Chapter LVII: Part II: Biographical (4)

HENRY D'ARCY, who was associated with his brother Thomas in conducting the United States Hotel in Newburgh for some years, is a native of the town of Highland and now conducts a real estate and fire insurance business in Highland Falls. Mr. D'Arcy was the first town clerk at the time the town of Highland was divided from Cornwall. He has served at various times as assessor and road commissioner and president of the Board of Education six years.

Mr. D'Arcy has been twice married. A son was born by his first wife and a son and daughter by his second wife.

THOMAS DARLINGTON was born at Salisbury Mills, Orange County, N. Y., August 29, 1826, the son of Peter and Maria Wilde Darlington. Through his mother many lines of colonial ancestry met in him. A descendant of Deputy Governor Bishop, of Connecticut, who was secretary of that colony from 1661 to 1665; of Daniel Rayneau, the first freeholder of the Huguenot colony of New Rochelle; of Richard Wilde, Esq., of Flushing, N. Y.; and from Edward Griffin, of the Virginia colony, on his father's side he was from the Darlingtons of Yorkshire, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, who was one of the first paper manufacturers in this country, died January 21, 1851, but his mother lived to be over one hundred years of age, until August 20, 1900. He acquired his education in the local schools near at hand, graduating with highest honors, and at seventeen, by his own choice, was principal of a school in a neighboring village. Resigning his school position he went to New York City and studied law in the office of Mr. Taggart, reciting at the same time in the evenings to private tutors in Latin and philosophy. He was of a very religious temperament, being a constant attendant at church and having a Sunday-school class, of which he was very fond.

Soon after becoming an attorney and counselor-at-law he started in business for himself, and achieved a most rapid success. The firm name was Darlington, Spring & Russell, and some most important cases were entrusted to their care. When Mr. Spring died, Mr. Russell went to Cornell University as dean, and a new firm was formed of Darlington, Irving & Hoffman.

His interest in all games and amusements was great, being the amateur editor of the chess column in a New York weekly paper for some years.

In politics he was a strong abolitionist, and took an active part in the anti-slavery movement. So pronounced was his position and so well known, that on July 13, 1863, during the draft riots in New York City, a mob broke into his law offices and smashed all the furniture. Mr. Darlington afterward sued the municipality for the damage wrought, and was the first to recover in an action of this sort, the case being referred to to-day as marking a new line of municipal responsibility. As the mob was killing returned Union soldiers and hanging colored people to the lamp-posts, at his own expense he sent down a whole colored family that had been pursued, to his country home in Kingston, N. J., and kept them there some months until the danger was over.

At the time of the renomination of General Grant for a second term as President, one of the general's friends offered Mr. Darlington the appointment of chief justice of the then territory of Colorado, but he was most devoted and adhered to his friend of many years, Horace Greeley, who was the nominee of the liberal republican and democratic parties, and so the appointment was not made. He resolutely and consistently declined to engage in politics, but blamed himself for over-leniency in the case of Guiteau, who afterward shot President Garfield. Having a criminal suit against Guiteau, he had him shut up in prison, but after being there some months Guiteau wrote a most pitiful letter, saying that longer confinement meant his death, and Mr. Darlington, thinking that he had been punished enough, signed a paper consenting to his discharge. It was only a month or two after his release that he murdered President Garfield, and Mr. Darlington appeared against him as a witness at his trial.

In his religious life Mr. Darlington always attended the Presbyterian Church, and was teacher of the Bible class in the Mulberry Street Mission of the South Park Church in Newark, N. J., for years.

On August 1, 1850, he married Hannah Anne Goodliffe, daughter of James Yarrow Goodliffe, and the issue was eight children; two, Alfred Ernest and Alice, deceased, and six, James, now Protestant Episcopal bishop of Harrisburg, Pa.; Thomas, J., now president of the board of health of New York City; Charles Francis, counselor-at-law; Gustavus C., a physician; Marion Goodliffe, and Mrs. Margaret Darlington-Wilde, living. His death came suddenly, on the 18th day of May, 1903, and he was buried from the same church in which he was married, the University Place Presbyterian Church, University place and Eleventh street, New York City, from which his wife was also buried about two years before.

THOMAS DARLINGTON, M.D., was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 24, 1858; son of Thomas Darlington and Hannah A. (Goodliffe) Darlington. His education began in the public schools of New York and Newark, N. J., followed by a three years' scientific and engineering course at the University of the City of New York. After his graduation, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, from which he was graduated as M.D. in 1880. He engaged in the practice of medicine at Newark, N. J., for two years, holding several hospital appointments. In 1882 he located at Kingsbridge, N. Y., and practiced there until 1904, except for two years spent in Arizona, where he was surgeon to several mining companies. He was appointed commissioner of health for the city of New York in 1904, and was reappointed for the second term in 1906. His administration has been thoroughly efficient and has demonstrated the wisdom of the selection of a trained medical man as head of the department of health of a great metropolis like New York, where the sanitary problems are necessarily very complex, and their proper solution of vital importance. Dr. Darlington has been an extensive contributor to medical literature. He is ex-president of the American Climatological Society, a member of the American Medical Association, the New York State Medical Society, the New York County Medical Society, the Medico-Legal Society, Association of the Alumni of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, American Public Health Association, Harlem Medical Association, New York Physicians' Mutual Aid Association, Medical Society of the Borough of the Bronx, Medical Association of Greater New York, Yonkers Practitioners' Society, Society of Medical Jurisprudence and Academy of Medicine; and until his appointment as health commissioner of New York, he was visiting physician to several of the hospitals of the city and consulting physician to the French Hospital. He is also a member of the Archdeaconry of New York, the Church Club of New York, Chamber of Commerce, Chemists' Club, The Thomas Hunter Association of Grammar School No. 53, the Commission on the Prevention of Tuberculosis of the Charity Organization of the City of New York, Sons of the Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, New York University Alumni Association, Kingsbridge Council No. 1082, Royal Arcanum; the Parish Club, Church Temperance Society, trustee of the Bronx Savings Bank, the Huguenot Society of America, Pilgrim Society, Fordham Club, North Side Board of Trade, the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, New York Athletic Club, Seabury Society, Jefferson Tammany Hall, director Crippled Children's Driving Fund, and the National Geographic Society, Lotos Club, American Geographical Society and Society of Tropical Medicine. Address, 48 West 59th street. New York City.

GEORGE DART, general manager of the Tuxedo Stores Company at Tuxedo Park, N. Y., is a native of Ulster County, N. Y., and has resided at Tuxedo since 1886, when he established his pharmacy. Mr. Dart had previously been engaged in the drug business at 30th street and Broadway, New York City. He discontinued that store in 1888.

Mr. Dart was instrumental in the establishment of the Tuxedo Stores Company, and has been identified with various movements for the improvement and advancement of Tuxedo in material, moral and religious matters. He is president of the Board of Education, director of the Tuxedo Library and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS WESLEY DAVEY was born in the town of Greenville, N. Y., on January 6, 1850. Mr. Davey received his early education at the Chester Academy. His first work after leaving school was on a farm where he worked for three years. He was associated with various factories in Middletown and spent two years in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. Returning to his native State, Mr. Davey located in the metropolis and engaged in the milk business for two years. Since that time he was with the Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital for fourteen years as assistant engineer. Here in Middletown he has labored effectively for the past ten years as superintendent of the Middletown Water-Works. He married Miss Maria Wood, of Haverstraw, N. Y. Three children have been born to them, Irving W., Mina May and Lewis Jacob. Mr. Davey belongs to a number of societies, among them being Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. & A. M.; Middletown Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 112; Orange Encampment, I. O. O. F., No. 93. He is a member of the American Water-Works Association and honorary member of Eagle Hose & Chemical Co. No. 2, of Middletown.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN DECKER was born at Newburgh, Orange County, January 16, 1865. His parents were John H. and Elsie (Fullerton) Decker. He attended the schools in Middletown until twelve years of age, when his father died and Mr. Decker went to work in a drug store at Paterson, N. J., where he remained six years. He was identified with the _Times_ at Middletown as city editor for a period of twelve years. He enlisted in the 1st N. Y. Vol. Inf. in 1898 during the Spanish-American war, and accompanied his regiment to Honolulu as first lieutenant of Company I. He returned to Middletown and took up newspaper work on the _Press,_ remaining until the _Times_ and _Press_ were merged. He was coroner for twelve years, and in 1907 was elected sheriff of Orange Comity. Mr. Decker was united in marriage to Miss Natalie Weygant, October 31, 1890. To this union two children were born, Richard Stivers, born 1892, and John Weygant, born 1896. Mr. Decker is a republican in politics. Socially he is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, of Middletown. He is captain of Company I, 1st Inf. (24th Sep. Co.), National Guards of New York.

ISAIAH W. DECKER, president of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association is now retired from active agricultural pursuits and makes his home in Walden, N. Y. Mr. Decker's ancestors were of Dutch extraction and at an early period sought the rich lands of Orange and Ulster counties. He is a grandson of Levi Decker and a son of William D. and Ellen Jane (Crans) Decker and was born in the town of Montgomery, Orange County, N. Y. In his younger days he rented farms upon which he fully demonstrated that success could be won in this as well as in other pursuits. He later purchased a desirable farm near Walden which he provided with modern equipment.

Mr. Decker is identified with social and public affairs of his native town and has occupied different positions of trust and responsibility.

JOHN E. DECKER was born May 1, 1860, at Dwaarskill, Ulster County, N. Y. His parents were Ezekiel and Anna Decker. Our subject attained his education at the district school in his locality. He married Martha Jane, daughter of Abraham Vernooy, April 2, 1895. Their one son, Adrian Vernooy Decker, was born August 11, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Decker are members of the First Congregational Church of Middletown, N. Y., and both are active members of Wallkill River Grange. Mr. Decker is a member of I. O. O. F., of Gardner, Ulster County, N. Y. He occupies the C. H. C. Beck's farm near Middletown, N. Y., and has always been an agriculturist.

SAMUEL DECKER was born March 12, 1851, on his father's farm near the village of Amity, Orange County, N. Y. His parents were John and Maria (Smith) Decker. John Decker was a descendant of a Holland Dutch emigrant who located and became a large land owner at what is now Glenwood, N. J., but who late in life removed to central New York, leaving a son at Glenwood. Maria Smith's father, Abram Smith, was a school teacher of Orange County for fifty years and her two grand sires were Revolutionary soldiers. Mr. Decker's school days were passed at Amity, and upon reaching his majority he removed to the town of Greenville, N. Y., and purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in the upper Shawangunk valley. He has since added an adjoining farm to his original purchase. For about ten years he conducted the farm and taught school. On October 16, 1878, he married Cornelia Sergeant, only daughter of Jeremiah Sergeant, a well-known cattle dealer and farmer at Gardenersville. Shortly after this he began dealing in cattle, which in connection with his farming he engaged in continuously for twenty years. Mr. Decker is a democrat and has held a number of public offices. At present he is filling his second term as justice of the peace. Their children number four: Margaret, wife of Frank Neail, of Mount Hope; Phebe, wife of Hiram Tyler, of New York City; Frank and Effa, at home. In spite of his many enterprises Mr. Decker has found time to devote several hours each day to reading and study, is a fine Shakespearian scholar and, having a phenomenal memory, is an authority on ancient and modern history and literature.

JOHN DEISSEROTH, supervisor of the Fifth Ward, Newburgh, N. Y., was born in that city, January 17, 1876. After finishing his studies at the public schools he learned the blacksmith and horseshoeing trade and has been engaged in business for himself for the past ten years.

A firm believer in the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Deisseroth was elected to the office of supervisor in 1907 by a majority of 96. Socially he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and Columbian Hose Company, and vestryman in the Church of the Good Shepherd.

FRANK H. DE KAY was born in the town of Warwick at New Milford, August 11, 1866. He is a son of Francis M. and Nellie (Sisson) De Kay. There were three children in his parents' family: One died in infancy; Lucille, wife of James H. Vealey, and Frank H. The subject of our sketch acquired his early education at the district school at New Milford and Warwick public school, later attending Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. At an early age he identified himself in the furniture and undertaking business with Mr. Burt, the firm being Burt and De Kay. In 1893 Mr. De Kay, taking over Mr. Burt's interest, continued the business until 1899. At this period James H. Vealey took an interest in the establishment, the firm being then known as De Kay & Vealey, which continued until 1903, when Mr. De Kay retired. He married Miss Marguerite Pelser, of Paterson, N. J., April 14, 1891. To them were born two children, Elwood Frank, born March 5, 1893, died July 10, 1902, and Doris Pelser, born June 5, 1896. He is an honorary member of Excelsior Hose Company No. 1 and treasurer of Christ Episcopal Church, of Warwick. In politics he is independent.

CORNELIUS HENRY DEMAREST was born in Warwick, June 25, 1820, and died December 10, 1889. He lived all his life on the farm he inherited from his father, Cornelius C. Demarest, which now belongs to his son, Henry Pelton Demarest. He was for thirty years presiding officer of the board which controlled the Warwick Academy and the public school. He was one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank of the village and its president from 1878 until his death. He was also a founder of the Warwick Valley Farmers' Milk Association and an officer of the Warwick Valley R. R., and of its successor, the Lehigh and Hudson River Road. He was a consistent Christian and for some years before his death was a member of the Consistory of the Reformed Church. In 1845 he married Elizabeth A. Pelton, daughter of Henry Pelton, of Warwick, and seven children survived him: Charles M., who was born February 5, 1848, and died January 8, 1905 (he married Annie E. Armstrong, daughter of Rensselaer Armstrong, of Warwick); DeWitt Clinton, born February 18, 1852, who married Hattie Hudson, of Denver, and lives at Passaic, N. J.; Mary Elizabeth, born April 29, 1854, who married Christie Romaine, of Hackensack, N. J.; Henry Pelton, born October 25, 1856, who married Ella J. Toland, of Florida, N. Y.; Julia, born May 29, 1858, unmarried, living at Warwick; David, born February 27, 1860, unmarried, and living in Boston, Mass.; Anna, born April 24, 1862, unmarried, and living at Warwick.

The Demarests are of Huguenot extraction. David Demarest, a native of Beauchamp, a little village of Picardy in France, with his wife, Marie Soheir, and five children sailed from Amsterdam, April 16, 1663, on the ship _Bouchoc_ (Spotted Cow) for New Amsterdam. For two years he resided with the Huguenot colony on Staten Island; from there he moved to Harlem, where for twelve and a half years he was one of the first citizens of the place. He purchased of the Indians several thousand acres of land in New Jersey, in the vicinity of Hackensack. Just before and during the Revolution a number of Demarest families left New Jersey and went to Orange County, N. Y. Among these was Cornelius Demarest, the grandfather of Cornelius H. He settled on a ridge a few miles out of Warwick on the Florida road, but during his later years he purchased the farm now owned by his great-grandsons, Henry Pelton and Henry Pelton Demarest. Cornelius Demarest fought in the war of the Revolution under Col. John Hathorn in a company of Major Wisner's Scouts. He was one of the organizers of the Reformed Church of Warwick and a member of its first Consistory.

GEORGE HOUSTON DEMAREST, always a farmer, was born at the homestead about two miles from Wisner, June 26, 1873. He is of the seventh generation on this farm, which is now chiefly devoted to dairying. He is active in local matters, politically he is a republican and belongs to the Grange. His wife was Miss Edith May Stevens, of Sugar Loaf, and they were married November 2, 1898. They have had four children, only two of whom are living, namely, James Henry, six years old, and Agnes Wood, three months old.

HON. AUGUSTUS DENNISTON, president Orange County Agricultural Society, was born in the town of Blooming Grove, the youngest son of Robert and Mary Denniston. His farm of about two hundred and thirty acres has come down to him by inheritance from his great-grandfather, James Denniston, son of Alexander Denniston, who arrived in this country from Ireland in 1729 and settled on a farm in the town of New Windsor, about two miles north of Washingtonville. The grandfather of Augustus was James Denniston, who died in 1825, leaving several large farms, most of which was bequeathed to his son Robert, who died in 1867, and who was the owner of about six hundred acres of land, beside a large estate, all of which was managed by his son Augustus, for the benefit of his mother until her death in 1898. Augustus was educated at home by tutors in a private school. When his father was elected State comptroller in 1860, he went to Albany and served for two years as his confidential clerk. In 1862 he went to war, and was appointed by Col. Ellis quartermaster of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers. After a few months' service he was taken sick, and after months of illness in hospital and at home he resigned. In 1893-94 he represented the First Assembly District of Orange County in the Legislature. Afterwards for two years he was State cattle commissioner, having been appointed by Governor Cornell. In 1893 he was elected a director of the Orange County Agricultural Society, and since that time has been continuously connected with it officially, four years as director, two as vice-president, and since 1899 its president. He has been a director of the Highland National Bank of Newburgh since 1873, and for seven years was its president. In 1901 he was appointed by Governor Odell one of the State Fair commissioners. He resides in the old home, which was built by his father in 1824, is engaged extensively in the milk business on his large farm and has been president of the Washingtonville Farmers' Creamery Association since its organization in 1876.

WALTER DENNISTON, supervisor of the town of New Windsor, is engaged in farming near Rocklet. He was born in this township in 1857, and is a son of George and Agnes (Stewart) Denniston. He has been identified with public affairs of the town and county since 1884, when he served as justice of the peace until 1892. With the exception of the 1896-1897 term he has been continuously elected a member of the Board of Supervisors since 1891. Mr. Denniston is a member of Little Britain Grange and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of Orange County.

WILLIAM L. DICKERSON, attorney, of Montgomery, is a son of Jacob and John B. (Millspaugh) Dickerson. His ancestors settled in Orange County previous to the Revolutionary war. Mr. Dickerson attended Montgomery Academy and Cornell University, following which he read law in the office of Hon. A. S. Cassedy and was admitted to the bar in 1892. His legal studies were supplemented by a course of lectures at the University of Minnesota. He has enjoyed an extensive practice in Montgomery since 1895. Mr. Dickerson is secretary and a director of the Montgomery & Erie Railroad and secretary and a director of the Riverside Cemetery. He is a member of Walden Lodge, F. & A. M.; past assistant grand lecturer of the Thirteenth Masonic District; a member of Midland Chapter, R. A. M., of Middletown, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery.

JAMES NATHANIEL DICKEY, bank cashier, Newburgh; son of William and Esther (James) Dickey. Born at Newburgh, July 12, 1840. After finishing his studies at Newburgh Academy entered office of Judge J. J. Monell as clerk, remaining two years. In 1856 accepted clerkship with Quassaick National Bank; was promoted to teller and in 1895 became cashier. Served as city treasurer of Newburgh for thirty years. First vice-president Newburgh Historical Society; member City Club and the Newburgh Canoe and Boating Association. He married Miss Eve Brown in 1866 and three daughters have been born to them.

EDWIN J. DIKEMAN, a successful pharmacist of Goshen, N. Y., was born in that place in 1876. After graduating from the Goshen High School he entered Columbia University and graduated from the Department of Pharmacy of that institution in 1897. He is a son of Edwin and Elizabeth (Jay) Dikeman. Edwin, the father, was a native of Goshen. He established the drug store now owned by Edwin J. in the early fifties and was one of the prominent business men of that place. He served the village as president for several years. His death occurred July 19, 1895.

Edwin J. married Henrietta Coleman, daughter of Hon. Roswell C. Coleman, of Newburgh, N. Y., and they have a son, Edwin J., Jr.

Mr. Dikeman is a member of Goshen Lodge No. 365, F. & A. M.; the Goshen Club, an honorary member of Cataract Engine and Hose Company No. 1, and a member of the New York State Pharmaceutical Association. He is also secretary of the Orange County Chapter, Sons of the Revolution.

BRICE L. DREW was born at Vernon, Sussex County, N. J., March 6, 1866. His parents were Gilbert and Elizabeth Drew, and they had five children. Mr. Drew is a practical farmer, and now conducts the Eden fruit and dairy farm of one hundred and forty-two acres. He is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. & A. M.; Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., and Junior O. U. A. M. No. 207. He is a member of the Glenwood Methodist Church. Politically he is independent. He married Miss Lillie Morehouse, of Amity, daughter of Linn and Emily Morehouse. Their three children are: Ernest, born June 24, 1892; Emily, born July 17, 1895, and Albert George, born May 1, 1902.

WILLIAM J. DUFFY, vice-president and a director of the First National Bank of Highland Falls, N. Y., was born in Providence, R. I., in 1867. He was educated in the city of Rochester, N. Y., and has been a resident of Orange County since 1897. Mr. Duffy is endowed with characteristic New England enterprise and his spirit has exerted a healthy influence in public affairs at Highland Falls, where he is president of the Village Improvement Society. He is superintendent of the U. S. Government Stables at West Point and is proprietor of the entire livery. He is district deputy of the Knights of Columbus. His wife was formerly Miss Fanny Au, of Highland Falls.

WALTER DUMVILLE, farmer and dairyman, was born in the town of Newburgh, May 9, 1843. His father, Benjamin Dumville, was a native of England and came to America in 1827, a few years later locating in Newburgh, where he married Miriam Harris. He was the first wholesale butcher in Newburgh. After Walter finished his education he engaged with his father in that business, and later conducted it alone successfully for many years. He at one time served as collector of the town of Newburgh. Mr. Dumville is a director of the Columbus Trust Co., also the Milk Producers' Association and the Horse Thief Detecting Society. July 16, 1873, he married Josephine, daughter of John and Catherine O'Brien, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Dumville are members of the Unitarian Church.

WILLIAM FULLERTON DUNNING, a member of the New York City Bar Association and for several years immediately preceding his death a member of its committee on admissions, died on April 1, 1907, after an illness lasting only a few days. He was born in the city of New York on May 29, 1856. His father was the late Benjamin F. Dunning, for many years the law partner of Charles O'Conor, and his mother was Ruth Seely, of Orange County, New York.

From his father Mr. Dunning inherited a predilection for the law, and doubtless his early association with his father's firm helped to develop in him his high ideals of professional ethics.

He was prepared for college in Dresden, Saxony, and was graduated from Princeton University in the class of 1877. He devoted himself with more than usual assiduity to his studies, and was particularly interested in the classics. He was graduated from the Columbia College Law School and admitted to the bar of this State in 1879. Upon his admission to the bar he entered the firm of Dunning, Edsall, Hart & Fowler, of which firm his father was senior partner. In 1883, upon the death of Mr. Hart, the firm of Dunning, Edsall & Fowler was organized, and in 1886, upon the retirement of Mr. Edsall, the firm became Dunning & Fowler. Of these three firms William Fullerton Dunning was a member. In 1900, upon the dissolution of the firm of Dunning & Fowler, Mr. Dunning joined the firm of Boardman, Platt & Soley; on Mr. Soley's retirement from the firm in 1906, the firm Boardman, Platt & Dunning was organized and continued until November, 1906, when Judge Morgan J. O'Brien became one of the members, the name being changed to O'Brien, Boardman, Platt & Dunning.

William Fullerton Dunning was a man of modest and retiring disposition. Although a learned and sound lawyer, he did not seek the contention and strife of the courts, but preferred office practice. His faithfulness and devotion to his clients' interests gained for him their confidence, and many of them became his warm friends. He had a cheerful, happy disposition. His relations with his professional brethren were always marked with great consideration, and while he jealously guarded the interests of his clients, an opposing attorney could never justly complain that Mr. Dunning had not shown to him the courtesy demanded by the most exacting professional etiquette. While not ambitious for position or office which would bring him prominently before the public, he was greatly interested in his professional work and desirous that it should be well done. His relations with the various partners with whom he was associated during his career have always been most cordial and friendly.

In 1883 he married Clara Frost, of New Orleans, La., and the years that followed were filled with domestic happiness. His wife and six daughters who survive him mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and a wise and affectionate father. His life is a continuous record of high ideals and work well done. He died in the prime of life, respected by all who knew him, and loved by those who knew him best. In this age of excitement and greed, such a life as his should be an example and an inspiration.

THE DUNNING FAMILY--General Benj. Dunning (married Isabel Wilson); Benjamin Franklin Dunning, Esq. (married Ruth Seely); William Fullerton Dunning, Esq. (married Clara Frost).

These three Dunnings were descended from an old and well-known English family and were closely interested in Orange County.

General Dunning's children: Virgil, Benjamin Franklin, William T., Angeline.

Benjamin Franklin Dunning's children: Isabel (Mrs. Thos. P. Fowler), Frank, William Fullerton (dead), Frederick Clark (dead), Alice (Mrs. M. Allen Starr).

William Fullerton Dunning's children: Aline Frost (dead), Ruth Seely, Marceline Randolph, Clara Frost, Isabel Fowler, Elizabeth Belcher, Willielmine.

FRANK DURLAND was born in the Yelverton Inn in the old village of Chester, N. Y., on March 25, 1860. The family sprang from the emigrant Jan Garretse Dorlandt, who came from Holland to the New Netherlands in the year 1652, settling in Brooklyn, later, in the year 1657, removing to Bedford, of which village he was for many years a commissioner.

His father, Joseph Durland, is the great-grandson of Charles Durland, who came from Long Island and settled in Chester in the year 1754.

His mother, Nancy Kingsland Board, was a daughter of Major James J. Board, of Boardville, N. J., afterward residing in Sugar Loaf valley, Chester, N. Y.

He attended the Chester Academy until 1877, leaving school at the age of seventeen, he began life's activities in Durland's store. In the year 1885 he entered the firm of J. Durland & Son, and on February 1, 1908, he purchased the entire interest in the mercantile business of his father, Joseph Durland. with whom he had been associated for twenty-three years. He was married April 22, 1891, to Mary Burt Sanford, of Warwick, N. Y., daughter of William Moore Sanford and Sarah Burt, who was the daughter of James Burt, for many years president of the Chester National Bank. By her he has two children, William Sanford Durland, born July 13, 1892, now a student in Nazareth Hall Military Academy, Nazareth, Pa., and Nancy Board Durland, born March 29, 1898, now a student in Chester Academy.

Mr. and Mrs. Durland are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Durland is president of its board of trustees, president of the board of trade, director of the Chester Telephone Co., trustee of Walton Hose Co., treasurer of the Orange & Rockland Electric Co., member of Standard Lodge, No. 711, F. & A. M., of Monroe, N. Y.

JOSEPH DURLAND was born on the Durland homestead, now occupied by his brother, Samuel S. Durland, March 16, 1832. He received his education at Chester Academy and at Bloomfield, N. J. He began business life as a clerk in Masterson's store at West Chester when a young man. He was a partner with his stepfather, James Durland, at Chester Mills, for some time. On February 1, 1859, he purchased the interest of James J. Board in the old store conducted under the name, Board, Pierson & Co. This new firm of Pierson, Bell & Durland continued at the old store until February, 1862, when his brother, Samuel S. Durland, was admitted into partnership with him, the other members of the firm having sold to them their interest. For ten years this partnership of the brothers continued successfully and then S. S. Durland retired from the business and Joseph continued as sole proprietor until 1855, when Frank Durland, his son, purchased an interest in the business and the firm name became Durland & Son. This relation continued until February 1, 1908, when he sold his interest to Frank Durland, the present proprietor, having completed 49 years of business life in the old store.

During all his business career Joseph Durland has been a wise counselor for his fellow citizens in business and political matters. This has been possible through his knowledge gained by keen observation and opportunities for travel which have enabled him to visit and study business conditions in nearly every state in the Union. For a number of years he has served as trustee of the savings banks at Warwick and Goshen, and also as a director of the Durland Trust Co., of Norfolk, Nebraska. For twenty years he has served as a director of the Chester National Bank, and for two years was its president and is at present its vice-president. He was the first Republican supervisor for the town of Chester and served in 1867 and 1868. He was influential in establishing the present Union free school, and in 1869 was elected clerk of the first Board of Education of Chester, which position he held for seven years. He strongly urged the incorporation of the village of Chester in November, 1898, and was a member of its first board of trustees. When the question of water for the village arose he served on the board of water commissioners which introduced the present system of water supply. In offices of trust, he has served as executor and administrator of many estates. In 1855 he united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he and Mrs. Durland are still active members. He was elected to the office of deacon in this church in 1889, and since 1890 has continued to serve the church of his choice as an elder. He was married February 25, 1857, to Nancy Kingsland Board, daughter of Major James J. Board. The fiftieth anniversary of this happy event was fittingly celebrated. The children of this marriage now living are two sons, James Board, who married Sarah Andrews, and Frank, who married Mary B. Sanford, and two daughters, Amelia Vernon, and Nettie Eugenia, wife of William T. Moffatt of New York City. One daughter, Marion, died May 21, 1903.

J. SEELY DURLAND was born in New York City, March 15, 1856. He is a son of Oscar and Matilda C. Durland. Mr. Durland's father was engaged in the milk business in New York City, later removing to Chester, N. Y., purchasing the Marvin property, about two miles from Chester. Here he developed a natural love for the country and has remained a farmer. J. Seely Durland received his education at the district school and Chester Academy, he married Fannie R. Hunter, of Monroe, October 26, 1894, and two children have been born to them, Anna T., living, and Stanley, who died in 1895. Mr. Durland is a member of the Chester Grange, and in politics a Republican.

JOHN E. DURYEA, son of Samuel C. and Emily (Tuthill) Duryea, was born September 6, 1840, on the farm in the town of Crawford which his father had purchased in 1838. He assisted his father in the management of the farm until he removed to Pine Bush in November, 1905.

Mr. Duryea's paternal ancestors were French Huguenots. Joost Duryea, the founder of the family in America, came to Long Island from Holland in 1675, and from Jamaica, Queens County, Yost or George, our subject's great-great-grandfather, came to Orange County and settled in the town of Blooming Grove, of which he was a pioneer. He died in 1760 and was buried at Greycourt. His son, George, during the Revolution, was in active service in the cavalry department of the Colonial Army. He married Miss Hannah Hudson, of Goshen. Five sons and four daughters were born to them, of whom John, grandfather of our subject, married in 1800, Mary, daughter of Samuel and Jeannette (McCurdy) Crawford, of the town of Montgomery. They settled on a farm near Bloomingburg in the town of Wallkill. Six children were born, of whom Samuel C. was the youngest.

John E. Duryea married, in 1863, Miss Jane Frances Hunter, who died in 1883, leaving four daughters, Emily C., Mary F., Edna H., Anna Z. Politically Mr. Duryea is a Republican and has occupied a prominent place in public affairs. He was justice of the peace twelve years and justice of sessions four years. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity.

SAMUEL T. DUSENBERRY, assistant postmaster at Tuxedo Park, N. Y., was born at Stony Ford, Orange County, in 1873. He is a son of William B. and S. E. (Wallace) Dusenberry. He received his education at the schools of Goshen. In 1899 Mr. Dusenberry came to Tuxedo and accepted the appointment of assistant postmaster. Socially he is identified with Standard Lodge, No. 711, F. & A. M. He married Miss Leonor Clark, of Monroe. N. Y. They have one child, William Wallace.

JOHN L. D. EAGER has been engaged in the hide and tallow business at Montgomery since 1875. He was born in Walden in 1850. A son of Isaac L. and Fannie M. (Bodine) Eager. At the age of twenty he entered the employ of Homer Ramsdell & Co., of Newburgh, where he remained eight years. On returning to Montgomery he engaged in the coal business, also conducting his hide and tallow establishment. Mr. Eager has served as police justice twenty years and justice of the peace sixteen years. He now has charge of the pumping station of the Montgomery Water Works. He married Miss Emma Decker in 1876 and three sons have been born to them, Leonard, Clarence and Ray. Leonard is now in charge of his father's hide and tallow plant. He had previously been employed as engineer at Randall's Island and engineer for the firm of Tiffany & Co., New York.

JOSEPH C. EAGER was born August 21, 1859, on a farm near Hamptonburgh, where he now resides. His father, Joseph Case Eager, died in 1903. He had been a town justice of the peace for thirty years, and from his dairy farm of 150 acres was one of the first shippers of milk to the New York market over the Erie Railroad. Besides Joseph there was a daughter, Caroline, who married Cornelius Zabriskie, of Newark, N. J. Joseph's education in the district school was supplemented by a course in the private boarding school of Prof. S. S. Hartwell, of Unionville, N. J. From this he returned to the farm, which has always been his home. Since 1890 he has been station agent at Hamptonburgh for the Lehigh and Hudson Railroad, and also conducted a feed business at the same station. He followed the political inclinations of his father and has been one of the active Democrats of his town.

WILLIAM CASE EAGER, the descendant of one of the first settlers of the county, was born December 9, 1865, in Warwick, and died suddenly as the result of an accident, February 11, 1904. His parents were William C. and Mary C. Eager, whose children were this one son and four daughters, Mary L., Jennie, Belle and Fannie. The father, William C. Eager, Sr., died in 1878, April 18th. The subject of our sketch acquired his early education in the Warwick school, remaining in school until 19 years of age. He then entered the general store which was managed and owned by his mother until he reached the age of 21, at which time he assumed control of the store and managed it successfully until his death. In 1899 he married Hattie J. Aldrich, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Still, of Warwick. He was one of the most popular young men of Warwick, having a warm heart, a sunny nature and much natural magnetism, seasoned with genial humor and entire honesty. It was said of him that he had not one enemy, and was esteemed by the people of all classes. He was fond of athletic sports and all lively diversions. He was pitcher in the champion baseball team, a leading official in the Warwick Athletic Association, an enthusiastic hunter and fisher and lover of wild nature, liked music and was at one time a player in the village band. He was so good and popular a fireman that he rose to be foreman of Excelsior Hose and then to be chief of the fire department, to which he was elected three times and refused to be reelected. He was once elected town collector, and once nominated for president of the village, but resolutely declined the nomination.

On the day of his funeral all the business places in the village were closed, the whole fire department and the members of the Warwick Club attended in a body, and one of the largest gatherings ever seen in the Reformed church listened to the funeral services.

His earliest ancestor in Orange County lived on a farm near what is now called Neelytown, and some of his ancestors still reside there. His great uncle was Samuel W. Eager, the first historian of the county.

THOMAS HORTON EASTON was born January 25, 1853, on the homestead farm near Otisville. He attended the district school, and assisted in the general store operated by his father at Otisville for many years. He engaged with the Erie Railroad as a brakeman and was promoted to conductor, serving from 1868 to 1882, after which he returned to the farm, where he has since remained. He was married to Miss Frances N., daughter of Dimmick and Sylvia A. (Cadwell) Wilkin, March 14, 1875. By this union there were three children born, all living: Harriet D., born February 11, 1877; Nellie W., born June 14, 1881; Sylvia E., born September 10, 1885. Harriet is the wife of Henry A. Holley, of Otisville, and they have three children, Henry E., born August 26, 1898; Elizabeth C, born April 30, 1901; James Easton, born September 20, 1905. Nellie W. is the wife of Joseph K. Corwin. They have two children, S. Gilbert, born July 19, 1905, and Francis Horton, born March 2, 1907. In politics Mr. Easton is a democrat, and has served as inspector of elections since 1884. His father, James Easton, was born January 15, 1824, at Milford, Pa. February 24, 1849, he married Hannah E. Corwin, of New Vernon, and three children were born to them, Nellie R., born November 21, 1849, married Schuyler D. Frazer, of Otisville; Ada, born February 23, 1855, died March, 1856. He was at Dunkirk, N. Y., in 1851, when the opening of the Erie Railroad occurred. In 1853 he returned to Howells and opened a general store, continuing there until 1861. In 1863 he went to Saginaw, Michigan, remaining there one year, returning to Orange County in 1864, opening a general store at Otisville, which in May, 1884, was destroyed by fire. He immediately rebuilt and continued until 1905, when he retired after a career of fifty years of active life.

ALVA WISNER EDSALL, a lifelong resident of the town of Warwick, was born at Edenville, N. Y., January 8, 1861, and after attending the public schools commenced the study of dentistry at the age of eighteen years, graduating from the Philadelphia Dental College. In 1883 took up the practice of his chosen profession in Warwick, N. Y., where he has since been actively engaged in business, forming a partnership with Dr. J. H. Wood in 1884, which partnership still exists. A son of Thomas S. and Phoebe Miller Edsall, he represents the seventh generation of a long line of English ancestry, who were among the early settlers of New Amsterdam (now New York City), in 1637, they being large owners of timber lands where Hackensack, N. J., is now located. They afterwards moved to Northern New Jersey about the time the De Kays settled there, and numerous branches of the family are now to be found in this locality. Dr. Edsall was married, in 1891, to Caroline Welling, of Warwick, having a daughter and son, Marian and Maurice, aged respectively twelve and five years. He is a member of the board of education and interested in Warwick's various business enterprises.

JOHN EGAN, retired dairyman, Newburgh, N. Y., was born in 1847 on a farm in West Newburgh. In 1876 he embarked in the milk and cream business and in 1883 his trade had assumed such proportions that he erected a creamery on First street, where the milk was received, which he equipped with modern appliances. He retired from the dairy business a few years ago and now devotes his attention to his extensive real estate holdings.

EDWARD R. ELLIOTT, M.D., of Montgomery, N. Y., was born in Dutchess County in 1854, a son of Rev. Jos. and Harriet (Andrews) Elliott. His education was obtained at Claverack Institute and Stamford Seminary. He graduated in medicine in 1874 from the University of New York and has enjoyed an extensive practice in Montgomery since 1878. Dr. Elliott is a member of the County and State Medical Societies and the Newburgh Bay Medical Society. He is also identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is a director of the Montgomery National Bank. Dr. Elliott married Miss Lydia Wright and a son, Clyde, has been born to them.

E. J. EMERSON, cashier of the Montgomery National Bank, has been a resident of Orange County for some twenty years. He is a native of Sullivan County and began life by entering the employ of Albert Bull, wholesale druggist of Middletown, where he remained twelve years. Mr. Emerson's banking experience covers a period of six years, four of which were spent with the First National and the Merchants National Bank of Middletown. He accepted his present position in 1905.

CHARLES A. EVANS--Soldier, newspaper man, ranch man and farmer successively the career of Charles A. Evans has been one of strenuous activity and varied experience. He was born September 11, 1845, in New York City, obtained his early education in New York schools, and when a mere boy, sixteen years old, enlisted in New York with the 12th Regular Infantry for service in the Civil War. This was in May, 1862. He could only be accepted as a drummer boy, but soon exchanged drum for musket, and carried it for three years. He was wounded and taken prisoner in the battle of Cedar Mountain, and was confined on Belle Island about two months. Communications which he wrote for Northern papers pleased the editor of the Chicago _Times,_ and in the fall of 1865 the young soldier was invited to join the staff of that paper. He remained with it until 1878, and then getting the Western fever, went to a point in Southern Kansas, on the Walnut River, and established a ranch on which he and his family lived until 1883. Then, in order that his children might have opportunities for education, he returned to Chicago and resumed work on the _Times,_ and after a little was appointed its New York correspondent. So he again became a resident of the metropolis, and was correspondent of the Chicago _Times_ and St. Louis _Republican_ five years, when trouble with his eyes caused him to quit newspaper work. In 1888 he came to Orange County and purchased the farm near Howells on which he lives. In 1900 he purchased at Mt. Vernon another farm, and now manages both. In 1895 he was supervisor for the town of Wallkill, and against much opposition pushed through the board the resolution offering a reward for the capture of Charles H. Rogers, the murderer of the Olney brothers and Alice Ingerick. In 1907 he was the Democratic candidate for member of assembly. Mr. Evans was married to Miss Jennie E. Morrill, of Brandon, Vt., in 1867. They have four children--a son living in Chicago, Mrs. F. L. Andrews, of Whitehall, Miss Frances, a graduate of Cornell University, and Austin, now a student in Cornell.

GEORGE W. EVANS, a prominent citizen of the town of Crawford, resides at Bullville and carries on an extensive trade in cattle and horses. He is a son of John A. and Marie (Walker) Evans, and was born at Walker Valley, Ulster County. Although but in his 'teens he went to the front during the Civil War, enlisting in the 56th Regiment. He was discharged in 1865 at Charlestown, S. C. On his return home he engaged with his father in the meat business at Bullville, in which he continued fourteen years, and then began trading in cattle.

Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Miss Anna L. Relyea, January 6, 1869, a daughter of Christopher and Sarah B. (Sprague) Relyea. Socially he is identified with Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M., of Middletown, N. Y.

WILLIAM EVANS, now living in retirement at Westtown, N. Y., has been prominently identified with the commercial and financial development of Middletown. He is a son of William and Rosetta (Corwin) Evans and was born at the homestead in the town of Minisink. His mercantile career began in 1849, when, under the firm name of Little & Evans, a dry goods store was started at Middletown. At the end of eight years Mr. Evans continued the business alone for four years, when Mr. M. D. Stivers became his partner as Evans & Stivers. In 1864 Mr. Evans sold out his interest and took up the organization of the First National Bank, of which he was elected president. After a period of eleven years he resigned the office, retaining his directorship. In 1866 he assisted in the organization of the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap R. R., and at his suggestion the railroad was given that name. He was a director of the company and served as its treasurer a number of years. In 1874 he engaged for two years in the manufacture of horse clothing. He then went to New York and was engaged for four years in the real estate and insurance business. He then retired from active pursuits and traveled extensively in company with his daughter.

Mr. Evans married Miss Julia Denton, daughter of Theodore B. Denton, of Denton, N. Y. Two children were born. His daughter is now the wife of Mr. Albert H. Horton, of Johnson, N. Y., and his son, Sydney Denton, is engaged in business in Salt Lake City.

THE FABRIKOID COMPANY of Newburgh is among the most important industries of Orange County. It was established in 1902 and incorporated under the present title with the following officials: John Aspinwall, president; George H. May, secretary and treasurer; J. Kearney Rodgers, general sales manager. The product of the plant is chiefly an imitation leather called Fabrikoid, which finds a ready market all over the world. Bronze paint and lacquers are also manufactured. The growth of this business has been very rapid and the plant now covers twenty-five acres and consists of forty-nine buildings.

THE FANCHER FAMILY--Elias Fancher, who was born in Darien, Conn., January 19, 1793, came to Warwick in early boyhood with his father, who bought the Van Houghton farm with the stone house, which is still standing, was built in 1795. He married Miss Sarah Jones, who was born in Warwick September 10, 1795. They had eight children, only two of whom are living, Darius and Julia. The latter, born December 15, 1831, is the wife of Wisner Wood, of Paterson, N. J. Darius was born March 22, 1836, and has always been identified with agriculture since he left the district school. He married Sarah Catharine Sayer, of Warwick. The names of their live children are, Edwin, Sayer, Clinton W., Frank and Lillie. Edwin is a practicing physician in Middletown, N. Y., and Sayer is in a wholesale grocery in the same place. Clinton conducts a dry goods store and Frank is in the feed business in Goshen. Lillie is the wife of Wilham A. Bradner, of Warwick. Their father, Darius, remains the good farmer and esteemed citizen that he has been since his young manhood.

HENRY H. FARNUM, of Port Jervis, member of the board of supervisors, was born and educated in this city. He is a son of Peter E. and Mary R. (Conkling) Farnum, and conducts an extensive business in real estate and insurance. Following the incorporation of Port Jervis as a city in 1907. Mr. Farnum was nominated and elected on the Republican ticket a member of the board of supervisors. He takes an active interest in public affairs of Orange County, is a member of the Deer Park Club, of which he is a treasurer. Mr. Farnum married Ruth Smith, of Port Jervis, and they have one son, Henry H., Jr.