USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 42
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Upon this place, like his father, Dennis K. grew to manhood and was taught by the teachers of the district school the great fundamental principles of a practical and business education. When he had arrived at that period in which young men are wont to elect their life work he chose farming
for himself and wisely avoided the worry and vexation of business life, with the temptation of great cities. He began to assist in the manage- ment of the farm when his father's strength began to fail, and when the latter passed away the farm became his by inheritance.
Our subject was married May 22, 1849, to Miss Josephine A. Halleck, daughter of B. Goldsmith and Betsy Ann (Halleck) Halleck, whose ances- tors came over from England about the year 1640. She was one of four children, of whom three are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Halsey have been born three daughters, all of whom have been spared to bless their maturer life. . Mary Sophia married Josiah P. Howell, of Quogue, and is the mother of two children. Fan- nie Goldsmith married Ahasuerus Francken and makes her home in Brooklyn. Sarah Louise, wife of Henry Gardiner, resides at Quogue and is the mother of three children. In polities Mr. Halsey is a Democrat and has much influence in the local workings of that party. He is also a member of the Presbyterian Church, having been a ruling Elder in that body for the last fifteen years, and has acted as a Trustee of the church for an even longer period. He well deserves, and is awarded by his neighbors without dissent, a prominent place among the leading and represen- tative men of this county.
N ATHANIEL BUFFETT, a representative farmer of the town of Huntington, was born October 13, 1827, on the farm that he now owns and was the youngest of the three sons of Zebua and Elizabeth (Chichester) Bui- fett. Henry, a farmer, was born January 20. 1823, and died March 5, 1888. David was born December 25, 1824, and died September 16, 1893. He took as his wife Fannie M. Homan, who was born in New York and died April 3, 1801, having become the mother of the following named chil- dren: Sidney II., a wholesale grocer in Omaha; Libbie, who died at the age of ten; Emma F., who passed away at the age of thirty-six, and George
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Henry, who resides on the old homestead that be- longed to his father. David Nathaniel is on the homestead of Nathaniel Buffett, his uncle, and manages tlie farm.
The father of our subject was born July 30, 1791, on the farm where our subject now re- sides, and here he spent his entire life as a farm- er, reaping a substantial reward for his faithful labors. A Democrat in politics, he was Trustee of the town for several years and filled other of- fices. His death occurred June 3, 1877. The Buffett family has long resided on the island, and its records form a substantial part of the history of this section of the state. The grandfather of our subject, Nathaniel, was born July 2, 1742, and died June 14, 1826, having been a landed propri- ctor and a man of importance. His father, Na- thaniel, was a native of the island, his parents be- ing of French nativity. The mother of our sub- ject was born July 1, 1801, in what is now the village of Northport, and her death occurred December 21, 1831.
Our subject was a small child at the time of his mother's death, and when she left him to the care of others he was carefully reared by an aunt un- til he came of age. Then he returned home and assisted his father until the latter's death, at which time the homestead passed into his hands, and here he has since spent his life. It is a fine place and has been in the family for more than one Inindred years. Mr. Buffett is a Democrat, but has never sought office. Indeed, he would not accept any position, preferring rather to till his farm and lead a peaceful, independent life, such as any farmer has a right to enjoy.
M ELVILLE E. BRUSHI, a farmer and the proprietor of the Smithtown livery stable, resides at Smithtown Branch, where he was born November 18, 1859. He was educated in the public schools of his native village and the arts of an agricultural life were early instilled into his mind by practical experience.
Mr. Brush was married February 20, 1880, to
Miss Ada F. Blydenburg, daughter of John and Ann Eliza (Newton) Blydenburg, all of whom are natives of Smithtown. For several years after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brush occupied part of the father's house, but in 1890 they built a pretty resi- dence on a portion of the old farm. This ar- rangement was both pleasant and convenient. :::- asmuch as our subject continued operating the farm with his father. In 1888 he launched ins. the ice business, which he still conducts, supply- ing the entire trade of the village, and in Ismo i.e established a milk route in the village, contin ::- ing that for two years. In 1893 he opened its livery stable, which is located near the drug store.
In March, 1892, our subject purchased twee hundred acres of land, on which his residence is situated, and in March, 1895, built a large ami commodious livery stable, which he fitted out completely and in a manner best adapted for car- rying on the business most satisfactorily. He has twelve horses and a complete equipment of vehicles, which are unrivaled in the locality is neatness and style. Besides his other business he has the mail and stage route from the depot t. the postoffice, and is in an admirable position to accommodate all kinds of trade. In farming MI .. Brush gives most of his attention to general ag- riculture, but is also much interested in raising live stock.
In politics our subject is a Republican and takes an active part in local interests. He has held a number of offices in the gift of his party. and in 1880 was elected to the office of Constable. which he held for eight consecutive years. About the same time he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Robert L. Petty, which office he has hebi ever since, and in 1889 was elected Collector ci Smithtown, serving in that capacity for three years. He has also been a constant attendant at the Republican County Conventions and for five years has been a member of the Town Commit- tee, of which he is now Chairman. Fraternaliy he is a member of the Independent Order of Od i Fellows, belonging to Anchor Lodge No. 523. at Northport, is also a charter member of the Royal Arcanum of Stony Brook Council and assisted in the organization of Smithtown Council No.
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1511. He has filled most of the offices in this lodge. Besides this he is a member of the Suf- folk County Mutual Benefit Association and is insured in the Mutual Life Association of New York City. Mrs. Brush is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, of which her husband is also an attendant. They have one son, Howard M. In business our subject is active and ener- getic. Success has attended him thus far, and if effort avails anything success will attend hint throughout life.
S IMEON WOOD, of Hauppauge, was born in the town of Smithtown, February 24. 1839, being a son of Thomas W. and Jane (Smith) Wood. His paternal grandfather, Theophilus Wood, was born in Orange County, but removed from there to Long Island, where he married Tabitha Wheeler and established his per- manent home. The place in the town of Islip upon which he settled is still known as the Wood farm. Here he was living at the time of the me- morable struggle with Great Britain, and at one time, when the Tories made a raid on his place he saved a bag of specie by throwing it out of the door into the woods. His father, our subject's great-grandfather, was a native of Long Island, but moved to Orange County, where he remained until death.
Thomas W. Wood was the only member of his father's family who attained years of maturity. His advantages were limited, but he succeeded in acquiring a good education and gained a wide range of information. Being the only son, the homestead of three hundred acres came into his possession. Successful in his undertakings. he added to the original acreage until his landed possessions aggregated eight hundred acres. Aside from his farming interests, he built and owned a number of vessels for the coast trade. He was born December 2, 1791, and died Novem- ber 1, 1866, at the the age of about seventy-five years. Ilis wife, who was born October 14. 1797, passed away June 3. 1882, and was buried by
the side of his body in the Methodist cemetery at Hauppauge.
The family of Thomas W. Wood consisted oi eleven children, but only four are now living. namely: Mary H., wife of Moses R. Smith, oi Smithtown: Lydia, who married Erastus A. Conkling, of Brooklyn; Theophilus R., who was a classmate of James A. Garfield in Williams Col- lege and is now a resident of Wellsville, Mo .. and Simeon. The last named was reared to manhood on the old home farm, and after his brother left the parental roof, he assumed the management of the estate, remaining there until 1881. Two years later he purchased his present home.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Wood has always supported the Republican party, its prin- ciples and candidates. His first Presidential bal- lot was cast for Abraham Lincoln and he has voted for every Republican Presidential candidate since that time. With his wife he holds member- ship in the Methodist Church at Hauppauge. in which for years he has officiated as Trustee and Steward. His support is always given to pro- gressive measures, having a tendency to elevate the condition of society and benefit his fellowmen.
The marriage of Simeon Wood took place April 15, 1875, when Miss Fannie V. Edwards became his wife. Mrs. Wood was born in Yap- hank and is a daughter of George and Mary (Ho- man) Edwards, also natives of Suffolk County. Six children have been born unto them, namely: Everett R., Bertha V., Ethel A., Mabel I., Harold and Parker E.
T HEODORE W. WHEELER. It is gen- crally conceded that few cities in Suffolk County can show such excellent and su- perior footwear of the finer grades as Port Jei- ferson, and iew houses carry so select a stock as that conducted by Theodore W. Wheeler, who is a prominent merchant at this place. He has had an extended experience in the business, and the position he has attained in the trade may be justly
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ascribed to his indefatigable industry and thor- oughi familiarity with the public demand, and un- swerving devotion to fair and honorable dealing. Mr. Wheeler is a native of Smithtown, born March 5, 1841, and son of Lyman B. and Frances M. Wheeler, both natives of Smithtown, where their lives were spent. The father learned the trade of shoemaker in his youth and this contin- ued to be his chosen occupation for many years. He subsequently embarked in general merchan- dising and carried this on in a very satisfactory and substantial manner until his death in 1891. He was well liked in the community in which he lived and was strictly honest and upright. His wife passed away in 1888.
Theodore W. Wheeler received a thorough training in the district schools until twelve years of age and then engaged as clerk with an uncle, with whom he remained two and a half years. Returning to the parental roof, he learned the shoe-making trade of his father and was following this trade most successfully when Civil War broke out. Donning his suit of blue he started out to fight for the Old Flag and enlisted in the navy. He was on the steamer "Don," which was stationed a good portion of the time in James River, and was in active service until 1864. While doing picket duty he received a gunshot wound in the right side, but aside from that was not in- jured during service. Following his discharge Mr. Wheeler returned to Smithtown, and there made his home until 1874, when he came to Port Jefferson, where he worked at his trade for about three years. He then purchased a stock of goods and has carried on business in a most satisfactory manner ever since. He now has a complete stock of excellent shoes and is prepared to satisfy his customers with anything they may want in his line. He also does some work at the trade.
Mr. Wheeler was married in 1866 to Miss Fannie E. Hubbs, daughter of Platt R. Hubbs, who is a representative citizen of Huntington. Four children have been born to this union, as follows: Amelia, Ada, Emily and Ralph. The eldest daughter is the wife of Oliver F. Bixby, of Paterson, N. J., but the three younger children are at home. Mr. Wheeler holds membership in
the Methodist Church and is President of the Board of Trustees of the same, and Class-leader. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of Louis O'Conklin Post, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican, and, while not an aspirant for office, was chosen by his fellow-citizens to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1892. That position he fills in a very satisfactory manner at the present time.
S TEPIIEN W. BISHOP, of West Hamp- ton, is the son of Stephen and Sarah (Rog- ers) Bishop, and was born March 21, 1834, being one of a family of eight children, of whom four are still living. His father, the son of Na- than Bishop, was born in this town in the year 18co and here he spent all of his life. It is wor- thy of notice that he was one of a family of four- teen children, all of whom attained mature life, and the greater number reached advanced age, dying when between seventy and eighty years. The father of our subject spent his entire life in farming, varied with fishing excursions, and in his younger days was out on three whaling voy- ages. His death occurred in 1881. His father, Nathan, was a son of David Bishop and was born in this town in 1762 and lived to celebrate the six- ty-eighth anniversary of his birth. He also was a farmer with fishing instincts.
The subject of this sketch was reared in this neigliborhood under the kindly and wise inthu- ences of his father and mother, educated in the district school, and when he became a young man elected to walk in the way of his father and grand- father, and so became a farmer, but reserving lib- erty for the sea. He went on a whaling voyage in 1856 and was gone for some years, penetrating far into the cold and inhospitable recesses of the Arctic Ocean. But one voyage was enough for him and thenceforth he was steadily engaged in farming, giving little attention to anything else. He was a partner of Rogers Bishop when his gen- eral mercantile business was established in 1866. but finding that the close confinement was under-
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mining his health he retired from all connection with the business some four years later.
In 1872 our subject married Miss Mary J. Post, daughter of Capt. William Post, a well-known whaling captain, now deceased. To this mar- riage there has been born one child, William Post Bishop, who is now a promising young man in commercial circles, and his friends expect that in the near future he will develop into a strong and leading business man. In his political views Mr. Bishop inclines to a broad and liberal ground, but leans largely towards the Prohibition party and quite frequently votes and acts with it in local and even in state matters. In his religion he takes a modified Calvinistic ground, and belongs to the Presbyterian Church, of which body he has for twenty-five years been an Elder.
W ILLIAM A. STRAWSON is a man of affairs and of large business interests at Northport. Americans pride then- selves on their ability in successfully managing many interests, but Mr. Strawson, who is an Eng- lishman, might successfully vie with any native- born American claimant for these honors. He is Justice of the Peace, President of the Board of Health, Registrar of Vital Statistics, proprietor of a jewelry store, and is a.watchmaker, silversmith, bookseller, news agent, optician, stationer, elec- trician, photographer, newspaper man and cor- respondent.
Our subject was born in Rasen-Market, Lin- colnshire, March 28, 1857, and is a son of John and Sarah (Armitage) Strawson, the former a na- tive of Lincolnshire and the latter of Yorkshire, England. Our subject's father was a clothing cutter for H. J. & D. Nicols, London. In his line he was an artist and cut the clothes of many notable persons, among whom were Livingston and Tennyson. He died in 1874, at the age of sixty-two years. Our subject's maternal grand- father was Sheriff of Yorkshire. Sarah Strawson, onr subject's mother, died when her son was only two years old, and his brothers and sisters died
in infancy. He was reared in his native land, attending the best schools, and had good private teaching and special instruction in the classics, holding two certificates for excellence in free hand drawing. He also attended the grammar school at Helston, Cornwall. He excelled in all his studies and took many prizes. Mr. Strawson came to America when twenty years of age and at once opened a jewelry house at Northport. and has added his various callings as time and in- formation prompted. He is a very popular man and a good and impartial judge, having had many important cases tried before him.
Our subject is a Republican in politics. In local affairs he takes much interest and is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace. He has a clear logical conception of all subjects that are brought to his attention and had he given his mind to it would have made an able lawyer. In 1892 and during a part of 1893 he was Justice of Sessions. He has been orator for the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Strawson does excellent work in photography, excelling especially in landscape effects. Religiously he is an Episcopalian and is very active in the interests pertaining thereto. He took a very prominent part in the establishment of the Episcopal Church at this place and was the first Clerk of the parish.
Our subject was married in October, 1882. to Miss Frances Ketcham, a native of Northport. and a daughter of Luther Ketcham. Mr. and Mrs. Strawson are the parents of one child, a daughter, named Hazel. Fraternally our subjest is a Master Mason, and a Past Master of Alcyone Lodge No. 695.
W A. WILLIAMS is one of the leading business men of the town of South- old, where he is carrying on a profit- able trade ,as general merchant. He is very prominent in local affairs and is one of those liberal and public spirited citizens who command the respect and esteem of all who have the pleas- ure of their acquaintance.
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Mr. Williams was born in New York City, May 9, 1845, and is the son of Frederick and Catherine Williams. His ancestors on both sides are said to have been Germans, which fact ac- counts in some measure for the thrifty and in- dustrious qualities which he exhibits. He was deprived of the care of his father when a small boy and was doubly orphaned at the age of ten, when his mother was called to the land beyond. Thus, being thrown upon his own resources, lie came to Suffolk County and made his home with Giles Wells, now deceased, but who was at that time residing near Southold. His education was . limited to the district school, which he attended only during the winter season. He was not dis- couraged, however, but improved every moment in study and the knowledge thus gained became of great value to him in after years.
Our subject remained with Mr. Wells until at- taining his eighteenth year, when he went to New York City and for a number of years was engaged in the hardware business. After a time he returned to Suffolk County, and with the money which he had accumulated while in the city purchased a good farm and gave his personal attention to its cultivation until engaging in the mercantile business, which he did very soon thereafter. He has been in his present location for the past twenty years and is therefore well known to the residents of the community for miles around. In his store the purchaser will find a large variety of general dry goods, staple and fancy groceries, crockery, hardware, and, in fact, everything which is usually kept in the large department stores of the city. It is quite un- necessary to state that Mr. Williams has made a success of this business, for almost everything which he undertakes prospers.
The marrige of our subjeet with Miss Sarah, daughter of Daniel Booth, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was celebrated in 1870. Their union has resulted in the birth of nine children, namely: Eleanor, Lillie, Mamie, Edith, William L., Louise, Nellie, Ezra, and Gladys. Mr. Williams is a stalwart Democrat in politics and his interest in school affairs led to his being elected Trustee of District No. 15. By all who know him he is highly es- , was spent at Binghamton, in this state, from
teemed, not only as a sound business man, but as a citizen of high standing. He admires in- dustry and frugality and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those who help themselves. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Methodist Church, while her husband attends the Universal- ist Church.
H ENRY W. BRONSON, the leading drug- gist in Northport, was born September 16, 1863, at Oxford, in this state, and is the son of David and Emily (Chapman) Bronson. His father, a native of the state of Connecticut, was reared and educated in the village of Rox- bury. He carried on an undertaking and furni- ture business, in which he met with success. Dur- ing the late war he served as a musician in the army. In religious belief he was a member of . the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he was a stanch Republican. He served as Secre- tary of the Blue Lodge, F. and A. M., for eighteen years, but never went higher in the or- der. He died at the age of fifty-nine. The pa- ternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Connecticut, and the grandfather, who carried on a foundry, died at a good old age, leaving be- hind him the name of a deeply religious man.
The mother of our subject was born in Ox- ford, Chenango County, and died when she was about forty years of age. She was a Methodist in religious belief. Her father, William E. Chap- man, of Oxford, was an extensive publisher of school books and was a wealthy man. Our sub- ject remained at home attending the high school until he was fifteen and then entered a drug store in Great Bend, Pa., as an apprentice, where he was engaged for two years. Later he went to Texas and worked in a drug store at Texarkana for about a year. But the -far South did not please him and he returned to Great Bend. . 1 short time afterward he was offered and accepted the position of manager of the drug department of a large general store in Nicholson, Pa., where he remained for a year or more. Another year
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which place he went to the city of New York and was engaged in the drug business there for some five years. This was followed by a four years' engagement in a Northport drug store, after which he set up in business for himself.
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Mr. Bronson was married October 7. 1891, to Miss Carrie E. Wilsey, of this place, and to them two children have come. Imogene was born March 3, 1893, and Howard died in infancy. Mr. Bronson is a Republican, an enterprising, wide- awake and progressive man, young in years but rich and old in experience. He has the telephone office in his store, and it is the center of much of the brightest and best mental life of the place.
H ENRY A. FORDHAM. The subject of this sketch has proved himself worthy of more than a casual notice by the way in which he has used the years allotted to him for ex- istence in this world. He is now living in South- ampton, which is his native city, and is carrying on a profitable business in dealing in real estate.
Mr. Fordham was born June 18, 1836, in this place to Daniel and Mary (Halsey) Fordham. The father was one of the prominent merchants of Southampton and lived to be eighty-four years of age, as did also his wife. They were people who spent their declining years surrounded by comforts which the toil and industry of their early life had made possible.
In the year 1850, when a lad of fourteen years, Henry A. Fordham obtained a position on the whaling vessel "Ontario," commanded by Cap- tain Brown, and made one voyage, which lasted for four years. The vessel cruised in the Arctic Ocean and for sixteen months of this time young Fordham was a cabin boy. He was then promot- ed and performed the duties of sailor for the rest of the voyage.
About the year 1854 our subject made his way to California, and for five years and a half was engaged in carrying on a meat market at Down- eyville, Sierra County. He then returned home to the Empire State on a short visit, when we
again find him in business in California, making his home there in all for eleven years. Though he was successful in his ventures in the West. in 1865 he returned home to stay and at once set- tled in Southampton, where he engaged in farm- ing until about 1880. At that time, the property having become very valuable, it was divided into city lots and a portion of it was disposed of at a good price to the business men of the city, who erected their summer cottages on the same. Mr. Fordham has since then confined his attention to the real estate business, and is the agent for many large tracts, besides high-priced property in Southampton.
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