Yaphank
From: Yaphank As It Is and Was
by
Beecher Homan
EDWARD HOMAN.
AS A NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND-PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.
This gentleman was born in Yaphank, Dec. 22,1820. He married a Miss Mary Snowden in 1859, a lady then living in the family of Nathaniel Tuthill, of Yaphank.
Mr. Homan is a quiet, unloquacious man; fond of retirement, and his farm. He is regarded as a gentleman of unblemished principle and honor. What Uncle Ed. says is never doubted. He is a man that always appears happy, and on good terms with himself and the world; but few are aware of the clouds that sometimes shut out the cheering rays.
He has a sister that for many long years has been a bedridden sufferer, and a burden to him. Hundreds of hard earned dollars have poured into physicians' coffers for dear and apparently valueless advice and attention.
Mr. Homan is an " old school " gentleman-one of those paragons of solidity and uprightness. He received a clean record from his father, and will hand one down to his children.
His father, Thomas Homan, reared a numerous family, and Edward's brothers and sisters are scattered far and near over the land. He is the sixth or seventh child of a family of four sons and six daughters. Edward was the drone; remained at home and " took care of the old folks." He inherited the " old farm," together with the consolations of health and an iron constitution, and an invalid sister to support. He never murmurs, but plods steadily along, surmounting intervening obstructions patiently.
Mr. Homan possesses a fertile farm, with considerable Woodland; and is reputed to be in "comfortable circumstances."
He has but two children a son and daughter. The former, like Joseph, is a "son of old age"
Mr. Homan depicts the scenes of his childhood with unfeigned pleasure, delights to recall the names of those that have faded in the past. He smiles as he greets those long absent, who were young with himself; and silently mourns as the faces of those he knew and loved in boyhood, fade from view.
His vociferousness never will make him popular or exceedingly, ill famous nor will his impetuosity make him a, man to be feared. He appreciates oratory and eloquence equally as enthusiastically as E. L. Gerard, and would be about as successful an orator or statesman.
Nevertheless, like Mr. Gerard, his talents are equal to his business and calling.
At home he is an example for all fathers and husbands, and guards precisely his walks and talks.
As a neighbor, he is cherished for his accommodating and honorable disposition. His virtues are not philanthropically or patriotically conspicuous, but appear in a more laudable direction than if remarkable for public spirit.