USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 49
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The schools of this county afforded our subject his educational privileges. In early manhood he went to New York city, where he was engaged in busi- ness for five years, and after his return to Westchester county he served as
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deputy sheriff, in 1872, being the first commissioner of jurors of the county. In 1884 he was special inspector of the United States treasury department at the custom-house in New York city, under the administration of President Cleveland. He is a recognized factor in the ranks of the county Democratic organization, having been secretary of the same for twenty years, and he is well fitted to be an important member of political circles, as he is a gentle- man of good appearance, well informed, frank and genial, and has a good memory of names and faces. He ranks among the most honored counselors of his party, and his opinion and advice are continually sought on questions of the greatest importance to his village and county. He is public-spirited and progressive and is justly regarded as one of the invaluable citizens of the community.
In 1865 he led to the marriage altar Miss Cornelia H. Van Kirk, a daugh- ter of Ralph Van Kirk, of Trenton, New Jersey, and they became the par- ents of eight children, namely: Lottie S., who died at the age of five years; Harold T .; Lillian Van K .; Lorena D., who became the wife of Richard A. Ward; Willie L., who died in infancy; Howard Percival, Cornelia M. and Josie M.
BRADFORD RHODES
Few names are more familiar in financial circles throughout the entire country than that of Bradford Rhodes. This gentleman has wielded a wide influence among the bankers and moneyed men of the nation, and probably no one in the United States is more broadly or accurately informed concern- ing the financial problems which now engross the public attention. As editor and publisher of the Bankers' Magazine and Rhodes' Journal on Banking, his opinions are sent abroad throughout the land and are largely received as authority. His are no theoretical views concerning the important subjects which he handles, for he is a practical business man who has made his own way in life and is to-day the president of two successful banking institutions. In America ability must win promotion and merit gain advancement. Of course wealth or influence may aid one in obtaining an important position, but in order to retain it the incumbent must possess mental force and executive power. In reviewing the record of Mr. Rhodes we notice the course he has followed and must give our respect and admiration, for in comparative obscurity he started out on life's journey for himself. Dominated by the progressive and enterprising spirit of the nation, energy and industry stood him in stead of capital and crowned his efforts with prosperity.
Bradford Rhodes was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, February 25, 1848, and was a son of William and Mary Marie (Baird) Rhodes. His father was a farmer of the sturdy Pennsylvania stock, whence has come some of the
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Bradford Rhoeles
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strongest characters of the nation. The son inherited not a few of his father's sterling qualities, and the elemental strength of his character was early shown forth in action and words. He was educated in Beaver Academy, and soon after his graduation became the principal of Darlington Academy. In 1864, when only sixteen years of age, he offered his services to the gov- ernment and joined the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volun- teers. He passed the physical examination, but the mustering officer would not swear him in on account of his youthful appearance, and he was there- fore forced to remain at home.
In 1872 Mr. Rhodes went to New York city and engaged in newspaper work. It was not long before he embarked in business on his own account, and although he was guided from the first by a spirit of safe conservatism he was also ever on the alert for good business opportunities. In 1877 he be- lieved he saw an opening for a first-class practical bankers' magazine and established Rhodes' Journal of Banking, the success of which has proved the keenness of his foresight. It soon became the leading bankers' publication of the country, and in 1895 he purchased and consolidated with it the Bankers' Magazine, the oldest financial publication in the United States. Since that time he has been owner and editor of the Bankers' Magazine and Rhodes' Journal of Banking, which is said to be without a peer in financial circles and is the especial pride of the publisher, although a number of other very worthy publications come from his press. His active connection with the banking business comes through his position as president of the Mamaroneck Bank and the Union Savings Bank of Mamaroneck, substantial institutions which have a large patronage and are doing an excellent business under his capable supervision. He has twice been chosen chairman of Group VI of the New York State Bankers' Association and has been a member of the executive council of the American Bankers' Association. He is known as an influential worker in both organizations and has done much to increase their usefulness. He is also connected with several other business corporations in addition to those mentioned, and his valuable counsel and sound judgment have been important factors in their success.
Mr. Rhodes has not only gained prominence in business circles, but is also a recognized leader in the field of politics, his prestige being the result of his strong mentality, his devotion to the public good and his marked fitness for leadership. He is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in support of the party principles, and has been honored with various positions of trust and responsibility. He was elected a member of the lower house of the general assembly of New York for three consecutive terms, serving in the sessions of 1888, 1889 and 1890, wherein he was known as a painstaking and conscien- tious member. He especially won distinction as chairman of the committee
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on banking, and in that capacity secured some important amendments to the banking laws of New York. He also introduced and secured the passage of the anti-bucket-shop bill. In 1892 he received the unanimous nomination of his party for congress from the seventeenth district of New York, but declined to become a candidate on account of his increasing business duties.
On the 27th of February, 1878, Mr. Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Augusta Fuller, eldest daughter of James M. and Jane A. Fuller, of Mamaroneck, her father a well known banker of New York. Their beautiful country home, Quaker Ridge farm, is situated near Mamaroneck and is stocked with fine horses and Jersey cattle, Mr. Rhodes finding rest and recreation from his arduous business cares in the superintendence of his farm- ing interests. The residence occupies one of the most desirable locations in Westchester county, commanding a fine view of Long Island sound and the surrounding country. The genial manner and courteous deportment of our subject render him a general favorite in social circles and he is a valued mem- ber of the Union League Club, the Larchmont Yacht Club, the Republican Club, the West Side Republican Club and the Transportation Club.
In a summary of the life work of Mr. Rhodes we note that in whatever field he has put forth effort success has attended him. Possessed of splendid presence, more than ordinary ability, a genial courtesy of manner which readily wins and retains confidence and friendship, he uses his remarkable powers wisely and well. We find in his composition a rare combination of man's best qualities. He possesses in a high degree practical business sagacity, charity for the shortcomings of others, generosity to those less favored than himself, and is withal the very soul of honor and honesty. He knows but one method in business or politics-straightforwardness and open dealing, and such a course has won him the unqualified regard of all.
GEORGE LOCKWOOD.
In a history of the most prominent and influential citizens of New Rochelle, the sketch of this gentleman cannot be omitted. Up to the time of his death he was one of the representative men of the village, enterpris- ing, energetic and trustworthy. The Empire state numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in the year 1802 at the village of Hills- dale, Columbia county, New York.
George Lockwood was fitted for the practical and responsible duties of life by a liberal education and entered upon his business career at an early age. In 1862 he embarked in the dry-goods business, in partnership with George Opdyke, under the firm name of Opdyke & Company, which connec- tion was continued for a number of years; their trade steadily increased until
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their business assumed extensive proportions, and the firm took rank among the leading merchants of the city.
In 1852 Mr. Lockwood purchased seventy-six acres of land near New Rochelle, at once began its improvement and erected thereon a fine stone dwelling, which continued to be his place of residence throughout his remain- ing days. Spacious lawns were laid out, and the arts of the landscape gar- dener produced most pleasing and beautiful effects by the judicious cultivation of plants and magnificent forest trees. A portion of the land was devoted to farming purposes for a time and was then subdivided into town lots and sold.
In 1850 Mr. Lockwood was united in marriage to Miss Sophia B. Isaacs, daughter of Benjamin and Frances Isaacs, of Norwalk, Connecticut, the latter a daughter of Dr. Richard and Frances Bryan. Mrs. Lockwood was born in Norwalk June 3, 1815, and by her marriage became the mother of three children: Elizabeth, now deceased; Mary F., wife of Rufus F. Zogbaum, an artist; and Sophia Isaacs, wife of Henry B. Stokes, presi- dent of the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, of New York city. Mrs. Stokes died in 1884, leaving two children, viz .: Florence Lockwood and Marie Lillian, Mrs. Albert C. Bostwick, of New York city.
Mr. Lockwood was a man of domestic tastes, who found his greatest enjoyment at his own fireside, yet in business circles he was very prominent and his influence was marked. He possessed great energy, keen sagacity and sound judgment, and the capacity to control extensive interests. Through the capable management of his store he achieved a very enviable success, and left to his wife a handsome property. Both were for many years mem- bers of the Episcopal church, and for some time Mr. Lockwood served as warden thereof. He passed away April 15, 1870, but the influence of his noble life is still felt by those who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mrs. Lockwood, now in her eighty-fourth year, still occupies the old home- stead in New Rochelle, but also spends part of the time with her grand- daughter, Miss Stokes. She is a true lady of the old school, courteous, gentle and refined, and the esteem in which she is held is the tribute paid to her genuine worth.
JAMES C. BOGEN.
Mr. Bogen, treasurer of the town of Pleasantville, New York, where he nas resided ever since 1867, is identified with a number of fraternal and other organizations in the town, and is widely known and highly respected.
He is a native of Long Island, born July 4, 1844, a son of Edward and Catharine (Engle) Bogen. Of his parents' four children he is the only one now living, the others being Maggie, Lizzie and Edward. James C., our
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subject, was reared in Westchester county, receiving his education in the public schools.
When the Civil war came on he was yet a boy in his 'teens; but, young as he was, his patriotism asserted itself and on October 4, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company A, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, the fortunes of which he shared until he was honorably discharged, August 2, 1865, his rank at that time being that of sergeant. He was a participant in no less than twenty-seven battles, among which were the following: Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, North Anna river, Petersburg, Deep Bottom river, Tolopotomy creek, Poplar Springs church, Hatcher's Run, South Side Railroad, etc. Soon after his enlistment he was promoted as sergeant and assigned to duty in Forts Carroll and Grebble, under General Wadsworth, commanding the defenses of Washington. His command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, under General Grant, and placed in Second Corps, First Division. He was finally present at the surrender of General Lee, April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House. A remarkable feature, consid- ering his long and active service, is that he was never wounded, and he has no hospital record.
Returning home at the close of the war, Mr. Bogen engaged in the, trucking business. In 1867 be was married to Miss Deborah Bird, who died in 1871, leaving one child, a daughter named Grace, who is now the wife of Weldon Baker. By his second wife, whose maiden name was Emma C. Corson and who was a resident of Newton, New Jersey, Mr. Bogen had two children,-Arthur J. and Bertha May, the former of whom is now a clerk in New York City. In 1896 Mr. Bogen married his third wife, whose maiden name was Flora Barns and who had married Eddy Platt. Mr. Platt died in 1894, leaving one daughter, named Lelia.
Politically Mr. Bogen is associated with the Republican party, and he has filled several local offices tendered him by that party. He is a member of the Republican Club of Pleasantville, of which he has been captain. He is also an officer.in the lodge of the Foresters of America, and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Junior Order of American Mechanics and of the Masonic order.
GEORGE C. ANDREWS.
An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have hon- ored the state to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make prominent reference to the one whose name initiates this paragraph. He holds precedence as an eminent lawyer of Westchester county, is dis-
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tinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. Born in Rye, this county, December 3, 1858, he is a son of George and Maria Clinton (Whiley) Andrews, and is connected with some of the most prominent families of the Empire state, including the Philipses, Clintons, Van Cort- landts and Beekmans. The Andrews family was represented in the Revolu- tionary war by the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who was the seventh man to enter Fort Ticonderoga in the famous assault of Colonel Ethan Allen, while the collateral line of the family includes Governor Andrews, the famous " war governor" of Massachusetts. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Richard and Anna Maria (Beekman) Whiley, and a granddaughter of Stephen D. and Maria (Clinton) Beekman. The last named was the fifth daughter of Governor George Clinton and Cornelia (Tappan) Clinton. Stephen D. Beekman was a son of Gerard G. and Cor- nelia (Van Cortlandt) Beekman, and a descendant of Frederick Philipse, the first lord of the manor house of Philipsburg, Westchester county, and the builder of the old historic Dutch church there.
In his early childhood George Clinton Andrews accompanied his parents on their removal to Tarrytown, where he pursued his studies in the public schools, later entering the Delaware Literary Institute, at Franklin, New York, where he was graduated. Perfecting himself in stenography, he was appointed official court stenographer of Rockland county, holding the position for ten years. While thus engaged he studied medicine, to aid in reporting criminal cases, and acquired a proficiency that would have admitted him to practice as a physician, but he had determined to make the practice of law his life work, and devoted his energies assiduously to the acquirement of a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence. In 1882 he was admitted to the bar and began practice in Tarrytown, where he soon built up a large clientage. During the early years of his professional career various assignments of cases were made him by the courts, and so well versed was he in the principles and precedents that he frequently won suits when he had lit- tle chance for preparing his case before the hour of trial arrived. He was. made one of the executors of the estate of the late millionaire William L. Wallace, confectioner, of New York city, and discharged the duties of the position with great promptness and accuracy. He was also counsel for the villages of Tarrytown and Irvington for a number of years. Having always continued his medical studies as a specialty, his medical knowledge has- enabled him to win many intricate criminal cases. Among the most con- spicuous with which he has been connected are those of John Foley, who was indicted for murder, and whose acquittal he secured; the case of Alfred Wood, charged with grand larceny, in which he secured the acquittal of the client by proving conspiracy, although the goods were found secreted in the defend-
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ant's bed; and the case of Michael Hayes, indicted for killing his wife, where, through skill in handling medical testimony, Mr. Andrews succeeded in reduc- ing the verdict to manslaughter in the second degree. In the case of Rosalia Whitmore versus the Village of Tarrytown, reported in 137 New York, 109, he successfully established that an action for damages for changing the grade of a street could not be maintained where the grading done was merely widen- ing and completing a portion of the street to make it conform to the grade already established. Mr. Andrews' contention was disallowed successively in the lower courts and the general term, but in the court of appeals he secured a unanimous reversal, the court holding that "the grade of the street having been established in 1882, it was not altered or changed by the cutting down of the embankment on either side of the street for the purpose of making the whole street conform to the grade thus established," and that the act of 1883, giving damages in such cases, did not apply.
In the autumn ot 1894 Mr. Andrews refused the Republican nomination for the general assembly, but accepted that of district attorney of West- chester county, to which office he was elected in 1895, receiving a majority of nineteen hundred and twenty-nine votes. For twenty-one years that position had been filled by Democratic officials, and the large majority which Mr. Andrews received was certainly a high compliment to his ability, and an indication of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He was re-elected to the office of district attorney in 1898. Among the more important cases he has tried as district attorney are the following: The People versus Henry Barker, People versus Masculano, People versus Guig- liermo, People versus Sweeney, People versus Williams, People versus Wicks, People versus Adrian Brauer, People versus Harrison Howard, People versus Palmer, People versus Farrington, People versus Peter James (alias Edward Jaques). All of these were indicted for murder in the first degree and none were acquitted. Two of the number have gone to the electric chair, and the balance to imprisonment for terms ranging from ten years to incarceration for life, the latter sentence having been passed upon five of the number.
Mr. Andrews' preparation of cases is most thorough and exhaustive; he seems almost intuitively to grasp the strong points of law and fact, while in his briefs and arguments the authorities are cited so extensively and the facts and reasoning thereon are presented so cogently and unanswerably as to leave no doubt as to the correctness of his views or of his conclusions. No detail seems to escape him; every point is given its due prominence, and the case is argued with such skill, ability and power that he rarely fails to gain the ver- dict desired.
In 1884 Mr. Andrews married Miss Julia Biers, daughter of Charles and Charity Biers, of Tarrytown, and has three children-Florence B., George
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Clinton and Charles B. They have an elegant residence, which is the abode of hospitality, and Mr. Andrews is also the owner of the fine Andrews Block, in Tarrytown, in which the post-office is now located, and which he erected in 1894. Socially he is a valued member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities and the Sons of the Revolution, the Royal Arcanum, League of American Wheelmen, City Club of Yonkers, and other societies. He belongs to the Westchester County Bar Association and the State Bar Association of New York, and is a man of strong individuality and intellectuality, of genial manner and kindly disposition, and is regarded as one of the most popular citizens of Westchester county.
THOMAS B. WARD.
This enterprising business man of Westchester county is the proprietor of one of the popular resorts of pleasure-seekers from the crowded cities and town of this vicinity. The Park Hotel, which he owns and ably con- ducts, is situated on the trolley and wagon road connecting Tarrytown and White Plains. He thoroughly understands the demands of the business and is courteous and obliging, making many friends by his genial, whole-souled . methods of entertaining his numerous guests. He has served as commis- sioner of highways and is an important factor in local affairs. In his polit- ical faith he is Republican, and all worthy public improvements, enterprises and reforms receive his encouragement and support.
The parents of the above-named gentleman were both natives of West- chester county. The father, William J. Ward, was born in the town of Eastchester, Westchester county, and died in 1896; and the mother, whose maiden name was Helen Corsa, was born in Fordham, same county, and died in 1891. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Corsa, was born and reared in this county. The paternal grandfather, Buckley Ward, was born and reared in Eastchester, and belonged to one of the representative pioneer families of that region.
T. B. Ward was born June 15, 1858, in Fordham, Westchester county, and grew up on his father's farm. He early learned the routine duties of agriculture and became a practical and efficient business man. Such educa- tion as fell to his share was acquired in the district schools and when he reached his majority he commenced learning the butcher's trade. This line of business he followed for several years, with success, in the town of White Plains.
Fifteen years ago Mr. Ward was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Lawrence, only daughter of Sampson and Cynthia (Lynt) Law- rence, of Ardsley, New York. The marriage ceremony was performed
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November 21, 1883. Mrs. Ward's father was a native of this county, and for many years was the proprietor of the Ardsley Hotel, in Ardsley, where he was much esteemed. He was well known throughout the southern part of the Empire state, and his death, on the Ist of September, 1897, was deeply deplored by his wide circle of sincere friends and admirers. His wife died a few years before, in 1892. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Ward were William and Hannah (Vincent) Lawrence; and her maternal grandparents were Dennis and Sarah (Sherwood) Lynt. Seven children bless the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ward, their names in order of birth qeing as follows: Charles A., Edith M., Sampson L., William C., Hilda A., Thomas B., Jr., and Arthur V.
WILLIAM E. VAN ARSDALE.
This well-known undertaker and embalmer, of Mount Vernon, New York, was born in New York city, in 1862, descending from a good old fam- ily of Holland origin which was founded in America during colonial days. His paternal grandfather, John Van Arsdale, was also born in New York .city, and was the man who hauled down the British flag and ran up the American on the Battery during the Revolutionary war. Although he was shot at several times he escaped uninjured, and at all times proved a most patriotic and loyal citizen. William H. Van Arsdale, our subject's father, was born, reared and educated in New York city, and after reaching man's estate was a member of the police force of that city for some years, and also belonged to the fire department, serving as chief of the same. In 1865 he removed to Mount Vernon, Westchester county, and embarked in the livery business, to which he later added undertaking, conducting a successful busi- ness for a number of years. In early life he married Miss Jane E. Arnold, daughter of Lewis and Hannah Arnold, and they still continue to make their home in Mount Vernon, where they are surrounded by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
William E. Van Arsdale was but three years old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Mount Vernon, and here he was educated, at- tending the public schools until sixteen years of age. He then went to New York city, where he was employed by a firm for two years, and on his return to Mount Vernon he became connected with his father in the livery and undertaking business, remaining with him until 1896. In 1892, however, he purchased his father's interest in the undertaking business, to which he now gives his entire attention, having a very complete outfit, including a hearse and every equipment necessary to conduct a successful business.
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