USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 4
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money, he purchased the property which he now occupies. It is seventy-five acres in extent and bears all the improvements which are usually found on the estate of one who keeps abreast of the times and adopts new methods for carrying on his work.
The marriage of Mr. Young and Miss Georgi- ana M. Hallock was celebrated December 19, 1875. Mrs. Young was the daughter of N. T. Hallock, a native of this town, and one of its well- to-do citizens. The name Hallock is well known in this county, as many of its most influential citi- zens bear it. To Mr. and Mrs. Young there have been born two children, Edson H. and Lizzie J., both at home.
Following in the footsteps of his honored father as regards politics, our subject always votes for Democratic candidates. He is quite interested in the success of his party, but never has sought or desired office. Religiously he is a member of the Congregational Church, and with his family is received in the best social circles of his neigh- borhood.
J OHN M. DIMON. Should the inquisitive stranger ask in the town of Riverhead for its most prominent resident, very many would mention the gentleman whose name opens this article. He is at present one of the substan- tial and representative agriculturists of Suffolk County and is living on the old home farm, which now includes one hundred acres, pleas- antly located within two miles of the county seat.
The subject of this sketch was born at James- port May 18, 1843, and was the fifth in order of birth of the family of eight children granted his parents, Daniel S. and Harriet E. (Davis) Dimon. The father, who was likewise born in James- port, there made his home for the greater part of his life. In his younger years he learned the ship carpenter's trade, and by working industri- ously at this occupation accumulated a comfort- able property. He lived to the advanced age of ciglity-three years, dying in the faith of the Con- gregational Church, of which he had been an
official member for many years. In politics he was a pronounced Democrat, and took a great interest in the triumphs of his party. His father, who bore the name of Jonathan Dimon, was like- wise a native of the town of Riverhead and ren- dered his country valuable service as a soldier in the War of 1812. He was a farmer by occupation and lived to a good old age. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Harriet E. Dimon, was born at Stony Brook, this county.
The youthful days of our subject were spent in assisting his father to improve and develop the old homestead, and as he became thoroughly fa- miliar with agriculture in his youth, it is not to be wondered at that he should choose it as his calling in life. The district schools of the county furnished him with a good practical education, but the principal part of his knowledge has been gained by his own exertions.
John M. remained at home with his parents until their decease, when he inherited the old home place, upon which he now resides. As be- fore stated, it includes one hundred acres and forms one of the most productive and valued es- tates in the county. December 6, 1864, Mr. Di- mon was married to Miss Delia S. Young, a well- educated young lady of this town, and the daugh- ter of Lester Young. Their union resulted in the birth of three children, of whom Henry G. is a civil engineer; he was graduated from Cornell University, at Ithaca, and is now located at Gro- ton, N. Y .; John Frank is at home and assists his father in superintending the farm; Daniel Y. is pursuing his studies at Cornell and will gradu- ate as a civil engineer with the class of '96.
Mr. Dimon is a stanch Democrat in his politi- cal views, and has filled positions of trust in his town with ability and efficiency. He has been Excise Commissioner, and for three terms served as Highway Commissioner. When before the people as a candidate for the office of Supervisor he was defeated by a very small majority, al- though his community was strongly Republican. He is a worthy member of the Congregational Church, to which his wife and children also be- long, and he has been trustee of his congrega- tion for a number of years, aiding its progress in
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a very substantial way. Mr. Dimon is a very pleasant gentleman and deeply interested in the growth of his community, by whose residents he is universally respected.
C APT. BENJAMIN T. GRIFFIN, a prom- inent and successful business man of Jamesport, was born in the town of Riv- erhead, near Aquebogue, October 16, 1823. To his parents, James and Elizabeth (Tuthill) Grif- fin, there was born a family of five children, of whom Benjamin T. was the eldest. James Mad- ison, the youngest of the household, followed the sea for a livelihood, and died when forty-five years of age. The other members of the family departed this life when young.
James Griffin was born in the above town, and as soon as old enough apprenticed himself to learn the business of a ship carpenter, which-he mastered in due time, following it very success- fully during the greater part of liis life. He fought as a patriot in the War of 1812, during which conflict he was severely wounded at Sag Harbor, on account of which he was afterward granted a pension by the Government. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years, and in his death the county lost one of its most respect- ed citizens. He was a believer in the principles advocated by the Democratic party, and through his entire life supported its candidates. His fa- ther, the grandfather of our subject, was likewise born in this town, and was of English descent. Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin, our subject's mother, came from one of the oldest and most prominent families on the island. She lived to be eighty years of age, dying firm in the faith of the Con- gregational Church, with which she had been connected for many years.
Capt. Griffin remained with his parents until about eighteen years of age, when he left home and went to sea. Previous to this time, how- ever, he had made his own way in the world by clerking in a store near his home. For eight years he followed the sea, coasting from New York to Southern ports, and was then made 1
mate of the vessel, holding this position for two years, when he was again promoted, this time being made captain, and for a period of nine years was in command of a packet plying between New York and Charleston. During that time he also made several trips to the West Indies. He had a splendid record as a captain. and dur- ing his long life on the waters never lost a vessel or suffered severely in any way from incompe- tency.
In 1861 Capt. Griffin settled down to life on terra firma. and, purchasing a tract of land in the town of Riverhead, moved upon the same and began its cultivation. He remained on this place until 1885, when he was appointed Postmaster of Jamesport, and in order to enter upon the duties of this position, rented his farm and moved his family into the village. Four years later, on the change of administration, he resigned his office and engaged in the wood and coal business in that place. His yards are filled with every vari- ety of coal, which he retails at low prices, and by giving prompt attention to his customers he is in command of a large trade.
Capt. Griffin and Miss Desiah Hudson were united in marriage November 4, 1850. Mrs. Griffin was born in this town January 20. 1829. and was the daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Skillman) Hudson. She remained the compan- ion and helpmate of her devoted husband for twenty-nine years, and on her death, January 30. 1879, left three children: Elizabeth, born Ja:1- uary 31, 1852, is still at home with her father: James E., born April 29, 1855, was accidentally killed on the Northern Central Railroad July 24. 1895, leaving a wife and four children; Daniel H., born February 1, 1865, is the present Post- master of Jamesport; Edward B., who was born in 1859, died the following year.
Daniel HI. Griffin, who is one of the enterpris- ing young business men of Jamesport, remained with his parents until reaching his majority. He was educated in the common schools, and upon starting out to make' his own way in the world became assistant baggage master on the Long Is- land Railroad. This position he held for some time and was then expressman on the same for a
ORANGE T. FANNING.
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period of three years, his route being on the main line from Greenport to Long Island City. At the expiration of that time he returned home and became the assistant of his father in the post- office. On the change of administration we find him engaged in the harness business in company with a Mr. Hawkins, the firm being known as Griffin & Hawkins. They dissolved partnership after a year, and the business was then carried on under the style of Griffin Brothers. April 14, 1894, Daniel H. was appointed Postmaster of this place, still, however, retaining his interest in the store. June 27, 1895, he was married to Miss Eleda Ryne, of this place. In politics, like his father, he supports the candidates of the Demo- cratic party.
O RANGE T. FANNING. The success of men in general depends upon character as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that honesty is the best policy. Orange T. Fanning, ex-County Clerk of Suffolk County, is a man whose career through life has been above reproach, and who has gained the respect and confidence of all those with whom he comes in contact. He is a native of East Quogue, born October 9, 1844, and the son of Jacob and Abigail (Fanning) Fanning, both na- tives of Flanders, the former born August 28, 1802, and the latter April 8, 1805. The latter's father, Nathaniel Fanning, followed the occupa- tion of a farmer, but was a man of much learn- ing, and for some time was a local Methodist min- ister. He and our subject's father were relatives. Mrs. Fanning died September 17, 1868, leaving a large family of children, of whom our subject was the youngest. One child, Abigail, died in in- fancy; Rosina married William Culver and re- sided at East Quogue until her death; Mary A. married Josiah Foster, a sea captain, who met with an accident that broke his neck, but lived for eight months afterward; she now resides at Bridgehampton: Charlotte Melissa married Stephen Aumack, of Port Jefferson; Wesley lives in California, and Emma J. was twice married and
now resides with her second husband, Azel Wells, of East Bridgeport, Conn. Some of Mr. Fan- ning's ancestors served with distinction both in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
The farm of his father furnished our subject with employment during his youth, and he re- ceived his education in the common schools. When sixteen years old he began dealing in cord wood and by his industry and close attention to business thus obtained a start in life. The year that he was twenty-one he cut and shipped one thousand cords, thus making considerable money. He was first married in 1866 to Miss Alethia Fan- ning, his second cousin, who died March 3, 1871, leaving no children. In 1880 Mr. Fanning mar- ried Miss Mary J. Ritch, daughter of Capt. Thomas J. Ritch, a dry goods merchant of Port Jefferson. They have one child living, Thomas Ritch. Martin R. died at the age of two years and nine months.
After the death of his first wife, Mr. Fanning became discontented and went West to visit his brother, then living in Michigan. After spending some time there and traveling through Illinois and Wisconsin, he decided that Long Island was good enough for him and returned. For some time after this he worked at the carpenter's trade, but later he embarked in merchandising at Port Jefferson, his being one of the leading general stores in the island. It is also one of the largest establishments on the island, and in this he is still interested. Politically Mr. Fanning is an ardent Republican and has ever taken an active interest in the welfare of his party. He was placed on his party's ticket for several local offices in the town of Brook Haven, a strong Democratic section, but finally, on the second trial, was elected, by a small majority. In the spring of 1888 he was elected Collector by two hundred majority and the same fall was nominated for Clerk of the county and elected by two hundred and eighty-five majority. the full strength of his party, and was re-elected by one thousand one hundred majority, which speaks well as to his popularity. After serving two terms he positively refused a third terni and since January 1, 1895, has given his time to his other interests.
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Aside from his interest in the large mercantile house of O. T. Fanning & Co., at Port Jefferson, lie is President of the steamboat company and helped to organize the telephone company, in which he was a Director until it was sold to an- other company. He is largely interested in the enterprise that is on foot to connect the sound and ocean by electric railroad, starting at Port Jefferson. Aside from this he has various other interests, both in Riverhead and Port Jefferson. As a business man he has made a success, and as a public official was both capable and trustworthy. Socially he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Royal Arcanum.
H ON. WALTER H. JAYCOX, District Attorney of Suffolk County, and a man closely identified with business and com- mercial circles in the village of Riverhead, was born in Wassaic, Dutchess County, September 3, 1863. His father, Lorin R. Jaycox, was a na- tive of the Green Mountain State, having been born in Rutland, and went to Dutchess County when he was a small boy. Besides farming, he also did contracting. His death occurred in the latter county when our subject was but nine years of age. The grandfather, Isaac Jaycox, was also a native of Vermont, and was connected with a family long distinguished in the annals of that state. The mother of our subject, Hannah Darling, was a native of Dutchess County, and after the death of Mr. Jaycox married Ralph D. Stocking, and lived in Sharon, Conn.
Our subject was the youngest of five children. His oldest sister, Alida, married Louis Leapean, and lived at Huntsville, Conn .; she is deceased, having finished her mortal career when she was. only about twenty-four. Addie married H. Clay Losee, who is the proprietor of the Central Ho- tel, of Patchogue, and is one of the village trustees; Reuben is a farmer at Millerton, in Dutchess County: George is at Patchogue with his brother-in-law.
After the death of his father, Walter II. went to
Far Rockaway to live with his brother-in-law, Mr. Losee, and while he was there he attended the public schools. When Mr. Losee went to Rockville Center, Queens County, our subject accompanied him, and spent three years in his family at that point. While living with his other sister in Dutchess County, he attended school, and as he began to enter manhood worked on the farm for a time. He found this was not to his taste, however, and after spending several years with his brother-in-law in the hotel at Patchogue, he set up in the restaurant business on his own account. But it must be confessed, in the in- terest of careful history, that our subject was about as well adapted to this as he was to farm- ing. He was a close reader, and while attend- ing to the little establishment, and when not busy with his customers, he was reading a book which he kept handy. It is said that one day Judge Smith, then District Attorney, later Coun- ty Judge, and now Justice of the Supreme Court, went into his place, and found him reading a book, and on asking what it was, received the reply that it was "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." The Judge told him that a young man who had a taste for that kind of read- ing ought to be in better business than running a small restaurant, and told him to come into his office and read law. This idea struck the young man favorably, and he at once disposed of his business at quite a sacrifice, and entered upon a career that has since been successful.
After reading for two years in the office of Judge Smith, our subject was appointed Deputy County Clerk, a position that he held for five years, and while occupying it was able to continue his law studies. In the month of September, 1889, he was admitted to the Bar, and in the fall of 1893, was nominated by acclamation by the Republicans for the office of District Attorney of this county, and was triumphantly elected by a majority of one thousand three hundred and thirty-five. By common consent he has made one of the most efficient attorneys the coun- ty lias ever had, and it is also a matter of common agreement tliat he is one of the ablest and most popular attorneys in the limits of the county.
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While Mr. Jaycox was at Patchogue, he took a leading part in the affairs of that village, and was secretary of Fire Engine Company No. I for several years. He was also secretary of the Re- publican Club, and of the Village Improvement Society. He has been prominently connected with the Suffolk County Historical Society, and is its secretary at the present time. He is a di- rector of the Mutual Benefit Society, oi Suffolk County, and is vice-president of the Riverhead Lecture Association, of which he was one of the organizers. He is a member of the Masonic order, but has never united with any church. He is liberal in his views, and is very free in his support of the various charitable and religious movements of his home.
Miss Inez Leaming, daughter of Capt. Hum- phrey Leaming, of Patchogue, became his wife December 4. 1890. Their only child died when nine months okl. When we consider that his father died when he was only nine years of age, and that from that time he has had to make his own way in the world, we are sure that Mr. Jay- cox is entitled to much credit for the very great success that he has won in the legal profession, and while we agree with him that much credit at- taches also to Judge Smith for opening the door of opportunity, we are sure also that only a man of character, persistence, and great natural force could have reached the heights of his calling . which our subject is so rapidly winning.
G EORGE A. ELDREDGE is one of the prominent and influential citizens of East Hampton, and has done his full share toward the improvement and development of his community. He has for many years been en- gaged as a contractor and builder, and it is ow- ing to his knowledge of materials and use of tools that many of the business houses and fine residences of this place owe their existence.
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Mr. Eldredge is a native of Suffolk County. and was born at Sag Harbor March 17, 1854. He was eight years of age when he came to East
Hampton, accompanying his parents, George and Mary (Lester) Eldredge. His father, who was a carpenter and builder, was born at Georgetown. S. C., and spent the first six years of his life in that Southern State, coming with his parents to Sag Harbor at that time. Mrs. Eldredge was born at East Hampton, where she and her hus- band are now living. They took up their resi- dence in this village in 1863, and are now the oc- cupants of a pleasant home in the best part of the town. To them were born the following-named sons and daughters: George A., the eldest; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Abram E. Hedges; Char- lotte, who married William S. Williams, a resi- dent of Brattleboro, Vt .; Laura E., and Mrs. William M. Jones, who died July 21, 1889.
The subject of this sketch, as soon as he had completed his education in the common schools. began working in the shop of his father, under whose careful instruction he learned his trade. He remained working for him until 1888, when he began for himself, and under his able superin- tendence the majority of the beautiful cottages. occupied during the summer by the city people. have been erected. He keeps in his employ fron twenty to thirty men the year round, and does a business amounting to $20,000 per annum. He is also a practical architect, and has drawn the plans for a number of the cottages which he has built, although the majority of the city peo- ple have the plans prepared by architects in New York. He has but one foreman on liis force, as he makes it a point to inspect all the work him- self, and gives special attention to interior work. He employs none but skilled workmen and is thus enabled to give satisfaction to even the most exacting.
In 1892 Mr. Eldredge erected a beautiful resi- dence on Main Street, which lie occupies with his family. Among those which he has erected for other people, are the cottages of Rev. T. De Witt Talmage, Rev. J. N. Steele, Assistant Rector of Trinity Church, New York; Dr. Heber New- ton, Prof. W. D. Whitney, of Yale: William A. Wheelock_ Charles G. Thompson, Lorenzo G. Wood, besides numerous other residences, which are both costly and attractive.
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The lady whom our subject married March 16, 1877, was Miss Clara Brennan,- of New York City, but who was reared and educated in East Hampton. To them have been born three chil- dren, named respectively, Edith M., sixteen years of age; Frank B., a lad of ten years, and Mary E., who is seven.
Mr. Eldredge gives his attention too closely to his business affairs to allow him taking any active part in politics, although he is greatly interested in the prohibition movement, and helps forward the good work whenever opportunity presents itself, both with his voice and vote. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which denomination his wife also belongs. In social affairs he is an Odd Fellow of prominence and meets with Hampton Lodge No. 575. He is in- terested in all departments of school work and is now serving as a member of the Board of Di- rectors. He is a man of honor and uprightness, who has made a host of friends in the vicinity of his home.
G EORGE V. TERRY. Orient has every reason to feel proud of the enterprise exhibited by its citizens in nearly every walk of life. No other village of its size on the island, it may be asserted, numbers among its population so many progressive and pushing business men, and few in Orient combine the es- sentials for success in a higher degree than George V. Terry, a prominent merchant of the place. He was born in Riverhead March 8. 1832, and is a son of Gilbert C. and Nancy (Hedges) Terry. His father, who followed the blacksmith's trade, was an industrious and worthy citizen; the mother died when a young woman. Their family comprised four children. two sons and two daughters, namely: John H., a miller at Orient; Frances, who married Benjamin F. Horton, a farmer of Peconic; Harriet, widow of Ira Lane, and a resident of Riverhead, and George V.
After the death of his mother, which occurred when he was eight years old, our subject made
his home with a married sister. At the age of seventeen he went on a coasting vessel, and for six or eight years was master of a schooner en- gaged in a general coasting trade. During the Civil War he was in the transportation business for the Government, and afterward remained on the water until 1878, when he retired from his seafaring life and settled in Orient. In April of the same year he succeeded to the general store he now conducts, buying it from his father-in- law, Marvin Holmes, a reliable and successful business man, who has followed merchandising in that place for fifty years.
The first wife of Mr. Terry was Julia A., daugh- ter of Capt. Noah Beebe, and a cousin of Capt. L. V. Beebe, a lumber merchant of Orient. A son was born of this union, Gilbert E., now Post- master at Orient. The second marriage of Mr. Terry united him with Miss Gertrude, daughter of Marvin Holmes. For four years, under Cleve- land's administration, our subject was Postmaster at Orient. He is a member and steward of the Methodist Church. At one time he was a mem- ber of the Sons of Temperance and, although Orient has no organization of the kind now, he is a believer in its principles.
P HILIP H. DURYEE. The eastern por- tion of Suffolk County has proved a source of great profit to hundreds of in- dustrious farmers who have come hither front other parts of the state, and by dint of hard work and enterprise have developed the re- sources which nature so liberally provided. One of the most prominent of these farmers in the town of Southold is Mr. Duryee, who was born in Kings County, L. I., March 6, 1844. His par- ents were Peter and Maria (Bogart) Duryee, also natives of Long Island. Grandfather Peter Dur- vee was born in the western portion of the island and is said to have been of French origin. It was during the early settlement of the island that the first representative of the family came hither, and, although the exact year is not known, they
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CAPT. EDGAR REYBERT.
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have figured prominently in both its commercial and agricultural life for many generations.
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