Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 138

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1354

USA > New York > Dutchess County > Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York > Part 138

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Our subject traces his ancestry back to William Moore, who was born on Long Island, and there engaged in farming throughout life. His son, Andrew Moore, was also there born, but when a young man became a resident of Dutchess county, and was a farmer and miller by occupation. He married Miss Elizabeth Dorland, who was born at Hempstead, Long Island, in May, 1740. Her father, Samuel Dorland, was a native of the same place, and the son of Lamerest Dorland, who came from Holland to America in 1663 on the vessel named the " Spotted Cow." To Andrew Moore and wife were born ten children, namely: An- nie, who first married a Mr. Merritt, and after his death wedded Isaac Thorn, of the town of Washington, Dutchess county, and died in 1838; Mary, who wedded Daniel Haight, and died in 1887; William, who married Mary Oakley, and died in 1849; Samuel, who married Eliza- beth Pitcher, and died in 1885; Stephen, from whom our subject is descended; Gilbert. who died in infancy; Elizabeth, who married James Ellison, and died in 1824; Arletty, who mar- ried Jonathan Holmes, and died in 1814; Al- len, who married a Miss Underhill, and after her death wedded Eliza Wooley, and died in 1826; and Andrew, who married Sarah Oak- ley, and died in 1885.

Stephen Moore, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born at Verbank, the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and on reaching inanhood wedded Miss Ruth Clark, whose birth occurred near New Bedford, Mass. Her people were also members of the Society of Friends, and her grandfather, Lawrence Clark, was a native of England. Her father, Jona- than Clark, was born in Rhode Island, and

came to Dutchess county with his family when a young man, where he engaged in farming. For fifteen years after his marriage, Stephen Moore lived at Verbank, and later removed to Moores Mill, where he conducted the milling business, and which place was named in his honor. In his family were twelve chil- dren, as follows: (1) Anna married Jesse Congdon, a farmer of Lagrange town. (2) Stephen went to Alabama, where he engaged in the practice of medicine, and there died; he married Emily Brooks, a native of that State. (3) Elizabeth married John Thorn, a farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county. (4) Alfred, who was a farmer and miller of Unionvale town, married Charlotte Haviland. (5) Philip was the grandfather of our subject. (6) Susan married Dr. Willet Dorland, of Can- ada. (7) Lydia married William Akin, a farmer of Pawling town, Dutchess county. (8) William was an agriculturist, and died unmar- ried. (9) Jonathan, a farmer of Lagrange town, married Jane Underhill. (10) Ruth married Joseph Flagler. (11) 'Content mar- ried William Osborn, a farmer of Pawling town. (12) Mary is single. The father of these children died June 9, 1851, the mother on December 16, 1868. He was a devout Christian, and left behind him wealth and a good name.

Ruth Moore, of the above family, was born at Moores Mill, and in April, 1835, married Joseph Flagler, who was born in La- grange town in 1803. and was the son of Paul Flagler, a native of the same town, Joseph grew to manhood on the home farm there, and in that town carried on agricultural pursuits until 1865, when with his wife he removed to Poughkeepsie, where he lived retired until his death, February 13, 1881. He was one of the first directors of the First National Bank of that city, and was a Republican in politics. He was an honorable, upright man and sin- cere Christian, an elder in the Church with which he was connected. His faithful wife still survives him.

Philip Moore, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in the town of Unionvale, and was there reared upon a farm. He married Sally A. Losee, a native of Washington town, where her father, Samuel Losee, carried on farming. Her people were of Holland origin. After their marriage they located upon a farm in Unionvale town, where they reared their family of six children-Maria L., who married

David &levou

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Joseph Wicks, a farmer of Lagrange town; Anna, who married Smith G. Levings, a farm- er of Rensselaer county, N. Y .; Stephen, father of our subject; Samuel, who is a miller by trade; Henry C., who was a farmer, but is now deceased; and William, an agriculturist of Moores Mill. The grandfather carried on farming during his entire life, dying in 1892. He was a Republican in politics, and an or- thodox Quaker in religious belief. His wife is still living,

Stephen Moore, the father of our subject, was born in the village of Oswego, in the town of Unionvale, October 6, 1839, and there ac- quired his elementary education. He later attended school in Poughkeepsie, and after finishing his education returned to the home farm. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Vincent, a daughter of David D. Vincent, who was supervisor of the town of Unionvale for thirteen years. Our subject was the only child born of this union, and was only four years old when his mother died. His father was again married, this time in 1884, to Florence E. Latten, who died, leaving one son, Oscar, whose death oc- curred in 1889. In 1890 Stephen Moore wedded Nellie F. Taber, daughter of William F. Taber, a farmer of Pawling town, and they have two children: Louella P. T. and Elma H. Upon the old home farm in Unionvale town the father continued to reside until 1891. when he removed to his present farm in East Fishkill town, comprising 320 acres of good land. For seventeen years he served as road commissioner of the former township, and he is an ardent Republican in politics.

David D. Vincent, the maternal grand- father of our subject, was a native of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and the son of Isaac and Martha (Duncan) Vincent, the for- mer a merchant on Chestnut Ridge in that town. When a young man David went to the Clove in the town of Unionvale, where for over forty years he engaged in merchandising, and there spent his last days. By his marriage with Phoebe Preston he had three children, namely: (1) Isaac married Mary Albro, by whom he had three children-Phebe, David D. and Martha Louise; (2) Martha A, was the mother of our subject; and (3) Obed married Ella Vincent, by whom he had a daughter, Hazel. The three children are all now de- ceased.

When thirteen years of age, David V.

Moore, whose name introduces this sketch, went to live with his grandfather, David D). Vincent, in the town of Unionvale, and at the age of eighteen years assumed the management of a farm in the town of Beekman, which is owned by himself and Mrs. Margaret Galla- gher. In February, 1894, he began general merchandising at Clove Valley, in Beekman town, where he has since successfully conducted business and erected his present store building. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man, who deals squarely and liberally with his pa- trons, and merits the confidence of the com- munity.

On December 2, 1891, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Minnie Vincent, daughter of Edwin Vincent, and they have two interesting children: Edna and Vincent. Mr. Moore has always been a stanch Republican, was elected supervisor of Beekman town in the spring of 1892, which position he filled for two success- ive terms, and in the spring of 1896 was again elected. In September, 1895, he was also ap- pointed assistant postmaster of Clove Valley. He is a popular and influential citizen, and has many warm friends throughout the community.

W ALTER B. THOMAS is a leading farmer of the town of Amenia, Dutch- ess county, having resided upon his present place since 1860. Go into any village, town or city in this great country of ours, seek out the men who are the leaders in spirit, thought and action, learn the history of their lives and you will find that nearly all of them are self- made men, who have risen by their efforts to positions of prominence and prosperity. This fact illustrates most aptly one of the salient features of our American civilization. There is an opportunity offered here under our emblem of liberty for every human being to work out and develop the best there is in him. To this class of self-made men belongs Mr. Thomas.

He traces his ancestry back to John Thomas, who was born April 10, 1725, and December 22, 1746, married Sarah Gifford, who was born April 12, 1720. In their family were seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Mehitable, October 1, 1747; Charles, November 25, 1749; John, June 20. 1751; Sarah, May 15, 1753; Martha, March 19, 1755; Elizabeth, June 2, 1757; and Stephen, March 28, 1759.

Charles Thomas, the grandfather of our

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

subject, was married December 5, 1770, to Elizabeth Lake, who was born October 15, 1750, and died April 14, 1837. His death occurred January 26, 1824. He was a devout Christian, a faithful member of the Society of Friends. His family consisted of the following children: Phebe, born August 26, 1771; James L., born February 8, 1773; Elizabeth and Sarah, twins, born May 26, 1775, and the latter of whom died October 26, 1826; Anna, born March 24, 1778, and died April 20, 1820; Rebecca, born April 19, 1780; Mary, born July 22, 1782, and died April 21, 1827; Mar- garet, born April 15, 1785, and died Septem- ber 29, 1785; Catherine, born September 22, 1786; Charles B., born May 2, 1789; and Jane, born January 11, 1792, and died September 20, ISO1.

Charles B. Thomas, the father of our sub- ject, was a native of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and for a companion and helpmeet on life's journey chose Miss Mary Ingraham, who was born March 6, 1791. Their wedding was celebrated November 13, 1813, and they became the parents of six chil- dren: Jane Ann, born October 22, 1814, died January 1, 1891; John, born April 5, 1817. died September 19, 1833; Walter B., next in order of birth; Phebe D., born August 1, 1821, married Smith Doughty; Daniel L., born Octo- ber 23, 1823, died March 29, 1892; and Sarah Maria, born October 28, 1826, died June 14, 1851. The father was educated in the com- mon schools of Unionvale town, and there engaged in farming. By birthright he belonged to the Society of Friends, and was a highly respected and honored citizen of the com- munity where he made his home. He departed this life February 5, 1861, and the mother of our subject had long preceded him to the other world, dying July 15, 1833.

Walter B. Thomas was born in Unionvale town, March 6, 1819, and received such an education as the district schools of the neigh- borhood afforded. At the age of seventeen years he left the parental roof and began work- ing in a stone quarry at Verbank, Dutchess county, receiving the munificent salary of six cents per day and board, while he was com- pelled to sleep in a wagon house. The follow- ing spring he went to Poughkeepsie, where he was employed by llenry K. Free upon the " Exchange Hotel", which was then being built, and with that gentleman learned the carpenter's trade, which he subsequently fol-

lowed at Verbank for two years. After re- maining a year and a half at Salt Point, Dutchess county, he removed to Bangall, where he worked at his trade for two years, and in 1844 came to Amenia, there engaging in wagon-making in partnership with his brother Daniel. He followed that business until his removal to his present place, and, in connec- tion with its operation, still carried on wagon- making for a time. He enjoyed a liberal patronage in that line, and in his agricultural pursuits has also met with a well-deserved success. In early life he supported the Whig party, but since its dissolution has been a stal- wart Republican, and is one of the highly es- teemed and valued citizens of Amenia town.

In the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, January 21, 1843, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Jane Ann McFarlin, daughter of Abram McFarlin, and they had four children: Ann Eliza, born August 24, 1845, married Morgan C. White, and they have one son, Herkimer; Charles B., born May 20, 1847, died August 5, 1851; John D., born June 11, 1850, married Carrie Tabor, by whom he has three children, Walter J., Dudley and Chester; and Henry J., born September 9, 1854, wedded Mary Fields. The wife and mother passed away October 20, 1872, and at Amenia, January 18, 1882, Mr. Thomas was again married, his second wife being Jane E. Wheeler, daughter of Gilbert Noxon, of La- grange, Dutchess county.

C HARLES TOWNSEND,' a prominent young agriculturist of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, is one of the most progress- ive and successful men of that locality, His ability in his chosen calling is not to be won- dered at, in view of the fact that many pre- vious generations have followed it with marked success. The old home of the family is in the town of Kent, Putnam county, where a large tract of land, on what has long been known as Townsend Ridge, was acquired by an early ancestor, and has ever since been in the possession of his descendants.

Samuel Townsend, our subject's great- grandfather, resided there, and his son War- ren, our subject's grandfather, who was born in 1800, was one of the most influential men of the locality, holding the office of justice of the peace for many years. He married Betsey

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Caldwell, and had seven children: John, our subject's father; Edgar, who lives at Patterson, Putnam county; Mariette, the wife of George Hughson; Charlotte, who married Coleman Hughson; Thomas and Keeler, both deceased; and Eli, who resides at Carmel, Putnam county.

John Townsend was born in 1824, at Townsend Ridge, and inherited a farm of 100 acres, where he lived until 1867, when he moved to Dutchess county, and bought from William Pearce 230 acres of land about half a mile north of the village of Pawling. He made of this one of the best farms of the town, displaying marked ability as a manager, and he made his home there until 1883, when he sold the property to John B. Dutcher. In ISSS he moved to Bound Brook, N. J., and purchased an estate, where he is now success- fully engaged in general farming. He is a man of much public spirit, a member of the Baptist Church, and a Republican in politics, being one of the chief advisers of the party in his locality. He is not a seeker after official honors, but has been town auditor and assessor for a number of terms. His first wife, our subject's mother, was Anna Maria Ludington (daughter of Frederic Ludington), by whom he had four children: Fred, a resident of Dan- bury, Conn .; Harriet, the wife of De Witt Burr; Charles, our subject; and Warren, who died in infancy. By his second wife, Sarah E. Dykeman, he has had two children: Fan- nie, the wife of James E. Baldwin; and George H., who is at home.

Charles Townsend was born at the old homestead November 20, 1857, and, after attending the public schools of his native place for some time, spent three years at Wilbraham Academy, and one winter at the Eastman Busi- ness College, Poughkeepsie. Of these advan- tages he has made good use. and his later read- ing has kept him well posted upon all topics of general interest. His first venture into the world of business was as a clerk in the dry- goods house of Lord & Taylor, on Grand street, New York, and after one year in that capacity he was promoted to the office of cashier. He spent nearly three years with this firm, and then engaged in the milk business, but in 1880 he left the city to follow the free and inde- pendent life of a farmer, purchasing of Albert Corbin the property near Pawling, Dutchess county, known as the Stockholm farm. It contains 140 acres, and, under Mr. Townsend's

skillful management, is one of the best farms in the town.

He was married in November, ISSo, to Mary E. Sherwood, daughter of Stephen P. Sherwood, and a descendant of the Stark family, famous for patriotism and valor in Revolutionary times. Three children were born to them: Carrie L .; Anna B., deceased ; and Edith A. Mr. Townsend and his family attend the Baptist Church, and he is prominent in local affairs, being pronounced in his views and courageous in expression, traits which characterized his ancestors before him. His well-proved ability and public spirit have gained him the confidence of his neighbors, and he has been elected assessor on the Repub- lican ticket for the last seven years. He is now justice of the peace and president of the village board of health.

H ERMAN PULVER, one of the active, prominent and most enterprising citizens of the town of Pine Plains, is there engaged in general farming and carpentering. He was born in Columbia county, N. Y., June 4. 1833, and is of Holland descent. The place which he now occupies has been in the family for many years, and Pulvers Corners was also named in honor of its members.

William W. Pulver, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Pulvers Corners, Dutchess county, August 18, 1773, and lived for many years upon the farm now occupied by Mrs. Carskaden, in the town of Ancram, Columbia county, but his last days were passed at Pul- vers Corners, where he departed this life March 22, 1861. As an agriculturist he was very successful, and though he began with nothing, at his death was worth about $100,000. By his marriage with Christiana Millious, who was born May 18. 1780, he had eleven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: John, 1801; William, 1804; Henry, 1806; Catherine, 1808; Polly, 1810; Jacob, 1812; Levi, 1814; Peter, 1816; Anthony, 1818; Esther, 1821; and Harman W., 1824. These children lived in the vicinity of Pulvers Cor- ners. Their mother died May 28, 1872, aged ninety-two years.

John Pulver, the father of our subject, was born in Columbia county, N. Y., November 10. ISOI, and although his school privileges were limited he became a well-informed man

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as he was ever a great reader. By occupation he was a farmer, and followed that pursuit near Ancram, N. Y., for some time, and then for seven years engaged in the cultivation of a farm three-quarters of a mile from Ancram Lead Mines. He next removed to what is known as the Brookside farm, which is one of the oldest places in the locality, there having been at one time an English church, a grist- mill, tannery and fulling-mill upon the land, and also at three different times blacksmith shops had been located there. It was in 1847 that he purchased that farm, which then con- sisted of 3573 acres; he added to it until it now comprises 368 acres of the best farming land to be found in the locality. He was an able man, of good business ability and sound judg- ment, careful and cautious in his dealings, very temperate in his habits, and was held in the highest regard by his fellow-citizens. Though not particularly active in politics, he was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and for over fifty years he was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. He was twice married. his first union, March 31, 1831, being with Emma Curtis, who was born in Columbia county, August 1, 1807, and died April 11, 1837. To them were born two children: Herman, of this review; and Emma, who was born November 25, 1836. On November 5, 1840, Mr. Pulver wedded Caroline Thompson, who was born October 27, 1816. After a long and useful life he was called to his final rest January 20, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety years.

After pursuing his studies for a time in the district schools, Herman Pulver was for a few months a student at Collinsville, Conn., and completed his education at Saugerties, just across the river in Ulster county, where he re- mained for five months. Since laying aside his text books he has devoted his time and at- tention to the cultivation of the old homestead, in which he has been quite successful, and has worked at the carpenter's trade. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he is able to do al- most any kind of labor along that line.

On November 19, 1868, Mr. Pulver was united in marriage with Miss Carrie E. Thomp- son, who was born in Birmingham, Conn., July 21, 1848, and they have become the par- ents of four children: John Duncan, who was born October 15, 1869, and is now a carpenter by trade; and Elbertine M., born December 1, 1871; Emma B., born July 23, 1877; and

Charles Herbert, born March 4, 1881, all at home.

In the exercise of his elective franchise, Mr. Pulver generally supports the men and meas- ures of the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is public-spirited and enterprising, aiding in everything for the welfare and advancement of his town and county, and his honor and integ- rity are unimpeachable. A true and sincere Christian, he is a faithful member of the Bap- tist Church.

E DMOND BUTLER, a farmer and breeder of blooded stock, is a native of Ireland, born in County Waterford, August 15, 1832, a son of Edmond and Ellen (Stack) Butler, both also natives of the Emerald Isle.

Edmond Butler, Sr., the father of our sub- ject, was the youngest in the family of seven children born to John and Mary (Whalen) Butler, the others being: Mary, who married a Mr. Welch, a farmer in Ireland; Abigail, who married John Ormond, a farmer in Ohio; Hanorah, who became the wife of Peter Mc- Graft, a school teacher, and, later, foreman of a farm; Kate, who died unmarried: Bridget, who married John O'Neal, a farmer in Ireland; and Margaret, who became the wife of Edmund Langley, of Ireland. Edmond Butler, Sr., followed the occupation of a farmer. By his marriage with Ellen, daughter of John and Margaret (Foley) Stack, he became the father of seven children, of whom the following record is given: Margaret married John Maroney, formerly a farmer in Unionvale, now deceased ; Mary became the wife of Dennis Flynn, a resident of St. Joseph, Mo .; Bridget married Nathan Conklin, a farmer: Ellen married Valentine Rickes, a blacksmith in Millbrook; John is a farmer in Ireland; Thomas farms in the town of Washington; and Edmond is our subject. The father of this family died in Ireland in 1844, and the mother survived him until 1863. They were faithful and consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.

John Stack, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a noted horseman. In his family were children, as follows: Thomas, Morris, John (who was one of the finest riders in Ireland), Richard, William, Bridget, Mar- garet, Ellen, Catherine, and Mary.

Edmond Butler, the subject proper of this sketch, spent his early days in Ireland, and at

Edmond Butter.

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the age of eighteen (in 1850) he took passage in the "Martha J. Ward," for the New World. On his arrival he went to live with the family of Nicholas Haight, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county, remaining with them until Mr. Haight's death, January 15, 1856, and shortly afterward the son, James Haight, made our subject promise to remain with the widowed mother and her two daughters, Sallie and Louisa, until their death, and also asked them to remember Mr. Butler for his kindness to the family. James Haight died October 12, 1859; tle widowed mother on December 25. 1864; Louisa on March 5, 1875, and Sallie on April 1, 1891. The sisters, Sallie and Louisa, re- warded Mr. Butler for his kindness and long faithfulness to the family by leaving him the homestead and considerable other property. He had only one settlement with the family, and that was in 1865, shortly before his mar- riage; and when that event took place he brought his bride to live on the Haight family homestead, where they reared their large family, and which they now own and occupy.

On October 8, 1865, Mr. Butler was mar- ried to Miss Ellen Cullinan, also a native of County Waterford, Ireland, and a daughter of Michael Cullinan, a farmer in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Butler began their married life on the present homestead, where the following children were born: James H., July 18, 1866; John M., September 6, 1868; Thomas E., April 10, 1871; Sally H., June 24, 1873, who graduated with honors from the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, in 1891, and is now bookkeeper for James Converse; Ed- mond, Jr., January 29, 1876; William C., August 22, 1878; Louisa H., February 19, 1883; all of whom are single.

At one time Mr. Butler was the owner of about 900 acres of land, and now owns about 500 acres, but farms about 1,000 acres. He has been a general farmer, and has given much attention to the breeding of blooded stock. He has sold a great many fine horses to prom- inent people, and at present has about thirty- one head on his place. He is very fond of nice stock, especially horses, of which he is an extensive breeder, and owns " Benjamin Har- rison," one of the promising stallions of the county. Besides his own work he manages the farm of James Converse, a wealthy farmer, who has always about twenty-five head of horses on the place. In politics Mr. Butler is 48

a Republican, and he and his family are Cath- olics. Although coming to America without money, he has, by perseverance and hard work, attained the position of one of the wealthy citizens of his township. He is a pro- gressive and representative citizen, and takes an active interest in all public matters.

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Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 138

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1354

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1354