USA > New York > Dutchess County > The history of Dutchess County, New York > Part 62
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Chanler. He is a member of the leading clubs of New York, among the list being the Manhattan, Democratic, Knickerbocker, Brook, Union, Racquet and Tennis, Tuxedo, Church, New York Yacht, Bar Association, St. Nicholas Society and Dutchess County Society. He is also prominent in Masonic circles, being Master of Holland Lodge No. 8, F. & A. M., and a committeeman of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York.
In 1891 he made his debut in politics and organized the Chanler Democratic Club in his home town of Red Hook and in the same year he was chosen a member of the County Committee. In 1896 he was a delegate to the Democratic State Con- vention and a member of the sub-committee on platform.
At the November election of 1903, he was elected to the Board of Supervisors of Dutchess county, from Red Hook, and has been continuously reelected a member of the Board.
In the fall of 1906, Mr. Chanler was elected Lieutenant-Governor for the State of New York and assumed that office on January 1, 1907.
In 1908 Mr. Chanler was the unanimous choice of the Democratic Party for Gov- ernor, and conducted a gallant but unsuccessful fight against Gov. Charles E. Hughes.
CLINTON W. CLAPP, a retired citizen of Wappingers Falls, N. Y., was born in that village May 28, 1831. He is a descendant of Thomas Clapp, who was born in Weymouth, England, in 1597, and a son of Benjamin and Ruth (Houghton) Clapp, who located at Wappingers Falls in 1828. Benjamin Clapp acquired exten- sive real estate holdings in his adopted village, and erected a large stone factory which was used for the manufacture of combs and for calico printing. He effected many improvements in the village, and became one of Dutchess county's represen- tative citizens. Clinton W. Clapp supplemented his preliminary education with a course at the New York Mechanical Institute. He has been interested in various enterprises of his native place, and conforming to his mechanical taste constructed a steam yacht and a pipe organ.
May 23, 1854 Mr. Clapp married Catherine J. Samons, and they became the par- ents of the following children: Benjamin F., deceased; George M .; Warren H., de- ceased; Charles L .; Walter C., and Jason E. Mrs. Clapp died January 13, 1871. For his second wife Mr. Clapp chose Nettie Ecroyd; she died April 17, 1889. July 1, 1890, Mr. Clapp married Charlotte Crosier, and two children were born to them: Irving, and Rhoda May. Mrs. Clapp, 3rd, died August 4, 1897.
Mr. Clapp has taken an active interest in public affairs and was twice elected a member of the Board of Supervisors. He was also elected Justice of the Peace, and served two terms as Chief of the Fire Department. For four years he was president of the Wappingers Falls Cemetery Association, and is now treasurer of the same. He is a charter member and trustee of the Grinnell Library Association. In religious belief Mr. Clapp is a Baptist, and has always been active in the affairs of this church. He has been a student of local history, and the Town of Wappinger of this publication is from his pen.
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HENRY D. CLARK, a leading citizen of the town of Northeast, Dutchess coun- ty, was born June 28, 1850, a son of Hiram and Mary (Richter) Clark, and a great grandson of Ezra Clark a native of Plainfield, Conn., who purchased 200 acres in the north east part of Dutchess county in 1795. The family for four generations have been prominent in business, political and social affairs of that locality.
Hiram Clark, a son of Douglas and Elizabeth (Wiggins) Clark, was born in 1824. He was engaged for some years in the breeding of fine horses. Among other enter- prises in which he was interested was the founding of the Millerton National Bank.
His eldest son, Henry D. was educated at Amenia Seminary and at Marlboro, Mass. Politically he is a Democrat and for many years has been a leader in the affairs of that party in his native town. With his brother John W. he inherited the homestead farm of 400 acres, and conducts an extensive dairy business.
COL. HENRY F. CLARK, the recognized dean of the dental profession of Dutchess County, and widely famous for his many inventions, for his expert mark- manship with the rifle, and for his long and useful career as a National Guardsman, was born in the town of Hyde Park in 1839. As a boy his favorite studies were natural philosophy and mathematics.
In a spirit of adventure he went to New York at the age of seventeen, and became an apprentice in a drug store. In 1859 he began the study of dentistry in Pough- keepsie, and in 1863 Dr. Clark opened an office in this city for the practice of his. chosen profession. His career may be easily traced by the medals and diplomas awarded to him for the splendid specimens of his dental handiwork sent to various. national exhibitions.
To-day Dr. Clark takes the same pride in pursuing his private practice in this: city as he ever did, and continues foremost in devising further improvement and development.
In 1862 he became a member of Company A, 21st Regiment, was soon elected a Lieutenant, and steadily arose through the intermediate grades to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1876. He resigned in 1878 in order that he might devote more time to long range rifle practice. He became an expert and an authority on the rifle, and was selected by the National Rifle Association of America in 1880 to represent it at Dollymount, Ireland, in the great international rifle match, in which his success made him famous as a rifle shot throughout the world.
In 1886 he was appointed Assistant Quartermaster General with the rank of Colonel, by Governor Hill. During the same year he went to Europe to represent the company which had been named to exploit his inventions.
He resumed the practice of his profession in Poughkeepsie in 1896.
Dr. Clark's success is easily attributable to his indomitable perseverance, to his masterly knowledge of his profession, together with a genius for improving upon, everything that comes under his hand.
GEORGE H. CODDINGTON, M. D., of Amenia, N. Y., was born at Egremont, Mass. in 1854. After graduating from Egremont Academy he taught school for two years, and then took up the study of medicine with Dr. Henry M. Knight, in
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lieu with Dr. John C. Shaw. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York in 1881. After spending some months in the King's County Hospital at Flatbush as assistant physician, and also at the King's County Insane Asylum, he took up his residence at Amenia in 1882, where he has since been ac- tively engaged in the practice of his profession.
March 23, 1883 Dr. Coddington was united in marriage with Miss Irene H. Warn- er of Southbury, Conn., and to them have been born two children: Joel H. and De- sault Guernsey.
EDWARD A. CONGER, Assistant District Attorney of Dutchess county, was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and educated in St. Mary's School and the Poughkeep- sie High School. After completing his legal studies at the New York Law School he was admitted to the Bar, June, 1904. Mr. Conger was appointed to his present office, January 1, 1907. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Pough- keepsie Club, and treasurer of the Poughkeepsie High School Alumni Association which was formed for the purpose of assisting graduates through college.
FREDERICK L. CONKLIN, attorney, of Millerton, N. Y., was born at Copaac Lake, January 12, 1879. He was educated in the public schools of his native place and at Claverack College, graduating from the New York University in 1902. The same year he was admitted to the Bar, and took up his residence at Millerton April. 1, 1903.
Politically Mr. Conklin is a Democrat and the leader of that party in a Republican stronghold of the town of Northeast. Socially he is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.
WILLIAM JAMES CONKLIN, M. D. was born at Cornwall, N. Y., January 28, 1846. His father was Dr. Peter Elting Conklin, who practiced medicine in Corn- wall for more than a quarter of a century. His mother was Sarah M. Slater, born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. in 1808, the daughter of James Slater, Sr., who was born at Lynn, England in 1764 and Elizabeth Perkins, born at Spalding, Lincolnshire, Eng- land.
They lived in Poughkeepsie for many years, were prominent members of the Baptist Church and died there in 1828. His grandfather, David Conklin was a leading resident of Cornwall. He married Ann Roe, whose ancestor John Roe settled in Long Island in 1655. The Roe family were prominently associated with the history of Cornwall for many years.
Dr. William James Conklin's early education was obtained in the public schools of Cornwall and at the Cornwall Collegiate Institute and for two years at Madison now Colgate University at Hamilton, N. Y. He took a course in Eastman's Busi- ness College, Poughkeepsie, and followed mercantile pursuits for a time but in 1867 began the study of medicine and in 1870 graduated from the Medical department of the University of the City of New York. Since March 17, 1870 he has practiced medicine in Fishkill, N. Y. He has been a permanent member of the New York State Medical Society for twenty years and is President of the Medical Society of
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Dutchess County of which he has been a member for thirty-seven years. He has held various offices in Fishkill, outside of his profession, viz., president of the Board of Education, of which he was a member for eighteen years, director of the First National Bank of Fishkill Landing for fifteen years, Health Officer of the Town of Fishkill, and for six years one of the Coronors of the County. He is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. and A. M.
His sympathies and influence have always been on the side of progress. He was one of the incorporators of the Fishkill Electric R. R .; is a director and is Vice- President of the company. He is also largely interested in the Citizens Railroad Light and Power Co., and the Southern Dutchess Gas and Electric Co., of which he is a director.
For many years he has been and is now, one of the Examiners for the Board of Pensions of Dutchess County and Health Officer for the Village of Fishkill.
In 1875, he married Barbara Etta Walcott, whose father, Halsey Foster Walcott has been prominently associated with the interests of Fishkill since 1845. He is ninety-two years of age and is still deeply interested, not only in the affairs of his own township, but in the current events of the world as recorded in the daily papers which he always reads. He is the oldest member of Beacon Lodge F. & A. M. which he joined in 1853; he was Justice of the Peace in Fishkill for twenty years and has held many public offices in Fishkill. Her mother, Jane H., was the daughter of Joseph Bogardus and both were well known residents of Fishkill from 1833 until their death in that place ;- the former in 1894-the latter in 1859.
The three sons of Doctor and Barbara E. W. Conklin are Foster Walcott, who died in early childhood; William Elting, a Civil Engineer, graduated from Cornell Uni- versity, who has spent the past five years as assistant Engineer in the construction of street railways and other public works in the Philippine Islands, and Clarence Joseph, who is Chief Clerk in the Overcharge division of the New York Central R. R. Freight Claim department.
ELIAS COOKINGHAM, a prominent agriculturist residing in Staatsburgh, N. Y. was born July 28, 1869, and was educated in the public schools of the town of Hyde Park, which was supplemented by a course in an educational institution at Hacketts- town. In public affairs Mr. Cookingham has held the office of Road Commissioner two terms, and has served as a member of the Staatsburgh Board of Education for a period of five years.
JACOB CORLIES, for fifteen years president of the First National Bank of Poughkeepsie, is the only son of the late George Corlies, who was very active in the development of what is now the leading residential section of Poughkeepsie.
Jacob Corlies was born April 4, 1830, and received his education at the Friends' Boarding School, kept by Samuel Smith on Mansion Square. He then went to New York, and was for a time engaged in the hosiery business. Mr. Corlies returned to Poughkeepsie in 1854, and was associated with his father in the development and management of his extensive real estate interests. At the sale of the Worral property in 1869 he and Andrew King purchased a tract of forty-two acres on the
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north side of Main street, and George Innis purchased a similar tract adjoining to the eastward. Innis Avenue was laid out between the two, and Corlies Avenue Maple Street and King Street on the first tract mentioned. This property is now being rapidly built up.
In 1867 Mr. Corlies became a director of the First National Bank, and in 1894 succeeded Robert Slee as president of this institution. He has been a trustee of the Savings Bank since 1887.
In public life Mr. Corlies has served the city in the capacity of Alderman, and al- so as a member of the Alms House Board and the Board of Education.
September 6, 1855, Mr. Corlies married Edith W. Haines of New York, and four children were born to them; Franklin H., Eliza, George and Walter.
ISAAC MARTENSE CORNELL, physician and surgeon; was born at Defreest- ville, Rensselaer Co. N. Y., April 26, 1851, a son of Rev. William Augustus and Helen Maria (Wyckoff) Cornell. His mother was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Van Deventer) Wyckoff of New Brunswick, N. J. His father was a son of Isaac Cornell and his wife Elizabeth Hoffman, who was a daughter of William and De- borah (Le Roy) Hoffman and a grandson of Pieter Cornel, who married Maria (Meserole) Martense, widow of Isaac Martense, and a daughter of Jacob and Jannetije (Stryker) Meserole, and a granddaughter of Pieter and Jannetije (Mar- tense) Stryker. Shortly after the American Revolution Pieter Cornel and his wife came from Long Island to Dutchess County, N. Y., and settled in the Town of La- grange, where he bought a farm of 400 acres. The Cornell family has been long resident in America and connected with many of the foremost families of the Col- onial period. Dr. Cornell was educated at Carey and Pelham Institutes, Pough- keepsie, and then began the study of medicine with Dr. Stephen S. Green of La- grangeville, Dutchess County (who later moved to Buffalo, N. Y.). In 1873 he entered the Medical Department of New York University, being graduated as M. D., in 1877. After his graduation he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and for sometime practiced with his preceptor Dr. Green; then resided at New Hamburg, N. Y., and in the spring of 1878 settled at Wappingers Falls. He was health officer of the Town of Poughkeepsie, 1878; and health officer of the Town of Wappingers, 1883-86. Dr. Cornell is a member of the Dutchess County Medical Society, the Medical Society of the State of New York, the American Medical Association, the General Alumni Society of New York University, and of Wappingers Masonic Lodge, and is also a trustee of the Wappinger Savings Bank. He is a Republican in politics and a Presbyterian in his religious affiliation. Dr. Cornell has been twice married, first October 30, 1878, to Kate E. Dorland daughter of Hon. Peter Dorland and his wife Catharine E. Miller of Poughkeepsie, who died July 29, 1880, and second June 6, 1883, to Elizabeth Woolsey Harcourt daughter of Joseph D. Harcourt and his wife Mary Ellen Woolsey of Wappingers Falls, by whom he has one son, Martense. Harcourt Cornell (born December 26, 1884).
J. M. CRONK, M. D., was born in Suydam, Columbia county, August 8, 1867 After finishing his studies at Claverack College he took up the study of medicine at
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Columbia University, graduating in the year 1888, and has since been engaged in practice at Hyde Park, N. Y.
In 1893 Dr. Cronk was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Palmer of Matteawan, N. Y.
He is a member of the American Medical Association; the New York State Medi- cal Society; the Dutchess County Medical Society and the Dutchess Club. He is also a member of the Board of Health of Hyde Park, and Health Officer of the town.
MILTON E. CURTISS was born in the village of Kendall, Orleans County, N. Y., November 15, 1837, but the greater part of his life was spent in Dutchess County. He was educated in the schools of western New York, and after a course in a Pough- keepsie business college, he became teller in the Poughkeepsie National Bank (now the Poughkeepsie Trust Co.) and from there in 1869, he came, with the highest recommendations, to the First National Bank of Fishkill Landing.
Early and late he continued for thirty-nine years his duties at this institution, respected by every one with whom he came in contact. His services as Cashier proved what a vast stock of knowledge and good common sense he possessed. He was well versed in the banking business and the present high standard of the local institution is in a great measure due to his good judgment.
In the fall of 1889 Mr. Curtiss was stricken with nervous prostration. He was benefited by a trip abroad, and upon his return continued his work at the bank un- til his recent death. Only those who had the privilege of knowing Mr. Curtiss in- timately could fully appreciate his finer qualities. He was a man of the greatest conscientiousness. Never robust in health, he did not allow physical weakness to hinder him from doing his duty. In his hours of relaxation he greatly enjoyed reading the best and noblest books. He was in sympathy with whatever tended to uplift humanity.
Mr. Curtiss was an officer in the Dutch Reformed Church for over thirty years, and a teacher in its Sunday-school for much of that time. For thirty-six years he was a member of Beacon Lodge, No. 283, F. & A. M.
We quote, in part, an appreciation of Mr. Curtiss from the pen of his friend, Joel Benton: "The death of Mr. Curtiss would have been startling from the deep sense of loss that it awakened, even if it had not been so sudden and unlooked for. For he had filled for nearly forty years in Fishkill a large position, and one of uncommon responsibility, with rare success and discretion. He had come, in fact, to know its needs and difficulties in a way, and with a thoroughness that was remarkable and almost unexampled. Its duties were to him, indeed, paramount; not to be care- lessly disposed of, or in the slightest way neglected: but to be conscientiously weigh- ed and enlarged rather than lightened. He held his place to be a holy trust, and gave his entire strength and high purpose to see that the institution that he so well served should have no detriment, but should reward its promoters and founders while giving a liberal and proper accommodation to those who had business to trans- act with it."
JOSEPH A. DAUGHTON, attorney, was born in the city of Poughkeepsie, February 5, 1872. After graduating from the Poughkeepsie High School in 1888
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he began the study of law in the office of Judge Henry M. Taylor, completing his studies in the law offices of Hackett & Williams. He was admitted to the Bar in 1894, and is still associated with the latter firm.
Politically Mr. Daughton is a Democrat, and has represented the fourth ward of his native city in the Board of Aldermen.
Mr. Daughton was for two terms Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is now a life member of this organization. He is also a member of the Dutchess Club and the Poughkeepsie Fire Department. September 6, 1903 he was united in marriage with Lillian Cavanaugh of Poughkeepsie.
ANNA G. WINSLOW DAYLEY, was born in the city of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, N. Y. She was educated at St. Mary's private school on South Hamilton St. and the Poughkeepsie High School (where she took the first Cornell Scholarship). and Eastman National Business College, from which institutions she was graduated. She afterward took a State University Extension Course in History and Literature. After leaving Eastman College Miss Dayley entered the law office of Colonel Robert F. Wilkinson where she became managing clerk of the office. While serving as clerk in Mr. Wilkinson's office Miss Dayley was appointed reporter of the Special Terms of the Supreme Court, being the first woman in the County to hold that posi- tion. After the new Ninth District was formed she was assigned to the terms of the County Court under Judge Samuel K. Phillips and Judge Frank Hasbrouck.
Miss Dayley was for three terms President of the Alumni Association of the Poughkeepsie High School and is now a Trustee of the Association. She is a mem- ber of the Women's Bar Association, Portia Club, The New Yorkers and the Wm. Lloyd Garrison Association, all of New York City and of the Daughters of Isabella of Poughkeepsie.
She was admitted to the Bar May 9, 1905, being the only woman at that time sworn in in the Second Judicial District, and is at present the only woman practic- ing law in Dutchess County, and the first woman native of the City of Poughkeepsie to be admitted to the Bar.
ROBERT E. DEAN builder of granite, marble and bronze cemetery memorials, at Fishkill, N. Y. was born April 3, 1873, a son of James E. and Jerusha P. (Hilliker) Dean. He attended the schools of his native town; is a graduate of the New York Nautical School and spent two years at sea. Mr. Dean was engaged with the New York Water Supply Co., for a year, and was interested in the same work in Fishkill. In August 1903, Mr. Dean purchased his present monument business, which is one of the most extensive in the county.
Mr. Dean is a trustee and treasurer of the Fishkill Rural Cemetery; and has served as Chief of the local fire department four years. Socially he is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 283, F. & A. M.
In 1897 Mr. Dean married Mary E., daughter of James and Sarah Adriance, and they are the parents of two children, Helena Adriance, and James E. Dean, 2d.
THE DELAVAL SEPARATOR COMPANY of which Mr. Oscar Bernstrom is the efficient manager, was established at Bloomfield, N. J. in 1891, but soon remov-
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ed to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where the works were started in June 1892, with a force of fifty employees. The separator is a mechanical device constructed for the pur- pose of separating the cream from the milk when still warm and as it leaves the cow. It is the invention of Dr. DeLaval of Stockholm,-the same master genius who has produced the turbine.
The business of the company has increased rapidly, and the plant has been en- larged from time to time. Over five hundred men are now employed in producing these separators, which have found a ready market in all parts of the country.
ALEXANDER DE LA VERGNE was born at Poughkeepsie, November 25, 1854. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Salt Point, where Alexander was educated in the public schools and worked on the farm with his father many years. In 1900 he removed to Pleasant Plains, and in 1907 returned to Salt Point, and engaged in the butcher business. In September, 1908, he pur- chased a general mercantile business of Calvin Coons, which he conducts at the present time.
Mr. de la Vergne was united in marriage with Abigail Coons in 1877, and two children have been born to them: Charles T., born May 10, 1881, who is now asso- ciated with his father in business, and Paul E., born in August, 1887, who married in 1907 Winifred Horsfield of Brooklyn, N. Y., and one son has been born to them, Paul Mason
Mr. de la Vergne has held the office of Justice of the Peace since 1906. Socially he is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. .
COL. JOHNSTON LIVINGSTON DE PEYSTER, youngest son of Gen. John Watts de Peyster was born at Tivoli, N. Y., June 14, 1846; a descendant in the eighth generation from Johannes de Peyster who emigrated to New Amsterdam, bringing with him family plate and pictures, with the intention of founding a fam- ily in America; and on his mother's side, a descendant in the seventh generation from Robert Livingston, first Lord of the Manor of Livingston.
At the age of sixteen in 1862 he recruited over fifty men for Company C, 128th N. Y. V., afterwards not mustered in, owing to his youth. He joined the 7th N. Y. Regiment and served during the draft riots in New York. In May 1864 he was mustered into the United States Service as Lieutenant in 13th Art. N. Y. V. and served with his Regiment at Base Cliff. He was subsequently appointed aid-de- camp on the Staff of Brigadier-General George F. Shepley, was transferred with his General to the Staff of Major General G. Godfrey Weitzel, and entered Rich- mond April 3rd, 1865
He raised the first American flag over Richmond. Col. de Peyster was elected to the New York State Assembly of 1889 and 1890 from the 2nd District of Dutchess County. He succeeded his grandfather Frederic de Peyster on 1883 as Trustee of the New York Society Library and in 1898 became its president.
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