Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 64

The name of Emmet is one which has been long and conspicuously identified with the history of the Empire state, and is one in which each successive generation has produced men of honor and sterling worth, — men who have honored and been honored by the state which gave them birth and which has figured as the field of their respective endeavors in connection with the material activities which have ever conserved the progress and prosperity of the Union. From the Emerald Isle came the first American ancestor, Addis Emmet, who crossed the Atlantic about 1804, locating in New York city. He soon won prestige as a prominent lawyer and was elected attorney general of the state. His son, Robert Emmet, grandfather of our subject, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States during his childhood. Entering the legal profession,, he was called to the important office of corporation counsel of the city of New York, and also filled the position of judge of the common-pleas court. His death occurred in New Rochelle, in 1873. Several representatives of the family have gained marked distinction at the bar, their eminent ability reflecting credit upon the profession with which they were allied.

William J. Emmet, father of our subject, was born in New York city, where he acquired his education and was reared to manhood. Entering upon his business career, he was for a number of years successfully engaged in the sugar-refining business in the metropolis. He married Julia C. Pierson, and they are now honored residents of New Rochelle. Mrs. Emmet is a native of Ramapo, Rockland county, New York, and her grandfather, Josiah Pierson, was the founder of the East Ramapo Iron & Foundry Works. He was there extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron and at the same time operated an extensive factory.

Robert T. Emmet was born in New York city in 1854. He studied in a private boarding school, after which he entered West Point Military Academy, on the Hudson, pursuing the four-years course of that institution. He was graduated in 1877, and continuing in the military service of his country as a member of the Ninth Regiment of United States Regular Cavalry, he went to the frontier to aid in the suppression of the Indians, who frequently menaced the property and lives of the pioneers on the western borders. He served in that cavalry command for fourteen years and for four years was on the staff of General Pope, after which, with his regiment, he was stationed at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska.

Resigning his commission in 1891, Mr. Emmet returned to New Rochelle, New York, where he has since resided, giving his attention to civil engineering. On the breaking out of the war with Spain, he volunteered and was commissioned major in the First Infantry New York Volunteers, and served for some months in the Hawaiian islands with that regiment. In 1883 Mr. Emmet was married to Miss Helena V. C. Phelps, only daughter of Henry D. and Kate Phelps. Her father belongs to one of the oldest and most honored families of Westchester county, and has long been a valued resident of New Rochelle. Mr. and Mrs. Emmet have three children, two sons and a daughter, — Robert M., Herman L. R. and Anita H. Mr. Emmet belongs to the University Club, of New York city, and the New York Yacht Club. While campaigning in the west he acquired a fund of interesting and ofttimes amusing reminiscences, which enrich his conversation and, together with his genial disposition, unfailing courtesy and uniform kindness, render him a social favorite.