USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 35
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
was in turn the son of Recompense Sherrill, who lacked only a few weeks of being one hundred years old at the time of his death. David Sher- rill likewise lived to a good old age, being in his eighty-eightli year when he died. The latter was a carpenter as well as farmer, and in 1808 built the house in which his son, our subject, was born. He made this place his home during the remainder of his life. He became very prominent and influential in his community, and for many years was Trustee of his town, filling the office with entire satisfaction.
To David and Sarah Sherrill there was born but one son, Hiram L., of this sketch. His en- tire life has been passed on the old homestead, which he inherited on the death of his father. His education was confined to the district school, which he attended whenever he could be spared from the work of the farm. He was married, when twenty-four years of age, to Miss Adeline Miller, of Plattsburg. This lady was the daugli- ter of Sylvanus and Fanny Miller, natives of East Hampton, who removed to Plattsburg.
Of the children born to our subject and his wife, Sarah married Charles R. Dayton, late clerk in the State Senate, now of New York City; she died when fifty-eight years old, leaving a son, Charles, who resides on the old homestead. David S. is spoken of at length on another page in this book. Hiram, the namesake of our subject, gives his attention to running the home place. The latter, who is a shrewd business man, was born on the old farm, April 16, 1853. He com- pleted his education in Clinton Academy, after which he began the operation of the farm, which he lias resided upon ever since. He was married, May 18, 1881, to Miss Anastasia Williams, daughter of Capt. Fred Williams, of New York City. She died December 18, 1888, leaving two children: Florence E., born July 13, 1884; and Adeline M., born September 14, 1886. Hiram, Jr., was a second time married, January 12, 1893, being joined in wedlock with Miss Sophronia, daughter of Daniel and Frances Douglas, of Sag Harbor. Mrs. Sherrill is in the direct line of de- scent from one Dr. Hall, the first minister of Sag Harbor.
330
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics, and has always taken great interest in the success of the Grand Old Party, although he has never been what one would call a politician. He has been Trustee of his town for several terms, but for the most part has given his atten- tion to his private affairs. He is a devoted men- ber of the Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected for the past forty years. His son is also a Republican in national affairs, but in local politics is inclined to be independent. He, too, belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He is a great lover of outdoor sports, and for the past three years has been President of the East Hamp- ton Gun Club. He assisted in the organization of the Pelican Club, and each year makes trips of several weeks with members of the club, visit- ing various districts on the island, which is noted for its game. In social affairs lie is an Odd Fel- low of high standing, and has passed all the chairs in Hampton Lodge No. 575. He has also attended the grand lodge and taken the grand- lodge degree.
ILLIAM CHUTE GREENE, well known as one of Sag Harbor's most successful at- torneys. in addition to carrying on a large and lucrative practice, deals extensively in real estate, and represents some of the best insurance companies in the state. He is also Justice of the Peace and Police Justice, and in this capacity is very popular. He occupies one of the pleasantest homes in the city, on Palmer Terrace, and with his estimable wife moves in the best circle of society in this old town.
-
Our subject is a native of Maine, having been born in Otisfield, September 23. 1852. His par- ents were John and Elizabeth (Knight) Greene, the former of whom was a well-to-do farmer of the Pine Tree State. He lived to the advanced . age of eighty-four years, departing this life at his home in Maine, in 1895. William, of this history, had four brothers and a sister. The eldest of the family, Edmund, was a prominent
physician of Otisfield, and is now deceased; the next in order of birth was Merrill K., a whole- sale merchant of Boston, Mass .; Joseph K., the twin of our subject, was graduated with him in the same class at Bowdoin College, and is now a well known attorney of Worcester, Mass .; George H. is a well-to-do farmer of Otisfield. When only thirty years of age the latter was elected to the Assembly, and has ever since been influen- tial in the ranks of the Republican party. Mary E., the only daughter of the family, is now the wife of Edwin J. Whitman, a wholesale merchant in Boston, Mass. The mother of this family was a very intelligent lady, and previous to her marriage taught school very successfully.
William C., of this history, passed his boy- hood days on the home farm and procured his common-school education in his native village. He afterwards took a classical course in Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me., from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with the Class of '77. He was very popular among his college friends, and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and editor of the college paper, entitled the Bowdoin Orient, being chosen by his class to fill this position.
After leaving college Mr. Greene decided npon the profession of law, entering the office of Mayor Ludden, of Lewiston, Me., with whom he studied and was admitted to the Bar in 1879. Later he went to Boston and read with one of the best at- torneys of that city, and in due time was also admitted to practice in the Bay State. He soon thereafter opened an office at Boston and con- tinued in practice there for four years. At the end of that time, about 1884, he came to Sag Harbor, with whose interests he has been identi- fied since that time.
Mr. Greene takes an active part in public af- fairs, and is an influential worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He has been Chairman of the Town Committee, and on this ticket was elected Justice of the Peace in 1894, after liav- ing filled an unexpired term, caused by the death of the former Justice, P. R. Jennings, who had been the incumbent of the office for a period of forty-four years. On the death of Judge Bis-
-
CHARLES WORTH WICKHAM.
333
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
good, in November, 1895, he was appointed to fill the vacancy in the office of Police Justice. Our subject is very familiar with the details of the banking business, and is the attorney for the Peconic Bank of this city. His pleasant home contains a library, in which is to be found a fine collection of the works of standard English and American authors, besides scores of volumes relating to the practice of law.
The marriage of Mr. Greene and Miss Eliza Ripley, of Paris, Me., occurred June 6, 1888. Mrs. Greene was educated in Ionia, Mich., and Waterville, Me., and afterward made good use of her knowledge by imparting it to others in the schoolroom. She is also an accomplished performer on the piano and organ and presides over the latter instrument in the Methodist Epis- copal Church of Sag Harbor. Our subject is a member of this congregation, and for a number of years has been Trustee and Steward. He is especially interested in the work of the Sunday- school and has made many friends among the children since taking charge of the school as its efficient and beloved Superintendent. He is a great friend of the young men and helps them in many ways on their way in the Christian life. He is a member of the Epworth League, in which he always takes an active part, and is an interested worker. He is President of the Sag Harbor Lecture Association, and is one of the representative Republicans of Suffolk County.
HARLES WORTH WICKHAM. No life is more independent than that of the intelli- gent and energetic farmer, who brings science to liis aid in developing the natural resources of his domain. Success especially attends the efforts at dairy farming, and it is this in which Mr. Wickham is most intimately interested. He con- trols large dairy interests at Marratooka Lake, and is the proprietor of the well known Marra- tooka Farm and Creamery. He located at his present place about 1877, having removed from Brooklyn. While he conducts general farming;
he makes a specialty of raising Jersey cattle, and generally has a large herd of these beautiful creatures, that remind one of the forest by their deer-like coloring and shy, alert ways. In 1539 he established the Marratooka Creamery, but previous to that time he had been quite exten- sively engaged in the dairy business. He has the patronage of neighboring farmers, who sup- ply him with cream. His creamery is well fitted out with the most approved machinery, and his brand of butter, which is known as the Marra- tooka Butter, is a fine fancy grade.
Mr. Wickham is a native of Brooklyn, born June 19, 1852, to Joseph Parker and Mary C. Wickham. His father, who was a native of the . town of Southold, this county, was born in 179 ;. and was the son of Thomas Wickhamn. a descend- ant of an old established family on the island. that was of English origin. Reared in Suffi County, at the age of eighteen. Joseph P. Wick- ham went to New York City and was employed in the dry-goods business, first as a clerk. Later he was the founder of the well known dry-goods house of Wickham Bros. & Hutchinson, which was located in New York City. On his retire- ment from active business, the firm became S. Hutchinson & Co. His decease occurred ::: Brooklyn in 1883. A man of fair education. he took an active interest in the public questions of the day. In a business sense he was a self-male man and the author of his own fortune. His wife died in 1870. Of his children, the following survive: Phoebe A., Sarah E., Joseph P., Adella. William H., Charles W. and Mrs. P. B. Coxe.
The early education of Charles Worth Wick- ham was obtained in private schools. At the age of sixteen he entered Cornell University. a: its opening in 1868. After leaving college he clerked in New York City until 1877, when he came to Long Island and settled on his present fine farm. He was married. in October. 1884. 30 Miss Annie S. Raynor, a daughter of Hiram M. Raynor, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs Wick- ham have had five children, whose names are M. Clare, W. Raynor, Cedric H., Helen M. and Spencer.
The farm owned by Mr. Wickham is one of
.
334
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the finest rural abodes on Long Island, and com- prises about two hundred acres of land, which is adequately adapted to stock-raising. He keeps it in a high state of cultivation, and takes great pride in its high degree of production. He is actively interested in all local enterprises that promise to benefit the locality with which he is identified. In politics he is a Republican. Aside from his interests already mentioned, he carries on an ice business, having icehouses on Marra- tooka Lake, and supplying the neighboring towns.
:
ENRY DENISON HEDGES, recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of Suffolk County, is also one of its well-to-do citizens. The name which he bears is one well known on the island, as the Hedges family have made their home here for about eight generations. His father, Stephen Lewis Hedges, is one of the old- est residents of this section, and is a man whose high position in the community has been gained by industry and perseverance. He is now ad- vanced in years, and living retired on his farm in the town of East Hampton, which is carried on by his son William. (For a complete history of the family, we ask the reader to read the history of Stephen L. Hedges, on another page. )
Our subject was born on the old home farm in East Hampton, November 14, 1854. His father . being in good circumstances, he was sent to the Clinton Academy, where he completed his educa- tion. He remained an inmate of the parental household until attaining his majority, when he began to make his own way in life. Being reared to the occupation of a farmer, it is not strange that he chose to make that his business in life, and to know that he has succeeded one has but to view his beautiful farm, located in East Hampton Town.
May 17, 1875, Henry D. Hedges and Miss Ellen, the daughter of Capt. Ezekiel and Hannalı (Os- born) Howes, were united in marriage. Her father was a sea-captain, and followed the water for a
period of thirty-five years. He was born on Shelter Island, and very likely inherited his love of the water from his father, who was captain of a line of packets running to New York City. Young Howes ran away from home when only ten years of age, and obtained a position as cabin- boy on a whaler which set sail from Sag Harbor. He made many successful voyages, and was so thoroughly in love with his occupation that he continued to follow the sea, as we have stated, for thirty-five years. During that period, among the vessels which he commanded were the "No- ble," "Columbia" and "Barbara," all of which were well known to the old tars of that day.
Captain Howes abandoned the sea when about fifty years of age, and, settling in East Hampton, was married to Miss Patience Parsons. She survived her marriage but twelve months, and Captain Howes was then united to Miss Hannah Osborn, daughter of Henry and Eleanor Osborn. They then located on the farm where our subject now resides, and lived there for about twenty- two years, or until the Captain's death, which oc- curred in July, 1884, when he was seventy-two years of age. His widow still survives, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hedges. who is the only member of her family who is now living. .
Our subject and his wife are the parents of a daughter, Fanny Payne, and a son, Harry. The former, who is now nineteen years of age, com- pleted her education in Packer Institute at Brook- lyn. Harry isa lad of ten years, and is at home. Both our subject and his wife are members in ex- cellent standing of the Presbyterian Church. Po- litically he votes with the Democratic party, al- though he takes no active part in office-seeking.
Mr. Hedges resides on a farm adjoining the old homestead. This property he rents and farms to good advantage. He sold his interest in the home place several years ago, and this portion of the property is now used by the Maidstone Club. The residence of Henry D. Hedges was formerly owned and occupied by the Chatfield family. which was one of the oldest on Long Island. Aft- er the property was purchased by Captain Howes " the dwelling was enlarged, and has also been ad-
335
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ded to and remodeled by our subject. Many years ago it was purchased by an uncle of Capt- tain Howes' second wife, Capt. William Osborn, from the Chatfields. He was captain of a whal- ing-vessel, and died on one of his voyages in the Indian Ocean. He was taken care of by the mis- sionaries, who buried him in that desolate region. A headstone was afterward sent across the ocean to these good people, who saw that it was placed to mark his grave. Captain Osborn, on sailing for foreign ports, left a wife, who died before it was learned that he had departed this life. The property was thus left to his mother, an old lady, who died one year later. Another of her sons, Henry Osborn, brother of the Captain, then came into possession of the property, but after Captain Howes married Miss Osborn he purchased the es- tate, and made the place his home until his death.
OSTER S. CLOCK, one of the prominent citizens of Islip, is a boatman and vessel- owner and extensive shipper. He was born in this town, April 2, 1839, and is a son of Asa Clock, who was also a native of this place, and who was born in 1790. As a boy the latter was reared a farmer, but early in life began sailing on the ocean, and the greater part of his life was spent on the water. He lived to reach the age of eighty-two years. Our subject's mother, who be- fore her marriage was Miss Julia A. Roseman, was a native of Ronkonkoma, and a daughter of John R. Roseman. She died in her sixty-ninth year.
There were twelve children in the parental family, the four eldest of whom, Edna, Amanda, Aravilla and Caroline, are deceased. Foster S. is our subject; Brewster is employed on Long Island Sound: John W. is the next in order; Stephen W. and Charles W. are deceased, as are also three others.
As a boy Mr. Clock had but limited opportuni- ties for study in the distriet schools, and was obliged to commence work as soon as he was large
enough to help his father on the boats. He was almost brought up on the water, and understood perfectly the sailing of crafts while yet a boy. He attended school during the winter months and when he was unable to do anything on the boats; thus the greater part of his knowledge has been gained by observation rather than from books. He has, however, keen judgment and a practical knowledge of persons, places and things that stands him in good stead.
Remaining with his father until he was twenty- one years of age, Mr. Clock then felt himself capable of beginning for himself. He purchased an interest in the sloop "Benjamin Franklin." and so successful was he in his first ventures, that . four years later he sold that interest and purchased a larger and better boat. From that time his possessions increased, and he accumulated a co:1- siderable fortune in boats and real estate. Atthe present time, although his interests in the boa: business are extensive, he spends but little time on the water, as he has practically retired from active life, although he still manages his freight- ing business. For over thirty-five years he was owner and master of vessels, and after so active a career it is pleasant to see him enjoying his com- fortable and refined home, which is delightfully situated in the village of Islip.
Mr. Clock was married, in March, 1865, to Miss Phoebe L. Johnson, of Ontario County, N. Y .. and to them were born three children. The etd- est son, Dow, who has been the station agent at Sayville for eighteen years, married Josie Skinner. and is the father of five children, whose names are Pearl, Roscoe, Chester, Harold and Eveline. Arabella married Howard Newins, of Patchogue, and is the mother of two children, Florence C. and Damon F. Our subject's third child, Damon F., died when nearly twenty-one years of age. He was just in the bloom and promise of manhood. and the blow was a severe one to his parents.
Mr. Clock formerly voted with the Republican party, his father having been a Whig, but in later years he has sided with the Democrats in national issues, but in local or municipal affairs gives his influence and vote to the best men. He has never had any aspiration for political place. Fra-
£
336
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ternally our subject belongs to the Royal Arcanum, of which he is one of the charter members. He is a self-made man, whose growth has been guided by the best of judgment and natural tendencies. Mrs. Clock is a devoted and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
00 LODOWICK BEEBE is a well known lum- ber nierchant of Southold, and is reckoned among the most influential of the citizens of this village. He was born at Orient, November 27, 1826. His father, the late Daniel Vail Beebe, who was born January 8, 1781, and died Novem- ber 26, 1870, married Miss Esther Young, wlio was born July 26, 1789, and whose decease took place January 31, 1877. D. Lodowick was one of a family of eleven children, and he and his brother Andrew continued to run the home farin together for many years. In 1856 he married Miss Anna Amelia Hobart, daughter of Deacon William S. Hobart, of Orient. She died a year later, leaving an infant, William Hobart, who married Miss Helen Tuthill, and resides on the farm at Orient. He has one child.
Three or four years after the death of his wife Mr. Beebe went to New York, where he engaged in the stationery business, making his home in Brooklyn. December 29, 1865, he married Miss Helen A. Prince, who was born at Greenport in 1835, and is a daughter of Salem G. Prince. Her fatlier, who was born in the town of Southold in 1807, lived in the village of Greenport and was a carpenter and builder. He struck the first blow towards building the first church in Greenport. He was a leading member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and was a Trustee and Steward. Later he went to Brooklyn, and followed his trade up to the time of his death, which occurred Feb- ruary 1, 1872. For a time lie was employed as a foreman in the white-lead works in Brooklyn. The Prince family was among the first settlers in ' the town of Southold. The mother of Mrs. Beebe was prior to lier marriage Miss Louisa Buell.
She was born at Southold in 1809, and died in 1864. One of the brothers of our subject's wife, William A. Prince, was born September 21, 1838, and for many years before his death, April 29, 1894, was in the lumber business in Southold.
Prior to Mrs. Beebe's marriage she was for many years a music teacher in New York and Brooklyn and is considered a fine performer. Mr. Beebe spent but two years in the stationery busi- ness, and then worked at the carpenter's trade, being employed by the White Lead Company. He remained with thiem until the death of his first wife's father, who left his property to our subject's son. Mr. Beebe then returned to Orient to manage the estate until his son should become of age. At the death of William A. Prince Mr. Beebe bought his lumber and coal business, also the wharf, and succeeded to the business, coming to Southold to live at that time.
From boyhood Mr. Beebe has been closely identified with the Congregational Church, and has taken great pleasure in his work therein. He has been a Deacon of the church for many years. Both he and his wife are ardent Prohibi- tionists and do all in their power to aid the cause of temperance.
ILLIAM HAZARD TERRY. One of the beautiful homes in Sayville, that overlooks the great South Bay, is owned by our sub- ject and is charmingly presided over by his amia- ble and gracious wife. Mr. Terry was born at Portsmouth and is a son of Joseph H. Terry, who at the time of his son's birth was Purser of the navy-yard. When he died the father was the oldest Purser in the United States navy. Our subject is of English ancestry, three brotliers of the name settling on Long Island in 1640, in the vicinity of Southold and Southampton.
Our subject's mother was formerly Miss Mary Wood and was a daughter of William Wood, who was a shipping merchant. Mrs. Terry died at the age of seventy-four. Her eldest child. Can -
1
337
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD.
illa, is deceased, and the surviving children are: Mary, who married Rensselaer Tenibrocke, an attorney; Elizabeth; and William H., our sub- ject. The father of this family died at his resi- dence in New York City at the age of sixty years.
The family formerly resided in New York City, where our subject had the very best of educa- tional advantages. He entered Columbia College, from which he was graduated with honor in IS50. About 1885 he came to Sayville and built the fine residence wherein he and his family live in such quiet, peaceful happiness. Our subject is essen- tially a home man, as the home itself indicates, and he has lavished upon it everything in the way of furnishings that it is possible to obtain. Its niost prominent feature is a fine library, which is richly stocked with the rarest books of biogra- phy, history, poetry, art, and many old and quaint volumes of memoirs. Many of the more valuable volumes date back to the sixteenth century, and are curios in the way of printing and binding, and from the fact that many are first editions. The family spend their summers here and many of the winter months in New York City.
Mr. Terry was married, in November, 1857, to Mary Catherine Harned, of New York City, whose parents were Quakers. Mr. Terry is one of the Trustees of the Long Island Chautauqua Assembly Association at Point of Woods, on the great South Beach, nearly opposite Sayville.
ILLIAM DENTON, a hard-working and successful farmer of the town of Babylon, is a native of Barnsley, Yorkshire, Eng- land, and was born April 23, 1844. His parents were George and Caroline (Mace ) Denton, his father being a manufacturer and real-estate dealer of considerable prominence, who came to this country shortly after the birth of his son William, in search of a more remunerative field of busi- ness. He penetrated what was then the very far and wild West, and for a time was in the state of Wisconsin, where he tried farming. Returning East, he found work in Fall River, Mass., and on
becoming established brought his family over from England, and made his home in that great factory town. William was then a boy of nine. and when he was ten the family made a second removal, this time going to Paterson, N. J .. where he secured the greater part of his educa- tion.
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.