USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 51
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Such men as our subject, active, enterprising. and pushing, taking the right side on social, re- ligions and moral questions, work much good in the community in which they live, and all who know Mr. Pearsall are glad to bear witness to his palibe spirit and high standing.
H ENRY PARSONS TERRY, M. D. This gentleman is among the foremost and deservedly successful men who devote their time and energies toward the material ad- vance ment of the best interests of Riverhead. He is nos holding the responsible position of Cash- ier of the Suffolk County National Bank, and is also Supervisor of the town. Born at Franklin- ville November 2, 1839, he is a son of Lewis Ter- ry, whose birth occurred at East Hampton Au- gust 2, 1804. and who, after following the occu- pation of a farmer for some years, was afterward. from 183; 10 1850, engaged in business as a pro- duce merchant, buying and shipping produce to New York City. He also made two or three whaling voyages in his early manhood, and was an active, industrious man. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred at Franklinville at the age of
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seventy-six years. His brother, Jeremialı Terry, was engaged in the whaling business for several years, but finally abandoned that occupation, after which he built and for a number of years ran the Wyandank Hotel at Greenport.
The Terry family is one of the oldest on the island. Richard Terry, aged seventeen, left Eng- land for the New World, embarking July 13, 1635, in the ship "Janus," John May, master. It is al- most certain that he came from the vicinity of London, and, according to Drake's "History of Long Island," he went to New Haven, Conn., whence in 1640 he came to Southold, in company with Rev. John Young and others; here he died in 1676. His son, John, who was born in May, 1662, and died April 27, 1733, married Hannah Moore, whose death occurred August 28, 1753. Representative of the third generation was John, born January 8, 1698. and died about 1780. He and his wife, Martha Petty, had a son, Jeremiah, who was born August 24, 1738; the latter chose as his wife Sibyl Brown, who was born August 26. 1748, and died August 23, 1831. Jeremiah (fifth generation), grandfather of our subject, was born February 19, 1772, and was twice married, his first wife being Mehitable Parsons, and his sec- ond Elizabeth Parsons. Lewis, father of our subject, represented the sixth generation from the original founder, the Doctor being the sev- enth generation.
Jeremiah, our subject's grandfather, was the owner of a large tract of land near Sag Harbor, and was well-to-do. The mother of our subject, Bethiah (Wells) Terry, was born in Franklinville, and is a member of one of the old and influential Long Island families; she is still living. Dr. Terry, who was the eldest of four brothers, assist- ed his father in farming, and later prepared hint- self for college in the Franklinville Academy. In 1860 he entered Yale, where he spent two years in the academic department, and then entered the medical department of the University of New York City, from which he was graduated March 1, 1866. At the same time he received a certifi- cate of honor for having pursued an extended course in medical studies outside of the regular course.
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Locating in Riverhead, Dr. Terry commenced the practice of his chosen profession, but after eigliteen months he went to the village of Cut- chogue, where he was in active practice until 1890, being one of the successful physicians of the county. In 1890, wishing to retire from the profession and being in the prime of life, he be- gan looking around for some business that was suited to his tastes, and for which he was quali- fied. Realizing the need of a good banking house in Riverhead, he set about the task of organizing a national bank. This had been attempted by other individuals, but for lack of confidence or other reasons it was not successful. The high esteen in which he was held and the confidence the people had in him as an able, careful business man enabled him, with but little difficulty, to in- terest some of the wealthiest men in the locality in his undertaking, and in ten days the necessary fifty thousand dollars was subscribed, while as much more could have easily been secured.
The Suffolk County National Bank was at once organized, and he was elected Cashier. For two years business was carried on in the Hill Building, but when the Riverhead Savings Bank built its fine building arrangements. were made so that it was constructed with all the conveniences for both banks. This is one of the finest, if not the finest, building on Long Island outside of Brooklyn, and as Dr. Terry and other stockhold- ers in the national bank are connected with the savings bank, the two work in unison for the best results. This bank now stands among the best in the county, and the stock sells for nearly dou- ble its par value, and its resources are more than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Prominently identified with public affairs, and an active Republican, Dr. Terry was elected by that party to the County Board of Supervisors in April, 1894, and at this writing is still serving in that capacity. He has served as Health Officer of the town of Southold ten years, was a Coroner in Suffolk County for three years, was President of the Suffolk County Medical Society in 1884. and for several years was a member of the Board of Education. From 1872 to 1892 he was an El- der in the Presbyterian Church of Cutchogue, of
which he published a history. There being no organization of that denomination in Riverhead, he united with the Congregational Church, in which he is a Deacon and Trustec. For some time he has been a member of the Masonic order, in which he is one of the Wardens.
Twice married, the first union of Dr. Terry was solemnized May 17, 1866, when Maria H. daugliter of Elder James S. Skidmore, a promi- nent farmer, became his wife. She died June 7, 1876, and he was again married January 3, 1878, his wife being Miss Hettie, daughter of Capt. Ben- jamin R. Griffing, of New Suffolk. She passed away January 8, 1894, leaving four children, Eva, Rose Parsons, Hettie Griffing, and Henry Par- sons, of whom the last-named died April 24, 1894.
S YLVESTER D. TUTHILL. A man known only to memory, and no longer a familiar figure in the town of Brook Haven, where he was for so long a time active and influential in all its affairs. He was born at Wading River in 1827, and was the son of Hiram and Martha Tuth- ill, being the older of two children. His young- er brother, Nathaniel, is now living at Wading River. Our subject was married December 20, 1849, to Miss Anne Tuthill, who was born at Middle Island (now called Yapkank), and was a daughter of Nathaniel and Johanna N. (Mills) Tuthill. She was one of two children, the other being Isabella H., who died in 1867.
By this marriage our subject became the father of five children, of whom two are now living and three died in infancy. The survivors are Frank H., now in charge of the farm, and Isabel H. Mr. Tuthill was born and reared at Wading River, and when he reached the age of twenty-two he removed to the farm, where he continued to reside until his death, and on which his widow is still living. It is a farm of about one hundred acres of cleared land, and altogether it is without doubt one of the nicest farms on the island.
Our subject was a successful man in his busi- ness enterprises, and everything that he touched
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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seemed to go just as he wished it. His fellow- townsmen appreciated his ability and called him to several responsible local positions. He was made Trustee of the town, and also filled the po- sitions of Assessor and Commissioner of High- ways. He was a Democrat in politics, and acted with the party on occasion, but was in no sense a wire-working politician; rather lie voted for men and measures with the good of the town, or the State or nation in view. He began his educa- tion in the common school and completed at Mil- ler's Place Academy, which was quite a celebrat- ed institution on the island at an early day. He died in New Orleans February 24, 1885, and his remains are at rest in the Yaphank Cemetery, having been brought back from New Orleans, to which place he had gone for the sake of his healthı, but the change of climate was made far too late to be of any avail.
G EORGE M. TILESTON, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Suffolk County and a resident of the village of Huntington, was born in the city of New York July 1, 1831. His father, Charles S. Tileston, was born in Boston and was a hatter by trade. A few years before our subject was born he came to New York, where he followed his trade until 1834. When his son was but three years old he went on a visit to Boston, where he was taken sick, and, dying suddenly, was buried before the word could be brought overland by stage to his family in New York.
The mother of our subject was in maidenhood Cornelia Slawson, but before marrying his father she had been married to a man by the name of Weed. She was born in Darien, Conn., in 1799, and was the daughter of Captain Slawson, who was a militiaman and a soldier in the War of 1812. He lived to be one hundred years of age, the mother lived to the age of ninety-six, and the grandfather and grandmother lived to be one hun- dred and two and one hundred and three years
of age, respectively. Mrs. Tileston died in 1876, when seventy-seven years old.
Mr. Tileston was his father's only child, but his mother had two daughters by her first husband, Mr. Weed. George was educated in the New York public schools, and when quite young be- came identified with the wholesale and retail clothing trade at No. 12 Bowery, in that city. In this business he continued for some ten or twelve years, making his home during this time at Port Chester. In 1856 he came to Huntington and en- gaged in the general store owned by Conant & Stewart, at the old stand of Zophar B. Oakley, opposite the present Brush block. He was with thiem until they dissolved, when, in company with Mr. Conant, who had married a half-sister of his, he conducted a general store under the firm name of Conant & Co., on the site of the present Brush block. This business was continued until 1870, when it was dissolved, and Mrs. Conant went to Colorado Springs, Colo.
Our subject was appointed Postmaster under the first administration of General Grant, and served part of both terms of his administration, and was also under the different administrations of Hayes, Garfield, and Arthur, and served two years under Cleveland's first administration. This is a record seldom found in the postal de- partment. When Mr. Tileston entered the post- office he took up insurance as a side issue, and has made it a very profitable line of work. In the spring of 1889 he was elected by the Repub- licans as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and has been continuously on the board since that time. He was made Chairman in 1893, and has been kept in that position to the present time, his record in the office being a clear one. He has always jealously guarded the interests of the county and of the town of Huntington, with the same interest, indeed, that he would care for his own.
Mr. Tileston is connected with various enter- prises in the village outside of what is suggested above. He is Secretary of the Huntington Street Railroad Company, is one of the original members of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Association, of which he is Treasurer, is Presi-
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dent of the Long Island Publishing Company, and is Manager for the Western Union Telegraph Company. He is a Mason, and a member of the American Legion of Honor. November 2, 1852, in New York, he was united in marriage to Caro- line C. Gay, daughter of Leonard Gay, of that city. They have had no children, and are living in a pleasant home in the castern part of the vil- lage.
Politically he has always been a stanch Repub- lican, and previous to 1856 was a Whig. He is recognized as one of the influential supporters of his party in Suffolk County and Long Island.
F RANCIS H. PALMER, Cashier of the Pe- conic Bank, is a gentleman widely known for his acute business ability and the insti- tution with which he is connected is singularly fortunate in having so able a man as its Cashier. Since he accepted his present responsible posi- tion he has carried into effect many of his practi- cal and progressive ideas, which have resulted in building up a fine business for the bank.
Mr. Palmer was born at Ft. Hamilton, L. I., December 23, 1866. His boyhood days, how- ever, were passed in Western New York and Rhode Island, where he carried on his studies. He was twenty-four years of age when he came to Sag Harbor and aided in the organization of the Peconic Bank, which was granted its charter in 1890. Its present officers are John J. Harrison, President; Henry S. Cook, Vice President, and Francis H. Palmer, Cashier. Its capital stock is $25,000, with a surplus of $5,000.
In 1889, Mr. Palmer married Miss Mary E., only child of Elijalı Cullum, of Sag Harbor. He then purchased the old Colonel Huntting resi- cience in the heart of the village. This property was surrounded with twelve acres of land, through which our subject opened a street, call- ing it Paliner Terrace. As it made very desirable residence lots, he had no difficulty in disposing of them at a good price. He is the principal stockholder in the bank and gives the greater
part of his attention to its management, although he has interests and holds property in New York City.
To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer there have been born a daughter and son, Winifred B. and Francis H., Jr. In politics our subject is a Democrat and a great admirer of Grover Cleveland, although he has led too busy a life to permit of his taking any active part in politics, other than to deposit a ballot in favor of the candidates of his chosen party. He is a prominent Mason, holding mem- bership with Wamponamon Lodge No. 437. which he represented as Master when only twen- ty-six years of age, being the youngest member to hold that office since the organization of the lodge, which is now over fifty years old. It has held over one thousand communications during that time and in 1895 celebrated its fiftieth anni- versary. Mr. Palmer is one of the Trustees of Masonic Hall and is Director of the Sag Harbor Water Company.
Sag Harbor is most beautifully located on Shelter Island Sound, which opens into three bays, thus affording its residents who are fond of sailing an excellent opportunity for engaging in this pastime. Mr. Palmer is the owner of a handsome yacht and together with other meni- bers of the Volunteer Boat Club, to which he belongs, often takes a trip up and down the bay. He is also greatly interested in cycling, owning a wheel of the best make, and is Treasurer of the Sag Harbor Bicycle Club.
D ANIEL A. YOUNG, an influential resi- dent of Suffolk County, is well known as the leading merchant of South James-
port. His life has been an honorable and up- right one, and he has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact. Mr. Young has many warm friends in this locality, where his birth occurred August 2, 1847. He was the younger of the two children born to his parents, Albert and Sophronia (Ter- ry) Young, and his sister, Beulah Elma, is now the
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wife of Simeon S. Hawkins, of whom mention is made on another page in this work.
The father of our subject was also born in this county, and upon embarking in life on his own account went to New York City, where for two years he was engaged in the general mercantile business. Later he located in Sayville, where he also opened up a store, and for many years was numbered among its progressive business men. After conducting a farm in that locality for awhile he returned to Riverhead and became a prominent business man of that place. He only lived there a short time, however, when we find him located in South Jamesport, where he erect- ed the finest store in the place. He put in a stock of goods and continued the head of this estab- lishment until reaching his seventy-ninth year, when he retired, leaving his son, our subject, to carry on the business. He was a man of excel- lent judgment, and all moral publie measures which were commended to him he heartily and liberally supported. He only lived one year after retiring from business. In politics he was a Re- publican, but always refused to hold office. His father, Daniel Young, was also a native of Suf- folk County, and was a very prominent man in his day. He represented his district in the Assem- bly and was the author of many important meas- ures which were for the good of his constituents.
Mrs. Sophronia Young, the mother of our sub- ject, claimed this county as the place of her birth. She was seventy-two years of age at the time of her decease, which occurred in July, 1882. Her son, Daniel A., was well educated, and as soon as his school life was ended entered the store in order that he might become thoroughly acquaint- ed with all the details of the business. On the death of his father he took charge of affairs and has continued to operate as a merchant ever since. ITis store is stocked with dry goods, groceries etc., which he retails at a very moderate price and commands a good patronage.
In 1879 Mr. Young and Miss Lydia Wells were united in marriage, and to them were born two children,.one of whom died when young. Al- bert is now living in Franklinville, and is engaged in farming. Following closely in the footsteps of
his father, our subject is a Republican. He is ac- tively interested in public affairs, and is now serv. ing his first terni as Justice of the Peace. Ever since the office was established here he lias beer Postmaster, and has also been Trustee of the School Board. He is thoroughly identified with the section in which he lives, and has a host o warm friends in South Jamesport.
R OBERT EMMET TOPPING. The name of this gentleman was for many years in cluded in the list of successful and able at . torneys of New York City. He was also wel known on Long Island. During the winter months he made his home in Brooklyn, while is the summer he resided in the town of Southamp ton. He was ever interested in the progress of Suffolk County and was a large contributor to all public enterprises, by which the welfare of the people or the commercial interests of the county might be promoted. -
Born at Sagaponack, November 25. 1827, Mr Topping passed the years of childhood and youth in the place of his birth and there also the rudiments of his education were obtained. At the age of seventeen he entered Amherst Col- lege in Massachusetts, from which institution he was graduated in 1849. The two years following were devoted to school teaching, after which. having resolved to become an attorney, he be- came a student in the law office of Judge Hedges. his cousin, at Sag Harbor. A year later he went to New York City, where he concluded his stud- ies and was admitted to the Bar in 1854. At once entering upon professional work, he gradually built up a remunerative and extensive practice, to which his attention was closely devoted. His office was at No. 7 Murray Street, New York, and in addition to his law practice he dealt ex- tensively in city real estate.
Though much of his time was by necessity spent in the city, Mr. Topping never lost his in- terest in the county of his birth. He was one of the Trustees of the Sag Harbor Savings Bank
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and had other important interests on the island. October 18, 1869, he married Mrs. Mary H. F. Rose, daughter of Selden and Phoebe Foster, and the widow of Abram Rose. By her first mar- riage she had two children, Selden and Carrie, both deceased. After his marriage Mr. Topping always spent the summer months in Southampton, where his widow still resides, and where he owned a place of fifty acres. Socially he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He died April 1, 1891, and his remains were interred at Flynn's Point.
F REDERICK H. VANDERVEER, who has one of the neatest and most attractive grocery establishments in the village of Amityville, was born at Flat Bush, Kings County, November 24, 1872, and is the son of Adrian and Jane (Halstead) Vanderveer. The father of this energetic and pushing young grocer is a retired farmer living at Queens, in the county bearing that name, and has passed the fiftieth anniversary of his birth. He is a man of good reputation and unblemished character, and while no longer ac- tively engaged in his main occupation, takes much interest in the affairs of the town and ex- erts an influence upon all who know him. He reared the subject of this sketch upon the farm and gave him a good start in life, and now derives much comfort in seeing how well he has begun the great struggle of business.
Mr. Vanderveer was educated in the public schools at Flat Bush, graduating from School No. 9, in 1888. He was also a student in Eras- mus Hall Academy in his native village, and was well prepared to enter business life, which he did at the age of sixteen, by taking a clerkship in a real estate office for a year. He then spent a year at home, taking care of his sick mother. When she had recovered, and he was able to leave her bedside, he took a position in a grocery es- tablishment at Queens, where the family had moved a little while before. The railroad en- ployed his services for half a year in the ticket of- fice in that place.
Being in the full flush of his early manhood and well prepared, both by school training and by close contact with the world, to undertake a business for himself, the parents of our subject fitted him out with a good stock of groceries and opened up a business for him at this point, where he is doing much better than he had anticipated. Though he has been in business but a few months, having begun July 15, 1895, there is every reason to anticipate for him large success in a field which he seems so well fitted to fill.
The senior Vanderveer has been for years a Republican, but never an office-seeker. He takes much interest in political affairs, and is a wide and thorough reader, keeping up with the times, and is fully posted upon all topics of current interest. As soon as his son, Frederick, reached a voting age he became identified with the workings of the Republican party of his town, was made Secre- tary of the Republican Club, and acted in that capacity as long as he remained in the town.
The subject of this writing is an attendant upon the services of the Baptist Church, though not a member. He was a charter member of Amity- ville Lodge No. 1644, Royal Arcanum, and is a member of American Legion of Honor at Queens, No. 1349, and has served that organization four months as Collector. He is a cyclist of no mean ability, and is Secretary of the Queens Bicycle Club.
I OHN II. TRAINOR. A city or village has always among its chief distinguishing fea- tures one which persons of all degrees thor- oughly understand and appreciate, namely, that of well-appointed hotels. The name of Trainor is to the hotel world what any valuable trade-mark is to a mercantile house, it is proof of ability, lib)- erality and the most unflagging energy and en- terprise in the guidance and management of any hotel. Mr. Trainor's record is an excellent one, and his registers are filled with the names of prominent men. His house is well ventilated and elegantly furnished, and his rooms are appointed with all the modern comforts and conveniences.
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He also has a bar, well known for delicate and high-class wines and liquors. In fact, he has everything necessary for the appointment of an excellent hotel.
Mr. Trainor was born in the city of New York, and was reared and educated in his native place. There he married Catherine McGinty, by whom he lias two children, James Balyston and Mary. About 1890 he purchased the hotel which has since borne his name, and improved and refitted it until he now has one of the best-arranged and furnished houses on the island. His location, near the depot, gives him a superior advantage, and his excellent taste is displayed in the furnish- ings of the house and its neat premises.
His house lias a large influx of sportsmen from the city during the hunting season, and his own tastes in that direction are indicated by a number of finely-mounted animals and fowls to be found in his office. Not only is he well liked as a land- lord, but as a citizen and neighbor is classed among the leading men. His parents are now re- siding in the city of New York, where his father is engaged in business and is a wealthy man.
P HILIP W. TUTHILL. Among the many prominent names that make up the strength of the agricultural community of Suffolk County is that of Philip W. Tuthill, who is one of the solid and substantial residents of the town of Southold and is an example of what may be accomplished by push and energy.
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