USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 45
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in the enjoyment of excellent health and looks much younger than he really is. He has nothing but words of praise for his step-father, W. L. Jones, whom he considers, next to his mother and his Grandfather Willse, the greatest friend he ever liad and one of the benefactors of Port Jef- ferson. It was through his efforts that the town was laid out and established at its present loca- tion.
In 1848 Mr. Mather was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Wells, daughter of Henry Wells, a prominent ship-builder of Stony Brook. Their union resulted in the birth of four children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Sarah Jane, wife of Dr. M. L. Chambers, of Port Jefferson; Irene Willse and John Titus. The mother of these children closed her eyes in death in 1892. Mr. Mather has always been a stanch Democrat and a warm admirer of Grover Cleve- land, and in 1840 served in the capacity of Post- master, althoughi he has never been an official as- pirant.
A USTIN CULVER. The reputation that Mr. Culver enjoys is that of a substantial and progressive farmer and an intelligent citizen. He is now living in East Moriches, where he has resided most of his life, and is re- garded as one of the solid men of Suffolk Coun- ty. Mr. Culver was born in this village February 2, 1813, and is the son of Jeremiah and Lydia (Brewster) Culver, also natives of this county, where they passed their entire lives. The father was an influential citizen of the county and sur- vived his wife many years, the latter departing this life when Austin was only two years of age.
Our subject first attended school in the district near his home, but was afterward sent to a board- ing school, where he made rapid progress in his studies. He was awarded a certificate to teach when sixteen years of age and followed this voca- tion with success for six terms. He was, however, reared to farm life and was ambitious to make this his calling. He obtained possession of a tract of land in the town of Brook Haven and so ably
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managed affairs that he was soon independent. Everyone in this section knows him, for he is one of the old landmarks and worthy citizens.
In 1836 Mr. Culver married Miss Sarah How- ell, the daughter of Josiah Howell, also born in Suffolk County. Four children were born to them, one of whom is deceased. Those living are Jeremiah, a resident of East Moriches; Julia, the wife of Jehial S. Raynor, a prominent resident of this village, who is engaged in the insurance busi- ness, and Jolin W., who also makes his home in this place. The wife and mother departed this life in 1893, greatly beloved and mourned by all who knew her. Mr. Culver has been for many years identified with the Presbyterian Church and toward its support has been a liberal contributor. In his political views he is attached to the Demo- cratic party and is an earnest advocate of its dis- tinctive principles. On this ticket he was elected Assessor of his town and for fifteen years was the incumbent of that position. He was also Presi- dent of the Board of Trustees for a period of six years, and takes much interest in all worthy en- terprises.
D R. BRADLEY F. MANY. To relieve and cure the ills to which the human family has been heir from time immemor- ial has been the duty of the medicine man, and that this calling is a humane and most necessary one can not be denied. To be a successful medi- cal practitioner requires not only great mental capacity, but a heart to feel and think for others, unbounded energy and a sound constitution, for a physician's life is one, usually, of exposure and hardship. No more successful physician can be found within the confines of Suffolk County than Dr. Bradley F. Many, notwithstanding the fact that he has only been a practitioner since 1891. He was born in Ulster County in 1859 to Robert T. and Almira A. (Bennett) Many, the former of whom was born, reared and educated in Orange County. He possessed a fine mind, which was strengthened and enriched by the highest culture, and for many years he followed the useful occu-
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pation of a teacher, guiding many young minds into useful and honorable patlıs. After a well spent life he died in 1890, a worthy Christian gentleman. His widow still survives him.
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The son of this worthy couple, Dr. Bradley F. Many, received his early education in Ulster County, completed his literary education in a graded school, and subsequently followed in his father's footsteps and became a teacher, an occu- pation which occupied his time and attention for a number of years. For some time the medical profession had had great attractions for hin, and at the age of twenty-eight years he began his medical studies in Long Island Medical College of Brooklyn, and from this institution was grad- uated in 1891. Dr. Many at once established an office at Port Jefferson and here has steadily practiced his profession ever since and with the most flattering success.
In 1891 he came to realize that it is not good for man to live alone and found a worthy life companion in Miss Minnie Chase, a daughter of Ira Chase, of Greene County, their marriage tak- ing place in that year. Two sons have been born of this union: Harold Chase and Raymond, both promising lads. The Doctor and his wife are communicants of the Methodist Church, and so- cially he is a member of the Royal Arcanum and is the medical examiner of this order. The Doc- tor has a bright career before him and gives every promise of rising to eminence in his profession.
W ILBUR F. HAMMOND, a prominent jeweler of Greenport, and Superintend- ent of the Eastern Union Telegraph Company, was born in Sayville. November 17. 1845. He is the son of Lewis and Ann Eliza (Reeve) Hammond, residents of Greenport. The former, who died October 19, 1805, was a jew- eler by trade and carried on business in the post- office building. The Hammond family is one of the oldest on the island and has always been known for integrity, energy and patriotism.
Of a family of five children, three are noa
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living, those besides our subject being Fred, who lives in Greenport, and Ada, wife of Samuel Foulks, of Brooklyn. Our subject was educated principally at Fredonia, N. Y., and learned the jeweler's trade in Dunkirk, this state. In 1864 he came to Greenport and embarked in the jew- elry business. Notwithstanding the fact that he was then less than twenty years of age, he met with success from the outset and had the pleasure of seeing his trade increase until it assumed profitable proportions.
In addition to the jewelry business, Mr. Ham- inond was one of the prime movers in the organi- zation of the Eastern Union Telegraph Company in 1881, on the east end of the island. Of this he has been Superintendent from the start, and the enterprise, while small, has proved a marked success. It strikes the various points on the east end of the island, making connection with the Western Union. Front the first it has paid large dividends to the stockholders, and has also pro- moted local interests. For many years Mr. Ham- mond was also manager for the Western Union at Greenport.
Miss Frances Terry, daughter of H. H. Terry, a farmer of the village of Orient, became the wife of our subject November 25, 1865, and they have three children, namely: E. Courtney, a re- porter on the Brooklyn Times; Leroy, a tele- graph operator, and W. F., Jr., manager of the Associated Press in the State Senate Chamber at Albany. Mr. Hammond is a Chapter Mason and has filled several of the offices in the Blue Lodge. He and his wife are members of the Congrega- tional Church, of which he has been organist for many years. Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN F. BOOTH. The industries of Green- port are varied and cover nearly every branch of the many ramifications of indus- trial activity. In fact, it is safe to assert that no branch is here without an exponent, and fortu- nately in all lines the business is in the hands of able and practical business men, whose con-
tinued efforts contribute to the village's advance- ment and standing. John F. Booth, who is the efficient freight agent of the Long Island Rail- road and ex-Postmaster of Greenport, was born in this village, November 14, 1852, was reared here, and has ever had its interest at heart. His father, John F. Booth, Sr., who was also born in this village, was a carpenter by trade. He was a leading member of the Baptist Church for many years and died when our subject was but seven years old. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary F. Wells, was born in Riverhead, this county, and was the daughter of Daniel D. Wells, who was the pioneer in the fish-oil business on the island, which is so successfully carried on at the present time. For many years he engaged in the same, and his sons, Henry E., Daniel O., and William A., were all interested in the fisheries business with him under the firm name of D. D. Wells & Sons.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Booth married E. S. Champion, who was in the lumber business. She died in 1889, leaving a son and two daughters by her first union. The eldest daughter, Mary E., is the widow of J. S. Biggs, who was a sea captain; she now resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. Evelina, the second daughter, married Jesse Reeves, an expressman of Green- port. The son, our subject, grew to manhood in Greenport and received his education in the schools of this place. When seventeen years old he commenced learning the tinsmith's trade, but when twenty-one years old he engaged in the grocery business, which he followed with fair suc- cess until he was appointed Postmaster by Presi- dent Harrison. He had served six years on the Board of Education, and held the office of Sec- retary of the same all this time. After serving four years as postmaster he retired from the office and was employed by the Long Island Railroad Com- pany, being in charge of the freight department at Greenport, an important position which he is fill- ing at the present time most acceptably.
In the year 1878 Mr. Booth married Miss Ruth E. Reeve, daughter of Prof. George B. Reeve, of Mattituck. L. I. They have one child, John Carl- ton Booth. Mr. Booth is a member of the Fire
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Department and is interested in all movements for the progress and upbuilding of the village. He is a prominent member of the Baptist Church and has been the leader of the choir for twenty years. He has also been Superintendent of the Sunday-school, Trustee and Deacon in the church, and one of the greatest workers in the same. In him the city has an active and useful citizen.
C APT. JACOB WILLSE. This sturdy old sea captain, who was born in Setauket, in 1813, made his long last voyage in February, 1894, when death claimed him. He came of an old and prominent family, his career 'was an active and interesting one, his citizenship was of the most worthy, and his death, at the ad- vanced age of eiglity-one years, was universally regretted. His parents were Henry and Charity Willse, the former being a supposed native of Fort Lee, N. J., and a useful, law-abiding citizen.
When a mere youth Jacob Willse was left an orphan, to fight life's battles as best he could, con- sequently his education was confined to what he could secure in the district schools. As a means of livelihood he early embarked on board an ocean vessel as a sailor, soon became an able sea- man, and at the youthful age of nineteen years was placed in charge of a vessel as skipper. He sailed salt waters for many years, encountered many severe storms, dangers and hardships, but proved his able seamanship and ability to com- mand in many a combat with the elements. For about four years he had charge of the Stratford Shoal Light Ship on Long Island Sound, but after retiring from the command of that vessel hie established the first coal yard in Port Jefferson, which he successfully conducted for a number of years, then retired from all active business pur- suits and spent his declining years in his com- fortable home in Port Jefferson, amid congenial scenes and surroundings. He was public-spirited and from start to finish his career was one worthy of all respect and of the emulation of the young. In every sense of the word the Cap-
tain was a Christian, was a member of and held offices in the Methodist Church, and at his death bequeathed that church $1,000. By his wife, who closed her eyes in death the same week as himself, he became the father of one child, a daugliter, Adelaide, who, in 1865, be- came the wife of Dr. Alfred D. Wilson, now de- ceased, a native of Port Jefferson. Mrs. Wilson, who, like her parents, is a worthy Christian, be- longs to the Presbyterian Church. She is the only survivor of the Willse family, which, for many years, has been one of the leading families in the social circles of Port Jefferson.
Mrs. Jacob Willse was a daughter of Capt. Justice and Hannalı (Jones) Hallock, a well- known family of Long Island. Captain Hallock was a very able and well-known sea captain, who made many voyages to foreign parts. He con- tracted yellow fever while on one of his trips. which resulted fatally when he was but thirty- three years of age. His wife had died previously. at the age of twenty-six years, at which time Mrs. Willse was but two years of age. She received an academic education, became a leader in all good works, for which hier fine mind and good educa- tion especially fitted her, and for many years was Secretary and Treasurer of the Port Jefferson branch of the Long Island Bible Society.
L OPER BROTHERS. In this day and age when buildings of all descriptions are con- stantly being erected, the calling of the saw-miller, carpenter and contractor is one of the utmost importance and if properly conducted is exceedingly profitable, for more or less in the construction of the majority of buildings various woods are used to a greater or less extent. The business which occupies the attention of Loper Brothers, of which Gilbert E. Loper is the senior member, is that of lumber planing and contract- ing, and was established in 1889. Gilbert E. Loper was born April 17, 1860, at East Setauket and there his literary education was received. While growing up he learned the trade of house
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carpentering. which occupation he followed until he embarked in his present enterprise with his brother, Arthur Loper, who has charge of the mill work. He received a practical education and the experience which he received while fol- lowing his cailing broadened and strengthened his views and tended to fit him for the practical duties of life. In 1884 Gilbert E. Loper was married to Miss Emma West, a daughter of Har- vey West, of East Setauket, and to them three children have been given: Ralph, Florence and Gilbert. Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Loper are members of the Presbyterian Church, and socially he be- longs to Port Jefferson Lodge, I. O. O. F. Po- litically he is conservative.
Arthur Loper was also born at East Setauket, his natal day being July 11, 1866. In the public schools of liis native village he acquired a fair knowledge of the world of books, but, unlike his brother, his early life was spent on a farm. He learned house carpentering under the able in- struction of his father and in this work was en- gaged until 1889, when he formed a co-partner- ship with his brother, Gilbert E., as above stated. They are doing a satisfactory business financially and have one of the finest plants in Suffolk Coun- ty. They met with a heavy loss by fire in August, 1893, but with characteristic energy they at once rebuilt, fitted up their establishment with new and improved machinery and are doing a busi- ness well calculated to please them in every re- spect. They are wide-awake, shrewd and prac- tical, keenly alive to their own interests, but gen- erous withal and strictly honorable in every re- spect. Arthur Loper was married in February. 1893, to Miss Lizzie Hawkins, daughter of Israel Hawkins, a prominent ship-builder of East Se- tauket, and to their union two children have been given, Helen, and an infant yet unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Loper are church members, the former of the Presbyterian, and the latter of the Episcopal Church. Socially Mr. Loper is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows of Port Jefferson, and in his political views is conservative.
These thorough-going and enterprising busi- ness men are the sons of Gilbert II. and Mary E.
(Gould) Loper, both of whom were born in Suf- folk County. In early life the father learned the trade of house carpentering and for many years followed that calling in connection with contract work. He was a quiet, unassuming, but thor- oughly honorable citizen, and his death, which occurred June 18, 1889, was much lamented, not only by his immediate family, but by all who knew him. His widow survives him.
C APT. SCUDDER JAYNE. Notwith- standing all that has been said and writ- ten of the hardships incident to the life of the sailor it has a fascination for the great ma- jority of boys, and in this respect Scudder Jayne was no exception to the general rule. He no doubt came by this predilection honestly, for his father before him was a sailor, and without doubt he inherited his taste. The ancestry can be traced back five generations to William Jayne, who was born in Bristol, England, and was the founder of the family on American soil. His birth oc- curred January 25, 1618, and in 1678 he began thie then long and dangerous voyage to America on a sailing vessel. He located at Setauket, L. I., where he acquired large landed interests and lived a useful, if uneventful, life. His death oc-
curred March 24, 1714, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. His son Stephen was born in 1700 and the latter's son Stephen was born Au- gust 25, 1727, and upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Amy Davis. He followed the life of a farmer and blacksmith and died at Setau- ket January 5, 1807, when eighty years of age. His son Joseph first saw the light March 3, 1757, and he married Miss Elizabeth Robbins. He be- came an extensive land-owner in and about Se- tauket and lived to be the oklest man of the vil- lage, dying at the age of ninety years.
Micah Jayne, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Robbins) Jayne, was born at Setauket April 5. 1796. He was married February 19., 1823, to Miss Adeline Jones, and to their union the fol- lowing children were born: Scudder, Benjamin
E. AGATE FOSTER, M. D.
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F., Mary and Elizabeth, the two sons being the only surviving members of this family. Micah Jayne spent his early life on the water and eventu- ally built and commanded several vessels, the "Adeline" being the first vessel built on the mod- ern plan of ten hours' labor per day in shipyards, the day's work having previously extended from sunrise to sunset. He died in 1883 at the ven- erable age of four score and seven years, at which time he was the oldest resident of Setauket.
Scudder Jayne received such education as the district schools in vogue in his youth afforded, which were then by no means of the best, and at the age of fifteen years he abandoned his books to follow the sea under his father. So proficient did he become in all that pertaind to able seaman- ship that within three years he was placed in com- mand of the sloop "Arrival," with the title of Captain. In 1846 the schooner "Adeline" was built and Captain Jayne commanded her three years. During the next five years he was Captain of the "Marietta Hand." In 1856 he had built for him the schooner "Susan E. Jayne," which he ably commanded until 1862, and the following year he had the "Ida A. Jayne" constructed. Of this vessel he was Captain until 1876, when he retired from the sea and took up his residence in a house which he had had constructed for him in East Setauket, on land which he purchased in 1850 of Joseph Jayne. This place was originally part of the old Jayne estate and adjoins the old family homestead. This home is the acme of comfort and few places in Suffolk County are more inviting or hospitable.
January 24, 1851, Captain Jayne was married to Miss Susan E. Jones, who was born April 30, 1829, and who closed her eyes in death in Jan- uary, 1893. In January, 1895, Captain Jayne was again married, Miss Sarah A. Sanford, of Se- tauket, becoming his wife. The first union re- sulted in the birth of two children: Ida A., wife of H. F. Jones, now of Flushing, by whom she has one daugliter, Amelia; and Scudder Jayne, Jr., who is a successful business man of Setauket : he was married to Miss Her Hand, a member of one of the leading families of Suffolk County, and they have one son named Lester.
While not a member of any church organiza- tion, Captain Jayne affiliates with the Presby- terians, of which church both his wives have been members. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, and has held several minor offices, such as Roadmaster. The Captain is a kind and considerate husband and father, an ex- cellent neighbor and is universally respected for his upright dealings and sterling characteristics. He was one of the founders of the Bank of Port Jefferson, and is the oldest Director of that firmly established institution.
E AGATE FOSTER, M. D., is a rising young physician, who has already made a name for himself in the village of Patcli- ogue, where he has been located since his grad- uation from the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital with the Class of '90. Dur- ing his studies there he was associate editor of the college paper, called the "Chironian."
Our subject was born at Sparta, on the Hudson. just below Sing Sing, April 1, 1867, his father, Eb- enezer Foster, now being a prominent builder and contractor of that place. His mother, known in maidenhood as Melodia F. Carmichael, was a na- tive of Westchester County. Her maternal uncle. Frederick S. Agate, was one of the founders of the Academy of Design in New York City, and was a celebrated artist of that city, who died when quite young. On her mother's side, Mrs. Foster was of English ancestry, while her father was born in America of Scotch parents.
E. Agate Foster was graduated from the Sing Sing Public School and afterward took a course in Mt. Pleasant Military Academy, graduating from there in 1884. On completing his literary education he entered upon a business career, and for a twelve-monthi was engaged in the whole- sale grocery business with S. T. Willetts & Co .. of New York City. About this time he decided to enter upon the study of medicine and in this pro- fession he has proved himself to be peculiarly gifted. The opening in Patchogue for a young
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and progressive physician seemed good and he came to this place in 1890, soon after his gradua- tion. He could scarcely have done better in any place, as his ability has been recognized and he has become very popular.
Dr. Foster is a member of the State Homeo- pathic Medical Society of New York, which he joined in 1801. He is a stockholder of the Long Island Mutual Insurance Company of Patchogue and is also interested in the Steam Ferry Com- pany of this place. Religiously he is an influen- tial and consistent member and a Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife, who is an accomplished musician, is the contralto singer in the choir of this denomination.
June 26, 1890, Dr. Foster was married to Miss Mary A. Fox, of Sing Sing. She is a finely edu- cated lady and as an artist has done some very fine work in both oil and water colors. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of two daughters, Bessie May, born May 31, 1891, and Eunice Melodia, born January 7, 1894. In social affairs the Doctor is an Odd Fellow of high standing, being Past Grand of Brook Haven Lodge No. 80, I. O. O. F., and is likewise a mem- ber of the Royal Arcanum. His example in the community is such that he has the best wishes of his neighbors and friends for his complete suc- cess in life.
TOEL L. G. SMITH. Notwithstanding the fact that nearly twenty years have elapsed since the death of this gentleman, he still lives in the memory of the host of friends to whom his genial, kindly nature endeared him. His life was passed principally on Long Island, and he died on the family homestead in the town of Smithtown, which was also the place of his birth and the scene of his activities. The family of which he was a member is one of the oldest and most prominent on the island, as well as one of the most numerous at the present time. In business and in the professions its representa- tives have been influential and active, and to their
labors are largely due the growth of this locality and the development of its material interests. The homestead which he inherited was at one time owned by a son of the original "bull rider."
Born June 18, 1819, our subject was a son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Floyd) Smith. In some re- spects his life was uneventful. In early life he went to New York City, where he made his home with an uncle, Edmund Smith, meantime devot- ing some attention to the study of medicine. On the death of his father, however, he assumed the management of the estate, which comprises six hundred acres or more, and upon which he en- gaged in fruit growing and general farming. Soon after the close of the war, he embarked in the fish industry in South Carolina, where he carried on an extensive business until his death, being the owner of a number of fishing vessels.
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