USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 5
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Peter Duryee, Jr., passed his entire life as a farmer. He was prospered in this vocation, and took a prominent part in the affairs of leis par- ticular locality until the time of his decease, which occurred in November, 1888. His son, Philip H., of this history, was reared to man's estate in Kings County, and after completing his educa- tion in the public schools of Brooklyn, he turned his attention to farming, assisting his father in the management of the home place until ready to engage in this industry on his own account. He possesses that "go-aheadativeness," as the American puts it, which is one of the salient features of the agriculturists of Suffolk County, and has been prospered in his undertakings from the very first. He is now the proprietor of a tract of fifty acres of fine farming land, which has been converted into a profitable farm under his efficient management. He has erected thereon substantial buildings of every needful character which, with many other improvements, make of it one of the most attractive places in the town of Southold.
The marriage of Mr. Duryee was solemnized October 10, 1866, when Miss Helen V., daughter of Garret Hendrickson, of Bay Ridge, became his wife. This lady was born in New Jersey August 8, 1845, and since her union with our subject has been to him a worthy helpmate. Al- thoughi her father was living at Bay Ridge at the time of lier marriage, he was born in New Jersey.
The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Duryee were named respectively, Garret H., Philip H., Angeline, Helen and Peter S. Two years after marriage this worthy couple took up their abode in Oregon, town of Southold, with whose interests they have been identified ever since. Mr. Duryee keeps thoroughly apace with the times in all his farming operations, and is one of the progressive and substantial farmers of the county. He is Dem- ocratic in politics and in favor of all measures which have for their object the elevation of so- ciety and betterment of his community.
The maiden name of Mrs. Duryee's mother was Angeline Bennett, and she was a native of Bay
Ridge. Her father, Wyant Bennett, of Holland descent, who was one of the old settlers of Long Island, was born in New Jersey, where he lived until sometime in the '50s. He then came to Long Island and made his home at Bay Ridge until his deccase in 1866. He became the father of a large family of children, of whom the follow- ing survive: Phebe G., widow of Joseph Ridge- way, late of Setauket, L. I .: Caroline: Maria. Mrs. Charles McGee, of New Jersey, and Mrs. Duryee.
E DGAR REYBERT. Probably no man is more conversant with the immense growth of the oyster industry along the southern shore of Long Island than the subject of this article, who has in the forty-three years in which he has resided in the village seen it grow from almost nothing to its present immense propor- tions. "
The father of our subject was Jesse Reybert. a native of this island, and a man of bold and ad- venturous character, having sailed the seas for many years, and risen to the rank of Captain. His life was up to the full limits, and he died at about the age of seventy years. He was married to Anna Duryea, a native of Long Island, by whom he became the father of six children. vi whom the eldest. Jesse, is now deceased: Rhoda is the wife of Samuel Gibson; Jarvis and Edgar are the third and fourth sons; Delphine is the wife of Elwood Clock; and Anna, the youngest of the family. married Alonzo Powell.
Edgar Reybert, the subject of this sketch, was born in the village of Bay Shore, December 11. 1853, and was educated in the common school of the neighborhood, receiving some special training in a private school established in the village, which undertook to go a little farther than the district school. Edgar inherited much of his father's love of the sea, and when he had reached the age of cigliteen he became a sailor before the mast, and in this way he spent the next ten or twelve years. He then turned his attention towards the oyster business as offering peculiar
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attractions to men of an enterprising spirit, and in this he certainly has won a great success.
Mr. Reybert has had two wives, Jennie Sexton, and Alice Doxsee, being married the last time in June, 1888. His first wife was the mother of four children, of whom three are now living. Gussie is the wife of Charles Wiley, and lives at Bay Shore; Eveline is the wife of George Oakley, whose home is also in Bay Shore; Edward is the youngest, and is now attending the public school of this village. Our subject is a prominent Mason, and a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is highly esteemed.
In the oyster business Mr. Reybert has won a name and standing that have carried his business reputation far beyond the island. He grows large quantities of oysters in Great South Bay, employs many men and boats, and does a large business in the luscious bivalves. He is also a great lover of good horses, having some fine steppers in his possession, and has all the accoutrements and paraphernalia of a trotting stable, which, however, is kept for his own comfort and the entertainment of his friends. Politically he acts with the Demo- cratic party, but in a broad way seeking rather the good of the community than the attainment of mere partisan advantages. He lias done much for the upbuilding of this town and its business interests, and in return he is very favorably known and highly regarded both in and out of the vil- lage.
J OSEPH M. BELFORD. We know of no name more justly entitled to a place in the history of Suffolk County than the one that heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who, though young in years, has yet been usefully and honorably identified with the best interests of this county and with its advancement in every worthy particular. Mr. Belford is at present Clerk of the Surrogate's Court of this county, and is an able and most capable official. He was born in Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa., August 5, 1852, and his father, David W. A. Belford, was also a native of that county. The latter is a mer-
chant-tailor by trade, and for many years was Justice of the Peace. The Belford family is of Irish origin, and the first member to cross to this country, settled here prior to the Revolutionary War. David W. A. Belford married Miss Anna M. Wiley, a native of Mifflin County, Pa., and of Scotch origin. Her brother, Rev. Isaac W. Wiley, was a bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church at the time of his death. Mrs. Belford died in 1889: Mr. Belford is still living, a resident of Milton, Pa., and enjoying fairly good health.
Joseph M. Belford was one of four children, three sons and one daughter, born to his parents. One of the sons, Mayberry G., is connected with the large iron works in Pennsylvania; William W. is a merchant tailor, and is in business with his father; Carrie V. married T. Curtis Heinen, a business man of Milton, Pa. Our subject pre- pared for college in Dickinson Seminary at Wil- liamsport, Pa., later entered Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa., and was graduated from that in- stitution in 1871. For many years following this he taught school, was principal of various acad- emies, and in 18844 became principal of the Frank- linville Academy. There he remained until 1887, when he came to Riverhead as principal of the academy here. He was thus occupied until 1889, and also read law with T. M. Griffing, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1888. Re- signing from the Riverhead Academy, hie prac- ticed his profession until 1892, when he was made Clerk of the Surrogate's Court by Judge Petty. This position he is well qualified to fill in every respect, and he is one of the promising young men of the county.
In 1892 Mr. Belford was made secretary of the Republican County Committee: in the spring of 1895 he was elected its chairman, and is given the credit of being one of the shrewdest leaders in the state. As an orator he has but few superiors in the state, being a fluent, forcible and convinc- ing speaker, and his reputation as such is wide- spread. He is of easy and graceful manners, pre- possessing in personal appearance, and an in- telligent and interesting conversationalist. In 1802 he married Miss Inez Hawkins, daughter of ex-Senator Edward Hawkins, of Jamesport.
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They have one child, Donald Hawkins Belford. Mr. Belford is a member of the Masonic fratern- ity. He is one of the rising young men of this part of the State, and is possessed of that moral and personal integrity, and clear, well balanced. active intelligence, which makes and keeps the public service pure.
A LLEN P. SQUIRES, of Good Ground, is one of the leading business men and in- fluential citizens of this interesting village. He is a son of Alvin and Charry (Lane) Squires. and was born in this village March 1, 1832, being the second of eleven children, of whom six are still living. The father, a native of Squiretown. Good Ground, was born December 25, 1805, and throughout his life sustained a clean and whole- some reputation as a high-minded and enterpris- ing man. He had been reared as a farmer and followed that calling during life. His ambitious spirit, however, drove him into the mercantile whaling and coastwise trade, and he owned sev- eral whaling ships, although he never went to sea himself. His interests in the business were of extensive proportions, four vessels being built and fitted out by him and sent out under his man- agement and ownership in the coastwise trade. They were known as the "Schooner Oregon," the "Splendid," the "Lexington" and the "Trades- man." His death in his sixty-eighth year closed an unusually brilliant business career. Seth Squires, the grandfather of our subject, was a son of Ellis Squires, who came from England at an carly day, and settled near Nantucket. Seth be- came a prosperous farmer of Good Ground. where he spent the greater part of his life.
When a lad of sixteen years Allen P. Squires proved himself to be of a bold and courageous disposition, and shipped on board the bark "Gen- tleman," of New Suffolk, Capt. Cartwright com- mander, to engage in the whaling business. He had two successful voyages in the "Gentleman" and later embarked on board the "Odd Fellow," sailing from Sag Harbor, with Capt. Youngs
commanding. In this vessel he made one suc- cessful voyage, and returned home as second officer of the ship, a rapid promotion for so young a sailor. His voyaging during these years car- ried him into remote regions, and made him fa- miliar with a greater part of the globe as far as it could be seen and understood from the ocean. Among the places of interest which he visited, and which are still fresh in his memory, are Fayal Island, one of the Azores, Cape Verd and St. Helena, where he visited the tomb of Bonaparte. He has seen not a little of the island of Madagas- car, which the French have proceeded to so cool- ly appropriate in the last few months. He has sailed up and down the African Coast, and has seen much of the life and habits of the Zulus, being with them three months in 1853. He has seen many parts and cities of Australia, has sailed through the Japan seas, has visited the Sandwich Islands, has been in China, and has penetrated far into Tartary. The Samoan Islands, made im- mortal by the genius of Stevenson, have passed under his keen observation, as have many other places of interest in the far South Sea regions.
Our subject returned safely from his last voy- age in 1854, concluding that he had seen enough of the world, settling down at Good Ground. and two years later he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he has continued to the pres- ent time. In 1879 he erected a commodious building to meet the wants of his increasing busi- ness. In 1856 he was appointed Postmaster as successor of his father, the first postmaster of this place, and held that position for thirty-two years. He was reappointed in 1889, and held the office until 1894.
Mr. Squires was married May 10, 1854. to Miss Rosetta M. Foster, and she may have had much to do with his determination to leave the sea at a time when he might have expected to rise very high in a vocation for which he was evidently so well fitted. To him were born seven children, of whom all but one are still living. They are briefly mentioned as follows: Charles A. is editor of a weekly paper, The Echo, at Port Jef- ferson, and is the father of two children; Sey- mour L. is in the real estate and insurance busi-
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ness at Good Ground. and is also the father of two children; Riley P., who until recently was station agent of the Long Island Railroad at Quogue, is now in the butcher business; he is the father of one child; Florence M. is the wife of Rev. G. B. Thurston, of Amityville, and is the mother of one *child; Aivin F. is single, and is a salesman in the employ of E. T. Penny, at Eastport; Mabel H. is also single, and makes her home with her par- ents. Mr. Squires is an ardent believer in the higher education, and has given all his children the advantage of college life and training.
Our subject has taken strong ground as a Re- publican, John C. Fremont receiving his first vote. In religion he is a member of the Method- ist Church, and for years has been its Sunday- school Superintendent. In addition to his mer- cantile engagements, he has dealt quite exten- sively in real estate, having recently sold out beautiful Fair View Point, on Shinnecock Bay, to New York capitalists. With Oliver Char- lickin, he was a prominent factor in securing the Sag Harbor extension of the Long Island Rail- road. .
C LARENCE K. BIRDSALL. There are few men who show such fitness for their vocation, in that they possess decidedly artistic tendencies and are in love with their pro- fession, as Clarence K. Birdsall, who is one of the most successful architects of Long Island. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 25, 1871, and has been a resident of Bay Shore since Sep- tember, 1894. His father, Thomas H. Birdsall, who lives in Brooklyn, is a salesman of gas fix- tures, and has been a resident of that city for years. He married Miss Sarah F. Stice, and of the two children born to this union our subject was the elder. The other child. Eveline, is at home.
Our subject was reared in the city of Brooklyn and attended the schools there until fifteen years old. Being a studious and apt sehiolar, he made rapid strides in his studies, and for the length of time lie was in the schoolroom, his progress was commendable. At the above-mentioned age he
started out to make his own way in life, and when twenty-one years of age he went to Sayville, L. I., and entered the office of an architect there. His natural inclinations and abilities in that line of industry soon placed him among prominent architects and he remained there until 1894. Since then he has attended schools of architec- ture, thus perfecting himself in every way. The most of his training, however, has been from per- sonal endeavor and application.
Mr. Birdsall readily sees the importance of properly constructed, heated and ventilated buildings, and his ideas and work in that direc- tion are appreciated by all with whom he has dealings. He has come in competition with some of the best architects while pursuing his studies and was usually victorious in every test or in the elucidation of plans. As a designer he also ranks very high, and being a student and artist in his profession, is destined to make his mark in tlie world. He has studied and worked at the busi- ness since the age of fifteen, and is thoroughly familiar with every detail of it.
In Brockport, N. Y., Mr. Birdsall married Miss Mary A. Maynard, a native of that city. He is a Democrat in his political views and is a strong supporter of the principles of his party. In his religious views he is an Episcopalian. A genial. competent and affable young man, no one is better respected or hield in higher esteem than he.
G EORGE T. BERGEN enjoys the reputa- tion of a substantial and progressive farmer and also a citizen who is well posted on all public affairs. Although just in the prime of life, he has made his way to the front rank among the energetic farmers of Suffolk County, and especially of the town of Southold, where he is making his home. He was born in 1853 in Bay Ridge, and is the son of Isaac E. and Ida Bergen, also natives of Long Island. The Bergen family is of Holland origin, the first of the name to come to America having been one Hans Bergen, who emigrated hither from his
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native land in 1633. After spending some time in New York he finally located on Long Island, and from him the succeeding generations sprang.
Isaac E. Bergen was born in Kings County, where he is still residing. When ready to begin life on his own account he chose the vocation of a farmer, which he followed with signal success during his active years. His estimable wife de- parted this life August 17, 1856. She became the mother of three children, who survive: Theo- dore V., a resident of Bay Ridge, L. I .; the sub- ject of this sketch, and Tunis S., now making his home in Peconic. Jacob I. Bergen, a half-bro- ther of our subject, had been for many years President of the Board of Aldermen of Brooklyn, and was also Surrogate Judge of Kings County.
The subject of this sketch was reared to man's estate in Kings County, where he was given a good education. He then learned farming in all its details, and is now conducting his fine estate in a scientific manner. His thoroughness of knowledge in this industry has resulted in the accumulation of a fair share of this world's goods.
George T. Bergen and Miss Adriana Magow were united in marriage October 4, 1876. This lady was born in Bergen, N. J., and is the daugh- ter of Lawrence V. and Lemma (Wyckoff) Ma- gow, natives of Long Island, who are now de- ceased. Mrs. Bergen is of Holland descent, the first of that name in America having come hither in 1600, a few years after the arrival of the first Bergen. Her great-grandfather, Robert Magow, served as a colonel in the Revolutionary War, and won distinction by his many brave and fearless deeds while in command of his regiment.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bergen two children, Ida M. and George I. Our subject is a man of decided views of his own regarding most of the things of life, and in his political affiliation he is a Democrat, ever ready to do anything he can for the support of his party. His wife is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church; she has in her possession at the present time an old Holland Bible which was printed in 1718. They are among the most popular residents of their community, and move in the best cireles of society on the island.
In 1889 Mr. Bergen came with his family to Suffolk County and purchased his present beauti- ful place in the town of Southold. This is ad- mirably located, and with its beautiful residence, surrounded as it is with grand old shade trees and a fine lawn, forms one of the most attractive pictures in the landscape of this community.
W ILLIAM R. HOWELL. This promi- nent resident of Long Island has just passed his ninety-sixth birthday and is the oldest resident in Suffolk County. He makes his home in East Moriches, where are to be found a number of retired men who are exempt from active participation in business of any kind, by virtue of their years and the accumulated re- sults of their toil. Of these Mr. Howell is one, as his experience in life has been such as to enable him to spend his later years in quiet comfort, as one of the most prominent residents of this com- munity.
Our subject is a native of this county, and was born in Southampton August 24, 1799. His parents were Oliver and Mehitable (Rogers) Howell, also natives of Suffolk County. In the year 1640 a party of Englishmen, among whom was Edward Howell, the paternal ancestor of our subject. purchased a tract of land, which was later called the town of Southampton. William R., of this history, can trace his genealogy back to that time, when the family was established on the island. He vividly recalls the many trying ex- periences through which he passed as the son of one of the earliest settlers of the county. There was a small settlement at the place where he lived, but the inhabitants of the county were very few. There were no railroads; the land was still in its primitive condition and the work of progress and civilization was scarcely begun. The parents be- gan the work of developing a new farm and dis- played great energy in rearing their children. They were sent to the best school in the neighborhood, which were very poor to say the least, having none of those helps in the way of
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blackboards and maps which are so common to- day in our model schools.
Joseph Howell, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, was the son of Edward Howell. His eldest son bore the name of Zebuland, who be- came the father of Zebuland, Jr., the father of Oliver Howell, the father of our subject. The grandfather of our subject was a well-to-do farm- er, and, according to the English custom, intend- ed bequeathing the farm to Oliver. The latter, however, died before the grandfather.
William learned the trade of a shoemaker, and from November, 1821, until May of the following year, worked at this business at Babylon, in which now thriving village there were but five houses. In 1836 he opened a country store at Southamp- ton and one year later he removed his business interests to East Moriches. He was a thorough- ly honorable and upright man, and when first starting in business often found himself in a posi- tion where it was hard work to raise the money to pay his creditors. Fortune smiled on him, however, and the New York houses who sent him goods never failed to receive their pay when the amount was due.
Mr. Howell carried on the business in East Moriches until 1875, when, having accumulated a goodly sum of money and being advanced in years, he decided to retire from active work and spend the remainder of life in the enjoyment of his hard earnings. The store of which he was once the head is now conducted by his sons, who are capable and shrewd business men and well calculated to carry out his wishes in regard to its management.
No family on Long Island is more highly re- garded than is that of Howell, whose various members occupy positions of importance and in- fluence in their community. William R. was married January 23, 1824, to Miss Clarissa Sayre, who survived her marriage about ten years, dying December 17, 1833. To thiem was born a daugh- ter, Caroline H., widow of Thomas J. Glover, and a resident of Brooklyn; she is three score and ten years of age.
January 28, 1845, Mr. Howell chose for his second companion Caroline D., daughter of
Henry P. Osborn. Five children blessed this union, namely: Clara, at home; Egbert, a merchant of East Moriches; Susan Rose, the widow of James Herrick, and a resident of Southampton; Mary, at home; and William, who is engaged in business in East Moriches. Mrs. Howell departed this life February 2, 1893. Our subject is a consistent member of the Presby- terian Church, with which he became connected in 1832. Sixteen years later he was elected deacon of the congregation, holding the office for many years.
As may be expected from a gentleman who is ninety-six years of age, our subject is somewhat infirm, but his memory is still unimpaired and he enjoys recalling the many thrilling experiences through which he has passed in this county. He is the only resident of Suffolk County now living who witnessed the dawn of the nineteenth cen- tury, and as one of its oldest citizens he con- mands the high esteem of hosts of friends and ac- quaintances. During his earlier years his social position in the community was of the highest, and in all the relations of life he is a man to be admired.
E LLSWORTH BOND, a prominent farmer and a man well known in this vicinity, is living in Oregon, town of Southold, where is located his estate of thirty-three acres. Mr. Bond was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., February 18, 1836, and is the son of Oliver and Eliza (Van Houghton) Bond. His father was a native of Long Island, as was also the paternal grandfa- ther, who bore the name of Lawrence Bond. The latter was a soldier in the War of 1812, and won distinction by his valiant service. The Bond family is very numerous on the western side of the island, where the first representatives located during its earliest settlement.
Oliver Bond was a wagonmaker by trade, and became prominent as a manufacturer of road vehicles . in Brooklyn. To him was given the distinction of building the first milk wagon, sim- ilar to those now in use, which was ever placed
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on the market in the City of Churches. He was a self-made man, both from an educational and financial standpoint, and made a decided success of life. By those who knew him he was highly regarded for those sterling traits of character which make a good citizen, kind neighbor and Christian man. He departed this life early in the 'Sos. In politics he affiliated with the Demo- cratic party. His good widow still survives, and is in the eighty-sixth year of her age. She makes her home in Flatbush, Kings County, L. I.
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