Miss Ellen Learned 96, Dies;
Once Famous Concert Singer

By Mary Alburger

Miss Ellen Learned, 96, former resident of Brookhaven, died January 26 at the Suffolk County Infirmary.

Various compilations and accounts differ on Thomas Roses ancestry, and most present problems.  There is little documentary evidence presented by the various accounts, and what evidence there is is not easily confirmed.  This is compounded by the repeated use of the same given names -- Robert, Thomas, Nathan, Jonathan, John, etc. -- through several generations and descendant lines, making it easy to confuse parentage and siblings.

Conventional wisdom of earlier local historians was that the present Thomas was the first permanent European settler on Fire Place Neck (now Brookhaven Hamlet, NY), and that he had at least two brothers -- Jonathan who was said to be the first permanent settler of nearby Occumbomock (now Bellport, NY), and John who also settled nearby.  (This is to be distinguished from land owners, the mostly north Brookhaven proprietors who acquired meadow shares and lots as a result of the divisions that took place following the original 1664 Old Purchase at South.)  This view has been shown to be unlikely. 

The present Thomas was not the brother of Jonathan Rose, the first settler of Bellport, but his son.  Thomas is not known to have had a brother John, although he did have an uncle John, his father's brother; he and his family are thought to have only resided on the south fork of Long Island -- in Southampton and East Hampton Towns.

Town of Brookhaven records support the arrival of a Jonathan Rose in Occumbomock around 1680, when he began to purchase lots and "meadow shares" from the original  Setauket, NY, owners.  They do not support the proposition that Thomas Rose was already established in Fireplace when his brother began the Occumbomock purchases.  The earliest documented purchase by a Thomas Rose so far found is 1704.  No purchases by a Thomas Rose "at South" in the17th century in the Records of the Town of Brookhaven.

Osborn Shaw, the well respected official Town of Brookhaven Historian of the early 20th century, himself alludes to not being able to find a historical record of land purchases by Thomas Rose earlier than 1704.  However, he seems to have accepted the proposition that Thomas Rose had two brothers, Jonathan and John, and that brother Jonathan was the first settler in Occumbomock.  Shaw was well acquainted with the early Town records, and was himself an editor of one of the early published versions (1930, a version of Book C).

Bigelow indicates that Jonathan (Sr.) and family removed to Orange County, NY around 1720.  Those who have investigated the Rose family indicate that various members of the family did emigrate -- son Jonathan Jr. is believed to have removed to Orange County, NY, other sons to various locales in New Jersey.  Sons Thomas and Daniel apparently were the only members of the family to remain in the Bellport/Fireplace area.

Thomas Rose and his family are well represented in the town records throughout the 18th century, both with land records and public offices.

This note is under construction and  revised: 29 Aug 2008

MURAL ARTIST PHILIP READ DIES AT 73

JAN SJOSTROM, Daily News Arts Editor
Published: November 3, 2000

The logo Philip Standish Read designed for himself sums up his philosophy of life better than anyone else could. The phra 

A entertaining story of the Knapp family can be found at

The Knapps Lived Here by Ken Spooner.

>Excerpted from Richard Jones:

[He] entered the French Navy in 1807 as an apprentice; became a midshipman but his father had him transferred to the army. As a lieutenant, fought under Napoleon; wounded in Austria. In Spain, taken by English as prisoner of war to the British Isles for 14 months. Met Elizabeth Nixon in Ireland and, after his release, married her on 22 Oct 1814 in Dublin. Returned to France to fight again for Napoleon in two battles before Waterloo. After Napoleon resigned, returned to Newry, Ireland to teach French and Italian. Elected to the Institute in Belfast in Jan 1819. Elizabeth died in Jun 1826 after a long and painful illness. Married ELIZABETH HAMILTON on 3 Jul 1827 in St. Peter/Paul Church in Dublin, Ireland. Their children were all born in Belfast. Immigrated to America in 1846. Teacher, farmer, linguist; French and Italian Consul. The Doisys came to Cincinnati and met the Gengembres there. He and his wife both died in College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio. There is a tall monument for him in the family plot in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. His daughter published his Reminiscences of Army Life under Napoleon Bonaparte in 1884 (exclaiming in the foreword "Vive L’Empereur Napoleon!").

Additional ancesters, outside the scope of this history, are recorded by Richard Jones.

Excerpted from Richard Jones:

A Renaissance man. Born in St. Owens, Paris. “Christened on a barricade as he came into the world during one of those lively occasions when the Parisians have fought in the streets for a new cause. Politics and patriotism were blend into the event and a tri-colored cockade was pinned upon the baby’s dress.” (N.Y. Times 7/12/1914.) His father was wounded that day. Spent his first 9 years with his grandfather, until his death. While his grandfather was in court persuading King Louis Philippe to reduce the length of French workers’ workday, little Philippe was running around and making noise; to keep him quiet, the king put him in a wastebasket and gave him a little ivory figurine to play with. At age 14, ran away to Indret, but since his grandfather had died (and his grandmother had left), he could not enjoy the comforts of the governor’s residence or the privileges of being the governor’s grandson. Worked 12-hour days as an iron worker; the first week he slept outdoors in a hammock. Then lived in a small furnished room for 2 years. A local priest started the education of the poor boy with evening lessons. To save money for books, he ate only bread and water (he marked notches on his loaf of bread to divide it into equal portions for his meals). After 2 years, he successfully passed the examinations for admis­sion as a clerk in the government offices in Nantes. Came to America with his father and family in 1849. Studied architecture under his father in Cincinnati, Ohio. Married first CORNELIA on 22 Feb 1851 at his mother’s house in Cincinnati. Because Americans had trouble pronouncing and spelling “Gengembre,” had name officially changed to “Hubert” by a Private Act of Congress in 1865. In 1853, appointed first professor of French, Spanish and history in Girard College, Philadelphia. Moved to Boston and continued to teach; turned down an assistant professorship at Harvard. Wrote short and serial stories for magazines under pseudonyms. Wrote the play “The Witch” under the name Paul Hamilton (ran for two years from coast to coast). Did not like teaching or writing, and, while still in his twenties, when he sold an invention (the first self-fastening button) for $120,000, he returned to architecture in 1865 in New York City. Formed the firm of Hubert and Pirsson. Poineered the sky-scraper apartment building (12 stories instead of 5). In 1880, introduced the idea of cooperatively-owned apartments (“The Hubert Home Clubs”) for the middle-class (he and his father came out of the Fourier communitarian/socialist tradition). Architect for the Chelsea Hotel, Lyceum Theatre (cooperatively-owned), “The Hubert” on Central Park South, and many other buildings in New York City. Built the Navarro apartments (the “Spanish Flats” that once covered the block at 7th Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets); at the time, these were by far the largest apartment buildings in the world. Introduced such innovations as refrigerators cooled from a central plant, apartments with running water cooled and filtered for drinking, and the first fireproofing of whole apartments. Had patent on “duplex” and “triplex” apartments (the French style of small private 2-story dwellings built one over another). Although a hard worker all his life, he also tried to invent things to ease the workload of men and women (including housework). Married secondly Lily Goodall, a friend of his daughter Marie from school, on 20 Apr 1892 in New York City. Retired to California in 1893. Drove the second car ever driven on the streets of Los Angeles. His grandson, Philip Hubert Frohman, the architect of the National Cathedral, spent much time with him when he retired from his New York practice and moved to Los Angeles, CA He died there in a house he designed at 2144 [N.?] Hobart Blvd. and is buried in the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery. Held over 65 patents; still others were pending when he died.

Excerpted from Richard Jones:

Named “Colomb” after Columbus, because his father admired the new American republic. From Kate Hubert’s family tree: CHARLES’ father had a brother with this name who was a clergyman in Paris. Member of the Corps de Garde under the brother of Napoleon. Studied engineering. Designed the mint at Cassel. In 1814, competed for the Grand Prix de Rome, winning the second prize in architecture. His architectural style book became a standard European textbook. Met MARIANNE when he and his father were touring England and met MARIANNE’s father. Married at St. Pancras in the Fields Church, London, on 17 Apr 1818. Designed and installed the largest gas heating and lighting system of its kind in the Paris Opera. Practiced architecture in France until 1848. Building the canals of Paris when interrupted by the revolution of 1830, in which he was wounded by a bayonet and was financially ruined. Went to London and stayed with MARIANNE’s relatives for a year. Drew the plans for Robert Stevenson’s steam locomotives and took out patents for his first six-wheeled locomotive. Also made plans for Boulton’s Manchester and Liverpool Railroad. Also worked at the iron works in Indret, France. Came to America after the French Revolution and the establishment of the Second Republic. Sailed from Liverpool on 22 Jun 1849 and reached New York City on 1 Aug. Settled in Cincinnati, Ohio; later moved to Manchester and Allegheny City, PA. (Allegheny City and Manchester are now part of the northside of Pittsburgh.) Architect. Also painted landscapes. Designed several buildings, including the Allegheny City Hall in 1860 (the site is now occupied by the Buhl Planetarium); the building was said to be simple and tasteful, and was well-thought of by later architects. In connection with designing the city hall, he was offered a share in the graft expected from the city government; he became thoroughly disillusioned with the ethics in America and vowed never to speak English again, and was said to have kept his word. Because the Gengembres never heard their name pronounced properly in America, they started using “Hubert” (MARIANNE’s mother’s family name) before his death.

Additional distinguished ancesters, outside the scope of this history, are recorded by Richard Jones.

Excerpted from Richard Jones:

During the French Revolution of 1830, [she] ordered workers to chop down the trees around her and CHARLES’ home and to use the trees to block the road that the Royal Artillery was advancing on.

Additional distinguished ancesters, outside the scope of this history, are recorded by Richard Jones.

It is unclear from the abstract whether the date published was the date of his death or of the of the newspaper's publication; it seems though that the death occurred earlier ("the other day"):

From the Yates County Chron 

Jonathan Rose was said to be the first European settler in Occumbomock, in what was to become Bellport, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, NY.

See General Note for his brother, Thomas.

Notes by Claire Burnett.:

From Lewis Compton Burnett (Son of Virgil Justis Burnett) written 1903. "Aaron was known to be a prosperous farmer and it was said his farm extended some seven miles long, beginning near Madison New Jersey and extending to Whippany. What is now Burnett Road led down to their house. As their 1st child was born 1720, it is not likely Aaron Burnett was not over 25 years old. Making his birth around 1695. So he may have moved from Southampton, L.I. about 1720. Aaron Burnett, Jr.'s name appears in the Southampton Records with his father and brothers in 1698.

Notes by Claire Burnett:

"Thomas Jefferson Burnett bought into the Roger's firm of Providers. It was named Robbins & Burnett and was located in Bayshore,  L.I. near Bayshore Ave. on Main Street (later Montauk Hwy.) They owned 5 teams. TJ was winning customers and apparently knew the finality of the partnership (he also refused to marry their sister - who did not have all her wits.) They separated and TJ set up his own business and he called on the 'summer people, Irwins.'  He had 5 teams to plow the grounds. and here met Elizabeth N. Irwin. Ironically, Anna Maria Irwin said, 'TJB may be a farmer but he is too smart to die poor!' Eliz. Irwin said he was the sweetest thing to come down the pike, curly blond hair and china blue eyes he had to his death." (from a letter written by an Irwin in the early 1900s.) TJ. married Elizabeth Noble Irwin. He became an active real estate broker in Flushing NY. Owned property in Bayshore - the Burnett Marina on Great South Bay, and the house at 12 Burnett Avenue just up from the marina.  George spent his summers at this house.  TJ also owned 'Burnett Court', an apt building on Sanford Ave. & Main St, Flushing, NY, plus the Flushing Swimming Pool.

Thomas Jefferson formed the Thomas Jefferson Burnett Inc. in 1931. The office was at 90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, Queens. The Directors being: Thomas 1. Burnett, Pres; Jessie E Ellis, secretary and George I Burnett, Sr., Vice President.  In 1939, the office moved to 41-31 Main Street, Flushing, NY.  In 1940 Anne C. (Burnett) Parker was made Treasurer.  He always helped support his family in Brookhaven until he passed away in 1940. The homestead was then sold for back taxes to Oliver Wellington.  It is now ( 1999) owned by Karen Rowley and her husband and lovingly restored to its original beauty.

With the combination of his beloved wife's death and the effects of the 1929 stock market crash, he lost all of his holdings. He lived with his son and daughter-in-law in Lakeville, CT in his waning years.  He was active in the affairs of St. Johns & St. Georges Episcopal Churches in Flushing.  He was a 32nd degree Mason and a life member of the Cornucopia Lodge in Flushing NY, and a charter member of the Bay Shore Yacht Club.

Notes by Claire Burnett:

Frances Jagger Burnett, Henry's Mother-in-Law, said that Henry stood up so straight [meaning: lecturing other people on their habits] that he leaned over backwards.

Notes by Claire Burnett:

Inez, according to Aunt Ann 1987, may have been the 6th child of George and Frances Burnett. She called her "Waitaminute Inez".

Notes by Claire Burnett:

Lott was a cotswainer (shoemaker). His homestead was at Flying Point next to Burnett Creek. A place on the east side of Fish Cove at Northsea still bears the name of Lot's Orchard ...and a road in the woods north of Bridgehampton is called Lot's Path -- both derive their name from him.

She also included in her notes a complete transcription of Lot's Last Will and Testament.

Notes by Claire Burnett:

Sophronia was daughter of Henry Topping & Mehetabel.  Henry was son of Henry Topping b 1750 d. 1812 & Mary.  Henry was son of Stephen .  Steven was son of Capt. Stephen d. 1746 & Hannah.  Capt. Stephen Topping was son of Elnathan Topping b.1640 d. 1705 & Mary.  Elnathan was son of Capt. Thomas d. 1688.  Thomas Topping was a refugee from religious persecution in England -- joined the church of Milford with wife Emma in 1640.  In 1666 he married Mary, widow of Timothy Baldwin.  In 1678 he married Lydia, widow of John Wilford.  She died 1694. He willed all his lands in Southampton to Elnathan and James. 

From the records of the church in Bridgehampton, LI, NY copied from the records kept by the church; pg. 78:  Sophronia Topping, Bridgehampton, Nov. 25, 1831: "Examined for admission to church. Received into the church at the communion in December, being 17 in number."  [The phrase "being 17 in number" suggests that her age was 17 years. JD]

Notes by Claire Burnett:

"A Physician of Eminence, practicing at Braintree in Essex at the time of the visitation of 1634. He married Jane,
daughter of John Foys of London, and had two sons, Thomas, born 1612, and Alexander; and a daughter Frances,
who married the Rev. Thomas Templer, rector of Weston, Co. Northampton."

Notes provided by Claire Burnett:

He sailed on an old whaling shipped purchased solely to go to the gold rush in California. A series of letters from Albert Jagger to his wife tells of going around the Cape and their mining of gold in San Francisco and Sacremento, CA. The ship was the Sabrina - the letters were from 3/29/1849 thru 10/5/1851. The Sabrina was a whaler, owned by Charles T. During, Captained by Capt. Vali, 416 tonnage, sailed the NW Coast. Sold in 1847 to the Southampton-California Mining & Trading Co.

From "Water Mill, the history of a Long Island Town, 1644-1994"; 'An old whaling ship came in handy in 1849 when news of the California Gold Rush reached the East End. A group of 60 men, including some from Water Mill, decided to seek their fortunes and formed the Southampton-California Mining and Trading Co. They purchased the Sabrina, an old whaling ship, issued stock certificates, and set off.  Many of these men died in California.  Those that returned came home with adventurous tales but little gold."

George H. had his first dig in Deer Creek then 15 miles away at Bear Creek.  His last dig known was at Feather River.

George Hubert was quite successful in the gold fields and returned home to marry Frances Mary Jagger.  She did not want to return West, so he built a farm (107+ acres) in Brookhaven on Burnett Lane off Beaver Dam Road, then called 'Fireplace'.   George Hubert on April 8, 1871 was appointed as Overseer of Highways by the Town of Brookhaven in the County of Suffolk, to serve in and for the Road Districts until the next town meeting or till others are appointed.  He also served in this position October 3, 1876 and October 9, 1879.

He was a farmer and died of cronic Bright's Disease.  We do not know where he is buried, possibly in Woodland Cemetery.

From a letter from the present owner of 325 Beaver Dam Road - Mrs. Karen Rowley.
"We would have loved showing you the house, which we don't think has changed much in all these years, except of course plumbing, heating & and obviously an improved kitchen." " Our information was that relatives of his lived in this house until sometime in the 40's." "..1 know that one of them was a Miss Hand, who at the time we bought the house (1961) worked at the Post Office here in Brookhaven.  She was rather elderly then, or at least I thought so, and unfortunately I didn't ask her much about herself or her family. Such a pity! She is now dead." "...We also had understood that these relatives had come upon hard times, and that Oliver Wellington had bought this house at a tax sale - perhaps sometime in the early 30s - and that he let these relatives live here until they died." ".....One of our babysitters I had when the children were young (a Mrs. Valzora Murdock Barry) remembered coming here with her pail for milk, from the milk shed, which is now attached to the back of the house by a little breeze way." " One outhouse is still back in the woods. And we are aware that there had been a barn at some time, as the burnt locust posts and some stones are back at the edge of the woods."

Notes provided by Claire Burnett:

Per Aunt Ann Parker 1987 - "I could not remember the old lady that she did not scare me with her cock and parrot and SELF!  She was always saying, "Don't you touch that Anna Burnett!!" She was Frances Jaggar who married George Hubert Burnett after his 3 whale expos and his staking out gold claims in Sacramento - but she would not go west with her young man, so he bought the farm in Brookhaven, sprang from the Hamptons ...tho she was supposed to be most beautiful and a wonderful dancer there, she looked like a scary old witch to me", and I can see how I am on the same unprimrose path!!!!"

"Mrs. Frances M. Burnett, widow of George Burnett, died Tuesday at the home of her son, Isaac Burnett, in Brookhaven, being 97 years old.  Despite her great age she was until very recently an active woman and was a familiar figure to passerbys working in her garden on Beaver Dam Road.  The funeral is to be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house with service in charge of the Rev. Frederick E. Allen and interment in the Woodland Cemetery, Bellport."

Mrs. Burnett was born at Westhampton October 10, 1826, daughter of Enoch (Jagger) and Phebe Conklin.  She made her home in Brookhaven many years. She leaves four sons, Isaac, Hubert, and Theron of Brookhaven and Jefferson of Flushing and a daughter, Mrs. Hand of Bridgehampton. "

(From the scrapbook of Mr. D.W. Talmage - East Hampton Library - Vol. #1)