USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 8
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The original of this sketch obtained such an education as could be gained in the district schools near his home. It was never his de- sire to plod along on a salary, and just as soon as he was able he invested in a stock of general merchandise. This was in 1870, and so success- ful did the venture prove that he has continued to follow this industry ever since. The visitor will find every class of goods in his store which can be used by his customers. He is progres- sive in his ideas, pleasing and courteous in his manners, and well understands how to suit the desires and wishes of his patrons.
The marriage of Edgar F. Howell and Miss Lucy Lent was celebrated in 1865. Mrs. Howell was reared by Mrs. Maria Miller, as her parents died when she was an infant. By her minion with our subject she has become the mother of four children, named, respectively: Nathaniel. now deceased; Ida M., the wife of John B. Fordham, of this county; Addie, now Mrs. Albert R. Al- ford, also of this section; and Lena, at home with her parents. In religious affairs Mr. and Mrs. Howell are members in excellent standing of the Methodist Protestant Church. The former be- longs to the National Providence Union and in politics is a Republican, and has an abiding faith in its teachings and principles. Although he never sought political preferment, he was chosen by his fellow-citizens to hold the office of Postmaster, and was so named in a peti- tion to the President. He had the hearty sup- port of many friends in this position and it may be truthfully said that he proved himself superior to many of those who had been appointed to the office in former years.
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will outlive the gilded shafts and statues of marble.
Our subject is a native of South Wales, and was born November 26, 1842, in Blaenanerch, Cardiganshire. He is the elder and only sur- vivor of two children born to his parents, Benja- min and Margaret (Davis) Griffith, his sister hav- ing died in infancy. The father was a black- smith by trade and was carrying on this business with good results at the time of his death, which occurred when he was only twenty-eight years of age. Both parents were born in Wales, in which country the mother now makes her home, and is seventy-six years of age.
The subject of this sketch passed his early years on the farm of his grandfather and was permitted to carry on his studies, first in the common, later in the high schools, and finally entered college in order to prepare himself for the ministry. His labors, however, were interfered with on account of poor health, and thinking a trip to America would be of benefit, he crossed the Atlantic in the fall of 1865. Deciding to make his home in the New World, he sought and found work on a farm, which would necessitate his being out of doors a great deal, and in the winter season hie attended school in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. He remained in this locality for about eighteen months and then changed his residence to Oneida County, where he continued his farm labors for about a year, or until he felt that he was strong enough to give his entire attention to his studies. He then entered West Winfield (N. Y.) Academy. where he took a three years' course. July 3. 1867, while still engaged in farm work, and previous to entering the above-named school, he was licensed to preach by the Welsh Presby- tery.
In December, 1869, Mr. Griffith entered Ober- lin (Ohio) College, from which institution he was graduated in the theological department in 1873. April 2, 1874. he was ordained at Norwood, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and presided over a charge there for two years. He had now been away from his native land for. several years, and desirous of seeing his mother, he made a visit to Europe, remaining away six months.
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On his return to the United States, Mr. Griffith preached for a time in Chenango Forks, Phenix and Churchville, N. Y. In 1886 he again went to Europe, this time studying Rome more es- pecially. He is eminently fitted for his chosen vocation in life, for he is a man of versatile talents and energetic temperament. During the num- ber of years in which he has been identified with the Congregational Church as a minister, his career has been markedly successful, and this success has been brought about by his close study and remarkable capacity for work.
In June, 1891, Mr. Griffith came to Northville and since he has had charge of this congregation its membership has increased to two hundred and seven. The Christian Endeavor Society, at the time he came here, numbered only about twenty, while now there are enrolled ninety or more members. November 17, 1870, our subject mar- ried Miss Sarah J. Davis, who was born in H -- kimer County, N. Y., about 1850, and died October 30, 1895. She proved herself a tireless and efficient helper in the Master's vineyard, and her kindness of heart endeared her to all.
In politics Rev. Mr. Griffith is a Prohibitionist and never lets an opportunity pass when he can be of use to his party. He is president of the Board of Directors of the Patchogue Latin School or College, and is now working for a degree from the Illinois Wesleyan University, of Bloomington.
A RTHUR L. DOWNS, a prominent young farmer of the town of Southold, and a na- tive of Suffolk County, was born August 30, 1867, and, though young in years, has won a prominent position in the ranks of his chosen profession, and is regarded as one of the most promising young men in this part of the county. 1Ie is a son of Daniel and Hattie (Lockwood) Downs, the former being a native of the island. and the latter of the state of Michigan. His father is now a man much advanced in years, hav- ing passed his eighty-sixth birthday, and is liv- ing in the village of Greenport. For many years
GEORGE L. WELLS.
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he resided on the farm which our subject is now engaged in farming. He is regarded as a self- made man, having had to make his way with lit- tle or no help outside his right arm and his sturdy heart. In his political views he is a Republican, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. lle has always been an active, public-spirited man, taking much interest in anything that relates to the public welfare, is genial and pleasant in his manners, and has a wide acquaintance in the vil- lage of Mattituck and vicinity. He is said to be among thie very oldiest living settlers of the town of Southold.
The grandfather of our subject was also named Daniel Downs, and was a resident of Long Island for many years, owning a fine estate of about one hundred acres, of which he was justly proud. Ar- thur L. Downs, our subject, was reared in this town, and received a very fair education in the public schools, which was supplemented and en- riched by an attendance of some three years at the Union High School at Greenport and by a subsequent course at Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1889. Ever since leaving the university he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, holding that no education can be too complete and perfect for a man who is to live a life of honor, independence and useful- ness as a tiller of the soil.
In 1891 Mr. Downs was united in marriage with Florence Gifford, daugliter of Morgan Gif- ford, of Ithaca, N. Y., and of this marriage two children have been born, Linwood G., February 24, 1803, and a daughter December 11. 1805. Mlr. Downs is a Republican in politics, and is identified with the Presbyterian Church.
G FORGE L. WELLS. Among the well known and influential residents of Suf- folk County is the gentleman whose name introduces this life history. He is one of the successful farmers of the town of Riverhead, using the best methods of fertilizing the soil and
improving the land. His estate comprises forty acres and was formerly occupied by his father.
Mr. Wells was born July 12, 1842, on the place which is now his home. He had five brothers and sisters, he being the youngest of the family. Ilis parents were James and Ernest Augusta (Howell) Wells, well-to-do and respected citizens of this community, among whose residents they passed their entire lives. Joshua L. Wells, their eldest son, departed this life when in his sixty-fifth year; Lydia J. died at the age of fifty-eight years; Jane F. died when twenty-three years old; and two passed away in infancy. James Wells was a very intelligent gentleman and sought to develop him- self, as well as his agricultural interests, in the broadest and best direction. He was a believer in the principles of the Republican party and took an active interest in its success through life. During the War of 1812 he served as a patriot and acquitted himself honorably for his bravery. He lived to be eighty-two years old, and during his career met with substantial results in all his en- terprises. His wife, the mother of our subject. was also born in the town of Riverhead, and at the time of her death was seventy-eight years of age.
The subject of this sketch dutifully remained with his parents, caring for them in old age, until their deaths. He then inherited the old home- stead, upon which he has resided ever since. It is conveniently located within two and one-half miles of the county seat and has been placed un- der the best method of improvement. Mr. Wells has always identified himself with the best inter- ests of his town, and his biography, though well known, may still more firmly establish the record of his honorable and useful life.
The marriage of George L. Wells and Miss Mary T. Young was celebrated in the town of Southold, November 28, 1867. Mrs. Wells was the daughter of A. Monroe Young, a school teacher of the town of Southold. To them were born three sons, James Monroe, who died at the age of eleven years; G. Leroy, who is still at home; and Ernest Howard, who died when seven years old ... Mfr. Wells takes an active interest in the success of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its organization. He
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has never been desirous of holding office, as his time has been fully occupied in looking after his personal affairs. His industry and enterprise have won him prosperity, which he justly de- serves. His home is a very valuable tract and is considered one of the most attractive in the town. In religious affairs both Mr. and Mrs. Wells are conscientious members of the Congregational Church. The former has been Deacon of this or- ganization for about twelve years. Socially he is a Mason, belonging to Riverhead Lodge, and is also identified with the Royal Arcanum.
O LIVER A. TERRY was born in River- head, October 1, 1834. His father, Parinanus Terry, was born in 1806 witli- in three-quarters of a mile of Riverhead. He was a blacksmith during his entire active life. Prominent in the Congregational Church, he was at one time superintendent of the Sunday-school at East Quogue. He was much esteemed in the community, and, though his work was humble, the social life of that early and democratic time quickly recognized his manly worth and Christian character. He had a brother, Gilbert, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, and fairly won the only patent of nobility that American people recognize-the name of one who did patriotic service in the founding of this Republic. Isaac Terry, the grandfather of the subject of our writing, who was born in this county, was also a blacksmith by trade, and did patriotic service for his country as a soldier of the War of 1812. The mother of our subject, Mary Reeves, was a daughter of Nathan Reeves, of an old and hon- ored family in this county. She died December 31, 1886. A brother of our subject, Parmanus, was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York In- fantry, and was killed in battle.
At the early age of thirteen our subject was set to learning the blacksmith trade, and this has been the business to which he has devoted all the years of his life. He furnishes in his career an
illustration of steadiness and stability in this age of drift and uncertainty. He entered the shop to learn the trade, worked in it as a journeyman blacksmith, owned and operated it, doing busi- ness in one place all his active years. He has been County Overseer of the poor for a long time, and has served in the Fire Department for forty years, having been its chief for fifteen years. For several years he has been inspector of boilers, and held this position until the law was repealed. Socially, he was Master of the Masonic Lodge one term, has been a Royal Arch Mason for twenty years, and is Past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Congrega- tional Church, and politically has been a life- long Republican. He is a stockholder in the Suffolk County National Bank. In 1861 he mar- ried Isabella, daughter of Harvey Hallock. Their only living child married Laura Lane and is in business with his father.
W ILLIAM H. ROSS, M. D., is a familiar name to the people of Brentwood. He is a physician that ministers not only to the ills of the body, but carries with him an atmosphere of friendly interest, kindly spirit and unfailing good cheer that braces up and enlivens his patients, even before he says a word. Such men work an inestimable good in those com- munities, in which for years they are the real friends, wise counselors and progressive citizens of the community in which they live. The light of a true doctor of medicine shines far and wide, illuminating beyond the reach of his own vision. and perhaps helping those of whom he never heard.
Such a man is Dr. Ross, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Sparta, N. Y., the son of W. C. and Mary A. Ross. His early life was spent on the farm, but its laborious pursuits could not stifle that love of learning in his heart which drove him in after years to professional life and labors. He studied hard while still a young boy. and at seventeen years of age was fitted to enter
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the State Normal School at Geneseo, N. Y. From this school he passed to Columbia College, graduating in the class of '85, and three years later he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. That he might be broadly and thoroughly prepared for his chosen calling, he gave two and one-half years to the work of the Presbyterian Hospital as a member of the resi- dent staff. In 1890 he came to Brentwood, and, being pleased with the opportunities of the place, has since made his home there. This same year he was married to Miss Frances E. Dodge, who became the mother of two children. Hugh D., who died in infancy, and Gladys E., who is still living. Dr. Ross is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Presbyterian Church.
J OHN SMITH. The wonderful transforma- tion of Long Island from a wilderness of forests, sandy dunes, hunting grounds and fishing resorts into fertile farms, thrifty villages and populous cities, making the whole island one vast and beautiful park, has almost been accom- plished within the lifetime of the gentleman whose name is written at the introduction of this article. It has largely been by the labors of thrifty and intelligent farmers, seeking to put their lands to the best use, that the attention of the great world has been drawn to it, and men have come out by thousands from the cities that border upon its western extremity, to make their home far inland.
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John Smith, who is a farmer and gardener of the town of Babylon, is a native of this town, hay- ing been born within half a mile of the farm he is now so ably managing, December 6, 1824, and is the son of Stymest and Sarah (Ketcham) Smith. His father was born in Huntington, May 17. 1798, and followed farming all his life, be- ginning his business career with nothing but his brain and pluck, and closing with an ample com- petence. He had a family of four children, of which our subject was the second chill. His oldest brother, Daniel, is now living near East
Amityville, and his younger brother, Ezekiel, is tilling the old homestead. His sister Mary be- came Mrs. Elbert Austin, and died, leaving one child to mourn her loss. The father of our sub- ject was a man of some standing in his com- munity, being a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which he served as Trustee for many years. He was Commissioner of High- ways in his town for a long time, and acted gen- erally with the Democratic party. He passed away March 3, 1887, and is buried in the lower Melville Cemetery. His wife had died several years previously.
Our subject was a farmer's boy, and lived the free outdoor life that belongs to that fascinating period of a man's existence. He received what education he was able to obtain from a sub- scription school, and so, studying and helping his father, and hunting and fishing, he grew to manhood. After he had attained his majority. he worked for his father a year, receiving wages for his services. December 17, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary E. Van Sise, of Maneto Hill, which is now called Plainview. Mrs. Smith was born May 27, 1824, the daughter of Everett and Dorothy (Van Wastrand) Van Sise.
During the year that followed his marriage. Mr. Smith bought a farm of sixty-six acres with a small house on it. Twenty-five acres were cleared and ready for farming, and by the spring of the second year they were able to move into their own house, and begin life for themselves. From time to time they have added to the orig- inal tract, and here for half a century they have made their home. They have had their share of the sorrows and joys of life, and now, in the evening of their days, are able to contemplate a very substantial success. Four children came to bless their hearth and home, of whom Sarah E .. the eldest, died in infancy. Charles married Hannah Frances Ketcham, and resides in the neigliborhood. Sarah Emma became the wife of Chauncey E. Austin, and at her death left three children. Mary Frances married Harvey T. Austin, whose sketch appears elsewhere.
Our subject has generally voted the Demo- cratic ticket, but has never been an office-secker.
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Both he and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, where he has acted as class-leader for many years. The Smiths have long been residents of the island; John H. Smith, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born February 13, 1745, and was the son of an English- man who came to the island some years before. He had a family of nineteen children and served in the Revolutionary War.
J UDGE JOHN D. CAPEN. Nothing is truer than the broad statement that in this country alone, of all the great countries, a man's family connections do not assist him to `places of honor and trust, either professionally or in the political arena, but he must win his way by his own exertions or by his own honest merit. In the old country the accident of birth determines the preferment of an individual, and if he is not born to a title, or be not the near relative of one who is, his chances are few and far between to ever attain a position of prominence. This gov- ernment of the people is no discriminator of per- sons, but opens its doors wide for the entrance of all such as possess the requisite qualifications, and birth is by no means one of these. Judge John D. Capen, however, comes of an excellent family, and is a native of Connecticut, born at Willimantic, Windham County, October 23, 1832, son of John H. and Abby (Cook) Capen. The father was a manufacturer of cotton goods, and a man of excellent business acumen.
When ten years old John D. Capen was sent to boarding school in Boston, Mass., and two years later entered Monson Academy, in Cen- tral Massachusetts, where he remained until four- teen years old, the death of his mother then put- ting an end to his schooling. The next year, when about fifteen years old, he went to Brook- lyn, N. Y., and began clerking in a dry goods store. About one year later he began as clerk and salesman in a jobbing business in New York, and there remained until in his twenty-second year. He then embarked in business for him-
self, manufacturing soap and candles, and with the money he had saved, together with some help from his father, he met with success and car- ried on this industry until 1864.
On account of poor health our subject then re- tired from business, and, not knowing what the result of the war would be, concluded to save what means he had accumulated. He had made some investments in Amityville, and came here to live. After locating here he embarked in the real estate business, and has followed this up to the present time. While a resident of Brooklyn he was married, and is now the father of three children, two of whom are living. Politi- cally Judge Capen is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Fernando Wood when about seventeen years old, and for Pierce in 1852. When Babylon was cut off from Huntington there were three tickets in the field, and our sub- ject was a candidate for Justice of the Peace. He was elected, and in drawing lots for length of term he drew a one-year term. Since then he has been re-elected every four years, and has had many cases brought before him. Out of the few- that have been appealed but very few have been reversed. The Judge has thus become well ac- quainted with law, and is an excellent counselor, often settling the case without trial. He has served two terms as Justice of Sessions and six terms as Justice of the Peace.
J' OSIAH ROBBINS, Postmaster of the vil- lage of Bay Shore, where he has also con- ducted a general store and owns a farm, is one of the best known and most popular business then on tl:is side of the island. He has been here all his life, and has come into intimate contact with a liost of people, all of whom are liis per- sonal friends.
William Robbins, the father of our subject. who was a native of Dick's Hill, died some seven years ago. For the last forty years of his life he had been engaged in conducting a general store, and established the business which his son
GEORGE H. TERRY.
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is now carrying on in such an able and success- ful manner. He was quite a 'successful business man, taking high rank among the early mer- chants of the island, and died at the age of sev- enty. He was three times married, his first wife being Anne, a sister of Dr. Moubray, an old- timer in this community and a very wealthy man. She died leaving him one daughter, Julia. His second wife was Martha A. Jarvis, who was the mother of eight children, of whom all are dead but the subject of this article. His brothers and sisters were Selah, Edwin, Henry, Ella, Isabel and two others who died in infancy. The father's third wife, who is still living, was formerly Har- riet Petty.
Josiah Robbins, who was born October 7, 1852, was educated in the village school, and for two years attended a school in Hudson. When quite young he was put into the store, where he early manifested a special adaptiveness for mer- cantile affairs. He learned the business in all its details under his father's careful supervision, and when the latter had to give it up, he stepped into control and has handled it with much skill, born of long experience. He has a farm one mile from the village, which is much admired on ac- count of the thorough and systematic manner in which it is carried on, and which embraces one hundred and ten acres, he personally manag- ing it.
April 24, 1872, our subject was married to Ella Blydenburg, who has borne him three children. The oldest of these is Edmund, who is now as- sociated with his father in the store, and appears as junior partner in the business. William, who is at school, is a strong and sturdy lad of eighteen. Evelyn is at home. Of our subject it can fairly be said, as it can be of few men, that he has been sticcessful in almost everything to which he has put his hand. Under the administration of Presi- dent Harrison he was appointed Postmaster and till holds this position, although he recognizes the probability of his early displacement. In local politics he is active, as, indeed, he is in all that relates to the welfare of the village in which he makes his home. For two terms he has been Supervisor of the town, and is now a Trustee on
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the School Board. Socially, he is an active Mason, and is also an Odd Fellow of good stand- ing. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and that religious body com- mands his active assistance. He handles real es- tate on an extensive scale, buying and selling farms, and has shown much skill in transactions of this character. Personally he is an affable and genial gentleman, and one of the popular and successful men of the place.
G EORGE H. TERRY is descended from one of the influential old families of Long Island, who have been the founders of its present prosperity and development. He owns one of the best farms in Suffolk County, and has been - financially interested in many enterprises of importance in his community. He is now one of the Trustees of the Southold Savings Bank, a reliable institution, which does a large business with the farmers and prominent business men of the neighborhood.
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