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 29
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When he was six years old his par- ants removed to Pleasantville, where he continued to reside to the time of his death.
For many years Mr. Lane was a leading merchant in his home village, even during the period of public of- ffice holding.
Mr. Lane was a most affiable and courteous gentleman, who readily made friends, therefore it was not strange that he was popular and re- peatedly was elected to office in a town where, under ordinary condi- tions, the majority was politically opposed. His death, most unexpected, was considered a great loss to the
community in which he lived, as well as to the County.
Mr. Lane was married in 1882, to Miss Ophelia Slagle, daughter of John H. Slagle, of Pleasantville; his wife survives him.
HENRY SCHERP.
Henry Scherp, of New Rochelle, the Sheriff, and the sixty-sixth in the line of Sheriffs of Westchester County, was born in Yonkers, in this County, on June 24, 1872, a son of Jacob and Augusta (Kraft) Scherp. He received a common school educa- tion in the excellent public schools of his native town. At an early age he began to "make a start in life," de- termined to make a name for him- self. Though young, he realized the advantage of a fair education, and interested and inspired by reading of the achievements of great men who had been self taught, he deter- mind on getting all knowledge that could be acquired by faithful study after the labors of the day. It is not said of him that he brought a scarcity of oil or added unnecessarily to the profits of the Oil Trust by burning "midnight oil," but it is known that he was an untiring seeker after knowledge, a studious reader of useful books at times convenient, and profiting by the information im- parted. His employment in a news- paper and printing office proved a valuable instructor. After learning the trade of a printer, he migrated to the neighboring town of New Ro- chelle, the home of his grand-par- ents for many years, where he found ample opportunity to derive benefit from his storehouse of knowledge, as he was permitted with the vocation of a general job printer to add the profession of an editor-as manag- ing editor of the Pioneer. Naturally ambitious, he saw a way of advance- ment by following the direction of politics. He enlisted as a volunteer in the ranks of the Republican or- ganization of New Rochelle. He per- formed well the duties assigned to him; soon attracting the attention of the local leaders of his political party by untiring hard work through local and metropolitan newspapers and by devotion to details necessary to success. For several years he was secretary of the Republican City Committee.
STEPHEN D. HORTON
JAMES S. MERRITT
HENRY SCHERP
WILLIAM J. DOYLE
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During the administration of Mayor Clarke, in 1902, he was ap- pointed City Commissioner of Chari- ties; this position he held four years, until 1906, when he was elected a Supervisor to represent the Second Ward of New Rochelle in the County Board of Supervisors; his stay in the Board of Supervisors was brief, for the reason that his habits of use- fulness had preceded him to the County-seat and won for him in the face of many competitors, the office of Under Sheriff to serve under the ever popular Charles M. Lane, Sheriff. He filled this position most acceptably through the years 1907- 8 and a part of 1909, when his chief, Sheriff Lane, died. Many applicants for appointment to fill the vacancy besieged Governor Hughes, but that official, after mature deliberation, decided to make no appointment, but, instead, he would allow Under-Sheriff Scherp to continue to act as Sheriff until the end of the term, December 31, 1909, as he had been reliably in- formed that Mr. Scherp was the right man in the right place, therefore, there was no need of dislodging him. This decision was pleasing to Mr. Scherp's friends as they desired him to become a candidate for the office, and under the Constitution he would have been ineligible if appointed to serve even the short term as Acting Sheriff. His nomination for Sheriff in September, 1909, surprised some of the old politicians, who had failed to consider "so new a man" seri- ously in connection with the nomina- tion. In one of the most memorable, exciting and hotly contested "open conventions" ever held by Republi- cans in this County, where the promi- nent leaders, probably for the first time, were divided as to choice, young Scherp carried off the honors, on the second ballot. His election, in the thirty-eighth year of his age, makes him the youngest Sheriff this County ever had, if not the youngest in the State. Many a man has be- come Governor who had not so good a start. His good fortune has cer- tainly stood him well. In return his friends are confident he will con- tinue to "make good"' as to trusts now imposed.
Mr. Scherp is an exempt member of the New Rochelle Fire Depart- ment, having served in the Relief
Engine Company; he is a Mason, an Elk, and associated with other fra- ternal and social organizations.
He was married in October, 1896, to Miss Anna Mead M'Artney of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Scherp have two daughters and one son.
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.
Since the above was written and approved, Sheriff Scherp has died; his death occurring on October 9, 1911, as the result of an accident. While riding in his automobile on the evening of October 3, his car came in collision with a truck loaded with long poles, which stood on the road- way; the truck carrying no lights, and being in an unexpected place, the unfortunate accident was quite possible.
The funeral services, held in St. John's Methodist Church, New Ro- chelle, on the afternoon of October 11, were attended to the full capacity of the church; Judges and all County officials, and prominent citizens from all sections of the County were present. During the hours of services stores in the city were closed and business was suspended, out of re- spect for the dead.
WILLIAM J. DOYLE.
William James Doyle, Under Sheriff of Westchester County, was born in Katonah, town of Bedford, on October 3, 1863, a son of James and Catherine A. (Agrus) Doyle. He was educated in the excellent public schools of his native town. The "language of the flowers," which he cleverly employs in edifying articles on horticulture written by him and enjoyed by readers of the popular periodicals, was acquired by close as- sociation with choice subjects of the "flowery kingdom" in the conserva- tories of his father who was recog- nized as one of the leading florists of the County. That the son became a "flowery talker" is not strange, and this faculty has aided him ma- terially in making political progress through the good will of his neigh- bors.
His early training for a mercan- tile career has proved of great ad- vantage to him in establishing a pros- perous general merchandise business, in co-partnership with his brothers, Francis and David, under the firm
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name of Doyle Brothers, in his na- tive village; a business that continues and grows with the days.
Like many other young progres- sive men, he early found infatuation in the game of politics, as fair- minded men play it. As he resided in the home town of the late Judge William H. Robertson who believed in encouraging young men to take an active part in politics, and as his amiable qualities made him popular among his fellows, he began at an early age to hold public office. His political education has been most thorough. He possesses that most es- sential to success in any sphere of life-a sturdy character, the best shield against temptation.
Besides other and various offices, he held the most responsible position of Collector of Taxes in his town. Even the humblest office he consid- ered a public trust; and in the per- formance of duties he earned the good will of his neighbors, ever ready to give him preferment and assist in his political advancement.
In 1900, when Samuel C. Miller became Sheriff, Mr. Doyle was se- lected as one of the three regular Deputies specially provided for by law. The ability displayed by him in the discharge of the intricate duties of this important office, recommended him to succeeding Sheriffs who were pleased to retain him in service. For nine consecutive years he was Deputy Sheriff, under Sheriffs Samuel C. Miller, James S. Merritt and Charles M. Lane. During these many years Deputy Doyle had varied and excit- ing experiences in the performance of duties. Having the confidence of his superiors, he was assigned to many difficult cases, which involved the ex- ercise of the best judgment. His official acts have received the com- mendation of high officials outside the County. He was selected to bring here for trial Raphael Sposata, the abductor; to accomplish this he had to make the transcontinental jour- ney to California. At another time he discharged a most hazardous undertaking in Indiana and Mis- souri; for this latter service he not only received the commendation of his direct superiors, but also that of the Governor of New Jersey who was pleased to refer to the ser-
vice in a most complimentary man- ner.
Sheriff Scherp, on taking office on January, 1910, selected as his Under Sheriff, from a legion of candidates, Mr. Doyle, owing to his experience and efficiency as a Deputy.
When Sheriff Scherp died, on October 9, 1911, Mr. Doyle took charge of the Sheriff's office.
On October 13, following, he was unanimously nominated by the Re- publican County Convention for Sheriff, and at the following elec- tion, in November, he was elected by a specially large majority.
Mr. Doyle is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a Knight of Columbus, a mem- ber of the White Plains Court of Foresters of America, a member of the Royal Arcanum and an Exempt Firemen.
He was married on January 15, 1902, to Miss Lida Farrell, daughter of Patrick and Margaret Farrell, of White Plains. Of this union there is one child living, William James Doyle, Jr.
ULRICH WIESENDANGER.
Ulrich Wiesendanger, Under Sheriff was born on September 22, 1872, in Albany, N. Y., a son of John U. and Bertha (Noe) Wiesen- danger.
He is of Swiss parentage; both parents were born in Switzerland. They came to America in 1866, and were married in Albany 1867.
He was educated in Albany public schools, and graduated from the Al- bany College of Pharmacy, depart- ment of Union University, 1893.
He came to reside in this county, at Yonkers, on October 6, 1894, ac- cepting employment with Albert Van Houten, druggist. Later he be- came manager of the Elm Street Pharmacy for Van Houten & Len- non, druggists, in same city; in 1898 he succeeded the last named firm in the drug business, from which he re- tired in 1908.
Mr. Wiesendanger at an early age took active interest in politics. He is a gentleman of fine social qualities and is very popular with all who know him - he is generous enough to appreciate kindness even from a political opponent. His nature is
ULRICH WIESENDANGER
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FRANK ZARR
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such as to make his way easy along the political road. For twelve years he has been president of the Seventh Ward Republican Club, and a recog- nized leader of his party in the city of Yonkers since 1896.
He served by appointment as a Civil Service Commissioner of Yon- kers in 1898-9-1900-1 under Mayor Leslie Sutherland. He was elected a Coroner of the county in 1902 and served two terms of three years, re- tiring January 1, 1909, leaving the office with a record for good service to the county.
By the appointment of the State Comptroller Charles H. Gaus he served as Court and Trust Fund Ex- aminer from March, 1909, to Janu- ary 1, 1912, when he relinquished the office to accept appointment
as Under-Sheriff from Sheriff Doyle. This latter office he is filling with the same ability he brought to bear when in other official positions.
He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, connected with Ris- ing Star Lodge, F. and A. M., Terrace City Chapter, Yonkers Com- mandery, Mecca Shrine, and other branches. A member of Yonkers lodge of B. P. O. Elks, of Victor Council, R. A., of Woodmen, of U. O. A. Mechanics, of Patriotic Order Sons of America, of N. Y. State Pharmaceutical Association, of the Westchester County Pharmacy Association, an executive member of the Yonkers City Republican Com- mittee, member of Republican County Committee, member of Re- publican Club of New York city, and member of City Club of Yonkers.
Mr. Wiesendanger was married on October 10, 1899, to Miss Grace A. Percival, daughter of Henri A. and Mary B. (Howell) Percival. Of this union there are three children, Grace L., aged eleven years; Helen A., aged nine years, and Charlotte, aged three years.
FRANK ZARR.
Frank Zarr, Clerk to the Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff, was born in Pleasantville, town of Mount Pleas- ant, where he yet resides, on January 7, 1868, a son of Jesse and Martha (Brown) Zarr.
He was educated in the district schools of his native town. When sixteen years of age he left school
for the purpose of learning a trade. and following a mercantile career. He readily found employment with a local shoe manufacturer, and being. industrious and anxious to succeed, he soon became proficient as to the intricate details of his chosen call- ing. His proficiency in his particular line created a demand for his services outside of the confines of his native hamlet. He was offered a responsible position with a leading Brooklyn shoe manufacturing firm, and in this position he remained fourteen years, all the while retaining his residence in Pleasantville, going to and fro daily, as "a railroad commuter."
When his townsman, Charles M. Lane, was installed as Sheriff of the County in 1907, he selected Mr. Zarr to fill the responsible position of Clerk, an official who also acts as the Sheriff's cashier, in whom the Sheriff must have implicit confidence and on whom he is forced to con- fidently rely. As confirmation of Mr. Zarr's trustworthiness and accept- able service, Sheriff Scherp contin- ued him in office, and Sheriff Doyle has just reappointed him to serve three years more.
Mr. Zarr was married on April 16, 1893, to Miss Mate Hunter, daugh- ter of Ossie and Emma Hunter, of Unionville, in the same town. Three children came of this marriage, two girls, Mildred and Edith, and a boy, Lester.
FREDERICK F. MILLER.
Frederick Fountain Miller, Deputy Sheriff and Assistant Clerk to Sheriff, was born in White Plains, where he has ever resided, on April 16, 1879, the eldest son of Samuel C. and Marie B. (Antrim) Miller. His father held many important posi- tions of trust in the County, the last, just before his death, being that of Sheriff. His mother continues to re- side in White Plains.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the splendid graded schools of his native town. On his graduation, in 1895, when he was: sixteen years of age, he was elected page of the County Board of Super- visors and as County Librarian. These positions he continued to hold until 1900, and until he reached the twenty-first year of his age, when
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he became attached to the Sheriff's office, as deputy and clerk, offices we now find him filling. As an official employed about the County Court House he has the distinction of be- ing one of the youngest in years and at the same time one of the oldest in term of service.
Mr. Miller is a prominent Mason, well advanced in Masonic degrees, and promises to attain in time neces-
sary that high elevation in the order reached by his respected father.
Besides being a member of frater- nal orders, Mr. Miller's genial tem- perament inclines him toward social organizations.
He was married on September 4, 1900, to Miss Harriet V. Kampe, of Newburgh. Of this union there are three children, Virginia A., Harry B., and Frederick F., Jr.
CLERKS.
JOHN M. DIGNEY.
John M. Digney, a lawyer and ora- tor, was born on July 22d, 1853, in Saratoga, N. Y. He is a self-made man in the strictest sense of that much abused term, compelled, by the death of his father, to become a breadwinner, for himself and others, at the age of fourteen years. Up to this age he had attended the public schools of his native village and spent one term at Charlton Academy, thereafter such education as he re- ceived with the aid of instructors was obtained at the night schools of Cooper Union, New York city, where he came in 1870 in search of employ- ment. In 1872 he settled in Yonkers where he accepted a position as book- keeper in a leading mercantile estab- lishment of that city, which he held till 1879, when he was appointed Clerk of the City Court and a few months later Secretary to the Board of Education, these position he held till 1883, when he was appointed Deputy County Clerk.
When the office of County Clerk became vacant in 1885, Mr. Digney was appointed to the position by Governor David B. Hill, and from that period till the death of the much esteemed Governor, a deep and sincere friendship existed between the latter and Mr. Digney, who was considered the Governor's adviser on all matters political, pertaining to the southern division of New York State.
In 1886 Mr. Digney received his party's nomination for County Clerk and was elected by a majority of 3,800, the largest majority ever given to any candidate in Westchester County up to that time. He was re- elected in 1889 and again in 1892. He declined a renomination to the
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same office in 1895 and also the nomi- nation of his party for Representa- tive in Congress the same year, re- tiring for the purpose of devoting his time to the practice of law.
He was admitted to the bar in 1884, and for many years has had a large and important law practice. He has been three times appointed Deputy Attorney-General to prose- cute special cases and conduct inves- tigations for the State of New York, has been Counsel to the Board of Supervisors and for many of the towns and villages of Westchester County.
Possessed of ability as a fluent speaker and being well versed in political and economic subjects, while yet a young man, his speeches at public meetings attracted the atten- tion of politicians, and later in life many of his speeches delivered in conventions were used by his party as campaign documents.
Since his first advent in White Plains in 1883, Mr. Digney has been an acknowledged factor in County politics and in more recent years, in State and National politics, as a Democrat.
In 1884 when the Presidential election in the State was so evenly balanced between Grover Cleveland and James G. Blaine, and the final result depended upon which had re- ceived a majority in Westchester County, the law required the election returns to be filed by the inspectors, with the County Clerk immediately after the canvass was completed, and duplicates filed with each town clerk and supervisor. The morning after the election the returns from dis- tricts in several towns had not reached the County Clerk, and the messengers by whom they had been
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com Digney
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sent could not be found. This, un- der the circumstances, caused a scare in the National Committee of the Democratic party, and representa- tives of that body were hurried to White Plains, there they found that Mr. Digney had, on the morning after election sent two trusted and compe- tent men to each of the 22 towns, who obtained certified copies of the returns filled with each town clerk and supervisor. These verified re- turns showed that Cleveland's ma- jority in the County was 1,238, sufri- cient to carry the State and elect Mr. Cleveland President of the United States. In the official canvass be- fore the County and State Boards of Canvassers, the Westchester County figures remained unchanged. This was the closing act of the most acri- monious political campaign that ever took place in Westchester County. Every campaign that Mr. Digney has conducted, and they are many, has been characterized by the same care as to detail, from the opening can- vass of the voters to the close of the count on election night, leaving no mistakes to be apologized for, no errors to be regretted.
In 1900 Mr. Digney represented his party as a delegate from the State of New York, in the Democratic Na- tional Convention, held in Kansas City, Mo., when he participated in what he speaks of as "My last po- litical fight."
At that convention the State of New York held a unique position. Each State and Territory had one member on the Platform Committee. The delegates from each State and Territory had met and named its member for that Committee except New York. The question at issue was whether the plank from the platform of 1896 declaring in favor of free silver should be inserted in the platform of 1900, or whether the party should repudiate free silver and declare in favor of the gold standard, and on the result of this issue depended the nomination of Mr. Bryan, he having declared that he would not accept the nomination unless the 16 to 1 plank, so called, were inserted. The members of the Platform Committee already chosen were equally divided on this impor- tant question, with New York State to hear from.
The New York Delegates met in the grand parlors of the Midland Hotel at 10 A. M. and remained in session till a late hour that night. The Bryan forces were led by Rich- ard Croker whose candidate for the Platform Committee was Justice Au- gustus Van Wyck of New York city.
The opposition was led by Gov- ernor Hill who was the candidate of his side for the Platform Committee. Mr. Digney was an active and ener- getic supporter of Governor Hill, and after the set speeches had been de- livered, was designated to answer Mr. Grady, Mayor McGuire and oth- ers in running debate.
The Bryan faction and free silver won by five majority in the caucus. Mr. Van Wyck went on the Platform Committee and voted for free silver, which was carried by one majority. A gentleman of the Japanese Nation- ality, representing the Hawaiian Is- lands, casting the last and deciding vote in the Committee. Mr. Bryan was again nominated and the cam- paign resulted in the second disaster under the leadership of that States- man.
Mr. Digney has ever been enlisted in the cause of Ireland, the land of his fathers. He was an ardent ad- mirer and friend of the late Charles Stewart Parnell, and was Chairman of the Committee which fixed the itinerary of that Irish Statesman when he made his memorable tour of the United States in the early eigh- ties. He is a member of many Irish patriotic societies, and takes great interest in everything concerning Ire- land.
He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, The Associa- tion of the Bar of the City of New York, The Westchester County Bar Association, and a member of the New York Press Club.
... Mr. Digney was married on Feb- ruary 20th, 1879, to Sarah M. Shan- non of Yonkers. Of this union there are two children, Robert Emmet Dig- ney, now associated with his father in the law practice, and Sadie E. Digney, now Mrs. Timothy A. Leary.
LEVERETT F. CRUMB.
Leverett Finch Crumb, lawyer, former County Clerk, Corporation Counsel, Village Clerk, present Presi- dent of Board of Education, etc.,
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was born on November 28, 1859, in Matawan, Monmouth county, N. J., a son of the Rev. John W. and Roba (Finch) Crumb.
In 1865, with his parents, he came to Peekskill to reside. He attended the local public school, and on leav- ing same became "the clerk" in the Peekskill post office in 1873, by ap- pointment of Joseph Hudson, Post- master (late Deputy County Com- missioner of Jurors). Though he had to work hard during business hours, he found time for study and to prepare for a higher education. From the humble district-school he went to the Westchester County In- stitute and later to the Peekskill Military Academy, both excellent educational branches.
In 1878 he began the study of law with the late Edward Wells in the latter's office, and in May, 1883, was admitted to practice at the bar. On April 17, 1883, he was elected clerk to the Board of Trustees of the Vil- lage of Peekskill; the following year he was not only re-elected, but was also chosen counsel to the Board. Mr. Crumb continued in these posi- tions until July 5, 1898, when he resigned both offices, which latter were separated and held by two men. Mr. Crumb was again elected village counsel in 1900, and, with one or two intermissions, continued holding this position several years.
During his terms in office he was instrumental in effecting many needed local improvements, such as proper construction and maintenance of public streets, installing an up- to-date sewer system, reorganization of the local fire department, in caus- ing the introduction of postal free delivery, reorganization of the police force and providing for a police judge, and in fact in the many years he held these two important local offices he drafted every amendment to the village charter which made needed improvements possible.
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