History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 44

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 44

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Joseph, the eldest son, married Esther, daughter of Joshua and Mary Conkling, May 6th 1776. She was born November roth 1758, and died in 1791. After her death, Mr. Wood married Sarah, daughter of John and Charity Secor, January 16th 1800. She was born June 6th 1771. The children of these marriages were: Mary, On arriving at New York he came at once to Garner- ville, to which place his father had preceded him by some six months, being employed in the Rockland Print Works, born June 6th 1777; Joanna, born 1778; Sarah, born 1781; Nelly, born 1783; Martha, born 1785; John, born October 17th 1788; Jonas S., born January 20th 1801; |then quite in their infancy as compared with their pres-

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HAVERSTRAW-BIOGRAPHIES.

ent development. Mr. Norris here enjoyed the advan- tages of the school kept by Rev. Mr. Gibson, of Trinity Church, and afterwards of Haverstraw Mountain Insti- tute, of which Mr. Hardcastle was then principal; but at the early age of seventeen he entered the employ of the Rockland Print Works as an apprentice to the art of hand engraving. After having pursued that profession for nearly two years, he, like many an adventurous youth of that day, had his fancy inflamed by stories of Califor- nia's golden promise, and he determined to prove their reality in his own person. His indentures having been canceled by mutual consent, he sailed from New York for San Francisco via the Isthmus of Panama, on the steamer North Star, in the fall of 1859.

Here again he was to meet a trial which tested his courage and endurance to the uttermost. The steamer ran aground on one of the many "Keys " which lie in the path of vessels making the voyage through the West India Islands, and death by storm or famine threatened the entire company. So highly was Mr. Norris esteemed by his fellow passengers that, on their being transferred to land in order to allow of efforts being made for the

safety of the vessel, he was chosen to preside over the ical opponents would never question his entire devotion

distribution of the provisions necessary for their subsis- tence, and to maintain such order and discipline as would assure the safety and well being of all-no light respon- sibility for one so young.

Any one at all conversant with the class of passengers at that time eagerly journeying to California, can easily picture the confusion, dismay, and desperation even, which prevailed among such a motley crowd, but can scarcely imagine the difficulty and danger that such an office imposed. After spending eight days in this trying position, the steamer was finally released from her peril- THOMAS PULLEN. ous berth, and proceeded on her voyage, arriving safely Thomas Pullen, whose wife's name was Elizabeth, was at Aspinwall, from whence her passengers, crossing the a resident here as early 1731. In that year he was com- isthmus, embarked for San Francisco. On arriving in California, Mr. Norris engaged in mining, stock raising, ing that "the pope of Rome was a good Christian."

and other pursuits, with varying success, leading that fas- cinating life of enterprise and adventure which found its largest field in the California of that day, and which, with all its excitements, failures, and successes, was to the last degree fitted to develop, strengthen, and solidify a character already hopeful and self- reliant. After spend- ing ten wears in California, Mr. Norris returned in the fall of 1869, by the Pacific Railroad, and has since made his home in Garnerville, and has been constantly in the employ of the Rockland Print Works, of which Messrs. Garner & Company, of New York, are the proprietors, and to whom he has been a valued and trusted servant.

istered the duties of that office much to the public satis- faction. He has been foreman of the Samuel Johnson Steam Engine Company from its organization, and has always taken a lively interest in the volunteer fire de- partment, and is at present one of the vice-presidents of the New York State Fireman's Association. A mason, he is one of the most zealous and devoted menibers of that ancient and honorable order, and is a member of Stony Point Lodge, No. 313, F. & A. M., and this year Worshipful Master of the sanie. He was mainly instru- mental in procuring the establishment of the post office at Garnerville, and has been post-master since 1875. A born leader of men, of rare force and determination of character, with large and varied experience of men and affairs, concealing always the iron hand under the velvet glove; his great discretion, but unyielding tenacity of purpose, mark him emphatically as one on whom friends may safely rely, and whom opponents do well to fear. With troops of warmly attached friends, it is not strange that the future holds in its promise for him some- thing more than ordinary in the councils of his party, and while devoid of all bitter partisanship, even his polit- to the best and truest interests of the public good.

JOHN ARMSTRONG.

John Armstrong, an early resident near Stony Point, married Hannah, daughter of Captain James Lamb. He died before 1797. His children were James L., John, William, and Rachel, wife of John Cheeseman. James L. Armstrong married Mary, daughter of Thomas Smith, | the owner of " Treason Hill House."

plained of by John Allison and Thomas Hughes for say- " Pullen's Point," between Haverstraw and Grassy Point, was named after him.

HON. JOHN W. FELTER.

The ancestor of the subject of this sketch was William Felta, or " Velta," as the name was sometimes written, who appears to have been one of a company of Dutch or German settlers, who purchased the south part of Quas- pack, or the Pond Patent, previous to 1750. He also had a farm not far from what is now known as Valley Cottage. John Felter, who was probably his grandson, was born in 1756 and died September 11th 1836. He came to Hav- erstraw in the early part of the present century, and had a house and store at the foot of Main street, where the Eagle Hotel now stands. He had a dock near by and was the captain and owner of a market sloop, which in early days was the means of communication with New York. Captain Felter married Martha Cooper, who was Their son Gilbert was born January 12th 1788, and died September 5th 1820. He married Mary Ackerman, of

A natural politician, he has always been an ardent Re- publican, taking an active interest in town, State, and national politics, often a candidate for town offices in a town overwhelmingly democratic, his personal qualities have gained him such consideration, that, in spite of dif- fering political beliefs, his townsmen have found him worthy of their confidence, and have shown it by elect- | born November 19th 1770, and died December 11th 1843. ing him to various offices in their power to bestow. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1883, and has admin-

Respect fully

John Des bear

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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.

Saddle River, New Jersey. She was born January 28th 1791, and died May 25th 1875. They had two sons, Garret (who moved away and whose descendants are now in New York city), and John W., who was born June 14th 1808, and married Ann, daughter of Josiah Concklin. Like his father before him he was a farmer and a very prominent citizen. He was for several years Supervisor of Haverstraw, and Sheriff of Rockland coun- ty from 1837 to 1840. He held many other offices and positions of a public nature. Mr. Felter was the father of seven children: John W., Josiah, born May 5th 1845, (who married Annie, daughter of John Christie, and is a resident of Haverstraw and the present Supervisor of the town), Irving, Laura D. (who died unmarried), Franklin P. (who married Augusta, daughter of John Haring), George, and Warren. The father of this family died June 5th 1864 at the age of 56 years, 11 months and 21 days.

Hon. John W. Felter was born on the old homestead in West Haverstraw, August 22d 1843. In addition to the management of the extensive real estate belonging to the family, he is largely engaged in the manufacture of brick, having with his brothers large brick yards on the " old Denning estate " at Grassy Point. He is in- timately connected with town affairs, having for five years been one of the Assessors of Haverstraw and for three years Commissioner of Highways. He is the pre- sent member of Assembly for Rockland county, having been elected by the Democratic party in November 1883.

The homestead of the Felter family at West Haver- straw is the farm formerly owned by Isaac Sherwood, supposed to be lot No. 5 in the cast division of Kakiat. To this has been added a large tract which once belonged to the Concklin family. Upon this homestead Mr. Fel- ter and other members of the family now reside.

ALONZO BEDELL.

The ancestors of Mr Bedell, as far back as he is able to trace them were natives of Rockland county and were mostly residents of Orangetown and the southern part of Clarkstown. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. His father, William Bedell, was a native of Nyack. He died at Haverstraw in 1858. The maiden name of his mother, who is still living, was Matilda Camp- bell.

Alonzo Bedell was born at Nyack, October 21st 1848. In 1849 his parents removed to Haverstraw, which has ever since been his residence. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Haverstraw, and at the age of fifteen he graduated from the Mountain Institute at that village, Professor L. Wilson A. M., Principal. It is worthy of note that during the entire period of his at- tendance at school he was not an absentee for twenty days.

Immediately on leaving school he enlisted in the 17th Regiment of the New York State National Guard, and went to Fort Mc Henry, Baltimore, where the regiment did garrison duty during thirty-eight days. On his return in August 1863, he entered the shop of his step-father, John Turnbull, where he learned the trade of a tin smith. In 1866 he became the general superintendent of the shop and store of Mr. Turnbull, a position which he still retains.

From an early age Mr. Bedell has been an active po- litical worker. In 1883 he was nominated by the Repub- licans in Rockland county for member of Assembly; and although the county is usually democratic by a majority of from 800 to 1,000, he was defeated by a majority of only seven. He is now serving his seventh term as treas- urer of the village of Haverstraw.

He is an active member of the fire department in the village, and he has occupied the position of chief en- gineer in that department. He is a member of the Ma- sonic Fraternity, of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Knights of Pythias; and in this last order he has been one of the State grand officers.

On the 18th of November 1869, he was married to Agnes, daughter of Robert Smith, editor of the Rock- land County Messenger. They have had but one child, a son, that died in infancy.

JOHN Q. DISBROW.

The subject of this sketch was of New England parent- age and born at Newmarket, New Jersey, December 8th 1813. The boring of Artesian wells was the principal business of his life, and like most men who devote their time and talent to one particular thing, he achieved con- siderable celebrity in this field of labor. His home was in New York from 1829 to 1838. He came to Rockland county in 1838 and purchased a farm in Lot No. 10, Cheesecock's Patent, which was originally a part of the large tract purchased by Jacob Thiell, but was owned by Thomas King when bought by Mr. Disbrow. Here he built an elegant mansion in 1861, in the place of a small cottage which was on the farm before that time. Mr. Disbrow was a self-taught, mechanical genius, and held a good position among scientific men. It was under his direction that the wells were bored for Stewart's refinery, and at the United States navy yard in Brooklyn, and several for the New York city authorities before Croton water was introduced.

The farm in Haverstraw is nearly 200 acres in extent, and is now divided among his children, and the mansion is now occupied by Mrs. Disbrow and two of her daugh- ters. Mr. Disbrow was married to Miss Emma S., daughter of Joseph D. and Sarah Gilpin, of Delaware, July 21st 1836. The children of this marriage were : (1) John Henry, who married Eveline S., daughter of Robert Knapp, and has two children, Josephine H. and Frank Irving, M. D .. both now living in New York; (2) Cor- nelia A., wife of Edward W. Christie; (3) Joseph G. and (4) Charles (both of whom died young); (5) Emma Louise, wife of Duane F. Knapp; (6) Sarah M., wife of David C. Dutcher, deceased; (7) Mary Isabella, wife of Alexander W. Davidson, who died May 23d 1879; and (8) Lizzie, who, with her widowed sister, Mrs. Dutcher, is now living with their mother in the family mansion.

Mr. Disbrow departed this life, February 3d 1865. He was a liberal and open handed man, willing to assist the needy and unfortunate. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his religious preferences attached to the principles and ceremonies of the Episcopal Church. In his business he was ever solicitous for the welfare of those in his employ, and no one ever suffered from his neglect or want of care.

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HAVERSTRAW-BIOGRAPHIES.

HENRY GARNER.

James Garner, the ancestor of the family which has been so intimately connected with the business interests of Rockland county, was a native of Leicester, England, and was born March 8th 1774. His wife, Sarah Gunten, was born June 5th 1790, and died March 24th 1860. Their children were: James G., Henry, Thomas, Amelia (who married Rev. George M. West, D. D., and died Oc- tober 16th 1881), Eliza (wife of F. H. Clark), Sarah (wife of Isaac Maqueston), Edward, and Ann, wife of John C. Reick, who is now living in New York.

The older sons came to this country about 1828, and their father, with the rest of the family, came about two years later. Mr. Garner and his youngest son, Edward, went to Texas, where the latter, with Colonel Fanning and his regiment, fell in the massacre of Goliad, March 27th 1836, while bravely fighting for the cause of Texan freedom. Mr. Garner returned to Rockland county, where his sons had purchased valuable water privileges, and had established those extensive manufactories which have caused their name to be so widely known. Mr. Gar- ner died at Haverstraw. March 17th 1860.

Henry Garner, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hinckley, Leicester, England, January 23d 1805. He married Caroline, daughter of Epenetus Wheeler, Octo- ber 4th 1841. Their children were: Caroline, wife of James G. Scott; Mary J., wife of Albert J. Graeffe; and William Henry.

In company with his brother, Thomas, Mr. Garner was the founder of the extensive print works which formed so extensive a portion of the business of Haverstraw, and to the village which sprung up around their factories was justly given the name of Garnerville. He was a man of great popularity and a favorite with his friends and acquaintances. In addition to his connection with the print works he was largely interested in other business enterprises of the place, among which may be mentioned the marine railways, built by him about 1844. It was largely owing to his influence that the Central Presby. terian Church was built in Haverstraw and toward this object he was a very liberal contributor. Mr. Garner disposed of his interest in the factories, intending to re- move to New York city. But this intention was frus- trated by his sudden death, which occurred December 28th 1852, at the early age of forty-seven. The commu- nity united in deploring the loss of one who had been an ornament to society, and who was, in all the relations of life, a useful and honored man.

as Commodore Garner. He was drowned by the upset- ting of his yacht Mohawk in the waters of Staten Island Bay.

Caroline L., daughter of Henry Garner, married James Griffiths Scott, February 13th 1872. They have two children, Griffith Garner, born July 6th 1880, and Caro- line Wheeler, born October 12th 1881. Mr. Scott and his family are residents of West Haverstraw.

ELISHA PECK.

Elisha Peck was born in Lenox, Massachusetts, March 4th 1789. His father, Elisha Peck, was a farmer and one of the representatives of the steady going yeomanry of New England. Leaving the paternal homestead at an early age, he went to Berlin, Connecticut, where he en- gaged in business for a few years and then went to New York. It was while engaged in extensive purchases of tin plate that he met with Anson G. Phelps, and the ac- quaintance thus formed laid the foundation for the active and prosperous business life that awaited him. He entered into a partnership with Mr. Phelps, went to Liver- pool and established the foreign branch of the business. He remained about a year, then returned for his family and remained fourteen years the head of the firm of Peck & Phelps. In August, 1830, he returned to America, in the ship, Samson, bringing with him the machinery for a rolling mill. The water privilege of Minisceongo Creek and land adjoining had already been purchased by Mr. Phelps, and here they established their rolling mill, wire works, etc., and in honor of the ship which had brought him safely over Mr. Peck gave to the works and village which soon sprang up, the name of " Samsondale." At these works was manufactured the "E. P." brand of sheet iron which was well known in the iron trade for its superior excellence.

When the firm was dissolved, Mr. Peck retained the works at Haverstraw, and Mr. Phelps took the business in the city of New York, taking as a partner the late Wil- liam E. Dodge, whose reputation as a merchant and philanthrophist is known to all. About this time Mr. Peck erected a building for the manufacture of sulphuric acid and other chemicals, also a screw factory. These large buildings stand near the bridge on the main road over Minisceongo Creek, and were built on what was known as the old Allison homestead, which was bought from heirs of Captain Peter Allison. In 1833 Mr. Peck open- ed the new road which is now the thoroughfare, from the bridge to the railroad station. The old farm house built by Samuel Smith was removed, and now stands on the south side of the main road below the railroad station. In its place Mr. Peck erected the elegant mausion now owned by his grandchildren. His son, Shubael, who was associated with him, under the firm naine of E. Peck & Son, was of an inventive turn of mind and was killed by the explosion of the boiler of a small steamboat which he had built, and he then took his second son, John, into partnership.

A few words may be added concerning the other mem- bers of the Garner family. James G, the oldest son, was a banker in the city of New York, where he died, leaving no children. Thomas, the third son, married Frances Thorn, and left children: Caroline (wife of Sam- uel Johnson), Frances (wife of Frederick Lawrence), Jose- phine (wife of L. Graham), Annie, William T., and Thom- as. Of these William T. became the owner of the works at Haverstraw. From his having been the commander About 1842 the tariff was changed unfavorably to the of the Yacht Club of New York he was generally known iron business in this country, and for a tiine the rolling

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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.

.mill and iron works were suspended; but they were opened during the late war and an extensive business car- ried on. The screw factory and wire works were after- ward used for various kinds of business, being at one time leased by Day, Newell & Day for manufacturing locks, and later were occupied as a manufactory of per- cussion caps. In 1844 the buildings were leased to Hig- gins & Company by whom a large business was carried on in manufacturing carpets, and about 250 hands were employed. A large store house on the north side of the road, near the bridge, used at one time time by the chem- ical works and later as a dormitory for laborers, was blown down during a furious gale, on the afternoon of July 9th 1853, and several lives lost.

Mr. Peck was a genial man and a liberal contributor of his means for religious purposes, and when the Pres- byterian church at Samsondale was built, he not only gave the land for a church lot but also a large sum of money for the building. In business affairs he was a man of uncommon sagacity and foresight. He was large- ly interested in various enterprises and especially in rail- roads. He was one of the original promoters of the Somerville & Easton and Elizabeth & Easton Railroads, which were afterwards consolidated with the New Jer- sey Central, in which company he was a large stockhold- er, and one of the directors. He was at one time the owner of the greater part of the stock of the Providence |

Railroad, and under his management as president it be- came one of the best paying roads in the east. He was also a director in the Hudson River Road, and on his re- signation was the recipient of eulogistic resolutions passed by the official board. He was also interested in many other enterprises, all of which he successfully managed, and during the whole course of his long bus- iness life he never failed.

Mr. Peck married Chloe, daughter of Shubael Patti- son, of Berlin, Connecticut, June 30th 1814, and had six children: Shubael, born April roth 1815, at Berlin; Har- riet, born January 22d 1817, at Berlin; John, born No- vember 12th 1818, also at Berlin, Connecticut; Edward, born at Liverpool, England, June 3d 1822; and Mary Ann, in West Darby, England, December 16th 1823.

Mr. Elisha Peck died at his residence in Fourth street, New York, in 1851, leaving but two surviving children: John, who married Marie Louise Gordon, October 8th 1845, at St. Bartholomew's Church, New York; and Mary Ann, who married George Gordon. John succeed- ed to the property at Haverstraw, and died August 5th 1881, leaving five children: John jr., Theodore G., Gor- don H., Edith L. (married J. Harsen Halsted), and Ern- est H. The first four continue to reside at the home- stead in Haverstraw, and offer this memorial as a slight tribute to their grandfather.

TOWN OF ORANGETOWN.

BY HON. JOHN W. FERDON.

PATENT RECORDED FOR THE INHABITANTS OF TAPPAN IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

T' HOMAS DONGAN Capt Generall Governor in Cheife & Vice Admirall in & over the Province of New York & Territorys Depending thereon in Amer- ica under his most sacred Majesty James the Second by the Grace of God King of England Scottland ffrance & Ireland Defender of the faith &c, To all whom this Pres- ents shall come Sendeth Greeting, Whereas it appeares to mee that Cornelis Clauze Cooper Daniell De clerke Peter Harni M Cattis Harni M Gerritt Stemmetts John De Vries Senior John De Vries Junior Claes Maunde Jan Stratemker Staaes De Groot Arean Lammeates La- mout Ariannis Huybert Gerryts Johannes Gerritts Eide Van Voorst Cornelius Lammerts have Lawfully Pur- chased from the Native Indian Proprietors a certaine Tract of Land lyeing on the West side of Hudsons River in the County of Orange on the North side of Tappan Creek Bounded as hereafter is Exprest (viz) beginning at the mouth of Tappan Creek where it falls into the Meadow & runing from thence along the North side of the said Creek to a Creeple bush & falls into Hackinsack River Northerly to a place called the Green bush and from thence along said Green bush Easterly to the Land of Claes Janse & Dowe Harmanse & from thence south- erly along said Land upon the Top of the Hills to the Aforemenconed mouth of Tappan Creek where it falls into the meadow aforesaid And Whereas the said Corne- lis Claes Cooper Daniell De Clerke Peter Harnick Cattys Harnick Garrit Stymmets John De Vries Senior John de- vries Junior Claes Mainde Jan Straetmaker Staas De Groot Arean Lamere Lamment Arianius Hybert Gerritts Johannes Geritts Eide Van Vorst Cornelis Lammerts have made Applycacon unto me that I would Grant & Confirme the said Tract of Land unto them their Heirs & Successors & Erect the same into one Township by Pattent under my Hand & the seale of the Province Now Know Yee that I the said Thomas Dongan by Virtue of the Power & Authority Derived unto me from his Most Sacred Majesty & in Pursuance of the Same in Consid-

eracon of the Quitt Rent hereinafter Reserved to his Most Sacred Majesty aforesd his Heirs & Successors & Divers other Good & Lawfull Consideracons me there- unto moveing have Given Granted Rattified Released & Confirmed & by these Presents Doe Give Grant Rattifie Release & Confirme unto the said Cornelis Claes Cooper Daniell De clerke Peter Harnick Gerryt Stenmetts John De Vries Senior John De Vries Junior Claes Mainde Jan Stratmaker Staus De Groet Arean Lameater Lam- merts Ariavans Huybert Gerryts Jannes Gerrytts Eide Van Voorst Cornelis Lammerts the aforesaid Purchasers their Heires Successors & Assignes all the before recited Tract or Parcell of Land within the Limitts & Bounds aforesaid together with all & singular the Messuages Buildings Tennements Houses Barnes Stables Orchards Gardens Pastures fences Meadows Marshes Timber Trees Woods Underwoods Mills Mill dams Rivers Riv Letts Streams Quarryes ffishing ffowleing hawk- ing hunting Mines Mineras (Royall mines Ex- cepted) and all the Rights I Members Libertys Privilidges Jurisdiccons Royaltyes Hereditaments Prof- fits advantages & appurtenances whatsoever to the said Tract or Parcell of land belonging or in any wise appertaineing or accepted Reputed or Knowne or occupied as Parte Parcell or Member thereof to have & to hold all the said Tract or Parcell of Land & Premis- sess with all & every of the appurtenances unto the said Cornelis Claes Cooper Daniell De Clerke Peter Harnick Catis Harnick John Harnick Gerritt Stemmyts John De Vries Senior John Devries Junior Claus Maind Jan Straet- maker Staas De Gerryt Arrean Lamater Lament Ariavius Huybert Gerryts Joannes Geuyberts Eide Van Voorst Cornelis Lammerts their Heires Successors & assignes to the Proper use beneffitt & behoofe of the aforesaid Pur- chasers their Heirs Successors &: assignes forever without any manner of Lett Hindrance or Molestacon to had or reserved upon pretence of Joynt Tenancy or survivor- ship any thing contained herein to the Contrary in any wise notwithstanding and moreover by virtue of the Power & authority to me the said Thomas Dongan Given

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History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 44

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 993