USA > New York > Greene County > Dear old Greene County; embracing facts and figures. Portraits and sketches of leading men who will live in her history, those at the front to-day and others who made good in the past > Part 24
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is a set of jewels, regarding which the record reads:
"Memorandum under date of April 22d, 1805. Donation of the jewels by Constant A. Andrews to the lodge. But if it should so appear that this lodge, No. 117, should lose its charter or warrant, the said jewels, or the amount of them, which is twenty-two dollars, shall revert back to the said Andrews or his heirs or assignees."
The charter of the lodge was surrendered, however, and on the 3d of February, 1807, Harmony Mark Master Lodge No. 31, F. & A. M. was organized with Constant A. Andrews W. M., George Stimson S. W., Thomas Benham J. W. This probably existed some years but finally went out of record.
Mountain Lodge No. 529, F. & A. M. was organized in October, 1862, and its charter received June 8, 1863. Its first officers were: C. V. Barnett W. M., Milo Osborn S. W., A. New- bury J. W., B. B. Osborn secretary, J. S. Miller treasurer. There were eight charter members. From this time regular communi- cations have been held, and the lodge has grown to a membership of 108, and it owns the building it occupies, known as Masonic Hall. The officers for 1914 were: Charles R. Jennings W. M., Cyrus R. Tibbals S. W., W. S. Cammer J. W., Irving Brockett treasurer, Arthur Roach secretary, Hylie D. Ratcliff S. D., Harold Hitchcock J. D., Lewis Munson S. M. C., Rev. J. Markarian chaplain, George W. Osborn marshal, Wilber M. Sanford, Oswell R. Coe stewards, Sanford J. Osborn tyler, Levi W. Bloodgood, George R. Winchell, Irving Brockett, trustees.
BENJAMIN I. TALLMADGE
Benj. I Tallmadge, born at New Baltimore, Greene county, New York, November 1st, 1869, the son of Thomas D. and Helen M. Tallmadge. Was educated in the common schools of New Baltimore and by private study at Albany, Oneonta and Wind- ham. Studied law in the office of his brother, Hon. Josiah C. Tallmadge, and was admitted to bar February, 1893, entered into
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a co-partnership with his brother at Windam under firm name of J. C. & B. 1. Tallmadge, which firm existed until the removal of Josiah C. Tallmadge to Catskill in 1897, and from that time he has continued the practice of law alone at Windham.
BENJAMIN I. TALLMADGE
He was married on December 24th, 1895 to Rose B. Gra- ham, the daughter of Lucius S. Graham of Windham, and three children were born of this marriage: Dorothy M., born May 26th, 1897, Helen R., born Nov. 27th, 1899 and Marjorie G., born June 25th, 1906. His wife, Rose B. Tallmadge, died on the 9th day of November, 1913.
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He has been President of the Board of Education of Wind- ham High School and is now Secretary of that Board; is Presi- dent of the Windham Elgin Creamery Company of Windham, is Secretary and Treasurer of Windham Village Water Company, past President of Windham Hose Company, Past Master of Moun- tain Lodge No. 529 F. & A. M., Past High Priest of Mountain Chapter No. 250, R. A. M; is a member of Rondout Commandery No. 52 and of Cypress temple A. A. O. M. S.
BURDETTE G. DEWELL
Burdette G. Dewell, Chairman of the Board of Equaliza- tion Commissioners of Greene County, appointed December, 1914. A prominent resident of Windham and one of the Democratic leaders of that town. Born at Jewett, Greene County, New York, Sept. 2nd, 1874.
Was at one time a member of the Board of Education of Windham High School, is a member of Mountain Lodge No. 529, F. & A. M., of Mountain Chapter No. 250 R. A. M., of Rondout Commandery No. 52, and of Cypress Temple A. A. O. M. S.
He is a member of the firm of Dewell & Moore, the propri- e tors of the popular Windham Garage.
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St. Patrick's Church, Academy and Parochial School.
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St. Patrick's Church, Catskill
Something oyer thirty years ago the venerated Father O'- Driscoll laid down his burden as pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Catskill. He had labored zealously and well in guiding the little flock entrusted to him and never flinched before the obstacles that constantly crossed his path.
These duties were taken up by the late lamented Rev Wm. Finneran who in frail body brought an amount of energy not of- ten found. At once he turned his attention to the general up- lifting of his people. With an undaunted purpose in mind, he showed them the necessity of raising to the living God, a temple more worthy of their Faith. Although there was only a small amount in the Church treasury, he laid the foundation of the new St. Patrick's Church and with unflagging efforts in every direction, succeeding in raising the present structure.
Ever anxious about the lambs of the flock, he spared no pains in gathering the children for instruction in their holy re- ligion. And as religion and science go hand in hand, he never ceased to advise the young to grasp every opportunity to increase their store of knowledge. In May 1890, circumstances led him to consider seriously the idea of a parochial school. Hitherto he had put it aside as he dreaded the debt which such a step would entail. But once the necessity showed itself, no difficulty was too great to be surmounted. It did indeed increase the church debt, but the school was built. In September 1890, it was opened for the children of the parish. With accustomed foresight the reverend Pastor provided for the various grades of pupils and within a year and a half had the school chartered by the University of the State of New York.
To provide for the course of study, the good Father took upon himself the instruction in Latin, made proper provision for science equipment and with his own books, formed the nucleus of the library. The first pupil was graduated with a State regents diploma in 1894 and that requirement has continued the stand- ard for graduation until the present time.
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In 1896, the Church of the Sacred Heart was built in Cairo to accommodate the summer visitors and has been always well attended from Catskill. The addition of the village of Athens in 1897 required an assistant priest and Rev. Wm. H. White ably aided in the work of the sacred ministry.
The members of the congregation not being blessed with the goods of the earth in abundance, it was apparent that many sacrifices must have been entailed in supporting their pastor in his strenuous labors.
Father Finneran succumbed to an attack of pneumonia in April, 1900, and faithful soldier of Christ as he was, he calmly laid aside all his work at the Master's call. His memory is held in reverence by all who knew him and all the people of the vill- age irrespective of religious opinions, mourned his loss.
But the work went on and was ably taken up by the pre- sent Pastor, Rev, Wm. P. Fitzgerald. Gradually without noise or bustle he swiftly lifted each thread of the church concerns and has since carried them on unostentaciously but firmly. The accumu- lated floating debt was cleared away and not withstanding many dubious headshakings, the school expenses were promptly met and cleared. No less than his predecessor does he labor for results and a high standard.
Contenting himself for several years with the poorest parish house in the diocese, in 1903 Father Fitzgerald built the fine rec- tory adjoining the Church. Feeling that the Church property was not complete without a convent, he was on the alert for a suitable site or building. Two years later, the Olney house was purchased and has since been the Sister's home.
During the same time St. Patrick's Church has been fres- coed, three magnificent marble altars have been set in place, to- gether with various other decorations and appurtenances which go to complete a handsome church edifice.
In 1907, the Papal Delegate, now Cardinal Falconio, paid a visit to the Church and school. The pupils, in simple regalia
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and bearing appropriate banners, formed in line, met His Excell- ency and escorted him to the Church where he held a reception for the people. In no unstinted terms, he praised the simple but beautiful reception and congratulated Father Fitzgerald on his care of the parish.
At the opening of the famous "Old Home Week" of Cats- kill, the Father Fitzgerald had the beautiful monument to mem- ory of Father Finneran unveiled, forming a fitting prelude to the ensuing week of exercises commemorate of "other days."
The out-missions have claimed much time and attention. Athens now glories in having one of the best appointed country churches in the state. It now stands central in the village and is the pride of the Catholics of Athens.
The people of Cementon have also built a commodious base- ment of concrete which can be easily enlarged as soon as its needs make it evident.
The last two years have witnessed a noticeable diminution of the church debt. The co-operation of Pastor and people have brought these material results, but the great bond is the spiritual one which unites them, heart and soul in endeavoring to further the interests of the Divine Master. A purpose tried in the furnace of opposition on one hand, and sacrifices on the other has been theirs and they will hold to it faithful and -unwavering until call- ed to lay down their arms and receive their reward.
The Catskill National Bank
The Catskill National Bank is one of the oldest banks in the United States. Chartered in 1813 as the Catskill Bank, it entered the National Bank System under the National Bank Act, as The Catskill National Bank, and has steadily gained in strength and influence. Through all the years of its existence as a Bank it has proved a bulwark of security to its depositors, and to its stockholders it has paid generous dividends and profits.
The Catskill National Bank has always been closely identi-
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Catskill National Bank.
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fied with the interests of the territory served by it, and it affords every facility and accommodation for the prompt and systematic conduct of business. This bank is a member of the new Federal Reserve System, and as correspondent, or depository there is no better, safer, more satisfactory .bank in this section today than the Catskill National Bank. It is essentially a Commercial Bank -alive to the requirements and necessities of its customers and their business, and accustomed to give to the smallest detail that care and attention which should recommend it to the small as well as large depositor.
Its present commodious and beautiful banking room was completed and occupied in 1911 following extensive alterations in the Bank Building, at which time new burglar and fire proof vaults and safe Deposit boxes were installed, and fully equipped with the most modern appliances for safety, which are claimed to be the most elaborate example of steel vault construction between Albany and New York-and are absolutely fire, burglar and mob proof.
Its Presidents have been since entering the National Bank System, Rufus H. King 1865-1868, Addison P. Jones 1868-1871, Isaac Pruyn 1871-1903, James P. Philip 1903 to date.
The records show but three secretaries to the Board of Di- rectors viz John H. Bagley elected July 19, 1869, Thomas E. Ferrier elected Jan. 12, 1876, P. Gardner Coffin elected February 16, 1903.
The present Officers and Directors are James P.Philip Pres- ident, Judson A. Betts Vice Pres., P. Gardner Coffin Cashier, John H. Story Asst. Cash., Omar V.Sage, Robert F. Story, Josiah C. Tallmadge, Percival Goldin, Samuel C. Hopkins, George W. Holdridge, Herman C. Cowen, Harmon P. Pettingill.
The officers and directors of The Catskill National Bank have always been men of influence and standing in their commun- ity, and in them the depositors of the bank have reposed confi- dence, and to them they have looked for advice and direction in financial matters.
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The prosperity of a bank is closely allied to the prosperity of the community it serves, and The Catskill National Bank which has served the community and its depositors so many years in loyalty and sincerity has, in addition to its honorable record, the following guarantee fund to safeguard the funds of its depositors.
('apita] $150,000.00
Stockholders Liability
150,000.00
Surplus and Profits 125,000.00
Total
$425,000.00
JAMES P. PHILIP
James P. Philip was born in the Village of Catskill and is a son of the late Jacob S. Philip M. D., the well beloved Homeo- pathic physician of local fame. He was educated at the Catskill Academy and graduated from Rutgers College with honor in 1882 as President of his class, receiving an appointment to Phi Beta Kappa for scholarship and in 1885 his Alma Mater conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts.
He was admitted to the New York bar in 1886, having pursued his legal studies at the Albany Law School from which in- stitution he graduated as President of the class of 1886.
Mr. Philip began the practice of law in New York City in connection with the Title Guarantee and Trust Company and subsequently moved to the then City of Brooklyn where he suc- cessfully continued the practice of law until his return to his na- tive town in 1903 when he assumed the Presidency of the Cats- kill National Bank, which position he now occupies.
Mr. Philip has never sought political preferment, although active in his party affiliation, but has given of his time and means to advancing and developing the varied interests of his Town and County. At various times he has been a director or officer in The Catskill Building and Loan Association, Catskill Foundry and Machine Shop, Catskill Chamber of Commerce, The Hudson River
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Ice Company, The Catskill Mountain Railway Company, Catskill Young Men's Christian Association, and the Catskill Nationa Bank.
JAMES P. PHILIP
Mr. Philip is a 32 degree Mason, a member of Catskill Lodge F. & A. M., No. 468, The Crescent Athletic Club of Brook- lyn, The Chi Psi Fraternity, Long Island Country Club, The Uni- versity Club of Brooklyn, The Universities Club of London, Eng- land, Catskill Rip Van Winkle Club, President of the Republican Club of Greene County, and Life Member of The National Geo- graphical Society of Washington, D. C.
Mr. Philip married Sarah Louise Pruyn June 15th, 1898 and resides at Catskill, N. Y. and both he and Mrs. Philip have travelled extensively.
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ISAAC PRUYN
Isaac Pruyn was long identified with the business affairs of Catskill. Born in Kinderhook, Columbia County, November 25, 1816, he graduated at the Kinderhook Academy and studied law in the office of Judge Julius Wilcoxson. After being admitted to the New York bar he went to New York City and practised law with Judge Moore, but loving nature and the Hudson River Valley with its scenic beauties of river and mountains he soon after re- moved to Catskill and entered upon the practise of his profession with the late John Van Vleck.
Mr. Pruyn took an early interest in the business affairs of Catskill. With the late C. L. Beach and George H. Penfield he engaged in the freighting busness which preceded the establish- ment of The Catskill Evening Line. He was one of the Directors of the Catskill Mountain Railway Co., and almost every business enterprise established in Catskill having any prospect of success was assured of his financial support. After the organization of The Catskill National Bank he became a stock holder and in 1872 was elected President, an office he continued to fill without inter- ruption until the summer of 1903 when his failing health caused him to resign.
For the young men he always had a kindly feeling as was illustrated by his many donations to the Drum Corps named after him, the members of which were thereby enabled to realize their ambition.
He died June 2, 1904 at the age of 87 years, survived by a daughter, Sarah Louise, wife of James P. Philip, President of The Catskill National Bank.
Mr. Pruyn was married to Mary Wilcoxson, a niece of Ex- President Martin Van Buren and daughter of Judge Julius Wil- coxson by whom he had five children and after her death he mar- ried Sarah Ann Wilcoxson, sister of his deceased wife.
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HERMAN C. COWAN
Herman C. Cowan, of Catskill, was born at Emporia, Kan- sas. He organized the Catskill Cement Company, and built there an extensive plant at Cementon, which is now being operated as the Alpha Cement Co. He has been actively connected with many Catskill interests, being at the head of the Catskill Supply Com- pany, and the Catskill Hardware Company. He helped to reor- ganize the Catskill Street Railroad, being president of the Com- pany and also president of the Rip Van Winkle Club, and super- intendent of the Presbyterian Sunday School, since 1912. The Catskill Supply Company built the Catskill-Saugerties state road and the Cairo village state road.
WILLIAM S C. WILEY
William S. C. Wiley was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, 1854 and came to this country in 1861. In 1887 he took up his resi- dence in Catskill as the head of the Wiley Manufacturing Com- pany being also president of the Aiken Knitting Company of Philmont. He was very successful and was honored with many official positions, serving as president of the village, supervisor of the town. He was presidential elector on the Harrison & Reed ticket and also on the Mckinley and Roosevelt ticket. He was quarter master general on Gov. Levi P. Morton's staff. He was a member of the Hudson-Fulton Committee. Moving to Elmira in 1913 he became connected with a knitting company at that place. He has now returned to Catskill.
SETH T. COLE
Seth T. Cole was born in the village of Catskill on February 12, 1886, and has resided there since birth. He was educated in the public schools of Catskill, graduating from the Catskill High School in the class of 1901. In 1907 he entered the Albany Law School and completed the course in that institution in 1908, being admitted to the practice of law in Novemeber, 1908.On August 1, 1907, Mr. Cole was appointed to the position of stenographer in the State Tax Department at Albany and has advanced rapidly in the service of that Department, holding at the present time the important position of State Mortgage Tax Clerk. .
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In firemanic circles he is widely known and has been high- ly honored. He is a member of Hose Company Number One of Catskill, was Secretary of the Greene County Firemen's Associa- tion for six years and President of the organization for two years, is now President of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Asso- ciation and a member of the Law Committee of the Firemen's Association, State of New York.
SETH T. COLE.
Mr. Cole was general secretary of Catskill's Old Home Week Committee in 1908 and general secretary of the Greene County Hudson-Fulton Celebration in 1909.
He is a member of Catskill Lodge, No. 468, F. & A. M., Catskill Chapter, No. 285, R. A. M., Lafayette Commandery, No. 7, K. T., Cyprus Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S., Hudson Lodge, No. 787, B. P. O. E., Catskill Tent, No. 869, K. O. T. M., and is President of Catskill Circle, No. 311, P. H. C.
In politics Mr. Cole is a Republican.
Lieut. Col. Albert Saulpaugh N.G.N. Y.
Capt. Percy W. Decker N.G. N. Y
First Lieut. Lucius H. Doty N.G. N. Y. Capt. Daniel J. Cassidy N.G.N. Y. All of Catskill.
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FRANK D. OVERBAUGH
Frank D. Overbaugh of Catskill has come to be regarded as the man of Roads. As superintendent of the town of Catskill since 1909 he has given the town a service that hitherto was not known, and in addition to building bridges, and roads that are practically of state road quality, he has saved the town many thousands of dollars in the purchase of materials and highway machinery. He has built for a nominal sum the big tool house at Cauterskill and there is not a shovel or hoe that is not accounted for.
The Overbaugh family was one of the first in this section. Frank D. Overbaugh traces to John Peter Overbaugh, who settled on the Loveridge Patent below Catskill in the 1700's. He was born Oct. 25, 1853 on the old farm in the Embocght. His father was William Overbaugh, and mother, Ophelia Dewey. He was married to Alice J. Fiero, and they had two children, Florence, who married School Com. Wm N. Anderson, and Susie deceased, who was the wife of Geo. Legendre. He attends the Reformed Church.
HORACE WILLARD
Horace Willard came to Catskill from Lenox, Mass. and opened a Jewelry Store where the present Rectory of the Dutch Reformed Church now stands. He married Susan Sophia Kemper of Hudson and soon afterwards moved up Main Street to the site now owned and occupied by Dr. Honeyford, where he continued the jewelry business until he died. His son, Charles S. Willard, bought out the business and in 1851 moved it into a new store built by him on the adjoining lot, No. 380 Main street, where he conducted the business until he died. From that time on the busi- ness was carried on by Howard Wilcox until he died February 1915, and in April 1915 was taken up by Prentis W. Hollenbeck. who is at present conducting it.
CHARLES E. WILLARD, M. D.
Charles E. Willard, M.D., son of Horace Willard to whom previous reference has been made, was born at Catskill, August 14, 1846, and was graduated in 1868, from the college of Physi- cians and Surgeons of New York City. During most of the period
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since that time he has practiced medicine successfully in Catskill and had for many years been at the head of the Health Board of the town and at present is the state representative for this section. His first wife was Anna E. Willard and his second wife with whom he is living in the old homestead on Main street, Catskill, was Marcia C. Cole, to whom he was married in 1897. In 1874 he was elected vestryman of St. Luke's Church, holding the posi- tion for many years. He is still an active member of that church.
THOMAS C. PERRY
This life sketch of Thomas C. Perry is here presented for those who are less familiar with the sterling qualities of his man- hood than his associates and friends of long and intimate ac- quaintance.
He was born in the town of Olive, Ulster county, N. Y. in 1867, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of the subjects taught in the public schools.
Later his parents moved to the town of Marbletown. While living in this town he not only gained a practical knowledge of agriculture, but the necessity of individual responsibility strengthened the springs of his moral purpose. Consciously or unconsciously he had learned that socially and industrially the first duty of man consists in making the most of himself. With this thought supreme and a desire to fit himself for teaching, he entered Kingston Academy where he studied for his chosen pro- fession His preparation was further continued in Spencer's Business College.
Previous to this he had been granted a license to teach in the schools of New York, and his first school was near Stone Ridge. He taught other rural schools, and later accepted the principalship at Tillson. Here he taught the higher branches and supervised the work in the grades, resigning at the end of the third year to become principal at Wallkill, where he remained four years and brought the school to a high state of efficiency. In fact, it ranked among the best in the county, and from this school Mr. Perry turned out some of the best prepared students for the higher branches of learning. He believed the business of teaching
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to be a serious and important enterprise. Serious because of its responsibilities. opportunties and obligations; important because the demand of the day is for teachers disciplined and equipped to interpret the world of truth.
In. 1898 Mr. Perry was united in marriage with Miss Tes- sa Decker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Decker, of Granite, N. Y.
Mr. Perry cherishes a pardonable pride in being a descend- ant of the line which gave to our young nations Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry By the prowess of this heroic nival officer the British were driven from Lake Erie in 1813 and forced to evacu- ate Detroit. Like his progenitor he believes in simplifying his work by avoiding waste of words, waste of material and waste of time.
In 1905 Mr. Perry was elected by the people of third com- missioner district of Ulster county to the office of school commis- sioner. He analyzed conditions, thought out a plan, studied di- rections, summoned his abilities, insight and courage. He gave hope to teachers, helped them across hard places, and he was hap- py in this loving service. He organized round table conferences and brought prominent educators to these conferences to impart professional impetus and enthusiasm. The teachers of his district fully appreciated his efforts. Thoughtful for the highest personal welfare not only of the teachers, but of the individual papils in the schools under his care, he will long be remembered for his courtesy, his ability and his efficient service.
In 1912 the board of school directors of the first supervis- ory district of Greene county, electel Mr. Perry superintendent of the schools in the towns of Athens, Cairo, Catskill, Coxsackie to succeed Randall N. Saunders resigned. His actual experience, his thorough knowledge of rural school problems, his sincerity and tact are the attributes and qualities which enable him to super- vise the schools of this district with intelligence and in the spirit of the leader.
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