Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 2 - Группа авторов - Страница 42

Mr. Park is one of the most prosperous farmers and fruit-growers of Harrison township, Westchester county, as well as one, of its most highly esteemed and honored citizens. He was born March 6, 1821, on the farm which he still occupies, and is a worthy representative of one of the prominent old families of the county. His great-grandfather, Thomas Park, was born here, of English parentage, and settled among the Indians. As he was kind to their children the red men never forgot it and remained friendly neighbors as long as he remained among them.

Joseph Park, our subject's grandfather was born in Rye, October 10,1750, was married March 29, 1778, to Miss Elizabeth Lyon, a native of Bedford, this county, born November 6, 1756, and a representative of an old and prominent family. Their house was burned by the British soldiers in 1776. To Joseph Park and wife were born four children; Israel, born October 10, 1778; Mrs. Charlotte Horton; Mrs. Mary Sniffen; and Abbie, who died when about eighty years of age. The parents of these children were Episcopalians in religious faith.

Israel Park, the father of our subject, was born near the old Rye bridge in Rye township, and was a lad of twelve years when the family removed to the farm in Harrison township now owned and occupied by our subject. He assisted in the arduous task of clearing the land and placing it under cultivation, and throughout life devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. March 29, 1802, he married Miss Deborah Kile, who was born in Harrison township, December 10, 1779, a daughter of Christopher and Mary (Tucker) Kile, the former born October 15, 1747, the latter July 2, 1744. Israel and Deborah Park became the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters, as follows: Elizabeth, Charlotte, Phoebe, Mary, Joseph, Arna, Timothy, Sophia and Thomas Lyon. All are now deceased with the exception of Thomas. Joseph died January 9, 1899.

Amid rural scenes Thomas L. Park passed his boyhood and youth in much the same manner as most farmer boys of his day, early acquiring an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and attending the local schools when his services were not needed at home. He now owns the old homestead, comprising one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, under excellent cultivation; and has erected thereon a beautiful modern residence, which is liberally supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In connection with general farming, Mr. Park has devoted considerable attention to fruit culture and has a fine orchard of twenty-five acres, from which he shipped one thousand barrels of apples to Europe in 1897.

On the 12th of April, 1848, Mr. Park led to the marriage altar Miss Hannah Coles, a native of Mount Pleasant township, and a daughter of Robert and Ann (Tompkins) Coles, who belonged to old and prominent families of this county. Three children were born of this union, one son and two daughters, but Anna, who was born October 21, 1862, died October 6, 1865. The son, Frank L. Park, married Elizabeth Fowler, of Mount Pleasant, a daughter of Moses Fowler, of that place, and they have two sons: Burton Fowler and Harold Halsted. The daughter, Caroline Park, born on the 26th of May, 1849, is now the wife of Peter B. Vermilya, of New York city, and has six children: Arthur P., who married Grace Hill and has two sons and a daughter, — Howard Park, Wallace Hill and Estelle; Herbert M., Frank B., Percy S., Helen and Norman L. Frank L. Park was born September 29, 1857. For half a century Mr. and Mrs. Park have traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and April 12, 1898, they celebrated their golden wedding. They are sincere and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they and their children have the respect and esteem of all who know them. Politically father and son are both identified with the Republican party, and give their support to all measures which they believe calculated to prove of public benefit.