School in Unionville. He married Miss Virginia R. Geraghty, of
Warwick, in 1889, and is survived by her and one daughter, Mary, who
is a graduate of the Warwick high school; also by two sisters,
Alveretta, wife of Maurice Pelton, and Mary, wife of Dr. S. E. Holly.
In 1889 he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Pelton, succeeded his father
in the hardware business with the firm name of Ogden & Pelton. His
father died in 1902. James Ogden was a member of the Warwick band for
many years. He was one of the founders of the Warwick Athletic
Association, and a member of the Warwick Club, in which last he
served as trustee and treasurer. He was one of the charter members of
the Warwick Gun Club, and a director in the First National Bank.
JOSHUA OLDROYD was born in Yorkshire, England, January 29, 1838. His
early education was acquired while working in the woolen mills of
that place, attending school one-half day and working the other half.
He also attended night school for several years. His trade was that
of a hand loom weaver. When eighteen years of age he came to America,
and was employed in the woolen mills at Mechanicstown, Orange County,
from 1856 to 1858. The following four years he was in charge of the
woolen mills at Millow, Wawayanda township. He was later employed in
mills at Newtown, Connecticut, and afterward owned woolen mills at
East Granby, Conn. In 1875 he removed to Newburgh and took charge of
a horse blanket printing machine manufactory, remaining there only a
few months, when he returned to Mechanicstown, and operated woolen
mills there for five years. He then conducted a felt boot manufactory
at Howells for a period of twenty-one years. He sold his business at
Howells, and went to Philadelphia and took the management of the
Watkinson Felt Boot Factory Co., remaining there two years. He was
obliged to remove back to Middletown owing to ill health, where he
has since resided in retirement. He married Miss Hanna Newsome,
daughter of James Newsome, of Mechanicstown, March 6, 1861. One child
was born to this union, who died in infancy. In the fall of 1905 his
townsmen of the Third ward nominated him for alderman. He was
victorious and has since held the office. He was a delegate to the
Republican state convention eight years. He attends the Episcopal
Church and is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., of
Middletown, N. Y.
WILLIAM H. O'NEAL was born at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., March 3,
1836. He acquired his education at various district schools in the
county. At the age of sixteen years Mr. O'Neal began learning the
painting and decorating trade. He married Sarah E. Stone, of Denton,
N. Y., December 31, 1855. They had three children, Sarah Louise,
Henry Lincoln and Charles Francis. His wife died February 9, 1881. He
afterward married Lydia F. Hall of Goshen, N. Y., July 27, 1882. She
died March 1, 1892.
Mr. O'Neal worked at his trade in New York City twenty years, going
there in 1856. He worked at the navy yard for eleven years. In
politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Goshen Lodge, No. 365,
F. and A. M., and served as master of lodge two years. At the
breaking out of the Civil War Mr. O'Neal enlisted in the 84th
Regiment, entering as private and later being promoted to captain. He
served in the defense of Washington and was honorably discharged. In
1863 he re-enlisted and served for some time in the Shenandoah
Valley.
HON. JOHN ORR, former assemblyman from the first district of Orange
County, was born in Cornwall, N. Y., March 5, 1859. He is a son of
William and Margaret (Elliott) Orr, and is engaged in the flour and
coal business at Orr's Mills, which is now one of the industrial
landmarks of the town of Cornwall. Mr. Orr was educated at public and
private schools, finishing with a three-year course at Leipsic,
Germany. On his return home he became a member of the firm of
William Orr & Sons, dealers in flour, feed and coal.
Politically Mr. Orr is a Republican, and has taken an active part in
promoting the welfare of his party, not only in his native town but
throughout the county. In addition to representing this district in
the state legislature for four years, he was elected a member of the
board of supervisors, where he served nine years. He has held public
office in the town of Cornwall for a period of twenty years. Mr. Orr
is particularly well posted on questions of taxation and
parliamentary usage, and in close touch with the farming community,
recognizing their needs and desires. He enjoys the reputation of
being a pleasant after-dinner speaker.
Mr. Orr is prominently identified with various fraternal
organizations, including Free Masonry. In August, 1900, he was
elected great sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men, state of New
York, and has also held the office of president of the Association of
Tribes of the Hudson Valley.
In 1888 Mr. Orr was united in marriage with Miss Angelique Veith, of
New York City. They are the parents of two children, Alice and
Walter.
HERMAN OTTO was born in Saxon, Germany, February 22, 1848. He came to
America in 1869 and married Emma Wolf, of New Britain, Conn. Nine
children were born to this union: One daughter died at the age of
seventeen years; Emma, wife of Ira Smith, of Monroe, N. Y.; Herman,
who resides in New York City; Frank, of Windham, Ohio; Charles, of
Monroe, N. Y.; Annie Mae, of New York City; Arlyne Elsie, Harry and
Paul, residing at home.
Mr. Otto is a member of Luther Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Middletown, and
of the Cigar Makers' Union of Middletown. His estate, comprising one
hundred and eighteen acres, is under substantial improvement. Mr.
Otto does not depend entirely on the products of his farm, for he has
a well established cigar manufacturing business, which he has carried
on successfully for many years. In politics he is a Republican and
takes an active interest in local affairs.
GEORGE A. OWEN, dealer in general merchandise at Washingtonville,
N. Y., was born in that village in 1842, a son of Hon. Albert G. and
Phoebe M. (Breed) Owen. His father was also a merchant here, and
actively identified with public affairs in Orange County. He was one
of a committee of three to organize the famous 124th Regiment. He
served several terms as supervisor of the town of Blooming Grove, and
was elected a member of the state assembly in 1849-1850. In 1890 Mr.
George Owen succeeded to a business that was established in 1812 by
Samuel Moffatt. The firm name was subsequently known as Samuel
Moffatt & Son, and David H. Moffatt, who disposed of it in 1832.
Various merchants conducted the store previous to Mr. Owen, who has
enlarged the original building and erected the adjoining post office.
In 1905 his son, Walter D., became a partner. Mr. Owen is a trustee
of the Moffatt Library and Presbyterian Church. He is also a charter
member of the fire company. In 1876 he married Miss Isabelle Board
and six children have been born to them.
OSCAR E. OWEN was born February 28, 1845, at Ridgebury, N. Y. His
early education was acquired at the old Wallkill Academy. After
finishing school he learned the monumental work and he was identified
in that business until 1902, when he retired. He married Emily F.
Mapledoram, of Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y., July 28, 1868. One
son was born of this union, Clifford A., born June 7, 1872. He is
teller in the First National Bank of Middletown. Mr. Owen is a
Republican and has served the city two terms as alderman. He is a
member of the Universalist Church. His father, John C. Owen, was born
in the town of Minisink, Orange County, N. Y. He was born July 16,
1806, and died at his daughter's home, Mrs. W. W. Hartford, in
Middletown. He was a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Owen,
and was brought up on the farm. At the age of twenty-one he entered
the mercantile business at Huguenot, removing to Smith's Corners
after two years. He married Adeline, daughter of Moses Durland,
February 16, 1833. In 1837 he moved to Ridgebury and ran a general
store. In 1847 he moved to his farm left him by his uncle, Jesse
Parshall, Remaining on the farm a few years, he removed to Ridgebury,
where he started a marble yard, and he continued in that business
until 1866 in Ridgebury and Middletown. Then he engaged in the
grocery business in Middletown, which he continued for some years,
finally selling out to his son-in-law, W. W. Hartford. He afterward
purchased a residence at 177 North street and retired from active
business, remaining in the home until the death of his wife, February
16, 1892, the fifty-ninth anniversary of their marriage. He took an
active interest in church work and was a Republican in politics.
ZAEL PADDLEFORD, merchant, of Monroe, N. Y., was born in Broome
County, N. Y., in 1866. He came to Monroe in 1891 as foreman of the
creamery, occupying that position about four years. In 1894 he
established his present store, and a year later formed a partnership
with George R. Conklin, under the firm name of Paddleford & Company.
Mr. Paddleford has served six years as supervisor of the town and is
now president of the village. He is secretary of the Orange and
Rockland Electric Company. Socially Mr. Paddleford is identified with
the Masonic fraternity. He married Miss Isabella S. Kinney, of Iowa,
and their son, Bruce K., is attending school in New York City.
THE PALATINE HOTEL, H. N. and F. N. Bain, proprietors. The
appointments, accommodations and interior aspect of the Palatine are
ideal. It is the largest hotel in Orange County and conveniently
located in the heart of the city of Newburgh. The house contains one
hundred and sixteen rooms, about one-half of which are so arranged
that they may be used separately or en suite for families. The house,
was established in 1893 and is under the personal supervision of Mr.
F. N. Bain, who conducts it in accordance with the most modern
methods.
WILLIAM A. PARSHALL is a scion of an old and distinguished Orange
County family. Jonathan Parshall, his great great grandfather, moved
to Little Britain in the town of New Windsor, from Long Island, in
1737. His son David fought for American freedom in the Revolutionary
War. Mr. Parshall's father, Caleb Parshall, was born on the old
homestead, but when he reached man's estate he moved to the farm in
Walden, where William A. was born, December 9, 1865.
In 1870 the family moved to Port Jervis, and the boy was sent to the
public schools, graduating from the high school in the class of 1883.
The following year he entered Yale and was graduated in 1888. During
his senior year he was awarded the medal by the Cohden Club of
London, England, for work in political economy. Mr. Parshall went to
the Albany Law School and completed the course in 1889. Returning to
Port Jervis, he entered the law office of Hon. Lewis E. Carr and in
May, 1890, was admitted to the bar. The following October, he entered
into partnership with Hon. O. P. Howell and R. Ed. Schofield, and the
firm was known as Howell, Parshall & Schofield. On September 1, 1893,
he withdrew from the firm and has since been successfully engaged in
the practice of law in an office of his own. He has been a director
of the National Bank for fourteen years, is a director of the Port
Jervis Telephone Company, the Co-Operative Loan and Savings Society,
Orange County Building and Loan Association, No. 2, and is an auditor
of Port Jervis Building and Loan Association. He has also taken an
active interest in politics, and when a young lawyer served the town
of Deer Park in the office of town clerk. At present he is the
attorney for the city of Port Jervis, and for twelve terms was
corporation counsel for the village of Port Jervis. In 1903 Mr.
Parshall was elected a member of the board of education and since
1904 has been its president. For the past seventeen years he was a
trustee of the Presbyterian Church. On June 1, 1903, Mr. Parshall was
united in marriage with Miss Christine Senger, daughter of Lewis C.
and Florence Corwin Senger. They have three children.
ARTHUR PATCHETT, who for over twenty years was prominently identified
with business and social affairs of Orange County, was born in
England in 1847 and died at Montgomery, N. Y.. November 30, 1901. Mr.
Patchett came to America in 1872, locating at Philadelphia, where he
followed the business of worsted manufacturer. In 1880 he removed to
Montgomery and with the late William Crabtree established the yarn
plant which soon became one of the important industries of the
county. Mr. Patchett was a member of the board of water works
commissioners and exerted a wide influence in the affairs of his
adopted village. He was a member of Walden Lodge, F. and A. M., Royal
Arch Masons, Knights Templar and Mecca Shrine. In 1874 he married
Miss Alice M. Hayes, of Philadelphia. Two sons and a daughter were
born to them: Emma M., who resides in Montgomery; Joseph E. and
Arthur Allan are engaged in business at Kaiser, W. Va.
FRANK PATTERSON, supervisor of the town of Deer Park, who, with his
brother, George H., conducts a farm of one hundred acres and a
commodious summer boarding house known as "Eddy Farm," at
Sparrowbush, was born there in 1865, a son of J. R. and Mary E.
(Doty) Patterson. Since finishing his studies at the public schools
he has been engaged in the cultivation of the homestead farm.
Politically Mr. Patterson is a democrat and has always taken an
active interest in the welfare of his party. He has served as highway
commissioner and in 1907 was elected a member of the board of
supervisors.
Mr. Patterson married Miss Sarah Chambers and they are the parents of
three sons and two daughters: Ruth E., John R., Edward, Dudley and
Frances.
WILLIAM M. PATTON (deceased) was born in the town of New Windsor,
Orange County, N. Y., May 30, 1834. He was for many years engaged as
a farmer and cattle dealer, in which he was very successful. In 1895
he took up his residence in Newburgh, the details of his cattle
business being attended to by his only son, John R. Patton, who
resides on the Patton homestead, near Washington Lake. Mr. Patten was
for years a member of the board of directors of the Columbus Trust
Co., and a member of its finance committee. He was a careful man in
financial affairs and to him as one of its officers is due much of
the prosperity of the company.
Mr. Patton's first wife was Miss Robinson; she was the mother of John
R. Patton, who died many years ago. His second wife was formerly Miss
Anna F. Johnston, a daughter of the late Beverly K. Johnston, a
prominent business man of East Coldenham.
Mr. Patton died April 16, 1907, and is buried in the Wallkill Valley
cemetery, Walden, N. Y.
ALBERT S. PEIRCE, manufacturer, Newburgh. Born Orange County, March,
1860. Graduated from Newburgh Academy and was then engaged in
mercantile business in New York City for four years. In 1885 he
returned to Newburgh and became associated with Coldwell, Wilcox
& Co., iron founders and machinists. May, 1890, the firm was
incorporated as Coldwell-Wilcox & Co., of which Mr. Peirce has since
been treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the
City Club. In 1885 he married Edith, daughter of the late Dr. Heard,
ex-president of the board of health. The Peirce ancestry dates back
to the Commander of the Mayflower.
HENRY PELTON came to Warwick from Darien, Conn., in 1805. He was a
small boy at the time, and settled with his father on a farm just
west of the village. He was always looked upon as one of the most
public spirited citizens, foremost in every movement for the good of
the community, and for the support of his church. Many writings of
local historical interest, left by him, show him to have been
possessed of a mind capable of clear thinking, and the ability to
express himself in good English. He is remembered as having been one
of the pioneers in the temperance movement in the middle of the last
century. He died in 1873, at the age of eighty-two.
SAMUEL PELTON, son of Henry Pelton, spent his life as a farmer,
residing for over fifty years on the farm now owned by his son, and
dying in 1906, nearly eighty-eight years of age. Of quiet, gentle
disposition, he never aspired to public prominence, yet was ever
ready to help in any public-spirited undertaking. He served a term as
president of Warwick Institute and was one of the founders and for
many years a trustee of the Warwick Savings Bank.
HENRY PELTON, son of Samuel Pelton, resides on the farm formerly
owned by his father. He devotes most of his time to land surveying
and local engineering work. He succeeded the late G. W. Sayer as
president of the Warwick Valley Farmers' Milk Association, and held
that office until the sale and dissolution of the company in 1907. He
is also one of the trustees of the Warwick Savings Bank and a
director of the Warwick Building Association.
WILLIAM W. PELTON was born December 15, 1837, and died November 26,
1907, at his home near Warwick, N. Y. His early education was
acquired at the district school, and the Warwick Institute, when it
was a private school. He afterward became a teacher. He was a member
of the board of education when the Warwick Institute was made a free
school in 1867. He was engaged in business in Warwick and New York
City for a time. In December, 1867, he married Almeda Knapp, daughter
of the late John Knapp, of Sugar Loaf, Orange County, who survives
him. To this union were born four children, John, Grace, wife of
Frank Holbert of New York; Almeda, and Geraldine, wife of Selah
Durland; also two grandsons and two granddaughters. Mr. Pelton was
the last of his father's family. His brother, James, died in 1856,
and Richard in 1898.
EDGAR PENNEY, vice-president and general manager of the Newburgh Ice
Machine and Engine Co., is a native of Orange County, and has been
identified with this company since 1895. Before purchasing the
Newburgh plant he was for twelve years managing director and
mechanical engineer for the Frick Company, Waynesboro, Pa., which
built his ice machine, known as the "Frick"' or "Eclipse." Mr. Penney
invented this machine and retains full privilege of manufacture and
sale under his patents. Among the products of the present concern are
the Corliss steam engines, steam boilers, iron and brass castings,
etc. A force of two hundred and fifty men are employed. The main
buildings are 200 by 400 feet in dimensions and were built in 1883.
In 1907 a large addition was erected.
WILLIAM J. PENOYER began life in Columbia County, N. Y., and after
leaving the district school at the age of fifteen, he entered a
general store and remained there for ten years. When twenty-six years
of age he went to Albany, N. Y., and engaged in the grain business,
which he continued until appointed harbor master by Governor Hoffman.
He was supervisor several years and a director of two banks. He was a
leading spirit in many improvements in his native county. In politics
he was a Democrat.
Mr. Penoyer in 1883 married Anna M. Roe, of Chester, Orange County,
and they had one daughter, Fannie, born 1886. He died in January,
1904.
MILLS PEPPER, son of Elijah and Catura (Crowell) Pepper, is a
prosperous farmer in the town of Montgomery. The farm, which
comprises one hundred and forty acres, was purchased by his father,
who conducted it over sixty years. Mills Pepper, who resides at the
homestead with his sister, has conducted it ten years. He is a member
of Little Britain Grange and takes an active interest in public
affairs of this locality.
GEORGE W. PETERS (deceased), a prominent business man of Newburgh,
was born in Poughkeepsie in 1826, a son of Charles and Phoebe (Dean)
Peters. At the age of sixteen he engaged with his father in the meat
business in New York City, and in 1847 became a member of the firm of
Charles Peters & Son, which continued until 1863, when he sold the
business and moved to Newburgh, where he engaged in farming for two
and a half years. In 1869 he opened a meat market at 113 Water
street, which he conducted with his sons until 1882, when he retired.
Mr. Peters was actively identified with public affairs in Newburgh.
Under Mayor Doyle he was superintendent of streets for two terms. For
many years he was president of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals; also president of the Horse Thief Protective Society. He
joined the Masonic fraternity in 1852, and was a member of the board
of trustees of the Unitarian Church. He died in 1907.
ALBERT H. F. PHILLIPS was born at Oswego, N. Y., in 1866. His
education was acquired at Oswego and the old Middletown Academy,
graduating from the latter in 1880. His parents were John G. and Mary
(Fisher) Phillips. Mr. Phillips has been identified with the New
York, Ontario & Western Railroad as foreman for a period of fourteen
years. In 1904 he assumed the position of master painter of the
O. & W. shops, which position he still holds. He was married to
Elizabeth Anna Heckroth, of Delaware County, N. Y., October 18, 1888.
Their one child, Clara, was born April 8, 1893. In politics Mr.
Phillips is a Republican. He has served as inspector of elections at
various times and has been a delegate to assembly and city
conventions. Socially he is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412,
F. and A. M., Lancelot Lodge, K. of P., and Wallkill Council, Jr.
O. U. A. M., of Middletown. He is a member of the North
Congregational Church and served as deacon and treasurer for the past
seventeen years.
JOHN EVERTSON PHILLIPS, of Goshen, N. Y., son of William and Sarah E.
Phillips, was born in Phillipsburgh, March 20, 1805. Graduated from
Williams College in 1825. He studied law with Henry G. Wilner and
after his admission to the bar in 1828 was associated with him in his
profession until his death, December 17, 1841. He was married March
1, 1832, to Elizabeth T. Wisner, daughter of his partner, Henry G.
Wisner. There were three daughters born of this union. Miss Harriet
H. is still residing at the home which has been, occupied by the
family since 1836.
JOHN F. PIERCE, supervisor of the town of Highlands, was born at
Fishkill Landing, N. Y., March 7, 1844. He attended school at
Wappingers Falls, and during the Civil War served on the schooner
Norma, carrying ammunition to the various ports. He was subsequently
at West Point eight years in the butcher business, and removed to
Highland Falls in 1873, where he continued his meat market and in
later years engaged in the livery business.
Politically Mr. Pierce is a Republican and has long been identified
with public affairs of the town and village. In 1889 he was elected
assessor, serving continuously until the fall of 1907, when he
resigned to fill the office of supervisor. Mr. Pierce has also served
about twelve years as school trustee.
GEORGE PIERSON, who has resided on his present estate for about sixty
years, in the town of Hamptonburgh, is well known in Orange County.
He came from one of the oldest and most respected families of the
state. His great-grandfather, Silas Pierson, who came to this county
from Long Island about 1750, and settled on the old Pierson farm in
Hamptonburgh, was the great-grandson of John Pierson, who emigrated
from England about 1650 and settled at South Hampton, Long Island,
where he died in 1669.
George Pierson was born January 1, 1824, and is the son of Henry
Pierson, also a native of the same place. His mother was Miss Mary
Shaw, a native of Orange County, and four of her eight children grew
to manhood and womanhood. Of these George was the eldest. Mr.
Pierson's father died in 1866 and his mother in 1853. George Pierson
obtained his early education at the district school and afterward
became a student of the Amherst Academy, at Amherst, Mass. He married
Miss Mary E. Thompson, daughter of Oliver Thompson, December 20,
1848. Their union resulted in the birth of four children. In 1849 Mr.
Pierson moved to his present farm where he has resided over fifty
years. He is interested in all public affairs and has held the office
of justice of the peace since 1869, having served continuously with
the exception of two years. He served as assessor from 1884 to 1899.
He is a member of Goshen Lodge, No. 365, F. and A. M. He was a
trustee of the Hamptonburgh Presbyterian Church for thirty-nine
years. At the time of Henry Clay's nomination for president, in 1844,
Mr. Pierson was not quite of age, but he attended the next town
meeting and has been in attendance ever since with one exception, in
1888. which was the only time he failed, and has attended every
general election since he was of age. He was a member of the old
Campbell Hall Grange, now out of existence. Mr. Pierson has a well
stocked dairy farm and is new retired.
JOHN PIERSON, of the town of Mount Hope, was born on the homestead
farm, near Otisville, Orange County, N. Y., in 1834. His father was
Silas G. and mother Salome B. (Cook) Pierson. Four children were born
of this union. Two died in infancy. Harriet N., wife of Alsop W.
Dodge, of Otisville, died July 20, 1897. John Pierson acquired his
early education at the district school in his locality and at the
public school at Middletown. He has resided on his present farm for
a period of over seventy years. He is a Republican in politics and
takes an active part in local affairs. He has been assessor for
twenty years, has served as inspector of election for the town of
Mount Hope about fifteen years, is a member of the Otisville
Presbyterian Church and the Otisville Grange. His children are Silas
G. and John M., of Denver, Colo.; Frank and Cora, at home; Helen G.,
wife of Ebenezer Bull; Saloma C., of Philadelphia, and Susan C, a
teacher at Amityville, Long Island.
GEORGE A. POST, a successful contractor and builder, of Port Jervis,
N. Y., was born at Saugerties, Ulster County, N. Y., and there
learned his trade of carpenter. In 1889 he engaged in the contracting
business at Port Jervis, and since that time has erected many of that
city's prominent business blocks and residences. Mr. Post is a member
of the Elks, and Confidence Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., of Saugerties.
He has served as trustee of the village and was one of the first
aldermen when Port Jervis became a city. He married Hannah J. Bross,
of Ten Mile River, Sullivan County, and they have four children:
Fannie E., who married Charles Clark; George H., a mail carrier,
married Tillie Headley; Minnie, residing at home, and Lillie, a
school teacher at Westbrookville, this county.
A. E. POWERS, manager of the Port Jervis plant of Swift & Co., is a
native of Charleston, N. H., and has occupied this responsible
position for a period of eleven years. Mr. Powers is prominent in
business and social circles and is identified with the Masonic
fraternity, the Elks and Odd Fellows.
JAMES J. PROCTOR was born September 1, 1878, at Greycourt, Orange
County, N. Y. He acquired his early education in the schools of
Orange County and at an early age he became associated with his
father, John R. Proctor, in the management of the hotel at Greycourt.
His father was a charter member of the Walton Hose Company, of
Chester, N. Y., and a respected and energetic business man. James was
married June 12, 1906, to Mary Gardner, of Highland Falls, N. Y. Mr.
Proctor has been first assistant foreman of the Walton Hose Company,
of Chester, for over four years, and has been a member ten years. His
brother, Henry J., was born May 27, 1875, and is identified with him
in the hotel business at Greycourt. Their father died January 29,
1904.
CHARLES PURDY was born March 15, 1842, in Sullivan County, near New
Vernon, N. Y. His parents were Ebenezer and Hettie (Warner) Purdy.
There were nine children in the parents' family, of whom six are
still living. Charles attended the district schools in Sullivan
County, after which he worked at farming until 1864. He then engaged
with the Erie Railroad as brakeman and later had charge of a
construction and switch engine for some time.
He married Jessie A. Wardrop, of Goshen, N. Y., October 18, 1876. Mr.
Purdy is now baggage master at the Erie and has served since 1883.
His wife, who died December 22, 1905, was an active member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Middletown.
JOHN H. QUAID, who conducts a wholesale and retail grocery store in
Water street, Newburgh, succeeded to the business that was
established in 1834 by his father, John Quaid, a native of Limerick
County, Ireland, who came to Newburgh when a young man and began
business in Oldtown at the junction of what is now Liberty street and
Gidney avenue, where he remained until 1850, when he removed to the
present location, 136 Water street. In 1857 his eldest son, William,
became a partner and the firm was changed to John Quaid & Son. In
1871 John H. purchased his father's interest and the firm of William
Quaid & Brother was formed, continuing until 1881, when William
retired and John H. has since continued the business. Mr. Quaid has
acquired much valuable real estate in Newburgh.
The parents of their mother, whose maiden name was McGathern, settled
on a farm m the town of Blooming Grove in 1807. It is said of their
grandmother that she was awarded the first premium for butter making
for many years by the Agricultural Society.
Mr. John H. Quaid married Margaret Lord Fancher, daughter of Lewis
Fancher, of Cornwall. She was a Daughter of the Revolution and at the
time of her death in 1896 was president of St. Luke's Hospital, of
which her husband was a trustee. Mr. Quaid is a member of the City
Club, Newburgh Historical Society, and with his brother, William, a
vestryman of St. Paul's Church.
WILLIAM B. RAMAGE was born in Branchville, Sussex County, N. J.,
January 16, 1858, and was educated in the Branchville and Morristown
schools and the S. S. Seward Institute, of Florida, Orange County. In
1866 he learned the trade of carriage painting with Abraham Watts, of
Florida, worked for him three years, and in 1871 engaged in business
for himself in Florida, where he has continued during the thirty-six
years intervening. Being a zealous Republican and an active political
worker, he has held office for the past twelve years, and is now
overseer of the poor and constable. He is a member of Wawayanda
Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F., and of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and
A. M. He married May Jane Givens, of Florida, June 3, 1870. They have
had ten children, only four of whom are living. Hattie, wife of
Charles Hall, of Paterson, N. J.; Frank P., at home; Jessie, wife of
M. Barry, of Florida, and Leon, at home. The mother is an earnest and
active Methodist.
Mr. Ramage's father came to this country from England when he was ten
years of age, went to Sussex County, N. J., and has resided there
since. His wife's name was Elizabeth and they were the parents of
fourteen children.
HOMER RAMSDELL, for a century the foremost citizen of Newburgh,
N. Y., was born at Warren, Mass., August 12. 1810. His father was
Joseph Ramsdell, the fourth of that name in descent from Joseph and
Martha (Bowker) Ramsdell, who emigrated from England to Plymouth,
Mass. in 1643. His mother was Ruth Stockbridge, of Hanover, Mass., a
descendant of John Stockbridge, who came from England in 1638. They
were married at Hanover February 3, 1800, and moved to Warren, where
the following children were born: Joseph, Mary and Homer. In 1829
Homer went to New York City, where he was employed in dry goods
houses. Three years later he began business there under the firm name
of Ramsdell & Brown, dealers in silks and fancy white goods. He
continued this mercantile career until 1840, when he took up his
permanent residence in Newburgh, superintending the various interests
of Mr. Thomas Powell, who was engaged in shipping and banking
business here. In 1844 Mr. Ramsdell became a member of the firm of
Thomas Powell & Co., and thenceforth until Mr. Powell's death in 1856
he was largely the administrator of Mr. Powell's affairs. By
purchase and consolidation Mr. Ramsdell added other forwarding lines
to his enterprises and soon stood at the head of the transportation
business on the Hudson. Details of Mr. Ramsdell's connection with the
Erie Railroad appear elsewhere. In 1845 he was elected a member of
the board of directors of this corporation and in 1853 was chosen
president of the company, resigning the office in July, 1857. He was
intimately identified with the various local institutions of Newburgh
and a prompt contributor to all progressive and elevating movements
of his day.
Mr. Ramsdell was married June 16, 1835, to Frances E. L., daughter of
Thomas Powell, of Newburgh, and the following children survive:
Frances J., widow of Major George W. Rains; James A. P., H. Powell
and Homer Stockbridge.
WILLIAM CHESTER RAMSDELL, the subject of this sketch, was born in the
town of Greenville, Greene County, N. Y., December 29, 1858. His
father was Luman S. Ramsdell, a nephew of Luman Ramsdell, of Norton
Hill, who was connected with the State Agricultural Society and has
had much to do with the agricultural interests of the state and also
with the co-operative or mutual insurance companies, he having
established practically the first mutual insurance company in the
state of New York.
The mother of William C. Ramsdell was Laura Ann Gedney before her
marriage, and a direct descendant from an officer of the
Revolutionary army.
When about seven years old the parents of William C. Ramsdell moved
to Albany County, where his life was spent upon a farm until after he
was of age. He attended the country schools and the academy which was
established at South Westerlo. Later he attended Starkey Seminary and
after teaching in the country schools for a few years he took the
three-year normal course at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio,
the institution made famous by Horace Mann, who was its first
president. After teaching a year or two in the public schools a
course was taken with the Albany Business College and a year spent as
teacher of commercial subjects in the high school at Attica, Indiana,
after which Mr. Ramsdell entered the regular business college work
with the Goldev College at Wilmington, Delaware.
At the close of the year's work the subject of this sketch was
married to Miss Elizabeth C. Van Trump, of Wilmington, Delaware. The
next four years were spent with the Drake Business School at Jersey
City, N. J.
In 1895 Mr. Ramsdell opened the Ramsdell School in Middletown, N. Y.,
and for the last twelve years has conducted the school on North
street. The school has continued to grow and has attained an
excellent reputation in Orange County and vicinity for thorough and
efficient work.
JAMES RAZEY, who resides near Florida, Orange County, is one of the
representative agriculturists of that section. He was born on a farm
near Harnell, Chemung County, N. Y., February 16, 1851. His education
was acquired at the district school and Alfred University. He removed
to Elmira, where he was engaged in art work for a period of ten
years. From Elmira he removed to Chester, N. Y., and purchased the
"Broadview" farm, which he successfully conducted for ten years. He
built the unique Razey cottage at Chester, which is one of the
artistic houses in the county. His father died August 6, 1864, of
yellow fever. His mother's name was Abigail Withey. There were four
children in his parents' family. Our subject married Susan, daughter
of David R. and Anna Feagles. Their three children are Ethel Denton,
aged twenty-three years; Danforth, aged twenty years, and James
Lester, aged seventeen years. Mr. Razey married for his second wife
Mrs. Phoebe J. Smith, of Florida, October 16, 1906. He occupies a
dairy farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
Mr. Razey is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Chester and in
politics is a republican.
CHARLES IRA REDFIELD, M. D., was born in the town of Wallkill, Orange
County, January 31, 1873. He is a son of Foster C., died February 6,
1875, and Sarah Louise (Fanning) Redfield, still living. The subject
of this sketch attained his early education at the Wallkill Academy
and graduated in 1891. He also attended the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania of 1891-4, graduating June 7, 1894. In the
fall of 1894 he attended the Presbyterian Hospital outpatient
department of Philadelphia, Pa., until February, 1895. In the spring
of 1895 he opened an office in Middletown. He is now visiting
physician of the Thrall Hospital. He has served as secretary of the
New York State Medical Association 1904-5. Secretary Orange County
Medical Association 1901-4, and was president Orange County Medical
Society during 1905. He is a charter member of the B. C. Hirst
Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia, Pa. He is a member of Hoffman
Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M.; Midland Chapter, R. A. M., No. 240, and
Cypress Commandery, No. 67. He was one of the organizers of the
physicians' club of Middletown; a member of Middletown University
Club, National Geographic Society, American Society of Sanitary and
Moral Prophylaxis, and a member of the board of education. He was
health officer in 1898 and is a member and a trustee of the Second
Presbyterian Church. Dr. Redfield married Miss Ira Anna Louise
Barker, of Roxbury, Mass., October 20, 1897.
GEORGE W. REED was born July, 1842, at South Centreville, in what was
then the town of Minisink, but now in the town of Wawayanda, Orange
County. Born of Scotch parentage he was reared on the homestead farm
and received a common school education. At the opening of the war he
enlisted in the Union Army, October, 1861, as a member of Company C,
First New York Mounted Rifles. He was sent with his company to
Virginia, participating in the battle of Petersburg and other
engagements of the war. He was mustered out at Albany as corporal in
December, 1865, having served more than four years. After the war he
returned to Middletown and worked at the carpenter's trade, and has
been identified with building and contracting business there for many
years. He is a charter member of Captain William A. Jackson Post, No.
301, G. A. R., and is its commander. He is a member of the First
Congregational Church of Middletown, N. Y. He is a republican and has
filled many local offices and is at present a member of the board of
education.
HENRY WILSON REED was born at Middletown, Orange County, N. Y.,
November 3, 1875. His education was acquired at the old Wallkill
Academy. After his schooling he became identified with Fort Wayne
Electric Light Co. for a period of seven years. From 1889 to 1891 he
was vice-president of the Enterprise Electric Co., of Middletown,
N. Y. In 1896 he engaged in the electrical construction business,
which business he still carries on. He has done the electrical work
in the best homes and public buildings in Orange County, and is
endorsed by the State Underwriters' Association. He married Helen K.
Biddlebrook, only daughter of William H. Wood, of Chester, N. Y.,
April 9, 1901.
In politics Mr. Reed is a republican. He is a member of the Wallkill
Engine Co. of Middletown and the National Electrical Contractors'
Association of America. He is a member of the First Congregational
Church of Middletown, N. Y.
MARK REEKS, president and treasurer of the John G. Wilkinson Company,
Newburgh, N. Y., wholesale and retail dealers in carriages, harness,
etc., was born in London in 1869. Came to America in 1888, and
entered the employ of John G. Wilkinson as bookkeeper. Following the
death of Mr. Wilkinson in 1905 Mr. Reeks became executor and manager
of the estate and in 1906 purchased the Wilkinson interest and the
present company was organized. The business of which Mr. Reeks is now
the head was established in 1867 and the trade extends throughout New
England, New Jersey and New York.
JOHN REILLY, assessor of the town of Highlands, Orange County, N. Y.,
has ably filled that office for the past twenty years. He is a native
of County Mayo, Ireland, and sailed for America in 1863 on the old
ship _France._ He was employed for a time at Poughkeepsie and Newburgh,
and in 1870 came to West Point and joined the United States Cavalry,
in which he served five years, including one year and a half in the
ordnance department. In 1875 Mr. Reilly established his hotel and
livery, which he has conducted with much success. He has always taken
an active interest in politics and is a member of the Republican
county committee. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Honor and
the A. O. H. He married Miss Jane Cook, daughter of ex-Supervisor
Cook. He was appointed postmaster of Highland Falls under President
McKinley's administration, but declined the office.
A. SMITH RING, for many years prominent in financial and public
affairs of Newburgh, was born in that city in 1838, a son of Thomas
C. and Catherine (Speir) Ring. After graduating from the academy, he
was employed by the Powell Bank until 1858, when he became connected
with the Newburgh Savings Bank, of which his father was treasurer.
The latter part of Mr. Ring's life was spent in retirement from
active business pursuits, devoting his attention to the management of
his large property interests.
A firm believer in the principles of the democratic party, he was
elected city treasurer in 1875. He was appointed one of the trustees
of Washington's headquarters and treasurer of the board. He was a
member of the board of managers of the Associated Charities and took
a deep and active interest in philanthropic work.
October 5, 1881, Mr. Ring was united in marriage with Miss Frances
Ludlow, daughter of the late George W. Kerr. One child, Thomas
Ludlow, was born to them.
In the death of Mr. Ring, which occurred July 8, 1893, Newburgh lost
a citizen of more than ordinary ability, who occupied a high place in
the regard of his associates.
SAMUEL D. ROBERSON, of Bullville, Orange County, N. Y., was born in
the town of Crawford in 1849, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Martin)
Roberson. His father was a native of Westchester County, and for many
years was proprietor of the Bullville Hotel. Our subject was educated
at the public schools and for three years managed the Bullville
Hotel. He then built a creamery and was also engaged in a general
mercantile business.
As a leader in democratic politics Mr. Roberson is widely known to
the voters of Orange County. He was chosen chairman of the democratic
county committee in 1896, and for twelve years was elected to the
office of supervisor in Crawford town.
In 1870 Mr. Roberson married Miss Hannah Powles of Newburgh. Seven
children were born to them, of whom four sons and one daughter are
living.
HON. CHARLES DWIGHT ROBINSON was born in Auburn, Cayuga County,
N. Y., February 6, 1860. He was educated in the public schools of his
native city.
Mr. Robinson is a descendant of George Robinson, who settled in
Rehoboth, in the State of Massachusetts, in 1645. His ancestry on
both sides was very active in the trying times of the American
Revolution. His father, William Philip Robinson, located in Auburn
in 1844; his mother was Louise E., daughter of William Clark Smith
and Amer Lewis. Mr. Smith was a grandson of Anning Smith, of Milton,
Ulster County, N. Y.. an officer in the Revolutionary War. On the
paternal side of Mr. Robinson, his ancestors, Zephaniah Robinson and
Philip Robinson, served in Massachusetts regiments, Philip being a
sergeant. William Robinson, a cousin of Philip, served in a
Connecticut regiment, in the Revolution.
Mr. Robinson, since leaving school, has been active in many lines of
usefulness, which he was well adapted for. Prior to 1883 he was
cashier for the Chicago branch of D. M. Osborne & Co., of Auburn. He
removed to Newburgh, N. Y., in November, 1883, and entered the firm
of John Dales & Co., real estate and insurance, where he has since
continued.
Mr. Robinson in politics is a republican. He has been identified with
municipal affairs of Newburgh since 1894, first serving as alderman
from his (Fourth) ward in 1894 and 1895; president of the common
council from March, 1895, to March, 1900, and from March, 1904, to
March, 1906. He became well informed as to the city's conditions and
needs, and being a thorough, economical business man, he was chosen
as its mayor in 1906-1907. He has been trustee of Washington's
headquarters since 1893, having been appointed by Governor Roswell P.
Flower, and reappointed by Governors Black, Odell and Hughes.
Mr. Robinson is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, the
Historical Society of the Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, Hudson
River Lodge, No. 52; Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, Knight Templar;
the Robinson Genealogical Society, and the Newburgh City Club. He has
been married twice. His first marriage was to Mary B. Dales, February
16, 1882. They had one daughter, Julia. Mrs. Robinson died January
14, 1900. His second marriage was to Anna B. Colwell, January 30,
1902. They have one son, Charles D., Jr.
JAMES ROBERTSON was born December 6, 1846, at Liberty, Sullivan
County, N. Y. His parents were Bronson and Abigail (Stoddard)
Robertson. Our subject acquired his education at the public school.
At an early age he learned the carpenters' trade, which he followed
for some years. He joined the navy in 1864 and was assigned the
position as ship carpenter on the _Sweet Briar,_ one of the boats
that made up the South Atlantic blockading squadron. He served until
1866 and received an honorable discharge. After the war he resided in
Chicago for three years, after which he returned to Monticello,
Sullivan County, and followed his trade for a time. He was identified
with the Erie R. R. at Port Jervis for ten years as foreman of the
carpenters' department of the Delaware division. In 1902 he was
appointed manager of the bottling department of the Deer Park
Brewery, and in 1906 was made general manager, which position he
still holds. Mr. Robertson married Mary E. Kinne, of Monticello,
N. Y., March 2, 1871. Socially he is a member of the Port Jervis
Lodge No. 328, F. & A. M., Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.
FREDERICK O. ROCKAFELLOW, one of the leading funeral directors and
embalmers of Middletown, N. Y., was born in that city May 14, 1864.
After graduating from the Middletown High School and Wallkill
Academy, he entered the undertaking establishment of his father, John
D. Rockafellow, and acquainted himself with every detail of the
business. Upon the death of his father, Frederick came into
possession of the business, which he has since conducted
successfully. This business was established by his father in 1861,
and is the oldest establishment of the kind in Middletown. John D.
Rockafellow was one of Middletown's most progressive and public
spirited citizens, he was chief of the fire department for many years
and always took a deep interest and lent ready aid in the furtherance
of projects benefiting the community. Frederick O. Rockafellow
married Marguerite R. Oliver, of Chicago, Ill., and to them have been
born two sons: Frederick O., Jr., and John D. Mr. Rockafellow is a
member of Lancelot Lodge, No. 169, K. of P.; an honorary member of
the Excelsior hook and ladder company and a member of the Middletown
Club. The family attend Westminster Church.
LEWIS N. L. ROCKWELL was born at Narrowsburg, Sullivan County, N. Y.,
May 12, 1875. He attained his education at the public school. He also
attended the Albany business college. In 1896 he accepted a position
as bookkeeper in New York City in a wholesale house. November 6,
1905, he removed to Otisville and purchased the general store of Joel
Northrop, where he has since continued the business. He married Miss
Irene Bloomberg, of Narrowsburg, January 10, 1900. In politics he is
a democrat. Socially he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
There were thirteen children in his parents' family and there are
still living four sons and two daughters. His brother, George W., has
served two terms as county clerk of Sullivan County.
ALFRED B. ROE, of Chester, N. Y., was born at that place June 9,
1880. He graduated from Chester Academy and later attended Lafayette
College, at Easton, Pa. Following his schooling he assisted his
father on the home farm. He married Frances A. Decker, of Chester,
April 3, 1902, and they have one son, Alfred Russell, born January
30, 1905.
Mr. Roe's parents were Alfred Booth and Martha (Durland) Roe. The
homestead farm has been in the possession of the family for about one
hundred and seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the
First Presbyterian Church of Chester.
D. HOWELL ROE, of Florida, Orange County, was born October 25, 1838.
After he finished his district school education, at the age of
eighteen, he became clerk in William Vail's grocery store and worked
there several years, when he engaged in the livery business at
Chester, near the Erie Railroad station. He sold out a few years
later and opened a grocery and feed store in Chester, which he
conducted until his death, November 29, 1880. He was town clerk and
supervisor many years, holding the latter office until poor health
obliged him to decline a re-nomination by the democratic party, to
which he belonged. He went South, remained there a year, and
afterward spent two winters there for his health. He was a member of
the Standard Lodge of Chester and of the Methodist Church. He married
Elizabeth Rysdyk, of Chester, June 7, 1854. Their two children died
in infancy.
FRED ROGERS, manufacturer, of Middletown, N. Y., was born at
Brewster, Putnam County, N. Y., July 12, 1859. His parents were both
of English extraction, his father, Joseph, having been born near
Oxford, and his mother, Penelope Wilkin, near Bristol, England.
Joseph Rogers settled at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and engaged in the
manufacture of drums and banjo heads, afterward removing to
Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, N. Y., where he learned his trade.
Fred obtained his education at the district school at Bloomingburg
and Snooks Academy at Monticello, N. Y. After leaving school he
entered the drum head manufactory of his father at Bloomingburg, and
continued with him until the death of the latter in 1901, when he
succeeded to the business. His mother died in 1896. Mr. Rogers
married Harriet Pellet Moore, of Middletown, N. Y., November 28,
1888, and four children were born to them: Penelope, Ruth Bradner,
died November 25, 1907; Helen Hyde and Clara Elizabeth. He is a
member of the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pythias. His brother,
Joseph, now conducts the factory established by his father at
Bloomingburg. Mr. Rogers opened his present factory at Mechanicstown,
near Middletown, in 1897.
WILLIAM H. ROGERS was born December 29, 1845, in Sullivan County,
N. Y. He is a son of James and Elizabeth Rogers. In 1859 he moved to
Middletown, where he acquired his education, attending the old
Orchard street school and Wallkill Academy. He engaged in the drug
business in 1868, and is at present senior member of the drug firm of
McMonagle & Rogers, of Middletown. He married Miss Amelia Chattle, of
Middletown, May 19, 1869. To this union three children were born:
Fred S., Thomas C, district attorney of Orange County, and Elizabeth,
wife of Wickham Wisner Young, of Middletown. Mr. Rogers supports the
republican party. He is ex-president of the board of education,
ex-member of the board of water commissioners, and president of the
board of managers of Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital and
ex-president of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association,
charter member Monhagen hose company, member Royal Arcanum,
Concordia Council, No. 1077, and Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and
A. M., of Middletown.
CHARLES W. ROSE was born September 9, 1836, at Canajoharie, N. Y. He
attended the district school at Amsterdam. At an early age he learned
the milling business, and has been identified with that for many
years. He worked at the Tivoli Railroad Mills, at Albany, which was
built previous to the Revolutionary War. In 1850 he operated the
Garden City Mill, at Chicago, for two years. He was an engineer on
the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad between Albany and
Syracuse. He returned to Albany and ran the engine in the same mill
for a period of four years after it was operated by steam. In 1863 he
went to New York City, taking charge of the William Tildert & Nephew
Varnish Works, which position he held for twelve years, after which
he spent two years abroad. Mr. Rose then came to Burnside, Orange
County, and purchased the saw and grist mill, which he operated for
eight years in connection with a general store. He has been
postmaster of Burnside for several years. In politics he is a
republican and served one term as supervisor, and as justice of the
peace several years.
He married Sophia Schweishelm, of Hanover, Germany. Three children
were born to this union. One died, by accident, aged twenty-one
years; Harry, with the Mead Morrison Manufacturing Company, of New
York, and Frieda Dorothy, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rose are
members of the Presbyterian Church at Campbell Hall.
HENRY ELKANAH ROSE is one of nine children of Silas and Elmira Rose,
and was born at Sugar Loaf, Orange County, February 15, 1850. He
attended the district school and the Seward Institute at Florida,
after which he assisted his father on the farm until he was eighteen,
when he learned the wheelwright trade and, later, blacksmithing, and
has since been an industrious man in these occupations and farming.
He is a member of the Sugar Loaf Methodist Church and politically is
a democrat. September 23, 1878, he married Mary Fitzgerald of
Warwick, and they have three children: Nellie E., born April 11,
1880, wife of Henry Ames, of Stamford, N. Y.; Edith S., born March
10, 1883, wife of Fletcher A. Herrod, of Miami, Florida, and Floyd
William Dudley, born September 2, 1884, living in Maxwell, Neb. The
grandmother of Mrs. Rose was Mary Booth, a granddaughter of Sarah
Wells, reputed to be the first white woman who came to Orange County.
JOSEPH H. ROSE, retired brick manufacturer, Newburgh N. Y.; born at
Hamburg, N. Y., 1865; son of John C. and Phoebe (Myers) Rose; removed
with his parents to Haverstraw, N. Y., where he attended the academy;
has resided in Newburgh since 1883, when the Rose Brick Company was
established at Roseton, Orange County, N. Y., with which Joseph H.
was connected until 1902, when he retired from active business.
ELMER E. ROOSA, attorney, of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in New Paltz,
Ulster County, N. Y., in 1861. He is of Holland ancestry and came to
Newburgh with his parents in 1870. After graduating from the academy,
he read law in the office of Messrs. Scott & Hirschberg, and was
admitted to the bar in 1882. He continued in the office of his
preceptors, and when Mr. Hirschberg was advanced to a judicial
position, Mr. Roosa took up the extensive practice attending the
office. Mr. Roosa is vice-president of the Newburgh Planing Mill and
interested in various local enterprises. He is a member of the Hudson
River Lodge, F. and A. M.; Highland Chapter and Hudson River
Commandery.
EDWARD C. ROSS, treasurer of the Coldwell Lawn Mower Company, has
been identified with this important industry since its incorporation.
He is a native of Newburgh, a son of Henry and Jane (Cleland) Ross.
After graduating from the Newburgh Academy and Eastman Business
College he formed a partnership with his brother George H., to
continue the flour and grist mill established by their father. He
disposed of his interest in 1903 to devote his entire attention to
the manufacture of lawn mowers. For two years he represented the
company abroad, with headquarters in London, England. Mr. Ross was
for many years a member of the Newburgh board of education. He is
identified with the Masonic fraternity and a member of the City Club.
He married Miss Jennie M. Coldwell, and two sons and a daughter have
been born to them.
SEWARD U. ROUND, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Florida, Orange
County, N. Y., in 1856. He was educated at Seward Institute, attended
Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. Formed
partnership with Eugene A. Brewster, Jr., which was continued two
years, when the firm of Round & Chatterton was organized and
continued until the death of Mr. Chatterton.
Mr. Round is a member of the Chapter and Commandery in the Masonic
order, and is affiliated with Trinity M. E. Church.
John Wesley Round, the father of Seward U. Round, was born July 22,
1822, at Richfield, Otsego County, N. Y., and died at Florida, N. Y.,
January 5, 1862, aged thirty-nine years.
John W. Round graduated from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn.,
in the class of 1843, and after teaching at various points assumed
the principalship of S. S. Seward Institute at Florida, N. Y., where
he remained from 1851 to 1862, the date of his death. He was called
to other higher institutions of learning, but at the request and
desire of Wm. H. Seward, who was closely identified with the
institute, he was prevailed upon to remain and conduct the Seward
Institute, which was in a flourishing condition at his death. John W.
Round was a linguist, mastering no less than seven languages and also
a natural-born musician, playing several instruments skilfully.
Socially the whole community and those who knew him will give
constant testimony of his great success and attainments, and his
scholastic ability can be attested by many men now in prominent
public life.
JOSEPH W. ROWLAND, general superintendent of the New York Knife
Company, mention of which appears elsewhere in this work, was born in
Connecticut in 1849. He came with his father, Joseph Rowland, to
Walden, in 1856, and learned the cutlery trade. In 1884, upon the
death of his father, he was made general superintendent and
ultimately succeeded him as vice-president of the company, continuing
in that office until the reorganization of the company. Mr. Rowland
is a director of the Walden Savings Bank and trustee of the Wallkill
Valley Cemetery Association.
HENRY RUDOLPH, former supervisor of the Fifth ward, Newburgh, was
born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1853, a son of Henry and Wilhelmina
(Helfinch) Rudolph, who were natives of the same province. At the age
of fifteen Mr. Rudolph was apprenticed to learn the baker's trade. In
1870 he sailed for New York, where he worked at his trade. He was for
a time in business in Matteawan, N. Y., and in 1880 came to
Newburgh, where he has built up an extensive wholesale and retail
bakery business.
Politically Mr. Rudolph is a republican and has always taken an
active part to advance the interests of his party. He has represented
his ward in the common council, and in 1902 was elected a member of
the board of supervisors and continuously re-elected to serve until
December 31, 1907.
ARCHIBALD E. RUGGLES was born at Windsor, Vt. His parents were Edgar
M. and Emma S. Ruggles. He acquired his early education at the public
school in his home town. At an early age Mr. Ruggles identified
himself with a clothing firm in Claremont, N. H., and was there
seven years, after going to New Berlin, N. Y., where he took the
management of a store. In April, 1902, he purchased the John E.
Adams store in Middletown, which he still operates. He was married to
Miss Minnie L. Ainsworth, of Claremont, N. H., October 18, 1899. In
politics Mr. Ruggles is a republican. Socially he is a member of
Phoebus Lodge, No. 82, F. and A. M., of New Berlin, N. Y., and of
Concordia Council, No. 1077, Royal Arcanum, of Middletown. He was
elected exalted ruler of the Elks' Lodge, No. 1097, of Middletown,
N. Y., at the institution of the lodge, December 31, 1907.
GEORGE M. SANFORD was the third son of the late Deacon Ezra Sanford,
and was born in the town of Warwick on November 5, 1821. His mother
was the late Adeline Terry. His brothers were Pierson Ezra (and only
survivor), Uriah Terry and William More. His sisters were Hester Ann
Price, Mary Elizabeth, Julia A. Morehouse, Abigail Gabriel and Emily
S. Tuttle. The two last named are still living. He married Frances
Amelia, a daughter of the late Captain Nathaniel Wheeler Baird. They
celebrated their golden wedding in 1897. Mr. Sanford died on January
6, 1900, and left surviving his widow and the following children:
Lansing Haight (who died the same year), Ferdinand Van Derveer,
George Alden, Mary Elizabeth, John Wheeler and Francis Baird. Lansing
Haight left one child, Mrs. Edward W. Everitt, of Newark, N. J.
Mr. Sanford was one of Warwick's most un-ostentatious and sterling
citizens. He was for many years prominent in business and associated
with the substantial and conservative institutions of the valley. He
was one of the organizers and directors of the First National Bank,
a promoter and director of the Warwick Valley Railroad Company,
succeeded by the present Lehigh and Hudson River Railway.
He was the first and continuous president of the Warwick Cemetery
Association, a model for success and careful methods. He was a
successful farmer and financier.
He was an ardent republican in politics and rarely missed voting.
Without being an office seeker he was at one time the supervisor of
the town. Being an ardent patriot and unable in the early sixties to
qualify as a soldier and go to the front, he aided by recruiting
between fifty and sixty men for service under his country's flag.
He had a most equable disposition; kindly and charitable. He took a
great interest in young men and loved to help them, and not a few in
the town owe much of success to the wise counsel and start in life he
gave them.
A quiet vein of humor was always ready to manifest itself when that
part of his nature was appealed to. He was also noted for his
hospitable traits, and many, far and near, will testify to sharing
the comforts and pleasantries of his attractive home.
JAMES EVERETT SANFORD was born at Sandfordville, near Warwick,
January 21, 1859. His education was obtained at the public school at
Warwick. After his schooling he was connected with the Demarest
creamery near Warwick for nearly two years. He then clerked for A. J.
Burt at Bellvale for two years, after which he took the management of
the home farm. During the summer of 1887 Mr. Sanford traveled in
Europe. In 1889 he became identified with R. C. Williams & Co.,
wholesale grocers, of New York, and continued with this firm nearly
twelve years as traveling salesman. In the fall of 1901 he was
elected county treasurer and served the county in an efficient manner
for six years. Socially he is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544,
F. and A. M., Warwick Club and Sons of the Revolution. In politics he
is a republican. He is treasurer and director of the Warwick Knife
Co. and attends the Baptist Church of Warwick.
JOHN W. SANFORD. Among the leading business men of Warwick, none have
done more for the up building and advancement of the town than the
gentleman whose name heads this review. He was born May 13, 1864, at
Warwick, Orange County, N. Y. His parents were George W. and Frances
A. (Baird) Sanford. He obtained his early education at the public
school, graduating in 1883, after which he took an agricultural
course at Cornell. In 1889 he started in the insurance, real estate
and brokerage business at Warwick. Mr. Sanford gives his personal
attention to two farms, which are stocked with one hundred head of
the finest cattle.
He married Miss Bertha M. Furman, of Warwick, October 6, 1897. They
have two children: Frances Isabel, born February 11, 1900, and Bertha
Elizabeth, born January 29, 1905. In politics he is a republican, and
is identified with the Old Dutch Reformed Church of Warwick. He is a
director of the First National Bank, president of Warwick Cemetery
Association, director of Warwick Valley Telephone Company, director
and treasurer Warwick Inn. Company, director and treasurer Unionville
Water Works Company, director of the Florida Water Works Company and
trustee Warwick Savings Bank.
WILLIAM MOORE SANFORD was born August 17, 1827. His parents were Ezra
and Adaline (Terry) Sanford. He attended the district school in his
locality, after which he attended a private school at Poultney, Vt.,
and college at Ann Arbor Mich. The subject of this sketch and his
father were identified at Sandfordville, Orange County, in the
tanning business until 1880, when William M. continued the business
from that period until his death, which occurred August 17, 1887. He
was reared on the Sanford homestead, about two miles from Warwick. He
married Sarah Burt in October, 1856. They had seven children:
Charles, engaged in business in Warwick; William, of New York;
Everett, residing at home; Ezra, of New York; Mary, wife of Frank
Durland, of Chester, N. Y.; Addie, wife of William R. Welling, of
Warwick, and Emily, wife of A. M. Reynolds, of Newark, N. J. Mr.
Sanford is survived by one brother and two sisters. In politics he
was a republican and served as superintendent of the poor at the time
of his death.
BENJAMIN B. SAYER was born March 11, 1859, on the homestead farm,
near Warwick, N. Y., which has been in the family since 1768, and was
purchased by Daniel Sayer, his great-grandfather, of Henry Wisner,
who lived in the town of Goshen. He obtained his early education at
the Warwick Institute and has always been identified with farming. He
also operates a distillery on the farm, which was established in
1812. He married Miss Annie Wagoner, of Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada,
March 15, 1893. Three children were born to this union: Helen
Bennett, born December 18, 1893; Mary Eraser, born June 2, 1895, and
Benjamin Wagoner, born December 9, 1896. In politics Mr. Sayer is
independent. He is a member of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. and A. M.,
and the Warwick grange. The farm on which Mr. Sayer resides was the
place first settled on by the Warwick pioneers.
GEORGE S. SAYER, for many years a leading business man and farmer of
Westtown, N. Y., was born in 1812, and died in 1884. As a young man
he taught school a few years, and in 1836 went to Indiana, where he
remained ten years. In 1852 he resumed farming, near Westtown, and in
1872 built a store and home in the village. He married Emeline C.
Evans and six children were born, Jonathan Sayer, now the postmaster
at Westtown, being the second child. After finishing his schooling he
assisted his father on the farm.
He married Miss Sarah Owen and two sons were born: George O., a
lawyer in New York, and Robert E., who resides at Westtown. In 1902
Mr. Sayer was appointed postmaster, and the management of the farm,
passed to his son, Robert E., who was born in 1876, and educated at
the schools of Hackettstown. He chose for his wife Miss Frances
Horton.
WILLIAM BENJAMIN SAYER. The Sayer family is of English extraction and
is mentioned as living at Poddington, England, in 1309. This is the
line from which the Thomas Sayer descended, who came from
Bedfordshire, England, to Lynn, Mass., and from whom the Sayers in
this country are descended. He built the old Sayer single house in
1648 at Southampton, Long Island, New York, said to be the oldest
English house standing in New York State.
The Sayers came to Orange County in 1750. William Benjamin Sayer, a
descendant of the above mentioned Sayers, now owns and occupies the
stone house situated on Main street, Warwick, N. Y., which was built
by Francis Baird in 1766. It was called the Stone Tavern and was used
as one until 1830. The mechanics who built this house came from New
York City, and when completed it was considered the model house in
this section. The most of the timbers are hewed oak with wide pine
plank floors. This house has been in the Sayer family since 1858.
Among the distinguished persons who stopped at the house are General
George Washington and wife, and the room on the northwest corner on
the second story is said to have been the room where they slept. Here
are kept a number of old time relics to show to friends. The present
owner, W. B. Sayer, was born in this room, March 14, 1866, and has
always lived in the house with his sister, Miss M. Eva Sayer.
Rev. James Manning, a Baptist minister, and his wife, from
Providence, R. I., took dinner here Sunday, September 12, 1779. He
said in his diary: "We had an elegant dinner and were treated very
hospitably by Francis Baird."
Marquis De Chastelliux, major-general in the French army serving
under Count Rochambeau, stayed all night here with his aides,
December 6, 1781. He says: "I lodged at Warwick, at a very good inn
kept by Mr. Smith, who rented of Francis Baird, and had every reason
to be content with this establishment."
Henry Pelton, a prominent local historian and grandfather of our
surveyor of that name, when he first came here, in 1805, stayed his
first night in Warwick in this house. A picture of this house will be
found in this volume.
THE SCHRADE CUTLERY COMPANY, of Walden, N. Y., is the youngest of the
industries that have made that village the Sheffield of America.
Established in a modest way April 19, 1904, by George and J. Louis
Schrade, its growth has been very rapid and the value of their
product now exceeds $100,000 worth annually. The plant which the
company erected is a substantial frame structure, thirty by
eighty-five feet, three stories in height, equipped with modern
machinery and up-to-date methods of manufacture, employing about one
hundred hands. One hundred different styles of pen and pocket knives
are produced and the goods find a ready market all over the United
States. The Schrade brothers are natives of Williamsport, Pa. George,
the president of the company, has resided in Walden since 1894, and
is the inventor, patentee and for ten years the sole manufacturer of
the press button knife in connection with the Walden Knife Works. Mr.
J. Louis Schrade came to Walden in 1904. He had previously been
engaged in the manufacture of self-playing pianos in New York,
Boston, London and Paris. Both brothers are members of the Masonic
fraternity.
CHRISTIAN H. SCHARFF was born at Amsterdam, Holland, February 26,
1834. He came to America with his father, and the family settled in
Newark, N. J. He was graduated from Princeton College in 1853, and
studied law with Joseph P. Bradley (justice of supreme court). With
James Buchanan, Henry formed the law partnership of Henry & Scharff,
at No. 14 Wall street, New York City. Frances A. (Seward) Scharff was
born at Florida, N. Y., April 16, 1836. She attended the Seward
Institution at Florida and later the Grove Hall Seminary for young
ladies at New Haven, Conn. She was united in marriage to Christian
H. Scharff, January 27, 1859.
R. ED. SCHOFIELD was born at Port Jervis, N. Y., December 10, 1853.
His parents were James H. and Marguerite Cole (Elston) Schofield. His
early education was obtained at the public school and Port Jervis
Academy. After his schooling he read law in the office of Judge O. P.
Howell, and was admitted to the bar in 1885. October, 1890, he
entered into partnership with Judge O. P. Howell and Mr. Parshall,
the firm being Howell, Parshall & Schofield, which continued until
September, 1893, when Mr. Parshall withdrew from the firm. Mr.
Schofield continued with Judge Howell until January, 1896, and since
that time has continued alone. He married Miss Mary J. Finn, of Port
Jervis, N. Y., January 28, 1885. Their two children are James H. and
Anna C., residing at home. In politics Mr. Schofield is a republican
and has served the town in various offices. He has been clerk of the
board of education for twenty-five years and is now president of the
Co-Operative Loan and Savings Society. He and his wife are members of
the Presbyterian Church.
D. DEWITT SCHOONMAKER was born at Middletown, Orange County, N. Y.
His early education was acquired at the Wallkill Academy, where he
graduated in 1878. For two years he was engaged as traveling
salesman, and one year in the merchandise business in Goshen, N. Y.
Mr. Schoonmaker has not sought prominence in life, but has devoted
himself entirely to his business. In 1882 he associated himself with
the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co., holding the position of
bookkeeper for three years and assistant superintendent for seventeen
years. He has been identified with the Borden Condensed Milk Co.
since 1902, and for the past three years has held the position of
superintendent. April 21, 1897, he married Miss Mary J. McNish, of
Middletown, N. Y. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and
A. M., and served as foreman of Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company for
three years.
JOHN SCHOONMAKER, for nearly half a century the foremost dry goods
merchant in Orange County, was born in the town of Gardiner, Ulster
County, N. Y., January 25, 1830, and died at his home in Newburgh,
N. Y., January 1, 1904.
The Schoonmaker family is one of the oldest in this section of New
York State. The progenitor of the family in America was Hendrick
Jochemsen Schoonmaker, who came to America in 1654, in the military
service of the Dutch West India Company. The records show he loaned
money to Governor Stuyvesant "in time of need," and was active in the
military duties made necessary by the troublous times. His grandson,
Captain Frederick Schoonmaker, was one of the patriots and soldiers
of the Revolution, who gave himself and his property to his country
in its struggle for freedom from the British yoke.
John A. Schoonmaker, father of the subject of this sketch, was a son
of Major Abraham Schoonmaker of Revolutionary fame (Fourth Regiment,
Ulster County Militia). He married Rachel, eldest daughter of
Gustavis and Maria (Terwilliger) Sammons. Ten children were born to
them, of whom John was the tenth in order of birth. He was educated
at Amenia Seminary, Dutchess County. He began work upon his father's
farm and continued until he was twenty-two, teaching school at
Gardiner for the last winter that he remained at home. In March,
1852, with his brother Jacob, he opened a general store at
Tuttletown. Soon afterward his brother lost his life in the Henry
Clay disaster on the Hudson, and in a short time the Tuttletown store
was sold, Mr. Schoonmaker moving to Newburgh in the fall of 1853. His
first employment was with Stephen Hayt, on Water street, for his
board. In three months he took a clerkship with Isaac Wood, Jr., for
three years, after which he had a position for a year with Mr.
Parmalee, and again returned to the store of Isaac Wood, Jr., where,
under Mr. Wood's guidance, he received and acquired experience that
was invaluable to him in later years.
In 1863 Mr. Schoonmaker, with Samuel C. Mills and A. Y. Weiler,
purchased the dry goods business of Colonel Wood, at the northeast
corner of Water and Third streets. They conducted business under the
firm name of Schoonmaker, Mills & Weiler. Half a dozen lines of boats
between New York and Newburgh and market wagons from the surrounding
country made Newburgh an active business center, where stores were
open as early as five o'clock in the morning and frequently as late
as eleven o'clock at night. In 1878 the firm occupied its newly
completed building at Nos. 94 and 96 Water street. This was
considered a notable improvement and the firm even then had the
largest dry goods store in the city. Although at first only part of
the building was occupied, in a few years increased business made it
necessary to occupy the whole. Mr. Mills retired in 1885 and Mr.
Weiler January 1, 1898. Mr. Schoonmaker's son, Samuel V., purchased
Mr. Weller's interest and the firm became John Schoonmaker & Son.
Now the firm purchased the adjoining building on the north, still
further increasing its capacity for business. Mr. Schoonmaker took
an active interest in the affairs of the firm until his sudden
illness in the latter part of 1902, and after a protracted period of
hope and fear he died on January 1, 1904, at his home, 135 Grand
street. He had thus been for many years the head of Newburgh's dry
goods trade. His business acquaintance was very extensive and few men
enjoyed such a reputation for honor, integrity and probity, his
friends and acquaintances placing implicit confidence in him, which,
throughout his career, was never violated. He was a public spirited
citizen, always interested in the welfare and progress of Newburgh
and contributed generously to projects which promised well for its
advancement, yet he never sought public office or cared to appear
prominently in public. His increasing business prevented him from
entering politics, although he was a member of the board of health
from 1885 to 1888, in which he rendered conscientious service. He was
one of the organizers of the old Newburgh board of trade, and of its
successor, the Newburgh Business Men's Association, of which his son
was president. He earnestly aided by counsel and purse in the
building of the Palatine Hotel. For thirty-seven years he was a
trustee of the Newburgh Savings Bank and for a number of years its
second vice-president. He was a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, in which he was active and efficient, serving for many terms
as trustee and elder. He was also deeply interested in Bethel Mission
and chapel, serving as superintendent of the chapel while health
permitted. He was a member of the Holland Society of New York from
1890 until the time of his death. He was married July 2, 1862, to
Mary A. Vail. The children of this marriage, Samuel V. Schoonmaker,
Mrs. W. Clement Scott and Miss Elizabeth M. Schoonmaker, are all
residents of Newburgh.
THEODORE D. SCHOONMAKER was born in the town of Crawford, in the
County of Orange, on the 28th day of December, 1836. He was the only
son of Levi Schoonmaker and Julia Ann, his wife. Levi was a son of
Edward Schoonmaker and Leah Rose, his wife, both of the town of
Shawangunk, Ulster County, N. Y. Julia Ann was the daughter of Samuel
Butler and Sarah, his wife, both of the town of Goshen, Orange
County, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch received a common school and academic
education, taught school in the counties of Chemung, Ulster and
Orange for several years, was brought up a farmer, which occupation
he followed till January 1, 1868, when he was appointed by the then
surrogate, Honorable Gilbert O. Hulse, his brother-in-law, clerk of
the surrogate's court of the county of Orange, which position he has
occupied ever since continuously, being appointed by the successive
surrogates to that office. He was stenographer to the surrogate's
court from 1870 till the year 1903, and was also for several years
assistant stenographer for the second judicial district of this
state, and also served as county court stenographer under County
Judges Honorables Stephen W. Fullerton and Charles F. Brown, and also
stenographer to the Dutchess County court under Honorables Henry M.
Taylor and B. Platt Carpenter. In 1889 he was elected one of the
trustees of the village of Goshen, after a bitter and arduous
campaign, to which office he has been reelected for six terms of two
years each, without any opposition, and is now one of such trustees.
He has four children living, two having died in infancy: Anna
Frances, wife of Thomas Mould, of the firm of Thompson & Mould;
Theodore F., of Hartford, Conn., traveling salesman; Mary Adele, at
home, and Charles B., civil and construction engineer.
ANDREW SCHRIVER, residing on a farm near Chester, N. Y., was born
December 16, 1840, at Lagrange, Dutchess County, N. Y. His early
education was obtained at the Unionville Seminary. He joined Company
A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, and served in
the Civil War for three years, after which he joined the New York
conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and actively followed
the ministry for thirty-seven years, and for six years was presiding
elder of the Newburgh district. Mr. Schriver is now retired and
resides on the Oak Lane farm of one hundred and forty acres, near
Chester, N. Y. He makes a specialty of breeding and exhibiting
Hampshire sheep, Guernsey cattle and fancy poultry. He married Alida
Wiltsie, of Albany County, April 24, 1877. Their five children are:
Hiram W., Newman E., Paul R., Charlotte and Frank. Mr. Schriver is a
republican and takes an active interest in politics. He is one of the
managers of the Orange County Agricultural Society.
FRANK A. SCOTT, architect and builder, of Newburgh, was born here
July 18, 1830, a son of John and Jane (Gedney) Scott. The Gedney
family is of French-Huguenot origin. David Gedney came from France
and located in Newburgh in 1754. Mr. Scott attended the old Glebe
School, of which some years ago he made a very accurate drawing from
memory. At the age of seventeen he went to New York City to learn the
builders' trade and study architecture. In 1863 Mr. Scott went west
and was engaged in business in Montana, Colorado and Missouri. Since
1872 he has made his home in his native city and has erected many
buildings in the Hudson Valley. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Banks,
of Ulster County. They have two daughters: Elsie Banks and Anna
Gedney. In 1894 Mr. Scott received from Mayor Odell the appointment
of excise commissioner and served as president of the board. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity and trustee of the Unitarian Church.
W. CLEMENT SCOTT, secretary and treasurer of the Newburgh Planing
Mill, was born in Newburgh in 1869, and is a son of the late Hon.
David A. Scott. His education was obtained at Newburgh Academy and
Yale College, from which he graduated with the degree of A.B. in
1893. He has been connected with the above firm since 1899 and is
identified with local social organizations. In 1897 he married Miss
Mary L., daughter of John Schoonmaker. Two children have been born to
them: Elizabeth M. and William C., Jr.
FRANK H. SCUDDER, treasurer of Middletown, was born November 19,
1871, in Otisville, Orange County, and graduated from the Otisville
public school. He learned telegraphy and was operator for the Erie
Railroad from 1888 to 1892, and for the Ontario & Western Railroad
from the last date to 1900. He was then transferred to the traffic
department of the Ontario & Western as assistant to the traveling
freight agent, which position he still holds. He was elected city
treasurer of Middletown in 1904, and his third term in this office
expired January 1, 1908. He is a member of the Concordia Council,
Royal Arcanum, and also of the Monhagen Hose Company. Politically he
is a republican. He married Miss Elizabeth E. Scott, of Jersey City,
N. J., October 12, 1904, and both are members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Middletown.
HENRY SEACORD, republican, who represents the first assembly district
of Orange County in the assembly, was born September 19, 1829, at
Lincolndale (formerly known as St. David's Corners, or Decker's
Mills), and has resided there since. The Seacord family are direct
descendants of the French Huguenots that fled from Rochel, France, in
the year 1684, went to England, and from there to America in 1684,
and Amroise Sicard, a French Protestant refugee, of La Rochelle,
France, who fled to England in 1682, and from there came to America
in 1684, locating at New Rochelle, Westchester County, and in the
year 1692, on February 9, bought from William La Count land on which
is now the city of New Rochelle. Mr. Seacord's father represented
Orange County in the assembly in 1846, as a free soil democrat, but
when the republican party was organized he came out as a republican
and was made chairman of the mass meeting and appointed the committee
which organized the party in the county.
At an early age Mr. Seacord entered his father's blacksmith shop, to
learn the trade, which he followed until the year 1891, when he left
the forge and engaged in the real estate and insurance business,
which he still follows.
He was present and took part in the organization of the republican
party in Orange County in the year 1855, and has taken an active part
in its councils ever since. He has attended many of the state, county
and district conventions, and was acquainted with Horace Greeley,
Roscoe Conkling, President Arthur and many others of their time.
He was elected to represent his town in the board of supervisors in
1876, being the first republican supervisor elected from the town of
Hamptonburgh. In the fall of 1876 the town gave a democratic majority
of sixty-seven out of a total vote of two hundred and ninety-five.
He was elected to the assembly in 1907, receiving 5,625 votes, while
his democratic opponent received 4,871.
Speaker Wadsworth, in 1908, appointed Mr. Seacord a member of the
assembly committees on insurance and agriculture.
WILLIAM H. SEACORD was born at Lincolndale, Orange County. N. Y.,
formerly known as Decker's, July 17, 1860. After leaving the district
school he learned blacksmithing, and when twenty-one years old
engaged in business for himself.
He married Charlotte E. Crans, May 31, 1883. Their children are:
Barbara A., Andrew W., H. Stanley, Charlotte C. and Ralph P. Barbara
is a teacher in the Lincolndale school, and Andrew is taking a course
in mechanical engineering at Cornell University. Mr. Seacord, besides
his general blacksmithing business, conducts a carriage repository.
He is a member of Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950.
BENJAMIN CHANDLER SEARS was born in Montgomery, February, 1836, where
his father, Marcus Sears, M. D., then resided. His grandfather,
Benjamin Sears, was appointed sheriff of Ulster County by Governor
George Clinton, February, 1793. His mother was a daughter of Richard
Caldwell, captain of the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, who, on
the march to the Canadian frontier, died from exposure, and was
buried at Champlain, N. Y., in 1812. Dr. Sears soon removed to
Blooming Grove, and Benjamin C. attended the public school there,
Chester Academy and Montgomery Academy, under Joseph M. Wilkin. He
entered the junior class of Rutgers College and graduated in 1857
with the Suydam prize for English composition, and the degree of
A. B., receiving later the degree of A. M.; was a charter member of
the Zeta Psi Club of New York and trustee of the chapter house of the
Sigma Psi fraternity at Rutgers.
On graduating he came to the farm upon which he now resides, which
was purchased by his great-grandfather, John Chandler, in 1793,
containing about forty acres, which, by purchase, he has increased to
four hundred acres. In carrying on the farm, he is associated with
James B. Howell and his son, Marcus Caldwell Sears, who graduated
from Rutgers in the class of '91 with first honor, taking also a
special course in agriculture. The firm kept a dairy of one hundred
or more cows, the milk from which is largely bottled on the farm, and
until March, 1906, was delivered directly to consumers from the
Blooming Grove Ayrshire Dairy, 445 West Nineteenth street, New York
City, but now is distributed by others.
In 1866 he married Phoebe E., daughter of Edmund S. Howell, of
Blooming Grove. In 1878 he was democratic candidate for state
senator. A year later he was appointed on the commission to appraise
damages to property in building the West Shore and Ontario & Western
Railroads. For five years he was superintendent of the farm attached
to Rutgers, the State Agricultural College of New Jersey, and
associate lecturer on farming. For several years he was
vice-president of the Ayrshire Breeders' Association. He was director
of the Orange County Agricultural Society from 1877 to 1899, and
vice-president from 1889 to 1901. He was an elder in the Second
Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville, until it was dissolved, and
since then has been deacon in the Blooming Grove Congregational
Church.
HON. ALBERT H. F. SEEGER, county judge of Orange County, N. Y., was
born in the city of Stuttgart, Wurttemberg, Germany, in 1859. His
parents came to America in 1861, settling in Goshen, N. Y. In 1867
the family moved to Newburgh, and it was here the subject of this
sketch obtained his education and has since resided. After graduating
from the academy in 1875, he read law in the office of Judge Dickey,
and was admitted to the bar in 1880.
Judge Seeger is a tireless worker and has built up a very extensive
and lucrative practice. For a number of years he was assistant
district attorney, and in 1903 was elected district attorney. In 1906
he was elected to the office of county judge.
GEORGE SEELY was born March 27, 1837. His parents were Edward and
Julia Ann (Satterly) Seely. Mr. Seely attained his education at the
district school and Old Chester Academy. He now occupies the
homestead in which his grandfather and great-grandfather lived. The
house is now over one hundred and fifty years old. George Seely was
united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Butler, of Rochester, N. Y.,
September 17, 1868. Their one child, Gaylord B., was born March 3,
1874. Mr. and Mrs. Seely are members of the Chester Presbyterian
Church and Mr. Seely is a member of the Chester Grange No. 984. In
politics he is a republican and has served the town in various
offices. His wife is a member of the board of managers of the Home
for Aged Women of Middletown, N. Y.
HOWARD DAVIS SEELY, who resides near Chester, was born January 27,
1878. He received his early education at the Chester Academy,
afterward attending for two years the Military Academy at
Cornwall-on-Hudson, graduating in 1898. His father, Fred B. Seely,
died in July, 1891. He was a man of sterling worth in the community.
Howard assumed control of the farm after his father's death, which is
located about two miles from Chester. He is a large breeder of
Holstein-Freisian cattle, has exhibited his stock on several occasions
at the Orange County Fair at Middletown, and secured first premium.
The foundation of this stock was purchased of H. D. Roe, of Augusta,
N. J. Mr. Roe has raised more world's champion stock than any one
breeder in this part of the country. Mr. Seely married Miss Carrie A.
Mills, daughter of George Mills, of Goshen, N. Y. They have one
child, Pauline Augusta. He is a member of the Chester Grange, a
republican and takes a lively interest in all questions of the day.
JOHN LANSING SERVIN--Mr. Servin, who spent the last years of his life
in Warwick, was born in Spring Valley, Rockland County, on September
6, 1835. After a course of study at Rutgers College, he was graduated
from the University of the City of New York in 1858. He then
commenced the study of law, and after obtaining his degree at the
Albany Law School, and being connected for a time with the law firm
of Hill, Cagger and Porter in Albany, removed to New York City, where
he practiced his profession until 1865. He married Miss Sallie Ann
Forshee, of Warwick, in 1864, and in 1865 removed to Warwick, where
he purchased the _Warwick Advertiser,_ which he conducted for some
years, when ill health forced him to give up all active pursuits.
He was one of the founders of the Y. M. C. A. at Warwick and
superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Reformed Dutch Church, and
withal a liberal, well-educated and public-spirited citizen.
He died at Warwick, on October 8, 1881, and is survived by three
children: Abraham Forshee, who is a practicing lawyer of Middletown,
N. Y.; Sara, wife of Dr. Stephen W. Perry, of Belchertown, Mass.; and
John Magie, of Warwick. A younger child, Walter Tinkey, died at an
early age. His widow still resides at Warwick in the family home.
FREDERICK W. SEWARD, M.D., a worthy member of a greatly honored
family, was born in Goshen, August 22, 1845. He prepared for college
in the Seward Institute, founded and endowed by his grandfather,
Judge S. S. Seward. He graduated at Union College, and studied
medicine in Bellevue Medical College and the New York Homeopathic
Medical College. He then settled in Middletown, where he had an
extensive practice, but on account of failing health went to New
Mexico in 1876. Returning in 1882, he made Goshen his home and
engaged in general practice until 1899, when he became a specialist
in nervous and mental diseases, and opened "Interpines," a sanatorium
for the cure of these diseases. He has long been president of the
Orange County Homeopathic Society, and is a member of the New York
State Homeopathic Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy;
also the Orange County and New York State Medical Societies and of
the National Medical Association. He is president of the Goshen Board
of Trade and for years was president of the Goshen Board of
Education. He is also a Mason. He was married to Ella Armstrong, of
Florida, Orange County, December 27, 1866. She died three years
later, leaving two children. Dr. Seward again married in 1875, his
second wife being Matie Corey, of Plainfield, N. J., by whom he has
three children. His three daughters, Ella, Matie and Bertha, are at
home. His eldest son, Edwin P., is a ranch man in New Mexico, and
Frederick W., Jr., a graduate of the New York Medical College, is
associated with his father at the "Interpines." Dr. Seward's father
was Edwin Pollodore Seward, of Florida, and his uncle was William H.
Seward, Lincoln's secretary of state, and before the war United
States senator. Dr. Seward's great-great-grandfather was John Seward,
a colonel in the New Jersey militia during the Revolutionary war.
JOHN L. SEYBOLT, of the town of Mt. Hope, was born July 28, 1854, on
the homestead farm, about one-half mile from Otisville. He was reared
on the home farm and acquired his early education at the district
school, afterward attending the Otisville school. His principal
business is dairying, having one hundred and seventy-one acres of
land. His parents were Paul Lee, born August 18, 1830, died July 8,
1905, and Antoinette, born July 4, 1831, still living. To this union
four children were born: John, the subject of this sketch; Horace G.,
of New York City, engaged in the milk business; Alva, a prominent
attorney at Oneonta, Otsego County, N. Y., and Emma, wife of J. C.
Jordon, of Middletown, N. Y. Mr. Seybolt married Miss Alice W.
Riter, of Otisville, N. Y., December 18, 1878. She was born June 13,
1858. Two children were born to this union: Violet, wife of George
Kaufman, of Middletown, and Falter Lee, attending school at
Middletown. In politics Mr. Seybolt is a democrat and has served six
years as road commissioner. As a farmer he is very successful and for
many years has been a member of the Otisville Grange.
REV. JESSE F. SHAFER, an old and honored resident of Newburgh, was
born at Montgomery, Orange County, October 12, 1828. He graduated
from Montgomery Academy in 1848, read law with Hon. Hugh B. Bull and
attended the State and National Law School at Ballston Spa, N. Y. He
was admitted to the bar in 1852, and practiced in Goshen and Newburgh
until 1857, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Joseph D.,
district attorney of Ulster County, with offices in Kingston. In 1861
he enlisted in the 56th New York Volunteer Infantry, was promoted to
first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, resigning in 1864.
From 1869 to 1873 Mr. Shafer owned and operated the Youngblood farm.
In 1874 he decided to prepare for the ministry, and was ordained in
1877. He was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Audenried, Pa.,
five years. The failure of his voice caused his retirement. Mr.
Shafer is chaplain of Ellis Post No. 52, G. A. R.; also of the 56th
Regiment Veteran Association. In 1869 he married Miss Ann H.
Crawford, of Thompson's Ridge, Orange County. She died June 10, 1891,
leaving one daughter, Susie C., the wife of Walter Carvey.
WILLIAM H. SHANNON, prominent in business and public affairs at
Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Richmond, North Hampton County, Penn.,
April 22, 1840. His parents, Charles Shannon, a carpenter, and
Magdalen Gruver Shannon, were also natives of Richmond. He is a
descendant from Nathaniel Shannon, who was born in Londonderry,
Ireland, in 1655 of Scottish ancestry. Nathaniel came to America in
1687 as naval officer of the port of Boston, where he was a member of
the historic Old South Church. He served as naval officer of the port
for twenty-two years. From him sprang the various branches of the
family. Some of his descendants became pioneers in the South; one
accompanied the Lewis and Clarke Expedition. William H. Shannon's
grandfather, Langdon Shannon, was a major in the War of 1812.
Mr. Shannon received his education in the little log schoolhouse of
Richmond; that is, as much education as a lad can acquire up to the
early age of thirteen, when he went to work. He came to Newburgh in
1862 to take charge of the slating of Vassar College for the late
John Gait. He started in business the same year and in 1877 became
associated with Mr. Gait, who was interested in the firm of Shannon
& Co., until his death. Mr. Shannon then took his son, William H.,
Jr., into partnership. To the originally modest slate-roofing
business new branches were added from time to time until to-day an
extensive business is carried on--slate, tile and metal roofing
mantels, fireplaces marble and tiling.
Mr. Shannon is a member of the Masonic Veterans' Association, having
been raised in 1866. He is also a charter member of the Washington
Heights Chemical Engine Co. He has been a painstaking and efficient
member of the Water Board for fifteen years, three of which he served
as president.
THE SHAW FAMILY--The Shaw family was among the early settlers in the
northeastern part of the town, and until within a few years the
original tract Of land settled upon them was in the name of some of
the family. About 1750 William Shaw moved to the town and was agent
for a large tract of land owned by New York parties, with
instructions to take what he wanted, sell what he could and give some
away. The descendants of some of his friends to whom he gave farms
are living in Orange County. Soon after he came from Ireland and had
made a clearing, he sent for his intended wife (Mary Waldron). She
came from New York to New Windsor on a sloop and was met by him and
taken to his home on horseback, for at that time it was the only way
he could travel between the two points. They had children and many of
their descendants are still in that vicinity, among them being
Wickham T. Shaw, a great-grandson, practicing law at Middletown,
N. Y. William Shaw, who married Rachel Schoonover, son of William and
Mary W. Shaw, inherited the homestead and died there. Two of his
sons, Aaron and Howard, became quite distinguished. The former was
state attorney, judge of the Supreme Court and twice elected to
Congress in Illinois. The latter (Howard), who married Abby M. Tryon,
was a noted auctioneer, and Wickham T. Shaw, his son, who married
Clara A. Mapes, is the last male descendant in that line living. He
has three sons, Howard, Charles and H. James Aaron, and one daughter,
Florence.
HARRY E. SHAW, of Newburgh, member of the Board of Supervisors, was
born in this city in 1869. His father, the late Captain George W.
Shaw, was for years a leading business man of Newburgh, a member of
the widely known firm of Thomas Shaw's Sons. Harry E. was educated at
the Newburgh Academy and Siglar's Preparatory School, after which he
entered the planing mill business of his father. He subsequently
engaged in the feed business, being senior member of the firm of
Shaw Brothers.
Politically Mr. Shaw is a democrat and in 1907 was elected supervisor
of the Second Ward. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the
Elks, Ringgold Hose Company and the City Club.
SAMUEL E. SHIPP, son of Colonel Samuel Shipp, was born in 1850 at
Pleasant Ridge, Princess Ann County, Virginia. He was educated at
Columbian College, Washington, D. C. Mr. Shipp was deputy state
treasurer of Virginia several years, and for ten years connected with
the post-office in Richmond and Norfolk. He came to Newburgh and
organized the present real estate and insurance firm of Shipp &
Osborn in 1888, associating himself with Mr. David A. Osborn. This
business had been established in 1873 by E. S. Turner. Mr. Shipp is
also president of the Shipp & Osborn Realty Company. In 1900 he was
appointed by the governor of New York State a member of the Board of
Managers of the Middletown State Hospital and served four years as
president of the board. He was elected in 1898 a member of the Board
of Education of Newburgh and has been president of the board six
years. Mr. Shipp is prominent in club, social and business circles.
He is a member of Hudson River Lodge, a Knight Templar and was one of
the organizers of the Wilbur H. Weston Shriner Association and has
been its vice-president and president. He is a charter member and
director of the Newburgh City Club and for many years a member of the
Powelton (Country) Club. Mr. Shipp has always taken an active part in
all matters pertaining to the growth and prosperity of his home city.
HON. MORGAN SHUIT, who for more than a quarter of a century was a
prominent figure in political and business affairs of Orange County,
was born in Richfield, Conn., 1812, and died at Central Valley, July
29, 1884. Mr. Shuit was engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1864,
when he purchased large tracts of land and devoted his time to the
management of his farms. He was a leader in republican politics and
for thirty-one years represented the old town of Monroe in the Board
of Supervisors. He also filled the office of justice of the peace for
thirty-three years. In 1879 he was elected a member of the state
legislature and reelected in 1880. He was chosen executor for many
estates because of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow
citizens. In 1846 Mr. Shuit married Mary A. Titus and seven children
were born to them. Mrs. Shuit died and in 1870 he chose her sister,
Phebe B. Titus, for his second wife.
CHARLES N. SKINNER, M.D., of Port Jervis, was born in that city,
March 9, 1866. He obtained his education in the schools of that place
and Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa. When twenty-two years of age he
took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. L. Cuddeback
and completed his medical studies by a course of lectures at
Bellevue, New York, from which he was graduated in 1892. He at once
began the practice of medicine in Port Jervis. He is a member of the
Orange County Medical Society. Dr. Skinner married Mary B. Hiller, of
Tunkhannock, Pa., June 9, 1892, and both he and Mrs. Skinner are
consistent members of the Reformed Church of Port Jervis.
FRANK SLAUGHTER was born near Pine Island, N. Y., February 23, 1854,
attended college at Elmira N. Y., and assisted his grandfather on the
farm until he was thirty-two years old. He has since been a dairy
farmer and an extensive fruit grower. He has a farm of eighty acres,
and apart from this is engaged with the Empire Steel Company of
Catasauqua, Penn., in the limestone business. He married Annie Louise
Wilson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., December 16, 1885. Their six children are
Charles B., born September 20, 1886; Clara Van Sickle, born April 6,
1888, wife of Grant Cooper, of Pine Island; Fannie Louise, born April
5, 1891, wife of Russell S. Ferguson, of New Milford; Jerry, born
April 20, 1893; Lu Wilcox, born December 28, 1898, and Audrey Wilson,
born January 1, 1902. Mr. Slaughter attends the Presbyterian Church.
In politics he is a republican.
NORMAN C. SLY was a New York City policeman more than twenty years,
being appointed on the force May 8, 1882, and serving until September
16, 1902. He is now a practical farmer and good citizen who interests
himself in the public welfare as well as his private interests. He
was born June 22, 1858, and was one of the four children of Ross W.
and Marguerite E. Wilcox Sly. His early education was in the district
school.
CLARENCE J. SLOCUM, M.D., resident physician of Falkirk Sanitarium,
near Central Valley, graduated from the Albany Medical College in
1897. The following three years he was connected with the City
Hospital at Poughkeepsie and from 1900 to 1902 with the Utica State
Hospital. His services were then secured by Dr. Carlos MacDonald as
resident physician of his sanitarium, then located at Pleasantville.
In 1906 the institution was removed to Orange County. Dr. Slocum is a
member of the American Psychological Association and the Dutchess
County Medical Society.
CHARLES H. SMITH was born at Howells, Orange County, N. Y., in 1861.
After graduating from the Wallkill Academy he took up civil
engineering and spent two years in practical work under Chief
Engineer O. Chanute, of the Erie R. R. He then entered Lehigh
University, and for two years was a student in the department of
civil engineering. Later he was engineer on the Erie R. R. Mr. Smith
married Miss Minnie A. Holland, of Hornell, N. Y., in 1890. In 1889
he was appointed assistant chief engineer of the New York, Ontario
and Western R. R., with headquarters at Middletown, which position
he filled for three years. He resigned in 1893 and devoted his
attention entirely to civil engineering. The following year he opened
an office in Middletown and was appointed city engineer, in which
capacity he served ten years, at which time he was appointed county
engineer, which position he is now holding. He is a member of the
American Society of Civil Engineers and an honorary member of the
Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co.
ELWOOD C. SMITH, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Monroe, N. Y.,
February 12, 1882. He graduated from the Newburgh Academy in 1900 and
from Columbia University in 1904 with the degree of LL.B. He
practiced his profession three years in New York City, and in
January, 1907, began the practice of law in Orange County, with
offices in Newburgh and Monroe. Mr. Smith was elected justice of the
peace of the latter town in 1906. He is a member of the Delta Upsilon
Fraternity; Greenwood Council No. 140, Junior Order American
Mechanics; Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M.; Highland Chapter No.
52, R. A. M.; Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K. T., and Mecca
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
GEORGE SMITH, one of the enterprising citizens of Otisville, was born
in the town of Mt. Hope, February 8, 1835, being sixth in order of
birth in his parents' family. He remained at home until he was
sixteen, when he learned the carpenters' trade. He clerked in a
general store at Otisville for a period of two years, when he
embarked in business for himself, forming a partnership with Mr.
Dunning. The firm was afterward Reed & Smith. Later Mr. Smith
purchased his partner's interest and continued alone for five years,
when he again sold to Mr. Reed a half interest. Mr. Smith is now
living retired. He married Miss Cynthia Green, of Otisville. In
politics he is a democrat and has served the town as supervisor for
seventeen years and as town clerk eight years.
NATHAN S. SMITH--Among the old business landmarks in Water street,
Newburgh, is the book and stationery store of Mr. Smith, which was
established in 1830. It is the oldest bookstore in the Hudson Valley
and was purchased by Mr. Daniel Smith in 1840. He was a native of
Connecticut, and after locating in Newburgh was engaged for a time in
the shoe business. Mr. N. S. Smith has been proprietor of this store
since 1882. Mr. Smith was born in Newburgh and for many years has
been prominent in the commercial and social circles of his native
city.
WILLIAM J. SMITH, who is engaged in general farming and dairying on a
historic tract of land in the town of Hamptonburgh, was born January
21, 1851, on the homestead farm about one mile from Neelytown. His
father was Foster and his mother Sarah W. (Waite) Smith. He was
married to Miss Lizzie Burns, of Newburgh, December 7, 1876. Two
children were born by this union: Frank W., who married the daughter
of John Maryhue, of Ulster County, N. Y., and Nellie, who resides at
home. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church of
Montgomery. In politics he is a democrat. The home in which Mr. Smith
resides is historic from the fact that Washington stopped here on one
occasion in crossing from the Delaware River to his headquarters at
Newburgh. Recently it was necessary to make repairs in the old
chimney and a brick with the date 1777 was taken from the fireplace.
JACOB B. STANABACK--His birthplace was Sparta, Sussex County, N. J.,
where he began life November 10, 1861, and attended the district
school. He worked awhile in a creamery in Stanford, Delaware County,
N. Y., and then was a clerk in Sparta and Ogdensburgh. All this was
before he was of age. When he was twenty-one he went to Newfoundland,
Morris County, N. J., and was there clerk in a general store. His
next move was to Florida, Orange County, where he worked for H. B.
Seeley, and his next to Newark, N. J., where in 1888 he went into
business for himself. In 1897 he went to New Milford, Orange County,
and worked for his cousin, Benjamin Scott, until he was burned out on
March 22, 1900. Then Mr. Stanaback erected a store on the location of
the old store and renewed business.
He was appointed postmaster in 1900 and still holds the office. He is
now erecting a brick building for store and residence to have steam
heat and other latest improvements. In connection with his general
mercantile business he sells the Osborn farm implements. He belongs
to Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., at Warwick and Encampment of
Mt. Olive Lodge No. 65, of Newburgh, N. Y.
JOSEPH F. STEVENS, the efficient postmaster of Highland Falls, N. Y.,
received this appointment in 1901. He was born in this village in
1864, and educated at schools in Pennsylvania and Manhattan College,
N. Y. Previous to his present office he was engaged in the hotel
business at Highland Falls, which was established by his father,
George Stephens, who built the hotel in 1864. He has held the office
of school trustee six years.
Mr. Stevens married Miss Lucetta Faurot, daughter of Captain Theodore
Faurot, a descendant of one of the oldest families in the town of
Highland.
L. S. STERRIT, son of Thomas and Jane Sterrit, was of Scotch-English
extraction. His parents emigrated to this country shortly after their
marriage and established a home beside the old Presbyterian Church at
Coldenham, where the subject of this sketch was born February 17,
1852.
His general education was gained at the Newburgh Academy and the
Collegiate Institute at Newton, N. J. He commenced his legal studies
at Newburgh in the office of George H. Clark, leaving this office to
enter that of Judge James W. Taylor, April 3, 1873. He was admitted
to the bar in 1876, and continued to occupy the position of managing
clerk for Judge Taylor, and upon the latter's death in 1883 succeeded
to his practice. At the time of his death, which occurred April 4,
1907, he had occupied the same suite of offices in the Savings Bank
Building for a period of thirty-five consecutive years.
Mr. Sterrit's practice was almost exclusively confined to equity and
probate work, in which he was an acknowledged expert. He conducted
some of the most important equity cases of recent years, and was
employed in the settlement of many large estates. His practice of his
profession was marked by untiring industry and strict integrity. He
was an eloquent speaker and a graceful writer, the productions of his
pen relating chiefly to local historical subjects, on which he was an
acknowledged authority.
Mr. Sterrit was past master of Hudson River Lodge, F. & A. M., and
delivered the oration at the celebration of its twenty-fifth
anniversary. For fifteen years he served as trustee and secretary of
the Glebe, and was a trustee of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association for
the same length of time. As a safe and trusted counselor he was
honored by his fellow practitioners at the bar; as a generous, public
spirited citizen he was held in high regard by those among whom he
lived, but as a noble-hearted friend, void of selfishness and without
guile, he was loved by those who knew him best. This, in his life,
served to bring him his most cherished reward, and, in his death,
will prove his most enduring monument.
DANIEL JACKSON STEWARD was the great-grandson of John Steward 1st,
who settled in Goshen in 1744, and the son of John Steward 3rd, who,
born in Goshen, subsequently moved to New York, where he was for
forty years engaged in the business of a wholesale dry goods merchant,
acquiring a fortune and distinguished by a reputation for unswerving
integrity and uprightness of character.
Daniel Jackson Steward, the subject of this sketch, was the second
son of John Steward 3rd, of Goshen, and was born in 1816. He was
descended, through his maternal ancestor, Isaac Townsend, of Oyster
Bay, L. I., from Capt. John Underbill, the famous fighter of Indians.
Though born in New York, Mr. Steward always felt himself to be by
inheritance and affection a son of Orange County.
He was a graduate of Princeton and a man of great mental powers and
wide learning, equally interested in science and art, a combination
of tastes rarely found in the same individual. He was never engaged
in active business, but devoted the greater part of his life to
scholarly pursuits. A fellow of the National Academy of Design, he
was himself an artist of merit, and delighted in his sketches and
paintings, to depict the scenery characteristic of Orange County, in
his estimation, of unsurpassed beauty. Its graceful elms, giant oaks
and chestnuts were his special study and admiration, and the reckless
destruction of the county's forests and groves, which during his
lifetime he was obliged to witness, occasioned him the deepest regret
for economic and climatic reasons, even more than from the standpoint
of the artist.
Mr. Steward was one of the incorporators and a patron of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, also of the American Museum of Natural
History, being first vice-president of the latter for many years. To
this museum he presented many fine fossils and Indian remains, some
of which were found in Orange County, and also his collection of
shells, he being a noted conchologist. This collection, though not
the largest, was said to contain rarer and more beautiful specimens
than any other private collection of shells in the world, and it can
now be seen intact in the museum.
Mr. Steward was widely interested in philanthropic and charitable
enterprises. It may be mentioned that he was instrumental in sending
to Japan in 1858, and personally supported there for five years, the
famous missionary, Dr. Verbeck, to whose influence with the emperor
is largely attributed the awakening of Japan, hitherto closed to the
world, and its opening to western civilization.
EDWIN F. STILL was born in Catskill, Greene County, N. Y., August 30,
1878, and educated in the public school. As a member of Company E,
2nd N. Y. V., he accompanied the regiment to Port Tampa, Fla., and
remained in the service about seven months in the war with Spain. He
came to Warwick in November, 1901, worked in Arnold's Photographic
Studio, and purchased the business the next year. He is first
assistant engineer of the Warwick Fire Department and is serving a
second term as police justice. He was elected November, 1907, to the
office of town clerk of Warwick. He is a member of the Christ
Episcopal Church. He married Miss Matilda Carson, daughter of Thomas
Carson, of Warwick.
MOSES A. STIVERS, M.D., was born in Middletown, Orange County, N. Y.,
November 14, 1872. He received his education at the Middletown High
School and attended Columbia College, New York City. Dr. Stivers has
been connected with the house staff of the New York Hospital and the
New York Cancer Hospital. He served as master of Hoffman Lodge No.
412, is a member of the National Guard and holds the position of
assistant surgeon at the present time. He was married to Lillian C.
Hummell, of Port Jervis, and they have one child, Mary Van Etten. Dr.
Stivers is at present attending physician at the Thrall Hospital,
vice-president of the Orange County Medical Society, and secretary
and treasurer of the Stivers Printing Co., of Middletown, N. Y.
GEORGE H. STRONG was born at Blooming Grove in August, 1867, was
educated in the district school and Monroe Academy, and at the age
of sixteen became associated in business with Knight & Conklin, and
remained with them eight years. October 1, 1891, Conklin & Strong
purchased the feed and grain business of H. K. Wood, of Warwick, and
in 1897, the business of W. S. Board & Co., of Vernon, N. J. In 1898
they built a store in New Milford and in 1906 bought the lumber and
coal business of B. S. Galloway, of Warwick. Mr. Strong is president
of the Warwick Telephone Company, a director of the Building and Loan
Association and Warwick Building Company, and a trustee of the
village. He is also a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M. He
married Miss Emma, daughter of Henry Mapes, October 10, 1888. Stella,
Harry and Julia are the names of their three children.
SELAH E. STRONG, ex-sheriff of Orange County, was born at the Strong
homestead, "Maple Hurst," in the town of Blooming Grove in 1843, and
it was here his death occurred, July, 1905. The ancestry of the
Strongs in America dates back to John Strong, who came from England
in 1629 and settled in eastern Massachusetts. Major Nathaniel Strong,
who figured prominently in the early history of Orange County, was
shot October 6, 1778, by Claudius Smith at the homestead door in
Blooming Grove. He was the great-great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch. Mr. Strong was educated at the schools of his native
place and engaged in farming as an occupation. At the age of
twenty-one he was elected highway commissioner, occupying that
position twelve years. In 1876 he was elected a member of the board
of supervisors, holding the office six years. From 1878 to 1884 he
was postmaster, receiving the appointment from President Hayes. In
1897 the people of Orange County, in recognition of his worth and
ability, elected him to the office of sheriff, where he administered
his duties in such a business-like and careful manner as to win
hearty commendation from the citizens of Orange County. In 1873 Mr.
Strong was united in marriage to Miss Stella K. Hetzel, of Florida,
a descendant of an old Revolutionary family. Two children were born
to them, H. Sherwood, who is engaged in business in New York City,
and Edith, now Mrs. A. J. Norton, of Saugerties, N. Y. Mrs. Strong
continues to reside at the homestead, which has sheltered seven
generations of this sterling family.
INGHAM STUBLEY, clerk of the Board of Supervisors, was born in
England in 1853, and has resided in Newburgh since 1868. For twelve
years he was bookkeeper for the firm of Haigh & Mellor, woolen
manufacturers. In 1880 he and his father, William Stubley,
established the rag, iron and metal business at its present location,
129 Broadway. Mr. Stubley has been continuously elected clerk of the
Board of Supervisors since 1892. He has been a member of Newburgh
Lodge No. 309, F. & A. M., for thirty-four years and for ten years
has served as its secretary. He has also passed through all the
chairs in Acme Lodge No. 469, I. O. O. F.; is a member of Mount Olive
Encampment No. 65 and Highland Chapter, R. A. M., of Newburgh. He
married Nancy J. Dickerson, of Orange County, in 1875, and has two
sons, William and Charles G., who are associated with him in
business.
GEORGE C. STULL was born June 7, 1864, at Belvedere, N. J. His
parents were Henry J. and Mary (Fine) Stull. Mr. Stull received his
early education at Belvedere, N. J. When he was fifteen years of age
he started in the milk business and continued for elven years, he
removed to Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., in 1890, and engaged in the
wholesale and retail candy and ice cream business, which business he
now conducts. In politics he is a republican. He attends the
Presbyterian Church of Goshen, N. Y. He is a member of the Cataract
Hose Company of Goshen, and an ex-member of I. O. O. F. of New York
City.
GEORGE W. STURR, of Florida, was born in Kerney, Hudson County,
N. J., October 26, 1845. His parents, Daniel R. and Sarah Sturr, had
five children, and George was the third son. When he was seven years
old he left home and went to Brooklyn, where he lived until he was
twenty-one, and was educated in the Brooklyn public schools. He then
became a clerk for about three years in Danbury, Conn., when he
embarked in business for himself and has been identified with several
business enterprises. In 1881 he became associated for several years
with the Metropolitan Manufacturing Company, of New York City. In
1894 he purchased a home in Florida, where he still resides.
Mr. Sturr married Mary Louise Gregory, of Ulster County, N. Y., in
1867, and they have had four children, two sons and two daughters.
Both sons are dead. The daughters are Alberta L. and Ada Cressie. The
wife and mother died April 25, 1906.
ALEXANDER C. SUTHERLAND, superintendent of the poor for Orange
County, was born at Central Valley, N. Y., June 9, 1855. His
education was obtained in the public school of that place,
supplemented by a short course in the Mount Vernon Institute, New
York City. Mr. Sutherland spent his early days on his father's farm
and has since made farming his occupation. He has held the office of
superintendent of the poor since January 1, 1896, and has during that
time inaugurated many important improvements in the county's
establishment. Previous to his election to that office he resided for
a number of years on his farm near Turners, and for years was
president of the Board of Education of that village, and also served
as town assessor.
Socially he is affiliated with Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M., of
Monroe, of which he is past master; Midland Chapter, R. A. M., of
Middletown; Cyprus Commandery No. 67, K. T.; Mecca Temple, Mystic
Shrine of New York, and the Consistory. He has passed all chairs in
Knights of Pythias Lodge, and is a member of the Goshen Club and the
Old Orchard Club of Middletown.
He was joined in marriage on January 17, 1883, with Miss Elizabeth
Cooper, of Central Valley, and their family consists of four children
living: Harriet C., Martha C., Clara E. and Annie M.
Mr. Sutherland is one of the representative men of Orange County and
makes an efficient and thorough county officer.
MORRIS SWACKHAMMER was born April 15, 1877, at Mount Rose,
Susquehanna County, Pa. He has been identified with the Borden
Creameries five years and with the New Milford Branch two years,
where he is now the manager. This creamery has the best modern
appliances for the hygienic handling and care of milk, of which it
receives about 5,000 gallons annually. Mr. Swackhammer is a member of
Mount Rose Chapter No. 151, I. O. O. F. His wife's maiden name was
Miss Lottie Jones, of Mount Rose, Pa. Their only child is Roy, born
January 16, 1904.
HENRY B. SWARTWOUT, M.D., of Port Jervis, is a member of one of the
oldest families in America. He was born in Port Jervis, February 4,
1861, on the farm which is a part of the original tract of land
settled by the Swartwouts in 1690. His parents are Peter P. and
Hannah (Cuddeback) Swartwout. The family originated in Holland and
were among the early Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam.
Dr. Swartwout is the youngest of a family of nine children, five of
whom are living. He obtained his education at Port Jervis Academy,
supplemented by a two-year course at Cornell University. He began the
study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. L. Cuddeback, and later
entered Bellevue Medical College of New York, from which he graduated
in 1885. He remained one year, as intern, in the New York Chambers
Street Hospital.
His marriage with Miss Carrie B. Peck, daughter of George V. Peck, of
Port Jervis, occurred March 10, 1886, after which they spent six
months abroad, during the time taking a post-graduate course in the
Vienna Hospital. Upon his return home he took up the practice of
medicine, and in 1892, with Dr. W. L. Cuddeback, purchased the Hunt
Memorial Hospital, which they have since conducted.
Dr. Swartwout is a member of the Orange County, the State and the
American Medical Associations, and the Erie Railway Surgeons'
Association. He is also a member of the Deer Park Club and at the
present time is mayor of Port Jervis.
To Doctor and Mrs. Swartwout have been born four children. Henry
Lewis died at the age of one year. Those living are Florence,
Charlotte and Herbert B.
CLAYTON E. SWEET, of the firm of Sweet, Orr & Co., was born at
Wappingers Falls, N. Y., June 16, 1834, and after a large business
experience in that town he moved to Newburgh in 1887, to which city
the business offices of the company were changed that year. His
father was for many years a merchant and manufacturer in Wappingers
Falls, and for a period postmaster of the village. Mr. Sweet was
educated at the public schools of his native place and at the
Dutchess County Academy at Poughkeepsie. Then for three years he was
in the employ of Levi Cook & Co., merchants on Broadway, New York. He
returned to Wappingers Falls to enter his father's store, and ere
long was made a partner.