History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II, Part 163

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898,
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

USA > New York > Westchester County > History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II > Part 163

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Mr. Taylor, during his stay in London, promoted and aided in the establishment of many important enterprises, and rendered valuable assistance to the Japanese commissioners in placing their loan. His good offices and friendship were recognized by their finance minister in a letter of thanks, and the pre- sentation of a pair of Japanese vases of a rare and beautiful design as a token of gratitude.

The panic of 1873 will long be remembered for its unexpected and destructive effects. The failure of Jay Cooke & Co. was the beginning of a series of bank- ruptcies that carried down thousands who thought themselves beyond its reach. The house of Henry Clews & Co. made every effort to avoid suspension. They paid out millions of their best assets to stem the tide, but all to no avail. The house closed its doors, and with its failure the London house suc- cumbed also. Universal sympathy was expressed for Mr. Taylor, in the unlooked-for and sudden catastro- phe, but no blame attached to him, and as a mark of confidence he was requested by the trustees of the estate to proceed to New York at once and take such steps as he might deem necessary for the protection of the creditors. About the same time the Britishi bondholders of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Minnesota Railway Company appointed Mr. Taylor their attorney in fact to proceed to recover their property. Promptly associating himself with the New York committee, foreclosure and a reorganization followed ; in due course he was elected a director in the new company and appointed treasurer. Four years of wise management brought the property to a prosperous basis.

Mr. Taylor was an influential member of the New York Stock Exchange for many years, and elected a governor for various terms ; was chairman of the com- mittee to consolidate the Government Board and the public, or open board with the exchange, and served on most of the committees. He was one of the com- mittee to represent the Exchange at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. He also received the nomination for president of the Exchange, but failed of election owing to his advocacy of i measure to re- move the Exchange into more commodious quarters. This project had enlisted in its favor many of the best minds of the board, but the opposition of property in- terests was too strong to be overcome. He gave up his seat several years ago. His son and brothers con- tinne active and influential members.

Mr. Taylor at an early stage was greatly interested in the subject of electric lighting. He aided in es- tablishing the Gramme Electrical Company, and for a time was a director and its treasurer.

The subject of a canal across the Isthmus had long been considered by him as the most important world's work remaining to be done. His preferences were all in favor of the route through Nicaragua. De Lesseps meanwhile had inaugurated the Panama scheme. Mr. Taylor and his associates did not believe in the feasibility of that route and they proceeded with their plans. The government of Nicaragua granted a very valuable concession and a society was organ- ized to promote the work. A bill was presented to the Congress of the United States providing for in- corporation, and at several stages a government guar- antee of interest was asked for. Mr. Taylor took a very active part in the proceedings; was one of the

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first direetors and chairman of the executive com- mittee. Admiral Ammin, Engineer Menoeal and the late Ilon. S. L. Phelps were conspicuous for their devotion to the enterprise. The inaction of Con- gress has delayed matters, but the late Secretary of State Frelinghuysen dispatched Engineer Menoeal with a surveying corps to determine the probable cost aud the best line for the canal. A report very favorable is in preparation, to be submitted to Con- gress. Mr. Taylor has abiding faith in the ultimate completion of the work.

The New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railway also attraeted his attention. His friends were in it and he was invited to take part in the work of organ- ization. Everything then seemed to favor the plan. Sixteen millions of dollars were immediately sub- seribed to the bonds and further subscriptions de- elined. Ten millions of eash was already iu the treasury, and work begun with great vigor. Mr. Taylor was elected a director and treasurer.

He was also a director in the Ontario and Western Railroad and the Wallkill Valley Railway. These positions were all resigned in 1882, he desiring to join his family in Europe for a short period of rest. Within a month after his arrival in Paris his young- est daughter, Christine, a lovely and gifted girl, died there suddenly, in the eighteenth year of her age. The blow to her parents and family was terrible ; an immediate return to this country was deeided upon, and in a fortnight Mr. Taylor with his wife and re- maining daughter were again settled in " Linwood," their country home at Rye Neek. Here they have resided ever sinee. Indeed, the Taylors are a county family in the best English sense. They have resided at " Linwood " all the year around and almost eon- tinuously for twenty-five years some member of the family has kept open house. The fires have never gone out. The sons, Alexander and George, have crected pretty residenees within speaking distance of the old homestead. Mr. Taylor and family attend St. Thomas' Episcopal Church at Mamaroneck. Mrs. Taylor takes charge of a large elass in the Sabbatlı- school and she also personally superintends and maintains the Rye Neck Industrial Free School, which she organized some years ago, the object being to educate young girls in sewing and needlework.

On the 16th of March, 1883, the mother of Mr. Taylor died, in the eighity-first year of her age. She was born in Leith, Seotland, and was a notable exam- ple of the best traits of the Scottish character. She was greatly loved by her family and highly esteemed by a wide circle who had the pleasure of her acquaint- ance.

Mr. Taylor was formerly one of the directors of the Demilt Dispensary of the eity of New York, and for more than twenty years a manager of the annual " Charity Ball " for the benefit of the Nursery and Child's Hospital. The monuments erected in the Central Park to the memory of Sir Walter Seott and

Robert Burns met with active support from him and he rendered valuable service upon the committees. As a member of and an officer in the St. Andrew's Society and the Burns Club of the city of New York he has been long and highly regarded.

He has been for many years a Fellow of the Na- tional Academy of Design and a member of the Union Leagne Club of the city of New York. He is chairman of the American Board of Trustees of the Seottish Union and National Insurance Company of Seotland, of which, it may be interesting to kuow, Sir Walter Seott was the first governor.

It is a great pleasure to present the county which has enjoyed his citizenship for so many years with this brief outline of Mr. Taylor's career. A compar- atively poor boy with no capital exeept those sterling qualities which were inherited from and fostered by an eminently Christian mother and a wise and pru- dent father, he has earved his way amid the ever- changing fortune of Wall Street to a permanent place iu publie estimation and popularity. Notwith- standing the business cares which have engrossed the major part of his time, he has ever found a spare moment for the appreciation of noble works of art, seienee and literature. As an amateur he has done considerable painting, both in oil and water color, and has also indulged in an occasional rhyme or essay. He is an upright man, an euterprising eitizeu, a true friend and a courteous gentleman. As such he will long be appreciated throughout the locality iu which he lives and also the county at large.

ALEXANDER TAYLOR, JR.,

Son of the preceding, and one of the most popular and successful young men in the county, was born in the city of New York, June 22, 1848. In early boy- hood he attended school at the Charlier Institute and finished his education at Churchill's Military Aead- emy, at Sing Sing. At the age of seveuteen he en- tered his father's offiee in Wall Street as a elerk, and in a few years was taken in as junior partner. Four years of partnership with Taylor Bros. created an ambition to venture on his own aceount, and with his father as associate and adviser, business was estab- lished at No. 56 Broadway, under the firm-name of Alexander Taylor & Son. Later the senior withdrew to go to Europe, and William Taylor's younger brother, George M. Taylor, was taken into the busi- ness, under the firm-name of Alexander Taylor's Sons. Two years ago Mr. George M. Taylor retired to the country, and under the name of Alexander Taylor, Jr., the business is now eondueted.

Mr. Taylor is many-sided; his occupations and charities are numerous and various. Close attention to business does not prevent him from taking lively interest in other affairs. As a prominent member of the Stock Exchange he has won the regard of a wide eirele of friends, especially among the younger mem- bers. lle is noted for his keen and aceurate judgment

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and his success has been the success of many of his friends. He thought, properly, it was the duty of young meu of respectability to take some part in pol- ities, and not to leave the legislation of the country in the hands of professional politicians. He was always a strong Republican, and when he was ten- dered a nomination for Congress in the Twelfth Con- gressional District, now the Fourteenth, he did not hesitate to accept it. This important district includes the whole of Westchester County, together with the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards of the city of New York. The district is a regular Democratic stronghold, but so great was his personal popularity that he carried the county by a majority of three hundred and forty votes and was only defeated in the two city wards by a small majority for his opponent, Hon. Waldo Hutchins. Mr. Taylor has been unceas- ing aud persistent for his party, a bearer of its bur- dens aud an incessant worker in its ranks He is eminently entitled to any distinction it can confer.

He is a club man in the fullest sense of the word; iu field sports he is prominent aud fortunate, a great lover of the rod and gun and he is also an enthusias- tic yachtsman. His admiration for horses is well known, and his efforts in founding the Gentlemen's Driving Association of New York were recognized by the presentation to him of a magnificent bowl of hammered silver. He was one of the organizers of the National Horse Show of America, and is still a director. He also assisted in the organization of the "Country Club," at Bartow, in this county, and is one of its goveruors. Prominent among the many clubs to which he belongs may be mentioned the Union League, the New York Yacht Club, the Leiderkranz Society, St. Andrew's Society, the Larchmont and Pelham Yacht Clubs, the American Jockey Club and the Coney Island Jockey Club. He is a Mason and belongs to Holland Lodge of New York.

On June 3, 1868, he married Faunie, youngest daughter of Hon, Henry I. Taylor, a well-known mer- chant of New York. They have had seven children, four of whom, three sons and one daughter, are dead. The names of the surviving three daughters are Laura, the eldest; Alexandriua, the next; and Fan- nie, the youngest. Mrs. Taylor is fond of intellectual pursuits, such as reading, painting and music. The walls of her beautiful residence "Chrismere," Rye Neck, bear evidence of taste and refinement, many of the works being from her own hands. The family attend St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, at Mamaro- neck.

"Chrismere," the home of Mr. Taylor, stands upon a knoll facing the Sound. The sloping lawn runs to the water's edge and the views are picturesque and striking. In the stables are various horses of choice breeding, from the fast trotters to the high-stepping carriage team. The kennels contain selected dogs of value, most of them prize-winners. In each depart- ment Mr. Taylor's taste and affection are displayed

by the loving care bestowed on their welfare. His humanity and largeness of soul does not stop here, for his heart goes into the ranks of the poor and needy. No man in the county is more frequently called upon and none certainly responds more cheerfully. His good fellowship is proverbial, his popularity un- bounded. It is rare to find so many sterling qualities combined, but Mr. Taylor is unique and original. The people of this county are to be congratulated on the possesion of one so marked, so varied, so respect- ed and beloved.

NATHAN C. POND, A.M.

One of the most successful business men of West- chester County is Nathan C. Pond.

Born and brought up on a farm, and early forced to struggle for the very necessaries of life, he neverthe- less managed to secure for himself a thorough classi- cal education, and, having spent the vigor of his life in giving to the youth in various sections of the country that instruction he so much craved in his own childhood, has since, in the limited space of ten years, acquired a competence, with prospects of still greater financial success.

His father, Elihu Pond, was boru in Franklin, Mass., in 1795. He married Rachel Fuller, of Med- way, and soon after removed to Oakham, in that State. It was here that Nathan C., the fifth of nine children, was born April 27, 1829. His boyhood was one of coustant labor for support. Such were the circum- stances of the family during the financial depression of 1836 and 1837 that the lad, though but seven years old, was obliged to go out at day's work. Iu fact, his whole childhood and youth were spent in arduous labor, to the great disadvantage of his mental development. In the winter seasons he attended, during a short period, the district school at Oakham, doing most of his studying iu the morning before the family were astir; but at fourteen years of age even this privilege was denied him and he was re- duced to the condition of a mere machine, doing so much work a day for a bare existence. To a youth- ful and ambitious mind, filled with a desire to rise, such a life was painful in the extreme. This is showu by the fact that in his sixteenth year lie chose to leave home, agreeing in return for the privilege to contribute one hundred dollars a year toward the family support, rather than to be thus bound dowu to an existence which offered no charm and to a life which had uo object. From his sixteenth to his twenty-first year he kept his promise, earning the money as best he could either by teaching thic dis- trict school or iu the workshop or on neighboring farms. At twenty-one years of age he found himself in possession of a surplus of seventy-five dollars. With this he determined to begin a preparation for college. At first his father endeavored to dissuade him from this purpose, offering as au inducement to give him the farm on condition that he would return

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home and assume the support of the family. But he could not underrate the importance of acquiring an education, and with that end in view he entered Munson Academy, where he spent two years.

While here and at Amherst College he was obliged to obtain the necessary means of support by working during his vacations at whatever he found most re- munerative. In one of these he was commissioned by the American Sunday-School Union to labor in Moorefield, West Virginia. As a result of the ac- quaintance made, he was called to teach therc at the close of his collegiate course. Before going to Moorefield as an instructor he married Sarah E. Keep, of Munson, Mass., for whom he formed an attachment while in the academy, and to whose loving co-opera- tion he attributes much of his past and present suc- cess. At the elose of one year he returned to Massa- chusetts to become the first principal of the High School in Spencer.

In the spring of 1857 he was called to the princi- palship of public graded schools in Norwich, Conn. While here he refused a lucrative business position, in order to pursue his chosen profession. Two years after he took charge of the public schools in An- sonia, Conn., and four years later he was called to be principal and superintendent of schools in Danbury, in the same State. Here a large school building was erected under his direction and a High School estab- lished. His wise administration and efficient efforts, as conceded by all, added greatly to the educational advantages of the town. During his labors in An- sonia and Danbury he was often associated with the State superintendent of instruction in giving lee- tures on methods of teaching and kindred subjects before Teachers' Institutes of the State. His life as a teacher was ever characterized by faithful, ener- getic and efficient service. In 1870, without previous intimation, and in recognition of the able work done by him as an educator, he received from his Alma Mater the honorary degree of A.M. His rising family and the recognized instability of a teacher's position in the public schools led him to relinquish his position in the spring of 1873, to enter the arena of business. During the financial depression and disasters of the September following the savings of his eighteen years of professional life were swallowed up. In the spring of 1874 he came to Port Chester, a stranger, without any capital, excepting that which was represented by a few well-worn sewing-machines, and took in hand a business for which his ability has

for an hour, nor lowered the wages of those em- ployed, depending rather upon the increase of busi- ness for profits.

His business has tended to advance the financial prosperity of Port Chester, and his love of education has made him watchful and helpful in securing in- creased intellectual advantages for the place. For six years he was a member of the Board of Education, and to his familiarity with the needs of public schools the village is largely indebted for the fine edifice recently erected and the establishment of a High School.

Mr. Pond has ever exerted an influence for moral culture and the elevation of those about him. Not only has he carried his religions principles into his business, but they have been the controlling power of his life. His Christian character has been manifested in the loving support of an aged mother for many years and by his liberal contributions to all benevo- lent objects. His early deprivations have made him peculiarly susceptible to human suffering, and his heart and purse are ever open to relieve. He joined the Congregational Church in early life. was licensed to preach the gospel by the Fairfield West Association while teaching in Danbury and fre- quently preached to churches inviting him, either as substitute or supply, as he still does, though he never sought ordination. He is now a member of the Pres- byterian Church, the same in doctrine as the Congre- gational, serving it as a ruling clder ; trustee, treas- urer of the society and leader of the church choir ; has been an active worker in the Sunday-school, both as a teacher and superintendent. He is a Re- publican, and, although he has never held political office, he is prominently interested in State and national affairs. He has three children, - Jessie C., Louis K. and Mamie C.,-all of whom are with him. at present. Such a life as that of Mr. Pond needs no comment.

WILLIAM P. ABENDROTH.

Prominent among the men of the county who, by persistent effort and hard work, have won for them- selves fortune, reputation and the comforts of life, is William P. Abendroth. Favored by no advantageous circumstances at the start, nor brilliant speculation in its progress, his business career has been one of untiring industry.

He was born in Germany, December 18, 1818. Fourteen years later he came with his parents to this been abundantly proved by his success. What he | country. After a short stay in New York City the has made of it may be seen at a glance by any who may pass the extensive shirt manufactory at Port Chester. Several hundred employes, male and fe- male, well paid, well clothed and prosperous, to- gether with the constant click and rattle of machinery, indicate a progressive and profitable industry. Dur- ing the business depression of the past several years he has never in consequence closed his manufactory family removed to Albany, N. Y., and soon afterward the young man entered the iron foundry of Dr. Ephraim Nott in that city, where he commenced learning the founder's trade. During his sojourn here of two years, and while in other towns, until he reached his twentieth year, he improved his leisure time in the evenings by studying in night-schools. In 1834 Dr. Nott transferred his business to New York

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City and started the Novelty Iron Works, where Mr. Abendroth finished his apprenticeship in 1836.

In the same year he left the firm by whom he had been employed and engaged as a journeyman in the foundry of Bartlett Bent, in Jersey City.

Ambitious of improving his position and cireum- stances, he withdrew from the employ of Mr. Bent in the fall of 1839, to travel southward to New Or- leans, notwithstanding the position as foreman in the foundry tendered him by Mr. Bent. The voyage to New Orleans in those days was made chiefly by sailing-vessels, as the application of steam to navi- gation was not then perfected to an extent which rendered it safe and expeditious. After a short stay in the commercial centre of the South, he proceeded up the Mississippi River, working at his trade in St. Louis and subsequently in Cincinnati.

After spending a year in what was then termed "The West," he returned and worked in the foundry of George E. Waring, at Stamford, Conn. A stay of a few months in this place completed his career as a journeyman. In 1840 he came to Port Chester, and, together with Philip Rollhaus, who is so kindly re- membered in the place to this day, laid the founda- tion of the gigantic enterprise which at present fur- nishes support to more of its inhabitants than any three or four establishments in the village.

The original building in which they began their business is yet remaining and is now filled with moulding sand, while the partitions are still standing which formerly divided the office and pattern-shop from the main building. It is with a just and par- donable pride that Mr. Abendroth preserves this monument of his early struggles, which have resulted in the building up of an establishment comprising many factories and warehouses and employing over five hundred hands.

At the beginning he was largely dependent on credit ; but so rapidly did his business increase, and so honorably did he conduct the same, that at the end of one year Bartlett Bent, his former employer, had extended his line of credit to the amount of many thousand dollars.

His obligations were always promptly met, and from that time the business continued to increase un- til it developed into its present immense proportions, occupying a main building three hundred and sixty- five feet long by seventy-two fect broad. In 1842 an office in New York City was opened, which is now at Nos. 109 and 111 Beekman Street, and includes two large sales-rooms.

Upon the retirement of Mr. Rollhaus from the firm, in 1845, Mr. Abendeth took into the business his two brothers, Augustus and John, and some years later his brother-in-law, John D. Fraser. John Abendroth withdrew from the firm in 1874, while Au- gustus continued his connection until his death, in 1882. In 1876 a stock company was organized, which continues with Mr. Abendroth at its head. There is

no company in the business whose trade is built upon a more solid basis, or whose affairs are managed on sounder principles of economy and integrity.

In addition to the business of the Eagle Iron Works, he has been identified with every public en- terprise which tended to advance the interests and welfare of the village. In 1864 he assisted in the or- ganization of the First National Bank of Port Ches- ter, of which he remains a director. In 1865, together with a number of gentlemen, he secured the charter, organized the Port Chester Savings Bank, one of the stanchest banks in the county, and was chosen its president, which office he yet holds. His career in banking circles has been stamped by the same prin- ciples of economy, conservatism and good judgment which characterized him in commercial life.

In the administration of local municipal matters he has likewise interested himself, having been pres- ident of the village for four years, besides taking act- ive part in various minor organizations. In the es- tablishment of the Port Chester Water Works Con- pany he was a prime mover and still continues a director. He takes a lively interest in everything pertaining to the success and advancement of the various enterprises with which he is connected.

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History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II, Part 163

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898, Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898,
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co.
Number of Pages: 1286