Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 45

The family name of this gentleman has figured conspicuously on the pages of the history of the Empire state through many generations, representatives of the family taking an active part in many of the leading events which form an integral part of the annals of New York. Patriotism, honor and enterprise have ever been among their marked characteristics since the time when Robert Coles, a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to establish a home in the New World. This was in 1641, and he cast his lot with the early colonists of the land which gave promise of liberty and freedom of conscience and the exercise of the independent rights of the individual. He was accompanied on his journey by his two brothers, Nathan and Daniel, and in 1677 the three secured a tract of seventeen hundred acres of land on Long Island. This included all the portion of the island known as Glen Cove, and thereon Robert Coles, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, made his home. There also occurred the birth of Jesse Coles, the grandfather, whose natal day was in September, 1757. He was one of the gallant heroes of the war of the Revolution, serving all through the seven long years of that conflict. For three years he was on detached duty as a spy under the command of Washington, and being taken prisoner was incarcerated in the old " sugar-house prison," but was afterward paroled. Later he was again captured by an English boat on the Long Island sound, while carrying messages, but the papers were skillfully hidden under the lining of his coat between the shoulders, and were not found; so, there being no proof against him, he was released. Had the papers been found he would have been summarily shot. The gun which he carried, and which had been given to his father by Richard Mott, is now in possession of our subject, as is the old family clock. While a prisoner in the sugar-house the life of Jesse Coles was saved by Anna Mott, a nurse, who warned him against eating some food that had been poisoned. When his loved country no longer needed his services he returned to the peaceful pursuits of the farm, and on the 25th of March, 1781, was married to Deborah Carpenter.

Their son, Joseph Coles, father of our subject, was born in Greenburg township, Westchester county, December 27, 1790, and died July 2, 1872, in the house now occupied by Abraham A. Coles. During his active business career he followed agricultural pursuits and met with success in his various business undertakings. Prior to the Civil war he was a Democrat, but at that time he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party and was afterward one of the stalwart advocates of its principles. He was also a faithful member of the Reformed church, and his honorable life commanded uniform regard from his fellow men. He married Elizabeth Yerks, a daughter of William Yerks. She was born in Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, February 25, 1801, and departed this life July 15, 1871.

Abraham A. Coles, whose name introduces this review, and who is now a leading citizen of Tarrytown, was born in the town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, October 7, 1827. He was reared in a manner usual to farmer boys of that period and locality, and pursued his education in what was then known as the " old red school-house." Between the ages of twelve and twenty years he worked industriously upon the home farm and then entered upon an independent business career. For a few years he operated a farm of his own and. engaged in raising live stock to some extent, but since the fall of 1865 he has not resided on the old homestead, which is situated in Greenburg township, his home being now in Tarrytown. Disposing of his farm he came to live with his parents, who had been residents of Tarrytown for several years, caring for them until they were called from the scene of earth's activities. Mr. Coles has since continued to live in the old Tarrytown home, devoting his time and energies to the management of his various investments and valuable property interests. He is also one of the trustees of the Westchester County Savings Bank.

In 1873 Mr. Coles married Julia A., daughter of Daniel D. and Julia S. (Amerman) Foot, and a granddaughter of Isaac Amerman, who served as an alderman in New York city for several years and was a prominent citizen of the metropolis. Mrs. Coles is a native of that city, and by her marriage has become the mother of four sons, namely: Edward A., Fred H., Charles L. and Russell. Mr. Coles is identified with the church of his ancestors, the Reformed, while his wife is a member of the Episcopal church. Widely and favorably known in Tarrytown, the warm personal friendships which they inspire secure them the hospitality of the best homes of the place. Like his honored father, Mr. Coles gives his political support to the Republican party, but he has never aspired to official distinction, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests, in the management of which he displays marked ability and executive force, combined with keen discrimination.