USA > New York > Westchester County > Westchester county in history; manual and civil list, past and present. County history: towns, hamlets, villages and cities, Volume II > Part 28
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Since the date of his appointment, January 1, 1908, Mr. Davis has been a conspicuous figure in the Criminal Courts of our County, as the trial lawyer, prosecuting vigorously and fearlessly all violators of law, and failures to convict recorded against him are few indeed. This is ac- counted for by the fact that he first assures himself as to the guilt of the indicted party, then carefully and methodically prepares his case, and then in a strong, concise and intel- ligent manner presents his evidence to the Court and jury.
His age proves him to be one of the youngest County prosecuting offi- cers in the State. Judging from the present, it is safe to say that his future promises to be a specially brilliant one in his chosen profession.
On January 1, 1908, he became a member of the law firm of McCabe,
Davis & Kernan, of No. 60 Wall Street, New York City, and White Plains; the same day he became at- tached to the District-Attorney's of- fice.
Mr. Davis' parents removed to Yonkers in 1898, when he was six- teen years of age and attending boarding school; and in that city he has resided since.
Mr. Davis graduated from the New York Military Academy with the rank of Senior Captain and As- sistant Commandant. In 1900 he en- listed and became a member of Com- pany F, Seventh Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., and retired in 1906 with rank of Sergeant. He is a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, New York, Gamma Chapter.
He was married on June 24, 1903, to Miss Harriet Howard Thayer, daughter of Horace Holden and Francis Barry Thayer of Yonkers. There are two children of this union, Lee P., Jr., aged five and a half years, and Jean Holden, aged three and a half years.
WILLIAM J. MEYER, M. D.
William J. Meyer, M. D., of White Plains, has served as Physician tu the County Jail of Westchester County since 1906. Previous to that year, this position was an appoin- tive one at the disposition of the Board of Supervisors, but in 1906 it was added to the list of Classified Civil Service Offices, in consequence of which change, Dr. Meyer who is a staunch Democrat, was selected for the position and appointed to office by a Republican Board of Su- pervisors, in consequence of and sub- sequent to, a competitive examina- tion through which he passed with a rating of 93 per cent.
Dr. Meyer was born in the old historic Ninth Ward of New York City on June 20, 1874. His par- ents, Frank Meyer and Margaret Fitzpatrick, were of that staunch, rugged, and patriotic stock which in the early days of the Great City, were so necessary to, and did so much towards the municipal upbuild- ing of what has become in every real sense, the Greatest Community in the World.
Frank Meyer, the father, reared and educated in the Fatherland, was known as a progressive and fearless
WILLIAM J. MEYER, M. D.
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adopted American, who
had a
long and active career of forty-nine years' service in the Treasury De- partment of the United States Gov- ernment. In the time of the War of the Rebellion, and during the agi- tated days of the draft riots in New York city, in time of mob rule and violence, he was in command of a company of United States marines, guarding and protecting from assault and plundering, the United States sub-treasury. An intimate personal acquaintance with and patriotic love for Lincoln-man and President- incited Frank Meyer, the father, to become prominent in the political activities of the day; he with a few others, labored ceaselessly until suc- cess crowned their efforts, to estab- lish the old Ninth Ward as a Re- publican stronghold, and as a final effort and honor to their patriotic hero, organized and placed in ex- istence what was, has been for generations, and will continue to re- main, the oldest, strongest and most worthy political organization in New York State-"The Lincoln Union of New York city."
With a paternal heritage such as this for inspiration, Dr. Meyer, the son, has worthily developed those characteristics of firmness, solidity and breadth of character which have marked him amongst his fellows. Educated in the public and parochial schools of New York city; St. Francis Xaviers College and subse- quently at Bellevue Hospital Medical College from which he received his degree in medicine in 1895. His hospital experiences are broad and valuable.
In the year 1897, ill health from
overwork caused Dr. Meyer to mi- grate to Kentucky, where success attended him; serious illness of his father called him north again in 1900. The re-union of father and son re- sulted in the permanent residence of both in While Plains where Dr. Meyer is now an honored and re- spected citizen and large property owner.
Dr. Meyer married in 1902, Miss Schappert of New York city, daughter of another pioneer Ger- man citizen of substantial worth. Five children have blessed the union, three of whom survive: Francis John, Theresa Margaret and William Joseph, Jr. Dr. Meyer is profes- sionally established on firm lines- for seven years he has occupied the chair of Lecturer in Surgery at Fordham University School of Medi- cine, New York city; he conducts his own hospital-"Dr. William J. Meyer's Private Hospital," at White Plains; he is a recognized Medico-Legal expert of high stand- ing, and as such, and as a legally qualified Examiner in Lunacy, has appeared in the capacity of expert in some of the most important and prominent cases in our courts; Dr. Meyer is also a generous contributor to medical literature, having in course of preparation at the present time a most important Medico-Legal work which is destined to bring him new honor.
Dr. Meyer is a member of the American Medical Association; the Medical Society of New York State; the Medical Society of Westchester County; the Medical Association of the Greater City of New York; the Physicians' Mutual Benefit Society, and the Elks.
SHERIFFS.
STEPHEN D. HORTON.
Stephen D. Horton, former Sheriff, former President of the Village of Peekskill, etc., was born in Peeks- kill, this county, on February 17, 1837, a son of Frost and Phoebe (Tompkins) Horton. His parents were representatives of two of the oldest and most prominent families in the county, in earlier as in more recent years. His ancestors on both his paternal and maternal sides were among the patriots in the American
Revolutionary struggle. His father was a man of affairs and did much in the way of benefiting the town of Cortlandt; he served his town in the Board of Supervisors in the years 1855-56-57-58-60. He represented the third district of this county as Mem- ber of Assembly in 1858; he also held other positions of public trust to which he was elected by neigh- bors who knew him best.
Stephen D. Horton was educated in the Peekskill Academy. After
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graduating, he began a business career that has proved gratifying. For years he has been at the head of one of the largest fire brick manu- factories in the country, the works being established in Peekskill.
At an early age Mr. Horton be- came interested in public affairs; being a forcible and sterling char- acter he exerted considerable in- fluence, and among his neighbors was looked upon as a leader. As an evidence of the high regard in which he is held, is mentioned the fact that he served twelve years as the Presi- dent of the Village of Peekskill, a longer period than any other man has held that office.
In the fall of 1882 the Democratic County Convention nominated Mr. Horton unanimously for Sheriff, and the verdict of the County Convention was ratified by the people, giving him an unprecedented majority.
In 1888 his popularity suggested his accepting a second nomination for the office of Sheriff, but he made way that another might receive the honor.
Mr. Horton has held the position
of director of the Westchester County National Bank twenty-seven years, was president of the Horse Protective Association twenty years and was the cause of preventing the stealing of horses in the northern section of the county ; for many years he was president of the local Board of Trade, and president of the Cemetery Association.
At the time of this writing, just as Mr. Horton has passed his seventy-fifth birthday, he is as ac- tive as many men a good number of years younger. He directs his busi- ness and is concerned in everything that effects the interests of his »neighbors.
His knowledge of the county's his- tory, especially of the northern sec- tion, is remarkable, and as a result he has been able to write many in- teresting chapters of local history that have been published as special newspaper articles and have at- tracted wide attention. His graphic accounts of locality and of men prominent in the period of long ago, prove most fascinating and make us almost feel as if we were dwelling in the early forties and fifties. He has succeeded in gathering one of the best libraries of Westchester County
history in existence, so arranged as to be handy for purposes of refer- ence. As a librarian Mr. Horton is ideal; affable and pleasing, unpre- tentious and unostentatious in his de- meanor.
He is a member of the Masonic order, and is connected with the local lodge.
Mr. Horton was married December 28, 1857, to Miss Emily C. Horton, daughter of Joshua and Salley (Purdy) Horton, of Cortlandt town, His wife died July 10, 1902.
To them a son was born, Stephen F. Horton, born February 18, 1865; became one of Peekskill's prominent physicians; died June 27, 1910.
ADDISON JOHNSON.
Addison Johnson, former Sheriff, former Agent and Warden of Sing Sing State Prison, Supervisor, etc., was born in Greenwich, Conn., on January 22, 1857, a son of Hugh and Fannie (Rankin) Johnson.
When he was ten years of age his parents removed to Port Chester in this County, where he has since con- tinued to reside. He received a good practical education in the public schools of his native town and in the schools of Port Chester. He began a business career early in life and as a usual thing he has been successful in whatever he undertook.
As comes quite natural to a man of affairs, politics attracted him; as the saying is, " he took a hand in "'; he became a leader among young men as interested as himself. He was chosen president of the first young men's Republican Club or- ganized in Port Chester, having among its members William Ward, who later became a Member of Congress and is now Republican leader of the County and Republican National Committeeman represent- ing this State; and James S. Merritt, who later was elected Sheriff of the County.
L.
Like the late President Grant, he talks but little, but he acts; evi- dently believing that acts, not talk, count the most.
He is fully trustworthy and can be relied upon to ably fill any official position he will accept, as has been proven.
He repeatedly refused to accept public office, but was finally induced
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in 1892, to become a candidate for the office of Supervisor of the town of Rye; he proved his popularity by rolling up an unprecedented major- ity. He served in this office until his election as Sheriff in 1895.
In the discharge of his duties in the office of Sheriff he introduced up-to-date business methods; every man on his staff knew what was ex- pected of him and that duties were to be attended to; he soon came to be known as the head who knew what was required to be done and how it should be done; he was ever at his post attending to the County's busi- ness.
It was due to his persistent efforts that the Board of Supervisors of the County was convinced that the old County Jail had outlived its useful- ness, and that to secure the safekeep- ing of prisoners entrusted to the custody of the Sheriff a more modern and better equipped jail had to be built forthwith. Several Grand Jur- ies commended the action of the Sheriff and supported his efforts in favor of better jail facilities. As a result, a new jail was built.
When he retired from the office of Sheriff Mr. Johnson thought it time for him to retire from public office holding, as he told a number of influential gentlemen, leaders in his political party, when they urged him to accept a nomination for State Senator, a nomination that was equivalent to an election.
In 1899 he was prevailed upon to accept the responsible position of Agent and Warden of the Sing Sing State Prison; in this office he re- mained nine years, a longer term than that held by any of his prede- cessors. He had hardly got nicely settled in his new position before he began to look about to ascertain where he could effect changes to bet- ter conditions about the big prison ; his experience as a Sheriff, and his success in efforts for better care of prisoners at the County seat, encour- aged him to greater endeavors in handling a larger proposition.
He found plenty of opportunity to display his ability in way of needed improvements; delapidated build- ings confronted him almost every- where; he acted. Old shops that had probably been built seventy years ago, when the Prison was con- structed, were torn down, and in
their stead were erected handsome and spacious buildings of brick and stone, by the labor of the inmates.
It was found that many of the in- mates were unemployed and the pris- oners were difficult to manage on that account. He set about to devise ways to better conditions in this re- spect; as the result of his efforts new industries were substituted for old ones that did not pay the State. When his plans were perfected and working, instead of having 900 men idle, as was the case when he took charge, every prisoner was employed and better discipline in the Prison was possible.
He soon, owing to good busi- ness methods introduced, had the Prison running on better paying basis. When he assumed charge the cost of the State for maintenance was $230,000 per year; when he re- tired from the position of Agent and Warden this cost had been reduced to $62,000 per year.
He inaugurated in the Prison a system of visiting; under the old sys- tem all visitors were ushered into one common room, affording oppor- tunity for visitors to smuggle articles to prisoners; now booths are pro- vided and visitors are under the eyes and supervision of an official of the Prison.
Among the new buildings erected during Mr. Johnson's long term were a Mess Hall, a Chapel, a Hospital, a Guard House, together with new stone walls, all by convict labor.
The management of the Prison by Mr. Johnson has repeatedly been commended by his superiors among State officials and by the State Pri- son Association.
Mr. Johnson was married in Janu- ary, 1899, to Miss Bertha M. Sher- wood, daughter of Darius and Har- riet Sherwood, of Greenwich, Conn.
William V. Molloy. (See biog- raphy, Vol. 1.)
SAMUEL C. MILLER.
Samuel C. Miller, a former Sheriff, a former Postmaster, a former Deputy County Treasurer, a former President of the village of White Plains, etc., was born August 1, 1848, in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of John G. and Sarah H. (Cor- wine) Miller. He died June 2, 1905.
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Mr. Miller removed to White Plains with his parents in 1862, and remained a resident of that place up to the time of his death. He was married in April, 1876, to Miss Marie B. Antrim, daughter of John S. and Hannah Antrim, of North Castle. His wife and two sons sur- vive him.
Mr. Miller was the most genial of men, possessed of that good nature that made for him friends every. where; his death was a great loss to the community, and was generally regretted.
He was Postmaster of White Plains from 1878 to 1886; was elec- ted a Village 'T'rustee and later was the first elected Village President, serving from 1896 to 1900, when he resigned, on being elected Sheriff; an amendment of the village charter again putting the power to choose a Village President back on the Board of Village Trustees, that body selected Mr. Miller's successor .. Was Deputy County Register in 1896 and became Deputy County Treasurer in 1897, which latter position he held until he was elected and assumed the duties of Sheriff in 1901. In this latter office he proved as faithful in the discharge of duties as he had in the various other official positions he had held. It was generally ad- mitted that Mr. Miller was ever a painstaking and conscientious offi- cial, true to the trust placed in him.
He was a prominent Mason, be- longing to various branches of the order; was a member of White Plains Lodge, No. 473, F. and A. M., serv- ing in all offices until he reached the highest; in 1897 he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the district composed of the coun- ties of Westchester and Putnam. He also held an office in the Grand Lodge of the order. He was for many years secretary of the Repub- lican County Committee.
JAMES S. MERRITT.
James Seaman Merritt, a former Sheriff, and holder of various offices, is justly classified as one of the most popular men ever holding that office. When elected his friends proved legion and his majority the largest ever given a candidate for the position, and when he relin- quished the office his popularity was
even greater. His personal makeup, his temperament, his manner and general bearing-kind, courteous and agreeable to all with whom he comes in contact-are equally captivating, and all combined, contribute to render him a leader among his peers.
Mr. Merritt came from sturdy stock, a combination of the "Nut- meg"' State and old Westchester County in "York" State, the per- sonification of Yankee shrewdness. It can be truly said of him, that he is a self-made man, "a graduate of the University of Hard-Knocks; "' the success that in after years came to him abundantly was the result of his own energies.
He was born on November 9, 1859, in Port Chester, this County, a son of Clark S. and Emily (Parker) Merritt. His father was born in the town of Greenwich, Conn., as was his paternal grand- father; his mother was born in the town of Harrison, in Westchester County, of an old local family. His father died when he was three and a half years old.
Young Merritt's mother was able to give him a fair education, he first going to the Port Chester public school, and then to the private school of Prof. George W. Smith who was later and for several years a Com- missioner of Schools in this County. Like many an other youngster, young Merritt found the hours spent in school tedious and he longed for the time to come when he could go forth to seek his fortune as "a business man.'' At an early age he found opportunity to become "a street merchant." He chose for his calling that which bears the unassuming title of "Peddler.'
Though a modest vocation, ped- dling as a business requires capital, by means of which to purchase out- fit, stock, etc. His usual indepen- dence prevented his going to his mother for the much needed cash. His reputation as an honest lad worthy of confidence stood him well when he needed credit as a "business man." On young Merritt making known his intention of embarking in the business of peddling, local trades- men volunteered assistance; one sold him a horse for $20, on credit, "pay as soon as you can; "' another, on the same terms, sold him harness and
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stable implements; another sold him running gear for a wagon and an- other the body for a wagon; all on same terms. A local merchant, on credit, stocked him with fish, fruit and vegetables, besides loaning him ready cash to make change for cus- tomers buying his wares. In the "huckster business" he continued two years; paid in full all his debts and retired with a handsome balance. He next embarked with his brother, Clark S., Jr., in the painting busi- ness; two years later he united with his brother-in-law, John Henderson, in the butcher business. Next we find him associated with his life-long friend Addison Johnson in business. About this time Mr. Johnson was Supervisor of his town and Mr. Mer- ritt likewise held an important pub- lic office. On Mr. Johnson being elected Sheriff of the County the firm of Johnson & Merritt dissolved, and Mr. Merritt began a successful career as a real estate broker, asso- ciated with Charles Lee Austin, under the firm name of Austin & Merritt; the business is still being carried on under this partnership name although Mr. Austin is dead. In recent years Mr. Merritt has supervised the de- velopment of some of the finest properties in Westchester County, principally in the restricted resi- dential section along Long Island Sound, land on which is now built expensive, palatial residences. Pro- fits from business and judicious in- vestments have brought to the "ped- dler boy" a handsome fortune.
Mr. Merritt is one of the men who believe that money is good so far as it brings happiness to the possessor and to others benefited. Recently Mr. Merritt gave to his home village of Port Chester, as Christmas gifts, two beautiful water fountains; one as a memorial to his father and the other to his mother. Each fountain is hewn from a 10,000 pound block of Byram granite, and is surmounted with a memorial tablet supporting five arc-lights. The donor of these two had previously given the village another fountain, that suffering horses might be refreshed - in all, three fountains were given by this humane citizen; may his example be followed by others able to do like- wise in other localities.
The first political office held by
Mr. Merritt was that to which every boy aspires, a Constable of his town. Faithful discharge of duties sug- gested his advancement; later he be- came a Village Trustee, a dignified " Village Father." He was the unanimous choice of his fellow citi- zens for the office of Postmaster for Port Chester, and in this position he served from 1900 to 1904, and in latter year relinquished the office to accept that of Sheriff of the County. In discharging the duties of the of- fice of Sheriff he met fully the ex- pectations of his friends. "He
proved as good as the best of them, and could give points to the rest of them." It has been said to his credit that so careful and just was he that he was not involved in any kind of a lawsuit at the termination of his term owing to acts of himself or assistants in office; this was con- sidered an unusual record. Prevented by the Constitutional provision pro- hibiting a Sheriff from succeeding himself, many of Mr. Merritt's poli- tical friends urged with great force and with reason, his nomination for Sheriff in 1909. But the unwritten law of the County Republican or- ganization, which was interpreted to read that no person once holding the office is eligible to re-election, at any time, to the office of Sheriff, inter- fered and prevented Mr. Merritt again being nominated.
As a "Fraternity Man," Mr. Mer- ritt is prominent; his genial nature draws him to where his fellows do associate. He enjoys the special high honor of having an organiza- tion named for him; the "James S. Merritt Association," with a mem- bership roll of a thousand and more, including residents from all parts of Westchester and nearby counties as well as New York city, is one of the largest social organizations in the State of New York, if not in the nation. The annual parade and out- ing of this Association is an impor- tant social function in which also many not members delight to partici- pate.
He is a member of the old and famous Hoboken Turtle Club, of the Republican Club of New York city, of the Republican Club of Port Chester, of the Concordia Germania of White Plains, German Manechor, Board of Trade of Port Chester, of
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B. P. O. Elks, of Firemen's Benevo- lent Fund Association of Port Ches- ter, of Musicians' Protective Associa- tion of Port Chester, of City Club of Port Chester, of Harris Light Cav- alry Association of Peekskill, and a member of the Port Chester Metho- dist Church.
Mr. Merritt was married to Miss Emma S. Gedney, daughter of Gil- bert R. and Emma (Taylor) Gedney, of Rye, on May 18, 1890, by Rev. S. O. Curtice, pastor of the Port Chester Methodist Church.
CHARLES M. LANE.
Charles M. Lane, who held the of- fice of Sheriff, began official life when he was appointed Postmaster at Pleasantville Station, during the administration of President Harri- son, commencing 1889. He was first elected Supervisor of the town of Mount Pleasant in 1894; to this office he was elected continuously up to the year 1901, when he resigned to accept the appointment to the office of Superintendent of the Poor, made vacant by the death of Henry Esser. Supervisor Lane was chairman of the Board of Supervisors in the years 1899 and 1900. He served as Superintendent of the Poor until January 1, 1902. He was appointed Under Sheriff by Sheriff Merritt in 1904, and in 1907 succeeded Sheriff Merritt in that office; while Sheriff he died, after a brief illness, on April 23, 1909.
Mr. Lane was a native of this County, having been born in the town of New Castle, on December 1, 1857, a son of Ephraim and Mahala (Rey- nolds) Lane.
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