USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 8
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GEORGE F. ODELL.
Since 1893 George F. Odell has been a resident of the town of Congers, New York, while his place of business is in Yonkers. In both of these thriv- ing little cities he is very well known and occupies a prominent place as a citizen. As an active member of the Citizens' Land Improvement Associa- tion of Congers he has forwarded the interests of the town, and is recognized as one who is thoroughly patriotic, striving ever that the communities with which his life is connected may be sent onward on the road to progress. He was one of the leaders in the movement to organize the association above mentioned at Congers, and has been the chairman of the same for three years. Not waiting for others, he has initiated and brought about numerous works of improvement there, and has ably seconded many enterprises which have materially benefited the place.
For years an able and efficient worker in the Republican party, he founded a club in Congers. At first it comprised but ten members, but the zeal and energy of Mr. Odell on behalf of the party and the constantly grow- ing population of the town have wonderfully aided the club, which now, at the end of two years' existence, boasts of over one hundred members. The efforts of Mr. Odell have secured the opening of several new streets and the paving of many; the proper organization of the town under an approved sys- tem of administration, regular departments, etc. No more fitting man
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could have been found for the honor and position of postmaster there, and it was an appointment which was hailed with pleasure by the majority of the citizens of Congers, when, in 1898, he was chosen for the office. He has frequently attended conventions of his party, and has often gone in the capacity of a delegate.
A son of James B. Odell, and born during the civil war, George F. Odell is in the prime of manhood. His birth-place was in Yonkers, and the date of his advent on the stage of human existence February 20, 1863. After he had completed a liberal education in the public schools of this place he entered the Yale College Preparatory School here, his plan then being to enter the medical profession later. This idea, however, he abandoned, and for two years he engaged in the steam job printing business with William P. Constable, of the firm of Odell & Constable. The six years following he traveled representing the Van Derveer & Holmes Biscuit Company of New York city, and in 1895 he opened a wholesale biscuit business on his own account in Yonkers, and has since handled the wares of the National Biscuit Company, dealing in the same in wholesale quantities. He has met with the business success which he eminently deserves, and on account of his health was compelled to retire from the business, so sold out to the National Biscuit Company and now has located in Congers in the real-estate and insurance-brokerage business, which is meeting with success. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order as a member of Rising Star Lodge, No. 450, F. & A. M. Moreover, he is connected with John C. Shotts Camp, sons of veterans; with the Knights of Honor, and the Lincoln Legion, a political and social organization; also is an honorary member of the Congers fire depart- ment. In his religious belief he is a Methodist, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Yonkers.
The marriage of Mr. Odell and Miss Emma K. Graham, of King's Bridge, New York city, was solemnized April 22, 1889. Two little daugh- ters grace their union, namely: Helen Ruth and Wilhelmina Catherine.
DANIEL D. LEVINESS.
Daniel D. Leviness, a retired farmer of Scarsdale, Westchester county, New York, is one the oldest and most highly respected citizens of the com- munity, having passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. He was born October 30, 1817, and is a native of the town of Greenburg, as were his par- ents. His father, Gershorn Leviness, was born in 1794, and was married to Phoebe Tompkins, who was born in 1793. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Becca Ann, who married Edward LeFurgy; Phebe Jane, wife of Gilbert Lawrence; Mary Elizabeth, who became the wife of John
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LeFurgy and after his death married Jasper Devoe; Frances Caroline, wife of Andrew Olson; John Wesley, who married Hannah Taylor; Sarah Esther, wife of Alexander Taylor; and Abigail Adelia, wife of David Quick. The Leviness family originated in France, and the paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Leviness, who married Elizabeth Sherwood. The maternal grand- parents were Nathan and Effie Tompkins. Gershorn Leviness died July 16, 1882.
Daniel Leviness spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and attended the district school of the neighborhood. When he was fourteen years of age his father rented a farm and through the summer months he assisted in its cultivation, while in the winter season he pursued his studies. He was thus employed for two years, when he secured work as a farm hand. He was employed in that capacity for four years, during which time he gave his wages to his father. The latter then purchased a farm and Daniel Leviness worked for him until his death occurred, in 1882. Two years before his demise he gave a part of the farm to our subject and said that if it had not been for Daniel he would never have owned a farm. Throughout his life Daniel D. Leviness has thus carried on agricultural pur- suits. His diligent attention to his work insured him good crops, while his profits were judiciously invested until he now rests secure in the knowledge that he has sufficient means to enable him to spend his last days in comfort and plenty.
In 1881 Mr. Leviness was united in marriage to Miss Alletta Olsen, who died in 1892. He is a Republican in his political views, and has always taken an active interest in state and county politics, but has not been an aspirant for office. He is a firm believer in the gold standard and expressed. his opinion by casting his vote William McKinley in 1896. He is an honored member of the Reformed church of Greenburg, and although in his eighty- second year is a remarkably bright gentleman who has retained the posses- sion of all his faculties.
WILLIAM M. WILSON.
There is no denying the fact that austere virtue leads to the greatest degree of happiness, and that in the case of the Wilson family it has also led. to those great concomitants of happiness, - longevity, business ability and success generally.
Mr. Wilson, who has now for the past fourteen or fifteen years been a retired resident of Mount Vernon, enjoying in the evening of life the happy results of a life well spent, was born March 16, 1820, in Colchester county, Nova Scotia, where his grandfather, William Wilson, was one of the first settlers, after England had gained possession of the dominion from the
Wim WWilson
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French. He was a farmer from Londonderry, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and his adherence to Presbyterianism was of the most zealous type, although in his manner he was quiet and unassuming. He married Esther Reid and had seven sons and three daughters, - Samuel, William, John, Henry, Frank, Robert, James, Hannah, Mary and Esther, - all of whom lived to be nearly a hundred years old, their ages aggregating eight hundred and seventy-six years! Their mother died at the age of one hundred years.
The father of William M. was James Wilson, who was born in Nova Scotia, was a farmer, owning a considerable amount of land, married Eliza- beth Staples and had thirteen children. All the sons engaged in agricultural pursuits for their life's calling. He departed this life in the year 1888, at the age of ninety-five years, in Nova Scotia. His children were: John, born July 5, 1816; Rachel, June 25, 1818; William M., March 16, 1820 (our sub- ject); Robert, November 20, 1822; Easter, February 3, 1824; Jane S., October 6, 1825; Matthew, September 17, 1827; Mary C., June 5, 1830; Jervis, August 21, 1832; David, April 24, 1835; James, May 11, 1837; Sidney, October 13, 1839; and Junius R., January 18, 1840. The youngest died at the age of eleven years, but all the rest grew up to years of maturity. Their mother died at the age of seventy-four years.
Mr. William M. Wilson, the subject proper of this record, received bis education in a private school, but being the eldest of the sons his work was of such a nature that he could not attend regularly. He remained an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty-one and a half years of age, when he left for the great metropolis, New York, with only sixty cents in money! There, among strangers, he was to seek his fortune and make his own way in the world. Learning the trade of carpenter, in which he soon became highly skilled, he followed that vocation for several years, when he began taking contracts for building and also engaged in speculating, buying lots and improving and selling them. Both in his contract work and his improvement of lots for sale he was signally successful, maintaining meanwhile the highest degree of credit and honor.
In 1884 he moved to Mount Vernon, which beautiful city has since been his place of residence, and here he has built a number of residences, including his own, he being his own architect. He has led a very active and busy life, but for the last fifteen years he has practically retired from the heavy duties and responsibilities of business. As a diversion he keeps a "spanking " team of trotters, his tastes leading him rather to out-door recreation.
In his views of national policies he is a Republican; and in his religious convictions he has been a decided and zealous member of the Baptist church
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ever since he was nine years of age, showing religious inclination even as early as the age of six. His piety is deep, his religious principles definite, positive and strong, and his church relations have ever been the most pleas- ant. He was a trustee of the Baptist church on Forty-second street, in New York city, and is now a trustee and deacon of the Mount Vernon Baptist church.
June 18, 1848, he was united in matrimony with Miss Sarah Maria Roff, and they have had five children, namely: Jane E., who died in childhood; Eunice, deceased; William F., who was a carpenter and builder, but at present is an inventor, residing in Mount Vernon; Ulysses S. Grant, a builder in Tuckahoe, this county, where he resides; and Schuyler Colfax, who died at the age of twenty-six years.
As a miscellaneous item we may mention that Mr. Wilson is related by blood to the Harper and the Cutten families, of Massachusetts, and the celebrated publishers of New York city, the Harper Brothers.
THOMAS FEARON.
In connection with the boat-building industry the name of Thomas Fearon is known throughout the country, and in rowing circles it is no less familiar, for his ability as an oarsman has gained him national fame. Almost his entire life has been passed in southeastern New York, where by his own unaided efforts he has risen from a humble position to one of prominence in the business world, his successful career standing as an exemplification of the possibilities that are open to young men of ambition, courage, enterprise and energy in this fair land.
Born in New York city, May 15, 1842, he is a son of Daniel and Mary (Strang) Fearon. His father was a native of Ireland, and on coming to America located in New York city, where he spent his remaining days. The mother died during the early boyhood of her son, who was then reared by strangers. He made his home with farmers in Westchester county, and secured his education in the district schools, pursuing his studies through the winter months, while in the summer he assisted in the cultivation of the fields. He was also for a time in school No. 2 at Yonkers, and in the little yellow school-house at Tuckahoe. In the spring of 1857 his employer, Mr. Westfield, removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he secured a farm, upon which Mr. Fearon worked until Mr. Westfield returned to the east. Our subject then secured a position as ship carpenter and followed that trade until the election of President Lincoln, when he was promoted to the position of drafts- man in the navy yard at Brooklyn, where he remained until 1.864.
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In that year Mr. Fearon came to Yonkers and purchased the boat-build- ing business of John Ackerman, whose establishment was located on the pres- ent site of the rubber factory. There he carried on operations until 1867, when he established his present plant at the foot of Gold street. He has con- ducted a successful business since that time and his reputation as a boat- builder has extended throughout the entire country. He has been particularly famous for his racing shell-boats, which are regarded as the best produced in America. These are of the finest workmanship, and in their construction the most care and exactness is required, so that they shall be absolutely per- fect. He builds the boats in use by various colleges, and since the decline of rowing as a sport he has made a specialty of steam launches and other small craft. He has a large factory, one hundred and fifty by thirty- three feet, supplied with all modern machinery and appliances necessary for the production of the finest boats known to the trade. In his business Mr. Fearon has met with most gratifying success, his sales having reached exten- sive proportions, as his products have found favor with the public owing to their excellence and superiority over many others that are produced. He has invested considerable capital in real estate, and now has some valuable realty holdings in Yonkers. His sound judgment in business matters, his thorough understanding of the industry, his reliability and resolution in carrying out his carefully formed plans, all insure him success, and at the same time have won him the confidence and respect of all with whom he has had dealings.
Mr. Fearon's skill as an oarsman has also gained him a national reputa- tion, and he is particularly well known as the amateur champion single sculler of America. He was prominent in the organization of the Vesper Rowing Association of Yonkers, which was formed August 12, 1867, other charter members being Thomas Franklin, R. C. Elliott, Benjamin Mason, William McFarlane, James T. Howland, William Hull and George Watt. They erected a club house at a cost of five thousand dollars, and the club became very prominent by reason of the victories won by its noted crew, composed of Thomas Fearon, bow; Owen Van Winkle, No. 2; William McFarlane, No. 3; and John H. Keeler, stroke. This crew participated in many con- tests with crews of the Hudson River Amateur Rowing Association, composed of clubs on the Hudson between New York and Albany, and never met defeat in a single race. They achieved a national reputation, and in all the regattas, scull and barge races carried off the honors over skilled competitors. The first notable race which they won was held at the Elysian Fields, Hobo- ken, New Jersey, gaining two races in one day and carrying off the silver- service medal. The first race was an eight-oared-barge race, and the second was a four-oared-shell race, in which five crews were entered. One of the most exciting races in which they participated was held at Bergen Point,
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August 29, 1871, their opponents being the Argonautas. Thousands of people witnessed the race, the greatest excitement prevailed, and large wagers were staked on the result. They made a mile and a half in seven minutes and ten seconds. After that race the members of the crew were the undis- puted amateur champions of the country. In 1876 they won a victory in a regatta at Philadelphia, open to all. In 1868 Mr. Fearon won the single- scull championship medal from the Hudson River Amateur Rowing Associa- tion, consisting of the flag and diamond medal. The flag had to be won for three successive years in order to hold it, and accordingly he won it in 1869 and 1870. This was a medal sought more than any other offered by the association, and the association entered their best man, Edward Smith, a nephew of the celebrated Josh Ward, who defeated the English champion. Mr. Fearon defeated Smith in three miles single by one-eighth of a mile, up to which time Smith had never met defeat. The race took place at Yonkers in 1882. In 1874, at Saratoga, in the intercollegiate single-scull races, Mr. Fearon's boats, which he had built himself, won all the races. Boat-racing was then one of the most popular sports of the time, and these events were frequently attended by twenty thousand people. Mr. Fearon, in all the many contests in which he has taken part, has never been defeated but twice -once by George Lee, a professional oarsinan, now rowing in England, and the second time by Kennedy, of Bob Cook's crew, who rowed at the Cen- tennial, in Philadelphia, in 1876. He has won about sixty medals in racing, and for many years hardly had an equal in the entire country.
In May, 1864, Mr. Fearon was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth H. Dingee, a daughter of Henry A. Dingee, of New York city. He was a native of Yonkers, and spent his last days here. His father was once the owner of Chicken island. Henry Dingee became the owner of extensive real-estate holdings in Yonkers, much of which is still in possession of his daughter, Mrs. Fearon. He was a very enterprising and successful business man and amassed a comfortable fortune. He died in New York city, at the age of sixty-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fearon have been born five children: Mary Dingee, wife of Edward T. Howard, a resident of Yonkers; Jane A .; Henry, deceased; and two who died in infancy. The Fearon household is noted for its bountiful hospitality, which is enjoyed by the most prominent people of Yonkers. Mr. and Mrs. Fearon occupy a very enviable position in cultured society circles, and have the warm regard of a very extensive circle of friends. In Yonkers not to know the subject of this review is to argue one's self unknown. In all his social and business rela- tions he is popular, and in private life he has gained that warm personal .. regard which arises from kindness and geniality, deference for the opinions of others and true nobility of character.
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HON. DAVID W. TRAVIS.
In the last half of the present century the lawyer has been a pre-eminent factor in all affairs of private concern and national importance. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and permanent interests of the whole people and is a recognized power in all the avenues of life. He stands as the protector of the rights and liberties of his fellow men and is the representa- tive of a profession whose followers, if they would gain honor, fame and suc- cess, must be men of merit and ability. Such a one is Mr. Travis, who was admitted to the bar in October, 1847, and has since successfully engaged in practice in Peekskill, New York.
He was born January 15, 1824, a son of David E. Travis, and grandson of Elijah Travis. His parents were highly respected farming people, and on the paternal side he is of English origin and on the maternal side of Ger- man descent. He was reared and educated in Peekskill, graduating at the Peekskill Military Academy. He married Miss Catherine M. Hunt, and, to them was born a daughter, now the wife of William H. Craig, who is a mem- ber of the health department of Peekskill.
In early life Mr. Travis was a Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and has followed its fortunes ever since. In 1854 he was called upon to fill his first office, that of justice of the police courts, but since then he has often been called into public life, and for three terms, in 1867, 1879 and 1880, he most ably represented his district in the state legislature. He has served on several commissions of appraisal in rela- tion to the New York city water-works, and has always been found true and faithful to every trust reposed in him, whether in public or private life. As a lawyer he has won the admiration and confidence of all, for truth and right are the only motives which sway him, and his career has been most progress- ive and honorable. Many important trusts have been committed to his care, and the confidence reposed in him has never been betrayed. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
JAMES A. TUTTLE.
This gentleman is one of the highly respected citizens of Katonah, West- chester county, New York, and belongs to that honored class of brave men who rendered valiant service to the Union in the dark hour of its peril when secession attempted to overthrow the republic that our forefathers had estab- lished. Mr. Tuttle was born September 11, 1842, and is a son of Hiram Tuttle, a native of Connecticut, born in 1811. Hiram Tuttle was a shoema- ker by trade, and when a young man he married Miss Julia Field, by whom
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he had six children, three of whom are living,-Mary Marshall, of Bridge- port, Connecticut ; Emily, of Peekskill, New York; and James A., whose name begins this review. Those who have passed away are Elizabeth, Addie Garrison and Charles, the last named having been accidentally killed by railroad cars.
James A. Tuttle was educated in the public schools of Westchester county, and was still in his 'teens when the trouble between the north and south precipitated the country into civil war. A spirit of patriotism, how- ever, was at once awakened within him, and on the 1 1th of September, 1862, he celebrated his twentieth birthday by enlisting as a member of Company F, Second New York Cavalry. He was in the service for three years, valiantly defending the old flag and the cause it represented. During the early part of his army life he was stationed with his command along the Potomac. Later on, during the Dahlgren raid in Virginia, he was taken prisoner and held as such three months. His whole service was marked by that promptness and fidelity which characterize the true soldier, and at the expiration of his term he received an honorable discharge.
Returning home at the close of hostilities, Mr. Tuttle devoted his ener- gies to slate-roofing, which business he still follows.
He was married December 6, 1871, to Miss Matilda Brown, a daughter of Isaac G. and Catharine Brown, of Yorktown, and was one of a family of six children, namely: Phobe Jane, widow of A. Gray and a resident of Sing Sing, New York; William Henry, also of Sing Sing; Lewis, a resident of Tuckahoe, New York; Margaret Reynolds, who makes her home in Croton, New York; Mrs. Tuttle, of Katonah; and Antoinette Taylor, of Newark, New Jersey. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Katonah, and he belongs to McKeel Post, No. 120, G. A. R., of which he formerly served as commander, while at the present writ- ing he is filling the office of adjutant.
CHARLES G. MARTIN.
The subject of this memoir was one of the honored citizens of Mount Vernon, Westchester county, and had been identified with the industrial life of the American metropolis for a long term of years, winning success through his personal efforts and guiding his life according to the maximum principles of honor and integrity. He attained a venerable age, passing away in the fullness of years and honors. Endowed with the most sterling character, energetic, independent and vigorous in his intellectuality, he won for himself a place in connection with the valuable activities of life, and it is certainly incumbent that in this compilation be included a brief sketch of his career.
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Mr. Martin was a native of New Jersey, having been born in the historic old town of Perth Amboy, on the 26th of August, 1814, the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Andrews) Martin. The father served in the war of 1812, and his death occurred about the year 1825. He left his widow with four small children and with but a modest patrimony. Mrs. Martin was a native of New Jersey, while the Martins were numbered among the pioneer families of Westchester county, New York, whither they came from the state first mentioned. Daniel Martin, grandfather of the immediate subject of this memoir, was a native of New Jersey, and his death occurred in 1790. He married Mary Applegate, who was born in New Jersey, being a representa- tive of an old English family. Isaac Andrews, grandfather of our subject on the maternal side, was an active participant in the war of the Revolution, in which he did valiant service for the cause of the colonies. He died about the year 1828, and his wife survived him about three years.
Charles G. Martin passed his boyhood in his native town, Perth Amboy, attending the district school until his fourteenth year, when he laid aside his text-books and initiated his practical business career by learning the trade of a locksmith, making combination locks for banks, being in the employ of Dr. Solomon Andrews, of Perth Amboy. After completing a thorough appren- ticeship at his trade Mr. Martin went to New York city, where he secured a position with the firm of Day & Newell, manufacturers of locks, remain- ing in their establishment for several years. Thereafter he went to Har- per's Ferry, West Virginia, where he was engaged in the manufacturing of locks and keys for a period of eighteen months. At the expiration of this time he joined a party of New Jersey men who made the voyage to California on their own ship, sailing around Cape Horn and landing at San Francisco, where Mr. Martin remained nearly two years.
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