USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 27
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household of Thomas J. Strong, his eldest broth- er, who provided him with board and elotlies. He was then apprenticed to Elisha Howell, a blacksmith, his intention being to learn that trade. He was located at Bridgehampton, and for four years our subject worked for him. He received from his instructor $25 per year and clothed himself. When twenty-one years of age he was given a present of $io in gold, together with a few pieces of clothing. Then, having completed his trade, he started out as a journeyman black- smith, working two years in the interest of Mr. Howell, who paid him for his services $150 per year and his board.
In April, 1862, Mr. Strong came to East Hamp- ton and opened a shop of hisown. He had been in business, however, but a short time when. August 26 of that year, he closed the doors of his shop and offered his services in defense of the Union. He was accepted, and became a mem- ber of Company K, One Hundred and Twenty- seventh New York Infantry. He remained on the field of battle until July 17, 1865, when, with the surviving members of his company, he was honorably discharged and mustered out. The first year his regiment operated in Virginia and around Washington, D. C., and the last two years was stationed for a time at various points in South Carolina. In the fall of 1864, however, he was under the command of Sherman in taking Savannah, Ga., after which the army marched to Charleston, where Mr. Strong remained until mustered out of service. He was in the ranks all of the time, although on one occasion lie was wounded by a rifle-ball in the left forearm. His regiment participated in three important battles, in one of which, Devoo's Neck, our subject was wounded, as above related. At that time twenty- eight of his company entered the fight, and all were killed with the exception of six, and four of these were wounded.
Mr. Strong was prevented from receiving pro- motion on account of a slight deafness, although he rendered much valuable service as a non-com- missioned officer. While at Charleston he was selected, with eight of his comrades, to search for
contraband goods, being at that time under the connnand of the First Lieutenant of his company.
On returning home after the close of the war. Mr. Strong engaged to work for John H. Young. and for four years was in his employ. He then established in business for himself at his present location. He is engaged in general blacksmith- ing, and, as we have already stated, gives good satisfaction to those who patronize him. Mr. Strong has been remarkably successful in life. and has invested some of his surplus capital in farzı- ing lands, which he operates. He has on this place a number of fine horses, in the raising of which he takes great pleasure and also finds it to be a profitable business.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary. daugliter of John H. Youngs, was celebrated June II, 1868, and of their children we mention the following: James M. J., now a young man of twenty-four years, is working with his father is the blacksmith-shop. Libby M. married jay Mitchell Rayner, a carpenter of West Hampton. John V. is also an employe in the blacksmith-shop of his father. Mary G. was graduated from the Union School, and, passing hier examination be- fore the Board of Regents, is now a student in the State Normal. Belle is at home. attending the public schools of East Hampton.
For a number of years our subject was a stanch Republican in politics, but of late he has indenti- fied himself with the Prohibitionists, and is now an enthusiastic and influential worker in their ranks. He was chosen Justice of the Peace over ten years ago, and is now serving his third term in that responsible position. He takes great it- terest in educational affairs in his neighborhood. and for twenty-one years lie has been a member of the Board, which he has served as President for the last nine years. He has also been Cosi- missioner of Highways for nine years, and :: whatever capacity chosen never fails to give en- tire satisfaction. He is a member and active worker of the Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Good Templars and is associated with Charity Lodge. He is like- wise a member of Edward Rose Post No. 2:4.
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G. A. R., Department of New York, of which he is the Commander. He is regarded as one of East Hampton's most prominent men, and he and his estimable wife have the respect of all who know them.
ILLIAM W. and SAMUEL E. YOUNG. Samuel W. Young, father of our subjects, was born July 16, 1796, and for a number of years during his early life followed the carpen- ter's trade. Later he began tilling the soil, and carried this on very successfully until his death, July 27, 1863, when sixty-seven years old. He was one of the founders of the Methodist Church in Orient and a leading member of the same. He was an enthusiastic Republican, and was one of the first to join its ranks after its organization. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret J. Vogdes, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., a daughter of Benjamin Vogdes, who was of an old Quaker family, which traced its history back to the days of William Penn. Mrs. Young always adhered to the Quaker faith, and died August 7, 1883, when seventy-nine years old. Her father was a hotel-keeper in Baltimore, Md., and later in Westchester, N. Y.
Our subjects were two of three sons born to the above worthy couple: Theodore, who died Janu- ary 5, 1854, when twenty-five years old; William W., born January 16, 1830; and Samuel E., born December 5, 1832, all natives of Orient, L. I. When eighteen years old William W. Young, equipped with a fair education and an unlimited amount of energy and determination, started out for himself in the fishing business, which he fol- lowed for many years. Later he associated him- self in business with his brother Samuel E., keep- ing hotel and actively engaged in otlier interests, and later they both went to Virginia, where they were jointly interested in property. William W. is single, and makes his home with his brother Samuel E. when in Orient, L. I.
'Tlic latter started out to figlit life's battles for limself as cook on a steamer, but later settled
on the farm, where he remained for some time. Still later, in company with his brother William W., he built the fine hotel in Orient now known as the Mt. Pleasant House, and this they con- ducted very successfully for seven years. At that time they owned all the land on the hill where the hotel was built, and interested many people in building fine cottages on this land. They then sold this place, and became interested in Virginia property, as above mentioned. Disposing of their interests there, they retired to their home in Ori- ent, and since then have done much to build up and improve that village. Samuel E. married Miss Hattie Kokendaffer, daughter of Francis Kokendaffer, a German farmer of Orient, and they have one child, Samuel LeRoy, who is now ten years old, a bright and interesting lad.
HARLES M. WOODRUFF. Self-made in the broadest sense of the term, the career of Mr. Woodruff illustrates in an admirable manner what may be accomplished by unflag- ging industry, perseverance and good manage- ment. We find him the possessor of a fine busi- ness and a comfortable home, which in all its ap- pointments fulfills the modern idea of culture and taste.
Our subject was born at Bellport, where he is now located, September 15, 1844. His parents were Jehial H. and Sarah A. (Davis) Woodruff, also natives of Suffolk County, where all their active years were spent. The father was prom- inently identified with the agricultural life of this section for many years, and was connected with many important measures for its progress. His success in life was due to his energy, ability and management, and he left at his death, in 1891, when fourscore years and five, a good home, which stands as an excellent monument to liis perseverance and thrift. He was preceded to the better land by liis wife, wlio closed her eyes in death in 1871.
Charles M. had only the advantages of the dis- trict school for obtaining an education, as during
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BENJAMIN K. PAYNE.
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liis boyhood days his father was in limited cir- cumstances, and he started out for himself early in life. He went to sea at this time, being only then ten years of age, and from that time on has "paddled his own canoe." He followed the water for about fifteen years, but in 1876 we find him again in his native place, where he established in business for himself as the proprietor of a meat- market. He waits on his customers himself, and lias built up a large trade, owing to his excellent ability and good management. Every variety of fresh and salted meats is kept in stock by him, and he makes it a point to keep everything about the market neat and attractive.
Mr. Woodruff was married, in 1875, to Alda J. C., daughter of Edward A. Sweezey, one of the prominent and worthy citizens of Middle Island. One daughter survives of this union, Miss Bertha C. Woodruff, who is a student in the schools of Heiglitstown, N. J. Another daughter, Marjory, died December 5, 1893, when five and a-half years old. He is a true Republican in politics, but has never desired to hold office. He has rendered efficient service, however, as a member of the School Board for the past nine years, his interest in educational affairs leading to his election to this position. He is unassuming in manner, honest in all his dealings with his fel- low-men and exerts a good influence in his com- munity by his example. He has therefore the best wishes of his neighbors and friends for his complete success in life.
G ENJAMIN KING PAYNE. It has been said that the profession of law is one of the most momentous and important of human callings, and that the man who takes upon him- self the practice assumes the weightiest responsi- bilities that the confidence and trust of his fel- low-men can put upon his shoulders. As a branch of human endeavor, it brings into play the most brilliant talents, the most extensive knowl- edge, tlie strongest sentiments, moral, spiritual, material, and its power for good or evil is vast i
and invincible. As a man whose honor is above criticism, and whose ability places him in the front rank of the Long Island Bar, may be men- tioned Benjamin K. Payne, who is one of the oldest practicing attorneys in Suffolk County. He was born at Wading River, in the town of River- head, April 10, 1828, on the farm where five gen- erations of his family were born, and which tract of land is still in the hands of the family.
Mr. Payne's father, Hallock Payne, passed his entire life on this farm, as did also the grandfather, John Payne, and the great-grandfather, also Jolin Payne. The great-great-grandfather, anotlier John Payne, was born at Southold, L. I., and in 1717 located at Wading River, in that part of. the town of Riverhead which was formerly a part of the town of Southold. He was Captain of the King's militia, and his commission is now on file in the Suffolk County Historical Society. The Payne family came originally from England, and settled in Salem, Mass., in 1637. There the will of Thomas Payne was probated in 1650. He had two sons, Peter and John, who, soon after the father's deatlı, came to Long Island and settled at Southold with their mother, whose name was Elizabeth. Peter was the progenitor of our sub- ject's branch of the family on the island. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Abigail Jagger, and she was a native of West Hampton, and the daughter of Jonathan and Cleopatra ( Hal- sey) Jagger. The Jagger family is also an old one on Long Island, coming liere as early as 1650.
Our subject was one of four children born to his parents, he having had two brothers and a sis- ter. One brother, Jolin, died in 1877, when fifty-five years old. He was a seafaring man, and was mate on a Liverpool packet, also on some steamers which plied between Panama and San Francisco. The other brother, Cephas Jagger, owns the old homestead and resides on the same: he has a son and two daughters. Mr. Payne's only sister, Mary Elizabeth, married Edward Downs, and both are now deceased. During his boyhood and youth our subject assisted on the farm, and was blessed with umsually good edu- cational advantages. He finished his education at Yale Law School, and on the 5th of July, 1851,
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was admitted to the Bar. For six years follow- ing this he had an office at Greenport, L. I., then for one year was located at Brooklyn, in partner- ship with W. S. Courtney, and afterward for one year was at Huntington. Since that time he has been in active practice in Riverhead, this county.
For a number of years Mr. Payne was Justice of the Peace, and was a candidate for District Attorney against Judge Smith, on the Democratic ticket, but, the county being strongly Republican, he failed of election. However, he ran a pretty close race, only lacking fifty-four votes. When the Republican party was organized, he was Sec- retary of the first Republican County Committee, and reported the proceedings for the New York Tribune. When Horace Greeley ran for Presi- dent, he voted for him, and since that time has been identified with the Democratic party. He has, however, never taken a very active part in politics, preferring to devote his time to the legal profession and to his books, for he has been, and is yet, a great reader. He has a wonderful mem- ory, retaining without the least effort, seemingly, many most interesting incidents during his long and varied career.
Mr. Payne is recognized as the father of the Suffolk County Bar, having been in active prac- tice for forty-four years, and seems to have a special adaptability for the profession. He shows a high degree of learning and proficiency, has labored earnestly for the good of liis section, and is a most worthy citizen. Since the year 1867 he has been a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and was Secretary of the lodge for sev- eral years. At the present time he is President of the Board of Wardens of the Swedenborgian Church.
Mr. Payne lias been connected with many in- portant suits, and lately won one for a client against the noted Ed Stokes, of New York. He has made many noted speeches, liis oration de- livered on the death of President Garfield being one of his best efforts, and the Budget, comment- ing on it, congratulated the citizens of the shire town of Suffolk County on account of possessing such an eloquent orator, saying that the speech was "earnest, rhetorical, apt and impressive."
Mrs. Garfield wrote him a friendly letter, ac- knowledging it with thanks, and expressing kind regards. His address on the death of Judge Miller was also an excellent one.
On the ioth of November, 1852, Mr. Payne was married to Miss Mary A. Bishop, daughter of Hiram Bishop, who was a ship-carpenter of Greenport. She died August 31, 1857, leav- ing one daughter, Mary Adelaide, who became the wife of Theodore D. Terry, of Jamesport, L. I. They have three children, Grace L., Anna A. and Eva A. On the 12th of June, 1869, Mr. Payne married Mrs. Ellen Doane, who bore him one child, a son, who died when a little over a year old. Mrs. Ellen Payne passed away Janu- uary 13, 1888.
ELLINGTON E. GORDON, PD. D., is known to all the residents of Patchogue, as he holds the important position of Prin- cipal of the public schools in the above-named village. Mr. Gordon was born in Batchellerville, Saratoga County, N. Y., October 5, 1848, and is a son of John Whitman Gordon, a native of New York State. His great-grandfather, Jolin Gor- don, was a Hessian soldier, and fought in the Revolutionary War. At Saratoga he was cap- tured with Burgoyne, and at once enlisted in the Continental army, fighting through the remain- der of the war.
On leaving the army, John Gordon was mar- ried to Mary Whitman, formerly of New Hamp- shire, and a niece of General Gates. They set- tled in Vermont, and Mr. Gordon died in Sara- toga County, this state, at the age of seventy years. His son, Edward Gordon, who was a farmer and shoemaker, married Abigail Wight, and they became the parents of John Whitman Gordon. Our subject's mother was formerly Miss Hannah M. King, a native of Saratoga County. The parents were farmers by occupation, and our subject was reared to the same calling, to which lie devoted himself until twenty years of age,
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when he entered the normal school at Albany, taking the regular course of training for teachers.
The system of normal training in New York State is noted for its advanced and scientific meth- ods, and Albany Normal School has a high repu- tation among institutions of its kind. There Mr. Gordon enjoyed and took advantage of the best opportunities for becoming a first-class teacher. He studied hard, and was in the advance of his class in many respects. In June, I870, he was graduated from the latter school, and the following year was engaged to teach at Orient, L. I. The eight subsequent years lte spent in his chosen pro- fession at Shelter Island, and passed one year at his native place, Batchellerville. In 1881 he was called to take charge of the schools in Patchogue, and has since devoted himself to his work here. His ambition does not end with his best efforts in this line, for since coming here he has taken a course in pedagogy in the university of New York, and in 1892 the degree of Doctor of Peda- gogy was conferred upon him.
The schools have nearly doubled in attendance during the fifteen years in which Dr. Gordon has been in charge. The teaching force is much larger and more thorough in every way than heretofore. Since 1889 the school has come under the regents of the State University, and it now ranks high among the schools of the county. The present registered number of pupils is nine hundred, while the average attendance is six hundred. Sixteen teachers are required in the system. Our subject has also brought the teachers into line with the association work, in which he himself takes an active part, attending all the county teachers' as- sociations and societies. He has also attended the National and State Associations several times.
Mr. Gordon was married, July 7, 1873, in the village of Orient, to Miss Emma Wilcox. of that place. Slie was a daughter of William H. Wil- cox, now deceased, who was a well known tem- perance lecturer. Our subject has one daughter, Ruth, who is now eighteen years of age, and who is a graduate of the Patchogue High School. Our subject and his family are members of the Metli- odist Church, in which he is a Steward, and is a teacher in the Sunday-school. Fraternally he
is a Mason, and also belongs to the Royal Arca- num. He finds his recreation in whipping the trout streams of the Adirondacks, returning each vacation near where he was reared. The family has a very pleasant home, the principal feature of which is a large and well selected library. All the members are well read, and are quick to ex- press their opinions on the current topics of the day.
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EORGE F. CARMAN, whose death oc- curred in September, 1891, was born April 18, 1827, in Patchogue, where the greater part of his life had been passed. His father, Gil- bert Carman, came from Hempstead, where the family had lived from the earliest settlement, and the name is prominently connected with many events in civil and political life. Stephen Car- man, the great-grandfather, was returned to the State Legislature from Queens County in 1788. and served from that time until 1819, a period covering thirty-one years. The state furnishes no parallel in continuous political service.
Our subject spent his summers as a boy in farm work and his winters in school until, at sixteen. he started to learn the carpenter's trade. Four years later, like so many others in this locality. he went on a whaling voyage, sailing from Green- port on the ship "Nile," under Capt. Isaac Case. the voyage lasting thirty-seven months. He was satisfied with this experience on the sea, and re- turned to carpenter work, engaging as a builder and contractor. In 1855 he was elected one of the seven Town Trustees and one of the two Overseers of the Poor. The fall of the same year he was elected Sheriff of Suffolk County and re- moved to Riverhead. Three years later he served as Under-Sheriff to his successor, Stephen J. Wil- son, subsequently resigning and returning to Patchogue. He then became proprietor and edi- tor of the Suffolk County Herald, a paper which had existed two years, and of which he served as editor until 1862.
Our subject was selected by President Lincol:1 to serve as Collector of the First District of New
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York, his appointment being signed August 22, 1862. This was the first commission of such an exacting nature ever issued under the extraor- dinary conditions necessary to carry on the war. Mr. Carman was personally solicited by President Lincoln to accept the onerous office, and March 6, 1863, he was re-appointed. He discharged the official duties of this most important district in the United States until June 23, 1869, and under date of March 8, 1870, the following paper was received:
"GEORGE F. CARMAN, Esq.,
"Late U. S. Internal Revenue Collector, "First District State of New York, "Long Island City, N. Y. ' "SIR: Your accounts as Collector of Internal Revenue and Disbursing Agent to June 23. 1869, have been adjusted and closed on the books of this department.
"Very respectfully yours, "R. W. TAYLOR, "Comptroller."
This document is one that a great many Collec- tors have never been honored with. Mr. Car- man's books and the methods of the office were regarded as models. The duties of the office were manifold and complicated, yet through it all his keen eye and quick mind were felt, and the result showed a master hiand at the head of the office.
Thus relieved from Government duty, our sub- ject entered the service of the South Side Rail- road Company, and filled the position of general manager for two years, the President at that time being Charles Fox. On the sale of the road it passed into the hands of Jacob R. Shephard & Co., who, after one year's operation, failed to meet obligations. The road was sold and passed into the hands of the old stockholders. On the re- organization of the company Mr. Carman was made President of the road, with Charles Fox as Vice-President. When first sold, the road was in a prosperous condition and contemplating exten- sions, which were under contract and construc- tion. The "wild-cat" purchasers had utterly failed to continue this work, and its management had been so bad that it was found to be in an insol-
vent condition. Our subject struggled for six months as President of the road to compromise matters, but it was evident that the state courts would appoint a receiver. To avoid this the com- pany handed the road over to the United States Marshal, acknowledging itself bankrupt. Charles Jones was appointed receiver in bankruptcy, and he selected Mr. Carman as his representative to run the road, which he did until it was sold pub- licly to Conrad Poppenhusen, when his connec- tion with the road ceased.
About 1870, for $100,000, our subject purchased of Orange Judd the Flushing Railroad and sold it to the South Side Company. This still remains a valuable adjunct, having water frontage and extensive docking. In 1869 Mr. Carman was elected to the State Assembly, serving on the Committees on Commerce and Navigation and Engrossed Bills. In 1879 he was again the Re- publican candidate, with Charles T. Duryea as Democratic opponent. The board declared Mr. Duryea elected by a majority of one, which de- cision our subject contested. After a persistent fight, the Assembly seated Mr. Carman in place of Duryea. This contest showed the. fighting qualities of the man; believing in his own elec- tion, he waged bitter war until he was at the polls of last resort. He secured the support of almost every high-grade attorney in the Legislature, and left no stone unturned to win the victory which finally perched upon his banners.
In 1836 Mr. Carman was a Filmore man and later became a stanch Republican, although lie supported Greeley in 1872. Our subject was also a power in national conventions. He controlled the nineteen delegates from the Long Island dis- trict to the Cliicago Convention, and this opposi- tion to Grant is undoubtedly what defeated him. He was a warm supporter of Hayes and Garfield. but Arthur and Conklin were opposed to him. The latter threatened Mr. Carman with political death unless he changed his support, and upon the accession of General Arthur to the Presiden- tial Chair Conklin made a fight upon our subject, through the Patchogue postoffice, and thoughi Mr. Carman waged a vigorous warfare, securing the indorsentent of every specially influential man
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