USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 10
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In 1883 Mr. Abbott married Miss Louisa Newman, a daughter of David Newman, of Brooklyn, New York. Both Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an intelligent interest in all movements calculated to accrue to the lasting benefit of their fellow-citizens. They give their earnest support to various benevolent and religious enter- prises, and are always to be safely relied upon to use their influence and means in the upholding of righteous law and good government. In his polit- ical affiliations Mr. Abbott is a Republican.
FRANCIS D. BROWN.
This honored and highly esteemed citizen of North Salem township, Westchester county, was born July 12, 1822, on the farm where he still con- tinnes to reside. His great-grandfather, Samuel Brown, was born in 1734, in Stamford, England, and later emigrated to America, locating in Stamford, Connecticut. In 1772 he came to Delancy township, now known as North.
The Lewis Publishing Co.
Francis D Brown
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Salem, in Westchester county, New York, where his death occurred, in 1815. His wife Susan, who was born March 28, 1737, lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and three years. Their children were Rebecca, Mrs. Abby Palmer, Susanna, Nathan, Prudence, Samuel W., Mrs. McGil- lavry and Mrs. Lamb.
Nathan Brown, the grandfather of Francis D., was born in Connecticut February 20, 1767, and in early manhood married Miss Lobdell, by whom he had four children, -Mary, Thomas (father of our subject), Abby and Ann. For his second wife he married a Miss Allen, and they had one child, whom they named Susan. Nathan Brown and both his wives died in this county.
Thomas Brown, our subject's father, was born and reared on the old homestead where his son is now living, and throughout life engaged in agri- cultural pursuits there. He was one of the leading and prominent citizens of his community, was a soldier in the war of 1812, an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died June 24, 1857, at the age of sixty- three years. In early life he married Miss Sally Williams, of Bedford, a daughter of James and Polly Williams, who were related to the Lounsberrys of this county. Mrs. Brown departed this life November 4, 1891, at the age of ninety-eight years. She was a devout Christian, kind and charitable at all times; and it is safe to say that she did more work in the Methodist Episcopal church than any other woman of the congregation to which she belonged. In her family were one son (our subject) and four daughters, all residents of North Salem township, the daughters being: Susan, the wife of Clark Lobdell; Mary, widow of Hiram Reynolds; Chloe, the widow of Charles Bloomer; and Clarissa, the wife of Martin Todd.
On the home farm Mr. Brown early became familiar with every depart- ment of farm work, and he is recognized as one of the most thorough and skillful agriculturists of his community. His literary education was obtained in the public schools and the old Salem Academy. At the age of twenty- seven he married Miss Almira P. Frost, of the same town, a daughter of Stedwell and Eliza (Fowler) Frost, both of whom died in that township. Mrs. Brown departed this life in 1865, leaving two children: Elbert D., and Mary E., now the wife of James Colwell, of New York city, by whom she. had one son,-Francis, deceased, and a daughter, Mary F. Elbert D. grew to manhood upon the home farm and February 20, 1878, married Miss Frances I. Stevens, of Delaware county, New York, a daughter of James W. and Catherine (Christie) Stevens. They have had four children, two of whom, Almira C. and Francis D., Jr., are living. Our subject was again married in 1868, his second union being with Miss Jane E. Landrine, of Tarrytown, this county. She died November 25, 1892, leaving no children.
In his political predilections Mr. Brown has always been a Democrat, 36
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and for the long period of twenty-four years he most efficiently served his fel- low citizens in the capacity of road commissioner. He has always taken a most active part in church and Sunday-school work, as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being for half a century superintendent of the Sunday-school, and he is therefore well known throughout the country in this part of New York state for his efficiency in that line. Although seventy-six years of age he is still well preserved, for nature deals kindly with the man who abuses not her laws, and he has an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem him highly for his genuine worth.
HENRY F. PATCH, M. D.
The genial gentleman whose namne adorns this page, Dr. Henry F. Patch, of Chappaqua, New York, is one of the best known physicians and surgeons of Westchester county, where he has been engaged in practice for a period of twenty-four years, he having located here in 1874.
Dr. Patch was born December 7, 1839, in Francestown, New Hamp- shire, a son of William and Sallie (Stevans) Patch, representatives of families that were counted among the early settlers of New England. Dr. Patch's education, begun in the public schools, was carried forward at Francestown Academy and completed at Dartmouth Medical College, Hanover, New Hamp- shire, where he graduated with the class of 1866. In that year he opened an office in Harlin, and in 1874 became identified with Chappaqua, where he soon built up and has retained a large and lucrative practice.
The year of his location in New York, Dr. Patch was united in marriage to Miss Leonora Bull, a native of New York city, and their home circle in- cludes four children,-Florence E., Lillie L., Daisy M. and Harry F. Their charming abode is a historic place, it being the old Greeley homestead, where Horace Greeley produced one of his best works.
In social and fraternal circles the Doctor has a wide popularity. He is a member of several medical societies, among them the Westchester Medical Society; also he is a member of Greeley Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Chappaqua, of which he is the secretary.
ROBERT T. EMMET.
The name of Emmet is one which has been long and conspicuously identified with the history of the Empire state, and is one in which each suc- cessive generation has produced men of honor and sterling worth, -men who have honored and been honored by the state which gave them birth and which has figured as the field of their respective endeavors in connection with
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the material activities which have ever conserved the progress and prosperity of the Union. From the Emerald Isle came the first American ancestor, Addis Emmet, who crossed the Atlantic about 1804, locating in New York city. He soon won prestige as a prominent lawyer and was elected attorney general of the state. His son, Robert Emmet, grandfather of our subject, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States during his child- hood. Entering the legal profession, he was called to the important office of corporation counsel of the city of New York, and also filled the position of judge of the common-pleas court. His death occurred in New Rochelle, in 1873. Several representatives of the family have gained marked distinction at the bar, their eminent ability reflecting credit upon the profession with which they were allied.
William J. Emmet, father of our subject, was born in New York city, where he acquired his education and was reared to manhood. Entering upon his business career, he was for a number of years successfully engaged in the sugar-refining business in the metropolis. He married Julia C. Pierson, and they are now honored residents of New Rochelle. Mrs. Emmet is a native of Ramapo, Rockland county, New York, and her grandfather, Josiah Pier- son, was the founder of the East Ramapo Iron & Foundry Works. He was there extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron and at the same time operated an extensive factory.
Robert T. Emmet was born in New York city in 1854. He studied in a private boarding school, after which he entered West Point Military Academy, on the Hudson, pursuing the four-years course of that institution. He was graduated in 1877, and continuing in the military service of his country as a member of the Ninth Regiment of United States Regular Cavalry, he went to the frontier to aid in the suppression of the Indians, who frequently menaced the property and lives of the pioneers on the western borders. He served in that cavalry command for fourteen years and for four years was on the staff of General Pope, after which, with his regiment, he was stationed at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska.
Resigning his commission in 1891, Mr. Emmet returned to New Rochelle, New York, where he has since resided, giving his attention to civil engineer- ing. On the breaking out of the war with Spain, he volunteered and was commissioned major in the First Infantry New York Volunteers, and served for some months in the Hawaiian islands with that regiment. In 1883 Mr. Emmet was married to Miss Helena V. C. Phelps, only daughter of Henry D. and Kate Phelps. Her father belongs to one of the oldest and most honored families of Westchester county, and has long been a valued resident of New Rochelle. Mr. and Mrs. Emmet have three children, two sons and a daughter, -Robert M., Herman L. R. and Anita H. Mr. Emmet belongs
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to the University Club, of New York city, and the New York Yacht Club. While campaigning in the west he acquired a fund of interesting and oft- times amusing reminiscences, which enrich his conversation and, together with his genial disposition, unfailing courtesy and uniform kindness, render him a social favorite.
CHARLES G. BANKS.
Charles G. Banks is ex-register of Westchester county, ex-president of New Rochelle, having held the office for three terms in succession, and ex-police justice and corporation counsel of New Rochelle, New York. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored 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 distinctive precedence as a safe and careful lawyer, and has been and is pre-eminently a man of affairs, wielding a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage and a most determined individuality. have so. entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. For twenty years he has been an important figure in legal and commercial circles in New Rochelle, and is a representative of one of the old families of the county.
In Middle Patten, in the town of North Castle, Westchester county, Charles G. Banks, was born May 26, 1847, his parents being Captain James P. and Thurza A. (Palmer) Banks. His paternal grandparents were James and Sarah (Lane) Banks, and his maternal grandparents were Allen and. Sarah (Smith) Palmer. In his father's family were four children, his brother being William L. Banks, of White Plains, and his sisters are Clarissa A. Banks and Mrs. Lizetta P. Hegeman, of Brooklyn, New York. For several generations the representatives of the Banks and Palmer families had been industrious and respected farming people of the town of North Castle and the central part of Westchester county.
When seventeen years of age, Charles G. Banks left the farm, his father having died some twelve years before, to make his own way in the world, and in 1865 accepted the position of clerk in the LeRoy Place Hotel, at New Rochelle, under his uncle, George W. Banks. He was afterward made manager, and then became proprietor of this once well-known summer resort, which was destroyed by fire some years ago. Although he met with success in this undertaking, he did not find it altogether to his taste, and in 1872 he began the study of law in the office of Charles H. Roosevelt, of New Rochelle, New York. In 1873 he entered the New York University, and was graduated in the law department of that institution in the class of 1875.
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He was admitted to the bar, at a special term of the supreme court in Pough- keepsie, the same year, and in July, 1875, became the senior member of the well-known law firm of Banks & Keogh, his partner being Judge Martin J. Keogh, of the second department.
A short time before his graduation Mr. Banks was elected upon the Republican ticket to the office of police justice of New Rochelle for a term of four years, and was subsequently chosen corporation counsel of that city, which office he acceptably filled for several years. In 1877 he became the Republican nominee for registrar of Westchester county, against Stephen S. Marshall, the Democratic nominee, and, after a very active and hotly con- tested campaign, was elected by a majority of seventeen hundred and sev- enty-seven, although the county went Democratic by over a thousand major- ity. This was certainly a high tribute to his personal popularity, and was an indication of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen and friends throughout the county. He was again a candidate, in the fall of 1880, but was defeated, by a few votes, with the remainder of the ticket. For a period of six successive years (three terms) he was president of New Rochelle, his first opponent being the late James W. Todd; his second, Hon. John Q. Underhill, and third, Charles H. Roosevelt, and his administration of the public affairs was most progressive, business-like and commendable. His fidelity in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him in connection with public office is above question, and his service has ever materially advanced the interests of the community he represents. For ten years he was an active member of the fire department, and within that period was both foreman and assistant foreman of his company.
Mr. Banks' operations in real estate have been extensive and profitable. He owns much valuable property in New Rochelle and elsewhere in West- chester county and has erected many buildings in the city, including the United States post-office building, a three-story brick structure, one hundred and ten feet long, at the corner of Huguenot and Bridge streets, New Ro- chelle. It is in this building that his law offices are located. In his practice he has steadily risen to an eminent position at the Westchester county bar, and he has a large and lucrative clientage. He has largely mastered the science of jurisprudence, and prides himself on a thorough preparation of every case committed to his care, which enables him to meet fairly any con- tingency that may arise, and his opponent often finds great difficulty in over- throwing his masterful logic. Mr. Banks is a member of the State Bar Asso- ciation, the Westchester County Bar Association, the Republican Club, the Board of Trade of New Rochelle, and the Exempt Firemen's Association.
Mr. Banks married Miss Fannie E. Morgan, only daughter of Charles V. and Susan M. (Badeau) Morgan, of the town of East Chester. For the
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past ten years Mr. and Mrs. Banks have spent the winters in sunny Florida, where he has ample opportunity to indulge his taste for tarpon fishing. He finds another source of recreation in driving, and is a lover of a good horse. He has owned fully a dozen with a record of 2:20 or better, and his stables are never without some valuable specimens of the noble steed. He is also the owner and proprietor of Fashion Stock Farm, which is credited in the horse world with choice specimens of equine stock. His life is practically that of a self-made man. Through his own efforts he has risen to a position of professional prominence and commercial leadership, and at the same time has gained the highest regard of an ever broadening circle of acquaintances and friends. Mr. Banks enjoyed the friendship and confidence of the late Hon. William H. Robertson, General James W. Husted and Judge Silas D. Gifford, all of whom were elected to office upon the Republican ticket with him upon one occasion.
Among the important criminal cases that Mr. Banks was connected with early in practice, and successfully helped to defend, was that of Richard Hanna, indicted and tried for his life, for the murder of Thomas White, a hotel-keeper, at New Rochelle, and also the case of Frederick Eveson (col- ored), indicted and tried for his life for the murder of a white girl in the out- skirts of New Rochelle. Eveson, like Hanna, was acquitted. Another case was that of Levison, the jeweler, indicted for grand larceny, charged with extracting a three-hundred-dollar diamond from a ring belonging to a Miss Emmet, and substituting an imitation in its place. The defence was an ingenious one and the jeweler was acquitted.
Among some of the important civil cases that Mr. Banks has been con- nected with in the past might be mentioned the action of the receiver of the New Rochelle Savings Bank versus William R. Humphrey, secretary; George J. Penfield, president; Thomas L. Disbrow, treasurer; and George Wilson and others, trustees. This action was brought to recover upward of twenty thousand dollars, embezzled by the secretary, Humphrey. Mr. Banks appeared for trustee Wilson in the case, but really in fact was in the interest of the president, Mr. Penfield, and the treasurer, Mr. Disbrow. Through a clever arrangement of Mr. Wilson's counsel, his client paid a nominal sum for a general release, which also released the joint wrong-doers, Messrs. Penfield and Disbrow. Another important case was that relating to the pro- bate of the will of the late James Morgan. Mr. Banks had drawn the will, which related to real and personal estate of the value of one hundred thousand dollars or more. The probate of the same was contested from the surro- gate's court to the court of appeals, but was sustained in every court.
Mr. Banks is and has been executor and trustee of many large estates, among which might be mentioned that of the late Hon. Albert Badeau and
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Henry L. Dean; he is also counsel for many large estates and has the hand- ling of large amounts of trust funds and securities. It is estimated that dur- ing the past fifteen years more than five millions of dollars have been per- sonally invested by him for his clients, in county bonds and mortgages.
Mr. Banks politically is a Republican, but has many warm Democratic friends and supporters, as is evidenced by the fact that in the dozen times or more that he has been a candidate upon the Republican ticket he has always succeeded in getting a handsome majority in the city and town in which he resides. Mr. Banks is a hard worker, does his own thinking and is noted for his staying qualities.
WILLIAM VAN DUZER LAWRENCE.
The well known founder of Lawrence Park, Bronxville, New York, is the subject of this sketch. He purchased about one hundred acres of the old Prescott estate, ten years ago, and transformed it into one of the most beautiful and attractive suburban parks near New York city. The grounds are well fitted by nature for the purpose for which they are now used, being considered the highest and most picturesque point of land in all this section of the country. The park is a natural forest of great trees and has been laid out in irregular lots, with roads winding in and out instead of being on regular lines and blocks as is usually the plan in laying out suburban resi- dence districts. These lots are sold under certain restrictions, and they have been taken largely by the artistic and literary class of citizens, and Lawrence Park has become quite celebrated for its colony of noted people who have purchased cottages there.
In 1897 Mr. Lawrence erected the Gramatan Inn on the top of Sunset hill near the Bronxville station. It contains one hundred and twenty-five rooms, has wide porches and verandas, making it a most beautiful place in summer and winter for visitors and guests. It is a fine Colonial structure, with all modern improvements, including electric lights and bells, and steam heat, and from its verandas one has a fine view, extending from the Hudson river to the Sound. In the winter these porches are inclosed with glass, forming sun parlors, and the Inn is open all the year round. One of its most desirable features is its close proximity to the city, being only a twenty-six minutes' run on the New York & Harlem Railroad from the Grand Central station, Forty-second street, New York, so that the busy man, who is obliged to remain in the city during the day, can here find cool, bracing country air, where he can enjoy the society of his family and friends in the evening. In the construction of the hotel no convenience has been omitted that would add to the happiness and comfort of the guests.
Mr. Lawrence is a native of New York city, where he was reared and
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educated, is a cultured and pleasant gentleman and thorough business man. He has not developed Lawrence Park as a money-making scheme, as is usually the case in suburban park affairs, but his methods have been quite original and new, and therefore successful.
NORMAN SECOR, JR.
An historic old family of Westchester county is the one of which the sub- ject of this sketch is a worthy scion. The Secors were among the French Huguenots who, fleeing from the persecutions with which they were beset in their own loved country, came to the hospitable shores of the New World, where they might have " freedom to worship God " according to the dictates of their hearts. This little band of refugees landed at New Rochelle, West- chester county, in 1681, and here they founded homes and became a thriving, prosperous little colony, respected by all with whom they had dealings.
The great-grandfather of our subject belonged to this brave band, and his son Thomas, the next in the line of descent, was born on a farm in the vicinity of East Chester, this county, where he spent his entire life. His son Nor- man, the father of our subject, was born in the town of East Chester, Sep- tember 9, 1818, and after having spent a long, useful life as a tiller of the soil is now enjoying a justly earned rest from labor. He has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, and for one of his years has remarkably good health. In his early manhood he chose for his wife Mary Ann Purtell, whose birth occurred in New Rochelle, in 1830, her parents being James and Anna Purtell, of that locality. Mrs. Mary Secor is also living.
Norman Secor, Jr., was born in the town of Greenburg, Westchester county, January 4, 1852, and from his earliest recollection has been occupied in the varied duties of farm life. Under his father's tutelage he acquired practical knowledge of agriculture, and in the schools of the neighborhood he received a liberal business education. Later he was a student in the Ardsley school for a few months, and by private study and reading he became the well informed man that he is to-day. Having given his father his assist- ance until he reached his majority the young man then embarked in business on his own account, and from that time until the present has carried on a farm, keeping from eighteen to twenty cows for dairy purposes, and in addi- tion to this he handles annually about five thousand tons of ice. His good business methods and industry have wrought out success for him, and he is now well-to-do and prosperous. He owns considerable property, and from time to time has made profitable investments.
It is in his happy home circle that Mr. Secor finds his chief pleasure in life, and there, surrounded by his family, the cares of the busy world seem
Norman Duar fr
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far away. It was in 1872 that he was united in wedlock with Mary Ann Lander, eldest daughter of Henry S. and Ann (Williams) Lander. Her father, a native of England, is engaged in farming and is also interested in the manufacture and sale of a fertilizer. Like her husband, Mrs. Secor was born in the town of Greenburg, and from childhood they were friends and companions. Four sons and three daughters blessed their home, namely: Henry R., Alice M., Harriet W., Mabel B., Arthur W., Ethie J. and Jerome. Henry is married and has three sons, Thomas M., Russell H. and Thornton, and they have nine grand and great-grandparents living! Alice, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Fred H. Wille, of Ardsley, New York, and they have one son, Kenneth R., who has eight grand and great-grandparents living. The family is one noted for longevity.
Though he is a stalwart Republican and never neglects his duty as a voter, Mr. Secor has steadfastly refrained from entering politics, refusing to accept public office. His time is given to his family, his friends and his business, and in all life's relations he is accorded and justly merits the high regard of his many friends.
JAMES A. GRENZEBACH.
Westchester county has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives that should serve as an example to those who come after them but have also been of important service to their town and county through various avenues of usefulness. Among them must be named James A. Grenzebach, who died of heart failure September 2, 1892, after a life of industry, and one which was rich in those rare possessions which only a high character can give.
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