USA > New York > Westchester County > Biographical history of Westchester County, New York, Volume II > Part 9
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Returning to New York city, he entered into a partnership relation with Silas H. Herring, under the firm name of Herring & Martin, and they engaged in the manufacture of safe locks on a quite extensive scale, grad- ually building up an excellent business by reason of the superiority of their products and the honorable methods according to which they conducted operations. The association continued for a number of years, but the busi- ness was finally placed in the hands of the firm of Mackerell & Richard- son, with whose establishment Mr. Martin continued to be identified for a period of ten years. In 1864 he again engaged in business on his own responsibility, establishing foundry and finishing works, which he conducted with marked success until 1877, when he turned the business over to his son, Benajah M., who continued the industry on South Fifth avenue, New York city.
Being well advanced in years, Mr. Martin retired from active business
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pursuits, and in his attractive home at Mount Vernon, this county, was enabled to enjoy the fruits of a long life of faithful toil and endeavor. He was a man of the most unbending integrity in all the relations of life, endowed with strong intellectuality, and was known and honored as a valued citizen. In his political adherency he was stanchly allied with the Republican party, taking not a little interest in local political matters, but never seeking or holding official preferment. He lived to attain the venerable age of eighty-four years and four months, his long and eminently useful life draw- ing to its close on the 2 1st of December, 1898.
On the 12th of June, 1845, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hampton Molleson, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and they became the parents of two daughters and one son, namely: Benajah M., who succeeded his father in business; Mary Andrews, who is the widow of Rev. Wellington White, a missionary for ten years in Canton, China; and Anna Molleson, who is the wife of Rev. Henry F. McEwen, D. D., pastor for eleven years (1887-1898) of the old Presbyterian church at the corner of Second avenue and Fourteenth street, New York city. Mr. Martin was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, with which his widow is also identified. Since the death of her honored husband she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. McEwen, at Amsterdam, New York. It is worthy of note in the connection that John Hampton, a lineal ancestor of Mrs. Martin, was taken prisoner by the British in the Revolutionary war, being confined in the famous old sugar house in New York city for a period of thirteen months. His death occurred in 1822.
JOHN B. BONNETT.
The subject of this sketch has been one of the prominent business men of Hastings, Westchester county, for the last score of years. He is a native of New York city, and a son of James and Emily Barberie Bonnett. The Bonnett family is of French ancestry, and records in possession of its mem- bers prove that the first emigrant from the fatherland to these shores was David Bonnett. He is the forefather of all those who to-day in America bear the name of Bonnett. David Bonnett was a silk-weaver in the village of Thorigne, France. Two hundred years ago he was pursuing his daily vocation, little thinking that his life was soon to be disturbed, and that the rest of his days were to be spent in an environment far away from that in which he then moved. But David Bonnett and his wife were Huguenots, and this simple statement in itself is sufficient to account for any persecutions which might have followed. The rules by which this sect governed their lives were few and simple, but they adhered to them with all the tenacity of
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their natures. They believed that the trust which they possessed was the eternal trust of God; and wedded to that belief was the determination to hold to the trust and to live it out in life, it mattered not though the bitter- est persecution, yea, even death itself, should be the consequence. The fact that they were held in disrepute by the people only strengthened their faith.
But at this juncture organized hostility began against the Huguenots of the village of Thorigne. Troops were sent to convert them at the point of the sword. When the report of their approach reached the ears of Mon- sieur Bonnett, he hastily decided to evade, if possible, the approaching doom by flight. He had heard of a land across the sea where men could worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and he trusted that somehow a way might be open by which he might transport his family thither. The task lying immediately at hand, however, was to escape from the village. Loading a donkey cart with vegetables, as if going to market, he and his wife hid their children in the midst of the load, cautioning them to preserve strict silence, it mattered not what might happen. Mr. Bonnett with a basket of turnips, walked, his wife following and driving the donkey. Outside the village they met the troopers, who stopped them and made an examination of their goods, and concluding that they were only market people let them pass on. But in order to be sure that they were not escaping Huguenots, and that no human beings were hidden in the cart, one of the soldiers ran his sword through the very sacks in which the children were con- cealed. The little ones, true to the command of the parents, let no outcry escape them, but it was afterward found that their boy of five years had a sword thrust through his thigh. He suffered the intense pain with perfect silence, and when uncovered the brave child's first words were: "I did not speak: did I, mother?"
The family succeeded in working their way to America, and the boy who saved his own life and the lives of his parents by his silence, grew into manhood, and became the progenitor of the American line of the family.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were: Samuel and Elizabeth Woolley, of Long Island. Their son, James Bonnett, Jr., father of our sub- ject, was born in New Rochelle in 1816, and arriving at the age of manhood became a merchant in New York city, moving later to New Rochelle, where he continued the business for a number of years. He married Emily Bar- berie, daughter of John Barberie, Esq., who also was of Huguenot descent, his antecedents coming to America during the religious persecutions in France and taking up their abodes in New York city in 1681. Mrs. Bonnett died in 1860, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery on Long Island, while Mr. Bonnett was laid to rest in the cemetery at Upper New Rochelle. Two chil-
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dren have survived them: John B., whose name begins this sketch, and Elizabeth A., widow of Harvey Bryant, late of New Jersey.
John B. Bonnett spent the greater part of his youth in the village of New Rochelle, and received such meager educational advantages as were then afforded by the common schools. At an early age he left school and entered the employ of George W. L. Underhill, a merchant in New Rochelle. Later he connected himself with William S. Hunt, who was an extensive builder in New York city. Subsequently he entered upon an independent business career in the produce business on Ninth avenue, New York city, removing thence to enlarged quarters at Tenth avenue and Thirtieth street, in which latter place he continued until the year 1878. Then, disposing of his busi- ness there, he moved to Hastings, where he started in a general merchandise store. In connection with that he conducts a lumber, coal and wood yard, and carries a full line of masons' materials. He has built up a large, profit- able and constantly increasing business, and is one of the leading represent- atives of commercial interest in the town.
In 1870 Mr. Bonnett married Miss Hannah Munson, daughter of the late George Munson, Esq., of Hastings, a very prominent and highly respected citizen. Four children have been born of this union: Hamilton Woolley, George. Munson, John Van Tuyl and Frederick Melville.
Mr. Bonnett is a member of the Dutch Reformed congregation of Hast- ings, and contributes most liberally to its support. He has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the village during these past twenty years, and few projects are put forward looking toward the improve- ment of the village, without securing his advice. He is at present a member of the village board of health, and is treasurer of the board of education, hav- ing served in both capacities for several consecutive terms. He is ever ready to give moral and financial support to every movement which is calculated to advance the interests of the place and its people. Mr. Bonnett's exemplary character, his business ability, unpretentious manner and genial disposition have made him a great power in molding the life of the community, and have won for him a host of friends, all of whom regard him with the deepest respect and affection.
AMOS ACKERMAN.
Mr. Ackerman, who is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Mount Pleasant township, was born near the place where he now lives, November 18, 1823, and throughout life has been identified with the agri- cultural interests of that section. He now owns and occupies what years ago was known as the old homestead of Major William Van Tassell, an officer of the war of 1812 and later a prominent Democratic politician, who
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knew by sight every voter in the county. He was a gentleman of the old school and a soldier of fortune.
James Ackerman, our subject's father, was of Holland descent, and was born in this state, being a son of David and -- (Tillison) Ackerman, both of whom died in the neighborhood of our subject's home. Here James grew to manhood and learned the weaver's trade, at which he did a good business for many years, but later in life devoted his attention to farming. He married Catherine Van Tassell, daughter of Abraham Van Tassell, one of the seven men who captured Major Andre. He was a large, muscular man of great strength and endurance, and was Washington Irving's hero, Brom Bones, in the Legends of Sleepy Hollow. He married Elizabeth Yerks, the daughter of a large land-owner in Westchester county. In the family of James and Catherine Ackerman were eight children, namely: Hiram; Berlin; Mrs. Eliza Requaw; Leonard; Elliott V .; Amos, our subject; Mrs. Jane Requaw; and Mrs. Mary De Revere. Our subject is the only one now living. The father was a strong Democrat in politics, an admirer of Andrew Jackson, and was a member of the Dutch Reformed church. He died at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife, who was a most estimable woman and a member of the same church, departed this life at the age of eighty-three.
Reared on the home farm, Amos Ackerman pursued his studies in the district schools of the neighborhood, and at the age of seventeen began learn- ing the blacksmith's trade with his brother Berlin, remaining with him for four years, or until the brother's death, in 1844. He then took charge of the shop and engaged in business on his own account at East View and later at Switching's Corner, which half a century ago did an extensive business and was headquarters for politicians, stockmen, drovers and others for miles. around.
In October, 1846, Mr. Ackerman was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- beth Bird, who was born, reared and educated in Mount Pleasant township, a daughter of John and Mary (Secor) Bird, and to whom was born one child, -Mrs. Emma Hunter, of Pleasantville, this county, who has four children: Leonard, Kate, Leman and Amos. Mrs. Ackerman died in 1852, and subse- quently our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Angevine, a native of Mount Pleasant township, and a daughter of Goris and Catherine Angevine. One daughter also blessed this union, Addie, now the wife of Colonel Ellsworth Van Tassell, by whom she has two children: Mary Leta and Ethel. The Colonel was born here in 1862, was reared and edu- cated in this county, and is a son of Sylvester Van Tassell, and grandson of Major Wiliam Van Tassell, previously mentioned. After a happy married. life of several years, Mrs. Ackerman was called to her final rest May 1, 1890.
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She was a loving wife and affectionate mother, and an earnest Christian woman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Pleasantville, to which our subject also belongs. Politically he is identified with the Repub- lican party and is a supporter of all measures calculated to advance the moral, educational or material welfare of his town or county. He is recognized as one of the most useful and valued citizens of his community and is very popu- lar socially.
HON. JOHN Q. UNDERHILL.
If kindness and geniality count for aught in this world, if a life above reproach, both in the discharge of public and private duties, is deserving of commendation, then John Quincy Underhill has certainly merited the high regard which is uniformly accorded him. In business he is the soul of honor and integrity, and from a humble clerkship has worked his way upward until he now has an important official connection with one of the leading insurance companies of the country. As a leader in Democratic circles he has also won prestige and has been honored with high political preferment.
Mr. Underhill was born in New Rochelle, in 1848, and is a representa- tive in the eighth generation of a family that is descended from Captain John Underhill, who fought with Captain Mason against the Indians in New Eng- land. He crossed the Atlantic in 1630 and about 1660 made a permanent location on Long Island. His first wife was a sister of Governor Winthrop, of the Massachusetts colony. Members of the Underhill family, descend- ants of Captain John Underhill, removed from Long Island to Westchester county, New York, establishing here what is now one of the oldest and most honored families of the locality. Peter Underhill served his .country in the war of 1812 and rose to the rank of colonel. John Bonnett Underhill, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Westchester county, where also occurred the birth of George Washington Lafayette Underhill, father of him whose name introduces this review. He married Julia Ann Barker, also a native of Westchester county and a daughter of Isaac Barker. They are still residents of New Rochelle, and for many years the father was actively connected with the business interests of the city. In early life he was a farmer but afterward engaged in merchandising, which he carried on until his retirement from active business life.
In the district schools near his home John Q. Underhill acquired his early education, and later attended the Free Academy, now the College of New York City. In 1869 he entered the employ of the Westchester Fire Insurance Company, in a clerical capacity, and has since retained his con- nection with that corporation, steadily advancing step by step as he has demonstrated his mastery of the business and his ability to handle success-
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fully its interests. In 1879 he was made secretary of the company, and in 1892 was elected both secretary and vice-president, but in that year resigned the former position in order to assume the duties of treasurer in addition to those of vice-president. Such is his present connection with the company with which he has been associated for thirty years. Largely owing to his able and sagacious management, a most gratifying success has attended this enterprise during his connection therewith, and the assets have increased from two hundred thousand dollars to two million five hundred thousand dollars during that period. Mr. Underhill is a man of keen discrimination and unabating perseverance, and with a judgment rarely in error he formu- lates his plans and carries them forward to a prosperous conclusion. In connection with others, he aided in the organization of the New Rochelle Bank, in 1887, and has since been a member of its directorate. He is a man of unswerving loyalty to any interest entrusted to his care, and his honesty in business matters is proverbial.
But it is not alone in the business world that Mr. Underhill is well. known. He is regarded as one of the essential factors in the public life of New Rochelle, was three times elected president of the village, and was a member of the town board for a number of years. For ten years he had the general management of the construction of the sewers of the village, and introduced a system which adds much to the healthfulness of New Rochelle, and is unsurpassed in any town of its size in the Empire state. While serv- ing as trustee and having charge of the sewer system, more than a million dollars of public money passed through his hands, every cent of which was- faithfully accounted for. He drafted a bill, which was passed by both houses of the legislature, making New Rochelle a city, and though he met the most stubborn opposition on the part of a number of citizens, he persevered in the pursuit of this commendable purpose until his object was accomplished. He is eminently popular, a fact which was shown in 1898, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the fifty-sixth congress from the sixteenth con- gressional district of New York by a plurality of sixty-three hundred and fifty, over James Irving Burns, the Republican nominee. During the two preced- ing terms the district had been represented by a Republican, and his immediate predecessor, William L. Ward, had been elected in 1896 by a plurality of seventy-two hundred, a fact which shows that he increased the Democratic vote about fourteen thousand. He was the only candidate on the Democratic ticket elected in Westchester county, in the fall of 1898, and it will thus be seen that he wields a mighty influence in political affairs in the county, and, indeed, throughout the entire congressional district.
In 1872 Mr. Underhill wedded Miss Minnie B. Price, of Sag Harbor, Long Island, daughter of James H. Price. They now have a daughter, Anna.
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B., an accomplished young lady and a graduate of the woman's law class of the University Law School, of New York city. They have a pleasant home, in the midst of attractive surroundings, and in social circles their position is enviable. Mr. Underhill is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M. His cordiality and general worth make him a favorite among his friends, while his strong mentality and marked executive ability have gained him leadership in business circles and in public life.
STEPHEN G. SEYMOUR.
No man in Westchester county is probably more worthy of representa- tion in a work of this kind than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has been identified with its business interests for many years, as a dealer in general merchandise, flour and feed at Lewisboro, has served as postmaster at that place since first appointed by President Andrew John- son, and for the long period of twenty-seven years has also filled the office of justice of the peace.
Mr. Seymour was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, September 14, 1835, and on the paternal side is of English descent. His grandfather, Sam- uel Seymour, was a farmer by occupation, and his father, Rufus S. Seymour, was engaged in shoemaking and later was a farmer. The latter married Miss Sally Keeler, the daughter of Thaddeus Keeler, who died in Potter county, Pennsylvania, and both are now deceased, the father having died at the age of seventy-six years. They were faithful members of the Methodist church, and in his political views Mr. Seymour was a pronounced Democrat.
Stephen Seymour is indebted to the public schools for his education, and when a young man he successfully engaged in teaching school for some time. In 1860 was celebrated his marriage to Miss Frances D. Lockwood, who was born, reared and educated in this county, and is one of the four children born to Rufus and Sally (Raymond) Lockwood, the others being John, Samuel and Joseph W., of Lewisboro township. Mr. and Mrs. Sey- mour have two children: Urban G., who married Miss Cora Crawford; and Ada Frances, a resident of Lewisboro, but attended school in New Jersey. The wife and mother is an earnest member of the Methodist church, and is held in high esteem for her many excellencies of character.
For many years Mr. Seymour has been unwavering in his support of the Democratic party and takes a lively interest in political issues, on which he is well informed. Over his life record there falls no shadow of wrong, his public services has been most exemplary, and his private life has been marked by the utmost fidelity to duty. He therefore merits and receives the respect and confidence of the entire community.
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LEON E. PEELER, M. D.
Leon E. Peeler, M. D., a prominent young physician and surgeon of Harrison, Westchester county, was born January 7, 1871, in Sodus Center, Wayne county, New York, and is a representative of a well-known family of that part of the state. His parents being George U. and Augusta (Ireland) Peeler, he is a descendant on the maternal side of Martha Biddle and Lorenzo Ireland, his great-grandparents, Martha Biddle having been a sister of the well-known Nicholas Biddle, who was president of the United States Bank at Philadelphia until it was dissolved, during President Jackson's administration.
The Doctor received his preliminary education at the high school at Sodus, New York, and commenced the study of medicine in 1889, under the direction of Dr. H. F. Seaman, one of the oldest practicing physicians of Wayne county. In the autumn of 1892 he entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, where he was graduated in the class of 1895 with honor, winning by competitive examination after gradua- tion a position as interne to Bellevue Hospital. In July of the same year he located at Harrison, where he soon succeeded in establishing a good practice, which he still enjoys.
In September, 1896, Dr. Peeler married Miss Katherine Seaman, a daughter of Benjamin B. Seaman and a niece of our subject's former pre- ceptor. As a family they are actively identified with the interests of Har- rison, and are regarded as prominent residents by the members of that grow- ing town.
CHARLES H. ABBOTT.
For a score of years this sterling old citizen of Westchester county has held the office of justice of the peace in Pound Ridge township. He comes from one of the pioneer families of this locality, and was born on the old homestead, which he now owns and carries on. On the paternal side he is of English descent, as his name implies, and his ancestors were numbered among the early settlers of Connecticut. His grandfather, Ebenezer Abbott, was a native of the town of Wilton, Connecticut, and both he and his wife, whose girlhood name was Molly Adams, lived for some years in Lewisboro township, this county, and there passed to their last reward. Their son, Moses A., the father of the subject of this review, was born in Wilton, Con- necticut, in 1795, and died, when in his ninety-seventh year, in 1891. His boyhood and youth were spent in this county, and for many years, when he was in his prime, he was one of the most influential citizens of his home neighborhood. He chose for his wife: Miss Phoebe Lynes, a native of Lewis-
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boro township, a daughter of Holly Lynes, who was of French extraction. She died at the age of seventy-four years, a faithful member of the Methodist church, to which her husband also belonged. He was a Whig and Repub- lican in his political views, and enjoyed the high regard of all who knew him.
Charles H. Abbott, whose birth occurred June 3, 1839, is one of nine children, five of whom are deceased, namely: William, Elizabeth, Ebenezer, Ebenezer (the second) and Betsey J. Those of the family who survive are Cordelia, widow of Thomas L. Downs, of Montour, Tama county, Iowa; Emily, wife of Aaron Schofield, of Pound Ridge township; Julia, wife of Enoch Ambler, of Garwin, Tama county, Iowa; and Charles H.
In his youth Charles H. Abbott received an excellent education in the common schools of this county, and by special study and " burning of the midnight oil " prepared himself for the work of teaching. Having success- fully passed the required examinations he was granted a teacher's certificate and for the following decade gave his attention to educational work. Since the expiration of that period he has devoted himself exclusively to agriculture and has cultivated the old homestead of seventy acres. The place is well improved with substantial buildings, a good orchard and fences, and is one of the best in the township. The year 1864 Mr. Abbott spent in Tama county, Iowa, where he had some idea of permanently locating, but he changed his plans and ultimately returned to the place made dear to him by the associa- tions of childhood. In 1893 he went on an extended visit to Tama county, and, though for some reasons he believes it might have been better for him to have remained in the west after the close of the civil war, he does not regret his decision to live and die in the home of his father.
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