Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 21

These well-known contractors and builders of Peekskill, New York, have been successfully engaged in business for the past eighteen years, and on all sides are seen many notable examples of their skill. The firm is composed of Harvey M. and Silas W. Washburn, and during the busy season they often employ as many as thirty men. Thoroughly reliable in all things, the quality of their work is a convincing test of their personal worth, and in business circles they occupy an enviable position.

These brothers are sons of Henry S. and Margaret (Green) Washburn, in whose family were five children, all still living, namely: Harvey M. ; Silas W. ; Josephine, wife of A. Donaldson, of New Paltz, Ulster county. New York; George J., who is engaged in business at Davenport, Iowa; and William, a carpenter of Peekskill. During the greater part of his life the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he was always a supporter of the men and measures of the Democracy. The mother was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist church.

Harvey M. Washburn was born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1848, and at the age of nineteen years commenced learning the carpenter's trade, to which he has ever since devoted his time and attention with marked success. He was married at Croton-on-Hudson, July 24, 1874, to Miss Isabella Purdy, a daughter of Silas J. Purdy, a farmer at that place, and she died leaving three children: Edith, Catherine and Marion. In his political views Mr. Washburn is a Democrat, and he has been quite prominently identified with local affairs, has served in several township offices, and at present is filling the position of assessor.

Silas W. Washburn is also a native of Dutchess county, born in 1850, and he began work at his trade at the age of twenty-two years. On the 18th of November, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza L. Lefferts, of SingSing, by whom he has two sons, Ralph L. and Randall G. Her father died when she was a child and her mother afterward married William Grant, of SingSing. Mr. Washburn takes an active interest in political affairs, and as a pronounced Democrat he is prominent in political circles. He is now serving as president and trustee of the fire company at Peekskill. He was also elected member of the board of water commissioners in 1898, and is now serving as president of the board. The brothers are both public-spirited and progressive citizens, giving their support to all measures for the public good, and those who know them best are numbered among their warmest friends.