USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 51
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Mr. Cook is a member of the City Club of Yonkers, and politically he is independent of the great party ties. At one time he was a member of a military company. Religiously he is identified with the Reformed church.
GEORGE E. SIMONS.
This honored veteran of the civil war and a leading citizen of Union- ville, Westchester county, was born in New York city, October 8, 1843, and is a son of Malcolm Simons, a native of Cheshire, New Haven county, Con- necticut, and a carpenter by trade. The paternal grandparents were of Irish descent, and in their family was one son, Thomas Simons, who died from wounds received at the battle of Gettysburg while serving in the Union army during the Rebellion. Malcolm Simons wedded Miss Mary Jane Vreden- burgh, a daughter of John Vredenburgh, who fought with the American army in the Mexican war. To this worthy couple were born fourteen children, five sons and nine daughters.
The subject of this sketch was reared in New York city, and at the age of seventeen years he offered his services to the government to assist in put- ting down the rebellion, enlisting on the 20th of April, 1861, in the Eighth New York State Militia. Receiving a gunshot wound at the battle of Bull Run, he was honorably discharged August 2, 1861, but re-enlisted February 3, 1862, this time becoming a member of the One Hundred and Ninth Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was again discharged, August 9, 1862, as he was wounded in the thigh and hip at Cedar mountain; but on the 21st of April, 1864, he enlisted for the third time and was made second lieutenant of Company K, Fourteenth Regiment Veteran Volunteers. The war being ended, he was finally discharged October 19, 1865, and returned to his home with a military record of which he should justly be proud.
After the war Mr. Simons followed civil engineering in the south, later went to Mexico, and from there to California in 1869. Returning to New ,York city, he worked at his trade as a steel engraver for some time, but in 1871 went to Europe, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Ger- many. He also traveled in Asia, through China and Japan, and remained abroad ten years. Returning again to New York city, in 1881, he worked at his trade in the employ of the New York Bank Note Company; next he spent some time in the west as a surveyor at Milwaukee, St. Paul, Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California; then he went to Washington, D. C., where he served as adjutant at the Soldiers' National Home until 1893, since which time he has made his home in Westchester county, New York, an honored and highly respected citizen.
Mr. Simons was first married in New York city to Miss Abigail Shears,
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of Rockland, Maine, a daughter of Isaac Shears, a prominent merchant of that place, and by this union he had one son. After the death of the wife and mother he married Mrs. Lucretia (Ryan) Collier, a native of Delaware county, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas Ryan, a veteran of the Mexican war. By her first marriage she had two children, -Celia and Earl Collier. While acting as Indian agent at a point in South Dakota, a son was born to- our subject, Valentine H.
Mr. Simons is now a prominent member of Crowell Post, No. 966, G. A. R., at White Plains, New York, and also belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 17, F. & A. M., at Orting, Washington. Travel and his social, genial nature have made him an entertaining companion, and he is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship and devoted to those who have his confidence.
SAMUEL K. STOUTENBURGH.
The common-place duties of daily life, trivial though they may seem to the casual observer, demand for their proper fulfillment the same admirable qualities of character which in a higher degree and under other circumstances attract universal notice and approbation. However it may seem to the superficial mind, our rural communities furnish an excellent field for the development of the traits which go to the making of a good citizen, and one purpose of this work is the preservation of records which show the innate worth and dignity of such a life. In the long and useful career of Mr. Stoutenburgh we may learn many valuable lessons.
A representative of one of the honored old families of this state, he was born in Dutchess county, February 3, 1816, a son of Peter L. Stoutenburgh and a grandson of Jacobus Stoutenburgh, who was of Holland descent. The latter married a Miss Teller, who was born in Dutchess county, of German ancestry, and belonged to a family which was founded on Long Island about 1720. Peter L. Stoutenburgh also was a native of Dutchess county, where in early life he learned the tanner's trade, and after his removal to New York. city, in 1820, he engaged in the shoe business. He married Permelia Hart, a native of Long Island, and they became the parents of eight children, one of whom died when young, while the others reached years of maturity: David is now living in Norwalk, Ohio, at the age of eighty-six years; Jacob F. is deceased; Samuel K. is the next in order of birth; Wright F. is deceased; James is a resident of Pleasantville, Westchester county; Joseph, who was a soldier of both the Mexican and civil wars, makes his home in Dayton, Ohio; Sarah married A. Schenck and died in Middletown, Ohio; and. Mary S. married Samuel C. Conover and died at the same place. The father of these children died in the prime of life, and the mother when of about middle-
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age. Both were faithful members of the Society of Friends, were widely and favorably known, and the father was identified with the Whig party.
The subject of this review was educated in the schools of New York city and began his business career as a clerk. Later he was engaged in the grain business in the metropolis for some time, and from there went to Noblesville, Indiana, where he was in business as a partner of his cousin. Subsequently he spent two years in Norwalk, Ohio, where he had for his neighbors Gen- eral W. T. Sherman and Charles Sherman. Returning to the east he resumed business in New York city, where he continued to reside until 1858. The following four years were devoted to trade in Armonk, Westchester county, and at the end of that time he purchased his present farm in Mount Pleasant township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies with marked success, making it one of the best in the locality. This beautiful home is well and tastefully furnished, is surrounded by spacious lawns and fine shade-trees, and is situated on the north shore of Lake Kensico, commanding a grand view.
On the 30th of September, 1862, Mr. Stoutenburgh was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Phoebe S. (Fisher) Sands, an adopted daughter of Nicholas and Phobe Haigh, the latter a sister of her mother. She was reared and educated in New York city, and on the 12th of February, 1845, gave her hand in marriage to Daniel C. Sands, a native of North Castle township, Westchester county, and a son of Benjamin and Mary H. (Cox) Sands, promi- nent citizens of this county. Mr. Sands was a successful business man, and for some time was engaged in the grocery trade in New York, where he died October 8, 1849. He left two sons: Charles W. Sands, who married Vir- ginia W. Lane and had one son, Charles W., Jr., who died at the age of eighteen years; and Daniel C. Sands, who married Martha Titus and has one son, Daniel C., Jr.
In his political views Mr. Stoutenburgh is a Republican, and in religious connection both he and his wife are members of the Society of Friends. This worthy couple take an active interest in all educational, religious and temper- ance affairs, and do all in their power for the betterment of their fellow men.
BAILY B. SEARLES.
This well known and enterprising agriculturist of Somers township is a native of Westchester county, New York, his birth occurring November 7, 1854, in Bedford township, where his parents, Benjamin B. and Caroline N. (Young) Searles, are still living. He was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys, assisting in the labors of the field and attending the public schools, but his early education was supplemented by two terms' attendance at Bedford
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Academy under Professor Sloat. When his school days were over he sought and obtained employment as attendant in the Bloomingdale Asylum, where he remained for eighteen months. For the following two years he was con- nected with the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company in Connecticut, and then returned to Bedford township and again turned his atttention to agri- cultural pursuits, remaining there until 1888, since which time he has been a resident of Somers township. He now manages the property known as the old Brown farm, and is successfully engaged in general farming upon a tract of twenty-four acres which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place well indicates his careful super- vision and shows that he thoroughly understands the occupation he is now following.
Mr. Searles married Miss Alice Flewellin, who was born at Croton Lake, this county, January 8, 1855, and is a daughter of Caleb and Charlotte (Put- ney) Flewellin. He casts his ballot with the Republican party, and affili- ates with Yorktown Lodge, No. 181, I. O. O. F., in which he is serving as warden. By birthright he is a member of the Society of Friends.
CHARLES H. LENT.
Charles H. Lent is the well known superintendent of the Croton dam water-works and is a man well fitted for the position he holds. In some way he has been identified with the works from the very beginning, having previously held a responsible position with the company's superintendent of construction and also as paymaster for the same. At one time he was in the employ of Smith & Brown, contractors on the works, and on the Ist of Sep- tember, 1889, was first appointed superintendent under. Mr. Gilroy, serving as such with credit to himself and to the best interests of the company until July, 1895. On the 1st of July, 1898, he was reinstated and is now filling the position in a most capable and satisfactory manner.
A native of New York, Mr. Lent was born September 1, 1857, in Put- nam county, but belongs to an old Westchester family which has been iden- tified with the interests of this county for a century and a half and is of Hol- land origin. The first of the family to come to America settled first either on Long Island or in New York city. Abram Lent, our subject's grand- father, was a native of Westchester county, as was also the father, Milton G. Lent, who was born in Cortlandt township and was one of the brave defenders of the Union during the civil war, being a member of Company G, Fourth New York Volunteer Infantry. Later he became an honored mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in his political convictions was a Democrat. He married Miss Caroline Cole, a native of Connecticut, who
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is now living at Brewster, New York, while he died at Croton Dam, in De- cember, 1891, at the age of sixty-eight years. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children, -three sons and four daughters.
In the public schools of this state Charles H. Lent obtained a good practical education, and at the age of sixteen he accepted a position as book- keeper for F. E. Foster, a merchant of Brewster, New York. Later he was bookkeeper and paymaster on the Lake Shore Railroad, and in a like capac- ity was with the Erie & Wyoming Railroad at Scranton, Pennsylvania, for three years. At the end of that time he became connected with the water works at Croton Dam, and has gradually worked his way upward to his present responsible position, his success being the just reward of his fidelity to duty, his honesty of purpose and his good business ability. Politic- ally he is a Democrat, and is an active and zealous worker for his party's interests. Socially he is a prominent Mason, a member of the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and also Mecca Temple, of the Mystic Shrine.
At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Lent was united in marriage with Miss Ida M. Hodge, a daughter of Orson Hodge and a niece of Henry Barnum, formerly one of the proprietors of the Van Amberg circus and manager of Howe's Great London Circus for the United States. Mrs. Lent was reared and educated at Brewster, New York, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Edna Barnum and Alma.
JAMES H. BEDELL.
There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the hon- ored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state from an early day, and from the fact that he has been for many years one of the highly respected citizens of Westchester county. He was born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, New York, February 15, 1819, and is a representative of an old and prominent family of that county, having made their home for generations in Washington Hollow.
John Bedell, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Washington Hollow, conducted a hotel there for many years, and spent his entire life in that vicinity. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in his business undertakings met with excellent success. He was one of the most active and enterprising men of Dutchess county in his day.
In his large family was Elisha Bedell, our subject's father, who was reared in Washington Hollow, and there made his home throughout the greater part of his life, always following the occupation of farming and meet-
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ing with a well deserved success in his labors. He was one of the most sub- stantial and reliable citizens of his community, was an earnest member of the Methodist church, and was a Whig in politics. His last days were passed in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, where he died at about the age of sixty-three. He married Miss Phoebe German, a native of Pleasant Valley, who departed this life at the age of seventy-three years. To them were born nine children, namely: Harvey, a retired farmer, who died in Pough- keepsie, New York; James H., the subject of this sketch; Bethia, deceased wife of Alonzo Titus, of Brooklyn, New York; Mary, deceased wife of George Firman, of Pleasant Valley; Elisha, a mechanic residing in Verbank, Dutch- ess county; Sarah, deceased wife of Alonzo Titus, of Poughkeepsie; Lewis, who died in Verbank; Alonzo, a resident of the town of Dover, Dutchess county; and Jane, deceased.
James H. Bedell was reared and educated in Dutchess county in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, and throughout his active busi- ness career engaged in agricultural pursuits, with marked success. On com- ing to Westchester county he first located in Bedford township, where he followed farming; later he spent ten or twelve years in the village of Bedford; from there he removed to Mount Kisco, but now makes his home with his grandson, James Henry Bedell, of Poundridge township. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and is a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, his life having ever been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.
In 1843 Mr. Bedell was married, in Dutchess county, to Miss Eliza- beth Churchill, a daughter of Van Austin and Elizabeth Churchill. She was born in Matteawan, that county, in 1817, and died in 1890. They became the parents of nine children, as follows: Isaac, who was a Union soldier during the civil war, and married Miss Millicent E. Brown, who died in 1877, and he is now managing engineer of a large paper-mill at Yorktown, Pennsylvania; Edward is the next of the family; Charles also served in the Union ranks in the war of the Rebellion, and is now a farmer of Jamestown, Virginia; Henry, who is a resident of Silver Mine, Connecticut, and is a rep- resentative of the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company; Daniel W., who died at the age of five years; three died in infancy; and George is a prac- tical farmer, now managing the estate of thirty-eight hundred acres at James- town, Virginia.
James Henry Bedell, our subject's grandson, is one of a family of two children, the other being Edith E., who married James Boyd, of Brooklyn, New York, and died at the age of twenty-two years. He was born April 30, 1865, in Brooklyn, where he lived until twelve years of age, and then came
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to Westchester county to make his home with his grandparents upon a farm, receiving such an education as the public schools afforded. At the age of twenty-one he took charge of the John Jay farm near Katonah, in Bedford township, which he successfully managed for eighteen months, and for the following three years had charge of another estate near the Jay farm. He then located on the Highland farm, now owned by a Mr. Judd, and conduct- ed the same for five years as a dairy farm, wholesaling the milk. At the end of that time he settled upon his present farm in Poundridge township, which he had purchased in 1895, and here he is also engaged in dairying. He bot- tles all the milk and retails it in Stamford, Connecticut, which is eight and a half miles from his farm. As he could not care for his farm and look after his milk trade, he rents the place and gives his entire attention to the dairy business. He has one hundred and forty acres under a high state of cultiva- tion, and is meeting with a fair degree of success in his business affairs.
He is one of the stanch Republicans in the county, and in 1897 was elected justice of the peace, which position he is now filling in a most credit- able and satisfactory manner. He is master of Rippawam Grange, No. 145, of Long Ridge, and is a member of the Presbyterian church of Bedford. In 1886 he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary H. E. Williams, a daughter of Isaac D. and Sarah Williams, and by this union two children have been born, -James Luquer and Bertha E.
LEWIS M. FISHER.
Lewis Morris Fisher, an honored old resident of North Castle township, Westchester county, is a sterling representative of one of the fine old fami- lies of this section of the state. The valuable farm which he owns and cul- tivates was the birth-place of his father and grandfather, and during the Revolutionary war some of the forces of General Washington were encamped for a time on these grounds. Two of the family were soldiers in the colonial struggle for independence, and the Fishers were very generous in providing for the troops, dividing with them such provisions, clothing and supplies as they possessed. The old homestead still retains traces of the brief sojourn of the soldiers here, and is in consequence one of the noted places of the county. Many of the smaller relics have been carried away, but the large stones which they used for fire-places can still be seen, here and there. Dur- ing their encampment here they cut down about three acres of forest for fire- wood, etc.
William Fisher, the father of our subject, was born and brought up on this farm and became one of the most respected citizens of this locality. He was active in all public affairs of his community, and not only occupied about
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all the township offices, but also served as a member of the state assembly during the sessions of 1836-7. He was a man of influence and authority in his neighborhood, and he was frequently sought to settle up estates for his acquaintances and friends. He was for ten years a trustee in the Presbyte- rian church, and for fifteen years served in the capacity of elder. He died when in his eighty-fifth year, and his wife passed to her reward when she was eighty-seven. Mrs. Fisher was a Miss Permelia Cudner prior to her mar- riage, her family being residents of Scarsdale township, this county. Of the eight children born to William and Permelia Fisher but three now survive. R. Chauncey resides in White Plains; Joseph A. lives on a portion of the old homestead; Lewis M., our subject, was the next in order of birth; Arletta died unmarried; William Henry died, leaving a widow; Albert died in boy- hood; Augustus died when four years old; and one child died in infancy. The Fisher family furnished two substitutes during the civil war, and were Whigs, and later Republicans, in politics.
Lewis Morris Fisher was born here, March 29, 1839, and received a good education in the public schools of this vicinity. He has followed the business of carpenter and builder for several years, with success, and is a skillful workman. He was married in 1887, and has one child, Lewis Ralph, born Angust 14, 1896. Mrs. Fisher is a daughter of Ralph and Sarah Ellis, the former one of the oldest contractors on public works in this county. He built a portion of the brick and stone work on the Croton aqueduct and has been prominently connected with other great enterprises in eastern New York. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are the happy possessors of a beautiful home situated in a pleasant spot, and surrounded by well-kept lawns, dotted with flower-beds and shaded with fine old shade-trees. The homestead which he owns and cultivates is a place of twenty-five acres, and from some points the Sound can be plainly seen in the distance. Mr. Fisher has always been very active in church work and for years he has been an elder in the Presbyterian church and superintendent of the Sunday-school. Like a loyal citizen he takes an interest in public matters and seeks to use his ballot in an intelligent manner, supporting only the measures and nominees that best promise to prove of benefit to the general public. He uses his franchise in favor of the Republican party.
DAVID N. HAVILAND.
David N. Haviland is one of the commissioners of highways in Harrison township, Westchester county. He thoroughly understands the duties of this responsible position and gives much of his time to the work of securing better roadways for the traveling public. He was chosen by his neighbors and friends to fill this office in 1894 and in the intervening period he has been
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successful in making material improvements on the roads of this section of the county. He is zealous in the support of the interests of the Democratic party and has always voted for the nominees and platform of the organiza- tion since he received his right of franchise.
From his earliest recollections our subject has been closely associated with the interests of this township. He was born here, in his father's home- stead, February 10, 1860. His father, James S. Haviland, is a well and favor- ably known citizen of this township. He, too, is a native of this locality and has always lived in this vicinity. He learned the shoemaker's trade in his youth and has followed this calling during most of his mature life. He married a Miss Sarah A. Seymour, of White Plains, and to them were born four children: Newberry, of Rye township, Harvey, Samuel and David N.
From his boyhood D. N. Haviland has been accustomed to industrious labor and persevering toil. He was wisely initiated into the principles of business by his father and is successful in most of his financial undertakings. His education was obtained in the public schools and since leaving his studies he has endeavored to keep thoroughly posted in current events and matters of public importance by a regular perusal of the leading books, newspapers and periodicals of the day. He has turned his attention to different lines of business and has met with success in the majority of his ventures. He favors public improvements and reforms and is generally conceded to be just the right man for the position of road commissioner. He was married in May, 1890, to Miss Orpha Harris, then living in Rye township, this county, and they have a very pleasant and attractive home, where they enjoy entertain- ing their numerous friends.
JOHN L. WEINHEIMER.
From German ancestors come some of the most intelligent, progressive, reliable and patriotic citizens of Westchester county, for the Fatherland has furnished to America a substantial element in her citizenship. The emigrants from that country have not only adapted themselves to their new surround- ings and conditions, but have infused into American life the resolute purpose- and determined energy of their countrymen. From humble circumstances they have worked their way upward to positions of trust and responsibility, and among this number is Mr. Weinheimer, who is now most capably and satisfactorily serving as justice of the peace in North Castle township. He was born in Germany, but during his boyhood was brought to this country by his parents, who came to America for the purpose of giving their children better advantages than were afforded in the Old World. They were good,
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honest and industrious people, and reared their family to habits of industry and economy. Our subject grew to manhood in New York city and obtained a good education in both his native tongue and in English. For twelve years he was in the editorial room with Horace Greeley, during which time he was brought in close touch with the great editor, and from him learned many of the great principles and truths that made the name of Greeley a household word throughout the length and breadth of the land. His home and farm are pleasantly located near Kensico, and here he dispenses justice in a man- ner worthy of a judge, and also takes an active part in public affairs. He is widely known and has many friends throughout the county.
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