Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2, Part 64

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman
Number of Pages: 926

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At the expiration of two years, during a por- tion of which time he was employed as mate, Mr. Strong transferred his services to the "John Cornell," engaged in freight and trade along the coast. Growing ambitious for a larger expe- rience, he took a place on board the steamer, "Nightingale," running between New York and Savannah. His next engagement was on the "John Forsythie," running from New York to Richmond, after the close of the war. Later he was engaged with the "Maggie," another coaster, and after a time had charge of the sloop "Glimpse," which was employed in towing boats for fishing crews in Great South Bay. As Cap- tain of the "Charles Wall," he did considerable business in the oyster trade, and was also with the sloop, "Susan Leach," similarly engaged. In the oyster trade he did well, and was also pros- pered in his connection with several schooners as Captain. However, he met with his share of reverses; on one occasion he encountered a se- vere storm and had to put into harbor at Dela-

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ware breakwater. In this disastrous storm many ships were destroyed, and he felt it little less than a marvel that he survived.

In 1874 Captain Strong bouglit the schooner "S. T. Robbins," running between Cape Henry and New York, and engaged in the oyster trade winters and the fruit business in summer. This schooner was wrecked on the Virginia shore, August 3, 1876, and all the cargo lost, including five thousand watermelons and great quantities of sweet potatoes. The loss was a severe one for Captain Strong, who once more had to begin without capital. Going to New York, he there took charge of the schooner "Only Son," of Red Bank, N. J., plying between New York and the South in the sweet potato trade. After having engaged in the coasting trade for some time, he retired from the business.

In 1867 Captain Strong married Miss Mary M. Smith, of Bayport, where her parents, Capt. Silas and Jane (Edwards) Smith, resided, and where she was born and educated. In 1868 he removed to Babylon and for four years after re- tiring from the sea engaged in farming in the town of Islip, owning a well-cultivated place near Bayport. Later for seven years he was proprietor of a hotel, and was also successful in that linc. In 1882 his wife died of spinal meningitis. Later he married Mary S. Terry, who was born and edu- cated in Peconic, and was a daughter of William C. and Mary (Goodale) Terry. One child, Marion G., blessed their union.

. During the Columbian Exposition Captain Strong and his wife were among the many thou- sands who visited Chicago. In 1894 they went on a pleasure trip to Cuba, and were wrecked February 4, on the steamer "Cienfugos." off the Bahama banks, the steamer striking on the reef at 4 o'clock in the morning. A hole was made in the bottom of the boat, and the steamer was run over the reef, where she held fast, the after part of the ship being under water, and those who came out had to wade in water that reached their shoulders. The Captain and his wife were awake and partly dressed when the shock came. His sailor experiences taught him what had hap- pened, and he told his wife to dress at once. All

on the boat were rescued by the natives from the shore, who cared for them until another steamer came to take them on their way.

Politically Captain Strong has cast his votes for Republican candidates since giving his first Presidential ballot for General Grant. In 1870 he was elected Commissioner of Highways. He built the iron bridge near Argyle, and had a public dock put in at the end of Fire Island Ave- nue. Socially he is a member of the Masonic Order and the Odd Fellows. Aside from his work as sailor, farmer and hotel-keeper, he lias gained a wide reputation as a breeder of trotting stock. Among the fine animals he owned was the stallion, "Vindictive," No. 10603, by Strathmore, dam by "Almont." He also owned the cele- brated stallion, "Col. Drew, Jr.," famous in breeding for coach purpose, and the stallion, "Black Peter," which took first premium at the Madison Square Horse Show in 1884, and the second premium the following year.

H ENRY L. SAYLES, widely known as the genial proprietor and landlord of the Wat- son House, at Babylon, is a native of Al- bany, where he was born August 28, 1846. his parents being Lester and Sophia Sayles. His mother died when he was two years old, and his father was a victim of cholera four years later. Our subject then lived with an uncle for three years, and at the age of eleven was taken to New York to make his home with a married sister. He attended the public schools of Albany and New York until 1860. When he was thirteen he re- turned to Albany and was requested to talk to the children on the subject of "Orphans," speak- ing from the pulpit of the church where his rela- tives attended, and delivering an address from memory that occupied in its writing twenty-six pages' of foolscap. The address was well re- ceived and quite an ovation was tendered the young orator from his congregation at its close. the esteem of the hearers in several cases taking most substantial form.

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For the next two years our subject served as collector in the extensive real estate business of his brother-in-law. In 1861 he tried to enlist as a drummer boy, but his people prevented his go- ing into the service, though he was accepted. He made several similar attempts, but each time was prevented, so in order to carry out his cherished idea of army service he was compelled to leave the city. Accordingly he went back to Albany, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirteenth New York Infantry, which afterward became the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery. He served as a drummer boy until the battle of Cold Harbor, when he was forced into the ranks, as he and others were with- out drums. They protested at the change and were afterwards restored. In the interim our subject was connected with the ambulance corps. With his regiment he was sent to Ft. Federal Hill for meritorious services. At the time of the as- sassination of President Lincoln he was at Balti- more and was detailed for patrol duty in the streets of that city. His war service lacked one month of being three years, and when he was non- orably discharged he returned to New York.

Our subject says that he succeeded in his last attempt to enlist only because he exercised his legal privilege of choosing his own guardian, and he selected for that purpose Frederick Mather, who was artillery sergeant in his company. This able soldier was one of the very few who escaped from the horrors of Andersonville Prison, and in after years was a member of the United States Fish Commission. Through his influence our subject appointed Fred P. Olcutt, President of an Albany bank, to draw his salary, and the soldier lad during the three years of liis service never touched a cent of the money coming to him from the government, and when he came back to civil life found every cent of it waiting for him.

Mr ~ \ went to Grand Rapids and Lowell, 'e bought hides and pelts during the ₹ the war. He increased his capi- 1 per cent., having more than t the opening of spring. He to Omaha and then back to vere May 9, 1867, and on the

next day was received as a partner in a commer- cial house, having especial charge of its finances, as the partners could not agree among theni- selves. He had a one-third interest, holding it until one of the partners was compelled to retire on account of certain unexplained irregularities. and our subject increased his interest to one-half the capital. The house had a large and growing volume of transactions amounting to more than $75,000 the first year, and it continued to increase until the coming of that day known in commercial history as Black Friday, in 1869, when the firm was greatly shaken on account of wide credits, losing an immense amount.

Three years later Mr. Sayles left the firm and started in the same line for himself and was also associated with a syndicate of capitalists who at- tempted to introduce refrigerator cars between New York and Chicago. Three successful trips were made, when, the patentee having suddenly died, the other parties in the enterprise retired, and our subject did not feel able to carry it on alone. He was satisfied, however, that he had demonstrated its entire feasibility, and was not surprised at the great development which that industry afterwards assumed.

The cattle business in England was prostrated about the year 1871 by hoof rot, and Bell Brothers, in that country, sent our subject an or- der for the shipping of American stock. The cost of shipping, etc., brought the price to fourteen cents per pound, but it readily sold for twenty- eight, and the success of this venture warranted its increase, so that our subject was soon shipping American cattle across the water in large 11111- bers. He wished to slaughter on this side and ship in cold storage, but for lack of capital could not undertake it. Others, however, went into the business of shipping slaughtered stock and largely interfered with his business of sending across live cattle.

The panic of 1873 weakened his business, and for the next few years he was working for his brother, Sol Sayles, buying cattle at the Chicago stock yards. For a time he was in the cattle business for himself, but later he began speculat . ing in stocks. As a stock speculator he had many

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ups and downs, making and losing large sums of money. The life was burdensome, and he felt that he needed rest, so he closed it out and in the spring of 1880 went to Colorado, where he bought a combination of mines, which he sold to New York parties for an increase of twenty-five per cent. After this very successful transaction he came back to New York and had interests in a patent for handling garbage and also in the Knickerbocker Manufacturing Company, which dealt in galvanized goods. In 1883 he sold out his interest in these enterprises at a very good profit and returned to his old business. In the fall of that year he was elected Alderman on the Republican ticket, serving one year, and refused a second nomination, but named his successor, who was elected. In 1885 he was nominated and elected, but was counted out by the majority.

After residing in Toronto and Montreal for a time, Mr. Sayles returned to New York in 1890 and closed up all his business affairs there, refus- ing the offer of the presidency of a large corpora- tion in that city. He engaged in farming, but found that it did not pay, 2. Western competition was too great. When quarantine troubles broke out on Fire Island he was put in charge of the supplies and transportation service, representing Gen. Josiah Porter, and all officers of troops called to enforce the peace were directed to report to him. After he secured control of the Watson House and the lands belonging to it he as far as possible restored the hotel to its former reputa- - tion. Our subject was married in New York August 31, 1868, to Miss Nellie Sutton, who was born and educated in Massachusetts. She has become the mother of six children, of whom three are still living.

C APT. HENRY M. RANDALL. The career of Capt. Henry M. Randall fairly illustrates what one may accomplish who is actuated by an honest, manly purpose and a de- termination to make the most of his opportunities and ability. He has been so long and so promi- nently connected with the interests of Suffolk

County that he is most widely known as one of its prominent citizens, and his reputation as such is of the highest character. His father, Austin D). Randall, was also an esteemed and highly re- spected citizen of the county. The latter was born in Middle Island and there met and married Miss Mary E. Retch, who was also a native of that sec- tion. He was prominently identified with ali en- terprises of moment and was a most exemplary citizen in every respect. He and his most esti- mable wife celebrated their golden wedding in 1891, but in 1893, when seventy-five years old, he passed to that bourn whence no traveler returns. Mrs. Randall is still living and enjoys compara- tively good health.

Henry M. Randall was born in Middle Island, Suffolk County, in 1844. and there received a good practical education in the district schools. Until the age of seventeen he assisted his father in the duties of the farm and then decided on a sea- faring life, which he followed for over thirty years. When twenty-five years old he became master of a vessel and sailed in that capacity for years, during the time being master of the schooner "Edith." He built and becamethemaster of a three-mast schooner, "Mabel Thomas," also "Hattie B. Kelsey," and "Florence Randall," an eleven hundred ton schooner. He also com- manded the four-mast schooner "Lucy II. Ran- dall" and superintended the building of the schooner "Mary A. Randall." In 1891 he retired from sea life and has since superintended the management of his vessels. He is also engaged in the coal, lumber, hardware, lime and cement business at Port Jefferson, where he owns a beau- tiful home.

Captain Randall was one of the incorporaror- of the Bank of Port Jefferson, was instrumentai in its organization. and was made chairman of the first meeting when it was discussed. He is now its President. In the year 186, our subject wa- married to Miss Emily Wines, a native of Su folk County. She died in January 1872 and there years later Captain Randall wedded Vhs- 11. ence Avery, of Gales Ferry, Conn. Ilis wife died in 1881 an 1 in 1883 he marr . ! | - Marie Estella Scanlan, of Charleston. ..

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tain and Mrs. Randall are worthy and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the former has held membership for thirty- six years and has filled various offices. For the past twenty-five years he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity and he is also a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Independent Order of Good Templars. In politics he is a Prohibi- tionist and lias been elected Excise Commis- sioner by his party. He was also nominated by that party and endorsed by the Democratic party for Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the town of Brook Haven and elected.

H ON. EVERETT A. CARPENTER. The well-known attorney-at-law whose name appears above resides in Sag Harbor and was born in Bristol County, Mass., July 6, 1835. His father, Benoni Carpenter, was the first Free Soil candidate for Senator from Bristol County, and was later returned as Senator from Provi- dence County, R. I. He was a surgeon in the army, was Medical Director of the Department of Carrollton, Louisiana, and was State's Prison Su- perintendent in Rhode Island from the close of the war until the time of his death, which occurred in 1877.

Our subject entered Brown's University and graduated in 1854, being a member of the last class which was taught by Francis Wayland. On completing his university course he became a teacher, studying law at the same time, and on reaching his majority he was admitted to the bar, since which time his official promotion has been steady. He has taken an active part in politics, and has been especially earnest in educational matters, zealous in his profession and energetic in all tasks essayed. At an early age our subject dis- played marked executive ability. He showed a ready comprehension of public questions and a faculty for making the best of his resources in every emergency. He was a delegate to the first Republican convention held in Massachusetts and has ever since been a loyal party adherent.

As Assistant United States Assessor for Suffolk County, in which he has resided many years. ite was as anxious to protect the people as he was rigid in guarding the rights of the government.

For eight years our subject was Chairman of the Republican County Committee of Suffolk County, and during that time made himself a reputation as a campaign speaker. He was quick to detect the weak places in his own as well as in his opponent's policy, and never made a mistake i !! predicting general results as long as he managed party affairs in Suffolk County. In 1879 he ran for the Assembly and was elected by sixteen hun- dred and twenty-nine majority. In 1880 he stic- ceeded himself and was made Chairman of the most important committee, that of cities, in the Assembly of 1881. Since that time he has re- sumed his practice, and has enjoyed the praise and profit of a constantly increasing clientage.

As a scholar our subject is the peer of any ene at the Bar in this county. He is a well-read man in general literature, is thoroughly versed in all public questions, and is skilled in the principles and philosophy of science of government. With the history of political parties he is also familiar and can put his finger on the weak as well as the strong points in every platform. In Legislature our subject took a high position as a debater as well as an untiring worker in all offices conferrel upon him, and was a power in every committee. The repeal of that iniquity known as the Hell Gate Pilot Law is a monument to his patience. perseverance and masterly ability. For twenty- seven years efforts were made to remove the in- cubus, but the purse and power of the monop list prevailed. Mr. Carpenter made the battle for the people and accomplished, almost unaided. the her- culean task. His fight on the New York Street Cleaning bill attracted wide attention. and wa- commented upon by every journal from Montauk to Niagara. He proved himself clearly the right man in the right place.

During the struggle for the United States Sen- atorship our subject found himself in opposition to the administration, as he could not forsake l'- friends. He was of the so-called Stalwart divi- sion of his party for principle's sake. He was not

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a victor in promoting the fortunes of his friends, but he was a victor over every sentiment which marked the cunning inconsistency of mere time- servers and political trimmers.

in the science of pleading and accurate in all de- . her parents, David and Sarah Lewis, when a child and was here educated.

As a lawyer Hon. Mr. Carpenter is well versed tails of practice. He has a clear comprehension of the principles of law and a vast knowledge of leading cases. In preparing his cases he is thor- ough, systematic and exhaustive, patient, persist- ent and painstaking. He goes into court thor -- oughly armed, but not over-weighted by his ar- mor. As a man he is faithful to friends, but not afraid to stand alone should principle require it. Personally he is a pleasant, genial and magnetic companion. As a citizen he is high-minded, gen- . erous and progressive. Locally our subject is President of the Board of Education, and takes great interest and just pride in the excellent schools of the village.

S YLVANUS V. SPENCER. It is a pleasure to review the career of a man whose efforts have been crowned with fair success, and whose life has been honorable and praiseworthy. Sylvanus V. Spencer resides in Amityville, but does business at New West Washington Market, at New York City. He was born in the metropolis October 2, 1830, and his father was also a native of that city. The latter, Frederick Spencer, was a glass cutter by trade and passcd his entire life in New York City, dying there when fifty-six years old. He had married Miss Sarah E. Davis, who bore him three children, only one, our subject, now living.

Until he had reached the age of eleven years Sylvanus V. Spencer lived with his parents in New York City, and there received his primary · education. Later he went to Orange County, where he hired out as a farm laborer among strangers, and there remained until over fifteen years old, receiving his board and clothing. Re- turning to New York City he began learning the butcher's trade and worked for four dollars a

month and board, remaining thus employed until he was about twenty years old. On the 21st of April, 1850, he married Miss nn S. Lewis, vi New York City, at the time of her marriage, but a native of Wales. She came to America with

Soon after his marriage Mr. Spencer embarked in business in a small way, on the lower market. and by his industry and good management. a- well as by his honest dealing and geniality. worked his way up and had a good trade. He had bought five acres in Amityville, and after moving to the village he added to the origina' tract and has improved it very materially. T. his marriage were born five children, all of whom reached mature years. George W. died in Jan- uary, 1884, leaving a wife and three children: Emma V. married S. M. Brown and has two sons: Sara E. is also married; Hattie L. married Will- iam Skinner and resides in Amityville; she ba- one child; and Carrie L. married Ellison Hur i and resides in Amityville; she has two children.

During the Civil War Mr. Spencer was a men !- ber of the First Troop of Washington Grays. State Militia, and was on duty for forty-one days at one time, and again on Staten Island. In his politics he gives his support to the Republican party, and his first Presidential vote was cast io: Gen. Winfield Scott. In 1859 he voted for John C. Fremont. He is an active man of affairs, and a worthy and useful citizen of the county.

N ATHAN N. TIFFANY. There are per- . haps few among those who were at one time prominent and respected citizens ... Bridgehampton, whose memory is more re- spected and whose genuine worth more widely recognized, than that of the late Nathan N. Tii- fany. He was born at Bridgehampton. January 20, 1857, and was the only child of Nathan N. Tiffany, a merchant of Sag Harbor, who w ... there engaged in business until 1856, and then came to Bridgehampton. Here be followed his

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former occupation and by his industry and ex- cellent business acumen met with a fair degree of success. He was married at Hadlyme, Conn., on the 5th of April, 1855, to Miss Mary Palmer. His death occurred April 29, 1887, at the age of seventy-one, and by this event the town lost one of its most respected citizens, a man esteemed by all who knew him.

Nathan N. Tiffany, our subject, secured a good practical education in the academy at Bridge- hampton, and under his father's oversight as a merchant, became possessed of good business · qualifications. In 1877 he entered the mercantile business for himself with Captain Huntting and was actively engaged in this for five years. Sell- ing out he entered the lumber yards and later started a bank in Bridgehampton. Still later he started a lumber, coal and feed business in con- nection with his banking business, and followed this successfully until his death April 15, 1894. His prosperity in life was the natural result of .' his own persevering energy, indomitable courage and genuine worth. In his character he combined qualities of mind and heart that rendered him dieservedly popular, and secured to him the warm friendship of all who enjoyed his acquaintance.

October 11, 1882, Mr. Tiffany married Miss Frederica G. Corwith. Three children were the fruits of this union: Nathan N., Frederic L. and Mary P. Politically Mr. Tiffany was a Demo- crat and religiously a Presbyterian. He gave very little attention to politics, but all of his time was given to luis business and in this he was unusually successful. His remains are interred in Bridge- liampton Cemetery.

E GBERT Z. SMITH. No visitor to the shore can enjoy its beauties to the fullest extent without having a first-class livery establishment, and at such times they like to make sure of courteous service and reasonable rates. These are found at the livery and boar 1- ing stables located on Main Street in Islip, of which Mr. Smith is proprietor. A native of this

town, born September 30, 1862, he has always resided here and is therefore thoroughly identi- fied with the interests of the place. He is a son of the late Andrew J. Smith, a sea captain who from his ninth year followed the water, and . Nancy Smith, a native of Smithtown, and now a resident of Islip. Eight children comprise the parental family, all residents of Islip, namely: Fannie, Charles, Egbert Z., Samuel P., Emma. Delia, Andrew J. and Anna.

From the age of nine until nineteen the subject of this sketch was engaged in farm work, and hence had but limited educational advantages. In company with another gentleman he purchased a bakery business, which was carried on one year under the firm title of Smith & L'Hommedieu. In 1893 he erected a new livery stable, having previously leased premises. His establishment is handsomely arranged and equipped, and the main building consists of two stories, 45×100 feet in dimensions. From fifteen to twenty horses are kept constantly on hand and the equipment of carriages is noted for its style and modern character. Eight reliable men are employed, and prompt, careful attention is given to all demands on both the livery and boarding service. The boarding horses are kept by themselves in special modern stalls, and receive most careful attention.

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Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2, Part 64

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman Number of Pages: 926

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Chapman
Number of Pages: 926