Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 67

Ad historic old family of Westchester county is the one of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy scion. The Secors were among the French Huguenots who, fleeing from the persecutions with which they were beset in their own loved country, came to the hospitable shores of the New World, where they might have " freedom to worship God " according to the dictates of their hearts. This little band of refugees landed at New Rochelle, Westchester county, in 1681, and here they founded homes and became a thriving, prosperous little colony, respected by all with whom they had dealings.

The great-grandfather of our subject belonged to this brave band, and his son Thomas, the next in the line of descent, was born on a farm in the vicinity of East Chester, this county, where he spent his entire life. His son Norman, the father of our subject, was born in the town of East Chester, September 9, 1818, and after having spent a long, useful life as a tiller of the soil is now enjoying a justly earned rest from labor. He has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, and for one of his years has remarkably good health. In his early manhood he chose for his wife Mary Ann Purtell, whose birth occurred in New Rochelle, in 1830, her parents being James and Anna Purtell, of that locality. Mrs. Mary Secor is also living.

Norman Secor, Jr., was born in the town of Greenburg, Westchester county, January 4, 1852, and from his earliest recollection has been occupied in the varied duties of farm life. Under his father's tutelage he acquired practical knowledge of agriculture, and in the schools of the neighborhood he received a liberal business education. Later he was a student in the Ardsley school for a few months, and by private study and reading he became the well informed man that he is to-day. Having given his father his assistance until he reached his majority the young man then embarked in business on his own account, and from that time until the present has carried on a farm, keeping from eighteen to twenty cows for dairy purposes, and in addition to this he handles annually about five thousand tons of ice. His good business methods and industry have wrought out success for him, and he is now well-to-do and prosperous. He owns considerable property, and from time to time has made profitable investments.

It is in his happy home circle that Mr. Secor finds his chief pleasure in life, and there, surrounded by his family, the cares of the busy world seem far away. It was in 1872 that he was united in wedlock with Mary Ann Lander, eldest daughter of Henry S. and Ann (Williams) Lander. Her father, a native of England, is engaged in farming and is also interested in the manufacture and sale of a fertilizer. Like her husband, Mrs. Secor was born in the town of Greenburg, and from childhood they were friends and companions. Four sons and three daughters blessed their home, namely: Henry R., Alice M., Harriet W. , Mabel B., Arthur W., Ethie J. and Jerome. Henry is married and has three sons, Thomas M., Russell H. and Thornton, and they have nine grand and great-grandparents living ! Alice, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Fred H. Wille, of Ardsley, New York, and they have one son, Kenneth R. , who has eight grand and great -grandparents living. The family is one noted for longevity.

Though he is a stalwart Republican and never neglects his duty as a voter, Mr. Secor has steadfastly refrained from entering politics, refusing to accept public office. His time is given to his family, his friends and his business, and in all life's relations he is accorded and justly merits the high regard of his many friends.