Chapter LX: Part II: Biographical (7)

GEORGE W. KERR, who for more than half a century was an officer of one of Orange County's strongest financial institutions, was born in Warren County, N. J., February 15, 1810. His ancestors were originally from Scotland, but Mr. Kerr's father was born at Freehold, N. J. His parents removed to Ithaca, N. Y., where he obtained a position in the branch of the Bank of Newburgh. In 1830, when the branch was withdrawn, and the Bank of Ithaca established, Mr. Kerr entered the new bank and remained there until October, 1831, when a position was offered him in the Bank of Newburgh, with the officials of which he had become acquainted through his connection with the branch bank.

In 1836 Mr. Kerr was promoted to the position of cashier, and in 1854 he was elected president to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Chambers. In 1864, when the old Bank of Newburgh was closed and the National Bank of Newburgh organized, Mr. Kerr was again honored with the presidency. He continued in that position till his death, having been cashier of the bank for eighteen years, and president for thirty-seven years. He died June 3, 1890.

Mr. Kerr was a trustee and vice-president of the village in 1856, and a member of the board of education in 1852-1854. For forty-seven years he was a vestryman of St. George's Protestant Episcopal church, and for thirty-one years treasurer of the board.

Upon his death the directors of the bank adopted the following minute: "His sound judgment, perfect integrity and eminent ability have been long recognized in financial circles, and his excellence in all the relations of life will long be remembered in this community. By us his immediate associates, and by all in any capacity attached to this bank, his memory will always be cherished. He has left to his family and this community, where he has spent so many years of a long and useful life, a legacy better than earthly riches--a good name."

The vestry of St. George's church adopted resolutions recording "their very high esteem for his character and his lifelong devotion to the church and her interests. It is with grateful feeling that we remember the steady consistency of his Christian walk, his uprightness as a business man, his value as a citizen, his zeal as a churchman. We owe him no slight debt for his faithful service as our treasurer for thirty-one years, during which time his unflagging attention to the affairs of the parish has contributed essentially and in a large degree to its stability and prosperity."

Mr. Kerr was twice married. His first wife was Emeline Ross, his second, Margaret T. L., daughter of the Rev. John Brown, D.D.

CHARLES KETCHAM, merchant and postmaster for many years at Mountainville, and representative citizen of the town of Cornwall, Orange County, is a son of Benjamin S. and Mercy (Brown) Ketcham, and was born on the homestead farm in 1847. He established his present store in 1871. Mr. Ketcham has for many years been prominently identified with the public affairs of Cornwall. He has served fourteen terms as supervisor, including a chairmanship of the board. He also held the office of justice of the peace twelve years. Mr. Ketcham was the opposing candidate of Judge Dickey, as a delegate to the constitutional convention. He was also the nominee of the democratic party for county clerk. He married Miss Ida, daughter of Captain Jacob Smith, of Cornwall. They are the parents of two sons and six daughters.

The Ketcham family is one of the oldest in the town of Cornwall. Long previous to the Revolution, Samuel Ketcham, the great-great-grandfather of Charles, located here and was engaged in farming and the operation of a grist mill. His descendants through several generations settled around him, and the place was known as Ketchamtown, until the opening of the railroad, when the post-office was changed to Mountainville.

THE KETCHAM FAMILY of the town of Mount Hope had for their progenitor the pioneer farmer and mechanic, John Ketcham, born at Huntington, L. I., January 24, 1716. A lineal descendant of Edward Ketcham, the progenitor, in America, of all bearing the name Ketcham or Ketchum--who settled at Ipswich, Mass., in 1635; Southold, L. I., in 1653. Edward died at Stratford, Conn., in 1655, leaving in all seven children. John Ketcham (sixth generation in America) married Miss Sarah Matthews, of Morristown, N. J., came to Orange County, N. Y., and settled for a time in Hamptonburgh and Goshen, respectively, removed in 1774 to the present town of Mount Hope. He was the founder of Ketcham's Mills, near Mount Hope village. Here John Ketcham died April 21, 1794, and Sarah, his widow, departed this life in 1802. The homestead passing to the son Joseph, has continuously (1774-1907) been occupied by a Ketcham, present occupant, Isaac Emmett Ketcham, being a great grandson of Joseph. Last surviving grandson of said Joseph, bearing the family name, was the late John L. Ketcham, son of Joseph, Jr. (farmer, mechanic and inventor), and like his ancestors also a mechanic of ability and prominence. Born February 22, 1820, he married November 14, 1844, Miss Harriette Writer, also of the town of Mount Hope. She died August 30, 1870. John L. died June 10, 1898, is survived by their only child, Electa J. Ketcham-Penney, at present residing near Finchville.

Less than a dozen families representative of this once large and widely influential family, are now living within their native town, Mount Hope.

JOHN EGBERT KIDD, a retired farmer residing near Walden, N. Y., is a descendant of an old Orange County family. Going back over a century and a half, it is ascertained that three brothers, Alexander, Robert and Andrew Kidd, came from the North of Ireland in 1736, and secured a large tract of land in the vicinity of the present village of Walden. Alexander, the direct ancestor of our subject, married Jane Calderwood. Robert, their eldest son, married Mary McGowan, and their son Andrew in 1802 married a Miss Margaret Kidd and became the parents of six children, of whom John, the eldest, was born October 26, 1803, at the parental homestead. He followed the occupation of a farmer and was prominent in public affairs of the town. He was highway commissioner a great many years, was a director of the Walden National Bank and held the office of railroad commissioner.

In 1826 he married Miss Cornelia, daughter of Charles Haines, of Montgomery. Six children were born, Andrew, Mirza, John, Egbert, David L., Margaret A. and Victor. During the Civil War, John Egbert Kidd enlisted with the "Orange Blossoms," the famous 124th Regiment, a review of which appears in the Military History in this volume.

John E. Kidd was twice married. His first wife was Alice Decker, and the following children were born: Cornelia (now the wife of George Wait), and one son John. Mr. Kidd's second wife was Maria Adeline Decker.

BENJAMIN B. KINNE, M.D., is a native of Kirkville, Onondaga County, N. Y., where he was born March 28, 1877. He was educated in the public schools of the state, including the high school at East Syracuse. He was a teacher in the county for four years, and studied for his profession in the American Medical Missionary College of Battle Creek, Mich., and Chicago. For nearly a year he was on the medical staff of the Pennsylvania Sanitarium at Philadelphia.

Dr. Kinne came to Middletown in 1905, and took the management of the Battle Creek Sanitarium Treatment Rooms on East Main street. Later these were removed to the Middletown Sanitarium on Benton avenue, where better facilities are offered for the accommodation of patients. The present building is large and pleasant, having all of the modern improvements, and is fully equipped with all the facilities for baths of various kinds, massage, electricity, x-ray, Swedish movements, and the care of surgical cases.

GEORGE A. KIPP was born July 31, 1871, at Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., and attended the public school at that place. At the age of fifteen he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and has always continued the business. He was united in marriage to Clara Baker, of Middletown, N. Y., April 26, 1899. Four children were born to this union; two died in infancy. The living are Allerton, born June 9, 1905, and Dorothy, born August 27, 1907. In politics Mr. Kipp is a democrat. His parents were Richard A., born March 3, 1838, and Mary Ann (Dailey) Kipp. They had six children, one dying in infancy. Richard was also engaged in contracting and carpenter business in Goshen, and conducted a milk business in New York previous to the Civil War. About 1862 he returned to Goshen, taking up his trade. He erected many of the best residences in and around Goshen, and died July 26, 1897.

CHARLES ALBERT KNAPP occupies a farm of two hundred and seventy acres in the town of Goshen, which was first settled by William Knapp in 1749. Mr. Knapp's ancestry in this country is traced to Nicholas Knapp, who with his brothers, William and Roger, emigrated to America from Sussex, England, in 1630. His ancestors were prominent in military affairs during the colonial period. One, Isaac Knapp, was in the expedition to Canada under Sir William Phips in 1690. John Knapp, born 1664, died 1749 of Stamford, Conn., was captain of the train band in 1716. Nathaniel Knapp, of Newburgh, was in the second Louisburg expedition, 1758-1759. Samuel Knapp, born 1695, died 1751, had a son Samuel, born 1722, and his son William and wife Margaret came to Goshen, N. Y., in 1749. They had nine children, of whom James and Samuel were killed in the Battle of Minisink, July 22, 1779. James was forty-three years old and left a widow, whose maiden name was Hester Drake, and nine children, born between the years 1761-1779. Of these John Knapp (born August 24, 1765, died 1854), married Eunice Smith, of Goshen, and of their eleven children Virgil, the youngest, was the father of Charles Albert, who married Emma Linderman, and are the parents of three children, Jesse, Louis and Mabel. Jesse married Addie Crawford and Louis married Catherine Bull. The two sons are engaged in business in New York City.

JAMES W. KNAPP was born at Pine Island, Orange County, December 22, 1831, and died at the age of seventy-six. His wife was a daughter of Peter N. Ryerson, of Glenwood, N. J., and they were married October 21, 1855. Their six children are Mary, wife of F. E. Tither, of Florida, N. Y.; Nicholas, of Belmont, N. Y.; Charles, of Goshen, N. Y.; William, of Pine Island; J. Arthur, of Florida, N. Y., and Elizabeth, wife of Walter S. Seeley, of Middletown, N. Y.

Mr. Knapp's father, William Knapp, died at the age of eighty-five. Peter N. Ryerson was born at New Vernon, N. J., September 9, 1814. His grandfather, Nicholas Ryerson, emigrated from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1801, and settled on Long Island. Mr. Knapp was a member of the Presbyterian church of Amity, and for six years served as town assessor.

SAMUEL L. KNIFFIN, of Goshen, N. Y., was born at Chester in 1843. In 1863 he came to Goshen with his parents, and learned the tinsmith trade under the tuition of his father, who for many years had charge of the tinning department for J. W. Corwin & Co. Mr. Kniffin has remained in the same store, now owned by Kniffin & Hopkins, and for many years has served as foreman of the tin shop. He married Sarah, daughter of Gabriel Bennett, of Goshen, and they have a daughter Carrie, who married Charles B. Coleman, of Goshen. Mr. Kniffin is a democrat and has served as town clerk of Goshen and for many years has been village trustee.

WILLIAM KNIFFIN, hardware merchant, of Goshen, N. Y., was born in Chester, Orange County, in 1855. In 1863 his parents removed to Goshen, and his father, Samuel M., was tinner for J. W. Corwin & Co., there for many years. William secured employment in the same store in 1871, and in 1892 purchased a half interest in the business, the firm being known as Corwin & Kniffin. In 1902 Edward A. Hopkins purchased Mr. Corwin's interest and since that time the firm name has been Kniffin & Hopkins. In politics Mr. Kniffin is a democrat, and has served the town of Goshen as collector one term.

CHARLES T. KNIGHT, a prominent citizen of Monroe, was born here in 1847. He is a son of Chauncey B. and Mary (Thompson) Knight; the latter a daughter of Rev. J. J. Thompson, died in 1908. As a young man Mr. Knight engaged with his father in the feed, coal and lumber business, and was a member of the firm of C. B. Knight & Co., organized in 1868, continuing until 1877, when he was associated for two years with the provision house of James A. Townsend at Newburgh. In 1879 the firm of Knight & Conklin was formed and continued the flour and feed business until 1899. Mr. Knight is now engaged in the business alone. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster of the village which was then a fourth-class office. He was reappointed in 1900, when the office was placed in the third class, and was reappointed to the position in 1904 and 1908. Mr. Knight served one term as supervisor of the old town of Monroe and two terms of the new town.

GEORGE KOHL, son of Valentine and Mary Ann (Zeigler) Kohl, natives of Germany, was born at Middlehope in 1876. After finishing his studies at the Newburgh schools he entered the general store established in 1869 by his father at Middlehope. In 1898 he engaged in his present mercantile business and a year later was appointed postmaster of the village, holding the position continuously to the present time. Mr. Kohl was collector of the town of Newburgh in 1902 and 1903 and collector of the school district for seven years. He is accounted not only a thoroughly trustworthy official, but one of the best citizens of Middlehope. Socially he is identified with the Newburgh Wheelmen.

HENRY KOHL, corporation counsel of the city of Newburgh and member of the law firm of McClung & Kohl, was born in Middlehope in 1871, a son of Valentine and Mary A. (Ziegler) Kohl. After finishing his preliminary studies he read law in the office of Judge Seeger and was admitted to the bar in 1894. Mr. Kohl has built up a large clientage and has acquired especial success and prominence in criminal cases.

Politically Mr. Kohl is a democrat and an ardent worker for the success of his party, which has honored him with the nomination for state and county offices.

VALENTINE J. KOHL who is engaged in fruit farming at Middlehope, was born in the town of Newburgh in 1868, and was educated at the district schools. In 1897 he purchased his present farm of twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation, in connection with which he operates a cider mill, turning out 50,000 gallons annually. Mr. Kohl held the office of town clerk four years and also served as school trustee. He is a member of the Grange and the Masonic Lodge No. 309, Newburgh, and I. O. O. F. He married Charlotte P. Clauson and two children have been born to them. Valentine Kohl, father of our subject, was a prosperous merchant and farmer of Middlehope. He died in 1890.

VALENTINE KOHL, for many years a prosperous merchant of Middle Hope, N. Y., was born at St. Martens-on-the-Rhine, Germany, where he received his schooling and learned the shoemaker's trade. Shortly after his marriage he sailed for America; here he plied his trade for a few years, and then became interested in the mercantile business at Middlehope, remaining thus engaged until his death, which occurred in 1890, while he was serving as postmaster. He was appointed to this office by President Arthur and reappointed by President Harrison, his term of service in this capacity extending from 1883 until 1890. He was accounted not only a thoroughly trustworthy official, but one of the best citizens of Middlehope.

Mr. Kohl was reared in the Catholic faith, but in mature life became convinced of the truth of protestantism and inclined toward the Methodist Episcopal tenets, being a regular attendant at the services of this church. His wife, who was Miss Mary A. Ziegler, was also a native of Germany. They became the parents of seven children, of whom four sons are prominent citizens of Orange County, whose personal sketches are recorded in this history.

WILLIAM J. KOHL, president of the Newburgh city council and former alderman, of the Third ward, Newburgh, was born in Middlehope, Orange County, N. Y., May 17, 1874. He attended the public schools and graduated from the Spencerian Business College, Newburgh. He was employed for a time in the wholesale provision house of Coles, Marshall & Co., of that city, and in 1903 established his grocery store in South street, where he has met with much success. Mr. Kohl is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Maccabees, Ringgold Hose Company, a member of the Newburgh Wheelmen and the Mannerchor. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the democratic party.

WILLIAM ALBERT KORTRIGHT was born at Phillipsburgh, Orange County, March 4, 1866, and educated at the Port Jervis and Campbell Hall schools. He left his father's farm and began learning the blacksmith trade in 1881, engaging in that business at Centerville in 1886, where he continued one year, and then started at Slate Hill, which he operated three years. In 1890 he started business in Florida, where he has since resided. He is a member of Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., the Florida Grange, and of the Methodist church.

Mr. Kortright married Alice Halstead, of South Centerville, and they have one child, Wardell, who is eighteen years of age.

W. FRANK LAIN--In the annals of the town of Minisink the name of Lain is a familiar one, as the various generations of this family have borne an honorable part in the town's development. The first member to locate in Orange County was William Lain, who came from Long Island in 1770 and settled in the town of Minisink. His wife was Keziah, daughter of Increase Mather. Among their children was David, born in 1791. He spent his entire life on the home farm and died in his seventy-ninth year.

Gideon Lain, father of W. Frank Lain, died in 1906. He married Mary Dunning and three sons and one daughter were born to them. W. F. Lain, who continues the homestead farm of one hundred and seventy acres near Westtown, was born here in 1859; he finished his studies at the high school in Cincinnati. He is a member of the Grange, the Masonic fraternity and republican committeeman from the town of Minisink.

ROBERT LAWRENCE was born in the city of Birmingham, England, in 1849, and he acquired his education at the public schools in Birmingham. His parents came to America in 1864 and settled in Middletown, Orange County. He was married to Amelia Thornton, of Spring Glenn, Ulster County, in 1872. They have three children living, Howard R., Cora B. and Ethel A. Mr. Lawrence has served the city in an efficient manner as alderman for several years and was president of the common council during the same period. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.; was elected mayor in November, 1906, and is still occupying that office. Mr. Lawrence is a member of St. Paul's church and was superintendent of the Sunday-school fourteen years.

WILLIAM S. LAYTON was born in Amity, Orange County, January 18, 1871. After completing his education he assisted on the farm, and has remained a farmer. His father was one of the first peach growers, for shipping in the town of Warwick, and his son William now has on his dairy and fruit farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, peach orchards containing four thousand trees of the best varieties. He is a republican, a school trustee, a member of Amity Grange No. 1001, of Warwick, Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M.. and Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F. He married Gertrude H., daughter of James H. and Catherine Miller, of Florida. February 3, 1892. Their five children, all at home, are Lawrence, born June 6, 1893; Edgar, born January 3, 1895; Lillian, born October 3, 1896; Helen, born December 8, 1898; and William Gerald, born September 12, 1901. The father had one sister, Nettie E., wife of James A. Sammis, of Glenwood, N. J. She died in 1892.

WILBUR C. LAZEAR was born in 1854 on his father's farm three miles from Warwick, near New Milford. His father was Cornelius Jones Lazear, and his mother's maiden name was Elmira Ferrier. In 1867 his father removed to Warwick and became a partner of Walter Knapp, with the firm name of Knapp & Lazear, in the undertaking and furniture business. In 1872 he purchased Mr. Knapp's interest, and when his son Wilbur's schooling was finished, made him his partner. The father died January 10, 1892, and Wilbur has continued the business since. He married Miss Jennie Smith November 5, 1884. Their children are Cornelius S., Belle, and Ida May. Mr. Lazear is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 554, F. and A. M., and the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Lazear died February 11, 1906.

MARTIN E. LEE, a retired farmer, and leading citizen of Westtown, was born in the town of Minisink in 1846. He is a son of Lewis and Experience (Teasdale) Lee. His mother was a daughter of ex-Judge Teasdale, of Sussex, N. J. Of his paternal ancestors his grandfather, Daniel Lee, participated in the War of 1812, and his great grandfather, Paul Lee, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Lee's life was devoted to the cultivation of a farm of one hundred and forty acres, which he now rents. He has always taken an active part in public affairs and is a member of the republican committee of the town of Minisink. He married Miss Alice, daughter of Dr. A. A. Seymour. One daughter, Rose, was born to them. She is now the wife of Philip H. Du Bois, of New Paltz.

ANDREW WRIGHT LENT, attorney of Newburgh and Highland, N. Y., is a junior member of the law firm of A. D. and A. W. Lent. He is a native of Highland, N. Y., and was educated at Union College, from which he graduated in 1904 with the degree of Ph.B. He read law in the office of his father, Abraham D. Lent and at Albany Law School, was admitted to the bar in 1906, and has since practiced in Newburgh.

Abraham D. Lent was born at Clinton, Dutchess County in 1850, attended the Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. Mr. Lent practices at Highland, Ulster County, and has conducted a law office in Newburgh since 1903.

NELSON BURTON LENT, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Westchester County, N. Y., author and publisher of the "History of the Lent Family in the United States, from 1638 to 1902," was born in the town of Courtlandt, Westchester County, N. Y., May 1, 1856, and educated in the public schools of his native town. His father was Nathaniel D. Lent, and his mother's maiden name was Rachel Lent.

Among the families of Westchester County there is none stronger or more widely distributed than the old Dutch family of Lents. Abraham De Ryck, who emigrated to the United States from Amsterdam, Holland, to the Island of Manhattan, in the year 1638, was the father of Ryck Abrahamson, who took the name of Van Lent. The name is supposed to have originated from a place called "Lent" in Holland.

Mr. N. B. Lent learned the trade of a compositor with the _Highland Democrat_ in Peekskill, N. Y. He left Peekskill in 1880, and associated with his cousin, William C. Tunstall, established and edited _The Providence Register,_ a weekly newspaper at Scranton, Pa. He later sold out his interest to Mr. Tunstall, and returned to Peekskill. He was soon afterward called by the life-long printer and historian, E. M. Ruttenber, Esq., to Newburgh, N. Y., and was employed by him in his job printing office. Since 1884 he has been connected with _The Newburgh Journal._

Mr. Lent was instrumental in instituting the first Patriotic Order of the Sons of America in Newburgh, N. Y. He represented the order in the state and national conventions. He was a member of Acme Lodge of Odd Fellows of Newburgh, and its representative in the Grand Lodge in 1888. He was one of fourteen to organize Canton Woodward No. 32, Patriarchs Militant, and held the office of clerk, and was commissioned an aide-de-camp on the staff of General Otis Woodward, of the Division of Niagara, with rank of captain. He held all the offices of his lodge to district deputy grand master; has been for the past twenty-one years a member of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M.; the Historical Society of the Newburgh Bay and the Highlands; the Empire State Society, Sons of the American Revolution; and the American Institute of Civics.

Mr. Lent in politics is a republican. He was one of the United States Census Enumerators for the city of Newburgh in 1900, and clerk to the engrossing committee in the State Assembly at Albany, in 1901-1902.

He married Miss Viola Frances, daughter of Herman and Mary Stone, of Danbury, Conn., December 23, 1881. They have six children, Bertram Nelson, Winfred Foss, Roland Depew, Hobart Townsend, Sebring Round and Mildred Stone, all born at Newburgh, N. Y. Mr. Lent in religion is a Methodist, and a member of Trinity M. E. Church, Newburgh.

CHAUNCEY M. LEONARD was born in Newburgh in the year 1825, and in a house that occupied the site of the Bigler building at the corner of Third and Smith streets. He resided here until sixteen years of age, receiving his education at the Newburgh Academy. In early manhood he became a member of the old volunteer fire department of New York while learning his trade of painter. He was elected assistant foreman of the engine company. At the age of nineteen he married Miss Rebecca Smith, of New York City, who died two years afterward, leaving a daughter, who married Thomas K. Rheutan. In 1848 he married Miss Hope Smith, a sister of his first wife, and had several children.

In 1850 he returned to his native city and continued to reside here till his death. He was employed as a painter by E. T. Comstock, and on Mr. Comstock's death in 1859, the firm of Ward & Leonard (Peter Ward and Chauncey M. Leonard) was formed. James J. Logan afterward being received into the partnership, the firm became Ward, Leonard & Co.

Mr. Leonard joined Ringgold Hose Company, No. 1, in 1853. He was elected assistant foreman, but his ability and experience as a fireman were such that he was called to fill a position of greater prominence. In 1861 he was elected chief engineer of the Newburgh fire department, and at each successive election thereafter was re-elected to the same office, till March, 1874, when he was called to take the higher position of mayor of the city.

In 1873 he was a delegate to the democratic state convention, and was an honorary member of the National Association of Chief Engineers. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and well advanced in the degrees of the order. He died at his residence, 82 Ann street, Thursday, December 3, 1874.

JAMES J. LEONARD, son of the late Chauncey M. Leonard, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., October 16, 1872. After graduating from the academy he entered the office of the Newburgh Register as bookkeeper, and from 1888 to 1907 was connected with the wholesale grocery house of Stephen M. Bull, when he formed a partnership with W. E. Doyle, and under the firm name of Doyle & Leonard is engaged in the wholesale grocery trade, continuing the business of Mailler & Doyle. Mr. Leonard has always manifested an active interest in politics and in 1903 was elected to the office of county clerk, serving until 1906. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, president and director of the Wheelmen's Club, member of the City Club and the Ringgold Hose and Veteran Association and Newburgh Volunteer Association. He married Mary T. McQuillan, of Newburgh. They have two children, Chauncey M. and Marion H.

EDWARD G. LITTELL was born in Elmira, N. Y., July 5, 1851. From his birthplace he went to Rahway, N. J., remained there several years, and then came to Greycourt, Orange County. He was a fireman on the Erie Railroad eleven years, had charge of the steam pumps twelve years, and later operated a sawmill and general store. His great grandfather was Captain Pratt Littell and he was in the first skirmish against the British in the War of the Revolution. He lived in New Jersey at a place called Short Hills.

Edward G. married Ida Bronk Hyte, of Greycourt. Their children are Elizabeth A., Edward D., of Los Angeles, Cal., William J., Harry M., Andrew H., Hattie L., Ida M. and Alfred K. The father is a member of Standard Lodge No. 711, F. and A. M.; K. of P. Lodge No. 363, of Chester, and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Mr. Littell has held the office of postmaster at Greycourt for nine years. He is a member of the Chester Horse Thief Association, and has served twice on the republican town board.

WILLIAM T. LODGE, who has conducted the Empire House at Montgomery, N. Y., for thirty-seven years, is one of the representative and highly respected citizens of Orange County. Mr. Lodge was born in Ireland, March 26, 1836, and came to America when a lad of fifteen. He was engaged in farming from 1849 to 1871, when he purchased his present hotel property. In politics Mr. Lodge is a democrat, and has for years exerted a great influence in the promotion of its interests.

Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and is a director in the First National Bank of Montgomery. He was one of the organizers and is a supporter of the Episcopal Chapel, organized about six years ago in Montgomery. This chapel is a branch of the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Walden.

Mr. Lodge married Miss Catherine Doyle in 1863, and three sons and three daughters have been born to them--William T. Jr., manager of the Empire House; Martin D. conducts a gents' furnishing store, and James A., proprietor of a sales stable for horses and cattle, all residing in Montgomery.

WILLIAM LOEVEN was born at Honesdale, Pa., September 8, 1861. His early education was acquired at the public school. He removed to Orange County in March, 1891, and located at Middletown.

He engaged in business on Fulton street, after which he removed to Otisville, in January, 1906, and purchased the hotel known as the Writer Hotel, which he still continues. He married Frances Gehrer, of Honesdale, Pa., October 16, 1889. Their four children are William, Jr., Robert, Edward and Elizabeth, all residing at home. In politics Mr. Loeven is a democrat, and is a member of the F. O. E. Mr. and Mrs. Loeven are members of the Church of the Holy Name, of Otisville.

CHARLES W. LOOMIS was born at Otisville, Orange County, N. Y. He is a son of Ephraim Smith Loomis, who was born May 22, 1801, and died February 27, 1869. His mother died November 19, 1891. Charles W. attended the district school and assisted his father on the farm, which has been the Loomis homestead for over a century. He married Miss Phoebe A. Dunlap, daughter of Riley and Sarah E. Dunlap, November 28, 1886. Five children were born to this union, Iva Pamela, born February 17, 1887, died May 19, 1904; Antoinette Evelyn, born April 17, 1888; Ephraim Smith, born November 9, 1890; Frank Kaufmann, born October 2, 1894; and Sarah Irene, born February 14, 1898.

In politics Mr. Loomis is a republican. He has held several local offices, being supervisor of the town fourteen years and justice of the peace ten years. He is a member of the Otisville Presbyterian Church and active in religious duties. He is identified with Hoffman Lodge No. 412, of Middletown, as a member. Mr. Loomis has a good dairy farm and makes a specialty of truck gardening.

EPHRAIM BEEMER LOTT was born August 25, 1862, at Sussex, N. J. He attended the district school, after which he worked on a farm until 1887. He then identified himself with the Warwick Valley Milk Association, where he remained for sixteen years. He is now foreman of the Warwick branch of the Mutual Milk and Cream Co. He married Miss Emma Barrett, of Warwick, October 31, 1888. Two children were born by this union, Mary Lavina, living at home, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Lott is a member of Wawayanda Lodge No. 34, Odd Fellows, Independent Order of Red Men, Tuxedo Tribe, No. 322, and Orange Council No. 112, Jr. O. U. A. M. He is a member of the Methodist Church of Warwick. In politics he is a democrat. His father, John Hathorn Lott, died August 11, 1906, at the age of one hundred years eleven months and five days. There were ten children in his family by the first wife and nine by his second wife. He was a cooper by trade, and a great hunter of wild game.

IRVING K. LOUGHRAN, attorney of Walden, N. Y., has for many years been prominently identified with commercial and public affairs of Orange County. He is a native of New York and read law with Henry H. Hustis, of Fishkill-on-Hudson. Since his admission to the bar in 1882 he has practiced law continuously in Walden. Mr. Loughran has held all the judicial offices in the town of Montgomery and for fourteen years was justice of the peace. He served for twelve years on the board of supervisors and two terms as chairman of the board. He is secretary and director of the Wallkill Valley Electric Co., secretary of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association, secretary and director of the Schrade Cutlery Co. of Walden, and a member of the New York Bar Association. He has taken the various chairs in Masonry, including the Mystic Shrine, and is a member of the Newburgh Lodge of Elks and Walden Lodge, K. of P.

JAMES B. LOVE, who in 1906 purchased the Dr. Ormsbee farm on the State road midway between Newburgh and the village of Montgomery, was born in New York City, and engaged in business there for many years. He married Miss Maggie Urey and they have two sons, James B., Jr., born January, 1905, and John Robert, born March, 1908. Mr. Love and his family, like many retired New Yorkers, enjoy the freedom of rural life in Orange County.

HENRY C. LOVELAND was born October 13, 1853, at Chester, Pa. His father was William W. and mother, Lucinda M. (Atkins) Loveland. Twelve children were born to this union, nine boys and three girls. He obtained his early education at the district school at Chester, and later attended the public school at Napanoch. After his schooling he was employed in the rolling mills and in 1872 came to Middletown, learning the machinist trade. In 1878 he associated himself with the Wheeler, Madden and Clemson Mfg. Co., of Middletown, remaining with this firm until 1890, then with Clemson Bros. for a period of seventeen years, after which he has been connected with the National Saw Co. He was married to Josephine Decker, March 29, 1877. They have two children.

Stephen D., who married Nellie Clark, of Middletown, have two children, one son and one daughter, and Hattie, wife of George C. Brundage. Mr. Loveland is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M.; Wallkill Council No. 92, Jr. O. U. A. M., and Olympia Council No. 14, D. of A. In politics he is a republican, and has served the city faithfully as councilman. The Loveland family are of English descent and dates back to 1635 in America.

WARREN LOWELL was born in Troy, N. Y., and educated in Albany and New York City. He was engaged in the milk business for a time and was later employed by the Union Pacific Railroad. About 1876 he returned to New York City and associated himself with the Orange County Milk Co., of which he is now a director, and holds the offices of secretary and superintendent. The plant at Goshen has facilities for handling four hundred cans of milk daily. The various creameries owned by this company have up-to-date machinery for the condensing of cream. This company was organized in 1860. Mr. Lowell is a member of Pyramid Lodge No. 490, F. and A. M.; Union Chapter No. 180, York Commandery No. 55, and the Consistory, all of New York City. Politically he is a republican. He married Matilda D. Senior, of New York, September 16, 1885.

OLIVER LOZIER, who is engaged in farming near Savilton, Orange County, was born in the town of Newburgh in 1837. He attended district school and the Newburgh Academy and engaged in farming until 1857, when he accepted a position as captain on the Newburgh ferry. In 1868 he removed to Savilton and purchased his farm of seventy-five acres. He has served as collector of the town one year and as supervisor six years. He married Elizabeth Hanmore and five children were born to them. His son, Frank E., is engaged in the management of the farm with his father. He married Miss May Palmer, of Ulster County; they have two children, one son, Elmore, and a daughter.

HARRY ROSS LYDECKER, attorney of Newburgh and Brooklyn, was born in Yonkers, N. Y., March 4, 1869. Son of Albert and Martha B. (Morrison) Lydecker; graduated 1887 from Mount St. Mary's Academy; read law in the office of Colonel William Dickey (now justice of the supreme court); admitted to the bar in 1893. He has served as counsel of the Newburgh Electric Railway Co.; corporation counsel of the town of New Windsor; town counsel of the town of Blooming Grove.

In 1906 Mr. Lydecker opened a law office in Brooklyn, N. Y. In January, 1907, the law firm of Lydecker and Smith was formed with offices in Newburgh. Mr. Lydecker is a member of the commandery and chapter, F. and A. M.; member of the Tenth Separate Company, the Canoe and Boating Association, the Royal Arcanum, Ringgold Hose and the Y. M. C. A. In 1891 he married Miss Minnie A. Brown, of Newburgh. Five children have been born to them.

JOHN McCARTY was born of Irish parentage in Westchester County, N. Y., and moved to Brooklyn when eighteen years of age. His early desires were for mercantile pursuits, but he eventually entered the service of the city of Brooklyn in the municipal board of health. He later became a clerk to Justice Walsh, which position he retained for some years, relinquishing this eventually to become alderman, serving on important committees while remaining in the board, and becoming also its presiding officer. He has dealt largely in Brooklyn real estate. He was nominated in 1891 to succeed John C. Jacobs, and was elected by over 16,000 plurality. Mr. McCarty was also a member of the committee on railroads, committee on insurance, manufactures, and was chairman of the committee on state prisons, and of the committee on public buildings. In politics he was a staunch democrat and represented the second senatorial district. He was a great admirer and owner of many fine horses, among them being Joe Patchen, which he purchased in 1889, since which time that noted horse has been kept at his stables at Goshen, N. Y. John McCarty was a son of Hugh McCarty, born in 1815 at County Down, Ireland, where he received a common school education. He came to America in February, 1834, and learned the mason trade at an early age. Returning to his native country he married Sarah Rogers, also of County Down, Ireland. He at once returned to America, settling in Westchester County, N. Y. He was largely identified with the building of High Bridge connecting New York and Harlem. Mr. McCarty was contractor for the masonry and personally laid the corner stone of the bridge. The trowel used in laying the cornerstone is now in possession of his daughter. Mr. McCarty owned his own quarries and the stone used in the High Bridge was transported on his own sloops for this as well as the Brooklyn navy yard and other contracts. He was a philanthropic man and gave large contributions to St. Mary's-on-the-Hudson at Cold Spring. There were five children born to the union, Ellen, John, Mary, Thomas and Sarah A. The latter now resides at their summer home in Goshen and in Brooklyn during the winter months. He married Marguerite I. Murphy, of New York City, and died October 20, 1905.

HON. BENJAMIN McCLUNG, mayor of the city of Newburgh, N. Y., and a prominent member of the Orange County Bar, was born in the town of New Windsor in 1867, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Upright) McClung. After finishing his preliminary education at the Newburgh Academy and Siglar's Preparatory School, he entered the law department of the University of New York, graduating in 1891 with the degree of LL.B. Mr. McClung practiced law in New York City for a short time, and in the same year, 1891, opened an office in Newburgh. He was for a time associated in practice with Hon. Russell Headley and in 1906 the law firm of McClung & Kohl was formed.

For many years Mr. McClung has been prominently identified with the affairs of the democratic party, which nominated him for member of assembly. In 1907 he was selected to head the democratic ticket in Newburgh, and November 5 was elected mayor by the substantial majority of 574 votes. Mayor McClung was inaugurated March, 1908, the first democrat to occupy that office in a period of eighteen years.

Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Elks, Foresters and the City Club.

JOHN D. McCOACH, chief of police of the city of Middletown, was born in Bethel, Sullivan County, N. Y., in 1876 and educated at the public schools in Bethel, where he graduated. He came to Middletown in June, 1896, in his twenty-first year, and after serving six years as driver of a mail wagon, which duty he faithfully performed, he was appointed patrolman on the Middletown police force. In 1907 he was appointed chief of the Middletown police, which position he now holds. Politically he is a republican. Socially he is a member of Hoffman Lodge No. 412, F. and A. M., and Midland Chapter No. 240, R. A. M. He married Miss Lucy Barber, of Monticello, Sullivan County, and of this union two children have been born, Elmer E., born June 21, 1904, and Mildred O., born October 10, 1905. As befits one in his position Mr. McCoach is a man of varied learning and accomplishments, and withal a man of affairs, of keen perception and fair-minded. He is particularly well informed in local and Masonic matters.

ROBERT WORKMAN McCREADY, a prominent contractor at Tuxedo Park, is a resident of Sloatsburg, Rockland County. Mr. McCready was born at Belfast, in the North of Ireland, in 1862, a son of James and Mary (McIlveen) McCready, of Scotch descent. He attended the schools of Belfast and in 1882 received his certificate from the Government School of Art. He then spent a year with Harland & Wolf, shipbuilders, obtaining his certificate as joiner. In 1884 he came to Fall River, Mass., where he was employed as a carpenter one year. After a visit to his native place he again came to America in 1886 and was employed by Mead & Taft at Tuxedo. Two years later he formed a co-partnership with William M. Finch to conduct a general contracting and building business under the firm name of McCready & Finch. Their business developed rapidly and employment given to from three to four hundred men, erecting many of the most substantial buildings in Tuxedo Park, including the homes of Ambrose Monell, W. B. Densmore, W. B. Garrison, J. Henry Smith, a private school in the Park costing $35,000, and the $30,000 school in the village. He also rebuilt the Episcopal church. In 1905 Mr. McCready purchased Mr. Finch's interest in the business and is now conducting it alone. Mr. McCready has now under contract to erect in Tuxedo Park a residence for C. W. Clinton, of the firm of Clinton & Russell, architects, of Nassau street, New York; a Methodist church at Sloatsburg, an extension to William M. V. Hoffman's house, and alterations to A. D. Julliard's house, Tuxedo Park.

Mr. McCready is a member of numerous fraternal organizations, including Scottish Rite Masons and the Mystic Shrine. In 1889 he married Mary, daughter of John Finch, of Sloatsburg. They have two children--Olive and Robert Halsey.

JOHN W. McCULLOUGH, who for many years was engaged in the tobacco business in Water street, was born in Newburgh in 1819 and died in 1892. After finishing his studies at the high school he learned the tobacconist trade and engaged in the wholesale and retail business for himself at 93 Front street, in 1845, where he continued until 1873, when he purchased the premises at 68 and 70 Water street, where the business was continued by his son, John R. McCullough, up to the time of his death, July 31, 1907. Mr. McCullough was for many years an elder in the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, and also performed the duties of treasurer. In his long business career in his native place Mr. McCullough's name was a synonym for integrity and honorable dealings. John R. McCullough was born July 15, 1846. He was engaged in the drug business for a few years on Broadway, previous to engaging in the tobacco business with his father. He was a director of Quassaick National Bank, and Woodlawn Cemetery Association. He was treasurer of Union Church, and president of the board of water commissioners. He married Miss Marion Muir, who died September 18, 1900. Four children were born to them. John W., Jr., died November 6, 1888. Frederick R. continues the tobacco business in Water street.

FRED S. McDOWELL, supervisor of the town of Newburgh, was born in Newburgh in 1865; a son of James and Agnes (Frew) McDowell. As a young man he was engaged in the butchering business with his father and then entered the employ of Armour & Co. for two years as salesman, following which he conducted a meat market on Broadway three years. Since 1893 he has been one of the proprietors of the Newburgh Rendering Co.

Mr. McDowell is prominent in fraternal organizations. He is past master of Newburgh Lodge, F. and A. M., a member of Highland Chapter, Hudson River Commandery and the Mecca Temple. He is also past grand of Acme Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in 1907 was chosen district deputy of Orange District No. 1 of the Odd Fellows. He married Miss Jennie Whitaker, of New Windsor.

RALPH L. McGEOCH, M.D., a successful physician, residing and practicing in Goshen, N. Y., was born at Shushan, Washington County, N. Y., December 1, 1867. He was educated at Cambridge Washington Academy and Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. He entered the New York Homeopathic College in 1891 and graduated May 3, 1894, after which he came to Goshen, where he has since practiced. Dr. McGeoch is a member of the New York State Homeopathic Medical Society, the Tri-County Homeopathic Medical Society, the Orange County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Association, and the New York Homeopathic Alumni Association. On June 9, 1897, he was joined in marriage with Sarah W. Coleman.

JAMES D. McGIFFERT, clerk of Orange County, N. Y., was born and educated in Newburgh. As a young man he was employed by the Oakley Soap Co., in Washington street. Since he became a voter he has manifested an active interest in politics, the first office to which he was elected being that of assessor from the First Ward. He served as city collector of Newburgh from 1897 to 1906. In his dealings with the public in this capacity he was uniformly courteous and considerate. He was for two years master of Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. and A. M., and its secretary ten years. He is excellent high priest of Highland Chapter No. 52, R. A. M.; also a member of Hudson River Commandery No. 35, Knights Templar. He is prominently identified with the Odd Fellows and firemanic circles. He was elected to the office of county clerk November, 1906, running over a thousand votes ahead of his ticket.

HENRY JAMES McKINNEY, was born at the family homestead in the town of Crawford, Orange County, April 10, 1854, and died at his residence in Pine Bush, N. Y., September 24, 1907. He was the third son of Luther and Maria (Morrison) McKinney. Following the death of his father he bought the homestead and continued thereon until 1892, when he removed to Pine Bush. In 1895 he engaged in the lumber, feed and coal business, which he conducted with much success for nearly twelve years, his business career being marked by courtesy and sterling honesty. On September 7, 1892, he married Miss Kate Woodworth Kapelye, who with three daughters survive him.

Mr. McKinney always manifested an active interest in the moral and intellectual advancement of his community. His death entailed the loss of a public-spirited citizen and Christian gentleman.

JOHN L. McKINNEY, postmaster at Pine Bush, was born on the homestead farm in the town of Crawford, Orange County, March 6, 1856; a son of Luther and Maria (Morrison) McKinney. He attended the schools of his native town and two terms at Professor Bank's private school in Newburgh. He has been engaged in business at Pine Bush since 1886. His first venture there was in conducting the flour mill, in which he continued five years. In 1891 he became a member of the firm of Armstrong & McKinney, dealers in general merchandise and drugs, where he remained about eight years. He then formed a partnership with Mr. J. E. Ward in the conduct of a hardware store. In 1904 he purchased Mr. Ward's interest and continues the business alone. Mr. McKinney, who is prominent in republican politics, received the appointment of postmaster under President McKinley, June 28, 1897. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as elder for many years.

WILLIAM L. McKINNEY, a respected citizen of Montgomery, N. Y., has been identified with the affairs of that village for nearly half a century. He was born in the town of Montgomery in 1825, a son of Benjamin W. and Hannah (Hunt) McKinney. He has resided in the village since 1845 and in 1854 married Eliza Tindall, a member of one of Orange County's old families. One child, who died in infancy, was born to them. In 1860 Mr. McKinney was elected trustee of the village and in 1862 was appointed president of the corporation, holding that office three years, when he was appointed clerk of the village, which position he faithfully occupied for thirty-six years, resigning in 1901, since which time he has lived in retirement. His counsel is frequently sought in matters pertaining to the village. Mr. McKinney has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1867.

ROBERT J. McVOY, deceased, was one of the prominent agriculturists of Orange County. He was of Irish parentage. His father Hugh and mother Martha (Glascow) McVoy came from Ireland at an early period. Robert was born July 12, 1847, at Jackson's Corners, what was then Goshen. He attended the district and public school at Goshen, and assisted his father on the farm until the age of eighteen years. He rented farms at Bullville, Stony Ford, and Hamptonburgh successively for twenty-one years. He then purchased the late Theodore Jackson's farm, remaining there until his death, which occurred April 26, 1895. Mr. McVoy was united in marriage to Miss Alnetta Pierson Gillespie, of Montgomery, June 10, 1885. Two children were born by this union, Charles Felter, born August 21, 1886, and Sarah Maretta, born September 14, 1888, both residing at home. Mr. McVoy was a member of Wallkill Lodge, F. and A. M., and Court Wallkill, Foresters of America. He was a democrat and served as town collector several terms.

EDWARD MAIDMENT, of Warwick, was born at Shropshire, England, in 1840, and came to America with his parents when six years of age. The family located in Albany, where his father, Edward, established a bakery and confectionery business. He built up a large business and during the Civil War supplied the government with his goods.