Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 53

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

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The elder Samuel Slee was admitted to citizenship in 1802. During the State admin- istrations of George Clinton and Daniel D. Thompkins the elder Mr. Slee held success- ively appointments of coroner, sheriff and judge. He was also trustee of the village of Poughkeepsie, and acted as its president. He engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, importing machinery and workmen from Eng- land, encouraged by the policy then in force of protection to home productions. Upon the conclusion of the war of 1812, and before the news of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent arrived in this country, English ships loaded with woolens entered our harbors, and the rising industry, left without protection to com- pete with foreign makes, was swamped, and Mr. Slee became financially involved and forced into litigation which only found its end in the Supreme Court of the United States, where the principles for which he contended became the law of the land. He subsequent- ly engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and accumulated a fortune the second time after he was forty years of age. Mr. Slee was universally known as "Major" Slee, and was in actual service six months in the war of 1812, stationed at Plattsburg. His military career commenced in 1804 when he was appointed first lieutenant (Capt. Nathan Myers) of a company of artillery attached to the brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Theo- dorus Bailey, by Gov. George Clinton; in 1866 Gov. Morgan Lewis appointed him captain of the same company, in 1808 he became second

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major of the 3rd Regiment of artillery on appointment of Gov. D. D. Thompkins, by whom he was in isog promoted to be first major. In 1815 Major Slee received his com- mission of lieutenant-colonel commandant of 4th Artillery.

Major Slee died November 9, 1852, a much honored and respected citizen. He had mar- ried the present Mr. Slee's grandmother, Isabella Newby, in July, 1812. She was also born in England, in Westmoreland, in 1788, coming to America in 1797 with her father, Robert Newby, and his family. She was un- usually beautiful intellectually, and was the " Queen " to seven sons and many of their intimate friends. She died July 4, 1869. Mr. Slee's mother was Emeline Gregory, born at Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1820. She was one of nine children, each one of whom was either a preacher or an instructor. several of whom have become eminent in let- ters. Her father, Joseph Gregory, was born at Dover Plains, Dutchess county, in 1787. He served two terms in the State Assemby. During this time he was engaged in an agita- tion for the amelioration of the law of land tenure which was known as the anti-rent war, and largely through his efforts and the ex- penditure of his private fortune a reform was effected which removed this question from the politics of the State. In 1816 Gov. D. D. Thompkins appointed Joseph Gregory lieuten- ant of a company of light infantry in the 43d Regiment, and Gov. DeWitt Clinton, in IS18, promoted him to be captain of the same com- pany. He came of sturdy English stock, as did his wife, Rachel Bullock, one of the early American women noted for her mental gifts, of whom one said: " She was the first citizen of Rensselaer county,'

Our subject was admitted to the bar in 1877, practicing law in Poughkeepsie and New York City until 1888, when with his fam- ily he settled at Washington Hollow, Dutchess county, and engaged in farming. In 1892 he removed to Poughkeepsie and resumed the practice of his profession. He takes an active interest in politics and agriculture, and finds his greatest pleasure in his home and family. Like his father, he is an extensive reader, and is fond of out-of-door life. In 1878 he mar- ried Marie Louise, daughter of the late Will- iam Tryon, of Katonah, N. Y., and has two sons: Ralph Burton (1885) and Robert Don- ald (1892). Mr. Slee's only brother, John

Gregory Slee, is a D. V. S., practicing at Bos- ton, Mass. Their sister. Emeline Gregory Slee, is a graduate of Vassar, and now re- siding with her brother, Samuel Slee.

W ILLIAM BEDELL ranks among the progressive and enterprising farmers of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. His residence is pleasantly situated near Clinton Corners, where he is engaged principally in general farming.

Jeremiah Bedell, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born February 22, 1751, and for some time lived in Dutchess county, previous to his removal to Greene county, N. Y. He wedded Marian Gildersleeve, who was born in Dutchess county, January 13, 1756, and their union was blessed with twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, all of whom but two lived to advanced ages, and were respected and upright citizens. One son held the office of supervisor over twenty successive years, in Greene county, N. Y. The father of these died August 12, 1815, the mother on October 3, 1807.

Jacob, the father of our subject, was born March 16, 1801, and died February 25, 1865. He, the youngest in the above family, was a native of Greene county, N. Y., where he spent his boyhood days, and after completing his education he taught school there. He was married in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, February 21, 1821, to Hannah H. Cornell, who was born in that town September 22. 1802, daughter of Matthew and Sarah (Halsted) Cornell, and died January 15, 1877. Three children graced their union: David, who was born January 22, 1822, was married to Elizabeth D. Wing, January 26, 1843, and died June 25, 1877; William, the subject of this review; and Mary, who was born March 5. 1838, and is now the widow of George P. Smith. After his marriage the father located on a farm two miles west of Clinton Corners, where he operated his land until the spring of 1855, at which time he laid aside business cares, living retired up to the time of his death. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and was widely and favorably known through- out the county.

William Bedell, our subject, was born April 8. 1833, in Dutchess county, and his boy- hood days were passed in the manner of most farmer lads in those days-between school-

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ing and working on the home farm. Besides attending the district school, he also received a part of his education in the Jacob Willets school, in the town of Washington, Dutchess county. On September 13, 1854, Mr. Bedell was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Doty, daughter of Thomas Sands and Maria ( Wing) Doty, and a native of the town of Clinton, Dutchess county. By this union there are two sons: George Doty, who was born April 27, 1 868, married Etta Hicks, a daughter of Wal- ter D. Hicks, and Jay Sands, born August 16. 1870. The mother of these died April 10, 1890, and at Yorktown, Westchester Co., N. Y., May 17, 1892, our subject was again mar- ried, this time to Henrietta (Hallock) Irish.

Upon the old home farm, Mr. Bedell re- mained until 1866, when he removed to Pough- keepsie, N. Y., where the following three years were passed, and then for eight years he lived near Morgan Lake, N. Y. He has been engaged in the crockery, gas and steam-fitting businesses, and for a few years was interested with A. M. Doty in a drug store; but in the spring of 1877 he purchased his present farm near Clinton Corners, and has since made that place his home. He is one of the direc- tors of the First National Bank of Poughkeep- sie, and has been executor of many important estates. He takes quite an active interest in the welfare of his town and county, but has always refused to accept public office, as his time has been fully occupied by his own busi- ness affairs.

J AMES DENN BURGESS, a prominent con- tractor and builder of Poughkeepsie, was born September 27, 1843, at Kingston, Canada, the son of James and Elizabeth ( Denn) Burgess.

John Burgess, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Somersetshire, England, born in the town of Shepton Mallet, where he spent his entire life. He was a car- penter by trade, and had a family of four chil- dren : John, Michael, James and Sarah; the latter married a Mr. Brown, of England.

James Burgess, the father of our subject, was born in Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire, in 1815, and obtained a good common-school education. He was a great reader all his life and became a well-informed man. In 1830, when a lad of fifteen, he came to America with his brother John, and settled in Kingston, Canada, where he spent the remainder of his

life. He learned the trade of carpenter, serv- ing an apprenticeship of five years, and for some years after worked as a journeyman. He then became a contractor and builder, and for twenty years prior to his death was fore- man of the government works at Kingston. He was an able man, and one of the foremost in his vocation. He was very successful in his business affairs, and his prosperity was due entirely to his own exertions, as he began life dependent on his own resources.

James Burgess married Elizabeth Denn, daughter of William Denn, of Kingston. Her father came from England about 1812 in connection with the Dock Yard and Naval Store Department, established in Kingston. He was a prominent citizen, both in Church and business matters. Three children were born of this union : William, who died in infancy; James Denn, the subject of this sketch; and Sarah Ann, who died when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Burgess were members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, in whose work they took an active interest. In politics Mr. Burgess was a Con- servative, and a stanch follower of Sir John A. MacDonald. He never aspired to office, but held a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He died in Kingston, Canada, on April 4. 1887, his wife surviving him until 1889.

James D. Burgess attended a private school in Kingston, Canada, until about sixteen years of age, when he learned the trade of a ma- chinist, at which he worked two years. Being compelled on account of ill health to give up this occupation, he took up carpentering with his father, and after working one year as a journeyman he went into business for himself. Four years later he married Annie M. Foote, the daughter of a confectioner in Kingston, and removed to Napanee (Canada), where he established himself in the bakery and confec- tionery business, and carried that on for seven years. His wife died about this time, January 29, 1872, and he returned to his old trade of carpenter, in which he was engaged for the following six years.

At the end of this time Mr. Burgess re- moved to Deseronto, Hastings Co., Ont., Canada, and became connected with the Rath- burn Company, a large corporation, and was given charge of all their building operations, a very responsible position. In 1885 he went to Hyde Park to take charge of the erection of the Archibald Rogers buildings, and remained

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with Mr. Rogers for two years. He then went to Poughkeepsie as superintendent for Powers & O'Reilley in the erection of the second lot of buildings for the Hudson River Hospital. Some years later he had the contract for the building of the third set of cottages for the hospital. For the past eight years Mr. Bur- gess has been carrying on business on his own account, and is considered one of the leading contractors and builders in the city. Among other large structures which have been built by him are Trinity church and a large addition to the Gallandet House for Deaf Mutes.

Mr. Burgess, for his second wife, married Miss Southwood, of Belleville, Canada, and for his third wife wedded Mrs. Dowling, whose maiden name was Ellen Bogert. She died in Deseronto, in 1883. In 1884 Mr. Burgess was united in marriage with Miss Eva Chambers, a daughter of Charles Chambers, a native of Yorkshire, England, and a retired farmer of Deseronto, who has been one of the leading men of the county.

The children of our subject are: Harry, who is a bookkeeper for the Rathbun Co., Oswego, N. Y .; Laura, who married Rev. Robert Knapp, of Walton, N. Y .; Ada, who married Rev. Merrick E. Ketcham, of Cincin- nati, Ohio; William, who graduated from the Syracuse University in June, 1895, and now practicing law in Buffalo, N. Y .; and Lillian, Charles and Denn Maltby, at home.

Mr. Burgess is a self-made man, one who has achieved his success by his own industry and enterprise. He has always been a reader, and is well-posted on all topics of the day. He is a Republican in his political views, al- though he sympathizes with the Prohibitionists on the temperance question. He is quite a worker for his party, but has never been an office-seeker. As a citizen he is public-spirited. and is always at the front in matters relating to the welfare of his community. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes an active interest in Church work; is one of the trustees, and has been superintend- ent of the Sunday-school for five years.

S AMUEL CARPENTER BARIGHT, one of the substantial farmers of Dutchess county, is a native of the same, having been born in the town of Pleasant Valley, July 5, 1826. There are several branches of the fam- ily in this country, one in Columbia county, N.

Y., one in Lockport, N. Y., and one in Can- ada. The Columbia county and Canada branches spell the name "Boright.," The Barights were of the Quaker faith, though some were Presbyterians.

The old Baright homestead was in the family for several generations, and was sold by Elijah Baright to A. R. Bartholomew, who is its present owner. Our subject's great- grandfather settled on the tract of land which he received as a grant from the English crown, when it was all wilderness. There his son John (born October, 1763, died January, 1813) grew up, and married Miss Eleanor Drake, and they continued their married life on the old farm, where they reared the follow- ing family: Sarah married Jacob Stringham, and went to Michigan, where he farmed, and where they both died. Augustin was a farmer in Pleasant Valley, where he embarked in the mercantile business; he died at Batavia, N. Y. Susanna died unmarried. Elizabeth be- came the wife of Daniel Stringham, a farmer in the town of Lagrange. John died young. Elijah, who was the father of our subject, married Amy Doty Carpenter, daughter of Samuel Carpenter, of the town of Clinton, born 1763, died 1844. His pedigree dates back to Timothy Carpenter, born in Wales, 1698, subsequently settled on Long Island, N. Y., and his descendants are supposed heirs to a large estate, held by the Bank of England.

Our subject grew up on the farm in Pleas- ant Valley, and November 12, 1850, was united in marriage with Miss Frances Dean, who was born in New York City, February 18, 1827, and in 1853 they came to their present home, where they have since resided. The following children have been born to them: Arthur Garwood is a horticulturist in the town of Poughkeepsie. Anna founded the School of Expression in Boston, Mass. ; she subsequently married S. S. Curry, Ph. D., of Boston, where they are engaged in teaching the Art of Expression. Helen Dean, special- ist in the Art of Expression, married Charles D. Craigie, of Boston, Mass., who is engaged in the mercantile and publishing business. Genevieve is an artist and specialist. Elijah Kirk is a salesman in one of the houses of the AArmour Packing Co., Poughkeepsie. Mary Louise is professor of the Art of Expression and Literature, in the University of Oregon, at Eugene, Ore. Mr. Baright has a farm of 120 acres one mile north of the city of Pough-

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keepsie, where lie does general farming. Po- litically he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of the party; in religious faith he is a member of the Society of Friends.

Joseph C. Dean, the grandfather of Mrs. Frances Dean Baright, was a member of the Society of Friends of the town of Pleasant Valley, and was a land owner and merchant. His mother's father was Joseph Castin, one of the "Nine Partners " of a portion of Dutch- ess county. Joseph C. Dean married Sarah Mabbett of the town of Washington, and sev- eral children were born to them: Jonathan, their eldest son, and the father of Mrs. Ba- right, married Helen, the daughter of Gen. S. A. Barker, of the town of Lagrange; Edwin, the second son, was engaged in the theatrical profession (he married Julia Drake, of Louis- ville, Ky., and Julia Dean, the celebrated actress, was their daughter).

Mrs. Frances Dean Baright's grandfather on her mother's side was Samuel A. Barker, who was a general in the war of 1812, and a private in Capt. Brinkerhoff's regiment, of the Dutchess county militia in the Revolutionary war. He owned an estate in the town of La- grange, and held slaves; was active in public af- fairs, and was an assemblyman at Albany. His second wife was Meriby Collins, and they had several children, one of whom, Helen Barker Dean, was the mother of Frances Dean Ba- right.

C ORNELIA VAN KLEECK was born in Poughkeepsie, and has resided there ever since.

The Van Kleeck family came originally from Holland, and settled in Dutchess county at a very early day. Baltus Van Kleeck, grand- father of our subject, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y. He left two children: Mar- garet, who married John G. Vassar (a brother of Matthew Vassar, the founder of the college of that name, and who was in the brewing business with him); and Leonard, the father of our subject.

Leonard B. Van Kleeck was born in Pough- keepsie, April 18, 1785, and there married Elizabeth Phillips, who was born in the same city, in 1791. Her father, James Phillips, was also a native of Poughkeepsie, and was a farmer. He was of English descent. He married Cor- nelia Van Vlack, and to their union were born children as follows: John was a grocer in

Poughkeepsie, and died in the West; Abram was a hotel-keeper in Poughkeepsie; Mary mar- ried John Wyley, a farmer in Dutchess county; Catherine married Robert Green, and lived in New York City; Jane married Jacob Harris, a farmer in Dutchess county; Sarah married Isaac Griffin, a butcher; Barbara married Isaac Cubney, a farmer and blacksmith in Pough- keepsie; and Elizabeth became Mrs. Van- Kleeck. The parents both died at Pough- keepsie.

After his marriage Leonard Van Kleeck took charge of a hotel in Poughkeepsie, and at one time owned a large amount of city property. Six children were born to him and his wife, namely: Margaret, who died in infancy; Henry, who was a clerk for his father, and died in 1850; James was city librarian, and died in 1894; Alfred was a merchant in Mobile, Ala., and died in 1849; Cornelia is the only surviv- ing member of the family; Edgar A. became a Baptist minister, and died in 1889. Leonard Van Kleeck died in 1854, and his wife in 1828. They were members of the Baptist Church, and most estimable people. Mr. Van Kleeck was a strong Republican, and prominent both in his party and in all public affairs.

Cornelia Van Kleeck, our subject, is a de- voted member of the Mill Street Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, to which church in the last seven years she has contributed large sums of money. She is very generous and charitable to all in distress, and is always ready to assist every philanthropic or religious enterprise.

P HEBE THORNE WILLIAMSON, M. D. Among those who devote their time and energies to the practice of medicine, and have gained a leading place in the ranks of the pro- fession, is the lady whose name introduces this sketch. She makes her home in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, having an office at No. 13 Liberty street, but also spends a part of each week in New York City, where she has an of- fice at No. 1244 Broadway, and in both cities she has secured a large and lucrative practice.

Dr. Williamson is a native of Dutchess county, born at Millbrook, where her early life was passed, and attended the old Nine Part- ners Boarding School, there acquiring her lit- erary education. Judge Stephen Thorne, her paternal grandfather, practiced law in Pough- keepsie, and also made his home in Milan,

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Dutchess county. In his family were five chil- dren, all of whom died within six years of each other, namely: Benjamin, a physician of Mil- an; Herrick, who was given the maiden name of his mother; Stephen; Cynthia; and John S.

The last named was the father of our sub- ject. He was born at Milan in 1823, and was there reared and educated. After studying medicine with his brother for some time he en- tered the medical college at Castleton, Vt., and later graduated from the medical depart- ment of the New York University, after which he engaged in practice at Bangall, Stanford town, Dutchess county. There he was united in marriage with Frances C. Barlow, daughter of Cyrus Barlow, and to them were born two daughters-Georgie, wife of James T. Haight, of Stanfordville, Dutchess county; and Phebe Anna. After following his profession in that village for several years, he removed to Mill- brook, where he was engaged in practice for thirty years, and was very successful in his chosen calling. He was a very influential man, and for many years served as county physician. He belonged to the Knights of l'ythias lodge of Poughkeepsie, the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Masonic fraternity of Washington Hollow, Dutchess county. Though not a member of any relig- ious denomination, he gave liberally to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was called from life in ISSo, and his death was widely and deeply mourned.

Phebe Thorne began the study of medicine with her father, whom she assisted in his prac- tice, and after attending a four-years' course of study in the Woman's Medical College and Infirmary of New York, she was graduated in 1878. The year previous she had married Albert Williamson, and they have a daughter who was born in 1882. After her father's death our subject was county physician at Millbrook for a year and a half, and in 1882 removed to Brooklyn, where she was engaged in practice for three years, during which time she was the first woman appointed on the Brooklyn Eastern District Hospital staff. She was compelled to leave that city on account of ill health, and came to Poughkeepsie, where she confines her practice to the diseases of women, and obstetrics. She stands high among the members of the medical fraternity. is a close student, and, being thoroughly in love with her profession, her success is assured. Dr. Williamson purchased the "Windsor Ho-

tel," on Hooker avenue, which she converted into a sanitarium and summer hotel; but as it was so difficult to secure competent help, and so much responsibility rested upon her, that she gave up the sanitarium and now rents the place to Vassar College for an extra dormitory and class rooms. She holds membership with the Dutchess County Medical Society and the Kings County Medical Society. The Doctor not only holds a leading place in the medical profession, but is also a valued and prominent member of society, being held in the highest regard by all who know her.

I AMES EDWARD DEAN, of Fishkill, Dutch- ess county, treasurer of the Fishkill Sav-

ings Institute, and for many years its presi- dent; proprietor of Monumental Works, and one of the founders of the Fishkill Weekly Times, is among the prominent citizens of that village.

He is the son of William George and Phebe Ann (Van Nostrand) Dean, and his ancestry is a notable one, his paternal grandfather, Ephraim Dean, and great-grandfather, Will- iam Dean, having been soldiers in the Revo- lutionary army, enlisting in Westchester county in 1775, and serving until the close of the war. During the winter of 1776-77, they were both with the troops that were encamped at Fish- kill. On the maternal side his great-grand- father Alexander Mead, and great-grandfather Michael Rogers, were also participants in the struggle for independence; while another an- cestor, Aaron Van Nostrand, was granted a service of plate by the Colonial Assembly for bravery in the French and Indian war; and still another, Jacobus Swartwout (father of Gen. Jacobus Swartwout), served in one of the Colonial wars. The elder Swartwout was the first judge of the court of common pleas of Dutchess county, and at the time of his death was the first supervisor of Rombout Precinct. Mr. Dean's mother died April 14. 1896, aged ninety-five years, four months and fifteen days, having seen eight generations of her family, including two of her great-grand- fathers, who lived until she was seventeen years old, and her own great-great-grandchil- dren. Of her seven children, all lived to ma- turity, the first to pass away being Helena Du- Bois Dean, who died March 19, 1896, at the age of sixty-one.

Jas. E. Dean

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

James Edward Dean was born in Fishkill, May 10, 1830, the third child and eldest son of his parents, and his education was obtained in the public schools of the village, later in the academy which was then conducted by the Rev. Dr. Pingry. In the spring of 1848 he went to Rochester, N. Y., to learn the marble- worker's trade, but was called home in Au- gust, 1850, by the death of his father, and for several years he worked as a journeyman for Roswell Lamson, of Fishkill. On May 10, 1854, he married Miss Jerusha Powell Hil- liker, daughter of Samson and Mary (Gilder- sleeve) Hilliker, and soon afterward moved to Glens Falls, N. Y., where he and his brother engaged in the marble business under the firm name of J. E. & G. W. Dean. Returning to Fishkill in the spring of 1855, he purchased the yards of Roswell Lamson, and has carried on the business ever since, the making of mon- uments, headstones, vaults, enclosures, and and everything pertaining to that line of work. In 1870 he was elected president of the Fish- kill Savings Institute, and held the office twenty-one years, when he resigned and was chosen treasurer. In 1862, Mr. Dean, in com- pany with Milton A. Fowler, now of Pough- keepsie, purchased the Fishkill Journal, which they sold in 1866 to George W. Owen, who removed it from Fishkill to Matteawan in 1882. Not long after this, Mr. Dean and several other gentlemen established the Fishkill Weekly Times, still conducted by Mr. Dean and his son Herman.

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Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 53

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