USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
JAMES COLES.
Few men are more worthy of representation in a work of this kind than the subject of this biography, who is passing the later years of his life on a comfortable homestead of sixty acres in Mount Pleasant township, West- chester county. His commodious modern residence stands on a hill com- manding a fine view of the surrounding country, and is surrounded by spa- cions lawns, good barns and outbuildings and a fine orchard. This delightful home is conveniently situated three-quarters of a mile from Kensico station.
Mr. Coles was born July 26. 1824, on the old homestead, and only a few rods from his present residence, and on both the paternal and maternal sides is descended from good old Westchester families. His father, Robert Coles, was born on the same farm, a son of James Coles, who was born at
252
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Glen Cove, Long Island, of English ancestry, and was a lad of thirteen years when the British soldiers during the Revolutionary war, landed at that place and turned their horses into the fields. When the war was over he came to Westchester county and located on what is now the old homestead in Mount Pleasant township, where Samuel Coles, our subject's brother, now resides. James Coles was one of seven brothers, all of whom were blacksmiths and wheelwrights. One became a well known citizen of East Chester and there reared a large family. The grandfather of our subject wedded Mary Fisher, who was born in this county and was of German and Holland lineage, a daughter of Nicholas Fisher. They became the parents of three children, namely: Robert, father of our subject; Mrs. Hannah Martin; and Samuel, who died unmarried. For his second wife James Coles married a Miss Pierce, by whom he had one daughter, Mary, who died at the age of twelve years. He was married the third time, but had no children by that union, and died at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. In religious faith he was a member of the Society of Friends.
Robert Coles, our subject's father, spent his entire life upon the old home farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married November 27, 1818, to Miss Nancy Tompkins, a daughter of Elijah Tompkins and a niece of Hon. Daniel D. Tompkins, who was once governor of New York and also vice-president of the United States. Seven children were born to Robert and Nancy Coles, but only three are now living, namely: James, our subject; Hannah, wife of Thomas L. Parks, of Harrison township, Westchester county; and Samuel, who lives on the old homestead. Those deceased are Mary Ann, wife of Absalom Jones; Elijah, who died at the age of fourteen years; Sarah, wife of George Swarthout, and George, who died at the age of six years. The father died at the age of eighty-five, the mother at the age of seventy-two years, honored and respected by all who knew them. Both held membership in the Methodist church.
The boyhood and youth of James Coles were also passed upon the old homestead in Mount Pleasant township, where he was taught lessons of industry and honesty, while his literary education was obtained in the district school of the neighborhood. In 1849 he married Miss Esther Van Wart, a daughter of Alexander and Esther (Fowler) Van Wart. Her paternal grand- father, Isaac Van Wart, was one of the three men who captured Major Andre, the British spy. To our subject and his wife were born five children, the first of whom died at the age of two years, and Lizzie at the age of twelve. Emma Jane is now the wife of William Shute, of White Plains, this county. Esther is the wife of George Miller of White Plains, and they have one daughter, Lena A. Clinton, who resides on the old farm with his father, married Ida Fisher and has one daughter, Gladys. Mr. Coles has been
253
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who died December 20, 1892. She was a kind friend and neighbor, a loving wife and mother, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Coles also belongs. In politics he is a Republican, and gives his support to all measures which he believes calculated to prove of public benefit. His circle of friends and acquaintances is extensive, and all who know him have for him high regard.
G. P. M. CURRY, M. D.
A leading physician of Mount Kisco, Westchester county, is Dr. Curry, who deserves mention in this work. He was born January 8, 1866, in New York city, where the greater part of his boyhood days were spent. He grad- uated in medicine in the medical department of the University of the City of New York in 1889, having to earn by his own services the means to defray his expenses. Then for two years he followed his profession in hospitals; next he was engaged in general practice in New York city for a short time, and in May, 1896, he came to Mount Kisco, where he has since been devot- ing his attention to his chosen profession, enjoying success in his practice. He is comparatively young and is a rising man in his noble calling.
His father, Rev. Thomas M. Curry, a native of Shrub Oaks, this county, went to New York when a young man, and had charge of the Jane Street Methodist Episcopal church at the time of his death, when he was thirty- seven years of age. Benjamin Curry, the Doctor's grandfather, was proba- bly a native of Westchester county, was a farmer by occupation, and lived to a great age.
WILLIAM MERCER.
In the land of hills and heather William Mercer was born in the year 1844. He is a son of David Mercer, who lived upon a farm in Scotland until 1850, when with his family he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating at West Farms, Westchester county, New York. There the father engaged in agricultural pursuits, devoting his energies to the cultivation of his land until his life labors were ended in death.
The subject of this review was only six years of age when brought to America, and upon the home farm in this county spent the days of his boy- hood and youth, assisting in the cultivation of the fields through the season of planting and harvesting. In the winter months he pursued his education in the public schools, and after attaining his majority began farming on his his own account. For a time he rented land, and when by his industry and economy he had acquired some capital he purchased a tract of forty acres in Scarsdale township. This was in 1883, and the following year he removed
251
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
his family to the new home, and has made it his place of residence continu- ously since. In connection with general farming he engaged in dealing in live stock, and both branches of his business add materially to his income. He has a well developed property, with richly cultivated fields, substantial buildings, and all the latest improvements and accessories found upon a model farm.
In 1874 Mr. Mercer was united in marriage to Miss Ellen De Rich, of Westchester county, daughter of Samuel and Theresa De Rich. They now have five children: William F., Charles Frederick, E. Jennie, Jessie and Ella.
Mr. Mercer is a pronounced Democrat in his political views, and stanchly advocates the principles of the party. He never fails to cast his ballot in support of its men and measures in state and national elections, but at local elections, where no issue is involved, votes for the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. He has held the office of justice of the peace in the town of Scarsdale for a number of years, dis- charging his duties in a very prompt and able manner, entirely unbiased by fear or favor. He was a member of the school board and served as its presi- dent for several years, and is an ardent advocate of the public-school sys- tem, his efforts being of great benefit in the advancement of the cause of edu- cation in this locality. His success in life has been achieved entirely through his own efforts, and his labors have been crowned with that competence which is the just reward of energy well applied.
THOMAS F. MULCAHEY.
A native of the Emerald Isle, Thomas F. Mulcahey was born in the county of Waterford, on the 21st of March, 1868, and is a son of William and Johanna (Fitzgerald) Mulcahey. The father died in that place, and the mother afterward came to America with her family of nine children and located in Yonkers, where our subject has since made his home. He was only seven years of age at the time of his arrival, and acquired his education in the public and parochial schools. Entering upon his business career he secured a position in the hat factory of Baldwin & Flagg, but later learned the tanner's trade, mastering the business in every department and ultimately winning promotion to the position of foreman. He served in that capacity for several years, and then purchased the hotel of which he is now proprie- tor. He is a popular host and his house has found favor with the traveling public, owing to his careful supervision and the effort which he makes to pro- vide pleasant entertainment for his guests.
He has been very prominent in the work of the fire department, was
255
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
elected a member of the Protection Engine Company in 1892, and in 1894 was chosen foreman of the company, in which capacity he served two terms. He is now the first assistant chief of the department, having been elected by a popular vote of the entire department with which he has been identified for eleven years. He does all in his power to secure great proficiency and to advance the interests of this important branch of the city's service, and is a favorite among the firemen of Yonkers.
On the ist of February, 1897, Mr. Mulcahey married Miss Mary Ryan (danghter of John Ryan). He is a member of St. Joseph's church, Roman Catholic, and in his political views is a Democrat. He takes an active inter- est in political affairs, has frequently served as a delegate to the county con- ventions, and at present is a member of the Democratic general committee. For several years he has been a member of the Montgomery Club, also belongs to Nepera Tribe of Red Men, to the New York State Firemen's Association and to the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
PETER KAUFMANN.
A prominent farmer and dairyman of the town of Greenburg, Westches- ter county, Mr. Kaufmann comes from the Fatherland, and the strongest and most creditable characteristics of the Teutonic race have been marked ele- ments in his life and have enabled him to win success in the face of oppos- ing circumstances. He possesses the energy and determination which mark the people of Germany and by the exercise of his powers he has steadily progressed, and has not only won a handsome competence but has com- manded universal respect by his straightforward business methods.
Mr. Kaufmann was born in the village of Waldhausen, Germany, August 8, 1835, a son of Peter and Eliza (Ekarte) Kaufmann, who spent their entire lives in that country as modest farming people. Our subject acquired a good practical education in his native land, attending school from the age of six to fourteen years, and he then assisted his father on the farm for the fol- lowing three years. In 1852 he took passage on a sailing vessel bound for the port of New York, and was forty-five days upon the ocean. On his arrival in the metropolis he went direct to Staten Island, New York, where he found employment upon a farm at moderate wages. Later he worked on the Delaware & Hudson canal, in Pennsylvania, for some years.
After his return to New York Mr. Kaufmann went to Hoboken, New Jersey, where he remained for a time, and then came to Westchester county, to accept the situation as manager of the farm owned by Peter Biegen, fill- ing that position most acceptably for some years, during which time he also became thoroughly familiar with the dairy business. As the farm was then
256
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
sold for mortgages, Mr. Kaufmann purchased it and has since successfully engaged in its operation in connection with dairying. It comprises one hun- dred and forty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and he also owns other tracts, aggregating three hundred acres. For his dairy he keeps from thirty-five to forty head of fine milch cows and has many customers in Dobbs Ferry and vicinity. He also has upon his place a good grade of horses, and he gives employment to four men. He is acknowl- edged to be one of the best farmers and dairymen of the county, is method- ical and systematic in his business methods, and thoroughly understands every department of farm work. In addition to his other interests he is now a stockholder and director of the Dobbs Bank, at Dobbs Ferry.
In 1866 Mr. Kaufmann married Miss Gertrude Dillmeyer, who was born and reared in Brooklyn, New York, and they have become the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter: Peter, who is a brewer; Henry J., a druggist; Louisa, now the widow of Alex Maitrier; and Augustus B. Of a pleasant genial nature, Mr. Kaufmann is popular in social as well as business circles, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him.
WILLIAM J. MARSHALL.
William J. Marshall, corporation counsel for the city of Mount Vernon, New York, is one of the leading members of the legal profession of West- chester county. His personal history, in brief, is as follows:
William J. Marshall was born in the town of East Chester, Westches- ter county, New York, May 10, 1858, son of William and Anna (Duffy) Marshall. William Marshall was one of the earlier settlers of this county, was for some years prominently identified with its interests as a politician and officer, and is still living here, now being retired. His father, Cornelius Marshall, was a native of Ireland and the son of an Englishman, born at Shef- field. Anna (Duffy) Marshall, the mother of our subject, was born on the Emerald ยท Isle. When quite young she was brought by her parents to this country, and in New York she grew to womanhood and was married. She reared an interesting family of children.
In the public schools and grammar school of Mount Vernon William J. received his early training, and on completing his studies in the latter entered the law office of William H. Pemberton, under whose instructions he pur- sued his legal studies, and with whom he remained for a period of ten years. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1879, at Poughkeepsie, New York, about the time he attained his majority, and has since been engaged in the practice of law at Mount Vernon, where he has gained and retains a large clientage. In June, 1897, he was appointed treasurer and corporation coun-
257
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
sel for the city, for a term of two years, and is now serving in that capacity. Mr. Marshall has, like his father, shown a deep interest in political matters and has rendered valuable party service. Personally, he is a genial, affable gentleman, a favorite with all who know him.
He married Miss Sadie E. Quirke, of Yonkers, New York, the daughter of Thomas Quirke, a contractor and builder and much respected citizen of that place.
CLARENCE BROWN.
Mr. Brown is a leading and influential citizen of Eastview, Westchester county, and takes an active part in promoting its substantial improvement and material development. He is also a worthy representative of the indus- trial interests of the community, being the proprietor of Brown's Mills, and does a large and profitable business.
Mr. Brown is a native of the county, born January 29, 1857, and is a son of Jackson and Susan (Ackerman) Brown. The father, who was a car- penter and miller by trade, spent his entire life in Westchester county, his death occurring here on the 10th of March, 1894, when he was sixty-six years of age. He was a consistent Christian gentleman, and in his political views was a Democrat. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1892.
Clarence Brown was reared and educated in this county, and was mar- ried, December 11, 1887, to Miss Lizzie Wood, a well educated and refined lady, and a daughter of Jacob W. Wood. Their children are: Thomas S., Clarence, George M., Pernina Nancy J. In connection with his milling interests Mr. Brown is also proprietor of the Tarrytown Lake Ice Company, at Tarrytown, New York, and is acknowledged to be one of the most popular business men of the locality. He has held the office of road commissioner, and is a member of the Pleasantville fire department.
THOMAS MITCHELL.
Among the business men of Yonkers who are in the prime of life and usefulness is Thomas Mitchell, who, since he arrived at man's estate, has been actively associated with various city enterprises. He takes loyal interest in all movements calculated to benefit the people of Yonkers, and favors all measures which look toward the improvement of this vicinity, whether affecting the business community or the residence section.
A son of Thomas and Mary (Quinn) Mitchell, our subject was born at Carbondale, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1851, and was brought to Yonkers in his early childhood. He attended St. Mary's parochial school, where he obtained a liberal education. Going into the employ of Baldwin & Flagg, who carried 17
--
258
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
on a hat factory, he worked at this business for two years, and in 1869 turned his attention to the mason's trade, working at that calling for five years. In 1874 he became interested in the hotel business in this city, suc- ceeding his brother, Edward J., and this enterprise he carried on with marked ability for a period of six years.
In 1880 Mr. Mitchell took a position as inspector with the Westchester Telephone Company, and later, in 1892, he became an inspector of sewer construction in Yonkers. In this responsible capacity he has continued to act until the present time, and has given satisfaction to all concerned. He is faithful to the best interests of the tax-payers, seeing to it that only first- class work is done and that their welfare is subserved in every particular. In 1896 he was appointed to attend to the construction of fifteen hundred feet of heavy sewer at the home for soldiers and their wives, at Oxford, New York, and this commission he faithfully executed.
Upon attaining his majority Mr. Mitchell became a member of the Pro- tective Fire Engine Company, of Yonkers, with which he continued to serve for twelve years, when he resigned. He was secretary and treasurer of the company in 1882, but declined re-election. At present he is connected with the Exempt Firemen's Association, and is to be a member of the reception committee upon the occasion of the Yonkers' state convention of firemen in 1899. Politically, Mr. Mitchell is affiliated with the Democratic party, is a member of the general committee, and has frequently served as a delegate to various conventions. Reared in the Catholic faith, he belongs to St. Mary's church, where he received his first communion. He is very popular with a large circle of friends, his pleasant, genial manner winning at first acquain- tance an esteem which years but strengthen.
WILLIAM T. GUION.
The well known liveryman and proprietor of sale stables at Pleasant- ville, New York, is a worthy representative of the progressive business men of that thriving village; and his ability, enterprise and upright methods have established for him an enviable reputation. Although he is still compara- tively a young man his popularity is established on a firm basis-that of his own well tested merit.
Mr. Guion was born in New York city, October 2, 1862, and is a son of Archer and Eliza J. Guion. The father, who was a son of Elias Guion, was a native of Westchester county, born in New Rochelle, and died at the ripe old age of ninety years. 3 He had a family of twelve children.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth in New York city, and there obtained his education. Coming to Pleasantville, he worked for the firm of
259
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Lang Brothers for three years, and then embarked in the livery business on his own account. He is an excellent judge of horses, and as such is widely known throughout the state, and his barn is filled with the best roadsters in the city. His pleasant, agreeable manner makes him distinctly popular, and he is held in high regard by all with whom he comes in contact, in either business or social life. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.
In January, 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Guion and Miss Carrie See, a daughter of Sylvester See, and five children bless their union, namely: Archie, Lila, William, Elsie and Gertrude.
GEORGE WALSH.
This well known contractor and builder of Yonkers, is a native of staid old England, born April 20, 1842, in Dunscar in Tiviton township, Lanca- shire, near the city of Bolton. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Walsh, was a bleacher by trade, in religion a zealous member of the Presbyterian church, and in public position held various church offices. He died there, in his native land, December 15, 18-, at the age of seventy-two years. Of his seven children Joseph, the father of George, was born in the year 1815, and his wife was born January 29, 1814. He received a common-school ed- ucation, learned the trade of millwright but followed other occupations also, as occasion made convenient, at length engaging in experimental manufac- turing. He also was a member of the Presbyterian church, and died De- cember 26, 1865, and his wife, nce Ellen Noble, died January 20, 1884.
George Walsh, their son, was educated in the public schools of England until he had attained the age of thirteen years, and next for four or five years was employed in the cotton factories. Then he received his first lessons in architecture and practical building, first carrying the hod and mixing the mortar. Afterward he was employed for some time by the Lancaster, York- shire & Northwestern Railroad Company; next was a policeman for the borough of Bolton for a short time; and when he was twenty-seven years of age, in 1869, he emigrated to the United States, in order to establish a better home for his family, at this time consisting of a wife and two children, whom he left in England until he should become able to send for them, which was within three years. Locating at Yonkers, he resumed his trade; but in 1872 he left his family here and went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained seven years, continually ameliorating his financial condition. Returning to Yonkers he was employed at the Otis elevator works, but soon began taking contracts for building, in partnership with Joseph Sutherland, in which bus- iness he has ever since continued, with success and increasing popularity. In 1895 his present partner, Benjamin Sanders, was admitted, and the firm
260
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
name is now Walsh & Sanders, Mr. Walsh being the superintending archi- tect. The business of this firm has so increased that they have employed as many as a hundred men at a time. and one year their work amounted to a hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Walsh has erected many large buildings in Yonkers and vicinity, viz .: St. Andrew's church on Morris street, Yonkers, Deyo Elevator building, Hungarian church on Walnut street, Yonkers, Mc- Cann building on Broadway, Sawyer flats on Hudson street, Lake flats on Riverdale avenue and many others, of modern design and architecture. In his trade Mr. Walsh is a member of the Masons' Exchange, and in his fra- ternal relations he is a member of the Masonic order, Rising Star Lodge, of Yonkers; of the Odd Fellows, of the Sons of St. George and of the Curling Club. He owns nineteen apartment buildings, two stores and a large num- ber of lots, and has other financial interests.
Politically, he is a Republican, but somewhat eclectic in voting, and re- ligiously he is an attendant at the services of the Episcopal church. At the time of his coming to this country he had been a "Volunteer " in the old country, being a member of the Twenty-seventh Lancashire Volunteers.
CHARLES M. LANE.
Among the leading and representative men of Pleasantville, New York, no one occupies a more enviable position in the esteem of his fellow citizens than Charles M. Lane, who is now serving as supervisor, with credit to him- self and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county, for here his entire life has been passed, his birth occurring in the town of New Castle, December 1, 1857, and he is a representative of one of its most highly respected families.
His father, Ephraim Lane, was likewise a native of Westchester county, and was a son of John and Matilda (Reynolds) Lane, the latter a daughter of Enos Reynolds, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Ephraim Lane was engaged in business as a lumber and coal dealer, and gave his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mahala Reynolds, were faithful members of the Methodist church, and were highly esteemed by all who had the pleas- ure of their acquaintance. Four children constituted their family, namely: Mrs. B. F. Wilds, a resident of White Plains; W. S .; Charles M .; and Frank A.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.