WILLIAM L. CUDDEBACK, M.D., of Port Jervis, N. Y., is a descendant of the French-Huguenots of that name who settled in Deer Park in 1690, coming from Caudebec, on the Seine, in that part of France known in ancient days as Normandy.
Dr. Cuddeback was born in the town of Deer Park, April 26, 1854, and is the son of Elting and Ann Bevier (Elting) Cuddeback, who were the parents of six children. He received his primary education in the district schools, and later took a special two years' course in Cornell University. He took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Solomon Van Etten, of Port Jervis, after which he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, from which he was graduated in 1876. He served as intern in Bellevue Hospital for two years, and then opened his present office in Port Jervis. In 1892, with Dr. H. B. Swartwout, he purchased the hospital in Port Jervis, and together they have conducted it to the present time. This is a general hospital and is patronized largely by Erie Railroad patients.
Dr. Cuddeback was joined in marriage with Miss Alice D. Malven on October 16, 1880. She is a daughter of George and Philenda (St. John) Malven, of Port Jervis. To our subject and wife five children have been born: Frank E., Edgar C., Elizabeth M., Alice M. and Philenda. Dr. Cuddeback is a member of the Orange County Medical Society, the National Association of Railroad Surgeons, the New York State Medical Society, and has served as pension examiner. He was president of the Board of Education from 1887 to 1892, during which time the Main street school house was erected. He has been president of the Library Board since the establishment of the Free Public Library and has served as president of the National Bank of Port Jervis since 1900.
THOMAS P. CUSHING, clerk of the town of New Windsor, and postmaster at Vail's Gate, was born in New York City, December 31, 1863. His father, James Cushing, moved to Orange County in 1871 and shortly after established a general store at Vail's Gate. He served as justice of the peace for thirty years and as postmaster eight years. By his death, which occurred in 1903, Orange County lost a prominent and useful citizen. Thomas P., after finishing his schooling, was engaged by the Erie Railroad as agent and operator, where he remained fifteen years. He was deputy postmaster seven years under his father, and in 1905 erected the building in which he continues the business established by his father.
[JOHN DALES,] senior member of the real estate and insurance firm of John Dales & Co., Newburgh, N. Y., was born in Delaware County in 1820, a son of John and Sarah (Cavin) Dales. In 1839 Mr. Dales came to Newburgh and entered the employ of Crawford Mailler & Co. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Memphis, Tenn., New York City, and Jordan, N. Y., conducting a flour mill at the latter place fifteen years.
In 1865 Mr. Dales returned to Newburgh and in company with W. O. Mailler engaged in the wholesale grocery and freighting business for several years. Since 1870 his attention has been devoted largely to real estate. In 1884 Hon. Charles D. Robinson, mayor of Newburgh, 1906 to 1908, became his business partner and is now the active head of the firm, Mr. Dales having gradually withdrawn from arduous duties.
Mr. Dales was one of the original members of the Board of Trade, a director in Quassaick National Bank, secretary of Woodlawn Cemetery Association and secretary of the Newburgh & Midland Railway Company in former years. He has also served many years as elder, trustee and treasurer of Calvary Presbyterian Church. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a charter member of Hudson River Lodge No. 607, a Royal Arch Mason, and also belongs to Hudson River Commandery No. 35, K. T.
In 1845 Mr. Dales married Susan, daughter of Jacob Oakley. There were two children born of this marriage: William M. Dales, who died November 1, 1883, leaving a daughter, Helen M. Dales, and Mary Belknap Dales, who died January 14, 1900, leaving a daughter, Julia, from her marriage with Chas. D. Robinson.
Mrs. Susan Dales died November 24, 1890. Mr. Dales died March 26, 1908.
HERBERT S. DANA, agent for the Erie Railroad at Craigsville, N. Y., was born in Gardner, Maine, where he obtained his education at the public schools. Mr. Dana has resided in Orange County since 1893, being employed as telegraph operator in the office of the Pennsylvania Coal Company at Newburgh. He accepted his present position, January, 1907, and December of the same year was appointed postmaster. Mr. Dana is well informed on the subject of horses and has contributed news and comments to the Western Horseman for a quarter of a century, and to the Newburgh News and Goshen Independent and Republican for the past fifteen years.