USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 46
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In public matters as well as in private affairs, Mr. Smith was a man of firm convictions, positive in his opinions and energetic in action. He gave his support to the principles of the Democratic party, both in local affairs and in the national elections. During the war he held the office of Supervisor of the town. In connection with Judge L. Smith, he was instrumental in securing the establishment of the academy at Smithtown Branch, and in that institution, as in all factors pertaining to educational advancement, he ever took a deep interest. No enterprise was origi- nated that promised to promote the welfare of the town, to which he failed to give his sympathy and active co-operation. His charities, though unostentatiously given, were large; his circle of friends included not only the well-to-do and pros- perous, but the poor and unfortunate. He gave the ground on which St. James Church is built: in addition, he also donated the ground and as- sisted financially in the building of the parochial school connected with the church. Fifty-seven years he lived and labored and then entered upon rest, May 16, 1876, and was laid away in the St. James cemetery.
The first wife of Mr. Smith was Anna, daugh- ter of Leonard W. and Phoebe Lawrence. The only child born of that union was Anna, Mrs. James W. Fife, deceased. . For his second wife he
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chose Amelia Lawrence, a sister of his first wife, and one son blessed this marriage, J. Louis, now deceased. His third union was to Helen Oakley, who bore him a daughter, Helen Renel- ' cia. This daughter was married, October 8, 1800, to William Stanley Lawson, a native of England, who has had charge of the Smith home- stead since the death of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson and their son, Joel Smith, reside at this place, which is one of the large and finely improved estates of the town, and in their pleas- ant honie they welcome the many friends who de- liglit to accept their generous and unfailing hos- pitality.
J AMES L. HALSEY, M. D. The work of a careful, painstaking physician requires, for its thorough development, qualities of an high order, energy, perseverance, patience, accurate knowledge of the science and close in- sight into human nature. Such are the quali- fications which Dr. Halsey brings to his work, and it is therefore not strange that he has met with success in his chosen profession. He has made liis home in the village of Islip since 1889, and is well known among the people of this section of the island.
Capt. Augustus and Harriet (Halsey) Halsey reside upon a farm in the town of Southampton, in which place they were born. The father fol- lowed the sea for about twelve years and rose to the rank of Captain. Afterwards he devoted his attention to agriculture, in which occupation he still continues. The parental family comprised four children, namely: Emma, who is a resident of the town of Southampton; Andrew, who is Cashier for the Nassau Electric Road Com- pany, and resides in Brooklyn; James L., and William, who lives in Southampton. Our sub- ject was born on his father's farm in Southamp- ton, May 22, 1860, and spent his boyhood years in alternating work with scholastic duties and play. Though he early gained a thorough knowl- edge of farming, yet it was not congenial to his Lasies and he selected the profession of a phy-
sician for his life work. Wishing to fit himself for the work, lie availed himself of the advan- tages for a literary education afforded by South- ampton Academy. At the age of twenty-three he began the active preparation for a medical career. In the fall of 1883 he entered the Univer- sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where two years were spent in the medical department. Later he continued his studies in Bellevue Medical Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1888.
Since coming to Islip Dr. Halsey has gained an increasing practice and secured the good will of the people by his efficiency in the profession and his genial manners. November 8, 1888, lie was united in marriage with Elizabeth C. Halsey, daughter of Daniel and Abigail (Halsey) Hal- sey, natives of Southampton. One child, Ray- mond A., has been born of this union. In poli- tics the Doctor is a Republican, and fraternally he affiliates with the Masonic order. In educa- tional matters he takes a deep interest and is a meniber of the Board of Education. He is popu- lar in the best society of the place, and honored for his upright character, broad information and professional skill.
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D AVID FRANK OSBORN, who is en- gaged in the mercantile business at Water Mill, and is also one of the large property holders of the county, was born in Bellport, L. I., October 4, 1847, being a son of David and Maria (Raynor) Osborn. At the age of ten years he came to Water Mill to make his home with an uncle, D. Hedges Sanford, with whom he re- mained until he was sixteen years of age. He then went to New York City and took a position as clerk in an office, which he held for the four following years.
On his return to Water Mill Mr. Osborn con- mienced active farm pursuits, which he continued until 1882, meantime becoming the owner of val- uable farming property. On retiring from that occupation he became a merchant and erected a building at Water Mill, where he has since car-
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ried a full line of supplies kept in a first-class gen- eral store, and also has a complete assortment of farm implements. In addition to this lie has also engaged in the real estate business, besides buy- ing and selling produce and grain. The business is conducted under the firm name of D. F. Os- born & Son, and is one of the solid financial en- terprises of the place.
The marriage of Mr. Osborn, in 1869, united him with Miss Sarah Elizabeth IIowell. They have three children, namely: John H., who is in partnership with his father, and is a young man of good business ability; William H., and Na- than, who are still with their parents. Mr. Osborn has not lost his interest in farming, though he no longer gives it his attention as in former years. His possessions aggregate two hundred and fifty acres of land, of which one hundred and fifty are valuable and well improved.
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T HOMAS O'DONNELL is a public-spir- ited citizen, in harmony with advanced ideas, intelligent, progressive, and has at heart the good of his country generally. It has been frequently maintained that the success of men in general depends upon character as well as upon knowledge, and that "honesty is the best policy" is a self-evident fact. Mr. O'Donnell is a man whose career has been above reproach and whose success has been well merited. He was born in Smithtown, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Moroony) O'Donnell, natives of County Limerick, Ireland. The parents grew to mature years in their native country, married there, and came to this country when twenty-two and twen- ty-three years old respectively.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell first located on Long Island and there the former followed agricul- tural pursuits most successfully until his deatlı in 1888. He was an honest, industrious citizen, attended strictly to his own affairs, and was highly respected. Mrs. O'Donnell still survives, and, al- though sixty-eight years old, enjoys fairly good liealth. Thomas O'Donnell, Jr., was initiated
into the duties of agricultural life at an early age and received his scholastic training in the dis- trict school. When eighteen years old he left home and engaged as clerk with F. F. Darling & Son, of Port Jefferson, and was steadily em- ployed there for fifteen years, thus showing his capabilities.
After that he became a member of the firm of Fanning & Brewster, of Port Jefferson, under the title of O. F. Fanning & Co., which continues at the present time. Mr. O'Donnell has full charge of the business, and for eight years they had had, perhaps, the most extensive industry in the city. They carry a complete stock of dry goods, groceries, shoes, oil cloth, crockery, glass, oils, paints, hardware, wagons, top or open bug- gies, road carts, farming implements, grain and feed, hay, peat, moss and bedding, and there is a separate department for the sale of fresh meats, game, etc.
What Mr. O'Donnell has gained in the way of this world's goods has been by his own industry and good management, for he received no as- sistance. He is now one of the foremost men of Port Jefferson, and commands respect from all with whom he has business relations, as well as from the townspeople generally. In every re- spect he is of the stuff of which model citizens are made. Mr. O'Donnell is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics is liberal, al- though inclined towards the Democratic party. In 1888, when Thomas O'Donnell, Sr., passed away, our subject took charge of the home place and he has ever since supported his mother and his niece, and made them as comfortable as pos- sible. Although separated by about seven miles, he goes to the old place every Sunday to see his mother, to whom he is a most dutiful son, never neglecting anything that can contribute to her comfort and happiness. Few sons are as consid- erate and thoughtful as he.
When our subject was about eight or nine years of age William Wickham Mills, one of the most prominent citizens of Smithtown, in his day, gave him his first start. in the shape of a lamb. Mr. Mills branded the lamb with the letter T. and told young Thomas that he must make what he coukl
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from this start. After the first three years Thomas reaped from $75 to $80 per year, and thus learned habits of thrift and industry, which have remained with him through life. He still cherishes a fond memory of Mr. Mills, for he did not fail to appre- ciate his kindness even at that time.
J I OHN R. HOWELL, proprietor of one of the popular summer hotels of Bay Shore, has spent his entire life in this village, where he has a large circle of friends. For twenty years or more he has been engaged in the hotel busi- ness, and his house is one of the most delightful places in which to spend the summer months that can be found on the island. In addition to this business, he owns a private yacht, in the man- agement of which he is an expert, and his ser- vices are in frequent requisition for yachting parties.
The father of our subject, Selah Howell, was born in January, 1815, and followed the occupa- tion of a boat builder until his death, which oc- curred at seventy-two years of age. His entire life was passed in this, his native place. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Eleanor, daughter of Ebenezer McKinzie, and a native of Haver- straw. She is still living, quite active, notwith- standing her seventy-five years, and is making her home with her son, J. R. Her children, five in number, were as follows: John R., of this sketch; Mary Emily, deceased; Caroline, Mrs. Jarvis Chapman, who died three years ago, and Heman and Eleanor, deceased.
In the village of Bay Shore, our subject was born October 1, 1843, and in the public schools of this place he gained a practical education that fitted him for active life. In boyhood he showed a fondness for the water, and to him the greatest sport was the privilege of sailing in the boat his father had built. When quite young he learned how to sail boats, and as he had considerable gunins as a mechanic, he also gained a thorough idea of the construction of boats, several of which he has built. He is the owner of a number of
houses, and is constantly adding to his property as his increasing income enables him to do. In connection with his homestead may be noticed a large garden, in which he raises for home use all varieties of vegetables, thus having them fresh for table use.
Politically Mr. Howell is a Republican, and he rejoices whenever the party scores a victory at a local or general election. He was united in mar- riage, November 29, 1871, with Miss Lucille. daughter of Selah and Esther (Smith) Wicks. They are the parents of five children, namely: Ralph Stanley, Heman M., who is in San Jose, Cal .; Marcus, Frank and Minnie E.
H ENRY M. ROGERS, an old-time resident of Speonk, was born here March 24, 1827. and is the son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Raynor) Rogers, being one of two children. His sister, Angeline C., is the wife of David Conklin and the mother of four children, two having been born to a former husband. The father of our subject, who was a son of Jesse Rogers, was a native of this village, born in 1797, and was reared to a farmer's life. This occupation he fol- lowed until his death, which occurred about the year 1860. Jesse Rogers was born in Bridge- hampton in 1766, but was brought to this village when two years of age by his parents and grew to manhood here, becoming an extensive land- owner. He died in 1820 from an accidental injury due to a kick by a horse. His father was named Joseph, though but little more than that is known of him.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood under the care of his parents and acquired a good education in the common school. He remained with his father until he had reached the age of twenty-one. and then, hearing the ocean call him to its mysteries and wonders, he turned to a sea- faring life, and for some nine years remained on the waters. The death of his father called him home to take possession of the family home- stead, which became his by inheritance. From 1
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that time he has given his whole attention to it, and now holds his place among the solid and successful farmers of the island.
The marriage of Mr. Rogers to Miss Georgi- ana Saxton in 1859 was a most important event in his life, for it made him a home and brought him a wife who has truly proved a helpmate to her husband. She was the daughter of Richard Sax- ton, of Patchogue, and became the mother of five children, three of whom still survive. Jeremiah W. is married and is the father of two children. H. Winfield is single and lives at home, assisting in the care of the farm; Hannah Moore is the wife of Ambrose B. Tremain. Our subject has voted the Republican ticket, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
S ELAH BREWSTER STRONG. The Bar of New York has won an enviable name all over the country for the erudition, success and courtesy of its members, many of whom have achieved national reputation for their ability and a correct apprehension of what pertains to the profession. Among those who stood deservedly high, but is now retired, not only as a successful, shrewd and learned legal practitioner, but in- other respects, is Selah Brewster Strong, a well known citizen of Setauket. He was born at this place to Judge Selah B. and Cornelia (Udall) Strong, the former of whom was born May 1. 1792, and graduated from Yale College in 1811. He was a legal practitioner and for twenty years (from 1821 to 1841) was District Attorney of Suffolk County. From 1843 to 1845 he was a United States Congressman, was Justice of the Supreme Court of New York (1847-50 and 1852- 60 inclusive) and was a delegate to the Constitu- tional Convention of New York from 1867-68. His home was at Setauket and his marriage with Miss Udall occurred August 14, 1823. She was born at Islip, March 20, 1806. a daughter of Dr. Richard and Prudence (Carll) Udall, and grand- daughter of Silas Carll, of Huntington.
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Selah B. Strong, the subject of this sketch, was
the eighth child born to his parents, and, like his father before him, he became a student at Yale College, from which noted institution of learning he was graduated in 1864. His legal studies were pursued in the Albany Law School, from which lie was graduated in 1865. He was admitted to practice in New York City and there located for the practice of his profession. On the 15th of April, 1868, in New Haven, Conn., he was mar- ried to Miss Julia Davenport Wheeler, daughter of Russell C. and Theodocia (Davenport) Wheel- er, the latter being a daughter of John A. Da- venport, of New Haven. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Strong four children have been born: Cornelia T., Elizabeth D., Kate W., and Russell W. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are members of the Presbyterian Church, and politically he has always affiliated with the Democratic party and is an ardent admirer of President Cleveland.
In 1879 Mr. Strong withdrew from his law- practice in New York City, where he had been associated with the firm of Strong & Spear, and came to his beautiful home at Setauket called "The Cedars." Mr. Strong has never aspired to official position, but has been an active church worker and is President of the North Side Sun- day-school Association, Superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday-school, and is an Elder and Trustee of this church. His strong mentality and activity have made him a marked man in Setau- ket and personally he is warmly regarded by all who know him.
W ILLIAM B. SAVAGE, M. D., of East Islip, is of English birth and parentage. but has spent his life principally in the United States, and is thoroughly American in education, tastes and patriotic sentiment. He is the son of William Savage, a lifelong resident of England, who has filled the position of steward of the University at Oxford and has crossed the Atlantic but twice, that being the time of a brief visit to this country. The wife and mother, Cath- arine Besley, died at the age of forty-one years.
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Of her nine children, only four are living, namely : Louise, who is in England; William B .; George Robert, who is engaged in the banking business in England, and Percival, an ensign in the Royal 'Artillery, now in India.
In Oxford, England, where he was born March 9, 1865, the subject of this notice spent the first nine years of his life. He then came with a friend of the family to this country. Here he was the recipient of exceptional educational advantages. For a time he attended the St. John's Collegiate School, and also was a student in St. John's Mili- tary Academy and the Episcopal Academy at Philadelphia. Afterward he entered Ripon Col- lege at Ripon, Wis., and after leaving the col- lege began life for himself. His first work was that of a merchant, in which he was for a time engaged. Having a natural inclination toward the medical profession, he devoted his leisure to its study, and his preparation for that calling was thorough and systematic. He entered the medical department of the University of New York, and was there three years, graduating in 1888.
Meantime the Doctor had considerable prac- tical work in the City Hospital, where he gave especial attention to surgery, a branch of the profession for which nature has adapted him. He had a class in the surgery, having charge of the outside dispensary for a year. While thus en- gaged he also practiced, to a limited extent, in New York City, from which place he came to East Islip during the latter part of 1892. Being well qualified for professional work, he has built up a good practice, and is very successful, par- ticularly in surgical cases requiring skill and ac- curate knowledge. His practice is not limited to East Islip, but extends along the coast, and in surgical operations he is sometimes called con- siderable distances.
The marriage of Dr. Savage took place Febru- ary 10, 1890, and united him with Anah May Sutphen, daughter of P. O. Sutphen. a well known resident of Burdett, Schuyler County, N. Y. They have one child, a son, Gordon Prescott, who was born in 1895. Politically the Doctor is # Republican, and socially he is identified with
the Royal Arcanum. He has served as Town Physician of East Islip, and in that, as in every public position to which he has been called, has considered the welfare of the people, and done all in his power to enhance the interests of the com- munity. In religious belief he is identified with the Episcopal Church.
E LBERT A. RAYNOR. A careful review of the business interests of Port Jefferson develops the existence of a class of houses in every respect prepared to compete in the sev- eral lines they represent with the rival establish- ments of any other city in Suffolk County. Promi- nent among the leading concerns in this particu- lar branch of industrial activity ranks the well known and popular establishment of Elbert A. Raynor, who keeps a well selected and extensive assortment of the finest grade of goods, for lie knows that in furniture it always pays to get the best. Mr. Raynor was born in Wading River. in 1831, a son of Austin and Fannie (Brown) Ray- nor, both natives of the town of Riverhead, where they spent most of their days.
The father was prominently identified with the agricultural affairs of the county during his life- time, and met with the success that usually follows industry and perseverance. He died in 1835. when a comparatively young man, but his worthy cont- panion survived him until 1890. Their son, Elbert A., received his education in the schools of Wad- ing River, and he there made his home until six- teen years oldl. Being possessed of an unlimited amount of energy and ambition, he came to Port Jefferson and learned the ship-joiner's trade. at which he worked for ten years. He then pur- chased his present business, and has met with success from the first, now being one of the lead- ing furniture dealers and undertakers of this flourishing village. He has been in business here for so long a period that he is known as the "old 1 eliable."
Mr. Raynor was married, in 1857, to Miss Ruth R. Dayton, daughter of Appolos Dayton, a wor-
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thy citizen of Port Jefferson, but the commander of vessels on the ocean for many years. Three sons survive this union, as follows: Dr. Frank C., a popular physician of Brooklyn; Fred E., who is a pipe-organ builder, and Forest, who is in the Fourth National Bank of New York City. Mr. Raynor is a member of Suffolk Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master. Al- though a Republican in politics, he is conserva- tive. He has never aspired to office, but has served as Treasurer of the Masonic lodge at Port Jefferson for the past twenty-five years. He is highly esteemed for his upright dealings and ad- mirable qualities.
E DAVIS TUTHILL is classed among the oldest residents of Southold, where he is regarded as a keen and thoroughly wide- awake business man, who has contributed very materially to the prosperity of the village. He was born on Long Island, August 31, 1818, and is the son of Elisha and Susan (Wells) Tuthill, also lifelong residents of this portion of New York State. In almost every community the traveler will meet with some member of the Tut- hill family, which is very large and prominent in the various callings of life. The ancestors of our subject were among the very first to make their home on Long Island and here the succeeding generations have ever since been born and reared.
Elisha Tuthill was an agriculturist, following this occupation with success in the town of South- old. He kept his property under good cultivation and reaped therefrom an income which enabled · him to keep his family in all of the comforts of life. The following members of the parental fam- ily still survive: J. Halsey, a resident of this town, by whose residents he is favorably known; Abi- gail, now the widow of Elijah Tuthill, who makes her home in Mattituck, this county; Julia, the widow of E. W. Howell, now living in this town; and E. Davis, of this history. The father of this family was a firm upholder of Democratie prin-
ciples, although lie had no time or inclination to give to office-holding. He possessed the con- fidence and good-will of his fellows and the sin- cere respect and esteem of all who came in con- tact with him.
During his boyhood E. Davis Tuthill attended the common schools, and in this way acquired a good knowledge of the branches taught. Since that time he has kept himself posted on all ai- fairs of importance taking place in this and for- eign countries, and is an intelligent and interest- ing conversationalist. As he had received thor- ough training in farming and had spent his younger days in aiding his father in cultivating the home place, it was natural that he should first engage in this vocation. For a period of fifty years he was one of the progressive and sub- stantial agriculturists of this town, and then, re- tiring from that business, turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. For several years he con- ducted a store in various places in this town, but in 1873 we find him permanently located at South- old, where he has been thie proprietor of a thriv- ing trade ever since. He carries a general line of dry goods, besides groceries, hardware, drugs. etc. His store is centrally located and contains all the conveniences found in a first-class estab- lishment. He gives employment to several men and does a large and constantly increasing busi- ness. In all his dealings he is strictly honorable. and is therefore kindly regarded by all with whom he comes in contact.
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