Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 2 - Группа авторов - Страница 40

A son of John Vail, the venerable pioneer mentioned in preceding paragraphs, Elias Vail is considered one of Westchester county's typical men, representing a class of younger citizens whose energy, push and shrewd business acumen are rapidly bringing the county up, in thrift and prosperity, to rank among the first in the state. He is a son of John and Sarah (Cornell) Vail, and was born in Somers township, this county, September 23, 1856. His education was obtained in the public schools, and his life has been practically one continuous effort to better the conditions usually surrounding farm life, — to add to the profits, and at the same time to add to its comforts, and do away with much of its routine discomfort. His first venture for himself was for one year on the home farm, after which he went to Yorktown and farmed three years, when he bought his present property. This consists of one hundred and eighty acres, and it has been so improved under his care that it is now one of the finest farms in this section. In 1894 he erected a handsome residence, equipped with all modern improvements and conveniences. His barns, wagon-house and all the outbuildings are models of neatness and convenience, while the entire farm is kept in the most perfect condition, and under a high state of cultivation. This was formerly known as the Josiah Travis farm, and the improvements made by its present owner are, indeed, noticeable. He has been quick to adopt new ideas and machinery when he saw they would improve his former methods of work, and the facility and ease with which his work is done bear evidence to the success of his experiments. Although he is principally engaged in general farming, yet he handles large quantities of livestock, making this one of his special lines of business. He is a strong Democrat, and renders much valuable aid to the party in this community.

Mr. Vail was married, on Thanksgiving day, 1876, to Miss Ardilla Fowler, who was born in New York city, May 31, 1855. Her parents were James and Malvina (Stephens) Fowler, both of whom died in this county. Her father died in the year 1859, when about twenty-six years old. He was employed in the custom-house for some time, and afterward operated a hotel at Katonah, this county. After his death, the mother was again married, to David E. Bassett, of Somers. Mrs. Vail was the eldest of two children. The younger child, Anna W. , is the wife of David Naugle, of New York city. The family is of Dutch descent, and is among the oldest and most respected in the county. The children who have been spared to Mr. and Mrs. Vail are three in number, as follows: Wallace F. , Charles C. and Lisle H. They are attendants of the Friends church, and are upright. Christian people.