USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 4
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Ambitious to learn and to accomplish something in a practical way, Dr. Baekeland prepared himself to accompany one of the scientific expeditions which were then being organized for the exploration of the upper Congo, but just as he was about to take his departure for the wilds of Africa he received the appointment of first assistant professor of chemistry in the University of Ghent, and that of professor of chemistry and physics at the government Normal School for Sciences, which was then located at Bruges. These note- worthy appointments naturally caused him to abandon his proposed trip to Africa. In the meanwhile he had given to the world the results of certain of his original researches in the field of pure chemistry, by the publication of works exploiting said researches, -notably, "A New and Analytical Method for the Separation of Copper and Cadmium," "Researches on the Oxydation of Hydrochloric Acid Under the Influence of Light," "Dissociation of Nitrate of Lead," etc. In 1887 he was proclaimed laureate in chemistry of the four Belgian universities, in a competition among all alumni who had obtained within the three preceding years the degree of Doctor of Sciences at any one of the universities. The work which earned him this distinction was his origi- nal researches on the phenomena of chemical dissociation. The prize awarded consisted of a gold medal, two thousand francs' worth of books, and a two- yearly subsidy of two thousand francs, for traveling and visiting foreign uni- versities. The Doctor visited the higher institutions of learning in Germany, England and Scotland, and subsequently the University of Ghent promoted him to the rank of associate professor of chemistry, after he had resigned his- position as professor in the normal school at Bruges.
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From his boyhood Dr. Baekeland had been an enthusiastic amateur pho- tographer, and it is needless to say that his wide knowledge of chemistry enabled him to work out the best results in the production of negatives, while his appreciation of the artistic values in photography eventually led him to the series of experiments which brought about the establishing of the Nepera Chemical Company, with which he is now so conspicuously identified. When the dry plate was invented he was one of the first to try this process, which was revolutionizing photography. It so happened that in Ghent several large dry-plate manufactories were established, and that later on, when Dr. Baeke- land had begun to gain some reputation as a chemist, he was frequently con- sulted by these manufacturers in regard to the technical difficulties encoun- tered. About 1888 he took out a patent for an improved dry plate, which could be developed in a tray of plain water. At the time. this invention was a very important one, and created a sensation; but since then the methods of developing dry plates have been enormously simplified, thus diminishing the importance of his invention.
In 1889 Dr. Baekeland was united in marriage to Miss Celine Swarts, the daughter of Professor Theodore Swarts, dean of the faculty of sciences at the University of Ghent, and within the same year-during his summer vacation-he came to the United States for the first time. His expenses were paid by the Belgian government, the object of the trip being to visit some of the more important American universities and colleges and make a report on same. While here he was consulted by certain chemical-manu- facturing firms, securing suitable recompense for his services. He asked for an extension of his leave of absence, and, this being granted, he remained here a few months longer, -" long enough," as the Doctor says, "to become thoroughly enthused with American ideas and American institutions." When he returned to Belgium he there remained for a time, but his experience in the United States prompted him to return hither and to try his fortunes in the New World, with whose spirit of progress and vitality he was thoroughly in sympathy. He accordingly resigned his position at the university, the special privilege being granted him by the Belgian government of retaining his rank and title of associate professor of the University of Ghent. He returned to the United States in the month of September, 1890, and estab- lished himself as a consulting chemist in New York city, where he remained until 1893, when he removed to Yonkers, Westchester county, where he became associated with his friend, Leonard Jacobi (who is individually men- tioned elsewhere), in the organization of the Nepera Chemical Company, whose history has been one of marked and merited success. At a later date Albert G. C. Hahn, M. S., became identified with the enterprise, and the three gentlemen mentioned constitute the official corps of the company,-
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Mr. Jacobi being president, Dr. Baekeland, secretary, and Mr. Hahn, treas- urer. The fine manufactory of the company is largely devoted to the pro- duction of photgraphic papers, the manufacture and the final manipulation of which are based on original and improved methods, -the result of the crit- ical investigation and practical experimenting on the part of the subject of this review, who devotes his time and attention to laboratory and scientific work having a bearing on the continuous improvement of the processes of manufacture and the bringing out of new and valuable products. Mr. Jacobi devotes his attention more particularly to the commercial department of the enterprise, promoting and expanding its interests in every possible direction, while Mr. Hahn superintends the general work of manufacturing. The com- pany has not satisfied itself with the limited trade derived from this conti- nent, but has established a large export business, there being hardly a civil- ized country in which the products of the factory are not to be found. The leading product is the celebrated " Velox " paper, whose superiority over all other photographic papers manufactured either in this country or abroad can not be doubted. It is hardly in the province of this article to enter into details in regard to Velox paper, but it is certainly demanded that a brief mention of the same be made, since it represents the practical outcome of careful study and work on the part of Dr. Baekeland.
In a little brochure issued by the company the superior claims of " Velox" are presented in a very attractive way, and from the introductory paragraph we make the following extracts:
Ordinary processes of printing, toning and fixing are slow, dirty and uncertain. They require sunshine, patience, persistent attention; unpleasant, uncertain and expensive chemical processes,-in other words, time and outlay. A process which is quick, simple, certain and independent of sunlight, increases the profits of the professional and the pleasure of the ama- teur. Velox paper does not require sunlight, complex chemical processes or time. It prints by sunlight, daylight, gaslight, or any light as fast as frames can be filled. It requires no toning and no long and tedious chemical manipulation. It is clean, easy, simple and certain. Velox paper conquers technical difficulties due to imperfect methods, and thereby gives sole promi- nence to the artistic element,-that which makes photography an art instead of a handicraft.
In short, the mere fact that the paper is susceptible to the influence of slow light is sufficient to cause it to supplant all papers hitherto used, -the uncertainty of printing, owing to unfavorable light, having seriously handi- capped all professional photographists who have had recourse to the ordinary types of photographic paper. But superadded to this point of great superior- ity justly claimed for Velox are others of almost equal importance to the artist. The simple method employed in bringing the prints into condition for final mounting is such that the entire processes of printing, toning and fixing may be accomplished in less time, and with no complicated chemical combinations, than any one of the three portions of the work would require
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with the ordinary aristo or albumen papers. Again, the full values of the delicate chiaroscuro of the negative are preserved with even greater fidelity than in the albumen paper, which has in this regard always surpassed the more modern aristo products, while the Velox insures practical permanency in every. print made thereon,-there is no fading or disintegration. More need not be said in regard to the result of the labors of Dr. Baekeland along this particular line.
We have already referred to the marriage of Dr. Baekeland to Miss Swarts, and in conclusion we may note that to them three children have been born: The first child was born in Belguim after the return of the Doc- tor to that country after his first visit to the United States, the death of the first-born occurring in Yonkers, after his removal here. In this city were born his son, George Washington Baekeland, and his little daughter, Nina, both of whom lend brightness and cheer to the attractive home, which is a center of refined hospitality.
JOHN M. FURMAN, A. M.
John M. Furman, A. M., principal of the Irving Institute, in Tarrytown, New York, is recognized as an educator of high standing. . During the eight years of his connection with the well known institution just mentioned he has- abundantly proven his genius and special aptitude in the noble field of endeavor which he has chosen to be his life work. Year by year he has found it necessary to increase the facilities of the institute, the patronage of which is perceptably gaining, and one of his aims being to provide the pupils- entrusted to his care with every educational appliance and advantage possi- ble and practicable.
Forty-five years ago the Irving Institute was founded, and each year since then it has sent representatives to the leading colleges and educational institutions of this country. The various buildings of the schools, erected expressly for the purposes of the institute, are well lighted and heated with modern methods and all the conveniences of this enlightened age add to the comfort and well-being of the pupils. The buildings are situated in the out- skirts of Tarrytown, on high ground, and the beauty of the surrounding country and the healthfulness of the location are among the favorable feat- ures. A gymnasium, erected in 1898, is equipped for thorough physical exercise and development, and is under the direction of a competent instructor.
The fortunate students of Irving Institute are considered as members of the principal's household, and particular pains is taken that only boys and youths of good family and moral training be admitted here. Excellent dis-
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cipline, sufficiently lenient, yet firm and judicious, is maintained, and incor- rigible pupils are not permitted to remain in the school. In every respect the institute sustains its well-earned reputation of being a model school for boys, as thousands of testimonials from leading families of this and other states have voluntarily testified. The able corps of instructors in the various branches of learning are headed by the genial and popular gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this review. With an elective system of studies to cover the admission requirements of all colleges, all of the benefits of individual and class training are to be found here. Recently a new build- ing, containing a library and sixteen additional students' rooms, has been added. The main building is large and cheerful, and the grounds afford splendid opportunities for all kinds of out-door sports.
John M. Furman was born in Schenectady, New York, September 30, 1866. He received his preparatory education at his native place, and in 1889 graduated from Union College. In 1892 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by his alma mater. His high standing and scholar- ship led to his being tendered the position of principal of the public schools of Cambridge, New York, which position he held for two years. In 1891 he became principal of Irving Institute. Here he has ample scope for his financial ability as well as his skill as a teacher and manager, and in each of these departments of power he has met the requirements and added fresh laurels to his name. Parents and pupils alike attest his worth and popularity, and few indeed possess in greater degree the knowledge of the successful management of growing boys. The influences of a refined Christian home surround the pupils, and every effort is made to inculcate in them upright principles and high standards of action, which will be their mainsprings of conduct throughout years to come.
WASHBURN BROTHERS.
These well known contractors and builders of Peekskill, New York, have been successfully engaged in business for the past eighteen years, and on all sides are seen many notable examples of their skill. The firm is composed of Harvey M. and Silas W. Washburn, and during the busy season they often employ as many as thirty men. Thoroughly reliable in all things, the quality of their work is a convincing test of their personal worth, and in business circles they occupy an enviable position.
These brothers are sons of Henry S. and Margaret (Green) Washburn, in whose family were five children, all still living, namely: Harvey M .; Silas W .; Josephine, wife of A. Donaldson, of New Paltz, Ulster county, New York; George J., who is engaged in business at Davenport, Iowa; and Will-
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iam, a carpenter of Peekskill. During the greater part of his life the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he was always a supporter of the men and measures of the Democracy. The mother was an earnest and con- sistent member of the Methodist church.
Harvey M. Washburn was born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1848, and at the age of nineteen years commenced learning the carpenter's trade, to which he has ever since devoted his time and attention with marked suc- cess. He was married at Croton-on-Hudson, July 24, 1874, to Miss Isabella Purdy, a daughter of Silas J. Purdy, a farmer at that place, and she died leaving three children: Edith, Catherine and Marion. In his political views Mr. Washburn is a Democrat, and he has been quite prominently identified with local affairs, has served in several township offices, and at present is filling the position of assessor.
Silas W. Washburn is also a native of Dutchess county, born in 1850, and he began work at his trade at the age of twenty-two years. On the 18th of November, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza L. Lefferts, of Sing Sing, by whom he has two sons, Ralph L. and Randall G. Her father died when she was a child and her mother afterward married William Grant, of Sing Sing. Mr. Washburn takes an active interest in political affairs, and as a pronounced Democrat he is prominent in political circles. He is now serving as president and trustee of the fire company at Peekskill. He was also elected member of the board of water commissioners in 1898, and is now serving as president of the board. The brothers are both public- spirited and progressive citizens, giving their support to all measures for the public good, and those who know them best are numbered among their warmest friends.
S. WOOD CORNELL.
S. W. Cornell, dealer in lumber and coal, manager of the Cornell Lime Company, manufacturers of snowflake lime, and president of the Nannanagan Ice Company, of Pleasantville, New York, is entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive and enterprising business men of Westchester county. Upon the commercial activity of a community depends its prosperity, and the men who are now recognized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of extensive business enterprises. He is a man of broad capabilities who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
Mr. Cornell was born in Ulster county, New York, November 26, 1854, and is a son of William T. Cornell, now deceased. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wood, was a daughter of Stephen Wood, of Mount Kisco, New York. Our subject, one of a family of three children,
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was reared in this county, attending the Mount Kisco schools and later boarding schools at Poughkeepsie, New York and Providence, Rhode Island.
Mr. Cornell is a most energetic and wide-awake business man, giving strict attention to every detail of the business under his control, and in his undertakings he has met with a well deserved success. He is now treasurer of the Cornell Lime Company, manufacturers of snowflake lime for building and chemical purposes, their works being established in 1865. He is one of the most popular and influential men of his community and his circle of friends and acquaintances is extensive. Politically be is an enthusiastic Republican.
HENRY SWEET.
The editor and proprietor of the New Rochelle Pioneer, Henry Sweet, is one of the influential men of the town, and we take pleasure in here referring personally to him in presenting a brief review of the publication of which he is the head.
Looking first at the history of the New Rochelle Pioneer, we find it was established in 1859 by John Dyott, an Englishman, an actor, who had settled in this country some years before, and who conducted the paper for a number of years. Afterward it was for several years run by his son and daughter, the latter now being Mrs. A. Major, of New York city. In 1882 it was sold to Charles G. Banks, Esq., who subsequently became associated with Henry C. Henderson, under the firm name of Banks & Henderson, and from this firm it passed into the hands of Steadman & Sweet. In the year 1885 the senior partner conducted it until his death, in 1889, after which his wife assumed her husband's interests, and the paper was edited by Mr. Sweet until March 1, 1890. Then Mr. Sweet purchased Mrs. Steadman's interests, and has since been sole proprietor. In 1897 he erected his new building, a brick structure, thirty-two by ninety feet, and two stories high, and in March, 1898, moved into it, now having a modern and complete establishment.
The Pioneer is an eight-page, six-column paper, up to date in every respect, has a large circulation in the town and county, and is the organ of the. Republican party of the village.
Mr. Sweet is a native of New Rochelle. He was born in this town, June- 28, 1864, and is a son of Henry and Eliza Sweet, natives of London, Eng- land. His parents came to New Rochelle in 1853, where his father died in 1869, his mother still residing there. For eight years his father was sexton of Trinity church, New Rochelle, which position, after his father's death, has been held continuously up to the present day by his eldest brother, Joseph. After coming to New Rochelle, Mr. Sweet's father was a manufacturer of seals for legal papers of various kinds in the employ of Thaddeus Davids.
Henry Sweet
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& Company, whose place of business is at 127 and 129 William street, New York city.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of his native town. On leaving school he was employed at different places in the town until he became connected with the newspaper business, in which capacity he has proven himself master of the situation.
He was married, in 1894, to Miss Lucy Kirchhoff, second daughter of Joseph Kirchhoff, an old resident and highly respected citizen of New Rochelle. They have one daughter.
FRANK R. HOLMES.
Holding rank among the leading business men of Mount Vernon, Frank Riggs Holmes is well known in commercial circles and sustains a high reputa- tion for reliability and enterprise. He was born in New York city, January 16, 1868, a son of William and Lizzie (Kerchof) Holmes. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Francis Holmes and his wife. Ann, who leav- ing their home in Yorkshire, England, in 1660, crossed the Atlantic to America and took up their residence in Stamford, Connecticut. Later they removed to Bedford, Weschester county, New York, becoming pioneer settlers of that locality. One of their sons, James Holmes, a direct ancestor of our subject, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, and John Holmes, Sr., became one of the original proprietors of Bedford in 1681. He had six sons and two daugh- ters, and died in 1720, at the age of ninety years. Richard Holmes married Miss Mary Miller, and they reside in the town of Bedford, Westchester county. He served as tax collector in 1724, and later participated in the French and Indian war. One of his sons, Richard Holmes, was a lieutenant in the British army in 1737, and was the father of Peter Holmes, who married Mary Holmes, and served his country in the Revolutionary war. He held the rank of ensign, and later he again entered his country's service in the war of 1812. John Holmes, a son of Peter, was born December 31, 1752, also loyally espoused the cause of independence as a Revolutionary hero and was. at one time a member of the continental congress. He married Catherine Slawson, May 13, 1779, and died December 24, 1839. One of his sons, James Holmes, was born May 27, 1784, married Elizabeth Starr, and died in Monticello, New York, in 1817.
William A. Holmes, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Bedford, and after attaining to man's estate became engaged in the real- estate business in New York city. He possessed splendid business and exec- utive ability, and by his judicious investments and careful management amassed considerable property. The latter years of his life were spent in 33
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retirement from business cares, in his pleasant home in Mount Vernon. In his political views he was a stanch Republican, and while residing in Dutchess county, New York, he held the office of judge. He first married a Miss Brill, and their son, James Henry Holmes, is ex-secretary of the territory of New Mexico, and is now a prominent lawyer and real-estate dealer of New York city. After the death of his first wife Judge Holmes married Alta Riggs, who is still living, at the age of ninety years. Their children were William; Agnes, wife of Robert Taylor, a physician of New York city; and Herbert, who is living a retired life in Mount Vernon. Betsy Holmes, the wife of a Mr. Squires, who served in the Revolution, lived to be one hundred and two years of age.
William Holmes, the father of our subject, was born in Poughquag, Dutchess county, in December, 1844, attended the district schools of that neighborhood, and the public schools of New York city. There he engaged in business with his father, and subsequently became the owner of consider- :able property. For some time he carried on the grocery trade at the corner of Fortieth street and Sixth avenue, but in 1887 he removed with his family to Mount Vernon, where he has since conducted a large and profitable gro- cery and dairy business. He has admitted his son Frank to a partnership, under the firm name of Holmes & Son, and the firm ranks foremost among the leaders in the line. In his political views he is a Republican, socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and in his religious views he is a Presbyterian. He was also at one time a member of the old volunteer fire department of New York city. He has two sons, Frank R. and Robert Wal- lace, the latter an electrician, formerly with the Edison Electric Company, but now a resident of Denver, Colorado.
Frank Riggs Holmes pursued his education in the public schools of New York city and was graduated with the class of 1888. He then engaged in the brush-importing business in the metropolis for a time, and later was con- nected with other enterprises. In the meantime he had become interested in the grocery and dairy business at Mount Vernon, and in 1897 removed his family to this city, where he has since resided. He now devotes his attention almost exclusively to the conduct of their extensive trade. They have a large and well appointed grocery store and employ three wagons in the delivery of their goods. They also have a number of wagons used in delivering their dairy products to the customers, their trade in that line being larger than that of any other dairy firm in the city.
Mr. Holmes was married on the 7th of June, 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Grace S. Baily, a daughter of Lewis and Ann M. (Scott) Baily. Her father is engaged in the leather business in New York city, and is a vet- eran of the Seventh Regiment, New York State National Guard. Mrs. Holmes
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is an only daughter, and by her marriage she has two children, Dorothy Anna and Frank R. Mr. Holmes and his family occupy a very fine residence on Clinton Place, Chester Hill, Mount Vernon, and their home is the center of a cultured society circle. Mr. Holmes is a member of Hiawatha Lodge, F. & A. M., and Golden Rod Council, Royal Arcanum. His political sup- port is given the men and measures of the Republican party, but office-hold- ing has had no attraction for him, his attention being fully occupied with his extensive business interests and his social duties. His genial manner renders him popular in all circles, and he is accounted one of the leading and valued citizens of Mount Vernon.
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