USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
Locating in Danbury, Connecticut, he became engaged as a machinist in experimenting upon sewing-machines adapted for special lines of work. He also worked at the hatter's trade for a time there, and in 1867 came to Yonkers, where he was employed by the John T. Waring Hat Manufacturing Company. He was later with the firm of Waring & Belknap, and then spent twelve years in manufacturing hats on his own account as a partner in
913:
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
the Yonkers Hat Manufacturing Company, located on Chicken island. He was a trustee of that company and superintendent of one of its depart- ments. Business was carried on in Yonkers until 1894, wlien their plant was largely destroyed by fire and they removed to Peekskill, where opera- tions were resumed under the style of the Peekskill Hat Manufacturing Com- pany, of which corporation Mr. Stewart has since been president, and is also- manager of the plant by virtue of being the heaviest stockholder. Employ- ment is furnished to about three hundred operatives, and all kinds of soft hats, tourist and alpine hats are manufactured. They have a daily capacity of four hundred dozen, and while the factory is not the largest in the coun- try, it is unsurpassed for its superior equipments of machinery, as well as for the skill of its employes. The plant is equipped almost entirely with new machinery, much of which is of Mr. Stewart's own patents. The ground covered by the factory comprises seven acres.
The Captain is a man of marked business ability, executive force and inventive genius, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is president of the John Stewart Machine Company, of New York city, manufacturers of all kinds of special sewing-machines. He is also vice-president and a director in the Metallic Trace Company, and is the author of many patented inventions. The United States government had on exhibition at the World's Columbian Exposition the first sewing-machine models for banding hats, exhibiting the inventions of Mr. Stewart, without his solicitation, and at the Atlanta Exposition he had two original special. sewing-machine models for sewing the leather in hats, -a work which was. formerly done by hand. All of these were of his invention, and in connec- tion with George Peene, of Yonkers, he invented a brake for a hand truck. He has many other important inventions used on sewing-machines, and his labors have largely revolutionized methods of sewing.
Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Charity Mosher, a daughter of Daniel Mosher, of Poughkeepsie, and they have two children, James D. and George Thomas, both of whom are associated with their father in busi- ness. They maintain their home in Yonkers, where they have many warm friends. In politics, Captain Stewart has always been a stalwart Repub- lican and formerly took an active part in political work, but has never sought. or desired public office. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 40, F. & A. M., of Danbury, Connecticut, was at one time active in promoting the Yonk- ers Debating Society for young people, and at all times has been deeply interested in every movement or measure calculated to advance the general, welfare, prosperity and happiness of the city. For a number of years he was a member of the board of managers of the St. John's Riverside Hospital, of Yonkers. He was a charter member of Ketching Post, No. 60, G. A. R., of 58
914
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Yonkers, also a charter member of John C. Fremont Post, No. 590, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. At the dedication of the soldiers' monument in Yonkers, September 17, 1891, John C. Fremont Post, No. 590, G. A. R., entertained several of the visiting Grand Army posts. After the ceremonies, when the comrades sat down for lunch, instead of the usual fare of hard-tack, sandwiches and coffee, they were agreeably surprised to find a regular course dinner furnished by a celebrated New York caterer. It is needless to add that they were surprised and appre- ciated the change. Mr. Stewart, our subject, was the chairman of the enter- tainment committee.
Mr. Stewart has delivered a series of lectures on General Banks' cam- paign in the Shenandoah valley, and his vivid and well-worded descriptions of the inovements of the army proved of especial interest to his auditors. For thirty-two years he has participated in the business life of Westchester county, and during that entire time has so conducted all affairs entrusted to him as to merit the confidence and esteem of the entire community, and no word of censure has ever been uttered against his actions.
PETER SHERIDAN.
A literal " builder" of the beautiful city of Mount Vernon, and one of its reliable and efficient business factors, is the gentleman whose name heads this article. He was born in this city, May 20, 1855, a son of Peter and Matilda (McNight) Sheridan, educated in the public schools here, but was obliged to quit the halls of learning at an early age and be thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood. For seven years he was employed upon a farm, when he began taking a few contracts for sewer construction and street pav- ing. His business grew upon his hands until he has become one of the lead- ing contractors in his line in the city. He has probably contracted for more street work than any other man in Mount Vernon, and certainly has done more macadamizing of streets than other party .. He is the proprietor of the Sheridan Hotel on Fourth avenue, and also of other valuable real-estate in this city. He is a thoroughly self-made man, a substantial business man, and one of the most reliable contractors in the place.
Politically, he is an active Democrat, has been street commissioner of Mount Vernon, and is a member of the Niagara Fire Company and of the Improved Order of Red Men.
In 1877 he was married to Margaret Casey, of Mount Vernon, and they have seven children,-Mary, Emma, Everett, Samuel, Joseph, John and William.
915
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
ZIBA CARPENTER.
The proprietor of the Carpenter House at White Plains, the gentleman whose name appears above, was born in the town of Harrison, this county, February 6, 1834, and was the son of Isaac W. and Amy (Ackerman) Car- penter. His father, also born in the town of Harrison, was a drover, dealer in live stock, farmer and a general business man. His wife, a native of Westchester county, was a daughter of William Ackerman. John Carpenter, a grandfather, was also born in Harrison, was a wheelwright by trade and interested in agricultural pursuits. He married Mary Webber, of an old Westchester county family, and they had twelve children. Her brother, Dayton Webber, served one term as sheriff of Westchester county. The Carpenter family originated in Wales.
Mr. Ziba Carpenter, in his youth, was educated at the common schools of the town of Harrison, remaining with his parents upon the farm until he was sixteen years old, when he began to assist his father in the live-stock business. Arriving at his majority he went to New York city, where he con- ducted a meat market for a time; next he became a salesman for Henry Ward, of One Hundred and Forty-ninth street, that city, and remained in his employ for several years; the ensuing six years he was a passenger con- ductor on the Harlem River Railroad; next he became proprietor of the Cen- tral Hotel at West Albany, New York, where he built up a large business and made money; selling out this property, he moved to White Plains, purchased the Orawaupun Hotel and conducted that for three years; then, in 1873, he was elected sheriff of Westchester county, for the term of three years, being nominated on the Republican ticket against John Bussin on the Democratic, and although the county was strongly Democratic in general Mr. Carpenter was chosen by a handsome majority.
In 1879 Mr. Carpenter kept the Westchester House on Forty-second street, New York city, the hotel occupying a part of the ground which is now the site of the Grand Union Hotel. For a time he also kept the Franklin House at Tarrytown, New York. In 1870 he came to White Plains and pur- chased the Carpenter House, which he has conducted to the present time, as one of the principal hotels at the county seat. His long experience in cater- ing to the public in the capacity of a host enables him to keep in the front rank as a hotel-keeper, and his popularity in this respect insures him a per- manent patronage.
He has been married twice, first, in 1857, to Miss Caroline Sniffen, of the town of Harrison, this county, and she died, leaving four children, viz. : Caroline M., wife of Frank White; Lottie, at her parental home; Elmer E., and Kate, wife of James Andrews. Secondly, Mr. Carpenter was united in
916
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
marriage with Miss Lenord, of Port Chester, New York, and by this marriage there are two children, namely: Jessie and George L.
In 1891 Mr. Carpenter was nominated, on the Republican ticket, as a candidate for county clerk, and was defeated by John M. Digney, a Dem- ocrat.
The above list of items, according to the rough outline to which we are confined, brings the history of the life of our subject up to date; but it is cer- tain that if he lives longer a more marked career will characterize his useful and honorable life.
WILLIAM N. FERRIS.
In the death of Willian Nelson Ferris, Mount Vernon and Westchester county lost one of their most prominent and highly respected citizens. As the day, with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its eve- ning of completed and successful efforts, ending in the grateful rest and quite of the night, so was the life of this honored man. His career was a long, busy and useful one. But although an earnest business man, devoting his whole daily time and attention to the further development of his commercial interests, he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, being to the end of his life a kindly, genial friend and gentleman with whom it was a pleasure to meet and converse. He attained the advanced age of ninety-five years, and at the end of a long, honorable and useful life passed to the home beyond.
He was born in Tarrytown, New York, January 23, 1804, and was con- nected with one of the old historic families of the state. His paternal grand- father resided at White Plains while the war of the Revolution was in prog- ress, and suffered heavy losses, his stock and personal property being con- fiscated by the opposing forces. One of his sisters married William Popham, son of the noted Colonel Popham, of Revolutionary fame. The parents of our subject were Richard and Winnifred (Purdy) Ferris. The father was a boat-builder by occupation and constructed the celebrated privateer " Hor- net." He resided in Tarrytown, New York city and White Plains, dying at the last named place when he was about seventy-five years of age. He served under General Harrison during the Revolution, having the rank of first lieutenant, and subsequently he aided his country by valiant service in the war of 1812, in which two of his sons, Elijah and Jacob, also manifested a spirit of marked patriotism.
The parents of William N. Ferris were very poor and when a child of five years he ran away from home. He went to his uncle, William Purdy, at White Plains, and remained as a member of his household for seven years. He had entered into an agreement to work for this uncle until he had.
917
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
attained his majority, but as he could not obtain from his senior a written paper stating the terms of the contract, he ran away from him at the age of twelve years. It had been verbally agreed between them that the youth should be given twenty acres of land, a horse, saddle and bridle and a suit of clothes when he reached manhood, but at the age of twelve years he again started out alone, and making his way to New York city secured employ- ment as errand boy at the celebrated old hostelry, Bull's Head, where he remained, however, only a few weeks. He then began learning the tailor's trade and spent two years in mastering the business, becoming an expert workman. The fascination of lite on the high seas, however, appealing very strongly to him, he and another lad shipped aboard the " Jane," a privateer- ing vessel, for a four-years cruise in the smuggling business. Numerous thrill- ling experiences and a number of narrow escapes characterized this period of his life, but the ship on which he sailed met success in every hazardous ven- ture in which she engaged. At last Mr. Ferris landed in Philadelphia, whence he journeyed by rail to South Amboy, New Jersey, and there went aboard the ill-fated Aetna, which, on the voyage to New York city, was blown up, four hundred of her passengers being killed and injured. Young Ferris, as usual, seemed to bear a charmed life, and escaped unhurt. After- ward he served for two years with Commodore Porter's squadron, in the Gulf of Mexico. He was assigned to the brig Bainbridge, one of the largest ships in the fleet, joining it at Fort Morgan, on Mobile bay. This squadron was detailed by the government to clear the Gulf of Mexico of pirates, and this task was successfully accomplished in about two years. On the same mission Mr. Ferris visited ports in Cuba and various European and Asiatic ports.
When his service for the government had been concluded he resumed the quiet life of a tailor in New York city, and devoted his energies earnestly and untiringly to the prosecution of his chosen calling. He was also engaged in the teaming and transporting business for a score of years in the metrop- olis, but finally disposed of his interests there and invested his money else- where. Having purchased fifteen acres of land of Charles Archer, of Mount Vernon, he sold three acres of the tract some fifteen months later, receiving therefor twenty-three hundred and fifty dollars. He then erected a substan- tial residence on the remainder of his property, but disposed of it several years later to Mr. Barnes, president of the Atlantic Insurance Company, of New York. Returning to the city, Mr. Ferris resided there for a few years, and then purchased two tracts of land in Mount Vernon, where he has since made his home until his death. He there resided for over three decades, and although he reached the advanced age of ninety-five years he enjoyed good health in his old age and was active and ambitious, looking after his
918
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
business investments, not caring to relegate his affairs entirely to others. He was truly a remarkable character, and when nearing the century mark put to shame many a man of half his years who, grown weary of the struggles of business life, rests from his labors, content with little or nothing for old age. His early life was replete with incident and adventure, and his spirited accounts of these enriched his conversation and made him a very entertain- ing companion.
Mr. Ferris married Miss Rice, and for the long period of sixty-five years they pursued the journey of life together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows. Mrs. Ferris was a devoted wife and mother, and all who knew her loved and admired her for her sweet womanly qualities. She was summoned to her final rest January 31, 1893, when she had attained the ripe age of eighty-seven and a half years. Of the five children born to this worthy couple, two, Mary and James, are deceased, and John, Sarah and Fannie survive. The daughter remained at home and with kind and filial devotion cared for her father until he, too, passed from the scene of earth's activities.
CAPTAIN ALFRED NUSKEY.
Among the most prominent and esteemed citizens of Sing Sing is Cap- tain Nuskey, who is accorded the veneration and respect which should ever accompany old age. He has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on the jour- ney of life and has made for himself a record which is worthy of all com- mendation, being the account of a life faithful to every duty, honest at all times and loyal to every trust. He is now living retired, but for many years was prominently identified with the business and military interests of this locality.
He was born August 2, 1815, in New York city, a son of Rinard and Elizabeth (Lewis) Nuskey. His paternal grandfather, Baker Nuskey, was a native of Poland and a very scholarly gentleman who made school-teaching his profession. He had one son and two daughters, one of the latter being Mrs. Greene. The father of our subject was a hatter by trade and for many years resided in Brooklyn, but died in New York city. His family num- bered two sons and three daughters, namely: John, Alfred, Mrs. Eliza Greene and two who died in infancy. The father passed away when about sixty-five or seventy years of age.
In the public schools near his home Captain Nuskey acquired his edu- cation, which has been largely supplemented by the knowledge gained in the practical affairs of life. He was only nine years of age when bound out to a farmer, but not liking his occupation he ran away, coming to Sing Sing, where he has since lived. He worked at the mason's trade for a time and
919
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
then entered the employ of the Brandreth Medicine. Company, with which he was connected throughout the remainder of his active business career. He was twenty-four years of age when he sought and obtained employment in their grinding department, and for fifty-eight years he remained with the firm, acting as their forenian for half a century. What higher testimonial of faithful service could be given than the fact of his long continuance with one house? He had the implicit confidence of the company and not a little of their success was directly attributable to his well directed efforts and capa- ble management. Realizing this fact, in 1897 the company retired Captain Nuskey upon full pay and thus he is enabled to spend his declining years in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He had direct charge of the manufacturing department, and had thirty-seven men under his personal supervision. He was alike popular with employers and employes, and enjoyed the high regard of the patrons of the company.
Captain Nuskey was also very prominent and active in military circles, being for twenty-one years in the military service of the state as a member of the Eighteenth Regiment, Seventh Brigade, Lockwood Guards, under command of Colonel Ryder. He enlisted as a private, but after three months was made a non-commissioned officer, and a year later was elected second lieutenant. When eight more months had passed he was made first lieutenant and by his next promotion was made captain. He took a very active part in military affairs, and was justly proud of the proficiency which his company attained. His command was called out on various occasions of local disturbances requiring military power, and at the time of the civil war he organized a company of eighty men for service at the front, but was persuaded by his employer, Dr. Brandreth, to remain at home. How- ever, he rendered important service at the prison in Sing Sing, doing guard duty. He became very proficient as a tactician and was widely known in military circles.
Captain Nuskey married Sarah A. Tillottston, a daughter of William Tillottston, and to them were born six children. Catherine, the oldest, be- came the wife of Hubert Knapp, of New York city, who died in that city in 1889. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, took an active part in its work and was an earnest Christian gentleman. In his family were four children, but only one is now living, -William Richardson, -who is a naturalist or osteologist, and has one child, Esther Mary. Granville B., the eldest son of Captain Nuskey, was engaged in the painting business in Sing Sing, but is now deceased. Clorinda was the next of the family. Rachel is the wife of Aaron Ward, a carpenter of Sing Sing. Eliza is the wife of A. H. Tompkins. Emma A. died at the age of seventeen years, and William died in infancy. The mother of these children died December 15, 1887, at
920
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
the age of sixty-eight years. She was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her death was mourned by all who knew her. In an obituary notice appeared the following: "Mrs. Nuskey was a Christian lady of sober, calculating intelligence and refined manner. She was a devoted, exemplary mother, an affectionate, true wife. For years she was the female superintendent of the Sunday-school, treasurer of the Ladies' Aid Society and president of the Ladies' Camp Meeting Association. Her death was a heroic triumph and peaceful departure, worthy of a devoted Christian life."
Captain Nuskey was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for fifty-eight years has been a loyal and leading member of the Methodist church, in which he has served as trustee, class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school. Almost his entire life has been passed in Sing Sing and he is to-day one of its most popular citizens, honored for his fidelity to principle, the truth and the right, esteemed for his genial man- ner and loved for his many admirable qualities.
JAMES A. THORNE.
James A. Thorne, a prosperous farmer and one of the most influential and substantial men of the county, was born in Putnam county, New York, October 2, 1825. His parents, Green and Sarah (Anderson) Thorne, now deceased, were both natives of Putnam county. His grandfather, Samuel Thorne, came to this state from Long Island and was a farmer, as were his parents. They were Democrats in early life, but afterward affiliated with the Republican party.
James A. Thorne is the only survivor in a family of four children, Gra- ham, Gilbert and Emalinda having entered their long sleep. He was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools. He early developed an aptitude for farming, which was but natural, as he had come from a fam- ily who in their occupation were then as now, wedded to the soil, and were among the substantial farmers of their time. When twenty-five years of age, he purchased a tract of land in his native county, and started in business for himself. In 1871 he came to Westchester county and purchased two hundred and twenty acres in Somers township, to which he afterward added forty acres, making him the owner of two hundred and sixty acres, which were devoted to general farming purposes. About three years ago the New York City Water Shed Company condemned about twenty-eight acres of his land upon which his home was situated. These buildings they destroyed, leaving Mr. Thorne without a home, and keeping him out of the money due him on
921
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
the land and buildings, which has practically driven him from his own prop- erty to seek shelter elsewhere.
He was married to Miss Matilda Strong, daughter of John Strong, and a native of this county. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and a most worthy, kind-hearted lady. She died in the fall of 1893, leaving four children, namely: Sarah Ella, wife of Caleb Green, deceased; James I., a farmer of Somers township; Jerrard, deceased; and Nelson S., also a farmer of this township. The oldest son, James I., is justice of the peace of his town- ship, while the youngest, Nelson, was elected collector of Somers township for 1896-7. Both sons are Republicans, as is their father, and all take an active interest in the success of their party, Nelson, especially, being one of the most prominent young politicians in this part of the county. Nelson S. Thorne was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Maggie Dick- son, a daughter of John and Julia (Robin) Dickson, of Brooklyn, at which place she was born. They have one child, Ellsworth.
WORTHINGTON WHITEHOUSE.
Worthington Whitehouse is a gentleman of culture and inherited wealth, a student of the best schools of this country and Europe, and a descendant of an old and highly respected family. He is a native of Westchester county, New York, and the son of Edward M. and Amelia Stuart (Worthington) Whitehouse, both natives of New York city. The paternal grandfather, Edward Whitehouse, married Julia Commaren, and was one of three broth- ers-Edward, John and Henry Whitehouse-who came to America from England. The Worthingtons trace their ancestry back to 1632, when a branch of the family came from York, Yorkshire, England, and made their home at Colchester, Massachusetts. The maternal grandfather, Henry Worthington, was a son of Asa Worthington, of Irvington. He married Sarah Newton, a daughter of Commodore John Thomas Newton, of the United States Navy.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Whitehouse were the parents of two sons: Worthington, the subject of this biography, and Edward, deceased, whose only child, Edwina, survives him. Among her ancestors was one Martling, who was noted for his bravery in the French and Indian wars and whose body reposes in the old Dutch cemetery at Elmsford, within a half mile of the Worthington farm. This farm is still in the possession of the mother, who, after the death of her husband, contracted a second alliance, this time with Thomas Whiteside Rae, of the United States Navy. Mr. Rae is also deceased and his widow resides on the farm with her sons, Worthington Whitehouse and Izard Newton Whiteside Rae. The farm is situated in
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.