USA > New York > Portrait gallery of the Chamber of Commerce of the state of New-York : catalogue and biographical sketches > Part 10
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Mr. KINGSLAND had eight children, several of whom survive and are well known in business and social circles.
ANSON G. PHELPS.
ANSON G. PHELPS became a member of the Chamber of Commerce May 3d, 1825, when it occupied rooms in the "Tontine Coffee House," on the northwest corner of Wall and Water streets.
His ancestors were among the first settlers of Connecticut. Two or more in the maternal line were early pastors of the Colonists-one of them, Rev. TIMOTHY WOODBRIDGE, being settled over the First Church in Hartford.
Mr. PHELPS was born in Simsbury, March, 1781. His father joined the Revolutionary army almost at the out- break of hostilities, and served throughout the war. Much of the time he was an officer under General GREENE, and he named this son ANSON GREENE, in memory of his old commander. Captain THOMAS PHELPS returned from the army broken in health, and with only worthless Continental money for his seven years' service. His wife, like the wives of many other officers and soldiers during this struggle for independence, had been compelled to support herself during most of the war. She was a woman of resolute spirit, much refinement, earnest piety and of su- perior education for that period.
Both parents having died before he was eleven years of age, the orphan boy was placed in the family of a minister in the neighboring village of Canton. He helped the min- ister in taking care of his farm, and also worked in the shop and store of an older brother of his own. At eighteen he found employment in Hartford at an establishment for the manufacture and sale of saddlery and trunks, and soon developed a marked aptitude for business. When he had reached twenty-one he was sent, during the winter, to Charleston, South Carolina, to secure a wider market for these goods. The visits were repeated for three or four
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seasons, and he then opened a store in Hartford for a general business on his own account, carrying it on for several years. During this time he married OLIVIA EG- GLESTON, a descendant of OLIVER OLCOTT, one of the original founders of the city.
In 1815 he removed to New-York and established himself as a dealer in metals. He was unusually successful, and extended his transactions in various directions. For a long time he was agent and part owner of the old line of packets running to Charleston. Later on he formed a partnership with ELISHA PECK, and the firm of PHELPS & PECK, to aid in paying for the metals they imported, became large purchasers and shippers of cotton to England. They also manufactured wire at Haverstraw on the Hudson. In 1832 their warehouse, at the corner of Fulton and Cliff streets, fell in from excessive weight of tin and cotton, and several clerks and workmen were killed. Soon after this catas- trophe the firm was dissolved, and Mr. PHELPS associated with himself his two sons-in-law, WILLIAM E. DODGE and DANIEL JAMES, the latter going to Liverpool to carry on the business under the title of PHELPS, JAMES & Co., while the New-York house took the name of PHELPS, DODGE & Co. A copper mill in connection with the business was established at Birmingham, Conn., and sub- sequently the advantageous water-power of the Naugatuck River was utilized somewhat above this point, and a mill planted there for the manufacture of brass kettles.
This was the beginning of the present flourishing town of Ansonia, so called from the given name of Mr. PHELPS. The original factory has grown into larger establishments, one of which is the " Ansonia Clock Company." In addition to his other undertakings, Mr. PHELPS became also exten- sively interested in pine lands in Pennsylvania.
When he first came to New-York he resided on Broadway, near Fulton-street, and opposite St. Paul's Church. He afterwards moved into Beekman-street, for greater quiet, and to enjoy a spacious fruit garden. Still later, he occupied a dwelling-house in Cliff, between Fulton and John streets,
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at that time a retired neighborhood, devoted exclusively to private residences.
He made large purchases of real estate in the upper part of the City, on the East River, at the foot of 30th to 34th streets. On a portion of this property there stood the old Hossack mansion, surrounded by gardens, which ran down to the bold and rocky bank of the river. Here Mr. PHELPS spent the last years of his life, and here, not long after returning from a journey to Europe for his failing health, he died, November 30th, 1853, at the age of seventy-three.
Mr. PHELPS was not only known as a merchant who had enjoyed a remarkable career of prosperity, and acquired large wealth, but he had also a wide reputation as a public benefactor and Christian philanthropist.
He was President of the New-York Asylum for the Blind, and also the Branch of the Colonization Society, established in the State of New-York. He took a special interest in the Republic of Liberia, and believed it could be made an effective instrumentality in carrying Christian civilization into the interior of Africa.
He was a manager of the American Bible Society, the American Tract Society, the Seamen's Friends Society, and of the Peace Society. He was likewise a liberal pro- moter of Foreign and Home Missions, of Temperance, Sunday Schools and similar organizations. His will con- tained bequests for charitable and religious purposes ex- ceeding $500,000.
He was a man of simple habits and wholly averse to dis- play. He loved to accumulate, both from an ambition to achieve large results, and also because it was his distinct purpose and pleasure to use his means for the good of his fellow men and the promotion of the Kingdom of GOD. He was long a member of the old " Brick Church," stand- ing on the site now occupied by the Times building, and then under the charge of Rev. GARDINER SPRING, D. D. He subsequently aided in founding the Mercer-street Church, whose pastor, at the time of Mr. PHELPS' death, Rev. GEORGE L. PRENTISS, D. D., describes him as having a strong and original character, remarkable for self-reliance,
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an iron will, solid and comprehensive judgment, a sagacious power of combination and forecast, untiring perseverance, good common sense, and possessing a constitution capable of immense labor and endurance.
He had a broad, firmly knit frame, with a commanding presence, and a face full of mingled firmness and benevo- lence. His domestic life exhibited strong and tender affections, intelligent and pervading piety, and a solemn sense of personal responsibility to GOD.
He left an only son, bearing his father's name, and four married daughters. His wife survived him a few years.
GEORGE T. HOPE.
GEORGE T. HOPE, a distinguished Underwriter, born September 20th, 1818, in the town of Hopewell, Orange County, N. Y., where he passed his childhood and early youth, died July 27th, 1885, at his home in Bay Ridge, Long Island.
From his father, REUBEN HOPE, born in England, of Huguenot parentage, and his mother, a daughter of a soldier of the American Revolution, the subject of our sketch inherited qualities of mind and heart which were the antecedent possibility of his subsequent distinction. While yet a youth his family became resident in the City of New-York, where his business career was accomplished. He was married in 1844 to Miss AMELIA HAYS, who, with their four children, two sons and two daughters, survives him.
He began his business life as a clerk in the Jefferson Fire Insurance Company of New-York, at the age of sixteen, and in that position so won the esteem of the directors for ability and integrity that he was promoted to the office of Secretary of that Company when he was but little more than seventeen years of age. In this office he remained with increasing credit to himself and satisfaction to his Company for nearly seventeen years. During this
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period his superior abilities and untiring industry made him master of his profession, and pre-eminently helpful in all organized effort for promoting the efficiency and stability of insurance incorporations, while his conscien- tious judgment and decision of character qualified him for leadership in all the relations of his business. He served as an active member of the New-York Volunteer Fire Department for several years, in order that he might learn by personal observation the perils of the business to which he was devoted, and the exposure to overwhelming disaster to property owners which constantly menaced them. This experience led him, in connection with other officers and managers of Insurance Companies, to secure the adoption of measures of reform in the construction of buildings, and of methods of defence against conflagrations, such as an ample supply of water and steam fire apparatus, &c., and these public benefits have proven to be of inestimable value and importance, not only to the City of New-York, but to other cities of our country also. In respect of his practical efficiency in the line of his profession, it may be said with emphasis, that he was not only "abreast of his time," but a pioneer in the march of reform and improvement. At the close of 1852 the organization of the Continental [Fire] Insurance Company of New-York was consummated. The incorporators of this Company were among the most prominent business men of New-York, who, feeling the want of adequate indemnity against loss by fire, by which the City was constantly menaced, and by which the prosperity of its mercantile interests was embarrassed, determined to establish a Company which would be equal to the demand felt. The capital was fixed at $500,000, nearly double the paid-up capital of any other Company in New-York. Mr. HOPE was induced to leave the position he had filled so acceptably and for so long a period in the Jefferson, and become the Secretary of the new Continental Company, in which office he continued until May, 1857, when he was elected President of the Company, in place of its first President, the Hon. WILLIAM V. BRADY, who resigned. An implied condition of Mr. HOPE's acceptance
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of the office of Secretary was, that the Continental would, at a proper time in the future, adopt what he regarded a most important system of business, which is known as the "Participation Plan," by which patrons of the Company were made to participate in the profits of the Company's business, without incurring any liability whatever. This plan had been thoroughly elaborated by Mr. HOPE some years prior to this time, and he sought to give it practical effect. It was adopted by the Company, and went into operation July 1st, 1856 ; was prosecuted with remarkable success until, by the great conflagration in Chicago, in October, 1871, the soundness of the system was grandly proven, and its importance clearly demonstrated, by the preservation unimpaired of the reputation and solvency of the Company, while it paid one hundred cents to the dollar for every just claim, for losses aggregating more than $1,750,000, three and a half times its capital ; neither of which results could have been realized without that husbanding of resources which the "Participation Plan," the outcome of Mr. HOPE's sagacity, was intended to accomplish.
Devotedly attached to their chief officer, and proud of the splendid record the Company had made under his ad- ministration, the stockholders promptly adopted the re- commendation of their officers and directors to re-inforce the position of the Company by doubling the amount of its capital, and paying into its funds the required sum of $500,000 within ninety days. About one year later the great fire in Boston occurred, inflicting upon the Conti- nental a loss of $500,000. Here, again, the sturdy confidence of the Company in its chief was indicated by submitting to an assessment of forty per cent. upon its new capital, which required the payment of $400,000 more into its funds. On these occasions of stupendous disaster stock- holders and other capitalists displayed their remarkable confidence in the reliability of the Company's management by subscribing in each instance more than twice the sum needed to meet the requirement.
To these distinguishing features of management must be
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added what is known as " the New-York Surplus Law," under the operation of which, profits of a Company's business (which under the statute may be divided in cash to stockholders) are deposited with the Superintendent of the Insurance Department as protection to those policy- holders who are not involved, in case of an overwhelming conflagration. The wisdom, equity, conservatism and liber- ality of this valuable addition to the Insurance laws of our State would, of itself, perpetuate the honored memory of the underwriter to whom its existence is mainly due.
Notwithstanding the numberless exactions of his posi- tion, he found time for thought and helpful effort in con- nection with many important organizations, commercial, social and religious, to which he was chosen by the partial- ity of his acquaintances. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce from 1857 up to the time of his death, Presi- dent of the American Baptist Publication Society, and a member of other kindred societies.
Such was the subject of our sketch as he was known to those with whom he became associated in his business. But that would be a very inadequate presentation of our subject, which should fail to notice that excellences of character which appeared in him in his intercourse with men in business, were the practical expressions of social, moral and religious qualities, which were the constituent characteristics of the man. The ideal of true manliness entertained by him was exalted. It implied a social order requiring personal probity, intellectual culture, commercial uprightness and refinement of manners ; a moral code which was no other than the Decalogue ; and a religious life whose absolute impersonation was He who, " while in the world, was the light of the world," and whose word of inspiration was, " Follow thou Me."
JEREMIAH P. ROBINSON.
JEREMIAH POTTER ROBINSON was born in South Kings- town, Rhode Island, August 18th, 1819, and entered into
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rest at Brooklyn, August 26th, 1886. To his loving friends this sculptured record of such a life seems as cold and heartless as the marble or granite on which it is inscribed. And when the history in its fuller details is all completed, the hunger of the heart will still remain unsatisfied. Mr. ROBINSON was a lineal descendant of men famous in the annals of New-England. If we go back six generations we find Governor WILLIAM ROBINSON, thrifty, revered and honored among the high officials of the State; and all down the line the record of the family is almost equally illustrious. GEORGE C. ROBINSON followed commerce on the sea, and was suddenly called from earthly life at Canton, China, at the age of 32, leaving five small chil- dren, of whom JEREMIAH was the eldest, to the care of the young mother, without the fortune he hoped to acquire for them in his life of adventure.
The boy remained with his maternal grandfather, JERE- MIAH NILES POTTER, who owned a large landed estate in South Kingstown, until he was twelve years of age, growing strong and sturdy in labor upon the farm, and receiving only such education as was given in the common schools of that day. He then served a little over two years in the grocery store of his uncle at Newport, spent two years more working in the field, and, at the age of sixteen, wringing a reluctant consent from his anxious mother, he came to New-York. This goal of his aspirations in 1836 was widely different from the great metropolis of the present day, but it always gave a chilling welcome to those who came to seek their fortunes at its hands, and its honors and gains were never to be had except by patient, persevering toil, and a pluck and energy that will not be denied. This temper and these gifts the boy brought with him, and by their exercise he wrought for himself a home for his adventurous feet.
After a long weary search in quest of employment, he at last found a situation in the store of E. P. & A. WOOD- RUFF, dealers in fish, salt and provisions. All that was promised him for his toil, early and late, and his untiring devotion to his employers' interests, was his board in the
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family of one of them, and he was to furnish his own wardrobe. But he was not daunted, and he rendered such faithful and intelligent service that he soon won for himself a more lucrative position. Many eyes were upon him, noticing his skill and fidelity, and he received many tempt- ing offers to change his quarters, but he clung to the one establishment, and after four years became so essential to the business that he was taken into partnership. He was soon the real head of the firm, and continued so through all the changes of its members by death and retirement.
The story of his sagacity and enterprise in developing the river front of Brooklyn is too long to be told in this brief sketch. His association with the late WILLIAM BEARD in the purchase and improvement of warehouse and dock property, and the construction of the Erie Basin, which have added so largely to the commercial prosperity of the City in which he built his home, gave a fresh direction to his business activity, and largely augmented a fortune already ample for his support. He was also interested in the great East River Suspension Bridge, and was one of the pioneers in the promotion of that successful enterprise. From first to last, he was always the same active, wise, energetic man of business, kind and liberal to his workmen and employees, and true to all the interests committed to his hands.
This is but the bald outline of a career that was one unbroken success from boyhood to his maturer years ; and it fails, after all, in revealing the man as he was cherished in the hearts of those who knew him best. In person, he was broad shouldered, deep chested, comely in face. dignified in his bearing, but in his home was gentle and simple-hearted as a child. He was broad and liberal in his charities. He never acquired a dollar by those methods which increase the fortunes of so many who count their gains in millions. His enterprises were all in the line of legitimate business. His activities, if they brought gain to himself, were also useful to others, and every dollar of the large estate he left was honestly and fairly earned.
He had a strong helping hand for his fellows, in times of
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financial peril and distress, and he stood in the community as a tower of strength and support in the days of business depression, when the hearts of so many failed them for fear. He did not grew hard and selfish as his riches increased, but more thoughtful and considerate of the welfare of others, with every added year of personal prosperity, and, down to the close of his earthly service, he maintained a name unsullied by a single stain.
Better still, and glowing with Heaven's own radiance, was his religious life and character. With deep humility and a generous forbearance in his treatment of others, he was always the consistent Christian gentleman. He was loyal to his faith, and was never ashamed to avow his attachment to truth and righteousness. But no pen can do full justice to such a life and character. Nor is a por- trait needed for those who knew and loved him. They miss his firm and manly step, and the warm grasp of his friendly hand, but his memory is a constant presence both in the cherished home and the business circles adorned with his bright example. His widow followed him to the land of rest a few weeks since, leaving four affectionate children to mourn the departure of a fond and faithful mother. But they have a priceless inheritance in the radiance of a life no shadow can ever cloud. Its light went not out at the evening hour, but amid the golden glories of its setting sun it took on the immortality of an endless day .- DAVID M. STONE.
THOMAS B. CODDINGTON.
THOMAS BUTLER CODDINGTON was born at Perth Amboy, New-Jersey, December 5th, 1814. He was the son of JOHN and MARTHA CODDINGTON, and a descendant of WILLIAM CODDINGTON, the first Governor of Rhode Island. During his infancy his father was lost at sea, and when he was but seven years old his mother died, leaving two sons, DAVID, who lived only to attain the age of eighteen, and THOMAS,
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the subject of this sketch. After the death of his mother, a woman of more than ordinary character and intellect, he was cared for and educated by an only uncle, and his grandmother CODDINGTON. When about fifteen years of age, he came to New-York, and went into the office of JAMES A. MOORE, a white lead merchant, who took a marked interest in the boy, and during the few years he was with him, his house was open to him as a home. When about eighteen, having been provided with letters of introduction, he started for New-Orleans, but the cholera breaking out there, he returned in less than a year to New- York, and engaged in a commission business. In the year 1835 he formed the firm of T. B. CODDINGTON & Co., establishing himself in Broad-street in the metal business. The following year he married ALMIRA PRICE, daughter of the Rev. ELIPHALET PRICE, a Presbyterian Minister.
For a short time he made his home in Brooklyn, but subsequently removed to New-York. In 1854 he added the importation of bar iron and steel to that of metals, and later established a house in Liverpool, England, under the same firm name. In 1869 he went to England, and for several years resided with his family in London, returning to New-York in 1876. So long as he lived, he maintained his connection with the business he had founded, which had increased in magnitude and importance, until his firm had become widely known as one of the foremost houses in the metal trade.
During his business career of more than half a century, Mr. CODDINGTON displayed in an eminent degree the qualities which distinguished and adorned the best mer- chants of his time. He was remarkable for the quickness of his perceptions, his promptitude in action, and the courage and cheerfulness with which he met all the vicissi- tudes of commercial life ; and, while his high character and abilities commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he was brought in contact, his genial disposition, the kindness of his heart, and his ready sym- pathy and helpfulness, won their friendliness and regard.
His energy and sagacity, and his wide acquaintance
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with men and affairs, caused his services to be desired by many corporations and societies, and led to his co-operation with them in an official capacity.
Mr. CODDINGTON was a religious man, and the influence of his unobtrusive faith was manifest in his life. He was a member and a vestryman of Grace Church, this City, to which he was strongly attached, and took an active interest in diocesan affairs, and in those of the Church at large. For many years he was a Trustee and Treasurer of the Trinity Public Schools, and, at the time of his death, was Treasurer of the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.
In all such relations he manifested the same ability and efficiency that characterized his conduct in other affairs of life, and made him a valuable counsellor and coadjutor in all the enterprises in which he was engaged.
Mr. CODDINGTON was a man of fine presence and unusual physical strength, and although he was then in his seventy- second year, his death, on the 23d of February, 1886, after a brief illness, was a surprise as well as a great grief to his many friends. He has left behind him an honored name, and a memory which is grateful to all who knew him.
GEORGE W. BLUNT.
GEORGE WILLIAM BLUNT was born in Newburyport, Mass., March 11th, 1802, and died in this City, April 19th, 1878, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His father, EDMUND MARCH BLUNT, was a writer on nautical subjects, and the author and publisher of "BLUNT's Coast Pilot," the first edition of which was issued in 1796, and subsequent- ly translated into most of the European languages. When his father retired from the management, GEORGE WILLIAM continued the publication until 1866, when it was sold to the Government. Mr. BLUNT followed the sea before he was fourteen years old, and gave considerable study to navigation. In 1822 he began business as a publisher
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of charts and nautical works, at the corner of Water and Fulton streets, in a building which stood on the site where the United States Hotel now stands. The business was moved from there to Water-street and Maiden Lane, and subsequently to Water-street and Burling Slip, and there continued, by EDMUND and GEORGE W. BLUNT, until 1866. The latter assisted his brother, EDMUND, in the surveys of New-York Harbor, Bahama Banks and George's Shoals, all of which were made on private account. The United States Coast Survey was not then in active operation. In 1834 Mr. BLUNT called the attention of the United States Government to the superiority of the Fresnel light for use in light-houses, and, upon the request of his brother, EDMUND, this light was subsequently adopted, and in 1852 the present Light-house Board was organized.
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