Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 60

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

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In the district schools near his home Charles Doughty secured his education, and he always remained upon the homestead farm in the town of Beekman, dying there Novem- ber 13, 1884. He took a lively interest in political affairs, being one of the most earnest supporters of the Republican party, and after the civil war served as revenue collector of Dutchess county. He also held the office of justice of the peace of Beekman township, and discharged his duties, whether public or private, with promptness and fidelity which won him the commendation of all. Socially he affili- ated with Hopewell Lodge, F. & A. M. He was universally respected, and his word was considered as good as his bond. By his death the county lost one of its most honored and and useful citizens.

On May 23, 1865, Mr. Doughty was mar- ried to Miss Mary E. Brown, a lady who is greatly respected in the community. Two

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children blessed this union: Morton B. and Christopher Brown. The former was born January 10, 1868, was educated in the district schools, also in the Pingry school, at Eliza- beth, N. J., and was reared on a farm. On August 14, 1895, he married Miss Lillian Tormochlan, daughter of William and Louise (Sherbourne) Tormochlan, the former of whom was born in Germany, the latter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother died December 9, 1882,

the father on June 5, 1892. The family reside in Chicago, where Mrs. Morton Doughty was born. Christopher Brown, the second son of Charles and Mary E. Doughty, was born June 30, 1871, and at the present time is steward of the "Garden City Hotel," New York City.

Christopher Brown, the father of Mrs. Doughty, was a native of Germany, where he learned the trade of a miller, and in early manhood he came to America, locating in the town of Beekman, Dutchess county, where he made his home for forty-five years, during which time he followed milling at Greenhaven. At Fishkill, Dutchess county, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Griffen, and they had two daughters: Mary E. and Phebe, the latter of whom married Homer Chapman. The parents were both widely and favorably known, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all. The father died March 5, 1883, the mother on February 18, 1896.

A LBERT J. AKIN, of Pawling, Dutchess county, one of the ablest financiers which this section has produced, has rendered important service to his community by pro- moting various enterprises which have devel- oped its commercial relations, and led the way to the expansion of its business interests.

He is descended from a long line of Quaker ancestry, the head of the American branch of the family being John Akin, who was born in Scotland in 1663, and about the year 1680, or earlier, on account of religious persecutions, emigrated to America. He located in Dart- mouth. Mass., when about seventeen years of age. He married Mary Briggs, who was born August 9, 1671, the daughter of Thomas Briggs, and they had eight sons and seven daughters. Their eldest son, David Akin, born September 19, 1689, was the next an- cestor in direct line of descent, and the first of

the name to settle at Quaker Hill, where he probably occupied the property now owned by the family of Mr. Gould. He had a record for good service during the Revolutionary war, and his death occurred in 1779. In 1711 he married Sarah Allen, of Portsmouth, R. I., and removed to Quaker Hill (formerly called the Oblong), in 1741. Six sons and four daughters were born to them, and their son, John Akin, born September 15, 1718, became the next in line of descent. He married Mar- garet Hicks, who was born in Portsmouth, R. I., January 12, 1713, and they had three daughters and one son, as follows: Anna, Mary, Abigail and John.

John Akin was born November 11, 1753, and December 27, 1775, married Molly Ferris, who was born April 20, 1759, daughter of Reed Ferris. They had two sons and four daughters: Albro (our subject's father), Sarah, Margaret, Ann, Daniel and Amanda.

Albro Akin was born March 6, 1778, at Quaker Hill, and became one of the most in- fluential and distinguished citizens of his day in this section, a contemporary of Taber, Kirby and others of note. He was a successful mer- chant and agriculturist. On March 24, 1815, he was appointed judge of the court of com- mon pleas of Dutchess county by Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins. On the organization of the Poughkeepsie National Bank, he became a member of its first board of directors. He was married three times, first in 1801, to Pauline Vander Burgh, who was born in 1783, and they had three children: Albert John, born August 14, 1803, married Jane Williams; Almira, born February 3, 1806, married Joshua L. Jones; and Helen M., born July 4, 1810, married John W. Taylor. The mother of this family died in 1810, and Mr. Akin married Sarah Merritt, who died leaving no children. On December 4, 1818, Mr. Akin married a third wife, Miss Jemima Jacacks, and their pleasant home at Quaker Hill was brightened by seven children, as follows: Mary J .; Will- iam Henry ; Cornelia ; Gulielma Maria; Amanda, who married Dr. C. W. Stearns; Annie E., who married W. H. Ogden; and Caroline, who married Adolph Wilm-Beets.

Albert John Akin left home when nineteen years of age, going to New York City, where he served a clerkship of two years with Will- iam and Charles Underhill, and then com- menced business on his own account under the firm name of Seaman & Akin. After contin-

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uing successfully for several years he was com- pelled, on account of ill health, to retire to the country under advice of his physician. With health restored, he re-entered business life, at the age of thirty, engaging in farming upon 200 acres of land which his father had given him, continuing in this calling exclusively until about 1849, when he began to give his attention to railroading. The Harlem rail- road was projected at that time, and Mr. Akin helped to secure the right of way, and was one of the committee appointed to raise $100,000 for the road, John Ketcham being also a mem- ber. Later Mr. Akin was appointed to pay out the installments of money received, and his own high reputation did much to assist the credit of the road. Two years were occupied in this work, and, no one being willing to fur- nish ties or timber for the road, Mr. Akin ad- vanced money for the same. It was also through his influence that the present refresh- ment house was located at Pawling, which contributed much indirectly to the growth and prosperity of the town. After the road was finished, December 30, 1849, there being no depot building, Mr. Akin put up the first one, and also, in company with other business men, furnished money for a small hotel. In 1849 he organized the Pawling National Bank, and was elected president of the institution, which prospered under his management. This posi- tion he held until January, 1895, when he re- signed on account of his advanced age. Busi- ness has been a pleasure to him. He has been a director of the Harlem railroad for fifteen years, when Commodore Vanderbilt was con- nected with it, and has also been a stockholder in the Utica & Schenectady railroad, and in the New York Central. His enterprise and foresight have done much for Pawling and Quaker Hill, and he owns 500 acres of land at the latter place. He built Akin Hall, and en- dowed the Akin Hall Association with $150, - 000, and erected the "Mizzentop Hotel," which helped to develop the place as a sum- mer resort, also erected four or five cottages for renting purposes.

In religion Mr. Akin is non-sectarian, with strong inclination toward the faith of his fore- fathers. Politically he is an Independent, has eschewed partisan work, but served as a Presi- dential elector in the electoral college which placed the lamented Garfield in the White House. On December 21, 1835, he married Jane Williams, who was born in New York

City. They have no children. For the last thirty years his winter residence has been in New York City.

C ORYDON WHEELER. Among the self- made men of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, who have attained a high rank in their various callings by their own unaided exertions, may be found this gentleman, who has become widely known as an architect of ability. He was born December 21, 1837. in the town of Boonville, Oneida Co., N. Y., and is the son of Albert and Mary ( Hitchcock) Wheeler, the former of English descent.

Albert Wheeler, our subject's father, was born in New Hampshire, in 1803, and was reared upon a farm. Removing to Oneida county, he there carried on farming during his entire life, becoming one of the thrifty and well-to-do men of that locality, and highly re- spected in his community. He was possessed of literary tastes, and was well informed on all current topics. In politics he was an Old- line Whig. He married Miss Mary Hitchcock (daughter of Pownell Hitchcock), who was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1812. Five children were born of this union, as follows: Almarine, who became the wife of Nathan W. Jones; Mary Ann, married to Austin Walcott; Corydon; Elbridge, who died when nineteen years old; and Caroline, married to Francis M. Reed, of Boonville, Oneida Co., N. Y. The father died in 1859, and the mother in 1873.

Corydon Wheeler had but limited oppor- tunities for an education in his early days, his only schooling being obtained in the common schools of his locality, which he attended until fourteen years of age. He was, however, very fond of reading, and when a young man be- gan collecting a library, at present owning a fine assortment of books. He has improved every opportunity of acquiring an education, and is to-day one of the well-informed men in the county. On leaving school he worked on his father's farm until eighteen years of age; but his tastes inclining to mechanical pursuits he took up the carpenter's trade, and later be- came a contractor and builder, erecting some of the large stores and residences in Pough- keepsie. During this time he had been study- ing the profession of an architect, and since 1884 has devoted himself to that line of busi- ness. He has made the plans for some large

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buildings in various places, among these being a large structure in Chicago, an extensive hotel in Sheffield, Ala., and Trinity Methodist Church in Poughkeepsie. In all his work he shows intelligence, artistic taste and careful attention to the purposes for which the build- ings are to be used, making his work satisfac- tory, both ornamentally and practically-con- sequently he has been successful in his enter- prises, and is among the foremost in his pro- fession.

On October 8, 1860, Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Celia A. Kellogg, of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y., and four children have been born to them, two of whom survive: Jessie L., the wife of William P. McNeil, of Poughkeepsie; and Winthrop R., a carpenter, residing in Poughkeepsie. Chester A. died when a little over two years old, and Lauretta at the age of seven months. Mr. Wheel- er was for some years a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lin- coln, but in 1874 joined the Prohibition party, his sympathies being with the advocates of to- tal abstinence. He is a man of strong convic- tions, and is governed by principle in all his actions. He is a member of the Trinity M. E. Church, and one of its official board. He has also been a member of the Church choir for many years, and is always ready to assist in Church work. In public matters he is a worthy citizen, and may be counted on to do his share in whatever is proposed for the wel- fare and progress of the community.

R EV. TERENCE F. KELLY. The powers of a consecrated life extend far beyond the reach of the spoken word, setting at naught all differences of creed, and Rev. Father Kelly, of St. Joachim's Church, Mattea- wan, while working quietly in his appointed sphere, has gained the esteem and regard of all classes in the community. The history of this devoted worker will be read with interest, and will convey its own lesson.

Father Kelly was born in New York City, December 26, 1855, the son of William and Ann (Dowling) Kelly, who were natives of Dublin, Ireland. The father was a carpenter by trade, following that occupation in the old country, and, for a short time, in New York City, but later, on moving to Montreal, Can- ada, he engaged in mercantile business, in which he was very successful, owning several

stores. His last days were spent in New York City, to which place he and his wife returned when the subject of this sketch was about eleven years old. They reared a family of children, among whom was a son, Michael, who was a mechanical genius, and was famous throughout the United States for his work in that line, being employed by the Goulds and others. He died February 1, 1895, at his residence in Charleston, South Carolina.

Until the age of fourteen Father Kelly at- tended the public schools of his native city. and he then entered St. Francis College, in Brooklyn. A first cousin, Bishop Phelan, of Kingston, Canada, first awakened in the young lad's mind the consciousness of his vocation, and the long course of preparation was pur- sued by Father Kelly with the same ardor which has since characterized his pastoral work. At nineteen he became a student at St. Lawrence College, Montreal, Canada, and on May 30, 1878, he was ordained to the priesthood. Since that time his lot has been cast in this section, his first appointment being at Matteawan as assistant pastor to Father Henry. He had been there about two years when the Dominican Fathers resigned the charge of the New York Catholic Protectory, and Father Quinn, the Vicar General, ap- pointed Father Kelly to the post, with an as- sistant. About a year later came an appoint- ment to a charge which included Staatsburg, Hyde Park, and Clinton Corners, and while there Father Kelly built churches at Staats- burg and Clinton Corners, and enlarged and improved the parsonage at Hyde Park. Six years after his transfer to this post Archbishop Corrigan added the care of the parish of Rhine- cliff, which had become financially embarrassed, and gave Father Kelly two assistants, Fathers White and Fagan. His present appointment dates from December 1, 1890, when he suc- ceeded Father McSwyggan, and during that time he has done much to build up and strengthen his congregation in both numbers and influence. In the refurnishing and decor- ation of the church edifice, and in various im- provements in the other property of the parish one may see the results of his wise manage- ment; but to rightly judge of his work one must visit the schools where the Sisters of Charity and the Franciscan Brothers train the children of the parish, and must view the un- ceasing labors in the pastorate through which the spiritual life of the people is quickened and

Verence

Kelly

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developed. Modest and unassuming in man- ner, and ever ready to give to his efficient assistants the credit for the work which is being done, Father Kelly's personality reveals the quiet strength which unobtrusively yet ef- fectively inspires, directs, and molds the lives of all whom his influence touches. By his people he is greatly beloved, and on the occa- sion of the fifteenth anniversary of his ordi- nation they presented him with a handsome purse, in token of their affectionate ap- preciation.

Outside of his own fold Father Kelly is known and honored in a remarkable degree, and he numbers among his friends Gov. Mor- ton of this State. During his stay at Rhine- cliff he was elected trustee of the local schools, a fact which speaks more loudly than words could do of the impression which his worth makes upon all who know him, and since go- ing to Matteawan he has been appointed a di- rector of the village hospital. In his clerical work Father Kelly is efficiently assisted by Rev. James A. White and Rev. P. C. Cary.

A MASA DAKIN COLEMAN (deceased ), after whom Coleman Station was named, and who for a number of years was a leading agriculturist of the town of Northeast, Dutch- ess county, was a descendant of one of the old- est families in this country, the record reach- ing back to the year 1635. In Hinman's Catalogue of Early Settlers of Connecticut we find the following: "Thomas Coleman, of Marlborough, England, farmer, embarked at Hampton in the . James,' of Lundon, about April, 1635. Thomas Coleman died at Had- ley, Mass., in 1674. The births of children are not recorded at Westfield, but Noah and John are his sons. Noah died at Hadley in 1676." John had sons, Noah and Ebenezer, who removed to Colchester, Conn., about the year 1700. Ebenezer married Ruth Niles, of Colchester, in 1705, and they had a son, Niles, who had a son, Josiah, born at Hebron, Conn., April 4, 1733, who married Elizabeth Root, of Hebron, November 6, 1755, and removed to Sharon, Conn., about 1771, and represented that town in the Legislatures in 1783, 1784 and 1788. He was a farmer by occupation. On November 6, 1755, he married Elizabeth Root, of Hebron, and had five sons: Josiah, who served in the Revolutionary war, died in Milford, Conn., in 1777; Aaron, a physician at

Warren, Conn. ; Elihu; Jesse: and Amasa, our subject's father. The latter was born in Shar- on, Conn., March 21, 1772. He wasa farmer at the old homestead there until his death, which occurred March 23, 1805, when he was but thirty-two years old, before his fine capa- bilities had an opportunity for full development. He was married December 25, 1799, to Achsa Dakin, who survived him many years, dying December 2, 1846. She was a daughter of Caleb Dakin, and a granddaughter of Simon Dakin, a pioneer settler of Northeast, N. Y., who had much to do with the early history of the town. Of the two children of this mar- riage, our subject was the younger. Myra C., born October 16, 1800, married Gerard Pitch- er, of Northeast, New York.

Amnasa D. Coleman was born June 28. 1804, at Sharon, but owing to his father's death, his home from the age of nine months was with his grandfather, Caleb Dakin. Here he received a fair education for those times, in the district schools, and as he possessed good mental ability and was fond of reading, he in later years acquired a large fund of in- formation. He came into the possession of the Dakin homestead before the death of his Another, buying out the other heirs, and con- tinued to cultivate it until his death. This tract consists of more than 150 acres of land, and is one of the best in the town. As a farmer he was very successful, securing his estate largely through his own efforts. In all movements for local improvements he was among the leading supporters, and he was al- ways greatly interested in the success of the Republican party, which he joined in the first years of its existence, having previously been an ardent Abolitionist. His interest in poli- tics was wholly unselfish, as he never sought official preferment. His family had been ad- herents of the Congregational Church, although few were Methodists, and it is probable that his father belonged to that body; but Mr. Coleman united with the Presbyterian Church at Amenia, and remained throughout life an ac- tive and consistent member.

On September 28, 1843, Mr. Coleman married Miss Elizabeth Rugg, daughter of Seth Rugg, a prominent resident of New Marl- boro, Berkshire Co., Mass. They had two children, of whom the elder, Josiah, born July 23, 1848, died July 31, 1872. Elizabeth, born June 19, 1850, married a Mr. Welsh, October 8, 1896. Mr. Coleman's death oc-

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curred October 7, 1876, and brought a serious loss to the community, his excellent judg- ment, public spirit and manly character hav- ing gained the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His widow passed away May 12, 1896.

C APTAIN ISAAC H. WOOD, the well- known steamboat agent at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, and the proprietor of the "Exchange Hotel" of that city, enjoys in a re- markable degree the esteem and affection of all classes of people, his heroism as a life-saver gaining friends for him far and near. He and his four sons have saved 123 persons from death by drowning in the Hudson river, and in recognition of their courage and unselfish devotion the citizens of Poughkeepsie pre- sented each of them with a diamond medal a few years ago, the tokens being of great value and beauty.

The family originated in Holland, but Stephen Wood, our subject's grandfather, was probably born in Dutchess county. He was for many years a resident of Poughkeepsie, where he reared a family of five children, of whom our subject's father, Stephen Wood (2). was the only son. He grew to manhood in Poughkeepsie, and after establishing himself in business as a shoemaker married Eliza Dis- brow, a native of New York City, and the daughter of a leading detective there. This family is also of old Holland-Dutch stock. On the breaking out of the Mexican war Stephen Wood enlisted, and he met his death in the battle of Buena Vista. His widow survived him until 1878. Of their three children the youngest died in infancy, and the eldest, Mary J., married the late George Valentine, of Poughkeepsie.

Capt. Wood, the second member of this family, was born in Poughkeepsie, October 23, 1822, and after passing his boyhood there went to New York City and lived with an uncle for some time, and later spent four years in Yonkers, N. Y. In 1840 he returned to his native city to make his permanent home. He started the first express business in the place, known as Wood's Original Express, and then entered the employ of the American Express Co. for a time. About 1856 he engaged in the steamboat business, and is now the agent for the daily lines of boats. For many years he has been the proprietor of the "Exchange

Hotel" also, and he has won a high reputation for business ability.

In 1854 the Captain formed a matrimonial union with Miss Maria Rodman, daughter of William Rodman, a prominent boat builder and leading Democrat of New York City. The Rodmans were among the early settlers of Dutchess county, and were probably of Hol- land-Dutch descent. Six children were born of this marriage, and the four sons are all in business in Poughkeepsie, where they are held in great esteem as worthy descendants of their honored father, as well as for their individual excellence. Edward A. is a machinist by trade; Rodman H. is in the express business ; George is a commission merchant, and Amarr is a barber. Of the two daughters, Eliza married Hiram Wood, a commission merchant of New York City, and Ida M. (deceased) was formerly the wife of John Westfall, of Syra- cuse, New York.

Capt. Wood is an active worker in the Democratic party; was alderman for one year, and supervisor of the First ward for three terms. He has been a leader in the fire department for many years, serving as chief engineer for four years and assistant for three years. He was vice-president of the Veteran's Dept., for some time, and is now the president of the Veteran Fire Association, an insurance order. In fraternal society work he has also taken an interest at times, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, as well as to other orders of less note.

M ORGAN L. MOTT (deceased). .. No man in an unofficial position was more widely known in this city or county or by the past and passing generation in the metropol- itan portion of the State. No man was more deeply respected wherever known for his ad- mirable simplicity of character and sterling honesty. He was the very embodiment of in- tegrity. His habits were those of a thoroughly self-respecting man, and in speech and action he was irreproachable." These words of well- deserved praise appeared in a leading journal of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., concerning the subject of this memoir at his death, which occurred April 24, 1891, and to those who knew him they convey but a faint impression of the qualities of mind and heart which bound them to him in the ties of friendship and esteem.

Mr. Mott was of English descent, his an-

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cestors being among the followers of the Quaker faith who found freedom of conscience in this country at an early period. His father, Will- iam B. Mott, was a native of Long Island, but his life was spent mainly in New York City, where he engaged in mercantile business. He married Miss Mary Milton, who was born in that city January 14, 1790, and died at New Hackensack, the home of her son, Morgan, November 26, 1894, at the age of 105 years. Her father, a Hollander by descent, was a man of great importance and influence during the rule of Petrus Stuyvesant. Her mother was a member of the famous Cox family of Long Island. Shortly after their marriage, our sub- ject's parents came to Dutchess county, and located, in 1813, on a farm in the town of Hyde Park, where their five children were born. After a few years they returned to New York to reside. Their children all settled there. Jehu was a butcher by occupation; Mary, the only surviving member of the fam- ily, married (first) Robert Wilson, a merchant in New York, and (second) John Francis; John was a wheelwright; and William B. was a painter.

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Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 60

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