USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 13
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In early life Mr. Brown was a strong Democrat, but observation caused him to change his views, and he is now a stanch Republican. He does a little fire insurance business, but is not actively en- gaged in any line. For a number of years he was Deputy Internal Revenue Collector, and has also served as Overseer of the Poor. For about fifty years he has been a Class Leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. An odd occur- rence in connection with his conversion is that he experienced a change of heart January 21, 1841, while crossing a road. and his wife (who was not then betrothed to him) was converted the sanic hour while crossing the same road in another place, about a mile distant.
J OHN G. REEVE. Among the names held in honor in the town of Southold, that which heads this sketch has for many years held a prominent place. He who bears it is a representative of one of the most honored famil- ies on Long Island, who for many generations have borne an important part in the development and growth of their respective communities. Mr.
Reeve, of this history, maintains an unceasing in- terest in the prosperity of his town and has con- tributed much to its upbuilding. He was born here November 4, 1842, and is the son of James M. and Sarah H. (Cox) Reeve, also natives of Sui- folk County.
James M. Reeve was a lifelong resident of the town of Southold and died when only forty-two years of age. He has been twice married and became the father of several children, of whom those surviving. besides our subject, are Stephen J., a resident of Tioga County; Henry, who makes his home in this county; Sarah E., now the wife of E. G. Hudson, whose home is in Riverhead, the county seat, and Herbert M., en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in this county. The lady whom Mr. Reeve married for his second wife is still living on the old home farm. She bore the maiden name of Mary M. Benjamin.
In religious affairs James M. Reeve was a mein- ber of the Presbyterian Church at Mattituck. His life was a very busy one, for in addition to at- tending to his own interests, he contributed his full share toward advancing the welfare of his community, and all organizations for the public weal found in him a hearty supporter. His brother, Edward Y. Reeve, was likewise one of the prominent and influential residents of the county and was a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance. He became a lecturer of note, always speaking in the interests of prohibition.
John G. Reeve, of this history, has always lived in the town of Southold and his life has been one of industry and usefulness. During his boyhood days he attended the common schools, like the average country boy, dividing his time between assisting in developing the home farm and at- tending the temple of learning in the district. IIe remained under the parental roof until grown, and in December, 1876, was married to Hattie Morse, daugliter of the late Captain Morse, of Jamesport, this county. To them were born four children, of whom those living are Cora, Ellis and Sarah H. The forty-acre tract which Mr. Reeve owns is. cultivated after the most approved methods. He makes general farming his life work and is prospering in his vocation. In edu-
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cational affairs he has always been greatly inter- ested, and has been Collector and Trustee of his district. In him the Presbyterian Church at Mat- tituck finds one of its most ardent supporters and devoted members, and he is a man who com- mands the respect and esteem of all his neigh- bors. In politics Mr. Reeve is a Republican, and permits nothing to interfere with his casting his ballot for his favorite candidates.
C HARLES H. RAYNOR is one of the en- terprising and substantial residents of Eastport, where he was born in 1851. Personally he bears a high reputation for honor- able and upright dealing with his fellow men, and is always found in the front ranks in the works of improvement and public benefit.
John I. and Eunice (Shirley) Raynor, the pa- rents of our subject, were born respectively in Suffolk County and Ireland. During his life- time the former was one of the well-to-do agri- culturists of this region and in the cultivation of the soil reaped rich returns. He led a quiet and unassuming life, never desiring or accepting of- fice, but giving his attention strictly to his private affairs. He was very active in church work and was a devoted and valued member of the Meth- odist Protestant Church. His death, which oc- curred in 1880, was the occasion of universal mourning, for he was not only one of the old and honored residents of the county, but was liberal in his contributions toward important en- terprises and was of great benefit to the commun- ity in various ways. His estimable wife is still living, and enjoying good health.
Charles, of this sketch, obtained liis education in the district schools, and when in his eighteenth year went to sea and for twelve years was engaged in the general merchant service on board various vessels. When tiring of this kind of life he made his honie once more on land, and without any in- struction began working at the painter's trade, at which he has been employed ever since, or for ten years, he having a natural taste for the busi-
ness. He has become an expert in combining colors, and is employed on some of the finest jobs in the community. Mr. Raynor also owns a store, where he carries a full line of paints, varnishes, oils, etc., of the best quality. He has made his home in Eastport for the past fourteen years and is now one of its representative citizens.
In 1882 Mr. Raynor was united in marriage with Miss Orpheus Gordon, the daughter of Will- iam H. Gordon, a worthy resident of Eastport. To Mr. and Mrs. Raynor there have been born four children, namely: Maude, Lottie, Arthur and Forest. The parents are worthy members of the Methodist Protestant Church and are active in all good works.
Socially Mr. Raynor is a member of the Na- tional Providence Union at Moriches. In politics he supports the principles promulgated by the Prohibition party and looks forward to the time when, by the vote of Christian people, rum, the dread enemy of mankind, will be stamped out of existence.
H J. KELLUM is one of the thriving and pushing contractors and builders who have done so much to make Babylon a village of beauty, and its streets long vistas of handsome and elegant homes. He was born in the village in which he now makes his home, March 13, 1858, being the son of Ira and Catha- rine (Mott) Kellum. His ancestors have been located in this vicinity for upwards of two hun- dred years, and the name is a familiar one in the neighborhood annals.
The family tradition is the not unfamiliar ore of three brothers, who left England and set- tled on the island, near the present site of the Argyle property. Here the great-grandfather of our subject, his grandfather, Treadwell, his father, Ira, and the subject of our sketch were all born. For two generations back the family were exten- sively engaged in the buying and the prepara- tion of poultry for the city markets. They had a number of wagons in their service, covering the island (particularly the east end) very closely
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in their circuits, and procuring the poultry which the farmers had to sell. Other wagons were quite as busy taking it to market, and this business was still maintained, though on a smaller scale, after the coming of the railroad. Ira Kellum con- tinued in it until the time of his death, April 21, 1895. He had lived a long and active life, nav- ing been born February 10, 1821.
The family of the mother of our subject was prominent in the annals of Queens County, and her father, Samuel Mott, filled the office of Sheriff of that county for many years. Her mother was a Baldwin, and was a cousin of the wife of P. T. Barnum. They trace their ancestry to John Fox, the first preacher of the Quaker faith at Flush- ing. The subject of this sketch was the fifth in a family of nine children, of whom seven grew to maturity, and four are still living.
custom, both as to the quality and the rapidity of his work.
Miss Delia Buckley, of Fall River, Mass., be- came the wife of Mr. Kellum in December, 1884. and died in May, 1890, having become the mother of two children, Henry B. and Samuel MI. Mr. Kellum has been a Democrat all his days, and in this respect has followed closely in the footsteps of his father. He is a member of An- chor Lodge No. 178, K. of P., and has been Keep- er of its Record and Seals for four successive years, having also acted as Outer and Inner Guard.
C APT. WILLIAM H. PHILLIPS. In the peaceful agricultural life which our subject leads there is little suggestion of the adventurous life which he led for many years as commander of various vessels plying the waters of the Atlantic. He is now living at West Neck Bay, Shelter Island, on a beautiful little farm which he takes great pleasure in cultivating, and also finds that his labors in this direction have resulted in profit to himself.
Mr. Kellum spent his earlier life in this village. and, after the custom of the time, he went to school in the winter and assisted his father in his business during the summer. When he was eighteen, he obtained an office position in the service of the Flushing & Central Railroad, and this he retained about a year, when he began to learn the carpenter's trade with J. H. Cummins. of this village. He served an apprenticeship of Mr. Phillips was born on Shelter Island, Jan- uary 10, 1830, his parents being Charles and Mary (Reeve) Phillips. The former was born in Rhode Island; the latter is a native of this county and a member of the well known Reeve fantily, of whom mention is often made in this volume. William H., of this history, passed the first twelve years of his life quietly at home on his father's farm, alternating the duties which he was required to perform about the place by attendance at the district school. Living as he did surrounded by water, it is not very strange that he was fond of boating, or that he left home when quite young three years, receiving $5 a week the first year, $7 the second year, and $9 the last. After finishing his engagement with Mr. Cummins, he worked at his trade in this neighborhood for a year or more, and later tried his fortunes at the same labor in the city of Philadelphia in company with his brother. He then came back to Babylon, and found employment with H. Havermeyer, as- sisting in the building of his summer residence. and also on the summer resort which that gentle- . man erected at Wig Inlet. Altogether he was engaged with this distinguished member of the world of commerce for some three or four years. "and obtained a position on a sloop engaged in in the erection of these and other buildings. the coasting trade. From the age of twelve to nineteen years he was thus engaged, and then went as a sailor on a vessel bound for California. making the voyage around Cape Horn in safety. The trip consumed six months, as the winds were not always favorable for their rapid progress. They landed at San Francisco and our subject Finishing this profitable engagement, he took charge of the shop in which his brother had been doing business. He has made his mark upon the business life of this community, as a carpenter, builder and contractor, who can do good work at reasonable prices, and meet the desires of his
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entered the gold mines of that state, spending the following six years in searching for the yellow ore.
In 1856, anxious to see his relatives and friends, and having met with fair success, Mr. Phillips re- turned home by way of the isthmus. After resting ior a time he again went to sea, this time filling a position on a coasting vessel for six years. Aiter a seafaring life of some twenty years Mr. l'hillips retired to a more peaceful and less dan- gerons life and has since given his attention to farming. For six years during his experience on the water he was captain of various sloops, among them being the "Sarah Alice," which was engaged in the coasting trade between Norwich and New Haven, Conn.
Captain Phillips was married in 1857 to Miss Elizabeth G., daughter of Richard Payne, of Shel- ter Island, and to them was born a daughter. Annie, who is now the wife of B. Osborne, a resi- dent of East Hampton. Having resided here for sixty-five years, the Captain has been an eye- witness to many important changes which have been made on the island and has contributed not a little toward bringing about these wonderful results. He is a man of unswerving honesty, whose word is considered as good as his bond, and he has the entire confidence of his commun- ity. Politically, he has always supported Repub- lican principles and takes a very active interest . in the success of his party. With his wife, he is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church.
T HOMAS F. BISGOOD was a prominent attorney of Sag Harbor, where he also hield the positions of Justice of the Peace and Police Justice. His home was in this city for many years, and during his professional and political career he made many warm friends in the community, being highly esteemed as a law- yer of more than ordinary ability.
Mr. Bisgood was of English birth and parent- age, having been born in London, December 11, 1820, to Thomas and Maria (Oaks) Bisgood. He
was educated in the University of that city, after which, concluding to adopt the profession of his father, who was a lawyer of prominence, and hav- ing himself a decided inclination in that direction, lie began liis law studies with his father and after becoming thoroughly familiar with the theory and much of the practical workings of the law, was admitted to the Bar in 1851, and at once taken into full partnership with his father. He practiced law in Paris between 1860 and 1865, after which he came with his father to New York.
After landing in New York City Mr. Bisgood spent a few months in the metropolis, when he came to Sag Harbor, having been influenced to make his home on Long Island by an old friend, Attorney George W. Whitaker, a resident of Southampton. E. A. Carpenter was the leading attorney at Sag Harbor at that time, and Mr. Bisgood, opening an office of his own, was soon in command of a splendid practice. He possessed unusual ability as a lawyer and in political as well as professional circles, he bore a high repu- tation.
The lady whom Thomas F. Bisgood married in December, 1888, was Miss Alice Whittaker, of Southampton. To them were born two sons, Arthur and Frederick. Mrs. Bisgood was the third wife of her husband, his former marriage having been with her sister Edith, who died without issue.
In religious affairs our subject was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, in which he was Senior Warden. Socially he was a Mason and be- longed to Wamponamon Lodge at Sag Harbor. He took a very active part in this organization and was its Treasurer, also represented it in the Grand Lodge. He belonged to Sewasset Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons of Patchogue. A promi- nent Democrat, he served as Justice of the Peace in the town of East Hampton, and was the first Police Justice elected in this village under its amended character. Interested in the cause of education, for several years he served as Treas- urer of the Board. He was also a Trustee of the Sag Harbor Circulating Library.
Though in less rugged health for some time than in past years, yet the death of Mr. Bisgood
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was unexpected, the immediate cause being an attack of pneumonia. He passed away October 20, 1895, and was buried in Oakland Cemetery, with Masonic honors. On the afternoon of the funeral, which was held in the Episcopal Church, the school was closed, as were also the stores and places of business. It was felt, not only by his intimate associates, but by all with whom busi- ness or social relations had brought him into contact, that the village had suffered a deep loss in his death. At all times he maintained a warm interest in progressive enterprises, and his judgment was seldom at fault in his decisions re- garding matters relative to the public welfare. As an attorney, he was keen and sagacious, an accurate judge of human nature and the motives that impel to action, and possessing an analytical and vigorous mind. Before the Bar of Suffolk County he conducted many important cases, and in all of these his discernment, integrity and bril- liancy of intellect were among his prominent characteristics.
G I
WELLS PHILLIPS. The name of Phillips is known and respected throughout Suffolk County, as it be- longs to some of its best residents. The present representative of the family is one of the old resi- dents of the town of Southold, and during his younger years was active and enterprising. He is a native of Long Island and was born November 9, 1824, to George and Hannah (Smith) Phillips, both of whom were likewise born in this com- munity. Grandfather Samuel Phillips served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and lived to be ninety years of age. Our subject remembers this old gentleman, who often entertained him with stories of his army life.
. George Phillips was a lad of twelve years when he took up liis abode with his maternal grand- father, who bore the name of Ira Corwin, and who was then living near the village of Southold. George was an inmate of his household until at- taining his majority, when, having acquired a fair
education and a good knowledge of farming, he struck out for himself. He became fairly well- to-do, and died January 2, 1876.
Only two children survive of his union with Miss Smith, Dyer S., a resident of Lake City, Minn., and G. Wells, of this history. He was a self-made man in the truest sense of the term and was well respected in his community. After the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks and never let pass an opportunity when he could further its interests by voting for its candi- dates.
Our subject was reared on the farm he now re- sides upon. During the winter months he was permitted to attend the district school, but in the sumnier season his services were too valuable on the farm to permit of his absenting himself, even though he were employed in studying. During his boyhood days, when fishing was even a more profitable business than it is now, he spent two months every spring fishing in Peconic Bay, and when the catch was larger than could be disposed of, the fish were used as land fertilizers. As soon as his father's property came into his possession, however, he gave his time and attention almost entirely to its management and cultivation.
Mr. Phillips was married April 5, 1848, to Miss Clarinda, daughter of Hampton Youngs, of Long Island. To them were born five children, of whom Hannah Louise, now the wife of Ezra Tillinghast, of Southold, is the only survivor. Those deceased are Serena, George W., Frank W. and Caroline H. The wife and mother died October 22, 1871, and March 29, 1876, Mr. Phillips married Helen MI. Boisseau. She survived her marriage about fourteen years, dying February 22, 1890.
Although an ardent admirer of Republican principles, Mr. Phillips does not confine himself to party lines, but votes for the man whom in his judgment will best discharge the duties of thie office. He is a devoted member of the Presby- terian Church, which he helps forward by liberal and regular contributions.
Having been a resident of Suffolk County for a period of seventy-one years, Mr. Phillips has wit- nessed many changes in the county during this time and has been no unimportant factor in bring-
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ing many of these about. He occupies a very pleasant home and has prospered in life to such an extent that he can now live comfortably and enjoy his declining years. There is a fine grove wi pine trees lying in the rear of his home, the seed of which he planted in 1847. This borders on Jockey Creek and is considered one of the pleasantest groves on the island. Mr. Phillips has always borne an enviable reputation for hon- orable and upright conduct and has many sin- cere friends.
J OHN DANIEL HEDGES. The Hedges family is very well known on Long Island, and especially in Suffolk County, where the ancestors settled as early as 1650. Therefore for over two hundred years they have been actively engaged in the progress and upbuilding of the county, which they literally helped to change from a wilderness to a garden spot. The subject of this narrative owns and occupies one of these homestead farms, which has been handed down from the first settler, one William Hedges.
John D., of this history, was born on the above place, July 26, 1839, his parents being John and Eliza B. (Fithian) Hedges. The former was the son of Daniel and Jerusha Hedges, while the lat- ter was the daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth (Edwards) Fithian. The father of our subject lived upon the homestead until his death in 1856, when seventy-five years of age. He did not marry until fifty years of age, and of the five children born to him, our subject is the only survivor. l larriet died when twenty-four years of age; Jer- usha was in her fifteenth year at the time of her decease; Charles died at the age of eight years, and one child died unnamed. The wife and mother survived until January 1, 1892, dying at the age of eighty-four years.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a tammer and shoemaker by trade. Of his large family of nineteen children twelve grew to ma- ture years. Jolin and Daniel, who were among the younger sons, were the only male members of the family to remain in East Hampton, all the
other sons seeking their fortunes in other por- tions of the state. Daniel, who was captain of a merchant vessel, never married.
The subject of this sketch was a lad of seven- teen years at the time of the death of his father, but having received special training as a farmer he was capable of assuming control of the place. He was married October 17, 1864, to Miss Caro- line Isabella Homan, daughter of Egbert and Caroline (Conkling) Homan, the former of whom was a native of Middle Island, this county. He was a mail contractor and carried the mail by stage to various points on the island, leaving home Monday morning and returning Saturday night. He came to East Hampton in this capacity, and after the railroad was built through carried the mail to Riverhead, the county seat. His wife was the daughter of Stephen and Roxanna (Strong) Conkling, of East Hampton. Egbert Homan died in 1888 at the age of seventy-six years. He was the father of Charles E. C. Homan, who was Mrs. Hedges' only brother.
As East Hampton has grown to be a fashion- able summer resort, Mr. Hedges has disposed of the greater portion of his farm to those who wished to build their summer homes here, re- taining for his own use only a few acres. For the past twenty years Mr. and Mrs. Hedges have ac- commodated those seeking rest on the seashore and have had one of the most popular boarding- houses in East Hampton.
As regards politics, Mr. Hedges is independent. and, although he usually votes for Democratic candidates, reserves his right to ballot for the man who in his judgment will best discharge the du- ties of the office. Both himself and wife are active workers and members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hedges is a very accomplished lady, and her taste as an artist has enabled her to adorn the walls of her home with many pic- tures. She also does considerable work in orna- mental iron, making brackets, baskets, etc.
Daniel Homan Hedges, the only son of our subject, was born October 12, 1871, and died September 3. 1804, of typhoid fever. He had just completed a commercial course in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, and was pre-
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paring himself to start out in life. He was a great student and also a favorite in social circles, where he often afforded entertainment by singing and playing, possessing a pleasing voice and some knowledge of instrumental music. Not only was he the pride of his parents, but by his winning ways he had endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. His remains were laid to rest in the South End. Cemetery, which has been the resting place of the family for many generations.
R ILEY P. HOWELL is a native of the coun- ty and state in which he has found a per- manent home. He owns a comfortable residence in the village of East Moriches, and is engaged in farming, his specialty being the rais- ing of a fine grade of potatoes and cauliflower. Both of these products are raised in large quanti- ties in Suffolk County, but no one receives a bet- ter price for their vegetables than does Mr. Howell.
The subject of this sketch was born March I, 1863, to Isaac T. and Henrietta D. (Penny) How- ell, natives of this county, where they have passed their entire lives. The father, during his early years, was prominently identified with the agri- cultural life of this community and was known as one of its most substantial citizens. He still makes his home here, and, although advanced in years, is in the enjoyment of good health. He is a quiet, unassuming citizen, and a devout mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican and supports the candidates of the grand old party with voice and vote on every op- portunity. His good wife, the mother of our sub- ject, is also living.
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