USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 40
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home is located. He lias laid out some twenty acres of this in town lots, but keeps enough to have his home surrounded by spacious and ele- gant grounds.
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ENJAMIN P. FIELD is a man known more widely and favorably than a close following of his business would have ever won for him. He is engaged in the plumbing, tinsmith and house-furnishing business at Babylon, but, like many another ardent and poetic soul, he turns from the monotony of his daily labor to the comfort and delight of literature. He is a good business man, and a competitor has to rise early in the morning to get ahead of him. However, he has thoughts, tastes and enjoyments far beyond the round of daily toil and strife, and in the field of literature has won many triumphs. Some of his poetical creations have had a wide circulation, and have been pronounced of a very high order of merit by competent critics. Some of his short poems, such as "Company A, Hamilton Rifles," "Summer's Pretty Nigh," "Frost-Bitten," "Oak Island by the Sca," and "The Little Tin Pail with a Cup on the Cover," have touched the hearts of many readers. Others have been scarcely less popular, such as "The Tide is Running Out," "Our Dear- est Friend," "The Old Picket Fence," "Beauties of Life," "The Old Wooden Cradle," "Mrs. Flynn's Christmas Experience," "When the Lord is Near," "Autumn," "Ending of the Year," "Summer Will Come Again," "Coarse, Dirty Hand," and many others. We close this sketch with "Little Joe," which first appeared in the Plumbers' Trade Journal, and was pro- nounced a scene from real life at Babylon.
Mr. Field was born at Flushing, April 7, 1831, and was the son of Benjamin P. and Eliza ( Post) Field. His paternal ancestors were among the first settlers of Long Island; they secured a grant of land from the English Crown in 1636, and, lo- cating near what is now Flushing, engaged in
farming. The father of our subject was reared to the carpenter's trade, and followed it all his days. Of his large family, Benjamin was the fifth child. The young lad entered a bakery in New York at the age of twelve, and received his board and $25 a year until he was sixteen, when he re- ceived $1 a week. He had little opportunity for attending school, but kept his eyes and ears open and gathered quite an education by obser- vation, which has served him well. At the age of seventeen lie was apprenticed to learn the tin- ner's trade, receiving $25 a year and whatever he might be able to earn working overtime, this being the contract for the first year. He learned rapidly, and was soon able to earn quite a sum outside of his regular duties. He served four years at this business and the last two years was able to earn journeyman's wages, having charge of the shop, and having twenty men under his control.
June 6, 1852, Mr. Field was married to Miss Mary Ann Purchase, with whom he had been ac- quainted from infancy. Her parents were John and Susannal. B. (Cutter) Purchase, residents of Flushing. In May, 1853, Mr. Field came to Babylon and started in his present business. He has done remarkably well in this enterprise, not- withstanding he has passed through several pan- ics. There never was a time when his credit was not perfectly good. His domestic life has been equally fortunate. His family comprised nine children, of whom seven grew up to matur- ity, and five are still living. Rodolpho, who is a traveling man from Minneapolis, is the father of three children, and is quite a prosperous business man. John B., who makes his home in Islip, is engaged in the plumbing and tinning business; he has two children. William Post lives in Baby- lon, but is engaged in business in New York City with the Wostenholm Cutlery Company of Sheffield, England; lic has two children. Morti- mer H. is at home with his father, and has one child. Manuel W. lives in New York City, where he is manager for Smith & Sills, whole- sale grocers; lic has no children.
Mr. Field in carly life was a Whig, voting for General Scott; then was with thic so-called Know-
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nothing party, but voted for Lincoln in 1860. He is a member of the Village Board of Health, and also of the Board of Education. However, he is not an office-seeker, scorning the working of what men call practical politics, and has refused nominations tendered him by both parties for im- portant local positions. For many years he was a director of the fire department.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Field are members of the Episcopal Church at West Islip. For many years lie attended the services of the Presbyterian Church, leading the singing in that place of wor- ship for thirty-five years, and has been identified with all the musical interests of the village from the day he first located here. He traces his mu- sical disposition back to his mother, who came from a musical family. Mr. Field is a member of Babylon Council No. 881, R. A., in which or- der he has filled all the chairs, and has been Or- ator eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Field are both generous, and are noted for their deeds of charity.
LITTLE JOE.
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A SKETCH FROM REAL LIFE.
BY BENJAMIN P. FIELD.
Little Joe was the brightest lad I alnost ever saw; He had two brothers like himself, and they all lived next door
To a cobbler's shop, where one could see-alinost every day This trio full of fun and mirth, in cunning tricks and play.
They were up to all the mischief that boys could ever be, And nothing in the neighborhood but what their eyes would see.
They would hunt in holes and corners; go poking into nooks,
Full of fun as an egg of meat-they showed it in their looks.
You could see them walking on a fence, or climbing on a shed,
Then playing tandem in the street, with little Joe alread; And up to all the tricks and pranks that boys could ever know-
A constant circus all day long-with Ike and Tom and Joe.
The biggest puddle and deepest mud, out upon the street, Had a perfect fascination for their mischievous feet.
They'd leave the best and dryest walk or most convenient pathı,
And wallow in the deepest ditch, to give their shoes a. batlı ..
They had a little sister, too, the tiniest little thing, Cunning as a little "chick," she would prattle, laugh and sing.
The little fellows often rode her in their poor old cart- Run like horses in a race when she motioned them to start.
Their father was a laboring man, was poor, and times were hard;
No full coalbin or stacks of wood were seen in his back yard.
Sometimes the children's clothes were thin, their shoes were worn most through;
Sometimes their gloveless little hands looked pinclied and cold and blue.
But tough and strong, these lively boys they feared not rain or snow,
But played outdoors most all day long, led on by little Joe.
Their mother often pulled their hats close down upon their head,
And put into their little hands a great big slice of bread.
'Twould do you good to see them eat; 'twould inake some rich folks wish
That they had such an appetite for their expensive dish; And what lessons they could learn, and how 'twould seem to bless
Them with a more contented inind-be satisfied with less.
Quickly disappeared the bread, though the butter it was thin,
They'd no time to stop and see if a little dirt went in, But licked their little fingers off, and did it pretty quick- I wonder if any other child did such a funny trick?
Their father thought as much of them as men do of their bovs,
He had no money to give away or buy expensive toys;
They had to do the best they could, 'twould touch a tender heart
To see the tliree go tinkering up their little home-inade cart.
Their mother's hands were pretty full, for they'd tear the buttons off;
Sometimes at night, with cold, wet feet, they'd have a threatening cough.
Their father, likely out of sorts and working on half time,
The rent was due, the coal was out, and he without a dique.
And so he felt discouraged-like and didn't seem to care, And perhaps in their presence, he'd forget himself and swear.
The youngsters being quick to learn, and Joe, the little scamp,
Soon learned to swear as easy as most any common trauip.
The other two were most as bad, and so, between the three,
Their mother's hands were busy kept and full as they could be.
But being full of love and hope, to a mother's duties true, She meekly bore her burdens all, as many mothers do.
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A woman from the "Ladies' Aid" called at the house one dav
To read and talk of higher things, and with the family pray.
The little fellows listened close to what the lady said,
And little Joe thoughit he would pray before he went to bed.
And soon from helping hands there came hats, shoes and overcoats,
And mittens, gloves and mufflers, too, to warm their lit- tle tliroats.
The parson's wife she lent her aid and kept the Golden Rule,
And soon she had the little boys up to the Sunday-school. She put them in the infant class and placed them in a row,
And soon all eyes were turned upon Ike, Tom and little Joe.
The Parson's wife prayed in her heart, "God bless these little boys,
And keep thiem safe within the fold to share His sacred joys."
They were the brightest boys in school; it did not take them long
To learn the many tunes they sing, and almost every song.
They soon were out of the infant class into a higher grade,
And none could fail to note the change which in these boys was made.
Their father was severe at times, but he had a tender heart,
Which beat in kindness for his boys-those little boys so smart.
'Twas plain to see they had improved, they were not so rude in plays,
And it set him thinking of himself-of his own sinful ways.
One night-he could scarcely slcep for his conscience smote liim so-
He dreamed he'd lost his little boys, Ike, Tom and little Joe.
His heart was heavily burdened, and filled with deep despair,
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Something seemed to speak and say, "Take it to the Lord in prayer."
One night he went up to the church, along with neighbor Jim;
It seemed that each and every prayer was aimed right straight at him;
And every speaker in the room, as soon as he would rise, Would pick out all the faults he had and stare him in the eyes.
He felt so very guilty like, he knew not where to look, So kept his eyes just riveted upon an old hymn-book.
And when the parson's wife got up and tenderly did speak,
A tear was seen to trickle down across liis whitened cheek.
. He seemed to lose his self-control, and stood upon liis feet,
And tried so hard to pray or speak-but just broke down complete.
A change had come-a chord was touched and he had been redeemed;
The load had quickly left his heart, and bright the whole world seemed.
And now his little family all seem at perfect ease;
A pretty picture, too, they make at evening on their knees.
The parson's wife she feels so glad she goes and tells thein so,
And prays that God will always be with them and little Joe.
Babylon, L. I., March 3, 1894.
APT. DAVID ROSE DRAKE. The gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch
was for years one of the prominent and in- fluential residents of Suffolk County. He spent many years of his active life on the water, work- ing his way up from the humblest position to be commander of a whaling-vessel. He made many long and successful voyages, and such was his knowledge of this business that he never lost a vessel. For many years prior to his decease he lived retired in comfortable circumstances.
The subject of this sketch was born in New Jersey, whence he came to Long Island when a lad of about twelve years, in 1835. He was ac- companied on his journey by his widowed moth- er, with whom he lived, caring for her, until six- teen years of age. Being very fond of the sea. and at that time offered a paying position on a whaling-vessel commanded by his uncle, Capt. John Rose, he bade his mother good-bye and be- gan what proved to be a long life on the waters of the Atlantic. He was promoted from time to time, and on the fifth voyage, when only thirty years of age, became master of a whaler of Sag Harbor. He made his last voyage during the war, and, with the exception of perhaps four or five years, he had been on the water since a lad of sixteen years.
When resigning his position as captain of a vessel, our subject purchased a tract of land, on which he located with his family, in Southamp- ton, where his mother was living, in 1860. In addition to this property he also owned a tract | of ten acres, which was a portion of his mother's
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WILLIAM H. SAMMIS.
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home place. Knowing fruit-growing to be a profitable as well as pleasant business, he set out a number of trees, as well as the smaller fruits, and gave his attention to their cultivation until his decease, which occurred in June, 1892, at the age of seventy two-years. When Southampton became a summer-resort town, the Captain was prevailed upon to sell a portion of his lands to those wishing to build cottages, as his property was located near the ocean and was consequently very valuable and desirable.
Our subject was married to Miss Harriet, daughter of Jonathan Fitlian, and a native of Southampton, of which place her father was also a native. Mrs. Drake departed this life about eighteen months prior to her husband. The children born to them were as follows: Mary Rose, now Mrs. William F. Halsey, of South- ampton; Abbie Fithian, who died unmarried; and David Clarence, a shrewd and enterprising young man, now in charge of the home place.
The father of the above family was a Repub- lican in politics, and although in no sense of the word a politician, always took great interest in the success of his party. Hc aided in the organ- ization of the Southampton Bank, and was one of its Directors and large stockholders from its start. He was very fond of fishing and hunting, and after retiring from active business, often went on expeditions of these kinds, when he invariably met with success. Captain Drake was a man of marked character, and very pronounced in his likes and dislikes. He became identified with all matters pertaining to the upward growthi and advancement of his home locality and the village, which numbered him among its enter- prising and prosperous citizens.
David Clarence Drake, the only son of our subject, was born at Southampton, in the house where he is now living, on Hill Street, November 9. 1865. After completing his studies in the public schools, he took a course in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, and on his re- turn home became interested in a grocery store, having for his partner Livingston Bowden. He began in this business two years prior to attain- ing his majority, and showed such capability in
the management of his affairs that the firm be- came very popular and was soon in command of a paying trade. David C. Drake has visited all portions of the West and South, including Cali- fornia and Florida, and although delighted with those portions of the United States, has always returned home feeling that he would prefer to live on Long Island. He is now managing the fruit farm after the most approved methods.
The marriage of David C. Drake occurred May 24, 1890, when Miss Harriet, daughter of Eli P. Fordliam, became his wife. Mrs. Drake was born at Southampton and was educated in the academy at this place. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, which is one of the oldest and most influential congregations on the island, and take an active part in its work. Mr. Drake enjoys yachting, and often takes advantage of the excellent opportunities given for engaging in this pastime. He and his wife occupy a high social position in the community and have many warm friends among the best residents of the island.
ILLIAM H. SAMMIS, one of the leading business men of Northport, is exten- sively interested in stoves and hardware. He is a practical tinner and a plumber of skill and experience, so that his standing as a com- mercial man in this village is generally conceded. In addition to his business interests, he is Presi- ident of the Village Board, and his election to that position is evidence of the high opinion in which he is held by those best qualified to form a judgment as to liis character and ability.
Henry Sammis, the father of our subject, lived in Huntington, one mile from the village. His place was called "Mutton Hollow, " and there he died at the age of sixty-four. His youthful days were spent in the city of New York, and he worked there for the man who built the old United States Hotel and Restaurant. After some years he turned his attention to farming. He married Hannah Phillips, who was from Canada. and who attained the age of ninety years. They were the parents of five children, of whom Steph-
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en P., the eldest, is now living at Huntington. The second child, Sarah E., is deceased; our sub- ject was the third in order of birth: the fourth, Charles A., who made a gallant record in follow- ing the Flag during the Civil War, was Sergeant in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sev- enth New York Infantry, and was wounded in the Battle of Honey Hill. The youngest child, Orlando S., is living in Rutherford, N. J.
The subject of this writing was born in Hunt- ington, September 30, 1835, and remained on the farm until he had reached the age of fourteen. He then went into a bakery, not to learn the trade, but "to do something," and was em- ployed in this way for a year and a-half. After another year spent in school, he set himself seri- ously to a preparation for his life work by en- tering into an agreement with Isaac Adams to serve an apprenticeship of five years in the busi- ness of tinning. Not only was he an industrious and capable hand in the shop, but a true and trusty boy as well, and made a name which in after years was a great help to him.
When this period of apprentice work was over, Mr. Sammis took a trip to the West, with the int- tention of locating somewhere towards the setting sun. At that period, however, there was a gen- eral financial depression and times were very hard. Instead, therefore, of staying in the West and growing up with the country, he concluded he would return to the slow and plodding East as d safer region for business. Accordingly he came back to Long Island and resumed work under the direction of Mr. Adams, his old employer, who knew his sterling character and had every confidence in him. At the end of two years he set up in business in partnership with Mr. Adams, who furnished the capital, as he had but $350. In this way he continued for five years, when by good management he had saved money enough to buy out Mr. Adams. The war came on and he grew rich. He established a good busi- ness here, which he holds to this day. It was but a modest beginning that this large business had in its earlier days, when the receipt of $1 a day on the average was regarded as highly sat- isfactory.
In addition to this enterprise, Mr. Sammis is Treasurer of the Northport Steamboat Company, Treasurer of the Electric-light Company, and has been President of the Village Board since its organization. His interests all lie here, and he takes much delight in the prosperity of the place, which he has labored so hard to secure. He is always busy, but has system in doing business. so that he gets through with a mountain of labor and has time to be genial and pleasant to all par- ties with whom he comes in contact. He was married, November 20, 1862, to Alexina G. Smith, a daughter of Thomas B. Smith, and at that time a resident of Huntington. They have two children. The son, Elmer G., is an attorney in New York, and married Edith Mickleburrough; the daughter, Persis G., is at home. A strong Republican, Mr. Sammis cast his first vote for Jolin C. Fremont. He has never wanted office, but has always been a potential factor in local politics, and has served as Assessor and Trustee. He is a Mason of high standing, and has been Master of the lodge for fifteen years, twelve of these be- ing consecutive years. He is called the "father" of Alcyone Lodge No. 695, at Northport.
JOSEPH N. HALLOCK, editor of the Long Island Traveler, published at Southold, was born in Bay View, town of Southold, Sep- tember 16, 1861. He was well born and well bred. The family of which he is a member has had its representatives in Suffolk County since a very early period in the settlement of the island. The first of the name to come hither was Will- iam Hallock, a native of England, who emigrat- ed to America and established his home in the town of Southold during the year 1640, since which time his descendants have been intimately associated with the development of this section.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Hallock, was born on the old homestead in the town of Southold, and in early life was a member of the militia, as such being in service at Sag Har- bor during the War of 1812. He was one of the leading men in the Presbyterian Church, a man
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whose character was above reproach. The ma- ternal grandfather of our subject, Halsey Dickin- son, was a farmer on Shelter Island, and was a member of one of the pioneer families of Suffolk County. In later years he settled in the town of Southold, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. For many years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. Two of his brothers are ministers, one of whom, Rev. Wes- ley Dickinson, is a preacher in the Congrega- tional Church, and the other, Rev. Fletcher Dickinson, is a minister in the Episcopal Church. Rev. Nathan Dickinson, the father of the brothers mentioned, was a prominent Congregational min- ister.
Our subject's father, George Hallock, was born in the town of Southold in 1820, and engaged in farm work throughout his entire active life. In his old age he retired from manual labor, after having devoted more than fifty years to agricult- ural pursuits. His last days were spent in the village of Southold, where he died September 26, 1893. He was greatly esteemed for his high moral worth. His widow, who is still living, bore the maiden name of Maria J. Dickinson, and was born near Sag Harbor, grew to girlhood on Shelter Island, and later moved to the town of Southold. Seven children blessed their union, of whom four attained mature years, namely: Benjamin, who is engaged in business in New York City; Joseph N .; Georgiana, who died at the age of twenty two; and Lucy, who is with her mother in Southold.
The early life of our subject was spent on the home farm, and his rudimentary education was obtained in the public schools, a course that was supplemented by attendance at Southold Acad- emy. At the age of twenty-one he went to Greenport and purchased an interest in the Suffolk Times, for the purpose of learning the printing business in a practical way from the RVILLE JAY WILSEY, M. D., physician- in charge of the Long Island Home at Ami- tyville, was born at Otego, Otsego County. N. Y .. October 17, 1854, and is a son of Orville and Mary Ann (St. Johns) Wilsey. His ele- mentary education was obtained in a district foundation. Here he staid for something less than two years, after which he was engaged as a teach- er for a year. He then became associate editor of the paper which he now owns and edits. It was then in charge of M. B. Vandusen, but after three years the paper was sold to E. F. Taber, , school, and at the age of eighteen he entered the
and Mr. Vandusen bought the Advance at Patch- ogue. Mr. Hallock accompanied him to that place, where he remained a year or more. In 1889 he bought the Traveler from Mr. Taber. since which time he lias been its editor and pro- prietor. The Traveler is recognized as one of the leading papers of Suffolk County, and has gained a wide circulation and a high reputation among the people.
Mr. Hallock is a man of high character and unquestioned integrity. As a writer he is strong and fearless, putting things in an able and forc- ible manner, and has won a favorable standing in the profession of journalism. He early took a great interest in politics, and was only nineteen when he made his first political speech, since which time he has spoken in several campaigns in Suffolk County. For many years he has been a member of the Republican County Committee. and in a recent campaign his name was mentioned as a candidate for the Assembly. Interested in fraternal societies, he is identified with the Royal Arcanum, the Masonic fraternity, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1889 he married Miss Ella, daughter of Jeremiah Boldry, who was born in England, but spent his life prin- cipally in the United States and was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War. Mrs. Hal- lock is a highly educated and very talented woman. She has held important positions as a teacher, and was at one time associate editor of the New York School Journal. Latterly she has been employed by the Massachusetts State Board of Education as special instructor in physiology and hygiene.
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