USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
The subject of this sketch attended the district school at Franklinville, and subsequently was a student of the academy which that village sus- tained. He also helped his father on the farm, and took entire charge of it when the advanced years of his father would no longer admit of the latter's personal attention. In August, 1887, hie became associate editor of the Riverhead New's, dividing his time between the farm and the pa- per until the close of 1894, when he bought a half-interest in the office. His partner, William R. Duvall, having been elected County Clerk just previous to this, retired from his position on the paper, and our subject has become in consequence both manager and editor, in which position he has been highly successful.
June 1, 1887, Mr. Williamson married Miss Belle Hudson, daughter of Joshua W. and Sarah A. (Davis) Terry. In politics he is a reliable Republican. In religious views he and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian Church at Franklinville, but there being no church of that denomination in this village, they affiliate
--
HARRY G. CLOCK.
£
255
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with the Congregational Church. He is a mem- ber of Riverhead Lodge No. 645, F. & A. M., and is organist for the lodge.
The Riverhead New's has always been a Repub- lican journal, of no uncertain sound, and was first published by James B. Slade, in 1867. It was purchased in 1875 by William R. Duvall, Sr., who continued its publication until his death, in September, 1882, when his son, William R. Du- vall, Jr., became proprietor and editor, and held it in his own hands until the advent of Mr. Will- iamson.
ARRY G. CLOCK is one of the popular young attorneys of Suffolk County, especi- ally in that portion of the county comprised within the town of Islip. His office is at Bay Shore, but he makes his home in Islip, his native place. Though he has been engaged actively in the profession for only a few years, he is well in- formed regarding every detail connected with the work, and in every case to which he gives his at- tention he is characterized by accurate judgment, deep insight and shrewd discernment.
The father of our subject, Lorenzo D. Clock, was a native of Islip, and a descendant of Hol- land-Dutch ancestors. For years he followed a seafaring life, but afterward engaged in farming pursuits, in which he continued until his ad- vanced age rendered retirement necessary. He is now living quietly, retired from active labors, in his pleasant home at Islip. By his marriage with Eliza J. Jarvis, two children were born, our subject and May. The latter is thic wife of Eu- · gene Smithi, a civil engineer of Islip.
Born in Islip, April 7, 1865, our subject was in early life a student in the common schools of his native place, after which he attended the Oswego Normal School and the Centenary Col- legiate Institute of Hackettstown, N. J. His law studies were conducted in the law department of the University of Michigan, after having been carried on for one year under the supervision of
Judge Young, at Huntington. He was admitted to the Bar in Michigan, April 17, 1886, and to the New York Bar in May, 1888. Very soon afterward he opened an office at Bay Shore. In 1892 he formed a partnership with Eugene Fishel, of Babylon, and the two engaged in gen- eral practice, meeting with fair success in their undertakings.
Though an earnest Republican, Mr. Clock has never sought office, and the only important public position which he has held (that of Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he served four years) came to him entirely unsolicited. Socially he is a Mason. His marriage united him with Miss Jennie P. Woodend, who was born in Huntington, L. I., of which place her father. the late Dr. W. D. Woodend, was once a prominent resident. One child, Herbert Woodend, blesses the union.
JEREMIAH HUNTTING has devoted many years of his life to the lumber and coal busi- ness, and with the result that he is now numbered among the most progressive and sub- stantial business men of East Hampton, his pres- ent place of residence. The East Hampton Lum- ber and Coal Company, of which he is the President, has its main office located at this place. while they also carry on an extensive business at Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton. Joseph S. Osborne is Secretary and Treasurer of the com- pany, while the Directors are David J. Gardner. J. Edward Huntting and Samuel S. Conkling. all wide-wake and well known business men of this section. The East Hampton Lumber and Coal Company was incorporated January 1, 1889. with a capital of $5,000, whichi was afterward raised to $15,000, and later to $35,000. Two years ago the yard at Sag Harbor was put in operation, while they began business at Bridge- hampton in January, 1895, with Leonard Ald- rich in charge of the yard. J. Edward Huntting gives his attention to the business at Sag Harbor. and is also general manager of the company, the
8
256
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business of which is constantly on the increase. Their lumber-yards at the different points are stocked with a full line of builders' materials, and they give special attention to order work. They handle only the best grade of coal, and by retail- ing this commodity at the lowest possible price they are in command of a large and paying busi- ness.
Jeremiah Huntting, the subject of this sketch, was born at East Hampton, November 17, 1848. His parents were Jeremiah and Joan (Hand) .Huntting, representatives of two of the oldest families on the island. On his paternal side, our subject can trace his ancestry back seven gen- erations to one John Huntting, whose eldest son was also named Jolin. Next came. Nathaniel, one of the first ministers in the county. His eld- est.son bore his name, and was the fourth in line. William, son of the latter, was born in 1738, and married P. Osborn, of Southampton; he died in 1816. Jeremiah, the next in order of descent, was born in the year 1772, and was married to Charity Hedges. His death occurred in 1845. His son Jeremiah, the father of our subject, was born December 3, 1811, and died in 1867.
The family, with a few exceptions, have been farmers, and the father of our subject was the proprietor of one of the best estates in the county. It was large in extent and well cultivated. The late home of David Huntting, the deceased uncle of Jeremiah, and now owned by his brother David, is located on Main Street, and has been in the family for many generations.
The father of our subject reared a family of seven sons and one daughter, all of whom are now living, with one exception. The original of this sketch spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native village, alternating the work on the farm with attendance at the com- mon schools. When first leaving home he went to Hartford, Conn., and obtained a situation with the Talcott & Post Dry-goods Company, remain- ing with the same for a period of seven years, during which time he had charge of the wall- paper department. After this we find him lo- cated in New York City, where he was employed for the same length of time by Janeway & Co.,
manufacturers of wall-paper, traveling in their in- terest through the states of Michigan. Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas.
Mr. Huntting was married, December 31, IS;4, to Miss Nettie Osborn, dangliter of Daniel Os- born, a prominent resident of East Hampton. About that time he made his permanent home here, and until about four years ago was en- gaged in farming. He has been President of the lumber and coal company for the past two years. and now gives the business his entire attention. having charge of the yards at East Hampton.
There have born to Mr. and Mrs. Huntting three children. Florence, who married Everett Edwards, is residing at Amagansett; Daniel Osborn is now seventeen years of age; and Min- nie is in her sixth year. Mrs. Huntting is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is high- ly respected and well thought of by friends and neighbors.
ABAN RAYNOR is ranked among the rep- resentative citizens of Suffolk County, and there is probably no one more deserving of mention than he, for he has spent the greater part of his life within its borders. During this time he has served in various official capacities, and always with such satisfactory results that naught but words of commendation have been be- stowed upon him. During the late Civil War he served as a soldier in the ranks, and, if for no other reason, liis life history should be placed in this volume.
The original of this sketch was born in East Moriches, where he is now residing, July 28, 1843. His parents were Laban, Sr., and Eliza- beth (Robinson) Raynor, also born on Long Isl- and, where they were content to spend their entire lives. The father was prominently identified with agricultural pursuits during his active years and at the time of his decease, Jannary 16, 18;6. He was esteemed as one of the worthy residents of East Moriclies, and his death was a great loss to
257
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the community. His estimable wife survived him five years, closing her eyes to the things of this life December 21, 1881.
Laban Raynor, of this history, attended the district school near his home until his services were needed the entire time on the farm. He was at home, aiding in the cultivation of the place, when, in 1861, the tocsin of war resounded through the country. He at once donned the blue uniform, and in answer to his country's call enlisted his services in defense of the Union, and was mustered in as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Second New York Infantry. He joined his regiment in New York City and remained with it until the close of the war. Dur- ing those years he took part in some of the niost prominent battles of the war, and on tlie memor- . able march to the sea was in Sherman's com. mand. He was mustered out on the establish- ment of peace as Sergeant. The three years fol- lowing his return from the seat of war Mr. Ray- nor spent in Suffolk County. At the end of that time, however, lie was appointed a patrolman on the Metropolitan Police force of New York City, and continued in this line of service for fourteen years. He was retired on half-pay in 1889, and at that time came to his beautiful little farm near East Moriches, where he has lived ever since. His property is improved with neat and substantial buildings, and Mr. Raynor has surrounded him- self with all that goes to make life comfortable.
Miss Annie Sargent became the wife of our subject in 1868. She became the mother of sev - eral sons and daughters, of whom five survive, viz .: E. Winfield, engaged in business in New York City; Ada L., Gracie E., Clarence and Ernest G., at home with their father. The wife and mother closed her eyes in death December 19, 1894, leaving the little household lonely and sad. Mr. Raynor is an official member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been connected for a number of years. He meets whenever lie can with the Henry A. Barnum Post, G. A. R., of Riverlicad. In politics he is an influential Republican, and has been sent as a delegate to the various conventions for a number of years and lias rendered efficient service as In-
spector of Elections. He is held in high esteem by the entire community, and in the midst of these many friends lie expects to pass the re- mainder of his life.
-
@ EORGE H. FURMAN, a rising young at- torney on the south shore, has offices at Patchogue and Bay Shore, but lives in the first-named village, and has been practicing in Bay Shore for the last two years, where he has already won a good standing, and a very profit- able patronage. The father of our subject. Capt. Joel I. Furman, is now living at Patchogue. where he is a prominent man of business, being a successful boat-builder, and a yacht captain of more than local reputation. He was married. about 1860, to Sarah Homan, a daughter of a family long established on the south side of Long Island, and owning among its various members large tracts of land in these regions at an early day. By this marriage six children were born. of whom the three brothers of our subject are dentists at Brooklyn, Patchogue and Bay Shore. His sister Nettie is the wife of J. L. Valentine. at Brook Haven, and his other sister, Lila, is a very capable and popular teacher at Glen Cove.
George H. Furman, the subject of this article. was born in Brooklyn, March 26, 1868, and when a child was removed to Blue Point, and was there until he had reached the age of twelve years. He was steadily in school until that time. when he went into the general store at Bayport. where lie continued for four years, receiving meanwhile private instructions until he had reached the age of sixteen. He then entered the high school .at Patchogue, from which he graduated with a very good standing in due time. He was a teacher for some time, and had quite a reputation as a pedagogue, being Pri :- cipal of the Brook Haven schools for two years. and of the school at Blue Point for a year. But there had been working in the mind of the young teacher for years an intention to become a law- yer, and in the fulfillment of this natural inclina-
258
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion he became a student at the law school of Columbia College, from which he graduated with high honors after a course of three years, and. was admitted to the Bar June 1, 1893. While at college he was associated with men who were leaders in the profession, and who quickly recog- nized a kindred spirit in the eager young stu- dent.
Mr. Furman began the practice of his profes- sion at Patchogue in the fall of 1893, and very soon opened an office in this village, and has al- ready won for himself a very appreciative and helpful clientage, who appreciate his great natur- al ability as a lawyer, and the thoroughness of his preparation for the profession. He is making his way rapidly to the heights of his profession, and in the near future will be heard from among the masters of law. He is an excellent young man in his personal habits, and is much ad- mired socially. In politics he works with the Republican party.
IMON W. COOPER. The young men of to-day who are exerting influence in con- mercial and industrial affairs, and making future conditions bend to their own desires, will recognize a worthy compeer in the man whose name appears above. Young men have done much in the history of the world, and the first thirty years of a man's life largely indicate what the next thirty will be. If in those thirty years he displays ability of thought, quickness of deci- sion, and rapidity of execution, it is safe to prophesy great things ahead, for these are pre- cisely the qualities that have given fame and po- sition to the giants of the literary, business and industrial world of this century. Rank and wealth count for next to nothing, but the quali- ties that fit a mian to see and grasp opportunity are the endowment of a favoring fortune. And a man who has hardly passed his thirty-first birthday and is engaged in a large business, and
is the friend and associate of men of age and suc- cess, is well worthy of a prominent place in the history of his community.
Simon W. Cooper, associate editor of the Baby- lon Signal, and junior member of the business firm of Henry Livingston, Sons & Co., was born on the old Cooper homestead, in Babylon, May 6, 1864. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Cooper, and is descended on his father's side from an old English family, being the eighth in descent from John Cooper, of Olney, England. He was one of the first to leave his green and beautiful English home, and, crossing the stormy seas, to settle in Southampton, L. I., in 1640. Few were the settlers in those early years, and scattered were the Christian homes along the At- lantic Coast. But the hearts were strong, the eyes were cool and keen, and the nerve untremb- ling of those who came to build a new and better England on these wild and wooded shores. They builded better than they knew, and their children eight generations away live to enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice. Upon his mother's side Mr. Cooper is related to an old Irish family, his ma- ternal grandfather being David Rice, a native of Newry, in the North of Ireland.
Mr. Cooper, of this sketch, has always lived in Babylon, except for a period of six years spent in Hempstead. At the public school of Babylon he received instruction in the branches most in de- mand for those who mean to get on in the world. He left school at the age of fifteen, and entered the office of the Signal as an apprentice, serving four years in that capacity. A taste for newspa- per work seems to be inborn in him, his parents having been frequent contributors to the island press, and his father having for several years owned and edited the Hempstead Inquirer. In 1885 the firm of Henry Livingston, Sons & Co. was formed, and Mr. Cooper was made asso- ciate editor of the Signal, which position he has filled with distinguished ability, and still liokls. He is well known among the island newspaper men, and is ardently devoted to his profession.
Mr. Cooper is a member of the Masonic order. and its beautiful and inspiring work has taken a strong hold upon his affections. He has been
1
-
REV. JAMES E. BOBIER.
261
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
called by his brethren to serve at various terins as Secretary, Junior Warden and Master, serving in the latter capacity during 1892-93. He is a mem- ber of Babylon Council No. 881, and is Clerk of the Board of Education and Secretary of the Village Health Board. Mr. Cooper was married at Darien, Conn., November 16, 1892, to Miss Coralie E., daughter of James H. Chasmar, Chief Engineer of the United States Navy.
同 EV. JAMES E. BOBIER. In the priest- hood of the Catholic Church, Father Bobier has given efficient and able service. In 1883 he came to Suffolk County, where he took charge of St. Patrick's Church at Bay Shore, and St. Mary's Church at East Islip. He has since been instrumental in increasing the membership of these churches and promoting their usefulness. Not alone among Catholics, but also by those of the Protestant faith, he is esteemed as a man of upright life and strong intellect, one who is de- voted to his chosen profession, and who in it has been of service to his fellow-men.
Born in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, Deceni- ber 15, 1841, the subject of this sketch was one of six children comprising the family of Patrick and Mary (Burn) Bobier. Besides himself, a brother and sister survive, Gregory and Catherine, both of whom are in Canada. His educational advantages were of such a nature as to fit him for prominence and success. In 1870 he gradu- ated from St. John's College, Fordham, N. Y., and subsequently he studied for the ministry in St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore, Md. Upon the completion of his theological studies, he went to Brooklyn, where he was assistant successively in St. Augustine's, St. Peter's, St. Cecilia'sand St. Patrick's Churches, remaining in that city from 1872 to 1883.
From Brooklyn Father Bobier caine to Suffolk County, where he continued his active work in the priesthood. At Bohemia lie built a church for his people (St. John of Ilepomuk ), and placed the work upon a solid financial basis, besides in-
creasing the membership of the congregation. He was the first priest at East Islip, where he has established the cause successfully. In addition to the church that he built at Bohemia, he has erected additions to the churches at East Islip and Bay Shore, has purchased a parsonage in the latter place, and established the new St. Patrick's Cemetery, on Brentwood Road. He attended to the spiritual needs of inmates of the New York Insane Asylum, located at Central Islip, from the time when it was first opened until the sum- mer of 1895, and administered the consolations of the church to the dying. Ever ready to an- swer any call made upon his time or sympathy. he occupies a high place in the esteem of his parishioners.
OSEPH CONKLIN HAVEN. Asan exam- ple of the usefulness and prominence to which men of character and determination may at- tain, it is but necessary to chronicle the life of Joseph C. Haven, one of the representative agri- culturists of Suffolk County. He belongs to a highly cultured and intellectual family, whose members all possessed superior intelligence, and became distinguished in the various callings in which they engaged.
Mr. Haven was born in Moriches, this county, in 1818, and is the son of Capt. John S. and Nancy F. (Smith) Haven, also natives of this locality, and the mothier was born in the same house in which our subject is now residing. Captain Haven followed the sea for forty-five years, and. after retiring from that kind of life, spent the rest of liis days on a farm. He became very promin- cnt and influential in his community, and for many years was President of the Town Board of Trustees, was Supervisor, and, indeed, was the incumbent of nearly all the positions of honor and trust which it was within the power of his fellow- citizens to bestow upon him. He was a man universally respected, and was greatly mourned at the time of his death, which occurred April 6. 1865. His wife survived him several years, and
262
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
passed away October 17, 1874. She was the daughter of Capt. Josiah Smith, who was also born in the same house in which Joseph C. Haven resides. He in turn was the son of Hugh Smith, likewise born on this farm. The father of the last-named gentleman was Col. Josiah Smith, Colonel of a Long Island regiment during the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jeremiah Haven, who spent a long and useful life within the borders of Suffolk County.
Mr. Haven has in his possession many valuable papers formerly belonging to his great-great- grand father, Colonel Smith, and, although they are very old, they are in a splendid state of preserva- tion. He also has the land grant to the farm on which he resides, which was signed by King Will- iain, int 1697. Indeed, it is universally conceded that no resident of Long Island is so well posted in its early history, or has such a large and valuable collection of old records to which he can refer, as Joseph C. Haven. William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was his great-great-uncle.
Our subject was reared to man's estate in his native county, and was early inured to hard labor. His education was very limited, for at the age of twelve years he began the struggle of life on his own account, going to sea with his father. Two years later, however, we find him at home, and' clerking in a general store at Bellport, this county. About two years tliereafter he was employed by a firmn in Center Moriches, and clerked in their store for a number of months. He then went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and became a clerk in the whole- sale grocery establishment of his uncle, Senator Downing. His next clerkship was in New York City, but, after two years spent there, he returned to Brooklyn, and engaged in the grocery business on his own account. He carried on a large es- tablishunent for a period of sixteen years, and of selling out became a provision merchant on Fulton Street, Brooklyn.
In the year 1867 Mr. Haven left the City of Churches, and, returning to this county, located on the old homestead, which has been his place of residence ever since. The farmi is a beautiful tract
of two hundred and forty acres, on which stands the old homestead, a substantial dwelling, one hundred and sixty-five years old, built by Na- thaniel Smith for his son, Col. Josiah Smith. Sur- rounded by native trees and shrubs, it presents a most attractive appearance. It is known as "Woodlawn Farm," and is located on the banks of East Bay.
Mr. Haven was married, in 1849, to Miss Catherine F. Ford, the daughter of Ebenezer and Saralı (Jarvis) Ford. A son and daughter were born to them: Charles F., who died when eight- teen months old; and Grace, now residing in the city of Brooklyn. Mrs. Haven and her daughter are members of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in the latter place. In national politics our sub- ject is a Democrat, but in local affairs is somewhat conservative. He has never aspired to official distinction, although lie takes a deep interest in the progress and development of his community.
AMES MADISON STRONG is a general blacksmith of East Hampton, and has al- ways had as much work on hand as he could well attend to. He gives the best of satisfaction to his customers, and is in great demand, for he gives his attention to tlie detail of every depart- ment of work, and is thoroughly reliable and strictly business-like in all his dealings. Mr. Strong is well known in this community as Jus- tice of the Peace, the duties of which office he discharges in a competent manner.
A native of this place, our subject was born May 31, 1840, to William and Hannah (Gould) Strong. To them were born five children, of whom our subject was the youngest. They died when James M. was eleven years of age, and as he had no one to care for him lie was obliged, after their death, to find a home in other families. He was quite fortunate, and for three years lived with Thomas H. Cooper, of Bridgehampton, and for the same length of time was an immate of the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.