Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1, Part 20

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman
Number of Pages: 928

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ALEB HALSEY BENJAMIN. The name of Benjamin is known and respected througli- out Suffolk County, as it belongs to some of its best residents. The present representative of the family is one of the most prosperous farmers of the town of Riverhead, and is both liberal and enterprising. He was born in this locality, March 15, 1821, and is the son of David and Betsey (Tuthill) Benjamin.

The fatlier of our subject was also born here, and became well-to-do in his farming ventures. He erected good, substantial buildings on his place, and so managed it that it brought him in a handsome income. His right of franchise he used in favor of the Republican party, and mani- fested a commendable public spirit, holding that the good of the majority was to be considered in

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preference to that of a few. He was seventy-five years of age at the time of his demise, and was a valued member of the Congregational Church. His wife was also born in the town of Riverhead, and lived to the remarkable age of ninety years. She, too, was a member of the Congregational Church, and during her earlier years was a very active worker in the same.

. Caleb H. Benjamin made the most of his op- portunities for gaining an education, and was also trained to a thorough knowledge of farm work. He remained at home and was his father's able assistant until the time of his marriage, when his parents gave him fifty acres of the land on which he now resides. It bore little resemblance at that time to its present flourishing condition, as it was covered over with a thick growth of oak. The work of clearing fell upon his shoulders, but in a few years he was enabled to reap hand- some returns from the labor expended on the place. The buildings which adorn it are substan- tial in character and attractive in appearance, and in fact everything about the place indicates that it is managed by a man progressive in his ideas and thrifty in his habits. The estate is now one hundred and twenty-five acres in extent, Mr. Benjamin having added seventy-five acres to the original fifty, and it forms one of the best farms in this part of the county.

The marriage of Mr. Benjamin and Miss Han- nah M. Young was celebrated April 8, 1843. The latter was the daughter of John Young, a prominent resident of this town, and a represent- ative of one of its best families. Mrs. Benjamin departed this life in 1869, leaving three children, viz .: Maria E., the wife of Henry Terry, of the town of Southampton; Nancy L., Mrs. Charles Luce, a resident of this town; and John Halsey, one of the leading physicians of the town of Riverhead.

October 25, 1870, our subject chose for his sec- ond companion Gloriana Fanning, whose birth occurred November 25, 1825. She was the daughter of Dr. Joshua Fanning, of Greenport, one of the old-time residents of the county. He had a large practice, and was considered to be one of the most skillful physicians of his day.

In religious faith Mr. Benjamin and his wife are members of the Congregational Church at Northville, and to the support of this church are liberal and regular contributors. The Prohibi- tionists in this locality find in our subject an able advocate. He is a firm believer in the principles of this party, and hopes that he may live to see the day when it will have full sway, blotting out the evil of intemperance.

APT. E. M. PIERSON, of the town of South- ampton, belongs to a numerous family, hav- ing had three brothers and six sisters. At the present time he and his sister, Mrs. O. G. Sayres, are all that are living. He was born in Bridgehampton, May 10, 1832, and is the son of Gordon and Matsey (Halsey ) Pierson. When a little more than four years of age, the little lad went to live with Mrs. E. McCall, his aunt, whose home was in Franklin, Delaware County, N. Y. There he remained for some twelve years, and then came back home for a few months, after which he again went to his aunt's, where he re- mained until taking charge of his father's farm, which he operated until the spring of 1850.

Smitten with the California fever, he took pas- sage on a sailing-vessel for that distant El Dorado by way of Cape Horn. On board the ship there was formed a company that purchased it, and he was the youngest of the party that had an inter- est. This long voyage required more than half a year for its completion, which is in marked contrast with the rapidity, comfort and safety with which the same journey is now performed. When the adventurers in search of the golden fleece reached San Francisco, the ship was sold, and the money was divided among the enterpris- ing partners. With thousands of others, Mr. Pierson went into the mining country, hoping to dig a fortune out of the bowels of the earth. Aft- er almost two years spent in this exhaustive, but fascinating, labor, he spent some time in San Fran- cisco and Sacramento, and after some varied ex-

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periences along the western coast, came across the country to the Atlantic, and, taking passage on a steamer, came back to Long Island.

The trip, unlike the journeyings of thousands, proved very remunerative, and Mr. Pierson was able to enter into a good business. Still feeling the driving of an adventurous spirit, however, he went on board the whaling-vessel "Edgar," as boat-steerer, and was gone about two years. The ship sailed into the southern seas, passing Cape Horn, and at first was highly successful, but in its third season met with the disaster of utter shipwreck. The crew were cast upon a desolate island, where they were rescued, and nearly all the cargo was recovered by passing whalers. This was no uncommon experience in the lives of the American sailors, and our subject was not dis- couraged: He engaged as a sailor on board the ship "Charles Carroll," of San Francisco, and completed the whaling season on board its decks. At San Francisco he engaged for another season as third mate of a whaler. That winter he spent in the metropolis of the western coast, but came back again to this county in the spring of 1859, by way of Cape Horn, in the "Neptune Car," one of tlie fast clippers of that day. Then he made a voyage in the "General Scott," of Fair Haven, being absent three years in the Northern Pacific. Later he signed as chief mate on board the ship "Isaac Holland," which was to have made a three-years cruise into the Antarctic Seas, by way of the Cape of Good Hope. However, it was taken and burned by the privateer "Shenandoah," the crew being sworn to allegiance, and placed on the ship "James Murray." After some not unnatural and exciting adventures, our subject arrived in San Francisco with only twenty-five cents in his pocket. He at once found a place on board the brig "Advance," as mate, made two voyages to Puget Sound, and then returned to his home on a ship of the Pacific Mail Steamship Cont- pany. This was in the spring of 1865, and the same year he sailed as first mate on the ship "Hi- bernia," of New Bedford, going by way of the Cape of Good Hope, and cruising in the Antarctic Seas for some three years. The third season out he left the ship at the Sandwich Islands, and

came home in the ship "Gay Head," of New Bedford. This was his last voyage, and as he felt that the time had come for him to have a home. and to be known in that home, he purchased the farm of fifty acres where he now resides and car- ries on general farming.

In politics Captain Pierson has acted with the Republican party, which has elected him Trustee of the town, and also Assessor. In church mat- ters he is closely identified with the Presbyterian body, being a member of that church. October 14, 1862, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ha !- sey, President Cleveland's brother performing the marriage ceremony. They have three children. all of whom are living. Elihu H., the eldest, is . connected with the mail and express service of New York City, as cashier and bookkeeper. Will- iam H. and Alice M., the younger children. are still at home. Mr. Pierson's has been a life full of stirring scenes, and rich with tales of adven- ture, but his old age is quiet and serene, and he is highly respected by all who know him.

EORGE W. ALDRICH. Among the honored and respected citizens of Center-

3 ville, town of Riverhead, is this worthy gen- tleman, who comes from one of the old families of the county. All his life he lias been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has met with a flat- tering measure of success in this location. He is descended from one Gresham Aldrich, who located on Long Island in an early day.

The subject of this sketch was born on a farm in the town of Southold, March 10, 1840. There were seven children born to his parents, Elisha and Mary ( Wells) Aldrich, of whom he was the eldest. Of his brothers and sisters, we mention the following: Harriet, now the widow of Cap- tain Thompson, is living in Riverhead; Fannie M. is the wife of Christopher Downs, also of this town; Gilbert is cultivating the old homestead in the town of Southold; Charles is also a well-to-do farmer of that locality: and two children died in infancy. Elisha Aldrich was also born on the

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farm which was the birthplace of our subject. There he was reared to mature years, and after completing his education in the schools of the district gave his attention to farming, which lie followed on that place all his life. He was suc- cessful in his undertakings, and at the time of his decease, which occurred when he was sev- enty-six years of age, he left his family well pro- . vided for. His father bore the name of Gresham Aldrich, and died on the same farin, when in his seventy-third year. During his younger years, the father of our subject was an active Republi- can in politics, and on this ticket served as Trustee of his school district. He was a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, and counted many of his warmest friends among its members. The wife and mother was also born in this county, and. is now in her seventy-fourth year.

George W. Aldricli received a good education in the district school and in Franklinville Academy, and for four winters tauglit school in tliis locality. He remained at home until about twenty-five years of age, when, having saved a considerable sum of money, he purchased forty acres of land, which is comprised in his present valuable estate, and on which he located. As the years passed and he prospered in his undertakings, he added more land to the original tract, until at the pres- ent writing his estate includes one hundred and. seventy-five acres, the greater part of which he has placed under advanced cultivation, and realizes a handsome income by the admirable manner in which he manages his property.

The marriage of Mr. Aldrich with Miss Mary A., daughter of Daniel Hudson, also of this town, was celebrated in 1866. The latter died wlien thirty-two years of age, and Mr. Aldrich was later married to Miss Marietta Hallock, the daughter of Charles H. Hallock, whose sketch the reader will find on another page of this work. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are Laura May, Herman L. and Mary Edith.

In politics our subject has of late years voted for Prohibition candidates, as he believes this party to be in the righit, and is anxious for the time to come when its supporters will be in the majority. He is active in public affairs and is ;

now serving as Excise Commissioner of his town. In the Congregational Church he is an active worker, and for fifteen years lias served as Dea- con, and for twelve years as Trustee. Being courteous and agreeable to all who meet him. he readily makes and retains friends, who esteem him highly for his many worthy qualities.

HARLES WAGNER, deceased, was born in Muhlacker, Germany, December 28, 1843, and was known for a long time as one of the unassuming but genuinely good men of Linden- hurst. He spent his youth in Germany, and was educated according to the system of that thought- ful and progressive land. He was also put into a butcher-sliop to learn the business, of which he + gained a thorough knowledge. When he was nineteen, the far-away land of promise across the water attracted him with visions of its golden op- portunities, and he came to America to make a home for himself. Locating in Lindenhurst in 1870, he became one of its first settlers. The country was then so new that he had to sleep in the bushes until a house could be erected. He started in business here for himself, and was the first to open a butcher-shop in tltis village. De- centber 24, 1887, he married his second wife, Mrs. Louisa (Hector) Lawrence, a native of the city of New York, born October 24, 1841. She was the mother of five children by her first marriage, but had no child born of her second union.

Mr. Wagner followed the butcher business for a number of years, with very satisfactory results, but was diverted for the last years of liis life into the coal and feed business, as being better suited to his failing health. Politically a Democrat, he was prominent in the councils of that party, and served as delegate to various conventions. He was elected Justice of the Peace, and served in this capacity for twelve years, filling the position to the satisfaction of the people. He was also No- tary Public, and in that position had mnucli to do in the way of writing wills and deeds.

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For a number of years Mr. Wagner's health had been very poor, and in 1895 he went to Ger- many, partly on that account, and partly for the sake of business, it being his third trip across the ocean. He sailed for Europe August 7, and died at Frankfort on the 19th of that month, before he was able to reach his father's house. His re- mains were brought back to Lindenhurst, and now rest in the village cemetery. His father was so shocked by the death of his son, that within a week of his demise he also died, and was buried in his native land.

Mr. Wagner was a man of quiet disposition, modest and unassuming in his demeanor, but a man of good heart and generous instincts. He wa's sure to be found on the right side of all moral questions, and was highly regarded in the com- munity. .

AMES BYFELD HENRY. Among the many thriving industries at Amityville is the drug and chemical house, the proprietor of which is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Henry is a native of New York City, and was born there March 1, 1863, being a son of John A. and Jane M. ( Byfeld) Henry. Until almost a young man he made his home in his na- tive city, there attending the public schools, and finished his course at the age of fifteen in the old town of Morrisania. He then began his active business training, entering a drug house at Tuck- ahoe, Westchester County, N. Y. He remained there for two years, and then accepted a position as clerk in a drug house in New York City. After several changes, during which he made short stays in Bayonne and New Rochelle, he be- came a licensed drug clerk, this formality having been delayed only because he had not attained the legal age.

For four years Mr. Henry remained at New Rochelle, and then removed to Mamaroneck, where he started in business for himself. He carried on his interests at that place quite success- fully for five years, during that time also acquir-

ing an interest in a store at Rye. Ultimately he sold the business in the former place, and devoted himself for nearly four years to the latter store. In April, 1895, he came to Amityville, and. while his is numbered among the new houses of the place, he is already known as a progressive business man, and his store is notable for its at- tractiveness and well displayed stock. Politically he advocates Republican principles. He was married, April 17. 1894, to Miss Elizabeth Van Scoy, of Rye, Westchester County. Mrs. Henry is a native of that locality, born March 30. 18;2. and is a daughter of Theodore and Arispa Van Scoy.

John A. Henry, the father of our subject, was born in Mulberry Street, New York, January 4. 1824. Left fatherless when a small child, he was adopted by James G. Wilson, one of the publish- ers of Brother Jonathan, the first weekly story paper that was published in this country. Thus environed, Mr. Henry naturally became interested in publications, and was reared and educated as a printer. Before he reached his majority, Mr. Wilson died, and willed his adopted son a half- interest in his business, but, because of a flaw in the legality of the papers, he was unable to exact a settlement. Thus his great prospects and ex- pectations were dashed to the ground.

In 1851 John A. Henry went to Morrisania. where he made his home the remainder of his life, being extensively engaged in real estate. He was one of the pioneers in that place, having arrived at the same time as Judge Silas D. Gifford and John J. Ferden.

He was first married in 1856, and of that union one son still survives, Ferris Wilson, who lives in Morrisania. He was next married, June 8, 1858. to Jane M. Byfeld, who was born in Twicken- ham, England, November 9, 1836. She came to America with her parents when fifteen years of age, and her father. James Byfeld, was one of Morrisania's first Postmasters.

Politically John A. Henry was a stanch Re- publican, and was appointed to the office of A.s- sistant United States Assessor in 1857. During the stirring times of the Civil War he was ap- pointed officer to conduct the draft. Later he be-

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came Collector of Internal Revenue for the Fif- teenth District, which covered a large territory. He held that position four years, when his district was merged into another, and then he became a Deputy, and served in that capacity until August of 1884. During that time his commission dated back to 1857. On one occasion his political op- ponents thought to oust him from his office by proposing a $100,ooo bond, but he was undis- mayed by this, and found no difficulty in getting the required bond. In 1872 he was a candidate for the office of Receiver of Taxes, and his defeat was accomplished only by fraud. In 1884 he re- tired from active political life, and December 31, 1892, he passed away.

Three children were born of the second mar- riage of John A. Henry, and of these our subject is second in order of birth. The eldest was Mrs. Minnie R. Noble, of New Milford, Conn., who died, leaving three children. The youngest, Emma J., married William H. Edmonds, of Bos- ton, and they are the parents of one child. For several years John A. Henry was a Vestryman in the Episcopal Church. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of commandery degree, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Our subject is also identified with the first-named order, belonging to Apawamnis Lodge No. 800, in Westchester County; and is a member of Shel- drake Council No. 264, R. A., and Unqua Lodge No. 192, K. of P.

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HEODORE E. WOODHULL. In Wading River, where he was born, and in which village his life lias principally been passed, the subject of this sketch is well known as a genial gentleman and an energetic farmer. To this latter vocation lie adds that of blacksmith- ing, and the patronage which he receives is large and well merited.

Mr. Woodhull was born in the town of River- head, August 19, 1850, on the place which he now owns and occupies. He was the elder of two sons born to his parents, Alonzo and Jemima

(Edwards) Woodhull. His father, who likewise was a native of Wading River, was here reared to mature years, and after completing his educa- tion, which was acquired in the schools of the lo- cality, he was apprenticed to a blacksmith in order that he might learn the trade. After the usual length of time spent in mastering a trade, he opened a shop of his own, and followed this business, together with operating a small farın, dur- ing the remainder of his life. He was an active pol- itician and a stanch supporter of Republican prin- ciples. Regarding the great questions of the day, he kept himself well posted, and was a liberal- spirited citizen, stanch in his advocacy of pro- gressive measures, and was a warm supporter of enterprises calculated to benefit the people. For a number of years he held the office of Constable. At the time of his decease he was in the sixty- seventh year of his age.

Grandfather Ezra Woodhull, also a native of this locality, during the active years of his life was engaged in farming. Mrs. Jemima Wood- hull, our subject's mother, was born at Sayville, this county. Theodore E., of this history, be- gan attending school as soon as he was old enough, and after completing his education as- sisted his father in the work about the farm. Later he learned the blacksmith's trade under his able instruction, and when his father retired from business he was able to assume charge of the shop, which he has managed ever since.

Theodore E. Woodhull and Miss Esther Gil- dersleeve were united in marriage January 20, 1876, the latter being the daughter of Brewster and Rhoda (Albertson) Gildersleeve. Her fa- ther, who was born at Middle Island, is now a resident of New York City, where he is engaged in manufacturing and selling clothes-dryers. Mrs Gildersleeve was born in Suffolk County, and is now sixty-seven years of age. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church.

The two daugliters born to our subject and his wife are Cora A. and Etliel J., bothi at home. Mr. and Mrs. Woodhull and their family are members in excellent standing of the Congrega- tional Church, in which he has been Deacon for a period of fifteen years, and at present holds the

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JONATHAN B. TERRY.

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position of Trustee. He has also been School Tax Collector of his district, and in whatever capacity elected has always given satisfaction. The old homestead is a well improved estate and from it the owner reaps a good income.

ONATHAN B. TERRY, President of the Suffolk County Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany, also Vice-President of the Southold Savings Bank, and member of its Finance Com- mittee, was born in Southold, May 26, 1831. His father, Albert B. Terry, was born in Orient in 1800, and twenty-seven years later came to this village. In early life he followed the sea, but as he advanced in years he preferred the peace and quiet of a farming career to the stormn and perils of a seafaring existence, and, settling on a farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. Politically he was a Republican, and in religious belief a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in this village in 1875.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jesse Terry, was born in Orient, and followed farm pursuits. He and his wife, Hannah Brown, reared a family of eight children. The paternal great-grandfather was Jonathan Terry, also a na- tive of Long Island. The family originated in England, but was represented among the original settlers of this island. Grandfather Terry died February 3, 1831. The mother of our subject, Esther T. Barnes, was born in the village of Ama- gansett, town of East Hampton, October 4, 1803, and died July 28, 1879. She had three brothers, of whom Charles and Erastus were captains of whaling-vessels, and Jonathan was a farmer. Her three sons were William L., who died in 1844, at the age of sixteen; Jonathan B., who was second in order of birth; and Benjamin H., a farmer by occupation, and in the Civil War a soldier, who did good service until physical dis- abilities compelled him to secure a discharge and return home.

Spending his boy hood days on a farm, the sub- ject of this sketch grew up strong and sturdy. well fitted to cope with the stern realities of life. For a short time he was a student in the Southold Academy, and on attaining manhood embarked in farming. However, this was but a temporary occupation, for in 1856 he became interested in the produce and commission business, in which. for more than thirty years, he has been success. fully engaged. To accommodate his large and increasing business, he erected the Sout hold Whar? and established a steamboat line to New York. At the same time lie also carried on an extensive lumber and coal business, thie yards and office be- ing located at the wharf.

The practical business sense possessed by Mr. Terry was recognized in 1887 by his election as President and Treasurer of the Suffolk County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, one of the solid institutions of the island. To its interests he has since devoted the greater part of histime. He is also Vice-President of the Southold Savings Bank. an institution backed by resources amounting to more than $2,000,000; since 1890 he has served as a member of the Finance Committee. He is a Director in the First National Bank of Green :- port, and one of the owners of the Long Island Steamboat Company, which has a line from Sag Harbor to New London. Often he is called upon to settle estates, and do other responsible work of a financial character. Though not a member of any church, he is an attendant at the services of the Universalist Church. In 1856 he voted for Fre- mon., and has voted the Republican ticket ever since, being recognized as one of the stanch mezi- bers of that party in the county. For nine years he was Commissioner of Highways, for one year served as Overseer of the Poor, and is now a member of the Board of Town Trustees.

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Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1, Part 20

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman Number of Pages: 928

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman
Number of Pages: 928