USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 11
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Isaac made his home in this township during his entire life. He was conceded to be one of the best farmers in the county, and he accumulated con- siderable property. He dealt in live stock, doing an extensive business, especially in sheep and cattle. He married Elizabeth Carpenter, who was born in York- town, this county, a daughter of Jacob Carpenter. They brought up nine children, -Jacob, Isaac, Daniel, Betsey, Hannah, Abraham, James, John and George.
The only surviving member of this family is John, the subject of this sketch. He was born August 23, 1812, and is now in his eighty-eigth years He has been a most active man of business and closely identified with all that has pertained to the building up of the community. He has been one of the progressive farmers, dealing largely in cattle also, and handling them in car lots. His farm comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres in this township, while he owns also a farm of seventy acres in Yorktown township, near lake Mohansic. He has planted an orchard of forty acres, from which he obtains some of the most delicious fruit, and he manufactures vinegar of the best quality. He is a man of intellect and takes a deep interest in the workings of the Republican party, with which he has lately been identified.
He was married in 1841, to Miss Sarah Cornell, who was born in this county, February 15, 1821, a daughter of Abraham Cornell, and died in her sixty-third year. They were the parents of five children, namely: Hannah, the wife of Nathaniel Flewellyn, of Yorktown: Oliver J., a resident of the
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same place; William Edgar, who occupies the old farmstead; Elias, a farmer of this township; and Ida, the widow of Hal Palmer, of Yorktown Heights. For years Mr. Vail has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and is highly esteemed for his upright conduct as a citizen and a man.
WILLIAM EDGAR VAIL.
William Edgar Vail, son of John Vail, sketched in the preceding para- graphs, was born April 4, 1855, and during boyhood was a pupil in the public schools, later attending the state normal school, and Claverack College one term. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, cultivating the old homestead, and he ranks second to no farmer in this section.
He was married November 4, 1885, to Miss Ida Clark, a native of this county and a daughter of Aaron Clark. She was born December 7, 1855, in the town of Bedford, and was married by the Rev. R. L. Shurter. Two bright children bless their home: Bessie B., born in 1887; and Earl C., born June 30, 1892.
In his political principles Mr. Vail is a Republican, while the family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ELIAS VAIL.
A son of John Vail, the venerable pioneer mentioned in preceding para- graphs, Elias Vail is considered one of Westchester county's typical men, representing a class of younger citizens whose energy, push and shrewd busi- ness acumen are rapidly bringing the county up, in thrift and prosperity, to rank among the first in the state. He is a son of John and Sarah (Cornell) Vail, and was born in Somers township, this county, September 23, 1856. His education was obtained in the public schools, and his life has been prac- tically one continuous effort to better the conditions usually surrounding farm life,-to add to the profits, and at the same time to add to its comforts, and do away with much of its routine discomfort. His first venture for himself was for one year on the home farm, after which he went to Yorktown and farmed three years, when he bought his present property. This consists of one hundred and eighty acres, and it has been so improved under his care that it is now one of the finest farms in this section. In 1894 he erected a handsome residence, equipped with all modern improvements and conven- iences. His barns, wagonhouse and all the outbuildings are models of neat- ness and convenience, while the entire farm is kept in the most perfect con- dition, and under a high state of cultivation. This was formerly known as the Josiah Travis farm, and the improvements made by its present owner 6
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are, indeed, noticeable. He has been quick to adopt new ideas and machinery when he saw they would improve his former methods of work, and the facility and ease with which his work is done bear evidence to the success of his experiments. Although he is principally engaged in general farming, yet he handles large quantities of live stock, making this one of his special lines of business. He is a strong Democrat, and renders much valu- able aid to the party in this community.
Mr. Vail was married, on Thanksgiving day, 1876, to Miss Ardilla Fowler, who was born in New York city, May 31, 1855. Her parents were James and Malvina (Stephens) Fowler, both of whom died in this county. Her father died in the year 1859, when about twenty-six years old. He was employed in the custom-house for some time, and afterward operated a hotel at Katonah, this county. After his death, the mother was again married, to David E. Bassett, of Somers. Mrs. Vail was the eldest of two children. The younger child, Anna W., is the wife of David Naugle, of New York city. The family is of Dutch descent, and is among the oldest and most respected in the county. The children who have been spared to Mr. and Mrs. Vail are three in number, as follows: Wallace F., Charles C. and Lisle H. They are attendants of the Friends church, and are upright, Christian people.
WILLIAM ACKER.
The subject of this review has spent his entire life in Westchester coun- ty and for many years has been prominently identified with her agricultural interests. His is the honorable record of a conscientious man, -one who by his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in con- tact. He is now almost eighty years of age, but has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interest seems near his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity. It needs not suggest as a matter of course helplessness or the want of occupation. There is an old age that is a benediction to all who come in contact with it, that gives out its richest stores of learning and experience, and grows stronger intellect- ually and spiritually as the years pass. Such is true of the life of Mr. Acker, -an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation by the young.
He was born on the old Acker homestead, in the town of Greenburg, Westchester county, May 29, 1819, and is now the only living male repre- sentative of his father's family. His parents were Abraham and Mary (Law- rence) Acker and his original ancestors were from Holland, but four or five generations of the family have been born in this country. The father also was born in the town of Greenburg, in 1777, and throughout his active busi-
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ness life followed the occupation of farming. He was a man of strong will power and great force of character, and was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp. He died in 1864 and was buried in the White Plains cemetery. The grandfather, Jacob Acker, was likewise a native of Greenburg, where he spent his entire life, dying in December, 1835. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Bookout, his second Miss Maria Demarest. Our sub- ject's great-grandfather was William Acker, and his grandfather, Jacob Acker, took an active part in the Revolutionary war, valiantly aiding the colonies in their struggle for independence. Our subject's mother was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1780, and was a daughter of John and Sarah Lawrence, whose ancestors were originally from England. Six children were born to Abraham and Mary (Lawrence) Acker, three sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity, were married and reared families of their own, but only two are now living. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Simon, 1802; Catherine, 1803; Jacob, 1806; Julia, 1810; William, 1819; and Harriet, 1824. Besides our subject, Harriet is the only survivor; she is the wife of Elgin Tompkins and resides in Greensburg.
During his boyhood and youth William Acker remained under the parental roof and became thoroughly familiar with every department of farm work. He attended the common schools of the town of Greenburg, his only teacher being George H. Zinks, who was a rigid disciplinarian and a noted instructor. In this school Mr. Acker completed his education, and then worked for his father on the home farm until he attained his majority. On starting out in life for himself he operated rented land in the town of Green- burg for several years. In the meantime he was married, in 1841, to Miss Rebecca Tompkins, the only daughter of Elijah and Esther (Lawrence) Tompkins, and after his marriage located upon his father-in-law's farm, com- prising one hundred and twelve acres. They came into possession of the place upon the death of Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins, and Mr. Acker has since successfully conducted it and has also extended its boundaries by adding more land. The old home being destroyed by fire, he erected a new and more commodious residence, has also built good barns and outbuildings, and made many other improvements which add greatly to the value and attract- ive appearance of the place.
Mr. and Mrs. Acker have a family of four children: Gardner T .; Elijah; Esther, wife of Warner Le Fergy, who resides in the town of Greenburg; and Anna, at home. The parents are both sincere and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Acker has been one of the trustees for many years. He is a stockholder and director in the Dobbs Ferry Bank, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen he takes a lively interest in all matters calculated to prove of public good. In politics he is a
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stanch Democrat, and served for some time as commissioner of highways and as school trustee. He has been a strictly temperate man, never using liquors and only occasionally smoking, and he has the esteem of his friends and neighbors and the confidence of all who know him.
THOMAS LYON PARK.
Mr. Park is one of the most prosperous farmers and fruit-growers of Har- rison township, Westchester county, as well as one of its most highly esteemed and honored citizens. He was born March 6, 1821, on the farm which he still occupies, and is a worthy representative of one of the- promi- nent old families of the county. His great-grandfather, Thomas Park, was born here, of English parentage, and settled among the Indians. As he was kind to their children the red men never forgot it and remained friendly neighbors as long as he remained among them.
Joseph Park, our subject's grandfather was born in Rye, October 10, 1750, was married March 29, 1775, to Miss Elizabeth Lyon, a native of Bedford, this county, born November 6, 1756, and a representative of an old and promi- nent family. Their house was burned by the British soldiers in 1776. To Joseph Park and wife were born four children; Israel, born October 10, 1778; Mrs. Charlotte Horton; Mrs. Mary Sniffen; and Abbie, who died when about eighty years of age. The parents of these children were Episcopalians in religious faith.
Israel Park, the father of our subject, was born near the old Rye bridge in Rye township, and was a lad of twelve years when the family removed to the farm in Harrison township now owned and occupied by our subject. He assisted in the arduous task of clearing the land and placing it under cultiva- tion, and throughout life devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. March 29, 1802, he married Miss Deborah Kile, who was born in Harrison township, December 10, 1779, a daughter of Christopher and Mary (Tucker) Kile, the former born October 15, 1747, the latter July 2, 1744. Israel and Deborah Park became the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters, as follows: Elizabeth, Charlotte, Phœbe, Mary, Joseph, Arna, Timothy, Sophia and Thomas Lyon. All are now deceased with the excep- tion of Thomas. Joseph died January 9, 1899.
Amid rural scenes Thomas L. Park passed his boyhood and youth in much the same manner as most farmer boys of his day, early acquiring an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and attending the local schools when his services were not needed at home. He now owns the old home- stead, comprising one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, under excel- lent cultivation, and has erected thereon a beautiful modern residence,.
Homus & Park
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which is liberally supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In connection with general farming, Mr. Park has devoted consider- able attention to fruit culture and has a fine orchard of twenty-five acres, from which he shipped one thousand barrels of apples to Europe in 1897.
On the 12th of April, 1848, Mr. Park led to the marriage altar Miss Hannah Coles, a native of Mount Pleasant township, and a daughter of Rob- ert and Ann (Tompkins) Coles, who belonged to old and prominent families of this county. Three children were born of this union, one son and two daughters, but Anna, who was born October 21, 1862, died October 9, 1865. The son, Frank L. Park, married Elizabeth Fowler, of Mount Pleasant, a daughter of Moses Fowler, of that place, and they have two sons: Burton Fowler and Harold Halsted. The daughter, Caroline Park, born on the 26th of May, 1849, is now the wife of Peter B. Vermilya, of New York city, and has six children: Arthur P., who married Grace Hill and has two sons and a daughter, -Howard Park, Wallace Hill and Estelle; Herbert M., Frank B., Percy S., Helen and Norman L. Frank L. Park was born September 29, 1857. For half a century Mr. and Mrs. Park have traveled life's jour- ney together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and April 12, 1898, they celebrated their golden wedding. They are sincere and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they and their children have the respect and esteem of all who know them. Politically father and son are both identified with the Republican party, and give their support to all measures which they believe calculated to prove of public benefit.
SAMUEL C. MILLER.
In tracing the genealogy of this gentleman, we find that he is descended from a long line of sturdy, intelligent and honorable ancestors. More than two centuries have passed since the family was founded in America, and its representatives have been prominently connected with the progress and development of this section of the Empire state through all the period of colonial settlement, of Revolutionary struggle and victory, of the establish- ment of the republic, and of its latter-day progress and advancement. It was about the year 1680 when John Miller, a native of Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the British possessions in the New World and located in the
county of Westchester, New York. An old chronicler says: " He possessed all the land from the north line of the rural cemetery, bounded on the west by Bronx river, northeasterly by the Bronx and the land of William Davis, about two miles in length and a half in breadth. He left four sons and four daughters. The land was divided among the sons, who were James, Abram, Elijah and Anthony." Mr. Miller, of this sketch, is descended from both
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Elijah and Anthony, Martha, the second daughter of Elijah, becoming the wife of William, eldest son of Anthony Miller, and their oldest son, also named Elijah, was the grandfather of Samuel C. Miller. Elijah, the third son of the Westchester pioneer, was a lieutenant in the Continental army. He married Ann Fisher, and in a memorial which appeared in the Methodist Magazine, in December, 1819, it will be seen that their farm-house in West- chester, after having been used as Washington's headquarters, became one of the earliest places of worship for the Methodists, -next, in fact, to the old John street church in New York city. This article, in speaking of Ann Fisher Miller, said: "She, who had given water to wash the hands of Generals Washington, Putnam, Lewis and others, officers and soldiers, now provided for the disciples of Christ, bearing the despised Methodist name, bread and water. She became a mother in the church and an heir to righteousness. She prepared her home for meetings, and bore the expense for several years, some gradual fruit of the Word appearing among her friends and neighbors. Among others, the hearts of the Hon. Pierre Van Cortlandt and his amiable wife, with some of their children, were turned to favor the cause of Method- ism with others who suffered reproach with this people of God."
Samuel C. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, August 1, 1848, and for thirty years has been a resident of White Plains. His education was completed in the Alexander Military Insti- tute, after which he embarked in mercantile pursuits in New York city. In 1878 he was appointed postmaster by President Hayes and in 1882 was reap- pointed by President Arthur, serving in that position for eight consecutive years, as a most efficient and faithful officer. In 1890 ex-Senator Warner Miller, then president of the Nicaragua Canal Construction Company, made him his private secretary, and he made himself so useful to the company in that capacity that he was elected its treasurer and remained in that place until the company was reorganized. He has always been a prominent factor in public affairs in White Plains and in its municipal interests, and has been honored with a number of positions of trust and responsibility. Having served for two years as a trustee of the village, in 1895 he was prevailed upon by his friends to become a candidate for the presidency of White Plains. The law having been changed just before the election, he has the distin- guished honor of being the only president of the village ever elected by the votes of the people. During the year 1896 he served as deputy register of Westchester county and at the present time is village president and deputy county treasurer. His administration of the affairs of all these offices has been marked by the most unfaltering fidelity to duty, and he has thereby won the commendation of all concerned.
Mr. Miller is a very prominent Mason, and for twenty-five years has
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been connected with that most ancient and beneficent of all the fraternities. He is a worthy exemplar of its teaching and has won high honors at the hands of his brethren of the organization. He was made a Mason in White Plains Lodge, No. 473, F. & A. M .; in 1874 and again in 1878 was elected its secretary; in 1880 and 1881 was treasurer; in 1882 and 1883 junior warden; from 1886 to 1890, inclusive, was chaplain; in 1890 was elected as trustee, serving as such until 1897; in 1884, 1891, 1892 and 1893 was worshipful master, and in 1893 was appointed senior grand deacon. He is now district deputy grand master of the twelfth Masonic district, and in Masonic circles he is regarded as one of the most prominent representatives of the fraternity in southeastern New York. He is a man of high intellectuality, broad human sympathies and tolerance and imbued with fine sensibilities and clearly defined principles. Honor and integrity are synonymous with his name, and he enjoys the respect, confidence and high regard of the community.
JOSEPH H. CRANE.
One of the busiest, most energetic and most enterprising men of Mount Kisco, New York, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who is now the leading furniture dealer of the place. He bears in his veins some of the best blood of our early colonists, and is in every way a splendid type of our best American citizenship.
Mr. Crane was born in Putnam county, New York, December 12, 1850, and traces his ancestry back to his great-great-grandfather, John Crane, who was a native of England, and was one of the pioneers of Putnam county. The great-grandfather, John Crane, Jr., was born in that county, and there spent his entire life as a farmer, though he served for some time as county judge. During the Revolutionary war he received a commission as captain, signed by Governor Clinton, of this state. He died at the advanced age of ninety years. The grandfather, Joseph Crane, also a native of Putnam county, spent his life in agricultural pursuits, and died about eighty years of age. He took an active and prominent part in the work of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a leading member. Azor B. Crane, our subject's father, was also an agriculturist, and made his home throughout life in Put- nam county, being numbered among its most influential and prominent citi- zens, as well as successful business men. He was a recognized leader in the local Democratic organization, took an active part in political affairs, and was four times elected county judge, which office he filled in a most satisfac- tory manner for twelve years. He departed this life at the age of sixty- four years; and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Aurelia Doane, and was born near Brewster, Putnam county, died at the age of forty-six She
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was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and a most estimable lady. Of the six children born to this worthy couple, three died in infancy, and those still living are Benjamin D., a resident of Carman, Putnam county ; Ira, who lives on the old homestead in that county; and Joseph H.
The subject of this sketch, who is the youngest of the family, remained upon the home farm until he attained his majority, his education being acquired in the common schools under private tutors, and in Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching in the district schools of Westchester county, and was thus employed for four years, when he accepted the position of principal of the Mount Kisco school, serving as such for the following four years, or until 1880. In that year he embarked in the furniture business in Mount Kisco, and soon succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade, which he still enjoys.
Mr. Crane married Miss Julia E. Gorham, daughter of D. F. Gorham, of Mount Kisco, and to them have been born four children: L. Belden, Joseph H., Bessie and Fletcher Gorham. He and his wife are leading mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at that place, and he served as elder for several years, but has since resigned. Socially he affiliates with the Royal Arcanum, the Junior Order of American Mechanics, Croton Valley Lodge, No. 757, I. O. O. F., and Kisco Lodge, No. 708, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican, with prohibition tendencies, and has been honored with a number of local offices, being a member of the village board, treasurer of the school board ten or twelve years, justice of the peace for the past six years, and also police justice for six years. His devotion to the public good is unquestioned, and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fel- low-men.
CHARLES DEUTERMANN.
The subject of this memoir was a progressive business man of White Plains township, Westchester county, having been the proprietor of St. Mary's Mills and of the St. Mary's & Spring Lake Ice Company. The old mill is one of the quaint, interesting landmarks of this section of the state. Built, as it was, half a century prior to the war of the Revolution, in 1725, by one Eleazer Yeamans, it served its most important part during the great struggle between the mother country and her colonies here. During the war the mill was operated by John Horton & Son, and for years it was known as the Horton mill. Great quantities of flour and feed were manufactured in the old mill for the heroic soldiers who were engaged in fighting for freedom and principle, and, if the annals of the mill had been closed at the end of the long conflict, it would have done enough good to entitle it to a place in the
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history of this county. Its work was not completed, however, and it has been kept in operation up to the present time, -about a century longer.
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Charles Deutermann was a native of Germany, and when he was eighteen years of age he came to the United States. For several years he conducted a brewery at Morrisania, and in 1867 came to White Plains. In 1870 he succeeded John Theall in the ownership of the grain and feed mill above mentioned, the motive power of the same being the waters of St. Mary's lake. He bought a farm, and made of the place, which was rocky, barren and unproductive at the time of his purchase, one of the best and most paying homesteads in the township. A rocky hillside near his residence he transformed into a thrifty vineyard, and at the top he dammed a little stream of water, thus making a small lake, from which water flows to the level below. The result is very picturesque, and reminds the traveler of many beautiful scenes along the loved Rhine of Mr. Deutermann's Father- . land. Besides running the mill and farming, he founded the ice business, which is now in a flourishing condition, a most paying enterprise. In every respect he was progressive and broad-minded, liberal and kind-hearted, and no one went to him for aid and sympathy and was disappointed in him. He was a fine example of a self-made man, and his life exemplified what may be accomplished by a young man in this fair land, -even if he comes here a stranger to the language and customs-provided that he exercise sufficient industry and perseverance. Integrity and uprightness marked even the smallest of his business transactions, and in this, too, he left a pattern well worthy of emulation. He died in the faith of the Catholic church, in 1893. His wife bore the girlhood name of Christina Zink. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, and in religious belief was a Lutheran. Their children were four in number, namely: Charles, William and George, who are business men of New York city, and Mrs. Keil.
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