USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 1 > Part 57
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
William Muney, the father of our subject. was also interested in the same line of business and
--
514
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was engaged on the water for many years. H'e was the owner of a well kept and attractive farm, and is now living at Babylon, at the age of sev- enty-six, a ripe and venerable old age. His mar- riage united him with Marietta Fleet, of Babylon, by whom he became the father of eight children, Smith, the eldest, being a resident of this village; Hannalı and William make their home in Islip; Silas is at Denver, Colo .; Etta is deceased; Ella lives at Floral Park, and Ada is a resident of Babylon.
Thomas F. Muncy, the third child of his parents, and the subject of this sketch, was born at Babylon, January 19, 1853. Early in life he at- tended the public schools, and later learned his trade with A. Smith, remaining with him in the business at Islip some eighteen years. When the yards were sold out or exchanged for other prop- erty he came to Bay Shore and purchased the extensive yards belonging to Mr. Jeffrey, and here he has continued to this day, having greatly increased both the volume of the business and the perfection of its appliances.
Mr. Muncy was married, on February 6, 1877, to Julia M. L'Hommedieu, by whom he has had three children, Helen, Raymond and Julia. Our subject is a Republican in his political affiliations, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is also a member of the Methodist Church, and is one of the reliable men of the island.
S AMUEL HENRY MILLER. For over sixty years this worthy resident has been numbered among the progressive citizens of East Hampton, his entire life having been passed on the old homestead, of which he is now the owner. This farm was formerly owned by other members of the Miller family and also by Rev. Joseph Condit, a relative.
. Our subject was born on the above place July . 1, 1833, his father being Charles H. Miller, who was also born on the old place. The latter was in turn the son of Col. Samuel Miller, an officer in the War of 1812. He was a very prominent and
popular man in his community, and for two terms was Deputy Sheriff and was afterwards Sheriff of the county. He was also Town Clerk for some time, as General Conveyancer gave the pub- lic entire satisfaction, and was Justice of the Peace for forty years. He was a stanch Democrat in politics. Col. Samuel Miller was twice married, his first union being with Miss Betsy Mulford, who became the mother of Charles H. and Mary Ann. On her death he was married to Julia Mul- ford, who survived him many years, and one daughter, Phoebe, was the result of this union. Mary Ann married Rev. Joseph D. Condit, for many years a teacher in the Clinton Academy, but later he was called to the ministry of the Pres- byterian Church and preached to the congrega- tion here until his removal later to South Hadley, Mass. He was one of the founders of Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and remained the President of that institution for many years. Rev. Mr. Condit passed the remainder of his life in the Bay State, living to an advanced age, and his good wife also died there. Miss Phebe Miller became the wife of Rev. Robert D. Gardinier, a native of Connecticut, in which state he held regular charges, although he has often filled the pulpit while on a visit to East Hampton. Late in life he came with his family to this village and took charge of Clinton Academy. He had one son. Samuel Miller Gardinier, who at one time was owner of the old homestead at East Hampton. On this his father lived, retired from preaching. but for seven or eight years after coming here taught in the academy. Samuel M., who, prior to his death, was an attorney of Birmingham, Conn., was at one time candidate for Governor of Con- necticut.
The father of our subject departed this life in October, 1845, aged thirty-nine years. Like his father before him, he was prominent in public af- fairs and for years was Supervisor of his town. He was also the surveyor of the place and for some time taught in Clinton Academy. March 10, 1831, he was married to Miss Juliet E. Hand, who survived him twenty-six years, dying in April, 1871. She was the daughter of Nathaniel Hand, late of Amagansett, where he was a very
-
515
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
prosperous merchant. He experienced religion under the preaching of Rev. Lyman Beecher and one day earnestly prayed that all he had made in selling rum miglit be taken from him. A day or two thereafter lie learned that a house in New York where he had invested $40,000 had failed, and his prayer was thus answered.
By this union with Miss Hand, Charles H. Miller became the father of one son. our subject. He was a lad of twelve years when his father died and he was reared to man's estate on the old homestead. The house which he now occupies was built in 1833 by Rev. Joseph D. Condit. When the latter left for South Hadley, Mass., Colonel Miller purchased the place and at thie time of liis death, which occurred when our sub- . jeet had just passed his majority, the property fell to him. The grandfather had purchased this land from one Abram Smith, an old bachelor, buying at one time eleven aeres and at another a tract of seventy-two aeres. He later went west to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he purchased government land and began raising sheep. While on one of his trips to this state he died, at New- burgh, N. Y. The property in time became very valuable and the city of Prairie du Chien was eventually built on his land.
Samuel H. Miller, of this history, was married February 28, 1860, to Miss Laura Virginia Candy, a native of Louisville, Ky. She was reared in the family of her unele, Abram Candy, and by him was brought to this county when nine years of age, making her home two miles from the village of East Hampton. Since their marriage they have continued to reside upon the old home farm, which is so located as to make it a delightful boarding place in the summer. Mrs. Miller lias accommodated city guests for the past sixteen years, but it is her desire to pass the remainder of lier life in peace and quiet.
To our subject and his wife there have been granted three children. Charles Candy, whose birth occurred November 25, 1860, married Miss Nina May Salisbury, a native of Michigan, and they make their home at the present time at Bridgeport, Conn. Condit Smith Miller, who was born September 11, 1868, is unmarried, and
engaged in the United States life-saving service at East Hampton. Ernest was born December 10, 1873, and is still under the parental roof.
In addition to the Miller property, our subject inherited three lots from his grandfather, which the latter had purchased from the Hedges fant- ily. For several years hie supported the candi- dates of the Prohibition party, but he now gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, on which ticket he has been elected to various local offices. He is something of a poet and his articles are often published in the local papers. The Presby- terian Church recognizes liim as one of its most valued and consistent members and in its various nieetings lie takes an active part. He greatly en- joys fishing and has all the appliances which make this sport a pleasure.
D ANIEL W. SHERRY was born at Mid- dle Island, May 18, 1829, and is now a prominent resident of the village of Stony Brook. He is the son of Enos and Mary (Johnson) Sherry, being one of five eliildren, three sons and two daughters, all of whom are living. Born and reared on a farm, lie began to shift for himself when he was only ten years of age, working at first for very modest wages, but as he grew toward manhood receiving the usual wages of farm hands. In his first. years he was thankful to receive six or eiglit dollars a month. When he had reached the age of twenty, he went into a yard at Setauket and worked as a ship car- penter, continuing this for about ten years.
About 1853 Mr. Sherry came to Stony Brook, and has here proved himself a ready and capable man, of much native force of character and abil- ity to do business. He embarked in the livery business, and continued in that for forty years. In addition, he has been a dealer in real estate and is largely interested in the coal and wood business. He first engaged in the coasting trade in 1860, and at one time owned a share in ten different schooners and now retains an interest in two vessels.
516
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Sherry married, in 1851, Morgianna S. Wells, who is the mother of two children, Julia H. and Walter B. In religious belief she is a Presbyterian. Mr. Sherry is a Republican in politics. His career affords a useful lesson to all children of poverty, and one that can hardly be held up too frequently for the study of the rising generation. He began life, as the saying is, with nothing but his good strong heart and his ready lands. He was lacking in schooling, and had to work when others were studying under the care of faithful teachers. It was a tremendous strug- gle, and under old world conditions would have been hopeless. But he bravely labored on hop- ing and trusting, never losing courage, and the end came in honor and the respect of his fellow- men. Character and ability opened the door of opportunity, and he passed through to reap a large success in life.
:
O APT. GEORGE I. TUTHILL, a repre- sentative and well known citizen of New Suffolk, is a native of Long Island, having been born in Southampton, October 3, 1821. His parents were David and Orpha (Ingersoll) Tut- hill, the former born in this county, while the mother's birth occurred at Cornwall on the Hud- son. The first of the Tuthill family located in Suffolk County many years ago and its various members have been prominent in public affairs ever since.
David Tuthill, or as he was more familiarly known "Captain" Tuthill, was for many years en- gaged in building vessels on Long Island and be- came well known to those who followed the sea. Late in life, however, he located upon a farm, giving his attention to its cultivation until his advanced years rendered him unfit for manual labor. He lived on this place until eighty-five years of age.
Of the parental family of eight children, four now survive: Sarah A., widow of the late John Blake, is a resident of New York City; George I., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth;
Oliver HI. is living in New Suffolk, and Ellen, is now Mrs. John Jennings, and also resides in New Suffolk. The father of this family was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his life being molded on the precepts of the Bible, and he always tried to do his duty by his fellow- men.
Capt. George I. Tuthill accompanied his pa- rents on their removal to New Suffolk, being at that time about three years of age. He re- mained at home, securing a good education and helping in the farm labors, until seventeen years of age, when, his love for the water overcoming every other desire, he set out before the mast. From time to time he was promoted until, when only twenty-three years of age, he was made cap- tain of a vessel, holding this position during the remainder of his twenty years' experience on the ocean. He was engaged in trading along the coast, and, although he commanded a schooner for the greater part of the time, was also in charge of ships, and has made a voyage from the coast of Florida to the West Indies, and has likewise traded between New Orleans and Cuba. The Captain spent three years on a whaling ship in the Southern Atlantic and in one and all of these numerous voyages has met with signal success. He is a thorough seaman and has been out at sea in both calm and stormy weather.
After retiring from the roving life which he had followed for twenty years, Captain Tuthill took possession of the old home farm near New Suffolk, where he has resided ever since. His first marriage was with Miss Mary King, and to them were born three children, one of whom, Franklin, is deceased. Mary J. is the wife of HI. M. IIallock, and Shepherd K. is living in Tarrytown, N. Y. The Captain close for his second companion Miss Elma Wells and the eight children born to them were respectively: S. Matilda (now the wife of Herbert Horton), C. Dana, Oliver I., Edward D., Isaac T., Arpha E. (the wife of M. J. Madigan), Jonnie A., and George I. Mrs. Elma Tuthill died in 1885, and April 10, 1889, lie was married to Miss Jane E. Lan- fare, of Tarrytown.
Captain Tuthill is the proprietor of fifteen acres
..
-
-
-
LLEWELLYN F. TERRY.
519
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of land, which is cultivated in an admirable man- ner and made to produce such crops as would be considered good on a farm containing many more acres. He supports by his ballot the can- didates of the Republican party, and, like all true patriots, he is interested in educational af- fairs, and believes in giving the best possible ad- vantages to the children of the rising generation. He has never desired to hold office, but gives his influence to all measures which he considers will be of benefit to his community.
L LEWELLYN F. TERRY, editor of the Suffolk Times, of Greenport, embodies that combination so rarely met with, of the cap- able editor and the successful business man. and is thoroughly practical in all departments. Under tl:e guidance of Mr. Terry, who is a man of pro- gressive ideas and keen business tact, the Times has attained the front rank as a newspaper and a moulder of public opinion. Mr. Terry has an aversion to mere sensationalism, but is alive to the necessity of keeping touch with the events of the times and giving to his readers all the legitimate news of the day. He was born at Sag Harbor. February 20, 1849, and while his father. John B. Terry, was also a Long Islander by birth, he first saw the light at Aquebogue. The early part of his life was spent on the water, but after his mar- riage he settled at Sag Harbor, where he became a truckman, and later tilled the soil in the vicin- ity of Northville. At a still later period he bought a farm at Peconic, on the north road, where he made his home until 1887, when he took up his residence in Greenport, and is here residing at the present time. He is a member of the Congrega- tional Church of Aquebogue. His brother, Van Rensselaer Terry, lives on the old family home- stead at Northville, his sister, Mary A., is the widow of Hon. John C. Davis, and resides at Riverhead, while his sister Jemima is the wife of Gilbert H. Ketcham, the leading dry goods mer- chant of Riverhead. He is also an ex-Supervisor
of the town of Riverhead and is Vice-President of the Riverhead Savings Bank.
Isaiah Terry, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born at Aquebogue and became a soklier in the War of 1812. His father. John Terry, was a Revolutionary soldier, and in up- holding the rights of the Colonists, spilled his blood on many a sanguinary battlefield. Anna Jeanette Homan was born at Jamesport, and upon reaching womanhood was united in mar- riage with John B. Terry, by whom she became the mother of one son, L. F. Terry, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Terry's brother, Capt. Frank Homan, was one of the most successful whaling captains of his day, and another brother. Daniel. is now living at Riverhead.
The early life of L. F. Terry was spent in wield- ing the hoe on a farm and in acquiring a practical education in the district schools and at St. Peter's Hall of Cutchogue, then conducted by Miss Eliza- beth Mapes. Later he took a course in Eastman's Commercial College at Poughkeepsie. At the age of twenty years he was united in marriage with Miss Hattie E. Eldridge, who was born at Sag Harbor, and who was a daughter of Samuel B. Eldridge, of Sag Harbor. In 1869 Mr. Terry en- gaged in the publishing business at Cutchogue. where he established The Traveler, but in 1870 he moved his plant to Southold, and during the Greeley campaign his paper was a strong advo- cate of Greeley's election. Mr. Terry sold this paper to M. B. Vandusen, and in December. 1877, came to Greenport and bought the Suffolk Times from L. C. Young, and has very success- fully conducted it since that time. It is a strong Republican organ and advocates the principles of that party at all times.
Mr. Terry was elected to the office of Collector by a large majority and is now serving his see- ond term as Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the Republican County Committee for several years and has filled the offices of Sec- retary and Treasurer. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. H. E. Terry died December 10, 1883. and left two sons. Frederick 1 .. , who is associated with his father in the news- paper business, and John F., who is captain of a
20
520
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
yacht, and also assists in the printing office. De- cember 15, 1884, Mr. Terry married Miss Mary R. Halsey, a native of Bridgehampton, and at the time of marriage a resident of Sag Harbor. Mr. Terry is an able writer and his paper wields a wide influence in shaping local political affairs, but he is always fair and his editorials carry con- viction with them.
J OHN HENRY BROWN, a farmer of the town of Southold, was born here, April 22, 1852, and is a member of a family that has been identified with the history of this locality for a number of generations. His paternal grand- father, Capt. John Brown, was a scafaring man and followed that occupation throughout his en- tire life. He died March 12, 1858, upon the old homestead in Orient, where Marcus B. Brown now resides.
The father of our subject, the late John B. Brown, was born in the year 1814, and in his youthful years learned the carpenter's trade, which, however, he followed only a short time, later turning his attention to farm pursuits. His death, which occurred June 28, 1867, at the age of fifty-three years, was the result of an accident that brought on internal injuries. In carly lite he was connected with the militia, and June 19, 1841, he was commissioned Captain of the State Militia, One Hundred and Seventh Infantry, by Gov. William H. Seward.
Our subject's mother, Betsey M., was a daugh- ter of William H. Tuthill. She was born in the vil- lage of Orient, where she died, after having been an invalid for many years, September 7, 1893, at the age of sixty-nine years and ten months. By her marriage five children had been born, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: John Henry, of this sketch; Waldo, a farmer of the town of Southold, and William T., a resident of Orient and an agriculturist by occupation.
1
After completing the studies of the common schools, our subject attended Southold Academy for two terms. Upon attaining manhood lie took
up the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years, but since that time farming has been his chief business. He and his brothers own about one hundred and twenty acres, upon which they have erected a neat set of buildings and have made other valuable improvements. December 8, 1875, he married Miss Lydia J., daughter of Capt. William T. and Phebe Ann (Case) Terry, the former a resident of Orient and the latter de- ceased. Mrs. Brown was born in Orient, Decem- ber 5, 1849, and is the mother of two children, namely: Julia E., born March 18, 1879, and Eva A., July 18, 1882.
In April, 1893, Mr. Brown was chosen one of the Trustees of the Southold Savings Bank, in which capacity he is now serving. At the age of about fourteen years he united with the Methodist Church, and has since been connected with that denomination, in which he held the office of Trustee for a long term of years. In his political views he is a Republican. For a year or more he has been a Trustee of School District No. 2, and takes a warm interest in everything pertaining to the public schools.
E DMUND T. SMITH has a finely improved and attractive place, situated at the head of St. James Bay, and containing all the improvements of a model estate. In the house which he now occupies he was born, October 9. 1844, being the youngest child of Obadiah and Rebecca (Davis) Smith. He is a member of a family inseparably identified with the history of the island, and of his parental history mention is made in the sketch of his brother. Obadiah F., presented on another page of this volume.
Nothing of especial importance occurred in the life of Mr. Smith until he was sixteen years of age, when he started out in the world for himself. Going to New York City, he shipped on the schooner "Annie Shepard," and on reaching North Carolina engaged in the coasting tra.le. At Beaufort, that state, he was taken sick with typhoid fever, which prevented him from doing
521
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
any active work for some time. On recovering liis strength he resumed the coasting trade, in which he continued for four years. During that period he made one voyage to the West Indies, going as first mate. On the conclusion of the four years he retired from a seafaring life and returned to the North.
At once after arriving home Mr. Smith com- menced the supervision of the estate, which con- sists of eighty acres, and of which he is the owner. In addition to its management for the past four- teen years, he has been extensively engaged in the timber and coal trade, and owns the schooner "William Corey," which carries timber and wood to the city markets, bringing coal back. He also owns an interest in the schooner "Judge Har- rington." During the season he furnishes accom- modations for tourists at his pleasant home. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church at St. James. Socially he is a charter member of the lodge of Odd Fellows at Stony Brook, and po- litically he gives his allegiance to no political organization, but votes for the best principles and the best men, irrespective of political belief. For four years he served as Excise Commissioner, and at different times he has held other local offices.
County, where he tilled the soil most success- fully.
The grandfather of our subject also spent his life in this county, engaged in farming, and of the six children born to his marriage, three sons and three daughters, all grew to mature years. The father of our subject was twenty-seven years old when he removed to Queens County, residing there until forty years old, when he married Miss Lawrence. He became a substantial farmer and a man of pronounced literary taste. His death, which was due to an accident, occurred in Queens County in 1854, when fifty-four years old. His widow and one child still remain on the home farm. Until the age of ten years John S. Arthur remained under the parental roof and then came to Suffolk County, and made his home with an uncle, John Arthur, after whom he was named. He attended the public schools of Smithtown until fourteen years old and then entered a private school at Huntington, where he remained one term. Following that he entered Jamaica Acad- emy, conducted by Professor John N. Brinker- hoof, remaining there two terms, and soon after engaged in teaching school in Suffolk County. Up to the time of his marriage he remained with his widowed mother, he being the eldest son, and on the 22d of February, 1866, wedded Miss Pruda A. Hudson, of Smithtown, and daughter of Daniel and Fannie (Mills) Hudson. Mr. Hudson was a sea captain, but owning a farm near Smithtown. settled down on it during the latter part of his life, and was engaged in milling.
J After his marriage our subject settled on his present farm, which was formerly the home of Mrs. Arthur's father, and followed marketing and gardening until 1884, when he erected his store building and put in a stock of dry goods. The same year he was appointed Postmaster under President Cleveland's first administration, and so well did he satisfy every one while holding that position that he was again appointed under Mr. Cleveland's second term. In ISgo he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has since held. In 1885 he was elected Overseer of High- ways and held that position six consecutive year -. I OHN S. ARTHUR has charge of the inter- ests of "Uncle Sam" at Smithtown, and has proved himself in every way worthy the trust reposed in him. In addition, he is also engaged in merchandising at that place and the confidence reposed in him by all classes speaks well as to his reputation as a business man and citizen. He first saw the light in Queens County, and was the eldest of a family of six children born to the marriage of Elvert and Jane (Lawrence) Arthur, natives of Smithtown, Suffolk County, and North Hempstead, Queens County, respectively. Isaac Arthur, the grandfather of our subject, was a na- tive of Smithtown and the son of John Arthur. who was a Scotchman by birth, but who crossed the ocean to this country and located in Suffolk . Since the war Mr. Arthur has been Democratic
522
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in his political views and, although the town was usually Republican, he was elected to his numer- ous positions by the former party.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.