USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 51
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WILLIAM MARSDALE FLOYD.
Fifteen years ago the gentleman of whom this sketch is written became a resident of Yonkers, and during this period he has identified himself with all worthy enterprises having for their purpose the permanent benefit of this community. He is a man of great and commendable public spirit, a true patriot and a stanch Republican. He was one of the charter members of the order of the Lincoln Legion, helping to organize the same, and during the Mckinley campaign he was president of the club, which did very effective work, and it is without doubt the strongest Republican organization in the city. During the presidency of Mr. Floyd the Lincoln Legion grew surpris- ingly in numbers and in financial success, becoming an important and recog- nized factor in local affairs and in general politics.
On the paternal side of the family Mr. Floyd is from an old and honored Virginia family, while on his mother's side he is of French extraction. His grandfather Floyd was a wealthy plantation owner in Florida in the early part of this century, and besides this he was a slaveholder. He partici- pated in the war with the Seminole Indians of the southeast in 1832. His son Henry, father of our subject, was born on the old Florida plantation, and is still living, his home being now in Chicago, Illinois, in which city he was formerly engaged in the produce and commission business. His wife also is living, and they are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In her girlhood Mrs. Floyd was a Miss Julia Chisholm. To Mr. and Mrs. Floyd were born several children, of whom the following survive: John, Harry V., William M., Ida, Blanche, Laura and Grace.
William Marsdale Floyd was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 8, 1850, and was educated in the public schools and in Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio. When he was about eighteen years old he left his studies and for the next three and a half years was engaged in railroading on the Big Four Rail- road. Afterward, for varying lengths of time, he was employed in different capacities with the following named corporations: The White Line Trans- portation Company, the "B" Line Transportation Company, and the Indi- ana, Decatur & Springfield Railroad. Having had wide experience with these
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companies he was offered a position as prospecting agent for the Indiana Coal Company, and later was in the employ of the A. & P. Roberts Iron Com- pany, of Philadelphia. In 1883 he entered the employ of the Otis Elevator Works as shipping clerk, and he still retains this position, a very important one in a concern of this magnitude. He is thoroughly practical and reliable, possessing the confidence and esteem of his associates and superiors. Among other local enterprises in which he is interested is the Mercantile Loan & Building Association, in which he is a director. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Loyal Additional, a branch of the first named organization, and is connected with the Masonic order and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. Two of the uncles of Mr. Floyd served in the Union army during the civil war, and he himself could hardly be kept at home, for he was such a zealous patriot. Born in 1850, he was but eleven years old when the war broke out, but he eagerly followed every step of the struggle between the contending factions and longingly waited for the time when he might be accepted in the ranks. Twice before he was fourteen years old he ran away from home to enlist, and both times was promptly brought back by his parents. Again the youthful patriot tried to enlist, and this time was successful, for his persistence showed that he was earnest in his determina- tion and that it was not the chance impulse of a passing emotion. He was given a position as a messenger on the staff of Povost Marshal McDougall, then stationed at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He had the honor of being the first person to cross the pontoon bridge constructed between Covington and Cincinnati, and delivered an important message for his commander. The same spirit of enthusiasm for his country and disinterested desire to serve it, has always been one of his marked characteristics.
The marriage of Mr. Floyd and Miss Anna Louise Kline, of Yonkers, was solemnized in this city November 19, 1889. They have two daughters and a little son, named respectively, in order of birth, Laura, Ava, and William M., Jr.
GEORGE PALMER.
The proprietor of the Palmer House, at Croton Dam, Westchester coun- ty, New York, is a sterling representative of one of the sturdy, honored old families of this state, his ancestors having settled here with the early Hol- land-Dutch colonies. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Zoper Pal- mer, married Miss Mary Ann Purdy, a native of this county, and daughter of Andrew Purdy, a respected farmer.
Joseph F. Palmer, the father of our subject, was born September 8, 1824, and passed to his reward on Christmas day, 1880. He too was born in this county, and carried on a hotel here for a great many years. No citi-
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zen of his community was more highly esteemed than he, and few were more public-spirited. For several years he served in the office of township collector, meeting the requirements of the position with fidelity and promptness. He was an earnest advocate of the principles advanced by the Republican party, and, socially, was a member of the Odd Fellows order. January 19, 1853, he married Miss Emily Purdy, who had been born and reared to womanhood in this county, and was a daughter of William Purdy. To the marriage of this worthy couple four children were born: Seavalin, whose death occurred in 1895, at the age of forty-one years, was born February 9, 1854; J. Lin- coln, born September 8, 1860, died February 15, 1863; Em Matilda is the wife of Frank Hopkins, of New York city.
George Palmer, whose name heads this review, was born on the first day of December, 1858, and he is therefore just in the prime of life, physic- ally and mentally. He was educated in the public schools of his home neigh- borhood and early acquired a thorough knowledge of business from his fa- ther. As the proprietor of the Palmer House he is making a success, as his patrons testify, and everything which can be done or furnished to make his guests contented and comfortable is cheerfully contributed by him. He is a Republican, politically, and is the postmaster at Croton Lake, having filled the position continuously since his appointment, March 14, 1883, and he also officiates as a notary public. The only fraternity with which he is connected is that of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, his membership being with Mount Kisco Lodge. December 19, 1883, Mr. Palmer wedded Miss Estella Flewwellin, daughter of Isaiah and Esther (Fowler) Flewwellin.
GEORGE I. RUSCOE.
Mr. Ruscoe, as a teacher, who was for many years prominently identified with the educational interests of Westchester county, but now devotes his energies to agricultural pursuits, is the present supervisor of Pound Ridge and one of its well-known and leading citizens, -a representative of an old and honored family which manifested its patriotism and loyalty by sending seven of its members to the front during the dark days of the Rebellion. He was born March 29, 1857, and is a son of George Ruscoe, whose birth also occurred in Lewisboro township, about 1833. The grandfather, Jesse Rus- coe, who was of German descent, reared five sons, all of whom were over six feet in height, namely: George, Andrew, deceased, Cyrus, Charles, deceased, and Floyd. All of these were soldiers of the Civil war, and two sons-in-law took part in the same struggle: Aaron Byington, who wedded Mary Ruscoe; and William German, who married Harriet Ruscoe. The mother of these children bore the maiden name of Selecta Brown. Our sub-
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ject's father grew to manhood in his native township and married Miss Han- nah E. Brown, a daughter of James and Betsey (Slawson) Brown. She died in 1896, but he is still living and is widely and favorably known throughout the county. Both held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been identified with the Republican party since its organization. Their children were George I., the subject of this review; Frederick W., who is living in the far west; and Edward I., who also is in the west.
The boyhood and youth of George I. Ruscoe was passed under the pa- rental roof, and his education was obtained in the Bolton Seminary. At the early age of seventeen he began teaching, and successfully followed that pro- fession for twenty terms. In 1891 he located on the old homestead of his maternal grandfather, James Brown, and is now engaged in dairy farming. He has a fine place of one hundred acres under a high state of cultivation and well improved, and owing to his early training upon the home farm he is meeting with excellent success in its management.
Mr. Ruscoe first married Miss Effie L. Whitney, a daughter of George and Sally (Reynolds) Whitney. She died in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she was a consistent member. In 1893 our sub- ject wedded Miss Grace Adams, of Pound Ridge township, a daughter of La Verd and Esther J. (Brown) Adams. He has three children, namely: Fred- erick, Mary and Clara.
Politically Mr. Ruscoe is a strong Republican, and has been an influen- tial delegate to many county conventions of his party. He has also served in a number of official positions of honor and trust, being justice of the peace for the past twenty-one years, supervisor six years, school trustee and notary public; and the duties of these offices he has most faithfully and con- scientiously discharged. Religiously he, too, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM L. BONNETT.
The members of the Bonnett family in Westchester county are descend- ants of Huguenots, who emigrated to this country about 1682, settling first on Long Island, and, as nearly as can be ascertained, moved to Westchester county in pioneer days, and suffered many hardships and privations while developing farms and establishing homes in the wild and wooded country.
William W. Bonnett, the father of the subject of this memoir, was born in the town of New Rochelle, on his father's farm, brought up a number of children, was a follower of agricultural pursuits, and was a well-known and good citizen. Politically he was a Jeffersonian Democrat, and held several offices, for a number of years being assessor of Rochelle township. He mar- Phebe Landrine, a native of Tarrytown on the Hudson, who died August
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14, 1896, in her seventy-third year; and he departed this life January IO, 1894, in his eighty-seventh year. Both were exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal church. James Bonnett, the father of William W., was likewise a native of the same town, and married Sarah Wooly.
William L. Bonnett, deceased, the subject of this brief memoir, was born in the town of New Rochelle, in June, 1851, was reared principally upon the old homestead, attending the district school at New Rochelle, and afterward the Lockwood private school, where he ended his school days. Returning to the farm, he assisted his father for a time, then learned the car- penter's trade, and was afterward engaged in both vocations, having been very skillful with edge tools. He was finally stricken with la grippe, and died very suddenly, December 28, 1893.
October 27, 1875, he was married to Miss Emma F. Davis, of the city of Yonkers, New York, the youngest daughter of John and Guenny (Price) Davis. They had two sons: William D., who is on the farm with his mother; and Walter F.
Mrs. Bonnett is a cultured lady, taking charge of the farm, on which is a beautiful residence, the place being well equipped and kept in neat order. Mr. Bonnett was a consistent member of the Episcopal church, of which he was a vestryman for a number of years, and was a liberal contributor to church and charitable enterprises.
FRANCIS E. FOSHAY.
A leading and influential citizen of Yorktown township is Francis E. Foshay, who is a native of Westchester county, his birth occurring at Put- nam, Kent township, August 12, 1834. His father, James Foshay, was born in the same county, in 1798, and was a son of John Foshay, an early settler of Pleasantville. The latter married Miss Esther See, who was a member of an old Holland family, and whose father was a soldier of the Revolution- ary war. James Foshay was reared on the home farm and throughout life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a man of good physique, standing six feet four inches and weighing two hundred and forty pounds. Polit- ically, he was an ardent Democrat, and he was called upon to fill several township offices, ably serving as justice of the peace for the long period of twenty years. In early life he married Mrs. Zipporah Powers, widow of Robert Powers and a daughter of John Dean, and three sons were born to them: William D., now of Seattle, Washington, but formerly a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; Francis E., the subject of this article; and George H., who died at the age of forty-one years. The father departed this life in 1881, at the age of eighty-three years, and the mother passed away at the
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extreme old age of ninety-six. Both were devout members of the Meth- odist church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them.
Upon the home farm Francis E. Foshay early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His early education, acquired in the public schools of the neighborhood, was supplemented by a course in the Enice Academy, in Dutchess county, New York, and for sev- eral terms thereafter he successfully engaged in teaching school. On the 4th of June, 1860, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Euphemia Losee, of Putnam county, New York, a daughter of Ora and Eliza (Austin) Losee, and three children blessed their union. M. Amelia is now a popular and suc- cessful teacher of Los Angeles, California. Frances W. is the wife of Frank Ulmer, of Yorktown township, and they have three children, Francis, Julian and William F,; Julian J., a commercial traveler, is living in New York city.
Mr. Foshay's elegant home, known as Lake Manor, is a commodious frame structure, pleasantly located on the south shore of Lake Mohonsic, two miles from the Yorktown station. He and his family attend the Presbyte- rian church, and in politics he is identified with the Democracy. He has most capably served his fellow citizens in the capacity of township clerk and in other local offices, and has the confidence and good will of all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or social life. As his manner is frank and genial, he is one of the most popular men of his community.
JOHN H. BAXTER.
Mr. Baxter holds and merits a place among the representative legal practitioners and citizens of Peekskill, and the story of his life, while not dramatic in action, is such a one as offers a typical example of that alert American spirit which has enabled many an individual to rise from obscurity to a position of influence and renown solely through native talent, indomit- able perseverance and singleness of purpose. In making the record of such a life, contemporary biography exercises its most consistent and important function.
Mr. Baxter is a native of Peekskill, born March 8, 1854, and on the paternal side is of English descent. His grandfather, Isaac Baxter, was a soldier of the war of 1812. The father, Abram C. Baxter, was a native of New York city, and for over fifty-three years was a well known and promi- nent business man of Peekskill. Here he was married to Miss Margaret A. Finch, who died in 1895. The children born to this worthy couple were as follows: Charles, deceased; John H .; Thomas; Sarah, wife of W. H. Lent; and Lillie, wife of S. D. Horton. The parents both held membership in the Methodist church, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew them.
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During his boyhood John H. Baxter excelled in his studies, and he was. graduated at the Peekskill Military Academy when but fifteen years of age. He then commenced reading law under the direction of Hon. Edward Wells, of Peekskill, with whom he remained as clerk some years. Being admitted to the bar, he opened an office here in 1875, and it was not long before he succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice, which he still enjoys. He was married in January, 1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Losey, a lady of education and refinement and a daughter of Isaac and Georgeanna (Wessels) Losey.
In his political affiliations Mr. Baxter is a Republican, and he has served his fellow citizens most acceptably as justice of the peace for sixteen years, and as one of the judges of the court of sessions for nine years. He is an honored member of several social organizations, including the blue lodge of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is past grand. He is a gentleman of scholarly and refined tastes, is thoroughly versed in the law, and his professional career, nearly all of which has been in Peekskill, has been attended with a marked degree of success. As a citizen he is esteemed and respected for his enterprising and progressive spirit, and his friends are many throughout the community.
MICHAEL J. DILLON.
The present mayor of the city of New Rochelle, Michael J. Dillon, is the eldest son of John and Anne Dillon, who were married in New Rochelle, in the year 1849. The mother of the former and the father of the latter were among the early Irish settlers of this place, locating here prior to the '40S. Michael J. Dillon was born in New Rochelle, Westchester county, October 29, 1852, and in the public schools of the village acquired his education, en- joying good privileges owing to the high standard of the schools. Subse- quently he became a student in Lockwood's Academy, of New Rochelle, and won the highest honors in that institution for thoroughness and originality. In his youth he was noted for his splendid athletic powers, was an expert at base ball and was captain of the celebrated New Rochelle Athletic Club at the time the well known banker, Adrian Iselin, of Wall street, New York, erected the one-hundred-thousand-dollar gymnasium for the club. Through the means of his athletic interests Mr. Dillon developed a splendid physique and a strong constitution, which are important factors in his present life, enabling him to control a large amount of public and private business.
One of the first steps which he took after completing his academic educa- tion was to accept the appointment to a position in the department of public works in New York city, where he served in a clerical position for two years,
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when a change in the political administration caused his retirement. More than twenty years ago he established a large real-estate, insurance and auc- tioneering business in New Rochelle and New York city, and to-day stands as a leader in that line of enterprise in Westchester county. By the capable management of his business interests, sound judgment, enterprise and honor- able dealing, he has amassed a small fortune, which is the merited reward of his labors.
Mr. Dillon has been a life-long and unfaltering supporter of the princi- ples of the Democratic party. When quite young he became an active factor in political circles and his interest therein has never fagged. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to office, and in the various positions he has discharged his duties with marked promptness and regularity. He was town clerk of New Rochelle for two years, was village assessor one year, for eleven years was clerk of the village of New Rochelle, for eight years receiver of taxes of the town, and was in 1898 and 1899 town supervisor, having been elected in 1898 by the very flattering majority of six hundred and fifty-three, over the Republican candi- date. This is the largest majority ever given a candidate for a political office in New Rochelle, and the fact stands in unmistakable evidence of the high opinion in which Mr. Dillon is uniformly held. In April, 1899, New Rochelle became a city and Michael J. Dillon was elected as the first mayor, in which position he is now serving. His term as mayor will expire on Jan- uary I, 1902. In the councils of his party his influence has been strongly marked. He has been a delegate from Westchester county to almost every Democratic state convention since 1879, and in that year he was a representa- tive from the second assembly district of Westchester county to that con- vention which afterward became famous on account of the "Kelly bolt," when Governor Lucius Robinson was renominated for the office of chief executive of the Empire state. For many years Mr. Dillon has been a mem- ber of the Democratic county committee of Westchester county and in that connection has served in various capacities. He was made chairman of the board of county canvassers for the years of 1898-99 of Westchester county, New York. He has frequently been chairman of the Democratic senatorial, assembly and county conventions, and being a good public speaker usually opens these conventions with addresses on the issues of the day. His influ- ence in matters political is widely felt and he is a recognized factor in New York politics. In the interests which concern the welfare of New Rochelle, in her public improvements and progressive measures, Mr. Dillon has always taken an active part, and is a public-spirited citizen. He is also a prominent and valued member of various clubs and societies, and stands high in social circles in New Rochelle and New York city. 29
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In the year 1882 Mr. Dillon was united in marriage to Miss Annie Havey, of New Rochelle, who died in 1894, leaving three sons and one daughter, namely: Gregory, John, Annie and Philip H.
THOMAS JOHNSON.
One of the most responsible positions in the great establishment of the Alexander Smith Carpet Company, of Yonkers, is held by the gentleman of whom this sketch is written. He is a native of Scotland, born in Glasgow, October 10, 1858, and from a long line of upright, industrious highland ances- tors inherited those traits of character for which the children of the land of hills and heather are noted the world over.
Ronald Johnson, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of the western part of the highlands of bonny Scotland. He was a farmer and a man of influence in his own community; was progressive and wide-awake in his ideas, and was active in the reformation. He lived to the advanced age of four-score years, then being summoned to his reward. His good wife also was eighty years old at the time of her death. Their children were six in number, namely: John, Jane, Warren, Alexander, George and Augusta.
The parents of Thomas Johnson were George and Isabella (Talbot) Johnson, the father a native of the city of Glasgow. He was a machinist by trade, and is now living retired in the city where he was born and has spent nearly all of his life-eighty-odd years. In 1871 he came to the United States with his wife and children, but at the end of three years, during which time he was employed by the Otis Elevator Works in the capacity of machin- ist, he returned to the land of his birth, accompanied by his whole family, save three of his children. His wife died at the age of fifty years, and of their children, Annie is deceased; Jennie is the wife of Sergeant Evans, of the Brooklyn police force; Isabella married Alexander McClellan, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, he being a brother of Senator McClellan of the same place; Mary is the wife of Rev. Robert Russell, of Port Natal, South Africa; Flora is the matron of the Methodist Episcopal Home at Dobbs Ferry, New York; John, a marine engineer, resides in Scotland. The father of these children is a Presbyterian in religious faith, as was also his wife.
After completing his education in Yonkers Grammar School No. 6, Thomas Johnson returned with his parents to his native land, and there served an apprenticeship as a marine engineer on the Clyde line of steamers. When he went to sea he had the position of fourth engineer, but was rapidly promoted and at the end of two years was chief engineer on merchant ves- sels plying between London and ports in Spain. He continued in this department of work until 1888, latterly running between New York city and
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the West Indies. While sailing the seas he made six really important voy- ages, visiting all of the notable ports of the Old World, from the Orkney islands, on the north of Scotland, to the countries of the Nile and the islands of the East Indies as well. For some time he was in the employ of the Star Navigation Company, of London, and subsequently he became expert engineer for Dinsmore & Jackson, and also served in this capacity for Ross & Duncan, of Scotland. While with the last mentioned concern he made several trips for the purpose of delivering vessels at different ports, and no one in the employ of this great firm was more trusted or had greater inter- ests confided to him. From 1880 to 1887 Mr. Johnson served on board various vessels and passed through many interesting and exciting experiences, visiting, among many other distant ports, cities in Tasmania and Australia. Coming to the United States again in 1886, he joined the mail steamship service between New York city and the West Indies, and for about two years held the responsible position of first assistant engineer. Subsequently he occupied various positions with different firms, and eventually became an engineer in the worsted mill of the Alexander Smith Carpet Company. At the end of seven years he was advanced to the extremely responsible post of chief engineer of the entire plant, and has under his jurisdiction thirty-seven men, -assistant engineers and firemen.
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