which office he resigned when he was appointed a justice of the peace to fill an unexpired term, and after the expiration of that period he was elected for a full term. He is a good man-for the place.
In matrimony he was united with Miss Maggie Stanley, of this place, and they have two daughters, named Helen and Jane Elizabeth.
COLES, ABRAHAM A.
The family name of this gentleman has figured conspicuously on the pages of the history of the Empire state through many generations, representatives of the family taking an active part in many of the leading events which form an integral part of the annals of New York. Patriotism, honor and enterprise have ever been among their marked characteristics since the time when Robert Coles, a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to establish a home in the New World. This was in 1641, and he cast his lot with the early colonists of the land which gave promise of liberty and freedom of conscience and the exercise of the independent rights of the individual. He was accompanied on his journey by his two brothers, Nathan and Daniel, and in 1677 the three secured a tract of seventeen hundred acres of land on Long Island. This included all the portion of the island known as Glen Cove, and thereon Robert Coles, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, made his home. There also occurred the birth of Jesse Coles, the grandfather, whose natal day was in September, 1757. He was one of the gallant heroes of the war of the Revolution, serving all through the seven long years of that conflict. For three years he was on detached duty as a spy under the command of Washington, and being taken prisoner was incarcerated in the old " sugar-house prison," but was afterward paroled. Later he was again captured by an English boat on the Long Island sound, while carrying messages, but the papers were skillfully hidden under the lining of his coat between the shoulders, and were not found; so, there being no proof against him, he was released. Had the papers been found he would have been summarily shot. The gun which he carried, and which had been given to his father by Richard Mott, is now in possession of our subject, as is the old family clock. While a prisoner in the sugar-house the life of Jesse Coles was saved by Anna Mott, a nurse, who warned him against eating some food that had been poisoned. When his loved country no longer needed his services he returned to the peaceful pursuits of the farm, and on the 25th of March, 1781, was married to Deborah Carpenter.
Their son, Joseph Coles, father of our subject, was born in Greenburg township, Westchester county, December 27, 1790, and died July 2, 1872, in the house now occupied by Abraham A. Coles. During his active business career he followed agricultural pursuits and met with success in his various business undertakings. Prior to the Civil war he was a Democrat, but at that time he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party and was afterward one of the stalwart advocates of its principles. He was also a faithful member of the Reformed church, and his honorable life commanded uniform regard from his fellow men. He married Elizabeth Yerks, a daughter of William Yerks. She was born in Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, February 25, 1801, and departed this life July 15, 1871.
Abraham A. Coles, whose name introduces this review, and who is now a leading citizen of Tarrytown, was born in the town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, October 7, 1827. He was reared in a manner usual to farmer boys of that period and locality, and pursued his education in what was then known as the " old red school-house." Between the ages of twelve and twenty years he worked industriously upon the home farm and then entered upon an independent business career. For a few years he operated a farm of his own and. engaged in raising live stock to some extent, but since the fall of 1865 he has not resided on the old homestead, which is situated in Greenburg township, his home being now in Tarrytown. Disposing of his farm he came to live with his parents, who had been residents of Tarrytown for several years, caring for them until they were called from the scene of earth's activities. Mr. Coles has since continued to live in the old Tarrytown home, devoting his time and energies to the management of his various investments and valuable property interests. He is also one of the trustees of the Westchester County Savings Bank.
In 1873 Mr. Coles married Julia A., daughter of Daniel D. and Julia S. (Amerman) Foot, and a granddaughter of Isaac Amerman, who served as an alderman in New York city for several years and was a prominent citizen of the metropolis. Mrs. Coles is a native of that city, and by her marriage has become the mother of four sons, namely: Edward A., Fred H., Charles L. and Russell. Mr. Coles is identified with the church of his ancestors, the Reformed, while his wife is a member of the Episcopal church. Widely and favorably known in Tarrytown, the warm personal friendships which they inspire secure them the hospitality of the best homes of the place. Like his honored father, Mr. Coles gives his political support to the Republican party, but he has never aspired to official distinction, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests, in the management of which he displays marked ability and executive force, combined with keen discrimination.
HALSTED, AUGUSTUS M.
We are now permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who has retained a persona] association with the business affairs of Westchester county for many years, but is now living retired at Rye, and whose ancestral line traces back to the colonial epoch in our country's history. His life has been one of honest and earnest endeavor, and due success has not been denied.
Records show that the Halsted family is of English origin, and that it was founded on American soil about 1628 by representatives of the name from Hemill-Hempstead, England. They settled in or near Boston, and the family name appears in the log of the Mayflower. Subsequently they removed to Providence Plantation, now Providence, Rhode Island, and at a later date one of the family went to Long Island and, in connection with other early colonists, founded the town of Hempstead. For several generations the Halsted family has been connected with the history of Westchester county. The parents of Ezekiel Halsted, the great-grandfather of our subject, were the first to locate here, and his birth occurred in New Rochelle, November 29, 1738. At an early day he removed to Rye township and settled on the old homestead, which is still in possession of the family and a part of which will be inherited by our subject should he outlive the present life tenant. Ezekiel Halsted was a large land-owner and extensive farmer, as well as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his community. He served with distinction as captain in the Revolutionary war. His son, Philemon, was also a captain in the state militia, and his discharge papers, granted by Governor Jay, of New York, are now in possession of Augustus M. Halsted. He was the first president of the Westchester County Agricultural Association, and was an important factor in the promotion of many interests of public concern.
The grandfather, Philemon Halsted, was born on the old homestead in Rye township, and there spent his entire life as a successful farmer, owning large tracts of land. He was also one of the leading citizens of the community, and for a great many years served as president of the Westchester County Agricultural Society. He married Deborah Davenport, a daughter of Lawrence Davenport, of New Rochelle, and to them were born two children: James Davenport and Newberry Davenport, the latter a prominent farmer. He took a very active part in public affairs and was acceptably serving as a member of the state legislature at the time of his death.
James Davenport Halsted, the father of our subject, was born on the old family homestead, October 20, 1809, and carried on agricultural pursuits in the township of Rye throughout his entire life. He was a recognized leader of public thought, action and opinion and left the impress of his strong individuality upon many measures of general interest. A stanch supporter of the Democratic party, he efficiently served for many years as supervisor of this township. Although not a member of Christ Episcopal church, he served as one of its vestrymen for a number of years and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. His death occurred January 25, 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth S. Todd, was born July 2, 1816, in Waterford, Saratoga county, New York, and died October 28, 1896. She was a most estimable Jady, and during her entire residence in Rye was a faithful member of the Protestant Episcopal church. Of their three children Augustus M. is the eldest. James M. is a resident of Oakland, California; and Elizabeth S. is the wife of H. C. Edgette, of Haddonfield, New Jersey.
