Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 56

The subject of this sketch has been one of the prominent business men of Hastings, Westchester county, for the last score of years. He is a native of New York city, and a son gf James and Emily Barberie Bonnett. The Bonnett family is of French ancestry, and records in possession of its members prove that the first emigrant from the fatherland to these shores was David Bonnett. He is the forefather of all those who to-day in America bear the name of Bonnett. David Bonnett was a silk-weaver in the village of Thorigne, France. Two hundred years ago he was pursuing his daily vocation, little thinking that his life was soon to be disturbed, and that the rest of his days were to be spent in an environment far away from that in which he then moved. But David Bonnett and his wife were Huguenots, and this simple statement in itself is sufficient to account for any persecutions which might have followed. The rules by which this sect governed their lives were few and simple, but they adhered to them with all the tenacity of their natures. They believed that the trust which they possessed was the eternal trust of God; and wedded to that belief was the determination to hold to the trust and to live it out in life, it mattered not though the bitterest persecution, yea, even death itself, should be the consequence. The fact that they were held in disrepute by the people only strengthened their faith.

But at this juncture organized hostility began against the Huguenots of the village of Thorigne. Troops were sent to convert them at the point of the sword. When the report of their approach reached the ears of Monsieur Bonnett, he hastily decided to evade, if possible, the approaching doom by flight. He had heard of a land across the sea where men could worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and he trusted that somehow a way might be open by which he might transport his family thither. The task lying immediately at hand, however, was to escape from the village. Loading a donkey cart with vegetables, as if going to market, he and his wife hid their children in the midst of the load, cautioning them to preserve strict silence, it mattered not what might happen. Mr. Bonnett with a basket of turnips, walked, his wife following and driving the donkey. Outside the village they met the troopers, who stopped them and made an examination of their goods, and concluding that they were only market people let them pass on. But in order to be sure that they were not escaping Huguenots, and that no human beings were hidden in the cart, one of the soldiers ran his sword through the very sacks in which the children were concealed. The little ones, true to the command of the parents, let no outcry escape them, but it was afterward found that their boy of five years had a sword thrust through his thigh. He suffered the intense pain with perfect silence, and when uncovered the brave child's first words were: " I did not speak: did 1, mother.'"

The family succeeded in working their way to America, and the boy who saved his own life and the lives of his parents by his silence, grew into manhood, and became the progenitor of the American line of the family.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were: Samuel and Elizabeth Woolley, of Long Island. Their son, James Bonnett, Jr., father of our subject, was born in New Rochelle in 1816, and arriving at the age of manhood became a merchant in New York city, moving later to New Rochelle, where he continued the business for a number of years. He married Emily Barberie, daughter of John Barberie, Esq., who also was of Huguenot descent, his antecedents coming to America during the religious persecutions in France and taking up their abodes in New York city in 1681. Mrs. Bonnett died in 1860, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery on Long Island, while Mr. Bonnett was laid to rest in the cemetery at Upper New Rochelle. Two children have survived them: John B., whose name begins this sketch, and Elizabeth A. , widow of Harvey Bryant, late of New Jersey.

John B. Bonnett spent the greater part of his youth in the village of New Rochelle, and received such meager educational advantages as were then afforded by the common schools. At an early age he left school and entered the employ of George W. L. Underbill, a merchant in New Rochelle. Later he connected himself with William S. Hunt, who was an extensive builder in New York city. Subsequently he entered upon an independent business career in the produce business on Ninth avenue, New York city, removing thence to enlarged quarters at Tenth avenue and Thirtieth street, in which latter place he continued until the year 1878. Then, disposing of his business there, he moved to Hastings, where he started in a general merchandise store. In connection with that he conducts a lumber, coal and wood yard, and carries a full line of masons' materials. He has built up a large, profitable and constantly increasing business, and is one of the leading representatives of commercial interest in the town.

In 1870 Mr. Bonnett married Miss Hannah Munson, daughter of the late George Munson, Esq., of Hastings, a very prominent and highly respected citizen. Four children have been born of this union: Hamilton Woolley, George Munson, John Van Tuyl and Frederick Melville.

Mr. Bonnett is a member of the Dutch Reformed congregation of Hastings, and contributes most liberally to its support. He has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the village during these past twenty years, and few projects are put forward looking toward the improvement of the village, without securing his advice. He is at present a member of the village board of health, and is treasurer of the board of education, having served in both capacities for several consecutive terms. He is ever ready to give moral and financial support to every movement which is calculated to advance the interests of the place and its people. Mr. Bennett's exemplary character, his business ability, unpretentious manner and genial disposition have made him a great power in molding the life of the community, and have won for him a host of friends, all of whom regard him with the deepest respect and affection.