History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683, Part 51

Author: W.W. Munsell & Co., pub; Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather); Cooper, James B. (James Brown), 1825-; Pelletreau, William S. (William Smith), 1840-1918; Street, Charles R. (Charles Rufus), 1825-1894; Smith, John Lawrence, 1816-1889
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell & co.
Number of Pages: 677

USA > New York > Suffolk County > History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683 > Part 51

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DR. ABEL HUNTINGTON.

This gentleman, though not a native of East Hampton was during a long life an honored and influential citizen of the town. He was born at Norwich, Conn., February 22nd 1776, of a family simple and unpretentious in station but endowed with keen intellect and more than ordinary talent. He studied medicine under Dr Phile- mon Tracy, who then stood at the head of his profession

in Norwich and the adjacent county. In 1795 he came to East Hampton and entered upon the practice of Dr. Ebenezer Sage, who at that time removed to Sag Harber. Although he was only 19 years of age such was the repu- tation he had gained that he was warmly welcomed, and to the day of his death he retained to the fullest extent the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. In, 1795 he married Miss Frances Lee of Lyme, Conn., who died in 1813, leaving four children, to whose comfort, education and happiness Dr. Huntington devoted the energies of his mind during the remainder of his life. In his practice he was remarkably successful, especially in surgical operations, which he was occasionally called upon to perform. He was at all times a spirited politi- cian of the better class; the public confidence he enjoyed was shown in a marked manner by the numerous offices he was called upon to fill, and in no instance was the public confidence thus bestowed in the slightest degree abused. He was for many years one of the coroners of the county, at a time when the office was of more con- sequence than at present. From 1829 to 1832 and again in 1844 he was supervisor of the town. In 1820 he was one of the presidential electors. He was elected to the State Senate in 1814 and in 1821, and member of Con- gress in 1833 and 1835. He was a member of the state . constitutional convention in 1845. In all the relations of social life he was a model man, and when he was call- ed away there were none who did not feel that the com- munity had sustained an irreparable loss, and that the world had been better for his having been a part of it. He died May 18th 1858, aged 82.

To Miss Cornelia Huntington, the surviving daughter of this "nature's nobleman," and authoress of "Sea Spray," a vivid picture of the old East Hampton life and manners, which are fast passing away-the writer wishes to record his most grateful acknowledgments for informa- tion concerning the days long gone by.

JOHN HOWARD PAYNE.

William Payne, as master of the English department of Clinton Academy, would not have left a name to posterity, but he is remembered as the father of the poet above named. We believe that at the time of John Howard Payne's birth his parents were residing in East Hampton village. Dr. John Howard, father of Mrs. Colonel Henry Hunt, was at that time living at Smith- town Branch, and it was the custom of Mr. Payne on his journeys to New York to stop at the house of his friend. On one of these visits he remarked to the doctor, "I had a son born the other day; what shall I call him?" "Call him after my name," was the reply; and he was duly christened John Howard Payne. Of the events of his life, or of his death in a foreign land, we need not speak, for the career of the homeless man who sang of home has been portrayed by other hands. To read the earlier histories of Long Island, and find him mentioned there simply as the author of' certain tragedies, may well

THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.

provoke a smile, when we consider that if he had written nothing else but those tragedies his name would never have been written by any subsequent historian. The memory of these works has passed away, but the simple song of "Home, Sweet Home," that has awakened an echo in every heart that has heard its notes, is likely to last as long as the English language endures. It is the prerogative of genius, from that which is insignificant to build up that which shall be immortal. Nothing that adds to the happiness of the world can justly be called little, but when we think of the works of poets and phil- osophers, written in the vain attempt to gain immortal fame, it does seem as if immortality was never based upon a smaller thing than Payne's familiar song; and yet for this the poet's name lingers on every breeze, and is heard in the distant murmur of the sea; the music of his immortal verses is as widespread as the English tongue, and the voice of its melody, echoing through all future ages, shall mingle perhaps with the sound of the trumpet that announces the end of time, the beginning of eternity and the gathering of all mankind to their eternal home.

HON. EVERETT A. CARPENTER.

Among her eminent citizens, Sag Harbor can boast of the most important committee-that of cities-in the

none who occupy a more conspicuous position than the subject of this brief sketch. Mr. Carpenter is a son of was born on the 6th day of July 1835. His father, Benoni Carpenter, was the first Free Soil candidate for Senator from that county; was afterward a Senator from Providence county, Rhode Island, Surgeon in the army, Medical Director of the Department of Carrollton, Louisi- ana, and from the close of the war until his death, in 1877, State Prison Superintendent of Rhode Island.

After careful preparation, Mr. Carpenter entered Brown University, from which institution he graduated with honor in 1854-being a member of the last class taught by its famous President, Francis Wayland.

He became a teacher, then a student of the law, and soon after attaining legal age was admitted to the bar. Since his debut as a lawyer up to the present time he has maintained a prominent public position, being active in politics, earnest, in educational matters, zealous in his chosen profession, and energetic in all tasks essayed; displaying marked executive ability, a wise comprehension of public questions, and the faculty of making the most of his resources in every emergency.

He was a delegate to the first Republican convention in Massachusetts, and has never swerved from his fealty to that party which boasts the lamented Lincoln as its patron saint, and Sumner, Fessenden, Seward and Andrew as its bright particular stars. He has held many offices, and in each he has secured a reputation for the highest ability. As assistant U. S. Assessor for Suffolk county, where he has resided for more than twenty years, he was as anxious to protect the people as he was rigid limited means, unscrupulous schemers-yet he won, in guarding the rights of the government. For eight

successive years he was Chairman of the Republican county committee of Suffolk; and his political op- ponents found him a dangerous campaigner. Thorough- ly organizing the county in every school district he was able to learn the weak places in his own party as well as those of the Democracy, and he proved himself as judicious in planning as he was skillful in ex- ecuting. When he had canvassed the county his predic- tions seemed marvelous in their exactitude; and it is said that he never made a mistake in determining general results so long as he managed party affairs in Suffolk.

In 1879 he ran for the Assembly. His competitor was a retired merchant of high social standing, great wealth and greater political ambition. The county was so equally balanced politically-but one vote difference in the Assembly ballot of the year preceding-that the Democratic nominee deemed his triumph a foregone conclusion. Nevertheless Mr. Carpenter went into the contest with a full knowledge of the party proclivities of the people, as well as a comprehension of their personal peculiarities and local prejudices, and a consciousness of his superiority in conducting a campaign. The end jus- tified his faith in himself, for he rolled up the unpre- cedented legislative majority of 1,629. In 1880 he be- came his own successor, and held the chairmanship of Assembly of 1881.

At the conclusion of his legislative term he returned

the old Bay State, a native of Bristol county, in which he to the active practice of his profession, and is enjoy-

ing the praise and profit incident to an extended and increasing clientage.

As a scholar Mr. Carpenter is the peer of any member of the Suffolk bar. He is well read in all the literature of the day, thoroughly versed in all the questions which engross public attention, has a vast fund of general in- formation, is skilled in the general principles known as the philosophy of government, is familiar with the history of political parties, and is on more than mere speaking terms with the most advanced learning of the schools.

In the Legislature he took a high position as a debater, as well as an untiring worker in all the posts he was called upon to fill. He made himself a power in every committee on which he was placed, and secured much valuable legislation for the State as well as for his con- stituents in Suffolk county. The repeal of that iniquity known as the Hell Gate pilot law is a monument to the patience, perseverance and masterly ability of Mr. Car- penter. For twenty-seven years efforts had been made to remove this incubus; but the power and the purse of the monopolists had prevailed. Mr. Carpenter fought the battle for the people, and achieved a triumph which will make him long remembered by those who recognize the magnitude of the task which he accomplished almost unaided. His fight on the New York street-cleaning bill attracted attention throughout the State, and formed the subject of comment in every journal from Montauk to Niagara. He was struggling against a vast lobby, un-

proving himself again " the right man in the right place."

. 2

6. a. Carpentier

THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.

When the struggle for U. S. Senators made Albany the objective point for the nation's eyes, Mr. Carpenter found himself in the position of an anti-administration Repub- lican, simply because he could not consent to forsake his friends. He belonged to the so-called Stalwart division of his party; he was in that position for principle's sake; and he did not ask whether he was to "shout loudest with the stronger side," or to follow the fortunes of the minority. He was not anxious to learn what was deemed popular; but he knew what his duty was and was wil- ling to do it, if he stood alone. While others faltered .he stood firm. When the end came he was not a victor in promoting the fortunes of his friends; but he was a victor over every sentiment which marked the cunning incon- sistency of mere time-servers and political trimmers. He preserved his self-respect, maintained his party integrity, proved the worth of his friendship-and is now reaping his reward.

As a lawyer he is well versed in the science of plead- ing, and accurate in all the details of practice. He has a clear comprehension of law principles and a vast knowledge of leading cases-his accuracy being as assured as his fund of information is extensive. In preparing his cases he is thorough, systematic, and exhaustive. Patient, persistent, pains-taking, he goes into court thoroughly armed; and he is never found over-weighted by his armor. The characteristics of his mind are comprehensiveness and strength. He is logical and methodical, aiming at victory without wasting words on immaterial matters, and never talks simply to listen to the sound of his own voice.

As a man he has gained special distinction for fidelity and firmness. He is not afraid to stand alone, if need be, for the maintenance of the truth-believing that God and the right are a majority-and he never betrays a friend for the sake of winning favor from an army of foes. He is a pleasing, genial companion; a high-minded, generous and progressive citizen; an obliging neighbor; a kind husband and father; a zealous, unswerving, faith- ful friend; a firm, consistent, honorable foe. While he is not "that faultless monster which the world ne'er saw," he is in all the relations which mark men of power and prominence a companion for the good and great and the friend of those men and things deserving the respect and consideration of independent, manly men.

THE OSBORN FAMILY.

This family is descended from Robert Osborn and wife Elizabeth, of Maidstone, Kent, England. Their son Thomas lived in Lynn, Mass., in 1649. The line of one of the families now living in this town is thus traced: I, Robert; 2, Thomas, born 1623, died 1712; 3, Daniel, born 1665, died 1713; 4, Daniel, died 1757; 5, Jonathan, born 1725, died 1782; 6, Joseph, born 1754, died 1844; 7, Joseph, born 1789, died 1872; 8, Sylvanus M., born

1815, and now a well known and prominent-enge 3, and one who has a deep interest in the cause of educa- tion.

The family at Wainscott is thus derived: Thomas (2) had a son John, who had a son Thomas, who had a son Elisha, who also had a son Elisha; he had a son Thomas, whose son John is now or was lately living upon the same farm owned by his ancestor John.

Another family is derived as follows: Thomas (2), Joseph (1), Jeremiah (2), Samuel, born 1795, died 1827; Edward, born 1836.

The late Judge John P. Osborn, of Noyack, South- ampton, and Henry P. Osborn, of Moriches, are sons of Jeremiah (2) above named.

The branches of this family are very numerous, and we regret that a full history has not been given.

THE DAYTON FAMILY.

Ralph, the first of the name, died about 1658. He had a son Robert, who died April 16th 1712, aged 84. Robert's son Beriah died in 1746, leaving a son John, who died in 1776. The latter left a son John (Captain John of Revolutionary fame), who died in 1825. From his son Josiah (who died in 1839), are descended the families now representing the family in this town, except- ing Dr. Charles B. Dayton, who is descended from Sam- uel, son of Robert.

Probably no name is more illustrious in the Revolu- tionary annals of this town than that of Captain Dayton. In addition to his exploit of deceiving the enemy and preventing their landing at Montauk, before described, he is the hero of another adventure. His lonely resi- dence was at the head of Dayton's Creek, a tributary of Georgica Pond, and its isolated position rendered it peculiarly an object of attack. He was one night awakened by the sound of a marauding band of soldiers endeavoring to break into his house. Hastily arising he put his little son Josiah (grandfather of the present Charles R. Dayton) out of the back door and sent him after assistance, while he resolved, baron-like, to defend his castle. Seizing his loaded musket he threatened to shoot the first one that entered. The party immediately fired into the house and several shots entered the post of a loom behind which he was sheltered. He began calling aloud to several imaginary persons, and reserved his fire until the door began to yield. He then fired and the party fled. The next day it was found that one of the soldiers had been killed. Captain Dayton's old farm-house still stands on the south side of the road leading to Bridgehampton. On the north side of the road and near the house is a small enclosure containing two graves. Here rest his remains, and his tombstone bears the inscription: "In Memory of Captain John Dayton, who died February 20th 1825, ae. 97." His wife Amy died January 31st 1834, aged 81.

BRINLEY D. SLEIGHT.

The ancestors of the Sleights of Suffolk county were among the early Dutch settlers on the Hudson River. During the Revolution they occupied positions of official trust and responsibility, and shortly after the close of the war, or about the beginning of the present century. Cornelius Sleight, a notice of whom precedes this, moved to Sag Harbor and soon identified himself with the active business interests of that village. The subject of this sketch is the oldest living representative of the name in that branch of the family, and also the oldest living male descendant on his mother's side of those other Suffolk county families the Brinleys, the Sylvesters and the Derings, prominent in the early history of the east end of Long Island and whose names are now almost extinct.

Brinley Dering Sleight is the oldest son of William Rysam Sleight and a grandson of the Cornelius mentioned above. His father was a native citizen of Sag Harbor, a shipowner and agent in the days of its whaling pros- perity, intimately associated with its material interests, a man of strict integrity but of generous instincts, highly respected in the community and one who " wore without abuse the grand old name of gentleman." Having ac- cumulated a handsome competency, he sent his son Brinley at an early age to the Washington Institute, Murray Hill, New York city, a school of some note, then under the charge of Messrs. Timothy Dwight and . Theo- dore Woolsey Porter. Here he remained for several years, preparing for college. He subsequently entered Yale College, and after a full course graduated in good standing in the class of 1858. During his career as a

student he was the recipient at the hands of his class of testimonials such as are usually awarded to the most popular and deserving.

After his graduation he returned to his native place, and in 1859 bought an interest in The Corrector, a news- paper established in 1822, and commenced duty as a journalist. He soon gained the reputation of an easy and graceful writer, and became an active participant in local political affairs. In 1860 he started a campaign daily in Sag Harbor, and conducted it in the interest of the combination electoral ticket of that year as opposed to the Republican party. It swung the banner of Bell and Everett, and attained some temporary notoriety for its pungent and terse paragraphs. It was the first and only daily paper ever published in Suffolk county. The field was too small for its successful continuance.

In the same year Mr. Sleight was made the candidate for Assembly of the united American and Democratic parties in the old first district, comprising the five eastern towns of the county. The district was hopelessly against him, although he made a flattering canvass. His suc- cessful competitor was Hon. James H. Tuthill, the pres- ent surrogate of the county.

In 1865, in connection with A. A. Hunt he bought the Schoharie Republican, retaining at the same time owner- ship and editorial control of The Corrector. He con- tinued his connection with the Republican for four years.

In 1869 the Democrats placed him in nomination for the Assembly, and, notwithstanding the opposing State ticket was successful in the county, he was elected by a substantial majority over John Wood of Islip, who had

Dannel Ho Herothing

DAVID H. HUNTTING.

David Hedges Huntting was born in East Hampton, May 22nd 1815. A perusal of his genealogy shows that he is descended from families always known as exemp- lary, efficient and foremost in the vigorous private and public enterprises that tend to elevate and strengthen individuals and communities. His father, Jeremiah Huntting, was born in East Hampton, where he spent his life as a farmer, and died July 19th 1845, 73 years old. His grandfather, William Huntting, was a native of the same town, and died at the old homestead, July 6th 1816, at the age of 78 years. His great-grandfather, Nathaniel Huntting, died in September 1770, 68 years old. Nathaniel Huntting was the son of Rev. Nathaniel Huntting, who was settled over the Presbyterian society of East Hampton as its second pastor about the year 1695, and remained pastor over a half century, relin- quishing his trust only when his physical strength proved inadequate, and dying, surrounded by the friends, the memories and the monuments of a well spent life, Sep- tember 21st 1753, aged 78 years.

grandfather to Judge Henry P. Hedges. The Huntting family has been in possession of the present home- stead over 100 years, and it adjoins the property on which Rev. Nathaniel Huntting settled nearly 200 years ago. The family of William Huntting consisted of three sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter remain.

David's boyhood career closely resembled that of the average farmer's boy. He was useful at home summers and attended the village school winters. At that time there was a sort of union between the academy (which is said to be the oldest in the State) and the district school by which arrangement the same teacher heard the classes of both schools.

Young Huntting seems to have been a diligent, apt scholar, for at the age of 17 he had mastered the science of civil engineering to a sufficient degree to enable him to do some surveying to test his theories by practice. In this business he soon became exact and skillful. About 1835 he entered the field as a professional, and he has never quit it from that day to this. During the 47 years that have intervened he probably has done town of East Hampton during the last 100 years.

Mr. Huntting's mother was Charity, daughter of more surveying than any other man who has lived in the Deacon David Hedges, of Bridgehampton, who was

THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON.

Through a large part of his life Mr. Huntting has been connected with military organizations. Beginning as a private he filled all the successive minor offices until he became colonel of the 83d New York State militia, in which capacity he remained till it was disbanded. Several of the offices of the town he was also called upon to fill, being trustee of the town, overseer of the poor, and for many successive years assessor.

Phebe D., daughter of James and Abbie D. Edwards of East Hampton. They have had no children.

In politics he was a Democrat till the campaign of 1860, when, having always been " free soil " in principle, he helped elect Lincoln, and he has ever since worked with the Republican party.

For a long term of years he has had charge of other people's business as executor of wills and administrator of estates, the number of these which he has settled amounting to 30 or 40. Such trusts are not, like political offices, secured by votes, but are bestowed for inherent and known qualities of equity and fair dealing, and in- dicate the high position in public confidence of the per- son to whom they are given.

In 1824, when the first Sunday-school was organized in the Presbyterian church at East Hampton, David H. Huntting, then a boy 9 years old, was one of the scholars, and with that school he has been connected ever since as scholar, teacher or superintendent. Where is there a longer Sunday-school record?

At the age of 15 he joined the Presbyterian church in his native village, and for over.51 years he has been one of its active members and supporters, and for the last 40 years a leading member of its session, This church was not incorporated in due form till 1840, in which move- ment he was largely instrumental; he was at that time one of the trustees, and has ever since been president and treasurer of the board. In 1862 he bought a church bell at an expense of $350, and presented it to the society.

He has a natural Yankee adaptation to whatever work or business is to be done, with a will and force to work up to the foremost ranks. Always a progressive and suc- cessful farmer, he was called upon to deliver the address before the Hampton Agricultural Society at Bridgehamp- ton in 1877, the proceedings of whose meeting were hand- somely printed in pamphlet form. The following sen-

tences from this able address shows a wide range of thought and a very creditable mastery of the art of clear and graceful expression:

" To the young man no surer road to solid prosperity. and enduring pleasure and satisfaction is open than is found in the intelligent, industrious and economical pur- suit of what the old legal forms describe' as 'the art, trade and mystery of agriculture.'" "Always at the base and yet always the sure support of the best moral and physical necessities of men; whatever elevates the

When 30 years of age he became one of the proprietors of the Montauk Point property, and in its management his voice and views have always been heeded, perhaps to moral standing and weight of your class must of neces- as great an extent as those of any person living in South- sity bless every other in the wide range of human ac- tivity." "You will conduce to the interests of agriculture by a careful and persistent effort to improve and make efficient the appliances for the public education of the ampton or East Hampton. Especially has this been true since the incorporation of the proprietors in 1850, as he was president of the board of trustees many years, and was prominent in measures taken for the legal de- masses. You will see that no part of these funds is ex- pended upon incompetent, imbecile or immoral teachers, in the support of any distinctively sectarian schools, or in giving instruction in such branches as are either frivol- fense of suits brought to test the titles of the proprietors. He also interested himself in the protection of the rights of the few scattering Indians left on those lands.

Mr. Huntting was married December 12th 1843 to ous, unprofitable or simply ornamental." "The hand and heart that love and cherish the beautiful may always be trusted to minister to and exalt the good."

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