USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume II > Part 23
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JOHN LIVINGSTON.
The death of John Livingston, which occurred February 2, 1901, removed from Bronxdale, Westchester county, New York, now the borough of the Bronx, one of its most worthy and re- spected citizens, whose life affords a conspicuous example of a noble character self-made and an honorable and useful career self-wrought. He was born in County Cavan, Ireland, April 8, 1841, one of a family of six children, four sons and two daugh-
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ters, born to James and Sarah Livingston, residents of County Cavan, Ireland, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. The names of the six children all of whom came to the United States and settled at West Farms, Westchester county, New York, are as follows: James, Robert, George, Martha, Mary and John. They all married and reared families of sons and daughters; Martha became the wife of James Cowan, and Mary became wife of Bartley Kane.
John Livingston came to the United States in company with his brother James and sister Martha, and for some time there- after attended schools in the neighborhood of West Farms. Upon taking up the practical duties of life he devoted his at- tention to various occupations for a number of years, and finally engaged in the mercantile business on his own account in Wood- stock, near One Hundred and Sixty-first street and Third ave- nue, where he continued up to 1873, when he came to Bronx- dale and there continued the same line of pursuit, being for a number of years the only storekeeper in the village. He became well and favorably known throughout the community, was regarded as a just and honorable man in all his dealings, and it is safe to assert that the success attained in his business career was the direct results of his own unaided efforts. He was married in 1863 to Martha Davis, who died February 11, 1905, daughter of Walter Davis, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and one child was the issue, Thomas George, born March 13, 1869. at the family homestead in Woodstock, borough of the Bronx.
Thomas George Livingston was reared to manhood at Bronxdale, in the meantime acquiring a practical education in the schools thereof. He then entered his father's store and under his able tuition learned the various details of the business, and from then to the present period has continuously engaged
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in the same line of enterprise. He has acquitted himself in such a way as to gain the confidence and esteem of all with whom he associates, is progressive and enterprising, and in every way has proved himself a worthy scion of a worthy sire. He married, January 1, 1895, Wilhelmina Smith, born July 12, 1875, daughter of Job and Eliza (Bricker) Smith, the former a native of Bronxdale and the latter of New York City. They are the parents of one child, Martha, born August 1, 1898. Mr. Livingston and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Bronxdale.
JOHN BURBANK.
John Burbank, for nearly forty years a resident of the town of Southfield, borough of Richmond, where he became well known and was regarded as one of the progressive and enter- prising citizens, was born at Traversville, now Linoleumville, borough of Richmond, October 15, 1816, son of John and Ann (Decker) Burbank, and was one of a family of four children. His father, John Burbank, had married twice. His first mar- riage was with a Miss Egbert, who bore him three children: Abraham and two daughters. The second marriage was to Ann Decker. who was descended from an old family, who were among the early Dutch settlers of Staten Island. Of this mar- riage John Burbank had born to him the following children: 1. Daniel, married Eliza Morgan, and they became the parents of Daniel Burbank, of Great Kills, borough of Richmond, of whom a sketch precedes this. 2. Henry, married Elizabeth Austin and resided in the town of West New Brighton. 3. John, whose name introduces this review. 4. Catherine, married John Decker, of the town of West New Brighton.
John Burbank. third son of John and An (Decker) Bur- bank, received his educational training in the schools of the
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neighborhood of his birthplace. At the age of sixteen he began to earn his own livelihood, engaging in boating and oyster planting, which he pursued for a number of years. In 1865 he removed to the town of Southfield, locating near the New Dorp beach. Here he purchased the well known Cedar Grove Hotel, which hostelry he successfully conducted for about thirty-five years, during which time he became popular and well known for his straightforward and honorable methods. He passed away at his home at New Dorp Beach, January 18, 1905.
John Burbank was married in the town of Northfield, borough of Richmond, by the Rev. Dr. Brownlee, May 1, 1839, to Susan Anna Hatfield, born December 29, 1819, daughter of James and Sarah (Vanderbilt) Hatfield, both of whom were natives of Staten Island. Of this marriage Mr. Burbank had born to him children, as follows: 1. Sarah Vanderbilt, born March 20. 1840, married George Crandall, no issue. 2. John Hatfield, born May 24, 1844, married Isabel Williams, no issue; he died September 6, 1886. 3. Martha, born April 25, 1847, died June 28, 1848. 4. Martha Levina, born May 1, 1849, mar- ried Samuel Harper, of New York City, and has children : Mary, married Charles Miller, of Mt. Vernon, New York, and her chil- dren are: Edwin, William and Donald Miller. 5. James R., born June 5, 1852, died August 15, 1852. 6. Samuel Oliver, born Octo- ber 2, 1853, married Elizabeth Roberts, and has children: Will- iam, Samuel, Sarah and Elizabeth Burbank. Of the aforemen- tioned children William Burbank married Emily Muuse and has one son, Willard Burbank. The eldest daughter, Sarah Burbank, married Ferdinand Wilkes. 7. Catherine E., born October 10, 1855. died October 20, 1855. 8. James Henry, born October 15, 1857, died May 31, 1864. 9. Mary Susan, born October 14, 1860, married Louis Kloss, and has children: George Crandall, born
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October 28, 1877; John Burbank, born August 2, 1879; Susan Anna, born October 16. 1881; Gertrude, born April 24, 1883; Elizabeth, born February 5, 1888.
SAMUEL COCKBURN.
Samuel Cockburn, deceased, for many years a worthy and representative citizen of Woodlawn, borough of Bronx, New York, where he was engaged in horticultural pursuits, was a na- tive of Edinburgh, Scotland, where the family has been promi- nently known for many generations. His father and mother both bore the same family name, although tradition states they were of no kin or relationship.
Samuel Cockburn was educated in the schools of his native place, and upon attaining manhood spent a number of years in the British military service, as did also his brother John. Upon his discharge from the army. Samuel and his brother, John Cockburn, decided to emigrate to Australia, but after having set sail their vessel was wrecked off the English coast, and they were sent back to Liverpool. John Cockburn returned to Edin- burgh, but Samuel decided to come to America. He accordingly set sail in 1852, and upon his arrival in New York City at once took up employment, pursuing various occupations. Finally, having acquired a knowledge of horticulture, he became em- ployed in that line of work, which he continued to pursue up to 1875, and subsequently entered upon a business on his own ac- connt at Woodlawn. He met with immediate success, which was the logical result of his punctuality and careful attention to business, as well as the straightforward and honorable methods he employed in all his transactions. During his long and active career in the florist business at Woodlawn, Mr. Cock- burn had among his patrons many of the best families in New York City. In addition to his business interests he took an
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active part in all such enterprises that had for their object the material good and welfare of the community wherein he re- sided. He was possessed of a pleasing and amiable disposition, and in his business as well as his domestic life always had a kind word for all who came in contact with him. He passed away June 22, 1900, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Samuel Cockburn during his career was a consistent Christian, a member of the Presbyterian church at Williams- bridge.
Samuel Cockburn married, at Throgg's Neck Presbyterian church, February 22, 1859, Jane Caterson, born November 5, 1829, daughter of William and Fanny (Darragh) Caterson, both natives of County Donegal, Ireland. Of this marriage eight children were born: 1. Fanny, born February 11, 1860. 2. Robert A., born November 4, 1861, died July 28, 1888. 3. Sarah A., born July 28, 1862, died April 23, 1893; she married William Greenlees; they have no issue. 4. William H., born April 8, 1865, married Florence Rollins and has six children : William R., Edith, Robert A., Florence, Samuel, deceased. 5. Samuel C., born March 10, 1867. 6. Jane C., born July 22, 1869, married Joseph C. Mouat; they have one child, Jean Mouat. 7. John M., born April 29, 1870, died September 23, 1896. 8. Eliza M., born August 27, 1876, married Alexander Adamıs.
THE HAWKINS FAMILY.
John Passmore Hawkins. who is a highly respected and enterprising citizen of City Island, borough of Bronx, is a worthy representative of his branch of this ancient family whose early ancestors were prominently identified with the British navy and shipbuilding interests.
Arms of Hawkins family: Argent-On a Saltire engrailed
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sable, five fleur de lis of the first. Crest-On a mount vert a hind lodged. (This means a blue shield with a black cross on it, and the fleurs de lis (or lilly flowers) on it. The crest is a deer lying down on a green mound.) In the reign of King Edward III the king of Navarre declared war against France, and took the castle of Mawconseil. Among the leaders of the forces was Hawkins, "a squire of England." This was in the year 1358, and shows the antiquity of the family and name.
James Passmore Hawkins was born in the city of Bristol, England, April 3, 1838. His parents were James and Caroline (Passmore) Hawkins, the former a native of Barnstable, and the latter of Biddeford, in the county of Devonshire, England. James Hawkins (father) was a successful shipbuilder, and for a number of years was extensively engaged in this line of pur- suit at the city of Bristol. He built the steamship "Great Western," which was the first of its kind to cross the Atlantic ocean, and this fact won for him an international reputation in commercial and marine circles. James Hawkins was a man of wonderful mental and physical energy, and these qualities, coupled with his superior skill and mechanical genius, proved to be important factors in the final success of his business under- takings. In his social and domestic affairs he was always con- siderate for the feelings and interests of those with whom he came in contact. His father and his grandfather were both seafaring men, the latter being an admiral in the service of the British navy.
James Hawkins married Caroline Passmore, and of their union were born a family of twelve children, all of whom at- tained to years of maturity. James Hawkins died in England in 1851, and his widow later came to the United States and took up her abode with her son, John P., at City Island, where she died February, 1884.
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John P. Hawkins, of this review, was educated in the schools of his native land. At the age of seventeen he decided to come to the United States, hoping to find here a broader field for his skill and labor. Upon landing in New York City, in February, 1855, he at once located at Mystic, Connecticut, where he en- gaged to learn the trade of shipbuilding, and in due time became a full fledged shipwright. He continued in this line of pursuit, and in 1871 came to City Island, where he engaged in business on his own account, having first leased the yard and water rights for several years, when he purchased the property rights and land, and has since established a successful business in building yachts, pleasure craft, coasting and other small vessels, giving employment to many skilled mechanics and laborers. The Hawkins shipyards have become an important nucleus to the material growth and development of City Island, and the high reputation that the establishment has obtained is the logical result of the honorable and straightforward methods practiced by Mr. Hawkins in all his business affairs.
During his residence here of over thirty-five years, Mr. Hawkins has taken an active interest in the social and public affairs of Pelham township. In 1885 he was elected to the of- fice of justice of the peace, having received the unanimous sup- port of both political organizations, there having been but eight dissenting votes in the township. Judge Hawkins succeeded himself for three consecutive terms, and held the office of jus- tice of the peace up to the annexation of City Island to Greater New York. Judge Hawkins is an active member of Long Island Lodge, No. 382, Free and Accepted Masons, of Brooklyn, and has frequently given of his time and substance to advance the social and moral interests of the community wherein he re- sides.
Judge Hawkins married, in New York City, August 26,
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1862, Jane M. Ward, born June 6, 1843, daughter of Martin and Bridget (Shanley) Ward, of the same city. Of this marriage were born a family of twelve children.
THOMAS C. ARNOW.
Thomas C. Arnow, a leading and representative citizen of Westchester, borough of the Bronx, where he was born October 11, 1858, is of Huguenot extraction. The first ancestor of this family of whom we have any authentic information was Andrew Arnow, born at New Rochelle, Westchester county, New York, from whence he removed to New York City and located in Ann street, where he became engaged in the retail grocery trade and later in the wholesale department of the same trade. Prior to 1808 Andrew Arnow, owing to some dissention in the family, had changed the spelling of the family name "Renaud," to its present form "Arnow," which has been used by the family down to the present period. Andrew Arnow became well and favorably known and was regarded as a straightforward and conscientious man in all his affairs in life. The latter years of his life were spent at Westchester, where he died, and on his tombstone in St. Peter's churchyard at Westchester appears the inscription: "An honest man is the noblest work of God." He was born December 28, 1772. died March 4, 1865, at the mature age of ninety-three years.
Andrew Arnow married Elizabeth Valentine, September 22, 1800. She was a member of an old Holland family who were among the early settlers of Westchester county, New York, where she was born October 20, 1771, daughter of John Valen- tine. She died September 11, 1857. Of this marriage Andrew and Elizabeth (Valentine) Arnow had born to them the follow- ing children: 1. Simeon. 2. William H., born in New York City; see forward. 3. Eliza Ann. born in New York City, An-
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gust 8, 1808, died October 10, 1892; she married John Benson, of Yorkshire, England, where the latter was born January 13, 1805. He died September 5, 1858. 4. Louisa Jane, born in New York City, August 28, 1810, died April 4, 1849; she married Thomas Brooks. 5. Richard G., born in New York City, mar- ried Betsey Ann Stinard, daughter of Austin and Susan (Law- rence) Stinard. 6. Matson S., born at Westchester; see for- ward. 7. Andrew, Jr., born at Westchester, March 17, 1813, died October 30, 1897; married Isabella Booth, daughter of Robert Booth : she died October 8, 1890.
William H. Arnow, born December 7, 1806, received his educational training in the schools of New York City, and be- came widely known as a man of high scholarly attainment. He had learned the trade of carpenter, which line of work he pur- sued for some time. Mr. Arnow became actively identified with the public affairs of Westchester, where for many years he filled the office of justice of the peace, and became well known for his honorable and straightforward methods in all his busi- ness affairs. He was an ardent supporter of the principles of Jeffersonian Democracy. Judge Arnow died at Westchester, June 3, 1876.
Judge William H. Arnow married Sarah R. James, born at Coscob, Connecticut, September 25, 1811, daughter of George and Mary (Williams) James, natives of England. Of this mar- riage were born the following children : 1. Henry, married Annie Butler. 2. Benson, died single. 3. James, married Balco Young. 4. Henrietta, married George Meade, of Mt. Vernon, New York. 5. William J., born November 2, 1851. Sarah R. Arnow, mother of these children, died at Westchester, Novem- ber 16, 1892.
William J. Arnow, fourth child of William H. and Sarah R. (James) Arnow, was born at the family homestead in West-
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chester, and received his educational training in the schools of the neighborhood, and upon attaining to manhood years learned the carpenter trade, which line of pursuit he successfully fol- lowed for a number of years. Not unlike his worthy ancestors he takes an active interest in the public and social affairs of the community. He is an active member of Wyoming Lodge, No. 492, F. and A. M., at Westchester.
William J. Arnow married, September 27, 1883, Etta Tom- linson, born December 20. 1856, daughter of Thomas and Cath- erine (Blizard) Tomlinson, both residents of Ohio. Mr. Arnow and his family are regular attendants of St. Peter's Episcopal church, of which he is a consistent member.
Matson Smith Arnow, sixth child and fourth son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Valentine) Arnow, was educated in the schools of Westchester, where he spent the whole of his career, dying December 5. 1878. He married Phoebe J. Horton, born May 10, 1824, daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Horton) Horton; she died March 5, 1905. Of this marriage were born the follow- ing children : 1. Ida C., born March 24, 1846, married William H. Mapes, of Westchester. 2. Evadna H., born March 5, 1848, married Daniel Mapes, of Westchester. 3. Matson S., Jr., born April 1, 1850, died April 24, 1884. 4. Sarah G., born December 3, 1856, died December 14, 1860. 5. Thomas C., whose name introduces this review. 6. Sarah G., born January 23, 1862, died September, 1877. 7. Jennie L., born September 16, 1864, married Charles A. Tier, of Westchester.
Thomas C. Arnow, second son and fifth child of Matson S. and Phoebe J. (Horton) Arnow, was born at the family home- stead at Westchester and was there reared to manhood years under the parental roof. Not unlike his honored and respected parents. he has taken an active interest in the social and ma- terial welfare of the neighborhood and by his enterprise has
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done much for the material as well as the educational interests of the neighborhood. Mr. Arnow has served as deputy tax commissioner during Mayor Strong's administration.
Thomas C. Arnow married, November 16, 1887, Mary L. Tier, daughter of Daniel and Susan Ann (Bussing) Tier, both of Westchester. Of this marriage were born the following chil- dren : Mabel, born May 22, 1889, died November 20, 1889. Mat- son C., born March 27, 1891. Mr. Arnow and his family are members of St. Peter's Episcopal church at Westchester.
BURBANK FAMILY.
The following notes are principally derived from "Clute's History of Staten Island." Tradition states that the first set- tlers of the name were three brothers, one of whom settled on Staten Island, and the others in New England. Thomas Bur- bank is first mentioned in the records of the Dutch church. He married Maritie Martling, and had a daughter baptized April 22, 1707. John Burbank and wife, Leah Haughwout, had two sons: Thomas, baptized December 3, 1728, and John, August 16, 1743. Lucas Burbank married Martha Baile (or Bagley) and had children baptized 1736-1742. Peter Burbank left a will dated November 6, 1774, and proved November 5, 1793. He left wife, Martha, and had children: John, James and Martha. John Burbank had wife, Elizabeth, and son William, born June 3, 1786. James Burbank had wife Nelly, and son Abraham, 1786.
Daniel Burbank, son of Daniel and Ann Elizabeth (Mor- gan) Burbank, is one of a family of five children, namely: John Henry, deceased, who left a family of four daughters and two sons. Daniel, see forward. Charles, deceased, had a family of two children by his first marriage and by his second marriage had four children. Catherine. Deborah, married Thomas Wat-
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son. Both these parents were highly respected by their neigh- bors and all who came in contact with them.
Daniel Burbank, second child of the aforementioned fam- ily, was born at West Brighton, borough of Richmond, January 10, 1837. He received his educational training in the schools of the neighborhood, and at the age of twenty-one went to New York City, where he was for a number of years engaged in the oyster business. In 1875 he removed to Gifford, now Great Kills, borough of Richmond, where he has resided up to the present period, and here engaged in the oyster planting and shipping business, which line of enterprise he has conducted successfully. Mr. Burbank has become well and favorably known for his honorable and straightforward methods in con- ducting all of his affairs, and is regarded in the neighborhood as a progressive and enterprising citizen.
Daniel Burbank married, April 4, 1858, Permelier Decker, daughter of Abraham and Jennie (Decker) Decker. Of this marriage he had born to him three children, as follows: 1. Archer H., born April 28, 1861, married Ella Watts and has one daughter, Madaline Burbank. 2. Ella, born January 24, 1864, married William Matherson and has one child, Neita Matherson. 3. Grace Etta, born November 12, 1867, married Robert Smith and has one son, Gordon Smith. The mother, Permelier (Decker) Burbank, died October 19, 1872; she was a consistent christian lady and a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church of West New Brighton, Richmond county.
FAMILY OF CHRISTOPHER OR CHRISTOFFELL.
The earliest mention of this family, which is of Holland origin, is found in Church Records. Barent Christoffell mar- ried Anna Catharina Stillwell, and had children: Nicholas, baptized August 4, 1703. Catharyna, April 23, 1706. Rebecka,
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April 25, 1708. Maria, 1710. Catharine and Barent (twins), August 13, 1716.
Barent Christoffell was a land owner on Staten Island as early as 1704. Among various notes we find the following : "Catharine Christopher, widow of Albert Ryckman, had a son Albert, baptized October 26, 1729."
Hans (John) Christopher married Jane Arrowsmith, and had children: Johanes, baptized April 16, 1732. Barent, April 14, 1754. Joseph, August 8, 1736. Richard, September 30, 1739. Of the above, Richard had wife Esther and children: John Gar- rison, born September 18, 1770; Jane G., August 3, 1772, and Joseph, May 9, 1775. Johanes (named above) had a son Joseph, who also had a son Joseph, who was prominent in the Revolu- tion as member of the Committee of Safety. He was the father of Captain Richard Christopher.
This family, as stated, came from Holland and Captain Richard Christopher had in his possession the cradle in which his great-great-grandfather was rocked in the Fatherland, and all the grandchildren after him, down to the honored captain. Of this ancient family a more extended account will be given.
Richard Christopher, a venerable and highly respected citi- zen of West New Brighton, borough of Richmond, where he has resided for over sixty-five years, is of Holland-Dutch extraction. His grandfather, Joseph (Christoffel) Christopher, was born at the family homestead at Willow Brook, in the town of North- field, borough of Richmond, where he was reared to manhood and resided there during the active years of his life. He was a farmer by occupation and also owned and operated a saw mill at Willow Brook for many years. He died at his home about the year 1823. He was a man of great energy and force of character and was highly respected by all of his neighbors and friends. His wife was a Miss Houghwout, and of this marriage
1
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had born to him the following children: 1. Peter, married and spent his life in the town of Northfield. 2. John, married and took up his residence in Bergen county, New Jersey. 3. Will- iam, married and took up his residence in the town of Castle- ton, borough of Richmond. 4. Joseph, who became the father of the subject of this review.
Joseph Christopher, last of the aforementioned children, was born, educated and reared to manhood at the old Christopher homestead at Willow Brook, and upon taking up the practical duties of life following in the footsteps of his father. He was for many years engaged at farming, in which line of work he met with a fair degree of success. He took an active interest in the public affairs of the community and for some time served as tax collector of his native town. He died at his son's resi- dence in West New Brighton, in 1858.
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