In 1883 a movement looking to the incorporation of the village of Cornwall was defeated. Two years later the proposition was again brought before the people and carried, and Captain Taft was elected the first president of the newly incorporated village, and was retained in office until 1889. Immediately on assuming office he put in operation a system of road improvement which in less than two years gave to Cornwall the reputation of having the best streets of any village in the county. Under a changed administration the taxpayers soon became dissatisfied, Captain Taft was petitioned to again stand for president, and in 1891 was elected without opposition, serving until 1895.
Realizing that the natural beauties of the Highlands of the Hudson were at last awakening public interest, Captain Taft began several years ago, as opportunity offered, the purchase of lands in the Storm King region, where he now owns several rather extensive tracts, which it is believed will at no distant day be so improved as to enhance the attractiveness of his native town.
He was married in 1881 to Mary G., eldest daughter of Dr. James E. Knapp, of Marlborough, Ulster County, N. Y. They have two sons, Thomas Knapp Taft and Royal M. Taft.
WILLIAM G. TAGGART, for many years county clerk of Orange County, was born in Newburgh, N. Y., November 20, 1856. After graduating from the academy he engaged with his father, Archibald Taggart, in the meat business. In 1891 he resigned the postmastership of Newburgh to accept the office of clerk of Orange County, to which he had been elected, and was re-elected in 1894, 1897 and 1900. He is a member of several secret societies, including Newburgh Lodge, F. and A. M.; Highland Chapter, R. A. M., and Hudson River Commandery, K. T.
Mr. Taggart is secretary of the Orange County Traction Company.
H. R. TAYLOR, of Pine Bush, N. Y., who conducts an extensive trade in lumber, building materials, etc., established this business in 1895. His father, Archibald R. Taylor, was a native of Ulster County, and in 1849 located in Pine Bush, where he purchased a large tract of land, and began the erection of buildings. He was largely identified with the prosperity of this village and associated with its business interests. In 1856 he married Miss Mary, daughter of John Colwell Rainey, of Crawford. The following children were born: Archibald, Hamilton R., Emily, Anne and John C, now state senator.
GEORGE W. TEN EYCK was born in Rockland County, N. Y., May 8, 1824. His mother, Mary Youmans Ten Eyck, died December 4, 1884, in the ninetieth year of her age. David Ten Eyck, his father, was a cooper by trade, and a descendant of the early settlers by that name, who came from Holland, locating in Rockland County, some of them serving in the Revolutionary struggle. When George was a mere lad his father died, and the boy was bound out to service until he was twenty-one years old to a farmer near Sugar Loaf. He served his apprenticeship and in the course of a few years the thrifty young farmer had accumulated a fine farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres. It was on this farm (known as Maple Grove farm for years) that he reared his family, remaining there during the remainder of his life, nearly half a century, his demise occurring December 13, 1900. Mr. Ten Eyck was a self-made man, he secured an ordinary education, was noted for his integrity and just dealing, was engaged in various enterprises outside of his farm, and much of his means he lost by helping others, endorsing notes, etc. He was endowed with great muscular strength, having performed many lifting feats in his earlier life. He was always a staunch republican, working hard for the cause. He married Christien Peterson, of Warwick, January 11, 1850, a most estimable woman, who passed away on her seventieth birthday, February 7, 1897. Five children were the result of this union, Coe H., who owns the Valley House, Greenwood Lake; Hutson G., deceased at thirty-eight, was a noted architect for several years previous to his death at Newark, N. J.; George W., a carpenter and builder at Elizabeth, N. J.; Mary L., wife of Francis G. Knapp, and Andrew, both residing at their home, "The Anchorage," at Middletown.
FLOYD E. TETHER was born February 22, 1872, on a farm between Amity and Edenville, Orange County. He attended the Warwick Academy after leaving the district school, and then took a course in Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie. Soon afterward he became identified with the Clyde Steamship Company of New York City, with which he remained one year, and then clerked in a general store in Edenville two years. He entered into a mercantile partnership in 1894 with G. S. Everett at Florida, Orange County, where they conducted a general store. In the fall of 1896 C. M. Knapp, of Goshen, purchased Mr. Everett's interest and the firm became Tether & Knapp. This partnership continued until March, 1900, when Mr. Tether became the sole proprietor. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of Warwick Lodge No. 544, F. and A. M. Mr. Tether was married to Mary A. Knapp, of Pine Island, Orange County, February 4, 1896. They have four children, James E., Clifford F., Russell K. and Beatrice M. Mr. Tether's parents were Edward J. and Sarah A. Tether. Their children are Floyd E., Eva J., who married Louis B. Williams, of Florida, and Harry L., who is a farmer on the homestead. A daughter, Hannah, died in her sixteenth year. The father died July 17, 1907. The mother is still living. They resided on the homestead over forty years.
REV. JOHN TETREAU is pastor of the Church of St. Mary, Washingtonville, N. Y. Previous to 1872 this parish was under the direction of Newburgh pastors, but in that year a small chapel was built and Father Keogh paid monthly visits. He was followed by Father Mackin, and then came Rev. William Ward, who was the real founder of the congregation and continued until 1887, when Rev. Henry J. Gordon, of Cornwall, was given charge of the mission until 1892. Fathers Carr, Hannigan and Ward, of Chester, were the next pastors until 1898. The parish was then re-annexed to Cornwall, and Father Currie given charge until May, 1901, to be followed by Father Fenton until October 4, 1902, when Rev. John Tetreau became resident pastor, and it is due to his energy and management that the parishioners now have a beautiful place of worship. During his first year he enlarged the home from one room to a commodious rectory. This was followed by the erection of modern sheds with accommodations for forty carriages. August 5, 1906, the cornerstone was laid by Father Sally, of Newburgh, for the enlargement of the church from 40 by 23 feet to 76 by 41 feet—the dedication ceremonies occurring July 16, 1907. This church is equipped with a fine pipe organ, comfortable pews and heated by steam. Father Tetreau was born and educated in Canada. Since 1889 his pastorates have been in the United States. For twelve years he was connected with St. Jean Baptiste Church in New York. He is much beloved by his parishioners, for whom he has accomplished such extensive improvements. He also has charge of the Maybrook mission.
WILLIAM THAYER was one of Newburgh's oldest and most successful merchants. He came there from Brooklyn, Conn., in 1809. His ancestors came from England in 1636 and settled in Massachusetts, where their descendants have been among the most prominent men of that State. As recorded in history this family dates back in England many centuries, and were people of wealth and influence, holding offices of trust, and having towns named in their honor.