USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 18
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Eight sons were born to this worthy couple, Michael J. Martin being the sixth in order of birth. At the age of fourteen he took up silk-spinning and
michael . g. Martin
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"was thus employed for three years. Following this he was for two years en- gaged in the butcher business with Henry Fischer, after which he was, for two years, in the same business for himself. He then removed to New York city, locating in the old ninth ward, with whose political interests he was identified for some years, during which time he voted for John Kelley for governor. He also carried on business there as a butcher. In 1880 he re- ·turned to his native town and, after clerking for a time, embarked in his pres- ent business as a mason and contractor.
On the 7th of February, 1880, at the old cathedral on Matt street, New York city, where his parents were wedded many years previous, Mr. Martin led to the marriage altar Miss Lucy Fairbrother, who was born, reared and educated in that city, a daughter of Isaac and Sophia Fairbrother. Of the five children born of this union, Daniel Richard and Joseph are still living, while three died when young: Mary, Agnes and Lucy.
Mr. Martin has always taken an active and prominent part in political affairs and is one of the most prominent and influential members of the Democracy in North Tarrytown and Mount Pleasant township, being a zeal- ous worker for his party's interests. As a delegate to numerous conventions he has rendered his party effective service, was instrumental in nominating Ralph Baker and John Gibney, and worked earnestly for their election, and also supported Isaac Turner in the fall of 1898. He keeps well posted on the leading questions and issues of the day, and is therefore well able to vote intelligently on every measure that comes up. He has most ably served his fellow citizens in the capacity of assessor of Mount Pleasant township and took an active part in the great assessor's case against John D. and William Rockefeller, which attracted so much attention all over the United States. Mr. Martin has also served on the board of health, has been chief and treas- urer of the fire department, and was a member and first assistant engineer of the old hook and ladder company, with which he was officially connected for many years. He was one of the charter members of Court Fremont, No. 258, Ancient Order of Foresters of America, at Tarrytown; served as treas- urer for that court, and also as chief ranger, being elected to the latter office three times in succession. In all the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in him, and he has a host of warm friends throughout his native county.
J. ALBERT MAHLSTEDT.
Mr. Mahlstedt is president of the J. A. Mahlstedt Lumber & Coal Com- pany, of New Rochelle, New York, and has demonstrated the true meaning of the word success as the full accomplishment of an honorable purpose. Energy, close application, perseverance and good management,- these are
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the elements which have entered into his business career and crowned his- efforts with prosperity.
Mr. Mahlstedt was born in New York city, in 1853, a son of J. A. and Margaret (Meyer) Mahlstedt, both natives of Germany. The father was born in the village of Laste, in September, 1830, and was a son of Jacob and Margaret (Bell) Mahlstedt. In 1849 J. A. Mahlstedt, Sr., emigrated with his family to the United States, embarking upon a sailing vessel, and as the winds were favorable they made the voyage in twenty-seven days. Arriving in New York city, he located there and made that place his home until 1853, when he came to New Rochelle, Westchester county. Here he engaged in general mercantile business for a time, and in connection with it he became interested in the ice business, which he continued to follow after disposing of his stock of goods, building up a large and profitable trade. When he retired from the ice business, he was succeeded by his son, J. Albert, who is to-day carrying on a large wholesale business as dealer in ice, the lumber and coal business being largely retail. The lumber and coal sheds are the most exten- sive in the place, and are arranged for both security and convenience. He still conducts a large wholesale ice business, employing large bodies of men and teams in harvesting the ice. He is one of the most energetic and pro- gressive business men of New Rochelle. His brother, George W. Mahl- stedt, is secretary and treasurer of the J. A. Mahlstedt Lumber & Coal Company.
In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of J. Albert Mahlstedt and Miss Margaret L. Holler, of Mount Vernon, New York, in which place she was born and reared, being a daughter of John P. Holler, a highly respected citi- zen of Mount Vernon. Mr. and Mrs. Mahlstedt now have a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, namely: J. Albert, John F., Henry G., Robert A. and Margaret L. The elegant home of the family is located on the old Porter homestead, and is noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Mr. Mahlstedt takes an active part in all matters of interest to his vil- lage, and has most acceptably served as treasurer of New Rochelle for four terms; trustee and treasurer of the Union free schools, of upper New Rochelle. He has also been connected with the fire department for many years, being a member of Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company nineteen years, and treasurer of the same for twelve years. He is treasurer of the public schools of New Rochelle, and president of the Standard Improvement Company, which since its organization has been incorporated under the state laws of New York. He was one of the organizers of the board of trade of New Rochelle, and is treasurer of the same. The village has no more enter- prising or public-spirited citizen, - one willing to aid every object for the good of the community.
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ELBERT T. BAILEY.
This well-known real-estate dealer and insurance agent of Mount Kisco, New York, eminently deserves classification among the purely self-made men who have distinguished themselves for their ability to master the opposing forces of life and to wrest from fate a large measure of success and an hon- orable name.
He was born in Sing Sing, New York, and is a son of Benjamin Bailey, also a native of Westchester county, where his early life was spent. He published a newspaper at Sing Sing for several years and later became a noted criminal lawyer, enjoying a large practice in Putnam and adjoining counties and being remarkably successful in his trial of cases. He made his home in Carmel, Putnam county, but also had an office in New York city. He represented that county in the state legislature for three years, always took an active and influential part in political affairs, and at one time was the Democratic candidate for congress from his district, but was defeated. He was one of the incorporators of the New York & Harlem Railroad and served as attorney of the same for several years. He died at the age of sixty-two years. His father was also a native of Westchester county. Our subject's mother, who was an active and prominent member of the Methodist church, was in her maidenhood Miss Calista Wilson, of this county, and died at about the age of sixty-three. Of her four children two died while young, and our subject is the older of the two now living. William F. is now a distinguished citizen of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and has served as supreme- court judge of that state for the past six years. During the civil war he entered the service as private but was soon detailed as private secretary to General Sedgwick. In Westchester county he raised a company, which was mustered into the United States service as Company K, Ninety-fifth New York Infantry, and he served as captain of the same.
The boyhood and youth of Elbert T. Bailey was principally passed at Carmel, Putnam county, where he attended both public and private schools, and later became a student in the seminary at North Salem, Westchester county. At the opening of the Civil war, however, he laid aside his school- books and entered the Union service with his brother, as orderly sergeant, but shortly afterward was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and served as such until discharged on account of physical disability. For two months he lay in a hospital, ill with diphtheria and typhoid fever, and then was taken home by his father. Among his most cherished possessions is a sword presented him by the citizens of Carmel. On his recovery he accepted a position as operator at New York city for the Western Union Telegraph Company, with which he remained for a couple of years, and was then
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appointed agent at Hillsdale, Columbia county, New York, being located there for about three years. At the end of that time he came as agent to Mount Kisco and most acceptably filled that position for a quarter of a cent- ury, or until 1893, when he resigned. In the meantime he had become interested in the real-estate and insurance business, which now claims a con- siderable degree of his attention. In company with D. Waldron Bailey, he has also engaged in the manufacture of yellow-pine, poplar and locust lum- ber at Elkin, North Carolina, since 1895, and that enterprise also is proving very profitable. In 1894 he was appointed by the supreme court, one of the commissioners to appraise the condemned property of the water way between Brewster's and Croton Falls on Croton river, which supplies New York city with water, and is still filling that responsible position with credit and ability.
Mr. Bailey married Miss Josephine Holmes, of Mount Kisco, a daughter of Joseph Holmes, also a native of Westchester county, and they have be- come the parents of four children: W. Frank, who is engaged in the real- estate and insurance business with his father, and is also an expert witness for the city of New York on condemned real-estate; D. Waldron, who is with his father in the lumber business in North Carolina; Jennie B., at home; and George L. T., who is engaged in mercantile business in North Carolina.
Politically, Mr. Bailey is a stanch and active Democrat, who ranks among the most honored counselors of his party, and his opinions and advice are continually sought on questions of the greatest importance to the city. He was a member of the board of education and president of the same for several years; has been president of the village three or four years; and rep- resented the town of Bedford as county committeeman for several years. Fraternally he is a charter member of Kisco Lodge, No. 708, F. & A. M., and was one of the organizers and is now an honored member of Stewart Hart Post, G. A. R., of which he was the first commander, an office he con- tinued to fill for several years.
GEORGE L. MILLER.
" Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," said the sage Epi- charmus, and the truth of the admonition has been verified in human affairs in all the ages which have rolled their course since his day. The subject to whose life history we now direct attention has, by ceaseless toil and endeavor, attained a marked success in business affairs, has gained the respect and con- fidence of men, and is recognized as one of the distinctively representative citizens of White Plains. For many years he has been prominently identi- fied with its building interests and has thus become known as an important factor in industrial circles in Westchester county.
A
· Mnohmien
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Mr. Miller was born in White Plains, January 6, 1849, and belongs to one of the old families of the county, long connected with its history. The family is of German origin and in colonial days was founded in America. The great- grandfather of our subject was Robert Miller, who married Annie Fisher, and after the battle of White Plains their home was used as the headquarters of General Washington for some time. Mrs. Miller was a very devout Method- ist and her home was the place of entertainment for all the Methodist minis- ters that visited the neighborhood. Many of the meetings of that denomi- nation were also held in her house. Elijah Miller, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Westchester county and was a farmer by occupation. He married his cousin, Lettie Miller, and they became the parents of Leonard Miller, father of George L. He was born in the town of White Plains, Westchester county, in 1810, became a contractor and builder and erected many of the substantial residences in the county-seat and surrounding coun- try. He was one of the organizers of the Central Bank of Westchester county, of which he was made president, serving in that responsible position for some time, and continuing to act as a member of the directorate up to the time of his death, which occurred in May, 1884. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza Jane Renoud, and was born in Rye, Westchester county, in 1817. Her father was Stephen Renoud, whose father was a de- scendant of the French Huguenots, and located in Westchester county, near New Rochelle. The former was twice married, his first wife being a Miss, Travis, by whom he had one daughter. His second wife was Martha Purdy and by this marriage he had three children, a son and two daughters.
George L. Miller, the well-known contractor and builder of White Plains, spent his boyhood and youth in this city, and acquired his education in its public schools. In 1869 he began to learn the carpenter's trade with. his father, and after he had mastered the business he did considerable work along that line in Rockland and Orange counties, New York. Returning to. White Plains, he became a manager of his father's business, -an association that was maintained until 1876, when our subject began contracting and building on his own account. A good measure of success has attended his indefatigable and well-directed efforts. He has taken contracts for the erection of many of the best residences in White Plains and vicinity, as well as business houses, churches and public buildings. His fidelity to the terms of a contract, excellent workmanship and honorable dealings have brought to. him a very liberal patronage, and on all sides stand evidences of his handi- work and skill.
In October, 1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Esther A. Coles, of Greenburg, Westchester county, the second daughter of James and Esther (Van Wart) Coles. She was born in this county, where
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she also spent her girlhood and school days. Her grandfather was Robert Coles, a son of James Coles. Her maternal grandfather was Isaac Van Wart, a Revolutionary soldier, who valiantly fought for the independence of the nation, being one of the party which captured Major Andre. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one child, a daughter, Lena Adelle. Their home is one of the substantial residences on Broadway, situated in the midst of a pretty lawn and attractive surroundings. In politics Mr. Miller affiliates with the Republicans and takes considerable interest in local and county politics. He is now serving as trustee of White Plains and is progressive and public- spirited in the discharge of his duties. He is loyal as a citizen, honorable in business, and popular among a large circle of friends.
MATTHEW J. HALL, M. D.
Dr. M. J. Hall, a successful practitioner of medicine in Mamaroneck, has started out upon a long and brilliant career of responsibility, awkward duties and disagreeable works of charity; but he has the talent, the physical ability and the disposition to acquit himself well.
The Doctor is a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, born April 10, 1864, and at that place was brought up and educated in the public elementary and high schools. He began the study of medicine under a thorough physi- cian, Dr. B. C. Howland, and at the age of eighteen years was matriculated at the New York Homeopathic Medical College, of New York city, and after three years of arduous study received the diploma of the institution. After filling the position of resident physician at what is now the Flower Hospital a year, he came, in 1886, to Mamaroneck, since which time he has been engaged exclusively and continuously in the practice of his chosen profession. He has been health officer for seven years; is a member of the county, state and national medical societies, of the Hahnemannian Association and the Hahnemannian Society of New York.
The Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Leila J. Foshay, a daughter of John F. Foshay, Esq., and they have two children-Marjorie and How- land,-the latter being named in honor of his father's medical preceptor.
The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order, Apawamis Lodge, No. 800; a member of the I. O. O. F., Alert Lodge, No. 752; of Sheldrake Coun- cil, No. 264, Royal Arcanum; of Hawthorne Commandery of the Golden Cross; is the medical examiner for the Metropolitan Mutual Life and the Prudential Life Insurance Companies, and for the Catholic Benevolent Legion. His religious views may be known from the fact that he is a consistent mem- ber of the Congregational church.
In conclusion we may say a few words with reference to the Doctor's
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genealogy. The Hall family can trace their ancestry back to the year 912. Two hundred years ago the name was spelled Halle. In the family there have been many attorneys and physicians. William Marshall Hall, the father of our subject, was a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, was superin- tendent of the cordage company there for thirty years, and died at the age of sixty-four years. Enlisting in the war for the Union, he joined the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; but when his regiment had reached Balti- more on its way to the front the war closed. Mr. Hall was an active Repub- lican, and a zealous and intelligent member of the Congregational church. He married Miss Margaret Thompson, of New Bedford, who is still living, being now seventy-two years of age. She also is a sincere and consistent member of the Congregational church. Her father, John Thompson, was also a native of Massachusetts, and of an old, well known and highly respected family of the Bay state. William Hall, grandfather of the Doctor, was a native of Edinboro, Scotland, and was educated at the noted university there, of which institution he was secretary for several years.
FRED. E. TOMPKINS.
This highly esteemed citizen, engaged in farming and dairying near White Plains, was born in the town of Greenburg, Westchester county, April 15, 1864, the eldest son of Sylvester G. and Harriet E. Tompkins. His mother was a daughter of Andrew Tompkins, and his father was born in the town of Greenburg, on the old Tompkins homestead, in December, 1837, the son of Gilbert Tompkins, who also was a native of the same town. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was Thomas Tompkins. Sylvester and Harriet E. Tompkins were the parents of three children: Fred. E., our sub- ject; Eva E., who became the wife of Joseph H. Lewis, Jr., of White Plains; and Chester W.
Mr. Tompkins, whose name heads this brief sketch, was reared to agri- cultural pursuits on his father's farm and educated at the district school. He was about thirty-three years of age when his father died, and he thereupon took charge of the place. His mother, surviving, is a resident of the home- stead. The forty-three acres of which it consists are in a good state of culti- vation and furnished with good buildings.
In his political views Mr. Tompkins is a Republican. He has served as tax collector for a number of years, faithful to his trust and rendering satis- faction to the authorities for the manner in which he has accomplished his duties. In religion he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
October 13, 1886, he was united in matrimony with Miss Myra T.
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Shelley, a native of Greenburg town and a daughter of Clark and Elizabeth- (Sniffin) Shelley, of Unionville, in the town of Mount Pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins have one daughter, named Hazel M.
PETER J. MITCHELL.
Closely connected with the business interests of Yonkers, New York, and ranking as one of its leading citizens, we find the subject of this sketch, Peter J. Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell is a native of Yonkers, born January 9, 1862, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Quinn) Mitchell. He received his education in St. Mary's parochial school and in the public schools, and at the age of fourteen years left school to make his own way in the world. He was first employed as clerk in a paint store, where he remained only a short time, after which he learned the trade of hatter in the establishment of Baldwin & Flagg, Yonkers. This business occupied his time up to 1877, when he entered the employ of his brother, Michael F. Mitchell, in the hotel of which he is at present proprietor. He remained with his brother until 1886, when he opened an establishment of his own on Ravine avenue, known as the Glen- wood House. This he conducted for three years and a half. In 1890 he bought of his brother the Warburton Hotel, which he has since successfully conducted. Both in the hotel business and in the various other enterprises with which he is connected he has met with marked success. Mr. Mitchell is a director of the Yonkers Brewery; a member of the executive committee of the Warburton Hall Association; vice-president of the Yonkers Bowling Association; a stockholder in the banks of Yonkers, as well as the Gas Com- pany and the District Telegraph Messenger Company; member of the Yon- kers and Corinthian Yacht Clubs and the A. B. C. Bowling Club. He is also prominently identified with the fire department of Yonkers.
In June, 1883, Mr. Mitchell became a member of Protection Engine Company No. 1; in August of that year was made its treasurer, and in 1884 its foreman, and he has been a representative of this company for twelve years. He was elected state delegate to the conventions held at Lockport, New York, in 1886; Schenectady, in 1887; and Binghamton, in 1898. As a delegate to Lockport, in 1886, he took up the fight which resulted in the election, at Binghamton, in 1898, of the city of Yonkers as the state con- vention city for 1899. Mr. Mitchell has kept up a ceaseless fight in the inter- est of Yonkers, and it is due to his tireless efforts that this town will the present year enjoy the pleasure of entertaining the state convention. From · time to time Mr. Mitchell has served on various important committees. He was on the topic committee in 1897, and was made a member of the auditing.
Geben J Mitchell
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committee in 1898-9. He was president of the finance committee until suc- ceeded by Mayor Sutherland, when he was made first vice-president of the Firemen's Convention Committee, which position he is filling at present. He was the president of the Yonkers Athletic Association during 1895 and 1896.
Mr. Mitchell is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. He is a splendid example of the self-made man, and stands deservedly high in both business and social circles.
JOSEPH H. HUFF.
Joseph H. Huff. the genial proprietor of the Huff Hotel at Pleasantville, New York, was born on the 17th of October, 1854, in Hunterdon county, near Little York, New Jersey, a son of Jacob and Jane (Halk) Huff. The father, who belonged to an old and highly respected family of that state, was a cabinet-maker by trade.
During his boyhood and youth Joseph H. Huff pursued his studies in the common schools of New Jersey. On starting out in life for himself he worked as a mechanic on public works in New York for a while, and then became interested in the hotel business. It was in 1889 and 1890 that his present hotel at Pleasantville was erected, it being a fine three-story structure with a well lighted basement, and it has become a great favorite with the traveling public, for he is a model landlord, jovial, popular and obliging.
On the 20th of August, 1890, Mr. Huff was united in marriage with Miss Kate Noyes, daughter of George Noyes, and to them has been born one son, William H. Mr. Huff uses his right of franchise in the support of the Demo- cratic party, and takes an active and commendable interest in public affairs. He is now serving as town commissioner of highways. For three terms he was the treasurer of the board of highway commissioners. He is a mem- ber of the fire department, of which he was the organizer and its first chief. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
FRANKLIN P. PERKINS.
The manager of the extensive business of the Hotchkiss Beef Company at Port Chester, Mr. Franklin P. Perkins, is a capable business man and a representative citizen who is entitled to mention as such in this volume. He was born March 28, 1855, at Litchfield, Connecticut, where he grew up and obtained his education in the public schools. At the age of nine years he left home to live with an aunt on a farm, and there he learned the heavy duties pertaining to agricultural life, and continued therein until nineteen years of age, when he was employed in a butcher shop in Litchfield and Naugatuck, 41
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