USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume I > Part 54
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Mr. Breuchaud was born in New York city, April 5, 1857, and is a son of Jules and Elise (Maurer) Breuchaud. His father and mother were natives of Switzerland, where they spent their early life. In 1858 they crossed the Atlantic to New York city, and the father was for several years connected with a well known fur trading house. In the metropolis he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring while on a voyage to New Orleans in 1866. His mother died in March, 1898, at the age of sixty-five years. He had four children: Marie, born in Switzerland; Jules; Rose, wife of George S. Rice, a civil engineer of Boston, Massachusetts; and Lilly, wife of Andrew Cunningham, a merchant of Boston, Massachusetts, his home being in the latter place.
Jules Breuchaud acquired his education in the public schools of his native city and in Cooper Union, where he pursued a special course. He was obliged to abandon his studies, however, at the age of fourteen years, on account of trouble with his eyes. He then entered the office of William E. Worthen, one of the most eminent civil engineers of New York, with whom he had special advantages of acquiring a most comprehensive and practical knowledge of engineering. He also gained valuable experience in his associ-
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ation with Alphonse Fteley, who is now civil engineer of the aqueduct com- mission and president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 1874 Mr. Breuchaud went to Boston, Massachusetts, and entered the employ of the company engaged on the construction of the water-works of that city. He was engaged in that service until 1880 as rod and instrument man on construction, during which time the five-million-dollar water-works of that city were constructed.
In 1880 and 1881 he was assistant engineer in charge of the construction of a twelve-mile section of the Northern Pacific railroad, in Dakota and Montana. In 1881 he took his first contract on his own account in railroad construction, and built a section of the Northern Pacific road in Montana, being engaged in that labor until 1884. During that time he resided in Bil- lings, Montana, and took a very active part in the local enterprises of that then newly established town. He was interested in general mercantile busi- ness, aided in establishing a system of government there, and was active in political circles. Feeling that the people of that community did not receive a dne share of the benefits accruing from the taxes paid, he, in company with a few others, went to Helena, the capital, and secured a division of the county, erecting their portion into a new county, under which organization Mr. Breuchaud was elected county treasurer. When the territory applied for statehood he also took a very active part in advancing its interests in that direction, and, in fact, was a valued promoter of every movement or interest which he believed would prove of public benefit. He was appointed on a commission to treat with the Crow Indians, and spent a week at the Crow agency endeavoring to secure a desirable settlement with the red men. He invested considerable money in real estate in Montana, and still has some valuable property interests there.
In 1885 Mr. Breuchaud returned to the east, locating in Yonkers, where he has since resided. In that year he became associated with Joseph B. Pennell, under the firm style of Breuchaud, Pennell & Company, and built section 8 of the new Croton aqueduct for a million and half dollars. This section extends three miles to the north of Yonkers. They also built a sec- tion in the depression of the tracks of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad at Tremont, the iron-line section of the new Croton aqueduct at One Hundred and Forty-ninth street, New York city, the incline railroad of the Catskill mountains, and a section of the sea wall at Governor's Island, in 1891. In partnership with Arthur McMullen, under the firm name of Arthur McMullen & Company, Mr. Breuchaud constructed the King's bridge of New York city, over the Harlem ship canal, at a cost of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars. This bridge was built upon a pneumatic foundation, which plan of construction is now generally used in connection with the erection
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of the highest buildings of New York city. In an ably prepared paper Mr. Breuchaud set forth the plans and methods of such construction, and on the discussion of the subject by the American Society of Civil Engineers, its former president, Thomas Curtis Clarke, said: "The paper lays before the society the development, or evolution, of a new branch of civil engineering. The shoring of buildings, because of excavations made beside them, is a very old process, familiar to all engineers; but the depth of foundations, and the want of room incident to the construction of modern, lofty office buildings, are such that the author found it necessary to introduce entirely different methods in such work, changing it from a mechanical craft to civil engineer- ing. He made it scientific construction, which is civil engineering."
In 1897 Mr. Breuchand purchased the interest of C. J. Ryan, of the firm of Coleman, Ryan & Brown, the partners being James S. Coleman, C. J. Ryan and H. H. Brown. This firm was engaged on the construction of the new Croton dam for the city of New York, and upon the death of Mr. Brown, B. F. Coleman, a brother of James S., became a member of the firm, and their business name was changed to Coleman, Breuchaud & Cole- man, which firm is now engaged in completing the original contract, which was to cost four million and six hundred thousand dollars, but will exceed six million dollars. Work was begun six years ago and will require three years longer for completion. The firm employs eight hundred workmen, and Mr. Breuchaud has entire charge of the work as managing partner, his com- prehensive knowledge of such work and his practical ability well fitting him for this responsible and gigantic task.
In the Engineering News, published October 20, 1898, appeared the following: "After nearly six years of work on the new Croton dam, some portions of the masonry of the main structure are now up to a point slightly above elevation fifty, about the original bed of the river. All of this part of the work has reached the zero level, or average mean tide at Sing Sing, thirty miles from New York. Although the masonry already built is one hundred and forty feet in maximum height, the working levels are still spoken of as 'the hole.' In its greatest cross section this immense dam will be two hundred and ninety-six feet high and two hundred and sixteen feet wide at the base. These figures exceed the preliminary designs, owing to the fact that it was necessary to go deeper at one or two points than had been expected, the maximum depth reaching one hundred and thirty and seven- tenths feet below the old river bed. A total of about two hundred and seventy thousand cubic yards of masonry out of six hundred and seventy thousand had been laid up to August 1, 1898. All but one hundred feet of the foundation for the heart wall was in place on August 23, 1898, and only some two hundred and fifty feet of the foundation for the spillway were still
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lacking. The new dam will have a storage capacity of about thirty-two billion gallons, giving, with the other reservoirs completed, or under con- struction, a combined available storage capacity of about seventy-two billion gallons. With the new storage completed the average daily supply in a dry year will be two hundred and eighty billion gallons."
Mr. Breuchaud is a prominent member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, having become an associate member in 1887, and later taking reg- ular membership. He also belongs to the Engineer's Club of New York city; the Hardware Club of New York city; the Park Hill Country Club, the Sing Sing Golf Club or the Mount Pleasant Field Club. He was married in 1881 to Miss Irene Gibbs, daughter of Joseph N. Gibbs, of Medford, Mas- sachusetts, and they now have three children: Jules Rowley, Sunset and Elise Fteley.
Mr. Breuchaud is a representative American citizen, who has attained to prominence in industrial circles through marked ability, laudable ambition and unconquerable energy. Not afraid to work, he manifested great eager- ness to perform well the tasks assigned him in early life, and thus continu- ously won advancement. On beginning contracting on his own account he made it his endeavor to live up to the term of the contract, to execute his commissions with skill and to merit the commendation of those in whose ser- vice he was performing his labors. He soon won the public confidence, and his splendid work secured him a business that has constantly increased in volume and importance until it is scarcely equaled in the entire country.
E. LEWIS QUICK.
E. Lewis Quick, a justice of the peace of North Salem township, West- chester county, is a descendant of Revolutionary stock, born February 24, 1843. He is a son of Isaac Purdy Quick, and a grandson of Judge Daniel Quick, who fought in the Revolutionary war. He was also related to Thomas Quick, the noted Indian fighter. His mother, Elizabeth, was a daughter of John Bowering, a Baptist clergyman of Lyons Farms, New Jersey. She died leaving eight children, namely: Floyd; Mrs. Anna M., wife of Ebenezer G. Platt, of North Castle township, this county; Theodore, who was killed at Reams' station, Virginia, during a battle of the civil war; Mrs. Sarah W. Sherwood; Isaac, who was accident- ally killed when young; E. Lewis, our subject; Edgar and Eliza, both deceased. The father for his second wife married Charlotte W. Sanderson, by whom he had one child, Mary O., who is the wife of David W. Slawson, of the firm of Slawson Brothers, New York city. Mrs. Quick is now in the evening of life, having almost reached the century mark, her age being
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ninety-one years. The father was a man of commanding presence, weigh- ing two hundred pounds. For years he was connected with Bailey & Finch in the circus business, was a partner and acted as their advance agent, cover- ing the territory between here and New Orleans on horseback. In his poli- tics he was a Whig. At his death he was aged sixty-one years.
The subject of this biography was reared on a farm and attended the public schools. He was wedded, in 1870, to Sulie S. Stetson, a daughter of Captain David Stetson, a prominent family of Philadelphia. Her mother, whose maiden name was Sickles, was a relative of General Sickles and Fer- nando Wood. But two children have blessed this union: Lewis B., a mis- sionary in South China; and Martha S., employed in the office of the secre- tary of the society of the King's Daughters, in New York city. Mr. Quick has the old ancestral homestead, a farm of one hundred and forty acres, ten of which is an orchard.
The brother, Floyd Quick, has a large farm at Fishkill, is a man well known and highly respected and an influential citizen. He married Phoebe Brett, a daughter of one of the leading old farmers of Fishkill.
MICHAEL J. WALSH.
Michael J. Walsh is one of the prominent young business men of Yonkers. Not yet thirty years of age, he has attained a leading place in industrial circles, and has also won distinction in connection with the public affairs of the city, being one of the leaders of the Democracy in this section of the county. Great energy, strong mentality and marked executive ability -these are his chief characteristics, and they have gained him success in business life and prestige among those who follow the banners once upheld by Jefferson.
Mr. Walsh was born in Pownall, Vermont, on the roth of May, 1871, and is a son of Michael and Bridget (Flanagan) Walsh, both natives of the Emerald Isle. On crossing the Atlantic to America the father took up his residence in New Hampshire. He was engaged in railroad construction for many years and spent his last days in Yonkers. In his political views he was a Democrat, and in religious faith was a Catholic. His death occurred May 2, 1894.
In the public schools of Valley Falls, N. Y., Michael J. Walsh acquired his elementary education, and later continued his studies in Yonkers, but at the age of fifteen he left the school-room to take up the more difficult les- sons in the school of experience. He secured a position in the office of the Yonkers Gazette, where he remained for two and a half years, applying himself closely to the mastery of the business. On the expiration of that
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period he became connected with the Yonkers Herald, then a weekly paper, and was later with the Statesman, also published in this city. In 1890 he embarked in business upon his own account by opening a book and job print- ing establishment, which he is still conducting. He has succeded in build- ing up a lucrative trade, and justly merits the large patronage which he receives. He thoroughly understands the demands of the trade and is prac- tical and reliable, and prompt in the execution of all work entrusted to his hands. He has a well equipped plant and his work is neat and attractive, including some very fine samples of the printer's art.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Walsh has made a close study of the political issues and questions of the day and has been especially prominent as a leader in local Democratic circles. In November, 1897, he was elected a member of the board of city aldermen of Yonkers, from the fourth ward, and has since been the most prominent and active representative of the party in the council. He has acted on various important committees, has been chair- man of the railroad committee and a member of the committees on finance, public health, printing and election, while at the present time he is accept- ably and creditably serving as president of the council. He has been promi- nently mentioned in connection with the Democratic candidacy for mayor, and in 1898 was the nominee of his party for the office of county superin- tendent of the poor and made a good canvass, but was defeated by a few votes. He has served as a delegate to various conventions of his party, includ- ing county, district and assembly conventions, and his opinions carry weight in such councils. A member of the Jefferson Democratic Club and other political organizations, he has kept thoroughly informed on the principles and policy of his party and has assisted in its success by public speeches delivered at favorable opportunities. He has labored most earnestly for its growth and success, and his efforts have not been without good results.
On the 29th of July, 1895, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta Cockrill, a daughter of Thomas Cockrill, a mason and builder of New York city. Mrs. Walsh, who was a lady much beloved and esteemed by her numerous friends and acquaintances, passed from this life on the 16th of January, 1898, when but twenty-five years of age. Her loss is deeply felt by all who enjoyed her friendship, and her memory is tenderly treasured in the hearts of all.
In the various fraternal organizations of this city Mr. Walsh stands- high. He is past chief ranger of Court Palisade, No. 192, Foresters of America, was district deputy of that order for the district formed of West- chester county, and has served as delegate to the grand court of the state of New York. In 1895 he was elected by the grand court to the supreme court, at Cleveland; in 1897 represented the Empire state at Denver, Colorado, and
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in 1899 at Detroit, Michigan. His name is also on the rolls of the Nepara Tribe, No. 186, Improved Order of Red Men, and he is a charter member of La Rabida Council, No. 166, Knights of Columbus. He was president of the Leo Association of Yonkers, and has represented that society in the con- ventions of the Catholic Young Men's National Union convention, held at Albany, in 1892, and at Plattsburg, in 1894. He also belongs to the Mont- gomery Club, of the Clan-na-Gael, an Irish-American organization, is a member of the Hudson Hose Company, No. I, of the Yonkers fire depart- ment, and the Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association of Yonkers. Religiously he follows in the faith of his ancestors, and is a member of the Catholic church of the Immaculate Conception. Having spent the greater part of his life in Yonkers, Mr. Walsh is well-known in this city, and enjoys the high regard of many friends. He bears an unassailable reputation in business circles, and is esteemed as a patriotic and public-spirited citizen, as well as a man whose social qualities render him an agreeable companion worthy of all respect.
CLARENCE S. MCCLELLAN.
Among the names of the prominent business men of Mount Vernon who have been closely identified with its interests, have assisted in its growth, and while helping to build up the town have founded for themselves reputations more enduring than iron or stone, is found that of Clarence S. McClellan, one who, by force of native ability and steady perseverance, has raised him- self to a position of affluence and honor. His life history illustrates in a marked degree what may be accomplished by well directed efforts and a strict adherence to correct business principles.
Mr. McClellan was born in Mount Vernon, Westchester county, on May 6, 1860, and is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His great- grandfather, Hugh McClellan, was commissioned commissary for the state of New York during the war for independence, with headquarters at Tarry- town. The grandfather was William W. McClellan, and he traced his ancestry back to Scotland. Pelham L. McClellan, the father, was also a native of Westchester county, born in New Rochelle, in 1832. He became a very prominent and influential citizen and held many positions of public trust. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and during the civil war he held the office of district attorney of Westchester county and was supervisor of East Chester. For many years he was prominently connected with the business interests of Mount Vernon, and left the impress of his strong individuality upon the public and commercial life of the community. His death occurred in October, 1892, but his widow is still living and yet makes her home in Mount Vernon with her son. She bore the maiden name of
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Sarah A. Ferdon, was born in this county, and is a daughter of Jacob ' r- don, who for many years resided in this county, but is now deceased.
Clarence S. McClellan was reared and educated in his native village, completing his literary training by a course in the high school. He then studied law, but was not admitted to the bar, being too young to meet the age requirements of the state. In his eighteenth year he began business in Mount Vernon on his own account as a dealer in real estate, and has since continued in that line, meeting with gratifying success in his efforts. Saga- cious and far-sighted, he has made judicious investments in realty and has disposed of the property at a good profit. He also carried on the insurance business, and in 1889 he aided in the organization of the People's Bank of Mount Vernon, being elected its first vice president. He served in that capacity until 1898, when he was chosen president, and with the assistance of an efficient corps of directors he has made this one of the solid institutions of the county. He is also a director of the White Plains & Tarrytown Street Railway Company and is financially interested in various other business enterprises. In the real-estate and insurance business he is now associated with Thomas R. Hodges, under the firm name of Mcclellan & Hodges.
In 1886 Mr. McClellan was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C., daugh- ter of William J. Collins, of Mount Vernon, in which place she was born and spent the days of her girlhood. They have two sons, Clarence S. and Ver- non F., and in their native town the members of the family are widely and favorably known.
In his political views Mr. McClellan has always been a pronounced Democrat, and on that ticket was elected treasurer of school district No. 4, of the town of East Chester, holding that office until 1892. He served under the new law as the first treasurer of Mount Vernon. In April, 1894, he was appointed postmaster by Grover Cleveland, and his administration of the affairs of that office was most commendable and satisfactory. He dis- charges all duties of citizenship with marked fidelity, and in the business world commands the respect and confidence of all by his unwavering con- formity to the ethics of commercial life. With a firm belief in the old adage that honesty is the best policy, he has by his straightforward dealing gained the respect and good will of his many patrons, who justly regard him as one of the representative citizens of his native county.
Z. MELVILLE KNOWLES.
In studying the lives and character of prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that have prompted their action. Success is oftener a matter of experience and sound
3. m. Frowlis.
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judgment and thorough preparation for a life work than it is of genius, how- ever bright. When we trace the career of those whom the world acknowl- edges as successful and of those who stand highest in public esteem, we find that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and perseverance. These qualities are possessed in a large measure by the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch and have secured him a liberal clientage as a member of the New York bar. His country home is in Somers township, Westchester county, but he does busi- ness in the city, his office being at No. 280 Stewart Building on Broadway.
Mr. Knowles was born in Chenango county, New York, November 29, 1847, and is a son of Arba M. and Nancy M. (Dickerson) Knowles, who make their home with him. The family is of English origin and was founded in Massachusetts in 1697, its members being direct descendants of Baron Knowles, who was engaged in trade with Siam. Our subject's great-grand- father, Arba Mariam, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war andwas at York- town at the time of the surrender of Cornwallis, while the grandfather, Leonard Knowles, aided in the defence of the country as a soldier of the war of 1812. Our subject is one of a family of three children. His brother, La Deam M., who died in November, 1892, at the age of thirty-two, was a practicing attorney for eleven years, and was a very bright and intelligent young man. The sister, Wilma L., is now the widow of Cyrus D. Cogs- hill and makes her home with our subject.
In the county of his nativity Z. Melville Knowles spent the first nine years of his life, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Waterville, Oneida county, New York, where he grew to manhood, his edu- cation being obtained in a school conducted by Professor L. H. Hayhurst, known as the Waterville Seminary. In early life he won many honors in oratorical contests, competing with such men as Senator Coggshall. After his graduation at the seminary, in 1864, he read law with Edwin H. Lamb, of Waterville as his preceptor, and was admitted to the bar April 9, 1868, reaching the superior court before he attained the age of twenty-three. While preparing for his profession he taught school and also assisted his father at the anvil and forge. He remained in Waterville until September 9, 1882, devoting himself to his practice and to the political affairs of Oneida county, serving as a member of the Republican county committee for a number of years, and also of the state and judicial committees. He was quite promi- nent and influential and was a recognized leader in his party. The Astors of New York had at different times offered him a position in their office, and in 1882 he accepted the same and removed to New York city, being associated with them for fourteen years. Since 1896, however, he has given his entire time and attention to his own private practice, and as a deep and logical
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thinker he has won an enviable position among his fraternal brethren. He is retained as counsel by the American Steel House Company, of New York, and has an extensive clientage in the city. He is a man of energy and determination, has successfully conducted some very famous cases, and has won most favorable criticism by his careful preparation of the same. His skill and ability are widely recognized and he is thoroughly versed in the law. He now takes quite an active and prominent part in the affairs of his party in Westchester county, having made his home in Somers township since Octo- ber, 1891. He was married in New York city, in 1876, to Miss Mary L. Ashforth, a daughter of James and Rosanna S. (Nourse) Ashforth, and they occupy a prominent position in social circles. Fraternally, Mr. Knowles is a member of Astor Lodge, No. 603, F. & A. M.
MIKE LESTRANGE.
The pleasing host of the Orchard Grove Hotel, a popular summer resort two miles from Katonah, in Westchester county, is Mr. LeStrange, the sub- ject of this sketch. His popular hotel is situated among streams rich in trout and pickerel, -a veritable fisherman's paradise. The location is high, being many feet above sea level, the scenery is attractive, and, in fact, everything necessary for a first-class summer resort is here found. The cuisine is exceptionally good and bears a high reputation among the travel- ing public. Mr. LeStrange has been in the hotel business for fifteen years, and has proved to his patrons that he possesses rare qualifications that espe- cially fit him for the management of a house which thus caters to the public.
He was born in New York city thirty-two years ago, and was there reared and educated. Early in life he turned his attention to the hotel busi- ness, and was first employed by B. T. Kernes, of New York city.
At the age of twenty-five years Mr. LeStrange was united in marriage to Miss Loretta Englehard, who was born, reared and educated in New York city, and they have become the parents of three children, but only one son is now living, James Raymond, the others having died in infancy. In pol- itics Mr. LeStrange is independent, preferring not to be bound by party ties. He is frank and genial in disposition, is an excellent business man, and a very popular citizen.
JAMES SEGUINE VAN COURT.
When, after years of long and earnest labor in some honorable field of business, a man puts aside all cares to spend his remaining years in enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former toil, it is certainly a well-deserved reward of his industry.
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" How blest is he who crowns in shades like these A youth of labor with an age of ease! "
wrote the poet, and the world everywhere recognizes the justice of a season of rest following an active period of business. Mr. Van Court is now living retired at Mount Vernon, New York, and his history is one that shows the accomplishment of well directed labor.
He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, June 9, 1819, and is a son of John and Catherine C. (Seguine) Van Court, the former a native of New York, the latter of New Jersey, where she spent her entire life. For the first nine years of his life our subject lived in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He removed with his mother to New York, where he obtained his education. Leaving school at the age of twelve, he entered a store in New York city, where he engaged in clerking for several years. In 1836 he commenced learning the silversmith's trade, at which he served a seven-years appren- ticeship.
Coming to Mount Vernon in the spring of 1854, Mr. Van Court has since been prominently identified with its interests. He was one of a thousand who purchased a large tract of land that was held in common by the society for some time known as the Home Industrial Association, of which the late Horace Greeley was a member, but was afterward divided among them into small lots of one-fourth of an acre each; then platted and started the village of Mount Vernon. About three years later he embarked in mercantile busi- ness, being one of the first merchants of the place, and for ten years he was interested in the grocery trade. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Mount Vernon by President Lincoln, but after the President's assassination he was removed by Andrew Johnson for political reasons. After retiring from office he continued in the grocery business until 1867, when he sold out and turned his attention to real estate, dealing in both city property and farm lands. During that time he built many good dwellings, which he still owns and rents. In 1880 he practically retired from active business, though he still looks after his real estate and other investments. He assisted in organizing the People's Bank of Mount Vernon; has been one of its directors from the very beginning, and was its first vice-president, an office he filled for some time. He also assisted in the organization of the Mount Vernon Bank, and was a director of the same for some time; but on the organization of the People's Bank he withdrew from the other.
In 1839 Mr. Van Court was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Linds- ley, of New York, and had four children, all of whom have died except one son, Charles W., of Mount Vernon. The mother of these children died in 1850. She was a dutiful wife, a kind mother and a devoted member of the Spring Street Presbyterian church of New York city. His present wife
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was, in her maidenhood, Miss Sarah C. Goodwin, of New York city. Her parents were Courter and Harriet (Carter) Goodwin. Her father was for nearly forty years a department official in the New York postoffice.
For the past thirty-five years Mr. Van Court has been an active and prominent member of the Reformed church, in which he has served as elder and treasurer the greater part of the time. Politically, he was first an old- line Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its most ardent supporters. His first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison; his last for William Mckinley. He has been called upon to fill several offices of honor and trust, among them being those of vil- lage trustee and treasurer of the board of education, and was also the village treasurer for a number of years. While Mr. Van Court is the possessor of valuable property, he has always been a liberal contributor to all enterprises tending to the public good. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has conducted all trans- actions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. Mrs. Van Court is also a member of the Reformed church at Mount Vernon.
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