WILLIAM EDGAR
William Edgar Vail, son of John Vail, sketched in the preceding paragraphs, was born April 4, 1855, and during boyhood was a pupil in the public schools, later attending the state normal school, and Claverack College one term. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, cultivating the old homestead, and he ranks second to no farmer in this section.
He was married November 4, 1885, to Miss Ida Clark, a native of this county and a daughter of Aaron Clark. She was born December 7, 1855, in the town of Bedford, and was married by the Rev. R. L. Shurter. Two bright children bless their home: Bessie B., born in 1887; and Earl C. , born June 30, 1892.
In his political principles Mr. Vail is a Republican, while the family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
VAIL, ELIAS
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.
ACKER, WILLIAM
The subject of this review has spent his entire life in Westchester county and for many years has been prominently identified with her agricultural interests. His is the honorable record of a conscientious man, — one who by his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. He is now almost eighty years of age, but has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interest seems near his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity. It needs not suggest as a matter of course helplessness or the want of occupation. There is an old age that is a benediction to all who come in contact with it, that gives out its richest stores of learning and experience, and grows stronger intellectually and spiritually as the years pass. Such is true of the life of Mr. Acker, — an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation by the young.
He was born on the old Acker homestead, in the town of Greenburg, Westchester county. May 29, 1819, and is now the only living male representative of his father's family. His parents were Abraham and Mary (Lawrence) Acker and his original ancestors were from Holland, but four or five generations of the family have been born in this country. The father also was born in the town of Greenburg, in 1777, and throughout his active business life followed the occupation of farming. He was a man of strong will power and great force of character, and was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp. He died in 1864 and was buried in the White Plains cemetery. The grandfather, Jacob Acker, was likewise a native of Greenburg, where he spent his entire life, dying in December, 1835. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Bookout, his second Miss Maria Demarest. Our subject's great-grandfather was William Acker, and his grandfather, Jacob Acker, took an active part in the Revolutionary war, valiantly aiding the colonies in their struggle for independence. Our subject's mother was. born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1780, and was a daughter of John and Sarah Lawrence, whose ancestors were originally from England. Six children were born to Abraham and Mary (Lawrence) Acker, three sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity, were married and reared families of their own, but only two are now living. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Simon, 1802; Catherine, 1803; Jacob, 1806; Julia, 1810; William, 1819; and Harriet, 1824. Besides our subject, Harriet is the only survivor; she is the wife of Elgin Tompkins and resides in Greensburg.
During his boyhood and youth William Acker remained under the parental roof and became thoroughly familiar with every department of farm work. He attended the common schools of the town of Greenburg, his only teacher being George H. Zinks, who was a rigid disciplinarian and a noted instructor. In this school Mr. Acker completed his education, and then worked for his father on the home farm until he attained his majority. On starting out in life for himself he operated rented land in the town of Greenburg for several years. In the meantime he was married, in 1841, to Miss Rebecca Tompkins, the only daughter of Elijah and Esther (Lawrence) Tompkins, and after his marriage located upon his father-in-law's farm, comprising one hundred and twelve acres. They came into possession of the place upon the death of Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins, and Mr. Acker has since successfully conducted it and has also extended its boundaries by adding more land. The old home being destroyed by fire, he erected a new and more commodious residence, has also built good barns and outbuildings, and made many other improvements which add' greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place.
Mr. and Mrs. Acker have a family of four children: Gardner T. ; Elijah; Esther, wife of Warner Le Fergy, who resides in the town of Greenburg; and Anna, at home. The parents are both sincere and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Acker has been, one of the trustees for many years. He is a stockholder and director in the Dobbs Ferry Bank, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen he takes a lively interest in all matters calculated to prove of public good. In politics be is a stanch Democrat, and served for some time as commissioner of highways and' as school trustee. He has been a strictly temperate man, never using liquors and only occasionally smoking, and he has the esteem of his friends and neighbors and the confidence of all who know him.
PARK, THOMAS LYON
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
