History of Newtown, (Suffolk County) New York United States of America

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Biographies:

Benjamin Moore, second bishop of New York and 9th in succession in the American episcopate, was born in Newtown, Long Island, N.Y., Oct. 5, 1748; son of Lieut. Samuel and Sarah (Fish) Moore; grandson of Benjamin and Anna (Sackett) Moore, and great, great-grandson of John Moore, an Independent minister, the first allowed to minister in New England, who died in 1657. He attended the schools of Newtown, L.I., and was graduated from King's (Columbia) college, A.B., 1768, A.M., 1771. He engaged as a private instructor in Latin and Greek in New York city, and was prepared for the ministry by the Rev. Dr. Auchmuty, rector of Trinity church, New York. He went to England, in May, 1774, and was ordered deacon in the chapel of Fulham Palace, June 24, 1774, and ordained priest at the same place, June 29, 1774, by Dr. Richard Terrick, bishop of London. He was married on March 20, 1779, to Charity Clarke, by whom he had one child, Clement C. Moore . Mrs. Moore died Dec. 4, 1838, in the ninety-second year of her age. He was elected assistant minister of Trinity parish, February, 1775, and continued in that position until November, 1783, when he was elected rector. The election was contested and Dr. Provoost was declared rector, Feb. 5, 1784. Mr. Moore thereupon resumed his duties as assistant minister, serving under Dr. Provoost until his resignation, and on Dec. 22, 1800, he succeeded as rector of Trinity parish, which rectorship he held until his death in 1811. Upon the resignation of Bishop Provoost, Sept. 7, 1801, which was not accepted by the house of bishops, Dr. Moore was elected coadjutor bishop of New York, and was consecrated in St. Michael's church, Trenton, N.J., Sept. 11, 1801, by Bishops White, Claggett and Jarvis. A stroke of paralysis, in 1811, incapacitated him for further service, and on May 9, 1811, he asked for an assistant, whereupon Dr. Hobart was elected and consecrated on May 29, 1811, as assistant bishop of New York. On the death of Bishop Provoost, Sept. 6, 1815, Dr. Moore became the second bishop of New York. He was president pro tempore of King's college, 1775-76; was professor of rhetoric and logic in Columbia, 1784-87; received the degree of D.D. from Columbia in 1801; and was president, 1801-11, and a trustee, 1802-13. He was a regent of the University of the State of New York, 1787-1802. He is the author of a few single sermons and of a controversial pamphlet in defense of the Protestant Episcopal church. He died in Greenwich village, New York city, Feb. 27, 1816.

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

Thomas Birdsall Jackson, representative, was born at Jerusalem, N.Y., March 24, 1797; son of Parmenus; grandson of Parmenus, who was robbed and murdered at Jerusalem, N.Y., during the Revolution; great grandson of John; great2 grandson of John, and great3 grandson of Robert Jackson and Agnes, his wife, who were among the original settlers of Stamford, Conn., 1640-41, removing thence to Hempstead, L.I., N.Y., with the first settlers in 1644. Thomas B. was admitted to the bar and became active in politics. He was twice a county judge; was a member of the general assembly, 1833-37, and for many years a justice of the peace. He was a representative from New York in the 25th and 26th congresses, 1837-41. He was married to Maria Coles, and had sons Samuel C., Andrew and William H. He died in Newtown, N.Y., April 23, 1881.

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

Nathaniel F. Moore, educator, was born in Newtown, L.I., N.Y., Dec. 25, 1782; son of Dr. William Moore (1754-1824), president of the New York County Medical society and a trustee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. The Rt. Rev. Benjamin Moore was his uncle. He removed with his parents to New York city in 1783, and was graduated from Columbia college, A.B., 1802, A.M., 1805. He studied law with Beverly Robinson, and was admitted to the bar in 1805. He was adjunct professor of Greek and Latin languages at Columbia college, 1817-20; and professor, 1820-35. Columbia college purchased his library, and in 1837 appointed him librarian. He was president of the college, 1842-49, when he resigned. The honorary degree of Ph.D. was conferred on him by Columbia in 1825. He is the author of: Ancient Mineralogy (1834); Remarks on the Pronunciation of the Greek Language (1819); Lectures on the Greek Language and Literature (1835); An Introduction to Universal Grammar (1844); and Historical Sketch of Columbia College (1849). He died at his home, "Woodlawn," in the Highlands of the Hudson, April 27, 1879.

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

John Harper, publisher, was born in Newtown, N.Y., Jan. 22, 1797; son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kollyer) Harper, and brother of James Harper (1795-1869). He was apprenticed to Jonathan Seymour, a printer in New York city, became a skilful compositor and pressman, and joined his brother James in 1817 in the printing business as J. & J. Harper. When the firm became Harper & Brothers in 1833 he became the financial manager and purchaser of the and machinery. On Dec. 10, 1853, their extensive establishment was burned to the ground and their loss was $1,000,000, with only $250,000 insurance. He continued in the active management of the business, constructing a new set of fire-proof buildings between Cliff street and Franklin square. Upon the death of his brother James in 1869 he retired from active business. He died in New York city, April 29, 1875.

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