BIOGRAPHY: Edwin M. Peattie; Newburgh, Orange co., New York

transcribed by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives

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Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York
Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens of the Counties.
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United
States.
New York and Chicago; Chapman Publishing Co., 1895

EDWIN M. PEATTIE. There is nothing that shows the innate refinement and gen-
tleness of a man's nature more than a care for the exquisite blossoms that
crown the most patient and diligent efforts at cultivation. A cruel or unkind
man, or a careless or inappreciative man, would never succeed as a florist,
for the tender green things under charge of such a person are entirely at his
mercy, to be starved or choked, to be fed and warmed at his will. Neither can
an ignorant man succeed in this calling, for ignorance is stupidity, and one
who is so watchful and intelligent that he can understand the unspoken
language that tells of the needs, or thankfulness for care, of the green
things that brighten our homes and crown all festive occasions, is neither
careless nor ignorant, but intelligent, humane and tender.

Both by natural tastes and careful training, Mr. Peattie is fitted for the
business of a florist. From earliest recollections he has been familiar with
the occupation, and his preference for it led him to select it as his life
calling. He is the superintendent of the Peattie Greenhouses, located on the
corner of Dubois and Farrington Streets, and extending to North Miller Street.
There are nine greenhouses, each from eighty to one hundred feet in length,
together with gardens and hothouse space. All varieties of flowers are
cultivated, and cut flowers, hanging baskets and special designs in
decorations are furnished for wedding and funeral purposes. Shrubs and trees
are also propagated, and Mr. Peattie personally, superintends the planting of
these in orchards and gardens.

A sketch of our subject would be incomplete were no mention made of his
father, the late John Peattie, to whose careful training in youth and the
example of his noble life he owes much of his success. John Peattie was born
on the first day of the year 1830, at Balcravie Castle, town of Largo,
Fifeshire, Scotland, and was the son of William Peattie, land steward to
Professor Leslie, of Edinborough. Having a predilection for the floral
business, he learned horticulture and botanical gardening with a relative,
Robert Peat-tie, at Insuire, near Cooper, Fifeshire, and was employed for a
time at Bowhill Castle. In 185o, with a few sovereigns in his pockets, he went
to London, where he was employed in the botanical nurseries. November 15,
1851, he sailed for America, and on his arrival in this country, he was
engaged by George Pierce, a wealthy silk manufacturer, to take charge of his
grounds at Passaic, N. J. Two and one-half years later he was given charge of
Edwin D. Morgan's gardensin Westchester County. After eighteen months there he
became florist for Judge William Kent at his beautiful home near Matteawan.
From that place he went to Rhinebeck, and for twenty years was
gardener-in-chief to William Kelly, of Ellerslie Park, now the home of Gov. L.
P. Morton. March 29, 1881, he came to Newburgh and purchased the gardens of
James H. Ricketts, on the north side of Farrington Street, between Miller and
Dubois Streets, where he died February 6, 1895

In many respects John Peattie was an unusual character. A typical Scotchman,
he dearly loved the land of his birth, and cherished the deepest interest in
its welfare. Though he was a loyal American citizen, a stanch supporter of our
flag and the principles of our government, yet he never forgot the old home
beyond the seas. Its songs were dearer to his heart than any others, and its
poets were his friends from childhood. Having a wonderful memory, together
with a love for reading, he delighted his friends by- repeating, often for
hours at a time, passages from different authors. "The Ettrick Shepherd" and
the "Peasant Poet" were especially dear to him, and he was thoroughly
conversant with their works.

July 8, 1857, at Jersey City, N. J., John Peattie married Jane Wilson, a
native of Pittenween, Fifeshire. Her parents, Capt. Alexander and Jane
(Giddes) Wilson, were also born in Fifeshire, and her father was captain of a
merchant coasting-vessel. In politics Mr. Peattie was an active Republican. He
and his wife were reared in the Presbyterian faith, but on coming to Newburgh
identified themselves with the Dutch Re-formed Church. They were the parents
of five children who attained mature years, namely: William J., who is
employed in the freight office of the Hudson River Railroad, at Troy;
Alexander M.; Edwin M.; John K., a pattern-maker, living in Newburgh; and
Jennie, who is married and lives in New York.

The subject of this sketch was born at Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y., April 14,
1862, and was reared in Rhinebeck, this state, receiving his education
principally in DeGamo's Academy. In 1880 he went to New Jersey, and for one
year was in the employ of T. J. Slaughter, an extensive rose-grower. He then
went to Dinsmore's place, on the Hudson, where he remained for two years, and
later spent six months as gardener at Colgate's place, Yonkers, N. Y. In 1887
he re-turned to Newburgh and with his brother Alexander took charge of the
greenhouses. Since the death of his father, in February, 1895, he has had sole
charge of the business, which under his efficient supervision continues most
prosperous.

At Albany, N. Y., in 1889, Mr. Peattie married Miss Hattie Hitchcock, who was
born in that city, her father being Capt. David Hitchcock, a wealthy
ship-owner and captain. Mr. and Mrs. Peattie are the parents of three
children, Carrie H., Edwin M., Jr., and Madeline M. Socially our subject is
connected with the Improved Order of Red Men, the American Mechanics, and
Lawson Hose Company No. 5, and in political belief he is a Republican. His
attention is given closely to the details of his business, and he has taken a
large number of premiums for the superiority of his plants and cut flowers.