USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 38
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board of health, Mayor Weller signed an order for the removal of the dams, and they were summarily removed. The stream once so offensive now rip- ples through the city, sparkling and bright, proving an ornament rather than a nuisance.
During his administration many new and important improvements were accomplished, among them being the introduction of granite-block and sheet asphalt paving for the important thoroughfares of the city, the widening of the arch of the old Croton aqueduct over Nepperhan avenue and the estab- lishing of a hospital for contagious diseases and a crematory for the burning of garbage and dead animals. Many new streets were laid out and extended, electric subways put down, sewers constructed and water and fire systems enlarged. On his retiring from office he left a public record which for aggressive action and benefit conferred on the city has been unsurpassed by that of any other mayor. His administration was characterized by a bold courage and an impartiality in the discharge of the duties of that important office that knew neither fear nor favor. He stood aggressively in sup- port of every measure and movement inaugurated which had for its purpose the welfare of the city of Yonkers and the health, happiness and convenience of its citizens.
On May 21, 1867, Mr. Weller married Miss Adelaide W., a daughter of the late Thomas Radford, of Yonkers (see sketch preceding). Eight children were born to thein, five of whom are now living: Emma Adelaide (deceased), George R., James Edwin (deceased,) Grace Adelaide, Joseph W., Charles Warren (deceased,) William Henry and James Alfred.
Alfred Weller, father of James H., was a farmer in the town of Mont- gomery, Orange county, New York; politically, he was a Republican and religiously, a member of the Reformed church. He married Catherine Dick- erson, daughter of Adam Dickerson, also of Montgomery. Their children were: James H., Alanson Y., Joseph H. (deceased), Eliza B. Harris, Sarah Agnes Kernochan (deceased), Cecelia Bull, and two who died in infancy. Alfred Weller passed away in April, 1872, aged sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1887, at the age of seventy-five years.
SEAMAN BRADLEY, D. V. S.
The Bradley family has for several generations been prominently identi- fied with the commercial, political and social interests of New York. Henry Bradley, Dr. Seaman Bradley's great-grandfather in the paternal line, was a candidate for governor of the state and was defeated by Hon. Reuben E. Fenton by only about twelve hundred votes. He was prominent as an
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abolitionist and as an advocate of temperance, and did much active and tell- ing work for the emancipation of slaves and the advancement of the cause of temperance, and was in every way a useful and patriotic citizen. He was, in his day, one of America's great merchants, and died past ninety years of age, leaving a considerable fortune which had been amassed honestly and without injustice to any class of people. He married Rhoda Ogden and had several children, one of which was Henry Bradley (second), the paternal grandfather of Dr. Seaman Bradley, who, like his father, was a true Ameri- can and a lover of liberty and justice, and who was for many years successful as a manufacturer of varnish in New York city. This Henry Bradley married Mary Seaman and had two sons and two daughters, James N., Ogden S., Catalett and Mary, and died at the age of sixty-five. His widow, Mary (Seaman) Bradley, survives him, now past eighty. Of their four children but one married,-Ogden S.,-who took as his wife Rebecca Purdy and had five children, of whom Dr. Bradley was the first born.
Ogden S. Bradley was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1844, and after attaining his majority removed to Sing Sing. Thence he removed to Dobbs Ferry in 1868, and at this time lives at Millwood. He was for some time engaged in the real-estate business, in New York city, and with most sat- isfactory results. He has retired from active business and is enjoying the fruits of early and well directed enterprise. His children were Seaman, of whom more is said further on; Harry, now dead, who was editor and pro- prietor of the Greenburg Register at Dobbs Ferry and postmaster of that place by appointment of President Harrison: George, who married Anna Halstead; Fredrick, who married Rebecca Montgomery; and Cornelia, who became the wife of Samuel J. Henwood.
Dr. Seaman Bradley was born in Sing Sing, New York, July 4, 1863. He acquired his elementary education in the schools at Dobbs Ferry, and in 1883 entered the American Veterinary College of New York, at which he was graduated in 1886, with the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Surgery. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at Dobbs Ferry, where he met with success. In 1895, in order to be more centrally located, he removed to Sing Sing, where his success has been in every way creditable and satisfactory. His home and veterinary establishment, situated on beautiful grounds near the old camp-meeting grounds, have been greatly improved by him since he took up his residence there, and now have every feature of comfort and convenience that could be desired.
Politically, Dr. Bradley follows in the footsteps of his forefathers and is a strong Republican, but he is not an active politician or an office-seeker. He was married June 5, 1898, to Callette Elizabeth Deliot, daughter of . Adolph and Elizabeth (Hunter) Deliot.
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GILBERT B. HUESTIS.
The fitting reward of a well spent and upright business life is an honorable retirement from labor, -a period in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil and to engage in those pursuits which afford pleasure and recreation in compen- sation for the years assiduously devoted to business. Gilbert B. Huestis is one to whom such a rest has been vouchsafed. For many years he stood as one of the foremost representatives of the building interests of New York city. Some of the most palatial homes of the metropolis. stand as monu- ments to his architectural skill; but now, as the reward of his honorable and well directed effort, the handsome competence formerly acquired enables him to live retired in his beautiful home in Mount Vernon.
Mr. Huestis is a representative of one of the oldest and most honored families of Westchester county. At a very early period in American history a Eustis-for so the name was originally spelled-left his home in Holland and founded the family in the New World, locating in Fairfield, Connecti- cut, whence Robert Huestis came to Westchester county about 1664. By his wife, Elizabeth, he had four children, -Robert, Samuel, David and James. The last named removed from Fairfield, Connecticut, to East- chester in 1665, and his children were Jonathan, born November 12, 1667 ;. James, born February 15, 1669; and Judah, born March 16, 1671. James, the second son, married Tamer Pell, a daughter of John Pell, and their son James, who died about 1779, at the age of eighty years, married Tamer Ferris, and had six children, namely: James, who married a Miss Griffin ; Caleb; Samuel, who became a man of high literary distinction; Joshua; Martha, wife of James Boyd; and Sarah, wife of Samuel Nelson.
Joshua Huestis, the son of James and Tamer (Ferris) Huestis, married Abbie Parker, and died in December, 1781, while his wife died in 1821, at the age of ninety years. Their eldest son, Thomas Huestis, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was born December 25, 1760, and married Phoebe Mabee, by whom he had four children: Joshua, who married Sarah Black; Peter, who married Miss Lefruge; James and Nathaniel. The mother having died, Thomas Huestis married Eliza Smith, and by the second union had six chil- dren: Phobe, Mabee, Abby, Joshua, Thomas and Mary. The last named became the wife of Benjamin Palmer, who was born in December, 1765, and followed farming on eighty acres of land near Tuckahoe, New York. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and served as a trustee. Benjamin Huestis married Hannah Higby, who was born June 16, 1771. Their children were Joshua; Fleming, a farmer who resided in Illinois; Ben- jamin, who was likewise a farmer in Illinois; Thomas Palmer, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, who died in New Jersey; Samuel, who died in childhood;
Gilbert . Honestis
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William, who died in Yonkers; Daniel, who resides in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of eighty-eight years; Harvey, who died in early youth; Catherine, wife of Abraham Lent, of Tuckahoe, New York; Mary, and Abigail, wife of James Thomas.
Joshua Huestis, the father of our subject, was born at Somerstown, Westchester county, March 4, 1795, and for many years resided upon a farm of eighty acres at East Chester. He was postmaster of Mount Vernon when the office was at Hunt's Bridge, the present site of Harlem Station. He married Sarah A. Fowler and they had two children, -Susan and Gilbert B., the latter the subject of this sketch. The former married George Archer, of Fordham, a farmer, who served as tax collector for many years. Mr. Archer died in 1867, and his wife died in 1891, at the age of sixty-five years. Joshua: Huestis died at Mile Square, March 10, 1873, and his wife passed away in 1849, at the age of forty-nine years, her birth having occurred February 10, 1800.
Gilbert B. Heustis, the subject of this review, was born March 29, 1832, and attended the public schools at East Chester until fifteen years of age. He left home at the age of seventeen and, under the direction of Steven S. Munson, architect and builder, mastered the business which he made his life work. He became an expert workman, his skill enabling him to command a very important position. For forty years he was connected with the exten- sive business of James C. Hoe as superintendent of their building interests, and in that capacity had charge of the construction of the Tiffany mansion at Seventy-seventh street and Madison avenue. It required six years to com- plete this, and the cost was one million dollars. On the completion of the- work C. L. Tiffany presented him with a gold watch valued at two hundred and fifty dollars. He also had charge of the erection of the palatial home of A. T. Stewart on Park Hill, between Thirty-third and Thirty-fourth streets, and of the reconstruction of the Metropolitan Hotel. in 1865. These hand- some structures stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise, and many other fine buildings in the city give evidence of his handiwork. He continued with James C. Hoe until 1896, since which time he has lived retired, enjoy- ing a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.
On the 7th of May, 1854, Mr. Huestis was united in marriage to Miss. Harriet E. Fowler, a daughter of Duncan S. Fowler, a shoe dealer of New York city. Three children were born to them. William Henry, the eldest, married Margaret Smart, of Yonkers, who died leaving two children,-Hattie and Hazel. He afterward married her sister, Mary Smart, and they now reside in Brooklyn. Emory J., the second of the family, is deceased. Harvey is the youngest. The mother died June 24, 1864, at the age of twenty-eight years, and Mr. Huestis was married, in July, 1865, to Mary Bryant, who died. June 23, 1893, at the age of sixty-five years. 52
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In 1878 Mr. Huestis removed from New York city to Mount Vernon, where he has since made his home. He is a Republican in his political views, and in religious faith is a Methodist. His life has been well spent, and his success is the creditable result of his own efforts. His business career has been characterized by perseverance, promptness and marked fidelity to the terms of a contract and to the trust reposed in him. His integrity is above question, and he sustains an unassailable reputation in business circles. His interest in the welfare and progress of the community renders him a valued citizen, and his social qualities and sterling worth make him popular with a large circle of friends.
MRS. MARY EVELINE HARPER.
One of the first questions that demanded public attention in America was education, and since that time the school system of the country has com- manded universal respect. Marked advancement has been made in this line, and in the public schools of the land are found teachers of marked ability, strong mentality and forceful individuality, who are leaving their impress upon the intellectual progress of the nation. Among the prominent representatives of the educational interests of southeastern New York is Mrs. Mary Eveline Harper, who resides in Mount Vernon, but is principal of an industrial school which is carried on in connection with the public-school system of New York city. She is a representative of two of the most prominent pioneer families of Westchester county. Her parents were Aaron and Eliza (Searing) Spin- ning. The former was a native of Newark, New Jersey, and his father, a native of Holland, became the founder of the family in America. Crossing the Atlantic, he took up his abode in Newark, where he made his home until his death. He was a man of considerable means, and died in 1857, at the age of eighty years. In his family were two sons, -Aaron and Charles. The former spent the greater part of his life in New York city, where he was engaged in the carriage-trimming business. He married Miss Searing, who was born in 1818, and was a daughter of Moses Searing, whose history is given in connection with that of his nephew, Gilbert B. Huestis, in the preced- ing sketch. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spinning were born three children: Theo- dore, deceased; Mrs. Harper; and George, who died in infancy. The father was a Republican in his political views. He is deceased, as also his wife, who passed away April 1, 1850.
The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Harper, Moses Searing, was born No- vember 23, 1782, at the residence on the old Searing homestead, which is still standing. His father, Daniel Searing, was a second lieutenant in the
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Second Battalion of Westchester county in the war of the Revolution. The Searing family was of English origin and the original American ancestor lo- cated at Searington, Long Island, which place was named in honor of the family, and froin there Daniel Searing came to Westchester county. He located at East Chester, where he purchased a farm and built a residence at what is now the corner of Eleventh avenue and Fourth street, Mount Ver- non. He owned and operated one hundred and twenty-five acres, and upon that farm reared his family. He was a prominent man in the affairs of the village and town, served as assessor and road commissioner, and held other public offices of trust. His wife, Elizabeth Searing, was born October 22, 1745, and their children were Jane, born August 21, 1764; Sarah, born July 21, 1768; Elizabeth, born July 19, 1771; Mary, born November 22, 1774; Charles, born May 18, 1777; Moses, born in 1782, the grandfather of our subject; and Lewis, born in 1784. Moses Searing followed farming through- out his life. He was a Republican in politics and a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church in East Chester, where he was buried in 1860, his death occurring when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. He married Susan White, of Tarrytown, and their children were John, Jane, Mary, Eliza, Susan, William Henry and Daniel, all now deceased.
Mrs. Harper was afforded excellent school privileges, and completed her education by her graduation in the Mount Vernon Institute, under the in- struction of Professor John Oakley. Since that time she has largely devoted her attention and energies to teaching. She taught the Mile Square school in the city of Yonkers in 1866-7, and in the latter year took charge of school No. 5, of Mount Vernon, where she remained until 1869. She was married June 24, 1868, when she became the wife of James Harper, a hardware merchant of Mount Vernon. They became the parents of two children: Jennie Sherwood, the elder, born May 13, 1869, a graduate of Albany S. College, is a teacher in the public schools of East Orange, New Jersey. James Edwin, the son, now occupies a responsible position as trav- eling salesman for a large hardware firm in San Francisco, California. He makes his home in Reno, Nevada.
For twenty-two years Mrs. Harper was successfully engaged in teach- ing in the public schools of Mount Vernon, and since 1895 has been principal of an industrial school of New York. She has traveled extensively, thereby gaining that knowledge and culture which nothing but travel brings. Her scholarly attainments and literary tastes make her a valued addition to intel- lectual circles, and at the same time render her peculiarly competent to instruct the young not only in the lessons of the text-books but also in the habits of mental development that will best fit them to cope with the prac- tical duties of life.
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G. HOSMER MAGNESS, M. D.
Dr. Magness is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in White Plains, New York, and has that love for and devotion to his profession which results in success and which has won him a place among the ablest representatives of the medical profession in this locality.
The Doctor was born in New York city, in 1851, a son of Henry Dorsey and Elizabeth A. (Hosmer) Magness, both of whom were of French descent. The Magness family originated in the north of France, and its first represent- ative in America crossed the Atlantic in 1650 and located in Maryland. From him are descended all bearing the name in the New World, and many of the members of the family, like our subject, have devoted their energies to the medical profession. The Hosmer family also came from France and was founded in this country by two brothers, one of whom settled in Con- necticut, the other in Massachusetts. In their veins flowed noble blood, and the family was one of much prominence in the " land of the lily."
Henry D. Magness, the Doctor's father, was born in Baltimore, Mary- land, in 1824, and was a son of John Magness, who also was a native of that state, where he owned a large plantation which he cultivated with the aid of a large number of negro slaves that he owned. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and held a captain's commission. Henry D. Mag- ness was reared on the plantation, and having attained to man's estate mar- ried Miss Elizabeth A. Hosmer, who was born and reared in New York city and is a daughter of John A. and Mary A. Hosmer, natives of Connecticut.
The Doctor spent the first fourteen years of his life in South America, where he had gone with his father, who was largely interested in commercial enterprises there and owned considerable property in that country. There Dr. Magness was first sent to an English and afterward to a French school. Returning to New York city, he began the study of medicine, preparatory to making the profession his life work, and later pursued a course in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where he was graduated in the class of 1876. He afterward spent six months in a hospital to gain practical knowledge of the science of medicine and also devoted a year to the study of special surgery.
Thus thoroughly equipped for life's work, he opened an office in New York city, in 1878, and began the practice of his chosen profession. The following year he came to White Plains, where he soon succeeded in build- ing up a large and lucrative practice, which he still enjoys. It has largely been of an important character, for which his skill and ability aptly fit him. He is now serving as physician at the Home of Nazareth and to the Sisters of Divine Compassion. He is also president of the board of health of the village of White Plains. He was one of the active leaders in the opposition
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movement against the sale of adulterated milk in the city of New York, and as an editorial writer has exerted a strong influence against the sanitary abuses in the metropolis. He is a leading member of the Westchester Med- ical Society and the New York State Medical Society, and keeps constantly in touch with the progress that is continually being made in connection with the medical science. He has gained marked prestige in his profession, and his brethren accord him a foremost place in their ranks.
Dr. Magness was united in marriage to Miss Margaret E. Moore, of Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of P. S. Moore, of that city, and to them have been born four children, - Mary, Helen, Thomas W. and George, aged respectively twenty, eighteen, eleven and nine years. The family have an elegant home in White Plains, and therein hospitality reigns supreme. It is a favorite resort with many friends, and the members of the family are both widely and favorably known in this locality. The Doctor is also a valued and exemplary member of the Foresters, and is a prominent knight of Sher- wood Forest, having been commander of the conclave. He is also a Knight Templar in Masonry, and a member of the Mystic Shrine.
JARED E. MEAD.
The well known assessor of Lewisboro township, Jared E. Mead, is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Westchester county, and is to-day successfully operating a valuable farm of two hundred and thirty-four acres, which was the homestead of his grandfather, Jared Mead, and was owned by Elroy Mead for many years. In connection with general farming, our subject is also engaged in the milk business and has built up an excellent trade along that line.
Mr. Mead was born in Yorktown, this county, February 14, 1855, and is a son of Clarke F. Mead, also a native of Westchester county, his birth occurring in New Castle township. The paternal grandparents were Jared and Elizabeth (Parker) Mead, both of whom died in York township. They had four children, namely: Clarke F., Mrs. Olivia Banks, Mrs. Esther Ray- mond, and William L., deceased, who was a soldier in the civil war. Clarke F. Mead married Miss Sarah Reynolds, of Mount Pleasant township, a daughter of Enos Reynolds, and they became the parents of eight children who reached years of maturity, namely: Jared E., Mrs. Elizabeth Haight, Effie Mead, Lewis W., Flora (wife of Ira D. Strang), Mrs. Sarah A. Strang, and two who died young,-Morris R. and Elmer E. The father, who was an earnest member of the Methodist church, and in politics an ardent Repub- lican, died at the age of forty-six years, but the mother is still living, at the old home in Yorktown.
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During his boyhood and youth Jared E. Mead pursued his studies in the public schools near his home and at Claverack, New York. In 1888 he was married to Miss Mary A. B. Clapp, of Brooklyn, this state, who, prior to her marriage, was successfully engaged in teaching school. In 1890 he removed to Somers, this county, but two years later located upon his present farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies, with most gratifying results. Politically he is a Republican, with prohibition tendencies, and in 1896 was honored by an election to the office of assessor of his township, a position he is now acceptably filling. He is an active and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now serving as steward.
Colonel Joseph B. Clapp, Mrs. Mead's father, was educated at Amherst, Massachusetts, and for a short time was in the Union service during the civil war, later serving with the rank of colonel in the state militia. He married Sarah Jeroleman, who was of Holland descent, of which stock she is proud, as is every one else who is acquainted with it. On the side of both her father and her mother several of the men participated in the Revolutionary war, and Mrs. Mead has one of the spoons given in a set to her great-grand- father by John Hancock as a wedding present. It was manufactured by the noted silversmith, Paul Revere, and his name is engraved on the back as the maker. The family to which Mrs. Mead belongs is an old Brooklyn family, well known in their section of the state, her father being one of the best known citizens and an associate of all the leading men, such as the father of Seth Low, and many old-time politicians.
Mr. and Mrs. Mead, the subjects of this sketch, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are held in high esteem by all who know them.
CALEB FOWLER UNDERHILL.
This gentleman is one of the leading and influential citizens of Yonkers and has taken an active part in promoting its substantial improvement and material development. He is now acceptably serving as assessor of the city and town of that name, having filled the office for twenty-four consecutive years, discharging his duties with most commendable promptness and fidelity throughout the long period. He has commanded the respect of all by his sterling worth, and his rectitude of character and faithfulness to trust furnishes an example well worthy of emulation.
Mr. Underhill, a representative of an old and honored Westchester family, was born July 30, 1821, on the old homestead where his grandfather lived for many years. He traces his ancestry back to Captain John Under- hill, more familiary known as Lord Underhill, who was born about the year
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