USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 13
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When a young man Monmouth Hart united with the Presbyterian church, at White Plains, was ever active in its work, served as trustee for twenty-one years and was also treasurer and elder of the church for a number of years. He was a member of the Westchester County Historical Society and served therein as secretary and treasurer. He was also prominent in the White Plains Good Government Club, a director in the White Plains Bank, which he aided in organizing, and a trustee in the Savings Bank, serving as attorney of both financial institutions. His clientage was large and he was a safe counselor, his judgment being sound and his conclusions correct. His main practice was in real-estate law and in the surrogate court, but he was well versed in the various departments of jurisprudence. In his particular lines he stood very high, not only by reason of his eminent trustworthiness and thoroughness but also for his marked ability. He was truly a good man, noble-spirited and generous, -traits which were manifest in his treatment of poor clients, whom he served as faithfully as those able to pay large fees. But his ambition was greater than his strength, and his devotion to business caused his health to fail. He frequently visited the south for the benefit of his health, but died suddenly of pneumonia, December 7, 1895, just as he was entering upon his forty-fifth year. He died with a firm faith in the
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Christian religion and his death was mourned by many friends who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect as he was laid to rest in Rural cemetery, by the side of his mother, to whom he was ever most devoted.
ISAAC H. VENN.
Of the industrial interests of Yonkers Isaac H. Venn is a prominent rep- resentative, and his enterprise and progressiveness make him a valued factor in commercial circles. He is a native of Wilmington, Delaware, born March 26, 1856, and is of Welsh descent. His grandfather, William Venn, lived at Newport, in Monmouthshire, Wales, and his occupation was that of a cracker-maker. He took part in the charter riots of 1826, and was an influ- ential citizen of the community. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, and died at the age of forty-eight years. His son, Cornelius H. Venn, the father of our subject, was born in Wales, and when twenty-three years of age came to America, locating in Wilmington, Delaware, where he followed the baker's trade for forty years. He has given his political support to the Republican party; socially, is connected with the Good Fel- lows Society, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian. He married Hannah Hambleton and to them were born five children: Mrs. Elizabeth T. Mahon, Richard T., Isaac H., Mrs. Mary J. Davis and David H. The father, who was born January 1, 1818, is still living, at the advanced age of eighty years, but the mother passed away at the age of sixty-three years. She traced her ancestry back to the early part of the seventeenth century. The family is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and its representatives were among the earliest set- tlers of Chester and Bucks counties, Pennsylvania. In the latter lived James Hambleton, a Quaker, and from him was descended Samuel Hambleton, the grandfather of our subject and the son of the eighth John Hambleton. He was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1785, and died March 24, 1851. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Brown, was born May 7, 1788, and died September 9, 1833, after which Mr. Hambleton married Sarah Walton. He was a farmer and nurseryman, and owned a farm in Upper Oxford township, Bucks county, all his life. He belonged to the Hicksite branch of the Quakers and was strongly opposed to all " ologies " and "isms." His children, all born of the first marriage, were Joseph, Isaac, John, Emil, Sarah, Rachel, Hannah and Samuel.
Isaac H. Venn attended the public schools of Wilmington, Delaware, until twelve years of age, and then worked with his father in the bakery, learning the trade in its various branches. At the age of seventeen, how- ever, he began learning the pattern-maker's trade with the firm of Hillis &
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac . Wenn.
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Jones, of Wilmington, remaining in their employ from 1872 until 1876. Later he crossed the Atlantic to Manchester, England, where he secured employment with the firm of Horner & Barker, manufacturers of soda- water machinery, ultimately becoming superintendent of their large plant, in which capacity he served for two years and six months. Subsequently he was employed for three months as assistant foreman in the pattern-making department of the Meadow . Hall Locomotive Works, and then took charge of the plant of the Mitchell Wisbrodale Foundry Company, near Barnsley.
While abroad Mr. Venn visited various points of historic and modern interest in Great Britain. He saw the famous Blarney stone of Ireland; the various palaces, now old in story; Dunbarton castle, on the Clyde; the tower of London, containing the relics of ancient, mediaeval and modern methods of punishment and execution; Holyrood palace, in Scotland; the home of John Knox, in England; Shakespeare's home, on the Avon; St. Paul's cathe- deral, covering seven acres; Westminster Abbey; the two houses of parlia- ment; the Crystal Palace of London; and Cleopatra's Needle, the famous Egyptian obelisk which was then being prepared for shipment to New York, on the river Thames. On one occasion he was preparing to go to Australia, but owing to the alarming condition of his mother's health he abandoned the trip.
Returning to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Venn engaged in the installment business in that city, and afterward was connected with the Vul- can Brass Works, having charge of the pattern department for two years. In 1881 he took charge of the Charles Teal Pattern Works, in Philadelphia, and in April, 1883, he came to Yonkers, New York, where he has since inade his home. Here he accepted the position of foreman of the pattern-making department of the plant owned by Otis Brothers & Company, and has since remained in charge, having control over eleven employes. His thorough understanding of the business and his many years of experience render him an expert in his chosen field of endeavor, and his skill and ability have con- tributed not a little to the success of the enterprise with which he has been connected. His thorough reliability has won him the confidence of all with whom he has been associated in business and his standing in the industrial circles of Yonkers is indeed enviable.
In October, 1883, Mr. Venn was united in marriage to Miss Lydia J. Broomall, a daughter of Nehemiah Broomall, of Delaware county, Pennsyl- vania, who was a cousin of Nehemiah Broomall, a miller in Brandywine, and of Judge John M. Broomall, of Delaware county, Pennsylvania. Her father held a number of local offices, and was a member of the Society of Friends. His family numbered seven children: Mary, Thomas, Martha, Ellen, John, Sarah and Jennie. Mr. Broomall died September 21, 1875, at the age of
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seventy years, and his wife passed away December 28, 1891, at the age of seventy-four years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Venn have been born four children: Edith, Viola, Farla and Roland. The family is well known in the community and Mr. Venn is quite prominent in the Masonic fraternity. He was initiated in Nepperhan Lodge, No. 736, A. F. & A. M., of Yonkers, and is now a mem- ber of Rising Star Lodge, No. 450, of Yonkers. He joined the organization in 1891 and in 1893 was elected senior warden. The same year he became a member of Terrace City Chapter, No. 177, R. A. M., and has filled its various offices, being elected high priest in 1896 and again in 1897. In 1898 he was again chosen to that office, but refused to serve for a third term. In 1899 Mr. Venn was appointed grand master of the first veil of the grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the state of New York. In 1893 he became a member of the Commandery of Knights Templar, filled several offices therein, and is now trustee.
CHARLES H. DODGE.
This enterprising agriculturist of New Castle township is the proprietor of the Chappaqua Mountain farm, and his management of the place is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterizes the modern farmer. He was born on his grandfather's homestead, May 25, 1840, and is a son of Henry Dodge. His paternal grandparents were Thomas and Han- nah (Reynolds) Dodge, who reared six children, one son and five daughters, namely: Henry, Mrs. Sarah Hammond, Mrs. Anna Birdsell, Mrs. Ann Washburn, Mrs. Abbie Washburn and Mrs. Phoebe Washburn. Henry Dodge, the father of our subject, was a carpenter and undertaker, and in the latter occupation did quite an extensive business, digging the grave and mak- ing the coffin for eight dollars and up. He married Miss Rebecca Kipp, a daughter of Benjamin and Phobe Kipp, and the only child born of this union was our subject. The father died at the age of fifty-four years, the mother at the age of seventy-six. Both were Hicksite Quakers, and were highly respected by all who knew them.
Upon the old homestead Charles H. Dodge early became familiar with every department of farm work, and is to-day recognized as one of the most thorough and skillful farmers of the community. His literary education was obtained in the local schools. On the 4th of March, 1868, he wedded Miss Mary L. Cronk, a daughter of James and Charity (Acker) Cronk, and grand- daughter of Henry and Amy (Dusenbury) Cronk. Her paternal grandfather was a native of Holland, while her maternal grandfather, Wilbert Acker, was the hero of Washington Irving's novel, "Wilbert's Roost," which place was
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afterward the home of the famous novelist, the name being changed to Sun- nyside. To James and Charity Cronk were born five children, of whom three are still living: Willot A., a resident of Peekskill; Ezra J., of New Castle township; and Mary L., wife of our subject. The two deceased are Leonard, who was an officer in the Union army during the civil war and was killed in the service, leaving a widow and one son, Frederick, now a resident of Tarry- town; and Robert, who died at Port Chester, leaving a widow and three chil- dren. The father of Mrs. Dodge died at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years, and the mother at the age of eighty. In early life they were members of the Methodist church, but later united with the Society of Friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Dodge were born three children, namely: Henry, who mar- ried Millie Halsey and died August 10, 1893, at the age of twenty-four years; Rebecca, who died May 5, 1894, at the age of twenty-one; and James, who was born June 4, 1876, and is the only one now living. They have an adopted daughter, a niece of Mrs. Dodge-Josephine R., daughter of Robert Cronk-who has entered into the affections of her foster parents and in some respects fills the place of the loved ones they have lost. She has made her home with them since two years of age. The family is one of prominence in the community with whose interests they have long been identified, and it is safe to say that none are held in higher esteem than Mr. and Mrs. Dodge.
GEORGE B. CLARK, M. D.
Dr. Clark is one of the younger but most able representatives of the medical profession in Westchester county, having been successfully engaged in practice at Armonk since the fall of 1894. He was born in Germantown, New York, December 23, 1872, and is a son of Rev. G. B. and Eunice E. (Clear- water) Clark. The father, who has for thirty years been a member of the Methodist Episcopal conference of New York, is also a native of this state and the son of Robert Clark, a mechanic. To a limited extent the former attended a seminary during his youth, but his education was mostly obtained through his own unaided efforts and close application. Like all ministers of his denomination, he has been located at various places and now has charge of the congregation at Edenville, Orange county, New York. In his family were three children, namely: Ida, who died in early life; George B., our subject; and Charles J., a civil engineer residing in Armonk.
During his boyhood and youth Dr. Clark accompanied his parents on their removal from place to place, his early education being secured in the public schools. Later he attended the Hudson River Institute, where he was graduated in the class of 1890. After spending six months as a clerk in a drug store he entered the medical department of the Syracuse Univer-
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sity, at Syracuse, New York, graduating there June 14, 1894. The following fall he came to Armonk and opened an office, having since been successfully engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery at that place. He is the only physician in the village, and has established an excellent practice. He has also practiced quite extensively in the Westchester county house, and is a prominent member of the County Medical Society. He also belongs. to Syracuse Chapter, Beta Theta Phi, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In politics he is a Republican, and for two years he has most capably filled the office of town physician.
On the 18th of September, 1895, Dr. Clark married Miss Minnie Pal- mer, of Armonk, a daughter of Charles and Nancy (Finch) Palmer, and by this union one child has been born: Charles George. The Doctor is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife holds membership in the Congregational church, and socially they are people of prominence in their community.
HENRY A. REYNOLDS.
Born in the town of Bedford, Westchester county, New York, June 17, 1833, Henry A. Reynolds was a son of Daniel C. and Sarah (Mead) Rey- nolds, both natives of this county. The former was born in the village of Cross River, August 13, 1812, and died December 30, 1884; and the latter, born February 22, 1812, in Bedford, died August 7, 1886. The paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Reynolds, was born August 7, 1782, at Cross River, and died near Kensico, March 13, 1874, when in his ninety-second year. The great-grandfather, also named Nathaniel Reynolds, was born February 22, 1754, and died September 21, 1843. His wife Hannah was born March 25, 1759, and died April 11, 1846. His maternal grandfather was Zedrick Mead and the grandmother, Nancy Knapp, both of whom were born in Westchester county. Both branches of the family were of English origin. Walter Mead was the first of the family to come to America, and he settled at Salem, Massachusetts, whence a branch of the family moved to this county.
Henry A. Reynolds was the only son and surviving child of his parents. An only sister, Nancy C., married Casper G. Brower and at her death left two daughters, Ida and Grace. Mr. Reynolds attended school at Mount Pleasant, this state, and later at Peekskill Academy, after which he returned to the farm, where he remained until he was twenty-one. Having shown an aptitude for tools, he took up the trade of carpenter, at which he worked about the home place, where he remained with his parents until their death. Before their death he came into possession of the farm of fifty-five acres, which he cultivated during life. It has long been in good condition and is.
Henry at Reynolds
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adorned by a fine residence, while the barns and outbuildings have been in keeping, and an air of general prosperity and comfort still pervades it.
Mr. Reynolds was united in matrimony, December 24, 1860, to Miss Harriet Dean Campbell, of Greenburg, the second daughter of Stephen and Fannie (Sniffin) Campbell. To this union were born three children, -two. sons and a daughter, as follows: Fannie E., wife of C. Booth, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey; Daniel C. and Herbert A.
Mr. Reynolds died February 8, 1899, and was buried at Kenisco ceme- tery, after a long period of sickness, although confined to his house but a short time. He was an earnest Christian and attended the Reformed Pres- byterian church at Elmsford, New York, while in politics he was inde- pendent.
WILLIAM H. STOWE, M. D.
An eminent physician and surgeon now located at Cross River, West- chester county, New York, is Dr. Stowe, who was born in New Haven, Con- necticut, August 10, 1842, a son of Henry and Sarah (Lees) Stowe, and was reared in his native place, preparing for college at General Russell's Colle- giate and Commercial Institute. He laid aside his text-books, however, in September, 1861. and joined the boys in blue in the defense of his country during the civil war. He enlisted in Company G, Sixth Connecticut Volun- teer Infantry, but in 1863 resigned his commission as lieutenant and until the close of the war served in various departments, being in the pay department when the war closed in 1865. While with his regiment he served in the south, and was in various engagements along the southern coast.
After the war Dr. Stowe studied law for a time, and then engaged in teaching in General Russell's Military School at New Haven, where he remained from 1869 until 1888, conducting the school on his own account for the last three years. For ten years he was also a member of the state military board of Connecticut. While engaged in teaching he prepared to enter the med- ical profession, and in 1888 was granted the degree of M. D. by the medical department of Yale College. For two years he engaged in practice at New Haven, and spent three years in Pensylvania, but in 1894 came to his pres- ent location at Cross River, New York, where he has succeeded in building up a large general practice. His thorough knowledge of medicine and his. skill in surgery have won for him the confidence of the people to such an extent that, though comparatively a new-comer, his success is already an assured fact. He holds membership in the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society of Connecticut, and the Westchester County Med- ical Society. He is also connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a worthy member of the Presbyterian church.
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In 1869 Dr. Stowe wedded Miss Ellen F. Read, who died May 29, 1892, leaving four children, namely: Sarah R., now the wife of Frank E. Weaver, of Torrington, Connecticut, who is connected with the Eagle bicycle works at Torrington; Eric L., also with the bicycle company; and William D. and Dorothea O., at home.
MARTIN F. MULROONEY.
Martin F. Mulrooney has spent his entire life in Yonkers. He was born on the 16th of July, 1867, being a son of Patrick and Mary (Corley) Mul- rooney. For thirty-five years the father resided in this city, and here he died, in December, 1891, at the age of forty-eight years. He was a very enthusiastic Democrat in his political affiliations and was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. His wife died in July, 1886, at the age «Of forty-three years.
On attaining the regulation age Martin Mulrooney entered the parochia school of St. Mary's and then attended the public schools of his native city, 'where he pursued his education until fourteen years of age, when he put : aside his text-books in order to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. Since that time he has been dependent entirely upon his own efforts and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his industry and capable management. He was first employed in Froehlich's stove factory, in Yonkers, where he remained two years. He completed his apprenticeship at the moulder's trade in the employ of Otis Brothers & Com- pany and has since been connected with their extensive works, covering a period of fifteen years. His long connection with that firm well indicates his superior workmanship, his fidelity to duty and his thorough reliabity. He is one of the most trusted employes in the foundry, and well merits the con- fidence reposed in him.
In his political views Mr. Mulrooney is a Democrat, and has always taken a very active interest in politics, being a recognized leader in the ranks of his party in this locality. He was a candidate for supervisor from the second ward (now the fifth ward), and though defeated it was a defeat that amounted almost to victory, for he succeeded in reducing the usual Repub- lican majority of four hundred and fifty votes to fourteen. At the following election his opponent was again candidate for the office and received a major- ity of five hundred, so that the former election plainly indicates the personal popularity of our subject and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He is vice-chairman of the Democratic general committee of Yonkers, has served as delegate to various county, congressional, judicial and assembly conventions, and is the recognized leader of the Democratic forces in his ward.
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Mr. Mulrooney takes an active interest in all that pertains to the prog- ress and upbuilding of his city, and is especially prominent in connection with the fire department. He is a member of the Hudson Hose Company, was twice foreman of the Otis Fire Brigade, and has represented the former on the board of the fire department of the city of Yonkers. He has been one of the most active and efficient members of the department, and has done much for its advancement and proficiency.
In 1887 Mr. Mulrooney was united in marriage to Miss Annie S. Casey, a daughter of Patrick Casey, of Newburg, New York, and later of Matteawan, New York, and to them have been born three children: Frank, James and Anna. The family are members of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Mulrooney belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters of America and the Otis Mutual Aid Society.
ALBERT A. ULTCHT.
Practical men like the subject of this sketch are the only real builders of the institutions of civilization; and Mr. Ultcht is not only to be classed among the builders but even in the front rank of the builders, possibly the first one in that rank in Mount Vernon. In both material and spiritual matters he has been remarkably efficient.
Mr. Ultcht was born June 5, 1862, in Dutchess county, New York. His father, Augustus S. Ultcht, was a native of Germany, served in the Saxon wars and thereafter came to America. He was a man of good education and natural ability, and located in the town of Stanford, Dutchess county, this state, where he became extensively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and accumulated considerable property. In his politics he was in general a Democrat, but an independent thinker and voter. In his religion . he was a Lutheran in the Fatherland, but in this country was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was born May 14, 1827, and died on his home farm, in February, 1897, at the age of seventy years; and his wife, Augusta, who was born October 21, 1828, departed this life February 26, 1876. They had seven children: The first died in infancy, unnamed; Charles P., August, Samuel, Albert A., Minnie, Henrietta Millus and Mary Cables.
Mr. Albert A. Ultcht was fourteen years of age when his mother died; he afterward found employment on a farm until sixteen years old, when he began to learn the mason's trade, serving a three-years apprenticeship; and at this trade he was employed six years at Poughkeepsie, New York, and he continued as a journeyman at the trade until 1889, when he became associ- ated with Frank G. Bruce, forming the firm of Bruce & Ultcht, contractors and builders; but this partnership was terminated at the end of a year, and
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since then Mr. Ultcht has operated alone. His offices are at No. 11 South Third avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. Although the building interest has been rather dull in Mount Vernon for some time, Mr. Ultcht has all the- contracts he can handle, employing sometimes as many as seventy-five men. He is careful, conservative and faithful to all promises, is industrious, ener- getic and wide-awake-indeed one of the most enterprising citizens of the city of Mount Vernon.
Mr. Ultcht takes great interest in public affairs, in which he exerts a powerful influence, in national affairs being a Democrat and in local interests independent. He is now serving his second term as a member of the board of aldermen, representing the first ward, to which office he was elected by a majority larger than the total number of votes received by his opponent. He is considered one of the most aggressive and important members of the board-in fact, the leader. To the interests of his city he has devoted a great deal of time and labor. He is an influential member of the Firemen's Association, having served five years in the fire department of the city, and is a member of the Firemen's Benevolent Association, and the East Side Improvement Association. In the fraternal orders he holds membership in
Hiawatha Lodge, No. 434, F. & A. M .; Einheit Lodge, No. 461, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Guiding Star Lodge, No. 3, of the Encampment of the latter order. He is a member of the Mount Vernon City Club, Mount Vernon Bicycle Club, and an honorary member of the Board of Trade. In religion he is a member of the Congregational church at Mount Vernon, which was organized in 1895. For the house of worship of this denomination he purchased the site and at his own risk and responsibility erected the build- ing, in 1897, and the church has already paid for it. He may therefore be considered the leader in the interests of his church at Mount Vernon. He is also a member of the Young Men's Christian Association.
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