Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 140

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 140

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

759

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

also a musician and bandmaster, teaching music throughout the neighboring towns and villages. Mary Jane, born August 14, 1833, died August 19, 1884; she married Myron Pitcher, who survived her nine years, dying November 2, 1893.

The subject of our sketch, the second son, was born December 30, 1826, attended the public schools of Amenia during early boy- hood, but did not receive much schooling after the age of nine years. After his father's death he lived for one year with his uncle, Horace Conklin, on the farm once owned by the late Ezra Clark, and now owned by Leonard Bar- ton. The next two years he spent with Hiram Wheeler, and in 1838 he accompanied his un- cle, Horace Conklin, to Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., where he remained four years. In 1842 he came back to his native county, in charge of a drove of cattle, belonging to his uncle, and began to work for Lawrence and Milton Wheeler on their farm in the town of Northeast, and later he apprenticed himself to Daniel Platt, a well-known mason, for two years, at three shillings per day.

On completing his term he formed a part- nership with Mr. Platt, which lasted five years, their work extending to different por- tions of the towns of Amenia and Northeast. For about seven years after the dissolution of their partnership Mr. Jenks carried on his trade alone, and in the spring of 1856 he went .to Davenport, Iowa, and then to Henry Co., Ill., where he engaged in buying and herding cattle for a short time. Later he went to Pon- tiac, Mich., and worked at his trade, but in 1857 he returned to Dutchess county. Until 1864 he was a successful drover, buying his own cattle in Vermont and central New York, and selling to the farmers in Northeast and vicinity. He then entered the employ of C. S. Maltby, as wood and coal agent, supplying the Phoenix and Millerton iron furnaces. This responsible position he held for twenty-one years; but since his retirement he has been en- gaged in farming in a small. way. He is a man of sound business judgment, noted for his shrewdness and caution, and his advice is valued in financial circles. For the past three years he has been a director of the Millerton National Bank.

On March 3, 1880, Mr. Jenks was married to Miss Jennie Lord, a descendant of one of the old families of the town of Northeast, and a daughter of Newman and Malinda (Hise-

rodt) Lord, prominent residents of Spencers Corners. They have one son, Miles Lord Jenks, born May 14, 1883. Newman Lord was born November 12, 1808, in the town of Northeast, Dutchess county, and his wife, Ma- linda (Hiserodt), on January 28, 1828. They were married September 17, 1855, and had four daughters, Mrs. Jenks being the only one who grew to womanhood. She was born August 7, 1856. The father passed from earth June 19, 1894; the mother is yet living. Mr. Lord's father, Ethan Lord, by occupa- tions a painter and a farmer, as was also the son, was born July 14, 1776, in Connecticut, and died July 4, 1866. He married Ruth Dakin, and they had four children: Jenette, New- man, Cornelia and Olivia, all now deceased. Ruth Dakin, wife of Ethan Lord, was born September 8, 1785, and died January 10, 1852; she was a daughter of Simon Dakin, and a granddaughter of Elder Simon Dakin, the first stationed Baptist minister of this place. He was born January 27, 1721, and died September 19, 1803. Simon Dakin, Jr., was born September 16, 1757, and died July 12, 1830.

In public affairs our subject has always shown a generous interest on the side of prog- ress. Politically he is a Republican, but has not taken an active share in the work of the party. He is affiliated with the Masonic fra- ternity, and has been a member of the Order of American Mechanics.

J ACOB S. TOWNSEND, a well-known resi- dent of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, is one of the successful agricultur- ists of that locality.

Mr. Townsend's ancestors were early set- tlers in Arthursburg, Dutchess county, and his grandfather, Tredwell Townsend, was born there January 9, 1780, and became a promi- nent farmer. His educational opportunities were limited to an attendance at the local schools, but he was a man of intelligence, tak- ing much interest in public questions. In poli- tics he was a Democrat, and represented his town on the board of supervisors several terms. He married Miss Anna Dorland, who was born August 31, 1782. ' They had nine children, whose names, with dates of birth, are as fol- lows: Zachariah F., April 1, 1802; John, Sep- tember 12, 1803; Edgar, December 14, 1805; Enoch, October 17, 1807; Samuel, August 18,

760

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1811; Gilbert, May 6, 1815; Gilbert D., March 15, 1817; Mary, July 27, 1819; and Catharine, July 13, 1821.

Edgar Townsend, father of our subject, was born in the town of Lagrange, Dutchess county, and was educated there at the com- mon schools. He taught school for some time in early manhood, and later he engaged in farming. He married Miss Eurana Jolly, and their children were as follows: Jacob S., born November 10, 1834; Mary E., May 22, 1836; and Catharine A., March 11, 1838.

Jacob S. Townsend, our subject, was born and educated in Seneca county, N. Y. In early life he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked a few years, engaging later in agri- culture. He is a Democrat in politics, but never held any important town office. He married Miss Cordelia Washburn, daughter of Daniel Washburn, a prosperous farmer of Unionvale, and his wife, Sarah Morey. Mr. Townsend's home has been brightened by three daughters: (1) Mary, born December 21, 1860, is at home. (2) Sarah was born February 5, 1863, in Lagrangeville, Dutchess county, and was educated there. She married George W. Gibney, a tinsmith of Pawling, and they have three children -- Willie T., born July 8. 1888; Ethel M., born March 8, 1894; and Florence A., born February 18, 1896. (3) Carrie Town- send was born January 2, 1865, in Lagrange- ville, Dutchess county, and was educated in the local schools. She married Walter Ells- worth, an employe of the N. Y. C. R. R. They have had one child, Arthur, who was born October 3, 1891, and died February 21, 1893.

G EORGE R. SHAW. The subject of this sketch, one of the prosperous agriculturists of this section, has lived a long and active life, been more than ordinarily successful in his chosen vocation, and reared in intelligence and comfort a large family. He is a native of Dutchess county, being born January 24, 1822, on the farin at that time belonging to his father, in the southern part of what is now the town of East Fishkill. He was the elder of two sons of Enoch and Catherine (Reed) Shaw. The younger son, the Rev. William W. Shaw, is a clergyman of the Methodist Church, and is the pastor of the Church at Spencertown, Columbia county. Mr. Shaw resided with his father until grown to man's estate. The home farm was of about one hundred acres, and,

after the death of the father, was divided be- tween the two sons. Mr. Shaw continued for a time upon the old place, working his portion in connection with other land adjoining, but. later, the farm was sold, and he resided in other neighborhoods, working different farms, until during the " seventies," he purchased a farm near Washingtonville, Orange county, contain- ing over two hundred acres. Here the family resided for a few years, until 1882, when he sold the property, and the present home was purchased. This farm is one of the historic ones of this historic town. It is situated on the old "Post Road " laid out by Lord Low- den in 1753, leading from New York to Albany, and is a half mile north of the gateway of the Highlands, known as Wiccopee Pass. The farm is a portion of a tract of 959 acres pur- chased by Cornelius Van Wyck, of Hempstead, Long Island, of Catherine Brett in 1733. The farm was in the possession of his descendants for nearly 150 years. The farm was divided shortly after the Revolution, and the portion now owned by Mr. Shaw, comprising 2113 acres, of which 160 are under cultivation, fell to Cornelius C. Van Wyck, grandson of the original settler, who built the present mansion. Tradition says that previous to that time a small house had occupied nearly the same site, a part of that structure forming the kitchen wing of the present edifice. The original Van- Wyck house stands a few rods toward the south. This dwelling has been made famous by history and romance. It is the "Wharton House " of Cooper's "Spy." It was for two years during the Revolution the residence of John Jay, the chairman of the Committee of Safety, and was at various times occupied by the officers who commanded that considerable part of the American forces which for several years was stationed in this neighborhood to guard this pass through the mountains. All about these houses was the camp. The sol- diers' barracks stood behind the site of the house now occupied by the Shaw family, and frequently have been found relics of their oc- cupancy, in the shape of corroded bullets, pieces of shells, bayonets and other imple- ments of war. The enlarged house was par- tially built with timbers taken from these bar- racks.

Mr. Shaw has been twice married. His first wife was Amy Maria Rickey, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Horton) Rickey. She died leaving five children. Ward is a farmer

பரி

Deshawn

761

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.

in Illinois; Catherine Elizabeth is married and lives in Orange county; Julia, married, lives in the town of Wappinger; Sarah G. and Georgiana reside in New York City. Mr. Shaw remarried, his second wife being Susan Jane Wilcox, daughter of George and Tamar (Ste- vens) Wilcox, of Putnam county. By this marriage there were eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. William G. is the manager of the Elmira Glass Works; Irving is a farmer in Illinois; Amy is a teacher in the academic department of the Fishkill Union School; two sons, George R., Jr., and John, are engaged in brick manufacturing; Frank, a graduate of the Brooklyn Polytechnic School, is attending Harvard University, while Nellie B. and Luella are teaching in district schools near their home.

There was one other son, Adelbert, born in 1870, who met a sad and tragic death at the age of twenty. He was a youth of rare intel- lectual promise. After studying the ordinary branches at the common schools, he decided to fit himself for the legal profession. For a time he was a student in the law office of J. Hervey Cook, of Fishkill Landing; later, from 1888 to 1890, he attended the Genesee Wes- leyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y., graduating with the highest honors of his class. In 1890 he entered Harvard University. He was blessed with a quick mind, and was a patient,

laborious student. More than that, he was a natural athlete, large and of excellent physique. The leaders of athletics of the college demanded his services. He was put on the football team, and was one of the best men on the eleven. Later he was urged to join the "Varsity Crew", then training at the oars in hopes of defeating Yale. As an oarsman he promised to be the strongest of all. On April 6, 1891, he was practicing in a single boat. He passed under the Western avenue bridge, when, from some unaccountable reason, his boat capsized, and, though an ex- pert swimmer, and scarcely fifty feet from shore, he sank and drowned almost instantly. The next day his remains were brought home for burial. During the time of the funeral services at his home, memorial services were held in the chapel of Harvard College. All college work was suspended, and the professors and students in large numbers attended the obsequies, which were conducted by the Rev. Phillip Brooks, who offered prayer, while the discourse was delivered by the Rev. Frank G.

Peabody, who spoke of the virtues and relig- ious character of the deceased. To his family his mysterious and untimely death was a shock from which none have even yet fully recovered. To the parents, but to the children more espe- cially, it was the first break in the family chain.

Mr. Shaw has nearly all his life been a prominent and enthusiastic member of the Methodist Church, and for years he has been a licensed local preacher of the denomi- nation. Mrs. Shaw and many of the chil- dren are also members of that Church. The subject of this sketch has never taken a great interest in public affairs of a political nature, has never held any public office. but, as an individual, has had the courage of his convictions, and labored for the benefit of his country as he saw the right. For the past few years he has voted and worked with the Prohibitionists. After a long life of agricult- ural labor, he still takes an interest in his farm work. favors advanced ideas, but devotes his energies along well-tried lines, general farming and dairying, keeping from twenty to thirty cows. He is possessed of much general in- formation, is a good business man, an agreeable acquaintance, and a warm and abiding friend.

SAMUEL HASTINGS, though not a native of this country, has lived in the United States nearly all his life, coming here at the age of twelve years. He was born in Dover, County of Kent, England, on the paternal side of English origin, and on the maternal side of Scotch-Irish descent. His mother belonged to an old Scotch-Irish family of the name of Tomb, who were engaged in the manufacture of Irish linen, near Belfast, Ireland, before the days of machinery. The father, who was an officer in the British army, died while stationed in the West Indies, in 1835.

The education of our subject was com- menced in his native land, and on reaching the shores of the New World he completed his literary training. For a time he took up the study of law, then that of medicine, from which he drifted into the study of chemistry and pharmacy, graduating in those sciences at the College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Penn., with the class of 1849. For twenty years he conducted a large drug business in the city of New Orleans, and on the termi- nation of the Civil war left the South, but still

762

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

holds interests in that city, which he occasion- ally visits on business.

In Dutchess county, N. Y., Mr. Hastings was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J., daughter of the late J. Hastings, and in this county has made his home for over twenty- seven years, during which time he has taken much interest in the affairs of his adopted county and State. Though a Democrat in politics, he has no ambition for political pre- ferment, and has held no public office. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal Church. The elegant place of Mr. Hastings is known as "Fairview," and comprises 825 acres. He superintends the cultivation of this property, employing much labor, thus further- ing the material interests of the surrounding section and the county at large. In his family are six children, -two sons and four daughters. The view from his place is most extended and beautiful, indeed is one of the finest in the county; there a grand panorama is spread out before the vision-the Catskill mountains can be seen, commencing at the site of the old " Mountain House," and extending far south- ward, the coloring of this delightful scene changing as the seasons come and go, from the rich green of the springtime to the brilliant gold and red of autumn, the whole is like a series of beautiful pictures hung up before the beholder. This charming spot not only glad- dens the eye, but is one of the most healthful, well watered with springs, and altogether is one of the most highly favored locations in the county.

R ALPH A. BARTHOLOMEW. Among the leading and influential farmers of the town of Pleasant Valley, who thoroughly un- derstand their business, and pursue the voca- tion of their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the subject of this biography. In reviewing his genealogical record we find his lineage tracing back to the Colonial history of the nation, and to that period which marked the inception of the grandest republic the world has ever known. Through such sources have we attained the true American type, and along this line must our investigations proceed if we would learn of the steadfast, unyielding elements which con- stitute the basis upon which has been reared the lofty and magnificient superstructure of an enlightened and favored commonwealth.

Among the early emigrants from England, who located in New England, was the Bartholomew family, whose descendants are now very nu- merous throughout the Eastern States.

John Bartholomew, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Kensington, Conn .. but was reared in Litchfield county, that State, where, after his marriage with Lydia Brooks, he located upon a farm. Three children were born to them: Lynus, who died at the age of two years; Lydia S., who became the wife of P. B. Butler, a wheelwright of Burlington, Hartford Co., Conn .; and John B., the father of our subject. The grandfather followed farming exclusively, and valiantly aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence. His death occurred in 1817, that of his wife in 1854. Early in life they were Presbyterians, but later they joined the Congregational Church.

John B. Bartholomew was born October 13. 1793, in Harwinton, Litchfield Co., Conn., and he married Eunice Harrison, who was born at Branford, New Haven Co., Conn., June 19, 1801, a daughter of Augustus Harrison, also a native of New Haven county, and a farmer by occupation. The Harrisons also came from England. To the old family home- stead Mr. Bartholomew took his bride, and their four children were there born. Ralph, the eldest, died at the age of twelve years; George, a wholesale and retail jeweler, died June 10, 1893; Harriet became the wife of John W. Lattin, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and a retired farmer. He was killed by the cars September 23, 1890, and his widow now makes her home in the town of Pleasant Valley. Ralph A. is the youngest of the fam- ily.

Upon his farm in Litchfield county, Conn., the father died February 10, 1859; the mother died May 1, 1896, at the patriarchal age of about ninety-four years. In religious belief they were Congregationalists, and in politics he supported the Democratic party.

Ralph A. Bartholomew was born in the town of Harwinton, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 3, 1837, and grew to manhood upon the old ancestral farm, contributing his quota to carrying on the work of the place. At the age of nineteen he started out as a traveling sales- man; but at the end of four years he returned to the old farm, which he sold in 1867, and the following year bought his present place in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county. He now has ninety-seven acres of fertile and

763

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

productive land, pleasantly situated about six miles from the city of Poughkeepsie. It is highly cultivated, and well improved with fine large buildings and good fences, and is one of the most beautiful places in the locality.

In his political views, Mr. Bartholomew strongly adheres to the principles of the Dem- ocratic party. He is one of the active and progressive men of the county, taking great interest in all matters calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellowmen, and has the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

B ENJAMIN VAN WAGNER is one of the enterprising, energetic and industrious agriculturists of the town of Pleasant Valley, and is a worthy representative of an honored old family of his section.

The founder of the family in this country was Nicholas Van Wagner, who came from Holland and located in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, where his descend- ants now live. His son, Evritt Van Wagner, was born on the farm which our subject now owns, where the birth of his son, Benjamin, also occurred. The latter was the grandfather of our subject, and by his marriage with Eliza- beth Dyer had several children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely: David, a machin- ist and carpenter, of Hyde Park; Underhill, who became a speculator in California; Sylves- ter, who was a landlord in Pleasant Valley town; James, who was killed in a mine in Cal- ifornia; Abraham, the father of our subject; and Hannah, wife of Lewis Haight, a farmer of the town of Washington, Dutchess county. They are all now deceased except Hannah.

On the old family homestead Abraham Van Wagner was born in August, 1816, and on reaching manhood he married Maria West- ervelt, a native of the town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and a daughter of Cornelius Westervelt, a blacksmith by trade. For a time after their marriage they lived upon another farm in Pleasant Valley town, but later returned to the home where Mr. Van- Wagner's childhood was passed. In their family were five children: Emeline, widow of John W. Lattin, who followed farming; Elma, wife of J. Edward Clapp, a farmer of Pleasant Valley town; William, a farmer of Clinton town, Dutchess county; and Benjamin and Elizabeth, twins. The last named died in in-

fancy. The parents were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics the father was a Democrat, and served as commis- sioner many years. He was called from this life in June, 1885; his estimable wife still survives him.

On December 18, 1843, Benjamin Van- Wagner, the subject of this review, was born in the town of Pleasant Valley, and when only a year old was taken by his parents to the family homestead, where he was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Emily B. Wood, a native of Hyde Park, and a daughter of Har- vey Wood, and to them was born a son, Mil- lard. The mother died in 1877, and in 1880 Mr. Van Wagner wedded her sister, Miss Jose- phine Wood. Three children graced this union: Harry, Frank and Ernest, but the

last named died in ISSS. Our subject is the owner of 106 acres of valuable land, highly cultivated and improved with good and sub- stantial farm buildings. He is an intelligent, wide-awake farmer, enterprising and progress- ive, always giving his support to any measure for the benefit of the community. He is iden- tified with the Democratic party, and his wife is a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

L UZERNE DUTCHER is a prominent and and very highly esteemed citizen of the town of Dover, Dutchess county, and is a de- scendant of the well-known Holland-Dutch family of that name.

Samuel Waldo Dutcher was a native of the town of Washington, and grew to manhood there, engaging in the tanner's trade, which he carried on for many years. He married Miss Maria Edmonds, and had three children: Lawrence, Luzerne and Catherine. The elder son, Lawrence, has always been prominent in local affairs, and is a member of several fra- ternal orders, the F. &A. M., the I. O. O. F., and the K. of P. He married (first) Miss Eliza McTurk, (second) Miss Catherine Dutch- er, and (third) Miss Mary Quimby.

Luzerne Dutcher, our subject, was born in 1824, and after acquiring a common-school education learned the details of the tanner's trade, which he followed throughout his active business life. About twenty years ago he pur- chased a fine farm near South Dover, Dutch- ess county, where he now resides, having re-

764

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tired from business a few years ago. He mar- ried Miss Harriet Soule, daughter of Lansing Soule, a leading farmer of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. They have had four chil- dren: Mary F., who died in infancy: Charles E .; Mary F. (2), who also died in infancy; and Elmer W.

Charles E. was born in Warwick, Orange Co., N. Y., and was educated there. He first engaged in farming, later was in the cattle business in Chicago, and in the stock yards at Des Moines. At present he is a mason in Chi- cago. He married Miss Carrie Sterling, daugh- ter of John and Emeline Sterling, and has one son, Monroe.

Elmer W. was born at Highland Mills, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1863, and attended school in Poughkeepsie during his boyhood. He is very successful as a farmer, and takes much interest in local affairs and in the work of the Masonic order, being a member of Dover Plains Lodge No. 666. In 1893 he was united in matrimony with Miss Hattie Dutcher, daugh- ter of Vanness Dutcher, of Dover. They have one daughter, Mabel.

F REDERICK AUGUSTUS FAUST, M. D., one of the ablest and most successful phy- sicians of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is a native of that city, born March 24, 1865.

Dr. John Faust, our subject's father, who is a prominent veterinary surgeon of Pough- keepsie, was born July 19, 1835, in Hessen- Cassel, Germany, which place has been the home of his ancestors for many generations, and there his grandfather, Barhold Faust, and his father, Conrad Faust, were also born, the latter in 1807. Dr. John Faust acquired a good education in his native place, and while pursuing his studies he decided to come to America, where he could obtain better oppor- tunities. Landing in New York City, he soon after began to learn the cooper's trade, which he followed there until 1859, when he and his brothers went to Poughkeepsie. In 1860 they entered into business there under the firm name of John Faust & Bros. The Doctor was an active worker in this enterprise until 1865, when he became a silent partner, continuing until 1875, when the partnership was dissolved. In 1881 the Doctor went before the examining board of the New York Veterinary Society, and passed the examination, receiving the de- gree of V. S. He is one of the most careful

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 140

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