USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 57
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A native of county Tipperary, Ireland, he was born March 8, 1840, and when four years of age came to the United States with his father, John Ryan, who located with his family at Stanwich, Connecticut, where he made his home until about fourteen years ago, since which time he has been a resident of Port Chester. By occupation he is a farmer.
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The subject of this review was reared in Stanwich, Connecticut, and in his youth assisted in the labors of the farm which debarred him from extended educational privileges. However, he attended the schools of Stanwich and of North Castle, New York, to some extent, and by observation and varied experience in the business world he has added largely to his fund of knowl- edge, gaining that practical wisdom which enables one to meet ably the duties of life. In the spring of 1859 he started for the gold fields at Pike's Peak, Colorado. He went first to Kansas City and later joined a party at Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was employed to drive an ox team to Den- ver, arriving in the latter city in June, 1859. There many of the party de- cided to return, but Mr. Ryan with a number of companions started up the mountain in search of gold, and opened a gold mine in what is now Central City. Our subject aided in opening the first paying gold mine in Colorado, and was also the first man to drive a wheeled vehicle into the gold regions in the mountains beyond Denver. He was four days in making the trip from Denver to Central City, only forty miles. Soon after his arrival in Colorado, he became interested in placer mining in Russell Gulch, six miles from Cen- tral City, but after working there for two months were driven out by the Ute Indians, and at once joined a company to go into the mountains in pursuit of the red men. The expedition lasted three weeks, in which time three men of the party were killed and Mr. Ryan was wounded.
Not long after this he started eastward, going down the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to the state of Mississippi. There he recovered his health, which had been impaired in the mines, and when he had regained his strength he secured a position on the Mississippi levees. In April, 1866, he again started for Colorado, but at Fort Riley he learned that the Indians were on the war-path, and were occasioning such trouble that he returned to St. Louis and thence made his way to his native town of Stanwich, Connecti- cut. Soon afterward, however, he came to Port Chester, where he secured a position as a farm hand, and also gave some attention to the improvement of his education. Subsequently he engaged in teaching in Mamaroneck and Bronxville, and in 1870 he began business in Port Chester as a dealer in mer- chandise, coal, masons' materials and shippers' supplies. He has built up a very extensive trade, which has grown from year to year, bringing him an excellent income as the result of his careful management, enterprise and straightforward dealings.
Since his arrival here Mr. Ryan has been an important factor in the public life of the city, and is recognized as one of the most prominent and influential residents of the place. In 1870 he was elected a trustee of Port Chester, and held the office for six years. As a member of the school board for many years, he has done most effective service in the interests of educa-
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tion, and for three years he served as president of the board, during which time the present school buildings were erected and the present school system was inaugurated. He has been justice of the peace for one term, was super- visor of the town for five terms, and was chairman of the county board of supervisors for two years. But still higher political honors awaited him. His marked ability and fitness for leadership led to his selection for the legis- lature, to which he was elected, in 1890, on the Democratic ticket, and again. in 1891. He was chairman of the committees on taxation, retrenchments, public lands and forestry and public roads, etc. He was the author and secured the passage of the bill known as the Adirondack Park bill, providing for a state park in the mountains. In 1892 he was elected to congress, and was one of the active members of the house, serving on the committees on invalid pensions, labor, and railroads and canals. He introduced and had. reported the bill for the suppression of international commerce in all prison- made goods; advocated the construction of a cable to the Hawaiian islands, and the construction of the Nicaraguan canal. He also supported a measure providing for the construction of a canal from the great lakes to the Atlantic, and from the head waters of Lake Superior to the Mississippi river. He was. a candidate for re-election in 1895, but declined the nomination in 1896, owing to the pressing demands which his business interests made upon his- time. He is known throughout the state as a man of pleasing personality, of courteous nature and genial disposition, of sound judgment and unques- tioned business ability, and enjoys the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact through business, political or social relations.
In 1875 Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Mary O. Malley, who died in 1879, since which time he has remained single.
FRANKLIN D. PAGAN.
Franklin David Pagan, architect, New Rochelle, New York, is one of the prominent and popular young men of this place. He was born in New Rochelle, May 22, 1871, and here passed his boyhood days, receiving his- early training in the public schools and in a private school of the town. His father being a contractor and builder, the son early showed a taste for archi- tecture and was sent to the Architectural School, of New York, where he diligently pursued the course of study laid down and gained both a theoretical and practical knowledge of the science of building. Returning to New Rochelle, he assisted his father in the office, and later they were in New York city. Since 1890 he has had an office in New Rochelle, his first office being in the Charles G. Banks building, on Huguenot street, and his present loca- tion being at No. 211 Main street, where he has office rooms complete in all
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their appointments. He has drawn the plans for many of the best residences in New York city, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Pelham and surrounding towns in Westchester county, New York. He is doing a prosperous business, and enjoys the reputation of being a first-class, up-to-date architect.
Mr. Pagan is a member of the New Rochelle Yacht Club, and the New York Athletic Club, and also has membership in the Relief Engine Fireman's Club, the "crack" club of New Rochelle.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL REQUA.
The name of Requa has long been interwoven with the history of West- chester county, and to-day is borne by one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of Tarrytown, Captain Samuel Reqna. For many years he was connected with the river transportation interests of this section of the state, but is now living a retired life, resting in the enjoyment of the compe- tence acquired through his former toil. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Maria (Van Wart) Requa, and the former was one of the early settlers of Tarrytown. Here occurred the birth of his son, Captain Jacob Requa, the father of our subject, who for many years was captain of a sloop which conveyed market produce from towns along the Hudson to the metro- politan markets. He married Miss Eliza J. Lawrence, daughter of Isaac Lawrence, and to them were born seven sons and two daughters, of whom the following are still living: Maria, wife of Isaac Van Wart; John R .; Jacob; Samuel; Isaac R .; James M .; and Eliza J., the wife of ex-Senator Valentine M. Hugson, now of White Plains, New York.
Captain Samuel Requa, whose name introduces this review, was born May 26, 1826, in Tarrytown, where he now occupies a pleasant home. His education was obtained in the public schools, one of his instructors being Allen G. Newman, for whom he entertained great respect and fondness. While still a young child the delights of life on the water appealed strongly to him and many a trip he took with his father on the trim little sloop, the James Benedict, of which his father was captain. When the son had com- pleted his literary education he became his father's assistant and thoroughly learned how to manage the craft on which they sailed as well as to transact the other business connected with their trading ventures. They would col- lect the farm produce from the various agriculturists along the river and sell it for them in New York. Before his father's death, in 1864, Samuel Requa became the captain of the James Benedict, but soon afterward sold it and purchased a propeller, the Armitage Brearley. In this business he was asso- ciated with Captain Lewis, and together they carried on business for nearly thirty years, when Captain Requa sold his interest in 1893 to Captain James
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Duell. He is now passing his declining years in his pleasant home in Tarry- town in the enjoyment of a well earned rest and freedom from business care.
On Christmas day of 1849 Captain Requa was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Brundage, who was born in Kensico, Westchester county, and is a daughter of Ightmon Brundage. Five children were born to them but only one is now living, the daughter, Emma F., who is now the wife of Walter A. Connell, of Tarrytown. Those who have passed away are Millard F., a young man of brilliant prospects, who died in 1882, at the age of thirty-one years; Charles A., who died in 1871, in his nineteenth year; Henry Clay, who died in 1893, at the age of thirty years; and Ida May, an accomplished young lady, who was called to the home beyond in 1886, at the age of twenty-six years.
Captain Requa gives his political support to the Democracy, with which he has affiliated since attaining his majority. He is now serving as water commissioner for the village of Tarrytown and is president of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Association. He has always performed his full duty as a citizen, lending his aid and co-operation to every movement for the public good, and his well spent life has gained him the friendship and regard of a large circle of acquaintances.
GEORGE W. HARRIS.
Practical industry wisely and vigorously applied never fails of success. It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character, and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary quali- ties of common sense and persevering industry. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring exper- rience of the best sort, and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and for self-improvement. The subject of this review has attained marked success in one of the most important lines of industry which has potent and practical bearing upon the progress and material upbuilding of any community; and it is ever gratifying to note, as in his case, a success that has been won by well directed personal endeavor, guided by judgment and knowledge conjoined to inflexible integrity and high business principles.
The Harris family has been long identified with the annals of American history, the original representatives having been numbered among the early residents of Connecticut, from which state James Harris, the grandfather of the immediate subject of this review, removed to Long Island, New York, where he passed the residue of his days, being a man of sterling rectitude. His son, John Robert, was the father of him whose name initiates this
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sketch. By occupation he was originally a seafaring man and was for many years a captain of a vessel which plied the beautiful Hudson river. Eventually, however, he abandoned nautical pursuits and repaired to a farm, where he was employed in the capacity of foreman or manager. In his polit- ical adherency he was arrayed in support of the Democratic party, and in his religious views he held to the faith of the Baptist church, of which he was a ·devoted and zealous member.
John R. Harris was twice married. By his first wife ten children were born, six of whom yet survive, namely: Robert A., Andrew J., Sarah, Lizzie, Leonora and George Washington, who is the subject of this sketch. . The devoted wife and mother was summoned into eternal rest in 1872, at the age of thirty-nine years, eleven months and eight days. By his second wife there were no children. He died on the 25th of January, 1891, at which time he had attained the age of sixty-one years, ten months and three days. He was a man of inflexible principles and sterling worth of character, being held in high esteem by all who knew him.
George Washington Harris, with whom this article has mainly to do, was born at the parental home on Long Island, on the 17th of November, 1866, receiving his educational discipline in the excellent public schools of his neighborhood, which he attended until he had attained the age of seventeen years. He then prepared himself for the practical duties of life by serving an apprenticeship of three years at the mason's trade, at Greenport, Rhode Island, after which, being thoroughly familiar with all details of the business and recognized as a skilled and conscientious workman, he was employed as a journeyman at his trade until 1891, in which year he engaged in contracting on his own account, at Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he remained for one year, after which hecame to Mount Vernon, Westchester county, New York, where he has received a representative patronage and built up a most suc- cessful business, ramifying throughout this and adjacent towns, he being one of the extensive contractors and builders of the county and holding distinct prestige by reason of his unvarying fidelity to the terms of every contract and by his pronounced ability in his line. These are elements that never fail to insure success, and Mr. Harris has gained the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has had dealings, being known as a young man of much enter- prise, discerning judgment and genuine worth of character. He has in his employ about fifty men, and at the present time is engaged in extensive build- ing operations at Bronxville, this county, where he has secured contracts aggregating fully ninety thousand dollars. He has been indefatigable in his ·efforts, and his success, which has been worthily achieved, stands as an ear- nest of still farther progress in his chosen field of endeavor.
In political matters Mr. Harris follows in the footsteps of his father in
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so far a national issues are concerned, supporting the Democratic party, but in local affairs of a political nature he maintains an independent attitude. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with Mount Vernon Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
On the Ist of June, 1892, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Maggie A. Davis, of Laurel Hill, Long Island, and their attractive home in Mount Vernon is a center of refined hospitality, which is enjoyed by a con- stantly widening circle of friends.
HENRY W. BISCHOFF.
No foreign element has become a more important part of our American citizenship than that furnished by Germany. The emigrants from that land have brought with them to the New World the stability, enterprise and per- severance characteristic of their people and have fused these qualities with the progressiveness and indomitable spirit of this country. Mr. Bischoff is a representative of this class. He came to the United States a poor boy, hop- ing to benefit his financial condition, and his dreams of the future were more than realized. He occupied a prominent place in the business circles of Westchester county, being extensively engaged in the manufacture of ladies', misses' and children's shoes.
Mr. Bischoff was born in Minden, Prussia, Germany, November 13, 1834, a son of William and Wilhelmina (Steckam) Bischoff. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in that country, in 1841, but his mother's death occurred in Westchester county, New York, in 1872. In their family were four children: William, deceased, who was a hotel proprietor in New York city; Henry W., our subject, who also is deceased; Christopher, who is now living retired in New York city; and Wilhelmina, deceased.
The subject of this sketch spent the first twenty years of his life in his native land, where he was interested in the grocery business, first as a clerk and later as proprietor of a store. Crossing the Atlantic he came to West- chester county, New York, in January, 1862, and purchased a hotel at Chap- paqua, conducting the same successfully for about five years. He also filled the position of ticket agent for the Harlem Railroad at that place in 1863, 1864 and 1865. Selling his hotel in 1867 he embarked in the shoe business, in company with R. Ferrington and William Bird, under the firm name of Ferrington, Bischoff & Bird, having purchased a small plant at Pleasantville, which they removed to Chappaqua. At the end of about eight years Mr. Bischoff purchased the interests of his partners and carried on operations alone for three or four years, the business then being merged into a stock company, under the name of the Chappaqua Shoe Manufacturing Company, remaining as such until 1888, when our subject purchased the plant and
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again became sole proprietor. The business was afterward conducted under the firm style of Henry W. Bischoff, and employment was furnished to from one hundred to one hundred and seventy-five hands, according to the season. Except when closed for repairs the factory is still kept running all the year around, by the sons, and three hundred pairs of shoes are turned out per day, these being sold mainly in New York state, Boston, Massachusetts, Wash- ington, D. C., New Jersey, Rhode Island and Illinois. It is one of the lead- ing industries of the county, and by its operation Mr. Bischoff materially advanced the general welfare of the community. Since the death of Mr. Bisch- off the business has been sold to Mr. Bache, who is settling up the estate.
He was married in New York city, in 1858, to Miss Maria Hamm, and the children born to them were as follows: Wilhelmina, who is the wife of Edward Johnston, a farmer of Mount Pleasant, and they have three chil- dren-Henry W., Herbert and Roy; Anna is the wife of Richard F. Carr, of Chappaqua, a custom-house officer of New York city, and they have three children, -Frankie, Robert and Walter; Louisa is the wife of William Bischoff, a real-estate broker of New York city, and they have one child, Mildred; Henry W., Jr., is the superintendent of his fathers shoe factory at Chappa- qua, where he makes his home: he is a member of the order of American Mechanics, and takes an active part in promoting the interests of the Republican party in this county; he is prominent in public affairs; he mar- ried Miss Lola Crak, and has two children-Margaret and Dorothy; and William H., the younger son of our subject, is also a resident of Chappaqua, and is serving as salesman, collector and buyer for the establishment. He has held the office of township clerk for three consecutive years, and is one of the rising young men of the county. He married Miss Estella Quimby, and has one child, Robert. The sons are both intelligent, enterprising and energetic young men, who are destined to make their mark in the affairs of the county. Their father died November 12, 1898, and their mother was. called to her final rest in 1880. They were earnest members of the Lutheran church.
As a business man Mr. Bischoff gained an enviable reputation. At the early age of eight years he started out to make his own way in the world, and the success that crowned his efforts was due entirely to his industry, perseverance and good management. In politics he was a stalwart Repub- lican, was chairman of the township committee of New Castle, and for years a delegate to various county and state conventions. He filled the office of commissioner of highways and other positions, was postmaster of Chappaqua, and was appointed special expert witness on the water-shed by the city of New York; he took a deep and commendable interest in all things for the public good, and his counsel was often felt in the affairs of the county. Socially, he was a member of Mount Kisco Lodge, No. 708, F. & A. M., of which he was treasurer for the last twenty-seven years of his life. While a resident of New York he was a member of Troop A, First Regiment of Cav- alry, and was commissioned second lieutenant by Governor Fenton, resigning at the end of five years on his removal to Westchester county. In all the. - relations of life he wasalways found true to every trust resposed in him, and justly merited the esteem in which he was held.
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