History of Fordham, (Bronx County) New York United States of America

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Biographies:

Horace Brigham Claflin, merchant, was born at Milford, Mass., Dec. 13, 1811; son of John and Lydia (Mellen) Claflin; grandson of John Claflin; and only brother of Aaron Claflin (1807-1890). His first American ancestor, Robert Claflin, settled near Milford, Mass., in 1661. He received an academical education and entered his father's store as a clerk. In 1831 he succeeded to the business in partnership with his brother Aaron and his brother-in-law, Samuel Daniels. In 1832 the firm established another store at Worcester, to which he devoted himself exclusively, disposing of his Milford store to his brother. In 1843 he removed to New York and entered into partnership with William F. Bulkley in the dry-goods jobbing business. In 1851 the firm name was changed to Claflin, Mellen & Co., and later Mr. Claflin erected the Trinity building. In 1861 they built extensive warehouses on Worth street. At the outbreak of the war the firm failed and Mr. Claflin offered his creditors a compromise of seventy cents on a dollar. In a short time the seventy cents was paid and then thirty cents additional with interest in full was paid. In 1864 Mr. Mellen retired from the firm and the style of it was changed to H. B. Claflin & Co. The business of the house continued to grow, its sales in a single day reaching $1,500,000, and in a single year $72,000,000. Mr. Claflin was an abolitionist and active in his support of the antislavery party. He was always a Republican, although in 1884 he supported Mr. Cleveland as candidate for the presidency. He was prominent in many Brooklyn charities. He died at Fordham, N.Y., Nov. 4, 1885.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

William Moylan, educator, was born in Ireland, June, 22, 1822, of a celebrated Roman Catholic family. He entered the secular priesthood in Canada, and was engaged in missionary work among the Indians and fishermen at Cape Gasp?, Quebec. He was admitted to the Society of Jesus, Nov. 14, 1851; taught in the undergraduate course at St. John's college, Fordham; at St. Francis Xavier's college, New York city, and in San Francisco, Cal. He was appointed president of St. John's college, Fordham, in 1865, and filled the position for three years. During his administration, Senior hall or First Division building was erected and served for many years as the principal college building. He died at Fordham, N.Y., Jan. 14, 1891.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

John Larkin, clergyman and educator, was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, Feb. 2, 1801, of Irish parentage. He studied the classics at Apshaw under Dr. Lingard, the historian, and attended the seminary of St. Sulpice, Paris, for two years, when he entered the Sulpician congregation, immigrated to Canada in 1830 and became professor of philosophy in the Sulpician college in Montreal. He conducted a day school in Louisville, Ky., established by the Fathers of St. Mary's college, and entered the order of Jesuits, Oct. 23, 1840. He completed his theological studies at St. Mary's college, Ky., and removed with others of the society to New York city. He was vice-president, prefect of studies and professor of higher mathematics and philosophy at St. John's college, Fordham, 1846-51, and the fifth president of the institution, 1851-54. In 1852 during the Native American excitement his prudence saved the college from a threatened attack. He established the College of St. Francis Xavier in West 16th street, New York city, in 1847; and was admitted as a professed member of the Society of Jesus, Aug. 15, 1852. He compiled and edited a Greek grammar that was used as a text-book in all Catholic academies and colleges for many years. He died at Fordham, N.Y., Dec. 11, 1858.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Robert Barry Coffin, author, was born in Hudson, N.Y., July 21, 1826; grandson of Alexander Coffin, one of the original proprietors of Hudson, N.Y., and seventh in descent from Tristram Coffin, colonist, proprietor of Nantucket. Robert was educated at Poughkeepsie collegiate institute, became a book-keeper in a New York importing house and in 1852 opened a bookstore in Elmira, N.Y. He succeeded Thomas B. Aldrich as associate editor of the Home Journal, was art critic of the Evening Post, edited The Table, devoted to gastronomy, and contributed on that subject to the Caterer, Philadelphia. He contributed to periodicals under the pen name "Barry Gray." His published works include My Married Life at Hillside (1865); Out of Town (1866); Cakes and Ale at Woodbine (1868); Castles in the Air, and other Phantasies (1871); and The Home of Cooper (1872). He died at Fordham, N.Y, June 10, 1886.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor