Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 2 - Группа авторов - Страница 5

We of this end-of-the-century period, representing the most electrical progress in all lines of material activity, are too prone to not give due heed to those elemental values which touch upon the deeper essence of being. We cannot afford to hold in light esteem those who have wrought nobly in the past, nor fail to accord honor to those who have given a heritage of worthy thoughts and worthy deeds, and have aided in laying fast the foundations of the greatest republic the world has ever known. He to whose life history we now turn attention was known and honored as one of the representative citizens of Westchester county and as a successful business man of our national metropolis. By his quiet, earnest, useful life and by his example the world was enriched, for the fructifying influences of a noble character expand in constantly widening angle as the years fall into the abyss of time.

Alexander Masterton was a distinct man — distinct in his individuality, in the inflexibility of his principles and in his labors as a man among men. He was born in the picturesque burg of Forfar, in the beautiful vale of Strathmore, Scotland, in the year 1797, coming of stanch Scottish stock and inheriting the sturdy independence and sterling virtues of that hardy race, in the land of "brown heath and shaggy wood." His educational advantages were limited in extent, but his alert and vigorous, mentality enabled him to effectively supplement his early training through the discipline and associations of his active and successful business life.

At the early age of seventeen years Mr. Masterton bade adieu to the beautiful hills and vales of his native land, severed the cherished ties which bound him to his home, and set forth to seek his fortunes in the New World. He embarked on a sailing vessel bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he arrived in due course of time. In his native land he had learned the stonecutter's trade, and the proficiency of the Scottish masons is proverbial. Thus it was not strange that the young man soon found use for his services. He remained in Halifax until he had earned sufficient money to repay to a friend the amount which he had borrowed to defray his expenses for the ocean voyage. He then came to New York, and when he arrived in the metropolis his entire financial reinforcement was represented in one solitary half-crown. But he had to his credit an ample fortune in the way of good health, willing hands and a stout heart; and he did not fear to put his faith to the test. He secured employment at his trade, and such was his mechanical ability, his industry and his absolute integrity that upon attaining his majority he was enabled to engage in business upon his own responsibility, — an enterprise which developed into one of .the most important in the line of contracting and building in New York city. He formed a partnership with a friend, under the firm name of Masterton & Smith, and this association was continued until the death of Mr. Smith, in 1854, — thus covering the long period of thirty-six years. The partnership was one of most perfect confidence and mutual esteem, and the firm gained marked prestige in their line of endeavor. After the death of his honored associate Mr. Masterton formed other relations in a business way, but he gradually withdrew from active connection with business, by reason of impaired health, thereupon retiring to his beautiful country home, where his last days were spent. The firm of which he was a member was not only one of the oldest in the city, but one of the oldest in the country, and many prominent public buildings and private residences were erected by the concern. Among the former may be mentioned the old Exchange, in Wall street, the old United States Bank, which later became the assay office; the custom house of New York; the city hall at New Orleans; and the general post-office at Washington. With his partner he had large interests in the granite and marble quarries near Tuckahoe, Westchester county.

In the year 1836 Mr. Masterton came to Westchester county and purchased a tract of land near Bronxville' on the White Plains road, and here he erected a substantial residence and made many other improvements. This became his permanent home, and he became closely identified with all that touched the progress and welfare of the community, so ordering his life as to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.

He died in the sixty-third year of his age, passing away in January, 1859. As delineating his character, we refer with pleasure to, and quote from, the address delivered by his pastor. Rev. Washington Roosevelt, on the occasion of his funeral, January 19, 1859: "Mr. Masterton was a man of strong attachment. He never forgot a friend. Only a few days before his death he charged his sons not to forget an old friend in Scotland, to whom for many years he had made a yearly remittance. His liberality, although unobtrusive, was proverbial, and not a few could arise and call him blessed. His integrity and uprightness, no less than his generosity, were universally known and appreciated. In his family relations a kinder husband or more affectionate parent was not to be found. His children not only highly respected, but ardently loved him. They sought his counsel and clung around him to the very end, and when he breathed his last their breaking hearts attested that they began to realize their orphanage. But notwithstanding all these estimable traits of character, our departed friend was not self-righteous. So far from this, he placed no dependence upon any amiable traits he might have possessed, or any works of generosity or liberality he may have performed. He felt himself a sinner, and needing with all others the mercy of God in Christ. "

Mr. Masterton was married, in New York, to Miss Euphenius Morrison,, a native of that city and a daughter of William and Jean Morrison. They became the parents of seven sons and one daughter, two of whom died in early life. Those who lived to attain years of maturity were as follows: William James and Robert Morgan, both of whom are now deceased; Alexander, Jr., concerning whose life a memoir is given in appending paragraphs; Mary M., who became the wife of Elias Dusenbury and now resides on the old homestead; Joseph Tucker, who is now deceased; and John, who married and resides at Mount Vernon, New York. The devoted wife and mother survived her husband by only one year, her death occurring January 24, 1860. She was a woman of deep piety and noble character, being a devout member of the Reformed church at Bronxville, with which the family have been, identified from the time of its organization.

True biography has a nobler purpose than mere fulsome eulogy. The historic spirit faithful to the record, the discerning judgment unmoved by prejudice and uncolored by enthusiasm are as essential in giving the life of the individual as in writing the history of a people. Indeed, the ingenuousness of the former picture is even more vital, because the individual is the national unit, and if the unit be justly estimated the complex organism will become correspondingly intelligible. To the most careful study are the life, character and services of the late Alexander Masterton pre-eminently entitled. His entire life was an example of exalted integrity, honor and kindly virtues, and though his death, pitiable and untimely, came as the result of the cowardly assassin's bullet, making him a martyr to his generous spirit and abiding kindness, yet he was called in the plenitude of his powers, with his labors well rounded and symmetrical, and with an earthly record whose final page could well be turned down with the Master's word of commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In these thoughts there must remain to those upon whom the shadow rests most deeply a measure of compensation, for the veil was lifted to gain the new glory of a pure and noble life when death sets its seal upon his mortal lips.

Alexander Masterton, one of the able financiers of the national metropolis and one of the most honored citizens of Bronxville, Westchester county. New York, met his death on the 3rd of May, 1899. He was a native of the city of New York, where he was born on the 4th of September, 1825, a son of Alexander and Euphenius (Morrison) Masterton, to whom individual reference has been made in preceding paragraphs. His early boyhood years were passed in New York city, in whose schools, and in those of Westchester county, his educational discipline was secured. Of alert mentality, self-reliant and imbued with the highest principles, it was but natural that the young man should give clear definition to his plans for a future career and that he should succeed in finding opportunity for advancing himself in connection with the practical activities of life. At the age of eighteen years he gave inception to his business career by accepting a position in a banking institution in New York city, and it is interesting to revert to the fact that with this all-important branch of industrial economics he continued to be consecutively identified throughout the course of his long, useful and honorable life.

From 1861 until 1867 Mr. Masterton was secretary of the New York Clearing House Association, and for six years prior to his demise he had held the important and exacting office of president of the' Manufacturers & Merchants' Bank of New York, in which institution he had previously served as cashier. This bank is one of the oldest and most substantial monetary institutions of the metropolis, and much of the success which attended its operations was due to his executive ability and keen discrimination as a financier, his policy having been distinctively, one of wise conservatism. He was also a director and secretary of the Broadway Insurance Company, of New York, and had served as director, vice-president and president of the Bankers' Insurance Company of the same city. Success in any line of occupation, in any avenue of business, is not a matter of spontaneity, but is the legitimate offspring of subjective effort in the proper utilization of the means at hand, the improvement of opportunity and the exercise of the highest functions made possible by the specific ability in any case. The subject of this memoir was a man to whom was not denied a full measure of success, and he stood forth distinctively as one of the representative and honored business men of Greater New York, his acumen and discrimination in the conduct of extensive operations giving him high prestige as a financier and man of affairs. The great measure of success which attended the efforts of Mr. Masterton from the time he started out in life on his own responsibility stands not only to his honor and credit, but also in evidence of his ability, his assiduous application and his absolute singleness of purpose. Such success is worthy the name, and while he was content to hold aloof from the greater notoriety and entanglements of public life, his reputation and his labors had an even more potent influence and represented deeper values than they could possibly have done had he dissipated his forces and talents in various directions instead of holding closely to one line. He was a man above reproach, and his record was one untarnished by wrong or suspicion of evil. Quiet and unostentatious in manner, he was honored and esteemed by all, his force of character and his sterling manhood making themselves quietly yet strongly felt. That he had enemies cannot be denied. What man of individuality and unwavering integrity does not ? Honor ever antagonizes dishonor, and the manner of his death stood as the impious protest of fanatical and profligate dishonor against intrinsic and unshaken integrity.

The home life of Mr. Masterton was one of ideal character, for to those nearest and dearest to him he gave the wealth of affection which only a deep nature can give. His was a noble character and one that countenanced no wrong, — in thought, word or deed. None has been more worthy of the esteem of his fellow men, and in the concluding paragraphs will' be incorporated words that bespeak the estimation in which he was held in the community where he lived, incidental reference being also made to the sad circumstance of his martyrdom. Into the privacy of the home, so saddened by this recent and greatest of bereavements, we have no wish to enter, but the following record of his domestic relations is consistently given. On the 6th of June, 1851, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Masterton to Miss Mary Augusta Hance, of New York city, a daughter of Revo Carney and Mary Augusta (Ming) Hance. and of this union four children were born: Louise Jeannette, (Mrs. W. N. Ferris), May B. (Mrs. Charles P. Tibbals), Alexander, Jr., and Joseph Earl, both of whom died in childhood. The beautiful family home, near Bronxville, Westchester county, is known as Forfar Cottage, being thus named in honor of the native village, in Scotland, of the father of Mr. Masterton. Forfar Cottage is situated on an elevated site and is surrounded by native forest trees, the grove having been beautified by the effective art of the landscape gardener so that the place can scarcely be surpassed in its attractions of natural beauties, thus effectively supplemented.

The religious element in the character of Mr. Masterton was positive and of a high type. A close student of the Bible, reposing in the orthodox faith of his fathers, he was yet free from cant and narrowness, and preserved throughout his life the pre-eminent Christian virtues. Of the details of the tragic death of the subject of this memoir it would seem more consistent that we make slight mention, for the wretched man who fired the fatal shot passed before the judgment seat of the Eternal within but a few days after his malignant attack upon one who was one of his best friends, expiating for his crime not through the retributive justice of the courts of this world, but dying unwept and solitary in a public hospital. Over his shadowed life let us place the veil of that charity of spirit that was manifested toward him by his victim. Under date of May 9, 1899, the Rev. Alfred E. Myers, of the Marble Collegiate church, wrote as follows to the editor of .the New York Tribune:

He who slays a man and at the same time kills his reputation commits double murder. This twofold wrong seems to have been attempted and the crime against the life was consummated by Mr. Plumb upon my old friend and parishioner, Alexander Masterton. After an acquaintance of twenty-five years, beginning with nearly four years of daily and intimate relations with both Mr. Masterton and his family, 1 think I know something of the character of the victim of this deliberate and cowardly assassination. In the first place Alexander Masterton was one of the most peaceable and peace-loving men I have ever known. He was pre-eminently a peacemaker. I never knew him to utter a word of hatred against any person under any circumstances. He was one of those who depreciate harsh judgments and cast the mantle of charity over glaring faults. In the second place, I have always regarded Mr. Masterton as an eminently trustworthy man, one who would guard and fulfill to the utmost any trust confided in him, absolutely unmoved by menace of personal danger.

These impressions of his character, formed through many years and shared with me by those who have known him longest and best, have been confirmed by the circumstances connected with his tragic death. When Mr. Masterton left his home on the morning of Wednesday, May 3rd, to keep an appointment with the man who years before had threatened to kill him, his family tried to dissuade him from going. But Mr. Masterton disclaimed fear and expressed only charity and kindly feeling toward the man who was so soon to take his life. Such fearlessness and such charity are exactly in keeping with all I have ever known of this lamented man. The public at large will have seen the statement of Mr. Plumb before any countervailing evidence can be presented, and first impressions of a controverted case are hard to be eradicated. I therefore feel it to be a privilege to present from the vantage-ground of a prolonged and familiar acquaintance a simple testimony to the personal worth of Alexander Masterton.

At the time of Mr. Masterton's death all circles in Bronxville adopted resolutions of sorrow and sympathy. The following was the tribute offered by the consistory of the Reformed church, the document bearing the signatures of the pastor, elder and deacons of the church:

Mr. Alexander Masterton has been identified with this church and with the consistory from the very beginning. On the 5th of November, 1850, at the organization of the church, he was chosen by the people to be one of the deacons, and he became at the same time, by vote of the consistory, its clerk. In July, 1861, he became an elder, and he continued to serve as elder and as clerk until his earthly life closed, on the 8th of May. He has been our efficient clerk for nearly forty-nine years. The history of our church was embodied in his life, and he was himself a large part of it in every one of its departments, giving bountifully to its funds and husbanding wisely its resources, bearing its burdens at times almost alone, and co-operating most heartily with those who from time to time came, in the providence of God, to be his associates. He was wise in counsel, sweet in spirit, strong in faith, fervent in prayer. We have been much refreshed by his company, and while we shall often sigh for the touch of the vanished hand and for the sound of the voice that is still, we are deeply grateful to the Blessed Head of the church that it has been our high privilege to take part with one so devout, so winsome, so Christlike in the management of the affairs of this church. May his mantle fall upon us. We say to ourselves as we remember how suddenly he was taken from us, " Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh."

We commend the household, bereaved of their head, and especially do we commend our beloved sister in Christ, the desire of whose eyes have been taken away, to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build them up. We crave for the church of Christ, in the care of which we have been associated with our departed brother, precious faith like his and singlehearted devotion to the Lord's work. The blessed dead, we know that they rest from their labors; may we see their works following them. May he, although dead, yet speak for Christ; and may many follow him even as he followed Christ.

The following tribute is from Francis Bacon, one of the life-long and intimate friends of the deceased:

By the death of Mr. Alexander Masterton, the Reformed church of Bronxville, New York, as well as our entire community, have suffered a terrible loss. He was the senior elder of our church, the superintendent of our Sunday-school, the treasurer of our village and of our school board. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all our community. I cannot refrain from giving my testimony as to my personal loss„ and my high esteem of my friend. I have known him for nearly forty years. For nearly thirty years I have been associated with him in the consistory of our church, and in village and school affairs. To me he was the embodiment of all that was good. His whole life taught purity and peace. He would sooner suffer than resent an injury. Faith in God, and his own pure heart, gave him strength to meet the man alone who had previously threatened his life, and was planning to murder him. He was willing to meet this man who wrote, " Let bygones be bygones," while inviting him to his death. It is appropriate to the memory of my departed friend to quote: " Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

The following paragraphs give the text of the resolutions passed by the board of education and the trustees of the village of Bronxville:

School District No. 2, Town of East Chester.

TUCKAHOE, N. Y., May 9, 1899.

Mrs. Alexander Masterton:

Dear Madam: At a meeting of the board of education the following resolution was adopted:

Whereas, Through the painful dispensation of Divine Providence, we have lost our esteemed treasurer, Alexander Masterton, who for more than twenty years has been treasurer of this school district and who has endeared himself to the members of this board by his genial disposition and faithful performance of every trust; therefore.

Resolved, That at the death of Alexander Masterton we have lost a true friend and faithful treasurer, who, by his efforts and sincere devotion to duty, merits the respect of all; and

Resolved, That we extend to the wife and family of our deceased treasurer our sincere sympathy in their sad bereavement, and trust the memory of his many good qualities and loving deeds may in some measure console them in their affliction.

R. E. Bennett, Secretary.

* * *

Bronxville, N. Y., May 10, 1899.

Dear Mrs. Masterton;

I am directed by the board of trustees of the village to send you the following: Whereas, Our esteemed fellow citizen, Mr. Alexander Masterton, has been taken from us by death, and

Whereas, He has faithfully discharged the duties devolving upon him as a citizen and as treasurer of this village.

Resolved, That we, the board of trustees of this village, do hereby express our deep sense of loss; and that we extend to his family our sympathy; and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to his widow; and, further.

Resolved, That the board do now adjourn in respect to his memory.

Yours very respectfully,

David E. Smith, M. D. Village Clerk.

The funeral services were held at the family home on the 6th day of May, 1899, and many friends of the deceased assembled to pay a last sad tribute to the memory of a true and noble man. Among the mourners was J. Ives Plumb, a son of the assassin, James Neale Plumb, the former having been closely associated with his father's victim. The funeral memorials included eulogies by Rev. W. S. C. Webster, D. D., pastor of the Bronxville Dutch Reformed church, and Rev. Alfred E. Myers, D. D., of the Marble Collegiate Reformed church, at Twenty-ninth street and Fifth avenue, New York, who was pastor of the Bronxville church twenty years ago. Interment was made in Woodlawn cemetery, where was laid to rest the mortal tenement of one whose life had been consecrated to all that was good and true and noble. In conclusion we cannot do better than to quote from the timely tribute written by one who had known Mr. Masterton long and intimately. Rev. Isaac L. Kipp:

Upon the mere circumstances of his death it is not the design of this tribute to dwell. Death in any case is only a circumstance. Many of God's dear children have made their passage into life under forms more painful than his of whom we write. He was spared the decay of years. He was exempted from the pains and privations of a long, lingering sickness, and dreadful as the surprise attending such an event may be for family and friends, surprise for him was more the sudden consciousness of entering upon the invisible glory. The loss was not to him, but to those who miss him, and they are many; and for them remains the fact, in all its sadness and surprise, that one so fit to live, so widely endeared and respected, will be seen no more in that material form, and in those places where his presence and greeting have been so familiar. There are circles of hearts that sorrow for his death which vary in extent. Into the sacredness of that grief which shrouds his beautiful home, where it would seem that no condition of earthly enjoyment was lacking, and where ample means and exquisite refinement were pervaded by the tenderest human love and consecrated by the Love Divine, we may not intrude. Something more efficient than human sympathy is needed to lift the darkness which has fallen upon that center of beauty and joy. But to those who knew Mr. Masterton in his home, who were privileged to enjoy his hospitality and enter as guests into that family life, there cannot but be a deep sympathetic sorrow, which would prompt expression in assurance to them and in earnest prayer to God in their behalf. No one really knew Mr. Masterton who did not know him in his home. Beyond the home circle, to those associated with him in business relations, and those without direct relations of this character but accustomed to meet him along the lines of his daily course to and from the varied places whither his official duties took him, there is sorrow for his death. His kindly greeting will be missed by many.

It is a simple tribute of regard we offer to the memory of one so well and so widely known, and so worthy of record and respect. We pen no biographical sketch, but only desire to express appreciation and affection for one whom for near a score of years we have been privileged to know. Alexander Masterton was a man well-endowed with qualities which give a man ranking position among men. His natural abilities were of high order. He was sound in intellect, judicious and discriminating and under strong self-control. Social advantages and opportunities, which he enjoyed to a high degree, exerted their influence upon him and gave a. polish to his bearing which, with his innate and instinctive gentle manliness, made him conspicuous in this respect. He was one of the most urbane men it has ever been our privilege to know ; and yet he was as modest and unassuming in his bearing as anyone could possibly be. With all his gentleness and quietness of speech, Mr. Masterton was a man of clear, strong conviction, and uncompromising in principle. * * * One of the strongest proofs of his established character and reputation for probity was the fact of the frequency with which he had been called upon to act as executor and administrator of estates and guardian of minor heirs. On all such occasions he was indefatigably faithful to the trust reposed in him and discharged the duties of his responsible positions with unswerving rectitude and fearless forwarding of the interests of those committed to his care.

And above all, and through all, Mr. Masterton was a Christian. Pure, devoted, unaffected,— above all else he sought the kingdom of God and his righteousness in as near approach to saintliness of spirit as is often attained in this life. He was both active and devout. Nothing kept him from his post of service, and his life exhaled the fragrance of prayer and praise. "Rare Ben Jonson," was the touching eulogy of friendship over that sweet, pure life; and the same tender epitaph is applicable to him to whose memory this tribute is offered. To that dearly loved wife, who had been so truly, and by him, as well as by all who know her, an appreciated helpmeet in all the long years of their happy wedded life; to children and to children's children,— the tenderest sympathy will be universally accorded. Bereaved church of Bronxville and the wide circle of sorrowing friends in grief for the death, be grateful for the life of this Israelite indeed.