White's mother) is connected with the early history of New England, originating (to present knowledge) with John Shaw and his wife Martha (Ivnowles), 1744, different members having been of the towns of Washington, Kent, Hartford, Haddam, New Milford, and Danbury, Conn. The family is connected with the old Beecher and Ward families of Litchfield countv, Connecticut.

JrAMES B. HAIGHT, a prominent agricult-\ urist and miller of Bangall, Dutchess coun-- ty, was born July 23, 1837, in the town of Stanford. His family has for many years held a leading place in that vicinity. His ancestral history is given in the biography of James Haight.

The late Leonard Haight, our subject's father, passed his life in the town of Stanford, attending its schools in youth, and, later, engaging in farming. He was a Democrat in politics, but was not active in party work. He married Miss Phoebe Griffin, and had six children, of whom our subject is the joungest.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHWAL RECORD.

Of the others—Marfjaret. George, Hannah, John and W'ilham—the only survivor is Hannah, who is now Mrs. Simon Losee.

James B. Haight was reared upon a farm, enjoying the educational advantages of the neighboring schools. At the age of thirty-five he left the farm to engage in milling at Ban-gall, where he has since resided. He owns and operates grist, saw and cider mills, and also manages the old homestead. Possessing unusual business ability and energy, which will push to a successful termination anj' undertaking, he stands high in the esteem of his associates. He married Miss Susan Hart, a daughter of K. Hart, one of Stanford's leading residents, and has two children—William J., and Pbccbe, now the wife of Charles Hicks. In politics Mr. Haight is a Democrat.

FREDERICK C. WHITE, a well-known _ citizen of Pawling, Dutchess county, now in the employ of the Harlem Railroad Co., is one of those men whose quiet and constant attention to the '' duty which lies nearest " makes their lives pass without extraordinary incident. For some years he followed the carpenter's trade in Canaan, Columbia Co., N. Y., previous to entering upon his present business. He married Miss Cornelia Brusie Traver, who was born and reared in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, receiving her education in the common schools there. Of their two children, the elder, Wilbur White, was born in 1858, at Sharon. Conn., and, after securing his education in the schools of that town, learned the business of painting and paper hanging. He and his wife, formerly Miss Kate Northrup, have one child, Raymond, born in 1881. Estella White, our subject's younger child, was born in 1863, in Millerton, N. Y., where she attended school. She married Fred Fletcher, a painter at Patterson, N. Y., and has three children: Harold, born in 1886; Clarence, born in 1889; and Leon, born in 1896.

Mrs. Cornelia B. White's ancestors were early residents at Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., where her grandfather, Charles Traver, was born. His education was obtained in the local schools, and later he engaged in agriculture there, passing his life in that pursuit. He was a private soldier in the war of 1812. A family of si.\ children was born to him and his wife Eli;^abeth, all of whom lived to adult age

and married as follows: Hiram—Eliza Brusie; John—Salina Summers; Freeman—Sarah Colby; James—Betsy Race; Elizabeth—William Cannam; and Polly—Ebenezer Guernsey.

Hiram Traver, Mrs. White's father, was born in Ancram in 1805, and the common schools of that town furnished him his educational opportunities. Engaging in early manhood in farming, he followed that occupation all his life, and, for twenty years, he also carried the mail from Sharon to Cornwall, Conn., and from Poughkeepsie to New Paltz, N. Y. His wife was a daughter of Nicholas and Lo-retta (Egleston) Brusie, her father being the well-known wagon maker of Boston Corners, N. Y. Mrs. White was born in 1838, the second of a family of four children—Charles, Cornelia, Mary and Alva. The eldest, Charles, was born in 1836, in Sharon, Conn., studied in the public schools there, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed the greater part of his life. Shortly after the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the 19th 2d C. V. H. A., as a corporal, and served throughout the war with honor, being mustered out, in 1865, as a lieutenant. He received a wound in the battle of the Wilderness. He married Miss Susan Kellog, and has had four children: Julia, wife of Eugene Halleck; Frederick, who married Paulina Halleck; Fannie, wife of John Piatt; and William, who is not married. Of the two younger children of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Traver, Mary Brusie was born in 1840, at Dover Furnace, married Sanford Palmer, and had two children: (i) Emma, who married William Root, and has three children—Maj', Claude and Bertha; (2) Dora, who married Fred Calkins, and has four children—Charles, Emma, Eugene and LeRoy. Alva Brusie Traver was born in 1855, at Sharon, Conn., and, after attending the pujjlic schools there for some years, studied music, and is now a professor in that art at Central Valley, Orange Co., N. Y. He married Miss Adelaide Strickland, and has had two children—Levern and Carl, both at home.

.«> BEL SMITH, one of the substantial agriculturists of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, is a descendant of an old and patriotic family of Westchester county, N. Y. His grandfather, Richard Smith, was born in North Castle, and followed agriculture there. He did good service in the Revolutionary war.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

929

and, as the locality in which he lived was the scene of much disturbance, many memories of that trying period are connected with his farm. On one occasion a man was shot in his house, and the blood stains can still be seen upon the floor. He and his wife, Elizabeth Miller, reared a family of seven children: Jacob, Richard, Isaac, Benjamin, Sophia, Het-tie and Phoebe.

Jacob Smith, our subject's father, was born and educated at North Castle, and he gave evidence of his patriotism, by serving as a soldier in the war of 1812. By occupation he was a farmer and shoemaker. He married Miss Betsy Carpenter, and had ten children, of whom our subject was the youngest. The others all lived to adult age, and married as follows: Ruth—Hiram Lewis; Esther A.— Merritt Saris; Abigail—Chauncy Hall; Morris C.—Charlotte Foster; Mary—William Wright; Deborah L.—John Griffin; Richard—Mary Peck; Sarah S.—Griffin Hunter; and Eleanor —Edward Simmonds.

Our subject was born March 5, 1831; he was reared at the old homestead at North Castle, and attended the public schools of that town. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed it there for several years, but, in i860, he moved to the town of Pawling, and he has since devoted his attention to farming. He married Miss Ann Maria Odell, and has had five children: (i) Benson was born at Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, in 1854, and, after receiving a common-school education, engaged in farming, but later became interested in shirt manufacturing. He and his wife, formerly Miss M. Frances Reynolds, have four children—Herbert; Belle (Mrs. Watson Ballard); Lilly M., and Wilby; of these, the first and the last two are not married. (2) Elnora, born in 1856, married Casper Davis, a wheelwright, of Connecticut, and has five children —Maude, Delia, Edna, Abel and Casper, all at home. (3) Lemuel, born in i860, married Miss Alice Carrey, but has no children. (4) Ida, born in 1863, is at home. (5) Grace, born in 1870, married Riley Peck, and has three children—Arthur, Everett L. and Odell.

The wife of our subject is also descended from a well-known Westchester family. Her grandfather, Benjamin Odell, was born there, and lived and died there, following in his mature years the occupations of farming and blacksmithing. He married, and had seven children: Jacob, Isaac, Benjamin, Clinton,

60

Rosette, Mary and Lackey. Jacob Odell, Mrs. Smith's father, was also a native of Westchester county, and on completing his common-school course there engaged in farming and blacksmithing at Mount Pleasant. He married (first) Miss Taner, and (second) Miss Jane Lint, daughter of Peter and Maria Lint. Seven children were born of the second union: Abram married Esther Angevine; Peter married Lutetia Yearkes; William married Charity Nodine; Jackson married Mary Buckhaupt; Julia A. is not married; Ann Maria is now Mrs. Smith; and Ijenjamin married Martha Whitney.

GEORGE J. LEE, a prosperous farmer of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, is a representative of the well-known Lee family, who long made their home in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. His grandfather, Samuel Lee, was there born, reared and educated. He learned the trade of a mason, which he followed throughout life, and was an expert workman. In Unionvale there is a house still standing, now over one hundred years old, which was erected by him. He married Miss Pattie Haight, by whom he had nine children: John, the father of our subject; Frederick, who wedded Margaret Crouse; James; Joseph; Herman; Moses; Isaac, who married Mary Lee; George; and Phoebe A., who became the wife of Talmadge Sutherland. The birth of John Lee occurred in the town of Washington, in 1805. He received a common-school education, and learned the carpenter's trade. Many of the finest residences of Dutchess county are the work of his hands. His vote was cast in support of the principles of the Whig party, but he cared nothing for political preferment. He married Miss Ann Wilbur, daughter of Enoch Wilbur, a farmer of Washington town, and they became the parents of four children, namely: (I) Enoch H., who after the completion of his education,'engaged in painting in Washington town. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the 44th N. Y. V. I., and was, later, transferred to the 146th regiment; he was killed in the last battle of the war, at the time of Lee's surrender. (2) Brownell W., the second son, learned the wheelwright's trade, at which he has since been employed, having a shop at Arlington,

COMMEMORA TIVE niOaRAPnWAL RECORD.

N. Y. He also served in the Civil war, becoming a member of the 6ist N. Y. V. I., and on his re-enlistment joined the 66th New York Cavalry, with which he served until hostilities had ceased, when he was mustered out with the rank of sergeant. At one time he was confined in Libby prison and endured all the privations and hardships of army life. He married Miss Jane Owen, by whom he has ten children—George; Ida, wife of Clinton Kerry; Eva; Harvey; Weston; John; Mabel; Oneta; Myron; and Louis, who died in infancy. (3) Our subject is next in order of birth. (4) Elizabeth, the only daughter, died at the age of five years.

George J. Lee, of this review, was born in the town of Washington, in 1847, and there obtained a common-school education. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed only to a limited extent, giving his attention principally to his farming interests. In 1896 he purchased the Caroline Congdon farm in Unionvale town, which comprises 223 acres of fine land, and is now engaged in its cultivation and improvement. He is an enterprising and progressive agriculturist, thoroughly understanding his business, and well deserves the success which has come to him. He is a valued citizen of the community, one who has the esteem and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact.

In 1875 Mr. Lee was married to Miss Carrie Jones, whose birth occurred in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, June 6, 1854, and whose education was obtained in Broome county, N. Y. They have an interesting family of three children: Enoch J., born January 19, 1880; Estella, born June 28, 1883, and Minnie A., born August 21, 1892.

The paternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Lee spent his entire life in Columbia county, N. Y., and reared his six children, namely: Hugh; Mary; Margaret; John; Thomas, who married Jane Allen; and William, who married Abigail. Hugh Jones, the eldest of the children, and the grandfather of Mrs. Lee, was a native of Columbia county, and throughout kfe followed the occupation of farming. He was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Burrows, a daughter of Benjamin Burrows, and to them were born children as follows:

(i) Sarah M. Jones was born in Columbia county in 1829, but was educated in Dutchess county, where her parents had removed when she was quite young. She became the wife of

George Morey, a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. However, most of his life was devoted to farming in Washington town. He was the son of Joseph Morey, who was born and reared in the town of Clinton, and was also a farmer by occupation. By his marriage with Miss Mary Winslow, Joseph Morey had six children: Benjamin, who married Jane Burhans; Edmond, who died when young; George; Jane A.; Margaret; and Elizabeth. The eldest daughter, Jane A., married Robert Buck, and they have two children: Elizabeth, who married Godfrey Wolven, and they have two children: Lottie, wife of Paul Burger, and Annie; and George, the only son of Mrs. Jane Buck. Three children were born to George and Sarah M. (Jones) Morey, as follows: (a) Robert, who was born and educated in Washington town, and during his youth learned the blacksmith trade, at which he has since worked. For his first wife he married Delia Bishop, and they had one child, Georgiana, who wedded Amos Thorn, a carpenter, and to them has been born a son, Harry After the death of his first wife, Robert Morey was joined in wedlock with Minnie Clement, and they have two children: Oakley and AUerton. (b) Egbert Morey was also born, reared and educated in Washington town, and follows the pursuit of blacksmithing. He married Ella Travis, and they have one son, Chester, (c) Annie Morey, the only daughter, died at the age of eight years. The family are widely and favorably known throughout the community where they make their homes, and have the regard of all who know them.

(2) Darius was a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and a carpenter by trade. He married Miss Jane Gallagher, and had four chddren: Ida; Charles; Mrs. Viola Horn; and Elry.

(3) Michael Jones is the father of Mrs.. Lee. He was born in Columbia county, but acquired his education in the common schools of Dutchess county, and throughout life has been employed at the mason's trade. He wedded Miss Adaline Gildersleeve, daughter of Alfred Gilder-sleeve, a farmer of the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, and they became the parents of the following children: Lemuel, a machinist of Oneonta, N. Y., who is married and has three children, Lillie, Dora and Effie; Carrie, the wife of our subject; Emma, wife of Augustus West (an employe on the Albany & Susquehanna railroad), by whom she has two sons—Herbert and Harry; George; Hugh;

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUWAL llECORD.

931

Paul; John; Laura; Harry; and one who died at the age of two years.

(4) David Jones, a native of Columbia county, carried on farming. He married Het-tie Davis, and in their family were five children: Annie, who married Irving Jones; Mary, who wedded Byron Robinson; Dora; Alfrette, who married Wilham Robinson; and Alice, who became the wife of Arthur Haight.

(5J Diana Jones married Cornelius Morris, and had two children: William, who married Annie Shaw; and Annie, who married William Martin. (6) Elizabeth married Walter Stewart, and had three children: Mrs. Mary Hopkins; Harry; and Zadie. (7) Lydia married Orlando Monroe, and had three children: Frank O.; Elizabeth, who married Hiram Tripp; and Clark, who married a Miss Hor-ton. (8) Josiah Jones, an agriculturist, married Elizabeth Horn, and has one son, William. (9) Mary Jones wedded William Chamberlain, and had two children: Willis and Hugh. (10) Alonzo Jones died when young. (11) Louisa Jones married Henry Briggs, by whom she had one child, Orlando. (12) Rodger T. Jones, the youngest of the family, married Diana Davis, and they have two children: Judson and Eva.

GEORGE INNIS, a son of Aaron Innis, mention of whom is made in the sketch of a son, Aaron, elsewhere in this volume, where will also be found the ancestral history of the family, is a representative manufacturer of Dutchess county, born in Poughkeepsie, where his early life was spent and where he received his education.

In 1842 our subject became associated with Gifford & Sherman in the dye-wood business, in which he has continued ever since. That year the style of the firm became Gifford, Sherman & Innis, and so continued until the death of Mr. Sherman in 1858; the firm name stood as formerly until 1884, when it was Innis & Co. Our subject has been one of the leaders in all matters relating to public improvement, and among other projects he contributed a large sum of money for the construction of the Poughkeepsie & Eastern R. R., which he was instrumental in getting through Poughkeepsie. Mr. Innis was elected president of the old village of Poughkeepsie in the " 5©'s," was mayor of the city for three terms of two years each, during the Civil war, and has held

the office of village trustee and supervisor. He has always been a stanch Repuljlican in politics, and was a Presidential elector at the first election of General Grant. Religiously he is a member of the First Reformed Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. In 1855 he was married in New Paltz, Ulster county, to Anna Bevier, daughter of Levi Hasbrouck, and two children were born to them: (i) Martha, who married William H. Young, a lawyer in New York City, living on Prof. S. F. B. Morse's place; they have two children— Annette Innis, and Innis. (2) Hasbrouck, of the firm of Innis & Co. Our subject is a competent business man, social in nature and well-liked by everyone.

JOHN McGLASSON, the able superintendent of the Poughkeepsie (Dutchess county)

Rural Cemetery, has made that place one of the most admirably managed burial grounds to be found along the Hudson river, his success fully justifying the confidence reposed in him by the officers of the association.

The ancient home of his family was in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. His grandfather Mc-Glasson was a native of that locality, and followed the business of quarrying, in which he lost his life. He and his wife, Elizabeth Elliott, had three children: Robert, our subject's father; Jane, who married Jacob Read, of Annan, and Jessie, who married Mr. Wilkinson.

Robert McGlasson was born in July, 18 18, and was a mere boy when his father's death occurred. He became a miller by occupation, and in 1848 came to the United States, locating first in Stanford, Conn., where he was foreman of the spice mills for some time. Later he moved to the town of Lewisboro, Westchester Co., N. Y., and spent six or seven years conducting a flourmill, but about 1857 he disposed of this business and removed to Dover, Dutchess county, where he ran the Hancut Mills on shares for many years. With the exception of two or three years at Little Rest, the remainder of his life was passed there. Possessing good natural abilities, he was successful in business, and was regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the town. He was a Presbyterian in religion, and in politics was a Democrat, voting for Pierce, but later was a Republican, though liberal in his views. His wife was Mary Irving, daughter of John and

UOMMEMOUATIVE BIOGUAPHIC'AL liEVOUD

Jeannette (Thompson) Irving, and they had six children, viz.: Jeannette T., who married S. B. Shaw, a farmer of Fairfax Court House, Va.; John, our subject; Thomas Irving, now the owner of an undertaking establishment and paint shop in Matteawan; Elizabeth Elliott, the wife of Robert J. Shadbolt, a lawyer of lirooklyn, N. Y.; Robert A., a railway conductor, residing in Harlem; and Minerva I., the wife of Samuel R. Hanna.

John McGlasson was born September i, 1843, at the old home. The family settled in Dutchess county during his boyhood, and his education was obtained mainly in the district schools of Dover Plains before the age of fifteen years, although after he was twenty-one he attended night school in New York City, at Cooper Union and in the grammar schools. While his early advantages were not as liberal as might have been desired, he has done much to offset this by reading and private study, and is well-posted upon current topics. At the age of fourteen he left home and spent two years working for the father of W. T. Ketchani, and two summers with the father of George W. Perry. He began to learn the marble-cutter's trade, when he was seventeen, serving an apprenticeship of four years with Charles Smith, and then worked for him two and a half years longer. He went to New York and remained seven years, and in 1870, he established a marble yard at Pawling, and continued it until 1882, when he went to Poughkeepsie as foreman for Richard Graham. He worked seven years for him, and one year for Mrs. Graham. In December, 1889, he was appointed to his present responsible position, being one of twenty-eight applicants. He is now one of the leading workers in his line, and his management of the grounds with the force of from twenty to twenty-four men is beyond criticism.

He was married to Miss OUivia Hurd, daughter of William and Laura Hurd, of Pawling. Her father was formerly a well-known merchant at Hurd's Corners. P"our children were born of this union : Minnie Reed, Maud Campbell, Mable Irving and William T., all of whom are at home.

Mr. McGlasson sympathizes with the Democratic party in national issues, but is inclined to be independent in local politics. He attends the M. E. Church and contributes to its support, and to the advancement of other worthy causes, and he is a member of Triune

Lodge, F. & A. M., Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 173, Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43 and to the Royal Arcanum.

JOHN LYKE is now retired from the active labors of life, and occupies a comfortable home in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. He is a native of the vicinity of Johnstown, Columbia Co., N. Y., where his father, George Lyke, was born. There the latter spent his boyhood days, and on reaching maturity was united in marriage with Anna Scofield, by whom he had two children, Margaret and John, but the sister and parents of our subject are all now deceased. The father was a farmer of Columbia county, and was the son of John Lyke, who was of German ancestry, and one of the first settlers of that county where he carried on agricultural pursuits.

Our subject spent his early years near Johnstown, N. Y., in the usual manner of farmer lads, until fourteen, when he went to Copake and completed his education. From the age of twelve years until he reached his majority he worked as a farm hand, but at that time entered a store at Ancram, where he clerked for a year and a half. He next secured a position in a store at Sheffield, N. Y., and later was employed in a hotel at New York City. He then began the show business with G. F. Bailey & Co., and afterward was with Van Ambergh & Co. for sixteen years, during which time he purchased an interest in the firm. On selling out he traveled for a few years with the London Show, and has visited nearly every town of any size east of the Mississippi river.

On giving up that life, Mr. Lyke returned to Copake, N. Y., where he lived retired until coming to Poughkeepsie in 1882, in order to educate his sons. At the former place he was married in 1861, to Sarah Sweet, a daughter of Rowland Sweet, and their family includes three sons: J. Hyatt, a dentist of Millerton, N. Y., wedded Georgiana Rowe, and has two children, Clinton and Stewart; Fred S., a stenographer, married Hattie Williams, by whom he has a son, Fred; and John J. belongs to the hospital corps of the United States Army and is stationed at Washington. For about fourteen years our subject has made his home in Poughkeepsie, during which time he has gained many warm friends and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

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983

He was identified with the Masonic fraternity in New York City, belonging to Polar Star Lodge; he is now a faithful member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Pough-keepsie.

CHARLES E. VAN KLEECK, a prosperous Jj farmer and representative citizen of Pough-keepsie, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, January 14, 1843. He worked on his father's farm and attended school during his youth.

On November 17, 1869, he was married to Miss Kate B. Rogers, who was born in the town of Beekman August 4, 1842, and they settled on a farm in the town of Wappinger, where they remained for three years, and in 1873 moved to Poughkeepsie. After living here a year they moved to their present farm, where they have reared their two children, Mary E. and Robert M. Mr. Van Ivleeck has a farm of eighty-seven acres in the town of Fishkill, and twenty acres in Poughkeepsie. He is a Republican, a public-spirited citizen, and, with his wife, is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

James W. Rogers, the father of Mrs. Van-Kleeck, was born in the town of Beekman, where he married Miss Mary Besley, a native of Fishkill, and there were born to them the following children: Helen A., John A., Margaret, K.ate B., Charlotte, Phcebe, Mary E., Walter, Henry, George and James. John A. and Walter are farmers in Dutchess county. The others, with the exception of our subject's wife, are deceased. Mr. Rogers died January 29, 1884, and his wife November 22, 1888. Micah Rogers, the grandfather, was also born in Beekman.

Robert M. Van Kieeck, the father of our subject, was born in the city of Poughkeepsie August 10, 1804. He grew up there, and in early life learned the harness and saddle making business of David B. Lent. He married Hannah Rogers, the daughter of John Rogers, a farmer in the town of Beekman. After their marriage, the parents of our subject located in Beekmanville, where he carried on the business of making harness, trunks, saddles, etc. One child, our subject, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Kieeck. In 1843 they bought a farm in Fishkill, to which they moved and carried on farming until his death, which occurred October 4, 1872, his wife dying November 19,

1874. He was a Republican, and both were members of Christ Church. The Rogers family was of English ancestry. Hezekiah, the grandfather, was a tanner and currier in the town of Beekman. John, the father of Mrs. Van Kieeck, married Mary Skidmore, a native of Beekman, where they settled and reared the following family: Phcebe, Ruth, Stephen, Laban, James, Judith, Gilbert, Mariah and Hannah.

John M. Van Kieeck, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Poughkeepsie September 15, 1776. His father, Myndert Van Kieeck, was born in Dutchess county, and died there December 17, 1799. He was a direct descendant of Baltus Van Kieeck, who came from Holland. John M. married Miss Eliza Noxon, the daughter of Bartholomew Noxon, a physician, for whom Noxon street was named. John settled in Poughkeepsie, where he carried on a general store on the corner of Main and Academy streets. He also did a shipping business between Poughkeepsie and New York City. He was the father of these children: Robert M., father of our subject; George M., a dry-goods merchant of Poughkeepsie; Edgar M. was in early life a merchant in Poughkeepsie, and later retired; Hester F. died unmarried. The old folks were members of Christ Church.

D^AVID F. PHILLIPS, one of the ener-_ ' getic and progressive farmers of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he has resided since 1861, is now devoting his attention to the improvement and cultivation of his land with most excellent results. He is honored and respected by the entire community, who look upon him as one of the most wideawake farmers and model citizens.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, David V. Feller, was a native of Columbia county, where his education was obtained in the common schools, and hetherefollowed the vocation of farming throughout life. By his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mink, of the same county, he had six children: William, Ezra, Lena, Helen. Jane and Emma Eliza. The last named, Emma Eliza, was born and educated in Pleasant Vale, Columbia county, and became the wife of Abraham Henry Phillips, a native of Columbia county, N. Y., where he was educated in the common schools

COMMEMUBATIVE BIOOIIAPUICAL RECORD.

and followed the occupation of farming. By this union were born seven children, namely: Romelia married Rennselaer Moore; David F. is next in the order of birth; William H. wedded Mary McClure; Martha is unmarried; George A. married Daisy M. De F"orest; Elizabeth became the wife of William Wol-cott; and Alice died at the age of four years. The brothers and sisters of Abraham Henry Phillips, father of our subject, were: Anthony, who married Catherine Lasher; Nicholas, who married Catherine Feller; Jacob, who also wedded a Miss Feller; John, who married Elmira Decker; Catherine, who became the wife of Edward Teator; and Elizabeth, who married Philip Hapeman.

Mr. Phillips, of this review, is also a native of Columbia county, his birth having occurred in 1845. but when quite young his parents removed west, locating in Michigan, where he attended the public schools and there acquired a fair education. He followed agricultural pursuits in that State until 1861, when he returned east, and has since made his home in the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county. In 1S79, he married Mrs. Lottie De Forest, widow of Harry C. De Forest, by whom she had three children: Augustus R., born in 1852; Daisy M., born in 1868; and Wallace, born in 1876. Our subject and his wife have one daughter—Ruby L., born September 6, 1880.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Phillips, William Carter, married Miss Charlotte Earner, daughter of Douglass and Elizabeth Earner, of New Brunswick, and to them were born two children: William, the father of Mrs. Phillips; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Samuel Montgomery. William Carter, Jr., was born and educated in New Brunswick, where he later engaged in the manufacture of cigars. He married Miss Maria B. White-man, and to them were born three daughters: Julia W., wife of James H. Cortelyou; Josie, wife of John" P. Shafer, of Red Hook; and Lottie, wife of our subject. Her maternal grandfather, John P. Whiteman, was a prominent farmer of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, anil there married Miss Annie Shook, daughter of John Shook, of the same town. By this union seven children were born, of whom, the mother of Mrs. Phillips was the eldest. She was followed by Eliza A., who became the wife of Robert Leete; Jane L., who married John Lambert; Sarah

M., who svedded George Deipignac; Sophia F.; Aaron W.; and John, who died at an early age.

FRANK TEATS, one of the reliable and progressive young men of Red Hook, Dutchess county, is connected with the firm of Curtis & Benner, hardware merchants. He is a son of Electrice Teats, a prosperous farmer of the town of Red Hook, where our subject received his literary education. He is a natural musician, the master of many different kinds of instruments, and is also quite a vocalist, being at the present time a member of the choir of the Methodist Church of Red Hook. On April 16, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Traver, also a native of Red Hook, where she obtained a good education, and one child, Elmer, blesses this union.

Edgar Traver, the grandfather of Mrs. Teats, born in Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, March 20, 1829, was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood, and received his early training as a farmer at that place. He continued to follow that vocation, in connection with stock raising, throughout life, and was quite a prominent man in the community, serving as assessor and supervisor of Red Hook town for many years. He was twice married, his first union being with Anna M. Snyder, and for his second wife he married Catherine Benedict. He became the father of two sons: Arthur and Ransom. The former's birth occurred at Rhinebeck, January 12, 1851, and, after completing his studies in the common schools of the locality, he took up the occupation of farming, and now conducts the old Traver farm at Red Hook. He occupies the old homestead of his father, a substantial brick structure, over one hundred and fifty years old. He married Miss Martha \\'estfall, whose father was a native of Canada, and to them have been born three children: Mabel, born June 20, 1884; Edna, born April 26, 18S6; and Edgar, born February i, 1887.

Ransom Traver, the father of Mrs. Teats, was born at Rhinebeck, September 21, 1852, and his education was such as the common schools of the locality afforded. On starting out in life for himself he learned the drug business in the village of Rhinebeck, which he there followed for a few years, and then established a drug store at Red Hook, conducting the same very successfully for many years.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPnWAL RECORD.

935

On disposing of his business there he removed to Watertown, N. Y., where he now resides. The lady who now shares his name and fortunes was in her maidenhood Miss Edith Hoffman, daughter of B. B. Hoffman, vice-president of the National Bank of Red Hook. They are the parents of four children, namely: William, born December 28, 1870; Herbert, born June 2, 1872; Addie, born March 26, 1875; and Anna, born September 15, 1876.

MYRON BARLOW (deceased) is remem-_ bered by the people of the town of

Unionvale as a most valued and highly respected citizen. A native of Dutchess county, he was born in the town of Stanford in 1808, and was the son of Braman and Mary (Engla-sol) Barlow. Thonias Barlow, his paternal grandfather, passed his entire life in Dutchess county, following the occupation of farming during his mature years. He married a Miss I-5raman, and to them were born two sons— Braman and James.

The birth of Braman Barlow occurred in Stanford township, and in the common schools he secured his education. Like his father, he engaged \n agricultural pursuits, and he died on his farm in the town of Stanford. In his family were four children: James never married; Cyrus, who was a member of the Masonic order, married Minerva Welling, and had three children—Myron, who married John Crokite; Caroline, who married Benjamin Palmer; and Frances, who married Dr. Thorn. Myron, of this review, is next in order of birth. Maria became the wife of James Germain, and had nine children—Edward; Talmadge; Cyrus, who married Viola Hicks; Mary; Sarah; Elizabeth; Frances, who married William Creede; Nettie, who married Robert Halstead; and Julia, who married Isaac Wlnance.

The educational privileges of our subject were such as the public schools of Stanford afforded at an early day, and as a life work he also followed the vocation of farming, to which he had been reared, and with which he was familiar. He was a straightforward, reliable man, courteous, genial, alert and enterprising, and his actions during life were such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in a publication of this character. Socially he affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. Barlow was united in marriage with Miss Martha Van Vlack, who was born in

Pleasant Valley township, Dutchess county, in 1834, and there received a good common-school education. Seven children blessed their union, namely: (1) Emerson is by profession a dentist, but is also engaged in the brokerage business in Poughkeepsie and Kingston, N. Y. He married Eugenie Du Bois, and they have, one daughter, Susie. Like his father he is identified with the Masonic order. (2) Alfred is a buyer of stock for the Union Stock Yards of Chicago, 111. (3; Myron married Miss Jennie Carpenter, and is now engaged in the furniture business in Poughkeepsie. (4) Alice married Frederick Hall, a carpenter of Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., and they have three children, Anna, Myron and Clayton. (5) Jennie is following the profession of teaching in Lagrange town, Dutchess county. (6) George turns his attention to agricultural pursuits. (7) Etta, who completes the family, is a teacher of New Hamburg, Dutchess county. With the exception of the two youngest children, whose births occurred in the town of Unionvale, all were born in Stanford town. They were provided with good educational privileges, and have become intelligent and useful citizens of the various communities where they make their homes.

Andrew Van Vlack, the grandfather of Mrs. Barlow, was a native of Dutchess county, and a farmer by occupation. By his marriage with Catherine Jewell he had seven children: Alfred, the father of Mrs. Barlow; Abraham, who married Phoebe Devine; Cornelia, who married John Stewart; Martha, who married Cornelius Ingraham; Eliza, who married Nicholas McMann; Catherine, who married Jonathan Devine; and Reuben, who married Catherine Johnson.

Alfred Van Vlack was born in 1814, in the town of Pleasant Valley, where he was educated and learned the milling business, which he successfully followed throughout life, purchasing and conducting a mill in Unionvale town. He was a stalwart Democrat in politics and quite an active politician, but never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, while socially he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Foster, daughter of Martha (Welling) Foster. P"ive children were born of this union, as follows: Amelia married Lewis Ward, by whom she had a daughter—Minnie. Martha is the second of the family. Jennie married Henry

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

Burton, and has two children—Estella, now the wife of Edward \'an Keiiren; and Lewis, who married Hattie Duncan. Mary wedded Benjamin Van Wyck. Louisa died in infancy.

GEORGE NAGENGAST was born in Pough-keepsie, Dutchess county, June lo, 1852, and has already resided in that city forty-five years. His father, Charles Nagengast, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1825, and came to America in 1840. He first settled at Honesdale, Penn., from there went to Albany and soon after found his way to Poughkeepsie.

Charles Nagengast was a teamster by occupation, hauling ore for the blasting furnaces where he was also foreman for many years. In the later years of his life he was in the saloon business. He married Mary Hanline, and they had children as follows: George; Caroline married Lindsley Downer; Charles is in business in Poughkeepsie; Elizabeth Louisa married Frederick Bart; John Schwartz. The mother of this family was a woman of strong character and a large fund of common sense. She died June 18, 1873, the father surviving her until 1889.

George Nagengast had but a limited education as he was only about eleven years old when he went to work in the cigar shop of Joseph Bayard, which a week afterward changed owners, John Schwartz taking possession of the business. He remained in this connection for nineteen years, lacking one month, and until March 25, 1881, when he went into the butchering business. In this, however, he remained only a few weeks, and then again took up the work of his trade, this time with Stephen Stafford. He afterward ran a factory for Eastmead cS: Lewis, and on October 2, 1881, he began keeping hotel in what is now the " Hudson Kiver House." He remodeled the building, and conducted the business for six years and eleven months. Later he bought out the store of Mrs. Conger at 435 Main street, and ran it for a little over five years. On November i, 1894, he purchased his present stand, and has since been carrying on a prosperous business. He is a careful, conservative man in financial matters, and has invested his money in real estate, owning some valuable property in Poughkeepsie. Mr. Nagengast was married November 2, 1878, to Miss Caroline, daughter of William and Adeline (Martin) Swartout, and two children

have been born to them: Arminta and Lillie May.

Mr. Nagengast is a Republican, but has , never been very active in political affairs. He does not belong to any fraternities, but joined the Niagara Company, No. 2, when eighteen years old, four years later joining the O. H. Booth Company, but returning after eight years to his first company, of which he is now treasurer. He is a public-spirited citizen, and is always ready to assist in all worthy enterprises.

ELENNIS WHALEN. a well-known retired 'J agriculturist of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, now residing at Dover Plains, was born in 1835 in the parish of Kilteely, County Limerick, Ireland. His family has been prominent there for many generations, and his father, the late Jeremiah Whalen, was one of the leaders of his day in the struggle for the liberty of his country, and was twice elected to Parliament. In 1851 the family immigrated to the United States and settled at Dover Plains. Patrick Whalen, one of our subject's brothers, resides there, and his biography contains a history of this highly esteemed family.

Mr. Whalen attended the schools of his native parish in boyhood, but on coming to this country he at once sought employment. The Harlem railroad was then in process of constructionr and for some time he worked upon it. He then spent ten years on a farm, and in 1869 he bought a farm of 157 acres at what is known as lllert Hills, and cultivated this while working at times for the railroad company. In 1873 he was appointed baggage master and switch man at Dover Plains, and held those positions until 1894, when an accident disabled him for active business, although he is not at present confined to his bed. He sold his farm in 1893 to S. R. Hanna, and took a pleasure trip to the old country, visiting all parts of the Emerald Isle and gathering a marvelous fund of information.

In 1858 Mr. Whalen married his first wife, Hanora Marona, by whom he had three children: Mary E., born in 1859; Catherine F. in i860; and Sebastian F. in 1866. His first wife died August 11, 1891, and Mr. Whalen married Miss Delia F. Hogan, a native of County Limerick, Ireland. Her father, William Hogan, was a gardener by trade, and was one of five children, the others being John,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

937

Dennis, Mary (Mrs. James Rahilly), and Catherine. He married Margaret Lynch, who was also a member of a family of five. James Lynch married Bridget Sherye; Patrick married Ellen Sherye; Catherine was the wife of William Murphy; and Mary married James Ryan. Mrs. Whaien was the youngest of the five children of William and Margaret Hogan. Mary married John O'Shea; Catherine is at home; Margaret died at the age of thirteen; and Patrick is at home.

'ENRY BOLENBAKER. There is probably not a finer farm in all its appointments in the town of Red Hook than the one owned by the subject of this history, who is still a young man, and of whom, on account of his enterprise and industry, great things are expected in the future. The residence is in keeping with the taste and means of the proprietor, and the whole place forms a picture which invariably attracts the admiration of the passing traveler.

Peter P. Bolenbaker, the father of our subject, is one of the prosperous farmers of Red Hook town, and on reaching man's estate he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Traver, who is one of the nine children of Henry H. Traver and wife, also agriculturists. This worthy couple became the parents of five children, namely: Daniel, who died in infancy; Martha, who became the wife of Theodore Traver; Sarah, who remained single; Henry J., of this review; and I^uella C., who also remained single.

In 1886 Mr. Bolenbaker, whose ^ame introduces this notice, was married to Miss Emma E. Fraleigh, a native of the town of Clermont, Columbia Co., N. Y., where she was educated in the common schools. One child blesses this union—Roger Fraleigh.

Peter P. Fraleigh, the father of Mrs. Bolenbaker, was born in the town of Clermont, Columbia county, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he obtained his education. As a lifework he also followed farming. Early in life he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Lasher, daughter of Jonas Lasher, of Clermont town, and to them were born the following children: Peter F. married Jennie Saulpaugh; Jonas L. married Margaret Gardner; Helen married Montgomery Finger; William H. married Addie Van Horn; Barbara mar-

61

ried Charles Moore; Margaret married Willis Hermance; Emma E. is next in order of birth; Edward W. married Kittie Francis; and Martin and Mary both died in infancy.

fILLIAM AUGUSTUS MOSHER, a prominent agriculturist of the town of Fishkill, Dutchess county, is well known along the Hudson, having spent many years in the transportation business before settling down to the quieter life of a tiller of the soil.

His family is of English origin, and his great-grandfather, W^illiam Mosher, crossed the Atlantic as a soldier in the British army during the Revolutionary war, but on landing he deserted and joined the forces under Gen. Washington, serving as a captain throughout the struggle. His son, Amos, married Jane Rhinehart, and their son Miles, our subject's father, was born at Breakneck, Dutchess coun-t}', and became a boatman on the Hudson, being engaged in carrying brick between Fish-kill Landing and New York City, until his death. He married Louisa Smith, a native of Dutchess county, daughterof Elijah and Margaret Smith, and is still living. Of their eight children, the youngest, Frances, died in childhood, and the others are: William Augustus, Amos, Margaret Jane, Annie, Ida, Henry and Charles.

W^illiam A. Mosher was born at Burnsville, Dutchess county, in 1841, and, after acquiring a common-school education, left home to take a place on a boat with Capt. \'irgil Coleman, who carried coal from Rondout to Fishkill Landing. He remained with him two years, then spent three seasons on a brick boat run-ding from Fishkill Landing to New York City, passing the winters at home. In 1861 he went to Long Island and worked on a farm for his uncle, Charles Mosher. and on returning spent four months as fireman on the steamer " Rip Van W'inkle." In 1862 he served on the government transport, "Gen. Meigs," for several months, carrying troops and provisions for the army between New York City and southern ports; he also enlisted in Company E, 19th N. Y. S. M., and was sent to Baltimore, Fort Delaware and Havre de Grace, receiving his discharge at Newburgh, N. Y., on the e.xpiration of his term of enlistment—one hundred days. He then went on a canal boat with Capt. Daniel Howell, and on leaving him

COMMEMORATIVE BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

worked in the Fishkill Landing Machine Shop for a year, when he took another place upon a government transport running from St. Louis to Du\';ili's Bluff, Memphis, Cairo and New Orleans. He was on this boat at Du V'all's Bluff when the news of Lincoln's assassination reached him. On his return home he was married to Miss Hannah Hickman, daughter of William and Martha ( Purdyj Hickman, and granddaughter of Michael and Rachel Hickman. On the maternal side, her grandparents were Francis and Mary (Shaw) Purdy. Six children were born of this union: Amos, Ida, George, Matthew, Nettie and Blanche.

After his marriage Mr. Mosher worked for two years in the Fishkill Landing Machine Shops as a blacksmith and machinist, and two years on the Newburgh and Fishkill ferry as fireman, and then went to Kansas and spent five years in farming. On returning to the East he worked on the construction of the N. Y. & N. E. R. R., aboard a mud scow, and, while thus employed, saved from drowning two men, named John Cook and a Mr. Mitchell. His next employment was on the ferryboats "City of Newburgh" and " Fish-kill-on-the-Hudson," as engineer, but after three years he gave up this work to take charge of the brickyard of William H. Aldrich, where he remained six years. He then purchased his present farm of 270 acres, which is bounded by the lands of William H. Cary, George Ireland, Alfred Miller, James Daniels and Reuben Knapp. His main crops are hay and grain, but he gives considerable attention to horticulture, having many grape vines and a number of apple and peach trees, with other fruits. Part of his land is as yet uncleared, and he sells a large amount of wood and hewn timber. His son George assists in the management of this estate. In politics Mr. Mosher is a Republican, and he is a member of the G. A. R.

^\UGENE WELLS, one of the leading citi-

Ijj zens of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, now living in retirement amid the charming surroundings of that picturesque locality, was born at Hudson, Columbia Co., N. Y., January 17, 1839.

Isaac Wells, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1770, and among his family of children was Richard I. Wells, Eugene's father, who was born at Co.xsackie, Greene Co., N. Y., September 25, 1795. Richard I. Wells was a

prominent lawyer of New York City, a member of the well-known firm of Wells & Bush-nell, and was a man of great mental ability and sound judgment. From his office were graduated some students who afterward achieved distinction at the bar. In early years he was a Whig and later a Republican, but he was never active in politics. He was an intimate friend of Stephen A. Douglas, and was prominently identified with the landed interests of Chicago, 111., owning at one time a large amount of real estate there. Wells street in Chicago was named in his honor. On September 28, 1819, he was married to Ann Maria Olcott, daughter of Josiah Olcott, a prominent citizen of Hudson, and had ten children: Anna, the widow of Claudius L. Monell, who was, at the time of his death, chief justice of the Superior Court of the City of New York; Mary, who married Charles Roome, president of the Consolidated Gas Co., of New York; Caroline (deceased); John H. (deceased); Richard (deceased) ; Ophelia, who married Rev. Henry Darling, late president of Hamilton College; Frederick J., who died in infancy; Thomas O., a resident of New York City; Frances M. (deceased), formerly the wife of Isaac M. Collins, of Hudson, who is now the surrogate of Columbia count}'; and Eugene, our subject. After many years of successful practice, Mr. Wells, in 1S37, retired to Hudson, where he passed his declining years. His death occurred there March 11, 1863. He and his wife were always leaders in the various philanthropic movements of the Church.

The subject of this sketch made choice of the medical profession, and studied for two years with the late Dr. H. B. Sands, of New York City, but was compelled to abandon his books on account of what is called double astigmatism. Since 1865 he has resided at Rhinebeck, where he has identified himself with the best interests of the community, and has won the esteem of all classes. He has been a director of the First National Bank for many years, and has held the office of president of the village.

On May 31, 1865, he married Miss Mary Thorn Teller, daughter of William T. and Eliza Thorn Teller and granddaughter of William Teller. They have one daughter—Caroline Thorn Wells. Mr. and Mrs. Wells attend the Reformed Church at Rhinebeck, and have always been among the leaders in the most exclusive social circles of that town.

COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPBICAL RECORD.

939

FRANK TALLADAY, the well-known host of the "Talladay House," at Dover

Plains, Dutchess county, is one of the leading citizens of that pleasant village.

His family has been identified with the town of Dover for many years, and his father, Neilson Talladay, was a native of the town, and, on finishing his education in the local schools, he engaged in business as a carpenter, following that trade throughout his active life. He was a soldier in the Civil war in Company E, 150th N. Y. V. I., and took part in many important engagements. For some time he served as hospital steward at Baltimore, Md. He married Miss Elizabeth Colby, daughter of a leading farmer of the town of Dover, and had five children, of whom our subject was the youngest. The others are: Phoebe (who has not married); Janette (Mrs. C. F. Segelken); Mary (Mrs. John H. Smith); and Elizabeth (Mrs. Archilas Birch).

Frank Talladay was born April i, 1859, in Dover Plains, Dutchess county. He was educated in the schools of that village, and on completing his course of study, he engaged in business as a butcher at Brooklyn, N. Y. After four years in this enterprise, he moved to Naugatuck, Conn., where he was for some time connected with a rubber manufacturing concern. Later he was engaged in mercantile business at Dover, and in 1893 he rented the hotel now known as the ''Talladay House" at Dover Plains, which he has since conducted in a manner to gain and keep the patronage of the public. In 1889 he married Miss Mary Humeston, daughter of Charles and Abbie Humeston, of Dover Plains, and they have one child—Frank W., born in February, 1895.

Mr. Talladay is a member of the Sons of Veterans, of Dover, and he has always taken great interest in politics, identifying himself with the Republican party. He has held several public offices. In 1891, he was elected constable of Dover town, and served three terms.

GRIFFIN COOKINGHAM, one of the leaders among the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of the town of Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, was born May 6, 1835, upon the estate where he now resides, and which has been in the possession of his family since the days of his grandfather, Frederick Cook-ingham, who was born, probably, in Germany,

but settled in Rhinebeck when a young man. He married and reared a family of seven children: John F., a farmer in the town of Hyde Park; Andrew, a farmer in Rhinebeck; William, our subject's father; Rebecca, who married Andrew Pultz, a farmer of Rhinebeck; Omie, who married Frederick Pultz, a farmer in Columbia county; Rennie, the wife of David Marquet, a farmer in the town of Rhinebeck; and a daughter who married Michael Pultz, who was also a farmer there.

William Cookingham, our subject's father, was born in 1802, and always lived at the old farm, coming into possession of a portion of it on the death of his parents. He married Catherine Traver, daughter of Solomon Traver, a farmer in the same locality, and had children as follows: Elizabeth (deceased); Emeline, a widow; Julia, who never married; Frederick, a retired farmer of Rhinebeck; Griffin, our subject; Henry, a resident of Hyde Park; Charles, who lives in Rhinebeck; and James (deceased). The parents of this family are both deceased, the father dying in 1875. Both were devout members of the Lutheran Church.

Our subject grew to manhood at the old homestead, and in 1856 was married to Eleanor Westfall, a native of Nassau, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and daughter of Jacob West-fall, a farmer, who in his later years moved to Dutchess county. For some years after his marriage Mr. Cookingham and his wife lived on a farm near his birthplace, but in 1877 he returned to the old homestead as owner of 182 acres, a fine farm which he devotes to general crops. He and his wife united with the Reformed Church many years ago, and were among its leading members. Mrs. Cookingham died April 17, 1894, leaving two children: Edward, now a farmer, and married to Maria Schultz; and Eleanor, who is at home. The first two children died—Rachel in childhood and William J. in 1892. In politics Mr. Cookingham, like his father in later years, supports the Republican party. He is one of the active workers in all local improvements, being especially interested in educational affairs, and has served as school trustee for thirteen years.

i'OHN McKEVITT, an energetic and industrious farmer of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, was born in County Louth, Ireland, and is the grandson of Patrick Mc-Kevitt, also a native of the Emerald Isle, and

COMMEMORA FIVE BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.

a farmer and weaver by occupation. He wedded Miss Mary Cunningham, and to them were born seven children: Thomas, who married a Miss Leonard; Brien, who studied for the priesthood and had charge of a parish in his native land; Hugh, the father of our subject; Henry, who died when young; Owen, who died unmarried; Mrs. Mary Duf^ey; and Mrs. Catharine Myers.

The birth of Hugh McKevitt also occurred in County Louth, Ireland, and there he was educated and engaged in weaving and farming. He married Miss Ann Riley, a daughter of John and Mary (Cassidy) Riley, farming people of that country, and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: (i) Patrick spent his entire life on the Emerald Isle, where he followed farming and droving. By his marriage with Ann McBride, he had eight children —Mary, Hugh, John, Patrick (deceased), Peter, Catherine, Alice (deceased) and O'Brien. (2) Brien remained single, conducting a bakery in Ireland. (3) Henry came to the United States in 1852, locating in New York City, where he engaged in the liquor business. He married Miss Rose McLaughlin, and they have seven children — Hugh, Joseph, Annie, Henry, Rose, Mary and John. (4) Mary became the wife of James McCarty. (5) John, of this sketch, is next in order of birth. (6) Catherine married Thomas McDermott, and has four children—Annie, Hugh, Mary and William. (■J) Alice married a Mr. Mooney, and has two children—William and Mary.

John McKevitt, the subject proper of this sketch, acquired his education in the place of his nativity, and there followed farming until coming to the New World in 1854, at which time he located on Long Island; after a year passed there he came to Dutchess county, where he has since resided. He is a valued and esteemed citizen of the community, and a credit to the land that gave him birth. He uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but he has never aspired to public office.

Mr. McKevitt was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Newman, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Carrey) Newman, farming people of West Meath, Ireland. Of their union have been born four children, namely: Thomas J., Annie, Mary R. and Catherine. The family is one of prominence, holding a high position in the social circles of the locality where they make their homes.

Mrm good family, which was of English origin, but for several generations has been located in Connecticut. His grandfather, AbnerHinman, was born at Southbury, New Haven countj', and passed his life there upon a farm, where he and his wife reared to adult age a family of seven children: (i) Esther married Johnson Tuttle, a farmer in Southbury, who died in 1876. (2) Sidney went to Ithaca, N. Y., and later to the vicinity of Detroit, Mich., where he settled in what was then an unbroken wilderness, and at his death, in 1880, he was a prosperous agriculturist. (3) Preston, who is not married, followed shoemaking at Southbury, later in Oxford, his present home. (4) Gennett married Smith Hine, of Bridgeport, and both are now deceased. (5) Polly married Smith Downe, a carpenter, and both are deceased. (6) Horace is mentioned more fully below. (7) Roswell (deceased) was a mechanic.

Horace Hinman, our subject's father, who is now living in retirement, was born in Southbury, Conn., and married a native of that place, Mary Hughes, a lady of Scotch descent. They first settled in Southbury and later in Oxford, Conn., Mr. Hinman following the shoemaker's trade. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are both consistent members of the M. E. Church. They had four children as follows: (i) Sarah married H. B. Folly, a wholesale merchant of Danbury, Conn.; (2) Fannie and (3) Delia are deceased^ and (4) Winfield B.

We will now return to the subject proper of this sketch, who was born at Oxford. Conn., October 30, 1863. He attended school there for some years, but as has been said he began at twelve to support himself by his own labor. At sixteen he left home to work on a farm at Newtown, Conn., where he spent two years. He then went to Southbury, where he was similarly employed for three years, and also rented a farm of 300 acres which he conducted for a time. Two years upon a rented farm near Liverpool, N. Y., followed, after which he went to Syracuse, N. Y., as shipping clerk for the Butler Manfg. Co. After one year there he spent a short time in Philadelphia, before going to Danbury, Conn., to take charge of a wholesale provision store, which, he managed successfully for three years. There he learned all the details of the business, and having at last found a congenial pursuit which promised good financial returns he has since

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

941

continued it. In January, 1891, he became manager of a retail produce business at Matte-awan, which he purchased at the end of three months. His success was extraordinary. Beginning with a cash capital of $26 he increased his trade until he had three stores—one on Main street, Matteawan; one at Fishkill Landing, and one at Cold Spring; employing in all nine men. The business included a retail grocery and meat trade with a wholesale trade in sausages.

On April 4, 1883, Mr. Hinman was married to Miss Lizzie Loomis, daughter of K. H. Loomis, of Syracuse, N. Y., and three children have blessed their home: Harlow; and two who died in infancy. Mr. Hinman has been interested in public affairs, local and National. In politics he is a Republican, and as a member of the Presbyterian Church he takes a helpful part in religious and philanthropic effort. He is also a member of the K. of P.

MICHOLAS VAN WAGNER, farmer, post office Billings, Dutchess county.

New York.

WILLIAM H. FIERO, a most reliable and faithful engineer on the Harlem

railroad, whose fidelity to every duty has commended him most highly to his employers, is a resident of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He was born in the town of Union-vale, Dutchess county, March 24, 1865.

William H. Fiero, his grandfather, was a native of Columbia Co., N. Y., born August 1, 1808, and on November 8, 1827, married Sal-lie Ann Chapman, a daughter of John and KatherineChapman, born September 5, 1807, at Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y, Their children were: Jonathan A., bowi August 3,

1833; Oscar, born August 21, 1836; John, born July 9, 1838; Hattie A., born April 28, 1841, died December 25, 1871; and William H., born April 7, 1846, died May 9, of the same year.

John Fiero, the father of our subject, an undertaker by occupation, is a native of Dover, Dutchess county, and, on growing to manhood, he was married to Adelaide F. Leonard, a native of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, born April 28, 1841, and the marriage was blessed by the following children: (i) Jennie S., born November 5, 1859, in the town of Union, Penn., married in August, 1882, Edward Davis, of Danbury, Conn., and their children are—Ida May, born March 6, 1886; Bessie F., born February 26, 1890; and John, born June 26, 1893, died on December 6, 1895, in Albany, N. Y. Of these children, Ida May and Bessie F. were born at Danbury, Conn., and John in New York City. The mother of these died at Dover, July 9, 1895. (2) Hattie A., born July 7, 1862, in the town of Amenia, Dutchess county, married March 29, 1882, Marcus D. Marcy, and they have one child. Bertha F., born July 29, 1885, at Dover, Dutchess county. (3) William H., our subject. (4) Ida A., born January 24, 1869, in the town of Dover, died May 4, 1870, in the town of Amenia.

Our subject's marriage to Miss Minnie Rider, who was born at Bangall, Dutchess county, March 8, 1863, was blessed with the following children: Ida A., born June 3, 1884; Addie. born May 20, 1885, died March 12, 1894; John, born November 24, 1889; and William S., born January 14, 1893. The father of these is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Dutchess county, and the several members of the family possess qualities that endear them to a large circle of friends.

Kif \iif VM

^^

<j>^

'i^

'v^A-

PAGE I

Abel, Dwight 499 |

Abel, Mrs. Esther O 400

Abel, John U 400 i

Abel. Orlin B 674

Abel, William W 499

Ackerman Family 53J)

Ackerman, Jacob S 533

Ackert, David E 128

Ackert, Dr. W. E 257

Adriance Families 115,253, 361

Adriance, John E 116

Adriance, John P 115

Adriance, Peter 297

Adriance, William 253

Akin, Albert J 322

Akin Families 66, 322, 371, 373

Akin, Miss Mary J 372

Albro Family 416

Albro, William C 415

Alden Family 291

Alden, HenryA 290

Alden, Mary M 292

Aldridge, Thomas G 892

Allen, Nicholas 663

Allen, William H 878

AUendorf, Alfred 331

Allendorf, C 919

AUendorf, Mrs. Catherine A 332

Ailing, J. Sackett 458

Allison Family 487

Allison, Henry E,, M. D 228

Ambler Families 3:30, 399

Ambler, John P 399

Ambler, Samuel H 330

Anderson, A. Butler 683

Anderson Family 683

Anderson, John P 710 i

Ander. n. Peter 710

Andrews, Mrs. A. B 248

Andrews, Charles C 458

Angell, George H 643

Angell, Milton H., M. D 207

Anthony Family 701

Anthony, Theodore 701

Armstrong, William C 645

Arnold, Charles W. H 62

Arras. Charles W 133

Arras, Mrs. Emma A 133

Atwater, Edward S 59

Atwater Family...' 59

Atwater, John P., M. D 59

Aucock, George S 893

Justin Family 490

Ayres, DeWitt C, 871

Badeau, W. H 177

Badgley Family 414

Badgley, William E 414

Bahret, Jacob 397

Bahret, John J 397

Bain, Ferdinand R 116

PAGE

Bain, Horatio N 902

Baker, Benjamin N., M. D 236

Baker, Charles E 574

Baker Families 574, 812

Baker, Lewis 107

Baker, Lewis, Jr 108

Baker, Morris 800

Baker, William 565

Baker, William W 812

Baldwin Family 843

Baldwin, James E 843

Baldwin, Peter W 845

Barculo, Judge Seward 7

Baright, Daniel S 681

Baright, Elijah 682

Baright, Samuel C 286

Barker. Henry M 623

Barlow, James R 627

Barlow, Mrs. Martha 935

Barlow, Myron / 935

Barmore, Clark C 521

Barmore, Edward 521

Barmore Family 708

Barmore, James 708

Barnard, Hon. Joseph F 1

Barnes. David T 679

Barnes, Edwin, M. D 568

Barnes Families 568 679

Barnes, Mrs. Mary E 678

Barnes, Oliver S 678

Barnes, Oliver Wetdon 305

Barnuni, Andrew 882

Barnum, John D , 882

Barrett Family 525

Barrett, E. Lathrop 487

Barrett, John R 807

Barrett, Oliver 525

Barringer, John C 875

Bartholomew, Ralph A 762

Bartlett Family 711

Bartlett, Sanford J. 711

Bartlett, William H 639

Barton, Anthony H 734

Barton, Artemas S 539

Barton Families 539, 592

Barton, Lewis B 592

Bartow, Elizabeth D 775

Bartow, Moncure 775

Bates, Joseph 874

j Baumann, Chas. G 266

' Bayley, Guy C, M. D 126

I Beardslev, William J 842

Becker, Alex. R 860

Beckwith, Nathan 767

Beckwith, William S 766

Bedell, William 284

Bedford, Edward H 311

Bedford Family 311

Bedford, John Bevier 312

Beecher, Hiram T 726

Beers, Darwin 680

PAGE

Belding, George T 361

Belding, Mrs. George T 361

Benedict, Julius 396

Benson Families 835, 905

Benson, Franklin De Peyster... 524

Benson, James V 835

Benson, Joseph H 524

Benson, Joshua 247

Benson, Zadie J 247

Berry, Elias W 717

Berry Family 717

Bevier Family 312

Bevier, Henry B 275

Billings, Isaac V 863

Billings, Mrs. Susan 863

Bird Family 468

Bird, J. Sterling, M. D 70

Bird, -Mrs. Ruhamer W. P 468

Bird, Virgil 468

Birdsall, Frank E 883

Bisbee Family 28

Bisbee, Joseph B 29

Bisbee, Otis 28

Bishop, -Alexander, Jr 807

Bishop Family 391

Bishop, Noah L 433

Blair, James 755

Bliss Families 85, 189

Bliss, William A., M. D 85

Bodden, William 686

Bodenstein, Henry 645

Bodenstein, John G 796

Bogardus, Abraham A 815

Bogle, William 191

Boice, JohnH 872

Boice, Nelson L 176

Bolenbaker, Henry 937

Bolin, Gains C 116

Bolles, Arthur H 862

Bonney, Hon. Alfred 26

Bonney Family 26

Bontecou Family 264

Bontecou, George H 264

Booth, Albert F 826 .

Booth, Oliver H 44

Booth, William F^ 45

Borden, Perry...'. .■ 637

Bostwick Family 290

Bostwick, Frederic 495

Bostwick, William 289

Bowne, Charles E 80

Bowne, Frederick 81

Boyce, Charles E 811

Boyd Family 820

Boyd, Nathan T 822

Braman, Edward 406

Braman F"amily 406

Braman, H. V. V 407

Brett, Abraham 599

Brett, Albert V ^99

Brett Family 334

944

INDEX.

PAGE

Brett, Harvey 334

Brevoorl, Benjamin H 178

Brevoort, Thomas J 178

Brewster Family 427

Brewster, William A 427

BrigRS, Anthony 192

Briggs, Davis W 193

Briggs, George G 788

Briggs, George H 788

Briggs, Mrs. Hannah 192

Briggs, Hiram H 541

Briggs, Homer E .... 193

Briggs, Stephen D 541

Brill, Aiken T 219

Brinckerhoff, Capt. John H 848

Brinckerhoff, William E 691

Brinkerhoff, William H. S 914

Brooks, John J 123

Brooks, Mrs. J.J 124

Brooks, Norman J 124

Brooks, William J ^, 884

Brown, Douglass. .' .... 724

Brown, Edwm 465

Brown Family 666

Brown, Frank D 724

Brown, George 575

Brown, Samuel Holmes 656

Brown, Samuel H., M. D 245

Brown, Sebastian 465

Brown, William J 175

Brundage, Alton 56

I'.rundage, Capt. Charles W 56

Brush Family 770

Bryan, David 496

Bryan Families 496,817

Bryan, Isaac 817

Bryan, Mrs. Mary 818

Bryant, Albert R 809

Bryant, Evan 893

Bryant, Samuel 547

Buckingham, Charles H 393

Buckmgham Family ;y93

Buckley Family 460

Buckley, Miles 460

nBudd, Albert J 757

Budd Families 273,529

Budd, Joel N 529

Budd. Mrs. Mary J 530

Budd, Underhill 272

Budd, William \) 420

Bullis, J. N 445

Burgess, James D 285

Burhans, Peter 195

Burnett, Frank E 883

Burnett. Stephen R 883

Burroughs Family... 677

Burroughs, Frank 677

Bushnell, Edwin L 773

Butler. Edmond 752

Butler Family 505

Butler, Robert D 505

Butts, Allison 83

Butis Familv 8;^

Butts, John'W 911

Butts. Richard S 734

Butts. Thomas 733

Caldwell, Theron H 827

Campbell, Mrs. Emeline C 537

Campbell, Henry L ,5,36

Campbell, John 659

Cannon, Arnout 913

Cannon, Arnout, Jr 913

Cannon, Cornelius L 218

Cannon, George W 258

PAGE

Card, Colvin 35

Card, Edson 544

Card, Silas E 544

Care, Charles A 649

! Carey Family 770

j Carey, William J 623

Carman, Leonard L 395

Carman, Lewis 395

Carpenter Families 21, 210

Carpenter, Hon. Isaac S 21

Carpenter, J. Du Bois 211

Carpenter, William J 777

Carroll, James 790

Carroll, William 865

Cary, Mary 406

Cary, Richard B 405

Case, Mrs. Hannah M 797

Case, Willis Haviland 796

Cashin, ^L■ltthew J 514

Cass, Robert 859

Chaffee Family 171

Chaffee, James Stuart 171

Chapman Family 118

"Chapman, George B., M. D 117

Chapman, George T 513

Chapman, Hiram W 513

Chapman, Mrs. Jane M 391

Chase, Mrs. Augusta H 342

Chase, Enos J 342

Chase Family 89

Chase, George W 89

Chase, Lewis H 813

Chatterton, Henrv 534

Clapp, Clinton W'. 664

Clapp Family >-. 664

Clark, Carrie D 567

Clark, Edgar 567

PAGE

Colwell, Frank W 543

Conklin, Mrs. Elizabeth 227_

Conklin Families 825,873 y

Conklin, George W 227,

Conklin, Isaac P 873_

Conklin, John H 532-

Conklin, J. Mulford 531-

Conklin, Storm H 825—

Conklin, William J., M. D Ill

Conover, Evritt 753

Conover, Peter 753

Conroy, Rev. Edward J 328

Cook Families 101, 667

Cook, James Hervey 101

Cookingham, Griffin 939

Cooper, Gilbert 732

Cooper, John 733

Cooper, Tunis 732

Corbin, Albert W 452

Corbin, Asa B 376

Corbin Family 452

Corbin, .Mrs. 1 487

Corbin, Isaac 487

Corcoran, John 310

Cornelius, Virtus H 919

Cornell, Adrian M 415

Cornell, Isaac M., M. D 229

Cornell, Peter M 868

Cornwell, Azariah.... 727

Cornwell, Frederick J 459

Cossum, Charles F 46

Cotter, John 98

Cotter, John H., M. D 98

Couse, Edward 874

Cowl, James 616

Cowl, Orlando J 616

Cox, John H 741

Clark, Edward Lee 721 I Craft, Eugene S 214

Clark, Elizabeth 567 ! Craft, Mrs. Margaret 906

Clark Families 567, 775|Craig Familv 432

Craig, Rufus'S 432

Cramer Family^ 141,200

Cramer, George E 200

Clark, Henry 776

Clark, Hiram 775

Clark, John W... 776

Clifford, Mrs. Annie 916 | Cramer, George H 450

Clifford, Henry 916

Cline, Albert 729

Cline, Charles A 494

Cline Family 729

Cline, Franklin 729

Codding, George H., M. D 142

Cofifin Family 193

Coffin, Hezekiah R 92

Coffin, Robert 92

Coffin. Robert G 124

Coffin, Tristram 193

Coffin, Valentine 194

Cole, Judgf Andrew 380

Cole, Charles N 611

Cole. David 210

Cole, Mrs. David 210

Cole, Emery 917

Cole, Mortimer B 611

Coleman, Antasa D 325

Coleman, Mrs. Elizabeth 325

Coleman, Joseph D 728

Collier Family 581

Collin, Eli H ;»7

Collingwood. James 138

Collingwood, Mrs. Mary E 138

Collins Fiamilies 63.7, 572

Collins, Rev. Joshua 422

Collins, Martin W 572 i Davies, William Augustus 95

Colwell, Charles M 388 Davis, Charles 235

Colwell, David E 542 l Davis, Charles H., Jr 650

Colwell Family 388 ' Davis, John 236

Cramer, William C 895

Crapser, Abram B 397

Crapser Famdy 397

Crary Familv .": 54

Crarv, Rev. Robert F., D. D .... 54

Cronk Family 501

Cronk, George W' 5yi

Cronk,Sarah E.(Mrs. Fiirshay)". 502

Crummey, Edward 138

Crummey, Safford A 139

Cruse, Thomas K., M. D 403

Culver, Ambrose M 579

Culver Families 579, 586, 590

Culver, Walter B 590

Cunley, Court B 377

Cunningham, Thomas J 891,

Curtis, Herbert J 695

Cutler, Charles G 769

Cutler Family 769

Cutler, theron 719

Cypher, Henry D 896

Dakin. George 8i.5

Dakin. William 827

Dalrymple. William E 725

Dana F'amily 351

Davies Family 95

945

PAGE

Davis, Orville L 784

Davis, VViUardH 198

Davis, William L 198

Dawson Family 818

Dawson, J. G.,M. D 818

Dean Family 566

Dean, James E 288

Dean, Willis 566

Dedrick, William J 668

De Garmo, David S 114

De Garmo, James M 636

De Garmo, Smith L 114

De Lacey Family 119

De Lacey, William L 119

Delamater, Eliphaz 738

Dennis Families 447

Denton, Abram A 723

Denton, Amos 875

Denton Families 723, 903

Denton, J udson A 875

Denton, Nelson 903

De Peyster, Gen. J. Watts 144

Deuel Family 722

Deuel, Isaac N 428

Deuel, Phoenix N 722

Deuel, Stephen T 428

Devine Family 464

Devine, Wright 464

Diamond, Hugh 776

Diamond, William H 776

Dibble, Warren S 596

Dickhaut, Rev. Benjamin E 42.

Dickinson, Jonathan 668

Dinsmore, C. Gray 887

Dinsmore, William B 885

Dodge, Mrs. Anna E 453

Dolan, William 912

Donald, Mrs. Jessie F 14

Donald, John 14

Dorland, Cyrenus P 99

Dorland Family -99

Dorland, John M 92e-Flint Family.

Doty.A. M 309 "

Doty.Egbert 805

Doughty. Charles 321

Doughty Family 321

Doughty, George T 199

Doughty, Mrs. Hannah 823

Doughty, Mrs. Mary E 321

Doughty, Miss Phebe J 199

Doyle, John G 642

Draper, George W 460

Draper,JohnH 460

Drislane, David C 823

Du Bois Families 129, 607, 673

Du Bois, Garret 673

Du Bois, John C 607

, Dudley, Alexander H 559

,Dudley Families 97, 559

Dudley, James H 97

Du Moncl, Edward B 39

Du Mond Family 39

Duncan, Charles H 612

Duncan Family 296

Duncan, John B 612

Duncan, John G 296

Dutcher, Allen H 626

Dutcher Families. 19,23,626,654,662,802

PAGE

Dutcher, Mrs. May Losee 718

Dutcher, Mrs. Sarah A 226

Eastman, Hon. Harvey G., LL.D 12

Eastmead, Franklin S 915

Eaton, Lewis F 605

Edmond, Frank M 558

Elsworth, Edward 43

Elting, Capt. Luther 218

Emans, Albert S 814

Emans Family 31

Emans, Hon. Storm 31

Embley, Thomas W., M. D 237

Emerson, Thomas '. )2

Englehardt, Edward 898

English, Dr. James R 4 1

Eno Family i)4

Eno, Frank 94

Ensign Family 485

Ensign, John H 485

EsseTstyn, George 57

Faust, Frederick A., M. D 764

Faust, Dr. John 791

Feierabend, Louis 327

Feller, Nathan 746

Fendel, Martin 393

Feroe Family 481

Feroe, George 481

Feroe, Jacob H.... 628

Ferris, Elmore /i. 613

Ferris Families 66, 374, 613

Field, Joseph 223

Field, Mrs. T. R 223

Fiero, William H 941

Finch, James 658

Fink, Job.iH 727

Flannery, John 596

Fletcher, Char.es L., M. D 402

Fletcher Family 402

Flint. Charles A -(•''")

'41 !4T

Foote, George Benton, .Sr . Foote, Mrs. Mary F...

Forster, Robert

Forster. Mrs. Robert ..

Fowler, Benjamin M iW

Fowler, Charles E 38-'

Fowler, Gilbert 867

Fox, Eugene 905

Fraleigh, Geo. W 486

Fraleigh, Irving 864

Fraleigh, John A 486

Fredrick Family 536

Fredrick,John B 535

French. Harvey J.

Frost, Joseph G

Fry, Benjamin H... Funk, Peter W. ...

802

19

654

23

503

Dutcher, 'Joshua 503

Dutcher, Luzerne 763

•iO

451 197

Dutcher, George W.

Dutcher, James E

Dutcher, John

Dutcher. Hon. John B. Dutcher. J. Van Ness.

Gaines. Clement C 652

Gallup, C.H 249

Gardner Family 709

Gardner, Charles C 446

Garratt, Jonathan M ^43

Genung, Adrian •V)

Genung, Isaac S '"^

Genung, Lewis W

Germond, Mrs. Ella

Germond Family, .—r'

Germond, Franklin

Germond. Isaac

Gerow, Elizabeth H., M. D

G ddings, George W ;.

Ciddings, Jackson '

PAGE

Giddings, John H 538

Gidley Family 507

Gilbert, Burton 87

Gilbert, Mrs. Thaiia M 88

Gildersleeve, Elmer D 104

Gildersleeve Family /. 104

Gildersleeve, Col. Henry A 106

Gildersleve, Isaac B 774

Gildersleve, Rita A 774

Godinez, Jose Manuel 21.'j

Gollenbeck, John 49(

Goodell, James F., M. D 9;:

Goring, Hon. Edward M..;.. .. 552

Goring, John M 63ii

Goring, Thomson E 55:-

Graham Family 73i»

Graham, Le Grand 648

Gray, Hon. Augustus B 204

Greene, Robert M 451

Gregory Fami ly 516

Griffen, Charles H 743

Griffen, Cornelius W 593

Griffen, Jacob 60)^ -

Griffen, Timothy S 59"i

Griggs, James C 5''

Guernsey, Judge D. W 8 i

Guernsey Family 19"

Guernsey, Stephen G '^

Hackett, John

Hadden Family

Hadden. James M

Haggerty, David V n,.':

Haight, Abram V. V... 901

Haight, Andreas V 303

Haight, Arvis 699

Haight, Dr. Ch jrles 52-

Haiirht, Clenrjent 575

Haight, Cornelius J 901

Haight, Emily R 320

Haight, Enimf- J 706

Haight Families 369, 5^'I

Haight. Frances 9~'^

Haight. Franklin L 3^'G

Haight, Henry W 702

Haight. Isaac 57'

Haight. Isaac. Jr 32'_

Haight, James B 927

Haight, James H 510

Haight, J. Cornelius 3»5!'

Haight, J. Haviland 5'JJ

Haight, Sherman N 316

Haight, Wm. H. (Poughkeepsie). 7t'S

Haight, Wm. H. (Fishkill) 702

Haines Family 587

Hall, Alfred E 4*4

Ha'l, Alfred P 523

Hall, Edward J., M. D §3.

Hali Families 522, 6W

Hall, Israel 50«

Hall, John J 52V

Hali, Leonard D 5>^

Hall, Piatt V ^

Hall, Mrs. Priscilla oSb

Hall, William o^J

Halsted, George S ';^

Halsted, Mrs. Julia »}

Halsted, Nehemiah ^

Ham, Eugene 58-}

Ham Family. o^r

Hammond, Benjam-n 5*"

Hainni !id Family **^

'lanmiond, Jol.n L 4^.

'Janna, David o^i

' mna Family ^

INDEX.

PAGE

Hanna, Hon. John A 25

Hapeman, Irving 872

Harcourt, Joseph D 359

Harcourt, Mrs. Mary E 359

Harris Family 510

Harris, Smith D 846

Hart Family 816

Hart, William H 816

Hasbrook, Charles F 171

Haskin, Albert R 37

Haskins. Alex 496

Haskins, John M 496

Hastings, Samuel 761

Haubennestel, Maj. William 214

Haupt, John 263

I'avens, Edward E 557

Havens, William E 545

Haviland, Barclay 96

Haviland, Isaac 113

Haviland, Mrs. Maria Ann 114

Hawlev, Cyrus F 609

Haxtun, William W 846

Hayes, Mrs. Ann A 431

Hayt, Peter li 243

" ney, Charles S 808

•rd, Newton 304

I,ewis D 375

!rs. Mary 376

• Family 224

J, Martin 224

K>, Allan B 90

ric.'<'. Edmund L 234

.iricks, Mag<l.ik"-A 234

ilcrnck. Cha.'-lesH 143

Herrick, Ephr;u'.ii ■■ 879

Herrick Families.. . 674,756

Herrick, Fiarik .. • ■ **^

Herrick, James 674

Herrick, John A j'J-

IKfrrick, Alarshall

Herrick, Timothy

Herrick, William

Hewlett, Isaac S <i .

H.cks, Campbell N 65:.

H'cks. Edward S ' "

H'cks Family i .

Hicks, Samuel S t-.^

Hicks, Willard W 43b

H ignell, James H 545

Hinman, Wintield B.. 940

Hiserodt Family 781

iioag, Arabella 361

Hoag, Arthur F., M. D 2*,*

HoHg, Charles W 520

Hoag Family 520

Hoag, Mrs. Laura B 520

Hoag, Philip 364

Hoag, William P 22<'

Hochstadter, Ernest !'j2

Hoffman Family 671

Huffman, Frank 269

Hofi.Tian, Henry 571

Hoffm.-n. John W '■'

Hoffman, Mrs. Lydia

H jffman, Mrs. >Iary A

Hoffman, N'l-.holas

Hoffman, Theodore A

Holdridge, Augustus

Holdridge Family

Holmes, Oilman D

Holmes, Henry A

Holmes, Wheeler C

Holmes, William C

Hopkins, Benjamin

Hopkins, Charles A ' '

PAGE

Hopkins Families 69, 110 I

Hopkins, John 483 I

Hopkins, William H., M. D 483 |

Horton, Richard C 562 |

Horton, Theodore S 803 I

Hotchkiss Family 684 }

Hotchkiss, Frank A 684 '

Howard, Beverly W 493

Howard Families 517, 699 [

Howaid, John D 517!

Howard, Sherman * 699 j

Howard, Silas 502

Howell, Benjamin 847

Howell, Eugene N 489 [

Howell, Frank 262'

Howell, George W 717 I

Howland, Anna C, M. D 131 1

Hiifcut Family 179 (

Hufcut, George 441 ;

H ufcut, Horace D 179

Hufcut, Mrs. Jennie 441

Hughes Family 618

Hughes, George 576

Hughes, Miles 618

Hull, Walter C 109

Humeston Families 436, 786

Humeston, Geo. E 785

I Humeston, John J 435

Humeston, "Merritt 785

j Humphrey, Abram S 299

I Humphrey Family 299

I Humphrey, John V 3Ii"

I H ungerford, Abner G 444

i H ungerford, Robert J 630

I Huntington, George, M. U: 139

Hupfel.AdolphG 564

Hurd Family >■ 876

Kurd, Robert 876

Husted, Dewitt C 642

H, -Ml d

, C c; -Tge L. , Jacksoi...

'-"amilv

Menr>: H... .so'i, Robert.

482

482

58

58

868

i.WilUiamB 907

.f,.aiiam, George W 61

ngral.'arii, Thomas 61

nn >;, Aaron 88

nnis Family 88

nnis, George 931

re;and, Mrs. Fi-pira A 418

reland, Sieph 11 it 417

rish, .\brahaif '.v 387

rish Family 303

706 924 924 706 758 815 43

.Mary Adams 368

L-rt 897

^hus D 509

lam B 509

Arin 194

-irgeB 194

omas S 651

nM., M. D 824

.ouis E 676

Simon J 268

•.amily VP"

PAGE

Kelly, Rev. Terrence F 324

Kelly, Timothy G 797

Kelsey, Rev. Edward D 189

Kerley, James 514

Kerley, James R 514

Ketcham, Andrew J 18

Ketcham Family 18

Ketcham, George W 419

Ketcham, Hon. John H 64

Ketcham, John M 419

Ketcham, Mrs. Mary E 662

Ketcham, Richard P 662

Ketterer, Charles 880

Ketterer, DeWitt C 880

Kidder, George W 280

Kimlin, Mrs. Mary 199

Kimlin, William R 198

Kinney Family 713

Kinney, George B 713

Kirby, Clark 221

Kirby, Frances 221

Kirchner, Charles 317

Klady, .Mrs. Lena 628

Klady, Philip 528

Kline, Mrs. Joseph 641

Kline, Joseph 641

Knapp, DavidA., M. D 121

Knapp Families 121, 467

Knickerbocker, Edwin 731

Knickerbocker, Henry 566

Knickerbocker, Henry B 666

Koch, August 279

La Due Family 690

La Due, John N 690

Lamb, Joseph T., M. D 916

Lambert, Addie H 419

Lambert, John H 418

Lamoree Family 688

Lamoree, George 688

Landon, Edmund N 644

Landon Family 730

Landon, John S 868

Lane, Charles E., M. D 184

Lansing Family 34

Lansing, W'ellington C 34

Lasher, Almira fl 261

Lasher, Frank P 720

Lasher, Martin 904

Lasher, Warren P 260

Latson, Frank, D. D. S 255

Latson, Henry 255

Lawson, Casper 703

Lawson Family 703

Lawson, Robert P 598

Leach, Alonzo M 377

Leach Family 372

Leach, LiUius C 373

Leach, Martm 373

Lee, P. Alverson 842

Lee, Darius 230

Lee, George F 909r

Lee, George J 929

Lee, Mrs. Mary 442

Lee, Ward 443

Lee, William Morgan 230

Leith, Col. Samuel, Sr. 348

Le Roy Family 841

Le Roy, Irving D., M. D 841

Lewis, Miles K 869

Link, John W... 803

I Livingston Family 144

Lorkwood, George 366

\ vfelace, James H 743

'own, Frank B 592

947

PAGE

Luckey, Charles P 36

I.uckey Family 36

Lumb, Charles L 252

Lumb, George W 262

Lyke, J. Hyatt, D. D. S 838

Lyke, John 932

Lynch, James 251

Lynch, M.J 278

Lynch, Samuel 857

Lyon, Asahel A 602

Lyon, Asahel D 602

Lyon, Leonard 586

McCarty Family 47

McCarty, James C 47

McGlasson, John 931

McGlasson, Robert 931

McGrath. Rev. John J 3.52

McKevitt, John 939

McWhinnie, Thomas 170

MacNeil, Crawford C 895

Mabie, Hiram 641

Mahony, Rev. Dr. Cornelius V.. 257

Manning, Edward B 366

Manning Family 366

Mansfield, Samuel 38

Marcy Family 858

Marcy, Marcus D 867

Marill, Joaquim, M. D 75

Marquet, John F 242

Marshall Families 585, 738, 766

Marshall, Henry S 485

Marshall, James A 738

Marshall, John A 585

Marshall, Theron R 765

Marshall, William W 686

Marshall, Willet J 782

Martin, Hon. Augustus 390

Martin, Col. Claudius G 746

Martin, Elizabeth B lyl

Martin Family 390

Martin Family, Joseph .. .... 190

Martin, James H

Martin, Jos-^pn ,

Martir. Miss Sc'-en:i.. -iVi

Martin . Win? j .... »'^\

^!.•' . 784

229

647

V 422

...K P 805

M ,d, Dr. Isaac N 422

Mead, James V 661

Mead, Jeremiah 767

Mead, Morris 768

Mer'itt, Douglas 620

Mervin. Mrs. E. M. C 346

Mervin, William J ;i45

Milhrd, Miss H. D 242

MilUrd, Howard C 798

Millard. John 242

Milla-d, Miss L. D 242

Millad, William B 168

Mille Bros 404

Mille, George N., M. D 223

Millet Peter 267

Millet Philip 405

Millet Valentine M 405

Mitchll, John 906

Moith.August T 672

Moiih.i. Edgar, M. D 672

Monahn, Margaret B 448

MonaVjn, Thomas 448

Monfoi, John A 758

MonksDaniel H 559

PAGE

Montfort, Peter V. W 441

I Moore, Alfred H 612

I Moore, David V 748

^^loore Families 748

Moore, Mrs. William R 166

Moore, William R 166

More, Charles C 779

Morehouse, Henry S 722

Morehouse, Julius S 722

Morey, Edmond A 669

Morey Families 483, 569

Morey, Leonard L 482

Morey, Mrs. Sarah 930

Morgan, Charles I! 454

Morgan Family 455

Morgan, George 132

Morgan, Julia A.

Morton Family

Morton, Hon. Levi P.

132

10

9

Mosher, William A .; 937

Mott, Morgan L 326

Mott, Morgan L., Jr 327

Moul Family 721

.Moul, Julius M 721

Mulcox, Joseph H 914

Muldownev, Michael A 866

Mulford. Edmund D 923

Munger, Capt. James E 100

Myer, Polhemus W 670

Myers Family 610

Myers, John Francis 610

Mygatt Family 747

Mygatt, Henry 747

Nagengast, George 936

Nelson, Mrs. Corn .ij M 41

Nelson, Homer AugU';A;s 8

Nelson, Mrs. Jeannette 401

' Nelson, John P 40

N(-lion. Col. Joseph 41

..-Ison, Sarah C 353

\ilson, Thomas Henry 353

'.man, James 881

: ls,ThomasG 600

:\)!.'.:., R€v. James, D. D 238

.^Norton Family 660

Norton, George S 660

Noxon Family 707

Noxon, Mrs. Matilda V 426

O'Brien, Thomas 583

Odell, Casper L 81

j Odell, Edward 661

I Odell Families 29,81

j Odell, Joseph E., M. A 29

! Odell, Samuel D 670

1 Odell, Wright B 740

I O'Farrell, John V 6a5

Orton, John H 696

Ostrander, Alson 819

I Ostrander Family 819

• Ostrander, James H 820

lOtis, JohnC, M. D 79

; Owen, George W 292

*"Paine Family 624

I Paine, James Russell 624

j Paine, Martin W 855

Paine, Piatt N 625

I Palmer, Abiah W 401

' Parker, Edward Hazen 32

I Parker, Nathaniel 813

j Parker, William H 617

I Parks, George E 477

' Parmele, John H 765

PAGE

Parmele, William 766

Parmenter, Emil 551

Pawling Family gg

Payne, George C 518

Payne, Samuel 518

Peacock, Arthur S 629

Pearce, Benoni 34

Pearce Family 6!^

Pearce, Henry, M. D 63

Pearce, leremiah S 34

•Pease, \lrs. Cornelia 239

Pease, Edwin R 2-39

Peattie Bros 912

Peattie, George 912

Peet Family .342

Pells, .Michael 678

Pendleton Family 205

Perkins, Dr. Charles H 920

Perkins, Cyrus 67!'

Perkins, Ed ward E 620

Perkins, J. A 925

Perkins, Mrs. Sarah 673

Perkins, Stephen A 329

Petillon, Ludwig 136

Phesay. George F 804

Phillips, David F 933

Phillips, Joseph W 689

Phillips, Hon. Samuel K 196

Phillips, William T 922

Pierce, Isaac 563

Pierce, Leonard V 663

Pilgrim, Charles W., M. D 181

Pinckney, James L 694

Pinckney, Lewis 266

Pinckney, Perry 694

Pingry Family 834

Pingry, James O., M. D 834

Plass, Anson A 904

Piatt, Edmund P 78

Piatt, Isaac 76

Piatt, Hon. John 1 77

Piatt, William B 367

Platto, William 38:i

Porteous Family 122

Porteous, James G., M. D 122

Poucher, J. Wilson, M. D -JOO

Powell Family _ 7!ii:_

Powell, Horace R.,M.D.'^.T. . 7tV

Powers, John 90.'.

Pralatowski, Wladyslawa J 676

Pratt, John .\I 606

Pratt, Peter ef'j

Prav Family 516

Pray, Hamilton M5

Preston, Ebenezer A 6;']

Preston, Ebenezer J 631

Preston Family 26

Prichard, James L., M. D 852

Pultz Family 73»

Pultz, Hiram A 7;1?

Pultz, M.T., M. D 2'*

Pulver Families 468, 502 7.}1

Pulver, Herman 7^'

Pulver,JohnW ■• 502

Putnam Family "^

Putnam, John W 504

Pye, Mrs. Amelia S 2^5

Pye, Francis B 296

Rapalje Family '■'"

Rapalje, Lawrence C 125

Raub, Mrs. E. S 141

Record Family 429

Record, William 429

Redavats, Charles 8iM

V)48

INDEX.

PAGE

Redman, Juhn 440

Reud Family tl(iO

Rtud, Thomas :W0

Rf> nolds Families 108, "'>

Reynolds Reynolds,

, Jail , Jus

ames t!85

Justus P 772

Reynolds, Warren 742

Reynolds, William T 108

Rickes, \'alentine 658

Rider, Albert L 445

Rider, John P 164

Rikert Family 640

Rikert, K. Raymond 640

Roberts, Charles H ;«0 I Sencerbaugh, John G....

Kobinson, Chappell 476 Sencerbaugh, W. P

Robinson, Dr. Francis M 247 "

PAGE I VKCr

Schryver. John T 431 ; Smith, Oliver Kees 'sos

bchryver, Matthew V. B 431 ; Smith, Silas G... s54

Schubert, Charles E. F «87 | Smith, W. Wallace li

Schultz, John R 515 1 Snvder, Burton A..." 259

Schwartz, John 782 , Snyder, Mrs. Gertrude H'..'.'.." 260

Scoheld t amily 526 I Spaight, ;^ohn W ] n^^

^^.^g j^^_^^lj j^^^^ ^ ••••■ ^^

'"° Spross, Elias 588

Robinson, Jarvis C 719

Robinson, Osborn 878

Robinson, Reuben J 735

Robinson, .Stephen 476

Rockefeller, Clinton J 890

Rockwell. Arthur V 436

Rockwell, Ralph 436

Roe, Mrs. Amanda A 773

•Koe, John 700

HRoe, VVilliam B 773

Roe, Wdliam P 700

Roger, George 655

Rogers,'"harlesD 6)^4

Rogers, I). V.'. 778

Rogers, Mrs. .Margur^t 475^'

Rogers, Patrick . .... Alb

Rogers, Philip Clayton .'.'.! . 204

Roosevelt Family K:^

Roosevelt, James 6;

Rosa, Frederic L 4?i

Rosa, Hyman B 4o,'

Ifloss, Duncan 444

Scolield, Miles,

Scoheld, Stephen 279

Scutt, John 276

Seaman. Thomas H 393

Segelken, Charles Y 421

Seger, Charles E., M. D 53

Seger Family 53

682

683

I Seward, Hon. James A 347

Seward, .Mrs. Mary B 348

Sexton Family 408

Shaw, George R . 760

Sheafif, Edmund H 549

Shear, .Mrs. Catherine L 504

Shear, John Cornell 603

Sheedy, Daniel M., M. D 131

Sheldon, Mrs. Augusta B 385

Sheldon, Collins 837

Squires Family 219

Stephens, Charles A 646

Stephens, John 646

Stevens, Hiram G 855

Stevens, Thomas H 856

Steveoson, George 670

Stickle, Philip H 9lo

Stockholm, Aaron A 691

Stockliolm, .A. B 173

Storm, .Mrs. Carrie ;i45

Storm, Charles A 320

Storm, Mrs. Charles A 321

Storm Families 135, 295, 4.56

Storm, George 344

Storm, Joseph H \M

Storm, Thomas I 295

Storm, Walter G 891

Storm, William J 4.56

Storm, Wilson B ,542

Sheldon Families 244, 837

Sheldon, Jeremiah 248

5K'*^""' •y,'.',''""' " -^ i -Stoutenburgh Family 849

Sheldon, Wilson B 244 , Stowe, Charles N. . . 788

Sh.lley, Alva 8=33 j Stowe, Mrs. C. X .'. 788

■"'"'. Charles 3.56 Straight Family 341

' - ' ,.823,889' ^

xSIi

•vA.

356 794 889 216

Streit, Streit,

il>'

Lewis F 140

M rs. Rebecca M 141

Koss P'amil

Ross, Mrs. '.

Round, C- '

Rowt i 1? „., ,

-la- H.

793 j Shook, - ,. 1 ., , 444 I Shook, Wiiii:i:i, \ 176 Shurter, Charles H. 698|Sickley, JohnC...

698 I Sievers, George

437 I Simmons,Charles A.

Strever, Adam A 781

Strever Families 572,580

Strever, Frederick H ;. 580

Strever, Rachel T 581

--!• -'lel, Mrs. Christina 402

Wendel 402

\^ iltpr D. O. K., M. D..

H.

437 271 718 172

"ly

. , Joseph B

<id Family ^ ,^

Kudd, Zebuion \ \\ 172

Kundall, David .".'' 638

Rundall Family 637

'■^undall, Henry \\ 638

} upley, Samuel K '. 923

J iissell, Benjamin H 787

Ruisell Families 787 794

Fussfll, James H '794

Russell, Selwyn A., M. D ^y2

Fymph. Edward L '.'.'.' 897

Rymph Family 49O

B ymph, George W '. 490

Sukett, Nathan C 724

^ "Ck -tt, .Samuel H 724

Sackei-, Smith 1 856

Sadlier, }-,mes Edgar, M. D 315

S.mdcrs, K-ibert 926

s,mfordFai,iiy.';;::v.v.v;!;;;; 241

.S.intord, Robi-t 240

S.irgent Family.. 5(14

Sargent, Wimlrop. .'.■.■.■.■. '.\\\\\ 663

achafer, Louis. » 478

Schlegel, George '. I' 1..... 297

Schlude, George _ _ _ 298

Srhouten, Richar.l A ..'....' 615

336 ;«7 705

Schrauth, Jacob ' " 899

I Simmons, Edward W

I Simmons Family

Simmons, James B., D. D ..

Skidmore Family

Skidniore, Peter A 704

Slee, Samuel 283

Sleight, Alexander W 607

Sleight, Benjamin .A 294

Sleight Family 607

Slocum, Charles H 464 , S

Slocuni, Hiram 454

Smith, Abel 928

Smith, Albert C 864

Smith, Gen. Alfred B 16

Smith, Andrew C 506

Smith, C-iffsIis M. C 166

Smith. (!,rjcs E 629

Smit[i ' .larles Hoag 783

SmiL.i, Edward M .500

*mith Families 281, .500, 621

Smith, Frances 78;j

Smith, George C 595

Smith, George W 629

Smith, John H., Jr 621

Smith, JohnT 354

Smith, Lewis 521

Smith, M. J 'W 18

Smith, Myron 281

Smith, Nathan 468

Smith, Nathan W 492'

Slii.1 1 r 1 Sutheri,;

62 584 667 685 312 ?A2

1 Smith, Nathaniel

801

Hon. ]\><'

F«)ben. '

Sutton, Eawin

Sutton, Leslie A., M. D.. .

Sutton, Mary D j,,,

Sweet, Pedro. gfij

Swift Families 46:' ^'■'*

Swift, George H 40J

ift, Henry M 839

Swift, Isaac 498

Swift, Jan:es D 693

Swift, James H 217

Swift, Jane ,S40

Swift, Jf)hn M 217

Swift, R.chard T K93

Taber Families 2(i8, 212

Taber, George K 212

Taber, Thomas 112

Taber, Walter F' 112

Taber, William H 208

Tabor Family 789

Tabor, Gilbert 789

Taboi, Myron P 790

Talbd, Benjamin M ,549

Tallf Jay, Frank 939

Talhian Family. 48

Tallman, John F 51

Talman, Hon. John P. H 48

Tar ner, Samuel J 800

ryDEx.

949

PACE

Taylor, Mrs. Catherine E lt'7

Taylor, Henry J '■''''■'

Tavlor, H. Pauline '7

Teal, John D 'V,

Teator, Uriah *' '-

Teats, Frank

Teats, Mrs. Frank •

Ten Broeck Family '"

Ten Broeck, Capt. Samuel ■joI

Ten Broeck, Samuel P 8Sj

Ten Broeck, Walter L 560

Terwilliger Family 550

PAGE

I 'na.jrhill, Anthony, M. D 46

1 n<l"rhill, Edward A 543

L'ii'lc;rhill, George 46

Underbill, Dr. Joshua B 46

1 \aii, Edwin G 610

■ \ dil Families 425, 692, 706

• \ail. George 1 706

1 \ ill 1. Joseph 1 799

Vail, Morgan L 692

Vail, J. Watson 376

Vail, Willard C 314

Terwilliger, Silas 560 i Valentine Family 744

Tetamore Family 222 I Valentine, Richard L 744

Tetainore, Frank L. R., M. D .. '222 [ \an Benschoten Family 707

Thomas Family 749 K\an Benschoten, Henry 518

Thomas, Robert M 730-; \'an Benschoten, Mrs. Mary J ... 518

Thomas, Walter B.. 749+Van Cleef Family 15

Thompson, Mrs. Caroline B 21 i \'an Cleef, James S 15

Thompson, Hon. Edward H :'32 Yun Cott, Samuel 379

Thompson Family 3o2 | \'an Ue Bogart, Daniel 694

Thompson, Hon. John 20 i Van De Bogart Family 594

Thompson, John R 871 I Van De Burgh, Hexto'n 346

Thompson, Robert R 206

Thomson, William 261

Tiedje, Henry 294

Tiel, ,\rthur R., M. D 648

Tiel Family 648

Tiemeyer, John H 554

Vanderburgh, Edgar M 424

Vauderburgh Family 424

Vander Burgh, Col. James 65

Van De Water, George 691

V'an De Water, William. Van Dyne, Frank B.

iv, Francis 597 ! Van Etten, Cornelius S., M. D...

ieveland H 426

amilies 42^5, 512 ]

■ Irs. Harriet

; ichard

i . i;^, lUibert H ^'i'

Titua, Willet 512 i

Tobey, Arthur G 600

Toffey Family. fW.

Toffey, John 1

Tompkins, E. Lakin. .

Tonipkirs Farrilif« I

Tompk

Van Etten Family VanGieson,Rev. Acmon P.,D. D.

\ ,111 Gieson Familv

\'a;i Kleeck, Baltu's B

Van Kleeck, Charles E

Van Kleeck, Charles S 277

\'aii Kleeck, Cornelia 287

V

590 388 604 604 60 60 389 933

Tompk

Toi-;-'

Top ■

Tui.

T.I'

T.

T

in Kleeck Family 277

in Kleeck, Frank 38?

.•'11 Kleeck, James E j!'"

I win Kleeck, John H •• 346

' 'i .in Kleeck, Leonard B. . 287

■ ' in Mostrand, Francis S ii8

■■ Tassell, John I o2rj

Tassell, J. Vv'esley 527

\liet,Bt"Son 411

(50 i \ an \'liet-Family 408

7.''<9 ' \' • .'oorhees Family 378

Vagner, Benjamin 763

Wagner, Mrs. Cornelia B... 258

.'!■ \ r. \Vagner, Egbert 258

les 696,700 ;i:5 \a-i Wagner Family 739 1

i,ert L 440 han Wagner, Gilbert E 739;

i.arles..

.iiiir .U, Jacol

'.jhnA 6%

Mrs. Mary J 439

William E. (Rhinebeck;. Ti.'i William '£. vVew Hani-

;',. F

Alfred N

Mrs. Carrie E. B. Charles H., M. D

D. C, M. D

Families 430, 6^

lames B J>10

924

55.'i

69

69

71'"!

Leonard 1 641 iVan Wyck, James 392

■ i.,ip, i ,pp

- 'ipp:

fripp, Smiten \ incent.

Tripp, William A

Tripp, William S

Trowbridge Family

Trowbridge, George A

Trowbridge. John

Trowbridge, N. Conklin... Trowbridge, Ste)ihen B... . Tuthill, Robert K..M.D...

V in Wagner, Millard 763

\;'ri Wagner, Nicholas 941

Van Wey, Alfred 478

\"<.n Wey. Mrs. Alfred 478

\'<ti; Wyck, Benjamin W 556

\aii Wvck, Charles J 466

\'.v.\ Wyck, Cornelius R 382

\ .in Wyck, David Barnes 319

^ I' Wyck, Duryee 534

Wyck Families

318, 466,529,532,556

\ <;n Wyck, Henry D 232

118

;»2

118 .528 532 392 IM

Mrs. Isabel 231

Richard A., M.D 231

Wvck, Jiihn.

.\yck. Sirs. Phccbe C.

.Vyck, Mrs. Sarah. ...

'.Vvck, Stephen C

Wyck, T. De Witt...

Wyck, Theodorus

. n,Isaac L ok

PAGE

Velie Family 440

Vermilyea, Addison 922

Vermilyea, Brooks 921

Ver Planck Family 128

Ver Planck, Robert N 128

Verplanck, Mrs. Samuel 387

Vincent, Edgar (Madalin) 922

Vincent, Edgar (deceased) 300

V'incent Family 671

V'incent, George 670

X'incent, Isaac, Sr 300-

Vincent, Mrs. M. Ella 261

Vincent, Obed W 261

Vincent, Phebe A 846

Vincent, Reuben 845

Wait, John G 368

Waite, James E 270

Waite, Joseph 270

Walcott Family 112

Waldo, John B 811

Waller, Mrs. E 246

Waller, Homer 245

Walsh, Charles •"

Wanzer, Charles F ^,"

Wanzer p'amily iiOl

Wanzer, Jedediah I ■'•(■\

Ward, David B., M. D 77>

Ward Family «

Warhurst, George, Sr "^

Washburn, Daniel '-iC

Washburn Family • • ■ 136

Watkins, Mrs. Mary M. 358

Watts Family 145

Weeks Familv 24

Weeks, Mr- Harriets 25

Weeks /ames Henry 24

We'^'ing. William J 869

•.vellman Family 185

Wellman, George M., M. D 185

Wells, Eugene 938

Weston, Rev. John B., D. D.... 416

Weston. Weldon F eas

Weston, Wilbur H 634

Whalen, Dennis 936

Whalen, Patrick 877

Wheaton, Mrs. Caroline T 6

Wheaton, Judge Charles 4

Wheaton, Homer 5

Wheeler, Bailey 879

Wheeler, Corydon 323

Wheeler, Mrs. Charlotte P 74

Wheeler Famjly 7'•

Wheeler, Rev. Francis B., D. D. 73

Wheeler, Henry. 793 .

Wheeler, Mulford 269

Wheeler, Obed SUv

Wheeler, Perry 793

Wheeler, Theodore 806

White, Benjamin K 756

White Family 201

White, Frederick C 928

White, Henry D., M. D 209

White, Howell, M.D 201

White, John B 926

White, John L 908

White, William A 780'

White, William H 926

Whitehouse, I.0 4RS

Wilber Famitv •^'■

Wilbur. D.W'. 6.V

Wilbur Families 489, 6.- _

Wilbur, Frank B 4f-

Wilbur, IraE 84.'^

.»50

INDEX.

.... „ , PAGE

\\ iliy, Reubfn 225

^Vilkinson, Col. Robert F.. .... 180

VVilliams.GL'orgeH., M. D 183

Williams, Gforge H ' 14

Williams, Janu-s L \\\ 45

Williams, John 653

Williamson. Phebe T., M. D 287

Willson Kamilies 434, 532

\\ illson, George T 434

Willson, IsraefR 582

Wilson, John P., M. D ! 182

VViltsc, Alonzo S 598

Winans Family

Winans, Joel S .,.

Winans, Walter H

602

602

,,,. ,.. ,, ,- 604

Winans, Virgil G 4fjl

Winchester, Milo F.. ggg

Wing, Ebbe P

340

<•» ing, tmery 217

,,,■ T, ., P.M5K

I Wing Family .,,

Wing, John S \\\

j Wing, Jackson S ..'.'.'

Wing, .Martha T...

jWing, Obed

jWing, PhttbeA ;"'

Wing, .Sheldon ;-!.(

Wixom, John O <«;•

VVolcott, Charles M... ......' 'isij

Wood, Capt. Isaac H .32K

Wood, James M \\ \\ 7(/>

Wood, Lewis E 126

Wood, William J KSrj

Woodin, Daniel T 5ftj

Woodin, Egbert !......!.. 4S1

VVofjdin, Mrs. Mary J "..', \ 5yi

Woodin, Solomon ,\ 482

Wormsley, Frederick 311

PACK

" ■'■ "^'"0- 6TK

Abram 2,%5

Charles W ' " gj^

i'a""'y- '.'.'. 716

'"3CW 4}«

J^'"*^5 H 498

"hn.G. 687

- I.ewis H gg-

VVni,-!! Thomas 71g

Wyii.oj Family.... yo

Wymbs, Luke D '.!!!!!!!'.;". 39

SH. J 4;y

>, Mrs. Maiy J 479

■•'.^ Clarence E '" gog

Young, Henry L ;; 225

Young. .Louis gin

Young, Mrs. Louis ggo

^ ~ "V. V

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