USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 50
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paratively young man, and Nathaniel learned his trade in the woolen mills. He never received over seventy-five cents per day, but as time passed he managed to save $1,000, which amount he pos- sessed at the time of his marriage. His wife, who . came of a poor family, was used to hard work, and their children, four sons and one daughter, were rugged and healthy, and all lived to be grown, our subject being the eldest of the family. At her death the daughter left two children.
After his marriage the father bought property on the stream where the Argyle Hotel now stands and began manufacturing woolen goods. This he continued for a few years and then purchased property on Main Street, Amityville, opening up a general mercantile business. His earnest ef- forts were rewarded, he becoming very wealthy for that day, and followed that business the re- mainder of his life. At an early age our subject was put in his father's store and after his tenth birthday received but two winters' schooling. He remained in the store until after he was married and until his father closed out his business. The latter had become the owner of several small farms, and as Stephen had always taken an inter- est in trees, plants, flowers, etc., and had looked after the grafting and planting of fruit trees, he located on one of the farms. At the end of the first year he was $100 in debt, but the following year he changed tactics and came out ahead.
Mr. Williams had charge of the farms for three years, when he purchased a home at Ridgewood, and resided on the same for three or four years. Selling out, he purchased ninety acres where he now resides, paying $9,000, but going in debt $5,000. This was considered a very risky proceed- ing, but inside of three days the South Side Rail- road was located and his land was at once worth several thousand more than before. He also used good judgment by buying land at auction, and this he soon sold at a good price. After farming for a few years Mr. Williams began raising straw- berries, a new industry here at that time, and one in which he was very successful. With a view to improving the village near his farm, he purchased a tract of land just north of the railroad, built a store, and started the growth of the village in that
direction. He rented out the store building, in which the postoffice was later located, and had his brother installed as Postmaster.
For a number of years Mr. Williams kept up his farming interests and then began to sell off some of his land. As the individuals who pur- chased wanted to board with him, he kept them for some time, but as many of them were drinkers. he soon got tired of this and later embarked in the poultry business, continuing in the same for a few years. While ill he received the Republican nomination for Superintendent of Poor of Suf- folk County without his knowledge, and after re- covering he declined the honor, but was per- suaded to accept. Although the Democrats were in the majority he was elected and served two years. While in that position he saw the necessity of a home for feeble-minded children and, after learning that there was no place provided for such in the state, he was induced to start one on a small scale, with but two inmates.
At the end of two years Mr. Williams had nine patients and at the end of four years there were forty-seven. After that they came so fast that he could not accommodate them, and accordingly he wrote to a few leading men asking them to come to Amityville for a consultation, showed them some of the work he was doing, and with them organized a stock company, with seven directors. and with a capital of $50,000. They erected the large building now in use here and a branch building at Westport, Conn., where they receive insane patients. There are one hundred and sixty inmates in Amityville.
Mr. Williams was married in 1855 to Miss Sarah E. Wicks, a native of Islip. and daughter of Prior and Rebecca Wicks. Two children have been born to this union, Sarah E., married Royal Seaman and resides at South Norwalk, Conn .: and Royal S., who is also married, is connected with our subject in the management of Brunswick Home. Originally the father of our subject was a Whig, but later he became a Republican. to which party Steplien also adhieres, the latter casting his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He is now Street Commissioner of Amityville, an -! has served as a delegate to various conventions.
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While he held the position as Superintendent of Poor the first convention was held and they have been kept up ever since. He always attends these conventions, thus becoming acquainted with many superintendents, all of which contributes to the success of the Home.
F REDERICK CALEB RAYNOR is a resi- dent of Speonk, with the history of which the Raynor family has been intimately connected for several generations past. He was born July 26, 1868, and is a son of Jacob A. and Mary A. (Halsey) Raynor. Under his father's roof he grew to manhood, developing, like many another boy of his time, in mental vigor and mus- cular power. He acquired his education in the common schools of the locality, retaining much that has been of the greatest use and doubtless forgetting a great deal of the chaff from the kernel of knowledge.
At seventeen years of age our subject began for himself as a farmer and through his exertions since that time has made himself a comfortable home and a competency. His handsome resi- dence which adorns the farm was erected some four years ago, and is conspicuous for the taste which is united to comfort in its arrangement. This home is presided over by his accomplished wife, who prior to her marriage, June 3, 1891, was Miss Edith Rogers, her father being Harrison Rogers, of Eastport. Two little ones have come to brighten the home, Harrison Strong, born April 30, 1893, and Halsey Jacob, born February 27, 1895. Mr. Raynor's political affiliations are with the Republican party, and in church matters he is identified with the Presbyterians.
Jacob A. Raynor, our subject's father, was born July 1, 1831, to Caleb S. and Hulda (Cor- win) Raynor, and was one of four children, three of whom are now living. His father, Caleb, was born in Speonk, December 26, 1798, and died No- vember 27, 1864. Jacob Raynor, the great-grand- father, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years, but ten years were spent
on the high seas as captain of the sloop "Wash- ington." Later he settled down to farmning, which occupied the remainder of his life. He was the son of Josialı Raynor, who was a shoemaker and a native of Speonk.
Our subject's father was reared on a farm and received a limited education in the common schools. His father was an invalid, and when but fourteen years of age the son assumed the duties incident to the homestead. The maintenance of the family depended upon him and he was true to his obligations until the time of his father's death, which occurred when the son was thirty years of age. Then the farm reverted to Jacob and he has ever since made it his home. His mar- riage occurred October 10, 1860, his wife being Miss Mary A., daughter of Oliver Halsey, of Speonk. Two children were born of this mar- riage, Oliver J., who married Anna McLaughlin, and is the father of three children; and Frederick C., whose sketch has been written above. Jacob Raynor is a Republican in politics and a Presby- terian in creed. For two terms he has held the office of Road Master.
OIIN TILDEN. So pleasant is the life of a farmer on Long Island that one sees less restlessness, less migration and more con- stancy to ancestral homes than elsewhere. The farms are small as compared to southern or west- ern domains, but are garden spots in reality that rival the French farms in point of productiveness. Prominent among the agriculturists living near Green Lawn, is the gentleman whose name ap- pears above. He is a native of this place (for- merly Old Fields), and was born October 2, 1829. IIe is a son of Israel and Sarah (Oaks) Tilden, and one of nine children, three of whom survive, Henry, Diadem and John, all living on the oid homestead.
Our subject's grandfather. Israel Tilden, Sr., followed the occupation of a carpenter, and as- sisted in erecting the first Presbyterian Church building of Huntington, a structure which is
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still in a good state of preservation. The father of our subject, Israel, Jr., was born in 1789, where his son now lives, and spent his entire life in this locality, engaged in farming. John grew to a sturdy manhood, engaging meantime in the duties incident to farm life. He received a good common school education and became an intel- ligent and well read man, able to cope with the progress and problems that naturally present themselves to every thinking person. Assisting in the cultivation of the home place until after his father's death, the farm then passed into his hands.
May 27, 1874, Mr. Tilden married Miss Anna A. Kissam, of Green Lawn. Four children were born to this union, of whom three are now living. They are: Charles E., born August 28, 1886; J. LeRoy and Raymond K. (twins), born Noven- ber 22, 1889. They are sons of whom a father may well be proud. In politics Mr. Tilden casts his vote with the Democratic party. For a num- ber of years he has been a member of the Pres- byterian Church, and is active in its support.
W ALTER R. WILLIS. A modern house is never more than begun until it has had its plumbing work constructed in a scientific manner. It is indeed a living tomb un- less this is attended to by men competent to meet all the requirements of a perfect sanitary system, and this is so widely recognized that men of good sense will not entrust their plumbing work to any novice, no matter how specious his pleas or sweeping his promises. They prefer rather to seek the services of one who knows his business, and will not leave behind lim the seeds of dis- case and death in his work. This fact may largely account for the substantial success that has at- tended the efforts of Walter R. Willis in the vil- lage of Bay Shore, in the very important in- dustry of plumbing, house heating and lighting. To show the very satisfactory and popular char- acter of his work, we need only refer to the fact that his services have been employed in some
of the best buildings in the village, such as tlie residences of H. M. Johnson, L. V. Cartwright, William E. Bishop, Dr. Bross and H. M. Brew- ster, the new Methodist Episcopal Church and St. Peter's Church.
Mr. Willis has been established in this village for the last ten years, and in that time he has won a profitable business, and one which promises a large increase in the near future. Before he came to this place he was located in Waterbury, Conn. His father was Thomas Willis, a native of Ireland, wlio, coming to this country followed the occupation of mason and builder for many years, dying at the age of sixty. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Raleigh, of English ancestry running back to the great Sir Walter. To Thomas and Elizabeth Willis there were born thirteen children, of whom four died in infancy: Ida, Georgiana and Joseph are also deceased, and George, Abbie, Margaret, Edith are living in Waterbury, where their father was located for many years engaged in building.
The subject of this writing was born July 29. 1865, in the Connecticut city where his parents resided for so many years, and attended school there, finishing the grammar grade at the age of thirteen. He was employed with the Waterbury Clock Company, also in the Waterbury watch shop. When he reached manhood, not desiring to continue in so confining a business, he turned his attention to the plumbing trade, at which lie served an apprenticeship in Waterbury and for which he had a natural adaptiveness, being a mechanical genius. He was for some time in the employment of Mr. Vail, coming to this vil- lage for that purpose. When he had thoroughly mastered the business he opened a shop for him- self, and as noted above, has won a fine patron- age, and is firmly established in Bay Shore.
November 24, 1887, our subject married Georgiana Weeks, daughter of George Weeks, the well known business man of Bay Shore. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have one cliill. George Walter, a precocious child, who presents many evidences of the possession of a remarkable mechanical genius that if unchecked and unhindered will put him in the very forefront of the progressive in-
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ventors of the next century. Mr. Willis is inde- pendent in politics. With his wife he is identi- fied with the Episcopal Church, in which his pres- ence and character are much appreciated.
R EV. CHARLES ALBERT STONE- LAKE, the well known and highly es- teemed pastor of the Congregational Church at Aquebogue, has been an arduous laborer in the Master's vineyard for many years, and the spiritual adviser of this particular so- ciety since the fall of 1886. His presence is a familiar one in the scenes of sorrow.and distress, especially among the members of his own con- gregation. He is a public-spirited man, liberal in sentiment, and has won the respect of all good citi- zens, irrespective of church affiliation.
Mr. Stonelake was born in Newark, N. J., September 20, 1856, and is the son of John and Sarah (Taylor) Stonelake. He is the youngest of three children who lived to maturity. An- drew T., the eldest of the family, is engaged in business at Newark, N. J .; Emma married Wil- liam Williamson and is living in Yonkers, N. Y.
The father of this family was born May 21, 1814, on the Isle of Guernsey. Until attaining his majority he lived in York, England, and upon coming to America, worked at the tailor's trade until his decease, which occurred when he was sixty-five years of age. His wife was born on the Isle of Guernsey, August 18, 1815, and came to America with her parents prior to her marriage. She remained the companion and efficient help- mate of her husband for many years, and at her decease, which took place when she was fifty- eight years of age, was greatly lamented.
The subject of this sketch was early trained to habits of industry and thrift, and when old enough was sent to school in his native city. From early youth he was studious, of strong re- ligious inclinations, and at the proper age began a course of preparation for the ministry. He had formerly been Secretary of the Board of Educa- tion at Newark, N. J., for a number of years and
in September, 1883, entered Princeton Theologi- cal Seminary, from which institution he was graduated in 1886. He spent the summer of that year in the city of Brooklyn, and was ordained October 10. Very shortly thereafter he was as- signed to the charge at Aquebogue and has been pastor of this congregation ever since. This church was established in 1757 and now has a membership of two hundred.
December 15, 1886, Rev. Charles A. Stonelake and Miss Sarah R. Hamlin were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Stonelake is the daughter of the late Rev. James T. Hamlin, formerly of Mattituck. this county, where he was pastor of the Presby- terian Church for a period of thirty-three years. and for the following fourteen years was pastor meritus. To Mr. and Mrs. Stonelake there has been born a daughter, Harriet H. In social affairs our subject is a Mason, having become identified with this order while living in Newark. N. J. He has been very successful in his work among the people of this community and is re- spected and beloved by all who know him.
E GBERT P. VAIL is one of the prominent farmers located in the town of Islip. None are better known than he, for he has been here over fifty years, coming hither from Smith- town. He was born December 26, 1818. in the above mentioned place, and was reared on a farm. His early life was spent in hard work, and his educational opportunities were of a limited nature, as he attended the district schools only when he could be spared from the farm. Then. too, the schools were not so good as now. and Mr. Vail declares that he has learned far more from observation and experience in after life than while attending the little schoolhouse and con- ning the well thumbed primers.
Our subject is a son of Platt Vail, a farmer, who died in July, 1864, at the age of seventy-two years. He was born near Commack, Suffolk County, and married Hannah Smith, of Smith- town, surviving his wife by many years. Of this
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union there were born two children, Emeline, who lives in Islip, and Egbert P. Prior to com- ing to Islip Mr. Vail was engaged in agriculture at Smithtown.
Our subject was married December 16, 1845, to Miss Rhoda Corwin, of Southampton. They have had three children, but all of them have passed away. They were by name: Mary Emma, Rosa Anna and George Egbert.
Mr. Vail is one of the old and stanch supporters of the Democratic party, believing in the princi- ples of that platform in spite of the degeneracy of party leaders. He is one of the highly re- spected citizens of the town, and by his constant and unaided effort has accumulated a compe- tency. He is now passing his declining years with the companion of his youth in peace and hap- piness. Though small, their home of two acres is a very delightful place, and here they are re- tired from the active duties of life. Their resi- dence is a meeting place for the old citizens of the village, and here many a tale of political turmoil, physical prowess and other incidents are recalled by the companions of years gone by.
A BNER REEVE, whose career in life has been marked with great energy and fidelity of purpose, is well known to the people of Suffolk County, and a plain statement of the facts .mibraced in his life will, no doubt, be of interest .o his friends. He lias followed the active and in- dustrious life of a carpenter for many years and has met with substantial results in this business. A native of this county, he was born at Mellville in 1832. He now resides in East Moriches, where he owns a good property and is highly regarded.
The parents of our subject were Seldon and Julia Ann (Bayless) Reeve, the former of whom it is presumed was born in New York City. In early years he learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at the same with signal success during his active life. He was a quiet and unassuming citi- wen and lived to the venerable age of eighty-six wars, departing this life in 1895. His wife, who
was born on Long Island, was a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her; she preceded her husband to the grave by many years.
The subject of this sketch acquired a good knowledge of the common branches which were taught in the district near his home, and afterward went to New York City and carried on his studies there for a time in the public schools. He began assisting his father in his business when a youth of seventeen years, and it was not long before he was an expert in the use of carpenter's tools. It is not strange, therefore, that he has followed this business all his life and been successful at his calling.
Mr. Reeve was married in 1853 to Miss Catii- erine A. Van Brunt, the daughter of Albert an 1 Rachel (Sprague) Van Brunt, residents of Brook- lyn. This lady remained his devoted wife until 1884, when she was called to the land beyond. To them was born a daughter. Emma M .. wio is now the wife of John B. Overton, a resident of Corona, L. I. In 1891 our subject married Susan J. (Edwards) Robinson, who was born on Long Island, and was a daughter of Oliver Edwar is. Mr. Reeve is a member of the Presbyterian: Church at Moriches and is an earnest advocate of all good works. In him the community has a faithful and unswerving friend, ever alert to serve its best interests and one who can be relied upon at all times. In politics lie is a true blue Republic- an, but in no sense of the term could he be called an office seeker.
C HARLES R. SMITH, of Patchogue, was born at Bayport, Suffolk County, in 1821. The family of which he is a member con- sisted of ten sons and four daughters, whose father, William Clark Smith, was a large farmer and wood dealer. also the owner of a number of vessels engaged in the wrecking business on Florida reefs. At his death he left a large tract of land and a number of vessels as well as some under construction.
Farming was distasteful to the sons and they
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scattered, and commenced forging their own for- tunes independent of friends, relying upon their own physical strength and the cultivation of their brains. Naturally, as falls to the lot of all, they have met with some misfortunes and re- verses, but they have triumphed over all obsta- cles, and those still living have an abundance of this world's goods to make them comfortable at the latter end of life's journey.
Charles R. remained in the common schools until he had outgrown his teacher, and finished as best he could in the academy at Bellport, this county. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Patchogue and Setauket, and in shipbuilding with his father-in- law, Hiran Gerard. Thence he went to New York and was employed in the New York City Post-office. At the commencement of the Civil War he went into the boot and shoe business in New York with other parties, and upon the diss )- lution of the firm he returned with his family to Patchogue.
In the office of Timothy M. Griffing Mr. Smith studied law and was admitted to the Bar in 18So and has been a successful lawyer. His office is attached to the dwelling which he erected fifty years ago. He has filled many responsible posi- tions, including those of County Excise Commis- sioner, Highway Commissioner, Town Trustee, member of the Board of Town Auditors for six- teen years, Justice of the Peace for sixteen con- secutive years and Justice of the Sessions. Though at this writing he is seventy-four years old, he is as vigorous and lively as the majority of men of sixty. A close thinker and observing reader he has devoted much of his time to the study of the Bible and has a theology of his own, never adopting the opinions of others until he has thoroughly investigated for himself. Geol- ogy and astronomy have been carefully investi- gated, and he has a theory of his own, discard- ing many of the old theories of the schools. Dar- win's and Huxley's views have been thoroughly studied, and while in the main they are good, yet the foundation upon which they are built is not the Rock, but the shifting sands.
Mr. Smith has three sons who are engaged in
business in New York City, one in the whoie- sale dry-goods business, another with Jordan L. Mott & Co., at Motthaven, N. Y., and the third in the Importers' & Traders' Bank of New York City, all of whom are first-class business men.
G EORGE S. PEARSALL is one of the leading business men of the town of Babylon, and has a store at Deer Park, where he also officiates as Postmaster. He was born at Sayville, March 4, 1852, and is a twin brother of Floyd S. Pearsall, of Babylon, the two bearing such a strikingly similar personal appear- ance that the most intimate friends can hardly distinguish one from the other. Their parents are George and Phebe (Johnson) Pearsall, both of whom are still living in the village of Babylon. After leaving Sayville the family for a time lived in Melville, and presently found their way to this town, where they have since remained. As a boy, George had to work hard to help his parents make a living, and when quite young was put in charge of a grocery wagon, working as best he could. Later, during the long summer season, he had the opportunity of hunting on the bay in his own boat, and here he earned a liberal in- come. For a time he drove a grocery wagon through the surrounding country to Deer Park.
About the year 1871, having confidence in the future of that point as a good place to do busi- ness, Mr. Pearsall purchased the stock and good will of J. H. Tomlinson, a grocer at Deer Park. Without remuneration he also acted as agent at this point for the Long Island Railroad Com- pany, although he furnished the depot for the convenience of passengers at his own expense. Subsequently he bought thirty-five acres, and prevailed on the railroad company to put in a station on ground he donated for that purpose. Thus was Deer Park started, its founder opening a store, and acting as Depot Agent and Post- master. For more than twenty years he did all the railroad business at this point, and it is very largely due to his unceasing efforts that
DR. HENRY P. TERRY.
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the village of Deer Park has become what it is. Mr. Pearsall became a benedict in the year 1873. Miss Enima M. Southard becoming his wie. She was a native of the town of Babylon, her parents being Valentine and Caroline ( Buchly) Southard. Our subject is now the father of five children, namely: George V., Percy . F .. Bobth Lilian, Irving S., and Helen May. Mr. Pearsall has always taken an independent posi- tion in politics, but has served as Justice of the Peace, and as Trustee and Collector of the School District. He is a man of religious habits, acting a. one of the Trustees of the Union Church at Deer Park. It was very largely through his ef- forts that the church was erected. He is very much interested in the Knights of Pythias, being a member of that order at Babylon, and also of the Odd Fellows.
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