USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 25
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E ERASTUS HALSEY. Upon the farmi in the town of Southampton where he now resides, the subject of this sketch was born April 14, 1842. He is a son of Robert and Phoebe (Haines) Halsey, and is one of their seven children, four sons and three daughters. all of whom are living. His father, whose chosen occupation was that of a farmer, died on the iant- ily homestead at the age of sixty-three.
The early years of our subject were passed upon his father's home farm. At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, he was among the first from the island to enlist in defense of the Union. On the 9th of September, 1862. he be- came a member of Company K. One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, which was ordered to Washington, D. C., and for eleven months did garrison duty in the vicinity of that city. The regiment was then assigned to the Army of the Potomac. The first active engage- ment in which Mr. Halsey had a part was at Honey Hill, where his regiment fought the Con-
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federates for two days. On the first day he was wounded by a minie ball that grazed the top of his head, inflicting so severe an injury that he was soon after sent to the Hilton Head Hospital, where he remained under treatment for six months. He then rejoined his regiment at Charleston, where he remained for six months in charge of prisoners. He was discharged June 30, 1865, with the rank of Corporal.
Returning to Long Island, Mr. Halsey spent a few months at the old home. In 1866 he went to Brooklyn, where he clerked in a dry goods store for two years. Returning from there to the home farm, he assumed its management and now owns thirty acres, where he carries on general farm pursuits. Politically a Republican, he served as Trustee of the town for four years and as Road Overseer for twelve years. He has also been School Trustee for twelve years. Socially he is identified with the Grand Army of the Re- public. In 1873 he married Miss Margaret Ed- wards, and they have five children, Floyd, Mabel. Ralph, Malcolm and Jennie B.
E D. TUTHILL. The pursuits of life are as varied as are the tastes and capacities of men, and it is an interesting and useful lesson to observe the degree of their assimila- tion. In writing a review of the industries of Suffolk County there is no subject more worthy of attention than that of blacksmithing, and this is especially the case at Greenport, a village noted for its puslı and enterprise. One of the best workmen in this line is E. D. Tuthill, the subject of this sketch, who thoroughly understands every feature of the business. He was born at New Suffolk, February 21, 1866, and is the son of Capt. George I. and Elma E. (Wells) Tuthill.
The father was Captain of one of the largest whaling vessels of the day, and was a man pos- sessed of an unlimited amount of energy and determination. He came of one of the old and prominent families of Suffolk County. By his marriage was born a large family of children, all
of whom have lived to be werthy and estimable citizens. C. D. is captain of a small sloop; Isaac T., Oliver I. and George I. are mechanics and farmers. Our subject received good educational advantages in the schools of New Suffolk, and at Cutchogue, this county, where he attended the academy for some time. Early in life he began learning the blacksmith trade, and this has been his chosen occupation up to the present time. He first began learning the trade under Mr. Pease at Greenport, and was later employed with Samuel P. Hedges, with whom he remained six years, and in 1890 formed a partnership with his present partner, S. J. Higbee. They began busi- ness in the machine shops that they now own and by steady application and excellent work have built up a good trade. Mr. Tuthill is a thorough mechanic, and is wide-awake and push- ing.
Socially Mr. Tuthill is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, in which he has filled all the offices, and he is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he affiliates with the Repub- lican party. For some time he has been a mem- ber of the fire department, and takes a deep inter- est in the welfare of his village. In the month of February, 1887, he married Miss Olinda Bra- cey, youngest daughter of Capt. Joseph Bracey, of Greenport. Three children were born of this union, but only one now survives, Stanley Pres- ton.
A LVAH S. TERRY comes from one of the oldest and most respected families of Suf- folk County. The records of the family are very full and exact, and are of great interest to their many friends and acquaintances. Several of this name participated as soldiers in the War of the Revolution and accumulated a large amount of land on Long Island.
The subject of this sketch, who is now living in the town of Southold, was born in this locality, December 12, 1857. His parents were Moses and Mary A. Terry, well known as among the most respected residents of the county, of whom
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further mention is made in the biography of George H. Terry, on another page.
Alvah S. Terry was reared to man's estate in Bay View, where he attended the public schools. He was later a student in the academy at South- old, which is well known as a flourishing insti- tution that employs only the best instructors. The elder Terry was the owner of a goodly amount of land which our subject helped to culti- vate after his schooling was over, and therefore obtained a full knowledge of the business so that he was able to successfully manage property of his own. He remained at home until ready to take unto himself a wife, which he did March 23, 1891. He was then joined in wedlock with Miss Helen B. Tuthill, the daughter of Lewis H. Tut- lill, of the town of Southold. This family has lived on Long Island for many generations and has given many able men to the various pro- fessions.
In the year 1892 our subject started out for himself, locating on the property which is now his. It includes fifteen acres, which, although small in amount, is managed in such an admirable manner that the returns are as large as those usually obtained from a much more extensive tract of land. Mr. Terry is a true blue Republi- can in politics and every movement in his com- munity which has for its object the betterment of the place, finds in him a hearty supporter. He is an abstainer from all spirituous liquors and an influential member of the Good Templars So- ciety which meets at Southold. His wife is identified with the Methodist Church.
J I OSHUA ARTHUR is a resident of Smith- town, where he occupies the important posi- tion of steward of the Wyandance Club. He was born July 4, 1851, and is a son of James and Amelia (Mills) Arthur, both of whom were natives of Suffolk County. The former was a well edu- cated man and early in life was engaged as a teacher. In later years he turned his attention to farming and also had a crab meadow near
Northport. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church, and his death occurred at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. The mother of our subject still lives in the home place with her youngest son, Scudder Arthur.
Mr. Arthur is one of two sons born to his parents, and there is also one daughter, Emeline, who is now a resident of New York City. The boyhood of Joshua Arthur was spent on his father's farm until he was fifteen years of age. He attended the common schools at Northport, ac- quiring a good practical education, and at the age of fifteen took a position with Elbert Arthur, a cousin, as foreman in the sand business of Northport. That position he held for two years and then returned to his home, helping his father on the farm for a year. After that he accepted a position as foreman on the Broadway Ferry and was thus engaged for four years. Again return- ing to the farm he launched into the ice business at Northport, devoting himself to that for five years.
After his father's death our subject returned to his old home, and took charge of the place for a number of years, continuing farming. until 1892, when he resumed his old position on the Broad- way Ferry, remaining there for one year and then exchanging that for his present position. The Wyandance Club own seven hundred acres of land, besides holding a lease of several thousand more. The club house is fitted up most elegantly and comes under the immediate charge of Mr. Arthur. That the duties are onerous can be bet- ter imagined by the mistress of a spacious home than by the majority of men. In his duties he has an assistant in his charming wife.
In politics Mr. Arthur is a Democrat and re- ligiously is a member of the Methodist Church. In January, 1880, in Williamsburg, our subject was married to Miss Emma Dickerson, a daugh- ter of John Dickerson, and a native of Centerport. Mr. Dickerson was a native of Long Island, and married Mary Phillips, whose mother's maiden name was Corwin. Her parents were John W. and Mary E. Corwin, the former a sea captain and vessel owner for years. He resided at Good Ground, but died at Nortliport in 1892 at the age
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of eighty-six. Mr. Dickerson was also a sea cap- tain, engaged in the coasting trade, but late in life engaged in the mercantile business, first at Centerport, where he remained for twenty-five years, and later at Northport, where he died No- vember 29, 1892. Mrs. Dickerson still resides at Northport.
W ESLEY SMITH. Among the well known and representative citizens of Suffolk County is the gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs, and who is at present the efficient Superintendent of Shelter Island Heights Association. He is a na- tive of this county and was born February 27, 1849, to Alvin S. and Permelia (Gildersleeve) Smith, also natives of this portion of the island. This branch of the family of Smiths located on Long Island in the days of its early history, and its members have always been counted among its influential residents and successful business men.
For many years Alvin S. Smith was a well-to- do merchant living near Northport, and kept in his store a class of goods that met the wants of his customers, who were among the best in the community. He departed this life some time in the '6os, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His wife is still living and is now one of the oldest residents in the town of Huntington, by whose citizens she is well known and greatly beloved.
Wesley Smith received a fair education in his youth, and on attaining his nineteenth year was apprenticed to a ship carpenter, learning his trade under one who thoroughly understood ev- cry detail of his business. After working three years at this trade he was pronounced a compe- tent workman and followed this business for some time as a journeyman. In the spring of 1874 he came to Shelter Island. and soon thereafter was appointed Superintendent of the Shelter Island Grove Campmecting Association, which was sub- sequently changed to the Shelter Island Heights Association. He has held his present position
ever since his appointment in 1874. The Asso- ciation is engaged in laying out streets, establish- ing water works, docks, etc., and the carrying out of their plans is the work of Mr. Smith. His long-continued service with the company in- dicates his popularity personally, as well as the efficient manner in which he discharges his duties in the responsible position. His life has been a busy and useful one, and his honorable and up- right career has won him universal confidence.
The marriage of Wesley Smith and Miss Han- nah M. Corwin was solemnized January 1, 1872. The lady was the daughter of Charles L. Corwin, a substantial citizen of Greenport. Their house- hold includes a son and daughter-Charles W., and Permelia G. S. Mr. Smith is a strong Re- publican in his political views, but has in no sense of the word been an office seeker. Socially he is identified with the Odd Fellow's lodge at Greenport, in which body he has many warm friends. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Greenport.
L EMUEL B. ROGERS, a venerable and well known farmer of the town of Hunt- ington was born December 12, 1825, near where he now lives, and was the third among nine children comprising the family of Lemuel B. and Elizabetlı (Skidmore) Rogers. The father was also born in this town at East Northport, where he was reared on a farm, and where he spent his entire life as a farmer. He was a Republican and took quite an active part in local politics. He tried to enlist in the War of 1812, but was re- jected because of his extreme youth.
The grandfather of our subject was also born in this town, was a farmer, a Deacon in the Pres- byterian Church, and a man of character and standing. He lived one year longer than his son, and died at the age of fifty-seven. The family dates back to Joshua Rogers, who came from England, and whose father, late in life, became a priest of the Catholic Church. The mother of our subject was also born in this town, and was
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a daughter of Sammel Skidmore. She was a Presbyterian, and died at about seventy-eight years of age.
Our subject spent his boyhood and early man- hood at home, but found the attractions of the California gold fields irresistible when he was twenty-three. He made the outward trip by wa- ter, and passed around Cape Horn, taking one hundred and sixty-eight days to complete the voyage. When he arrived in that land of dreams he went at once into the mines, and worked hard for two years. But the fact that he had poor health hindered his work, and at last caused him to return home. He engaged in farming on a part of the old place that he had inherited from his parents, and here he has since remained.
March 1I, 1851, Mr. Rogers married Miss Lydia Smith, of Northport, and they had ten children, of whom Franklin, the oldest, died in infancy. Lemuel B. is in business in New York: Thomas B. is a merchant in Stony Brook; Ed- ward A. is a truckman in New York; Lydia C. is the wife of George L. Brunton. of New York; Altimoret L. is also engaged in the trucking business; in the same city resides Samuel S., while Frederick D. is a farmer at Dover, Del .; Gilbert W., who, October 19, 1893, married Phoebe A. Ackerly, of Northport, is with his father at the old homestead, and Ebenezer is at Stony Brook. Our subject is a Republican, and much interested in great political events. He has a fine little farm of about thirty-five acres, and carries on general farming with success. Both he and his family are members of the Pres- byterian Church and are among the best people of the neighborhood.
J OSEPH C. TUTHILL. The following bio- graphical sketch is a memorial offered as a loving tribute by the widow, who was for many years the companion and helpmate of Jo- seph Tuthill, and is intended to preserve, for his friends, a few interesting facts in his career. Mr. Tuthill died in 1885. That he was a good and use-
ful citizen, whose life had not been lived in vain, is attested by the fact that he was generally mourned by all who knew him.
In Eastport, where his widow now resides, Mr. Tuthill was born in April, 1831. His parents were Cephas and Sarah H. (Cooper) Tuthill, likewise natives of Suffolk County, within whose bounds they passed their entire lives. Their circum- stances in life were such that they were enabled to send their son to school for a number of years, where he was fitted to pursue his own course in life. He remained with his parents on the farm for some time and the first work for which he re- ceived pay was in a mercantile establishment in Eastport. Living as he did near the water, he was desirous of following the sea for a livelihood and when twenty years of age embarked on a vessel engaged in the service of the Merchant Marine, in which business he was engaged for a time.
This was then the period of emigration to Cali- fornia and Mr. Tuthill followed the tide of human- ity westward. Reaching the Golden State he lived there for two or three years engaged in the res- taurant business. After his return home he again went to sea, but subsequently made his permanent home in the village of his birth, where he estab- lished a mercantile business. He was a thorough- going and successful business man and won many friends by his genial manner and honorable con- duct.
In 1860 Joseph C. Tuthill married Miss Nancy Tyler, who survived her marriage nine years. In 1871 he chose for his second companion Miss Ellen O. Homan, daughter of Sylvester and Hul- da (Raynor) Homan, natives of Long Island. Mr. Homan was identified with agricultural pursuits during his life and was also prominent in village and church affairs. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an Elder and active worker in his congregation. His death, which occurred in 1891, was deeply mourned. His wife, Mrs. Hulda Homan, died in 1861.
Mrs. Tuthill is now living at her beautiful home in Eastport, by whose residents she is well known and highly regarded. She is an esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her educa-
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tion was received at the Oswego (N. Y.) Normal School and for a number of years prior to her marriage slie was a successful teacher in Suffolk County. She is full of energy, and since the death of her husband has displayed unusual judgment in the management of her affairs.
C APT. IRA BENJAMIN YOUNG. Among the accomplished, representative and popular seafaring men of the village of Huntington Harbor Capt. Ira B. Young takes a prominent place. He is the efficient Captain and part owner of the steamer "Huntington" and has been a resident of Suffolk County all his life. his birth having occurred at Riverhead July 8, 1849. He is one of four children born to James W. and Eliza A. (Glover) Young, all of whom are now living. James W. Young was a native of River- head, this county, born about the year 1820, and here he spent his entire life engaged in tilling the soil on a farm that he owned about four miles north of Riverhead. This farm he had inherited from an uncle and on it he died in 1883. He was a miost worthy citizen and was highly esteemed in his native place. For years he was Clerk of the District Schools and held other minor offices. .
Mrs. Young died when our subject was but about five years old, and later the father married Miss Mary Hutchinson, by whom he had three children, all now deceased. Grandfather Josiah Young was also a native of Riverhead, spending his entire life here, and married a Miss Mary Cor- win. Thus it may be seen that the Young family is a pioneer one in the village of Riverhead. Dur- ing his boyhood and youth our subject assisted in the duties incident to farm life and acquired his education in the home schools. When eighteen years old he engaged on board the schooner "Jo- seph," commanded by Captain Corwin, at Port Jefferson, but at the end of three months service engaged on a steam tug boat in New York City, where he remained for about four years.
Mr. Young then purchased the Captain's inter- est and conducted the tug himself until twelve
months later, when she was sold. After this he was one of the owners of what is now known as the White Star Towing Company and was Senior Captain of the crew of officers for some time. Here his interests were centered until March 1, 1885, when he withdrew from the company and was the organizer of the present Huntington. Norwalk & Bridgeport Steam Ferry Company. which was incorporated with a capital stock of $6,000. To meet the increasing requirements of the business they have increased the capital stock during the intervening years to $23,000.
In 1888 Captain Young was elected Treasurer of the company and has served in that capacity up to the present time. He commanded the steamer "Leviness" until 1888, when the steamer "Huntington" was built, and he then took com- mand of her. On the 27th of October, 1874, the Captain was married to Miss Hattie Kelsey, oi Huntington Harbor, and four of the five chil- dren born to them are now living: James W., who is engaged on the steamer "Guiding Star," in New York; Hattie A., William G., and Ira B., at home. Captain Young is a Republican in politics, and is a worthy member of the Presby- terian Church at Huntington, this county. He is an unusually robust man and never lost a day's work through sickness or any other cause. He has many friends.
B ENJAMIN HENRY VAN SCOY is a man mnuch respected in business circles, and one who by strict morality and integrity of purpose furnishes an excellent example to others. He is the senior member of the firm of Van Scoy. Dayton & Stratton, general merchants of East Hampton. This company was organized about three years ago, but previous to that time our sub- ject and Mr. Dayton had operated together for eleven years.
The subject of this sketch was born at Bridge- hanipton August 27, 1858, and is the son of Henry L. and Mary (Barnes) Van Scoy, both of whom are now living in comfortable retirement in that
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EUGENE O. WILCOX.
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village. His father is one of the old and well known residents of the county and for many years was Excise Commissioner of the town.
Benjamin HI. Van Scoy received a good educa- tion and when eighteen years of age began to teach in his home locality. He held a position here for some time and afterward commanded a good salary as teacher in Amagansett, East Mar- ion and Southold, in which latter place he was principal of the school for three years. After six years spent as an instructor he came to East Hampton and in company with Edward H. Day- ton opened up a store, stocked with general mer- chandise. They began in a modest manner, their first store room being a building forty feet long and one story in height, in which they placed $1,200 worth of goods.
It was not long before this enterprising firm had to increase their capacity, and in 1892 they purchased the building, ground and goods of A. M. Payne. This store was moved back, and the former store, after having been enlarged, was added to it. They have about six thousand feet of floor space and carry a stock of $15,000 worth of goods, which they retail at popular prices. They keep only the best selling articles and by so doing are enabled to always furnish their patrons with the latest style of goods. They are both self- made men, as when they began in life they had nothing, and are now classed among the wealthy and progressive residents of the village. Both our subject and Mr. Dayton own beautiful homes on Main Street.
About three years ago Frank S. Stratton was taken into the firm as a full partner. He was for- merly captain of a life-saving station at Montauk, and is a most worthy man, whose friends in this county are legion. In addition to retailing gen- eral merchandise, the firm of Van Scoy, Dayton & Stratton deals extensively in grain, their annual business in both lines amounting to $75,000 per annum.
Mr. Van Scoy was married June 29, 1881, to Miss Ida Glover of Southold. To them have been born two sons, Herbert L., a lad of five years, and Leslie B., now eighteen months of age. Although not a politician our subject never lets an oppor- 1 of Francis Terwilliger. Our subject is the second
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tunity pass by when he can vote for Democratic candidates. He is an active member of the Pres- byterian Church, with which religious body his wife is also connected. In social affairs he is an Odd Fellow of high standing, has been Past Noble Grand of Southold Lodge No. 373, and is one of the charter members of Hampton Lodge No. 575.
In company with Joseph Osborne our subject organized the East Hampton Coal & Lumber Company, of which he was President for three years. This is now one of the important compan- ies dealing in these products on the island. On his retirement from the business Mr. Van Scoy was presented by the other members of the con- pany with a handsome gold watch in token of their high appreciation of his services as the head of this enterprise. He has also been one of the Di- rectors of the East End Telephone Company. and by giving his support to various other enterprises, has been of great benefit to his community.
The property on which Mr. Van Scoy has erect- ed his handsome residence is one of the historical spots of East Hampton. Its former owner, Enoch Parsons, left the place over forty years ago and was never more heard from. He was merchant- man and first mate on an English vessel, which it is supposed was lost at sea on one of its voyages. The relatives of Mr. Parsons took charge of the property as trustees and held it until about four years ago, when it was divided into lots and sold to some of the best residents of the village, among them Mr. Van Scoy.
E UGENE O. WILCOX, of West Hampton, is one of the most extensive duck raisers of the county, and is doing a business whose volume far exceeds the estimate of those not intimately acquainted with the business. He is the son of Orville and Saralı (Sprague) Wilcox. and was born January 13, 1854, being one of four children, all of whom are still living. Ella G. is the oldest of the family and is now the wife
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