Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 46

We are now permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who has retained a persona] association with the business affairs of Westchester county for many years, but is now living retired at Rye, and whose ancestral line traces back to the colonial epoch in our country's history. His life has been one of honest and earnest endeavor, and due success has not been denied.

Records show that the Halsted family is of English origin, and that it was founded on American soil about 1628 by representatives of the name from Hemill-Hempstead, England. They settled in or near Boston, and the family name appears in the log of the Mayflower. Subsequently they removed to Providence Plantation, now Providence, Rhode Island, and at a later date one of the family went to Long Island and, in connection with other early colonists, founded the town of Hempstead. For several generations the Halsted family has been connected with the history of Westchester county. The parents of Ezekiel Halsted, the great-grandfather of our subject, were the first to locate here, and his birth occurred in New Rochelle, November 29, 1738. At an early day he removed to Rye township and settled on the old homestead, which is still in possession of the family and a part of which will be inherited by our subject should he outlive the present life tenant. Ezekiel Halsted was a large land-owner and extensive farmer, as well as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his community. He served with distinction as captain in the Revolutionary war. His son, Philemon, was also a captain in the state militia, and his discharge papers, granted by Governor Jay, of New York, are now in possession of Augustus M. Halsted. He was the first president of the Westchester County Agricultural Association, and was an important factor in the promotion of many interests of public concern.

The grandfather, Philemon Halsted, was born on the old homestead in Rye township, and there spent his entire life as a successful farmer, owning large tracts of land. He was also one of the leading citizens of the community, and for a great many years served as president of the Westchester County Agricultural Society. He married Deborah Davenport, a daughter of Lawrence Davenport, of New Rochelle, and to them were born two children: James Davenport and Newberry Davenport, the latter a prominent farmer. He took a very active part in public affairs and was acceptably serving as a member of the state legislature at the time of his death.

James Davenport Halsted, the father of our subject, was born on the old family homestead, October 20, 1809, and carried on agricultural pursuits in the township of Rye throughout his entire life. He was a recognized leader of public thought, action and opinion and left the impress of his strong individuality upon many measures of general interest. A stanch supporter of the Democratic party, he efficiently served for many years as supervisor of this township. Although not a member of Christ Episcopal church, he served as one of its vestrymen for a number of years and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. His death occurred January 25, 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth S. Todd, was born July 2, 1816, in Waterford, Saratoga county, New York, and died October 28, 1896. She was a most estimable Jady, and during her entire residence in Rye was a faithful member of the Protestant Episcopal church. Of their three children Augustus M. is the eldest. James M. is a resident of Oakland, California; and Elizabeth S. is the wife of H. C. Edgette, of Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Mr. Halsted, whose name introduces this review, was born in Rye township, November 22, 1836, and his boyhood days were spent under the parental roof. He had charge of the home farm from the time he was seventeen years of age until 1862, when he engaged in the produce and commission business, in New York city, carrying on operations along that line for three years. During the following four or five years he was engaged in newspaper work there, as associate editor of a stock paper, and on one of the prominent evening dailies, reporting political meetings and the actions of other large conventions and assemblages as his special department of the work. He next engaged in the manufacture of specialties in sheet-metal goods, and was the first in America to invent and make a self-regulating incubator. On account of ill health he retired from business in 1895, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest, free from the cares and responsibilities of business life.

Mr. Halsted married Miss Amanda M. Hayward, a daughter of Colonel John R. Hayward, a prominent citizen of East Chester, New York, whose farm comprised a greater part of the present city of Mount Vernon, and who died at the age of sixty-seven years. The children born to this worthy couple are as follows: Rev. Newberry O., an Episcopal minister, who is now superintendent of St. Johnland, Dr. Muhlenberg's home for aged men and orphan children, at Kings Park, Long Island; Carrie L. , wife of G. Arthur Tuthill, of Brooklyn, New York; James D., a contractor and builder, in Rye; J. Henry, who is engaged in advertising specialties and patent business in New York city; Jennie A., wife of William H. Porter, of the firm of William Porter & Sons, New York; Florence, a talented artist in miniature and figure work; A. Elizabeth, at home; and Robert A., who is attending the Irving Institute, at Tarrytown. The family is identified with the Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Halsted affiliates with the Democratic party. For eighteen years he has been a member of the board of education, serving as its president for fifteen years, but he has never cared for political honors, always refusing to become a candidate for office. In manner he is pleasant, genial and approachable, and all who know him esteem him highly for his genuine worth.