Biographical Sketch of John B. Jones

John B. Jones was born on September 1, 1829, in Franklin County, New York. He grew up in Whitehall and, after various trades including ship carpentry and sailing, settled in Illinois in 1857. By March 1 of that year, he had purchased land in Ashmore Township, where he farmed and expanded his operations over the years. In 1871, he built his residence on an eighty-nine-acre farm, having cleared over fifty acres. He married Sarah Smith in 1856 and they had three surviving children.

Biography of William Hunt

William Hunt, an Irish immigrant from Queens County, arrived in the United States prior to 1850, settling in Geneseo, New York, where he farmed and raised a family. He married Johanna Conroy, with whom he had several children, including William J. Born in 1869, William J. Hunt pursued education and worked as a teacher before becoming supervisor of the Craig Colony for Epileptics. Later, he entered the life insurance business and served in various public positions, gaining a reputation for honesty and community service. He married Katherine Hannon and had one son, Joseph.

Biography of George F. Licht

George F. Licht, born August 18, 1860, in Long Island, New York, served as mayor of Geneva, New York, and has held various public offices, including roles on the purchasing committee and fire commission. A prominent figure in local business, he is superintendent and assistant treasurer of the Patent Cereals Company, which he co-founded. Married to Anna J. K. Stahmann in 1884, they had two children. Licht remains involved in community service and has retired from public office as of 1910.

Biographical Sketch of John Carpenter

John Carpenter, son of William Carpenter, was born in England around 1628 and died on May 23, 1695. He immigrated with his father and settled in Connecticut at age seventeen, where he worked as a carpenter. He resided in Stratford in 1646 and later purchased land in Hempstead, Long Island, in 1660. He served as townsman in 1663, became a freeman in 1664, and was appointed captain in 1673. He was a patentee of Jamaica under the Dongan Patent of 1680. John married Hannah Hope and had several children.

Biographical Sketch of John Carpenter

John Carpenter, born in Connecticut in 1658, was the son of John Carpenter (5). He lived in Jamaica, where he took the oath as captain of troops in 1703. His will was proved on July 30, 1732. He married Mary and had several children in Jamaica, including Nehemiah, John, Solomon, Joseph, Increase, Mary, Hannah, Susanna, and Phebe.

Biographical Sketch of Increase Carpenter

Increase Carpenter, born around 1688 in Jamaica, was the son of John Carpenter. He acquired land there in 1709 and passed away circa 1776. He married Bergin and had several children, including William (1740), Increase (1743), Jacob (1745), John (1747), David (who married Mary Carpenter), Luke, and Elizabeth (who married Benjamin Wiggins).

Biographical Sketch of Jacob Carpenter

Jacob Carpenter, born in Jamaica in 1745 to Increase Carpenter, married Jane Smith, a widow previously known as Jane Baylis. A farmer by trade, Jacob passed away between 1819 and 1820. He had several children, including Increase, Jacob, Nathaniel, Daniel (who married Hepsabeth Higbee), Benjamin (who died circa 1837), Deborah (who married William Lewis), and Catharine (who married Alexander Jones). Jane Smith died on May 6, 1813.

Biography of John W. McNamara

John W. McNamara, born January 9, 1839, in Watervliet, Albany County, is a prominent figure in the Albany railway system, where he serves as general manager and treasurer. The son of Irish immigrants, he pursued education earnestly, becoming a successful school teacher before transitioning to law, being admitted to the bar in 1862. McNamara’s tenure in the railway has been marked by significant advancements, including the transition to electric power. Involved in various civic organizations, he is noted for his commitment to Albany’s development and community welfare.

Matinecoc Tribe

The Matinecoc Indians were an Algonquian tribe that originally occupied the northwest coast of Long Island, New York, from Newtown to Smithtown. They established villages in areas like Flushing and Huntington. However, their population had significantly diminished prior to European contact, likely due to conflicts with the Iroquois, leading to tribute payments. By 1650, only about 50 families remained. Historian Ruttenber associates them with the Montauk group, although the exact relationships among western Long Island tribes remain unclear.