History of Suffolk county, New York, 1683, Part 70

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 70

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Of the daughters of Haviland and Mary Weeks, Har- riet, the oldest, married Colonel Sawyer of Rochester and died leaving two daughters.

Elizabeth, the second daughter, married Calvin Cur- tis, a portrait painter, living in Stratford, Conn. Mrs. Curtis is now living and has one son and two daughters.

Mary, the third daughter, married a Mr. Peck of New York city.

Phebe Lewis, oldest daughter of Henry Scudder, left one daughter, who married John Bruce of New York city, and one son, Henry Scudder Lewis, who settled in Oneida county, N. Y.

Amelia Lewis, youngest daughter of. Henry Scudder, left one daughter, wife of Joseph S. Lewis of North-

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RESIDENCE OF HON. HENRY. J, SCUDDER, HEAD OF NORTHPORT HARBOR, SUFFOLK CO., L.I.

THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.

port, and a son Henry S. Lewis, now living at Northport. Joel Scudder, youngest son of Henry Scudder died in 1835, childless.

Henry Scudder, fifth in descent from Thomas of Sa- lem, was born at the old homestead in Crab Meadow in April 1778, and in 1800 moved to Great Cow Har- bor, on the farm given to his father by his uncle John Scudder of Sumpawams. This farm is part of the land bought by the first Thomas Scudder of Long Island.

He married early in life Phebe, daughter of Jonas Wood of Dix Hills. Her mother was Elizabeth Dingee, a daughter of an officer in the English army. Phebe both of these parents, and has remained with him during

died leaving two children, one of whom married Sea- bury Bryant, the other Melancthon Bryant of North- port. Henrietta, daughter of the latter, married Mr. Blanchard, a merchant of New York city, and survives. The descendants of Seabury Bryant reside in Illinois. Henry Scudder married as his second wife Elizabeth, fourth daughter of Hon. Devine Hewlett of Cold Spring Harbor. There were five children of this second mar- riage who reached maturity.

The oldest daughter married Dr. William W. Kissam, and after his death married William W. Wood of Hunt- ington. One son, W. Wilton Wood, survives her.

The second daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Scud- der married Henry G. Scudder, and resides with her husband on the Gilbert Scudder farm at East Neck, Huntington, L. I.

Hon. Henry J. Scudder, LL.D., oldest son of Henry and Elizabeth Scudder, was born September 18th 1825. A sketch of his life is given below.

Townsend Scudder, second son of Henry and has been associated since under the firm name of Scud- Elizabeth, graduated at Trinity College, in 1854; be- came a prominent lawyer in New York city, and died in 1875. He married Sarah M., daughter of P. H. Frost of but his son, inclining to the more liberal views of the New York city, and left six children.

Hewlett Scudder, youngest son of Henry and Eliza- beth, engaged early in life in mercantile business in the city of New York, where he now resides.

Joel Scudder, the youngest son of Timothy, was the father of Hon. Tredwell Scudder of Islip, who was conspicuous in public life during the period from 1802 to 1825. He represented his county in the State As- sembly many terms, and the First Congressional Dis- trict of the State in the 15th Congress. He was noted for calm, discreet judgment, great probity and superior personal address. Tredwell left four sons-Walter, now residing at Islip; Wilmot, several years clerk of the county; Richard and John, who removed to Elmira, where their descendants now dwell. His daughter Han- nah was the mother of Edgar M. Smith, a leading mer- chant and manufacturer in New York city.

Jesse, another son of Joel, was the father of Israel, Samuel, George A. and Platt. George A. Scudder was many years engaged in business in Huntington village, and widely sought for his prudent and wise counsel. He now resides in the village, where his active labors have been marked by beneficent results.

IION. HENRY J. SCUDDER.

Henry J. Scudder, LL.D., the eldest son of Henry and Elizabeth Scudder, was born where he now resides, at Northport in the town of Huntington, on the 18th of September 1825. His father and mother were re- spectively members of two of the oldest and most widely- spread of Long Island families, the former being a son of Henry Scudder celebrated for his sacrifices and labors in behalf of the freedom of the American colonies, and the latter a daughter of Judge Devine Hewlett. A strong and sympathetic interest in Long Island and in its people naturally came to their son as a heritage from his entire life.

His father early designed him for the bar, and from childhood up his studies were directed to that end. In 1844, after a preparatory education chiefly had at the old academy now the union school at Huntington, he entered the junior class of Trinity College at Hartford, was gradnated with distinction in the summer of 1846, and thereupon commenced the careful and systematic study of his profession under the direction and in the office of the late William E. Curtis, chief justice of the superior court of the city of New York. He was ad- mitted to practice in 1848, and entered at once upon his professional duties and labors. Five years later he be- came associated in the practice of the law with the Hon. Henry E. Davies, afterward judge of the supreme court and chief justice of the court of appeals of the State of New York. This connection terminated upon the elec- tion of Mr. Davies to the bench, and he then formed a copartnership with James C. Carter, with whom he der & Carter.

Mr. Scudder's father was a member of the Whig party, opposing organization, was led by his convictions and youthful political attachments to join the Democratic ranks. Here the bitter aversion with which he regarded the doctrine of slavery naturally caused him to unite with its Free Soil branch, and ultimately to become active as a member of the Republican party. He was earnest in his efforts to prevent the extension of an in- stitution that he regarded with abhorrence, and, although absorbed in the labors of his profession, found leisure to make many speeches during the Fremont presidential campaign, and again in behalf of the election of Lincoln. From the outbreak to the close of the war of the Rebel- lion he devoted much time and labor to raising and or- ganizing forces for its suppression, and in various ways contributed largely to the preservation of the Union, himself holding a commission in the 37th regiment of the New York National Guard, but being prevented by physical causes from participating in actual service.

In 1870, when misrule had brought the city of New York to the verge of ruin, Mr. Scudder was one of the most energetic of those who headed the reform movement, and rendered great service in freeing the city from . existing abuses.

THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.

In 1872 he accepted the Republican nomination for Congress from the first Congressional district, which then was and had long been strongly Democratic; was elected by a majority of about two thousand, and with the opening of the session entered upon his new labors as a member of the Forty-second Congress. During his Congressional service he was distinguished by the in- dustry and ability with which he discharged his duties, and the resolution with which he upheld all measures calculated to rehabilitate the Union and to sustain the national credit. Among other efforts the speech made by him as a member of the select committee appointed by the House to examine into the serious disturbances agitating the State of Arkansas was justly regarded as one of the most effective of the session. Upon the ex- piration of his term a renomination was urgently pressed upon him, but, the absence from professional duties de- manded by his membership in Congress having proved a serious detriment to his practice and legal engagements, he was reluctantly compelled to refuse it, and, returning to New York, he resumed his labors at the bar, where he ranks among its leading members, having steadily de clined out of devotion to his profession any judicial po- sition or further political preferment. In 1881 he re- ceived the honorary degree of LL.D. from Roanoke Col- lege, Virginia.

One of the strongest characteristics of Mr. Scudder's life has been the willingness with which he has given his personal attention and assistance to the advancement of education and the amelioration of the condition of the poorer classes. He has acted as a trustee of Trinity College for upward of twenty years, and of Dr. Muhlen- berg's foundation at St. Johnland for a shorter period. He has always cherished the warmest affection for Long Island and his native place, and has availed himself of every opportunity to further their welfare. His ef- forts have been largely instrumental in aiding the de- velopment of Northport and in obtaining for it the railroad and telegraphic communications which it now enjoys.

Mr. Scudder has been twice married, his first wife being Louisa, daughter of Professor Charles Davies, and his present wife Emma, daughter of John H. Willard and granddaughter of Emma Willard, distinguished for her labors in the advancement of female education. He has seven children living, the three eldest of whom re- spectively represent the three learned professions-the- ology, medicine, and law.

DR. CARL VON DER LUEHE

was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, of noble parentage. Having been left a fortune of some $40,000 he came to this country in. 1835 and purchased a large stock farm in Texas, where he took up his residence. He afterward removed to Huntington, and from there went to Williams- burgh, where he established a very extended practice as a physician.

JESSE CARLL.

Jesse Carll, of Northport, belongs to a family whose advent in Suffolk county dates back over 200 years, and whose history is interwoven with some of the most im- portant events in the settlement and growth of the island. About 1670 Ananias Carll, of Scotch descent, came to Suffolk county and immediately became a noted

man. He took charge of the military training that was so common and so necessary in those days, and his drill and discipline were so highly prized that a large tract of land in the town of Huntington was given him in reward for his services, and to secure his permanent residence. He purchased adjoining tracts and became the largest landed proprietor in his section. He had two sons, Ananias jr. and Jesse ..

The sons inherited their father's traits, and were leaders in public movements and private enterprises .. Ananias had five sons-Timothy, Silas, Platt, Ananias 3d and John. On his death bed he made the will that divided his large property equally between his sons, for without a will the old English law would have given it all to the eldest. He failed so rapidly that his brother Jesse went in great haste to New York to get a proper person to draw this instrument, which was perfected but a few hours before his death.

Jesse had two sons, Eliphalet and Israel. Both ranked high in whatever they undertook: Israel had the military taste and talent, and rose to the rank of major; he also had a long political career, serving his county in the State Legislature for seven successive terms, from 1802 to 1808 inclusive. The original official notification from Ezra L'Hommedieu, county clerk in 1803, inform- ing him by mail that Israel Carll, Josiah Reeve and Jon- athan Dayton had been legally elected as members from Suffolk county, is still in the possession of the subject of this sketch. Israel Carll was urged to allow his name to be used for other and higher political positions, but his private interests compelled him to decline. He owned large tracts of land in the center of the island, and was also an extensive merchant.

Jesse Carll jr., the son of Eliphalet and father of our subject, was a clerk in his uncle Israel's store. After- ward, when he came to choose a business for himself, he adopted that which he had so thoroughly learned of his uncle, and became a merchant whose operations and fame were known far and wide. He also owned and dealt in landed property, and was a successful farmer. He was born September 17th 1797, and before he was 21 years old was appointed captain of a company in the 127th regiment New York State infantry. The original commission, dated April 24th 1818, and signed by Governor De Witt Clinton, is among the choice old papers which Jesse Carll has preserved. The wife of Captain Carll was Susan Smith, who was born August 22nd 1798 and died August 18th 1841. They had nine children, as follows: Mary Etta, born March 23d 1819, died in May 1881; Israel, born July 18th 1822, died March 17th 1878; Eliphalet, born March 26th 1825,. died June 7th 1861; David, born October 9th 1830;

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فرابيه

RESIDENCE & SHIPYARDS OF JESSE CARLL, NORTHPORT HARBOR, L. I.

THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.

now a ship-builder on City Island, near New York; She was a superior boat and cost $34,000. She went to Jesse jr., born March 21st 1832, the subject of this sketch; Edward, born in November 1835, now a coal and lumber dealer in Huntington; Nehemiah, born De- cember 3d 1837, died when three years old; William Henry, born August 26th 1840.

The father of this family came to his death by a most distressing accident. He, in company with his son David and a party of friends, was out gunning on Eaton's Neck beach, when David's gun was accidentally dis- charged, the contents lodging in his father's leg below the knee. Before the wounded man could be taken home he became chilled, which, added to the nervous shock experienced, reduced his vitality so low that am- putation was not attempted. He survived this terrible mishap but eight days, dying October 23d 1848, at the age of 51, in the midst of his usefulness, and universally regretted.

Jesse Carll, whose record forms the theme of this sketch, as will be seen by the successive events of his life, belongs emphatically to the list of self-made men. His present fortune and rank among his fellow men are the legitimate results of his own energy and untiring in- dustry. During his boyhood his opportunity for school ing was limited, and it ceased entirely in 1849, when, at the age of 17, he went to learn his trade of the noted lead, worth . $160,000, and landed it safely in New ship-builders James and Lloyd Bayles, at Port Jefferson. York. Mr. Carll owned five-sixteenths of the vessel and may well feel proud of this performance, for it was a feat such as no other ship-owners, or even the govern- ment, can show a parallel to. The last vessel from his yard, one of the handsomest and best he ever built, the " Fannie Brown," of 800 tons burden, was launched in January 1882. After five years of close application he was joined by his brother David, also a ship carpenter, in starting the business on their own account, under the firm name of D. & J. Carll, at Northport. These brothers had from their father's estate only $400 to begin an enterprise for which ten times that amount would have been a very moderate capital. But they had what is better, for it will In doing all this amount of business Mr. Carll has always worked on the pay-as-you-go plan, having given only one note. Few men can say as much. create money-industry, good mechanical training, and a determination to win. The third boat they built was contracted for by Appleton Oak Smith, a southerner. He wanted a large, first-class vessel constructed in a very short time. The contract for the double-decked bark "Storm Bird," of 650 tons burden, was executed for the sum of $35,000. The work was driven with such dispatch that she was built and launched in the remarka- bly quick time of eighty-seven days .. At this point the builders unwisely allowed Mr. Smith to take possession of the vessel upon promises which were not fulfilled, and they lost $7,000, leaving them $4,000 in debt. But they were not made of the timber that breaks-it was only bent. . In a short time they regained their foot- hold and subsequently built many fine vessels. In the year 1865, after a partnership of ten years, they dissolved, dividing a handsome property of $50,000, the fruit of hard work and good managenient.

Since then Jesse Carll has conducted the business alone, often employing from 75 to 100 mechanics, build- ing larger vessels and more of them than ever before. Among these was the " Mary Greenwood," of 900 tons. pletely prostrated by over-work, and by the advice of his burden, one of the finest ever launched from the island. One of his vessels, the schooner " Joseph Rudd," launched about 1871, had an experience worth relating.

the Rio Grande coast in the Gulf of Mexico, and was lying off the Brazos harbor when there came one of those terrific tropical storms that break without warning, dealing damage and destruction to whatever lies in their path. It drove the waters of the gulf upon the land in overwhelming waves, that carried houses from their foundations and tore vessels from their moorings. When the storm subsided and the water receded the "Joseph Rudd " was lying on the dry land two miles from the shore. As soon as the telegraph flashed the news to Mr. Carll he sent a foreman, George Tillett, down to make a careful survey and report. He looked the ground over, took measurements and drew a map of the whole situa- tion with such accuracy that when it reached Mr. Carll he and his partner, Joseph Rudd, made a contract from its representations with a dredging firm to dig a canal to the shore and float the schooner back into the gulf. The contract was vigorously executed, and the "Joseph Rudd " was once more afloat, but it took a year's time and cost $23,000. So perfectly had the vessel been built that twelve month's exposure in the burning sun of that baking climate had not in any manner impaired her sea going qualities; for without any repairs she took in a cargo of hides, wool and

In 1859 he married Ann Eliza, daughter of Aaron Jar- vis of Huntington. Children have been born to them as follows: Jesse jr., September 28th 1859; Hané, Septem- ber 28th 1861; Jesse A., June Ist 1864; Aaron J., Sep- tember Ist 1866; Benjamin W., November 28th 1868; Silas J., February 19th 1872; Maud E., August 20th 1873; E. Augusta, June 27th 1875; Emily A., November 17th 1877; and Russell, June 4th 1882. Of these but five are living. Aaron and Gussie died of diphtheria within two days of each other, December 27th and 29th 1878. Jesse jr., the eldest, was drowned when only four years old, in the harbor in front of his home.

Mr. Carll is still an active ship-builder, engrossed with plans and contracts, and surrounded by a small army of workmen. He is of that active, nervous temperament that works on the high pressure principle, often making a physical and mental slave of its possessor. Several times his energies have been so overtaxed that he must reef his sails or go to the bottom. In 1877 he was com-

physician went to Mexico, where he remained for several months, greatly to his benefit. The next year he again |had to quit work, and, with his wife and eldest daughter,

THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.

made the tour of the noted resorts in Canada, including those on the St. Lawrence River. Despite his continual activity time has dealt gently with his appearance, which does not indicate his years and the service he has seen. On another page is to be seen a view of his beautiful home, overlooking the delightful bay and harbor on the shore of which his ship-yard appears. The artist has sketched the " Fannie Brown," sitting lightly and grace- fully on the water, ready for her final outfit and impa- tient for her trial trip.

Few families enjoy home and every-day life as much as Mr. Carll's. All the surroundings and appointments of their home are carefully arranged and kept in perfect condition. Their hospitality is proverbial. The cordial reception, abundant entertainment and hearty good cheer extended to all friends, new and old, make them sure to go again. Some ladies are disconcerted when company comes unannounced, but Mrs. Carll and her daughter are not of this class; hence they are seldom alone. The relations existing between the parents and their children are peculiarly pleasant. The education of the latter is carefully attended to at home and abroad. The eldest daughter, Hane, graduated at one of the finest institutions in New Jersey, her studies including a thorough musical training. The son Jesse A. has adopted his father's business of ship-building.

GILBERT CARLL.

Gilbert Carll, of Dix Hills, town of Huntington, was born in 1787, on the old family estate, where he spent his life and where he died September 3d 1880. He was a prominent man and belonged to a prominent family, whose history is given in the preceding sketch. Gilbert had one sister, Phebe, who married William Woodhull, of New York city. He had no brothers. He was the son of Jacob Carll, whose father was Platt, great- grandson of Ananias, whose father's name was also Ananias. This takes us back to about the year 1670, when the last named settled in Huntington.

It is related of Platt Carll that during the Revolution- ary war the British forces took possession of his house, hoping to get possession of a large amount of money he was reputed to have. They used violence to make him reveal its whereabouts, going as far as to put a rope around his neck and draw him up into the air several times; but they did not take his life, neither did they get any money.

By the family record it will be seen that the subject of this sketch was the great-great-grandson of Ananias last named. His early education was such as the common schools of those days afforded. When he developed into manhood he became a farmer and dealt largely in cattle. His house, which was built about 1795, was kept as a hotel for more than 50 years, till the railroad

Gilbert Curl

was completed. During much of this time the post- office was kept there, and Mr. Carll was postmaster.

About the year 1828 or 1830 he was elected super- visor of Huntington on the Democratic ticket, which party represented his politics throughout life. Before this he was often president of the board of town trus- tees, which at that time was a responsible trust. He was also one of the first two loan commissioners ever ap- pointed in this county, serving in that capacity (and also as town superintendent of schools) in 1843. He was in- terested in the building of the railroad, and was a director and president of the Jericho and Smithtown Turnpike Company. All of these offices and positions of trust were filled with great ability and to the entire satisfaction of those who had conferred theni. In the administration of all public affairs he left an untarnished record.

He married Fanny Carll, daughter of Oliver Carll, a distant relative. His wife died in 1866. They had a family of seven children, of whom Jacob P. Carll, ex- sheriff of Queens county, and now of Brooklyn, was the oldest; G. Edward Carll is an ex-treasurer of Queens county, and Oliver G. Carll remains on the old home- stead of nearly 1,000 acres, which has been the family residence since its original purchase over 200 years ago.

Thus closes the record of one who served his day and generation in an able and acceptable manner, and be- queathed to his descendants the richest of all legacies- a good name and an upright example.

THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.

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WILLIAM D. WOODEND.

Dr. William D. Woodend was born in Portsmouth, Va., May 22nd 1832. His father, W. R.Woodend, was an officer in the custom-house at Norfolk. His mother, whose maiden name was Herbert, was a descendant of Lord Herbert. She was born April 20th 1811, and died in Wash- ington, January 20th 1872. His father was born September 16th 1803, and died in Washington, October 15th 1873.

William D. received an academic education at an ex- cellent school in Portsmouth. He commenced reading medicine at 18, and soon after, through the influence of prominent personal friends, was admitted to the naval hospital at Norfolk, where he remained three years. His preceptor was James F. Harrison, then a surgeon in the United States navy, and now professor of the theory and practice of medicine in the University of Virginia. At the age of 21 William entered, as a medical student, the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most re- nowned and one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. Here he graduated in 1855. For the next two years he practiced in Philadelphia, being a good share of the time a member of the board of health, which in that city of physicians is a noted position for a young doctor.

In 1857 he came to Huntington and took the field left vacant by Doctor Sturges's removal to the west. Here for nearly a generation he has been a hard worker in his delicate and responsible calling. For twenty-five years the people of this village and the surrounding country have known him in their homes and by their bedsides, where he has ever proved a faithful friend and the close ties that bind him to the present generation will a skillful physician.

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