Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 46

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 46

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Mr. Sheldon has an excellent farm of 500 acres, all under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He has made a specialty of cattle raising, sometimes fattening as high as eighty head in a season, but now devotes his time to the dairy business. For over fifty-six years he and his wife have traveled life's jour- ney together, and to-day seem as happy and almost as young as when starting out. In their hospitable home they have entertained both friends and strangers in a most praise- worthy manner, and many are the kind deeds which have not only brightened their own pathway, but have contributed to the comfort and happiness of those about them. Although now eighty-six years of age, Mr. Sheldon does not look over sixty, as he has not a gray hair, and is quite active.

In 1831 he cast his first vote for John Q. Adams, and has always taken a prominent part in political affairs, now supporting the Republican party. For four terms he served as supervisor of his township; was elected county clerk in 1858, which position he filled for six consecutive years; in 1867 was a dele- gate to the Constitutional Convention held in Albany; and in 1880 was again elected county clerk, being at that time seventy years of age.

TV B ysheldon

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Socially he is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 166, Poughkeepsie. He has ever been true to the duties devolving upon him, both in public and private life, and is one of the most public-spirited citizens of Dutchess county.

Joseph Doughty, father of Mrs. Wilson B. Sheldon, was born in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county. and was there married to Elizabeth Brill, by whom he had four children, viz. : Hannah Maria (Mrs. Sheldon); Sophia, who married a brother of our subject; Phæbe Jane, wife of James S. Hopkins; and Thomas J. (deceased), who married Mary Tompkins, and had one daughter. The father of this family, who was a lifelong farmer, died in 1833, the mother in 1859.

S AMUEL H. BROWN, M. D., an eminent physician of Dutchess county, is success- fully engaged in practice at Madalin. He was born August 4, 1860, in New York City, and he belongs to a family of French Huguenots, who early came to this country to escape re- ligious persecution. His grandfather. Samuel Brown, was born in New Canaan, Conn., in 1786, and was the son of Abram Brown, a na- tive of the same place. On reaching man's estate the former was united in marriage with Abigail Young, also of French origin, and a descendant of one of the Revolutionary heroes. Five children were born to this worthy couple, namely: William, Charles, Jeannette, Samuel H. and Sylvester. All his life the grandfather engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he passed away in October, 1867.

Samuel H. Brown, Sr., the father of our subject, was born at Greenwich, Conn., June 24, 1824, and when a young man began the study of medicine in the University of Harvard, where he was graduated with the class of 1850. He immediately began the practice of his pro- fession in New York City, but on the breaking out of the Civil war was commissioned sur- geon of the 174th Metropolitan Regiment, and became one of Gen. Banks' staff officers. While at the siege of Port Hudson, he con- tracted typhoid fever, which terminated his life, August 1, 1863, he thus laying down his life on the altar of his country. His first vote was cast for the Whig party, but on its or- ganization he joined the Republican ranks, and ever afterward fought under its banner. He had married Miss Sarah Tripp, a native of

Westchester county, N. Y., and a daughter of Benjamin Tripp, who was of Holland descent and a farmer by occupation. Her death oc- curred August 13, 1891.

Our subject spent his boyhood days in New York City until thirteen years of age, when he entered Oakhill Seminary, where he pursued his studies for four years, after which he be. came a student in St. Stephens College, Ann- andale, Dutchess county, and graduated with the class of 1881, receiving the degree of A. B. He next took a two-years' course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City. On May 9, 1883, the Doctor was united in marriage with Catherine Tanner, a daughter of Henry and Almena (Staats) Tanner, farming people of the town of Red Hook, where her birth occurred. Her paternal grandfather, Job Tanner, was a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and probably of German descent, while her maternal grandfather, Henry Staats, who was of Holland extraction, was born in the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, and in religious belief his family were Lutherans. On May 17, 1883, only a few days after their marriage, Dr. Brown sailed with his bride for Europe, where he took a two-years' course at Wurzburg, Bavaria, receiving the degree of M. D. on the IIth of June, 1885. Returning to America, he located at Madalin, Dutchess county, where he has since engaged in practice. His thorough knowledge of medicine and skill in surgery have won him the confidence of the people to such an extent that he has secured a large and lucrative patronage. He is a prom- inent citizen, a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and is a Democrat.

Mrs. Brown is an only child. Her father, Henry Tanner, was born in the town of Galla- tin, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1821, and for some time was a leading merchant of Rhine- beck, Dutchess county. He was called from this life March 8, 1872, but his wife is still living.

H OMER WALLER (deceased) was one of the representative agriculturists of the town of Dover, Dutchess county. He was a man of excellent Christian character and of a blameless life, and thoroughly enjoyed the es- teem and respect of the community in which he resided. He was a native of Connecticut, born at Gaylordsville, in the town of New Milford, Litchfield county, in 1823, and there

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

attended the pubic sche Is, finishing his edu- cation at the Amenia Seminary. His training in farm work was under the instruction of his father upon the old homestead. In later life he devoted his time and attention to that oc- cupation. He always took quite an active in- terest in politics, and held a number of minor township offices, including that of justice of the peace. in which capacity he served for some time.

On the paternal side Mr. Waller traced his lineage in an unbroken line to Samuel Waller. who was born in England in 1702, and was a member of a large family. all of whom were educated and reared in the northern part of that country. Three of these children. of whom Samuel was one, emigrated to America after they had reached their majority. He lo- cated in the town of Kent. Conn., which at that time was one of the colonies of England. and from King George III obtained a grant of land three miles long at Kent, running from Warren Pond to Spectacle Pond. There he founded the present Waller family in America. and died at that place in 1797. He married a Miss Ransom, and to them was born a large family of children.

One of these. Peter Waller, grandfather of Homer Waller, Jr., was born at Kent Hollow. in the town of Kent. Litchfield Co., Conn .. and received his education in that locality. He followed the occupation of farming. oper- ating the original tract belonging to his father, which descended to him. Most of his life was passed upon that place. he dying at Gaylords- ville, at the age of eighty-four years. He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Baldwin. of Gaylordsville. Conn. . and to them were born ten children, namely: Pinina t died in in- fancy: Pinina > married John Elliott; Samuel married Sally Taylor: Homer was the father of Abr subject: Rebecca remained single: Almeda became the wife of Solem a Brown: Love died in infancy: Celestia wedded Theodore Back. Betsy married David Sterling, and Electa died while young

The birth of Homer Waller. Sr., occurred n the 2 th of March, I'd1, at the old home- steal in Ken: H ] w. and he attended the schieds of the neighborhood. He succeeded to the home farm, which he conducted many years. Was prosperuus as .. farmer. and a de- Wut member : the Meth dist Church. In INII he married Miss Martha Merwin, and the wedding of this couple was one of the great

society events of the time, especially in the town of New Milford. Conn .. where it was celebrated. All the traveling in these days was by carriage or horseback, and most of the guests came the latter way, with their wives or intended wives back of them. The trousseau. which was considered quite expensive for those days, was purchased in New York, and sent to New Milford by saddle-bags. The wedding journey was made on horseback. from New Milford to Kent, the bride riding behind her husband on what was called a pillion. Forty couples accompanied the pair to their destina- tion. This saddle and wedding outfit are still in the possession of the family, together with a great many other relics of Colonial days. Upon the old homestead at Kent two children were born to this worthy couple: Merwin and Elizabeth M. The former was born January 15, 1813. They removed in 1819 to Gaylords- ville, town of New Milford, Litchfield Co .. and Homer was born there. Merwin was educa- ted in the public schools at home. and at the " Friends Boarding School" in the town of Washington, Dutchess Co .. N. Y. Smith M .. his youngest son. now owns and occupies the handsome old Waller home, he being of the fourth generation. He was married April 8. 1896. to Miss Julia S. Coleman, of Dover. N. Y. The Waller family, from the time their ancestor settled in Kent unto the present. have been a respected and prominent family. The old homestead at Kent Hollow is still owned by members of the family, their title still being from the King of England.

Merwin Waller was a prominent farmer of New Milford township. Litchfield Co .. Conn. On October 15, 1843. he was united in mar- riage with Miss Julia Ann Mitchell, by whom he had one son, Edwin M., born July 24. 1548. After the death of his first wife Merwin Waller was married. December 31. 1850, to Miss Julia Murehouse, and they had one son. Smith M .. born April 6, 1853. Elizabeth M. Waller. the sister of our subject, was born July 22. INIC. and on January 2. 1856, she became the wife of John Fry, son of William Fry. After his death she married Cornwall H ag. i Dover. Dutchess county. She had no children.

On January 31. 1>50. Homer Waller mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Fry. and they became the parents wi three children: Ge rge > . born May 4. ISSI: Martha D .. born March 2s. 1853. and died December p. 1875; and William H., burn July 21. 1855. The elder son. George

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S. Waller, was married in 1879 to Miss Mary

Amenia our subject was born in 1786. When A. Beeman, daughter of Edwin Beeman, of | he had reached a sufficient age he entered the New Preston, Conn., and three children bless their union: Martha U., born in 1881 ; Homer, born in 1884; and Everett, born in 1891. With his family George S. Waller resides in Minne- apolis, Minn., where he is engaged in the com- mission business.

Christopher Fry, the grandfather of Mrs. Homer Waller, was a native of New Bedford, Mass., where he obtained his education, and was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. For his services in that struggle he ever afterward received a pension. He married Miss Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had three chil- dren: John, Millicent and William, the last named being the father of Mrs. Waller. He was born in Dover, Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 14, 1800, and with his father he learned the trade of a tanner, after which he conducted a plant in his native town for a number of years. He married Miss Deborah Hoag, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Hoag, of Quaker Hill, Dutch- ess county. Her father lived to the extreme old age of one hundred years, and was ever a very prominent member of the Society of Friends. To William Fry and his wife were born seven children: Harriet and Mary, who never married; John, who wedded Elizabeth M. Waller: Cordelia, who remained single; James, who married Elizabeth Dutcher; Eliza- beth, the widow of our subject; and Albert, · who first married Sarah Edmonds, and after her death wedded Julia Thompson.

I OSHUA BENSON (deceased), who was so well known throughout Dutchess county, was numbered among the leading and rep- resentative agriculturists of the town of Ame- nia. His father, John Benson, was born in Rhode Island, and there attended the common schools during his boyhood and youth. When quite a young man he accompanied his brother to Dutchess county, N. Y., and they took up land in the town of Amenia, where they suc- cessfully engaged in farming. That property is still in the possession of the family. The father of our subject took an active interest in the affairs of his country, and served as a sol- dier in the war of 1812. He married Miss Rachel Darling, of Rhode Island, and to them were born seven children: Samuel, Joshna, Peltiah, John. Polly, Philadelphia and Abigail. Upon the old homestead in the town of

public schools of the locality, and there ac- quired a practical education. He early be- came familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist, and continued to op- erate the old home farm throughout life. The place was one of the most noticeable in the township for the air of thrift and comfort that surrounded it, and the evidence of enterprise, taste and skill. Mr. Benson married Miss Amanda Hopkins, daughter of Prince and Jemima Hopkins, of Warren, Litchfield Co., Conn., where her father followed merchandis- Fourteen children were born of this ing.

union, as follows: Lodema married Milton Pray; Henry married Annis Ferris; George died in childhood; Vanness married Frances Tompkins; Amanda married Charles Darling; Jeannette married William Dutcher; Zadie is next in order of birth; Dewitt married Susan Bartlett; Rachel died unmarried; Edwin mar- ried Emily Ensign; Sarah married Henry Walker; Maria married Henry Morgan; The- resa married Robert Ryan; and Egbert mar- ried Sarah Hopkins.

Mr. Benson always took a deep interest in political affairs, and steadfastly adhered to the principles formulated by the Whig party, al- though not a seeker after official position. He was one of the leaders of his party in the com- munity where he so long made his home, and his opinions were invariably held in respect. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years, and when called to the rest and reward of the higher world his best monument was found in the love and esteem of the community in which he had lived for so many years.

D R. FRANCIS M. ROBINSON, a leading dentist of Pawling, N. Y., is one of Dutchess county's most enterprising sons. Born in Matteawan, October 9, 1857, he was educated in the schools near his home, and his success reflects credit upon the section which afforded him his opportunities, as well as upon himself.

His family is of English and French de- scent, and his great-grandfather was one of the early settlers of the town of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y. His grandfather, Adonigee Robin- son, a man of fine native abilities, was born there and became one of the prominent inen of his locality. He was a colonel in the State

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Militia when they used to train at Boyd's Cor- ners, and his business interests were varied and extensive, as in his early years he carried on a foundry, store and mill at Farmers Mills or Milltown, and later was engaged in business at Matteawan. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith he was an active and in- fluential member of the Baptist Church. His death occurred in 1892, but his wife, whose maiden name was Sophia Russell, is still living in her eighty-seventh year. They had ten children-Keziah, Jane, Peter A., Julia, Levi, Hattie, Coleman, Nathan, Ophelia and Emma, of whom all but two are living.

Peter A. Robinson, our subject's father, was born at the old home in Putnam county, in 1834, and in early manhood engaged in business at Wappingers Falls, and later was interested in broom-making for a short time. He became blind when about twenty-four years old, and, as a consequence of this sad hardship, his life has been somewhat secluded. Although he has been totally blind for nearly forty years, he goes about freely, his memory and sense of touch having become marvelously developed. He married Miss Matilda Badeau, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Badeau, who were natives of Putnam county, but have re- sided in Matteawan since 1845. The Badeau family is noted for energy and mental ability, and has held a high position in this section. General Adam Badeau, well-known as a writer, as well as in military affairs, especially in con- nection with Grant's Memoirs, is a near rela- tive of Mrs. Robinson. The Doctor was sec- ond in a family of five children. Of the others William Badeau is a dentist in Middletown, N. Y. ; Lenora died at the age of two years; Lizzie Badeau is at home; and Charles Cole- man is a recent graduate from the Pennsylva- nia College of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Robinson finished his academic course in the schools of Fishkill Landing at about sixteen years of age, and then clerked for a year with C. F. Brett, and for three years with S. G. & J. F. Smith. In 1876 he spent a short time in a dry-goods house in Fulton street, Brooklyn, N. Y., and then began the study of dentistry with Dr. Barlow, of Fishkill Landing, now of Poughkeepsie. After one year with him, and one year with Dr. Cornell in Brooklyn, he began the practice of his pro- fession at Patterson, N. Y., where he remained seven years. During this time a law was passed requiring all practicing dentists to regis-

ter before the county clerk. In 1885 he re- moved to Pawling, and has since been actively engaged there in his chosen calling. He has an office in Amenia also, where he spends Monday and Thursday of each week to accom- modate his numerous patrons in that vicinity.

In 1876 the Doctor married Miss Henrietta Dodge, daughter of Thomas Dodge, a well- known citizen of East Fishkill. Three chil- dren were born of this union: Edwin Dodge, Harry Sanford and Francis Adams. Although a Republican in principle, the Doctor is not active in politics. He is interested in local improvements, and is always ready to take part in any movement tending to progress. Like many professional men, he finds recrea- tion in different forms of work, and for ten years has given much attention to the breeding of Black Langshans. His strain have become famous throughout the United States, England and Canada. The Doctor exhibits his birds annually at the Madison Square Garden, New York City, where they have made a world- wide reputation, winning the grand special prize for best and finest display three years in succession.

J EREMIAH SHELDON (deceased) was a leading agriculturist of the town of Beek- man, and as a valued citizen, a kind father, and an affectionate husband, his memory should be cherished and perpetuated by all. He was . born in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, December 29, 1812, and was a son of Luther and Mary (Butts) Sheldon. In his native town- ship he spent his boyhood days, and attended the district schools. While yet a young man he became a cattle dealer, driving his stock to New York City, and later followed that busi- ness there. In 1849 he returned to Dutchess county, purchasing the farm now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. A. B. ANDREWS, and there continued to make his home up to his death, which occurred May 19, 1882.

On January 11, 1843, in the town of Beek- man, Mr. Sheldon married Miss Sophia M. Doughty, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Doughty, and of their union were born three children: Amelia B., wife of Kromaline An- drews; Mary J .; and William H., who was engaged in the coal and lumber business at Poughkeepsie, but is now deceased. The mother was called to her final rest February 1, 1886. Mr. Sheldon took an active interest in

Jeremiah Sheldon

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all affairs tending to the improvement of his town and county, and for several terms he served as supervisor of the town of Beekman. In early life his political support was given to the Whig party, and, on its dissolution, he became a Republican.

Kromaline Andrews is a native of the town of Unionvale, Dutchess county, and is the son of Philip Schuyler Andrews, who is now living at Shaffers Mills, town of Lagrange, Dutchess county. The son attended the dis- trict schools near his home in Unionvale, and later was a student in Carey's school in Pough- keepsie, after which he clerked in the dry- goods store of George Van Kleeck in that city for awhile. Returning to the town of Union- vale he operated his father's farm, and while thus engaged was married October 22, 1879, to Miss Amelia B. Sheldon. After the death of her father, they removed to the old Sheldon farm, where they have since resided and are numbered among the highly respected people of the community. In politics Mr. Andrews is a Republican. Mary J. Sheldon, a single lady, and sister of Mrs. A. B. Andrews, makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.

C HARLES H. GALLUP, of the firm of C. H. Gallup & Co., which is in the front rank along with the leading art firms of the State, and which in the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, is not excelled in the class of work executed, has descended from one of the intelligent and educated families of New York State.

The first representative of the family in America was John Gallup, who came in 1630 from England in the pilgrim ship "Mary and John," and located near Stonington, Conn. One of his sons founded Gallupsville, Schoharie Co., N. Y. Samuel Gallup was the great- great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and the latter's grandfather was Nathan Gal- lup, a millwright by trade, who resided in Schoharie county. Of Nathan's children, Henry Gallup, A. M., the father of Charles H., of whom we especially write, was born in 1811. He was educated at Williams College. from which he was graduated and received the degree of A. M. Subsequently he spent three years at Berlin University, Berlin, and trav- eled through Europe, crossing the Alps on foot with a friend, and in so doing acquired the language of that section of the continent.

For years Prof. Gallup was principal of the Academy at Monticello, N. Y., as well as of a number of other institutions of learning, and later was principal of New Paltz Academy in Dutchess county for three years. In 1866, retiring from active business, he came to Poughkeepsie, where he died in 1887. In 1849 he had married Julia Stone, who is now living with her daughter in Poughkeepsie. Their children are: Charles H., Ella (Mrs. J. M. Godinez) and Albert C.

Charles H. Gallup was born in the Acad- emy at Monticello, N. Y., on November 17, 1852. He was educated in the schools of which his father was principal, then served an apprenticeship in a machine shop at Pough- keepsie, N. Y., which occupation he followed some ten or more years. In 1879 he went to Cuba, where for five years he was in charge of a large sugar plantation near the center of the island. In 1884 he returned to Pough- keepsie to visit his parents, and was persuaded by his mother to remain. In the following year he purchased the Seeley photograph gal- lery, which business was established in 1857, and carried on by S. L. Walker, one of the pioneers in the art of photography. Mr. Walker had been a pupil of and was aided by Prof. S. F. B. Morse, who had brought with him from France the ideas of Daguerre, and imparted them to Walker, who introduced the daguerrotype process in the city of Pough- keepsie. Our subject seemed well adapted to the business which he entered upon with his intelligence and his usual energy and snap, and the result is the building up of a first-class art gallery complete in all appointments, where a successful business is being carried on. He and his partner are progressive men, affable and courteous, and have kept abreast of the times. At their art emporium is dis- played good work; they employ a number of specialists, and all the work there executed is of the highest order, first-class in every re- spect. A man of tact, Mr. Gallup has seen what the people want, and has met that want. He has spared no pains in the use of printers' ink, but advertised extensively, and is meeting the popular demand of a good quality of work at a low price. His ten-dollar life-size crayon work, and three-dollar cabinet pictures re- ceived the highest medal awarded at the Dutchess County Fair, for superior work. His motto is "Superior Work at Reasonable Prices." It remained for our subject to intro-

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duce the process of instantaneous photography into Poughkeepsie.

On September 20, 1893. Mr. Gallup was married to Edna M., a daughter of O. W. Eggleston, assistant general roadmaster of the N. Y. C. & H. R. railroad, now a resident of White Plains, N. Y. Mr. Gallup erected in 1895 one of the most tasty and convenient, as well as attractive, homes in the city, located on Balding avenue. He designed his own plans, and the building was erected entirely under his own supervision.

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Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 46

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