Reminiscences

The following data is extracted from Herbert Family Papers.

Isaac Hand Herbert (71) was well known at the time of his death in 1846 at the early age of thirty-four. Re Was Surveyor of the City of Brooklyn.

More than fifty years ago I remember calling on Mr. Meserole, President of the Hunters Point Bank, Long Island City, the grand-father of my intimate friend, Jerry Meserole. He was the father of General Meserole, President or Williamsburg Savings Bank. Mr. Meserole received me very cordially and on learning that Isaac was my Grandfather he told me of their intimacy and his high regard for him. From a window in his office he pointed out a broad avenue which he had named “Herbert Avenue”. This was part of a farm which Mr. Meserole had owned, and which Isaac had surveyed and out up into lots for him.

My recollection is that my Grandfather died of consumption resu1ting from a heavy cold brought on by exposure while fighting a fire with the Brooklyn Volunteer Dept. of which be was a member - perhaps pneumonia would be the name now.

Emerline Rushmore Herbert, widow of Isaac, spent much of her time at our home in Brooklyn. She was a fine looking, cheerful and affectionate woman, always ready with an anecdote of her early life, interesting, and very loyal to her oldest grandson, when be was under discussion by the family, which occurred frequently. Always an optimist, she contributed cheer in the house of her family, with one or the other of which she lived after the death of her husband.

Jotham Weekes, father of my Mother, Charlotte Amelia Weekes wife of Wilbur F. Herbert, died when I was an infant. He was a founder of Summerfield M.E. Church, Washington and Green Avenues, Brooklyn, and a member at the time of his death. A kind man, good to his large family of seven daughters and two sons. He paid much attention to his youngest daughter, our Mother, whose mother, his first wife died when she was an infant. His office was in what was known as the ‘Swamp”, now Gold Street, New York City. When he died he owned a good deal of real estate in New York and Brooklyn, the income from which was divided equally among his children. His reputation was that of a just man, useful, faithful to his church, family and friends.

Source: Herbert Family Papers

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