USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 41
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Delaware Literary Institute, in Delaware County, N. Y. After having spent some time there he became a student in the State Normal School at Albany, from which he was graduated in 1876. Meantime he taught a term of school in Dela- ware County.
In the spring of 1876 he entered the office of Dr. Joseph Sweet at Unadilla, Otsego County, where during the summer he commenced the study of medicine. A few months later he en- tered the inedical department of the University of the City of New York, and was graduated front there in 1878. The intervening summer was spent in Albany, where he studied histology un- der Dr. William Hailes. After his graduation . he formed a partnership with Dr. S. G. Pomeroy, of West Oneonta, Otsego County, where he re- mained until 1879. In the winter of 1878-79 he took a post-graduate course in various medical colleges of New York City. In the spring of 1879 he opened an office at Bainbridge, Chenan- go County, but in the summer of 1881 removed to Binghamton, to accept the position of assist- ant physician in the Binghamton State Hospital, where he remained until January, 1892. In 1891 he passed the civil-service examination for the position of Superintendent of State Hospitals, and in December of that year he was appointed to his present position, the duties of which he assumed January 7, 1892.
The medical profession, with its development, progress and possibilities, had for years received the thoughtful attention of Dr. Wilsey. In every- thing that pertains to the profession he maintains a deep interest. He is a member of the Bing- hamton Academy of Medicine and the Broome County Medical Society, and has read a number of papers before the latter organization. The cases which he has reported for medical journals have been given careful attention by the mem- bers of the fraternity, and have elicited many favorable comments from many of the most emi- nent men in the profession.
Dr. Wilsey was made a Mason at Bainbridge, April 20, 1881, and was connected with the lodge at that place until 1885, when lie became affiliated with Otsmingo Lodge at Binghamton. In June,
1888, he became a Royal Arch Mason, and Sep- tember 18, 1888, was made a Knight Templar of Malta Commandery. November 7, 1894, he af- filiated with Palestine Commandery, of New York City, to which he now belongs. While residing in Binghamton he united with the Presbyterian Church, in which he still holds membership. Politically he adlieres to the line of policy adopted by the Republican party, and its principles and leading issues of the age receive his firm support.
February 21, 1878, Dr. Wilsey married Miss Anna A., daughter of Albert Field, of Mt. Vision, Otsego County, his classmate in and a graduate of the State Normal School. They have two children: a son, born August 14, 1884, in Bing- hamton; and a daughter, born in the same place, September 8, 1890.
The Long Island Home, of which Dr. Wilsey is physician-in-charge, was incorporated in 188 1. and re-incorporated in 1887. It is managed by a Board of Directors, composed of the following- named gentlemen: A. G. Bailey, President: D. S. S. Samis, Vice-President; W. W. Hewlett, M. D., Secretary; W. F. Norton, Treasurer: Charles Searle, Richard H. Robbins and Frank L. Bailey. To assist Dr. Wilsey there are the assist- ant physician, S. H. MacGillvary, a matron, clerk and corps of competent nurses, all of whom are well qualified for their respective positions.
In the home the most careful treatment is given to the insane, who have every needed attention. medical and personal. At present there are about one hundred patients, and the reputation of the place is growing, as the increasing attendance proves. The home is situated on the south side of Long Island, in Amityville, and has all the advantages of this delightful climate, where the air in summer is cooled by the ocean breezes and warmed by them in winter. Not only is the climate favorable, but the scenery is unsurpassed, The roads are smooth, the drives picturesque. and the country, as far as the eye can behold, pre- sents a vision of beauty that deliglits the soul. The main building is large and well constructed, with broad piazzas, wide corridors and large apartments, containing all modern conveniences. Surrounding the house is a large lawn, dotted
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here and there with trees and shrubs, and on one side is the flower garden. Besides the principal building, there is a cottage, heated by hot water and lighted by gas and electricity, where the patients are offered every comfort and privacy, besides all the advantages of the larger institu- tion - music by the orchestra, church services, regular entertainments and other amusements.
ADELBERT PIKE, editor and proprietor of the Riverhead Courier, was born at Glens Falls, N. Y., October 24, 1866. His father, · Aaron F., a native of Warren County, this state, was a printer by trade, and for some time carried on a book-binding and job-printing establishment. For several years he served as Chief of the Glens Falls fire department. He died in that village in 1879. The mother of our subject, who bore the
maiden name of Mary E. Norris, was born in Sutton, Vt., and is at present residing in Glens Falls. Her father, Welcome Norris, who was a carriage manufacturer, removed from Vermont to New York, settling in Glens Fall, where he con- tinted to reside until death. He was a man of
considerable influence among his fellow-citizens. and took an active part in the work of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
The family of Aaron F. Pike consisted of three children, namely: F. Adelbert: Walter D .. an engineer at Glens Falls; and Gertrude B., who is with her mother. Our subject was educated in his native village, and there, too, he learned the printer's trade in his father's office. His fa- ther, however, died when he was a lad of this- teen, so he did not have the advantage of his help and counsel. In different parts of the country he has followed the printing business, having been thus engaged in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore. Providence, Auburn, N. Y., Rutland, Vt .. and New York City. For a time he was editor of the Corinthian at Corinth, this state, and also had the editorship of the Daily News at Troy. In the spring of 1895 he came to Riverhead and established the Courier, of which he is now pro- prietor and editor.
In 1888 Mr. Pike married Miss Rosella Martin. of Glens Falls, and they have one child, Ethe! May. He is a successful newspaper man. active. energetic and ambitious, and has already brought his paper, which is independent in politics, into prominence among the people of this locality.
APT. MALAGA SMITH, who is a promi- nent factor of Suffolk County, as was his father before him, forms the subject of this notice. He has passed many active years of his life on the high seas, and is now living retired. surrounded by all the comforts which a good in- come can provide.
Mr. Smith was born in the place where he now makes his home, in East Patchogue, in IS30. He is the son of Barney and Sallie M. ( Dan ) Smith. the former of whom was born on the okl home place, where he spent his entire life when not on the sea. He began his career as a sailor when quite young, but subsequently gave his attention
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to farming, in which industry he was remarkably successful. He was progressive and energetic and kept his estate under advanced improvement un- til the time of his death, in 1857. His estimable wife was also born in this county.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Bar- nabas Smith, was probably born in the same community where Capt. Malaga now lives, and which territory was then inhabited very largely by the Indians. The original of this sketch at- tended the district school until about fourteen years of age, and, although they were greatly in- ferior to the schools of to-day and the term was only three months in length, he made the most of his opportunities and gained a fair knowledge `of the common branches taught there. Before attaining his fifteenth year he left the parental roof. and, going to New York City, shipped on a full-rigged brig and celebrated his birthday at Tri- este, Italy. He remembers being sent on that day to nail some boxes, and being supplied on this oc- casion with wire nails, which were used entirely in Italy. This was forty years before their introduc- tion into America.
The third voyage which Mr. Smith made he was second mate of the vessel and on the fourth trip was promoted to be first mate. When next putting out to sea he was master of the ship on which he sailed. During the number of years in which he was on the high seas he visited nearly every port of importance in Africa, visited the Ca- nary Islands, besides anchoring at the important ports of Europe. During the last five years he was engaged in the rubber trade in South Amer- ica, which business he found to be very profitable.
For some time he commanded the vessel which carried the mail from New York to South Ameri- ca. One of his rivals, B. J. Weinburg, was very anxious to get the contract, and built a clipper to contest speed with Mr. Smith's vessel. The voy- age of four thousand two hundred miles was made in nineteen days and six hours, with Captain Smith as the winner. His rival had a hat made for him in New York City at a cost of $16, in which was the following inscription: "Presented to Capt. Malaga Smith by B. J. Weinburg for beating his clipper from New York to South
America, June 30, 1874." The Captain wore this hat for twelve years, and it is still very present- able, although perhaps a little "old style."
Captain Smith returned to his home in Suffolk County in 1878, and that year built the comfort- able residence which he now occupies with his family. He was married, in September, 1865, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Amos and Nancy Hulse, prominent people of this county. Two sons survive of their union, named, respectively, Gilbert P. and Jonah, both residents of East Patchogue. Mrs. Smith and her sons are mem- bers in good standing of the Congregational Church. Socially the Captain is a Mason of high degree, and in politics is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. On this ticket he was elected Trustee of the town of Brook Haven, which office he still holds. He is enterprising and prominent in the affairs of his community, and makes friends of all whom he meets.
HARLES W. AVERY. The patrons of agri- culture in Suffolk County, L. I., have a worthy representative in the person of Charles W. Avery, who is also engaged extensively in the real-estate business. He is a product of Pat- chogue, L. I., born in 1854, and his parents, Humphrey and Susan (Case) Avery, were natives of the same place. During his lifetime the fa- ther was prominently identified with agricultural pursuits, but was also engaged quite extensively in the dairying business. Aside from this, he was a quiet, unassuming man, well respected and liked by all. His death occurred in 1889. His wife had passed away in May, 1878.
Charles W. Avery received good educational advantages during his youth, and first attended the schools of Patchogue, this county. Later he entered the Bridgehampton Literary Institute, where he received a thorough training. He was reared on a farm, and, as he had a natural taste for tilling the soil, that has continued to be his
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ehosen occupation in lite. He was also engaged in dairying until 1893, when he opened a real- estate office at Patchogue, and since then has con- ducted this very successfully. He is the owner of considerable valuable real estate, and has been quite instrumental in building up the village by buying land and laying it out into lots. He is a most worthy citizen, and all he has accumulated in the way of this world's goods is the fruit of his own industry and perseverance.
In his choice of a companion to go with him through life, Mr. Avery selected Miss Grace A. Lane, daughter of William F. Lane, who was a prominent and substantial citizen of Mattituck, . L. I. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Avery, two now survive, Irene L. and Humphrey R., both bright and interesting children, still un- der the care of their parents. Mrs. Avery is a member of the Congregational Church.
At all times and under all circumstances Mr. Avery in a stanch Democrat in politics. He has never cared for political prefermient, but has held a number of local positions, of which he dis- charged the duties in a most satisfactory manner. He is a representative citizen, keeps thoroughly abreast of the latest ideas, and has a host of good friends.
A BRAM W. KENT, proprietor of the Com- mercial Hotel at Northport, was born Jan- uary 6, 1851, at Nyack, Rockland County, and was the fourth child in the family of Jonas and Lettie (Westervelt) Kent. His father was born and reared in Rockland County, and when a man he became a pilot on the Hudson River, following this occupation for many years; he died at the age of seventy-two. It is a fact wor- thy of note that his parents, the grandparents of our subject, both died on the same day, leaving him an infant. The mother of our subject was born in Bergen County, N. J., and her deathi oc- curred when she was about forty-three. She was a member of the Baptist Church and was a woman of most estimable character.
Our subject's early life was spent at home until he was about twelve years of age, when he was started out in the world for himself. His first position was that of cook on board a freight pro- peller on the Hudson River, and in this hie con- tinued for the next two years. He then learned the tinsmith trade, which he followed for several years, later was with the Albany Oil Company in New York, in Westchester County in a hotel with his brother-in-law, and at Amityville for a time. After this he came to Northport and ran the old Northport Hotel for three years, then spent about seven years in Southold, and on re- turning to this village rented the Commercial Hotel, which he has conducted to the satisfac- tion of the traveling public.
Mr. Kent was married in November, 1878, to Miss Sarah A. Conklin, and three children have been born to them: Cornelia May, Edith S. and Richard T. Miss Cornelia is a successful musi- cian and has been given excellent advantages in that art.
side.
EUNIS R. BARNES, of East Hampton, belongs to distinguished families in the island, both on his father's and mother's One William Barnes is recorded as having been the first of the family to settle in the region of East Hampton, coming in the seventeenth century. He was a man highly esteemed, and died December 1, 1698. The fourth William Barnes died March 30, 1726, at the age of twen- ty-four. The fifth died July 3, 1814, at the age of ninety-one. Josephi died March IS, 1807, at the age of eighty-eight. Nathan C., who was born April 11, 1798, died March 7, 1861. He married Phæbe Osborn, who died April 7, 1848. Joseph Henry represents the eighth, and William Henry the ninth, generation. The Barnes fami- ly has lived long on the island. and has been an important factor in making this county what it is to-day.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The Huntting family, to which our subject be- longs on his mother's side, is no less distin- guished, and its ancestry is a most interesting study. We give it in outline: John Huntting ap- pears in America at Dedham, Mass., in the year 1638, and is recorded as having died in 1689. Fol- lowing him was another John, who died in 1718; a Nathaniel, who graduated from Harvard; a third and fourth of the same name; an Abraham; and a J. Madison, the father of Adelaide, the lat- ter the mother of our subject, who hiniself is the last representative of that family.
The mother of John Huntting, the first of the family in this country, was a first cousin to John Rogers. The mother of the second John was Elizabeth Payne, who died in 1778. The third Nathaniel was an eminent minister, and was the second pastor of the church at East Hampton, and preached here just a half-century, this being his only charge. The homestead which he oc- cupied he held under grant from King William, and it has always remained in the family. The fourth, also Nathaniel, married Mary Hodges, graduated from Harvard, and died in this village in 1770. The fifth, another Nathaniel, married Mary Murdock, and died in 1851. Adelaide, of the eighth generation, was the eldest of three children, the other two being Cecelia R. and Teunis D. She was married, October 25, 1860, to Thomas Dixon Barnes, and became the mother of two children: Teunis Ray, who was born January 9, 1867; and Norman Wickford, born April 11, 1871, and who married Miss Nan S. Edwards. .
Our subject was married, July 16, 1889, to Miss Minnie, daughter of Joseph Havens, now deceased, having been lost at sea. She was reared in the family of Erastus Jones, in East Hampton. To them has been born a family of three children, Ray Huntting, Thomas Madison and Teunis Wickford.
Thomas D., the father of our subject, was en- gaged in the service of the New York Life Insur- ance Company, being stationed at New Haven, Conn., and was counted one of the best insurance writers that the company ever had in its employ. He was in receipt of a large salary, and it was
his duty to seek the wealthier men and secure them for large amounts. Among insurance men he was well known, and was a firm believer in the principles of his business. His death was quite sudden, he being engaged at his work a half-hour before dying.
Teunis Ray, who inherits much of his father's business ability and tact, was reared in this village, and was educated in the East Hampton Academy. With Egbert C. Corwin, he learned the mason's trade, and established himself in business here, winning a good standing in the community, both as a man of integrity and ability in his chosen calling. He does all the fine work in the hand- some colleges in the community, and works for the very best architects of New York City. He and his family are living in the old family home- stead occupied by his mother's family before him. Politically he is a Republican, and serves on the county committees, and attends the county con- ventions. Socially he is connected with Hamp- ton Lodge No. 575, I. O. O. F., and with Wam- ponomon Lodge No. 437. A. F. & A. M., at Sag Harbor. He is Past Grand in the latter order, and has taken the various Odd Fellow's degrees. In the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member, he sings in the choir. His wife was for a time organist in the church, but that position is now filled by her sister-in-law.
The uncle of our subject, Israel Otis Huntting. was chorister in this church for fifty years, and up to the time of his death sang in the choir. He never married, and was much admired and respected by all who knew him. J. Madison Huntting started the savings bank at Sag Harbor, and was its first President, acting in that capacity until the time of his death. For years he also conducted a private bank in East Hampton. He was an intelligent man, of good appearance. marked in his features and ministerial in his bearing, and personally was'modest and retiring in his disposition, even-tempered, and pronounced by all a Christian gentleman. He contributed largely to the support of the church of which he was a member, and built the house where Dr. Rogers now make his home, occupying it until the day of his death.
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GEORGE W. BURR.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G EORGE W. BURR, one of the most prominent and progressive business men who is now leading a retired life as a farmer in the village of Commack, is the man whose name appears above. He was born Octo- ber 19, 1825, on the same farm which he now owns and occupies, and was the youngest in a family of four children born to Samuel and Bes- sie (Ruland) Burr. Of this family the two oldest, Platt R. and Mary Ann, are both dead, and our subject's only living sister, Amanda, makes her home in Islip. The father of our subject was also born on this island, where he spent his entire life engaged in farming. For his second wife he married Miss Mary Sammis, by whom he had one daughter, Caroline, who is the wife of Thomas Rodgers. He was a stanch Republican, and took much interest in local politics. He died in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the age of seventy-three years. Our subject's mother, who was born in Brook Haven, has also passed over to join the great majority. She, too, was a member of the Methodist Church, in which she was an active worker.
Until about seventeen years old Mr. Burr re- sided on the farm, and then learned the black- smith's trade. Afterward he came back to the farm and built a shop, combining farming and blacksmithing with much success. He inherited the old homestead after his father's death, and made it his home from that time on. In recent years Mr. Burr has enlarged and beautified the dwelling and outbuildings and improved the gen- eral surroundings, making of the place one of the most beautiful farm residences in the county. October 24, 1849, he was married to Miss Louisa Prout, who was born in New York City, June 18, 1829. She died December 30, 1894, and was bur- ied in Commack Cemetery. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the mother of seven children. William, the first born, died in infancy. Alice died when four years old; Caroline, who married George Drake, of Babylon, died at the carly age of twenty-nine; George M. is a druggist at North- port; Moses P. is now at home looking after the work of the home place; Ruth Augusta is still at
home, while Nettie L., the youngest, is the wife of William Kissam, of Green Lawn.
Mr. Burr is an earnest advocate of Republican principles, and has always taken much interest in local politics. His neighbors speak of him in the highest terms, and he has many friends all through this country. Now, however, he has quite delicate health, but his eye is clear and his mind untroubled.
H ENRY C. TUTHILL. It has been said that the study of biography yields to no other subject in point of interest and profit; and while it is true that all biographies have much in common, yet the life sketches of no two individuals are alike. Each has its distinc- tions and various points of interest, and each is accordingly complete in itself.
The subject of this notice was born in East Mar- ion, L. I., August 20, 1848, and is the son of George and Marietta A. (Clark) Tuthill, also na- tives of East Marion. The father was born in 1803, and died in July, 1870, and the mother passed away January 13, 1883. Of the eight chil- dren born to this union the two eldest died in in- fancy. The others were Emeline, who became the wife of Clark T. Lamphear and died in East Mar- ion; Harriet, who was the wife of Benjamin E. Mull, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y .; Frances, who died in Yaphank, L. I .; Julia, the wife of Clark T. Lamphear; Henry C., and George A., deceased.
As a boy our subject was thoughtful, studious and fond of books, and as he had excellent advan- tages for an education and improved them he is one of the best informed men of his section. For about six years he followed fishing and after that for two years was engaged in coasting, but since then his occupation has been fishing and farming. His life has been both active and honorable, and he has achieved the high position he occupies in the estimation of the people by his upright carcer. What he has gained he owes to his ambitious na- ture, his high sense of honor and his sobriety and industry.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Tuthill was married in East Marion, L. I., to Miss Charlotte E. Vail, a native of East Marion, born August 30, 1848, and the daughter of John M. Vail (deceased) and Harriet N. (Edwards) Vail, who still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Tuthill are the parents of two children, Florence E. and Emma L.
For many years Mr. Tuthill has been an ardent supporter of the Republican party and believes that its principles are those that have the best in- terests of the people at heart. He also takes an active interest in church work and is a member of the East Marion Baptist Church. He is promi- nently identified with all matters of moment in his section and for some time held the office of School Trustee.
A RTHUR DOMINY. The village of Bay Shore is known principally as a summer resort, and draws vast numbers of summer saunterers every season by the rare attractions which it presents in its seashore and charming scenery. Its population is so largely transient that a man who is permanent here, has had much to do with its progress and improvement, and to-day holds large interests, is well deserving of a place in this history of the county. Such a person is the man whose name appears at the opening of this sketch.
Our subject has been located in this place for thirty-three years, the last ten of which he has been superintendent of the Life Saving Service. His father, Felix, who died in 1869, was for. the greater part of his life engaged in business as a hotel keeper. He was born in East Hampton in the year 1800, five generations of the family hav- ing been natives of Long Island. He was mar- ried to Phoebe Miller, a daughter of Gen. Jere- miah Miller, of East Hampton. She survived her husband many years and died in 1891, at the age of eighty-four. The parental family in- cluded five children, of whom the oldest was Nathaniel, who is now living at East Hampton. Jerusha is deceased. Mary is the next in order of birtli, and Ned lives in this village.
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