USA > New York > Long Island historic homes, ancient and modern : including a history of their founders and builders > Part 9
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Sylvanus Smith was a patriot and remained true to the cause of the colonists, while a brother, a tory, was obliged to leave home and settled in Nova Scotia, where he left descendants.
Sylvanus Smith married Sarah Searing (born March 13, 1731; died July 25, 1817), and had among other children, a son Sylvanus.
Sylvanus Smith (2), son of Sylvanus and Sarah (Searing) Smith, was born April 7, 1764, and dicd July 27, 1825. His children were Susan M., John Schenck, Daniel S., Sylvanus S., Maria and Lavinia, both of whom were married to John L. Riker.
The children of this marriage were:
I. Henry Laurens; died 1861, unmarried.
II. Silvanus S .; married Helen Bownc.
III. Mary Ann; died, 1865, unmarried.
IV. Lavinia; married Abram D. Ditmars.
V. JOHN LAWRENCE RIKER; (see record).
VI. SAMUEL RIKER; born April 10, 1832; married Mary Ann Stryker; (see record).
VII. Richard; died 1853.
VIII. Daniel Smith Riker; married Joanna C. Field. IX. Jane; married Arthur B. Graves.
X. William James; married Charlotte S. Stryker. XI. Julia Lawrence; married Chas. D. Leverich.
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John Lawrence Riker (2), fifth child of John Lawrence (1) and first child of Lavinia (Smith ) Riker, was born at the homestead, Bow- ery Bay, Nov. 23, 1830. His tastes and inclinations led him to pursue a mercantile life, and his successful carcer shows that his choice was a wise one. After completing his studies he came to New York, and first entered the house of Lawrence & Hicks, and later that of Benjamin H. Field, dealer in drugs, dyes, chemicals, etc. He was faithful and earnest in his efforts to please his employer and to acquire a thorough knowledge of the business. As a result, his promotion was rapid, and he became a partner in 1854, which continued until December 31, 1860, when he retired to form a copartnership with his brother, Daniel S., in the same line of business, on January 1, 1861, just previous to the breaking out of the Civil War. The new firm soon acquired a reputation for upright business methods and square dealings, which they have maintained through nearly half a century, passing unscathed through the various business crises. While other members of the family have formed the firm from time to time, the name of J. L. & D. S. Riker remains the same. While other business interests have of late years absorbed much of the time of Mr. Riker, he remained the senior member of the firm until 1903, although the principal management of the business devolved upon his son, John J. His success as a merchant and his large business oper- ations have brought him in close touch with large financial institutions, and he has frequently been called on to assist in the management of these, having accepted the vice-presidency of some, and a directorship in several others, notably the Bank of New York, N. B. A., Second National Bank, Metropolitan Trust Company, Chamber of Com- merce, Atlantic Marine Insurance Co., Continental Insurance Co., (Fire), Laflin & Rand Powder Co., and many manufacturing com-
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panies. Mr. Riker is a merchant of the old school, whose methods have been great application, activity and thoroughness, with complete knowledge of all business undertaken, thus securing the confidence and loyalty of his correspondents. He inherits the same family char- acteristics that have made his ancestors successful in their various careers. He is a member of the St. Nicholas Society, the Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of the Revolution, a trustee and vice-president of the Holland Society, and a member of the various social clubs, Union League, Metropolitan, St. Nicholas, etc. He has served as vestryman, and now as senior warden, in the Church of the Incarna- tion (Episcopal), for more than a quarter of a century. He married Mary, daughter of John C. Jackson (see record).
John C. Jackson descended from a highly respectable family of Staffordshire, England, one of whom was knighted for his services to his sovereign, and was awarded the following described
Arms-Argent a lion passant gules; on a chief of the second, three poleaxes of the first.
Crest-An arm in armour, embowed holding a battle-axe all ppr.
John C. Jackson was born at Burslem, Staffordshire, England, April 7, 1809. He received a liberal education, and then entered a firm who were extensively engaged in the manufacture of china and earthenware. He came to New York in January, 1830, as the rep- resentative of the firms of John Davenport & Co. and John Wedge- wood. He soon established a large and successful trade in various parts of the country. Among his early customers was H. B. Claflin, who was then carrying on a large country store in Worcester, Mass. His place of business for a time was on Water street, and he after- wards removed to Barclay street. He was a leading and prosperous
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merchant, and enjoyed the confidence of his patrons. He continued in business until about the close of the war in 1865, and retired with a competence.
He was fond of a country life. In 1850 he began the raising of high grade cattle, and two years later entered in competition at the Queens County fair held at Flushing. He was awarded a prize for every separate entry. He was not only interested in stock raising, but in agricultural affairs generally, and especially in Queens county. He was elected president of the Queens County Agricultural society in 1863-4-5, and in 1874 and 1875. His influence in agricultural matters was felt to a greater or less extent throughout the island, and he became a recognized authority, and his advice and counsel was sought on frequent occasions. At the annual meeting held at Mine- ola in the fall of 1864, ex-Governor John A. King offered the follow- ing resolution, which was unanimously adopted :
"Resolved, That the thanks of the society are hereby tendered to John C. Jackson, Esq., for the able, liberal and impartial manner in which he has discharged the duties of president for the past two years."
On his retirement from the presidency of the society the last time, in 1875, the following resolution was adopted :
"Resolved, That the thanks of this society are hereby tendered to John C. Jackson, Esq., our retiring president, for the able and efficient manner in which he has discharged his duties, and for the generous and noble spirit of liberality that has marked his course during the period of his official terms, and that he retires with our best wishes for his future health and happiness."
Mr. Jackson became equally prominent in the state agricultural
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affairs, and was a regular attendant, and took an active part in the proceedings of the New York State Agricultural society. He was elected vice president of that body in 1854, and again in 1855.
Mr. Jackson was recognized as one of the most public spirited citi- zens of the old town of Newtown, now Long Island City. Largely through his efforts a charter was obtained in 1859 for a turnpike road from Hunter's Point to Flushing, a distance of six miles, known as Jackson avenue. The Hunter's Point, Newtown and Flushing Turn- pike company, of which Mr. Jackson was elected president, had the general supervision of the construction of the turnpike. By those familiar with road construction, this was said to be at that time, the best constructed road on Long Island. In recognition of his services, and of the able manner in which he accomplished the work, the stockholders presented Mr. Jackson with a dinner set of silver plate. He continued as president of the company until it ceased to exist, the road subsequently becoming by purchase, the property of the town of Newtown, and has since been one of the public roads and chief thoroughfares in that part of the county. He married Martha M., daughter of Capt. Andrew Riker, son of Samuel and brother of Hon. Richard and John Lawrence Riker.
Capt. Andrew Riker was quite a noted character in his day. Hc was the second child of Samuel and Anna (Lawrence) Riker, born Sept. 21, 1771, just before the dawn of the American Revolution, and his childhood days were spent amid the exciting events of that period. Young as he was, the spirit of patriotism was strong within him, and was developed at a later period in life. Fond of adventure, he early imbibed a taste for a seafaring life, and at a very early age was in command of a merchant vessel engaged in the European and East Indian trade. He was doing a successful business when the war of
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1812-15 rendered it too hazardous to continue, and at the same time afforded an excellent opportunity for one of his daring, adventurous spirit to engage in an extra hazardous, though profitable, enterprise. Armed with letters of marque, he availed himself of his knowledge of the American coast to prey on British commerce, and as com- mander of the Saratoga and later of the Yorktown, he captured some valuable prizes, the profits of which he shared with his faithful crew. He rendered important service to his country, but was finally cap- tured by the enemy off Newfoundland. He was soon released on parole, but was thus prevented from continuing his profitable occu- pation. After the close of the war he returned to the merchant service, and died at St. Domingo, West Indies, while on a voyage to that port, Oct. 17, 1817. He was in the prime of life, being only forty six years of age at the time of his death. He married, Feb. 6, 1802, Margaret, daughter of Nathaniel Moore, and had issue, Nathaniel M., Samuel, Andrew, John, Martha MI., Anna, Augustus, Abraham and Margaret.
Martha M. Riker, fifth child of Capt. Andrew and Margaret (Moore) Riker, was born June 11, 1811; was married to John C. Jackson November 18, 1834. The only issue of this marriage was Mary Anna Jackson, who was married to John L. Riker.
Mr. Jackson purchased about 1840, the homestead and farm, "Oak Hill," in the town of Newtown, formerly owned by Captain Andrew Riker, the father of Mrs. Jackson. This farm contains about forty acres, and is beautifully situated on a high eminence, overlook- ing the surrounding country, and affording an extended view for miles around. The homestead lot is on the corner of Jackson avenue and Newtown road. Several acres surrounding the house were laid out in lawn, with abundant shade trees, a part of the original
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forest trees still remaining-notably the oak, elm and locust and other trees. After Mr. Jackson purchased the place he added the pine, elm, maple and other ornamental trees, giving the place a much more modern appearance. Two old cherry trees, gnarled and knotted by age, but still bidding defiance to the elements, stand by the road- side, giving quite a picturesque effect. One of the most striking features of the place is an immense willow tree in the rear of the house, half decayed, but still shooting forth its branches from year to year, clinging to life as if to remind those of the present generation of the delightful shade it afforded to those of the long ago.
The house, although built a century ago, has the appear- ance of having been built half a century later. A large bay window on one side extends to the second story, giving it somewhat of a modern appearance. The interior of the mansion, however, is quite antique in the style of finish. The rooms are large and well lighted, and the two large colonial mantles, both hand made, are in the style of a century and a half ago.
Mrs. J. L. Riker, the daughter of J. C. Jackson, was born in the country place of DeWitt Clinton, Bloomingdale, which her father was occupying at the time. A few years later Mr. Jackson moved to Oak Hill, so that her happy childhood days were spent be- neath the beautiful shade trees that still adorn the old place. The playmates of her youth have nearly all departed, but she still clings fondly to the memory of her early associations, and every tree and shrub have an individual interest to her. It has never passed out of her hands, nor even temporarily from her control, but is kept in order by a caretaker, who is strictly accountable to her for the condition of the property.
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The children of John Lawrence and Mary (Jackson) Riker are:
I. JOHN JACKSON RIKER (see record).
Il. Henry Laurens Riker; born June 20, 1860; died, unmar- ried, August 13, 1900. He was a member of the Down Town Club, New York Athletic Club, Sons of the Revolution and St. Nicholas. He was graduated at Columbia College, class of '80, and entered the counting room of his father's firm. His tastes were more literary and musical, and he spent much of his time in helping and aiding the poor and humble, and was much beloved by them and his friends.
III. MARGARET MOORE RIKER; married J. Amory Haskell, De- cember 9, 1901 (see record).
IV. Lavinia; married James Remsen Strong, June ist, 1902.
V. Samuel Riker, Jr .; married Frances Mortimer Townsend, November 18th, 1896.
VI. Silvanus, twin brother of Samuel; died in infancy.
VII. Martha Jackson Riker; married James Howe Proctor, April 28th, 1897.
VIII. Charles Lawrence Riker; married Selina Schroeder, Oct. 16th, 1900.
IX. Mary Jackson Riker; married April 29th, 1903, Henry Ingersoll Riker, son of Daniel S. and Joanna (Field) Riker.
MAJOR JOHN JACKSON RIKER, eldest child of John Lawrence and Mary (Jackson) Riker, was born at Newtown, April 6, 1858. He inherits the same genial, kindly nature, as well as the solid, substantial characteristics that have distinguished his ancestors in their day and generation. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, and after completing his studies he entered his father's firm in a subordi-
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nate capacity, and in the course of a few years had mastered all the details of the business and qualified himself for the important position which he has filled for many years as managing partner of the business.
In view of the distinguished record of his ancestors, his fondness for military affairs was but natural. He joined the famous Seventh regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., May 26, 1878, and in August, 1879, was appointed aide-de-camp, with the rank of lieutenant, on the staff of Gen. William G. Ward, commanding First brigade. On April ist, 1880, he was promoted senior aide, with rank of captain, and on May 19, 1880, he was made brigade inspector of rifle practice, with rank of major, and on Oct. 27, 1882, was made brigade inspector. He was highly esteemed among his associates for his many gentlemanly qualities and his ability as an officer. He resigned Oct. 25, 1883. He was elected major of the Twelfth regiment June 9, 1884, and after bringing it up to a high state of efficiency he resigned, June 14, 1889. Major Riker has been for many years a leading spirit and an active worker in the Society of the Sons of the Revolution. He represented the society during the Washington centennial, April 23, 1889, as their marshal. Through collateral descent from Surgeon John Berrien Riker, of the fourth New Jersey line, he is a member of the New Jersey Society of the Cincinnati. He is a member and former secre- tary of the St. Nicholas Club, and is a member of the Society of Colonial Wars. He is interested in the cause of education, and was a school trustee of the 2 1st ward for some years. He married Edith, daughter of Samuel Blackwell Bartow, of New York City, a grand- son of Col. Jacob Blackwell, of the Revolution.
Margaret Moore Riker, third child of John Lawrence and Mary (Jackson) Riker, was married to J. Amory Haskell, son of Samuel
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(2), son of Capt. Samuel, son of Nathaniel, grandson, probably, of Samuel, son of Roger Haskell, the ancestor.
This family is supposed to be of English origin, but of its early history little is known. Some member of it was knighted by his sovereign for service rendered or some great personal achievement, as shown by the Coat Armour described by Burke as
Arms-Vaire argent and sable.
Crest-On a mount an apple tree fruited ppr.
The name of Haskell is said to be of Welsh origin, signifying a sedgy place on the moor.
Roger Haskell, the founder of the Beverly branch of the family, was probably a descendant of a long line of seafaring men. He was born in England in 1613, died in Salem, near Beverly, in 1667. He came with his two brothers, William and Mark, to New England in 1637. William removed to Gloucester and is the founder of that branch of the Haskell family, which was published by Ulysses S. Has- kell, of Beverly, Mass. Mark remained in Beverly and died there in 1688-9, leaving an estate of £370. He was a mariner and engaged in the fishing trade. His descendants settled in Marblehead. Roger and his descendants alone remained in Beverly and continued to follow the sea for successive generations. With the exception of Roger, few of them accumulated real estate. In the first division of land in Beverly, Roger Haskell was assigned 20 acres. The Salem Records show that his further request for meadow land was
"Granted to Roger Haskell, 6 acres of meadow land if it be had on the great meadow."
"Ordered that Roger Haskell and William Dodge doc call upon the neighbrs about Basse river head to make the twoe bridges wch
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are decayed being the country way and the way wch was formerly made leading from Joe Porters ffarme to Wenham."
"At a meeting of ye freeman the 13th 4th mo. 1655, chosen to serve one Jury trialls this Court ensueing Roger Haskell and for others are named."
" Roger Haskell was chosen to Grand Jury 4-6-1656."
"On the 22 of the 6th mo. 1657, At a generall Towne meeting there are chosen for Constables in this Towne Ensuing Roger Haskell for Cape Ann Syde."
"Item. It is further ordered that whereas some of the neighbors on Cape an syde doe desyre a way from the said meeting house to the mill through the properties of Roger and others that theyre de- syres are granted provided that before they shall make any Claym thereunto there shall be paid unto the said Roger Haskell and the rest of the proprietors full satisfaction as 2 men chosen by the select- men shall appoint, the said way not including + (poale) ffote in any pt of it and be made and mentayned by those who make use thereof."
Roger Haskell's name appears frequently on the records in vari- ous capacities, but his descendants were too much engaged in their occupations as seafaring men to give any attention to public or church affairs, hence their names do not appear. The following is from Putnam's Genealogical and Quarterly Magazine:
" Roger Haskell of Bass River, husbandman, within the bounds of Salem for eight pounds hath sold to Richard Dodge of do hus- bandman forty acres, Beaver pond on one side and said Dodge bounds on the other, only six acres of meadow that lyith within this compass and said Richard is to have a watering place of the said Roger for his cattle all in Salem by Deed 28 Feb. 1654."
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Roger Haskell married first, a daughter of John and Abigail Stone. He married second, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Eliza- beth Hardy, of the same town. Mr. Hardy died in 1652, and men- tions in his will his son-in-law, Roger Haskell, and his four children, John, William, Mark and Elizabeth. The children of Roger Haskell were:
I. John, died in Middleboro, Mass.
II. William, born in 1646, married Ruth Werp, daughter of Thomas.
III. Mark, removed to Rochester, Plymouth County, Mass., where he was living in 1698, when he and his wife Mary sold to Robert Roundy, of Beverly, the homestead where he formerly lived with thirty acres of upland. He married March 20, 1667, Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Goodale) Smith, of Salem. Issue: Roger, born Oct. 17, 1680; John, Feb. 14, 1682; Mark, Feb. 5, 1683; Elizabeth, Nov. 10, 1686; Mary, April 23, 1689; Joseph, Nov. 3, 1692.
IV. Elizabeth, bap. April 14, 1676; married William Dodge. V. Hannah, bap. May 14, 1676.
VI. Isaiah, born 1658, died May 9, 1684, at 25 years. He married Nov. 22, 1682, Sarah Griggs, of Gloucester. She was ad- mitted to the church at Beverly, Aug. 17, 1684. They had Abigail, born Aug. 16, 1683; married first, Sands Stanley of Beverly; mar- ried second, William, son of Richard Keith, of Beverly.
VII. Roger (2), bap. May 14, 1676, after his mother's decease. He married Hannah, daughter of William Woodbury, and had Abi- gail, born Oct. 18, 1681; Josiah, Aug. 16, 1685; Hannah, June 23, 1687; Mary, April 23, 1689; Judith, June 8, 1690; Daniel,
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June 11, 1691; Roger (3), Oct. 16, 1697; removed to Norwich, Conn .; Elizabeth and Judith, twins, bap. May 14, 1699; Sarah, bap. Aug. 9, 1701.
VIII. Samuel Haskell, bap. May 14, 1676, after his mother's death.
IX. Sarah, bap. with the above brothers.
Samuel Haskell, eighth child of Roger, was born in that part of Salem now Beverly, about 1662. The names of his wife and child- ren do not appear on any of the records of either Beverly or Salem, and it is probable that he married at some foreign port while on a voyage from home, and might have made his temporary home else- where. He may have had a son Samuel, who was the father of Nathaniel.
Nathaniel Haskell, supposed grandson of Samuel, was born in Beverly, Mass., in 1741. He died July 13, 1816, aged 75. His wife, Elizabeth, died Aug. 27, 1817, aged 69. He was a merchant in Beverly and, as shown by the inventory of his personal estate after his death, was also engaged in the shipping business and owned one or more vessels. He accumulated a small fortune for those days, but owned no real estate. He may have lived at the old homestead by permission of some of his relatives, who inherited it and perhaps removed from the town. The following is an abstract of the inventory :
Personal estate, - - - -
$1423 41 3º 95
- Sales of personal estate at public auction, By cash received for a draft on the Baring Bros. & Co., London, for balance due from them on account of remittance to them by John Leach, master of the brig "William" for the deceased, -
- -
-
322 61
-
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Total amount of assets credited to estate - - $5832 97 Amount of debits, - - - - - 1670 89 -
Leaving a balance to the credit of heirs, - - $4162 08
In the Court Records of Salem, Book 392, page 107, date Oct. 28, 1817, is the following :
Nathaniel Haskell, late of Beverly, yeoman, deceased, intestate.
That the children and heirs of deceased, seven in number, of which five died before their father.
Nathaniel and Samuel survive their father at his death.
Elizabeth, late wife of Ebinezer Ray, left nine children, Betsy, Hetty, Ebinezer, Louisa, Isaac, Alfred, Lucy, Caroline,
Hannah, late wife of Rochel Ober,
Sophia and Lucinda, minors,
Anna, late wife of Isaac Ober,
Daniel, left one child, Daniel, a minor,
Abigail, wife of Nathaniel Austin.
The town records of Beverly give the following :
Nathaniel (2) born Sept. 26, 1774; married Hetty,
Daniel, born March 26, 1777; married November 24, 1790, Nabby Foster,
Samuel Haskell born June 15, 1779; married Peggy Thissell; died August 28, 1829.
Capt. Samuel Haskell, third child of Nathaniel Haskell, was born at Beverly, Mass., June 15, 1779. The love of a seafaring life was born in him, although his father was the first in the line that had followed any other occupation. The record of his carly life would no doubt prove an interesting one, but as all of his near descendants
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are deceased, the information is not obtainable, The name of the He doubtless, like vessel or vessels he commanded does not appear. all other young men in that occupation, rose from the "fo'castle to the quarter deck," and proved an experienced and able commander. The only reference to him in the printed records is where mention is made of the pastor of the Beverly church taking a sea voyage with him to the West Indies for his health and dying on the passage. This would indicate that he was engaged principally in that trade, although he made occasional voyages to New Orleans. He probably made many other voyages in that business. He did not accumulate, and died intestate, and as stated by his second wife, "bankrupt." His first wife was Peggy Thissell, died August 28, 1829.
Book No. 7, Probate Records of Salem, shows that Samuel Has- kell died in 1829, and that
"Administration on the estate of Samuel Haskell, late of Beverly deceased intestate, was granted to Hannah Woodbury, widow Has- kell." In her application for allowance, she says: She is about 40 years of age, has no children of her own, but four children of the deceased, two with her, the youngest of which is about four years of age, and the next youngest of which is about seven, and the next about eleven. The deceased has left no real estate whatever, wherein she will have a dower, excepting two pews in a meeting house; the estate of the deceased is probably insolvent, and if not so she can have a very small sum from his personal estate."
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