USA > New York > Dutchess County > History of Duchess county, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 87
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Henry Frost Clark was born in the town of Hyde Park, Duchess county, N. Y., in the year 1839. Unlike most of those who made the shores of the Hudson their home, his ancestry was English. As a boy, his favorite studies were nat- ural philosophy and mathematics. Leaving school at the early age of seventeen, he went to the city of New York, not from necessity, or the consent of his parents, but from a spirit of adventure, and soon found himself an apprentice in a drug store. After a three years' experience there he went to Cincinnati, where he made the acquaintance in 1860 of the Chief Engineer of the Russian man- of-war, the "General Admiral," then building in Philadelphia. This acquaintance soon ripened into friendship, and, with that intuitive apprecia- tion of talent which Russian officials possess,
young Clark was soon enrolled on the list of the Russian war-ship. Some disagreement between the chief engineer and his superiors led to that officer's resignation, or else we should probably now have been chronicling our subject as an Admiral in the Muscovite navy, or regretting his premature isolation in the mines of Siberia. In the same year he came to Poughkeepsie, and after four years close application to the study of dentistry, and honorable graduation, he opened an office and commenced that successful career which has made his name a familiar one in more than one capital of the civilized world. That career may easily be traced by the honors, medals, and diplomas he has received for the splendid specimens of his dental handiwork sent to the several world's exhibitions. In the list of favored exhibitors at the Vienna Exhi- bition we find the name of Henry F. Clark coupled with that of Albert Bierstadt, the world renowned artist, and the medals of both bear the same testi- mony to "good taste," and the scientific dentist is recognized, as he should be, as an artist. From the Vienna Exhibition to the American Institute Fair, in New York, seems but a step, yet the im- mensely superior value of the silver medal awarded him there can easily be appreciated by those who are conversant with the history of dentistry in this country. Not to be tedious we shall only mention Dr. Clark's last and greatest triumph achieved at the International Exhibition in Chili in 1875. We were officially connected with that exhibition and well remember the pleasure we experienced in seeing awarded despite innumerable competitors, from all parts of the dental world, and by acclama- tion too, the first prize to an American, and that American, Henry F. Clark.
To those who know him, Dr. Clark's success in these and similar efforts is easily attributable to his indomitable perseverance, to his pride in his pro- fession, and to a thorough knowledge of everything pertaining to it, together with a genius for improv- ing upon everything which comes under his hand. But there was not sufficient scope in destiny alone for his inventive genius. Nor has this been wasted in endeavoring to become the happy discoverer of the Blue Dahlia, the solver of the quadrature of the circle, or the greater problem of perpetual motion. His inventions have been many, but in- variably of world-wide utility. Not to mention those of a minor class, and with which his own residence in Poughkeepsie is filled, and others by which his fortunate friends have been benefited. We can only and briefly refer to one which would have made a inillionaire of a more pretentious and less modest inventor. That most valuable inven- tion is a post-marking and stamp cancelling machine, which ought to as completely revolution- ize the present slow and tedious method as the sewing machine has the needle and thread. In his own profession he has made so many improvements that to name and describe them would require more space than is given to us. High up as he is on the roll in that profession, having few if any superiors, and gifted in an eminent degree with
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social qualities whichi go so far toward making life agreeable and a success, he might yet not have been accorded a niche in this Temple were it not for that other record to which we alluded in the early part of this sketch, and which brought him so prominently before the world. As early as in 1862, Dr. Clark had joined Company A, of the 2 Ist Regiment, was soon elected Lieutenant, and passing through the intermediate grades with honor to himself and advantage to his Regiment, became Lieutenant-Colonel in 1876, remaining in that capacity for two years and a half, and resigning to the great regret of his command, only that he might have more time to devote to the long range rifle practice, which had become with him, in a very brief period, almost a passion. "When once he decided, says a writer to whom we are already indebted, to become an adept in long range shoot- ing, he made a complete study of everything per- taining to rifles, on which he has made many valuable improvements. He is to-day sought by riflemen all over the country for information, sug- gestions and advice, regarding matters of this nature, to all of whom he is ready to impart the benefits of his experiments and inventions. Many of our foremost manufacturers are in no small degree indebted to him for the excellence of their rifles." His first match was at Creedmoor in 1875, where he made a brilliant record-his team win- ning the first prize. The following year he again won the first prize in a match of two hundred entries.
In 1878 he made the highest score ever made at Creedmoor (in the International long range match) again receiving a medal, while in the same year another of bronze was awarded to him for superior marksmanship by the National Rifle Association. He had now a National reputation. In 1880, Col. Clark was elected by the Empire Rifle Club (of which he was president), to represent it at Dolly- mount, Ireland, in the great International match. Here he made not only the highest score of the team, but the highest ever made in Great Britain or Ireland. We all remember the God-speed our country gave Col. Clark when he left us in June of 1880, to take part in that memorable contest for the world's championship; nor will we easily forget with what anxious hearts we watched the progress of our noble team to victory. And, when at last, the electric message, trembling across the ocean, told us that America had won, and that even among the victors our own fellow townsman was facile princeps, few can forget how our hearts thrilled with the gladness of triumnph.
While in Europe Colonel Clark made hosts of friends, and his stay there was a continuous ova- tion. The generous hospitality extended him by our warm hearted " Cousins," his princely recep- tion by Ireland's best and noblest sons, among whom were the Lord-Lieutenant Earl Cowper, the Lord Mayor, the Faculty of Trinity College, Sir John Arnott, and others, whose name is legion, one and all combining to make his stay, while there, one of the brightest spots in the garden of mem-
ory. He also visited Edinburg as the guest of our U. S. Consul, Colonel Robeson, of whom he speaks in terms of the warmest gratitude and friendship. After leaving Great Britain, a short tour of the Continent, and a hasty visit to many of its principal cities, he more than half reluctantly turned his face toward the land dear to his heart, America. His triumphant return to his home in Poughkeepsie, the hearty cheers of welcome, the warm congratulations of old friends, the fine recep- tion and banquet given by the 21st Regiment to their very own 219 will ever be remembered.
Colonel Clark married in 1865, Miss Katharine Williams, a native of Westchester County, and daughter of the late Arthur Williams. Two interesting little daughters, Anna Louise and Alice, brighten their home, and to a remarkable degree inherit the versatile genius of their father.
We would willingly dwell longer on the life we have hurriedly traced, but we have already tran- scended our limits.
In conclusion we can only assure our readers that when Duchess County, like another Cor- nelia shall be asked for her treasures and shall point with honest pride to her sons ; while among them will be found those high up on the roll of Fame, men gifted with all that is great and good and generous in manhood, there will be found few nobler exponents of the American mind and American character than Colonel Henry F. Clark.
JAMES BOWNE.
It is always the subject of regret when the lives of prominent men are permitted to end in influ- ence as in duration, at the entrance of the grave. A long career of useful labor is an object of con- templation far too fruitful and suggestive to be suffered to pass quickly from memory. The rest- less waves of busy human life erase, in spite of us, the most cherished recollection, unless gathered up and crystallized into some more permanent and abiding form.
It is for the purpose of arresting and in a meas- ure preserving the memory of those whose honor- able and virtuous lives demand reverence ; whose usefulness, gratitude and whose faults are forgot- ten in that excellence which challenges the action of time, that the history of Duchess County is given to the public. That the long, useful and interesting career of James Bowne fully entitles him to honorable mention in these pages, none will deny ; for he was one of those who has aided in giving Duchess County the proud name she bears in the history of the Empire State.
He was born in Fishkill on the 25th of Decem- ber, 1798. His father dying when he was four years of age, he remained with his mother, work- ing on the farm summers and attending the district school winters until August 14, 1814, at which time he left home for Poughkeepsie with money
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barely sufficient for his journey. The boy was full of courage and energy, determined to work his way into honorable success. He very soon obtained a place in the hardware store of Albert Cox, where he remained for two years, working for his board alone. On the 16th of March, 1816, he entered into the employ of N. Conklin, Jr. & Bro., remaining with this firm about four and one- half years, until his twenty-first birthday, for the sum of $500 and his board. At the expiration of this period the young man had so commended himself to his employers that they made him a present of $85, and engaged him as their clerk at a salary of $500 a year with board. He contin- ued in this firm until March, 1821, when he was given an interest therein, which then took the name of Conklin & Bowne. In 1835, Mr. S. B. Trowbridge purchased the Conklin interest in the firm and the business was carried on until 1848, under the firm name of Bowne & Trowbridge. The firm then dissolved, and Mr. Bowne having purchased the store 318 Main street, continued his former business, making, at last, the carpet trade a specialty ; connecting with him in business his nephew, Charles E. Bowne, who had been in his family since 1826, or about his eighth year. The firm took the name of J. Bowne & Co., and continued its business until March, 1878, at which time Mr. James Bowne retired, selling his interest in the concern to his partner.
The active business life of Mr. Bowne thus covers a period of sixty-seven years, and during it all, he has held the esteem and confidence of men as an honorable merchant and a trustworthy citizen. The fatherless boy grew into respectable and virtuous manhood; from a home whose only books were the Family Bible, Book of Common Prayer, and Her- vy's Meditations, he was graduated into a career of far-reaching usefulness.
In 1833 he became one of the Managers of the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank, which position he still holds ; indeed he was one of the originators of that institution. In 1852, he in connection with Josiah Williams, Edgar B. Kelly, and George Van- Kleeck, instituted proceedings which resulted in the establishment of the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Mr. Bowne, himself by personal solici- tation raising $18,000 for the purchase of suitable grounds and the proper inauguration of the enter- prise. In the Poughkeepsie Bank he has been director since 1853.
When the Hudson River Railroad project was in agitation, and the people of Poughkeepsie were in suspense as to its construction, it was through the personal efforts of Mr. Bowne that James Boorman of New York gave impetus to the under- taking by the subscription of $125,000. Mr. Boor- man was elected the first President of the Hudson River Railroad and continued to hold that office till his death.
The Orphan Home and Home for the Friend- less was built under his superintendence and care ; he having been adviser and counsellor of that in- stitution from the beginning. In all matters of
general improvement he has been largely active, and in this way has contributed to the prosperity and desirability of Poughkeepsie as a place of residence.
In 1860 and 1863 he was one of the Supervis- ors of the city, and during his term of office with Mr. L. B. Trowbridge inaugurated movements which gave the city a renovated Court House, the new jail and the present almshouse. In 1861 his fellow citizens honored him with the mayorality, which office he held with commanding respect and efficiency. While the civil war was in progress and during his administration a fund of $10,000 was raised, at his suggestion, for the support of soldiers' families in the city. The city also through him issued fractional paper currency to the amount of $50,000, which not only increased the circulation throughout the whole country, but was also a source of profit to the treasury of the city.
In religious and moral movements Mr. Bowne has been one of the most useful of men. The Presbyterian church of Poughkeepsie is largely indebted to him for its growth and prosperity ; as he was an active mover in its organization in 1826, became a member in 1828, and an elder in 1830, which office he still holds, while for fifty-five years he has been a teacher in the Sabbath school, and for many years a prominent trustee of the church.
As a temperance man his history is one of peculiar interest and especially worthy of record. In May of 1829, Mr. Bowne was in New York for the purchase of goods, liquors among the rest, for then merchants sold and the multitude drank in- toxicating liquors. In the providence of God, Mr. Bowne was led, during this trip, to the old Brick Church, where the National Temperance Society was holding its anniversary. Among the speakers were Rev. Dr. Hewitt, Rev. Lyman Beecher and Hugh Maxwell, then District At- torney of New York City. Mr. Bowne became deeply interested in the presentation of the sub- ject by these distinguished men and he resolved to make a smaller purchase of liquors than he had intended. From this time till the first of January, 1830, his conviction as to the wrong of dealing in liquors for the purpose of drink was strengthened. On New Year's day he determined to put his liquors in the cellar and by this suppress, in a measure, their free use by customers and others. This was done, still he was not satisfied with his position and practice in regard to the matter. At last, in the following May, the crisis was reached and Mr. Bowne resolved to rid himself altogether from the traffic. One Sabbath evening, on his re- turn from church service, without the knowledge of any one, with lighted candle he descended into the cellar and deliberately turned open the faucets of the several liquor casks, allowing the contents to flow out and waste upon the cellar bottom.
Thus, under the constraint of conscientious con- viction, Mr. Bowne broke away from the sale and use of intoxicants, at a sacrifice of several hundred dol- lars. The act was a noble one,indicating a Christian spirit and principle. This action was followed by
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the formation of the first temperance society of Poughkeepsie, the first three persons to become members being David B. Lent, Isaac Tice and James Bowne, in two weeks there was a member- ship of sixty men and the late Hon. N. P. Tallmadge became its first president. Not only in the tem- perance reform has Mr. Bowne been interested, but in all benevolent and philanthropic work. He is a life member of the Bible Tract, Seaman's Friend, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and Home Missionary Societies. The good he has wrought is incalculable as evi- denced by respectful and loving mention of his name by multitudes, who have been in his Sunday school class while at school in Poughkeepsie, and through his efforts have begun a Christian life. By all that know him Mr. Bowne is considered an honest, upright and thoroughly good man; his ripening years are those of honorable and consider- ate regard by his fellow citizens. Modest and unobtrusive in his manner, he has been a positive force for good in all his relationships. In hale and hearty age, the years have crowned him with their glory, and multitudes ask that he may late be removed from the present field of his activities.
The long and continued connection of Mr. Bowne with the Sabbath school work, makes it eminently proper that we should give his reply to remarks of Gen. A. B. Smith at a commemoration meeting on the anniversary of the fiftieth year of his Sabbath school service, held May 10, 1877. Gen. Smith had been commissioned by the teachers of the Sabbath school, to present to Mr. Bowne a beautiful copy of the Bible, the cover of which bears the following inscription : --
"James Bowne, from his fellow-teachers in the Sabbath school of the First Presbyterian church, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 1827-April 18th-1877."
Mr. Bowne responded in the following words :---
" I thank you for your pleasant words, your kind wishes, and for the very acceptable gift you bring. Nothing could be more gratifying to me than this beautiful copy of the word of God. I shall prize it for itself, and especially value it as coming from the members of the Sabbath school in which for half a century I have labored as a teacher, with delight and profit.
" In all these years I have endeavored to lead my class to the Blessed Jesus, so distinctly revealed in that book of all books, and to-day I have no greater joy than the knowledge that some of my pupils have given their hearts to that Jesus, and are now doing good service for him.
"This Sabbath school work has been a pleasant one, and it is in my heart to follow it as long as God shall give me strength so to do.
"There are many pleasant memories of the past from which were there time I could discourse for the encouragement and comfort of those who are prosecuting this blessed work, but I forbear. Again I thank you all for your kindness, and my prayer shall be that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, may bless and keep you all. May I exhort you all my dear fellow laborers, with
the privilege allowed to age and experience, to faithfulness in your calling, that many souls may be won by you for your Master. By and by there shall be a sweeter gathering on the shore beyond. God grant that we all there shall meet, where there shall be no shadows, forever to be with that Jesus whom we here teach and love."
On the fly leaf of this beautiful volume signed by his pastor, the Rev. F. B. Wheeler, D. D., and by all the teachers, appears a request that Mr. Bowne will accept their gift as a "token of their love and esteem," and some highly complimentary remarks expressive of their appreciation of him as a teacher and a christian, and requesting him to accept their best wishes and earnest prayers, that the Master will prolong his days and finally welcome him to his rest with "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord."
WILLIAM T. MERRITT.
The subject of this sketch was born June 15, 1796, on Quaker Hill, town of Pawling, Duchess County, N. Y. He is the son of Nehemiah and Phebe (Thorne) Merritt. The father who was the son of Daniel and Sarah Merritt, was also born on Quaker Hill, April 26, 1772, and died March 10, 1863. The mother, who was born in the town of Washington, Duchess County, N. Y., April 13, 1773 and died January 30, 1823, was the daughter of William and Jemimah Thorne. Nehemiah Merritt, the father of Daniel Merritt, and the great-grand- father of our subject, came from Long Island and settled on Quaker Hill at a very early period in the history of Duchess County. It is supposed that he came as the agent of owners, under Letters Patent, of lands in this locality. He selected a spot on Quaker Hill, protected from the west winds, just where the morning sun first touches the land- scape and wakens man to its enjoyment ; and here was the paternal home where the subject of our memoir was born. There are those now living who love to visit this spot, endeared to them by many hallowed associations.
It is supposed that the Merritts are of Welsh origin, and that three brothers of that name emi- grated to this country, one of whom settled in Nova Scotia, and whose descendants are still found in Canada, the Hon. Wm. Hamilton Merritt being one of them. One of the brothers settled in Westchester county, and the other on Long Island.
William T. was the second of a family of eight children, all now dead but three ; our subject resid- ing in the city of Poughkeepsie, Jacob T. residing in Tuckahoe, N. Y., and M. Franklin, of Stan- ford, Conn.
In the year 1800, when Wm. T. was four years old, his parents removed to New York City, which then had a population of but 60,000. At an early age our subject was placed in the famous Nine Partners Boarding School, in the town of Wash-
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ington, Duchess County, and here remained several years. He afterwards attended school in New York, where he finished his education, and in the year 1817 he entered into business there and con- tinued thus engaged until 1845, when he moved to Harts Village, Duchess County, and carried on business until 1855. He then came to Pough- keepsie and was engaged in the real estate and insurance business until 1873.
Mr. Merritt remembers many interesting events of the early part of the present century, one of which was his visit in company with his father to the wharf on the North River side of New York City, to witness the trial trip of Fulton's first steamboat, the "Clermont." There was a large crowd present to witness what was generally be- lieved would be a failure, and many who were interested in sailing-vessels hissed and otherwise manifested their hostility toward the undertaking when a momentary delay in her departure was made, but presently when she moved gracefully out into the stream a great shout went up, and the noble little craft went on her way to Albany, which point she made in about thirty-six hours.
In 1821, the 12th of April, Mr. Merritt was united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of John and Mary R. King, of New York City. She was born April 13, 1802, and died December 22, 1876. They had six children, named in the order of their birth as follows :- William Henry, born February 24, 1822, died April 1, 1873 ; Mary R., born Feb- ruary 10, 1824, died April 1, 1873 ; Caroline, born September 22, 1827, died May 8, 1863 ; Phebe, born May 24, 1830, died October 28, 1831 ; Thomas Jenkins, born May 10, 1833, died Sep- tember 19, 1833, and Rodman, born January 16, 1841 and died October 23, 1873.
In the death of the two former the parents of these children were visited with a terrible affliction. William Henry, who was , married on the 2d of April, 1872, to Miss Louisa Scrymser, daughter of James and Ann Scrymser of New York City, soon after his marriage, accompanied by his bride, set out for a tour of Europe. On reaching the other side, they sent for Mary R. and the sister of the bride, both of whom joined them, and they all visited many places of interest and attraction, enjoying themselves in the fullest. Business affairs at home soon demanded the at- tention of the husband, and they took passage in the ill-fated steamship " Atlantic," which, while at- tempting to enter the port of Halifax, on the early morning of April 1, 1873, struck on a rock, and sinking, these four, together with many other precious lives, were lost. The remains of the husband and his sister Mary R. were recovered, but those of the wife and her sister were never found. We give an extract from a letter from the rector of the Episcopal church at Carthage Landing, Duch- ess County, to a friend which gives a vivid picture of one of the many incidents of family desolation, caused by that awful catastrophe: "Just now we feel bruised, depressed, overwhelmed with a dis- aster, which is without one mitigating circumstance.
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