Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 65

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

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The many friends of Col. Leith will be glad to find a permanent record made of a life so well worthy of emulation. He was born August 22, 1839, in Duinfriesshire, Scotland, but his family has long been identified with Leith, one of the oldest cities in Scotland, his ancestry being traced back to about 1200 A. D. His grandfather, Andrew Leith, was a butcher by trade, and in fact that occupation seems to have been hereditary in the family. Andrew Leith married a Miss MacGregor, and had seven children: James, David, Andrew, John, Samuel, Walter and Margaret, none of whom came to America. David Leith, our subject's father, was born in Leith, Scotland, and dur- ing his active business career was a butcher and drover, his trade in the latter line extend- ing into England and Ireland, where much of his buying was done. He was killed by acci- dent, in 1840, while traveling on a mail coach. His wife, Margaret (McMaster), who like him- self was a devout Presbyterian, had passed away the previous year. Six children were born to them, of whom our subject was the only one to settle in America: David died in Scotland; Andrew, a retired butcher and drover, is living in the old country; John died there; Margaret married James McKnight, a celebrated artist in Edinburgh, Scotland, but neither is now living; Elizabeth (deceased) never married.

Col. Leith's boyhood was spent in his na- tive land until the age of eleven years. He was trained to habits of industry, and while attending school would spend some time before and after the daily sessions in driving a butch- er's cart. In 1850 he started from Liverpool

Samuel Leito da

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on the sailing vessel, "William Nelson," for the New World, and on landing in New York worked at such employment as he could find. He drove a butcher's wagon for a time, and then, after a short service in a tin shop, was employed by Julins Closs in the wholesale butchering business until 1858, when he located at Fishkill Landing, and established a butcher shop. The breaking out of the Civil war found him eager to defend the Union, and at Fish- kill he recruited Company C, ISth N. Y. V. I., becoming lieutenant April 23, 1861. There being no time to wait for "red tape " in those perilons days, he paid the railroad fare of his company to Albany in order to get them to the front at once. For this generous expenditure he was re-imbursed seventeen years later, through the efforts of Hon. James Mackin. From Albany they went to Virginia, via Wash- ington, and they took part in the battle of Manassas Junction. The regiment then re- turned to Alexandria for drill, and in the spring of 1862 participated in the seven-days' fight on the peninsula near Richmond. About this time Col. Leith, on account of not receiv- ing the promotion he felt he was entitled to, resigned his position, and returning to the North helped to raise a new company in New York and Brooklyn, known as Company H, 132d N. Y. V. I. On this he held the rank of first sergeant, and after passing an officer's ex- amination he was made orderly sergeant. This regiment took part in the battle of An- tietam, and our subject's gallantry won him a promotion to the rank of second lieu- tenant. After the battle of Blackwater, Va., he was made first lieutenant, and soon after his regiment was ordered to rejoin the army of the Potomac for the campaign through Penn- sylvania and Maryland. He was in the battle of Gettysburg during the first three days of July, 1863, and was wounded there. On being granted a thirty-days' furlough he came home, and on his return to his regiment was promoted to captain. Not having fully recovered from his injuries, he could not safely resume active work in the field, and he served six weeks as provost marshal of Newbern, N. C., before taking charge of his company, which was then in that State. From there he was ordered to Washington for an examination, which he passed with honors, and he was then commis- sioned colonel of the 49th U. S. Colored Troops; but preferring to remain with his old comrades, he did not take the position. After his return

to his regiment he saw much active service in the battles of Kington, Woodbury, Whitehall and Goldsboro, and in the running fight known as the Tarboro and Newbern raid, his conduct on the field winning him new honors, he being promoted to the rank of major. At the battle of Bachelor's Creek, February 1, 1864, he was wounded and captured, and then began what was for him the hardest experiences of his long service. He was incarcerated in Libby Prison until Grant had fought the battle of the Wil- derness, when Major Leith was transferred, with other prisoners, to Danville, Va., and later to Greensboro, N. C., and Macon, Ga., where they were kept in a stockade. While there a money broker from the South bought from Mr. Leith a note on the Newburg (N. Y.) Bank for $100 in gold, paying him $10,000 in Confederate money, with which he bought provisions and shared them with his comrades. A little later he gave another note of like value and obtained $50,000 in Confederate money for same, with which he again fed his starving friends. By his generosity he must have saved hundreds of lives. After Sherman captured Atlanta another transfer took the prisoners to the jail at Charleston, S. C., where they re- mained for a short time before removal to An- napolis, Md. Afterward they were taken to Wil- mington, N. C., and here Major Leith was final- ly liberated; but he was so weakened by suffer- ings that he was obliged to spend two weeks in hospital at Annapolis before he could return home, where he arrived in March, 1865. On April 5, he reported for duty at Annapolis; but fortunately the long struggle was nearing its end, and on June 29, 1865, he was mustered out of the U. S. service at Raleigh, N. C., and later was discharged from the State service at Harts Island, N. Y. At that time he held the rank of brevet colonel, and his popularity with his old company is shown by a gift from them of a gold watch as a token of their affec- tion and their admiration of his bravery. A beautiful silk flag had been presented to the company through Col. Leith by ladies of Fish- kill, including Mrs. Samuel Ver Planck, Mrs. Charles M. Wolcott, Mrs. Walter Brett, Mrs. James Mackin and Mrs. John G. Monell. After entering active service Col. Leith found the caring for the flag too much of a responsibility ; so, when he was at Alexandria, Va., he sent it by express, addressed to Hon. James Mackin, of Fishkill Landing. On his return home he found, however, that the flag had never reached

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

its destination, and no trace of it has ever been Lsc. ered. Our subject holds a commission as colonel of the auth Reg. U. S. Colored Tricps, signed by President Lincoln.

After his return to the paths of peace Col. Leith carried on the bitcher bisiness at Fish- Kil Landing until i';s. when he was employed as watchman of the Glenham Carpet Mills. This position he has now held for nearly a quarter of a century. his fidelity making him invaliable to his employers. His services have also been in demand by the people for various public offices, and he is at present the collecter of taxes for the village of Matteawan.

On January 1, 1xSI, Col. Leith was mar- ned to Elizabeth Miler, of Fishkill. She Led Jily 16, 18x9, leaving Eve children: Emma. Samiel, Jr. David. William and Walter Of these a are single except W"Il- iam. who married Catherine Ward; he resides az Matteavan.

Col. Leith is a steadfast Republican, and bas never wavered in his allegiance to that party. His sterling qualities of character com- mand the esteem of all who know him, and his indience is felt for good in local affairs. Fraternal y he is a Freemason, having joined the order nearly thirty years ago, and for twenty-eight years he has been a member of the G. A. R. Holland Post No. 1%, in which ne has kell the ffice of commander, and varoos other offices. At present he is in- spector of the G. A. R. for Detchess and Put- nam cointies.

C HARLES H. ROBERTS. United States Appraiser of cigars and tobacco at the Port of New York. is a prominent resident of Paving Dutchess centy, and has done moch :: ance the educational interests of that town. and thencourage progress in other lines. M: Roberts .s a native if Ut ca. Oneida C. NY born in ixas and was edicated in New York City. attending the pib ic schools Tr sove years liter tan ny a collegiate course. In entering osiness Ofe he first secured em- pigment .. th the Wee! Ore Mines, later M. J M Ch .. is & Co . of Utca and after- var ! spent some time as bookkeeper for a Lare japer lact.ry. In [x] he vas appoint- t les present posten, in which he is re- ari das an expert. In politica faith he is a Republic .. tle as never taken an active war: a part, work or aspired the a place in.

the ticket. His hearty assistance is given to any efort for the benefit of Pawling, and he was one of the first school trustees under the union free school movement, and aided in bringing the schools under the control of the regents. He is a Master Mason, a member of White Plains Lodge, and of Lodge No. 330, K. T., of New York. On February 22, 1892, he was married to Miss Margaret A. Bangs, and they have had Eve children: Arthur B., born February 11, 1886: Lucy K., May 1I, 1889: Deane J. , June 13. 1391 : Donald. April 23. 1894: and Helen M., Janiary 2, 1896.

Mr. Roberts is a son of Thomas David Roberts, a well-known mechanical engineer of New York City. and his wife, Catherine Ma- tilda Dana . a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of this coun- try. The first of the line. Richard Dana. settled at Cambridge, Mass .. in 1640, and his son. Jedediah, was one of the pin- neers of Ashford, Conn. Jedediah Dana and his wife Elizabeth ha! a son James. bar subject's great-great-grandfather, who won high honors by his gal antry as a sol fier in the Revolutionary army. He was born at Ash- ford, Conn .. October 10, 1,32. and appears to have commenced his military career among the Provincial troops under sir William Johnson. He assisted in bedding the fort at Lake George, and was at the battle of Lake Champ- la'n when the fortification there was attacked by the French, and Gen. Johnson was wounded. At the beginning of the Revo ition he was cap- tain in Col. Storr's regiment, Gen. Ptnam's briga le of Connecticut Mintia. He arrived at the Arerican camp in Cambridge in mediately after the battle of Lexington, Joining the forces inder Gen. Ward, and was among the troops who were detailed to throw up breast-works on Bunker Hill, where during the night a fortifi- cation of earth was hastily constructed. Col. Prescott was the engineer, and he requested! Capt. Danas orderly sergeant t. assist in lay-

ing out the redoubt. The British forces crossed the river at Crummesset Ferry, and when the second division of sco mien landed they marched up Maiden river t gain the rear of the fortifications. This movement was first perceived by Capt- Dana, who informed Gen. Pietram. By his order 5 0 of the Continental troops marched t meet the British, and took .p their posit on in tw lines behind a fence. Capt afterward Col. Knowlton was in charge of the detachment. with Capt Dana second in

COXMEMULATITE EM RAPITVAR AS EI

command. Gen. Patzam in giving this direc-

tions to these officers, asked : . Do por re-

member my orders at Ticonderoga :

was the reply. .. you told us got to Ere until we could see the whites of the ene- my's eyes." .. Well. said Gen. Putnam

.. I give the same order nowv. The Basist advanced with mudei drums and sol: Bies and soon passed over the fence south of the

one where the Americans were drawn =p Capt. Dana was directly in the line of the British forces, and the men awaited their com- ing in perfect quiet. word having been given that it would be death od any man to are be- fore Capt. Dana. When the column was eigh: rods distant the Captain ordered the rear rank to lie down fiat. and at this word the British officers faced abort and nodered their men to

deploy from the center. On the lastan: Cap :. Dana. Lieut. Grosvenor and Ord.Sers Faller Ered. and the British commander. supposed :d be Maj. Pitcairn. fell mortally wounded. The British troops broke and retreated. but tormed and advanced again, the movement occupying perhaps twenty minutes. When they reached the Fence they fred, and Liett Grosvenor was wounded in the hand, and a bullet which has passed through a rall lodged upon his sh :.

flattened and harmless. He bound up his hand and retired from the feld Cap: Kaomi- ton's muske: was broken by a cannon ball. and within Eve minutes after Liebt Grosvenor Was injured a canzon ball strack a Fait which h .: Cap :. Dana in the breast and knocked h. down. breathless. He recovered, however. and remained until the line was ordered back. but after his arrival at the quarters he was confined to his room for several days The Erst countersign given by Gen. Washington after the battle of Bunker Hill was Kawi :... and the first parole was Dana. In jaly of the same year an oration was delivered by D. Leonard. Gen. Washington's chaplain, and a declaration read, and at the case':

exercises an aid of Gen. Washington såvarsed from: headquarters bearing the American stand- ard with an order from Washington to Capt Dana to carry it three tures around the fort and interior circle of the army, with the apane- thor that he must not let the colors tall. as would be considered a bad omen for the

ican cause. The Captain declared. Combeing his ability to perform the duty to the proper manter. and the aid returned to headquarters with his apology. He soon came back Poll-

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an eminence overlooking the limpid waters of the picturesque Cross river, and, while there has been no pretense at architectural grandeur. it stands to-day, in its simplicity, one more ev- idence of man's desire to glorify the Omnipres- ent and Omnipotent God. On October 14, 1890, it was solemnly dedicated to Almighty God under the title of St. Mary, by His Grace Michael Augustine Corrigan, Archbishop of New York. Father McGrath's administration of parish affairs was characterized by good judgment and financial ability, and, therefore, he was promoted to a larger and more promi- nent parish at Fishkill Landing, N. Y. On December 4, 1890, he was installed as pastor in present congregation at Fishkill, and the work of improvement was at once begun there, a beautiful new church being erected in the following year. Later the rectory and school were built, making a notable record of prac- tical work. But while these results may at- tract the attention of the casual observer to the exclusion of all others, it is in the unifica- tion and inspiration of his people that Father McGrath finds his best reward for the past la- bors, and a hope for the future widening and deepening of the spiritual influences which pro- mote true prosperity.

T HOMAS HENRY NELSON (deceased), who in his lifetime was a prominent rep- resentative of the farming interests of the town of Red Hook, Dutchess county, where he pos- sessed one of its model homesteads, embrac- ing 210 acres of rich and fertile land, was born October 21, 1822, and died November 30, 1896.

The homestead is supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories, the fields are well tilled, the buildings are of a substantial character, and the whole place denotes the late owner to have been a man of progressive spirit, energetic and industrious, and a capable man- ager. This pleasant home is presided over by his sister, Miss Sarah C. Nelson. Our sub- ject was a native of Dutchess county, born in the town of Poughkeepsie, and had been fa- miliar with the various employments of farm life since a boy, having been reared in the ag- ricultural districts of Dutchess county, mostly in the town of Red Hook, where he acquired his education in the academy of that place.

The ancestry of our subject is traced back 23

to Polycarpus Nelson, who came from Eng- land about 1725 or 1730, and purchased a tract of land in the town of Clinton (now Hyde Park), Dutchess county. In 1736 he deeded this to his son, Francis Nelson. The latter wedded Miss Mary Skinner, of Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., N. Y., and to them were. born fourteen children-seven sons and seven daughters: Reuben, Samuel, Mephobosheth, Mary Ann, Catherine, Anna, Lucretia, John, Theophilus, Joshua, Justus, Frances, Christi- anna and Charity. Of this family, John Nel- son in 1743 married Elizabeth Davenport, of Cold Spring, Dutchess county, and to them were born two children: Thomas, the grand- father of our subject; and Elizabeth, who be- came the wife of Abner Armstrong, and eleven children grace their union. For his second wife John Nelson, in 1748, wedded Rebecca Scott, of Kinderhook, Columbia Co .. N. Y., and they became the parents of four children: Anna, born in 1750, married Thomas Barker in 1771; William married Nancy Emory, the daughter of a major in the British army; Francis married Miss Wright in 1775, and John married Sarah Reed.

Thomas Nelson, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess county, March 17, 1744, and was united in marriage April 11, 1769, with Miss Sarah Wright, daughter of Jacob Wright, who came to Dutchess county from Long Island prior to the Revolutionary war. He married Elizabeth Haight, daughter of John Haight, of Stephentown, N. Y., and to them were born seven children: Jacob, who was killed during the. Revolution; Nathan, who wedded Mary Vail; Joseph, who was killed while aiding the Colonies in their struggle for independence; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Seth Whit- ney; and Sarah, the wife of Thomas Nelson. Thirteen children were born to the grandpar- ents of our subject, several of whom died in in- fancy. The following grew to maturity: Wright was born February 2, 1770; John, born July 31, 1771, married Celia Pells September 18, 1794, and they had four children; Elizabeth, born May 11, 1773, became the wife of George Parker, of Lancashire, England, December 22, 1798, and they had six children; Jacob, born May 8, 1779, is known to have left sev- eral children, although there is no authentic knowledge concerning him; William, born June 29, 1784, who became a lawyer of prom- inence, and served two years in Congress, left

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

a large family, several of whom are still living; Joseph, born April 1. 1786, left a number of children, none of whom now survive, but there are several of his grandchildren living; Sarah married John Nalross; and Samuel, the young- est, was the father of our subject.

Of this family Samuel was born in the town of Clinton, February 14, 1793, and November 15, 1820, he was married to Miss Christina Benner, who was born May 11, 1799, a daugh- ter of Hendrick Benner. The following chil- dren blessed their union: Thomas Henry, whose name introduces this sketch; Sarah C., born December 10, 1824; Theodore Ten Broeck, March 22, 1827; Arthur, June 15. 1829: Christina J., January 27, 1832; and Elizabeth, April 4, 1835.

J OHN T. SMITH has been identified with the business interests, progress and growth of Fishkill, Dutchess county, for a period covering nearly forty years. His ancestors on the father's side were originally from England and Holland, but have been natives to the soil for five generations. During the war of the Revolution they shared the privations and hardships of the Continental soldiers. Thomas Smith was born on a farm in the town of Kent, Putnam county, in 1782: his father, Philip. and his grandfather, Edward, were farmers, and he followed in their footsteps. His father left an estate of considerable value, but it was largely spent in litigation. He was mar- ried in 1802 to HIelliche, the daughter of John and Rachel . Daniels, Smith: the family came originally from Holland.

Thomas and Helliche Smith had two sons: Philip T. and Silas G. The latter was born in the town of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y .. in 1816, and his early life was spent on the farm. In 1835 the family removed to Matteawan, and he became a clerk in the Matteavan Com- pany's store, then under the management of David Davis. In 1839 he was married to Jane A. Alexander, daughter of John and Margaret (McDowell) Alexander, of the town of Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y .; the fam- ily emigrated from the North of Ireland. Thomas Smith purchased a farm in Steuben county, and removed there in 1838. He died at the home of his son Silas, in 1852, his wife, Helliche, djed also at the home of Silas in 1866.

Silas G. Smith removed to Pulteney, Steu- ben Co., N. Y., in 1840, and was engaged in selling merchandise and buying grain for the New York market until 1853, when at the re- quest of Mr. David Davis, his former employ- er, he returned to Matteawan, and formed a co-partnership with him in the store formerly owned by the Matteawan Company. For three years they conducted a successful busi- ness, but the company operating the mills be- came financially embarrassed, and Mr. Smith disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. Davis, and purchased the property at Fishkill- on-Hudson since occupied by the firm of S. G. & J. T. Smith. When the village of Fish- kill Landing was incorporated, he served as a a member of the first board of trustees, and was re-elected several times, but was always averse to accepting public office. He was presi- dent of the Mechanics Savings Bank for ten years previous to his death. In politics he was a Whig in early years, and became a Re- publican on the organization of the party. He was a man of a high sense of honor and of the strictest integrity, and was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He died Feb- ruary 9. 1883, leaving a reputation without blot, or blemish.

John T. Smith was born in Matteawan July 15, 1840, in the house opposite the " Beacon Hose Co. House," at the corner of Fountain and Liberty streets. While still an infant his parents removed to Pulteney, Steu- ben Co., N. Y., and from the time he was old enough he attended the public schools in Pulteney until the family returned to Mattea- wan. in 1853. In 1854 he attended a private school in Matteawan kept by Mr. Oliver, and in 1855 and 1856 the private school of G. H. Caswell. After his father commenced busi- ness at Fishkill Landing, in the fall of 1857. his time was entirely devoted to business, and in 1861 the firm of S. G. & J. T. Smith was formed. The business was successful from the first, being conducted on such lines that it won the confidence and support of the con- munity, and it was gradually extended until at the present time it occupies the building 25 x 200 feet fronting on Main street and run- ning through to Spring street, and also an annex on the east side of 45 feet, used as a shoe department, and the second story of the Savings Bank building, used as a carpet de- partment. In 1873 a branch store was opened on Fountain Square, Matteawan; in 1878 it

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was removed to the corner of Main and North streets, and now occupies the double store at this location.

Mr. Smith was married at Northfield, Ver- mont, September 5, 1866, to Carrie A., daugh- ter of Rev. John B. and Mary A. (Cady) Pit- man. They have had five children, one of whom died in infancy, the others are: Ber- tram L., who graduated from Williams Col- lege in 1894, and Arthur Raymond, who was educated at Mount Beacon Academy, both of whom are associated with their father in busi- ness; Clarence A. is a student at Trinity Col- lege, Hartford, Conn., and Elsie A. is attend- ing De Garmo Institute.

The family attend the Reformed Church. Mr. Smith has been, since early life, a member of Beacon Lodge, F. & A. M. He has served several years as trustee of the public schools, and a number of terms as trustee of the village, of which he was president from 1877 to 1882. He was elected supervisor of the town in 1882, and was re-elected the three succeeding years. serving as chairman of the board in 1883 and 1885.

To mention the business operations in which Mr. Smith has been engaged, would be to make a list of the most important undertak- ings in his locality since he entered business life. He was largely instrumental in securing the location of the Dutchess Hat Works in the village. In 1879 he joined with several gentle- men of the town in organizing the Fishkill Telephone Co., and was the active manager until the company was merged in the Hudson River Telephone Co. Lines were built in the principle streets of Fishkill Landing and Mat- teawan, and extended to Fishkill Village, Wap- pingers Falls, New Hamburgh, and Newburg, a cable being laid across the river at the latter place. The company had a larger number of subscribers, and a generally more satisfactory service than has been had since. The Fishkill Boot and Shoe Company is another enterprise with which he was associated; but this proved an unfortunate venture. He was one of the organizers and a trustee of the Mount Beacon Academy Association. On the organization of the Mechanics Savings Bank. in 1866, he was elected secretary, and served in that capacity until the death of his father in 1883, when he was elected president, which position he has occupied since; he is the only charter member now in the board. He succeeded James Macken as president of the First National Bank, in

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Commemorative biographical record of Dutchess County, New York, Part 65

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