Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2, Part 14

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman
Number of Pages: 926

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The education of Riley P. Howell was obtained in the schools of East Moriches. At the age of nineteen years he graduated, and the following term was chosen principal of the same school, and so satisfactory were his services to the Board of Education and the people that he was retained in charge of the school for six consecutive years. He then, for one year, did not engage in teach-

ing, after which he was elected principal of the school at Center Moriches, but finding his health affected by the confinement to the school room, he resigned and gave his entire attention to farin- ing, which has been his occupation ever since.

The marriage of Mr. Howell to Miss Alida E. Terry took place in 1887. Mrs. Howell was born in this section and is a daughter of George E. and Ruth J. Terry, well known residents of this vil- lage. Our subject and his wife have one daugh- ter, Ruth E., born October 12, 1893. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and lead up- right lives, taking an active interest in all that per- tains to the welfare of the community. In 1891 Mr. Howell was nominated on the Republican ticket for Assessor in the town of Brook Haven, but was defeated by the opposing candidate, Henry W. Carmen, the former Assessor. Again in 1894 he was nominated for the same office and was elected, defeating his old opponent by about three hundred votes.

A NDREW D. FOSTER is the well known proprietor of the Delevan, a summer hotel at Sayville, and he also owns the Foster House. Aside from his duties as "mine host" he engages as an auctioneer. Mr. Foster was born in Sweden, July 10, 1826, and has been identified with the village of Sayville for forty- three years. His father, Peterson Foster, died when our subject was a lad of six years. As a boy our subject had no chance for an educa- tion, but he has acquired a good knowledge of people by observation and travel and is an in- telligent and well read man. When eight years of age he was apprenticed to a tailor, but after learning the trade, which was not congenial to lim, he became a sailor, and roamed the world over as fancy dictated. He finally concluded to come to this country and make it his abiding place, which he did when twenty years of age. He has crossed the Atlantic nine times and has vis- ited England, Scotland, Wales and other lands -many times.

JAMES L. SANFORD.

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Aiter residing in New Orleans until the latter part of 1849 Mr. Foster, like many others, caught the gold fever, and went to California, crossing the isthmus on foot. He finally reached Panama penniless, but he watched his chance and finally sailed on a vessel to San Francisco, as a sailor, being promised twenty-five cents per month as remuneration. It was a slow sailing vessel and the long, tedious voyage did not end until March 4. 1850. Then he began mining on the middle fork of the American River, where he continued for two and a-half years with varied success. On the whole, however, he accumulated a large amount of money, but, like many others, he spent it as freely as he made it.

In 1853 our subject came to New York via the Nicaraguan route. In the meantime, how- ever, he had contracted Chagres fever and when he arrived in New York in August at once went into a hospital on Staten Island. In the fall he came to Long Island, being attracted hither by a land lottery scheme, by which a man could draw lots on a certain investment. Our subject luckily drew four city lots, 25x100 feet, at what was called Lakeland, but as he thought the land was of little value he came to Sayville. Mr. Fos- ter secured board with a widow, Mrs. Mary Green, whose granddaughter, Miss Ann Eliza Brown, became his wife October 16, 1853. After his marriage he opened a merchant tailor shop in Sayville, which was the beginning of a successful carcer, continuing in the same business for twenty-five years, making and saving money.

In 1856 Mr. Foster again tried his fortunes in California, but after a sojourn of seven months, during which he was indeed homesick, he re- turned and resumed his old business. In 1864 he built the first part of what is now the Foster House. It had a public hall above, and a candy, oyster, and confectionery store down stairs. He ran it so successfully that in 1870 he enlarged it and finally furnished the hotel, which he still owns, though since 1886 it has been leased to other parties. Meanwhile he purchased the tract of land where he now lives, including eighteen acres, and in 1885 the first cost of the whole was teturned to him by the sale of four acres. In

1883 he built his present commodious summer hotel, which is well furnished and which contains seventy-five rooms. Each summer brings him a steadily increasing patronage of old and new guests. Mr. Foster has erected an attractive cot- tage near the hotel and here he makes his home.

Our subject is the father of six children: Henry G .; Amelia, wife of Dr. Robinson; Annie, Minnie D., Louise, and Amy B. Two other children, Rufus Andrew and Charles Elbert. are deceased. Mr. Foster has been a Democrat since he cast his vote for Andrew Johnson. Fra- ternally he is a Mason, and in religious prefer- ence he is an Episcopalian, having been a mem- ber of that denomination for forty years, and having served as Vestryman the same length of time. Mr. Foster is also a Trustee of the Long Island Chautauqua Assembly Association at Point of Woods, on the great South Beach.

AMES L. SANFORD. Since the fall of 1852 Mr. Sanford has resided on his present farm, which is located in the town of South- ampton and consists of fifty-two acres of well-in- proved land. Through his efforts the place has been brought under a high state of cultivation, and the improvements placed upon it that mark it as a first-class farm. Having through the long years of his residence here become known as a man of honesty, industry and persevering dispo- sition, he has gained the esteem of his associates and the respect of all with whom he has had busi- ness relations.

At Bridgehampton June 12, 1827, our subject was born to Isaac and Fannie (Aldrich) Sanford. He is one of six children, of whom three died in infancy, and the others, besides himself, are Mary, wife of Egbert Peterson, and Sarah, who married David Bennett, of Bridgehampton. Our sub- ject's grandfather, Elias Sanford, was a descend- ant of one of the oldest families of Suffolk County and was himself a lifelong resident of this locality.

In 1860 Mr. Sanford married Justina, daugh- ter of Peter Fournier, who was a descendant of

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French ancestors. His life, prior to the age of sixteen, was spent on the home farm, after which he served a five years' apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, receiving his board and $25 per annum in compensation for his ser- vices. In the fall of 1849 he went on board the vessel "Cademus," the ship that years before had brought the illustrious Lafayette to America. He continued as a sailor until the ship dropped an- chor at San Francisco after a voyage of six months and eight days. After his arrival in Cali- fornia he engaged for two years in mining, meet- ing with fair success, and in the spring of 1852 he returned home by way of the isthmus. Since that time he has resided in the town of South- ampton. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, and holds membership in that church.

C APT. E. EUGENE HAWKINS, of Patchogue, comes of one of the oldest and most highly respected families on the island, and is a fit representative of his worthy ancestors. He was born at Port Jefferson in the month of September, 1845, to the union of Ed- ward and Harriet (Swezey) Hawkins, both na- tives of the town of Brook Haven. By occupa- tion the father was a ship carpenter and followed that business most successfully for many years of his life. He spent several years in Shanghai, China, engaged in his trade, and was considered one of the leading builders of his day. Respected and esteemed by all, he passed away in the year 1874. ITis wife died two years later.

Captain Hawkins received very fair educa- tional advantages in his youth, first attending the district school and then a private school for some time. His early life was spent in merchandising when not in the school room, and later he be- came a member of the firm of Deery & Hawkins, which continued until 1867. At that date Mr. Hawkins embarked in the provision business in New York City and continued this for several months, when he decided to go on the sea. The

life of a sailor agreed with him and in time he be- came master of many vessels, a few of the leading ones being named as follows: "Willow Harp," "San Juan," "James Slater," "Georgetta Law- rence" and the brig "Robert Dillon."

Captain Hawkins continued his seafaring life until in the year 1890, when he retired and came to Patchogue, where he had purchased property many years before. Here he has since resided and is practically retired from the active duties of life. He has a lovely home just outside the city limits and this is presided over in an admirable manner by his most worthy wife, formerly Miss Georgiana Robinson, whom he married in Feb- ruary, 1870. Her father, Phineas Robinson, is a worthy citizen of Suffolk County. Captain and Mrs. Hawkins are the parents of two children, Eugene Hawkins, Jr., and Ralph, who is a bright lad of sixteen years. The former, who was edu- cated at La Fayette, Pa., is an electrical engineer and has charge of the trolley road at Flushing. The younger son is at home.

Captain and Mrs. Hawkins are identified with the Congregational Church and are earnest and consistent workers in the same. Politically the former is a Democrat, and, while never an aspir- ant for office, is an active worker for his party. He served his fellow-citizens as Trustee of the town and is at present Commissioner of High- ways, discharging the duties of the position most creditably. The Captain is . well liked by all favored with his acquaintance.

C HARLES E. OVERTON, one of the leading residents of the town of Southold. who served valiantly during the War of the Rebellion in the defense of the Union, has been for a number of years one of the most pros- perous agriculturists of his community. He is also Trustee of the Southold Savings Bank and active in Grand Army circles.

Mr. Overton is a native of Long Island an 1 was born December 8, 1842. His parents were Francis D. and Betsy C. (Glover) Overton, the

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former of whom was also born here, as were many generations of the family. The paternal grandfather bore the name of Nathaniel C. Over- ton and in his day was one of the public-spirite.1 and influential residents of Suffolk County. He lived a long and useful life, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1866, the county lost one of its best citizens.

Three children of the parental family still sur- vive: Albert D., a resident of the town of Southold; Lillie O., now the widow of Capt. R. S. Wells, and a resident of Stony Brook, and Charles E., of this history. The early education of the latter was carried on in the district school, after which he was .enrolled as a student in Southold Academy. He was at home assisting in the farm labors when the Civil War broke out, and in 1862 he offered his services in defense of liis country and was mustered in as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sev- . enth New York Infantry. His regiment was sta- tioned, at that time, at Washington, D. C., where they did guard duty for a year. They were then ordered to South Carolina and for some time formed a guard on Morris Island, near the city of Charleston. Later they joined Sherman's troops as they were coming across the country, and after the evacuation of Charleston, Mr. Over- ton, with other members of his regiment, was ordered to remain there several months. He was finally mustered out in July, 1865, complet- ing an active service of three years.

On his return home from the war, Mr. Over- ton at once engaged in agricultural pursuits, which vocation he has followed ever since. He owns a finely improved estate in this town, and from the admirable manner in which it is culti- vated, is the recipient of a handsome income. He is exact and methodical in all that he does, and in every way merits the success which has been his.

Mr. Overton was united in marriage December 27. 1887, with Miss Agnes G., daugliter of Daniel F. Terry. This family is one of the oldest and most respected on Long Island, and for many years Daniel Terry was one of the substantial residents here. His wife, however, was a resi-

dent of Washington, D. C., at the time of her marriage. Mr. Overton is a member of Edward Huntting Post No. 353, G. A. R., of Greenport. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and has always taken an active part in public affairs. For twelve years he served as Assessor of the town of Southold, filling the office satisfactorily. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, ever ready to do his full share in matters of public welfare, and is numbered among the leading men of the county. For a number of years he has been con- nected with the Savings Bank in the capacity of Trustee, and has also rendered efficient service to that institution, being a member of the Finance Committee. He and his wife are regular attend- ants at the Universalist Church of this locality.

A BRAHAM HALSEY. Among the pros- perous and energetic farmers of the town of Southampton figures the gentleman whose name adorns this sketch. His advent upon life's stage was made October 14, 1834, and his birthplace was the farm where he now lives. He is a son of J. Abraham and Eliza (Woodruff) Hal- sey. His father was a large land owner in his day and improved the homestead until it became a very valuable tract. The demise of the mother and father occurred respectively July 20, 1886. and May 3, 1887.

In acquiring an education and perfecting him- self in the arts of agriculture, the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood days. October 12. 1864, he married Miss Mary Young, who five years later passed away, and as no children had come to gladden the home, the husband was bereft indeed. May 10, 1871, he married a sec- ond time, his wife being Miss Emily Cooper. When thirty years of age, Mr. Halsey purchased a farm. He removed to his present place of resi- dence in 1866 and erected, on a part of the old homestead, «the cozy home which he now occu- pies. Originally hie owned a considerable tract of land, but not desiring to engage in farming on an extensive scale, he disposed of the greater

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part of his holdings until the home place now comprises only thirty-four acres. But this amount of land he makes yield to its liighest capacity, bringing to its cultivation the highest intelligence and most advanced scientific methods.

Our subject is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a stalwart Republican. In his domestic life he de- rives much pleasure from the refinements of liter- ature, having himself enjoyed an excellent edu- cation. After finishing at the district school he entered Southampton Academy and completed the course with honor to himself. His home is brightened and enlivened by his cultured and appreciative wife.

H ENRY OAKLEY is a retired sailor living in the village of Babylon, where he was born January 18, 1836. His parents were Ira and Phebe (Albin) Oakley, the former a native of the island and a follower of the sea, having been engaged in the coasting business, running from New York to the South. In early boyhood our subject was introduced to his lifelong voca- tion. He worked as fisher boy as soon as large enough to handle the line, and made from $1.50 to $2 a day. When fifteen, he shipped on the bark "Monmouth," Capt. Isaac Ludlow being in command, as a sailor before the mast.

The ship went into the Indian Ocean, and en- gaged in the whaling industry. Though young in years, our gallant sailor lad did a man's work on all occasions, and sometimes even more. He was bold and adventuresome, and sought oc- casion to go out in the harpooning boats. While on this voyage they rescued the bark "Meridian," taking the passengers and crew, one hundred and five in number, from a barren island. On one occasion the boat in which he was at work was upset by the last flurry of a dying whale, but luckily all were rescued.

The boat touched at Australia, and at Anjer in the Straits of Sunda, and was out two years and nine montlis. Mr. Oakley left home weighing

one hundred and nineteen pounds. When he re- turned he had reached the weight of one hun- dred and seventy pounds, and was so changed that his own mother did not know him. After spending the summer at home, he engaged on the ship "Huntsville," the same owner as before, for another whaling voyage into the North Pacific. The ship passed around the Cape of Good Hope, touched at Hobart Town and the Sandwich Islands, and sailed into the far north, penetrating the sea of Okhotsk, and touched at a port in Japan, the same year that country was opened to foreigners. This voyage lasted almost four years, and was very successful. Our subject had gone out as boat steerer, a position that car- ried with it the duty of harpooning the whale. He did this work so well that after the expiration of a year he was made fourth mate of the ship, and in a few months became third mate. His record in striking the whale was so remarkable that it excited the jealousy of the other sailors as well as that of the subordinate officers. He killed a whale which the mate had given up, and pushed after it when the captain kad signaled a recall.

Mr. Oakley then shipped on the bark "Alice" as second mate. The owners had intended to send him out as mate, but after there had been a change made in the selection as captain, the young sailor preferred the position of second mate. They went into the Sea of Okhotsk, and were gone over two years, with very fair results. He had shipped for two years, and when the bark touched at the Sandwich Islands, he left the ship and came back to this country. He spent but a short time at home, and then departed for New Bedford, where he arrived the same day that Ft. Sumter was assailed. This changed all his plans, and he entered the Government service, and went out on the ship "Vanderbilt," having the surf boats which were employed in landing troops in his special charge. While engaged in this ca- pacity at Port Royal, he received word that his appointment as acting engineer had been made. He passed examination for entrance to the Navy, and was appointed to service on the Government ship "Daylight," whose work was to patrol the coast of North Carolina.

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Here they captured a blockade runner, loaded with salt, and Mr. Oakley was sent home in charge of the prize. It was caught in a gale off Cape Hatteras, sprang a leak, and was rescued In the schooner "R. M. De Mills." He was then ordered to the bark "Restless," which had its station above Charleston, S. C., and spent three months in instructing the officers, who were raw men in all matters of navigation. His name next appears on the roll of the men in service on the steamer "Circassian," which ran from New York to the Gulf squadron. Here lie served for eigh- teen months, when Captain Eaton, being trans- ferred to the steamer "Admiral," took him along as acting master, and he also held the positions of sailing master and pilot. After about one year he was taken sick at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and came home. On this voyage the ship cap- tured two prizes, one of which was lost, but his -hare of prize money from the one that was saved amounted to more than $1,800, cqual to a year's salary. He was sick about three weeks and re- porting for service before he was really well, was appointed to the command of the ship "John Adams," and sent to assist in the blockade of the harbor of Charleston. After a service there of some four months, he was compelled to resign ( 11 account of poor health, thus closing his con- nection with the United States Navy.

Captain Oakley was married in July, 1864, to Miss Emma Louise Barto. of this place, where she was born and educated. After he retired from the navy, our subject went into the butcher business, which he followed for two years. He then had charge of the yacht "Lewis," for two sea- sons, and served two years on the Fulton Ferry. Once more returning to this point, he was put in charge of the life saving station, where he was re- tained for fourteen years. During that time he had oyster beds in operation, and also ran ex- cursion vessels. He male a good record while in the life saving service, and saved the lives of many people in deadly peril. . After he resigned from the service, he had charge of two yachts be- longing to the same man, and acted in this ca- pacity until the owner died.

This ended the connection of Captain Oakley

with the sea, but he did not cease to have an inter- est in the business world; for in the years since that time he has been busy in real estate and has erected several houses in this place, which he has sold at a good profit. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln in 1864, not hav- ing taken much interest in politics before that time. He was one of the first trustees of this village. Socially, he is a Mason He and his good wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which body he acts as Trustee.

O RRIN T. GOLDSMITH, a lifelong resi- dent of Long Island, was born at Cutcho- gue, N. Y., May 8, 1818. His education was such as could be obtained in the schools of the earlier part of this century, but as he has al- ways been a reader of current literature, he has become well informed upon all topics of general interest. In 1842 he became a partner in the mer- cantile business of Ira B. Tuthill, at Cutchogue. For many years they continued in business to- gether, but finally Jeremiah Tuthill succeeded his father, the firm name continuing as Goldsmith & Tuthill.

During his early life Mr. Goldsmith was an important factor in local affairs. An enthusiastic Republican in his political belief, he upheld the administration during the stormy days of the Re- bellion and during the period of reconstruction that followed. President Lincoln, while in office, appointed him Postmaster at Cutchogue, and he discharged the duties of that position in an ef- ficient manner for twenty years. Now (1895), in the seventy-eighth year of his age, he retains much of the physical vigor of his prime, and is surrounded by the comforts of life and enjoys the good will of a host of friends, for he is well known throughout the country.

The marriage of Mr. Goldsmith occurred in 1844, his wife being Fannie Tuthill, a native of Long Island. Of their children three survive; Oliver B., Frank L. and Emma T. For the past

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forty years Mr. Goldsmith has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and has always main- tained a deep interest in religious affairs. The success which he has gained came not through luck, but as the result of his well-directed efforts and good business management.

Oliver B. Goldsmith, son of our subject, was born February 24, 1846. He was educated in the select schools of Cutchogue, and after fully preparing himself for a business life, he entered the mercantile establishment of his father. In 1874 he married Miss Augusta, daughter of Grover Moore, and one child came to bless their union, Faye, now deceased. Politically he was reared a Republican, and is an adherent of that party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a contributor to benevolent and re- ligious enterprises.

R OBERT L. PETTY. When mention is made of the influential citizens of Suffolk County, those who have attained positions of special prominence in politics, the mind at once reverts to the subject of this biographical notice, for many years Sheriff of the county. He was born in Bellport, April 4, 1826, and is the son of John and Mary (Monsell) Petty, natives of Middle Island, whence they came during their younger years to Bellport with their respective parents, and here spent the remainder of their lives. John Petty was prominently identified with the agri- cultural life of this community, and although at all times interested in public affairs, devoted his attention principally to farming. He died about 1850, respected by all who knew him. His wife preceded him to the grave several years.

The subject of this sketch is truly a self-made man, for we learn that at the age of eleven years he began to make his own way in the world, first hiring out to one of the neighboring farmers, for whom he worked for three years. During this time he was permitted to attend school for three months in the year and, notwithstanding his ad- vantages were very meager, he made the best of

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Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2, Part 14

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman Number of Pages: 926

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman
Number of Pages: 926