Chapter LIV: Part II: Biographical (1)

LEWIS D. ADAMS was born at Sussex, New Jersey, June 15, 1839. Mr. Adams' early education was limited, but he attended the district school at Florida, and Middletown, N. Y., for a short period. He worked on the farm for his father until he was eighteen years old. He then took up the tinner's trade and worked at that business until 1862, when he enlisted in the 124th Regiment, Co. F, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served as one of the color guards six months and as left general guide two and one-half years. When the war was over he resumed his business at Warwick. Six years later he came to Florida, this county, and purchased the hardware store which he continued to operate until he retired in 1898. Mr. Adams married Miss Marietta Ackerman, of Warwick, September 28, 1870. In politics he is a republican, and served the town as collector one year. Mr. Adams wife died December 24, 1900. Our subject is an honorary member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Cummings Post, G. A. R., and is an honorary member of Highland Fire and Hose Company, which he organized in the '70s.

THOMAS J. ADERTON, merchant, postmaster, and farmer at Savilton, in the town of Newburgh, was born at the homestead in 1847. His grandfather, Thomas Aderton, a seafaring man, settled here from New York City in 1828. Our subject is a son of Captain John L. and Isabella (Swain) Aderton, who engaged in farming here, after following the sea ten years. Thomas J. was educated at the district schools and Monticello Academy. In 1891 he purchased his store and was appointed postmaster. Mr. Aderton has served as town clerk nine years, and excise commissioner twelve years. He married Mary Lockwood and two children have been born to them. One son, A. L. Aderton, is general delivery clerk in the Newburgh post-office.

JOSEPH H. ADOLPH, who has been engaged in the meat business at Highland Falls since 1886, is numbered among the representative and progressive citizens of that village, where he was born in 1857. His opportunities for schooling were limited, and at the age of eleven years he entered the employ of a grocer, with whom he remained ten years. He then Spent two years in Milwaukee and six years in Connecticut, when he returned to his native village and engaged in business for himself, in which he has been unusually successful. Socially Mr. Adolph is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. In 1885 he married Miss Mary Campion, of Hartford, Conn. They have three children, two sons and one daughter.

GEO. B. ALEXANDER is the son of Harvey and Amanda (Kernaghan) Alexander, and was born in the village of Cornwall, Orange County, N. Y., November 5, 1843. His parents removed to Little Britain in the spring of 1844. At an early age he learned the carpenter's trade, with his father, living at home until the fall of 1886, when he went to California, where he was employed on the Raymond Hotel, which was then in course of erection at Pasadena. On his return home he took up his trade and again visited California in 1891. On his return home he was appointed under sheriff of Orange County, having charge of the Newburgh Court House. His brother, Joseph K. Alexander was sheriff at that time. In 1895 he married Elvira S. Scott, daughter of William J. and Maria (Newkirk) Scott, and niece of David A. Scott. Their son, Harvey, now ten years old, resides at home. Mr. Alexander is a member of Hudson River Lodge No. 607, F. and A. M., of Newburgh, N. Y. In the spring of 1895 he moved to Campbell Hall, where he is associated with his brother, Joseph K. Alexander, in a general store. He was supervisor of the town of Hamptonburgh for two terms, having previously served three terms as town clerk. He is postmaster of Campbell Hall, which office he has held for ten years.

SAMUEL ANDREWS, who has been general superintendent of the Walden Knife Works for twenty-five years and secretary of the company since 1904, was born in England in 1858, a son of William and Sarah (Harrison) Andrews. He came to America with his parents in infancy and in 1872 entered the employ of the Walden Knife Company to learn the cutlery trade. In 1881 he became a director of the company and has been closely identified with the growth and progress of that important industry. Mr. Andrews is a director of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association and a member of the Order of Foresters. He has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Clara Ashbury. Two daughters, Ethel and Alice, were born to them. For his second wife Mr. Andrews chose Miss Alfa Mussey.

WALTER CASE ANTHONY, attorney, of Newburgh, was born in Fishkill, N. Y., August 24, 1842. A son of Theodore Van Wyck and Mary H. (Case) Anthony. He was educated at Fishkill Academy and Union College, where he graduated with the degree of A.B. in 1864. He read law at Goshen, N. Y., in the office of David F. Gedney, and later with Stephen W. Fullerton, and was admitted to the bar in 1865.

Mr. Anthony was elected district attorney in 1877, and re-elected in 1880. In 1898 he was appointed referee in bankruptcy for Orange County. Mr. Anthony is a director and counsel of the Columbus Trust Co. of Newburgh. He is vice-president of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands.

CHARLES W. ARKILLS was born in Fallsburgh, Sullivan County, October 4, 1867. He was educated in the District School and Liberty Academy. At an early age he learned the trade of decorator and painter, and became so proficient that he was foreman for the Ontario & Western Railroad in Newburgh three years, and afterward assistant foreman in the Kilmes Wire Works at Newburgh. He is a democrat, and has several times been chosen a delegate to democratic county conventions. He married Julietta Rose, of Grahamsville, Sullivan County, June 20, 1888, and their children are Laura, Lelia, Sadie L., Viola K., and John I. C. He is a member of the Reformed Dutch Church at Grahamsville, and was superintendent of its Sunday-school for four years. His home is now on a farm near Campbell Hall, with his father. The latter, Darwin Arkills, was born in Scotchtown, Orange County, and married Minerva Gray, of Thompsonville. Their children's names are Laura N., Fred J., and Charles W.

SAMUEL ARMSTRONG was born at Thompson's Ridge, Orange County, N.Y., May 14, 1878. After his district schooling at Thompson's Ridge and Pine Bush he attended the preparatory school of the Misses Porter at Middletown and the Albany College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in 1902. He removed to Warwick and clerked for S. S. Van Saun, after which he purchased the Warwick Drug Store, which he now owns. He has been deputy town clerk about three years, and is a member of the following societies: Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Highland Chapter No. 240, R. A. M., and Cypress Commandery No. 67 of Middletown. He married Emma Faith McNeal, of Montgomery, Orange County. His father and mother were natives of the town of Crawford, Orange County, N. Y. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth J. Shafer. The father was a practical farmer, fond of his home, and devoted to the interests of his church and the republican party.

DR. MAURICE CAVILEER ASHLEY, the present superintendent of the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, has occupied that position since July, 1902, succeeding Dr. Selden H. Talcott, who died June 15, 1902.

Dr. Ashley was born in Port Republic, New Jersey, July 3, 1863. He received his education in the public schools of that town, and in 1884 began his work with the insane, by taking a position as attendant in the asylum in Trenton, N. J., where he remained for two years, then came to Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital in the same capacity. In a year's time he was appointed as assistant supervisor in the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, and later was promoted to the position of pharmacist.

In 1889 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, and graduated in April, 1892. In August, 1892, he was appointed junior assistant physician in the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital.

His course has steadily advanced since that time: Third assistant physician, 1895; second assistant physician, May, 1898; first assistant physician, April, 1900; acting superintendent, June 15, 1902, and superintendent since July, 1902, when he received the appointment to the position left vacant by his predecessor's death.

Dr. Ashley was married August 30, 1888, to Miss Harriet Meade, of Johnson, Orange County, N. Y. He has two daughters in their early 'teens.

Dr. Ashley was a member of the National Guard, serving in the medical department for nearly twenty years. He resigned his position as captain and assistant surgeon of the 1st New York Regiment in 1907, receiving full and honorable discharge.

In May, 1898, Dr. Ashley, then second assistant physician in the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, was granted a leave of absence by the Civil Service Commission' and Superintendent Talcott, and was commissioned by Governor Frank S. Black as captain and assistant surgeon of the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry, and accompanied the regiment to Hawaii.

He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, of the American Medico-Psychological Association, and the New York Psychiatric Society, of the Hoffman Lodge No. 412, Midland Chapter No. 240, Cyprus Commandery No. 67, and Mecca Temple, New York City, the University Club of Middletown, and various other medical and social organizations. He has contributed many medical papers from time to time to the various medical publications.

CHARLES P. AU, son of the late Charles and Ellen (McGrisken) Au, was born in 1877 on the farm of J. Pierpont Morgan in the town of Highland, where his father was engaged as a carpenter. After finishing his schooling he learned the barber's trade, in which business he has met with much success. In 1898 he received the appointment as barber in the United States Cadet Barracks at West Point and has retained the position continuously to the present time. He also conducted a shop at Highland Falls for a period of five years. Mr. Au is active in the support of the republican party. In 1906 he was nominated for supervisor and in an unusual election was defeated by the close margin of twenty-four votes. Mr. Au is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the A. O. H. He married Miss Katherine Powers and they are the parents of two boys and one girl.

CLARENCE AYRES was born in the town and village of Mount Hope, November 27, 1875, and was educated in the district school and public school of Middletown, where his parents moved when he was nine years old. He learned the printer's trade, at which he worked three years. When he was seventeen he became lineman in telephone construction, and worked at it in Middletown six years and in Newburgh two years. In 1904 he went to Warwick, became connected with the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, and is now manager of general construction in the mechanical department. He married Anna Collonton, of Goshen, and they have one child, Francis, born in December, 1889. Mr. Ayres is a member of the Congregational Church, and adheres to the democratic party. His father was a sailor on a whaling vessel eight years, and circumnavigated the earth four times. He also served as sailor during the civil war.

FRED BAILEY, a merchant of Otisville, N. Y., was born June 4, 1854. His early education was acquired at Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., at the district school. He was identified with the American Express Company at Ellicottville for a period of nine years. In December, 1892, he came to Orange County and located at Otisville. Removing to Newburgh in 1894, he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business for one year, after which he returned to Otisville and purchased the grocery store of A. J. Craig, which he conducted eight years. He then conducted a store in partnership with George Smith until the fall of 1906, when he purchased Mr. Smith's interest in the store and real estate, and has since conducted it alone.

Mr. Bailey was united in marriage, September 4, 1876, to Miss Chloe Mary Vaughan, of Ellicottville, N. Y. One child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are members of the Otisville Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Bailey was for five years a member of the Tenth Separate Company, National Guard, State of New York.

THE BAIRD FAMILY--Among the earliest settlers of the town of Warwick there came Francis Baird, prior to 1766. He was of Scotch or Scotch-Irish ancestry, and according to a tradition of the family he, or his father before him, sailed from Bally Castle, County Antrim, in the north of Ireland. This was a shipping port in that early date, and is just across from Scotland. A recent writer has said: "Francis Baird (never Beard) may have been Irish by nativity, but not by ancestry. The Bairds of Avondale were an ancient and powerful Berg Scots clan, and as long ago as the wild days of the struggles between Robert Bruce and John Baliol for the Scottish crown (1309), gave brave account of themselves on the side of the Lord of Lome against the finally victorious Bruce. The name, originally (Norman-French) Bayard, was shortened into Baird by neighbors after the family passed into Scotland from France at a very early date. Francis was an offshoot and clansman of this stock."

He built the stone house on Main street in 1766.

Mr. Baird was a man of intelligence and comparative wealth. He was a signer of the non-importation pledge of 1775, and lived and died in Warwick in warm esteem.

He died in the latter part of 1799 or the first part of 1800, and left a will disposing of his property. His children were William Eagles, Samuel, John, Abia Francis, Anna and Margaret (wife of Joseph Walling).

The last named are the ancestors of the Walling family in this town.

William Eagles Baird married Sarah De Kay, a daughter of Thomas De Kay, and from this marriage were the following: Nathaniel Wheeler, Abia Francis, Fanny (married Blain), Mary (or Polly, married Thomas Hathorn Burt), Jane, Sally (married Nathaniel Pelton), Christine (married David Barclay).

The descendants of Nathaniel Wheeler Baird, who married Abigail Denton, reside principally in this town. They are: John Baird (married Mary De Kay), Julia (married Thomas E. De Kay), Samuel Denton (married Sarah Parks), Mary (married Ogden Howell), Frances Amelia (married George W. Sanford, 1847), Sarah (married Thomas J. Taylor), William Henry (married Mary ____), Charles Roe (married Anna M. Jayne).

In 1819, William Eagles Baird, oldest son of Francis, built the stone house between Warwick and New Milford, which is still in excellent preservation and is owned by a descendant, William Parks Baird, a son of Samuel Denton Baird, deceased, who resides there with his mother, Sarah. The other descendants of Samuel D., who were also born here, are Samuel D., Jr., Nathaniel Wheeler, Susan (married Pierre Demerest), Fred J. and George M.

FRED BAKER, who since 1883 has been manager of the Newburgh branch of Swift & Company, is one of Orange County's popular citizens. He was born in Germany in 1834, and came to America in 1853. He was engaged for many years with his father in the conduct of a slaughter house on the Plank road, and since his connection with Swift & Company has built up an extensive trade in Newburgh and vicinity. Fred, his eldest son, conducts a farm at Marlboro. His son William conducts a meat market at 52 Water street, and another at 127 Smith street, Newburgh, and John J. has a meat market on South Street. Mr. Baker is prominent in Masonic circles, a member of Hudson River Lodge, the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine.

GEORGE W. BALL was born May 13, 1868, in Monroe, Orange County. He was educated in the public school and Chester Academy. Then he was clerk for David Roe at Bellvale, N. Y., and for Frank Hall, of Greenwood Lake. In 1888 he became station agent at Allamuchy, N. J., and Buttsville, N. J., for the Lehigh & Hudson Railroad, and was transferred to Greycourt, N. Y. In 1891 he became clerk in the Erie Railroad office at Bergen, N. J., and went from there back to Greycourt to be station agent for the Erie. He left the employment of this road July 15, 1904, and started a real estate and insurance business at Chester. He also started and still publishes a weekly paper, the _Independent._

Mr. Ball has been village trustee four years, justice of the peace four years, and village clerk two years. He has been a member of the Chester Band twenty years, and is at present its leader. He was chief of the Chester fire department from 1894 to 1896. He is a charter member of the Chester K. of P. Lodge No. 363, and a member of the Standard Lodge No. 711, F. & A. M. His wife was Anna M. Smith, and a daughter of the late C. P. Smith, of Chester. Their children are Mae T., Susan R., Katheryn M. and Caroline P.

PETER MOIR BARCLAY, M.D.--Of the physicians and surgeons in Orange County who built up an extensive practice, special mention should be made of the late Dr. Barclay, of Newburgh. He was a son of Dr. Alexander and Mary J. Fraser (Watt) Barclay, and was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, April 20, 1834. His parents came to America in 1835, settling in Newburgh. Here Peter M. received his preliminary education, graduating from the Academy in 1848. In 1850 he began the study of medicine under his father, and graduated from the University of New York in 1854. July 9, 1866, Governor Fenton appointed him surgeon to the 19th Infantry of New York, with the rank of captain. Dr. Barclay was a nonresident member of the Medico-Legal Society of New York, and was prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, including the Knights Templar.

He was united in marriage, June 19, 1872, with Miss Harriet E., daughter of Captain C. B. Armstrong. They had one daughter, Maude, now the wife of Mr. John B. Rose, a leading brick manufacturer and representative citizen of Newburgh.

Of Dr. Barclay's skill in his profession it is unnecessary to speak, as his talents were known and appreciated for nearly half a century in this city and adjoining portions of the State. He was also recognized as a leading citizen, performing in a plain and courteous manner the various social duties that devolved upon him. His death occurred in Newburgh, February 10, 1901.

ARTHUR BARNES, senior member of the firm of Barnes & Atkins, is a son of Edgar C. Barnes, and was born and educated in Newburgh. They occupy one of the oldest business houses of its kind in the city; established in 1874 by Matthews & Barnes; succeeded in 1883 by Barnes & Mapes; and in 1890 by E. C. Barnes, and again in 1898 by Barnes & Monell. The present firm purchased the business in 1905. They are smokers and packers of B. & M. Newburgh meats and give employment to twelve men. They are extensive dealers in butter, eggs and cheese.

EDGAR C. BARNES was born in Orange County, N. Y., July 16, 1834. His parents removed to New York City when he was seven years of age, and he received his education in the schools of that city. From 1851 to 1854 Mr. Barnes was employed in the store of A. R. & O. Taylor at Pine Bush, Orange County. He then came to Newburgh and entered the employ of William K. Mailler & Co. as shipping clerk on the barge Newburgh. He filled various positions in the office of the barge until 1874, becoming familiar with the produce commission business. In 1874 he formed a partnership with James H. Mathews under the firm name of Mathews & Barnes, wholesale provision and produce merchants. In 1883 Mr. Mathews retired from the firm and Mr. Albert W. Mapes was admitted thereto, under the firm name of Barnes & Mapes, and so continued until December, 1890. Mr. Barnes continued the business alone until 1898, but removed to a substantial brick building he had erected at 42 South Water street, specially adapted to cold storage. In March of 1898 Mr. Barnes retired from active business life. He is vice-president of the Highland National Bank of Newburgh. Mr. Barnes has not sought prominence in public life, but rather has devoted himself to his business, in which he was eminently successful, and to the work of the church and Sunday-school with which he is connected. He has been twice married, his first wife being M. Theresa Pack, of New York, who died, leaving four children, three of whom are living. Anna, Minnie, and Arthur, his business successor. In 1870 he married Sophie H. Parsons, of Newburgh, N. Y.

GEORGE T. BARNES, son of Gordon and Esther A. (Tate) Barnes, was born in Montgomery, Orange County. He attended school but a short period and in 1881 began his apprenticeship as a tinsmith and plumber, serving seven years. He was employed several years at Middletown by the late George A. Swalm and has resided in Newburgh since 1889. In 1892 he established his present business as a contractor for plumbing, ventilating, steam and hot water heating. Mr. Barnes has given a great deal of study to the most improved and economical systems of heating and ventilating large buildings and his plans have been accepted and installed in many of the palatial homes in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Rhode Island. Among the important plants he has equipped may be mentioned those of the Light, Heat and Power Companies of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, the Chatham, Coxsackie and Rhinebeck electrical stations, and he now has the contract for heating the United States Government buildings at West Point, N. Y. Mr. Barnes' success may be attributed to his close attention to business and fulfilling his contracts to the letter. From a humble beginning he has built up a business in the space of fifteen years, exceeding all others in his line in Orange County. His show rooms at 107 Broadway will compare favorably with any in New York State. In 1895 he married Miss Cory, of Rhode Island, and one daughter has been born to them.

J. MILTON BARNES, flour and grain merchant, of Central Valley, was born in Cornwall, Orange County, in 1844, a son of Matthew and Mary (Van Duser) Barnes. As a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1876, when he located in Central Valley and engaged in the mercantile business with Alfred Cooper. This partnership continued eight years and was succeeded by Barnes & Thorn, Barnes & Duran, and J. M. Barnes & Co. Mr. Barnes was appointed postmaster of the village in 1885 and again in 1892. Politically he has always been a democrat. In 1884 Mr. Barnes married Miss Hannah, daughter of the late Hon. Morgan Shuit.

ROBERT HIRAM BARNETT, of Newburgh, N. Y., was born in the City of Gloversville, Fulton County, N. Y., on June 13, 1870, being the son of Alfred A. and Bessie Rowell Barnett. His father was born in London, England, and came to this country in the early sixties. The Barnett family is descended from English ancestors who commanded in the battle of Barnett. Through his mother, Mr. Barnett is a Mayflower descendant and is connected with the Fields and Morses, Warren Rowell, the New York inventor, being his maternal great-uncle. Mr. Barnett received his education in the city of Johnstown, N. Y., and graduated from the Johnstown High School and the Johnstown Academy, which was founded by Sir William Johnson. Owing to ill-health he was unable to enter college, but continued his studies for three years under a tutor and read law with Andrew J. Nellis, of Johnstown, N. Y., and acted as his managing clerk for several years and thereafter went to New York City and entered the New York Law School as a student thereof. While pursuing his course at the New York Law School he was connected with ex-Deputy Attorney General Colonel Dennison, of the firm of Dennison & Hartridge, of New York City. Mr. Barnett graduated from the New York Law School in 1895, with the degree of bachelor of laws, and was admitted to the bar at Albany in December, 1895.

He practiced law in the city of Johnstown for a short time and then removed to Mechanicsville, N. Y., where he remained for about three years, and while there was corporation counsel of the village and acted as attorney and counsel for the boards of health and water commissioners. From Mechanicsville Mr. Barnett removed to the city of New York and engaged in the practice of his profession, but owing to ill-health and inability to become acclimated to the salt air he removed to the city of Newburgh in 1901, where he has since continuously followed his profession, having largely confined his efforts to the practice of negligence law.

DANIEL D. BARNS, the third son of Nathaniel and Effie (Dusenberre) Barns, previously referred to, was born in Middle Hope in 1833. He now lives in retirement on his valuable fruit farm, adjoining his birthplace. In 1857 he married Miss Hester D., daughter of Captain L. S. Carpenter, of Marlboro. They became the parents of three daughters and one son, Nathaniel C., who continues the management of the farm cultivated so many years by his father. Mr. Daniel D. Barns always manifested a great interest in public affairs of Orange County, and was well known as a breeder of fast trotting horses for which Orange County is noted.

Nathaniel C. Barns was born in Middle Hope in 1863. Since completing his studies in the Newburgh schools he has been largely engaged in fruit growing with much success. He has served as justice of the peace, and is the present master of Cronomer Valley Grange No. 982.

In 1888 he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Dr. Kidd, of Newburgh; she died in 1889, leaving one daughter, Natalie C.

NATHANIEL BARNS--Among the representative agriculturalists and fruit growers of Orange County, Mr. Nathaniel Barns, of the town of Newburgh, is worthy of special notice. Born in Middle Hope, February 20, 1831, he has been for nearly half a century actively engaged in the cultivation of a large and valuable farm, mostly devoted to fruit. He is the second son and namesake of the late Nathaniel and Effie (Dusenberre) Barns, previously mentioned.

Mr. Barns attended a select school at Marlboro, and subsequently taught school one winter. When twenty-three years of age he married Miss Martha Waring, and four sons and one daughter were born to them, of whom James and Charles are living--the former a dry goods merchant of Newburgh, and the latter in the produce business in New York. Mr. Barns has been actively identified with public affairs of his native town. He was elected assessor for a period of nine years, excise commissioner for two years, and from 1865 to 1870 held the office of supervisor and chairman of the board in 1870. Mr. Barns was the first supervisor from the present town of Newburgh and is the only surviving member of that honorable body of 1866. Mr. Barns was recognized as a leader and placed on important committees. He is at present one of the trustees of Cedar Hill Cemetery, and member of Cronomer Valley Grange.

WILLIAM D. BARNS, widely known for many years as one of the most prominent and successful agriculturists, fruit growers and horticulturists in the State of New York, pursued his vocation at Middle Hope, Orange County, where he was born October 16, 1828. He was the descendant of an old and honored New England family. His father, Nathaniel Barns, was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1782, and settled in Middle Hope shortly after his marriage to Miss Effie Dusenberre in 1828. Four children were born to them, namely, William D., Nathaniel, Daniel D., and Mary E.

Nathaniel Barns became a prosperous farmer, and at the time of his death in 1879 was the owner of 300 acres of the choicest farm land in Orange County. These farms became the property of the sons above mentioned. William D. continued the homestead farm, and for thirty-five years previous to his death devoted his attention largely to the cultivation of fruit. He was vice-president of the Orange County Agricultural Society from 1888 to 1897, and superintendent of the fruit department at the annual fairs of this organization. He was a member and exhibitor at the Newburgh Bay Horticultural Society. He was connected with the Eastern New York Horticultural Society since its organization, and a member of the Western New York Horticultural Society. In 1893 he was appointed by Governor Flower a member of the board of control of the New York State Experiment Station at Geneva. He was also appointed by Governor Odell a State delegate to the National Farmers' Congress at Sioux Falls, S. D., in 1901. As a citizen of the town of Newburgh, he was the incumbent of many offices of trust and honor. As almshouse commissioner he was prominent in securing many improvements on the farm attached to that institution. He was largely instrumental in the establishment of the Children's Home, and the plans for its management have been conducted substantially as he advocated. Mr. Barnes' death occurred in October, 1904. In 1860 he married Miss Elizabeth A. Carpenter, and five children were born, of whom four are living, Edwin W., Mary, George D., John S., and Nathaniel H. (deceased).

The homestead farm is now conducted under the management and firm name of Edwin W. Barns & Son. Over seventy acres are devoted to the culture of fruit, and all specimens adapted to this section, from the earliest strawberry to the latest apples, are here grown.

CHARLES W. BARTRUM, general superintendent of the Newburgh plant of Sweet, Orr & Co., was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and educated at the Rhinebeck Academy. He taught school for a time and was later associated with the clothing industry at Ossining, N. Y., for a period of nine years. In 1881 his services were secured by the above firm, first in the sales department and then in charge of the general office. In 1883 he was appointed superintendent.

Mr. Bartrum married Miss Hannah E. Willsea, of Tarrytown, and they are the parents of two children, Dr. William C. and Miss Nellie E.

WILLIAM R. BEAL, president of the Newburgh Light, Heat and Power Company, was born in Newark, N. J., in 1838. His father, Joseph Reynolds, a gentleman by birth and education, and his mother, Elizabeth Austen, came to this country from England about 1830.

Left an orphan at an early age, he first engaged in a fifteen hour a day business for nearly two years and then commenced his career with gas companies. His experience in the latter line of business was with the Newark, N. J., Gas Light Co. and then with the gas company at Elizabeth. In 1855 he became manager of the Yonkers Gas Light Co., leaving it in 1866 to take the same position in the territory now known as the Twenty-third Ward, New York City. In 1870 he organized the company and built the works now controlling the sale of gas in the Twenty-fourth Ward, New York City. In 1895, and as president of these companies, he sold them to the New Amsterdam Gas Company of New York City, now controlled by the Consolidated Gas Company, New York City.

While living in the Twenty-third Ward, he was actively identified in church and Sunday-schools and church construction and management, and for twelve years with the public school system of New York as trustee and chairman.

Mr. Beal was president of the American Gas Light Association in 1902, and is now a trustee and treasurer of its educational fund. In 1900 he became president of the Newburgh Light, Heat and Power Co., and a little later of the Poughkeepsie L., H. & P. Co. His policy throughout his career of more than half a century with gas enterprises has been to use the best manufacturing and distributing apparatus and to give the best possible service at equitable rates.

For many years Mr. Beal has been largely identified with real estate and building operations and in the organization and management of incorporated enterprises. He is a warden of Holy Trinity Church, New York, is an officer of Christian associations, a Free Mason and a Grand Army man, as well as a member of several clubs, church and benevolent institutions.

In 1863 Mr. Beal was united in marriage to Eleanor Louise Bell. Their living children, Reynolds and Gifford are artists, Thaddeus R. is manager of the Poughkeepsie L., H. & P. Co., Albert R. is manager of the gas department, Newburgh L., H. & P. Co., Mrs. Charles E. Acker and Miss Mary Reynolds Beal.

OSCAR W. BELCHER, who recently purchased the Lee farm in the town of Cornwall, has resided in Orange County nearly half a century. He was born in Passaic County, N. J., in 1844, where he remained until 1859. With the exception of two and a half years spent in Michigan, Mr. Belcher has been engaged in farming in what is now the town of Tuxedo. In 1907 he disposed of his property there and removed to his present home.

THE BELKNAP FAMILY--Abraham Belknap, from whom the Belknap family in this country trace their descent, emigrated from England and settled in Lynn, Mass., in 1637. Samuel Belknap, the immediate ancestor of the family in Orange County, was born in 1707, came to Newburgh in 1749, and died in 1771. His son Isaac, during the struggle for independence, was appointed a captain of a company of rangers, and later in the regular service as assistant deputy quartermaster-general. Another son, Abel, was chairman of the committee of safety for the Newburgh precinct during the Revolution. At the close of the war he engaged in the manufacture of soap. This became an important industry, and has extended from father to son for four generations as follows: Abel Belknap, 1783 to 1804; his sons, Abel and Moses Higby Belknap, 1804 to 1855; Moses Cook Belknap and Belknap & McCann, 1855 to 1892, and William Cook Belknap, 1892 to the present.

Moses Higby Belknap was born in Newburgh, N. Y., September 23, 1787, and died January 4, 1855. He was president of the village of Newburgh in 1832-33-34-38-39-41-43-44. He was one of the founders of the Newburgh High School.

Moses Cook Belknap was born in Newburgh, February 2, 1832, a son of Moses H. and Ruth P. (Cook) Belknap. In 1867 he was appointed cashier of the Highland National Bank and January 9, 1883, was elected its president, continuing in this office until he retired on account of ill health in 1892. He died at Newburgh, October 3, 1892. Upon the death of his father in 1855, Mr. Belknap formed a co-partnership with Thomas M. McCann to continue the soap manufacturing business of A. & M. H. Belknap, Mr. Belknap managing the finances of the concern. He served as clerk and treasurer of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian Church from 1855 to the time of his death. He was one of the founders of the local Y. M. C. A. and was connected therewith after its reorganization. In 1877 he served as alderman from the Third Ward and in 1884 was elected a member of the Board of Education and re-elected in 1888. In 1887 he was chosen its president.

In 1857 Mr. Belknap married Mary H., daughter of William K. Mailler, who died May 31, 1858. In 1862 he married Marietta, daughter of David McCamly, of Warwick, N. Y. She died in 1873, leaving three sons and one daughter. In 1875 he married Evelina, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Deyo, by whom he had a son and a daughter, now living.

WILLIAM COOK BELKNAP, son of Moses Cook and Marietta (McCamly) Belknap, was born at Newburgh, N. Y., July 15, 1864. He was educated in the private and public schools of that city and at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass. He married Helen, daughter of the late George W. and Margaret (Brown) Kerr, December 15, 1890. Two children have been born to them, William Kerr, born December 10, 1897, and Helen Kerr, born April 8, 1899.

Mr. Belknap is engaged in the manufacture of soap under the firm name of Belknap & McCann, carrying on the business established by Abel Belknap about 1783. He is also engaged in other enterprises in Newburgh. Mr. Belknap has served as a member of the board of park commissioners of Newburgh since 1897. He is a member of the board of trustees of Washington's Headquarters (under appointment by Governor Higgins), corresponding secretary of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, member of the board of trustees of St. Luke's Hospital, a trustee of the Cedar Hill Cemetery Association and a vestryman of St. George's Church.

THE BENEDICT FAMILY--The first of the Benedict family to come to Orange County was Elder James Benedict, a great grandson of Thomas Benedict, who came from England and settled on Long Island about 1638. Elder James Benedict came to Warwick in 1765 and made his home in a log house near Chonck's Hill--he had separated from the church in Ridgefield, Conn., because of unjust demands of the tithe-master and very soon after coming to Warwick lent his efforts toward establishing the First Baptist Church. The first house built for worship was one over which he was pastor and stood at the fork of the road nearly opposite the church burying ground--on an angle which still continues to be church property. He left Warwick in the year 1773, and moved to Wyoming, Pa., because of difficulty arising in the church through prejudice toward the Order of Free Masons, of which he was a member and which connection saved the lives of himself and family at the fearful Wyoming massacre when a secret signal from Brandt brought mercy and safe escort to peaceful territory, he returned to Warwick at once and died here, September 9, 1792, aged seventy-two years. He is buried beside his wife, Mary, near where the church stood. The stone house just east of Warwick village was built by his oldest son, James, in 1779, and has descended through succeeding generations to the present owners--the children of Captain Jas. W. Benedict.

JAMES D. BENEDICT was born in the stone house about one mile from Warwick, Orange County, September 2, 1834. His father, William Smith Benedict, purchased the Wickham farm about 1839 and continued to operate it for many years. He removed to Warwick in April, 1867, and remained there until his death, September 22, 1883. James attended the district school and the Florida Institute. He assisted his father on the farm during his younger days and has always made farming his occupation. He removed to Warwick in 1871. remaining there about nine years, when he again took up his residence on the Wickham farm, where he resided until his death, which occurred February 17, 1898. He was a member of the Grange, a prosperous farmer and a good citizen. Mrs. Benedict has presented the International Sunshine Society with a plot of land on her farm near Wisner, on which the society will erect a bungalow costing about $2,000. The plot is beautifully located, presenting a fine view of the surrounding country. On it is a spring that never freezes, supplying an abundance of pure water. The place is to be known as "The James D. Benedict Sunshine Rest Home."

JAMES H. BENEDICT was born on the Benedict homestead in the old stone house at Stone Bridge, February 13, 1854. and lived there with his father thirty-five years. November 14, 1888, he married Miss Ada Pitts, and they had two children--Laura, born in October, 1889, and W. Smith, born in December, 1890. He has a large dairy farm, is a member of the Grange, and a democrat.

JOHN VAN DUZER BENEDICT--The Benedict family in America dates back to A. D. 1638, when Thomas Benedict and his wife, Mary (Bridgum) Benedict, the first of the name to come to America, settled at the colony of Massachusetts Bay.

The subject of this sketch is in the eighth line of descent from Thomas, the first settler, and in the fifth line from Elder James Benedict, the first of the name in Orange County. Our subject was born in the town of Warwick, on January 1, 1837, in the stone house, now standing and for many years known as the "John Blain" house. His parents were Abner Benedict and Julia A. (Van Duzer) Benedict, who were each in equal lines of descent from both Thomas, the first settler, and from the "old Elder," as he was familiarly called. He first attended school in the old stone schoolhouse, at that time standing opposite the forks of the highway near Stonebridge, afterwards at the district school in the village of Edenville, entered the academy known as the "Warwick Institute," at Warwick, N. Y., on December 5, 1853, its opening day, and was also a student at the S. S. Seward Institute at Florida, N. Y., during the spring term in 1857, under the direction of Professor John W. Round, then principal of that institution. He entered the freshman class of Union College at Schenectady on the opening of the school year in September, 1857, and completing the full classical course, graduated on the 25th day of July, 1861. Returning home, he lived with his parents at their home near Edenville, Orange County, N. Y.

JOHN W. BENEDICT--His parents were Henry A. and Laura T. Benedict, and he was born on the homestead farm, August 16, 1855. After his school days he became a farmer, and has not changed his occupation. His dairy farm consists of 230 acres, and has belonged to the Benedicts since 1817. His father, born in 1818, died April 3, 1900, and his mother, born in 1826, is still living. They had ten children, eight of whom are living.

CHARLES F. BENNETT, of Middletown, N. Y., was born in the Bennett homestead near Middletown, October 15, 1869. His early life was spent principally on his father's farm. His father, John F. Bennett, removed to Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, and engaged in the hotel and livery business. Charles Bennett is a member of numerous social and fraternal societies, including the Masons, Royal Arcanum, Elks and Eagles. For over two years he served as postmaster at Bloomingburgh. He engaged in the livery business at Middletown in 1900 and now has one of the largest livery establishments in the city. He recently purchased of his father the homestead farm at Springside, near Middletown. This farm has been in the possession of the family over one hundred years. Mr. Bennett was joined in marriage with Kittie Bertholf, daughter of Andrew T. Bertholf, of Howells, N. Y., January 25, 1892. They have one son, Mortimer W., a student at the Middletown High School.

JOHN BIGELOW--The following data taken from "Who's Who in America," covers in concise form the career of this distinguished citizen whose country seat is at Highland Falls, N. Y.:

"John Bigelow, author; born Maiden, Ulster County, N. Y., November 25, 1817. Graduated from Union College, 1835 (LL.D., Union and Racine Colleges, 1886; University of the City of New York, 1889); admitted to bar; inspector Sing Sing prison, 1845 to 1846; one of the editors New York Evening Post, 1849-61. Consul at Paris, France, 1861-64. United States Minister to France, 1864-67. Chairman of Governor Tilden's canal investigating committee, 1875. Secretary of State of New York, 1875-77. Executor and trustee of will of late Samuel J. Tilden. President board of trustees, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden's foundations. Author: Molinos the Quietist; France and the Confederate Navy; Life of William Cullen Bryant; Life of Samuel J. Tilden (2 vols.). A life of Franklin (3 vols.) from his pen, and the complete writings of Franklin which he edited (10 vols.)."

JOHN W. BINGHAM, whose fruit farm of sixty acres is located in the town of Newburgh near the county line, was born in the town of Marlborough, Ulster County, in 1852. His education was obtained in the Marlborough schools and the public schools of New York City, and he then engaged with his father in the management of the farm, which was purchased in 1867. Mr. Bingham is an elder in the Marlborough Presbyterian Church and identified with the I. O. O. F. He married Miss Mary Bloomer and three children have been born to them. He is a son of Charles E. and Amelia (Holmes) Bingham, who were prominent in church and social circles of Marlborough.

JOHN JACOB BIPPUS, a successful merchant of Port Jervis, was born at Bearville, Pa. His parents removed to Port Jervis when he was a child, and in the schools of that place he received his education. He has been engaged in the grocery business since 1891, and is one of the leading merchants of Port Jervis. Mr. Bippus is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., Elks, and is an officer in the Building and Loan Association. He is vice-president of the board of trade, has been town collector and was one of the first aldermen elected after Port Jervis received its charter as a city.

CALEB BIRCH--Among the representative merchants of Orange County is Mr. Birch, who has conducted a boot and shoe establishment in Walden for a period of thirty-three years. Mr. Birch is a native of the town of Plattekill, Ulster County, N. Y., and his younger days were spent in farming. In 1872 he opened his store in Walden and in 1875 erected the building he now occupies. Mr. Birch is a member of the American Mechanics and the Knights of Honor. He married Miss Abbie Gale and the following children have been born to them: Caleb, George, Marcus and Leuella. George, who is in business with his father, is clerk of the town of Montgomery, a member of the Masonic fraternity and one of Walden's progressive young citizens.

HILAND H. BLANCHARD was born in Acra, Greene County, N. Y., February 18, 1850. His father, Justus Blanchard, was for a time engaged in the hotel business, after which he settled on a farm. He died at the age of thirty-five years. His wife, Emeline, daughter of Miles Darby, was born in Greene County and survived her husband's death many years, passing away at the age of seventy. The only surviving member of the family is the subject of our sketch. He attained his early education at the district school and afterwards attended the Wallkill Academy. In the fall of 1868 he identified himself with Wheeler Madden & Clemson, saw manufacturers, of Middletown, N. Y., and for the past twenty years has filled the office of superintendent of that concern. Mr. Blanchard married Miss Sarah Biggin, of Middletown; four children were born to this union. He is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M., of Middletown, and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a democrat and has served on city and county committees, is a member of the board of water commissioners and president of the Old Orchard Club.

FRED P. BLIVEN was born February 22, 1871, at Michigan Corners, Orange County. His parents were Ulysses and Caroline Bliven. There were six children in the parents' family. Fred attained his early education at the district school, and at an early age worked on a farm, which occupation he has always followed. He married Nettie Clara, of Middletown, March 22, 1897. Their one child, Pearl, resides at home. His father died in 1888 and the mother in 1880.

JOSEPH BOARD, merchant, was born at Chester, N. Y., November 9, 1842, son of Peter Seeley and Madeline C. (Conklin) Board, grandson of General Charles Board, of Boardville, N. J., and great-grandson of Captain Joseph Board, of the Revolutionary Army. He was graduated from Amherst College as A.B., with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1867. He has been a merchant, selling coal, feed and lumber since January 1, 1868, and is a member of the firm of Board & Bryan. He is a director of the Watertown Water, Light and Power Company of Watertown, South Dakota; director and secretary of the Chester (New York) Telephone Company, and director of the Chester National Bank (and secretary of the board). Since 1868 he has acted as executor or administrator of over twenty different estates of deceased persons. He was excise commissioner of the town of Chester, N. Y., in 1876; member of the board of supervisors of Orange County, New York, from 1878 to 1880, and 1883 and 1884; candidate for member of assembly, 1884, but defeated; and member of over twenty years and president five years of the Board of Education of Chester Village; clerk of village of Chester, from 1892 to 1894. He was superintendent of construction of the Chester Waterworks in 1892 and 1893, trustee of Chester Village one year, and he is trustee of the Chester Free Library of Chester, N. Y. He made summer tours of the Pacific Coast, in 1869, Texas, Mexico, New Mexico and Wyoming in 1883, British Isles and Continent of Europe in 1887. Arkansas and Missouri in 1904, Dakotas and Minnesota in 1905; also frequent summer journeys through New England. He is a republican in politics and a Presbyterian in religion (Liberal School). He is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Society, Amherst College, Delta Kappa Epsilon Club of New York City, member of the Sons of the Revolution, also a member of the American Geographical Society. Mr. Board married twice, first, June 1, 1868, Josephine Bradbury Curry, and second, October 2, 1870, Hannah A. Curry (both of Tilton, N. H.), and they have three children: Joseph Orton, born in 1873; Anna Tebbetts, born in 1880, and Josephine Clough, born in 1885.

JAMES BONNYMAN was born September 1, 1854, in Batriphnie, Banffshire County, Scotland. He received a common school education in Scotland, and came to America in 1872. He located in Philadelphia and worked at his trade as florist nearly nine years. He moved to Warwick in 1880, and after working for J. E. Cropsey for some time, started for himself in floriculture. He is a large grower of roses and carnations, which are mostly sold in the home market. He is a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, has been one of its deacons eight years, and is a member of the Y. M. C. A. He is an earnest church worker, and active in public affairs. In politics he is a republican. He married Miss Catherine Amelia McPeek, daughter of Lewis and Sarah McPeek, September 16, 1883. They have four children living, one having died while young. Those living are: Alexander M., born May 17, 1885, a graduate of Columbia College of Pharmacy; Amy R., born May 31, 1887, a graduate of the Warwick Institute, and Douglass, born May 27, 1893.

FRED BOOTH, secretary and general manager of the Firth Carpet Company at Firthcliffe, Orange County, N. Y., is a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to America in 1884 to superintend the plant of this company, then located in Philadelphia. In March, 1886, they purchased the Broadhead Woolen Mills, transferred their machinery to the new location and continued the manufacture of worsted yarns, tapestry and Brussels carpet. The concern, of which Mr. Booth is the active head, is one of the leading industries in Orange County. The capital stock is $1,000,000 and employment is given to four hundred persons.

The officers of the company are: F. F. Firth, president; A. F. Firth, vice-president; B. H. Tobey, treasurer, and Fred Booth, secretary and general manager.

JESSE BOOTH was born at Campbell Hall, May 8, 1853. His father was Alfred Booth and mother Dolle Watkins (Reeve) Booth. His parents had a family of four children: Matilda Roe, wife of W. H. D. Blake, of New Paltz, N. Y., died October, 1904; Hanna Caroline, wife of George Slaughter, of Campbell Hall, N. Y.; Marianna, wife of Lewis H. Woolsey, of New Paltz, N. Y.; Sarah Reeve Booth, wife of Samuel B. Hepburn, of East Orange, N. J., and Jesse. Jesse's early education was obtained at the district school at Campbell Hall after attending the Claverack School near Hudson, N. Y. Mr. Booth has always been identified with agricultural pursuits. He married Keturah Crowell, of St. Andrews, N. Y., January 7, 1885. There were born to them five children: Anna Louise, born September 28, 1885, died at the age of sixteen months; Dollie Watkins, born October 26, 1888; Pierson, born January 12, 1890; Alfred, born October 22, 1893, and Wellington, born September 26, 1896. Mr. Booth is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh. In politics he is a republican and he is a member of the Hamptonburgh Grange No. 950. The farm which he owns has been in the family for a period of two hundred years. At present Mr. Booth resides on Highland avenue, Middletown, N. Y.