USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 15
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them, and is to-day well informed on general topics. When fourteen years of age he went to sea and four years thereafter had succeeded in working his way up through the successive stages until he had charge of a vessel. Life on the water for him lasted for a period of fifteen years, during which time he became familiar with the various ports in the United States, being en- gaged for the greater part of the time in the coasting trade. He also made several trips to the Bahamas and other West India islands.
On quitting the sea, Mr. Petty was hired by the Fair Haven (Conn.) Oyster Company to take charge of their business on the eastern shore of Maryland. He looked after their interests there for the succeeding three years, and in 1861 we find him in Baltimore, where he became head man for C. S. Maltby, the oyster king of that day, who did a business of from $3,000 to $5,000 per day. He severed his connection with the above company in June, 1872, and about that time came to Suffolk County, where he has lived ever since. He is now one of the prominent residents of Bell- port, where, for the first twelve years after coming here, he was engaged with Mr. Hulse in the mer- cantile business, the firm name being Hulse & Petty. During this time he was also interested in farming, and owned a small farm in the vi- cinity of this village.
Robert L. Petty was married in 1851 to Miss Sarah, daughter of Squire Benjamin Hallock, a prominent citizen of Middle Island. Emma J., the only surviving child of the union, is now the wife of John Rider, a prominent merchant of this place. The wife of our subject is a devoted mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, while Mr. Petty is not connected with any re- ligious organization, he is a liberal contributor to the support of the Methodist Church. He is active in Masonic circles, and for some time has been connected with Adelpha Lodge, of New Haven, Conn. He is a believer in the principles set forth by the Republican party and has served for two terms as Collector of the town of Brook Haven. He was also elected Highway Commis- sioner; a notable fact in connection with this is that he was the first of his political faith to hold
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the office, which speaks in quite a forcible manner of his popularity with his fellow-citizens.
In 1874 Mr. Petty received the nomination for the office of Sheriff of Suffolk County and later, when the election occurred, received a large ma- jority of the votes cast. He served for one term and not being eligible to succeed himself, let sev- cral terms intervene when, in 1886, he was again elected, this time by a majority of over one thou- sand. He is the only person who has ever held this office for two terms in Suffolk County. In closing this account of his life, we wish to en1- phasize in a marked degree the fact that Mr. Petty exemplifies in his life's work that manhood and courage must not be lost sight of, and that the greatest politician, even in these times, can be the best citizen.
W ILLIAM B. HEDGES is one of the prominent citizens of Brook Haven, having a farm near East Patchogue. His birth occurred on this farm December 8. 1843, his parents being Mulford and Mary (Beal) Hedges, both of whom were natives of the same place, spending their lives here. Mulford Hedges was one of the citizens who have made this locality stand high in the reputation of the state for its loy- alty to all practical and moral measures. He was a quiet, unpretentious citizen, who had no aspira- tions for public life, and who devoted his en- ergies to his business and the advancement of his family interests. He died in 1893, at the good old age of four score and six years. His estimable wife, the mother of William B., closed her eyes in death in June, 1847, when her son was but four years of age.
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Our subject, who received his education in the district schools in the vicinity of his home, was reared on his father's farm, and early learned the (luties connected with an agricultural life. The greater part of his life has been spent in that occupation. For a short time he was on the sea. and for two years he was engaged in merchan- dising, but the charms of that life were not strong
enough to keep him from the land. He is now the owner of one hundred and ten acres of nicely improved land which is situated near Great South Bay. His residence commands a good view both of sea and land, and he has not spared labor or money in making the home a most attractive place.
Mr. Hedges was married December 28, 1870, to Miss Amelia Mapes, daughter of James Mapes, of Patchogue. Mrs. Hedges was her husband's helpmate for fourteen years, and February 28, 1884, she passed away. Three sons survive the union of our subject and his wife: Louis T., William Floyd and Albert Clark, all of whom are at home with their father. March 2, 1885, Mr. Hedges married Miss Lillian Rice, daughter of Augustus C. Rice, of this community. One lit- tle daughter, Clara Belle, has been born of this marriage.
Our subject and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, of Patchogue. Mr. Hedges is President of the Board of Trustees of the church, and he was very instrumental in the erection of the house of worship of that body, which is, perhaps, the finest in point of structure on Long Island. In politics, our subject is a stanch Republican. He has served on the Dis- trict Committee and has been a constant attend- ant at county conventions. For three years he served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Com- missioner of Highways. He is a man who is highly esteemed by friends and neighbors, and as a citizen endeavors to help forward every good cause.
H ENRY T. OSBORN, who for many years was a tiller of the soil, is now retired from the active duties of life, and is in the en- joyment of a competency which his own excellent business qualities and good judgment have won him. He is still residing in East Moriches, in the same house in which he was born January 9. 1826. His parents, who were highly respected residents of this county, were Henry P. and Susan (Topping) Osborn. The former was born
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in East Hampton, where he was content to pass many years of his life. He always followed the life of an agriculturist, and was a quiet and un- assuming citizen.
Henry P. Osborn was in no sense of the word a politician, although he creditably acted in the capacity of Justice of the Peace for a period of twenty years. During that time he tried many important cases and his decisions were invariably sustained whenever carried to a higher court of justice. He was also the incumbent of other positions of responsibility and trust, and in what- ever office placed, he always tried to carry out the wishes of the people whom he represented. He lived a long and useful life, dying in 1859 when ripe in years. His estimable wife, who was born in the town of Bridgehampton, closed her eyes in death in 1862.
As a boy our subject's knowledge of life was mostly that obtained from his rural associations, and, although the climate lacked nothing- in quantity or quality, still the lad could not be ex- pected to assimilate from these advantages alone any great knowledge of higher educational branches. As much learning as the average boy of his day possessed was instilled in his youthful mind in the district school of his locality. As soon as his services could be made use of to ad- vantage, he aided in.the work on the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until twen- ty-five years of age, when he engaged in agri- cultural pursuits on his own account, and it was not long before he became one of the leading men of this class in the county. His ventures were successful, and he is now enabled to retire, sur- rounded by every comfort and convenience which money can purchase.
Mr. Osborn was married in 1853 to Miss Louisa, daughter of Capt. Edward D. Topping, who is well known to the old seamen as the com- mander in early years of a whaling vessel which made many successful voyages. He lived at Sag Harbor, which was the home of many boys who afterward became commanders of vessels. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Osborn, of whom we make the following mention: Julia is the wife of George II. Rogers, a resident of West
Hampton, this county; Henry P. now makes his home in the far West, being engaged in business in California; Edward T., the twin of Henry, still resides at home, and Carrie, now Mrs. Edward Kirby, also makes her home with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are members in excel- lent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are exemplary Christians. Our subject is a popular man in his neighborhood, and this was illustrated when he was elected to the office of Highway Commissioner on the Republican ticket. He has also been Trustee of the Town. serving with satisfaction to all concerned. He is interested at all times in enterprises of a worthy nature, and no laudable movement is allowed to fail for want of support on his part.
T HEODORE A. HALSEY was born Feb- ruary II, 1844, upon the farm in the town of Southampton, where he still resides. He is the youngest child of Augustus B. and Harriet (Rogers) Halsey, natives of the island, who set- tled on the present farm of our subject about 1835. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, be- came the owner of sixty acres of land, which he devoted to the raising of cereals and garden products. A man of consistent Christian char- acter, he held membership in the Presbyterian Church and was a devout adherent to that faith. He passed from earth at the age of seventy and his remains were interred in the Water Mill ceme- tery, by the side of the body of his wife, who had died eight years previous to his demise. Their older children, Harriet and Helen, are also de- ceased, and Theodore A. is the sole survivor of the family.
Farm work and school duties occupied our sub- ject's attention through the years of boyhood. He remained with his parents until their death, when the old homestead passed into his possession. To its cultivation he has since given his thought and time, and from its forty-five acres he receives a good income. The place is situated in the south- ern part of the town, on Mecox Bay, the location
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WILLIAM HARRISON CASE.
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being advantageous and pleasant. Agriculture has been his life work; in it he was thoroughly trained in youth, and to it he has given the best years of his life. In religious belief he follows the faith of his father and is an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church.
For twenty years Mr. Halsey had the com- panionship and counsel of a noble wife, and in her death, January 12, 1894, he was deeply be- reaved. She was in maidenhood Laura R. French and became his wife June 11, 1874, their union being blessed with two children, Helen and Au- gustus, both of whom are with their father. The son is a dashing lad who has had many thrilling experiences, while Helen, a modest little woman, has a charm that can truly be said to be all her own.
Mr. Halsey is a gentleman who impresses one very strongly and favorably, having the combina- tion of the healthy physique of the farmer with the refinement and polish of the city gentleman. Added to his stern scientific arguments is a gentle strain of humor, the latter being fitly illustrated by a story told of his youth: He had one day ab- sented himself from school and the next day pre- sented to the teacher a note in explanation. "Why, Theodore, this note is in your own handwriting," the instructor of our future citizen commented. "That's all right," replied Theodore. "You see I am my mother's private secretary."
W ILLIAM HARRISON CASE. With such efficiency has this gentleman con- ducted agricultural operations that now in his old age he is enabled to live in case and comfort, possessing an ample competence. During his more active years his advanced and progressive ideas regarding farm work placed him among the principal agriculturists of the comty. He is now residing in Cutchogue, where he was born January 1, 1817, a son of Paul and Susanna (Horton) Case, also natives of the coun- ty, as were his ancestors on both sides for many generations back. Grandfather Gersham Case |
resided cast of Cutchogue for many years, and at the time of his death was one of its oldest resi- dents.
During the boyhood days of our subject the schools were presided over by instructors who were anything but competent to teach others, and the temple of learning itself was a rude structure, with the most primitive furnishings. William, however, was a regular attendant in early life, and, making the best of his opportunities, became well informed. He was reared to man's estate in Cutchogue, and during vacations was busily en- gaged in working on the home place. He thus acquired a good knowledge of farming, so that when starting out in life for himself he was compe- tent to manage a place of his own. He has given agriculture the greater part of his time and at- tention, although at one time he was engaged in painting.
When ready to establish a home of his own Mr. Case was married, in the year 1842, to Miss Nancy F. Wickham, a native of Long Island. Her fa- ther, William Wickham, was one of the carliest settlers here, and through his success as a farmer became well known. Mr. and Mrs. Case had born to them six children, of whom those living are George H., Wickham and Annie W., the lat- ter of whom is the wife of William Beebe.
The tract of land which Mr. Case owns is one of the largest in the county, comprising over two hundred acres, the greater part of which he has placed under advanced tillage. This fine prop- erty he has acquired through his own efforts, and may, therefore, very justly be called one of the self-made men of the county. He is now one of the oldest residents of Cutchogue, by whose resi- dents he is held in the highest esteem. Socially his family is one of the best known in Suffolk County, and number among their many warm and admiring friends some of its best people. In poli- tics William H. Case is a stanch Democrat.
George H. Case, the eldest son of our subject, was born on Long Island September 3, 1849. He married Miss Anna, daughter of Austin B. Tut- hill, and to thiem have been born two children, Frank H. and Lizzie T. This gentleman is a Prohibitionist in politics, and an active member
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and elder of the Presbyterian Church. His bro- ther, Wickham Case, was born in this locality February 8, 1853. He chose his wife in the per- son of Mary B. Tuthill, daughter of Oliver H. Tuthill, and is residing in New Suffolk. Their three children are Oliver W., Ruth B., and Clif- ford T. Wickham is a Democrat in politics, and religiously is a member in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body he is a Trustee. His wife, who was also a mem- ber of this denomination, departed this life in 1892, greatly mourned by all who knew her.
H IRAM F. HOWELL makes his home in Moriches, where, as one of its oldest resi- dents, he receives the respect and esteem of the entire community. He resides upon twenty acres of land, which he has cultivated very suc- cessfully for many years. His birth oc- eurred September 3, 1832, in East Mor- iches. John H. and Melicent (Benjamin) Howell, the parents, were born on Long Island and here they spent their entire lives. For years the father was one of the well-to-do agriculturists of this section, and later successfully engaged in fishing. Although in his day the implements used in farming were rutle and unbandy, the soil was rich and the crops yielded rich return. When well along in years he was enabled to retire from labor and sit down to enjoy the fruits of his early years. He was especially interested in church work, and was an active member of the Presby- terian Church. August 26, 1884, at the age of eighty-three years, he departed this life, respected by all who knew him. His estimable wife, the mother of our subject, followed him to the grave a few months later, dying January 28, 1885.
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Hiram F. Howell received the advantages of the district school in his youth, but was permitted to attend during the winter months only, as his services were needed on the farm. Being reared in the country, he very naturally took up farming when starting out for himself, and for some fif- teen years was occupied in market gardening,
doing a very successful business. His occupa- tion in life has been confined to a general round of agricultural duties, and through unflagging in- dustry and patient toil, he has won independence. His beautiful place is twenty acres in extent, and here he has erected substantial and neat build- ings.
October 19, 1861, Mr. Howell was united in marriage with Miss Belinda J. Raynor, the daughter of Richard Raynor. of this county. Mrs. Howell survived her union only eight ycars, and at her death left a son, Francis P., who is now a prominent agriculturist of Suffolk Coun- ty. In October, 1871, our subject chose for his second companion Eunice E., daugliter of Daniel and Eleanor Warner. residents of Baiting Hol- low. Five children have come to bless this union, namely: Eleanor M., Edwina B., John D., Daniel W. and Arthur H.
Both our subject and his wife are active mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is conservative in local affairs, but during Presi- dential elections supports candidates of the Democratic party. Mr. Howell is a hale fellow well met, and is a loyal citizen and. a true and trusted friend.
E GBERT HORTON. The public is always curious concerning men who have made a success of life, and in order to satisfy this longing we will state that Mr. Horton, al- though living the quiet life of a farmer, brings much thoroughness and.persistent effort to bear in his vocation. He is a native of Suffolk County, and is now living on a beautiful farm in the town of Southeld, with whose interests he has been identificd for so many years.
Mr. Horton was born December 13, 1835, and is the son of Alvah and Mary (Tuthill) Horton. His grandfather was Benjamin Horton, and both on his paternal and maternal side he is descended from two of the oldest families on Long Island, and is now residing in the house which was oc- cupied by his father and grandfather before hint.
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It was built many years ago by the latter and is still substantial and amply commodious for the needs of the family.
Of the children born to Alvah and Mary Hor- ton, those besides our subject are Mary A., now the wife of John F. Corey; Betsey, Mrs. Hiram Corwin; Frances, who married Andrew Horton; Enuna, Mrs. Whitfield Dickinson; Benjamin A. and Philander. In polities the father was an carnest supporter of the Republican party after its formation, and was elected by its representa- tives to the responsible office of Constable, which he filled with efficiency and satisfaction. Through- out Suffolk County he was well known and was recognized as one of its worthy and honored resi- dents. In him the Methodist Episcopal Church had one of its most influential and helpful mem- bers, and in all the walks of life he conducted himself in a manner which commanded the es- teem of all who knew him.
The education of Egbert Horton was obtained in the district and select schools of his home lo- cality, and he ever seeks to keep himself well in- formed regarding events of interest which are constantly transpiring. He adopted agriculture as his vocation in life and has followed it with de- cided success ever since establishing a home of his own. His property includes a tract of thirty-five acres, which was formerly owned by his father, to whom it was left by the grandfather. It is known to all the residents in this vicinity as the old Horton honiestead and in point of improve- mient it is one of the best in the town.
: Egbert Horton was married in 1856 to Miss Isabella, daughter of Bailey Horton, formerly of Mattituck, but who is now deceased. To them were granted eight children, of whom two are now deceased. Those who survive are Lottie B., the wife of Mervin E. Moore; Mary, Mrs. George B. Corey; Maggie C., who married Frank Jones; Susan, the wife of William Squires; Deforest F., at home; and Jennie, who makes her home with her parents. Isabella R. is deceased, and David died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Horton is a Prohibitionist. He always endeavors to impress upon his friends and neighbors the importance of all good citizens sup-
porting its measures, and he is very influential in the ranks of this party in his neighborhood. He has always been very active in church matters, and for some eighteen years has been Class- leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which both he and his wife belong.
B ENJAMIN L. HALLOCK, formerly one of the old residents of Suffolk County, where his entire life was passed, was in many ways identified with the upbuilding of his community. August 18, 1895, when eighty-three years of age, he died on the old home farm in the town of Southold, where he was born January 6. 1812. He was the son of Benjamin Hallock, who was also a native of Long Island, and who served bravely as a soldier in the War of 1812. He died when about sixty years of age, and, like the suc- ceeding generations, had followed farming.
The ancestry of our subject dates back to one Peter Hallock, who crossed the Atlantic from England in 1640, and bought the farm on which our subjeet was born, and which has been in the possession of some member of the family ever since that early day. He and Rev. John Youngs were among the thirteen Pilgrim Fathers who fled from their native land on account of civil and religious oppression, and landed at New Haven, Conn. The same fall Mr. Hallock came to the town of Southold and bought the property already mentioned.
Benjamin L. Hallock was married December 20, 1836, to Miss Mary Mayo, who was born in this town July 14, 1818. She was called to the land beyond before her husband, passing away July 25, 1890. She became the mother of ten children, of whom we mention the following facts: Mary F., died when young: Electa M., was born July 23, 1840, and is now the widow of Elijha Hal- lock, of this town; Patience, born November 11, 1842, is Mrs. Henry V. Downs, of this county ; Lawrence, died in infancy; Rosaline, was born August 20, 1846, and became the wife of Jolin W. Woodel, of the town of Riverhead; George, died
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in infancy; Mary F., was born June 15, 1850, and became the wife of Clarence Cooper, of this county; Deborah J., was born June 26, 1853. and died October 4, 1886, after having become the wife of Milford Benjamin, of Suffolk County; George O., was born September 16, 1856, and Lawrence O., died in infancy.
Mr. Hallock, of this history, was very success- ful in life and gave liis children a good education. He was an ardent admirer of the principles of the Republican party and always cast a vote in favor of its candidates. In him the Congregational Church recognized one of its most influential and consistent members. He was a remarkably well- preserved old gentleman and retained all his facul- ties up to the day of his decease.
George O. Hallock is now the owner of the old homestead, on which he has passed his entire life. He is a wide-awake and progressive young farmer, and in local affairs he has ever shown himself to be deeply interested, and endeavors to promote the welfare of his fellow-citizens in cvery way possible. Christmas Day, 1882, he was mar- ried to Miss Ella M. Benjamin, of the town of Riverhead, and to them were granted two chil- dren, of whom the eldest, Leland, died in infancy. Norma V. was born July 8, 1886.
C APT. BENJAMIN H. HALSEY was born October 15, 1820, a son of Benjamin H. and Mary (Sayre) Halsey. He was one of nine children born to his parents, there bc- ing seven sons and two daughters. In 1851 he married Mary S. Rogers, and they became the parents of three children, whose names are as fol- lows: Harriet R., widow of Henry B. Pierson; Benjamin, deceased; and Mary, also passed away.
Our subject was born and reared on a farm a mile north of Bridgehampton. He attended dis- trict schools and pursued the even tenor of a country boy's life until sixteen years of age; also attended a good private school for a year. At the age above mentioned he went to sca, first as
a common sailor on a whaling vessel, the voy- age being made from Sag Harbor. His ship cruised for some time in the South Atlantic Ocean, eleven monthis being occupied in the en- tire voyage.
Our subject's second voyage extended over twenty-seven months, and this time they saile 1 in the Indian Ocean, going around Cape Horn. During the third trip he was boat stecrer, and occupied during his career, all the positions from common sailor to captain. He received his com- mission as captain in December. 1849. For two years he was mate on the ship "Tuscany," and for nine years he acted as captain. The "Tus- cany" sailed from Sag Harbor in 1847 on a whal- ing cruise, but the captain, Silas Woodruff Ed- wards. died at Honolulu in December, 1849, at which time our subject became captain, and soon afterward he took the ship into the Arctic Ocean. where they had a successful scason's work, rc- turning to Sag Harbor in 1851.
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