USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 48
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geons, in New York city, graduating in June, 1869. Returning to Katonah he has since succesfully engaged in practice at that place. He married Miss Irene, daughter of Dr. Seth Shove, who was one of the first settlers of Ka- tonah, and for half a century one of the most prominent surgeons of that locality.
Dr. Chapman, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood days with his parents and prepared for college in the New York Collegiate School, on Fortieth street, New York city. Being debarred by his youth from taking the academic course at college, he pursued a thorough course under private instruction, and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York, in which institution he was graduated on the 13th of June, 1890, when twenty-two years of age. He devoted the succeeding three months to special surgical work in Bellevue Hospital, after which he had charge of his father's practice for a short time. He then opened an office at Mount Kisco, and as the people were not long in recognizing his ability in his chosen calling he soon built up a large and lucrative practice, which he still enjoys. He is a close and thorough student, given to deep research in professional lines, and his investigation into the science of medi- cine and his skillful application of the knowledge he has thereby obtained have won him a place in the foremost ranks of the medical fraternity. He is an officer in the Westchester District Nursing Association, and has been health officer of Mount Kisco for six years, during which time he has given due regard to the sanitary conditions and improvements of the village.
In October, 1890, Dr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Ella J. Whitlock, of New York city, a daughter of Daniel D. Whitlock, who was born in Katonah and was a representative of one of its old and honored fam- ilies. During the Civil war he served his country with the rank of first lieu- tenant. Mrs. Chapman is a graduate of the New York City Normal College and is a most cultured and refined lady. Both the Doctor and his wife are very prominent in musical circles and are members of the Bedford Musical Society, while he is also a member of the choir in the Presbyterian church. He belongs to that organization and is one of its elders. In politics he is a Republican, but is not aggressive or strictly partisan, and has never sought office outside the line of his profession. Socially, he is connected with Kisco Lodge, No. 708, F. & A. M., of which he was master for two years, while at the present writing, in the spring of 1899, he is assistant grand lecturer of the grand lodge. He also affiliates with Croton Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Mount Kisco. He is also a member of the executive commit- tee of the Village Improvement and Library Association, and at all times is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the educational, social, material or moral development of his town and county.
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J. GEORGE HERMES.
The character and position of J. George Hermes illustrates, most håp- pily for the purposes of this work, the fact that if a young man be possessed of the proper attributes of mind and heart he can unaided attain to a point of unmistakable precedence and can gain for himself a place among those men who are the foremost factors in shaping the destinies of the community with which they are connected, -- not by reason of any desire for leadership, but because of their strong individuality and genuine worth. Mr. Hermes proves that the only true success in life is that which is accomplished by per- sonal effort and consecutive industry. It proves that the road to success is open to all young men who have the courage to tread its pathway, and the life record of such a man should serve as inspiration to the young of this and future generations, and teach by incontrovertible facts that success is ambi- tion's answer.
Mr. Hermes was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of August, 1856, and is a son of Mathias and Barbara (Steir) Hermes. The name is of German origin, but the family was founded in America at an early period in our history. The grandfather, Nicholas Hermes, was a tobacco-grower of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and resided in the city of Lancaster. He was a member of the Episcopal church, and died at the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away at the very advanced age of ninety-five years. Mathias Hermes, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, and engaged in tobacco-raising and cigar-manufacturing. He carried on that industry in the city of Lancaster until 1865, when he removed to Camden, New Jersey, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in December, 1897, when he had attained the age of seventy- one years. He served his country in the Civil war, and with the excep- tion of this interruption continued in active business through the greater part of his life, his efforts being crowned with a fair degree of success. His widow is still living, at the age of sixty-five years. They were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: J. George; Peter, who resides in Camden, New Jersey; Lena, deceased; Adam, a seaman; Lizzie and Emma.
J. George Hermes acquired his education in the public and high schools of Philadelphia, and was graduated in the latter, with the class of 1869. He subsequently pursued a course of mechanical engineering in the Philadelphia Polytechnic College, where he was graduated with the degree of Civil Engin- eer. He then served an apprenticeship in the engineering department of Cramp's shipyard, at Philadelphia, and remained with that company until 1877, being promoted from time to time until he was made chief engineer in
J. Bergetfermer
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charge of the construction and trial of all their vessels, -one of the most responsible positions in their extensive business. Among some of the ves- sels constructed under his supervision were the California, Europe, Sidney L. Wright, Gertrude, Corsair No. 1, Corsair No. 2, Corsair No. 3, and the Saga- more. In 1881, when Corsair No. I was built, and was purchased by J. Pier- pont Morgan, Mr. Hermes became marine engineer of that vessel, and occu- pied that position until 1898, when it was commissioned by the government in the war with Spain. He has been Mr. Morgan's chief engineer of all his vessels and private yachts during this time, and as engineer has accompanied him on various cruises on his private yachting tours to the Mediterranean sea, South American ports, and the Pacific coast.
In 1876 Mr. Hermes had charge of the Cramp's extensive exhibit at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, and in industrial circles he is widely and favorably known. He also has a wide reputation as an inventor and manu- facturer, and it was his genius which gave rise to a splendid apparatus for. supplying and heating water for bath-tubs and lavatory, which is especially adapted for marine service and is so arranged that either salt or fresh water can be used. He is also the inventor of the " automatic pulls," of which he sold the patent; a non-condensing apparatus for steam whistles; a patent dis- charging apparatus, and a scissors-sharpener. All of his plumbing inventions have been introduced on Mr. Morgan's vessels, on many of Mr. Vanderbilt's and others. Of those belonging to Mr. Morgan on which Mr. Hermes' inven- tions are found are the Corsair, Margarite, Oneida, Regina, Sovereign, Nor- man Hall, Solace, Louisiana, Sultana, Dorotha, Atlanta, Conqueror, Sap- phire, Electra, Star of the Sea and the Sagamore. These inventions have awakened high commendation from competent critics, and are now generally adopted by new crafts being constructed. Mr. Hermes has taken out patents in England, and in this country he is manufacturing under contract, except the scissors-sharpener.
On the 3d of April, 1877, Mr. Hermes was united in marriage to Miss Jennie A. Palmer, a daughter of James Palmer, a carriage-builder of Chester, Pennsylvania. They have three children: George M., who is a student in the school of technology, a department of Stevens College; Benjamin, who is now attending the high school of Mount Vernon; and Jennie P., in the grammar school. In 1881 Mr. Hermes removed his family to Mount Vernon. Purchasing a fine building site, in 1885 he erected his handsome residence at No. 21 Union avenue-a structure of attractive Gothic architectural design, built partially of brick, with brown-stone trimmings.
Mr. Hermes is a prominent figure in local Republican politics, and is very influential in the party councils. He has, however, never sought or desired office, and it was only after the most urgent solicitation on the part 27
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of his friends that he was induced to become a candidate for alderman in the third ward. He was the only Republican alderman elected in the city, and when the Democratic ticket carried by the largest majority it had ever won he was elected to a place in the city council by a majority of forty-eight. This was certainly a high compliment, indicating in an unmistakable way his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He is a member of the Republican city committee, which posi- tion he has filled for two years. He is also a stockholder in Lincoln Hall, the Republican headquarters, and is a member of the board of trade of Mount Vernon. In the Masonic fraternity he holds membership in the lodge, council, commandery and the Mystic Shrine, also belongs to the O. D. O. and the Royal Arcanum, the Marine Engineers, Master Engineers and Phoenix Lodge, No. 24, of Stationary Engineers-the last three all of New York city. He and his family are members of the church of the Ascension, Protestant Episcopal, and he is a stockholder in the Young Men's Christian Association Building. He contributes liberally to church work and its collat- eral branches, and gives an earnest and substantial support to all measures and movements which he believes will benefit his adopted city along educa- tional, social, moral and material lines.
WILLIAM HUNT GEDNEY.
The name of Gedney is inseparably connected with the history of West- chester county and those who have borne it have been prominent factors in the development and progress of the locality. The present representative, William Hunt Gedney, is a leading and influential citizen of White Plains, where he is successfully engaged in the real-estate business, following a con- siderable period devoted to agricultural interests. He was born on the old family homestead in the town of White Plains, November 27, 1838, his par- ents being Bartholomew and Ann Eliza (Hunt) Gedney. The latter was a daughter of William A. Hunt, a native of this county. He was born on a farm near Tarrytown, New York, carried on agricultural pursuits as a life- work, and was also largely interested in real estate in Irvington. His wife was Regina S. Hunt.
The subject of this review acquired his early education in Tarrytown, the interesting little city made immortal by Washington Irving's descriptions of it. Later he pursued his studies in Armenia, Dutchess county, New York, and then returned to the home farm, where he continued to reside until at- taining his majority. Leaving the farmstead, he then located in Mamaro- neck, where he carried on agricultural pursuits, and also dealt in ice in the summer months. He is very enterprising and progressive, having that strong
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resolution that overcomes obstacles and carries forward to successful comple- tion whatever he undertakes. In 1893 he removed to White Plains, where he has since made his home, and here he is engaged in the real-estate busi- ness. He possesses keen sagacity in matters of investment, sound judgment and great energy, and in his new vocation is also meeting with a gratifying prosperity. He is also a director in the White Plains Savings Bank, and is the owner of a highly improved and valuable farm.
In 1868 Mr. Gedney was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lois Haight, who died in 1884, leaving two children, Elisha H. and George Telzell. The former is engaged in the insurance business and is cashier in the Mamaroneck Savings Bank. He married Fanny Benedict and they have two children- Arester and Mary Lois. William H. Gedney was again married June 2, 1886, his second union being with Sarah J. Wilkinson, widow of John, and a daughter of Sylvester and Effalinda Purdy, natives of England. Her grand- parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth Purdy. She is a lady of high quality.
While residing in Mamaroneck Mr. Gedney was honered by election to a number of positions of trust and responsibility. He served as justice of the peace for twelve years, was assessor six years, school trustee six years, and a member of the board of health twelve years. Socially, he is con- nected with White Plains Lodge, No. 476, F. & A. M., of which he has been a member since 1866. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church, contribute liberally to its support and take an active part in its work. Their home is a fine residence, supplied with all modern improvements, located at No. 26 Court street, White Plains. It is the abode of hospitality and is a favorite resort with their many friends. Of much ability, general worth and of social and commericial prominence, Mr. Gedney ranks high among the citizens of Westchester county, and as a thoroughly representative man he is entitled to recognition in her history.
WILLSEY AUSTIN.
This gentleman needs no introduction to our readers, for his name is closely connected with the pickle industry of the east, and is therefore widely known in trade circles. He enjoys a most enviable reputation as a reliable and enterprising business man, and as the result of his capable management and systematic methods he is meeting with gratifying success in his under- takings.
Mr. Austin was born in New York city, September 11, 1850, a son of Daniel L. and Jane (Kirk) Austin. His paternal great-grandfather also bore the name of Willsey Austin, and was born in upper Westchester county. He
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lived for many years in the town of Greenburg, but died in the town of Yonkers. A carpenter by trade, he did all the carpentry on St. John's Episcopal church, and also erected many other substantial structures. His home was a fine farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres, located between Sawmill River road and Sprain road. In politics he was a Whig, and in religious belief an Episcopalian, belonging to St. John's church. He married Elizabeth Dusenbury, and they had five children: Benjamin, Abraham, John, Betsy Ann, wife of David See, and Susan, wife of Andrew Forshay.
Daniel L. Austin, father of our subject, was born on the Sprain road, in Yonkers, and in early life engaged in farming in connection with his father. Later he was a truckman in New York city, and resided in Christopher street, but subsequently removed to Yonkers. He there took up his residence on the Sawmill River road, and died in the present home of our subject. He established the industry now conducted by his sons, and carried on the busi- ness until his life's labors were ended. He belonged to the fire department, was a Republican in politics, and held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. His three sons were Abraham, Willsey and James.
Willsey Austin acquired his education in Brooklyn, in New York city and in the old school No. 1, of Yonkers. On laying aside his text-books he en- tered upon his business career by learning the canning business of S. H. Provost, with whom he remained for five years, during which time he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the best methods known to the trade. He then joined his father, who purchased the pickle-preserving business, and this association was continued until the death of the senior partner, since which time our subject has been associated with his brother James in the conduct of the same enterprise, under the firm style of D. L. Austin & Sons. They have built up an extensive trade, which is continually increasing. They now sell their goods over three routes, employ twenty men in the conduct of the factory, and the products used in the canning establishment they culti- vate upon a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which they lease. Their pickles are celebrated throughout the country for their excellent quality, and this, combined with the known reliability of the house, has secured a very desirable and gratifying patronage. The brothers are also engaged in general farming and take contracts for all kinds of hauling, employing six teams for the latter purpose.
In September, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Austin, the lady of his choice being Miss Maria Gledhill. Their union was blessed with four children, namely: Frank W., Margaret V., Harold L. and Edith May. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Austin also belongs to the Nepera Hose Company. In his political views he is a Republican, casting his ballot for the men and measures of that party
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and keeping well informed on the issues of the day, yet he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with well deserved success.
WILLIAM H. BARD.
The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to write a record establishing his character as given by the consensus of opinion among his fellowmen. That great factor, the public, is a discriminating factor, and yet takes cognizance not of objective exaltation nor yet objective modesty, but delves deeper into intrinsic character, strikes the keynote of individuality, and pronounces judicially and unequivocally upon the true worth of man,-invariably distinguishing the clear resonance of the true metal from the jarring dissonance of the baser. Thus, in touching upon the life history of the subject of this review, the biographist would aim to give utterance to no fulsome encomium, to indulge in no extravagant praise; yet would he wish to hold up for consideration those points which have shown the distinction of a pure, true and useful life, -one characterized by indomit- able perseverance, broad charity, marked ability, high accomplishments and well earned honors. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pro- nounced upon the man by his fellow men.
William Henry Bard was born at Glencove, Long Island, February 22, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Abigail (Thurston) Bard. The name is of German origin, and the ancestors of the family resided on Long Island prior to the war of the Revolution. The paternal grandfather, John Bard, was a farmer at Glencove, where Samuel Bard was born. The latter also followed farming during the greater part of his life, but for a period of ten years engaged in railroad construction under contract, his operations along that line being extensive. He built a section of the Long Island railroad; also the Harlem branch of the New York Central railroad. In 1857 he removed to Kansas, where he engaged in farming for twenty years, or up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1877, when he had attained the age of seventy-five years. He served as captain of the state militia while in New York. In politics he was a Whig, and was a very zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as trustee. In his family were five children: Mary Elizabeth Nash, now deceased; Mrs. Margaret Ann Flandreaux, also deceased; William H., of this review; Samuel W., and Abigail. The youngest son, now a farmer in Oregon, formerly resided in Ellsworth county, Kansas, and there served as county treasurer. He was also a member of the general assembly of that state, and was a candidate for
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governor. The youngest daughter, Abigail, is now the wife of the Rev. Cox, a presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church in Kansas. She is a lady of superior culture, and frequently fills the pulpit for her husband. The mother of this family is still living, at the advanced age of eighty- six years.
William H. Bard was reared on his father's farm, and in his youth as- sisted in the cultivation of the land and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. On the completion of his education he became a clerk in a grocery in New York city, and afterward engaged in business on his own ac- count in that line in Mount Vernon. He continued the successful conduct of his store until 1866, when he began dealing in real estate. For almost a third of a century he has operated in that way, and is now associated with his two sons, George W. and Charles H. They do the largest real-estate business in Mount Vernon and represent the most enterprising realty oper- ators of this section of the county. Mr. Bard is a man of sound judgment and keen sagacity, and through judicious investments has acquired a hand- some property; but while his business necessarily engrosses the greater part of his time and attention, he is nevertheless ever attentive to his duty toward his fellow men.
Mr. Bard is actuated by broad humanitarian principles in all the rela- tions of life, and since nineteen years of age has labored zealously for the advancement and uplifting of humanity. At that age he became superin- tendent of a Sunday-school, and his interest in the work of the church has never abated. He has always been an extensive reader and great student, and in this way has become a man of broad scholarly attainments, which makes his work all the more effective. Of a deeply religious nature, he has endeavored to perpetuate among men the true spirit of the teaching of the Nazarene. He has been for many years a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church of Mount Vernon, and served as president of the board of trustees of the Methodist church of East Chester. Of the former he has also served as superintendent of the Sunday-school, the aggregate service covering more than thirty years. For the past eleven years he has filled that position in the Grace Methodist church, of Mount Vernon.
The cause of education also finds him a very warm friend, and he has done much to cultivate a desire for mental development among the young. He has been a trustee of the Mount Vernon Bureau of Education for ten years and has lectured extensively throughout Westchester county, principally for churches, Epworth leagues and public schools. He lectures usually on historical subjects, yet has delivered seventy-five lectures on the World's Columbian Exposition, and one of his most popular lectures is, " How to Suc- ceed in Business." While his lectures were illustrated with stereopticon views
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and produced at considerable expense, he has never taken any remuneration for his services, content to entertain, instruct and benefit the young to the best of his ability without pecuniary return. He usually delivers two lectures each month.
In his political views Mr. Bard has always been a stanch Republican, deeply interested in the growth and success of his party. He has held various local offices, to which he has always been elected by large majorities, running far ahead of his ticket, which fact indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He served for two terms as justice of the peace of East Chester, and upon the organization of Mount Vernon served as acting police justice, and was acting city judge for two years.
On the 25th of November, 1857, Mr. Bard married Miss Ann Amelia Post, a daughter of I. H. and Eliza Post, of Yonkers, New York, and to them were born eight children, of whom four are yet living: George W., Edward Everett, a master painter of Mount Vernon; Charles H., who is associated with his father and eldest brother in the real-estate business; and Harriet E., at home. The faithful wife and mother died April 19, 1881.
I. HOWARD KINCH.
Mr. Kinch, real-estate dealer and clerk of the board of supervisors of Westchester county, and one of the best known men in the county, has been a resident of White Plains for the past seven years. He is a native of the county, born in North Castle township, May 30, 1845, and is a son of Andrew Jackson Kinch, also a well-known resident of this county, who died in 1896, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He was a stalwart Demo- crat, taking quite an active and prominent part in local politics, and for two years served as mayor of Bordentown, New Jersey. Socially, he affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously both he and his wife held membership in the Episcopal church. She bore the maiden name of Miss Elizabeth Sands Townsend, was a native of North Castle township, Westchester county, and a daughter of Israel and Phœbe (Sands) Townsend. She was a lady of high character, and proved a faithful helpmeet to her hus- band. To this worthy couple were born two children: I. Howard, of this review; and Leonidas Townsend, who was born in 1841, and died in 1867, the result of an accident. He was engaged in business at Bordentown, New Jersey, at the time of his death.
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