William Ogden Giles (1827-1907)

He was born in New York City, and as the grandson of General Aquila Giles he was a hereditary member of the Sons of Cincinnati. Failing health forced Giles to go South as a young man and before entering the importing business, he traveled throughout Europe. In New York, he became a silent partner with millinery importers Andrew & Sanford while also having an interest in the Combination Wool Co. In 1852, he bought a 30-acre farm at South Yonkers (Kingsbridge) overlooking the Harlem River and between the Boston and Albany Post Roads which had formerly belonged to General Richard Montgomery. Giles had retired by 1865 and travelled abroad until 1872. He retired to Kingsbridge where he enjoyed his books, floriculture, and advancing local interests. He and his neighbor, Nathaniel Platt Bailey, were founding vestrymen at St. James Church. He divided his time between his townhouse at 92 St. Nicholas Avenue., N.Y.C., and his mansion at Yonkers which remained until it was demolished in 1958.