Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 57

Mr. Ackerman, who is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Mount Pleasant township, was born near the place where he now lives, November 18, 1823, and throughout life has been identified with the agricultural interests of that section. He now owns and occupies what years ago was known as the old homestead of Major William Van Tassell, an officer of the war of 1812 and later a prominent Democratic politician, who knew by sight every voter in the county. He was a gentleman of the old school and a soldier of fortune.

James Ackerman, our subject's father, was of Holland descent, and was born in this state, being a son of David and ––– (Tillison) Ackerman, both of whom died in the neighborhood of our subject's home. Here James grew to manhood and learned the weaver's trade, at which he did a good business for many years, but later in life devoted his attention to farming. He married Catherine Van Tassell, daughter of Abraham Van Tassell, one of the seven men who captured Major Andre. He was a large, muscular man of great strength and endurance, and was Washington Irving's hero, Brom Bones, in the Legends of Sleepy Hollow. He married Elizabeth Yerks, the daughter of a large land-owner in Westchester county. In the family of James and Catherine Ackerman were eight children, namely: Hiram;. Berlin; Mrs. Eliza Requaw; Leonard; Elliott V.; Amos, our subject; Mrs. Jane Requaw; and Mrs. Mary De Revere. Our subject is the only one now living. The father was a strong Democrat in politics, an admirer of Andrew Jackson, and was a member of the Dutch Reformed church. He died at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife, who was a most estimable woman and a member of the same church, departed this life at the age of eighty-three.

Reared on the home farm, Amos Ackerman pursued his studies in the district schools of the neighborhood, and at the age of seventeen began learning the blacksmith's trade with his brother Berlin, remaining with him for four years, or until the brother's death, in 1844. He then took charge of the shop and engaged in business on his own account at East View and later at Switching's Corner, which half a century ago did an extensive business and was headquarters for politicians, stockmen, drovers and others for miles around.

In October, 1846, Mr. Ackerman was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bird, who was born, reared and educated in Mount Pleasant township,, a daughter of John and Mary (Secor) Bird, and to whom was born one child, — Mrs. Emma Hunter, of Pleasantville, this county, who has four children, Leonard, Kate, Leman and Amos. Mrs. Ackerman died in 1852, and subsequently our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Angevine, a native of Mount Pleasant township, and a daughter of Goris and Catherine Angevine. One daughter also blessed this union, Addie, now the wife of Colonel Ellsworth Van Tassell, by whom she has two children: Mary Leta and Ethel. The Colonel was born here in 1862, was reared and educated in this county, and is a son of Sylvester Van Tassell, and grandson of Major William Van Tassell, previously mentioned. After a happy married life of several years, Mrs. Ackerman was called to her final rest May 1, 1890.

She was a loving wife and affectionate mother, and an earnest Christian woman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Pleasantville, to which our subject also belongs. Politically he is identified with the Republican party and is a supporter of all measures calculated to advance the moral, educational or material welfare of his town or county. He is recognized as one of the most useful and valued citizens of his community and is very popular socially.