USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 31
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In the county of his nativity Charles M. Lane was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools, and at the age of thirteen years he began his business career as clerk in the grocery store of C. H. Hoyt, now owned by our subject. He was the first Republican supervisor ever elected
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in Pleasantville, and, after acceptably filling that office from 1894 until 1898, he was re-elected, being the present incumbent. Frank and genial in man- ner, he is very popular among his fellow-citizens, and is held in high regard by all who know him. Socially, he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of Kisco Lodge, No. 708.
In 1880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lane and Miss Ophelia Slagle, a lady of culture and refinement, and a daughter of John H. Slagle, of Pleasantville. To this worthy couple have been born two children: Ora E. and Charles M., Jr.
GEORGE MERTZ.
The department of biography is crowded with records of the lives of men distinguished in war, politics, science, literature and the professions. All the embellishments of rhetoric and the imagination have been employed to captivate, to stimulate and to direct into these "upper walks of life " the youthful mind and ambition of the country. The result of this system is manifest and by no means fortunate. The ranks of the professions are filled to overflowing. Thousands of young men of respectable abilities, entirely capable of achieving competence and character in the useful employ- ments, are annually lured into professions for which they are entirely unsuited and in which they can never succeed. To instill into the minds and hearts of the young a respect for great attainments, a reverence for great virtues, and to excite the generous emulation by holding up as exam- ples for admiration and imitation the lives of the wise, the great and the good-all this is commendable and right; but the field of example should be extended, and lessons of industry, energy, usefulness, virtue, honor-the true aims of life and the true sources of happiness-should be gathered and enforced from all the various provinces of human labor.
The life of George Mertz stands as a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition, energy and honorable effort, and in the management of his industrial interests he not only won the success which should ever crown honest labor, but also gained the high esteem and respect of all with whom he was brought in contact. He was a native of Darmstadt, Germany, and when only sixteen years of age emigrated to America in order to try his fortune in this land of opportunity. Having learned the wheelwright's trade, he found employment at that occu- pation in New York city, and worked for about a year for one dollar per week. On the expiration of that period he came to Port Chester, and fol- lowed pattern-making for many years in the large bolt and nut works of Russell, Birdsall & Word. In 1873 he formed a partnership with Mr. Boerner, and began the manufacture of fine cabinets, also taking contracts
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for staircase and mantel work. They began operations on a small scale, but success attended their efforts from the beginning, and after five years Mr. Mertz purchased his partner's interest and admitted his sons, Frank C., Louis C. and George E., to an interest in the enterprise. The facilities were con- stantly enlarged in order to meet the demands of their steadily increasing trade, and after a time the industry took its place among the leading manufacturing concerns in the city. In 1888 the father withdrew, the business continuing in the control of his sons. From that time until his death he lived retired, enjoying the rest which he had so truly earned and richly deserved. He was a self-made man, industrious, energetic and upright, and though he met diffi- culties, he overcame them by determined purpose, and steadily worked his way upward to success.
Mr. Mertz married Miss Eliza Gerlash, a native of Saxony, Germany. She came to America in her girlhood, and is still a resident of Port Chester. She is a faithful member of the Lutheran church, and is a most estimable lady. Ten children were born to George and Eliza Mertz, of whom seven are yet living. In addition to the sons who were associated in business with their father, there are: William J., a contractor of New York city; Emma, wife of William A. Mills, of Port Chester; and Lizzie and Harry, who are with their mother. In his political views, Mr. Mertz was always a stalwart Republican, and took a deep interest in the success and welfare of his party, but never sought office for himself. He was a member of the Lutheran church and an active participant in benevolent work. He died in January, 1890, respected by all who knew him, and Port Chester lost one of its most valued citizens.
Louis C. Mertz, the senior member of the firm of George Mertz' Sons, was born in March, 1857, and has charge of the financial department of the business. The junior members of the firm are George E. and Frank C. George E. Mertz was born February 14, 1859, and like his brothers received his business training under the direction of their father. Frank C. Mertz, Jr. is a native of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Pemberwick, just across the line from Port Chester, December 27, 1861. He acquired his education in the schools of the latter city and throughout his business career has been connected with the important industry which he now controls, in conjunc- tion with his brothers.
The brothers mastered the business in every detail, and when admitted to a partnership were well fitted to assume control. They have conducted the business along the old lines, but have also extended their field of opera- tions. They are contractors, builders and manufacturers of fine cabinets, stairs and mantel work and have added the manufacture of art mouldings, which are made by machinery, according to an invention and patent of
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George E. Mertz. These mouldings are now shipped to all parts of the United States and to foreign countries, and under the present management the business of the house has been more than doubled. They do a large amount of general contracting in their line all over the country, and employ between five and six hundred men. This vast army of workmen indicates in a meas- ure the magnitude of their business, which is one of the leading industries in Westchester county, adding to the general prosperity as well as to the indi- vidual success of the owners. The Mertz brothers are also managers of the Port Chester Electric Company and are business men of marked ability, executive force and keen sagacity. A careful study of the public demands, keen discrimination, unfaltering enterprise and capable management have secured to them a permanent place among the most successful business men of this locality, and their house sustains a reputation for reliability that i- most enviable.
AMBROSE VAN TASSEL.
The well known and popular superintendent of the New York water- works, dam, reservoir and lake at Kensico, Westchester county, was ap- pointed to that position in the spring of 1896; and has proved a most capable official. Faithfulness to duty is one of his chief characteristics, and he is to- day one of the most trusted employes of the company.
A native of this county, Mr. Van Tassel was born in Mount Pleasant township, June 27, 1848, and is a worthy representative of one of its old and honored families of Holland extraction. His great-grandfather aided the colonies in their successful struggle for independence, as a soldier of the Rev- olutionary war. John Van Tassel, our subject's father, was likewise a native of Mount Pleasant township, where he grew to manhood and received his education. He married Miss Harriet Vincent, who was of French descent, and also belonged to a prominent old family of this county. Here both parents died, the father at the age of seventy-four years, the mother at the age of eighty-four. In their family were nine children, but Ambrose is the only one now living. His sister, Mrs. Angeline Brown, died in 1898. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was a most honorable and just man.
Ambrose Van Tassel was reared on the home farm, where he was early taught to be honest and industrious, and the education he acquired in the public schools of the neighborhood has been greatly supplemented by observa- tion and by experience in business. For several years he was engaged in market gardening and farming in Mount Pleasant township, and from 1889 until 1893 held a good position in New York city. Since his appointment to his present position, in the spring of 1896, he has rendered the company val-
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uable service on lake and dam. He has erected seventeen hundred locust posts, capped by yellow pine, four by six inches, the joints being covered and painted with white lead. These posts are quite thick and show off to a good advantage on a dark night along the road. He has cleared much of the land adjoining the lake, removing many large trees and stumps, and his work has all been done in a careful and systematic manner.
Mr. Van Tassel married Miss Margaret Breen, of East View, Westches- ter county, who was reared and educated at Tarrytown and belongs to an old and well known family of this section. To them have been born four children, namely: John, Harriet, Mary and Tillie. Mr. Van Tassel is broad-minded and progressive in his ideas, and has ever taken an active and prominent part in local politics, attending most of the conventions, but he is not bound by party ties, always supporting the man whom he believes best qualified to fill the office. His genial, pleasant manner gains for him many friends, and he is both widely and favorably known.
EDWARD P. SWIFT, M. D.
In a comparison of the relative value to mankind of the various professions and pursuits, it is a widely recognized fact that none is so important as the medical profession. From the cradle to the grave human destiny is largely in the hands of the physician. A wrong prescription or an unskillful opera- tion may take from man that which he prizes most, -life. One of the ablest representatives of this noble calling in Westchester county is Dr. Swift, who has successfully engaged in practice in Pleasantville since 1882.
He is a native of New York, born in Dutchess county, September 30, 1858, and belongs to an old and well known family of this section of the state, one which was formerly identified with the Society of Friends. The first of the name to come to the Empire state was his great-grandfather, who removed from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1789. The father, Nathan G. Swift, is still a resident of Millbrook, Dutchess county. In early life he married Miss Esther Lane, a native of Westchester county and a daughter of William and Mary (Griffin) Lane. She died at the age of fifty-six years. To Mr. and Mrs. Swift were born four children: Henry H., Albert F. and William L., all residents of Millbrook, New York; and Edward P.
Dr. Swift obtained his literary education at Oak Grove Seminary, of Vassalboro, Maine, and at the Penn Charter school, in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, and in 1878 commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. McCollin, of that city. Subsequently he entered Hahnemann Medi- cal College, in Philadelphia, and was graduated with the class of 1881. The following year he opened an office in Pleasantville, and soon secured a large
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practice among the best people of the community. He is energetic and pro- gressive, and is justly regarded as one of the most able physicians and skill- ful surgeons of the county. He is a member of the State and County Medical Societies, and is now efficiently serving as health officer of the town of Mount Pleasant.
On the 30th of September, 1885, Dr. Swift married Miss Elizabeth Pierce, of Sing Sing, New York, a daughter of Joseph I. and Caroline (Griffin) Pierce, in whose family were two children, the older being Thomas L. Pierce, now a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. The Doctor has been prominently identified with all movements for the improvement of Pleasant- ville through the past seventeen years, was one of the incorporators of the free public library at that place, and has served as president of the library association since its organization. In his political views the Doctor is a Re- publican. He is amiable in disposition, courteous in manner, popular with all classes of citizens and has a host of warm friends in his adopted county.
This is our most appropriate place for a sketch of the Pleasantville Library Association, of which Dr. Swift is president. This association was organized May 9, 1893, for the purpose of establishing a free library and reading room in the village, and consisted originally of about fifty members, each of whom was pledged to contribute the sum of three dollars per year to the support of the enterprise. A room was rented in the Bogen building and the library opened with about six hundred volumes, many of which were con- tributed by members and others interested in the undertaking. At a fair held in the interest of the association in the summer of 1894 the sum of seven hundred dollars was realized, which it was decided to expend in the purchase of a lot upon which to erect a building for a permanent home for the library. A site centrally located, known as the Great Oak Tree lot, was accordingly secured for the purpose. A permanent organization was now effected, under articles of incorporation bearing date of January 29, 1895, and the following members elected to constitute a board of trustees: Alfred Romer, G. C. S. Choate, C. H. Hall, J. V. Stoutenburgh, Albert See, W. H. Moore, Geo. B. Robbins, S. W. Cornell, E. P. Swift, C. M. Lane, G. H. Wheeler, T. B. Pierce, D. P, Hays, Geo. Washburn, W. H. Rosell.
A good public hall having been long needed in the village, it was proposed to make the library building large enough to include an auditorium of sufficient size to seat about four hundred people. Plans were accordingly prepared, and, for the purpose of raising money, bonds issued payable in fifty years, upon which no interest was to be paid unless the total annual income of the association from all sources should amount to more than four hundred dol- lars, this sum being deemed sufficient to pay running expenses. Bonds to the amount of five thousand and five hundred dollars were soon subscribed for
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by public-spirited citizens, which with one thousand dollars generously donated by W. W. Law constituted a fund nearly sufficient for the erection and fur- nishing of the new building. It was completed and opened to the public in September, 1896. In the same year, upon application to the board of regents, the library was accepted as a member of the University of the State of New York. The present officers of the association are: President, E. P. Swift; vice president, S. Wood Cornell; secretary, Albert See; treasurer, C. M. Lane; financial secretary, Mrs. E. P. Swift; librarian, Miss M. Gerard Messenger. The number of volumes has increased to something over twelve hundred and the average circulation to about three hundred books per month. The reading rooms, which are liberally supplied with newspapers and periodicals, are open daily, except Sunday, from two until nine P. M. The membership of the association numbers over seventy (1899).
J. HATFIELD NEWMAN. 2
Mr. Newman is probably better known than any other citizen of Mount Pleasant township, and is a representative of a prominent pioneer family of this county. He was born on the Sabbath day, December 25, 1831, on the old Newman homestead where he still resides. His grandfather, Jonathan Newman, was also a native of the county, born in Bedford township, in 1775, of English ancestry, and on reaching manhood he married Deborah Miller, who was born in the same township, of Holland and German stock. In 1809 they took up their residence upon the farm where our subject now resides, and here made their home until called to their final rest, their remains being interred in Unionville. Each died at about the age of seventy-three years. In their family were only two children-Marinda and Ebenezer M. The former became the wife of Colonel Isaac G. Graham, whose father was a prominent surgeon in the Revolutionary war, and whose nephew was Admiral Worden, of Monitor fame during the civil war.
Ebenezer M. Newman, father of our subject, was born in Bedford town- ship, February 4, 1807, but grew to manhood on the old homestead in Mount Pleasant township, assisting his father in its development and cultivation. He married Miss Amanda J. Combs, a native of the latter township, and a daughter of Thomas and Phœbe (Hatfield) Combs. Her father was a soldier of the war of 1812. By this union three children were born: J. Hatfield, our subject; Jane Amelia, widow of Lafayette Shofield and a resident of Tarrytown, New York; and Deborah, wife of Joseph H. Lewis, a well known citizen of White Plains. The parents passed their three-score years and ten, the father dying at the age of seventy-nine, the mother at the age of seventy-three. They were earnest, consistent Christian people, members of the Reformed church,
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and he affiliated with the Democratic party. His parents were also mem- bers of the same church, were among its founders, and the family has since been officially connected with the same.
The subject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, and acquired his literary education in the district schools of the locality, supplementing it later by practical experience in business life. After reaching manhood he was engaged in the grocery business at Tarrytown for some time, and later was interested in the cattle and stock business, princi- pally in the west, buying stock in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, and shipping the same east during the war. He lived for some time at Hillsdale, Michi- gan, and on his return to Westchester county located on the old homestead, known as Mount Newman, which is a valuable farm near Unionville and near the Kensico cemetery station. It is a most beautiful place, and being ele- vated commands a fine view of the surrounding valleys, mountains and for- ests, which form a lovely picture. Major Andre, who had been captured at Tarrytown, was taken past the Newman farm, and took a drink from the spring at the black birch tree near the Newman house. The spring and the tree are still there.
Mr. Newman married Miss Eliza Twitching, of this county, a daughter of Henry and Fannie (Knapp) Twitching, and by this union he had one daugh- ter, Amanda Jane, a resident of California, who is now the widow of Mr. Fisk, an attorney at law. Mr. Newman was again married, May 25, 1887, his second union being with Miss Fanny E. Haviland, who was born, reared and educated in Putnam county, New York, and is a daughter of Oscar and Mary (Davis) Haviland. The father died during her infancy, and the mother afterward became the wife of James M. Brady, of White Plains. She was the only child of the first union. She is a most estimable lady and a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. As a Democrat Mr. Newman has ever taken an active and prominent part in local politics, and has for eleven years served as assessor of his township, with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In that office he made a state repu- tation by his lawsuit with J. D. Rockefeller in regard to the value of the lat- ter's homestead in Westchester county. His public duties have always been most faithfully and conscientiously discharged, and by his upright, honorable course in life he has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
CHAUNCEY T. SECOR.
The subject of this review is one of the most popular citizens of Scars- dale township, Westchester county. He is active in the ranks of the Demo- cratic party, and has officiated in various local positions of trust and respon-
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sibility to the entire satisfaction of the community. That the public repose the greatest confidence in his ability, wisdom and integrity is shown in the fact that he was chosen to hold the office of chairman of the board of super- visors for three terms, and that for sixteen consecutive years he has been a member of the board. He is still a member, being elected for two years in the spring of 1899.
A remarkable fact in this connection is that the subject of this article, and his father before him, held a position on the board of supervisors of this township for forty-one years altogether. The father, Francis Secor, was born on the farm which is now owned by Chauncey T. Secor, and passed his entire life here, engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He was very promi- nent, and was universally respected and admired by all who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, but, though he labored earnestly for its success, he was not a politician; and upon one occasion, when he was tendered the nomination for the legislature, he promptly declined the honor. Death spared him until he had attained a ripe age, since he was in his seventy- seventh year when he died, in 1885. For a great many years he was an active member in the Presbyterian church, and all worthy enterprises found sympathy and assistance in him. His father, Caleb Secor, it is supposed, was born on the same farm which later belonged to his son and grandson. His whole life was spent on this property, his age at the time of his death being eighty-one years. The Secor family is a very old one in this country, dating its residence in New Rochelle township from 1680. The family name was originally spelled Secard, and the ancestor who founded the branch in America was one Ambrose Secard, a French Huguenot, who, coming from the continent, took up his abode in this section, desiring the religious and civil liberty which was denied to him and his in his native land.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Lyon. She was a native of Rye, Westchester county, her people being old and respected residents of that locality. She died when but twenty-eight years of age, her son Chauncey being but three years old at that time. He was an only child, and thus his childhood was somewhat lonely, as he had no mother, brothers or sisters to share his joys and sorrows.
Chauncey T. Secor received a liberal education in the public schools of his home neighborhood, and in the academy at White Plains, New York. When his father died, the property passed into the young man's hands, he being the sole heir. He had been well trained in the duties of farm manage- ment and general business, and was qualified in every respect to assume the new responsibilities thus thrust upon him.
In 1886 he was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Fish, of this town-
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ship, and they have one daughter, Frances by name, and a son, Chaun- cey T., Jr. Mrs. Secor is a lady of good education and charming person- ality, and enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. She is a member of the Episcopal church, and takes great pleasure in aiding the poor and unfortunate. Mr. and Mrs. Secor reside in a pleasant home on the old farm, but lease the land, and are not burdened with the management of the place. Mr. Secor is a successful financier, and possesses many of the qualities which insure substantial reward in material advancement.
THOMAS JONES.
This well known citizen of Somers township has two hundred and sev- enty-four acres of the finest farm land in Westchester county. Located, as it is, in one of the most picturesque spots, and beautified with buildings of modern and handsome architecture, it is a scene upon which the eye loves to dwell. He has been characterized as a deliberate, careful, fair-minded and resolute man, and his family have been so well reared under his ideas of uprightness that they are held among the most worthy and cultured in the county.
Thomas Jones is a son of Jabez and Sally (Crane) Jones, and was born May 13, 1849. His grandfather, Edward Jones, was of Welsh ancestry, and lived in Richland, Vermont. Here the father was born November 15, ISII, and grew to manhood on a farm. He was educated in the public schools, and was taught the routine of farm work, but about the year 1833 he came to Westchester county, New York, to join one of the first circus companies that diverted the people in this country. He followed the fortunes of the circus until 1838, when he was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Crane. She was a daughter of Thaddeus and Charlotte (Titus) Crane, and was born January 9, 1813, and died January 8, 1879. After his marriage, Mr. Jones purchased a tract of land and spent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was a self-made man and of domestic temperament, saving his earnings, and at the time of death he had accumulated upward of five hundred acres of land, upon which he had made extensive improve- ments. He was one of the representative men of the county, and his death, which occurred May 26, 1883, was deeply mourned. Six children were born to this worthy couple: Edward died from wounds received in the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, his demise taking place October 30, 1864, at Winchester, Virginia. He enlisted in September, 1862, in Company D, Sixth New York Heavy Artillery, as captain. He was promoted to the rank of major the following year for gallant conduct, and was in command of the regiment during the summer preceding his death. He was born July 16,
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