History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 150

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > New York > Orange County > History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 150

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

MAJ. JAMES WHEELER.

The branch of the Wheeler family represented by the subject of this biographical sketeh came origi- nally from Rhode Island to Orange County, and in- cluded three brothers,-John, Joel, and Gilbert. Of this number, John was married, and became the father of two daughters and one son, James, whose birth oc- curred in 1783, in Warwick township. The early years of his life were uneventful, having been devoted to acquiring such education as the time and occasion afforded, and later to preparation for the more active duties of life. He was, in 1810, united in marriage to Miss Anne, daughter of Martin Ryerson, of New Jersey, to whom were born three children,-Sophro- nia (Mrs. Bevier, of Grand Rapids, Mich.), Anne, and Sarah Catharine, the latter two being deceased. On Dec. 1, 1829, he was a second time married, to Miss Cornelia V. E. Hunn, daughter of John S. Hunn, late president of the Bank of Newburgh, and became the parent of five children,-Mary Elizabeth, deceased; John J., lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers during the war of the Rebellion ; DeWitt Clinton, for five years police commissioner of New York City; Franklin, residing in Michigan ; and Edward, collector of internal rev- enue for the State of Arkansas, residing at Little Rock, in that State, and served as captain in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment New York Vol- unteers during the late war. In both marriages Mr. Wheeler was exceedingly happy, bis companions being ladies of intelligence and many amiable quali- ties, In all his family associations Maj. Wheeler was conspicuous as displaying the most tender considera- tion and regard for those around him. In his rela- tions both as husband and parent he inspired the strongest affection, and in no less a degree was this sentiment manifested beyond the sanctity of the home circle. Broad in his views, generous in his instincts, with sympathy for the suffering, and the mantle of charity for the erring and oppressed, Maj. Wheeler, in the sixty-nine years of life that were appointed to

amu

Gabriel Misner

Gabriel Houston

Isaac, V Nhuler

609

WARWICK.

him, made the world brighter and better for his pres- ence in it. In business relations he displayed the utmost integrity and honor, and commanded the con- fidenee of all who knew or were associated with him. During the administration of President Jackson, in 1837, he shared in the universal embarrassment it had brought upon the country, and while freely express- ing his opinion of the false basis on which the gov- ernment credit was founded, declared his intention to accept every personal responsibility. In politics Maj. Wheeler was an Old-Line Whig of the most decided stamp. He was a close friend of Governor DeWitt Clinton, a strong supporter of Henry Clay, and held confidential relations with Hon. William H. Seward. He participated actively in the politics of the day, and devoted both influence and means to the interests of his State and country. He was also prominent in the business interests of the township of Warwick and the county, having been active in the organiza- tion of the Chester Bank, and its earliest president, which office he held for many years, continuing in it until his death, which occurred Sept. 1I, 1852, at the homestead in Warwick, and was the occasion of pro- found sorrow alike in the home circle and the larger community of friends and life-long associates.

GABRIEL HOUSTON.

His father, Thomas Houston, settled in Middle- town, N. Y., in early life, and was an active and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church of that place, in which he officiated as elder. His wife was Sarah Faulkender, who bore him the following chil- dren, viz .: Ann, wife of Henry Denton, of Denton, N. Y. ; Harriet, wife of Judge John Booth ; Catharine, wife of David Corwin ; Gabriel ; Adeline, wife of Rev. Gabriel Corwin, now of Cape May ; Philinda ; Jane, wife of Henry O. Bronson, of Jackson, Mich. ; James F .; Franklin ; and Nelson.

Gabriel Houston was born May 25, 1798, near Mid- dletown. He remained at home until his marriage to Susan Ann Owen, when he settled at Glenwood, N. J., on the homestead of his father-in-law, Isaac Owen, which was formerly the property of Isaac Owen's father, Ebenezer Owen, containing 180 acres of land. On this property he lived the remainder of his life, and died Jan. 22, 1864. He accumulated other property, was a representative farmer, and a good business man. He was a stockholder in the Chester Bank, at Chester, Orange Co., N. Y., and owned the old homestead of his father, originally consisting of some 300 acres, which property is still in the family, and has always been known as an ex- cellent stock-farm. He was well informed on the current topies of his times, and a man whose counsel was often sought by his fellow-citizens.

Although not a member of any church, he was in- terested in the propagation of morality and religious teachings, and gave the ground upon which the Meth-

odist church was erected. He was friendly and gen- erous with all denominations that applied to him for assistance.

In politics he was a Democrat, but never sought political place. In early life he obtained a practical education, was plain and unassuming in his ways, and was always willing to sacrifice his own for the comfort and happiness of others.

His children are Sally Ann, married Festus Vail, of Warwick, N. Y .; Abigail Jane; Isaac Owen ; Thomas Erminda, died young; Gabriel Wisner ; Henry Owen; Elizabeth W., died young ; James Nel- son, Elizabeth and Susan, died young ; Susan, wife of Thomas Pickens, of Ulster Co., N. Y .; Philip ; and Mary O.

ISAAC V. WHEELER.

The Wheeler family, which originally embraced nine brothers and three sisters, were early resi- dents of Long Island, all of whom at a later period removed to Orange County and made purchases of land. One of these brothers, Joel by name, is the progenitor of the branch of the family from which Isaac V. is descended. He was twice married, and the father of five children, of whom Col. William F. Wheeler, one of the sons, was born in Warwick, Sept. 2, 179I, and, having followed the pursuits of an agri- culturist, remained upon the homestead during his lifetime, with the exception of a brief period of service in the war of 1812. He was united in marriage to Miss Juliet, daughter of Isaac Van Duzer, to whom the following children were born : Dinah E., Robert, Ann E., Isaac V., Joel, William W., and Milton V.

Isaac V., whose life is briefly sketched, is a native of Warwick, and was born March 4, 1823, and spent his early life upon the homestead. His education was acquired at the neighboring public school, and later at an academy of some celebrity at Deckertown, N. J. His tastes led him to pursue the calling of his father,-that of a farmer,-to which his time and energies were entirely devoted. Industry combined with sagacity, and a thorough knowledge of his voca- tion, speedily won for him a marked success in life. Mr. Wheeler advanced with the age. All the modern scientifie appliances which are instrumental in sub- duing the soil, and otherwise aiding the agriculturist, were utilized by him. On the death of his father he became the possessor of the ancestral estate, which is still retained by the family. Mr. Wheeler was married, June 21, 1853, to Miss Phebe, daughter of Jesse Bull, whose portrait appears in another portion of this work. Their children are Juliet V., Carrie B., William F., Jessie C., Anna M., and Alice.

In politics Mr. Wheeler was a Republican, having been descended from Whig ancestry. He was a quiet, unostentatious gentleman, averse to public life, and consequently having no political aspirations. He was one of the original incorporators of the War- wick Valley Farmer's Milk Association, and of the

610

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Warwick Savings-Bank, having been a trustee of the latter institution. His religious affiliations were with the Reformed (Dutch) Church, of which he was a cordial supporter. Mr. Wheeler's death occurred April 9, 1876, in his fifty-third year. He was the last survivor of his generation of the family, and justly regarded as among its most worthy representatives.

A. J. BURT.

The Burt family are of English extraction, and early settled in Connecticut, whence Daniel Burt, in 1746, emigrated to the Empire State, and chose a tract ot wild land in Warwick, Orange Co. His first efforts in the direction of agriculture were not especially suc- cessful, and influences were speedily brought to bear which caused his return to his native State. The year 1760 found him again a dweller in the forests of War- wick, where he purchased the land now covered by the hamlet of Bellvale, and erected a flouring and saw-mill. Mr. Burt and his wife Hannah were the parents of ten children, among whom was James, born Oct. 25, 1760, who attained some distinction in public life. He was a member of the State Legislature from 1797 to 1826, with the exception of a short interval ; was also a member of the council of appointment; was an elector for Presidents Jefferson and Harrison ; was supervisor for many years of the township of War- wick, and a deacon of the Baptist Church of Warwick . for a period of sixty-three years. He was married, Aug. 15, 1783, to Abigail, danghter of Benjamin Coe, and had six children,-Mary, Benjamin, Stephen A., Phebe, James, and Thomas M. Of this number, Stephen A. was born Nov. 28, 1791, and married, May 27, 1818, Paulina, daughter of Jeremiah Fair- field. Their children were Caroline, Edward Fairfield, Augustus J., Abigail Jane, Abigail Jane (2d), Anna Scott, and John. Of this number, Augustus James, now the last adult male member of the family resident at Bellvale, where they were numerous, and contrib- uted largely to the development of the locality, was born Oct. 27, 1826, at the latter spot, and has spent his lifetime at the place of his nativity. He early availed himself of the advantages of the public school of the locality, and later engaged in business pursuits with his father, who established mercantile interests at Bellvale in 1815. Mr. Burt during this time devel- oped methodical business habits which contributed later to a successful career. Ile also engaged exten- sively in enterprises independent of his mercantile trade and which still occupy much of his attention. A post-office was established at Bellvale through his influence in 1845, of which, with the exception of a brief interval, he has since been the custodian. Mr. Burt has served two terms as justice of the peace, and, not being ambitious for official preferment, has de- clined similar honors offered at a subsequent date. He was one of the incorporators of the Warwick Sav- ings-Bank, and is still one of its trusted officers. His territory.

known integrity and business capacity have caused him to fill the roles of administrator and executor on frequent occasions, and these duties have constituted a large proportion of the labor of his later years. His efforts have ever been directed in the interests of the public weal, and have, as a consequence, resulted in benefit to the community in which he has lived. Mr. Burt is descended from a family of Old-Line Whigs, and has never departed from the traditions of the race. He is now an active Republican. Mr. Burt was united in marriage, Oct. 19, 1853, to Miss Ann E. Wilson, of Bellvale. They have had nine children, of whom James W., Augustus, Mary, Gertrude E., and Mand survive.

JOHN WILLCOX.

The Willcox family, of Warwick, are of New England stock, a portion of whom settled at an early date on Long Island. Amos, the grandfather of John, removed from the latter locality to Orange County, and became the owner of property at Gray Court. He was the parent of three daughters and an equal number of sons, among whom was Jo- seph, who survived until his eighty-eighth year. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of S. Scinonson, of Vernon, the family having come at an early date from Staten Island, and had children,-John, Wil- liam, Mary, Susan, Sallie, and Harriet. By a second marriage, to Miss Nancy Stagg, he had children,- Charles, David, and Phebe. His son John, whose name prefixes this sketch, was born at Amity, July 28th, in the year 1800, and at an early age devoted himself to labor upon the land of his father. He was married in 1823 to Miss Hannah, daughter of Roger Howell, resident near Amity, and became the father of the following children : Lewis, Joseph, William H., J. Wickham, Margaret, Mary, Sarah, Harriet, Prudence, and Eunice Amelia, eight of whom sur- vive and are married. In 1836, Mr. Willcox pur- chased of George D. Wickham the property in War- wick township known as Merritt's Island, embracing 225 acres. To the improvement of this land he has devoted the labor of his life. Mr. Willcox has in his daily pursuits exhibited untiring industry, which, united with excellent judgment, have contributed to his success. He has established a reputation for in- tegrity in his business relations which has placed his name among the representative men of his township. Mr. Willcox has never sought the preferments of office, and will, therefore, not be found among the list of county officials. His political sentiments are in harmony with the platform of the Republican party. He is an active supporter of the Presbyterian Church at Amity, of which Mrs. Willcox is a val- ued member. Mr. Willcox was appointed commis- sioner of the Drowned Lands of the Wallkill, and has been instrumental in reclaiming much of this marshy

JOHN WILLCOX.

Thus Willing.

MmtHouston

611

WARWICK.

THOMAS WELLING.

The Welling family are of Welsh descent, and were among the original settlers on Long Island, where Thomas, the great-grandfather of the subject of this biography, purchased land in 1704. He at a later period removed to Orange County, and acquired a large tract of land, embracing a portion of the vil- lage of Warwick, and also the homestead of the Welling family. His children numbered three sons-Thomas, Richard, and John-and three daughters. Of these sons, Thomas, who retained the family residence, was united in marriage to Miss Sibble Beardsley, of Sussex Co., N. J., and had children,-Thomas, Edward L., John, Hannah, Charles, Anna, Elizabeth, and Lois. John became a resident of Brooklyn, where his death occurred; Charles died in Sussex Co., N. J., and the remaining sons chose homes in Orange County. Thomas, born July 8, 1786, was united in marriage to Miss Anna Coleman, to whom the following children were born and grew to mature years : John L., Samuel C., William R., Thomas, Elizabeth (Mrs. F. B. Brooks), Harriet (Mrs. J. C. Houston), Hannah D. (Mrs. James Wisner), and Euphelia (Mrs. Richard Wisner); Sibble C. and Charles B. having died at an early age. Of these ' children, Thomas, who represents the fourth gen- eration bearing the name, was born April 27, 1830, in the township of Warwick. His early life was not varied by incidents worthy of special mention. The public schools afforded opportunities for ac- quiring the rudiments of an education, and sub- sequent labor upon the farm had so moulded his tastes as to induce him to follow the vocation of an agriculturist. The condition of his estate bears ample evidence that his energies in this direction have not been misapplied. Mr. Welling may in an eminent sense be regarded as a successful farmer. To the energy and practical wisdom which have been brought to bear in his labor have been added those invaluable helps which modern science has contrib- uted to lighten the toil of the husbandman and add to the bounty of his harvests. Mr. WeHling was mar- ried in December, 1855, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Aaron Van Duzer, Esq., of Goshen. Their family circle numbers eight children,-William R., Thomas, Edward L., Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Carrie Il., and Sarah McC.

Mr. Welling having been descended from a family of strong Whig proclivities, naturally esponsed the principles of the party. On the organization of the Republican phalanx he at once joined their ranks, and has never missed an election since he became a voter. Though evincing a reasonable degree of in- terest in public affairs, he is in no sense a politician, and official life has no attractions for him. He is a director in both the Warwick National and the War- wick Savings-Banks, and generally active in matters pertaining to the interests of the township. The Re- formed Dutch Church, of which both Mr. and Mrs.

Welling are members, has offered a congenial field for his activities. He is an elder in the Reformed Dutch Church of Warwick, and a director of the Board of Domestic Missions. In his daily life Mr. WeHling may, with propriety, be mentioned as the perfect type of the Christian gentleman.

HON. WILLIAM H. HOUSTON.

It has fallen to the lot of few of the residents of the township of Warwick to fill a career of more distin- guished usefulness than did the subject of this biogra- phy, William H. Houston. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Joseph Houston, was a resident of Edenville, Warwick township, and was united in marriage to Miss Nancy, daughter of Gen. Henry Wisner, who became the mother of ten children,-Henry W., John II., Richard, George W., Joseph A., Andrew, Samnel, llarriet, Susan, and Jane. Of this number, but two- George W. and Harriet-now survive. John H., the father of William H., was united in marriage, June 19, 1816, to Miss Julia Ann Wheeler, their children being William H., Nathaniel D., James K., and John H., who died in childhood. The birth of their son William H. occurred March 27, 1817, in Eatonville, Warwick township, where his early life was spent. The loss of his father, when the lad was but fourteen years of age, became not only the occasion of profound sorrow, but placed upon him a heavy burden of re- sponsibility as the eldest of the family of children. The same characteristics which in later years com- manded influence, and won success, were developed at this early stage of his career. He continued upon the homestead, aiding by his industry and wise coun- sel in the advancement of the family interests, until Jan. 5, 1842, when he was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Wheeler, daughter of William F. Wheeler, of Bellvale, Orange Co., and granddaughter of Isaac R. Van Duzer, of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. This event was celebrated by their removal to his future home, now the residence of his sons Joel W. and James E. Houston. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Hous- ton embraced six children,-William W., Julia E., John H., Joel W., Frank, and James E. These sons are all residents of Orange County. John H. occu- pies the farm of his grandfather; Joel W. and James E. are upon the homestead ; Frank has a residence adjoining ; and William W. resides in Florida. The daughter is now Mrs. Manson R. Brown, of Wash- ingtonville, N. Y.

The peculiar abilities of Mr. Houston eminently fitted him for public life, and these qualifications were at once recognized by his constituents. Ile repre- sented Warwick in the board of supervisors during the years 1851-52, 1864-65, was elected sheriff of Orange County for the years 1856-58, and was hon- ored as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of the State in 1867. Mr. Houston was a stanch sup- porter of the government during the late war, and was

612

HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

especially active in the recruiting service. His marked integrity of character won for him the confidence of the community, and on frequent occasions entailed heavy responsibilities as trustee or guardian in the settlement of large estates. He was also at his death president of the Goshen and Deckertown Railroad, of which enterprise he was one of the projectors. In his political preferences Mr. Houston was, at an early day, an Old-Line Whig, and at once joined the Republican ranks on the organization of that party. He was a trustee of the Second Presbyterian Church of Florida, and one of its most devout worshipers. In the fullness of years and in the height and bril- liancy of a useful career the life of Mr. Houston was terminated. His death occurred on Aug. 30, 1875, Mrs. Houston having survived him but four years.

HON. JAMES E. WATERBURY.

Stamford, Conn., was the abiding-place of the rep- resentatives of the Waterbury family, who first left the shores of Great Britain for the inviting fields of industry offered in the New World. The grandfather of James E. was James, who served with credit as a soldier of the Revolution. Col. Henry Weeks, also of Revolutionary fame, was his maternal grandparent. The former was born Nov. 28, 1754, and married Miss Elizabeth Mead, by whom he had eight chil- dren,-Betsey, Charles, Catherine, Henry, William, Warren, Rufus, and Ann, the only survivor. Of this number, William was born June 29, 1789, and united in marriage with Miss Nancy Weeks, of Stam- ford, Conn., Oct. 24, 1811. Their children were three in number,-William H., James E., and Eliphalet Price. James E., whose life is here briefly reviewed, was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1824, and spent his early years in Orange County, the family having made it their residence in 1828. The boyhood of James E. was passed at school, first at Amity, his present residence, and later at the Chester Academy. These educational advantages, though in no sense superior, with the acquirements and experience of later years, enabled him to fill with intelligence and eredit the demands of a more public career. He em- barked in agricultural pursuits on arriving at mature years, and located upon the farm which has since been, and is now, his residence. Mr. Waterbury was married, Nov. 29, 1848, to Sarab, daughter of John Wilcox, Esq., of Merritt's Island, Warwick. Their house was brightened by the presence of four children, -Ida, H. Lillie, Nancy, and Edgar,-all of whom are living. Mr. Waterbury early acquired a taste for official life, and was honored by his constituency with important offices, which he filled with ability and marked integrity. He has for a period of twenty years served as justice of the peace of his township, was twiee elected justice of sessions, and was chosen supervisor in 1875, but declined a subsequent non- ination. He was called in 1879 to fill the responsi-

I ble position of representative of the Second District of Orange County in the State Legislature, and served upon the committees on State Claims, on Villages, and on State Charitable Institutions. He was one of the incorporators of the Warwick Savings-Bank, and still holds the office of trustee of that institution. Mr. Waterbury associated in early years with the old Whig party, and on the organization of the Repub- lican party found its platform in harmony with his political convictions. He has since been one of its most stanch and able representatives in the county. Squire Waterbury has ever manifested a lively interest in the cause of education, and has been for nearly a quarter of a century trustee of the public schools of the township. His religious sympathies are with the Presbyterian Church, of which he and Mrs. Waterbury are members and his family regular worshipers.

NATHANIEL R. FEAGLES.

The Feagles family are of German extraction, the great-grandfather of Nathan R. having been Jacob, who was born in the fatherland. His son Jacob early emigrated to America, and followed the blacksmith's eraft. At a later period he located in Chester, Orange Co., the scene of his future labors. The children of Mr. Feagles were Jacob, William, Nathaniel, and Caroline (Mrs. Robert Stoutenburgh). Of this num- ber, Jacob, whose birth occurred in January, 1792, remained under the paternal roof until his fifteenth year, when, inspired by a spirit of independence and ambition, he began the battle of life. About the year 1815, as nearly as can be determined, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Roe, of Orange County, and chose a residence at Amity, in the township of War- wick. Their children were David, Charles, Nathan- iel R., Henry B., William, Mary, Susan, Robert, and Clarissa. The birth of Nathaniel R., the subject of this biographical sketch, occurred Sept. 25, 1821, in Amity, where his early life was spent in attendance at the school of the district, varied by labor upon the farm. During the year 1850 he moved to the me- tropolis of the State, where he engaged in business as a butcher. After a residence of five years in the city of New York he returned to his native county, and, in connection with his brother, purchased the home- stead. In 1863, Mr. Feagles removed to his present large and highly-cultivated farm. Since that period he has continued to follow agricultural pursuits, and enjoyed a marked degree of success-the reward of industry and sound judgment in his vocation. He has won a deserved reputation as a propagator of blooded stock, horses of the Hambletonian breed having been made a specialty with him. Mr. Feagles is an outspoken Republican in politics, and though an ardent supporter of the party, has never sought office at its hands. He is a Presbyterian in his religious predilections, and a trustee of the Presby- terian Church at Amity. Mr. Feagles was married

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Orange County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 150

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Ruttenber, Edward Manning, 1825-1907, comp; Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1336