USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 23
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though he has most acceptably served as justice of the peace for forty years, being first nominated for that office before he ever cast a vote. His political support has always been given the Democracy, and Westchester county has no more patriotic, loyal or devoted citizen than Munson E. Frost.
WILLIAM KAY.
It is a pleasurable task to record the history of a man who has forged his way to the front, in spite of adverse circumstances, and who by resolute will and determination has won success and high standing in the world of busi- ness. Such a man as William Kay, to whose sterling ability and worth his fellow citizens liberally testify. He has been a resident of Yonkers for a number of years and is thoroughly indentified with the local upbuilding and improvement, taking a commendable interest in whatever promises to be of lasting benefit to this vicinity.
A son of William and Sarah (Arboard) Kay, our subject was born in Nor- wich, England, March 9, 1862, and was bereft of his father (a blacksmith) by death, when he, William, was an infant of but eight months. The child was adopted into a family and was put to work in a gravel pit near Norwich, when he was but seven years of age. Later he worked in a brick-yard in Bradford, England, and thus he grew up, almost without advantages, and forced into the bitter struggle for a livelihood at an age when most other children are happy at play and in the school-room, gaining wisdom which equip them for the future. At last, when he was sixteen, the youth came to America with his mother by adoption, and, settling at Glenheim, Dutchess county, New York, became manager of a coal-yard. Afterward he came to Yonkers and for some time was employed in the Alexander Smith carpet mills. Then going to Philadelphia, he had a position with the Atlantic Refining Company as inspector of oil, but gave up that place and returned to Yonkers, where he again found employment with the carpet works.
It was in 1885 that William Kay embarked in the grocery business, and for six years he has associated with his brother and foster-mother. At the end of that time, in 1891, he purchased their interest and has since conduct- ed the business alone. Buying a street frontage of fifty feet of ground, run- ning back three hundred and eighty feet, he erected a handsome store and tene- ment building of brick, four stories in height; and in the rear is a storage house thirty-five by twenty-eight feet, and a hay and wagon shed one hundred by twenty-four feet in dimensions. He handles strictly high-grade goods, and his stock is extensive and carefully selected. In its arrangement the store is the most complete and attractive of all in Yonkers, and few cities can boast of a finer or better equipped grocery, in all its details. Five wagons are
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kept running and nine clerks and employees are busy from morning till night in attending to the needs of customers. The business transacted here is truly remarkable, amounting to upward of seventy-five thousand dollars per annum. In addition to this business, Mr. Kay conducts a large trade in feed and grain in the store adjoining his grocery, and has a branch place at No. 64 Moquette Row, his old business site, where his brother and foster-mother still retain an interest. In his investments, Mr. Kay is conservative and careful, and at all times he gives his earnest attention to his business, refusing to enter the field of politics, as he has been urged to do, or to divert his energy from its present channel. He is a man of kindly heart, and rarely refuses to assist those whom he believes to be the worthy poor. Thus upon his books are large accounts which in all probability can never be settled; but he still holds out a helping hand to the many deserving poor, whose blessing, at least, is his, and who shall say that it has not been one of the secrets of his success? As a citizen he never neglects his duties for personal ends, reserves the right of independence in politics, and is a member of Columbia Hook & Ladder Company, No. 6.
November 20, 1891, Mr. Kay married Miss Emma Palmant, and their pleasant home at No. 496 Nepperhan avenue, is blessed by the presence of two little daughters-Elsie and Emma. Mrs. Kay is a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Palmant, whose ancestors were early settlers in this country.
REV. FATHER JOSEPH F. FLANNELLY.
Father Flannelly, pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart at Dobbs Ferry, New York, was born March 3, 1856, at New Brighton, Richmond county, this state. He is a son of Timothy and Catherine (Giblin) Flannelly, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother of Montreal, Canada. The father was a contractor and builder, coming to the United States when a young man and pursuing his trade.
Father Flannelly attended St. Francis Xavier College of New York, where he pursued his studies four years, graduating from Manhattan College of that city in 1877. After graduation he spent four and one-half years at St. Joseph's Seminary, at Troy, New York, and was then ordained by Bishop McNierny, of Albany, December 17, 1881. He was assigned to duty as assistant to his brother Father William P. Flannelly, pastor of St. Cecilia's church, 106th street, New York, where he remained seven years. He was next assistant to the Rev. W. A. O'Neill at Twenty-third street, the new church of the Guardian Angel, where he was continued five years, until he took his present charge at Dobbs Ferry, in 1893. He was a successor to Father David O'Connor, who had been with the congregation since its organ-
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ization,-upward of thirty years. Since coming to this charge Father Flan- nelly has labored earnestly for the upbuilding of his church, and has made many friends outside his own denomination. His congregation numbers one thousand souls, and they have responded so heartily to his wishes that in 1895 he had the satisfaction of erecting an imposing church edifice, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. It is of the Gothic style of architecture, complete in every detail, with handsome inside decorations and finish, mak- ing it a source of justifiable pride to the entire community.
FREDERICK P. SCHMALING.
Mr. Schmaling is commissioner of highways in Harrison township, West- chester county, and is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. He was born December 10, 1836, and on the paternal side is of good old German stock. His father, John Schmaling, is a native of Ger- many, and belonged to a family which had ever been loyal to the king and was well represented in several German wars. Reared in his native land, he had the advantage of a good education in the German language and also learned the butcher's trade, which he followed for many years. His wife, Mary G. Schmaling, died at the age of seventy-three years, and he is still living, at a venerable age. In religious faith he is a devout Catholic, as was also his wife. Their family numbered ten children, five sons and five daugh- ters, all born in this country with the exception of the eldest, Alexandria, who was born in Germany prior to the emigration of the family to the New World. The others are Frederick P .; John; Michael;, Mary; Lizzie and Anna; and one son and two daughters who died when young.
On the home farm Frederick P. Schmaling early became familiar with every department of farm work, and in the public schools of the neighbor- hood he received his early education, which has been greatly supplemented by business experience and observation in later years. For thirty years he has now been engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account, and owns an excellent farm of ninety-four acres, on which are a good ten-acre orchard, a comfortable residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, and other useful and valuable improvements which add to the beauty of the place. It is one of the most desirable farms in the locality, pleasantly situated just four miles from Port Chester and the same distance from White Plains, and he is suc- cessfully engaged in its operation.
Mr. Schmaling married Miss Margaret Fritz, and to them have been born nine children, namely: Fred C., now a resident of Rye township, this county; John, of Harrison township; Frank, of Pond Hill; Mary, Tillie, George, Charlie, Grover and Anna. The mother and most of the children
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hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and the family is one. of prominence socially. In his political views Mr. Schmaling is a Democrat, and he does all in his power to advance the interests and insure the success of his party. He has ever taken a deep interest in educational affairs, has most efficiently served as school trustee, and given a liberal support to every enterprise for the public good. In 1889 he was elected highway commis- sioner of Harrison township, and in that capacity has most capably and satis- factorily served his fellow citizens ever since.
ELI VALENTINE.
The leading contractor and builder of Sing Sing is Eli Valentine, who occupies a place in the front rank in business circles. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resist- less will power, are the chief characteristics of the man, and have been the means of bringing to him success.
A native of Westchester county, Mr. Valentine was born at Cortlandt Villa, August 26, 1837, and is a worthy representative of an old Huguenot family, which was founded here prior to the Revolutionary war, in which some of its members participated. His grandfather, James Valentine, was a brother of John Valentine, who valiantly aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. Caleb Valentine, our subject's father, was a farmer by occupation, a stanch Democrat in politics, and liberal in his religious beliefs. He married Ruth Foster, a native of Cortlandt township, Westchester county, New York, and daughter of Robert and Martha Foster, residents of West- chester county. Caleb Valentine died at the age of nearly sixty, and his wife, who was a consistent member of the Methodist church, died at the age of seventy-four years, both being honored and respected by all who knew them. Their children were Catherine, James, Eli, Mary, Charles and Pierre (twins), William, Charlotte, Amie and Gussie.
At the age of sixteen years Eli Valentine commenced learning the trade of a mason and brick-layer, which he followed at Sing Sing until 1863, when he volunteered and enlisted in the New York National Guards and served for forty days. Returning, he located at Sing Sing, where he was in the employ of Barney Forshay for fifteen years, and then succeeded to the busi- ness, which he has since successfully conducted, erecting many of the hand- some dwellings in and around Sing Sing.
At the age of twenty-one Mr. Valentine was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Conkling, a daughter of Morris and Sarah Conkling, the former being a prominent farmer of Dobbs Ferry, Westchester county. Mr. and.
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Mrs. Valentine are the parents of four children, namely: Theodore, who married Laura Walker, of Sing Sing; Frederick, who wedded Lillie Holmes, of Seymour, Connecticut; Hattie I., now the wife of Rev. Lafayette Travis, a well known divine of the Methodist Episcopal church; and Franklin E., who married Josephine Ensinger, of Sing Sing.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Valentine are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and take an active part in all church work and in the furthering of the cause of temperance. Their support is never with- held from any enterprise which they believe will advance the moral, intel- lectual or material welfare of village or county, and it is safe to say that no citizens of the community are held in higher regard. Their pleasant home is the abode of hospitality, and their many friends are always sure of receiving there a hearty welcome. Mr. Valentine is a prominent member of Morrell Post, No. 144, Grand Army of the Republic, at Sing Sing, has filled all its offices and is a zealous worker for its interests.
WESLEY BOYCE.
The efficient superintendent of the county poor-farm of Westchester county, New York, was born in Cortland township, in 1846, and is a son of Mathew and Sarah (Wessels) Boyce, also natives of this county, where they spent their entire lives, the father dying at the age of eighty-two, the mother at the age of sixty-seven years. The former was a farmer by occupation and a stalwart supporter of the Republican party. The paternal grand- father, Abraham Boyce, also engaged in agricultural pursuits as a life work. Our subject is one of a family of eight children, in which five sons reached years of maturity, namely: William, a miller of Danbury, Connecticut; Eugene, a farmer of York township, Westchester county; Wesley; Horace, a farmer of Somers township; and John, who died in the service of his country during the civil war, being a member of Company A, Sixth New York Heavy Artillery.
Upon the home farm Wesley Boyce was reared to habits of industry, and in the public sohools of the neighborhood obtained his literary educa- tion. He began his business career as a carriage-maker, following that occupation in Yorktown for some time, but in August, 1897, he was appointed keeper of the county poor-house, and has since most capably and satisfactorily discharged the duties of that position, while his wife and daugh- ter act as matron and assistant matron, respectively. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, whose support is never withheld from any enter- prise which he believes is calculated to prove of public benefit, and he casts his ballot at all times for the men and measures of the Republican party. 13
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In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Boyce and Miss Rachel Sypher, a daughter of John and Renamy (Green) Sypher, and the children born of this union are as follows: John, a railroad engineer, now employed at the Croton river pump works; William, who is engaged in clerking in Yorktown Heights; Beverly, who is engaged in carriage-painting; and Susie, at home.
GEORGE R. BROWN.
Each calling or business, if honorable, has its place in the scheme of human existence, constituting a part of the plan whereby life's methods are pursued and man reaches his ultimate destiny. "All are needed by each one," wrote Emerson. The importance of a work, however, is largely determined by its usefulness. So dependent is man upon his fellow man that the whole of the individual is largely reckoned by what he has done for humanity, and by this standard the world judges. Humanitarianism is a controlling influence in civilization and he who lives selfishly to himself receives the condemnation of those who know aught of his way of life. Churches are no longer a place where theological doctrines only are taught, schools and colleges are not merely for the instruction of the youth in the fundamental or in the higher branches of knowledge: both are permeated by a spirit of helpfulness to the individual, -a spirit at once practical, beneficial and ennobling. We are led to this train of reflection through investigation into the life of George Rowton Brown, whose energies are devoted to the conduct of one of the most beneficent and practical charitable institutions of the Empire state,-the Leake & Watts Orphanage, of Yonkers. Centu- ries ago the wisdom of Solomon found utterance in the words, "Train a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." More and more a realization of this truth has forced itself upon the mind of man, and the physical, mental and moral development of the child has received greater and greater attention from those who have the care of the little ones. Benevolence and philanthropy have reached out the hands of sympathy and protection to the homeless ones, and throughout the length and breadth of the land institutions have been established for the care of those whom death has robbed of paternal love and attention.
One of those whose strong intellect, excellent executive ability and great hearts enable them to conduct successfully such a place of refuge, is Mr. Brown, and the Leake & Watts Orphanage was fortunate when it secured his services. He was born in New York city, February 23, 1857, his par- ents being William and Mary (Johnson) Brown. His paternal grandfather, an agriculturist, resided at Rowtonmere, Chester, England. The father, William Brown, was born at Chester, England, in 1831, and came to the
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United States about 1849, locating in New York city, where he became extensively engaged in building operations. He was one of the leading con- tractors of the metropolis up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1879, and was especially noted for his fine work on churches. At one time he was the leader in that department of contracting in New York and Brooklyn, and during a considerable period erected more churches than any other represent- tative of the business. Many of the leading edifices of worship in those cities stand as monuments to his superior skill and ability, and, adding architect- ural beauty to the neighborhoods in which they are located, form an attract- ive feature of the locality. Mr. Brown was also for several years treasurer of the first building association of New York city. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, and for many years in the latter part of his life was a deacon and trustee in the Westminster Presbyterian church. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was a Mason of high standing, having attained the Knight Templar degree, and in his political views was a Repub- lican. He resided in Fifteenth street, New York, and in his family were two sons and two daughters: Frank William, who attained his majority but is now deceased; Ruth and Mary, who have also passed away; and George R., of this review. The mother is still living, at the advanced age of seventy- eight years.
George Rowton Brown acquired his education in the public schools of New York city, and was graduated with the class of 1876. He subsequently pursued a special course under private tutors, and by personal study, undi- rected by teachers, he also added greatly to his store of knowledge. Later he pursued a course in architecture in the Cooper Institute, the leading col- lege of technology in the east, and then spent two years as a draftsman in an architect's office in New York city, after which he became associated with his father in business. They won a very extensive patronage, their work in- cluding the extension to Trinity church, in New York city, the Roman Catho- lic cathedral, of Washington, D. C., St. Agnes church, of New York, St. Ann's church, of Brooklyn, a part of the Holy Trinity church, of Brooklyn, Mrs. Stevens' church, of Hoboken, New Jersey, and many others. In fact they were regarded as the leading church contractors of the metropolis, and in South America and other foreign countries their work is seen in fine houses of worship. Mayor Hewitt paid high tribute to Mr. Brown's skill, good judg- ment and practical ability by appointing him a member of the commission of 1886 to investigate and report upon the fraudulent construction of the new Croton aqueduct. Mr. Brown was secretary of the commission, of which the state engineer was also a member, and prepared a report, to which all the others subscribed.
In 1889 he came to Yonkers to look after the interests of the trustees of
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the Leake & Watts Orphanage, and by the trustees was solicited to accept the position of superintendent as the successor of Rev. Richard M. Hayden. This institution is situated on the boundary line between New York city and Yonkers, the division line bisecting the buildings. The orphanage was founded through the liberality of John G. Leake and John Watts, the origi- nal charter bearing date March 7, 1831. The first home was located in Bloomingdale, New York, on a site of twenty acres, which was purchased in 1835, and the house was opened for the reception of homeless little ones, November 15, 1843. Since that time it has continuously dispensed the bene- fits of the charity as designed by its founders, and the great majority of those for whom it has cared have become useful and honorable men and women. In 1888 the original property was sold, and the present site, which now in- cludes about fifty acres, was purchased and buildings were erected. The corner-stone was laid February 22, 1889, and on the 27th of October, 1891, the new home was formally opened. The main building is a four-story brick and stone structure, two hundred and sixty by one hundred and eighty feet, and occupies an elevated position, giving a commanding view of the grounds, and the palisades, whose base is washed by the majestic Hudson as it flows onward to the sea. Under Mr. Brown's supervision the grounds have been artistically laid out and tastefully decorated. Each of the one hundred and fifty children has a small garden, and is given practical lessons in gardening in its various phases.
Under the regime of the present director the course of study in the insti- tution is constantly broadening and a gradual evolution has brought it up to a high standard. The boys are instructed in farming, gardening, carpenter- ing, tailoring, shoemaking, telegraphy and typewriting, together with special instructions in cooking and in music produced on brass or reed instruments. The girls are taught household work, dress-making, telegraphy, typewriting, laundry-work and cooking. They pursue the regular school studies adopted by the public schools of New York city, are examined by the same board of examiners and receive certificates in the same way. Both boys and girls have regular military exercise and drills, and the boys have an organized band of twenty-five pieces. The enrollment of the school is limited to one hundred and sixty, and about one hundred and fifty are now in attendance. Only full orphans between the ages of three and twelve years are received, and are cared for by the home until fifteen years of age. About twenty instructors are employed, together with care-takers, seamstresses and others.
The state board of charities, which is the official board of inspectors of all the charitable institutions, pronounces the Leake & Watts Orphanage, under the management of Mr. Brown, to be the most perfectly conducted institution of the kind in the state. The worthy superintendent feels a just
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pride in the high standard of excellence the institution has acquired; and well he may; for from the engine and store rooms in the basement to the dormitories everything is in the most perfect order, showing the system that governs every department. . In the children, however, is found the strongest endorsement of the good management of the orphanage. Though plainly dressed, they are always tastefully dressed and faultlessly neat, and bright eyes, good complexions, and intelligent and happy faces show that they have every care required for their healthful development. Their deportment and refined and courteous bearing would do credit to many children who are reared in luxurious homes, showing that consideration for one another is not neglected in their daily instruction.
In his political affiliations Mr. Brown is a Republican, and since com- ing to Yonkers has taken an active interest in municipal and county affairs. He has served as a delegate to various conventions, and in 1898 was chair- man of the convention at Mount Vernon which nominated delegates to the various senatorial, congressional, assembly and state conventions, and which was one of the most exciting conventions ever held in the county. He has never been an aspirant for office; although various positions have been offered him, yet in such he has refused to serve. He is content to give his support to good men who will conscientiously labor for the welfare of the community at large, and is a member of the Good Government Club and the Young Men's Republican Club. He also belongs to the South Yonkers Improve- ment Association, to the Park Hill Country Club, the board of trade, the American Legion of Honor and is connected with the New York Mutual Loan Association. He served as an elder in the Westminster Presbyterian church in New York city for ten years while residing there, and for the past four years has been an elder in the First Presbyterian church of Yonkers.
In 1883 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Margaret K. Shute, daughter of Thomas Ward Shute, a builder of New York city. They have four children, -Ruth M., George R., Ralph William and Arthur Ward. His love for his own family has taught him tenderness for others, and the kindli- ness and affection which he entertains for those in his care is reflected in the love which they manifest toward him. He is a man of broad mind as well as heart, of strong intellectuality and splendid business ability, and is a popu- lar favorite in commercial, political and social circles.
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