USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 13
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In 1887 Mr. Fellows was united in marriage to Miss Minnie C. Ives, of Dutchess county, New York, an estimable lady who acts as her husband's assistant in the postoffice. She was born, reared and educated in Dutchess county, and is a daughter of Reuben H. and Julia C. (Lee) Ives. Mr. and Mrs. Fellows have one son, Gordon Ray.
RICHARD SEDER.
The family of which this gentleman is a representative originated in Germany, and the paternal grandfather, Anthony Seder, was a native of Hanover. He served in the Prussian army and participated in the battle of Waterloo and afterward received a bronze medal in recognition of the valor which he displayed in that battle. He was a tailor by trade, following that pursuit in his native country until 1840, when with his family he crossed the Atlantic to America, landing in New York city. He subsequently joined the Mount Vernon Home Association, No. 1, which had a membership of one thousand and which founded the village in which his descendants now live. He erected one of the first residences here, and while living in Mt. Vernon continued in the tailoring business in New York city. He took an active part
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in local affairs, did much for the advancement and improvement of Mount Vernon and was the trustee of public loans made on public lands belonging to the town of East Chester. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and in religious belief was a Lutheran. He left the impress of his strong individu- ality upon the city which he aided to establish, and his name is inseparably connected with its early history. He married Louisa Biercamp, a represent- ative of a very prominent family that was the possessor of a coat of arms. He died at the advanced age of eighty-eight years, and his wife passed away when eighty-four years of age. They were the parents of five children. namely: Mrs. Augusta Beudel; Mrs. Eliza Washburne; Mrs. Brautegam; Ferdinand, father of our subject; and Julius.
Ferdinand Seder was a native of Hanover, Germany, and acquired his education in the schools of that land, becoming a proficient Latin, Greek and English, as well as German, scholar. In his early life he learned the tailor's trade, and was associated with his father in business along that line until the latter's retirement to private life. He then individually carried on his tailor- ing establishment in New York city for some years, after which he removed his business to Mount Vernon. Here he secured a liberal patronage, and as the result of his skill and ability won a very comfortable competence, which enabled him to put aside business cares some years prior to his death and to rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He gave his political support to the men and measures of the Democracy and was a receiver of taxes in the town of East Chester, where he also served as constable. He was a member of the state militia for some time, and held membership in the Masonic fraternity. He became a charter member of the Clinton Hook and Ladder Company, the first company organized in Mount Vernon, and at all times was active in support of every movement calculated to prove of public benefit. After coming to the United States he joined the Episcopal church, to which his family yet belong. He married Magdelena Mauer, and to them were born thirteen children. The father died August 12, 1896, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother's death occurred in 1891, when she had attained the age of seventy years.
Richard Seder, whose name introduces this review, was born in Mount Vernon on the 12th of February, 1860, and acquired his education in the public schools, when Joseph H. Woods was principal. He was graduated in June, 1875, and after laying aside his text-books turned his attention to the horn and rubber business, which he was carrying on with good success in Mount Vernon in 1890. In the meantime he had begun dealing in real estate, and in that year disposed of his other interests in order to give his entire attention to his property. He has speculated extensively in realty, has bought and sold many residences, and as a result of his sagacity and
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judicious investment has found this a very profitable source of income. He has always evinced a lively interest in the welfare and progress of the com- munity, contributing thereto by his personal thrift and wise investments.
Mr. Seder hasalways been deeply interested in political affairs, but contin- ually refused to become a candidate for office until 1890, when he was elected assessor of the town of East Chester for a three-years term, by a majority of three hundred and fifty-seven. After two years service, however, the city of Mount Vernon was organized and in consequence he was legislated out of office. He was then solicited to become a candidate for city assessor, and was elected to that office in 1892, for one year. In 1893 he was elected for a three- years term, by a majority of five hundred and twenty-six, and in 1896 was once more chosen for that office, by a majority of six hundred and thirty-two. He has served as inspector of election, and has ever done all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the Democratic party. With many mu- nicipal and social organizations he is connected. He is a member of the Wash- ington Engine Company, of which he served as foreman three years, was first assistant engineer of the fire department for two terms, and has been treasurer of the Firemen's Benevolent Fund Association for six years. He now belongs to the Exempt Firemen's Association. He is connected with the board of trade, and the Mount Vernon Turn Verein, belongs to the order of St. John of Malta, the Mount Vernon Club, the Mount Vernon Quartet Club and the Episcopal church.
Mr. Seder was married June 25, 1896, to Miss Nellie Stuart Christmas, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Christmas, of Mount Vernon. The circle of their friends is limited only by the circle of their acquaintances, and their home is noted for its hospitality.
SETH S. HOYT.
The proprietor of Hoyt's Mills, located on Cross river, in Bedford town- ship, Westchester county, is a man of high standing in business circles, for he possesses keen discrimination and sound judgment, and is upright and honorable in all his dealings. Almost his entire life has been devoted to milling, and he is now the owner of one of the best mills in this part of the county. It was erected many years ago by Governor Jay, who was succeeded in the ownership by John Collier, who finally sold it to John Halleck, and from Mr. Halleck, James Hoyt, the father of our subject, purchased it April 1, 1844. He then engaged in its operation until his death, in 1873, when our subject became the owner. He has expended large sums of money in enlarging and repairing the mill. In 1885 he put in a new set of wheels and a new roller process, consisting of sixteen rollers for wheat, so that the
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Lett & Haut
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plant is now one of the best of the kind in the locality. It has a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day, and the product turned out is of the best quality, as Mr. Hoyt is very particular in buying only the finest and best of wheat.
James Hoyt, the father of our subject, was born in South Salem, West- chester county, February 17, 1801, a son of James Hoyt, Sr., and in early life was married to Miss Elizabeth Banks, daughter of one of our Revolu- tionary heroes. They became the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, namely: Samuel B., a resident of Katonah; Seth S., of this sketch; James E., deceased; Albert, of Katonah; Mary Annie, deceased; Clara, deceased wife of Joseph O. Brady, of Katonah; Elizabeth, deceased; and Matilda, of Katonah. The father engaged in milling for many years and gave his political support to the Republican party. He died at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife, who was a most estimable lady, passed away at the age of seventy-four. She was a devoted member of the Meth- odist church, to which her husband accorded hearty support, and both were held in high regard by all who knew them, by reason of their sterling worth and strict integrity.
Seth S. Hoyt was born on the 25th of December, 1318, in Bedford township, this county, and was there reared, remaining at home until he attained his majority, and receiving his education in the public schools of the locality. He then went to New York city, where he secured a position in a flour store, and on leaving there a few years later he returned to Katonah, where he has since successfully engaged in the milling business. In politics he is a stanch Republican, in religious faith is a Methodist, and wherever he is found, whether in public or private life, his integrity is above question and his honor above reproach.
Mr. Hoyt married Miss Hannah M. Howe, a daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy (Mead) Howe, of South Salem. Mrs. Hoyt, who was a consistent member of the Methodist church, died in 1884, leaving one son, George, who is now in the employ of the Metropolitan Railroad Company, of New York. He wedded Miss Elizabeth Ferris, a daughter of James and Anna (Putney) Ferris. In 1888 our subject was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Armenia Green, daughter of David Newman. She is the mother of two children by her first marriage: Eveline Leavitt and Oliver Wendell Green.
THEODORE TAYLOR.
It is a pleasure to recite before the public the principal characteristics and events of the life of a live business man, even though it may encroach a little upon his humble modesty; for while America has enjoyed such a
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"send-off " in a career of usefulness it behooves us to investigate the causes and keep them in action. Such men as we here have in view are those who have made America what it is and have set the western world so far ahead of the dreamy orient. Utilitarianism is destined to eliminate the old and unpractical philosophies which have come down to us from the dark ages and from the old east.
As a characteristic American we present to our readers Mr. Theodore Taylor, of Mount Vernon, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 14, 1857, a son of Valentine and Catharine (Heiser) Taylor. His father, in early life a cabinet-maker, was a resident of Mount Vernon for thirty-seven years prior to his death, in 1894, when he was seventy-two years of age. His widow is still living, now aged seventy-six years. Their children, con- sisting of four sons and three daughters, were John, Theodore (our subject), Valentine, Charles (who died in infancy), Katie, Emma and Mary.
Theodore Taylor in his youth received his education in the public schools of Mount Vernon, but after the age of fourteen years attended only night school, and that for a short time only, in New York city. Subse- quently he was employed in a hardware store in that city for six years, the last three years as clerk. Then he became associated with Pottier & Steg- mus Manufacturing Company, one of the most extensive furniture-manufact- uring concerns in the United States, with whom he remained for seventeen years. Entering as stock clerk, he soon rose by rapid promotions until, in 1888, he became secretary of the company and superintendent of their immense factory. During this time he became interested in the present laundry business at Mount Vernon, to which he has since devoted his entire attention. He is now, in company with his brother, constituting the firm of Taylor Brothers. Their first location in Mount Vernon was at the corner of First street and Sixth avenue, where they operated the first steam laun- dry in the city, and in 1895 they erected their present large brick structure at the corner of Third avenue and Prospect street, where they occupy a building twenty-six by eighty feet in ground area and two stories high, besides an engine room. During the year 1897 they did a business amount- ing to forty thousand dollars. In fact, they do the largest business in this part of the state. Mr. Taylor has also been interested in various other enterprises.
In national issues he is a Republican, and in public affairs of a local nature he has been active and influential. He was one of the first aldermen of the city after its incorporation, one of its organizers, one of the first civil- service commissioners, one of the first police commissioners, and the first president of the board, organized in 1895, in which position he is serving at the present time.
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In Freemasonry he has taken all the degrees in the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and he is also a member of the famous "O. D. O.," a social organization to which only Masons are admitted, and of which he was really the principal organizer and a charter member. Freemasonry, indeed, has been his chief social recreation, and that is the cause of his having advanced so far in its mysteries and in its more demonstrative operations. In religion he is a member of Trinity church, Protestant Episcopal, of Mount Vernon, and was formerly connected with its Sunday-school, as secretary, librarian, etc. He is a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association, and has been an active member of the Clinton Hook & Ladder Company. In 1889 and 1890 he was chief of the fire department.
In 1890 he was married to Miss Clara Louise Kapp, a daughter of Joseph A. Kapp, at that time a member of the firm of Grote & Company, ivory dealers in New York city. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have two children- Theodore Clinton and Herbert Vernon. The residence of the family is at 105 South Fifteenth avenue.
JOHN W. HARTMANN.
This prominent citizen of Mount Vernon was born here, July 28, 1860, a son of Jacob and Mary (Heissen) Hartmann. His father, a native of Ger- many, learned there the baker's trade and emigrated to the United States, locating in New York city, and subsequently removed to Mount Vernon, where he was one of the first settlers and carried on a bakery. Still later he removed to the town of Yonkers, this state, where he is now engaged in agricultural pursuits and in dairying, utilizing three hundred acres of land. He is a Democrat in his politics, was trustee at Mount Vernon; and he has had a little military experience which we may mention here, namely, he was a member of the Twenty-seventh Regiment of militia for thirty days, serving at Fort McHenry.
Mr. John W. Hartmann in his youth attended the public schools of his native city, quitting them at the age of sixteen to assist his father in a saw- mill, and after that he was engaged in a grocery at the corner of White Plains Road and South street in Mount Vernon, remaining there until 1882, when with two brothers, George and Charles, he formed a company under the name of Hartmann Brothers, and established business in connection with a lumber and planing mill, manufacturing sash, doors and blinds and general house- furnishings, on Lincoln avenue, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth avenues, where they occupy a frontage of two hundred and sixty feet and employ about sixty men. They have a patronage extending over a radius of twenty miles. They have recently purchased Koll's patent lock-joint staved column,
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and are now the sole manufacturers of that style of column, for which they are receiving numerous orders. This is pronounced the most successful lock joint in the market, and at the same time it is furnished at a low price. The company has received an order for this column from McKimm & White for a Vanderbilt mansion. They are prepared to reduce the prices on columns formerly made by them. They do a business of about one hundred thousand dollars a year, the pay-roll amounting to one hundred dollars a day in the planing mill. John W. Hartmann, our subject, is the practical man of the firm, looking after the mechanical execution in the manufacturing department, while Charles keeps the office, and George, the eldest, attends to the pur- chase of material. This company have been operating here now for eighteen years and have always been busy, never having to shut down for want of work.
Mr. Hartmann has served five years as a member of the Washington Engine Company, and is now a member of the Exempt Fireman's Associa- tion. In politics he is a Democrat on national issues and independent in local matters. In religion he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. October 4, 1892, he was married to Miss Lizzie Neihoff, of Mount Vernon, and they have three children, -Flora Colvin, Charles Jacob, and Harold.
RALPH B. GRISWOLD, M. D.
The world has little use for the misanthrope. The universal truth of brotherhood is widely recognized, as is also the fact that he serves God best who serves his fellow men. There is no profession or line of business that calls for greater self-sacrifice or more devoted attention than the med- ical profession, and the successful physician is he who through love for his fellow men gives his time and attention to the relief of human suffering. Dr. Griswold is one of the ablest representatives of this noble calling in Westchester county, where he has been engaged in practice for forty years in and around Banksville.
The Doctor was born in Colebrook, Litchfield county, Connecticut, January 18, 1835, and belongs to an old and prominent family of that locaity, his parents being Lucius and Julia Elizabeth (Barnard) Griswold. The mother, who is now deceased, was born in Litchfield county, of French ances- try, and was a granddaughter of a Revolutionary hero. The father is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, and is tilll quite active and well preserved. By occupation he has been a teacher, farmer and traveling agent for many years, and he is highly respected by all who know him.
Dr. Griswold, the only child of this worthy couple, received a good lit- erary education at Winsted, Connecticut, and for some years successfully
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Unswold M. D. .
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engaged in teaching, having charge of the public schools of Stroudsburg, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, for a time. He commenced the study of medicine in New York city, and later entered the Eclectic College at Cincin- nati, Ohio, where he was graduated in the class of 1857. Soon afterward he opened an office at Banksville, and was not long in building up a large and lucrative practice, attending over three hundred and fifty families as family physician.
On the Ist of May, 1858, Dr. Griswold was united in marriage with Mary Jane Derby, also of Winsted, a cultured and refined lady who has proved a worthy helpmeet to her husband. She has become the mother of four children, of whom two died when young. William L. Griswold, M. D., a well known and prominent physician and expert surgeon of Greenwich, Connecticut, is a graduate of Yale, and also of the medical department of Columbia College, New York. He married Miss Mattie E. Conkey. Julia Alice Griswold was married in April, 1898, to Wilbur W. Cooper, of Winsted, Connecticut. The Doctor and his wife have a most beautiful home erected on a natural building site and neatly and tastefully furnished. Although sixty-three years of age, the Doctor looks ten years younger, and he takes quite an active and prominent part in public affairs. For years he has served as road commissioner, and in that office he has done effective service in securing the good highways which we to-day find in this locality. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty years, and has been a most active and zealous worker in church and Sabbath-school, serving as steward and trustee, and as superintendent of the Sabbath-school. It is safe to say that no man in the county has done more along this line than the Doctor, and his life has ever been in harmony with his profession, his course being such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, either in professional or social life.
GEORGE W. BARD.
Conspicuous on the roll of Mount Vernon's prominent men is the name of George W. Bard. To this gentleman the city largely owes its develop- ment and progress. He was born here thirty-seven years ago, and has con- tinuously been identified with this section of Westchester county and has con- tributed to its material advancement and prosperity to an extent equaled by but few of his contemporaries. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this city, and acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment, he garnered in the fullness of time the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indom- itable industry, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. Few lives fur-
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nish so striking an example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the most valuable secrets of the great prosperity which it records, and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action, -the record of a busy and honorable life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular.
George W. Bard was born in Mount Vernon, July 22, 1861, a son of William H. and Ann Amelia (Post) Bard. In due time he entered the public schools, and was graduated in the high school in 1877. Laying aside his text-books when sixteen years of age, he entered his father's office and for five years was actively engaged in the real-estate, auctioneering and insur- ance business. In 1879 he had been admitted to a partnership, under the firm name of W. H. Bard & Son. In 1881 he became engaged in the high- grade advertising business, with offices in New York city, and continued in that line for four years, traveling throughout the United States and Canada. In 1884 he began traveling as special agent and inspector for the Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of New York, and was thus engaged until 1889. His duties were of a specially important and responsible character, owing to the fact that it was at the time of the inception of the idea of the large-line insurance, which plan proved a success. Mr. Bard had had some experience in adjusting business interests in connection with his father's insurance business, and this fitted him for the responsibilties which now came upon him. He soon won prominence as a successful adjuster, and since that time has been fre- quently called upon to lend his services in insurance appraisements and adjustments.
In 1889, anticipating an impending boom in real estate, he resolved to return to Mount Vernon and again take up the business, along new and progressive lines of his own conception, more particularly auctioneering. Accordingly he soon inaugurated a system of advertising which has resulted in the growth of the city from twelve thousand to twenty-one thousand within the last seven years. He has planned and executed many methods of advertising whereby Mount Vernon and its advantages have become widely known. At times he ran two special trains each day from New York city, employing as many as twenty-five coaches to meet the trains and convey the visitors to the various sections of the city where his sales were held. He served free lunches under special tents, frequently gave barbecues, and employed a band to meet the trains and furnish music on these occasions. He has employed a large force of competent clerks in his office, and, with the aid of his numerous assistants, has transacted an immense volume of business.
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Many of his advertising schemes have been as unique as original, and have displayed great resource and fertility of power on the part of Mr. Bard. During three years he spent thirty thousand dollars in advertising, and for one sale alone invested twenty-four hundred dollars in advertising, which resulted in the disposal of property to the value of one hundred and fourteen thousand dollars. Through the past decade he has conducted the most important auction business in Mount Vernon. He was the organizer of the Mount Vernon Auction Company, which has rooms in the Field Build- ing, at No. 284 Park avenue. He is associated with his father and brother in the real-estate, insurance and auctioneering business at Mount Vernon, also organized and is a member of the Bard-Wallace Realty Com- pany, with offices at the corner of Nassau and Liberty streets, New York city, and the George W. Bard Real Estate Company of Mount Vernon. His real-estate holdings are very extensive, and no man in the county is better informed on values than he. He has built and sold over one hundred resi- dences in Mount Vernon, and to his efforts is largely due the fact that the city is being builded of fine homes, occupied by an intelligent class of people. He has advocated every measure for the improvement and advancement of the city, and has aided materially in the promotion of many enterprises for the public good. He originated the idea of publishing a real-estate paper, the Real Estate News, and conducted the same with marked success, but was obliged to discontinue it, owing to the heavy demands made on his time by his other business interests.
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